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Northern Star (1837-1852), 22nd April 1848, Edition 2 of 4, Page 6, THE MECHANICS AND THE CHAKTiiil. TO THE ...

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      The Northern' Sitar. _ ^ ^^L^L. I ¦¦¦ ¦¦...

      THE NORTHERN' SiTAR . _ ^ ^^ L ^ L . i ¦¦¦ ¦¦ iii ii - i i n i i ' i in - — irm i i r i-fii ill Mir I ' '""" F" '" ~~ nnTir ^ njrtsnssTsisi ¦¦ iiiiu' « tt t ~*~*~ * " ^™ ^^^^ - "lmsm-i ¦ ^ ^

      ^Amsuonutnce*

      ^ amsuonutnce *

      How The 'Specials' Were Jiamjeacttired. ...

      HOW THE ' SPECIALS' WERE JIAMJEACTtiRED . to in swto * or " - ^ '"" ^ SJg greatly f tie number of < ipwaj * « ££ f Loadon as opposed feeing * o ! a number of fte p- opie yj ^ faw to Ch . rti . in . it ^ n ° o ? . cto « of ' specials . ' On Mf ^ regardin ^ themanutactnre ^ blW | lMnt o { & , week , a notice ^ ** * ° P miles from Glass House atorgeengiueenng firm not ^ ^^ ^ p ^& . KatcluT ^ msff . s ^^^ ^ ^ ^^ ^ " *?• *? * «« end and with the exception of those em . gStrf to the men , that the magistrates wouMa . «« £ S to cffices to try w catch a few of them . The m n giTa meeting during ( the dinner hour , and dec ded Z *™ that they would n ^ t be swjto , and that that tuey « uiu

      -. w -asnimensly . m —SS ^ ™ r » -y— ilE *^' , ^^—f ^^ SS- *" tfiemen found the gates were ** ' n ( jeavc . Dr . ^ Sr ^ itow ? got a few to give twar nam . emplojed . Sf- « S'S » " «" ' » t- ^ ° " --«^ n which should not be lost to the public , v = z . . SthS not being awora would have an tojumu

      Tee Commercial Classes Axd The Chartists...

      TEE COMMERCIAL CLASSES AXD THE CHARTISTS . TO THEEDiroa o ? THE VoMHIiS STAE . Sr * ,-Hixing , as I do , with the commercial classes pf fl ^ ng dom . in consequence of the position I hoW a ~ SetT . I have many epportuaities ef ascertaining their Spen those important subjeetswhlchare now agita-XJ to minds of K , en , and assuming a character mort workable in its tone and spirit . It has been said of ^ men that ** « . at enmity with the labouring JSSon of tfca country ; selfuh ^ eskmg tb « r own Sndisement , without regard to those brwhom their -Sitb . is reared ; cruel and oppressive—looking on those ^ prominent circamstances in life with contempt , slavessent to do their bidding

      Za » mm serfs , or , Thatsuch is not tbe case , I can assure you . Inmuv re * ts thecommercial classes are one with th ^ abeuxing TSL of the cosmnmty . Thej f « l for them ; they ESatbise irilk them ; they see tbedegTadatton , S , and suffering , to which they n . ye to long *» tle n » ly . and without murmuring , submitted . Comn « dal men are accustomed to take broad and espaniive views of the great question * of the Say . They know there is danger fraught in oppressing fie " people . They look to their emancipation from the lendage of their rulers . They are aware that it is short-sighted policy to legislate for the few . The pc Terty . stricken may endure it for awkile ; but tke time triH come when , goaded to desperation by tyranny , they will either shako off the yoke , or rake a tempest that

      BhsU rage horribly around tha institutions of the lead , sad reduce the so-called sacred edifico to ruin . Coir-Esereisl men *« f 159 enough to perceive that legislation m = st hare respect to the whole fabric of society . Kolaws , bo institutions wiU stand , unless based opoa fes divins laws of equality and justice to all . The permasent peace and prosperity of thecBUBtry can only te secured by the administration of even-handed justice ; snd no guarantee can be given for this , but in the choosing of good aad wise rulers by the voice of the people . Partial legislation is the bane of every nation , ba it great or proud , and abounding in wealth , titles , and natarai resources . Bat it may ba asked , is this true of the commercial classes generally ! I reply . —it is . They may be —yea , there are some narrow-minded , bigoted , and selfish men—who care net to lire by preying en the sufferings and miseries ef the dying—who disclaim ail connexion with ftese sentiments . Poor , deluded , outcast men ! they represent not the commercial classes . Scotland is with the

      people . I hare lately returned from a tour in that imgdoa , and from conversation with the middle and commercial daises , I cm confidently affirm that tney sympathise—yes , deeply sympathise—with the people . Mr Editor , I can assure you that very large numbers of individuals are indoctrinated with the Chartist opinions , tshotn you and jour confederates know not , and whom ysa hare reason to suppose are against yoa . Yoa have many trae-h carted aad brave friends who as yet have not declared themselves . They are only waitiag their time . 5 b * day o ! fsdeapfioa drawetb . nigh . Tha Chartists would , I tkink , do well to nourish this feeling , and to abstain from using hard and unbrotherly language towards these classes . The past twelve or eighteen oontfcs tare dose mush to open our eyes . Oace we were * blind ; ' but aow we' see . ' The Chartist agitation upon

      tie Land Flan—the earnest gropagatioa of their principles—the noble bearing ofthe afflicted people , combined with the almost unparalleled depression of trade—the fed policy of our rulers , and the financial embarrassn « nts ' of the country—not ta snention the revolutions ^ rhicla are changing the dynasties of Eorops—these lucre contributed greatly to change our spinioas . Ton tsio toil in the feetory—yon , the mechanics , the artisans , and labourers of Great Britain—we sympathise with you . Our hearts years iu affection towards you . TTe are reminded that we are all men , and we desire to Ere ia peace as brethren . In confirmation of these sentiments , I am induced to send the following short poem , ¦ which , Hr Editor , es breathing the true spirit of patriotism and fraternity , I trust yon will be able to insert in

      jour justly Taiueu and widely circulated paper . I adduce it merely as a specimen of feeling existing among Tery msny ef the commercial classes . It is written by a Ban of worth , and was entrusted to my csre for the perusal of jour readers . Unknown to political f m > aenee , and whose situation precludes him from taking en active part in your movement , he chooses to remain in secrecy tiU c a brighter day shall dawn ; ' and if he can-. ot aid you by the living voice , or the open avowal of Bis principles , he trusts that this small tribute of respect nay not be unacceptable to yoa , Mr E-litor , and those veit ' iy mea who are labosring ia the sacred cause of roth esd liberty . For similar reasons , I must ( for the fxci nt , at least ) , remain in obscurity , and therefore oeg O sabtcribe myself , Manchester , April 8 . A Cohwscul Ma * .

      HOMAGE TO TRUTH . All powerful truth , thy followers oft have been Expased to tortures cruel , dire aad keen . Hampden and Sydney , Pym and EniEell felh . And Emmett , whose true worth no tongue can tell . Paine , Hunt , and Cobbett , who in fanner times Told tjiaats of their cruelties and crimes—For them the dungeon ope'd its yawning jaws ; They snffered ' mnch , bat won tke world ' s applause , Whea bold O ' Connor his bright flag nnforied , Aad showed the Charter to a wondering world , Around him soon a band of patriots rose , ' "Who dared the vengeance of their country's foes . Eat soon the dungeons were with Tictims filled , And human blood by hired assassins spilled : ¦

      W hile others in the strong prison bound , Heaved their last sigh where no relief was found ; While o ' er the wares in felons' chains were sent , The martyred exiles doomed to banishment . Frost , ffilliamg , Jonas ; lastof the patriot band , Now destined to wander on a foreign strand—For us they suffered , and for us must bear , The bonds of guilt their tyrants ought to w- ar . Time with Its onward presence fails to heal The wonods that rankle deep , nor can the seal Of true forgiveness evcrbe impressed On hearts thus bruised whose- wrongs are unredressed . Arise , ye giant minds , that long hive slept ;

      Ba cautions vigil now no longer kept ; Bat thunder in your grim opprestore * ears , Tb & t justice aits some tribute to her tears . Sever again let patience tamely wear , The sattled aspect of fired despair . But by the memory of our former sires , Qa each cold , altar kindle fvetdom ' a fires ; And as the upward fhiae to heaven ascends , Sead grateful tidings to our patriot friends , And bid then * mark our efforts as we strive . To keep the sacred cause of truth alive—That c » use for serring which procured their doom , Shall see us victors , or beneath the tomb .

      50nditi0s 05 The Working Classes Ik Leed...

      50 NDITI 0 S 05 THE WORKING CLASSES IK LEEDS—SPECIAL CONSTABLES . TO THE EDIXeS OF THE KOSTHEBIV STAB . Beae Sib , —It is uuder feelings of the deepest distress Of mind , that I write these few lines , hoping you will permit them to occupy a small portion of your valuable paper—so that erery part of the world , where the light ef taeUoaTHEM . Siix shines , may he made acquainted with the condition of the operatires of the borough of "Leeds . In Leeds , as w * U as in ether borougks , there are

      many evils which girens jast cause of complaint—too many , I am sorry to say , for me to attempt to enumerate . Tf ant of employment is , perhaps , as great an eril as we are snhject to . Oar str * ets are crowded daily ¦ with unemployed persons . Sirosg athletic men , able and willing to work , could they but obtain it—and could you , sir , have been with me and seen such homes as there are at present in this b 5 roagb , your mind , I feel confident , wonld receive snei an impression as would take some time to erase it from your memory .

      I wiUjustgivB you one case , and not one ofthe worst . It is of an individual who Uvea not a score miles from w ^ j !^ 0 ^* 8 * ^ tnd fonr children . Their firtTatt < h t * > BtE Ps-tts door was opes-tbe first tniag that mrtnt j ,.-.,, ! ,. - " * . wh , m I took toba ttSotK ? ll fisareof , *^" » - ttntsatplayfall , outheaS , £ ? gronp ° f chUdren Urn . Thefharp thorn of Stuwffffl ^/ V * " ^ : d hfc its deep ' traces WdJT » Wff J ^ J aU ' ordered b y the agar , j a ^ a I ^ JtSal

      50nditi0s 05 The Working Classes Ik Leed...

      about the c * u « e of their distress , for theappearance ofthe wonwn t ° me that she kad seen better days . She cemmencsd , and told me their history , which was of a heartrending nature , bat too long for me to trouble you with . The husband always bore tho character of a honest , industrious man , and was the manager for a eertainfinn in Leeds , bat lost his situation simply . be . cause he would not vote according to his master ' s dotation . This is not tbe only one , by dozens , that I could enumerate ; and yet we are told by tbe editor ef one of our weekly papers , that we area free , happy , aad comfortable p : op ! e nay , more so than any other nation . And then he goes on to say , that the higher classes of society ( in his opinion ) have nothing to fear from the agitations caused by the lower orders of society . The aristocracy are so closely knit together with the middle class , that all attempts to upturn tbe government would be useless—and , if I understand bis words , they amount to this : that , let the working class ever attempt to gain their rights , the aristocracy , combined with the middle classwill crush themsnd frustrate all their projects .

      , , Almost all the masters in the borough have compelled their men to be sworn as special constables by eighty and ninety at a time . Three firms , which I already know of , have discharged a number because thoy refused to bo sworn . Oh ! tow I loog foe the day lo arrive , when the chain of oppression shall be broken , and hellisn tyranny shall cease to exist , and every human being , of whatever conntry or condition , shall ba acknowledged as a friend and a brother , as the God of heaven and earth desired US to be . Yours , Aw OrfiBATivi of Lied * .

      To The Right Hon. Lord John Russell, M.P...

      TO THE RIGHT HON . LORD JOHN RUSSELL , M . P . Mt Loan , —A word with you on your new bill . Lawyers' bills , doctors' bills , and tailors' bills , are all much dreaded , surely yoa are satisfied with yonr own bill , for you have a pretty round sum . Firsf , £ 5 , 000 a year , and a residence , fer being Lord Commissioner of the Treasury ; you are also Commiisionsr for the Affairs" of India , the sslary of which is £ . 1 , 500 a year ; you are one of the Ecalesissticsl Commissioners ; you are one of tbe Commissioners of the Royal Hospital , Chelsea , and hold several other appointments , tha particulars of which I hare not baen able to ascertain . I have been looking down Johnson's Dictionary ta sea if I can find anv explanation ofthe word bill , and he describes It as a kind of hatchet , which has suggested a fresh Idea to me . and what do you think it ia * That you intend to cut

      out the tongues of all the Chartists . But , my lord , in that case they may Uarn the dumb alphabet , and by that ' means instruct one another to do mischief . The onlyplaa I can think of to euro these fellows is to make them blind and deaf , as Wfllas dumb , then , ray lord , you would fee almost master . It is Tery annoying to be in . suited by ' vagabonds ' who have ' not got a shilling to bless themselves with , ' nor ever likely to have , while things go on as they have done . There is that Mr Julian Harney , I see he has quite taken your title of * lord ' from yon , and put Mr in its place . Next we shall see ' Jack Russell' put in the place of IIr , so tbe sooner yon adopt my plan the better . What do yen thick , my lord , I cut myself this , morelng when I was shaving , for all of a sudden I burst into such a heart ; laugh when I thouBhtabontyon and Bidger ( Grey ) . Bull Dog ( Jocelyn ) , and Beelzebnb ( H . Ysraey ) , speaking in the House to p lease yourselves . First one gets up and assures the

      other they are under an excellent government , load cheers , ) and that Her Majesty's subjects will twine round them like ivy round the oak . ( Loud cheering , ) Then up gets another and asks whether it is not time to pat down the seditious newspapers , ( ' hear and cheers , ) and also to stop all seditious conversations . ( loud cheers , ) When each has done the same , the biggest tomfool ( yourself ) gets op to reply , and assures the hon . gentlemen that all those matters hare ber Majesty ' s ministers serious consideration , and that the necessary steps wilt be immediately taken to suppress those discontented wretches , who are not satisfied to lira en a penny a day . ( Loud cheers from the Badger party . ) My lord , your Chartist friends appear to hare conducted themselves very well on Monday , the 10 th instant , although they certainly disobeyed you by meeting contrary to your government proclamation . I aa , A LlBEBiL-HIHDED EsfGLlSDHiN .

      To The Sworn Preservers Op The Public Pe...

      TO THE SWORN PRESERVERS OP THE PUBLIC PEACE . FaiEKDS , —You have been required to relinquish your domestic affairs , and your own loime & iate 'interests ' fer the alleged 'good ' of society . Have you considered the object' ? o ? which this Aacrlfiee is repaired f Ar » the * interests ' of society endangered by the 'principles ' contained in tho People ' s Charter ? Are not those ' principles' founded upon the divine and bread basis ' te do unto others as you would they should do ' unto you !' Are not the Chartists your servants ^—yeur customersyour neighbours—yoar fellow men ! Are they not reduced to the lowest state of degradation by ' poverty ' consequent ou the want of employment , occasioned by ' competition' and unjust legislation < Know ye not , that your 'interests' are intimately connected with ' theirs , ' that if they sink you will be inevitably drawn into tha vortex 1

      The majority of jour number are ' electors , ' you possess the ' power' to redress all our grievances . It would require but little exertion on your fart , to convert our present 'desolation' to a comparative Elysium . The ' work * Is noble' It will afilply repay any sacrifice , and is attainable by the simplest means . « Millions' of your fellow countrymen claim it at your hands as their 'birthright *—the have brook'd their ' giant strength' to supplication ! The united voices of' millions' have breathed the * prayer' to you I What has been your answer ! The ' stinging contempt * of ' yonr * parliament—yonr crouching assistance to our oppressors—the loaded musket and policeman ' s truncheon ! Think

      yon , that the ' love of liberty' is extinguished in the bosoms of your fellow beings % Be not mistaken ! There is a ' still small voice' that ever whispers the beloved name to all tbe 'oppressed '—that ' whispsr' will ere long be changed into the roici of the' roaring cataract , ' striking terror to tha ' evil doer , ' and 'judgment' on the ' oppressor . ' It belongs to you , electors , to stay its torrents , lest yOtt ba Overwhelmed . Then c ^ me forward on bihalf of the people , demand for them the same ' political' rights and privileges yourselves enjoyshow the same ' alacrity' in the attainment of ' their rights , ' as yon have to serve the' cause' of their oppressors , and , you will no longer dread the adoption of the People ' s Charter . T . W .

      The ' Times' And The Specials. To Tee Ed...

      THE ' TIMES' AND THE SPECIALS . TO TEE EDITOR OF THE KO & THSBK STAB . Sib , —I beg to call the attention of the National Convention to tbe vile and calumnious reports , published in ths Times newspaper , calculated to mislead ( he middle classes as to the real power and strength of the Chartists , by asserting that only 20 . 000 were at the meeting on Kensington Common on Monday week , when it was proved , by an experienced surveyor , that , at eleven o'clsck , 130 , 000 were present . I speak the sentiments of thoustnds of the respectable inhabitants of Lambeth , who are disgusted with the abominable proceedings of the special constables in this parish . Several of the tradesmen of the New Cut rendered themselves con . spicuously disgraceful in the York-road , and , notwithstanding tbe opposition ofthe Convention to the motion for tbe withdrawal of all business dealings with those tradesmen who acted as special constables , I assure you it will be vigorously acted upon in this district .

      I trust , when the great day does arrive , thatthe abuse ia the Tihbs will not be forgotten , and that the day is not far distant when the despot Russell will be hurled from the Treasury bench by the moral force of the people . I am , sir , yours truly , Thohib Flohs .

      The Police And The « Times.' To The Idit...

      THE POLICE AND THE « TIMES . ' TO THE IDITOB OF THE KOBTHEKK STAB . Sis , —I take the liberty of sending you the copy of a letter the Tihes refused to insert , showing the partial manner they deal with matters likely to bring the enemies of the people into disrepute . Every word contained in that letter I can prove by respectable , witnesses . If you think it ia serving the cause of right against might , by publishing my statementin the Star yoa are at liberty to do so , I am , sir , yonr obedient serv H . P . Leb . A subscriber from the commencement ,

      TO T 3 E EPITOB OF THE TIHES . Sib . —I observe you allow a person signing himself E . T . C , to express Jsis satisfaction st the conduct of the police , on Monday , at Blackfriara-brldge ; permit me , thrangh the same medium , to express condemnation of the orders given to stop thepeople from going ever that bridge . I was one of those who joined the working peo « pie to assert the right of meeting to petition the legisia . ture The leaders having advised we should disperse en Kennington Common . I left with my friends to go hoae peaceably , if I could , but in attempting to pass the bridge I was struck a violent Wow with

      a bludgeon , although I produced my card , which wenld prove I was on my direct way home . Knowing , as they did , the people did not intend coming felCk in procession , it appears to me they could have no other object in view but to excite the people to a collision . I am glad that the people did not retaliate , and I am certain the excellent conduct of the working men , on that memorable day , has raised tham fifty per cent . 5 n the estimation of the middle classes . Trusting you will , in fairness , publish this , I am , sir , your obedient , servant , Albemarie-slreet , Clerkenwel ) . m P Lee April 18-Ji .

      Police Bru Tality. To The Editor Of The ...

      POLICE BRU TALITY . TO THE EDITOR OF THE KOBTHEBN STAB , Sib , —Ib it possible they can call this a Christian country where hired assassins are employed to murder people ? This I can prove to be true . I am the wcm » n who was knocked down by the police and trampled on . It was reported I web fallen , but I arflnotyetohtoi danger , ant It wag four hours before I came to myself . When I attemp ' ei to rise they knocked me down again without any provocation . I was merely a'kiatr an old woman the way to tbe Su < p : nsion bridge , when she sal < 3 , ' they are ia search of soinobody . ' little thinking they were running at ub , I never shall forget her , bow she begged of them to let ker go , I saw them iaatlne

      Police Bru Tality. To The Editor Of The ...

      her , when they knocked me down , I thoald like e doctor to view the marks of violence on my person . I wanted my husband to send and let yen knew st the time , but he said there was no redress for the poor . I heard a p » rson , whom I auspeeted to be a special , threaten Mr O'Connor ' s life . I would have wrote before but I have not been able , I think they have hurt my heart , as I have had a pain in it ever since . I send you this on purpose to expose them . Ftease to excuse baa writing . I remain , with ! reBpect , yours most truly , 4 , Samford-street , Sdhah Da vet . Portman-market ,. Marylebone .

      English Liberty . To The Editor Of The H...

      ENGLISH LIBERTY TO THE EDITOR OF THE HOBTHEBH BTAB , Sra , » tl am not ono of those who are disposed to attach great importance to the new ,. Treason Act . The law can hardly be mad 4 more rigid than it is now . In my opinion , no people in tbe civilised world live nnder more stringent laws ^ tban the English , with respect to the liberty of the press , of speech , the righto ) assembling te discuss political grievances , and tbe right of association . The pretence that Englishmen ' possess . those rights an 3 privileges , for which tho French , Germane and Italians have lately contended , and that successfully , it the most absurd of all the lying pretences of our aristo . cracy and their dupes , Let ns see what are tbe rights of Englishmen , independently of the new act .

      ffl ghfscfDiscttesion . —Any man who speaks or writes anything , calculated to excite dissatisfaction in the minds of the people , with respect to the government of the country , is liable to beindictedfor sedition , and ffeed and imprisoned . ¦ There is no country on the face ofthe earth where the law is more rigid—not even Russia , Poland , or Spain . Under this law , in the years 1839—40 , and 1812—43 , hundreds were convicted . The Governmcfit eon select eny Advocate of Popular Hights and sacrifice iim . —lti power is as great as that of the French King before the first revolution , to issue IfUresde cachet . The judges , who try the alleged offender , are creatures ofthe government , and the juries in the rural districts , are the serfs of the landed aristocracy . The judges themselves , in the Court of Quarter Sessions , are aristocrats , all of whom are made judges by virtue , or in eonsequence , of their territorial possessions .

      It is true that thepeople ere permitted by their masters to violate the law , so long as no practical result is likely to follow from their grumbling—so long as the efforts of the people ' s orators are weak and manifestly ineffectual . And this enables our lordly masters to tell foreigners that we enjoy free discussion 2 And foreigners , not knowing that all this depends on the sufferance—the mere will and pleasure of the aristocracy , believe their statements ! And tbe speeches of foreigners , in praise of our system , are triumphantly quoted in our Parliament . Never , in the world ' s history , was there so cunning a contrivance to enslave a great people , to cheat them with appearances , and to deceive ths world ! It is perfectly unique—exclusively English ,

      Men of commanding talent and elevated position , knowing that they would be selected for sacrifice , under a law which enables a government to choose its victims at pleasure , usually refrain from joining the popular cause—unless it la supported by & powerful section ofthe aristocracy . It is true that the Whig aristocracy have occasionally sided with popular demands , in order , by means of the popular voice , to eject their opponents from the ministerial benches , and , on such occasions , the law ofssdition has been violated with impunity ; and , I may add , that petitions , got up in the same manner as the great Chartist Petition is said to have been , were deemed highly important by Whig aristocratic agitators , notwithstanding the assertions pf tbe Tories , ( hat they were mere farces , like county meetings , and that the signatures were fictitious , and , for the most part , written by persons paid so much per day to display their penmanship .

      The Sight of Meeting to Discuss Grievanees . —Ueetings of more than fifty persons , debating societies , and reading rooms are almost invariably illegal . The country justices can put them down when they like . The consequence of this is that in most places tbe people are afraid to empress any but slavish political sentiments . The tavern or publie-honse keeper who permits e , meetteg of parliamentary reformers to be held In hia house , runs the risk of leslng his license . Any landed aristocrat called s jastlce of the peace , may treat him as a criminal if he allows any newspaper to be read in his bouse , which tends to make people dissatisfied with the existing order of things . A justice of the peace may attend a political meeting and order any speaker to be taken into custody if hs speaks against the government , and may order the meeting immediately to disperse on pain of tranportition .

      The right of bearing arms . —Any persons seen walking in step and learning to act together , may be arrested as criminals . This law may be violated with impunity by some classes , hut not so by others . This subject of English' liberty , Mr Editor is one which ought to be exposed fully . It is time for tbe people of this countty , ' , and for tha nations ef Europe , to be informed of the actual extent of the boasted liberty of EogUshmen ; as to the Americans , they know all about it , and look upon this country as the most downtrodden in Europe , They know what our laws are , by whom and how they are administered , and are fully acquainted with the whole trick . They know that the aristocracy have monopolised the land and entiroly governed the country for their own aggrandisement , uuder the hypocritical pretence and outward form of popular representation .

      You need not tell the Americans anything about this , they understand it fully ; but it is high time to lift the veil and expose the deformity of our institutions , to the wonderiog'gazeof Europe , Pray do not talk about legal and constitutional rights , such fictions should not be treated as realities , —speak of natural rights ! As a lawyer , I will venture to affirm without the fear of contradiction , that the laws of England oa tke subject of liberty , really amount to this : — « Be it enacted that nothing shall be printed , written , or spoken thai may be displeasing to the government . That no political meeting shall be held at which there shall bo any speech delivered calculated to excite dissatisfaction . That no political association shall be allowed which the government may objsct to . That there shall be no debating society without the permission of an officer of the government . Nor shall thers be any large meeting which the government may be pleased to prohibit . ' I am , Sir , your obedient servant , An Advocatb ,

      Friendly Suggestions.. To Teg Rditofi Oe...

      FRIENDLY SUGGESTIONS . . TO TEG rDITOfi OE IHE MOBTHERN 6 TAE . Sis , —Permit an ardent lover of our csmmon country to address a few words to tho present National Convention , to those who may be the members of the next Convention , to the Chartists generally , and to the friends of humanity throughout the British empire . Nothing Is more clear than that government do not intend to concede the Charter , nor , perhaps , any considerable part of it , or rather no part at all ; and nothing is more certain than that , in this refusal , they will be bscked by the whole of tho aristocracy . And , when this refusal shall be announced by government , let not thepeople ba 'precipitate on the one hand , nor discouraged on the other . The people have vast power in their hands—vast moral powir . Let them be instructed to know it , and let them be Instructed how to use it .

      1 . Itis well kaown that the industrious classes pay most of the taxes of this country , some of which might be entirely avoided , and all of which might be diminished . Let the National Assembly take this subject up , and , amsag othew , let them not forget intoxicating drlaks , articles from which government derives no small revenues , and also tobacco . 2 . Let them organise a segnlar system of agitation , instruction , and political education , not forgetting the midland boroughs , where an'incredible amount of ignoranes prevails , but which ; nevertheless , possess great political power , inasmuch as those very borougts send members to parliament , and who mostly say ' no' to every good and Radical measure proposed to the Eonse of Commons . 3 . The working classes live by wages . These wages they have a right to spend upon friends or' foes . Let them be taught to spend their wages upon friends , and not upon foes , and let this be particularl y observed in parliamentary boroughs , ,

      4 . Continue to exercise the right of petition . Let the House of Commons be inundated with petitions . First let trery town , borough , and locality meet , and send a petition from a publio meeting . Secondl y , after that let every family petition separately . ' The prayer of nil to be : —Grant the Charter , and ad . rait us within the pale of the censtltatlon ; and further , to please those gentlemen who are more fond of eating taxes than paying them , every petition might be demanded to be read . 5 , Let a general subscription hs made throughout the empire of one halfpenny per head , and no more , allowing , however , liberty for other parties to pay for those who could not pay themselves . If five millions paidand I believe many more would , —it would amount to £ 10 . 416 13 s . 4 d .

      6 . L ^ t ibis money spent agitating the country , in giving political instruction , and in printing hundreds of thousands of tracts , and selling and gratuitously distributing them in districts where needed , and particularly in the midland and small parliamentary boroughs , where they are much required by the ignorant state of the people , and particularly the working classes . I have , within a few weeks past , asked many of the working class In this part of the . country questions reopecting the Charter . Some of them had not heard of it , others asked If the Chartists were some sect of Religionists , and not one of them knew anything of the principles of the Charter . And yet BOme of them lived in a parliamentary borough .

      Lastly , —Let me say to the Convention , to Mr O'Con . nor , and to every patriot , one and all—bo . temperate , be prudent , be cautious . We cannot spare one for imprisonment , or transportation , or death . We want all that we have—we want every oae of them , for living and active service , and we want ten thousand more

      Friendly Suggestions.. To Teg Rditofi Oe...

      We cannot spare Mr O'Connor for imprisonment . We * m . nntive servlees in the House of Commons . We wan n m oeeto brL and bold front against the oilgTcly Tu a P lace where they must hear him ; and we want him to present thousands of petitions , If need be , for the Pe ople ' s Charter . Thanking you , Mr Editor , for the service you are renderisg to the cause of Democracy , I remain , your admirer , . « . Beta . Tsmworta , April 7 ib , 1848 .

      The Mechanics And The Chaktiiil. To The ...

      THE MECHANICS AND THE CHAKTiiil . TO THE EDITOR OF THE NOBTHKEH BTAB . Sib , — It is with feelings of pleasure that I have pe . rnsed the proceedings ofthe trade delegates Bseambled at the Belllnn , ft majority of whom agreed that the prin . clples as set forth in tbe People's Charter , mast be enacted as the law of this realm , before any permanent good c & nbo effectually secured for the working classes of this country . I noticed the different speakers , and also the trades that they represented , and I am sorry to say that no one appeared from any of the mechanical trades , not even from that portion of mechanics which the Stab laboured so hard for , when they were engaged in the Newton conspiracy caee . Now , I wonld ask , { I they ( the mechanics ) aire so well to do as hot to want s

      political and socialchanse , that they do not . send delegates to devise some plan whereby the moral Influence of tbe trades might be brought to bear on the present corrupt House of Commons ? Or does it arise from a want of sympathy for thaso who have been thrown into the street to starve , through the application of machinery to do that which they have served an appren . ticeship to learn ? If so , let them look to their own trade , and ask themselves how long will it be worth calling a trade ? Again , let them look to their own trade report ? and tb « y will see that there are some hundreds of distressed mechanics walking the streets of Manchester and to relieve these men a benevolent committee was appointed , and they have paid sums fromjs . to 10 s . a week to eaeh applicant . In the Stab ef April 1 st there

      appeared an article setting forth the alterations thathad been made at a delegate meotinp of the mechanics ' society , showing that they had dtelded « n eivlog to each unemployed member tbe sum oi £ 19 . 14 s . in one year , instead of £ 7 . 10 s . as they , up to that time , had been accustomed to do . Does the above not show that they , as a trade have been and sre suffering , from a wild and reckless speculation , fostered by class legislation . It may be asked , why do not tbe mechanics of Manchester send delegates to tha trades committee that is now sitting at the Railway Inn ? Is it because the cry of no politics Is raised in the society , or is it because the seeds ef dismemberment have been sown by the

      executive of that society that so much apathy exists Let the members look to It , for it behoves the mechanics as a trade to be up and doing . The present critical times call on them to come forward . The sufferings pf these in the bastlle , the oakum shop , and the stone yard , call them to their duty . A word to those mechanics who have been sworn as special constables . Are you willing to be the tools of the present tyrannical factions in power $ If not , speak out like men , aad do not be crying if a row takes place , so that you will be miss , ing , but tell the powers that be , in a way not to Tee misunderstood , that you will not interfere with the people now seeking redress for long-standing grievances , but rather assist them in getting their political rights .

      A WfitL WlSHEB Manchester , April 16 , 1848 .

      Petitioning. To The Edit0b Of The Hobthe...

      PETITIONING . TO THE EDIT 0 B OF THE HOBTHEBN STAB . Sir , — Allow mo through the medium ef your paper , to suggest to my brother Chartists , the propriety of making the qualifications laid down in " the People ' s Charter , for an elector of a member of parliament , the qualifications of those who in future shall be deemed eligible to sign petitions to the legislature . This would show the marrow of our strength , and , as it appears to me , would give greater weight to an appeal than when the names of our female friends—and I am not the man to disparage them—or our sons , under age , are ap . pended , If to this fac t there be also added the residence of any disputed name , as to its reality . —such as ' Oldknow , ' ' Stronglnthearm , '' Gotobed , ' ani others , which , though not common , are the names of tradesmen in our metropolis—they ' mey be at once verified .

      It may also be gresttly to oae , advantage that & com . mlttee of inspection be appointed for all petitions , especially a National' PetUlos—whose duty it shall bo ib ascertain the number , and aa near as may be , the genuineness of signatures . Such a proceeding will be business-like , and prevent any recurrence ef those ignominious tricks of sham friends and paid spies , who appear to have floored our last noble effort to call attention to our rights . Let out motto be— ' Peace , determination , law , and order . ' Let those . who in word , or deed , violate this motto , be passed by as traitors to our cause . I am happy to know that the peaceable proceedings of the 10 th inet ., have produced a most favourable lm . presslon respecting our bsdy , and that tho middle classes are coming over to our ranks . ¦

      Moral power is paramount to every other , and by it we shall soon present a phalanx which no human agency can break , . i . . , 1 am , sir , yours with respect , AprlllTth . Behjamin Caeto . No . 11 , Charles-street , Commercial-road , Peckham .

      How To Gain The Charter. To The Edit0h O...

      HOW TO GAIN THE CHARTER . TO THE EDIT 0 H OF THE KOSTHEBW STAB . Sib , — The working classes alone cannot succeed in ob . taining parliamentary Reform , either by persuasion or force . Not by persuasion , beeause the aristocracy will not resign power voluntarily ., Not by force , because the working classes never succeeded in effecting a revolution without aid from the other classes . In France , Gormany , and Italy , the middle classes are with the bulk of the people , The government of this country is not ? busily engaged in increasing the ill-will between the Chartists and the middle classes . * Notwithstanding the fiery speeches pf some of the Chartist orators , the government knew that the great meeting and procession were to be composed of unarmed men , and that the object of the Chartists was a peaceable demonstration of their numbers .

      But it would have rained the cause of aristocracy to lot the middle classes see all through the streets of London the numbers and importance of the Chartist body ; hence the procession was prohibited . And , in order to increase the ignorant enmity of the mlddU classes towards the Chartists , the government pretended to feel great alarm and fear that the Chartists were going to attack the City , and plunder the banks and the shops ! Under this pretence they enrolled the special constables , and made them swear to be Monarchists . But having succeeded in keeping away' tho great body ofthe Chartists from the meeting , the government resolved not to interfere with that meeting , It being quite easy to pertuado the people who were not there , that the numbers were insignificant .

      Hitherto the government has adroitly availed itself of every circumstance to set the middle against the working classes , and it now , tells Enrope that the mass of the people are proud of our institutions , in proof of which they refer to the display of civic force against tho Chartists on the 10 th April 1 Now the middle classes have as much to gain from the triumph of democracy as any other body of them in tho country . And it is perfectly easy to convince them ef the fact , Ths only way to gain the Charter is to disseminate polltlcal knowledge . How can this be done effectually 1 The answer is that it can be done only through the medium ofthe press . Let there beaoheapdailynewspaper established to defend tbe cause of democracy at home and abroad , and faithfully chronicle everything affecting the ' slats of society question , ' and the cause of human progress . This alone will suffice to produce a reform in the tone of the cotempordry press .

      Secondly—Let a penny weekly paper , containing political instruction and a familiar explanation of the benefits to be obtained from Democratlogovernment , ! o \» circulated evtry whore . In order to secure , this desirable oVject , let competent persons be employed ts lecture on Democracy , and Induce as many as possible to give orders to the local newsvenders for the supp ly of those papers , and the regular weekly newspaper of the party—the Northbuh Stab . Let a large circulation of all of them be secured , and the speedy triumph ofthe good cause is porftctty certain . * * ADSHOCBAT .

      Ihe ' Specials.' To Db Tlkdter, The Edit...

      IHE ' SPECIALS . ' TO DB tlKDtEr , THE EDITOR 0 ? ' THE OABBENER ' fl CHRONICLE , .. ¦ , . Sib —From the frequeet denunciations which have issued from your pen against Irishmen as Irishmen , and the fulsome adulation , which , for some unknown reason , you heap on Sco tchmen , as Scotchmen , I desire , though in the assurance that you will' treat my communication with contempt , to set you right upon one or two , minor points , wh ch you have , perhaps , been advisedl y led to misstate . I demand no consideration at your haudf , Your true character is well known to many ot the un . fortunate class whose loyalty you so much extol . My character , either public orprivate , lsaot affected by your insinuations or scurrilous attacks . Allow me , tken , to profess myself an Irish journeyman gardener , and as Allow

      such , hatedby you . me , further , to state , that ! am employed in Kew Gardens though I do not know how long I may continue there . I have committed no single , act to justify my dismissal , or I should have long since been dismissed , as there ib little encouragement her © for those ' accursed Irish , ' I have further to State thatIholdyouto . be part and parcel of this system of oppression and intimidation , which is carried on against us . Since you have become a reci pient of government bounty ( 'Potato Commission *) yoa must Uphold the same—and , no doubt , hope to sit one day in the director ' s chair of this establishment , to the great annoyance ofthe publio and those employed .. Hook , therefore , upon jourpoliticel cant , in thflhatGAUDENEn ' s Cuhomcle as I look upon the parson's prajer for tho preservation of thia abominable system of class legislation—both ore the venal eff . rings of paid servants , You preach no-n

      Ihe ' Specials.' To Db Tlkdter, The Edit...

      interference with polities , fer you know the masses are already too much exasperated . Bat when you fear the government v ? ill overlook , or underrate , jour extreme loyalty , jou stand forth as the marshal of that unfortunate class , whom you designate as intelligent and peaceable , but whose intelligence and character you have hitherto repeatedly attempted to deny and injure . To marshal the gardeners of Kew , Chlswlck , Syon , Pine Appleplace , & c , ice ., to arms . What a gallant colonel they have got to be sure ! You are a political partisan , or rather , a government too ! , and hope to lead tbe gardening class tobattlefor tho continuance of a system which maintains you in a position frem which you may east obloquy and denunciation upon them . And they , poor , misled souls , marvel at your bravery , But , as to these

      ' specials , ' who figure prettily in our courts of justice , as the disturbers ofthe peace . Ton are inclined to throw your editorial authority into tho cause , and to offer , as the exponent of the feelings of gardeners , their entire confidence in the present system . Out upon you ! You know that you are not their organ . You know that the majority of them look upon you as their most bitter enemy , though they dare not say so , for patronage is still potent , and gardeners live and breathe by patronage . I have been denounced by the authorities hero for interfering in political matters . Yet the government official can come and lecture me upon the horrors of Chartism , and the blessings of class tyranny , and , spitting vsnom upon the glorious principles of equality and fraternity , demand that I would swear allegiance , not to the Queen ,

      but to the troops of corrupt justices of the peace that are scattered about , for the honest individuals dreaded no annoyance , I am no Chartist , but I cherish their principles . I am no destroyer of property , but scruple to venture tbe destruction of my own property ( labour ) in the cause ef those who deny me the right which that labour should confer , I told the official that' I was one of the people , and not allied to the government . ' I did not enrol myself , but declared my intention to resist , to the best of nay ability , ony attempt to destroy property , especially public property . Private property is another thing . I aave none of it , as I support myself by manual labour . I hold that any attempt to destroy property would lead to a deterioration ef the value of my labour . I asked if this step was optional or compulsory . I tvas

      told it was optional . Therefore , not aware of the purpose for which say services as a ' special' might be used , I refused to run the risk of being obliged to forswear myself , as would have been the case had I been called to attack my fellow labourers , except in tbe preservation of property . As to your statement about four being Irish , I am surprised that all the establishments about the metropolis could not famish more . What disaffected scoundrels they must be . Kew furnished three of these . There was a foreigner here , but he was not called upon to enrol himself . But there was not only an Englishman , as you state , wrong-headed enough ,

      but a Scotchman ( do you think all Scotchmeu are servile ?) who nobly refused to rank himself amongst the brawlers who went up to the vestry table in v i ew of . the authorities—refused to comply with the form—and there were two other Scotchmen who demurred , but , by tho fear of official persecution , they succumbed , and swallowed the oath , and now curse the action . I will . not allow you to misrepresent me while there is a free journal in the kingdom , nor misstate facts , thereby giving false confidence to the tjrants who must , one day , be undeceived , Rosebt R . Scott , Kew , April 10 th , 1848 . of Belfast , Ireland .

      * Dr Lindloy Lately Recommended The Dism...

      * Dr Lindloy lately recommended the dismissal of certain ' evil spirits , ' who sought to draw attention to the state of Kew Gardens .

      The Way To C O N Q Uer The Bank . To Ths...

      THE WAY TO C O N Q UER THE BANK . TO THS ED 1 TOB OF THD NORTHEBN STAB . Sib , —About tho year 1816 we had in this town of Romford ; a bank carried on in the ) name of 'Joyner Suvridge and Co ., ' both very high , consequential Teriss , of great tyranny , looking on every one but their own friends , as so much filth . At that time a ^ person ofthe name of Jacobs , a tailor , commenced business opposite tbfa said bank , he was one who was alwajs for a ' spree , ' very much te the annoyance ofthe high church bankers Having to take a ohecque to this said bank , he was taunted and jeered at in a manner quite uncalled for , and thereupon took the following method of reveufre;—Having a £ / ° note of theirs , he went back , instantly , and demanded gold for it , which was paid directly . He then went to his neighbear , and asked , him to oblige him with a £ 10 note for gold . He took that to the bank , and . so continued until be drew between £ 200 and £ 300 is gold . This compelled these Tories to beg the tailor ' s pardon .

      Cannot you make any use of this anecdote iu reference to the bank that was so prepared last Monday week to pay us in a different manner ? I remain yours , « fec . Romford . T . S „ A freeholder of the counties of Essex and Hants , and a ten years' subscriber ofthe No & xueen Stab .

      The Special Constables. To The Editor Of...

      THE SPECIAL CONSTABLES . TO THE EDITOR OF THE XOBTnEBK STAB . Sib—The lies so abundantly circulated on this subject demand some notice . If these men enrolled themselves for tbe mtro purpose of protecting their ewn , or their neighbours' property , they have done what w « e perfectly right , and what the Chartists , I presume , would be very far from condemning ; but it is to be feared that a large majority of the special constables have much worse designs , and that their object is to put down , if they can , any expression of political feeling hostile to

      tbe government . That this would he the casse with very many in and about London , there can be ho doubt . The baseness and servility of shopkeepers to those whom they think above them , is only to he equalled by their insolence and tyranny to those whom they suppose below them , I mean this , however to apply chiefly , to those who call themselves great shopkeepers , for I am well aware that there are many thousands of little ones as eager . for a real political reform as the Chartists themselves , though they may sot be enrolled formall y among tnera .

      Of the class of clerks it is almost superfluous to speak ; the slavery of the negroes in Brazil , is hardly more degrading than that in which they live , and , as may readily he believed , its natural consequence is , that you rarely indeed can find a man of independent thought among them . They seem te glory in the shame ef their servility . If this be generally true , as it is , of mercantile and banking houses , what can it be supposed to be of the Bank , the Custom House , the Excise Office , or Somerset House ! As to the poorer class , let me ask if it can be thought , that workmen attached to the Italian Opera House , and many large establishments that might be mentioned , were free agents ? One yeung man of this class , owned to me that he had expected to be paid ; so , ' . no doubt , did many more ; not excepting the coalvfhippero , with whose devoted . loyalty the honourable Houco of Commons appeared ta be so enraptured a week or two ago . . .

      I allow , then , that large numbers would make themselves special constables ; but that the lying press lies upon this point most audaciously , is evident . The great liar of all , the Times , says there were 150 , 004 . special conetablee , and only 10 , 900 Chartists ! I will just observe , that living in Kennington , as you will see by my enclosed card , and witnessing all that passed dating the whole of the 10 ih of April , I hesitate net to affirm , that a more insolent falsehood than that of the Times , was never published . My calculation ( and I am not a Chartist yet , though approving the Ctiarter ) , would be that there were 100 , 090 Chartists , and if I err , for I am not accustomed to estimate the numbers of large meetings , I am ours that my error is iu under and not over calculation , As to the special constables , I was told by a medical gentleman , who was himself one , that in the whole district ( that of the very place of meeting ) , thete were but 400 . We may judge'by this of the 159 , 000 ..

      If a collision bad unfortunately taken place , I leave it to any one to say what tbe physical strength of shopkeepers and clerks is , in comparison with that of me . chtmlco and labourers ; were I to guess , it would be that one of the latter class would beat five of the former ; the hands that have been used to nothing but the , pen , or tha cloth yard , Wonld faro hut ill when contending against those accustomed to much heavier articles . : The Groat Liar also says , that the countenances of the women and children at the windows were full of alarm ! My son , aged sixteen , was oa the Common , and one of my daughters , twelve years of age , was delighted to ac . company an elder sister to the road , to see the procession , where they met many of the ladies and children of the neighbourhood . ZfiTA , ^* >

      Case Op Tyranny. To The Editob Of The Wo...

      CASE OP TYRANNY . TO THE EDITOB Of THE WOBIHBBN STAB . Sib . —You would oblige me very much by the publication of this short letter , a copy of which I sent to Mr Thomas Cubitt , after discharging me , because I refused to be sworn as a special constable . He has not replied to it , and for this reason , I think I am justified in making U public with a few remarks upon it . You mill see , by . the letter , that I had several interviews with him and his foremen on the day of sweating in . One of them , a Mr Porter , engineer , said to me , that he was given to un . derataod that I was continually agitating and influeno-( ng the rest of the men in the employ , wkich he said I ought not to do . I told him that I was only doing my duty , and that , whenever I bad an opportunity , I would do so still until all men wero acknowledged cltUons . An .

      other asked me how I got my living , and who employed rat ? I said , pf . course , Mr Cabitt ; bat , sir , I said , how does Mr Cubitt get capital to employ . men with ? Such men as the one you are talking with , create the capital for him . Another commenced an attack upon mo , and asked me what we wanted , I tc / ld him that wo ought to have a greater . share of what wo produced . He said , he thought thirty sh-lliings per week was capital rcmune . ration , I said , sir , why should jou have three pounds per vtdeli , merely for watching , aa it . were driving mo atmy work , like a carter . does tho torse , deficient only of a whip t Does not my cbild require as good a coat , as mo £ h victuals , a « good education , and as good a house to Ii ? s 9 in os yours ? I avked him why all this diffennce ? and hi ' fl repl y was that this was foreign to the question . I said , it Waff the very soul of tie question . I fairly bent them , and they eU gave it up . Thtre is one thing I with to rtmark , before I fionciude this Utter , aad that is ,

      With Regard To Some Of My Mates, Who, I ...

      with regard to some of my mates , who , I must say acted a very unmanly part , because they swore bitterly * they would not be sworn ; but the moment they came in contact with Mr Oubitt aad the magistrate , they forgot their promises to mo and their oaths , and allowed another chain to be put round theirnecks ; and so fond did some of them appear to be of kissing the book in the gentlemen ' s presence , that tho magistrate had s hard matter to get the book away from some of them . Some of these men say , they ore as good Chartists as I am ; but let me tell thtm here , as I told them to their faces , that they are as great enemies to the came aa Mr Cubltt , beeause he that is not with us matt be against ns . Great God , when will working men act honestl y to one another ! Bat after all , Mr Oubitt is sot everybody , Neither has he all the work in the kingdom ; and I hope the day is not far distant , when by our glorious Lihd scheme , we shall bid defiance to all monopolists , of whatever cast or colour , April 18 tb , 1848 . Aw Otn Guard .

      LETTER TO MR THOMAS CWBITT . Sir , —Will you condescend to allow one , who has for the last two years helped to enhance your property , and who can defy your foremen , who have had the superintendence of me for that time , to say that I ever shrnnk from my duty at any time to you ia the Slightest de > grae—I say , will you allow me to ask you , why you refused rao the exercise of ray own opinion as to whether I wonld be sworn as special constable , when I told you and the clerks , who accestad ma in your presence , that I objected upon political grounds altogether ? I said , you do not allow me to exercise my own judgment upon any case as regards legislation , while I thought it very strange that you should think me qualiaed , all of a sudden , to ba a special constable , I then said , If yoa would give me the vote which all now acknowledge to be right and just , I would then ghdly fill any situatien in the shape of a national guard , & o , but I would

      not otherwise act . You told me it was not a political question , when , at the same time , a magistrate mnsfc swear us in . You knew well it was political , but you dared not aaknowledge the fact , that if working men had their political rights , you would not dare to coerce them , nor monopolise trade as you do . But the particular question I wish you to answer is this , why yoa should have acted so ungentlcmanl y to me in discharging me , after my foreman , Mr Smith , declared it was optional , and I might return to work ? . Now , sir , plaos yourself in my position , or f . mcy yourself treated ns you have treataa me , merely for exercising my individual opinion , and you must come to the conclusion that a more tyrannical act could scarcely have beea . But what use is it to talk to men who won'treason withyou . I feel Justified in sanding these few lines , hoping you will favour me > with a short reply , for which I will wait a day or two , I remain , your * , die ,, Charles Gwiliiasi . April 13 th , 1848 . Bricklayer .

      The Cat/Be Of Disaffection -

      THE CAT / BE OF DISAFFECTION

      TO JOSEPH HUHB , ESQ ., M . P . Sitt , —It is defective legislation that has brought the country to the present peculiar but critical predicament . It ia the extravagance and bad management of the corrupt portion ef our rulers , which have raised a spirit of discontent , and kindled a flame which , if not promptly attended to , by timely concessions , may terminate even in the overthrow of monarchy itself . It is the pressure of avarice and arbitrary laws of which the millions complain . It is the want of a fair representation in ' the Commons of England , and of disproportionate taxation , at whieh the working classes chiefly feel aggrieved . The consequence of evil Is alwayscalamitous , and never did a people in the remembrance of man writhe under the

      effects of despotism , ormore peacefully endure their sufferings , than the working classes of Great Britain at the present period . There are tens of thousands in tbe empire ' wBo are peacefully pining [ away their miserable existence by the dint of . misrule and the withering effects of unnatural laws passed by the influence of designing men . It is heart-rending to see the . amount of human wretchedness , which our large cities and towns at ehe present moment present . Hen willing to work are idle in multitudes , and the streets , lanes , and alleys of our manufacturing towns , present ' seenes of misery beyond human description . This is more remarkable as it happens in the midst of plenty , and in a land said to be the most humane end CsrfstJan in the world , Ye * these individuals in their sad extremity , are compelled ,

      by vicious legislation , to pay as much for the ordinary necessaries of lifts as the richest in the land , The principle ef indirect taxation may be human law , but itis bad philosophy , itis neither founded upon reason , nor in conformity with tho law of nature , or of God . It i & only from such men as you thatthe people can expect a redress of their injuries , for the corrupt party in ' the slate have no sympathy with their wants or ieellngs ; they seem Infatuated before their fall , for they will not hear the voice ef tbe charmer , charm he never so wisely . What an amount ef human perfidy is presented to the publie , by almost every act of these destroyers ofthe human family , A poor man may pine , hunger , and die ,

      while tbe sons of ths aristocracy are pensioned upon tho public , and the eartfr , the property of the Great Creator , appropriated for the benefit of a few , who mis » appropriate its proced in deeds of folly , or squander it in superfluity ; or vice . And is it to be wondered that God should visit for these things ? No ! forke hath declared , — ' I will proceed to do a marvellous work among the people , even a marvellous work and a wonder , forthe assumed wisdom of the wise men shall perish and the undtrstanding of ones thought prudent shall be hid . Thus , in every age , perish the workers of Ini quity . Thu & comes suddenly the retributive justice ef God , I remain , Sir , yourobcdieit servant , ApoLoaeoHAi .

      |The Way To Get The Charter. Birmingham,...

      | THE WAY TO GET THE CHARTER . Birmingham , April 19 th , Sir , —as I have seen hints from different correspondents in the Stab as to the best means of obtaining the Charter , suffer me to offer my humble opinion . Itisthis—as our noble chief , 'MrF . ] 0 'Counor , has cemented ft union between the English GnartUtg and the Irish Confederates and Repealers ; I would propasethat a card of unlon be struck , bearing the Chartist and Confederate motto , or whatever emblem the National Assembly think fit . That each member of the United Chartists and Confederates take this cord of membership , fer which ho shall pay one shilling . Each card shall be numbered , and each man ' s name and address taken , as by tbe Na . tional Chartist Association . The proceeds to be at the disposal ef the National Assembly , I fe « l no doubt In my mind , that if this is carried out with spirit , it woolcs secure ample funds to support the National Assembly .

      Yours , truly , One ol the Old Guards , 265 , Bradford Street . Edwin Mcelebs

      Opera. Palmerstonii , Qtj.E Supersdnt (J...

      OPERA . PALMERSTONII , QTJ . E SUPERSDNT ( J ) OMNIA . { From a German Correspondent . ) Tho rumoured intention of tho British Government t & protest against the aid afforded by Sardinia to the emancipated Lombardo-Yenetians , offers a good opportunity for reviewing shortly the opera of the above noble diplomatist . Well may , we think , Italy say to this protest what Mettsrnich is reported to have said to that entered by England against the incorporation of Cracow— ' Protest and be d—dl' However , the thing bears a really ominous character , and we shall treat It as such

      That no treaty provides for , and authorises such' & procedure has been shown by others . But let us consider the raora ' e of the affiir . It was certilnl y Lord P & lmerston , who , on a very late occasion , praised in the Hausa of Commons 'the wisdom and prudtnee of Austria . ' What could a gentleman like M . de . Metternich do lass ; in return for such » compliment , than pay Lord Palmerston —» visit In London i Atide tbi » and similar tlrodes , bis loretship ' s own personal performances were rather restricted of late . Mr Robert Peel ia Switzerland , Sir Robert Seymour at LUbun , Lord Canning at Madrid , and a Cabinet Minister in Italy—could scarcely be considered appertaining to the personnel of a Foreign OfHeo , headed by Lord Palmerston . Still , the tenor of the activity of tho abave diplomatists was , either uoit interference , or interference for the Liberal cause . The Turin protest would be of a quite diffarenfc character .

      It Is not a party , a clique of conspirators , or even thsmob , who eject Austria from Italy , it is the hatiok— the universality of the population . And is it the provinee of free England to back a pnek of mest sanguinary and stolid tyrants and oppressors ? , Since Pio IX . gave a free press to Italy , new nearly two years ago , a host of journals have sprung up over the whole surface of tho peninsula . Was there any one of them—was there ever one single article written In favour of Austrian rule ? No ; not one . As long as the iron rule of secret police , dungeons , chains , the caroere durospiesand sycophants

      , , . was paramount , the nation was sifent-ithe moment the least vent was given to national sentiment , tho people break the Imperial ensigns , not only in Milan and Venice , but at Rome and Florence ; at tho latter place expel Baron Neumann formerly Austrian Minister at London , who induced the British government to violate the secret of the letters of brothers Basdiera to Mazzlni , on . event which led them to the scaffoldl Thirty , three yeare ( a mysterious number ) Aus ( rh has ruled over Italy . Do not ask how f Tbe shout of raving and despairing people is a sufficient answer . ¦

      It becomes an oppressive task to write the history of such times , of such misdeeds as Austria has been guilty of late . But let Britain stand aloof of a catastrophe she has neither provoked , nor encouraged . The flood galea of His ire and punishment arc open ; let none interfere but soothingly and mildly in such concerns . The diplomatic correspondence found in the Rbb des Capucins , at Milan , and elsowhtre , will bo soon printed . We fear that Lord Palmerston ' s articles will occupy some of the columns of tkis Joobnaldu Monde . . We appeal to tho sense and Uu . m aauy 0 f tho pooplo of these Isles .

      Stcitoabd,.Llth April. —Irritation Is Co...

      STciTOABD ,. llth April . —Irritation is continually on the increase . The workmen and townapeip'Q assupe a most , hoatile appearance one towards another—ihe farmer partisans ef a republic , the latter of a constitutional monarchy . Serious con flicts have occurred , and blood has flowed .

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), April 22, 1848, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_22041848/page/6/