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Northern Star (1837-1852), 23rd October 1852, Edition 2 of 2, Page 10, THE OLDHAM WORKHOUSE, A PRIS0X. — 0 — TO...

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      The Taxes On Knowledge. Mr. Hume Has Add...

      Knowledge , and a desire to protect them . If , then , these taxes are to be repealed , if . we are to have a really free press , the people must express their determination that it shall he so . Only a thoroughly national movement can ensure the total abolition of the infamous Taxes on Knowledge .

      No The Star Of Freedom. Coctob Er 23

      no THE STAR OF FREEDOM . COctob er 23

      Emigration And Socialism. Article Ii. If...

      EMIGRATION AND SOCIALISM . ARTICLE II . If we . look at tho numerous and terrible evils that oppress working men in the face , it becomes obvious to every man of plain common understanding , that the only cures for them are emigration or a new social system . It is no use trying to shirk the question , by the dodges and shifts of political economy , which must ever break down in its abortive attempts to tinker and cobble up a system essentially rotten like our ' s .

      Emigration and socialism are the only radical cures . But the former term has a very wide meaning . We can conceive an emigration to the deserted moors of Ireland , to Dartmoor , Exmoor , and the uncultivated districts of England . We can conceive government appropriating the present vast monopolies of land in England to associations of working men . We are of opinion that an emigration nearer at home would be less expensive and more useful than one to the Antipodes . But wherever it is carried ,-we are convinced that it would be

      doubly attractive and productive , if united with a sound system of association . To this end we propose to develop the most scientific system of association . Fourier ' s Societary Theory , of which these articles treat , received publicity after that of Saint Simon , though its invention was of an earlier date . It offers a sharp and marked distinction from all other schemes of social and industrial reform , especially in "what relates to property , government , and polemics against Christian dogmas . Like the Goddess of Wisdom , this theory issued at once , and fully accoutred from the brain of its inventor .

      Let the reader bear in mind this distinct separation between Fourier ' s societary system , and the rest of the socialist theories , and let him impartially weigh it on its own merits , as he would any other scientific or mechanical invention , presented for his inspection . This invention remained buried for twenty years in several thicklvolumes , but at length it succeeded ia claiming the attention and support of a number of persons and writers , who have devoted themselves to its propagation .

      Charles Courier , the inventor , was born at Besancon , in 1776 ; and his theory was first publish 3 d in 1807 . He gradually developed it in several large and valuable treatises , from 1822 to 1828 , and since the latter date it began generally to be known , and has been propagated with , redoubled energy since 1832 . Charles Fourier found a firm supporter and a zealous and faithful disciple in M . Just Miuvon , of Besancon , in 1814 . This gentleman has published the most clear , sensible , and practical exposition of one part * of the views of Fourier on the organization ' of industry , in a work entitled " Sheteh of industrial processes .

      The first expenses necessary for the printing and publishing of his works , were met by the exertions of M . Just Muivon , assisted by several other persons , a , nd particularly by a lady , as modest as she is courageous and benevolent , Madame Clarisse Vigoureux , the author of a book entitled : Word of Providence . You might give an exact valuation of this theory by saying , that it errs and fails through the exaggeration of liberty and individualism , m the same way that St . Simonism and Owenism have failed by running into an opposite extreme .

      Thus , in some respects , it appears that Fourier ' s societary system is more foreign and hostile to the most popular Communistic theories than the existing relations and institutions of society . Viewed in relation to Association , the theory of Fourier is the jintipode of St . Simonism and Owenism . This fact , may perhaps account for that instinctive sense of selfpreservation , which caused the St . Simonians and Owenites in the hey-day of their popularity to turn a deaf ear to him when he solicited their attention in favour of his discovery . These Socialists were quite as indifferent , possibly more adverse to him than the other thinkers , philosophers , and economists of his time .

      Fourier never pretended to be more or less than a simple inventor , the author it is true of the most important discovery that man could make , but never requiring more than one experiment on a small scale , in the same way that Columbus requested a vessel to go and seek , not a new world , but the western limit of the world then known . We know tlie result of the experiment of Columbus , who was fortunate enough to

      obtain a ship , during his life time ; he found more and better things than he looked for , a new hemisphere , and thanks to his perseverance , beyond that hemisphere another ocean was found , several great continents in that ocean , and beyond that ocean the limits of the old world . The same thing would have happened with Fourier , if he had enjoyed the opportunity of testing his theory .

      However , this might have been , no ship was given , no material was afforded to Fourier for constructing his machine . He died , and took with him many solutions to problems scattered through his writings , " such as the distribution of the produce and profits of the Association . Hence , if imperfections and obscurities occur sometimes in his writings , let the blame he cast at the right door .

      Fourier appears to have shared largely in the virtues and defects of the French mind . His system is essentially mathematical ; and to this quality it owes its excellence and faults . He is probably too measured in every thing , but we have <* ood reason to suspect , that had he employed less precision in his method , he would have been classed with superficial dreamers , poets and mystics . It is not unlikely that a . morbid anxiety respecting this result , led him into the opposite extreme ot exaggerating the importance of mathematical accuracy

      I cannot avoid , in this place , commenting upon the irregular manner in which many of the attacks upon Fourier havo ' been directed . In the first place , he has been accused as a Communist of destroying the individuality of man , by burying him , en masse in a vast association . In the next place he is accused of basing all on Egoism , and the most extravagant self-love , of making interest too powerful an engine in his social machinery and of making the acquisition of riches , too prominent an object in his system . First , he is accused of being Utopian , of

      Emigration And Socialism. Article Ii. If...

      requiring perfect men to deal with , who shall sacrifice their personal interest to the good of the community . Secondly , he is accused of making the love of money and of self , the root of his theory . If one of these charges is true , it is evident that both cannot be . Now we have sufficiently disproved the first accusation , let us attend to the second . If a man is ridiculed as puerile , because he advocates perfect equality and disintestedness , in a word , because he is a Communist , surely it is somewhat inconsistent to find fault with another , because he works with the legitimate springs canonized by economists and

      all practical men . The very argument used by these gentlemen , to prove the Utopian nature of Communistic principles , tend to fix Fourier ' s theory the firmer in the conviction of men . On the one hand it is said , you must have angels to work with , to make men peaceable in equality , on the other how low and sordid is that theory that makes self interest the main spring , and luxury or wealth the goal of man . Here then you have a game of pitch and toss , between Communism and Fourier . Choose , my masters , for it is impossible consistently to object to both .

      It has been the favourite theme of philosophy for some years past , to extol the value of the individual , and of individual exertion , in short to centre all truth in a sublime Egoism the me of metaphysics . I have nothing to say to this , only let men be consistent . . Now they are quite consistent in objecting to the impersonal disinterested tendency of Communism , but it is difficult to see how they can consistently find fault with a theory that seeks to give a free and full development to the individuality of the individual , by giving fair play to all tho faculties of the human ME , which is certainly not effected in our state of society . A Pioneer .

      Bow The First French Empire Was Manufact...

      BOW THE FIRST FRENCH EMPIRE WAS MANUFACTURED . It may not be inopportune , in presence of the changes which are evidently approaching their consummation in France , to retrace the proceedings which raised Napoleon Bonaparte to the dignity of French Emperor about half a century ago , for the whole course of history can scarcely adduce a more striking parallel produced by different means . The Revolution of the 18 th Bruinaire was followed by the immediate proclamation of the Consular Government on the 7 th of February , 1800 , and , in spite of the ascendancy which Napoleon immediately acquired in it from his genius and

      his military successes , the form of that government was still constitutional and republican . Rather more than two years elapsed , and , and on the 10 th of May , 1802 , the French nation was consulted on the question— " Shall Napoleon Bonaparte ' 6 e Conmlfor life ? Tlie answer in the affirmative was earned by 3 , 658 , 88 . 5 , votes , and a senatm-consultum appeared on the 2 nd of August , J 802 , which decreed that ** the French people named , and tlie Senate proclaimed , Napoleon Bo-vapnrte Consul for life , and that a statue of Peace , holding in one hand the laurel of victory , and in the other this decree of the Senate , bhould attest to posterity the gratitude of the nation . " Two more years elapsed , which were marked by the greatest achievements and the darkest crime of the

      Consular period . Early in 1804 the Civil Code was completed , and the Duke d'Enghien was murdered in the fosse of Vincennes . A few days later addresses were presented from the electoral bodies and from the principal towns , urging the First Consul to perpetuate in his own family the power he had received from the nation . Fouche had set . at work the mechanism of the police and the influence of the Government in the Legislature , impelled by his own ingenuity and ambition ; and all that remained was to induce the Senate , as the highest body in the Slate , to make the proposal for the restoration of the monarchy . Cambaceres , as president of that body and the associate of Napoleon in the Consulate , was sent for and consulted . His advice was adverse to the measure . He

      observed , that no title could add anything to the actual power of the First Consul , and that it might be difficult to obtain the recognition of the new Empire from the other courts of Europe , while he saw in this step another proof of a perilous and insatiable ambition . As he drove back that night to Paris with Lebrun , Cambaceres said" The thing is done—the monarchy is ottce more established ; but I have a presentiment that this edifice will not be durable , and that

      France will at last be exhausted by these extravagant enterprises . " The Senate , instigated by Fouche , took the first opportunity of making the proposal , but in an unofficial form , and not by a message . Napoleon meanwhile affected to deliberate , exacted secrecy , and turned his attention to the effect likely to be produced by this revolution on the army and on the foreign powers with which he was at peace . Willi reference to the { army , he received from Soult and bis principal generals , as well as from all the great cities of France , the strongest declarations in favour of the restoration of hereditary monarchy . With reference to the other continental powers , betook time to address to them a

      communication and to receive their answer on the subject . The king of Prussia eagerly tendered his assent to the proposition . The court of Vienna stipulated that France should recognise the imperial dignity in the house of Austria , if by any future election the sovereign of mat house ceased to be emperor of Germany . To England and to Russia no communication was made , because Bonaparte was at war with this country , while his relations with Russia were scarcely restored , and the Emperor Alexander had just testified his extreme indignation at the seizure and death of the Duke d'Enghien .

      These negotiations occupied the greater part of the month of April , 1804 , but on the 25 th of tlu . t month Napoleon answered the address of the Senate , which had been presented on the 27 th March ; and it was arranged that the first public and open avowal for the restoration of monarchical power should be made by M . Curee , in the Legislative Chamber . A debate took place on the question , and , although a large majority of speakers eagerly

      anticipated the institution of the empire , i ' t was on that occasion that Carnot , in a speech of great dignity and moderation , protested for the last time against the extinction of the liberties of his country . ^ I ackno wledge , " said he , " the eminent services of the First Consul—his triumph over our enemies , and his codification of our laws ; but , be those services what they ' may , is there no recompense to offer him but the sacrifice of the treedom of France ? Are

      we never to enjoy that freedom , which 1 am persuaded is not only possible , but my , mid which is a more secure foundation of government than either arbitrary or oligarchical power ? " On the & 1 ot May the Tribunate passed a formal resolution in favour of the Empire , which was at once carried up to the Senate . A committee was formed , composedjoff members of both Chambers and

      Bow The First French Empire Was Manufact...

      of the three Consuls , to discuss the forms of the tip - ^ constitution ; and on the I 81 I 1 of May the mmi ,, * * ^ N which decreed these new dignities , was issued in tlj % ^ "li ! . « Napoleon , by t . h ? grace of God and the conftiii , „; 0 n ' * / " [" « ¦ of public , Emperor of the Freneb , & c . " On the fo !| 0 w , C 1 ^ is , after this title had been assumed , and the new imJl , ^ S is , ajier mis tine uau uw , u ^ mueu , < iu < i u-, e new itni > er" I lt

      tution promulgated , the whole people of France were vi \)? % to vote , as before , their assent to " the hereditary siiccessi U ^ direct , natural , legitimate , and adopted descendants 0 fT ' ° tile Bonaparte in the imperial dignity , and likewise of u > fa ^ ^ tural , and legitimate issue of Joseph Bonaparte and of il 0 » - p ' parte . " This vote was carried by 3 , 521 , 675 surTn . r ^ . ' % 1 > presume that , in the annals of the Bonaparte dyofiiv " h ' ^ ^ constituting in itself a claim to the crown . It w ' , V ¦ is sli | l till several months after the accessiod , viz ., on th ) 6 ih of iv ^ - ' ' 180-1 , that AmMiscilum was finall y declared . l ^

      The Oldham Workhouse, A Pris0x. — 0 — To...

      THE OLDHAM WORKHOUSE , A PRIS 0 X . — — TO THE EDITOR OP THE STAR OP FREEDOM . Sir , —Knowing that your paper is devoted to the arirocacy of vi-in exposure of wrong—especially if the wi-oiir is inflicted upon tho poor ' . ""! I beg the favour of giving publicity to the following lii . es through the \ Zr ' your columns . About three years since , a female naweil Louisa Browi ° ceived into the Oldham workhouse , not being able to take care of limelf j | rC * quence of mental derangement . For some tkne she has been consider" I " * ' Instead of being a lunatic , it has been her duty to look after ; uul take ' ^ her less fortunate sisters in the lunatic asylum . Havin ? received a "oo / T "' tion , and being very expert with tlie needle , besides possessing ot . hpr " fcm J " * comnlisumen ' sshe has been very useful in tho workhouse eirninM " ir L * ¦ - ¦ - — J ir

      ., , ; m „ n '"" —• " > - . " " > wu " ,, «« morcflni , would suffice for her own maintenance . ]\ ot wishing to end !)«• davs jn „ , tile , she has lately been trying to get discharged , but without effect . 0 ii \ y ! T nesday October lith , Mr . Stephen Slater , an old man with grey li ; ijrs „ . * , !''" known her during the last ten years , applied to the Governor , Jiv . Dev em / t and to the Board of Guardians , to get her discharged , promising Una ha u ' u take care of her , and see that she was properly done to ; but instead « f iv' ! treated with that respect which age lias a right to ] 0 o \ - for , he was RskeilV most insulting and improper questions ; and told that Louisa Brown must not 00 discharged—that the )/ could not spare her , & c , & c . Believing that [«« - Brown was unjustly detained in the workhouse , I went with Mr . Slater to L

      Governor , on Thursday , and demanded that she might he discharged * but fir insolent official declared that we had nothing to do with Louisa lhwvn , that sh was a lunatic , and not fit to be discharged . We told him that the medial ? , , tendant had that morning declared her fit to be dischargvd , hut he would not lie . lieve us . After much talking , he promised that if wo could get a certificate of her fitness to be released , he would not detain her three hours . " We ^ ot tin ; ft ] . lowing certificate from Dr . Murray : — " Oct . 14 th , 1857 . I consider Louki Brown fit to be discharged . J . Murray . " Tho above corticate whs taken to tiro Governor , but to our astonishment , he still refused to discharge his prisoner , The following extract , copied from the Poor Law Act , will prove that Louisa Brown is unjustly detained in the Oldham workhouse . Article 115 savs : — "

      pauper may quit the workhouse upon giving to the truster or ( during liis absence or inability to act ; to the matron , a reasonable notice of Ids wish to do so , " T | K act goes on to say that three hours is a reasonable notice ; sometimes it may fe less and sometimes more , but in no case shall it extend over an indefinite jwviwl . It seems , sir , that law and reason have nothing to do with the government of tins Oldham workhouse ; Louisa Brown is a prisoner , and compelled to he a \ vm \\ n against her will . The poor law is bad enough , lout alas it is made ten times worse by those to whom the rate-payers have to pay large salaries , to enforce it , Yours fraternally , Oct . 19 th , 1852 . J . B . Honswu , Bookseller , floytou , [ Mr . Hofsfall should write to the Poor Law Commissioners . —Editor . ]

      ^ Mkxkss^Jit^Sisi^S^^Ib^Isvfszs^Ss^A Deioc Ratio Uove&Effts.

      ^ mKXKSS ^ Jit ^ SiSi ^ S ^^ iB ^ iSVfSZS ^ SS ^ A DEIOC RATIO UOVE & EffTS .

      —0-The Roumanian People And Their Manife...

      —0-THE ROUMANIAN PEOPLE AND THEIR MANIFESTO . ( Extracted from the Italia e Popolo . ) The patriots of Italy have undoubtedly felt , as much pleasure as ourselves at the perusal of the Manifesto of the people of Iloumania , published in No . 145 of our paper . We revert to it in order to imprint still more forcibly on the mind of our readers the paramount importance of this document . Thus Manifesto is to us not a merely Roumanian one ; it contains all the elements of the constitutional compact secretly agreed upon by the nations who , in 1818 , fought for

      their liberty and independence . It is , as it were , a Knropean act , and marks a date in the annals of the Holy Alliance of peoples . As for . us , Italians , we feel particularly interested in this Roumanian Manifesto , the Roumanians being of the same flesh ami blood with us , the descendants of lloman legionists , of Italian colonists settled in Dacia , and forming the present population of Valachia ., Moldavia , the greater part of Bessarabia , Bucovina , Transylvania , ihe Banal ,

      and a vast extent of eastern Hungary . All these fertile territories , in fact , extending from the Black Sea to the country of the gallant Magyars . Amounting to ten millions , they bear , all of them , t ™ name of Roumanians , speak all the same language , which is one ol the idioms of our own , preserve the same traditions , and have with us in common the first pages of their history—Home being a cradic to them as well as to us .

      If we consider that , for eighteen centuries , ( he Roumanians have been deprived of all communication with their mother country , all intercourse with . Western Europe—that their country lias ofcii the high-road of all those Asiatic tribes which from the bcg inuing « the middle ages have invaded Europe—that they havc _ constantly lived amidst peoples of various origin and degree in civilisation , M altogether differing with their own—that since many ages they Mb and kf

      been subjected to the treble despotism of Russia , Turkey , tria—itseemshardly credible to contemplate how pure the Roumam ^ ^ element has been preserved among them , as pure , indeed , as 1 certain parts of their mother country , Italy . Perhaps the ve >) dangers to which they were unceasingly exposed has been one ot ^ principal causes of invigorating this spirit of nationality wlucli ma j fesls among them now-a-days to the world . Left to tlicmsen * ., iweia auiuiig UIOUI UOYV-il-UciyS IO tllO WUJ . 1 U . J-icii- " « "" . ( J ( j _

      attacked from all sides by powerful enemies , they , as , ' ' , ) j h more , perhaps , than ourselves , felt the necessity of clinging | ' y other , of closing their ranks , and of holding fast with all the c r . ^ of their souls , the only safety left to them , the traditions ot tlieg • nation from which they descended . * , Yes , brothers , Roumanians , we know it—how with the Hunga ' ^ and Poles you have been the bulwark of Christianity and ci ^ tion—our representatives in the vanguard of eastern burop ^^ your academies it was that the -youth oi Greece conceiv . ^ prepared , in 1821 , the resurrection of their country , 'lis J ° ^ since the first outbreak of the revolution of 1848 , hoistetti" ^ j of democracy , shouting "Justice ! Fraternity ! " and yet | ° ceice reward has been the oppression of your tyrant and themau ^ of the western nations , because a dense cloud has prevent

      peoples from mutual intercourse and fraternisation . ^^ Your faith , nevertheless , overcame all obstacles , and bcyon ^ unveiled to you the future . Your Roumanian instinct ^ deceive you . Nothing of ichat you have done will he lost ton ^^ A never . erring guide , an everywhere-present witness , God , » your way and watched over your steps . . ., en yotyoui Behold , brothers ! whilst Europe seemed to haveforg ° deaqeac name , and when your executioners believed their victim to to 0 ( d corpse , then upon the grand scene of the democratic worw y

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Oct. 23, 1852, page 10, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_23101852/page/10/