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March 35, 1848. THE NORTHERN STAR. 6 g ^...
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Page 5
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Hale-ax.—A camp meeting will be held on ...
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THE FRATERNAL DEMOCRATS. A crowded meeti...
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armed must be a people free. (Applause.)...
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' Equality, Liberty, Fraternity.' Heroic...
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The Council assembled on Thursday even i...
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TO THE PEOPLE. King Bitty Smith !—Englis...
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Brai»?6m>.—Tho procession for Gilstead M...
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the Convention^ , a na^oUov^M JrJ / >rvV...
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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.
March 35, 1848. The Northern Star. 6 G ^...
March 35 , 1848 . THE NORTHERN STAR . 6 g ^ J ^ ^_ . , _ ___ __________^______
Page 5
CAMP MEETING OR CHARTISTS AND REPEALERS AT OLDHAM EDGE . A csmp meeting of the people of Lancashire and Cheshire , for the purpose of promoting the Charter , vras held on Sunday last ; on Oldham -Edge . This meeting , again a fraternisation of Chartists and Repesters was solemnised ; Mr Feafgas O'Connor , M . P . ; Mr Councillor Doheny , of Dublin ; and Mr W . P . Roberts , attended . This meeting drew together al & rger eone & utae of auditors and spectators than has been witnessed in any part of this district for many yews . The Chartists and Repealers from an early hour in the morning , might be seen marching into Oldham ; in order to swell the multitude expected to ba present at this great open-air fraternisation . A considerable number of persons also went from Manchester , AshtoH , Stalyhridge . Middleten , and other places , by railway , to the scene of action .
The _ announcement of this intended gathering of Chartists [ from the two counties , excited the most Tenement alarm among the authorities , who swore in iOOspecial constables , who were stationed in the Town Hall—(& pigmy watching a giant !) -and the most anxious directiens were issued by the magistrates . Oldham Edge , tie place of assemblage , stands gbsntamileoat of the town . Here , on the sideof a somewhat rugged hill , having a narrow baseekirted by the high-road , the people began to assem , He , and ataoout half-past twelve o'clock , immense throngs began to ponrin npon the selected spot , both along tie broken foot-path on the edge of the hills and along the lower road . As the hour advanced the stream of incomers became continuous . The scene was animated and picturesque In the extreme Al ! who were there without a single exception , conducted themselves with quietude , order , and decorum .
Shortly before one o'clock , a large body of persons came pouring in , headedfby a band of music , which fcsd been brought from Manchester . Amongst this arrival were a number of the leading local Chartists who at once betook then-selves to the temporary platform , which was placed at the base of the hill . Shortly afterwards , the clouds began to gather in dismal blackness , and in a few moments a sharp shower of wied-driven rain fell on the patient audience . In about ten minutes the rain past off ; a momentary gleam of brightness burst through the clouds ; and the multitude sent np to heaven a shont—a thrilling vehement shout of joy , as thoujh thankful for the clearing away of the rain .
Mr Richabd riLLKG , of Ashton under-Lyne , the veteran Chartist , was called to the chair , to the no small delight of the meeting .- The Chairman told the meeting thai if they intended to carry the Charter , they must be prepared to stand more than rain ; they must be prepared to make sacrifices . Democracy was advancing throughout all Europe ; aud they had to thank the brave French for the manner in which they had carried their revolution . If the whole nation would act together , and determine to will it , as France had done , they might depend upon It they should see a great change in this country too . Mr James Lbach , of Manchester , proposed " the first resolution : —
± hat we , the people of Lancashire and Cheshire , in public meeting assembled , being convinced that this country can never enjoy ptrpetual happiness and pro « - p ^ rity until the whole of the people are possessed of their natural rights—namely , the election of the members of the legislature who are to make the laws by which aU the people are goveraed—do therefore pledge ourselves never to cease agitation until the People ' s Ghirter beeosei the law of the land . The speaker alluded to the present condition of the country , and especially of the working classes , a ? of itself a sufficient . reason why the changes which
they sought should be brought about , so as to give protection to their industry . The time had arrived when they could afford to treat with contempt the pitty scorn that would keep them out of the constitution . They sought , however , not merely for their ovn liberty , but for the diffusion of liberty all over the globe . After speaking of the inherent rights of man , Mr Leach emphatically declared , that as they sought for nothing more than justice , they would not , by the sacred heaven above them , be satisfied with anything less . ( Cheers , and a cry of * We will havjit . too . ' ) Mr J . Ciabke seconded the resolution .
MrBoHZ . TT said that he was an Irish Chartist . ( A voice : * Ton are the better for that . ' y He came there not only to tender his friendship snd aid , bat to ask them , if Irishmen were butchered whether Englishmen would not stand by and reveEge them ? ( Loud cries of'Yes . ' J He thanked them for that response . He had often met in his own country meitirp as large as that ; but he had never yet met with men of truer faith . He would _ go back and tell his countrymen , that in that magnificent spectacle free-born Englishmen were ready to swear brotherhood with freS-borc Irishmen . What interest have they apart ? None . ' Bat , ' said the learned barristsr , 'if a charge of cavalry is isafie along the streets , EhaU I be ready to say that half a millien of men in Lancaihire swore fealty to Ire .
Isn 3 , in the face of day , on the open hill , that then cause and ours is one ? ' ( Loud cheers , and shouts of * Yes , yes / long and " often repeated . ) Help us , said the epsaker , to set Ireland for the Irish , and ira Rill help yon to get England for the English . ( Cheers . ) This was the time for Chartists and JUpealers to get their o-n . With them he should ask for the Charter , and nothing hat the Charter , for thera ; and he asked them to ssy . « Ireland , aad all Ireland , for the Irish . ' He was accreSitea from Ireland to make that offer . Did they accept it ? ( Enthusiastic cries of 'Yes . ') France cJmsrms ; Prases would fratfirnisa with them . The £ rsr act of the young Republic was to acknowledge their Charter in everything ; . France has the Charier now ; Switzerland has the Charter now ; and the pepe was raising np a throne to liberty in the Tatican , and he would be their ally . { Loud cheering . )
At this point of the proceedings , a great shout was raised . Far down the road , a coach and four was seen firiviEg along at a rapid speed , and the vehicle was followed by a vast boiy of people . In a few mosents , ths carriage stopped opposite the platform , and from it alighted tfr Feargus O'Connor and Mr w \ P . Roberts . The cieering was vehement and long-continued , Mr Feisgcs O'Coskos . —That day was a proud one for England and Ireland . What he had of ten prophesied had come to pess , that the people ef both countries must nutt * before the oppressors ef both would give liberty to bath . That great meeting was not only to re present 1 abour in the House of Common ? , but to take the iron hoof of despotism from the privileges
cf the people , of England and Ireland . ; Why were the working classes kept in unwilling idleness , wiile the greatest of all raw materials , laud , was in iSIessss ? Every man willing to labour , ought to have labour , and there was ample labour for all on the land . The Land Plan , however , was only sectional ; the Charter would make it national . He should ba glad to see a mil . lion of 2 f aiioiial Gaards placed in their own castles and seatry boxes , and who would then dare to cose to them This was a sacred day and a sacred cause ; and let e ach man swear with him to high Heaven , uncovered , with Ms hat off , never to abandon thecausefiutilfreedom
h sd been obtained . ( The multitude uncovered to aman ^ anS as indescribable scene of enthusiasm took place . ) "Was not that eiscipline S TVas ever the word of command attended to more promptly ? If there should come dark and clack and sanguinary news from Ireland , he should
not confine his defence of Ireland to the House of Commons . Ha did not know how the people of England would feel if he were to-morrow or the nest day seized iy the law , attempting to do justice to them . He di § not know how his children ( the people ) would feel if their father was torn from tnem . Erery house would appear as if it bad lost one of its inmates , because he believed that he was , end Seierved te be , at all times present to their affections . The resolution was carried with ap . plause . — Mr O'Connor , Mr Roberts , and Mr Doheny here drove cS in . the carriage and fonr , followed bj the cheers of this enormous multitude , loud and long continued . Mr Dakiei , Boxovak movsd the next resolution : —
'That we believe the legislative uaion between Great Britain and Ireland was bronght about b y fraud , bribtry , intimidation , and corruption ; and that it has been the cauieof misery , starvation , and death ; and we are of cpinion that the time has cow come when that Union cnght to be repealed , and hereby plecga OuKelve * to a ? , sist our Irish brethren in the accomplishment of that desirable object . ' 2 tr Teouis Kahsih , of Manchester , seconded the motion , which was agreed to . Mr TTzeb , of Stockport , moved aa address of congratulation to the French people , which was seconded by 2 £ r J . R . Cooper , of Manchester , and carried .
The meeting broke np peecffolly and quiet ' y at stout half-past three o ' clock .
Hale-Ax.—A Camp Meeting Will Be Held On ...
Hale-ax . —A camp meeting will be held on Skir--coat Sioor on Sunday , March 26 tfa , at tw > o ' clock in the afternoon , when Mr S . Eydd of London . Messrs Rushton of Ovenden , Bowden Cutset , and Webber of Halifax , will address the meeting . Delegates from the Chartist Association in this district , are reqaestedtomtttat Nichols ' s Temperance Hotel , 16 j Broad-street , Halifax , at eleven o ' clock in the foretoon . Hums . —Mr George Webber will lecture in the Working Man ' s Hall on Sunday , March 26 ; h , at six o ' clock in the evening . WoHiiT . —Mr Clissett will lecture at this place on Sunday nest , March 2 & < b , at six o'clock in the evening . Leeds . —A public meeting will be held on Wednesday evening , at seven o ' clock , to chose two delegates to the National Convention .
The Fraternal Democrats. A Crowded Meeti...
THE FRATERNAL DEMOCRATS . A crowded meeting of this association took place on Monday evening last , at the German Hall , Drurylane , to hear a report from Julian Harney , the delegate appointed to present the society ' s address to the Republican Government of France . Citizen Hksbt Child was called to the chair , and in & few remarks introduced Julias H asset , who said , Citizens , a report of the mission of the democratic delegation to the provisional government of the French republic , has ah ready been twice made public ; first , in a joint
address , published in the names of the three English members of the delegation ; and secondly , in ° the speechegof Citizjns Jones and M'Grath . at the public meeting in the John-street Institute , on Tuesday last . What I have torepor t must of necessity be , to some extent , a repetition of what has already been made public . The address to the people of Paris , which , emanating frem this association , received the sanction of the Chartist Executive , was adopted by the Metropolitan Delegate Council , and by a great public meeting in the Westminster-road—that address was also adopted by tha 'German Working Men's Association . The report of the delegation published in the Northern Star , bore the signatures of Citizens Jones , M'Grath , and myself : but three other names should have been added thereto—those
of Citizens Schapper , Bauer , and Joseph Moll . Citizens Schapper and Moll , in conjunction with myself , represented this society of Fraternal Democrats ; and Citizen Bauer represented the German Society . Here let me pay a tribute of respect to the three brothers I have just named . These men are known to you all . Exiled from their own country they had fauad a refuge in this land ; more -than a refuge—they found ' homes . ' Yob know how ardently they laboured whilst among you , to intellect * ually and morally elevate their countrymen whom accident , the pursuits of business or labour , or political proscription had driven to England ' s shores .
And they did not confine their philanthropic labours to their own countrymen . Even before this society was established onr German friends had proclaimed the principle , 'All men are brethren , ' and opened their seciety to men of all lands . ( Applause . ) The Englishman , the Frenchman , the Scandinavian , tbe Swiss , the Italian , the Spaniard—all were welcomed . More than that , in the land ef their temporary adoption—EnglaEd—they were ever ready to give a helping hand to the English proletarians in their struggle for regeneration ; and my countrymen owe a debt of gratitude to Carl Schapper aad bis compatriots for their generous co-operation whilst
amongst us ; and should circumstances arise to call for a practical manifestation of our gratitude to them or their * , I trust that that manifestation will be shown in such a manner as will convince enr absent brethren that we have not forgotten their past services . ( Applause . ) Our three brothers are now in Fails , labouring day and night to organise their countrymen for the regeneration of Germany ; and I believe that the hour is not distant when German ; will become one vast Republic , in which the proletarians shall enjoy their rightful ascendancy—the ascendancy over privilege , —the equality of all . ( Loud cheers . ) To return to the delegation . ' on Sunday , the 5 th of March , the Citizens Jones , M'Grath , Schapper , Moll , Bauer , and myself , presented ourselves at the gates of the magnificent Hotel de Ville , which we found under the guardianship of a mixed body of National Guards and the Guard Mobile . The foremost sentinel at the gate was a member of the German society , who immediately recognising Citizen Schapper , at once admitted us . It was
aneshilirating sight to witness at every public building , work * ing men in their ordinary dress shouldering their muskets as the guardians of order , puhlic property , and the Republican government . After traversing several magnificent apartments of the palace of the people , we were ushered into the presence of three members of the government . A copy of the address in Freneh was read by Citizen Jones , and the original address I then placed in the hands of one of the Republican ministers . No doubt , you have ail read in theNoaiHERH Stab the reply ot Gamier-Pages . He expressed the gratitude of the provisional government for the sympathy of the English Democracy , and the conviction of tbe government that the Eaglish people would never permit the English government to make war against Republican France Take care to tell the English
Chartists , said Garnier-Pages , ' that in the provisional government you have found the liveliest sympathy . Tell the English Democrats we admire their principles , and respect their party , and that from such the regeneration of society is to be expected . ' Similar sentiments were breathed by Gamier-Pages , throughout his speech , at the conclusion of which the deputation withdrew , the whole of us crying Vive la Repullique ! The day of our arrival in Paris was the day of the public funeral of the martyrs of therevulution , when a hundred thousand armed men followed to their Inst resting-place—beneath the Column of July—the remains of the men who had glorieusiy died for liberty , and at least two hundred thousand spectators expressed their unanimous homage to the fallen champions of freedom , whose names vrill he remembered through all
time—* For though above them close the silent grave , A deathless glory waits the martyr ' d brave . ' ( Cheers . ) Unhappily , I did not witness the funeral —a misfortune I shall ever regret . 0 ver-exeriion in your cause had made me very unwell hefore I left England , and , on Hiy arrival in Paris , I fennd myself utterly prostrated . I rallied sufficiently to allow me to accompany the other members of the deputation to the Hotel de Ville ; but the same evening I became more seriously ill , and was compelled to take to my bed . where I was laid up for a week . On Sunday , the 12 th of March , I was sufficiently recovered to accept an invitation to breakfast with tbe civil sovernor of the Tuileries , and a very civil governor I found Citoyen Imbert , for he very civilly regaled m ? self and ' friend Schapper with a most superb
breakfast , served up on what was Louis Philippe ' s crockery . ( Cheers and laughter . ) The knives , forks , and other articles , were all marked L . P . ; and the scene of our breakfast was the reception-room attached to the Prince de Joinville's apartments . We visited a great number of rooms in the palace , including Louis Philippe ' s council-room , where it was decided that there should be no banquet ( laughter ) ; the hall of the Marshals of France , wherein we found that the portraits of Soult and Bugeaud had been torn from the gilt frames , and utterly destroyed ; asd the throne room , where all that was left of the accursed emblem of monarchy was the
canopy . I stood in the cantre of the spot where , a month age , Louis Philippe ' s throne tvas , and I uttered a prayer , not loud , hut deep , that the hour might speedily come when everyfhrene in Europe shall share the fate of the throne of Louis Philippe . ( Great cheering . ) Bat to me the moat glorious sight was the magnificent galleries occupied by the sick patriots wounded in the three days of February . ( Hear , hear . ) It was indeed a sight not to ba forgotten . Had Louis-Philippe and Gnizot triumphed over the people , the wounded patriots would have been sent to the guillotine or the galleys ; but happily tte Republic triumphed , and the disabled combatants for liberty find their every want
supplied , and their every pain assuaged in the palace of that very tyrant against whom they rose . ( Loud cheers . ) Glory to the French Republic ! Glory to its heroic sons , may they triumph over all their enemies ! ( Renewed applause . ) Anxious to return to England as soon as possible , I had but little time to gratify my sight with the beauties of Paris ; or to make the personal acquaintance oi the distinguished men at the head of the French nation . I , howcv : r , had an interview on Monday , the 13 th , with one member of the government , who shall be nameless , and with another patriot , possessing not less power . The former asauredme that this revolution should be the salvation of the people . ( Cheers . ) The ultrademocratic chiefs had devoted their lives to the good work , and they were determined that any conspiracy of the bourgeoisie to impede the march of equality , should be met by all the force of the people . ( Bravo !)
From the other patriot I heard the gratifying intimation , that the government expected to have within a month the support of 200 . 000 armed and organised working men of Paris / enrolled infthe National Guard ; a force sufficient to pnt down everyconspiracy against the Republic . { Loud cheers . ) Both these patriots strongly expressed their good wishes for the success of the English democracy ; both declared that the first wish of all true Republicans was fraternity with the people of all nations , and especially the people of England . ( Applause . ) Were the English people once free , said they , France and England united could redeem the world . ( Renewed applause . ) Brothers , we respond to jhat sentiment , we swear fraternity with the heroic people
of France . ( Great cheering . ) Among tbe very few puhlio buildings I found time to visit was the Pantheon , where I paid my devotions at the tombs of Voltaire and Rousseau . To the first mankind will be for ever indebted for the good service he performed in undermining kingcraft and priestcraft ; to the second the human race are still more indebted , for his labours for the elevation of the people . ( Applause . )! The hand which thrust from Rousseau ' s tomb bears aloft the ever flaming torch , poetically asd trnthfnlly proclaims that the philosopher of Ge neva , 'Though dead yet Bpeaketb ; ' though himself dust and ssbes , the light of his matchless genius stall illumines the world . ( Renewed applause . ) The acts of the provisional government entitle the great
men at the head of the French republic to the gratitude and admiration of the world . The abolition Of the punishment of death for political offences—the abolition of flogeing in tbe army—the abolition of aristoeratieal titles—the commission of Datienal recompenses—the commission for the organisation of industry , and the institution ef national workshops , are a few of the many acts which have elevated the republican government above—far above—every other government in the world . ( Applause . ) From ? he commission for the organisation of labour will , I trust , spring the social redemption of the proletarians . ( Cheers . ) The arming of the people , the enrolment of the working men in the National Guard , ensures [ the stability of liberty . A people
Armed Must Be A People Free. (Applause.)...
armed must be a people free . ( Applause . ) Then observe the National Assembly will be based upon the suffrages of all . Every man of twenty-one years of age may fos an elector , and any man twenty-five years of age may be elected , if he possesses the confidence of his fellow-citizens . There is the Charter . We have been meeting , talking , and writing for the last teu years and have not yet got our Charter ; tbe French with three days work have obtained the Charter and something more . ( Loud cheers . ) In tbeir financial arrangements the provisional government have also done well as far as they have gone , I question , however , if they have gone far enough . The great difficulty of the government is to find immediate employment for the masses thrown npon the
streets by the cowardly and conspiring rich . If that conspiracy goes on the provisional government must do what perhaps it vould have been well to have done within twenty-fonr hours of the proclamation of the Republics-take possession of all banks , railroads , mines , fisheries and gas-works , and all closed factories and workshops , in the name of the nation . ( Loud cheers . ) There is one step the provisional government ought to take immediately , that of confiscating the property of the rich who fly from France The Frenchman who deserts his country at this moment is a traitor , and should bo treated as an enemy . ( Great cheering . ) A great outcry has been raised against Ledru-Rollin tor his celebrated circular to the Revolutionary Commissioners , but I defend every word of that circular as essentially necessary for the defence of the liberties of the Proletarians .
The bourgeoisie made a demonstration against the government on Thursday last , but the following day the working men , the proletarians , the brave fellowsjin blouses , rose in theirjtens of thousands , and in their hundreds of thousands , marched as fighting men march through Paris to tbe Hotel de Ville , to manifest their confidenca in the government , their support of Ledru-Rollin , and their stern determination to crush , ifneed beithecounfer-revelutionisfcs . It is my intention to propose this evening an address to the brave men of Paris , thanking them for having saved the Republic . ( Loud cheers . ) And now , men of London , how much longer are we to remain slaves ' Within sight of the English shore Frenchmen hare established a Republic . sThrougnout Germany , revolution is sweeping away privilege and tyranny Everywhere the people are triumphant . Even in Austria the people are masters and that grey-headed
deul , Metternich , hashad to fly , like Don Juan , ' Sent to the devil somewhat ere bis tima . ' In every nation liberty is boating down despotismin every nation but this . Shame upon us if we endure our degradation much longer . In my opinion the National Convention ought to have been summoned for an earlier day than the 3 rd ot April , the delegates ought to have been sitting now ; but at any rate let us be prepared to meet the delegates when they do come . Let every man sign the National Petition . Let every man prepare his friends , neighbours and fellow workmen , to accompany him in the grand procession on the 10 th . Let , ; that procession be so strong in numbers , that neither thieves nor policemen shall dare to disturb the peace . Let every man . whether he be leader or follower , remember that the great revolutionary virtue is energy . If we are
energetic , we too may win equauit , iibkbit , fbatbbnitt . { The speaker resumed his seat amidst loud cheering . ) Joliak Harney immediately rose again and proposed an address to the people of Paris which will be found below . Ernbst Jo . vES . jin a speech of some length delivered in his usual forcible aud eloquent manner , seconded the adoption of the address . Be dwelt particularly upon the necessity of the men of London organising themselves for ^ the great procession on the 10 th of April , and taking such steps , when organised , as would ensure the respectful consideration of their demands on the part ot Lord John Russell and his colleagues . Citizen Jones ' s speech elicited bursts of enthusiastic applauss . Julian Harney proposed the re-organisation of the Council of the Association . A new council was elected , tha names will be found attached to the addresses below .
It was then resolved that the Council be instructed to prepare and immediately publish an address to the British people , calling upon them to take example from the patriotism of their French brethren , and like them win their liberties . A member of the Association moved a vote of thanks to Julian Harney , for his excellent performance of his duties as delegate of the society to the French Republican Government ; together with thanks to the other members of the delegation . Charles Kekk seconded the ^ resolution , which was adopted by acclamation . Julian Harney having acknowledged the compliment , the meeting adjourned .
• ADDRESS OF THE FRATERNAL DEMOCRATS ( ASSEMBLING IN LONDON , ) TO THE PEOPLE OF PARIS .
' Equality, Liberty, Fraternity.' Heroic...
' Equality , Liberty , Fraternity . ' Heroic Brother Citizens , — Three weeks ago we congratulated you on your glorious victory over an infamous Minis ^ ter and a Royal tyrant ; permit us now to congratulate you on your glorious moral victory over those intriguers and conspirators , who have wickedly attempted to strangle the Republic in its infancy by opposing themselves to the march of Equality . In our former address we paid a well-merited tribute of respect to the soldiers of the line and National Guard , who refused to shed the blood of their brethren , and who , by fraternising with you , the people , accelerated the destruction of the fallen tyranny . «
We have now to express our deep regret at the recent menacing manifestation of an illadvised portion of the National Guard , who , misled by intriguers , criminally attempted to overawe the Provisional Government for the purpose of enforcing the revocation of certain measures inimical to the pride , prejudices , and arlstocratieal interests of a few , but necessary for the security and welfare of the many .
We congratulate you , noble people of Paris , on the invincible manifestation of your strength and your patriotism , exhibited on the 17 th of March , in support of the Provisional Government . Morally and peacefully you have nipped the bourgeois-coiisp \ racy in the bud . On the 24 th of February you wrested liberty from a king ; on the I 7 th of March you proved your ability to defend that liberty against all conspirators .
You have served the true interests of the people of every land—accept this expression of our gratitude . We desire to make known to you that we heartily approve of the circular of the Minister of Public Instruction , addressed to the Primary Instructors ; and the circular of the Minister of tbe Interior , addressed to the Revolutionary Commissioners . Be assured that those who cry out against those circulars are the enemies of the people .
Impressed with a strong conviction of the patriotism of the entire members of the Provisional Government , we ^ areiloth to make any personal distinctions ; but when we see one man specially singled out for denunciation and proscription by the enemies of the Proletarians ,
we think it our duty to call upon you to protect that patriot with your lives , if necessary . We are informed that the cowardly and infamous intriguers , who pretend to apprehend a ' reign of terror / are themselves plotting to commence that'terror' by . demanding the assassination of your true friend , Ledru-Rollin . In all past revolutions the privileged classes , discomfited for a moment , have regained their power by assassinating the true friends of the people . See to it , men of Paris , that this time there shall be no mistake ;—see to it , that the men who have devoted their lives to your service , -find in your bodies a rampart against all assaults , and in your arms an avenging defence against . their blood-thirsty enemies . By abolishing the punishment of death for political offences you have
magnanimousl y spared the lives of a host of traitors , robbers , and exterminators of the people , who well deserved the severest punishment ; but we entreat you to bear in mind that if the enemies of Equality oppose conspiracy and force to reason and justice , and direct the weapons of assassination against the patriots whom you have elevated to the command of the Republic , it will be your duty to strike to the dust the intriguers and assassins , and make a terrible exmple of those . who may attempt to
prevent your political and social regeneration . Heroic brothers , the victory of February was hut the beginning of the end . ' Great trials are before you , but by virtue , ]; energy , union , and confidence in yourselves , you may surmount all difficulties and defeat all your enemies . Be vigilant , watch and work unceasingly . The regeneration cf the human race
' Equality, Liberty, Fraternity.' Heroic...
depends upon you . Brothers . ' you will prove yourselves worth y of your glorious mission !
Salutation and Fraternity ! Vive la Republique ! Signed b y the Secretaries and members of the Council on behalf of the Association . G . Julian IIarnet ,- > Ernest Jones , Charles Ivkex , Edwis Gill , COUIS REYNARD , , p , „ . - n .. . Hm « it Baiiromp , I Great Bintaitt - John Ovbrio . v , Henry Child .
Thomas Lucas . Mark L . Bburlb , - William Pebribr , " » „ Alexander Mullkb |* ranco-Charles Moll , [ „ Charms 1 ' paevdbr . { Germ » ny « CharlksSouabeutz . i p ., , , Wiluam Kama , ' } Switzerland . Peter Hom ) _ ,. GustavusLundbero , } Scandinavia Louis Ouoaaiu . Poland . £ r ancis Niitrai , Hungary . . « "llip Bluhm , Russia . Lonaon , March 20 th , 1848 .
The Council Assembled On Thursday Even I...
The Council assembled on Thursday even ing , when the following Address was unani mously adopted : —
THE FKATEPvNAfi DEMOCRATS , TO THE PEOPLE OF GREAT BRITAIN AND
IRELAND . 'Equality , Liberty , Fratjeknity . ' Brethren , —The columns of the Northern Star have already put you in possession of our Address to the Provisional Government of France , the same means have also furnished you with the particulars of its presentation and reception . On us naw devolves the duly of congratulating you on the realisation of a wish expressed in that Address . The glorious principles of our Charter have been proclaimed by the Provisional Government . Those principles are about to be . embodied in constitutional form by the National Assembly .
Thus does the success of the brave people of France encourage us to renewed , to untiring , to energetic exertion , for the obtainment of the Charter _ Shall Englishmen remain the slaves of political and socialflmisrule , now that France is free ? Shall we abide " quiescent under the infliction of political tyranny and social spoliation , while our brethren of France are consummating their political rights , and bursting the bonds of their social degradation ? In the name of the rallying cry of the French —in the name of those symbols to which the
entire honest heart of France responds—in the name of Equality , Liberty , Fraternity—we invoke you to cast from ! you the stigma that Englishmen " know their rights , but knowing , dare NOT maintain . " To the task , then , of political and social emancipation . Sign the National Petition * Proclaim everywhere the Charter . Prepare , in every manly way , for the achievement of . Ri ld , and the overthrow of Wrong , You , the working classes , are an enslaved people . Political monopoly and social rapine are your binding fetters . Burst these fetters ; every means equal to that end are justifiable , For an enslaved people , every act tending to emancipation is holy , is magnanimous .
Need we cite the acts of the noble Provisional Government , the chosen of the revolutionary and Republican working men ] of Prance , as incentives to exertion on your parts ? Behold some of them in contrast with those of our imbecile and oligarchical Government . The sovereign people , in their magnanimity , have proclaimed , through their generous Government , the abolition of the
punishment of death I The servile apologists of judicial murder have , in the House of Commons , declared its permanence in these countries 1 Monarchial and oligarchical constitutionalism finds its befitting support in judicial murder . The mundane incarnation of hell is as relentless as its Satanic archetype . To the greatness of the sovereign people belong the attributes of mercy , justice , and fraternity .
The FrovLional Government , confident in the republican patriotism of . all its citizens , have decreed the rights of citizenship to the soldiery of France . These will vote , therefore , for representatives to the 'National Assembly , whose duty it will be to give practical embodiment to the principles for which the people have bravely fought . Whatjhink the soldiery of England of this ? Consistent with the enfranchisement of the army , is the decree which abolishes flogging in
the navy . Thus the soul-toned Government of the People have restored to these two important sections of , the nation the rights of citizenship , and the dignity of manhood . Oh how the enlisted slave of our army , and the impressed sailor of the navy , must curse the oligarchic rule , of which they are the victims and the tools , when they learn the emancipation of the soldiers and sailors of France ; and when they reflect , and feel , that to them , the cat-o-nine-tails is still the ^ insignia of command , and the agency of obedience .
Though not of those reasoners , who limit their expectations of the benefits from Republican Institutions to the mere economy of Government expenditure , we , nevertheless , exultingly direct your attention to the acts of the Provisional ^ Government in this matter . To cite the instance of the Ambassador to this countiy will suffice . That functionary now receives 400 / . per year , instead 15 , 000 / . formerly paid . Mow would this salary comport with the dignified notions of the Whig Lord Normanbv ?
While the Provisional Government , on the one hand , are reducing the state expenses within the limits of Republican simplicity , on the other they are converting the Palaces of fallen brigand Royalty to the uses of the people . The Tuileries , once the royal residence of murderous monarchy , is now the hospital of the wounded defenders of liberty , and the barracks of the citizen-soldiers , If these measures of the Provisional Government , to which we have incidentally alluded , merit your attention , that of the organisation of Labour—the most momentous of alldemands your serious thoughts . What
important reflections suggest themselves to the mind in . contemplating this world-wide question ! To organise Labour ! To regulate the movements of the world ' s lever ! Yes , Labour is the lever of the world . It is that which founds empires , and surrounds their princes with all the pomp of magisterial greatness * . It is that which reduces this greatness to the level of humanity . In a word , it is that which produces and accumulates all the material wealth of the world . But above all , and before all , it is now about to raise itself—to proclaim its own rights , as its works have ever testified , to its omnipotence .
We have here alluded to the glorious mission of Labour—in future addresses we shall enter more into the minutia of its economy ; but your duty ^ is to applaud in all the circles in whicli youjmove , the acts and intentions of the Provisional Government in reference to the rights of Labour . Every success gained by your brethren of France in the acquisition of those rights is a battle won for you . Show yourselves , then , worthy of the victory . In your meetings—your workshops—your homes —everywhere , defend the brave French
working classes againstgllljvile aspersions and foul calumnies heaped upon them by the prostituted Press of England—the salaried apologists of the rapacious capitalists and the seul-Fess shopocracy . Those brave working men . of France are daily , " hourly , watching and defending , and promoting the establishment of their political and social right . * . Witness their responsive demonstration to the insolent threat of the aristocratic portion of the National Guard . Nearly 200 , 000 proletarians assembled , in a
The Council Assembled On Thursday Even I...
hours' notice , to tbe protection of the Provisional Government . 7 'hus are we encouraged by the glorious example of our French brethren . Like efforts will be crowned with similar success . The march of liberty is from the west ; already has she prostrated the despots of Vienna and Berlin . Shall she smile on St Petersburg !! ere she frowns on the oppressors of England ? Once more , then , we urge you to energetic exertions . In the name of suffering humanity we demand the co-operation of Democracts in
all parts . We exhort you to sign the National Petition , and to he prepared , in the event of that failing , with an address to the Queen , signed by millions , demanding the dismissal of her olig archical ministers , and the delegation of the government to men who will make the Charter a cabinet measure . Arouse yourselves , working men ^ of Great Britain , and tell the base , brutal , and bloody Times , that it Vies*—perfidiously lies—in asserting that the Democracy of these countries is content with its oligarchical government—its bloodstained aristocracy—and its rapacious moneyocracy . By order , and in the name of the Association of Fraternal Democrats .
G . Julian Harney , v . Ernest Jones , Charlks Keen , Edwin Gill , Collin Retsaud , ! Great Britain Hbnbt Baitbomp , johk ovbuton , IIenbt Child , Thomas Lucas , Mark L . Bkurle , ) William Peiiribr , \ „ . M Alkxasdbr Muller , / rranco > Charles Moll , 1 r . ChammPfahidm . r German J ' -
Charles Schahblitz . I o -. 1 ^ William Krell , ' [ Switzjrland , Pukk Holm . "J c j-GUSTAVU . 1 LUNDBERO , / Soand'na ™ Louia Oborski , Poland . Francis INiitrai , Hungary . Phillip Bluum , Ruasia . London , March 23 rd , 1848 .
To The People. King Bitty Smith !—Englis...
TO THE PEOPLE . King Bitty Smith !—English Snobism—Crimes of the Traitor of the Barricades . FRIENDS , COUNTRYMEN AND BROTHERS , The time has arrived when every lover of his country and the rights of man should come forward and devote his energies—heart and soul , hand and brain—to the good work of mankind ' s regeneration .
The honest leaders and advisers of the people are too few , while knaves and intriguers abound . To strengthen the former and unmask the latter ; and , at the same time , advance the cause of Labour ' s political and social emancipation , will be the object of the letters I propose , with the editor ' s permission , to address to you , the people , weekly , in the columns of vour honest and devoted organ—the " Northern Star . "
This country has'long been a refuge for destitutejroyalty . The glorious Revolution of 1789 sent the elder Bourbons to our shores , with a host of kicked-out , beggar'd aristocrats , numerous aa Egyptian locusts . The downfall of Napoleon and the re-imposition of the Bourbons , b y the hel p of English gold and Hol y Aliance bayonets , upon France , relieved us from the presence and plunderings of these royal and ^ aristocratical vagabonds . Some fifteen years elapsed , and down came the restored monarchy of France , hurled to the dust by tbe gallant but deceived heroes of July . Charles the Tenth again sought our shores , and the
ancient palace of the Scottish kings ] was set apart for his lodgment . Lastly , the glorious Revolution , which a month ago hurled the Janusfaced King of the Barricades from his throne , and consumed the throne itself , has sent to us King " Billy Smith , " with his cowardly , contemptible progeny . Tins worthy squad are now at Claremont , where they are likely to remain until the proclamation of a Republic in Belgium shall compel our old friend Leopold to claim his old quarters , when , of coarse , John Bull , or Jack Ass—whichever name you likewill have to find another lodging for the French Fagin .
No doubt , countrymen , you indulged yourselves with a hearty guffaw , when reading in the journals the account of the " moving accidents by flood and field , " which will render for ever memorable tiie heroic flight of Louis
Philippe , and his landing on this Isle of Snobs Forced to decamp , even without his umbrella
we behold his ex-Majesty , with his whiskers shorn , arrayed right royally in a blouse and a pea-coat , with head-gear to match ; the whole set off with a red and white comforter . Thus
disguised , " so that his own friends did not know him "—certainly Lafayette would have failed to have recognised his "best of Eepublics '—Philippe thePirst , and 7 asJ , dodged out of of France , and dodged into England . Having the reputation of being the greatest swindler in Europe , the worthy bourgeoisie of Newhaven , Lewes , and Brighton , could have no doubt that his ex-kingship ' s pockets were well lined , and , therefore , hastened to offer him their assistance . It is characteristic of bourgeois-benevolence , that the objects of its sympathy are always those who have plenty ; for
those who have nothing , it generally provides bastiles , skilly , and treadmills . Amongst the " Snobs'' of Newhaven , who begged and prayed to be allowed the honour of feeding , clothing , and lodging the old sinner of the Tuileries , was the rector , the Rev . Something Smith , who , doubtless , if Jesus Christ were now on earth , without a place wherein to lie his head , would , under the laws of " vagrancy , " that is , poverty , send him to the treadmill , The reverend
gent s card , with the name of " Smith thereon , threw Louis Philippe into a paroxysm of delight . "Mr Smith 1 that is curious indeed ! and very remarkable that the first to welcome me should be a Mr Smith , since the assumed name was Smith by which I escaped from France ; and look , this is my passport made out in the name of William Smith ! " Can the force of bathos further go ? " Louis Philippe the 1 st , " the would-be founder of a dynasty of kings , flying , not from the vengeance , but the contempt , of the glorious people he had deceived , betrayed , and outraged ; his disguise a red and white comforter , and his protection the assumed cognomen of Billy Smith !
When Messrs " Smith , Brown , and Robinaon" welcomed Louis Philippe , they determined to play the part of the three tailors of Tooleystreet , by giving their welcome in the name of the people of England . The royal charlatan , nothing loth to play his part in this ridiculous farce ,, professed to accept the expressions ' of their condolence as \ r manifestation of the " friendship of the British people . '' Countrymen , the Snobs of Newhaven and Croydon lied , when they pretended to speak for the British people . You , my countrymen , hate tyranny—and , therefore , you detest and execrate the cruel but baffled tyrant , whom the heroic people of France have driven from their soil .
At Newhaven , the royal hypocrite , laying his hand upon his heart , said , " I have nothing to tax my conscience with , and nothing to reflect upon . '' If this were true , it would prove him to have a most convenient conscience . If ever cuiminal deserved punishment here and perditila hereafter , such a criminal is Louis Philippe . Louis Philippe is the son of the notorious Duke of Orleans , or « Citizen Egalite / as he called himself—a wretch ' stained by every
crime , and justly sent to the scaffold . In the year 1790 , Phili ppe became a member of the Jacobin Club , and on more than one occasion officiated as door-keeper at the sittings of that famous assembly . In the register of the National Guard he erased all his titles with his own hand , and wrote after his name— Citizen of Paris . When all emblems of nobility were abolished , Philippe declared that" he was too much the friend of equality'' not to Jiave received the decree with joyj ! ' a
To The People. King Bitty Smith !—Englis...
When France , sick of the entire race , pro nounced idcfgihieht . against all the Bourbons " Egalite / ' junior , saved himself from the fate of his worthy father by bidding adieu to France and Frenchmen . Subsequently , he offered his services to Spain against his own country , but his offers were rejected . With the restoration of the elder Bourbons he returned to France , where , until 1830 , he spent his time in safel y intriguing against his relatives , the then possessors of the French monarchy . Many foolish men suffered death to promote his knavish ends , but he kept himself out of harm ' s wav .
1 he Revolution of 1830 enabled Louis Philippe to realise the object of his life-long intrigues . Dressed en-bourgeois , with a cotton umbrella and tricoloured cockade , he induced that old ; fool , and very questionable '' liberal , " Lafayette , to present him to the Parisians as ' the best of Republics . ''• The people were ignorant—rascals , like Thiers , traded upon their ignorance—¦ the bourgeoisie were unanimous—the Republicans were overawed—and Louis Philippe became " Citizen-King of the French , " pledging
himself " to surround his throne with Republican Institutions . " His first act was to write a secret letter to the Russian Autocrat ~ -a copy of which 1 have before me—in which he hypocritically spoke of the July Revolution , as a " catastrophe' ' which he had sought " earnestly to avert ; ' ' and cringingly implored the protecting countenance of the Tzar , in return for his ( then plotted ) treason against the principles which had placed him at the head of the French nation . In his forei gn policy he laboured most consistently to prove himself worth y of . the regard of Nicholas . He betrayed Poland ; he betrayed the patriots of Spain , Italy , and Germany , and treacherously stifled the
propaganda of 1830 , which , but for him , would then have freed Europe . More recentl y he abandoned Cracow to Austria . He intrigued against the liberal Pope . He united with Austria to create civil war in Switzerland , with the view of dismembering that country , and destroying its Republican Institutions . Lastly , to obtain a prospective throne for one of his sons he had recourse to the blackest arts of sin , as the poor Spanish Queen could testify . He jeopardised the peace of Europe , and brought shame and contempt upon France . His crimes were so enormous , that even his vile agents—his Ambassadors — destroyed themselves , or went mad through despair and remorse of conscience .
He ruled France b y corruption and terror . The number of Government Officials was four times the number of the electors . Votes in the Electoral Assemblies and the Legislature were regularly bought , and by such means a , e strong majority ' ' in the Chamber of Deputies was secured ever read y to declare the country ^ satisfied" with his infamous system . By the laws of September , and unceasing legal persecution , he fettered or crushed the
Press . The right of association and public meeting was utterly taken away . Police spyism reigned triumphant . I can but allude to the hloodv means by which he sought to establish his throne . Would to G-od that I had space at command to unfold in detail his sanguinary atrocities . I can only remind you of the massacre of the brave proletarians of Grenoble and Lyons , whose motto was— " to live working or die fighting . " I can but remind you of the slaughter of the Parisians
at' the funeral of General Lamarque , when grape shot was poured upon the people , and more than six hundred victims slain . Louis Philippe declares he has nothing to tax his conscience with ! Has he ' forgotten the murders in the Rue Transnonain ? Has he forgotten that his executioners fired upon prisoners in their dungeons , shot unarmed men for their amusement , slew old men , pregnant women , and infants at the breasts of their mothers ? Has he forgotten that even the sanctuary of the Church was not respected }
lhe supporters of " order" murdered their victims even at the foot of the altar 1 The guillotine reeked with blood—blood shed to maintain his usurpation . The dungeons of Mont St Michael , Douellons , and St Pelagie , were filled with the bravest and noblest Republicans . In those holes of hell the condemned suffered such tortures , that many destroyed themselves or went mad . Others perished by inches , Others , like heroic Barbes , survived the worst malignity of their tyrant , and are now enjoying liberty and power , honoured bv their grateful countrymen , but they are broken in body , destroyed in constitution ; tyranny has numbered their days , nevertheless they have the satisfaction of witnessing the tyrant ' s disgrace , and the dawn of mankind ' s regeneration .
Louis Philippe says "he has nothing to reflect upon I" Not even the wives he has made widows , and the children fatherless ; to say nothing of those who , deprived of their natural ' protectors , have died of hunger , or fallen into the horrors of crime and prostitution ? Louis Philippe ' s crowning crime stamps his name with eternal infamy . He encircled Paris with a girdle of forts , intended not for defence
against foreign foes , but for offence against the people whose rights he had filched from them . He studded the streets of that capital with barracks , guard houses , and other depots for troops . He brought a hundred thousand soldiers into the city , exclusive of the National Guard , and his mercenary butchers—the Municipal Guard . He thought himself strong enough to forbid the Banquet , and
"let loose the dogs of war , " and he did so . Blood flowed in torrents . Hundreds of the people werekilled or wounded . But the hour had struck . The mass of the soldiers and National Guard refused to fight against the people . The Proletarians carried all before them , and the Orleans dynasty went down into the ' " blackness of darkness" for ever . The tyrant failed and fell ; but be it never forgotten , that had the troops been faithful to him , he would have destroyed half the people of Paris , and doomed the rest to a state of hopeless slavery . The blood of every patriot slain in the Revolution rests upon his head .
Truly did the Abbe Gregoire exclaim— " The history of kings is the martyrdom of nations " * If every hair of Louis Philippe ' s head could pour blood , were strict justice done upon him , that blood would be doomed to flow . But the French people , magnanimous in their terrible power , have spared his life , that he may live the scorn and contempt of Europe , with the hatred of every people , and even the mockery of his former flatterers poured upon his
head" The laughter of triumph , the jeers of the world . " When In every other land the voice of the people rises to Heaven in execration of the defeated tyrant of France , shall England be an exception ? No ! You will declare with me , that' were Englishmen free—free as they are resolved to become—this land should be no refuge for cast-out tyrants ; on the contrary , England ' s statute book should declare that"He who oppresses one nation , is the declared enemy of all ; and those who make war on a people to arrest the progress of liberty , and to annihilate the rights of man , ought to be pursued everywhere , not as ordinary persons , but as assassins and brigand rebels . " L ' AMIDU PEUPLE .
Brai»?6m>.—Tho Procession For Gilstead M...
Brai »? 6 m > . —Tho procession for Gilstead Mpor camp meeting , will meet in the large room oft & a Land Office , on Sunday morning , at ten oVstock , and from thence proceed , at half-past eleven , to the place ° ThTatoiiors of the Land Company , Bradford branch , are requested to meet in the Land Offije , at seven o ' clock on Thursday evening . The Cbamims of Manchester-roadi Bradford , will meet at the Yorkshire Divan , on Menday evening , at eight o ' clock , to elect a committee . _ will be held at sis
A Public Meeting on Sunday , o ' clock in the evening , in tho large room , Butter * worth-buildings . to elect a delegate to to be held in London on April 3 rd days . Tub Members of the Land Compan their room , on Sunday next ( too ' clock in the evening * ....
The Convention^ , A Na^Ouov^M Jrj / >Rvv...
the Convention ^ , a na ^ oUov ^ M JrJ / > rvVj y ^! ) $ 0 $ morre ^ j i / lajv ^ i ^ * q jj ^ p / Ji ^ C fcZj " *'"' : ' --twM > theConventiottj 1 , a na ^ oUov ^ ingi lany ^ iil ^ nBlin ' miiG ^ , t ^ fir ^ ^ l / UllMfc ?}; N ? fS ^'^ i $ wM VtftH
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), March 25, 1848, page 5, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_25031848/page/5/
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