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S 1 1 0, November , 1849. THE NQrtHERN M...
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RECEIPTS OF THE KATIOSAL LAND GOHPAHY. F...
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LETTERS TO THE WORKING CLASSES. LXV. " W...
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" Equality—Liberty—Fraternity. OBJECTS. ...
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THE FRATERNAL DEMOCRATS. TO ALL DEMOCRAT...
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PARLIAMENTARY AND FINANCIAL REFORM. MEET...
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Sin Jolt.V FUAXKLIS AXD THE ARTIC JExPED...
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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.
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Adoption Of The O'Connor Cure For Pauper...
S _^ S * . * _^ S _* acres ' obtained a _rfra : _« ter _» of £ 39 4 s . 3 d ., or £ 12 Is . 3 d ., per acre ; to - . Jons Smart , in his evidence before tne Land Committee , deposed that he maintained , ou only two acres of land , himself , his wife a _Hi ? 0 _ cMWren , smd made besides a clear profit Ol -. _iolos . peraere ; and Mr . Gablaxb , head-master otthe farm school , established bvtbe _Brid-Tiorth Union , at Quatt , Shropshire , conies near to this produce of Mr . Sillett ' s , extraordinary as it may appear . By detailed accounts furnished to Mr graoxDS , another of the inspectors , Mr . _Gabxaot shows on four acres of arable , and half-an-acrc of f _™ _£°% _pff produce of £ 22 an acre , and a net prout of . £ 14 per acre . I „ ISiS ais ss pr 0 ( juce increased to £ 25 an acre , owing to the introduction ol Italian rye-grass , which he lad been able to cut live times in one year . We can add our personal testimony as to the enormously productive character of this invaluable for stoek
crop . Mr . Bowser ' s report abounds with valuable facts and practical information as to the rotation of crops , —the most profitable kinds to grow—modes of management , ia , which we can only mention here . Mr . Browse , the Inspector of the _Xortberh "District , is equally emphatic and pointed in his recommendation of industrial training , and especially the « u _! tivation of land by the elder boys—which he _considers " peculiarly desirable "—inasmuch as it diminishes the expenses , saves the manure that would be otherwise wasted , furnishes a healthful and moral occupation , and does not interfere prejudicially with the labour market , in which instruction m trade does . Mr . Bbowxe speaks highly of the Eirkdale and Leeds new industrial schools , as showing the advantages of a new and superior method of treating pauper children . The report of Mr . _Symoxds for Wales and the Western District of "England , is rich in materials of a similar description , but for the present we must pause .
Sufficient has been done in the present article , to prove that in the highest quarters the theoretical speculations of Malthusian philosophers and onesided political economists , are losing their influence . The stern facts of every day life are more powerful than theories , however ingeniously manufactured , er however much bolstered up by great names . Tood and work are two great primary requisites whieh the Government begin to feel the people must have . Instead of looting to new Hanchesters and _ftesh foreign markets to supply these indispensable requirements , it is being made evident to them and to the country , that in the soil of our native land , and the arms of our own people , they possess the means of supplying both , with advantage to the individual and to the nation . We will nottwit our adversaries with their former
• opposition , nor their tardy conversion . "Xeither shall we indulge in any complacent egotism or self-. praise for the share we have had in producing this change . It is sufficient to know that tbe wedge we lave been so long driving at , has penetrated so far . Past success will only induce ns to renewed efforts in order to drive it home ; England shall yet be covered with the habitations of a free , independent , _educated , and prosperous people .
S 1 1 0, November , 1849. The Nqrthern M...
S 0 , November , 1849 . THE _NQrtHERN MAR , - 6
Receipts Of The Katiosal Land Gohpahy. F...
RECEIPTS OF THE KATIOSAL LAND GOHPAHY . For ihe "Week _Esmso Thubsday , _November 1 , _18 i 9 . SHARES . £ _s . d . £ s . d . _JTottram .. 216 0 J . Clav .. 0 1 C Stroudwater .. 114 9 C . Howl .. 9 10 _i ' ottingliam .. 01411 - J . Buttfcnvorfh .. O 16 3 £ 6 4 5 EXPENSE FUND . Hottram .. 010 0 Nottingham .. e 1 0 Oil 6 TOTALS . _IjaadFond ... ... Bio Expense ditto 0 11 6 loan ditto 0 2 0 Transfers ... ... ... ... 0 4 0 * _Kew Company , per H . J . JL 19 A o 3 fothon , perK . G . B 135 0 0 £ 161 5 11 W . _Dhok , C . Dotxe , mmmmmmmmm T . Clark , Cor . Sec . P . _M'Gbath . Fin . See .
EXECUTIVE FUND . Received "b y "W . BmEa . —Flax-dressers , _Lanflernean , Enisterre , France , per D . Beid , 5 s . Prestonholme , per D . Beid , 3 s . ; _XottinghasH , per J . Sweet , Ss . Beceived * byS . KTDii—5 s . 4 d . DEBT DUE TO THE PRINTER . Beceived by W . _Btoeb . — yottingham , per J . Sweet , Is . Id . Becdred atL . ua > OfHcz . —D . TV . Buffer , 2 s . Beceived hy S . Soosbju . —F . L ., Sheffield , Is . FOR THE AGITATION OF THE CHARTER . Beceived bj TV . Bidec—Young Chartists , Walsall , per 3 . rurkins , as . ; Bristol , per C . Clark , 3 s . 3 d . ; Greenwich , Iter J . BHsh , Is . Gd . FOR WIDOWS OF THE LATE MESSRS . WILLIAMS AND SHARP . Beceived by TV . _Bjber . —A few young Tailors , "Worcester , !«• J . Hardin : * 3 s . ; Xottinghatn , per J . Sweet , Is . 2 d . TO EXEMPT PRISONERS FROM OAKUM PICKING . Received hy TV . Hjbes . —J . Scott , Lynn , Is . ; Bacnp , per J . Wilson , Ss . ; J . ltowland , Thrapstone , Is . ; Halifax , ( to exempt JB . Jones ) , per J . Culpan , del .
FOR WIVES AND FAMILIES OF VICTIMS . Beceived by TV . Bides . —Landernean , Finisterre , _Flasxlressera , per D . Beid , 15 s . ; A few Friends , per J . Itedrup , Is . Sd . ; Mrs . Ackerman , Queen-street , Soho _, 6 d . ; _Barnstaple , per B . Farleigb , 8 s . ; York , collected bv George "Walls and ILBoberts , £ 1 6 s . ; Stockport , per TV . Benfold , 5 s . ; Congleton , per T . Kckford , £ 1 12 s . Id . ; Nottingham , per J . Sweet , 5 s . ; Beading , Queen ' s Arms , per TV . Groves . Ss .
VICTIM FUND . Beceived by S . _Boosuam . —Bridgewater , per Fhuj , Is ; Boiherbam , per"Mr . Bydd , lis . ; 3 Ir . B . J . Bland , Is .: Beraiondsej , Is . ; Westminster , Mr . Barber , 6 d . ; Mr . _TVBks , < Sd . ; Mr . Eider , £ 1 ISs . 3 d . ; proceeds of Thomas Cooper ' s second oration , South London Hall , 12 s . lOd .
Letters To The Working Classes. Lxv. " W...
LETTERS TO THE WORKING CLASSES . LXV . " Words are things , and a small drop of ink Falling—like dew—upon a thought , produces That which makes thousands , perhaps millions think . " _jsxbox .
JfOTES AM ) _NOTICES OF DEMOCRATIC AFFAIRS . Bbother Pboleiabiaxs , Li another column of this day ' s paper Trill be fbnnd an address from the Committee formed for the purpose of receiving contributions for the Widows and Children of the late Joseph Williams and Alexander Sharp . There needs no words of mine to enforce the Conunittce ' s all-snf & cient appeal . If the people are not stimulated to perform a most sacred duty by the few but telling words addressed to them by the Committee , " neither would they he persuaded thoug h one rose from the dead . "
But lest" every"bod y ' s business ' should , as too often , turn out to he " nobody's business , " through the want of willing and working individuals to bring , the appeal of the Committee _Zoiweto "the Public , " I suggest to Chartist Councils the necessity of at once appointing collectors—energetic and trustworthy mento obtain subscriptions . Appointed by the local Councils , the collectorsshould ,
nevertheless , act under the sanction and seal of the London Committee . Where no councils are in existence , a few friends shonld meet and form themselves into a committee for this good work . Money should be raised not only by collecting subscriptions , bnt also by getting np theatrical benefits , concerts , soirees , & c . ; the profits to be devoted to the fund for the Martyrs' families .
I would impress upon all friends , not merely the necessity of doing this rig hteous work , * but also of doing it quickly . The Committee propose to meet the first Monday In every month . I wish I could see the _probability of the Committee being in a position to make permanent monthly payments to the _famUies-but I cannot . It appears to me
that the Committee will , atthebest , be unable todomorethancollectaFand withwhichtofiir msh the widows with the means of employing to the best advantage , their own industrial energies for the support of themselves and children . Such a Fund _sliouJd te collected between this time and the 1 st of January next . In this , as in all other public matters , E . _YEBor is one of the first of virtues . monument to
I am g lad to learn that the the- memories of thc deceased patriots , Wttttav _* Shaep , and _Hassard , is in course of _SSSati _™ Mr . _Waxter _Coz ( late of _Ifofeng ham ) , _andisrapiapppr _oachingcom-SSn A certain amount of money _k sWl tSS . which , doubtless > Trill _hinta * I _tmSrstand that subscriptions nagr be « _uA to m . SmBR , "Northern Star" Office , Mr .
Letters To The Working Classes. Lxv. " W...
Boonham , Land Office ; and Mr . Thomas Bbows , Secretary to the Committee , 28 , Golden-lane . In another column you will read tho letter of _Dasiel _Doxoyan , one of the Chartists lately imprisoned in Kirkdale . Our friend is mistaken in supposing that the liberation of himself and fellow-sufferers could possibly be regarded as a matter of no public importance . To all true Chartists , the liberation from prison of sufferers for the Charter , is _anereat deepl y interesting , it appears that Twelve political prisoners were liberated on the 12 th ult . from Kirkdale .
I have just learned that ten political prisoners , have been liberated from Wakefield House of Correction , after having suffered sixteen months' imprisonment . Their names are —Ambrose Tomlinson , John Connor , Francis Vicary , Isaiah Heaton , James Down , William Winterburn , Thomas Fell , Nathaniel Frith , Andrew Beanlaud , and William Smith . Let us hope that Ernest Jones , Dr . M'Douall , and the rest of those still in bonds , may be speedily restored to their families .
One fact of importance appeals in Mr . Donovan s letter . He states that before being discharged from custody he was required to enter into recognizances , "to be of good behaviour for two years , " himself in 1007 ., and two sureties in 251 . each ; and I understand him to state that his comrades were subjected to the same gagging process . Would it not be well that the friends ofthe victims yet remaining in prison , whose sentences included the finding of sureties to & c , & c , should have "bail" in readiness to tender at a moment's notice ?
The London Chartists will see by an advertisement in another column , that two public meetings are to be bolden next week for tiie purpose of electing delegates to a Metropolitan Conference , which will assemble the first week in December , to devise measures for the reorganisation of the Chartist party . The meetings will take place at the John-street Institution on Tuesday evening , and the South London Hall on Wednesday evening . It is to be hoped that the good men and true will muster strongly , and once again fling to the hreMfi thfi banner of THE CHARTER AND
NO SURRENDER ' . _L'AMI DU PEUPLE November 1 , 1849 . [ revised ] OBJECTS AND RULES Ofthe Association of FRATERNAL DEMOCRATS .
" Equality—Liberty—Fraternity. Objects. ...
" Equality—Liberty—Fraternity . OBJECTS . This Association is established to promote : — The Fraternity of Nations , and , especially , the brotherly union of the Proletarians of all countries . The abolition of the Penny Stamp , and all other fiscal and oppressive restrictions on the Freedom of tbe Press . The political emancipation of the "Working Classes of this country by the legislative establishment of the principles of the People ' s Charter . The diffusion of sound knowledge on Political and Social questions , by means of the distribution of tracts , addresses in the public journals , lectures , public meetings , & c , with the view of preparing the proletarian classesfortheachievementof their deliverance from the oppression of irresponsible Capita ] , and usurping Feudalism .
Kfx . es . 1 . —All who desire the progress of Democratic and Social Reform , wherever residing , may become members of this Association by contributing to the General Fund a sum of at least One _Shjzxixg annually _; to be paid in advance . 2 , —In addition to the General Fund there shall be established a Fraterxai . Fund , to be solely applied to the aiding of Brethren ( British and Continental ) suffering from persecution . To this Fund the members ofthe Association shall be invited to contribute according to their means .
3 . —The Association shall be conducted by a committee of nine members , including treasurer and secretary , elected annually . An annual statement ofthe receipts and disbursements of the General and Fraternal Funds shall be laid before the m probers .
The Fraternal Democrats. To All Democrat...
THE FRATERNAL DEMOCRATS . TO ALL DEMOCRATIC AND SOCIAL REFORMERS . _Fkiexds , —The present state of Europe calls loudly for the united and energetic action of the true friends ofthe people—the sincere and devoted advocates of Democratic and Social Reform . The victories gained by our brethren on the continent in 1 S 4 S-49 have been everywhere reversed . Terror is the order ofthe day , and the defenders of Liberty who have escaped death , are in chains , in concealment , or in exile . This terrible reaction has been brought about by the intrigues , the treason , and thc brutality of those privileged and selfish classes who profit by the slavery and misery ofthe proletarians , and who are the irreconcileable enemies of Justice and the IItouts of Labour . It is to be lamented that the
enemies ofthe people have been , in too many instances , aided by the ignorance , the folly , and the blind confidence ofthe people themselves . Indeed , truth bids us add that in in this country the ignorance and apathy of a too considerable number of the people are the primary causes of popular slavery and misery . But Nil Desperandum must be the rallying-ery . Defeat and suffering , and the wrongs of the present added to those of the past , will but stimulate true men to renewed and more vigorous efforts for the triumph of Justice . We nave resolved to re-organise the association of Fraternal Democrats , with the intent of thereby establishing an efficient Democratic Propaganda , having for its twofold mission the fraternisation of the Democracies of Europe , and the advancement in this country of the principles of Democratic and Social Reform .
The combination of the enemies of mankind s freedom and happiness , is an all-sufficient reason for the fraternal union of the champions of Justice . Autocrat and usurer , king and kaiser , pope and president , have conspired to arrest the progress of Liberty , and are still banded together to keep the people in subjection to their unholy rule . Let us then marshal against their criminal combination , the brotherhood of the peoples . Let" Au . for each _, and each for all , " be tbe motto of the nations , when next they march against their oppressors . Mindful of tbe existence of the Alien Act—proposed by the British Government at the request of the despots of the continent , and passed by the British Parliament in a spirit of hostility , to the Democratic refugees—our association will be composed exclusively of natives of the British dominions : but means will , nevertheless , be taken to
render our society a veritable link of union between the Democratic aud Social Reformers of this country , and those of continental Europe and America . One special means of promoting the principle of Fraternity is set forth in Rule 2 of our Association . Our proscribed brothers who have been driven to , or who have sought refuge in this country , have the strongest claims on British sympathy—sympathy which we desire to see expressed by deeds rather than by words . If , ' however , good men amongst those we address may be , at present , unable to contr ibute to the Fraternal Fund , let that not hinder them from enrolling themselves members of our body by sending their contributions to the General Fund . The existence of the Propaganda we desire to establish is imperatively necessary . Let , therefore , those who think with us , unite and act with tis , and the good and glorious work will be forthwith in
progress . . By ourselves , and in co-operation with other bodies , we propose to ag itate and labour for the repeal of the iniquitous Jaws which tax , fetter , and corrupt the Press , "ffe hold that a Free Press is essentially necessary to guide the people in their efforts to achieve their political and social emancipation . Desirous of co-operating with all friends of protress we desire no obstruction tothe "Parliamentary Reformers . " But believing that the principles of the Charter are founded in Justice , and that their legislative establishment is indispensable for the political and social protection of the people , we shall give our strenuous exertions to the good work
of hastening the enactment of that most salutary and necessary measure . Holding that Political Reform must be valueless unless productive of Social Reform , we shall advocate the political , as preliminary to the social rights of the people . By public meetings , by lectures by the printing and distribution of Tracts , and by addresses in the public journals , wc shall labour- to expose social evils , and make plain the mea sures necessary to put an end to those evils . By so acting we hope to he able to inspire the working classes to seek with zeal and energy their politicalfranchises _. andto make a wise wdaU-savmg use of those _franchises when won ,
The Fraternal Democrats. To All Democrat...
; Apt wishing to usurp the place- _'bf any other association established to advance political and social reform , we shall aim at no rivalry , excepting that of good works . Should a reorganisation of the Chartist party take place , we shall be happy as Chartists to take our part therein . But we hare a mission to fulfil which no association formed only for the agitation of Chartist principles can perform ; aud a deep sense of the importance of that mission bids us be up and doing , in the full confidence that the thinking and the energetic—the able and earnest friends of Democratic and Social Reform , will give us their fraternal co-operation . ( Signed by the Committee )
Jobs Milxe , "William Shuie , _Enwix Gill , Johx Arnott , Joh . _v _Fettie , Augustus Piercy , Henry Ross , Chairman . James _Guassbv , Treasurer , G . _Juliax Harney , Secretary . London , October 20 , 1840 . 23- The existing Committee is acting only provisionally . It is intended to hold a members' ' meeting in the first week in January , 1 S 50 , for the election of the regular Committee for twelve months .
Parliamentary And Financial Reform. Meet...
PARLIAMENTARY AND FINANCIAL REFORM . MEETING AT _BRIGHTON . On Monday evening a crowd ed public meeting was held in the Town Hall , Brighton , for the purpose of forming in that town a branch , of the National Parliamentary and Financial Reform Association , and of receiving a deputation from thc parent society . On the motion of Mr . Jons Good , Colone Robberts was called to the chair . The Chairmax , in opening the proceedings , said the revenue her Majesty ' s ministers had to play with amounting to 54 millions per annum , out of
which the industrious classes of society paid M millions . He asked if that was a fair proportion between the people and the aristocracy ? He was not for running down thc aristocracy , because he was fully persuaded ! that in that class there were inany honourable minds . ( Hear Hear . ) As union was strength , he trusted that the industrious classes of socity would join the middle classes , and that they would thereby obtain a reduction of taxation . If they were not banded together , they would obtain nothing , but he trusted that they would go hand in hand .
Letters were then read from Capt . Pochell , M . P ., Mr . Cobden , M . P ., Mr Josebh Hume , M . P ., Mr . J . Y . Shelley , who had all been invited , excusing their attendance at the meeting . TV . _Cosixgdam . Esq ., moved , and Mr . Giles secconded , the following resolution . — " That whilst this meeting is convinced that a great reduction of the national expenditure and a more equitable adjustment of taxation aro imperatively necessary and almost universally demanded , it cannot see any reasonable hope of permanently securing those
important objects until such a measure of electovial reform has been obtained as shall give thc people a direct control of the taxes which they are required to pay ; that an association be formed in Brighton in connexion with the Nationnl Parliamentary and Financial Reform Association , and that this meeting will give to such assoeiation its hearty co-operation , " C . "Wordsworth , Esq ,, one of a deputation from London , stated the object of the association . lie said , it was formerly the law of the land that parliaments shonld be triennial . There was an act
passed to that enect in 1641 , which was repealed in _IC _61 , and re-enacted in 1 G 94 , and repealed again in 1715 . This was one of the points they were contending for . "Were they asking for anything which was unconstitutional ? They were not asking for anything which was novel , but for something which had beeu known tc ihe country and acted upon . He contended that the parliament of 1715 , winch repealed the triennial act , and passed a bill pro . longing its own existance to seven years , violated the constitution ; and he referred to Smith ' s lectures on history , and to Hallam , who both stated . that ministers wero afraid at that time to
dissolve parliament , lest the constituencies should elect a new House of Commons , who were favour able to the return of the Stuarts . In 1734 they tried to get back to triennial parliaments , but the motion was lost by 247 to 184 . "When Mr . Hume brought forward his motion it was supported by only 84 members , 130 less that in 1734 , showing that we were not advancing in legislation , but were going back . The speaker then ably descanted on the other " points , " and concluded by an appeal to the meeting to support the association by spreading its principles , and contributing to its funds .
"W . A . Wilkinson , Esq . next addressed the meeting . The working classes , he said , had the best of this bargain ; there was concession on both sides , Out the working classes would benefit largely , inasmuch as they were to he enfranchised to the extent of four-fifths of their number , whereas the middle classes generally had tho franchise already , though such was the anomaly of the system , that there were some men of property who did not occupy houses who had no vote . The word revolution had been mentioned . What they were seeking was a revolution in one sense , because they knew that in this country the whole power was now vested in the lords , instead of the three estates ; whereas the association sought to secure to the people a due share of power . That was a revolution certainly ,
but not in the general sense of the word . "What they really wanted was a restoration . And now he would say a word to the gentlemen in broadcloth . They sou » ht relief from unequal taxation as tlie working classes did ; and they sought more than that , they sought security for that which they had . Now he wanted these gentlemen fully to understand that they must not fold their arms and sit down content with things as they are , simply because they were not now much pressed , for there was now no safety , no comfort for them , unless the working classes were comfortable likewise . ( Cheers . ) Mr . Lisxock inquired whether it was intended to do away with the rate-paying clauses ? Mr . _WiLKKhOS . —The voter will be in a position in which he can claim to be rated , but the payment of the rate is not to be necessary for his vote . . .
Mr . Conisgham briefly replied , and the motion was then put and carried unanimously . Mr . J . G . Bass moved the second resolution : — " That this meeting rejoices in the hope tbat a hearty union between the middle and working classes has at length been attained , and strongly urges all those who complain of any grievance to eocentrate all their energies to procure such a reform in the Commons House of Parliament , as shall render full and impartial justice to all classes of her Majesty ' s subjects . " He did think that at a time like the present , when they saw throughout the country an increase of pauperism , and an increase in the navy and army expenditure , it was time for all persons to come forward and support their
political principles . When they saw that in Ireland there had been pauperism to an extent never known in this island , when the legislature had been tampering with law upon law regarding the poor of tbat country , it was a proof tbat the legislature was inadequate to the task ; and when they looked at the composition ofthe legislature thoy need not be surprised at it . "When they considered that thc country was governed by a house of peers , with a beneh of bishops , that the House of Commons was mainly composed of sons of peers , of gentlemen in the army and navy , and officers of government , and that the squirearchy in the House of Commons were nominees of the aristocracy , how could they be surprised that the sympathies of those gentlemen went with the aristocracy of Ireland , and not with the poor of that country ? He was in Ireland last summer , and he saw land that had been in cultivation a short time before , lying idle , and at thc same
the union houses wero full . Men , women , and children , were there doing nothing ; thero was not so much as education going on . The men he saw took out for a walk , aud the land was lying idle . And why ? Because there was no security . They knew if they grew anything , the agent or tho taxgatherer would come to seize it . But he found , on inquiry , there was an increase in cattle for dairy purposes . He was struck with tbat , and inquired the reason , and was told that it was because they could drive cattle away when they saw the agent or the tax -gatherer coming , but growing crops they could not remove . And all this was going on in a countrv which had 48 , 000 soldiers to keep them quiet and police barracks at every turn of the road , not such police stations as there are in England , but more like soldiers barracks than anything else . They were told that thc Irish were disloyal and disaffected to this country , but only give them fair play , and thoy would find the Irish as loyal as the _English or Scotch . ( Hear . )
Mr . Feargus O'Connor was next introduced to the meeting , and'was received with cheers , which lasted for several minutes . He wished , with all his soul , this was an ordination—( laughter)—and that the chairman would ordain him to solemnise the marriage between the Middle and the Working Classes , and in truth , as they had an union of church and State , of Church and Army—thc Duke of York having heen Bishop of Osnabuvgh and
Commander-in-Chief of the Forces at the same time—ho did not see why the chairman , being a colonel , should not be a bishop on tho present occasion . ( Laughter . ) However , he assured them that nothing ever gave him greater delig ht than the ; union he saw now taking p lace between the working and middle classes . He was not going back to the year 1715 or 1731 , but he was going to bring thenminds to dwell on the age of reason , when the electric telegraph , the printing press , the
Parliamentary And Financial Reform. Meet...
penny postage , "' steatii ' navigation )" " failwav travelling , and all those great powers which had so developed the mind of man , had entitled them to their fair share in the government of the country . But if be was compelled to go back to those barbarous ages , let him remind the hon . and learned gentleman who first addressed them , and repudiated the People ' s Charter , let him romiud him that the relapse was not from triennial to septennial parliaments , but from annual to septennial parliaments . He wished the gentlemen advocating Parliam entary Reform , and anxious to establish a union between the veritable middle and
working classes , would abstain from casting any disrepute upon the Chartists and their principles . He desired this because , while he stood there as the advocate of the union , he would not tamel y submit to any insult attempted to be cast upon the principle or its advocates . ( Cheers . ) Was that gentleman aware that five of our pointsnamely , annual parliaments , universal sufirage , equal electoral districts , no property qualification , and payment of members — every point , with the single exception of the ballot—once constituted the basis of tho English constitution ? ( Cheers . ) And let bim ask , if tho improved mind of this _onlio-htened
age was not more capable of exercising those privileges than the barbarous mind of by-gone times . ( Loud cheers . ) Yes ; and it was the improvement of that mind , and not their ignorance thoy dreaded , as the ignorance of a people is the tyrant ' s best title to power . ( Cheers . ) Well , they cheered that , while thoy bad most significantl y exposed their own ignorance that night , and he would show them how . They listened attentively to the gentlemen strangers who addressed them , while they treated an eloquent man of their own order with levitv and insult . ( Cheers and cries of
" Shame " " ) Ay , it was a shame , and upon this repugnance to their own order their one mies based their power . If a buffoon came amongst them in his gilded coach and four , accompanied by his gingerbread flunkies—one to put him in , and the other to take him out of his carriage—they would cheer him to the echo , although he had neither brains nor knowledge ; while if a poor man , one of your order , robed in honesty and full of knowledge , came amongst you as his opponent , you would scout him . ( Hear , hear , and "It ' strue . " ) The middle classes said they had been
overpowered by the feudal system , and that to break tbe present system of legislation down , they required the assistance of the working classes . They tried by the Reform Bill to break it down themselves ; they failed , and now they opened their arms and were read y to call tho working classes to help them . They struggled for the Reform Bill ; they got it , and how did they like it ? The Catholics struggled for Emancipation , and they got ii ; but still the long spire of the church showed
the ascendancy of thc Protestant . The middle classes struggled for Free Trade , and were going to parliament for a reduction of taxation ; but that was not the principle on which he asked them to join tbe Asosciation—but why ho joined it was because they adopted the legitimate means to the end , viz .: parliamen tary reform , as the means , and universal ( and not mere class ) reduction of taxation , as the result . ( Cheers . ) JXbwthesecond gentleman bad stated that the middle classes could do without
tlieir co-operation , while tbey could not do without the middle-class co-opeYation ; and as it was necessary that all parties should have a thorough understanding , and as he was not going to allow this movement to be based upon the kind condescension of the middle classes , let him assure that gentleman , thatthe working classes were perfectly aware that the middle classes would not seek their co-operation , if they could do without them —( loud cheers ) ;—and while neither vanity nor ambition should induce him to throw any—the slightest—obstacle in the way of this union , he would not
allow tho middle-class party to base their policy upon humanity or philanthropy , but upon self-interest . ( Cheers . ) And for this hi } , did , not blame thorn , as self-interest was the basis of human action , and now the veritable middle classes had discovered , that their interest and that ofthe working classes were identical and inseparable . They had heard great ministerial boastings' of the good that had been effected by the Reform Bill ; but ho had been a member of that reformed House in the years 1833 , 1834 , and 1835 , 1847 , 1848 , and 1849 , and from such Rnform , " Good Lord ,
deliver him . " ( Cheers and laughter . ) lie would now critically develope the evils of the present system , and would show to the landlords , who were calling out for a reduction of taxation , the only means by which their object could bo attained , and the only means by which they could preserve their property from the sharks . Let him state that he had a great advautage over all other speakers in this movement . It was this ; that whereas other _o-entlemen could not repeat their speeches , as they were fully reported , he might make the same speech upon every platform , as he was
never reported . ( Hear , hear , and "It'strue . " ) Now it would be impossible for the leaders of this movement to develope any principle or express any sound opinion with regard to politics , that the working classes _ivere not perfectly familiar with ; and , therefore , his opinions and sentiments were delivered rather with a view to enlighten their new allies , than to confer information upon the Chartists . ( Cheers . ) We still lived under , and were governed by , the feudal system . The landlords , as the working classes were aware , had ever measured their property by the standard of patronage ,
and not by its food-producing value . The middle classes tolerated this ascendancy so long as the industrious classes wore capable of yielding sufficient to maintain both . ( Loud cheers . ) Taxation and misrule , however , had grown to such an enormous size , and the landlords still possessed such an unjust monopoly ol power , that the middle classes could see no means of salvation , save through a reduction of taxation ; and the working classes could discover no means of achieving any reduction that would confer the sli g htest benefit upon them , except Parliamentary Eeform . ( Hear ,
hear , and cheers . ) Tho feudal lords arc increasing in power , as the result of tho Reading and West Surrey election irrefutably demonstrates —( hear , hear ) —and all classes are aware of thc fact , that if we had an election to-morrow , tho feudal lords would have the majority , and would throw the country into revolution , to uphold their own power . ( Cheers . ) That is , they would throw the country into revolution if the people now were not too wise to be caught iu the old trap . ( Cheers . ) Well then , how are they to right the ship ? thus : —instead of measuring the
value of their land by patronage , they must measure it by state necessity—( cheers)—they must bring it into the retail market , and then the estate now worth 10 , 000 / , a year in rent , and 5 , 000 / . insecurely in patronage , will be worth 15 , 000 / . a year , when applied to its rational , its legitimate , and national purposes . ( Loud cheering . ) That was his ultimate hope from thc destruction of tho feudal systemthat system had governed the country for generations , until , as Lord Brougham said , tho necessity to uphold it bad bound us over in eight hundred millions to preserve the peace .
That was the view he took of the feudal system ; and now ho would show the fallacy of middle class hope , and all former middle class agitation . The interest of the shopkeeper , and of those who made profits of the industry ofthe well-paid labourer , wero never identical with tho interest of those whose profits exclusivel y resulted from thc reduction of the wages of the labourer . ( Loud cheers . ) Their union was based upon their justifiable hostility to tho feudal system ; . they were organised politically as a class and called Liberals , while socially their interests
Parliamentary And Financial Reform. Meet...
were wholly difierout ; and the object of Chartism , and the result of Chartism , would bo to represent tho interests of all , and to make the rich richer and tho poor rich , by a proper developement of tlieir national ' resources . ( Cheers . ) Suppose that the wealth of this country now amounts to four hundred millions per annum , and if tho employers of labour can grasp the lion ' s sliaro of profits , they would prefer tbat limited amount of production to three thousand millions a vear , if the veritable producers were entitled , bv fair representation , to have a fair share of tho profits . ( Loud cheers . ) Ho had shown bow an evil system had for centuries preserved thc
monopoly of power ; and as it was indispensable that thoy should be thoroughly acquainted with tho Labour question , let him now show them the power of tho money-lords , and the cvilto all classes arisingfrom that active power . In tbe good old times , the father worked at his loom , tho mother at her spindle , and the cliildren at some easy occupation ; in those days master and man were co-partners ; tho veritable value ot capital and labour was stamped upon thc fabric ; thc master was as dependant upon tne labourer as the labourer was upon the master , and if he required a little additional labour to complete an order m time , ho went to the cottage , and not to the cell of the labourer . He went as au interested
partner , not as a domineering tyrant , he wont , perhaps on "Wednesday or Thursday , and said : " Well , WiU , lad , we must havo the work in Tuesday , and here ' s five or ten . shillings for thee , to get up a bit earlier , and work a bit later . " ( Great cheering . ) Well , machinery came upon us with a hop , step , and jump ; there was no law to control its power , until its owners became sufficiently powerful to resist the law ; living man became tributary to inanimate machinery ; instead of being thc co-partner of the master he became his serf bound slave ; instead ofthe morning invitation to accept more for working , ho was obliged to obey the summons of the dread Curfew . He was supplanted by feeble woman , whoso legitimate occupation was the care
of the household ; she was compelled to listen anxiously and wakefully for the sound of tho Curfew ; she was obliged to draff the sucking babe from tho mother ' s breast , to hand it over to tiie tender mercies of one who had no maternal feeling , to one who had no interest in the training , the bringing up , or the educating the child ; and now the power of the small tyrannical minority which lias upheld that system , would basethat power upon the ignorance of a people , troiighfc up as lie had described . ( Loud continued chcevmg . ) ( Well , if the landlord could increase thc value of his land fifty per cent , by political patronage , see what the money-lord can do . If he employes a thousand hands , and in consequence of competition created by tho land being locked
up—( cheers)—if ho reduces the wages of his hands by 2 s . a week , two thousand shillings is £ 100 , and thus he makes a profit of £ 5 , 200 a year . ( Hear , hear , and cheers . ) Well , as with the landlord so with his class ; a miserable attempt was made to destroy the effect of this injutious competition by thc enactment of the Ten ' Hours Bill ; but the local power of the money-lord is as great as the political power of the feudal lord , he defies tho law , and violates the statute ; thus showing you that under the present system there is the spirit of tho law for the rich , and no law for the poor , that there is more danger to the peasant who shoots the squire ' s hare , than to the squire that shoots tho peasant's head . (* ' It ' s true , " and cheering . ) Murder is repudiated , and
God know that no man repudiated murder or any description of cruelty more than he did . The father , driven to insanity by poverty , murders a darling child , and is he to be blamed ? ( Here a very officious Quaker who did not appear at all pleased with Mr . O'Connor's appearance upon the platform , shouted out "Oh , oh ' . " in a very significant nminer . _) Mr . O'Connor turning round toliini said Who says " Oh , oh ? " who is the murderer ? thc system , 6 r tho fond father who vises from his loathsome bed of straw , strong , able , and willing to work , but by the system not ablo to procure work , while
God s gift—the land—which is his birthright , is withheld from him . ( Cheers . ) Now would tho gentleman re-echo his "Oh , oh ? " ( Laughter . ) Ko ; let him apply to his own class , if he is a Brighton shopkeeper . ( Laughter . ) Let him reflect upon the different profit that he would derive from the cultivation of tne land under his nose . ( Cheers ) Let him calculate tho difference between the profit of a well-paid customer , and tiie profit of maintaining tbat customer in the workhouse . ( Loud cheers . ) What _description of trade in Brighton that would not benefit by receiving their corn , and every other article of consumption produced under their very noses , as compared with thc cost of importing it from other countries ? ( Cheers . ) Why thc very fishermen would bo large gainers by this change , as the cultivators of . one clement would be better
customers for the produce of another clement , both oi which were given to man by God . In thc upper room he heardtho piper or the fiddler , and the ladies and idle gentlemen , dancing upon the light fantastic toe . 2 _fow what enabled them thus to luxuriate ? Was it their industry ? far from it ; their silk stockings , their dancing shoes , their dresses were all produced by labour . [ Again the Q . uaker interposed his " Oh ' . ' oh ! " ] Mr . O'Connor continued ; Why , did they make them themselves ? ( Great laughter , j And would not they be all naked but for the labourer ? ( Renewed laughter . ) Nay , more than that , if it was not for the labour of others should they not starve , _ualosslike Nebuchadnezzar the King of thc Jews , they could live upon
grass , and then the country would soon be overstocked . ( Cheers and laughter . ) This Brighton presented a very curious illustration . He once was put in nomination for _. tueir borough , in opposition to the most eloquent man in the House of Commons-Lord Alfred llervey . ( Great laughter . ) Why did they laugh ? He repeated it ; because he never heard him utter a sentence that was not replete with argument , and shrouded in eloquence . ( Renewed laughter , and shouts of " He never spoke at all . " ) Well then , he ( Mr . O'Connor ) never heard him deliver a bad speech . ( Renewed l . iaghtor . ) How , was he not a " nincompoop" to represent Brighton ? ( Cheers and "Ay . ") Well , there were many more there than would constitute a majority of thc ' Brighton constituency , and would one of them vote for him . ( Shouts of "No , not one . " ) Well then , did not that explain tho system ?
Upon the day ot nomination , not an elector may be present , upon the day of _polling , not a non-elector can be present—that is—to give a vote . He did once hear Lord Alfred llervey make a speech , it was his hustings oration . His exordium and peroration were electrifying , and were enthusiastically cheered ; his exordium—as you recollect—was a blow of his nose in a little white cambric handkerchief ; and his peroration was the squeeze of an orange with his little finger , held up as a token ot his aristocratic bearing , and fitness as a representative . ( Tremendous chceringandlaughter . ) There was bv him , upon the platform , a veteran reformer , who had long contended in Westminster against the feudal svstcin—he alluded to Mr , Prout —(
cheers)that gentleman , he believed , waspcriectly cognizant of all political matters ; and if he ( Mr . O'Connor ) was wrong , Mr , Trout would correct him . lie believed that thc veritable number that would bo enfranchised by the proposed Parliamentary Reform Scheme , would be about three million , which in addition to about one million already possessing tho franchise , would give them about four million voters ; and , without exaggeration , ho believed that the number that would bo entitled to the vote , by simple and unadorned Chartism , would bo about five millions and a half . If , then , the four millions had thc vote , and if it was possible for them to tolerate thc enactment of laws to oppress thc remaiiiinir million and a half , their newly
enfranchised brethren would have greater power than thoy have now , and would very speedily co-operate with them for tho whole Charter , as injustice could not be done to thc million and a half _unenfranchised without equally affecting thc newly enfranchised , of their own order . ( Loud cheers . ) Lot them look to tho barbarous atrocities of the bloody northern . bear , ( Tremendous shouts of execration . ) Let them look to the overthrow of thc Roman Republic hy the Special Constable President of France . ( Hisses . ) Let them look to the butcheries of tho beast Haynau , and then lot them teach their new allies that it was thc want of that knowledge whieh the English people so pre-cminerillv _dossoss that led to those melancholy results
abroad . And let them convince them that they are now thoroug hly acquainted with the value of moral power—too much so to be led astray hy any Whig , Tory , or Protectionist _Will-o-tho-wisp—that thoy now understand that what is to be done for thc people must be done by the people —( cheers)—that they can estimate thc difference between promises and mere transitory concessions , extracted by physical force , and sound and permanent changes based upon moral power . ( Loud cheers . ) War was to trade what thc hotbed was to tho plant—it forced it but strengthened it not in its growth , while pence was as tho pure air of heaven , that forced it not , but strengthened It till it arrived at a wholesome _maturiJY . ( Renewed cheers . ) That was his reason resistance to
for offering his determined poor gentlemen who were too proud to work , and too poor to live without labour , who roused them to madness and then consigned thorn to their fate , when the bubble burst . ( Cheers . ) Let him illustrate the present state of society , so that their order may be made thoroughly acquainted with tho relative position of classes . Thero was a street , or a macniticcnt square—open , clean , and healthy . Here uvea a bishop—here a parson—there a barrister—there a lawyer—there a stockbroker-herc a general , an admiral , a banker , a merchant , a poor law commissioner , a magistrate , a government official—and God alone knew how many more idlers : and there , m tho unhealthy slums , and in rural hovels , lived the
Parliamentary And Financial Reform. Meet...
agricultural serf , and the mechanical slave , _ujon whose industry all revelled in luxurv ; white uo such class would bo required if nature ' s gifts were legitimately enjoyed hy nature ' s children . ( Loud cheers . ) In passing , ho might be permitted tostato a fact winch led to tbe conclusion , that thc " Jittfc . lord would be prepared to make treat chances _, in the ensuing session . The Secretary of tho Greenwich Uoform Assoeiation wrote to ' Admiral Dunrtas—their member—inviting him to attend tho meeting . He apologised for hi . fniabilit , ' to attend , at thc same time assuring the secietary that , in tho approaching session , frightful reductions would bo made both " in army and navy , and a large extension of tho suffrage would be conceded . ( _Clieors . ) And although Admiral Dundas was not a cabinet minister , yet he was a government official in high trust , ami " thev misrht rest assured that he woukfhot have
stated the fact without authority to do so . The government will see how they can tickle public opinion by feeding class upon class ; but tho mess furnished from hibour was now too small to satisfy the cravings of any one class ; and whiie upon this branch of thc subject , ho would define ministerial theory , as compared with ministerial practice . The free trade government admitted tho justice of tho tenant ' s demanding a reduction in their rent , and justified thc tenant ' s reduction ofthe labourer ' s wages . Now , that was practice as regarded landlord and tenant ; but let them mark the contrast whenappliedtotheiroi . il salaries . If free trade tended to reduce thc price of produce so as to compel thc landlords to reduce rents , and tho
farmers to reduce wages ; and as wheat gave the standard value for gold , and everything else , was it not reasonable to call upon government officials to reduce their salaries 1 Well , thc attempt was made , and thc noble lord and his associatas cried , "No ; this cannot bo' done . AVe do not care for ourselves , but it would be derogatory to the dignity of the Crown . " ( Cheers and laughter . ) As regarded this movement he would not only not otter it any opposition , but would give it his cordial support . He did so from principle , and also from a conviction that a cooperation and union between his own country and England -was tho onl y means of _effecting good for impoverished , oppressed , and famished Ireland .
( Loud cheers . ) He begged their pardon , he forgot that he was an Essex mini —( loud laughter)—and ho , assured them that he would sooner bo an Essex calf than one ofthe generation of Irish slaves created by John Connell ' s father . ( Loud cheers . ) They wero aware that he attended thoso meetings with the view of keeping their newly adopted brethren in tho straight course . ( Cheers . ) He knew that they would much rather be without him ; but , however as a thorough understanding could bo tho only true basis of a veritable union , he begged , in some degree , to modify the proposition of Mr . Wilkinson , as regarded his invitation to the working classes to subscribe their funds to carry out their object . He too , said , subscribe your funds , but pav them to
your own treasurers , in your own localities —( cheers ) —and apply them economically in support of tho present movement . ( Cheers . ) He had alwavs been for local government , and he thought that would bo the most discreet and profitable mode of applying their funds , while from it their new associates would derive the greatest amount of benefit , and the people would know how their own monies was expended . ( Cheers . ) For himself he would cheerfully give his unpaid services to tho cause , as in his soul ho believed its propoundcrs wero zealous , honest , and sincere in its promotion . ( Cheers . ) Let them no longer be led away by clap trap sights , and raree-shows . Her Gracious Majesty went to Ireland to destro y the potato blicht ,
and produce a brotherly feeling amongst her subjects . She left ; and as if to deny her providential power , the potato blight followed in her track , and the feuds aud dissensions have multiplied a thousand fold . She was to have opened a coal hole in London to-morrow , but as if by magic she , too , unfortunately , has been struck with some kind of blight—the chicken pox , thc cow pox , or some other disorder-and Prince Albert , and the Royal babes , arc to go alone ; and so great will be the pressure of the gaping multitude that 1 and others will be obliged to go a considerable distance round , aa London Bridge will be occupied with gaping gawkies . ( Laughter . ) Now he had only another word to offer , and it was this—one of the newspapers represented him as the self elected
"lather ot Chartism , " and as he did not wish them to be considered his illegitimate children , ha would ask all , in the presence ofthe Right Rev . BUhop in the chair , who acknowledged him as their father , to hold up then- hands , ( llcvc every hand was held up amid loud and long continued cheerin ") Now then , said ( Mr . O' Connor , ) as you acknowledge me to be your father , I pledge myself to my children , that they shall never be juggled ; and I pledge myself to their new allies , that while 1 will not directly or indirectly offer any opposition , but , on the contrary , heartily aud energetically support their movement , I would rathor ' d ' c upon the platform than abandon one particle of the principles ofthe People ' s Charter , the only stable foundation
ot the people s rights . [ Mr . 0 Connor resumed his seat amid loud and long continued cheering . ] Mr . Prout , who was received with cheers , said ho was deputed , along with his friend Mr . Wordsworth , by the association to attend this meeting , and he was bound in candour and honesty to combat some of the propositions which had been laid down by the last speaker . Mr . O'Connor had said it was tho middle classes who carried the Reform Bill , but that was not so . Thc middle and thc woiking classes , and a large section of tbe aristocracy combined to carry it , and it was by their co-operation it was carried . That bill was a stepping-stone to a better bill , and they had found it had not worked as they expected . With regard to universal suffrage , they had it in France , but that had not enabled the French nation to prevent their government from putting down a sister republic , ' if thc French
government had sent 50 , 000 men into Italy hist year , when Piedmont was _struggling , or 100 , 000 this _' year to the banks of the Rhine , when Hungary was struggling , Italy would not have been overrun by Austrian troops , nor would Hungary have had to succumb , and the brutal Haynau would have had no opportunity to perpetrate his brutalities . De was not objecting to universal suffrage , but the conduct of the French government showed that universal sufirage had not induced it to adopt a course to secure tho liberty of other nations , _ilr . Prout then stated the principles on which the association was formed . Ho wanted to know whether they would , as practical men , assist in this movement _, ( "les . " ) If not they would have assembled there as mere talkers ; but , if they would assist in their emancipation , then they would be worthy of the name of freemen . ( Cheers . )
Mr . A . Waixis moved a series of rules for the guidance of the Association , which were seconded by Mr . _Buown , in a short speech , in which he expressed his approbation of the objects which were sought to be obtained . He hoped that no obstacle would be thrown in tho way of the movement by holding too extreme opinions , but that all would harmoniously unite to accomplish tho common object . Mr . Mathews objected to the present meeting deciding upon the rules ; he thought they ought to receive tiie sanction of subscribers to the fuudonly . Representation without taxation he held to be as bad as taxation without representation . Mr . Kent objected that there were no working men p laced upon the committee , although he had sent m a list .
Considerable confusion ensued , several parties endeavouring to obtain a hearing . Mr . Kent declared that he had no faith in Mr . Brown , as a member of the committee , ho having voted for a Tory upon the occasion of electing commissioners . Thc resolution was ultimately put and carried . Mr . Coxixgium regretted to witness the confusion and apparent want of unanimity in a question which required so much harmony . Mr . A . _Walus then moved the names of twentyone persons to act as a committee . Thc mention of Mr . Brown ' s name called forth loud expressions of disapprobation . Mr . Kext again called upon the loaders of tho movement to add somo working men to tho
Committee , Mr . Nias supported thc proposition and declared ho had little confidence in thc _leaders . After a deal of disturbance , Mr , Nias moved tho omission of Mr . Brown ' s name from thc list of the committee . A division was taken upon this proposition , when the Chairman declared the majority ofthe meeting in favour of Mr . Brown ' s name being retained . Mr . Kent again urged his proposition , and stated that the four working-men he wished to add to thc committee wero Messrs . Boys , Nias , Gibbs , and himself . This announcement wa 3 received with expressions of derision .
Mr . _Coxisgham then moved a volo of thanks to the Deputation ; which being seconded by Mr . Kent was unanimously adopted . Thanks having been voted to the Chairman tho meeting separated at nearly twelve o ' clock .
Sin Jolt.V Fuaxklis Axd The Artic Jexped...
Sin Jolt . V _FUAXKLIS AXD THE ARTIC _JExPEDITrOST . —The Lords ofthe Admiralty received , on Satuday . afternoon , communications from Dundee , dated October 26 th ult ., ofthe arrival ofthe whaling ship Advice , Capt . Penny , from Davics Straits , in tho roads off that port the night previous . Up to the departure of thc vessel , eight weeks since , Captain Penny had been in communication with tho natives , but could not obtain the slightest information of the Arctic Expedition . Another whaler , thc St . Andrew had also arrived at Aberdeen , which had , had a quick passage from the Straits in fire weeks She was unable to gain any tidings . A Lewis cotemporary gravely informs the public that " an apple , tho produce of Mr . John Henley of Udimore , which weighs 18 } oz ., has , att _**&< _"t « tt much attention . "
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Nov. 3, 1849, page 5, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns3_03111849/page/5/
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