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Northern Star (1837-1852), 1st December 1849, Edition 3 of 3, Page 7, PARLIAMENTARY AND FINANCIAL REFORM. SOUT...

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      Rnusn Clkabaxcbs. —The Clearance Svsteni...

      walked tip stairs , all armed , and gat on in a most _bcisterous manner . "When the landlord entered the toom to expostulate on their disorderly conduct , one ofthe fellows lifted a gun , which he said was charged with two balls , presented _U , at him , swearing "he would blow his papist brains out . " After smashing the windows , they all , with one accord , took up their gun " , and shouted they would shoot , vnrecK , » nu murder sil that came in tbeir way , as tbey did at Dolly _' s-brae . The neighbours were alarmed , and came in great numbers , when the ruffians decamped to a house in the vicinity , belonging to one of the " Night Fowlers . '' The " Rathfriland police were immediately on tbe siot , but _refused to make prisoners on tha plea that they had no authority . —Belfast _Vindicat / _tr _.

      The _Ohaxgehes axd Lobd _Clauizsvox . — 'The indignation of the Orange organs at the delays of the *• grand lodge" in producing its report criminatory of Loid Clarendon , is unbounded . The Mail and _Pocket , in abusing the "brethren , " chime for once in harmony . The Mail quotes the commentary ofthe Packet , and the Packet that of the Mail . The latter journal says : — " In our opinion it matters but little whether or not tbe report shall ever come into the world . The uncertainty of the hatchets has so much disturbed the nest , that the eggs have now grown cold , if not addled . By its deliberation the Grand Ora _> ge Lodge has lost the opportunity of conciliating the tumbler brethren by taking a part in the exposure of

      the base treachery to which they were made victims : it has also spoiled the market ofthe compromisers . " Thus having found , it would appear , that there are no documents of any great importance forthcoming , the cry cf " a compromise" is found exceedingly convenient . " No witholding of documents ( says the Mail wi 1 remove a single spot from the character of Lord Clarendon . " The truth is , the downfall of Orangeism seems ti approach at last ; the sanguinary atrocities of Dolly's Brae , and the system of corruption that las been disclosed to the world hy the " Grand Lodge / ' have accelerated the event beyond any chance of arresting its progress , and the spite they feel for themselves and for each other cannot be conceafeJ .

      MtfxiciPAi _Ettcnass . —The annual election of town-councillore took place on Monday , on which occasion Mr . John Reynolds , M . P _., and Lord Mayor elect , was elected" for no less than three wardsnamely , Merrion , Linen-hall , and Andrews . Repeal _Association . —Mr . John O'Connell ' s gathering of the pence for the last week showed a decline of nearly thirty per cent , under the receipts of the previous rent-day , " Universal Ireland " ccntributing bnt £ 212 s . 6 d . Mr . J . O'Conneil read the following letter from Mr . Bright : — Rochdale , 22 nd NovemberISM .

      , 2 f r _deab Sis , —I duly received your letter of the 3 th of tiiis _montlt , conveying to me the resolution of the Loyal Rational Repeal Association , expressive of their approbation of my recent speech ou Ireland . lean say with all Sincerity that I am much gratified to learn that the views I have formed and publicly explained with regard to the calamities wliich afflict your country , have met with the concurrence of an association which roust contain within its ranks a large number of those thoroughly _acquainted with the condition of Ireland , anil most honestly anxious to improve it . I can easily _oeliere that npon a case of so much difficulty as that which Irelaud _iu > w presents , differences of opinion will be inevitable , and I am not therefore _discouraged if the policy I have but very partially sketched should seem to yon but a portion of what is

      required . I will not now enter into discussion upon thc points you have submitted to me . bnt can assure you that to every _oneofthenilwillgive that consideration which , coming from such a quarter , they must so eminently merit I may remark , liowever , that 1 have no idea that any changes 6 t the law can instantaneously change the condition of Ireland . Anarchy , political and social , cannot give place to orderin a moment of time . Thc long violation of every economical law cannot be remedied at once , nor can the traces of its min be obliterated in a single season . I have seen the land , and I have seen ihe people . I know the land is fertile , and that the people are industrious . "With these elements , then , I propose to work oat the _sanation of Irela n d ; and my policy would so secure to _industryitsreward , and l « v perfect justice in yonr political aud ecclesiastical

      arrangements so extract the root Of bitterness from your Social system , that , were it adopted , I have faith that Irishmen would speedily effect the restoration of Ireland . Iain delighted to believe that a hitter feeling prevails with you and -. villi ns on the great questions which so deeply interest both countries ; and 1 shall especially rejoice if the coming session of _parliann-nt exhibit a more cordial and united effort on the part ofthe English and Irish members to advance such _legislative measures as shall he found necessary for the relief of your sufi ' erins country . I feel grateful to your association for the resolution they have passed , and to yoa personaBjr for the very kind maimer in which you Lave Conveyed ittO mc , and subscribe myself , Yours very faithfully , Joiix _BaicnT .

      The Marquis of Waterfokd axd me Poachers . —The _Tqypcrary Vindicator contains the following curious statement : — ' * The Marquis of Watcrford ' s keepers lately apprehended two men named Gaul and Kerns for setting traps for game in the _Cnrraghjnore preserves , and brought them before Ills lordship , who appeared incensed at the depredations continually made on his game , and threatened to have summary punishment inflicted onthe offenders . They however took occasion to state their circumstances to the angered nobleman , and in the end expressed a desire to leave a country where employment could not be had , and go to America . The Marquis ' s resentment was disarmed , and he ordered a sum of £ 20 to be given to defray the costs of their passage . " _AoWCCLlCBlli _SCHOOi OF _IXOTSTUT IX _MuXSTEB . —At a meeting of the committee appointed at the

      inauguration ofthe college , to consider what steps might be taken for the appropriation towards the improvement of agriculture of the sum of £ 5 , 000 remaining from the funds ofthe Reproductive Loan Committee , held in Cork , on Saturday , after some discussion , the _following resolution was proposed by Mr . lagan , M . P ,, and seconded hy Dr . Barter : — - " Tbat means be promptly adopted to complete the establishment of an agricultural school of industry in Munster , in connexion with the Provincial College , by the formation of an agricultural , botanical , and arboricultural garden and experimental farm , and also a museum of materials connected with these important subjects , so as to secure to this locslitv the appropriation of the £ 5 , 000 , as set forth in the second section of the 11 th and 12 th Victoria , « hap . 115 . " The resolution was put and carried unanimously , and it was agreed that circulars should be sent through the country for

      subscriptions . DiMrsunox of Voters . —The question of the registries is beginning to excite the attention which it must command . The Evening Post , in an article on the results of tbe Cork election , says : — "ln the city of Dublin we find , by a return in one of the newspapers , that the registries in favour of the Tories were nine or ten to one . How it may be in the corporate towns we cannot say precisely , but we are satisfied that most of them will change their members . " The Freeman ' s Journal says : —" Were a general election to occur to-morrow , what would tbe position of Cork countv be ? In ISil the total population is stated to have been 773 , 398 , and of these ,

      _accordin" - to the usual mode of circulation , there can hardly have been less than 180 , 000 adult males , yet not more than 3 _, 'M names at that period appeared upon the registry , and , as we know , tbe number of names on the registry invariably exceed the actual number of persons who at any given time are entitled to vote . It is important likewise to bear in mind the proportion which rent-charges and £ 30 freeholders in every constituency bear to those endued with the popular _fhinchise . Of the total number already stated , 1 , 23 ' belonged to the speoiallv favoured classes of electors , who are privileged by law to register when they please , without question or inquiry of any sort ; so that the popular share of representative power in the county of Cork in thc rear 1 S 41 may be said to have lam nominally with 2 , 447 individuals , out of a population of 773 , 398 . "Whatever the real or proportional numbers _mavhave then been , they have of necessity

      neen still further reduced during the years oi unparalleled calamity which have since rolled over our heads . A return presented to parliament last session gives for the largest county inthekingdom not more than 3 , 62 G electors . The difference between this number and that ef ISil should be deducted from the popular part of the constituency , and thus we have for 1 S 49 , just twenty years after Catholic Emancipation , and seventeen yeans after the English Reform Bill , an electoral body in the _coantrV Cork , whose numerical inadequacy is without a parallel in the annals of constitutional farce . The nearest approach in figure to the constituency of Cork is that of Pembrokeshire , which is not one-twentieth of its size , and which does not _Sntainone-fiftieth of its population The numbers are curious :- Cork county , population , , 3 ,-398 , electors 3 , 626 j Pembrokeshire , population U , JU , electors 3 _. 69 S . _What is thus said of Cork may unfortunately be predicted of all the Irish

      _constitu-Ibish Coau -The subjoined gratifying statement _annears in the _Newry Examiner :- " The extensive Sffi d of Ballycastle has at last been opened Sacarjfo of ' coals therefrom has arrived at the « _T _nflfcIfost It is fifty-five Years since the Irish _^ _ISKussed _theNational advantage of _con-SSnfiri _Sallyeasae for the _*»*» _SScoXV like all other important _nnp _CelSS _ofPuhlin , _flW-gjf _*« 5 SSg _% enr _* _Thenablic is now indebted to _antngnsn _i , * _*«* _**» * _rSC » « illSd _somBthemplojiieot . The _tat _«>^ r _£ _33 Kw £ wn Ballymenato _Ballymoney should £ _afi _byYhf government , and further extended 3 * _^ _iSmnner which is but ten mdes to _Bally-^^ ffl arr _^ gement would afford a vast _S _£ ? v o ? m _^ _dSnensable article to the flax CT PP L 5 Jirnen bleachers of _Ballymena , _ColessnsaS i-Serwhicb , _&*» _«* _Smed _Stion ofthe Bann , would open a _cSSation to the entire province of BWer .

      Rnusn Clkabaxcbs. —The Clearance Svsteni...

      The Poor-law Difficulty . — The insolvent unions , as they are not inaptly termed , are still clamouring for the remission of the enormous debt 3 with which they are loaded , and seeking for a general release from the Imperial Exchequer , to enable them to start again free from their overwhelming liabilities . In tho Clare unions the rates now in course of collection are comparatively low—merely what is required to defray the current expenses for a few months , hut still some difficulty will be

      exper ienced in the levy . The Clare Journal draws a very gloomy pictureof the condition of those unions , and points to the Treasury as the only source of reilef . That journals says : — " If the present liabilities were now paid off by a grant from government , it would afford encouragement to all classes to make vigorous efforts for their own support in future ; and it would give some confidence to tbe tenant-farmers , and stop many of tbem in their mer ditated flight from the country . Nor is this union more distressed than others around us . Need we refer

      tJ Kdrush , where it would require a rate of 41 s . in the pound on some of the divisions to meet their liabilities ; but where the board of guardians do not consider it possible to collect a higher rate than that recently imposed by them—namely , a uniform one of 3 s . in the pound . " In Kilrush the markets are crowded with prodace of all kinds , and food is consequently low in price almost beyond precedent , because , as the Clare Journal observes , " the country people are making sales of all they can , and buying nothing they can avoid ? " farmers are putting thc money in their pockets , waiting to know what abatement wiil be given on the . land , and if their expectations are not realised , they sail for a foreign clime .

      December 1,1849. The Northe Rn Star, 7 -...

      _December 1 , 1849 . THE NORTHE RN STAR , 7 - . . . — ________ i _^ . ¦ ¦ — ' ——

      Disasters Of Hie 3ledirekkax£Ax Fteet.—W...

      Disasters of hie 3 lEDirEKKAX £ AX _FtEET . —We extract the lollowing from the Hants Telegraph the following detail of the late disasters in our squadron in the Mediterranean : — " The squadron , consisting of tho Queen ( flag , ) 110 -, Howe , 120 ; Caledonia , 120 ; Prince Kegent , 92 ; Powerful , 84 ,- Vengeance , 84 ; and Dragon steam-frigate , left Zante on the evening of the 18 th of September . The Queen was the last away , and the wind falling light , she was taken in tow by tbe Dragon , but before her head could he got round to seaward , she ran foul of the Rosamond , steam sloop , carrying away that vessel' s stern boat , davits , bulwarks , quarter galleries , and some more other frame-work , leaving her head-shoots and their contents on the Rosamond ' s

      quarter deck , as also losing the towing hawser , by reason of the ' casting off' from both ships at the same time . The Queen got into something less than four and a half fathoms . On the afternoon of the 21 st October , whilst working to windward , between Zen and Micron ' s " , wind light , and water smooth , the Caledonia being on the port tack , ran foul of the Powerful , but got clear with some trifling loss to both ships . In anchoring in Basicabay On the 28 th of Oct ., the Vengeance ( Captain Earl of flardwicke ) ran foul of the Caledonia and Dragon , owing to the latter attempting to cross the hows of the former—in other words , steaming ahead when she ought to havo gone astern . The damage sustained by the Caledonia was the loss of two boats

      stove , boats dants doubled up like an iron hoop , iron stanchions to the stern galleries bent double , quarter galleries stove in , and considerable quantity of framework damaged . The Vengeance sustained the loss of the cathead bumpkins , _spritsail gaff , jib and flying jib booms , bobstay , and shroud collars . The damage sustained by the Dragon could not have been much , as she was sent off very soon afterwards to Constantinople with the mould for a new cathead for the Vengeance . Those who saw tbe catastrophe say that had the Vengeance not struck the Caledonia , she must have cut the Dragon down to the water ' s edge , if not have sunk her . The Dragon ' s flying jibboom went into the Calodonia ' s

      stern . On the 1 st of " _\ ovember , when the squadron was getting under weigh , with a double reefed topsail breeze from the southward , the Prince Regent , Captain Martin , after she was a-weigh , but before her topsails were hoisted ( they were sheeted home , and jib and staysail set , } ran into the Howe , 120 , Captain Sir James Stirling ( the latter being at anchor , ) taking her amidships . The Prince Regent lost her cathead , her bumpkins , spritsails , gaff , dolphinstriker , jibboom , ana twisted thc bowsprit eap . The Howe escaped with the loss of the laniards of her main rigging , whieh were cut away in order to let the Prince Regent ' s bowsprit clear her mainmast , which shook not a little from the shock . So lives were lost on either occasion . The

      Powerful , on coming to an anchor , parted her cable , but got it again next day . The Odin steam-frigate , on hoisting in a piece of timber for the cathead of the Vengeance , let it slip out of its slings , so it sunk to rise no more . Sir "William Parker , with thc _captains of his fleet , called upon the Pasha of the Dardanelles on the 5 th , and Sir William ( whose repugnance to tobacco smoking , and to allow any one in his ship ov squadron to do so either , is so well known , and so rigidly enforced in the former case ) actually took three whiffs ofthe Pasha ' s pipe , and then requested the consul to explain to his highness that if he took another he would drop down dead .

      FBExcn Theatricals . —A great sensation has recently been created in the theatrical circles by the President of the Republic having , on the report of the Minister of the Interior , decreed that in consequence of the embarrassed state of the Theatre Franoais _, and of the necessity of reorganising it , hi . Arsene Houssaye should be appointed ad interim administrator and government commissioner , and , as such , should exercise all tbe administrative powers , heretofore held by the committee of the xotietaires . Against this the societaircs ( the principal male and female performers ) made a solemn protest , on the ground that it was a violation of the rights and _privfleges conferred on the company of the theatre by the Imperial decree of 1 S 12 , and

      other decrees and ordinances . On Saturday the case was carried before the Civil Tribunal , hi . Marie , for the societaircs , contended at great length that , though tbe government had the right to exercise surveillance over the theatre , it had none to meddle with the administration , inasmuch as a company was established many years ago , in virtue of an ordinary deed of partnership , for carrying' on the theatre , and that this deed had been adhered to by all the performers who had subsequently joined , or who now belonged to the company . This deed gave the performers the management ofthe theatre and the control and division of the receipts . The Imperial decree of 1812 , signed by Napoleon at Moscow , respected the rights of the performers . Other decrees and ordinances did so too , and it

      would be a violation of the rights of property for thc government to deprive them of the administration ; whilst the appointment of the administrator would greatly increase the expenses . M . _Chaix-d'Est-Auge , for M . Arsene Houssaye , maintained that the tribunal had no power to enter into the case ; that the government had the right to act as it had done ; and that it had taken similar measures on previous occasions . The tribunal gave judgment to the effect that the theatre had frequently been subjected to the decrees and ordinances of the government , and that the recent decres were acts of public administration on the part of the government , with which the tribunal could not interfere ; it accordingly dismissed' the case , and condemned the plaintiffs in the costs . — _Qaligtianfs Messenger .

      _Fousdertsg of Tire Paxbora Steamer . —Intelligence was received on Tuesday at thc Custom-house of the total loss of this steam ship , which took place on the morning of the 26 th October , while on her passage from London to Alexandria . The particulars of the wreck and the escape of her crew are thus reported by Capt . J . Roskell , master of the emigrant ship Asia , who witnessed the unhappy event : —At eleven o ' clock on the morning abovenamed , when the Asia ( which had upwards of 200 emigrants on hoard for Sydney , Port Phillip , and Adelaide , ) was in lat . 48 . 31 , long . 6 . 19 , west , a steamer hove in sight , which turned out to be the Pandora , Capt . Smith , commander , hound for Alexandria . Capt . Roskell hailed her , and begged of tho master to report the Asia . The reply was tbat they wonld do so . When they parted , the Pandora directed ber course towards Ushant . At that time

      Capt . Roskell , with his officers and passengers , could not help remarking that the steamer was in a sinking condition , and much surprise was manifested at the circumstance ofthe captain not seeking assistance from the Asia . She had not passed more than half an hour before a signal of distress was run up to her mast , and she bore about for the Asia . Capt . Roskell immediately hove to , and as soon as she came up the master begged of the Asia to send her boats to them , for the Pandora was fast settling down , and ungovernable . This was instantly done , the first and second officers of the Asia taking charge of them , and on coming alongside the steamer was found to be full of water . Her erewfifteen in number—immediately sought refuge in

      the Asia ' s boat . In another moment they would all have met with a frightful death , for her boilers exploded , blowing np her decks , and the ship instantly went down . Nothing whatever was saved by the crew ; all they had was the clothes they stood in . On hoard of the Asia they receivedevery kindness and attention . It was the intention of Capt . Roskell shipping the crew on board the first vessel the Asia met hound for London , but not succeeding they were taken on to Madeira , where they were landed on the 2 nd instant . The Pandora was fully insured at Lloyds . She was quite a new steamer , having been launched a few months since from the ship-building yard of Messrs . Robinson and Co ., the engineers at Millwail . She had been purchased by the Egyptian government .

      The Late Me. Yocatt, In One Of His Orati...

      The Late Me . Yocatt , in one of his orations , to the members of the Veterinary College , observes- ; " that hy the improvements in modern chemistry , the medical profession are enabled successfully to treat diseases which were previously supposed as not within the reach of medicine " The truth has heen manifested for nianjyears , hut in no instance of greater importance to mankind than by ihe discovery of Blair ' s Gout and llheumatic Ells " .

      The Miners Of The North. On Saturday Las...

      THE MINERS OF THE NORTH . On Saturday last the delegate meeting of the Miners' Society was held at the Fence Houses Hotel , near floughton-le-Spring , Durham , at which the _followingproceediflgs took place _: — Mr . A . Stores was called upon to preside , and was assisted by Mr . J . Hall , as vice-president . The Secretary called over the list of collieries previously represented . Seven move collieries gave in their adhesion to the union , and the announcement was received with gratifying acclamation . The debate on the propriety of having a printed plan for the lecturers was discussed , and the following resolution carried " : — "That this meeting fully appreciates the utility ofa printed plan ofthe lecturers' appointments , out think they should he delayed until the collieries are more organised and united , and the same formed into properly arranged districts . " _^

      The next question was the utility of a general sick fund , into which the surplus average weight earnings should be paid , estimated at three-pence per score . After a lengthened discussion it was resolved , " That each colliery be recommended to begin a local sick fund , upon fair and equitable principles . " It was next considered whether to have a general public _meeting upon Shadon ' s Hili , or not ; ultimately it was resolved , " To lay the same before tbe collieries for decision at their next meeting . " On the motion of a Delegate it was resolved , " That in future , when the ballot upon any question takes place , that all the votes be recorded in the Secretary ' s book . "

      Several collieries handed in an account of tbe prices got by the union , together with the extra weight of coal sent to bank , as follows : —Black Roy Colliery—An advance of 3 d . per score ; have most excellent arrangements for conveying thc coals from the workmen , which reflects great credit upon the agents , The ventitation is superior to many of the neighbouring collieries , but would be much improved by additional brattices being provided . Heugh Hall Colliery . —The hewers have gained an advance of Is . per score , or about sixteen per cent . The putters 2 d . per score advance ; all of which have been the result of union , besides which , previous to our union , the set out was very , _oppress sive . and a man was not allowed to measure his tub .

      Now we have the weighing machine , and a chance of justice . At this colliery a serious evil had creptin , which we have also abolished . At the time when "kenner is called "—whieh is the time for ceasing work for the day , and which day ' s work should not be longer than twelve hours—the practice had been to draw all the full tubs , which invariably kept the men and boys for two additional hours , thus making the day ' s work fourteen hours . This we have broken off , and insist that twelve hours be not exceeded ; these concessions are the result of the union , inasmuch as all attempts at reason or argument were of no avail with our employers , until we united ourselres—and these two hours ' will be much better spent by our boys going to school .

      Corrr Crook ' s Colliery . —Ten years ago the price for hewing coals was 6 s . Cd . per score ; we arc now paid but 4 s . Cd ., yet the price of coals at market was exactly the same then as now ; besides , our standard weight , ten years since , was six cwt ., while now it is seven cwt . When a tub is considered by the banksman to be deficient in weight it is set out , but is not tested by the machine . Our previous price for driving headways was Is . 8 d . per yard , now it is but Is . Por turning away boards we had 5 s ., now we have 2 s . Narrow boards were Is . per yard , and now but Sd . Putters had Is . id ., first rents or stage , at present the priGe is Is . Id . for the same distance . Similar reductions have been made in the other seam , viz . —the five quarter . Then we

      have to complain for want of air ; and if any ofthe workmen go out because of bad air the master will ask the deputy : " What is the matter with thc place or stall ? " The deputy will say , " Thc air is bad , sir . " "Well , but could you not find them other places to work in ? " " No , sir ; tiie other places are worse than the ones they have left . " Last April , coals being low at the London market ( Ms . per ton , ) our employers pleaded the depression of the trade for making a reduction then , but promised faithfully to put it on again when times mended . His words were , " Lads , we cannot help this reduction now , but if all be well when the coals get up

      at market , you shall have it back again . Tho price of coals at present are 17 s . Cd . per ton ., and we have made our claim . Rut judge of our surprise to hear our master state , " Not a penny shall you have . " This answer made the men desperate , and they hare all given a month's notice for an advance of wages . The men at Brancopeth Colliery have had a long struggle for an advance of wages , and have had to undergo unheard of difficulties , being turned out of tlieir houses , and otherwise suflering great privations . The dispute , however , has terminated with an advance of tenpencc per score . Two of the workmen had been taken before the magistrates , but were brought off clear bv Mr . Horner , of Darlington .

      Westerto . v Colherv . —At the beginning of tlis present year the price was 12 s . llid . per score ' of twenty-tubs , each tub seven and a half cwt . In March , the weight was increased to eight cwt . per tub , and the price reduced to 12 _u . 4 d . per score . In October , we got an advance of Gd . per score , therefore our present price is I 2 s . lOd . for the eight cwt . tub , wliich still leaves a reduction of 9 d . per score . The pit draws about forty scores per day , wliich is a loss to the hewers of about £ 400 per annum . Els wick _Collieri- has gained an advance of 6 d . per score . The pit draws forty-eight score daily , which , together with some consideration paid for wet working , will advantage the workmen upwards of £ 300 per year . The hewers had , up to this time ,

      _procuren their powder and candles of the masters , and those gentlemen had charged them as much as lid . per pound for candles more than the regular price , and Id . per pound for powder . The men now buy the articles wholesale , and save all the above . A curious circumstance occurred with » certain wholesale dealer of the above articles and the men of this colliery , which shows the power and influence ofthe employers of this district . A deputation ofthe men were sent to the merchant to ask the conditions and prices for the stores they wanted . He received them very cordially , and explained all matters to them , and the men returned a few days after to make their first purchase . In the meantime they set to work to build a powder house and store room , and although they requested a little assistance from the master , none was given , and indeed , as will be seen , every obstruction was

      thrown in their way . However , having got over all difficulties of a physical character , away they hied to the merchant to make the purchase , but now the tables were turned , and the previous complacent merchant began to read them a lecture upon thc duty of servants to submit to their employers , and not to Obstruct the working ofthe colliery by their Union and agitators , and oventually refused to allow the parties to have any goods whatever . Think of this Gateshead merchant , you colliers who thrusts his nose into your business , and pleads the employer ' s cause gratuitously . But why this change in his manner ? Because , no doubt , he had had a visit from the master ofthe colliery , whose loss in this business is estimated at £ 00 per annum . SmxcuFTE _CotniERt . —Our masters reduced the price Is . per score , and also 4 d . per score wet working . After a severe struggle we have got an advance of 8 d . per score , and the 4 d . for wet .

      Sihloox Colliery . —There has been an advance of Gd . per score , and 2 d . per yard for hewing , and 2 d . per score for putting . There are 200 men in the Union , and two men not in , earning at the present t me 3 s . Od . per day . Sacrisios Colliery . —Wc , the workmen of the above colliery , state , that since wo joined the association , our prices have been advanced . 7 d . per score in the main coal seam , and Od . per score in the five-quarter seam ; also 4 d . per score advantage by having our coals properly weighed . Oxclose Colliery have got an advance of 4 d . per score in one part ofthe pit , and 3 d . in another ; also 4 d . per yard for driving narrow places . The measure box by which the laid-out is determined has been increased from two quarts to four , thus giving us a better chance to keep our earnings .

      _WooniFiELn Colliery . —The advance of prices got here amounts to £ 23 per fortnight . Hurrah for the Union I The proceedings were then brought to a close with a resolution for an adjournment to the 8 th of December , at Mr , T . Greener ' s , sign of tho Cock , Newcastle-on-Tyne , at nine o'clock , a . m .

      The Northumberland And Durham Miners. To...

      THE NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM MINERS . TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN' STAR . Sib , —By the insertion of the following address you will much oblige the men of Trimdon Grange Colliery : — " 10 THB M 1 SEBS OP _NOBTHCMBEKLAND AXD DURHAM . " _FklLOW-WohkMKV , —Having had om * attention called to the necessity of establishing some broad comprehensive plan for the hour of need , we now address you on behalf of the establishment ofa General Aid and Benefit Society throughout the two counties . Visited as we are by casualties not common to trades : we havo been almost by common

      consent objected to as being unfit to become members in the var ious Provident Societies in our localities . This being the fact , it behoves us as men having a due sense ofthe calls of suffering humanity , to establish an order for the general benefit of each other in sickness and distress . We need not barrow up your minds by reciting the many serious explosions that have taken place , and to which we are daily exposed , in order to induce you to action , yet it seems necessary to us to remind you , that while you have , and aro still admitting the need of such an institution , we have all generally contented ourselves by only making such admissions . " RULES . 1 st , —That this society shall he known by the

      The Northumberland And Durham Miners. To...

      name of the " Miners' Mutual Aid and Benefit Society . " 2 nd . —That all working miners , from the age of fourteen and upwards , shall be considered eligible to become members of the above society . 3 rd . —That each colliery shall have the sole management and control of its own funds , but in the event of any explosion or casualties out of the ordinary bills of mortality , a general Jevy shall bo made throughout the whole of tho society , in order to suskin such colliery . 4 th . —Should any member of this society have occasion to leave a collieryand remove to another

      , colliery , he shall be admitted as a member free of expense , hy producing a clearance card from the colliery he has left , Fellow workmen , —Having briefly sketched the bearing of the principle to which we have called your attention , we defer going into deta Is until we shall know whether you respond to our call . Miners , if y 0 U vespect the good opinion of the public at large , —if you respect and sympathise with the aged in want , prove your respect and sympathy by joining with us in tiiis common bond of brotherhood . Resting in the full assurance that our appeal will uot be in vain

      We beg to subscribe ourselves , On behalf of thc men of Trimdon Grange Colliery , county of Durham , 1 " _lOBekt CuAni _. To . v _, President , Jons Temple , Secretary .

      Rational Reform League. The Ordinary Fri...

      _RATIONAL REFORM LEAGUE . The ordinary Friday evening lecture of the President , Mr . J . B . O'Brien , delivered in the Institution , John-street , Fitzroy-squave , was well attended last week . The lecturer commoncod by a refutation ofthe report in the Daily _A' ews and' Weckh / Oispatch—that he wished the peoplo to forego ' their agitation for political reform , and to concentrate all tlieir efforts to the work of social reform . In fact , the only practical object tho Rational Reform League had at present in view was the attainment of . the People ' s Charter , the other objects of tho League were confined to the enlightenment of the people as to what the Charter ought and could do for- them , —for the want of which knowledge the people of Franco were now worse off under universal

      suffrage than they were under Louis Philippe , notwithstanding all the blood and treasure they had wasted , and all the patriotic struggles they had made . Many of their best men were murdered , or were now in banishment , or in dungeons ; their taxation had nearly doubled ; and thc producing classes found it more difficult than ever to procure a subsistence . Did not these things prove that mere changes in the name or form of government , without such a change of principle as should give the people their social rights , could never make the masses either prosperous or contented ? Yet , in this country there were parties who clamourously argued that a mere alteration in parliamentary representation would cure all social evil , and that the

      removal of a few millions of taxes would usher in prosperity . Besides , he maintained that no such reduction could bo made while nearly three-fourths of the proceeds of taxation went to pay the interest on the National Debt . He should like to know how a reduction of ten millions of taxes would improve thc condition of the poor sempstress , or the miserable clodhopper , who rarely consumed any taxed article , except perhaps a little tea or tobacco ! If Mr . Cobden and that party would demand that the burthen-ofthe National Debtshould . be placed on the right shoulders , —tlie property classes , to protect whose interests it was originally contracted , that would he a mcasuro worth agitating for . As for Mr . Cobden ' s project for reducing the armvit

      , was all a delusion ; for whilo the present system lasted governments dared not decrease their armies . Ever since the fall of Napoleon all the governments of Europe had increased their forcesnot from a fear of international war , but from a fear of civil war ; and as tho miseries of thc people increased ( which is inevitable under the existing system ) so would armies increase , — -and so would deficient exchequers . At this moment France kept wp 510 , 000 paid homicides—ostensibly hired to promote the glory , honour ; and safety of the country , but virtually , to kill and slay all those who dared to raise a voice in defence of the rights of man , when those rights interfered with the interests of the rentiers , or the profits of the bourgeoisie . In France

      every kind of constitution had been tried except the true one ;—that of 1793 was nearest the truth , but that had been forcibly put down by the corrupt influences ofthe landlords and moneylords . All their attempts at political reform had hitherto failed , as had our own . Cobden and his friends told us when our first Reform Bill was passed , that thc Whigs would then be enabled to carry out their professions of economy and retrenchment ; and how had they done it ? Why , by adding ten millions to the state expenditure , through such amiable devices as giving a Dowager Queen £ 100 , 000 a year , and a Prince Consort , £ 30 , 000 : they wanted to make it £ 50 , 000 ; had - not the Tories prevented tliem . And how have thoy provided for tho wants of the people ? Tliey

      have made tho poor-law more stringent , —and voted only £ 30 , 000 for national education , although at tho same time they had no compunction in allowing £ 70 , 000 for tho royal stables ! If they cut down taxes in ono place they planted them in others ; if they abolished a redundant office they opened a now one for their friends and relations . Cobdcn's party had told us , too , that Prcc Trade was the panacea ; but it was now- well proved that the labour class gained nothing by that measure , whatever the master class and fixed income people did . Therefore , from these failures , ho was bound to impale Mr . Cobden upon one or other of the horns of- this dilemma—either he was deceim" or a deceiver ; and , in either case , it was time to expose

      _tlietaiiacy , sotniittnc people might be no longer subjected to delusion , and consequent disappointment . He { Mr . O'Brien ) had been told that he roust not probe these _things too _deoply—thst he must not expose these deceptions , for fear of alarming the middle classes ' . Well , suppose he did alarm them , __ what then ? He considered he was doing them a kindness in sounding tbe alarm , although they had used the most unfair means to burke him . He knew that a frightful disease pervaded society , and tbat tho doetrt . ies advocated by the National Reform League were the proper remedies for it . To apply less potent ones , would be like telling a man with a cancer in his face that he could cure it bv narina

      a corn on his foot . But , in truth , tho measures advocated by the National Reform League would relievo many of the middle-class from grievous difficulties . Some years ago , Mr . Attwood and Mr . Ward promised the working classes that if the Reform Rill were carried , the time would soon arrive when , instead of two men looking for ono master , there would be seen the gratifying sight of two masters looking for ono man . Now , that would not have been a very pleasant thing for masters ; and yet Ward and Attwood pretended to be their friends , as well as the friends of the working-classes . And why dared these people utter such barefaced contra _, dictions ?—because they knew the stupid habit the _workinsr classes havo of swallowing _everything

      coming from their " superiors , " without stopping to think about the nature of the stuff offered to their mental capacities . Instead of so doing , the members of the National Reform League claimed the right , and [ followed the practice of chewing the cud upon all measures propounded for political or social amelioration . If the principles of the League were wrong , let thoso who made that discovery point it out ; but if right , then thoy had a good reason to look for confidence and support . They were prepared to teach the people , if they could got at them , their just , natural , and inalienable rights—neither more nor less—and when the people fully appreciated those rights they would agitate for thc Charter with that untiring- constancy and

      enthusiasm which the cause required . Ignorance of political , social , and moral science was the main cause of human misery ; and led the producing classos and workers of society to oppress each other far more than the upper or middle classes oppressed them . How could it be expected that a people would ever get their true rights , if they had no clear idea in what those rights consisted ? A periodical of the present week ( the Plain Speaker , ) had objected to their using the term "National League , " but that objection was founded in an error . They did not presume to call themselves a national party , at present—( although he trusted thoy would be , before long _. _- ) what ( hey meant was , that they were for national reforms , and not for mere fractional

      reform , wliich could only benefit a class , or a few individuals . All fractional movements would fail , and ought to fail , because they can only benefit a fow individuals at the exponso of others ; whereas , the adoption of the principles of the National Reform League , would do full Christian justice to all parties , and really injure none . The notion , too , promulgated by Louis Blanc , that the government could enfranchise labour from tiie claws of capital by __ organising labour in masses , was decidedly a mistake . All that the people required from the government was to remove factitious obstructions in the way of improvement , and to prevent one class of society from preying upon another class . In conclusion , the lectnrer cloauently denied tho as

      scrtion that the doctrines of the League would lead to anarch y and bloodshed ; and maintained that they were the only really conservative party in Europe , Let such reforms as had been tried on the continent be tried here , and he fully believed that _cousequences infinitely more to be dreaded would be the result . Universal Suffrage , with such principles , would prove universal confusion ; and the people , exasperated by misery and disappointment , would vent their rage in retaliatory acts , the contemplation of which was dreadful , even in apprehension , but which he feared would soon ho exemplified on the continent of Europe . Tho lecturer was listened to throughout with the deepest attention , and was often greeted with marks of the wavmest applause ,

      Public Meetings. National Freehotd Land ...

      PUBLIC MEETINGS . NATIONAL _FREEHoTd LAND SOCIETY . A public meeting to promote the objects of this association was held at the London Tavern , Bishopsgate-street , on Monday . The attendance was very numerous , the large room being crowded in eveiy part . Mr . Richard Cobden , M . l \ , was present , and on his arrival on the platform , he was received wiih loud and continued cheering . Samuel Morley , Esq ., having heen called to the chair , introduced the business of the evening . Ml ' . R . CoBDKN _. M . P ., was received with loud and protracted _cheeking . He said they had met there as members and friends of the Metropolitan and National Freehold Land Society—to promote the objects of that association—whieh was formed for the

      purpose of enabling individuals , by means of small monthly contributions , to accumulate a fund by which they might be enabled in the best and cheapest way to possess themselves of the county franchise . Now the object of that society was to purchase large estates , comparatively speaking , and divide them amongst the members of the association at the cost y rice . Some of those why had looked closely into the Building Societies Act , said that that act gave no power to buy estates and divido them . Now it was perfectly true that the act made no provision for any such process , but it was proposed to do it through the directors , who would , at * the risk of the parties buying the estate , undertake the purchase of freehold land , and give the members of that association

      the refusal of that laud . It had been said that they undertook to find a freehold qualification for _aexunty at a certain sum , say £ ' 60 . He believed that the first prospectus put forth by the fociety made that statement ; but when he heard of it , he stipulated that it should be at once withdrawn , r . s he could not i e a party to anything of the kind , Now he appeared _thmv , merely as a n sponsible director of that association , and all it proposed was , that whatever the property bought it should be divided without a profit to those _ffho bought it , and tbat the members should have the land at cost price . ( Cheers . ) But whether a vote would cost £ 20 , £ 30 , £ 40 , or £ 50 , was a matter on which he could not undertake to make any promise or _pledge , because it was not a matter that

      he could at all control . Ihe honourable gentleman then expressed his full confidence in the trustees of the Metropolitan Freehold Land Society , every one of whom he would be ready any day , if he were making a will , to leave as trustees for his children for everything he had to leave tliem . As to the difficulties started to thc _w-orking of stH _. an association , it was perfectly true they might nut be able to get _property to purchase situated at their own doors . But they must be content to go farther from home , just m individuals did with any other investment , whether it were Spanish or Auslrian _, or Austrian bondslaughter—or ( to come nearer home ) shares in railroads running all over the country , and many of them running away . ( Renewed laughter . ) But give him

      an investment in the firm set earth , which never did runaway : so that he had a good title and received his rent by the penny post , he would not care much whether it was situate in his own parish or a few parishes off . Now , for an illustration , he would take the case of Surrey , and _suppose that a favm of 100 acres w » s to be sold in the neighbourhood of Guildford . Tlie directors would go and look at the land , accompanied by a valuer ; they would learn the price ot it , and if it approved itself to their judg ment they would buy it ; but instead of letting it out again in one farm of 100 acres , tbey would let it out in lots of from one to two acres as garden around 5 and if the bell was rung through the streets of the town that such plots were to be let , he was sure there was

      not a mechanic or small shopkeeper in Guildford who would not be so anxious to possess an allotment that there would not be an acre of it which was not let at 40 s . ( Cheers . ) Indeed , he knew land in Wiltshire , of no more than ordinary value , which was let , he was sorry to say , at the rate of .-67 or £ 8 per acre . Having thus explained the object ofthe _association , he would take a wider range . They were here standing onthe ancient ways of the constitution . No one could say of them that they were Red Republicans or Protectionists ; they were _stnnding up fcr tlie ancient rights and privileges of Englishmen . The question _* as , could they by this means tiled a change in the dei-o $ U of political power in this country ; for he was wil'ing to . avow that his

      object was by every legal and _cjustitutionai means to place the _polii ' cal power of the country in the hands of thc middle and industrious classes , ( Loud cheers . ) He spoke of these classes a 3 he had ever done—that their interests were inseparable ; for he defied any one to say . Wierc the one class ended or the other began . At _present they were governed by n class insignificant in numbers and insignificant in importance , as compared with the mass of the people in th s country . ( Loud cheers . ) Take the agricultural interest , who were perfectly insignificant as compared with the mishty interests of this empire . What would they do if they had their own way ? Wiy , they were trying to restore protection , —( hear , hear , )—and that at a time when even the Austrian

      government was proposing to abandon its restrictive tariff—when even the government of Russia had got its tariff , as be had learned from recent accounts , under revision , with a view to reduce the dutieswhen America was veeip-ocating our liberal _policyand who even Spain , which some wicked wag had called the beginning of Africa , —( _laujihter , )—was following the example set by Sir Robert Peel . ( Cheers . ) Now , was it a wholesome state of things that nothing could be done in this country , except by great _congregations of the people , to force their representative-, to Jo tliem something like justice - ' -to oi serve something like common sense ? Nothing could be dene , nothing eould be carried , except by a seven years' stand-up tight between the people on the

      one side and those who called themselves their representatives on the other . They could get these reforms only by aiding this constitutional operation . And it was astonishing how little required to be done to effect this transformation of political power . There was only about one million of registered electors over the whole kingdom . ' 1 he total number of county voters in 1847 was 512 , 300 , and of these the number of tenants at will which constituted the strength of thc squires only amounted to 108 , 790 . Why , half the money spent on gin in one year would buy as many county freeeholds as would counterpoise the influence ot the 108 , 000 tenant farmers . ( Loud cheers . ) In the county of Hampshire , _according to the last census , _theve were 39 , 90 S males

      above twenty years ot age , while the number of registered electors was 9 , 223 , so that the registered electors was only one-ninth of the adult male population . In Sussex , the adult male population was 10 , 077 , while the registered electors waa 0 , 211 , or one-eight . In the purely agricultural _couniy of Berkshire the adult male population was 43 , 120 , the registered electors were 5 , 2 il , or onc-e ' ghf . In Middlesex there was a perfect mine of undeveloped political wealth . The adult male population was 431 , 181 , while the registered electors were 13 , 781 , or l-17 lh of the adult male population . Taking in round numbers the population ofthe country at sixteen millions , that would give four millions of males above twenty years of age , while there were only

      512 , 000 county electors in the fifty-two _cuinties of England and Wales , or one-eight of the adult males of England , and seven-eights of them had no votes . ( Hear , hear ) Now that was his ground of hope for the future . He did not disguise from himself that there was a large portion of the people who could not afford to obtain votes in this way . The agricultural labourers with from 7 _i to 10 s . a week could not be expected to lay by a sum to purchase a vote . But lie called upon the moderate shopkeepers , the mechanics , anil the artizans _, to set themselves resolutely lo work , and they might put themselves in possession of the county franchise in the ( nurse of a few years . ( Cheers . ) It was the only effectual remedy for removing the soeial inequalities of

      Dissenters and alt other aggrieved classes of thc community . ( Cheers . ) He did not come there to seek this or that organic change without _hnving practical _objects in view which he believed essential to the well-being of the country , lie looked mi the sta _' e of the national finances as perilous and disgraceful . The _profligate expenditure and extravagant outgoings oi our government were utterly inconsistent with the prudent , cautious , economy which all grades of the great body of the people were compelled to follow . He wished to infuse thc common sense tbat pervaded the great body of the people into the principles of our government ; and lie had to declare , in conclusion ,

      as he had done at the beginning , that he saw no way of effecting this bin by increasing the number of voters ; but the way to achieve that was not by going to the House of Commons to ask for that which it would _refu-c , hut by all joining associations of this description , and possessing themselves of the franchise by purchasing 40 s . freeholds , ( Loud cheers . ) The hon . gentleman concluded by rawing the first resolution , whieh was _asfollows : — " That this meeting is of opinion that the freehold laud movement , adapted as it is to the varied positions and circumstances of all classes of the people , is calculated to improve the parliamentary representation of the country . " The resolution was seconded and carried .

      Mr . _Chauiss Gilpin proposed the next _resofutian , viz .: — " That this meeting is further of opinion that the freehold land movement is eminently calculated , by encouraging saving and provident habits , to elevate the social and moral position oi the working classes . " A working man here rose from the body of the room , and said he , as a working man , had been saving his half-pence for years , and he was prepared to nut down his £ 10 to the obiects of his association

      ( Cheers . ) He was satisfied other working men could do thc same thing if they only would keep out of the public-house . ( Great laughter and cheering . ) He suggested that tbey ought to buy some of the land which was now offeved for sale in Ireland . [ He then came up to the platform and laid down ten sovereigns , and moved off without waiting for any receipt . ] Mr . Cassell , in handing the money to the chairman , mentioned his name— Daniel Hopkins , of _Billingsgate-market , ( Cheers , and a voics He ' s a tee-totallcr" )

      Public Meetings. National Freehotd Land ...

      Mr . W . J . Hall seconded , and Mr . Cassell supporfed the motion , which was then put , and carried unaroinously . Mr . Cobden , in moving a vote of thanks to the chairman , said a gentleman hud sent a note to him to ask whether the first step ought not to be a registration of the land . That would be an important change in the law ; and he looked forward to the time when the transfer of land woutd be as free as the transfer of consols or railway shares But he feared that could not be done yet . Then the gentleman asked whether their movement would not be frustrated fav an act ofthe Legislature raising the franchise to ' £ 40 instead of 40 $ . ( Laughter . ) No ,

      no , sir , there were some things they could do , and somethings they dared not do . The 40 s . franchise was too venerable to be touched , He would further mention that he expfclcd the office of the society would become a sort of registration office , where parties could learn where land was to he disposed of . There were many of the middle classes who had never thought of qualifying themselves , and if they thought of u now they might learn from the officers of this society in what neighbourhood land was to be had . He then urged upon th" meeting the necessity ofindiviihial exertion , and conluded by proposing a vote of thanks _tctlie chairman , which was seconded by Mr . Ebenezer Clarke , and carried by acclamation , after which the meeting separated .

      Parliamentary And Financial Reform. Sout...

      PARLIAMENTARY AND FINANCIAL REFORM . _SOUTHWARK . A meeting of this society was held on Tuesdayevening , the 37 th ult ., in tho literary Institution , Borough-road , for the purpose of Advancing the interests ofthe Metropolitan Reform League . The meeting was well attended , thc large hall being full . Mr . A-. _" Pcllat was called to the chair . Thc principal speaker was Colonel Thompson , M . P ., who adduced the inequality of taxation as a principal reason for adhesion to this movement . He was no smoker himself , and never meant to become one , but if he vised tobacco , and was obliged to use that species called " sling , " which he understood to be an

      inferior Kind ot tobacco , no should certainly consider 16 a hardship to bo obliged to pay eleven times as much for it to the revenue as did thc polished dandy for the cigar he whiffed along tho street . Of this he complained , and did not suppose that ho was the only one present who complained in his heart of such an injustice . The same thing showed itself in tho tax on tea ; for that which tbe Countess drinks in her drawing-room is taxed far less in proportion to that of the hardworking washerwoman . And this came because the people arc not properly represented in Parliament . Mr . C . Pearson , M . P ., was present , and also addressed tho meeting , which broke up shortly after ten o clock .

      Glasgow. On The Evening Of Monday Last, ...

      GLASGOW . On the evening of Monday last , Sir Joshua TVal _. nsley _, M . P ., and G . Thompson , Esq .., M . P ., appeared before tbe citizens of Glasgow as a depution from the National Parliamentary and Financial Reform Association . Tho meeting was held in the City Hall , tlie largest place of assembly in Scotland . Long before eight o ' clock , the hour at which the chair was announced to be taken , the hall and galleries were crowded in every part . On the appearance of the members of the deputation , Mr . Ilastie , M . P . for the city and several wellknown Glasgow reformers , they were loudly cheered . Several influential gcntlomen were on the platform . Thc following leaders of the working classes also appeared;—Messrs . James Hosey , Martin , Johnston , Brown , M . MTarlane , Wilkinson , Cameron , Young , Stewart , Matthew Cullen , and several others .

      Mr . _IIastik , M . P _., having been called to the chair , went at great length into thc expenditure of the government . He said that on looking over the votes this forenoon , there was one which struck me aswi : tl worth mentioning . It is this : there is a small island , called the Falkland Isle , thc inhabitants of which amount to 1 C 0 individuals . And the island has a governor , postmaster , and all the other official paraphernalia , at an annual expense of £ 0 , 000 . I remember that when that particular vote was under discussion , Mr . Joseph Hume remarked very justly that we could bring over the whole of tlie ' inhabitants of thc Falkland Isles to this country and maintain them here at much less money . ( A * laugh . ) There is another island that

      wo havo taken possession of within the last two years ; and I am not aware whether there is yet a white man upon it—I mean Lahuan ; but upon this spot we have already a governor , master attendant , and a set of other officials , for whom we pay £ 10 000 per annum . Then let us look at some of our larger possessions . Take Jamaica , for instance . It contains a population less than tho city of Glasgow . We think that the local government of Glasgow is quite heavy enough ; but thc island of Jamaica , costs £ iW , Q 0 u ; and __ this extravagant expenditure is continued in the face ef the remonstrances of their local legislature . The people themselves wish to reduce the expenditure ; but tho home government , for no other reason than to provide for their dependents and friends , say that it shall not be reduced ; and , consequently , as to

      Jamaica , it is still labouring along witb us under a heavy load of taxation . ( Hear , hear . ) Now , 1 would just bring the case homo from Jamaica , and point to a great job which is at this moment being perpetrated in the metropolis . I refer to thc new Houses of Parliament . It took no less than nine months to adjudicate and decide upon the plans and estimates of these new houses . Ono would think that in such a length of time , they shonld have been well considered ; and accordingly thc estimates were given in and calculated to amount to £ 770 , 000 . Well , last year a member moved for a return of what they now cost , and it turned out that thc amount was £ 2 , 043 , 000 . ( Hear , hear , and " Shame . " ) Now , this very enormity proves to my mind that this system must soon be abolished . Sir Joshua "Walmsley—who was received with

      immense applause—laid down the foundation , the principles , proposals , and measures of the Parliamentary and Financial Reform Association . Mr . George _Tiiomi'so . v , M . P . —who was received with loud cheers—in a lengthy and eloquent speech urged the necessity of parliamentary and financial reform . You want ( said Mr . Thompson ) a thorough revision and expurgation of the civil list , leaving the monarch in affluence and splendour , but showing no unnecessary mercy to those gilded butterflies and animated clothes-pogs who flutter and stalk amidst the beams of royalty , only that they may he fed and clothed at , thc public expense , who have not the excuse ofthe pauper in the union-house , idle , whose helplessness is his misfortune , and whose

      idleness is compulsory , irksome , and involuntary . You want a reform in the pension list . O ye _Belgraviaii veeipierite of alms from tbe miserable hut meritorious poor , would , that sometimes when alone , ye would think of those pale , faint , consumptive creatures who toil and spin that you may dress in purple and fine iinen ! Would that you would sometimes send your thoughts to the fmtid room of thc slop maker , or the lonely firelcss garret of the sempstress , where—" work , work , work ; stitch , stitch , stitch "—sit those who from Monday ' s sunrise to Saturday ' s sunset , the offspring of poverty , toil , to pay two-pence out of every three-pence they spend in tea , that you may be idle and fare _sumptuously every day . ( Ilear , hoar . ) You want _finan--: __ i _f . \ r _j . _» _, lui .., i ii _.. MtA .... l . t . ! . _<* . */ . ltt «*/\ _... * i «

      UliU IU 1 _UI 1 I 1 . _1 U 5 , Ul « _u no _j / . vuq _. w— . _" — - _«« _£ «» tho _stupendous abuses ofthe army , thc navy , and the _ordiiance , with their joint expenditure of seventeen million , upon men , and hoys , and sand bags , and shells , and rockets , and cartridges , and cannon balls , and muskets , and horses , and gtm carriages , and ships oi war , and arsenals , and jobbing contracts , and generals without divisions , and admirals without ships , and half-pays , and whole pays , and superannuations and pensions . You want financial reform . Yes , to cleanse that worse than Augean stable—the Woods and Forests , with its sinecure salaries , its fraudulent leases , its insane mismanagement , its guilty malversations , its disgusting favouritism to the nobles of the land — its

      innumerable petty peculations—its barbarous and feudal privileges — its perversion of the land and resources of the soil wliich are the birthright ofthe people , its unserviceable oaks , its useless verderers , its costly establishment in Whitehall-place , and aU its manifold and multiform and monstrous abuses . ( Renewed cheering . ) Now , let thc financial reformers behold the hydra-headed monster with which wc have to deal , defended by seven-eighths of the members of the House of Commons as now constituted , and let him say if ho soberly and gravely thinks it can be subdued without parliamentary reform . You that would free politics from their taint and selfishness , come fortU wnA join this new

      and independent movement , and unite with your brethren in every part of tho country . So united , you will form one compact indissoluble , and irresistible reform association ; the classes hitherto separated will be cemented ; and in tho sublimity of your aggregation , in the omnipotence of your bleiidedcnergies , and in the unconquerable resolution of your will , tho victory will 00 certain . Behold the signs of the times ! The spirit of reform is abroad ; so also is the spirit of bondage and of despotism , But who can doubt the issue of the comfilet ? Hark ! amidst tho roar of elements , the tumult of voices , and the clash of arms , hear you not thc cry , Reform 1 reform

      !—O ' er ever j _radiant _isknd'oicteatiDiL X . v v i . The music of that sWellingybft '' is bernc _) J _^" Land bears to land , i «| S [ ha _^ irslfi > latC" _5 ? natlon ; The war cry of _theZ gc _'S _^^ _i _reforAr ! . _^ . _-f \ Mr . _Thompsonresmjft " . _Ju _^ _te at a _^ _idstrbujallsB applause . Lp _^ _-fy •'¦ " ' ¦ . X " V _.,, 1 Several gentlemcnffiai _^ gi addressed . tho moating and resolutions in _aoioraancewiththedhjectsofthe Association having l _^ _xrarriedj tto \ ' YMt _;» sicn blago dispersed . _\^ - ' _"« £ _a . v .. _„' .. _'„'; v' , ? ¦ _KYii-iS " " * 8 f ! _5-Ji ft ? .-: '

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Dec. 1, 1849, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns3_01121849/page/7/