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"Who would he free, - Himself must strike the Wow."
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of - , - \ AND NATIONAL liflJS' JOURNAL....
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TO THE OLD-GUAEDS. Loved axd Hoxotjke© C...
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a the the pets of tht Press odious igkEr...
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fwttonai uairo oromptn>.
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Hull.—At a meeting of the shareholders a...
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CAPABILITIES OF THE LAND. TO" THE EDITOR...
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CHAItTERVILLE. AN ADDRESS TO THE MEMBERS...
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O'CONNOllYILLE
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TO THE EDITOR OF THE SOUTHERN STAR. Dear...
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THE TRUSTEES OF THE NATIONAL COOPERATIVE...
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entrust ffltwugtiw.
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HnrDERsriELD.—On Sunday last a-democrati...
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ft " Jsv *s : *i \ r-~i ¦ X \ ! N..'' V ...
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.
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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.
"Who Would He Free, - Himself Must Strike The Wow."
"Who would he free , - Himself must strike the Wow . "
Ar00112
Of - , - \ And National Lifljs' Journal....
AND NATIONAL liflJS' JOURNAL . * sis \^
To The Old-Guaeds. Loved Axd Hoxotjke© C...
TO THE OLD-GUAEDS . Loved axd Hoxotjke © Comrades , When I address you as the Old Guards of Chartism , you -will understand that I include every man who lives by his industry , because . all such men are interested in the accomplishment of our principles , as the labourer can never be requited for his industry by any other means than the most profitable developement of our national resources , by a fair representation of the - whole people in the Commons House of Parliament . \
Old Guards , if ever there was a . time when vigilance caution , and perseverance was necessary , it is now . Having abandoned all pleasures , my every thought is absorbed in your cause , and my every hour is devoted to the realisation of those principles by which alone that cause can triumph . While you are working with your hands I am wofBng with my head ; and while you are in the rattle-box , on the lap-board , or in the workshop , with addled brains and distracted thoughts I am in
thinking for you . I think of you , and I think for you , not more because I love your order , than that I believe that every man born into this world has been assigned some duty to perform , and that all will one day have to < dve an account , of their stewardshi p . The duty that has been assigned to one , or that from choice I have adopted , if man is born with free will , is to " comfort and assist the weak hearted , to raise up themthatfall , " to develops the true principlesof charity , and , if possible , to leave the world better than I found it .
Old Guards , cast your eyes . back upon the difficulties against which you and I have , had to contend for the last seventeen ; years , dating from the period when I first entered Parliament as an Irish member , but assumed the right of representing the imperial mind ; and think of the brutal persecution that I received from the Irish Liberal members , until atlength I was banished from my country , and adopted
by you . And when you think of those past times , and of the persecutions to which our party has been subjected , and that , in defiance of all , we are now worth the "bid" of all , you will marvel at the past , and anticipate success . I have told your oppressors , when plain Jonx Campbell—now receiving five thousand pounds a year of your money , for being an Irish Chancellor for twelve
hoursdeclared that Chartism was dead , that where it was stricken down by the giant hand of tyranny it would remain , and when it again aroused , that it would march onward , but never would retreat . Old Guards , reflect for a moment that infants , only four years of age at that period , are now full-grown men ; and that they have been trained from infancy in the cause in which you and I enlisted . This will inform you of our present strength , and will teach you the reason why all now consider us worth bidding for . In the commencement we were but a staff , now Ave are an army—and an unconquerable army , if we are but true to ourselves . And now to the point .
The developement of the Labour Question is now revolutionising the world , for the mind of America itself is fixed to the free-soil question , and the only fair solution of the Labour Question is , that " the labourer should be the first partaker of the baits of his own industry , " an end that can never be accomplished until he himself represents that industry ; for as self interest is the basis of human action , the privileged classes—rio matter to what order they belong— « . rill never permit the poor unrepresented man to be otherthau a dependent slave , so long as b y class legislation the employers of labour can live upon then' dependence . But now that the time has arrived when our
svstem of government—or , rather , misrule—has swallowed up all the proceeds of industry , constituting apatronage fund for those whose influence the Corn-Law League sought to destroy by Free Trade , but which I have told you over and over again never could be destroyed except by Free Trade in representation . And if we are wise , watchful , persevering , and resolute , that day is at hand , and not far distant ; and my principal object in wfitingthisletter , is toput you uponyourguard , as to be forewarned is to oe forearmed . The middle classes—the veritable middle
classes , the shopkeepers—who have no patronage to dispense , and who are being eaten up with taxation , and destroyed by the poverty of * your order , have at length fraternised with yon , and are read y to co-operate with you for the accomplishment of the means by which alone you and they can arrive at the desired end . And , as ol y ore , that portion of the Press representing , not the minds or feelings of the shopkeeping class , but the taste and vices of the gay and dissolute , fears lest virtue and sobriety—emanating from well-requited industry—should destroy their trade ; that portion of the Press would now make the abandonment of the Chartist cause by Feargus O'Coxkor , the keystone of this new political arch .
Old Guards , I was iirmly convinced when this movement was originated , that that would he the primary object—if not of its promoters—of those who hoped to make merchandise of it ; and that I have not made a miscalculation you will discover from the article in last week ' s "' Dispatch" wherein I am pourtrayed politically and socially—politically , as regards the Charter ; and socially , as regards the Land Plan . You will find the jubilee with which my retirement from public life is announced , and the fond expectation of all the benefits of the Land Plan being yet realised bv honest trustees .
Old Guards , cur life and straggles will , one day , constitute no short history ; and there isno task more necessary than that of comparing notes . If , then , you turn your mind to 1839 , when the first Convention sat , and whose labours would have been crowned with success but for the treachery of men who did not belong to your order ; you will recollect that then the " Dispatch" was our bitterest enemy , and has continued so down to the present moment . Ton will recollect that it was the first assailant—not of my integrity , but of the impracticability of the Land Plan . Its columns were open to Joshua Housoy , and correspondence ,
communicated from the editorial stool to the printer ' s devil , until , at length , the Gravelpit pauper has become Esquire by his industry , and now the Plan surpasses all others : but Eeaegus O'Coxxor is the only man who cannot practicall y develope its national value . ] Nbw , let me ask you if anything could be more presumptuous or foolish than a person , sitting from morning till nig ht on his editorial stool and understanding as much about the Land as a pig does of geometry , and yet undertaking to scan and criticise operations of which le has never received any , the slightest , knowledge , except from those who were aware that slander of me would meet with the best
reception . Old Guards , I must call your attention to the political tactics of p arties , and show you their mode of attack . The first assault is against any princip le adopted by the working classes , if its realisation is calculated to serve their order . The promoters and advocates of that principle are not even worthy of comment until it has taken some hold of the public mind , and then the justice of the principle is has
admitted—it is a GOOD CAUSE , but iallen into bad hands , and its advocates are des 3 < mated interested ruffians . Now , mark the difference of my tactics . In the first Convention of . 1839 , the "Dispatch" and the Press generally , assailed the principles of Chartism ; while the task of contending with the ruffians who sought to destroy it , when our exchequer became empty , was left to me—and it was no ijas y task . The deserters , however , became
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the pets of tht Press ; they were lauded for their prudence , their shrewdness , and their sagacity ; the denunciation of the principle was abandoned—its justice waa admittedhut it had FALLEN INTO BAD HANDS : and , while in the FELON'S DUNGEON , I had not onl y to contend against the vituperation of the Press , but against the malignity of the " poor gentlemen" who , having for the np . t . s of + 1 ^ Pritcc . " + t , ™ - ^^^^^^^^
seven months exhausted our exchequer , receiving six guineas a week , wore too proud to work , and too poor to live without labour ; the y became provincial lecturers—professed to uphold the principles of the Charter , but denounced Feargus O'Connor for having stopped the supplies when he would no longer be a party to a juggle ; and in the words of the . veteran patriot , John Ka'jcght , of Oldham—the last words I ever heard from him
— "The disappointed 'poorgentlemen' then attempted to HURL ME TO DEATH ; " and this farce was attempted to be re-enacted b y the last National Assembly , when their exchequer became empty : while it is my boast to sayvihat , from first to last , the hieti of your order stood nobly by me , an < f enabled me to overcome the hostility of the Press , ' and the vengeance of the disappointed . Dozens of
papers Avere established to destroy the power of Feargus O'Connor and the "Northern Star , ' and all were established by the most violent professors of Chartism ; while none having arrived at the existence point were assailed by the Press . The " Dispatch" has ever been in the greatest ignorance of Chartist principles and their advocates ; ^ and as if to show a resolution to remain in ^ darkness , it still talks of the five points of the PEOPLE'S
CHARTER . Old Guards , I think I have shown you the political difficulties against Avhich Ave have had to contend , and , I think , the' value now attached to your co-operation , will prove the triumphant manner in which we have beaten down all opposition . I have always told you that Chartism was the means , and the cultivation of the Land by free labour , the end ; and the " Dispatch " now tells you precisely the same , but that I am not the person to carry out either .
Old Guards , I have often told you that when your political and social principles were establiskedlike , QuintusCincinnatusI Avouldretum to my plough ; Avhile Ino w tell you that the foreshadowing ofthc future by the "Dispatch , " has confirmed me in the resolution to still hold the helm of the Chartist vessel . The " Dispatch ' noAv tells you , that the subdivision of the land is the only means by which the country can he saved ; but , in the hope of arresting its progress , it Avould place the scheme in the hands of honest , Panicking , juggling Trustees . The Free Traders , as I shall one
day show you , use their every influence with the Government to prevent the legalisation of the Land Plan . It is the only plan by which the people can be elevated into a proper position , and it is the only plan to Avhich legalisation has ever been refused . Look to the rail-Avay juggles , and see the Parliamentay opposition offered to any investigation into that question , because all were afraid of all ; and then , see the manner in Avhich the powerful ean resist the making of laws for the benefit of the poor , and how , upon the other hand , they can violate laws—for instance , the Ten Horns Bill .
Old Guards , the fault of every Government is , that when an evil is acknowledged , if it confers benefit upon an influential class , they are afraid to arrest its growth until compelled by pressure , always forgetting the good old adage , that " a stitch in time saves nine . " Noav the great difficulty , nay , the only difficulty , against which you have to contend , and Avith which Government Avillhave to grapple , is the substitution of machinery for manual labour without the enactment of laws to make it a national instead of a class benefit . 1 told
you in 1835 , when I made my first Chartist tour , I would not give you a farthing for the Charter to-morroAv , if the Land Avas locked up , and the " Dispatch 11 now repeats my stereotyped words , that the fair and just application of the Land , is the only means to destroy illegitimate competition , to establish the fair standard of Avages , to develope the national resources , andthereby establish a large home market for our domestic produce , both in goods and food , thus harmonising society , making the rich richer , and the poor rich .
All other countries are now improving their machinery , and especially America , our greatest customer , and our Government , instead of making timely and prudent concessions , will withhold all alterations until the people , roused to madness , will seek to accomplish by force Avhatit was the duty of the Government to concede to justice . Old Guards , you were told that when one channel is closed another channel is opened , but this rubbishing theory but tends to choke up so many foul channels , that at length they become flooded like sewers with nuisance , and
the pestilence creates a malady ; butltellyou , as" I have told you a thousand times , that the onl y healthy channel is the Land , and you and I must both rejoice that the "Dispafcft , " representing a huge amount of the mind of this country , has now come to that conclusion ; , and the manufacturers Avill shortly be compelled to adopt it as the means of securing a good home trade , Avith this single proviso , that they must first GET RID OF THE DEVIL , and then , perhaps they could turn it to class instead of national purposes . Butfearnot , Old Guards , might have been Avallowing in wealth ,
participating in every pleasure , and living luxuriously , hut I prefer frugality and a clear conscience to voluptuousness and haunting reflections , and the very desire to get rid of me only rivets the affections of the people more dee p ly , and , with God ' s blessing andyour help , I will beat down opposition and overpower all conspiracy . Aye , when I take a cause in hand , I am not easily diverted or frightened from my purpose , and neither the vituperation of the Press , the terror of the dungeon , the transport or the gallows , shall ever compel me to abandon the National Land Plan , or abandon a single point of the PEOPLE'S
CHARTER . Let me ask you a single question . Did you ever know or hear of any movement in any country successfully carried oat , except that in which the working classes took part ? Your answer must be "Never ! " and will you , or can you , point out any change from which conquering Labour has derived any , the slightest , benefit ? Never ; as the mere triumph consists in the transfer of power from the hands of one privileged class to those of another ; but as the mental labourer , the shopkeeper , and the-manual labourer have now seen their common
interest , and have been wedded "together for one common object—namely , the most profitable developement of thenationalresources , and the fair and equitable distribution of the produce by a full , free , and fair representation in the Commons' House of Parliament—those whom God has joined in this holy union none shall dare put asunder , and I rejoice to think that I have performed a portion of the ceremony . Old Guards , although comparisons may be
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, fair contrasts are instructive ; and 'let me now contrast the political movements of Ireland with those of England . O'CONNELt may be said to have commenced Ms agitation in 1812 , and to have , continued it to 18 iG—& period of thirty-four years . No-monarch ever possessed more power . His . power was in a great measure based upon the antagonism of the virtual Irish to the dominion of the conquerors' Church , and you are aAvarethat , as in Scotland of old , and in England and in all other countries in the world , a people steadfast to their ; faith will be most easily rallied under the standard of that faith . Their enthusiasm , their courage , their devotion , arid their .. .. patriotism was unrivalled and un- ; equalled ; and during those thirty-four years Avill the nicest critic point out one single law that has been enacted for the benefit of that
country ? Awhile every glorious opportunity has been sacrificed for titles , honours , distinctions , emolument , and profit . Look at the beggarly set of representatives that now undertake to explain and legislate for the mind of Ireland . Eook at the dark cloud that has so long htnig over her destinies , now to be dispelled by the
ENDOWMENT OF THE CATHOLIC CLERGY , and the royal donation of a thousand pounds g iven from the Exchequer to clothe the naked , and feed the starving . Then see the different position of England ; where Ministers that are , and Ministers that are to be , consider yourpower worth bidding for . And who raised it ? who prepared it for the day of auction ? Was it the " Dispatch ? " Was it the "Tiroes ? " No . It was the RED CAT and the " Northern Slay" that prepared it , and the " Daily News" and the "Morning Advm--tiser" are now faithfully developing it : and although the RED CAT wiU cautiously watch the vermin , yet Avhatever the slander of the
Press maybe , it shall never make it an instrument in the hands of your enemies to arrest the progress of your triumph . And it is my greatest pride and boast to be able to say , the " Argus-eyed" Press , Avith the strongest appetite and the greatest desire to ruin me , in Order to rain . your cause , has never been able to charge me wfthone dishonest , dishonourable , ungenerous , or ungentleman-like act . They hoped that , likeHENRY Hunt , your ingratitude would prematurely hurry me to the cold grave ; but the gratitude of the millions has extracted the sting of the venomous units , and no man has ever more abundantly partaken of popular gratitude and confidence than myself .
Old Guards , as I never Avish a single leaf to be plucked from your laurels , and although the charge of ignorance is made the plea for withholding your just rights , I wish to prove to the Avorld that Ave , the ignorant and muchreviled Chartists , have been in advance of all in political , social , and financial knowledge . I have already proved from the words of the " Dispatch , " and from the "Times , " that although in BAD HANDS , our political aud social cause is good ; and now let mo call your attention to the developement of our financial knowledge from the following statistical table , published in the " Morning Advertiser , " Here it is : —¦
THE STATE AND PROSPECTS OF EN / GLAND . The following are extracts from a letter , entitled The Curse Removed , and addressed to the manufacturers of Manchester , on the state and prospects of England , by ' * a Citizen of Edinburgh , " ( just published by Mr . Effingham Wilson . ) The writer opens with this somewhat startling statement : — If you read this letter with care , you are likely to discover , that with all your expenditure of time , money , and labour , your work is only begun—that
almost nothing has as yet been accomplished for manufactures—that a condition of things has now ensued , which will stop the increase of manufactories , and makes it doubtful if those establishments now existing can be maintained . You will farther discover that no desire , however urgent , on the part of other nations , to possess themselves of your productions , nor any effort , however strenuous on your part , will enable you to comply with their demands : that an obstacle stands in the way which no existing project of legislation can remove or surmount .
1 . —THE PRESENT STATE OF EXGtAXD . "While ihe storm of revolution rages without , it is natural for us to congratulate ourselves on the tranquillity that reigns within . While scarcely any other government in Europe has security for a day ' s existence , England is tranquil . AH things continue as they were , and appear as if more firmly established than ever . Our insular situation in some measure guards us from the continental contagion . More , however , depends on the intelligence of the people —their habits of submission to the law—their hatred
of violence—and a well-grounded conviction that public opinion is the best reformer . England is abundantly supplied with every thing fitted to minister to the wants and comforts of man . In physical science she stands pre-eminent among the nations . Before the introduction of railways it was calculated that her power of production by machinery was equal to the labour of six hundred millions of human beings , a power equal to almost the natural power of the whole population of the world .
Her coal mines are nearly inexhaustible , affording every facility for the working of this mighty agent . In addition to the advantages already enumerated there are others . Her capital is overflowing ; at no period of her previous history was it ever so abundant . The soil is well cultivated and productive throughout . Her ships cover every sea . Her warehouses are filled with every necessary and luxury of life . In short , there is no want of anything that can minister to human enjoyment , Nor is there at the present moment any important obstruction in the way of trade . Money is plentiful , the funds hi g h , the world nearly as open as ever , and her colonies as extensive . The price of provisions is low , and yet trade is languid . Multitudes of working men have nothing to do . Our manufactories are not fully employed , and some of those in operation not profitably so .
WHAT IS TO BE DONE WITH THE DEBT ?' Men of thought and intelligence have long speculated on this subject . Mr . M'Culloch wrote a treatise to prove the justice and necessity of reducing the interest of the debt . Sir James Graham wrote a book to prove the justice and necessity of applying the sponge to the principal : in other words , he proposed to rob the national creditor of eight hundred millions sterling , by an Act of Parliament , after the example of Continental despots . The question at length will undoubtedly be raised , what is to be done with the debt . To this question only one reply can be given , and that is pay it . This can be done now with greater facility than at any previous period since the war with France was concluded , and every year it remains unpaid the difficulty of paying it will increase . In fact , if not done soon , it never can be done peaceably—therefore pay it .
THE FRINCTPM 3 OP PATMEIiT . The charge now standing against the country is stated to be SOS millions . This is the amount as regards the payment of the interest ; but not as regards the payment of the principal . Our Proposal is to lay a tax of 7 * per cent , on the capital debt of the nation , whether funded or unfunded , and to limit the capital on which the charge should be made to £ 80 for every £ 100 of the 3 per cents ., £ 8 o on the 3 J and 3 J per cents , and £ 100 on the 5 per cents . or , in other words , to pay the whole debt at 7 i per cent , below the prices here fixed . It is necessary , whatever precise sum may be adopted as the basis , that distinct warning be previously given , otherwise
the gentlemen on the Stock-Exchange would run up the 3 per cent , stock to £ 100 and then cry out robbery . The prices above fixed are a fair valua . tion . In this proposal there is no breach of national faith : neither honour nor justice requires more—The amount to be providedfor wouldbe £ G 58 , 4 t « , Jio A tax of 73 per cent , on this sum amounts to £ 49 , 332 , 470 , but instead of carrying this to the credit side of the account , it will simplify . ' the matter by at once deducting it from the amount ; of the charge , as tho easiest mode of collecting the tax , and thus fixing fhe claim of the public creditor 49 , 332 , 470 Leaving £ 009 , 100 , 475 to be provided for by the country at large .
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. ^ fn Y '•'• * - IHIi WATS AXD MEANS . = / s #£ 7 or *? e £ «> meet this sum , there can be no inius-Hift ^ r OT thore be a ! , y objection to the applicat » n ot all the property as yet undisposed of that & £ > exclusi \ * t 0 th <> nation . ?™ m various ST ? ' - tbo exacfc value of this property oanluW but s « cli an approximation to vSS b 2 armed at as wiH avail for our present 53 Hav ? - ? - ? naIlI ° us to make the principle undcr-« ° ? ^ "ch it is proposed fo proceed . . deWare ' alM ^' - ^ e ^ tinction of thc T ^ 9 PM'fy under the Commissioners £ . Th ^ Sr ' ^ Forests , estimated ...... 150 , 000 , 000 tSSS ? of Cwnwall and . Lancaster 2 100 000 Theproperty of the church of England 240 , 000 , 000 " tI'SST * - $ » - ° to »« fc Of Scotland 7 , 975 000 'M ^/ R erty of tho church of Ireland Ml , 250 , 000 vJSl ^ t ? A Per cent- on railway property 10 , 000 , 000 ap ^ ' ° |_ Per cent , on-landed property 234 , 000 , 000 % m ™ P < 51 ' cent ' " ali other property f 30 , 000 , 000 .
W ' , ; Total amountiUv : ^ . ; ..: ^ . 678 , 225 , 000 tTheamount stated as necessary to'he ^;? 5 prov ided for was .: ^ .. ^ . ^ .. ^*; .. 609 , 100 , 473 ¦ '
i'Mj ; ; i m !; -V '"' - -W . flV < . ' -: \ v- ;' . ., ?' .. ' . _______ \ . Mbh ^ I « aving . a ; sur ' Elus <^ 69 , 124 , 525 B ] Pne adoption of this plan , ¦ tnd" 6 ursp would be rejafflgMJ . : The pepple of , this country would once In'OrMaye ^ WEuetfittt . ^ i ^ 4 theyJ ^^ htiiiujte the pleasures of life—whore they migM shut their doors against the intrusion of poverty , and repose themselves in peace . Till some such plan be adopted , every attempt to remedy the evil will fail . . The people connot subsist but , by a revival of trade , and this revival of trade cannot be obtained but by an increased consumption on tho . part of the people . Neither party can make the requisise movement . They are come to a dead lock . Every step they take
only makes them worse , and as time advances , the evils that beset society will be augmented . ; Frauds and robberies will be multiplied . Men will ' take the funds where they can , to carry them out of the country . In the mean time , society is every day deteriorating . Very soon the fraction of hope which still exists may be blasted , only to usher in the horrors of despair . From what is here said , it is not to bo supposed that such changes will bo effected in a day ov a year . The immense wealth of this country will sustain the government for a considerable time , if we can suppose it possible that the labourers will quietly and contentedly starve . We only say such is the tendency of our present position , and such will sooner or later be the result .
I shall make but a short comment upon the ahove , hut you will hoar in mind that I have , more than once , analysed the slight advantage that the working classes Avould derive from a reduction of ten millions a year , if they were not represented in the House of Commons ; but you will also bear in mind that I voted for every measure of Financial Reform ; that I never offered it the slightest opposition in the House or out of the House ; but that I became disheartened with it as a substantive measure , when Mr . Cobden left its adoption to
the CONVENIENCE OF THE MINISTER . I have frequently submitted a much more comprehensive , and a more just , scale of reduction , and a greater portion of which —nay , tho plum—is now advocated by the able writer of the above analysis . In my table I put down the Church Property , or rather your property , monopolised by the Church , at ei g ht millions a year , and which T showed , at thirty years' purchase- —although it is worth forty years , being the first charge upon the land—would fetch two hundred and forty millions , the very sum at which the writer estimates it .
Now , I will give you my Financial Reform table . I estimate the National Debt , exclusive of long annuities , at seven hundred aud fifty millions . For every sixty pounds borrowed ; , tho State is paying one hundred pounds , that is because it was bankrupt when tho debt was contracted . Sixty pounds now , with Free Trade , and the cheapness consequent upon machinery , would purchase much more than the hundred pounds would when it was lent ; and , therefore , as the State was bankrupt then and is bankrupt now , I would pay every fundholder twenty shillings for every pound he lent , that is , sixty pounds for every hundred you are presumed to owe ; that would reduce your debt to its legitimate standard—viz ., ' four hundred and fifty millions , and I would meet it thus : —
Church property ( your property ) ... £ 240 , 000 , 000 Woods and Forests ( your property ) 150 , 000 , 000 Scotch Church property ( your property ) ... . ... .- 8 , 000 , 000 Irish Church property ( your property ) ... ... ... 11 , 000 , 000 Poor Rates , £ 2 , 000 , 000 , at forty years ' purchase ... ... S 0 , 000 , 000
Total ... ... £ 489 , 000 , 000 The above sum would leave thirty-nine millions over ivud above paying the National Debt , and now I will show you the National Saving . Interest on debt ... ... £ 27 , 000 , 000 Expense of collection ( under the mark ) ... 3 , 000 , 000 Save to landlords and owners of property , as the present amount is over eight millions ... 6 , 000 , 000 Total ... ... £ 30 , 000 , 000
Thus the fundholder is placed in a better position than he would have been when the money was lent ; the expense of collection is done away with ; the landlords save six millions a year in poor rates , as you need have no poor under a proper system ; and after tho repayment of tho whole National Debt , upon a fair and equitable principle , you would have a surplus of thirty-nine millions , or within a fraction of what would give five years' salary
to every parson in the land , during which time he could prepare himself for a more useful , if not a more profitable , occupation . I would then place a property tax upon all real property . I would have neither pensioners , placemen , idle paupers , soldiers , nor policemen , for England would beat peace with the world , and , if invaded , every hamlet would be a sentry-box , and every occupant would be a volunteer ; and to this conclusion we must come at last .
Old Guards , I have ' now reminded you of the past and present , and have foreshadowed the future ; and " as the folly of to-day is the wisdom of the morrow" y ou will very shortly find the " Dispatch" adopting our Financial , as it has our Political and our Social , principles , and , before Parliament meets again , those who calculate upon my political burial will have to record my political resurrection . Ever your faithful and attached Friend , Feargus O'Connok .
A The The Pets Of Tht Press Odious Igker...
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Fwttonai Uairo Oromptn>.
fwttonai uairo oromptn > .
Hull.—At A Meeting Of The Shareholders A...
Hull . —At a meeting of the shareholders and members of this branch , in their rooms , Malt Shovel , Uorth Church Side , Hull , to hear the report of the delegate , Mr . It , Jackson was unanimously called to the chair , when Mr . Oliver gave a general account of the proceedings of Conference , dwelling at great length on the general complaints of the several allottees , visited by himself , as well as their future prospects . He also informed us that tho ina
crops at Snig's End did credit to the allottees , smuch as they were superior to any of their neighbours , and far surpassed those at Lowbands . A small sample of the wheat was handed round the room , and much admired , especially the Egyptian Mummy wheat , being a great curiosity , On tho motion of Mr . J . Peck , seconded by Henry Lavaricn , tho thanks of the meeting were given to Mr . Oliver . It was particularly requested that all branches who havenot yet . forwarded their shares of the levies tor this delegation will do so as soon as possible , and not leave us in the unenviable position of last year , having to raise upwards of £ 3 out of the sum ot £ 310 s .
Hull.—At A Meeting Of The Shareholders A...
Newcastlb-ox-Tyne . —At a meeting held August 19 th ; : Mr . William Halliwell , of South Shields , the delegate to the late Conference attended , and < mvo an explanation of his report to the Conference . ° The report given arose from a statement made , to him in a private company , and he said he was misled by such statement ; this branch therefore exonerates Mr . William Halliwell from all blame . Leeds . —A ihcotiu & 'Yof members , was held on Sunday afternoon , August 19 th , at the Bazaar , when the following officers were elected : —Williiam Newton , - secretary ; Samuel Stone , ' John Gledhill , auditors ; Charles Rayncr , treasurer . —It was ' resolved : —" That the members of this branch meet in the Bazaar monthly , the first meeting to take place on the 2 nd of September . "—All members of the Leeds branch are earnestly requested to attend
a meeting in the Bazaar at two o clock , on Sunday afternoon ; September 2 nd , when business of great importance-will be brought before the meeting . BiUDFoaiv ( Yorkshire . )—A meeting of members was heldotf Sunday , August 19 th , at No . 13 , Hopestreet , when business ot importance was brought before the ;; meetiiig . The meeting was adjourned to Sunday , August 20 r ' v Edi ^ urou : — . A ^ meeting of- members was hold on Moi \ day ; li ^ £$ e , Hall , Society Close , Nothcrbow , to take ^ hto cohsiderati 6 n ~ the proceedings of the Conference . Mr & Galium > was .. called to the chair ;' AftefcJBoiisW ^ to adopt the mo ' st ^ mMenV ^ ans ^^ e-org ^ jS ^ . j ^ branch , and get tho members to pay up ; The meeting was adjourned till Monday , September 3 rd , and'the secretary was instructed to warn the whole of the members , whether in arrears with their local levies or not .
Capabilities Of The Land. To" The Editor...
CAPABILITIES OF THE LAND . TO" THE EDITOR OE THE SOllTHERU STAB . Sin , —I have this year rented a small allotment of land , about twelve perches . For this I pay twenty shillings , or at tho rate of £ W a-ycar , per acre . I took it-for the purpose of making a few small experiments in agriculture , and for tho good of my health in the evenings . But the soil being light and sandy , with gravel at twelve and eighteen inches from the surface , and no water convenient , some of my experiments have not succeeded as I could have wished . But , notwithstanding a partial failure of my potatoes , cabbages , and carrots , I have seen enough to convince me of the fvuitfulncss of the soil , and I shall never doubt a statement of agricultural produce , however great the amount . I can believe the assertion , that no one man can
thoroughly cultivate one acre of land , and , that no man knows what an acre could bo made to produce . In the " Cottage Gardener" there is an account ot an experiment withonions , and , by calculating , I find the weig ht per acre would be about eighteen tons . Mr . Sinclair obtained only between three and four tons per acre , but , perhaps , there is a misprint in the figure . My experiment gives forty-four tons , and upwards , per acre . In tho spring I transplanted the onions into a bed containing a quarter of a perch . There were six rows , a link ( or eight inches ) apart , and tho rows were twenty-six links long . I set tho onions half a link apart in the vows , with tho intention of pulling up every other one before they became largo , but as tho stalks were only small I let them remain . Three of the rows I set much too
deep , so that some of the onions rotted oftj or did not thrive as well as the other three rows that were sot on the surface with only tho roots in the soil . These three vows became largo onions , some of them four inches diameter . I have several times given tho bed a few cans of a brewing of soot , pigs' dung , soapsuds , ana water ; and , perhaps , this kept offtiie onion maggot that nearly destroyed an adjoining bed of young onions . One evening , last week , I laid the stems to expose the bulbs to the sun , and the appearance ofthc bed made me feel proud of my success ; but the next morning I found more than one vow of my best onions gone ; the temptation had been too great for tho passing plunderer . I have weighed a middle-sized one from tho three best vows , and I find the weight exactly eight ounces .
I believe sonic of those that were stolen -would have weighed near a pound . I think I shall be under the mark if I take eight ounces as the average wei ght of an onion in these three rows , and this will give one pound to the squave link or forty-foul ! tons to the acre ; and at four pounds a-penuy would be worth about £ 100 . My experiment has been only on a small scale , but the result would be proportional for any quantity of land , if a proportional amount of labour and liquid were applied . I expect some good parsnips , mangel-wurtzel , beans , and sunflowers , for they arc all thriving well . I would be glad to change places with any man who has two acres , but who cannot get a living off it because his crops fail . The man who grumbles at his position , because his crops fail , must bean ignorant man , or
an ungrateful , lazy rogue . As agriculture is the easiest of things to learn , the ignorant man has no pica -against failure ; while the hay rogue ought to bo whipped . Ofthc hundreds of Irish reapers % -ho pass through the town in which I reside , I will be bold enough to say , there is not one among them but would think himself too happy if ho had two or three acres of land , well secured , a cottage , and £ 20 or £ 30 to begin with . Their earnest gratitude to those who assist them under their sufferings , or even speak a kind or sympathising word to them , is unmistakcablo , and shames the Saxon blood . Mr . Editor , I am an enthusiast with regard to the land , and ask for nothing more than to be placed on two acres of land , with a cottage , and a few pounds to maintain me till the crops are ready . However bad
the season , I am sure I could keep myself well and pay a large rent , besides practising many easy and profitable experiments in agriculture . To be free from the bondage of an employer , to be on two acres of land , is "' restoring a man in some degree to his natural position—proud of himself as a man . The idea of five persons not being able to get a good living off two acres , even in the worst season , is so contrary to authentic facts respecting the fertility of the soil , that it might bo laughed at as ridiculous , but that it is used as a bugbear to keep the people in their present position—dependent on others for food . The cultivator of a neighbouring garden , of tho same size as mine , tells mc that his little patch yields potatoes , vegetables , and fruit , sufficient for himself and family . I have carefully examined Cobbet ' s statement , that a cow can bo kept on a quarter
of an acre of land , and I find he has asserted nothing but what can be easily done , especially if mangelwurtzel be grown instead of Swede turnips . If a similar statement were mado with regard to tho keeping of pigs , I think it would be useful . Those who could give this and other information , are afraid to do so , lest they should enlighten us about our own interests . Full of wordy philanthropy , they extol the small allotment system , while they deprecate the idea of a working man having two or three acres ,-because of its insufficiency ; and yet , to encourage him in cultivating a few perches , they give statements of the large amount of produce obtained from small gardens , when well laboured and skilfully planted ; thus disproving their own assertions with regard to the two or three acres . Yours respectfully , Doncastor . Edward Waddixgton .
Chaitterville. An Address To The Members...
CHAItTERVILLE . AN ADDRESS TO THE MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL LAND COMPANY . Brothers , —In laying before you the following acts of gross and illegal injustice to which we havt been subjected , we would apologise for soliciting your aid at such a time , when the calls of humanity are so numerous upon your purses , but the demands for equity and right are so urgent for the present , and ominous for our future , welfare—politically and socially—that we cannot refrain . It . would appear that before the movtar was dry that set the foundation stones of our " happy homes , " the well-known Whig tactic " of ruining us by expenses or taxes" was put in motion by certain gentlemen-favmevs of this place , the result of which has been that we are saddled with nearly one-third of the parish rates , although our estate comprises but about a tithe thereof ; that our poundage for rates is much beyond our rent-charge
besides which there are such monstrous irregularities in the valuation of different fields , some of the poorest land being estimated considerably above the best , for which we are rated at nearly £ 3 per acre . These gentlemen-farmers are not' rated at £ 1 per acre , for , in most instances , much better soil . Those reasonable complaints we laid before them at our vestry meeting , but to no effect . We legally elected one of our members as an overseer , with the very laudable object of gaining redress , and looking to the interests of the poor , but the magistrates , at their representation , illegally annulled the decision of the vestry , and put in power one of those gentlemen-farmers , who , although thus dubbed overseer , is not so in fact . Wo also chose a churchwarden , but were again set aside , contrary tolaw . Brothers , in effecting this injustice thoso gentlemen-farmers have outstepped the bounds of prudence most disgracefully , by imputing " dishonest motives ;" raising prejudice on account of our political opi-
Chaitterville. An Address To The Members...
nions , and byifabrlciiihg most wilful and malicious falsehoods . . For , m . present , they in " fancies dream ., thCtadeltfel » masters , and for the future , mighty parish lordsj but tho spirit of man is not to bethusigridminiousl y trampled upon and broken ; the rivets of local-slavery , shall never be Clinched * We ave determmedJ ^ Totliers , with or without vour aid , " to run a tilt / rand free ourselves from such
unjust shackles . ; The Vendean war has already began on the part of these gentlemen-farmers , V and we are entailing expenses that will demand the response of men who abhor tyranny , whether local or national , and desire to see these noble monuments of co-operation tho abode of happy freemen , ^ Signed on behalf of the meeting , George Bubii . Cfiairman .
Subscriptions will be received by Mr . Wm . Smith , 2-5 , Brizenorton-road , Chartorville , Postoffice orders made payable to him at Witney .
O'Connollyille
O'CONNOllYILLE
To The Editor Of The Southern Star. Dear...
TO THE EDITOR OF THE SOUTHERN STAR . Dear Sir , —Having seen an article in last week ' s Star , headed " A visit to O'Conuorvulo , " of whoso composition I am perfectly aware of , front proceed- ^ ings they were connected with when at the estate ? on Monday , after all except- themselves of'the ^ visitors ha \ l left theestate , many of whom areawaro of the unfavourable circumstances I have laboured under since residing here , from many causes , which , are a disgrace to the writer of that article , and others connected with it , who it appears write what they are ashamed to put their , names too , ( They
wentawayquitc disgusted with the school grounds . ) It is a well known fact , stated by our great chief , that the "ground belonging to tho school-house is the worst upon the estate , and from want of drainage it was under water , Ihough standing upon a hill , untUtho latter end of May ; and from the bad way it was grubbed up ; and from its containing so much of the oxide d £ iron , and from having been a coppice , it ^ jsjo infiiBieU ^ with wood weeds , roots , woodbines , furzo ^ ltch , grass , & c , that . it will take hot only a ^ litnfijiojant df' §| iqur , but it wants a large amountbf capitafliutfout t'Nbiwgjt'ititu cultivation . Ilbis is not ^ i | y opinidn-bnlyj ^ but of ¦
Beveraipftotieal . miKOTho have seen it . 'FoRamora ^ u'sCTen-pa ^ tsjtfut ^ gig ^ tit . ^ nothingmoi'c ' thaa a hungry graVel ^ . play' 6 oU ,.. whwh goes dowri above ten feet , after whii & i we find a beautiful stratum of " white sand , * and then a hard black sand stoue . In the spring of' -IS I spaded a quarter of an acre of the best of tho land " ' for a kitchen garden , and manured it with limo and salt , and in the autumn with the refuse from the kitchen and water-closet , iu which I planted a fine sort of cabbage , but was not able to cut any until the beginning of July . I sowed this spring half a pound of onion seed in drills ( ten large beds ) and shall not get a peck from the whole . Last year I sowed half Mi aero of wheat , and a quarter of barley , from which I did not get
much more than the seed , which was of a A'ery poor quality . And this spring , from having no school , and a sick house , and only a trifle per week coming in from private teaching at gentlemen ' s houses in the neighbourhood , and from executing some penand-ink views of seats in the neighbourhood , to support six children , myself and wife , of which children tho oldest is only seven years , consequently cannot bring anything in ; and myself not one of the most robust . But the last few weeks , from visitors coming down and taking refreshments at the school house , and from my supplying them with hot water , and preparing anything they might bring with them , has made things a little better with me , and I had begun to pare the turf to burn , so I might be able to get the land to bear the next season ; but from a species of jealousy , on account of the Whittington and Cat Club having wrote to me to provide refreshments , which I accordingly did , the day
following a meeting was got up to memorialise the Conference for my immediate discharge , by bringing charges at that meeting which they could not substantiate , and which 1 met , though I knew not of any charges being about to be brought against me , nor even of the meeting , until it took place , and they were obliged to expunge them from that memorial , so that they sent the memorial void of charges . I sent my defence to that Conference . Trusting your readers will see that I am compelled to make these statements , which is a thing 1 would rather have left alone , but when a man ' s character is at stake it behoves him to justify himself when truth is on his side , I am ) dear sir , Your obedient servant , Daniei . Graves . P . S . If your readers would wish to have the memorial to road , I will give you a copy for insertion , together with my reply . D . S . O'Connorvillo School , August 13 th , 1 S 49 .
The Trustees Of The National Cooperative...
THE TRUSTEES OF THE NATIONAL COOPERATIVE BENEFIT SOCIETY TO THE MEMBERS .
Gentlemen , —Being men of unprcsuming habits , ' we have no desire to appear in the public prints , but as Messrs . Clark and M'Grath appear determined to occupy the columns of tho Star , to the exclusion of more valuable matter , wo have no alternative but to give a brief reply to their very long statement , at the same time protesting against the Chartist body or the public in general , having anything whatever to do with the matter . AVe also state that this is the only communication wc shall make through tho medium of the public press , our method will be to address the members only by circular .
On the appearance of the statement put forth by Mr . Stallwood of tho above society , Messrs . Clark and M'Grath called together the members residing in London . The result " was the appointment of ns as Auditors and Trustees . Wo met ; minutely went through the accounts ; our first statement did not give satisfaction to Messrs . Clark and M'Grath—( for Doyle ' s name had only been used , he having had no hand in tho matter ) , and wo were requested to meet again and give a more detailed account . That account wc laid before the members in London , and published in the Star . Wo arc of opinion
that nothing loss than the annihilation ot Mr . Stallwood would satisfy these gentlemen , who wore never appointed Directors by the members , but only solicited to bo so by Mr . Stallwood at its commencement . It will also be remembered that two or three of those ( so-called ) Directors , never contributed ono farthing to the funds of tho Society . Thomas Clark paid sufficient to constitute him a member , and shortly after claimed and received £ 10 on account of his wife ' s death ; receiving the money in August , 181 S , and has not contributed one farthing since .
We , the Trustees , think that the so-called Directors are useless , they having business enough on hand as Directors of the National Land Company , as Directors of a National Freehold Benefit Society , as candidates for scats in Parliament , & c . ; and we thought it unnecessary to submit any more of the transactions of this Society to their inspections . Messrs . Clark and M'Grath comment upon tho charge for office routs ; they know it is discontinue !;! , if their revengeful feelings would allow them to state the truth .
They say in another paragraph , that this passage from the report of the Trustees is valuable , as showing in Avhat a pretty state the books of tho Society have been kept . We can only reiterate , that wc found the books ofthc Society correct—so far as the General Secretary was concerned , but we cannot make him responsible for tho neglect of local agents , wc leave that for members themselves . Wo , the Trustees , have investigated tho affairs of the Society fearlessly . Our report is before youon that report we called upon you to act . You have acted . All the agents ( with two exceptions only ) ,
have at the present time sent m their returns to the General Secretary . In conclusion , wc again call on all friends favourable to the National Co-operative Benefit Society , to st rcngtlicp . the Society by the addition of youu g and healthy members ; and if Messrs . Clark , Doyle , and M'Grath are anxious to form a Society , they can do so , and those who think fit , will , of . course , join it . For ourselves , we shall adhere to the original , as we do not consider them at all identified with the National Co-operative Benefit Society , of which we have the honour to bo the Trustees .
( Signed ) James GnASsnv , William Shcte , James Peauce .
Entrust Ffltwugtiw.
entrust ffltwugtiw .
Hnrdersrield.—On Sunday Last A-Democrati...
HnrDERsriELD . —On Sunday last a-democratic camp meeting was addressed by the old veteran Benjamin Rushton , of Halifax , and Christopher Shacklcton , of Qucenshcad . It was also announced that a meeting would shortly be hold in this town . for the purpose of sympathising with the brave and patriotic Hungarians in their struggle for national independence . National . Victim Committee . — At a meeting held at 144 , High Holborn , on Thursday evening , Au " . 23 rd , Mr . T . Brown in the chair , Messrs : E . Stallwood and J . M ' Veigh , auditors , brought forward the balance sheet , extending over a period of
seventeen weeks—viz ., from tho 5 th of April to the 2 Gth of July , 1 S 49 . The sheet shewed that , during that period , the receipts had amounted to one hundred and three pounds nine shillings and ouc / uennvj and the expenditure to ono hundred and two pounds ei g hteen shillings and one penny ; divided amongst thirty families of victims , consisting of thirty grown persons and seventy children , Tho committee was anxious that the receipts and expenditure should be published , so that the Chartist friends mig ht bo stimulated to renewed exertions on behalf of the bereaved families of our Chartist victims , and , accordingly , passed a resolution , requostinc . Mr . Stallwood to write a paragraph for insertion in the people ' s organ—the Northern Star .
Ft " Jsv *S : *I \ R-~I ¦ X \ ! N..'' V ...
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Aug. 25, 1849, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_25081849/page/1/
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