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THE NORTHERN STAR, ' " A pbil 8, 1848 ^
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SrelanlSi
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(From our oumCorrespottdent.J Ddbmh, 8rd...
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The military preparatiens continue to be...
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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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Covbntry.—A Publio Meeting For Tb© Adopt...
of the people , that they took them , one by on _£ and put thern outof the . mertinc ; f _^ ' _^ _fX _£ the persuasion of onr fnena _^/ A _^ nthem . _^ _ould _bave itiflic _^^ _Bamraa _^ vengeanoe _^ run _Baaa _* _Edgs .-A all _^ g _^ A _^ _m of the Chartist _Asaoertton will be held _« » Mr James Reid , painter . B _^ _-Ejgj _™ to te _& March 9 th . _^ two o ' clock in _tbe afternoo _, ' _" _^•• S _^ S _^ E _^ _-MrO-Bifai _wm _iMtaS in the above hall on _Sunday evening next , _KiSth ? _height _oWodr . Subject :- 'The R « yo-& in Euro _^ . ' A meeting of shareholders q the hall wiU take place on Monday evening , April J 7 th _, at eight o ' clock . ; all persons holding shares are earnestly requested to attend .
..... , . Northumbeklasd and _Do-urni . —A . district deleeate meeting of the National Charter Association , was held in the hou ? e of M . Jude . Cock Inn . Newcastle , on _Sundiy , April 2 nd , 1818 . D _** 6 » kB pre . seat-Newcastle , Mr M . Jude ; Sunderland . Mr II . Baines ; Bishopwearmouth Mr W . Dobbie ; North Shield * Mr J Pratt ; South Shields , Mr R . _Wight-SniJari Mr Joseph Mitchell Mr Mitchell in _( he enair . Resolved :- ' That this delegate meeting earnestly request each braneh _oftte Charter Association in these counties , to MISS thefiUm of Gd _rprmemhT . ta defray the _exofnseot sending the
delegate for these ' counties to the Convention ; and thev are requested to forward the same to M . Jade . _ihetrcasnrer _. immediately . ' * That the delegate to the Convention , bepaid the sum of 6 j per day _. whi . e employed upon _thefbusiness of the Convention 1 ;; and that ha be paid his expenses for cab hire while in London , and his travellin g expenses from _Newcastle to London , and from London to Newcastle . . That tbe next district delegate meeting be held in the houss of Mr Winlow , Pa _rent Slip Home , Jarrow en Sunday afternoon , April 9 th , at two o clock , but that the secretary be empowered to call a delegate meeting before that time , shonld any circumstances arise that warrant him in doing so . '
may _NEvrcASTLt-cros-TiKE . — The members of this branch ef the Land Company , are informed that the money club , for deposits in the National Land and Labour Bank / is now ran ' out , and will recommence next Sunday , April 9 th . Persons desirous of joining this money club , will attend the L _* ind meeting next Sundav , April 9 th , and give in their names to the
secretary . Tivebios . —The monthly meetine of the Chartist Association took p lace in the large room at the Half Moon Inn on Saturday last . The leading articles were read from the North-jus Star , and * commented upon at some length by Mr William Kibbey . The secretary stated that upwards of 3 , 500 signatures had been obtained to the National Petition . The following resolution waa then moved , seconded , and carried : — 'That tbis meeting present William Rowcliffe , Esq , of Runnington _, with their Bincere and welcome sub
heartfelt thanks fer his benevolent and - scription ofa sovereign to the funds of our Association ; and whilst gratefully remembering his former aid to the advancement of truth and justice , hope he may long be favoured with health and life , to see t _* ie cause he im _sa much at heart triumphant throughout the world . ' _Arrangements were made to procure signatures to the petition for tbe return ofthe expatriated patriots—Frost , Williams , and Janes . A vote of thanka was then given 10 the chairman , and the meeting separated . . National
_Miudlesbio' ok-tees . — A braneh of the Charter Association has been ' opened at this place ; np ' waria of forty individuals have already enrolled themselves as members . On Saturday and Sunday evenings last , two very respectable and well attended meetings were held , for the adoption of a petition for the liberation of Frost , Williams , and Jones . A subscription wss also entered into for the support _^ of the Newcastle delegate to the National Convention . The association is held in Mr Alcook ' s School-room , whieh is open to the public for reading and discus * Bion every Saturday night , at Bix o ' clock . and __ Sundays from ten o ' clock in the _forenoon . Question for discussion on Sunday next : — 'Whether physical or moral force ia the tost calculated to obtain any desired object . ' Chair to be taken at six o ' clock .
_Electcos of Delegates to the National Convention fur London . At a duly convened meeting held on Clerkenwell Green , Monday mid-day , April 3 rd , Mr Wm . Dixon in the chair , Messra William Cuffay , Sfnry Child , and James Bronterre O'Brien , were declared duly elected . Addresses ware delivered by Messra Ernest Jones , _Lizion _, and others . _Horkcastle . — On Tuesday eveninc , the 28 th March , the first meeting ever held in this place of quietness aud retreat , was convened for the purpose of giving an explanation to the principles of the Charter , on which occasion , we were favoured with the visit of Dr _M'Donal , who gave us an excellent lecture to the entire satisfaction of a numerous and very respectable audience , which has proved
exceedingly beneficial to the cause ofthe _j-eopl < -, by _removinj { a vast amount of ignorance and prejudice which previously existed . I ara happy to say that the principles are fast extending in these parts ; for , although the working elas : e » , generally _speaking , are better off than in many places , still the burdens upon the people are so heavy , that thev are quite bound down ; and the general impression is , that something must and will speedily be done , the sooner the belter . _Maschebteh . —One of the most dense and enthusiastic meetings that ever took place within these walls , occurred at the People ' s Institute , on Sanday evening last . Mr Grocott , as usual , in the chair .
Proceedings were commenced by the chairman _reading from the Stab , TJsbbd Ibisbhan , and what is new here from the _Makchester Truss , as well as from our old friend , the Makchuster Examser . se-¦ feral soul-Stirring and remarkable leading articles . Are not these signs ominous ? But the ' Charter , name and all , ' is still our rallying point ! If they are honest . God speed them welcome . But no matter what their professions may be—if they join us , they rflttstcome prepared to embrace those principles for which we and our glorious leader have contended for , unaided and alone , amidst the scoffs . and persecutions of those who now profess to agree with them . Let us be cautious . No half-measures—no
jobbing—no curtailment—nor addition , will we grant , to please any party . The six points are the people ' g rights—those rights obtained—all minor things will follow . Messrs Rollinson and Archdeacon , and others , addressed the assembled throng with an eloquence snd truth that won admiration . Each _obo present felt that these were net times for childish play . The game is liberty—where the trumps have hitherto been played into the hands of a selfish and haughty oligarchy—about to change into the possession ofthe legitimate _people ! The people know this , and are prepared to employ tbe only effectual means of _reaeon _' . ng with thi 3 crew . "We have lo war against what is called ' Constitutional Government '—( Query ?—Brute force )—and to contend against thia
with moral' power alone , is a moral humbug . Let the people have justice done them . That refusedet them take it , and God defend the right . Tha meeting separated hiehly delighted , and firmly reio ' ved to _stipport tho leaders of the people . — Oat-door meetings take place here every night , and will continue so during the whole sitting of the Convention . These meetings ought to be simultaneous _alover the cott & try . That renowned calculator—the _•^ ' are-yard arithmetical man— £ ivea tha numbers attending the meeting was six thousand . I , however , dare set np my judgment against , this extraordinary bjped , and . _assure thecountry that no less than tan thousand or . twelve thousand were : _present . So much for the man of numbers—yclept the _Makches-TSE _GCASDIAK .
_Nobth . Wales . —Thb Ceabteb . —A meeting of the' workmen employed at the tubular bridge now erecting over the _Jlenai Straits , and of the inhabitants of tke _i . neighbourhood , was held in the open ary m the / evening , of Monday , the 27 _'h a tt ., at the tillage of Jdeaai Bridge , for . the purpose of adopting the , National Petition ; and , although every means had beea used . by the magistrates and clergy to prevent thepmeeting , yet upwards of 400 . _persans attended , the _majority , of whom bad _maoy miles to walk to the place , of meeting . Mr James Steelwas called to the chair , After reading a copy of the National Petition , he , called upon Mr Craigie to move the ; first _resolutienj which ha did in a lengthened ssd ' powerful speech , explaining the / principles of the
People ' s Charter . The resolution he proposed was , That , from ths reckless and extravagant manner in which tbe . revenue of , ' fhe country ie expended , it proves the great necessity for , the adoption of the People ' s Charter . ' MrXorimer seconded the _resolu-6 oa , which was carried , unanimously . Mr Walker proposed , ' That theCharter ought , to be enacted ; sad that this meetine pledges itself . to use all lawful endeavours to make It the . law efthe land . ' Mr Bannan seconded the resolution , which was carried _Bcanimonsly . A committee was appointed to carry out the object of the meeting , and get up a meeting ia favour of the Charter ih Bangor A vote of _feankswas passed ta the chairman . Three cheers were given for the Charter , aind all separated _suietly .
Mr M'Ghate delivered an excellent lectnre to a _TSSt audience ia the Amphitheatre , Leicester , on last Sunday week . _WHircHATBir . —Tha Chartists and Repealers at thiB place have fraternised . _ . : _Socibamptoh . —Great open air meetings are being iteld every night . The excitement increases . Great _Chariui _Meetixg a * Leigh Field . —On Tuesday evening , March 28 . the long club room ol 4 ho Fox Inn , in this village , situate about two miles snd a half from _« ChartervihV ( _Minuter Lovel ) was _^ _eosely crowded . At least fire hundred persons were present . Mr Edward _TJpstona was unanimously eahedto tba chair , and briefly opened the proceediags efthe evening . Mr Heary Ross , in an argumentative sndconvincing speech " , moved a resolution Betting _wr-a , _jhei deteriorating effects of the present system cf . labour , tracing the evils to class _legislationrand _jttttMerstiodQnKaation , and alleging the remedy to _es _^ « _praent < figtrof tbe _vtete ' _-pswfr . 'ia'fte
Covbntry.—A Publio Meeting For Tb© Adopt...
Commons House of Parliament , in accordance with theprincii'les contained in the People ' s Charter . Mr Edmund Stallwood , in a very forcibly speech , which met With much applause , seconded the motion , wliich was carried unanimously . The National Petition was then read , and its adoption moved , Mr John Gathard , inan ablespeech , wbich elicited the warmest applause , seconded its adoption . Carried unanimously . A vote of thanks was awarded by acclamation to the chairman , and the meeting dissolved . Gloucester —The theatre was crowded to suffocation , on Thursday , the 30 th ultimo , to hear an exposition of the People ' s Charter ; and most ably was lit expounded by Messrs T . Clark , Dowdiog , Sidaway , Bowly ,-and others . The victory which Chartism achieved over faction on Thursday night last , was decidedly important , inasmuch aa it will be the means of firmly establishing in this city the sacred princj . pies of the most righteous of causes—the People a Charter .
A _DecUBATION o _? thb _People ' s Rightsi has been agreed to at a conference of the Essex and _Suffolk Land and Chartist Union held at the Charter _Association , 12 , St _Jjhn's-strest Colchester , from which we give the following extracts . 1 _. TJni-ersal Suffrage . 2 _. Tote by Ballot . 3 . _Aboliiioa ef the Properly Qualification for Members of Parliament . 4 . Payment of Members . 5 . Annual Parliaments , and 6 E _^ ual Electoral Districts . BESUMB LIKELY TO _T 0 LLOW THE ATTAINMENT OF THE FEftru ' s BIGHTS : — 1 st . The just Representation of the whole People in tbe House of Commons . 2 ad . The same protection te the Poor Man ' s Labour as to the Rich Man ' s Property .
Srd , A reduction in the expenditure of the country , especially in the items ef State Church—Pension List—R-yal HoasthoH—Enlarging _Palaces—Army—Navy—National Defences , _eic , & c . 4 th . Reduction In Poor ' s Rates—Jail Rates , < Sse ., by enabling the Poor to live on their own industry . 6 . b . Increase of Home Trade , by bett . riug the condition ofthe Home Labourer . _6 tb . The cultivation of the soil by its rightful owners —the People ; rendering Great Brita _' n independent of Foreign supply . 7 ih . The Improved Social Condition of all classes of tbe people _.
TO T H E PEOPLE OF E SS EX AND SUFFOLK . The abova ore the principles and objects of the Notional Land Company and National Charter Association , snd it is _tt > promote _tlaeGe two _national ItttllhlliOTlB that the _Esecx cud Suffolk L » _nd ana Cborli » t Union _hasbe _. n formed . We , the delegates appointed by the branches Of those twoafsociations , in the different towns of Essex and Suffolk , ra calllngvour attention to the above principles , suggest , that the operatien of those principles will te btnefieial to all classes of the community , from the ' bauW * on the throne' ( more to be pitied for the
mockery of ber position than _revilea for tho _rstravagsnee of her income , ) up to the Industrious artisans whose skill and _iegennity have raised _Eagland abore other nations of the earth , and whoso determined snd united effjrte to uproot Injustice—to destroy Kingcraft , Priestcraft , and Corruption , will raise the nation in tbe acalo of moral dignity and grandeur—will cause It to be , not an abject of f « ar and hate , but an object ef love and admiration , tbe _greatteac & er of religion and moralityof arts and sciences—a model country , encouraging all that is good end excellent in principle and practicp _, the CiTiliSCr , not the conqueror of the world .
This mo 9 t numerous and important class would be benefited _because they would be permitted to enioy the tights of _citiz-nship . Being themselves practical men they would chooso men of moral and intellectual qualifications , whether rich or poor , for legUlator » . The next important class—the shopkeepers and honest tradesmen , would bs benefited , _bscause the social condition of the _mnsaes being Improved , a muoh larger demand for tbe necessaries , comforts , snd even ornaments of life , would be the consequence , and the burdens ot poor and county rates would be _proportionably 1 _' gbteHed . The lowest—because least useful . least moral and least
intellectual—the arislceratlcal class , would bo benefited , because by stopping their wholesale plunder of tbe other two _classes , their means ef dissipation and profligacy , which Is rendering them miserable , pony , selfish beings , whose gratification is atthe gambling house or the _brathel , and whose lives are passed in the most burdensome frivolity , impeding the progress of the country which they disgrace ; yes , by curtailing the incomes of these miserable creatures , they would be in a better position to receire those truths which accompany the declaration , * How hardly shall they that have riches enter the kingdom of heaven . '
Rally , then , men and women of Esses and Suffolk , ba not behind those of other countries in the struggle of national independence , national prosperity , and national virtue . Let erery one wbo pants for freedom , and who is tired of ilavery—the slavery of class legislation—im mediately communicate wiih the secretary to tbo branch in the neighbourhood , whose name is attached—unite with jour own order in this great _natianal movement . Obtain by your peaceable efforts , wbat France bas been _Btrnggliag for in blood , and tears ; remembsr that united honesty , intelligence , and _industr- , is more powerful than a combination of fraud , _profligacy , and indolence ; though the first may be clothed in fustian and rags , and fare moderately , and tha latter covered in broud cloth and * fine linen and fare sumptuously every day . ' Signed on behalf of the Essex and Suffolk Land and Chartist Union . H . S . Clubs , Secretary .
The Colchester branch of the National Land Company and of the National Charter Association , meet every Monday evening , at eight o ' clock , at No . 12 , St John-street , where new members to both are enrolled . Secretary to the Land Company , Mr H . 8 . Clubb , 51 , North-street ; Finanoialsecretary to the Charter Association , Mr W . J . Nickels , 165 , Magdalen-street , Colchester . _LoitGTON , Staffordshire _Poitehibs . —There were two glorious meetings . held in the Working-man ' s Hall of this town , on Wednesday and Thursday , Mareh 29 th and 30 _'h , when Mr Donovan , of Manchester , delivered two noble and patriotic lectures on The Charter , an ! the means to obtain it . ' All is life here , anxionsly waiting for the result ef tho
presentation oi the petitien . Mr Donovan at the close of hia Jasfc lecture _eironglr recommended tbo people to be very watchful of the Police and specials , and _seB that they kept the peace , as he said they—the police—wero the parties , in nine _casegout often , to break the peace , it has been since seen that our nable lecturer is right , as only two days subsequently one of the most _blapd-thirsty outbreaks took place by the police and specials , on the public , in the Market-place . On Saturday night last , between fi ? e and six o ' clock , a murderous onslaught was made by tbe police , first on a poor' nawie , ' and tbea on the people generally . The people repelled the assault with stones and brickbats , asd the police were glad tb take refuge in the _Bhops . Considerable excitement _continued throughout the evening . ,
_DsTOitF' _-BX . —At a meeting of a few _frlendg favourable to the principles of the People ' s Charter , held at Mr Eari' _a . te , _Granby-street , on the 21 st March , a braneh of the National Charter Association was formed . Thomas Abrahams was elected secretary John Jin treasurer , and a committee of three appointed to carry out the principle oftho association . Exktkb . —Since Mr T . Clark ' s lecture en Monday week-several have joined the National Charter Association ; we have distributed through the city over 1 , 000- tracts , _ ' Whit . is . a Chartist . ' We have got many thousands printed . In future , the membere of theNatlonalChartcr Association will meet every Monday evening , at eight o ' clock , at O'Brien ' _u , 49 , Holloway-street , where all who are interested in the progression of liberty are _requeated to attend .
Chartb & viixe . —At a public meeting ofthe _oecupanta , held iu the School _Ttoom of tbe Minster Estate , near Witney , on Wednesday evening , March 29 th ; Mr John Gathard , in the chair . ' A letter was read from Mr Doyle offering his assistance in the work of co-operation . The _tollowihg resolutions were passed unanimously . . On the motion qf Mr Edmund Stallwood , from London , seconded by Mr Jackson , from Manchester : —• That as a lasting memento of the glorious principles-that called those industrial free labour fields into _existence , this estate shall henceforth be Known and called Char * terville ' . ' On the motion of Mr Benson , from Manchester , seconded by Mr Dunford , from London ¦ — Thatit is desirable that each and every allottee should co-operate for tbe better and cheaper
obtainment Of coals , flour , & o ,, and that we hereby pledge ourselves , individually and collectively , to _suppnrt measures to that end . ' In order to carry the second resolution into practical effect , the following persons were appointed committees : —CoAL . ~ _iMe 8 _srs Pioker 3 gill , Dyson , snd Knight . _Ftoun _akd _Cobj _* . — Messrs Gathard , Benson , and Dunfordi Tea , _Supar , he . —Messrs . Stallwood , Williams , and Barnes . Potatoes . —Messrs Dyson , Dunford , and Bubb . Tho corn committee , since its formation , resolved on the purchase of a rick of wheat , thus forming at once bread stuffs tor the family , and meat for the pigs , & c , as bran , pollard , ic . The coal committee also resolved on getting _geveral boat loada of coals from Staffordshire bj eanal . The tea committee , not less active , resolved to have a wholesale supply of tea , See ., from [ London '; The bestSDirit annears _fo nre .
vail amongst the allottee * . ¦ _»*; is _determined to apply to the postal authorities _to-nava a _nosUffieo " ? ,, ? _i . te ' ; Also ' M Mon ¦ _Mitho school-house shall bs _Sniehod , to _hsve a _puWio . liorary for the mutual advantage of the allottees and friends visiting tbe estate / , - ( rod Hpe ' ed _ChfirterviUs ' BLACKBoaH .--A meeting of the . _Chartfela and n _% L _^ _emberswdl be hel d afc NurW _s Commercial Coffee-house , _Back-lane _^ _on Monday next , the 10 th mstantj at eight o clock in the evening . _Worcbsjkr . —oa Thursday evening last , a ; large _pubhc meetiHg was held in the Guildhall < granted by the Mayor , ) when Mr Doyl _^ . one of tha Esecutive ; delivered a most splendid address , _whidtfexoited _thetitmwtr enthusiasm _^ On iriday , a po bli e meeting-was held fortho election ofja'delegate totheiConventiOD / when Mr _JMward Walt ' _erawas elected . "An fiddre & s to the ' hohle jep _^ l _^ , _o f . FranCe was unanimously adopted . ' ';_¦¦ _:.: > .. _; - .. _;; Thb Spewal WB 9 _* r . _-RjBiKa . DB _* woAnB _Mbbtikq w & a -held at _DewBbury . ' _onSiuidBy . test , Delegates
Covbntry.—A Publio Meeting For Tb© Adopt...
present—Dewsbury , Mr Watson ; Halifax , Mr Cul " pan ; Leeds . Mr Harris J Bradford , Mr Clark . ' Keighley , MrEmmottj Wakefield ; Mr Mehnoll _* Littletown , Mr Schofield ; Huddersfield , Mr Sykos ; Holmfirth , Mr Marsden ; Hebden Bridge , Mr Hitchen ; _Queenshead , Mr Shackleton ; Sowerby , Mr Leaver ; Lower Warley , Mr Wood ; Bradshawlane , Mr Hope and Mr _Summersgill ; Ovenden , Mr Kershaw ; Mill Bridge , Mr Sheppard ; Ileckmondwike , Mr Hatfield . Mr Hatfield in the chair . It was resolved , — ' That a West Riding demonstration beheld ou Skirtcoat Moor , on Good Friday ; the chair to be taken at eleven o ' clock in the forenoon / * That the members of the Chartist Association , at Halifax , bo the committee of management to arrange
for the election of hustings , bills , & c , for the above meeting . ' ' Mv Shackleton then submitted 16 the delegates a requisition to the Lord Lieutenant of tbe Rfding to call the meeting . Feargus O'Connor , Esq ., M . P . _> having already promised to attend the demonstration , it was resolved that the following gentlemen be invited : — 'Ernest Jones , Esq , W . P . Roberts , Esq ., the People ' s Attorney-General ; R . Cebden , Etq , M . P ., Colonel Thompson , Esq ., M . P ., Mr Jo : ephBarker , and that a letter be sent to the Confederates Council , Dublin , for a deputaion from that body . ' 'That the Chartists of Halifax draw up resolutions for tho the demonstration
and submit them to a delegate meeting , to be held at _Nicaolla ' s Temperance Hotel , Broadstreet , Halifax , on Good Friday , April 2 lst . Business to commence al nine o ' clock In the forenoon . ' ' That Mr Harris ba proposed to the chair at the demonstration . ' ' That Mr John Culpan _. jun ., Union-st ., be secretary for the demonstration committee . ' There has net been such a great number of delegates meeting ! together in this part for a long time , and the unanimity that prevailed shows that Yorkshire is up to the mark , and that she is determined to make another effort to crush that _Hydra-headed monster , clas 3 legislation .
Chartism in Fifb . —Important Mketikg at St . AitDRKn _* 8 . —At leneth aroused , by the stirring events which are daily passing around us , from the apathy which has too long disgraced this locality , as well as Scotland generally , in reference to the great movement in behalf of the people ' s rights , a number of the'Old Guards ' recently resolved to attempt a revival of the goad old cause in this city , and , as a first step , having procured copies of the National Petition from the Executive , called a publio meeting of the inhabitants on the evening of Wednesday , the 29 th ult ., for tbe purpose of adopting the same . The City Hall , which had been kindly granted by the magistrates , was by eight o ' _clock well filled hy a numerous audience of all classes of too community , and
_bsforethe proceedings were well commenced , was crowded to tho door . Mr George Berwiek ( cabinetmaker , ) having been unanimously called to the chair , briefly opened the proceedings , exhorting 'Peace , Law , and Order , ' thereby evincing the people's fitness for the franchise . Resolutions declaring the opinion of the . meeting that the time had now come for the destruction of _clasB-legislation—the institution of a new policy , suited to the times , by our legislators—approving of the People ' s Charter—of the National Petition—and the taking immediate vigorous steps for obtaining signatures thereto , were moved , seconded , and carried by acclamation . The resolutions were supported in able and stirring speeches hy Messrs T . G . _Murtai-de , and Charles
Stewart , mason . After awarding thanks to the Chairman , as well as to the magistrates for the gratis use of the City Hall , the meeting quietly broke up . A considerable number of signatures were , thereafter , obtained to the sheets , among whom we were happy to observe several ot the students attending the University . The provisional committee , with a number of other volunteers , having divided the city into eonvonieut districts , have . set to work canvassing , and , we believe , notwithstanding the shortness of tho time allowed , we shall be able to send the most numerously signed petition that ever emanated from this hitherto priest-ridden place . Immediate steps are , we understand , to be taken to re-organise the Chartist body here .
r « _IDHFITAWT _DSMOHSTBATIOW . _—UwiOtf OF _ClTAB _' nsrs and Repealbrs in Macclesfield . —On Saturday morning last a bill was posted , announcing that a meeting would take place in the afternoon , en Parsonage Green , for the following objects ; To give a publio demonstration of the good feeling and cordial union existing between the Charter and Repeal Associations—to adopt an Address of Congratulation to the brave _French people—and to appoint a delegate to the National Convention in conjunction with Stockport . When the hour of meeting ( five o'elook in the evening ) arrived , being only about tea houra after the announcement was issued , at least five thousand people had assembled , and at least ten thousand were present before the close of the
proceedings . The magistrates wcre bniy during the whole ofthe day swearing in' specials , ' the only duty for which some of them are fitted . Mr Thomas Leech was unanimously voted to the chair , and called upon Mr Bowles to propose the first resolution , which was as follows : ' That in the opinion of this meeting the present deplorable condition of the working classes of the United Kingdom is mainly to be attributed to their want of union , aud we hall with heartfelt pleasure the resolve of the Irish Repealers to unite with the English Chartists , which union , we confidently hope , will ultimately give England tothe English , and Ireland to the Irish . ' The resalution was seconded by Mr White , and supported in an _effectiveBpcech by Mr Nixon , 6 f Manchester . —
Mr Balfe proposed the second resolution , as follows : 1 That we are of opinion that the present representative system is an outrage on common sense nnd common xhoneaty , inasmuch as jt excludes sixsevenths of the male adult population of thia empire from all participation in the election of members of parliament , and that we pledge _ourselvea with a firm determination to use all the powers with which God and nature hare endowed us , to cause the People ' s Charter to be made the basis of British legislation . Mr James Leach , of Manchester , seconded the resolution in an excellent speech , which was frequently interrnpfed by the plaudits ofthe meeting , lieaaid he was fully convinced that something moro than speeeh making , passing resolutions , and getting up
petitions , would be necessary , before the working men of this country obtained their rights . When he saw the House of Commons treating tho people with sueh insolence and contempt—when he saw them Lughing at popular principles , and sneering at the advocates of those principles , he could not help believing that its days were numbered . —Mr William Massey proposed the next resolution : —* That we pledge ourselves to assist the Repealers in their exertions to obtain a Repeal of the Union , which , in the words ef Chief Justice _Bushe , * was carried by the basest corruption and artifice ; ' all the worst passions of the human heart were entered into that service , and the most depraved ingenuity was tortured , to devise new contrivances to effect it . '~ Mr _Hargreavea seconded the resolution , which
was supported b y Mr Treanor , of _Stalybridee , Ha contended strongly that the Irish people had a perfect right to govern themselves , and pointed out Bome of the atrocities that had marked the conduct of j tho British government towards Ireland . Mr Treanor _' s speech was renewed throughout with tho atmest enthusiasm . —Mr John West was then called on to more the adoption of an address to the French people . Mr West waa received wi ( h the most enthusiastic applause . After an expre ; sion that Mr John West was a fit and proper person to represent Macclesfield in the Convention , and having given hearty and enthusiastic cheers for the Charter , the Convention , O'Connor ; & _c , the meeting broke up in the most peaceable manner . The meeting would have been much larger , but for the numbers kept away to be
sworn in special constables . The . excitement in Macclesfield ia raised to the highest pitch—everybody is asking— ' What will the house do with tbe petition ? Will they dare to treat it with contempt ? Bradford . —Oh Sunday a Chartist camp meeting was held on Wilsey Slack , near Shelf and Bradford , at two o'clock in tbe afternoon . The morning was beautifully clear , and the sun shone out in splendour , when about twelve o ' clock the atmosphere suddenly lowered , and a storm of . thunder ,, rain , and hailstone commenced , such aB had not been witnessed for many years . Several trees in the neighbourhood were struck with the electrio fluid . In one of the disaettting chapels the sexton waa knocked down , and the forms were thrown about , but no serious _damnaa
was done . Many of the good Sabbath going folks declared that the infidelity _oftheChaitista in holding a earap meeting on . the Sunday , was the cause ef the storm , and the anger of Providence was observable in the elementary war . On the Chartists' side , it was declared they were the chosen band , for many thousands of them were out amid the storm , and Eot a _hairbf their heads was touched , while their voices resounded amid the rolling thunders of Heaven— ' That Britons never shall be slaves . ' When tha storm subsided _, a waggon was procured for the speakers , . and Mr ; Frith was called to the chair ' . The Bpectarie was a grand ( one—not leas than 20 , 000 persona had assembled to declare they would havo the Charter . _MeSsra Hurly , Webber , Smyth , _Gliase . tt . Roberto , and Leghtowler , addressed the meeting . Resolutions
were adopted for the Char ter j and to support and abide by the decision ofthe Convention . A rote of thanks was tendered to the Chairman , and the meeting marohed off the common with , a tricoloured Hag before them in the most peaceable manner . —On Sunday evening , the Chartists of Little Herton , met at Squire Barker . ')} , Yorkshire Divan , and formed a loeality of the Chartist Association , when torty members were enrolled . — -The Chartists of Great Herton met on . Sunday evening , to form a locality , when above fifty persons enrolled their names . —On Monday evening , a meeting , was held at New Leeds , when a number enrolled their names to form a locality ofthe _Chartiat'Assooiation . —Meetings were also held at Bowline , Manningham , and Wapping for the same object . The organisation is rapidly progressing in Bradford . " ¦ '
Chobeet . —Tho Chartists and Laud members' of this town met for the first time is their new meeting room , in _Market-streat , behind the Rope-market , on the 2 nd inst . . Meetings will be held eve * y Sunday afternoon , at two o ' clock , for the purpose of reading end _disoEsaion _. ' and at six o ' clock in tbe eveniagfor
Covbntry.—A Publio Meeting For Tb© Adopt...
_Receiving subscri p _tions , and enrolling member * . At * he above , meeting _BUbsoripti _onst were entered into for the purpose of taking in the Usitbd Irishman , and other valuable journals supporting Land and Chartist principles ; and as a _demonstrative proof of the _progress of Chartism in thia town , the Northern Star , along with other , democratic newspapers , hss been froposed to ba taken in by the Chorley Meohanies ' nstitution , whioh is about to be re-established . A meeting of Chartist and Land members will take placo on the $ Lh inst
. BrawiKGUAM —A most enthusiastic meeting took placo . in the People ' s Hall , on Sunday last , when addresses were delivered by Messrs James _Ls-ach ot Manchester , John Mason of _Birminsbam , and the delegates from Wigan , Bolton , and Paisley . Sixty new _memberajoineu the Association . _Ssockport . — _Twoexcellflntaddre « eeBweredeKvcred here on Sunday , last by Mr John We 3 t . ' Mr Rankin of Manchester , also addressed the evening meeting . Both gentlemen gave the greatest satisfaction , and were warmly cheered , by their delighted audience . in tbis
Stalvbridoe— -There was a public meeting town , held in the open air , at which there were 10 , 000 persons present , to memorialise the government to recall John Frost , Zephaniah Williams , and William Jones , and all political offenders . A delegate meeting _waslimmediately held , to arrange for a camp meeting , on Sunday the Uth of this month , to be held In this district , to take into consideration the proceedings of the Convention , and to act accordingly . Membyr Tvdvil . « . A publio meeting waa held in this town last Saturday , to adopt a petition for the liberation of Frost , Williams , and Jones , and was signed by several thousands on Sunday . A public meeting will take place on Monday , the loth inst ., at twelve at noon . There are public meetings held here every evening , and they are well attended , and a noble spirit manifested bv all .
_Ohkliekham . —The secretaries of the National Charter Association of the towns ot Cirencester , Wincbcombe , and other localities in the Cheltenham district , who have not yet communicated with ns , wishing to be represented in the Convention , are requested to correspond with Clement W . Frames , 6 , Bath-street , Cambray , Cheltenham , secretary pro . tem . ol the Cheltenham branch . A county delegate meeting is in contemplation . Babn 8 xaplb . — A Democratic library has been established in this town , at which the Northern Star and other Democratic publications are taken in . _SraouBD . —A publio meeting w _» _s held in the Victoria rooms , on Tuesday evening , Maroh 28 : b , to adopt the National Petition ; more than 509 were
present , including a great number of the tradesmen of the town , and ope or two _rnktiufAAtu- * 6 r 8 . — -Ml ! J W . Eatton occupied the _ebair . —Mr J . Sidaway moved and the Rev . Mr Parsons , the author of the ' Tracts tothe Smock Frocks and Fustian Jackets , ' seconded the first resolution , pledging' the meeting to the Six Points of the Charter . —Mr James Newman moved , and Mr Sidaway seconded , thepetition , ahd after speaking at ereat length , the Rer . B . Parsons supported thepetition , which with the resolution were both carried unanimously . —Mr Joseph Partiidge , one of our leading _' manufacturers , spake in favour of the Charter . —The meeting was considered
the best ever held in Stroud upon the question of the . Charter . Signatures to thepetition are hourly increasing , and we hope by Saturday to number 3 , 000 . On Monday" evening thei members met at seven o ' elock , at the Coffee-rooms and Temperance Hotel of Mr Rowland , Swan-yard , Stroud , when the following persons were appointed as the Council : —Messra II . Pritchard , G . _Fowleu , F , Pant _. F . Mayo , 'J . Newman ; Mr G . Rowland ; treasurer ; Mr Samuel Gliesold , seoretary . A meeting will be-held every Monday evening , at seven o ' olock , at Mr . Rowland ' s Coffee-rooms , Swan-yard , Strond , when the Council will be happy to receive the name of _^ any person wishing to be a member of the Association .
RiVlVAL _Olf CHARTfc ' u IH _TNeWPORT , _MotSUOUTHphirb . — -A requisition was presented to the _Mayw , signed by fifty-fonr of the most respectable inhabitants of the town , among whom were three Town-Councillors , to call a meeting for the adoption of the National Petition . The Mayor said he . had ho personal objection to call the meeting , bnt tie had received a communication from the Home Office , and therefore wished for time to consult the two borough magistrates . He did bo , and the consequence
was that he refused to call the meeting or crant the use of tho Town Hall , consequently the _requisitionists , on their own accouht _. Jcalled a publio meeting for Wednesday _eveainir , March 20 th , in the large room , Old Bush Inn , _Commercial-street . The room waa crowded almost to suffocation , many hundreds had to go away unable to gain admittance , The resolution and petition were carried amidst the greatest enthusiasm . —Mr Thomas Clark , of the Executive , made a splendid speech . A branch of the National Charter Association was established .
Aberdeen , March 31 st . —A public meeting- was held this evening in the Union Ilall , _Blackfriarsstreet , for the purpose of electing a delegate to represent tho city and environs , in a Convention of toe working classes which is to sit in London . MrW . Lindsay jun ., was called tothe chair . The chairman called upon Mr George Smart , whe moved a variety of instructions to be observed by the delegate when at the Convention . Mr John Smart seconded the motion , which was carried unanimously . The _secre-. tary reported the state of the funds , whioh were eNCOuragihg , and intimated that already within the city the number which bad signed the petition was about 15 , 000 . The secretary then read a draft of a letter he had prepared by order of the committee , to Captain _Ferdyce , R _. W ., tbe city member , which letter met a hearty approval . The meeting
then proceeded with the _election of the delegate , when _Measrs Archibald M'Donald , A . B . Kenny , and James Shirren , were put in nomination , and ably supported by the movers and seconders . Mr James Shirron proved the successful oandidate by a sweeping majority . The meeting ordered the necessary funds to cover the delegate's _expenses _. ' and requested the secretary to furnish him with legal documents for admission to the Convention . Three oheera were then given to encourage the men of England , three for Old Ireland , three for the Star and the Express , three for the father of the Chartist family , namely—Mr O'Connor—and finally , three to the chairman : the __ meeting then dissolved . Barnslky . —All paid-up members of No . 1 branch of the National Land Company , are requested to attend at Mr George Uttley e , on Monday night , the 10 th inst ., at seven o ' clock , and pay their local
expenses . RocnsALE . —On Sunday last , the 2 nd of April , a public meeting ofthe inhabitants of the borough of Rochdale , was held in the Chartist room , Yorkshirestreet , to adopt a petition in favour of the restoration of Frost , Williams , and Jones , and all other political offenders . Blackburn . —A glorious meeting numbering between three and four thousand of the man of Blackburn ,, took place in the Old Size House , _Ckapel-gtieet , on Monday evening last . George Cowell , a working man , being unanimously voted to the chair , opened the meeting in a neat and
impressive speeoh , and called upon Mr Marsden to propose the adoption ofthe National Petition , whioh waa se _> conded by Mr W . Smith one of the Old Guards . Mr S . Kydd then fallowed , and supported the motion in . a , brilljant speech of nearly an hour and a half duration , * which daring the delivery received repeated bursts of applause , and sat down amidst the most enthusiastic plaudits . Mr Marsden was chosen unanimously to represent Blackburn at the forthcoming Convention . After a vote of thanka to Mr Kydd , the chairman and others , the meeting quietly dispersed . '
City inn _Finsbub y Locality — Saffron-hill . — March 2 Gtli , 1848 . —MrT . Salmon in the ehair . Mr Fennell" reported from the _Metropolitan Delegate Committee . Report received . Mr Ntbbs moved , and Mr Gover seconded : — ' That three delegatea be sent from thia looality to assist the Delegate Committee / Carried . Messrs Cater , Blake , and Bagnail werel appointed . Mr Gover' moved , and Mr _Fennellaeconded , the following resolution ;— 'That this meeting learn , with , feelings , of indignation , that subscriptions have been opened , at Messrs Drummond ' s Bank , at Charing _Crow , to _R eward the police for the part they took ' at the _late'riieetitig in Trafalgar-square , being bf opinion that such '; a course of conduct is calculated to stimulate the brutality of
behaviour , ' so'universal among that body , j'We , therefore , -call ujJoh every _^ person ,, who values the right of publio meeting , to protest _ajjainBt such subscriptions . ' Supported'by Messrs E . Nobbs , Cater , and Overton . Carried unanimously . Mr Gover moved , and Mr Cater seconded , the following resolution : —' That the previous resolution , iu connexion with the one lately passed , repudiating ail connexion with the Trafalgar-f quote meeting , and the _subsequent'disturbances , be sent to Messrs Drummondg , and to the Seoretary for the Homo Department , with a request that he" wouldput a atop to ouch aa unconstittttional _' proceeding . ' Carried unanimously . Mr Nobbs'moved , ahd Mr Gover Seconded , the following r _esoWtibni : — ' That this meeting return tbeir sincere thanks t o those working men _whohavo been compelled to serve as special constables , for tbeir noble resolution to fraternise with the people , ' if a brutal government attempt to ' suppress' publio opinion . ' Carried unanimously . Mr Fennell . moved ,
and Mr Nobbs seconded , the following-resolution : — That we view the prosecution of Messrs W . Smith O'Brien , John . Mitchel , and T . F . _Meagher , by th ? Whig government , as a fresh preof of their determination to govern . _Inland Uy foree of arm ' s , » hd not by justice ; and . aaa freBh proof ef their blundering incapacity for legislation ; and regard' ' this base attempt to stifle _publicropiriibri ' . _aa calling especially forthe _atron-JeatreproWionandsterne _^ _opposition of theChartiBla , of this country . We hereby express ?" _™™& fl * P- _W With thoso gentlemen , with _t ! 1 ? Inah Confederates , and Repealers , holding their principles , and _alaoasaure them of out firm' deter minationto obtain . the Charter _ferEnglaridand Re . peal for Ireland / Supported by' Messrs" Cater , Gover , and Overton . Carried ' unanimously . The voting _forllie delegates Waa then taken , and the meeting adjourned to-A _pril 2 nd . _atsoreh 6 * olbok in the wemng , Several new member * were _ehrojled at the dose _tftto meeting-, ' ' . ' ;; , X
The Northern Star, ' " A Pbil 8, 1848 ^
THE NORTHERN STAR , ' " A pbil 8 , 1848 _^
Srelanlsi
_SrelanlSi
(From Our Oumcorrespottdent.J Ddbmh, 8rd...
( From our oumCorrespottdent . J _Ddbmh , 8 rd Aran , 1848 . Now , whilst the tide of revolution is _careeringjive : Europe , ond whilst changes a * 6 being _effected and event occurring which will mark one of the most msmorabl epochs in the history pf Christendom , itis a proud rtflec tion for Irishmen , that their long-oppressed land is no destitute of the ways and means , and hearts and souls adequate to a glorious struggle for that nationality one liberty , to whieh for many a gloomy century she has beet a air anger . A proud reflection it Is , 18 ay , ior Irishmen Only thnt Ireland bas a voice within her tho Saxon tyrani might still smile on at the political , earthquake wbicr this moment shaken Europe to Its centre ; and only thai Ireland has nursed heroes , the blood-dyed flair of Britain nt ¦ ¦ i * i
• « . a _ .. a a - _* . _*_ would _stm sweep land ana _soa , ana slaves would pme on hopelessly , and cowards lick tke dust beneath its shadow . _. But Ireland swears that such no longer shall be the case . Ireland arouses , in hor . _onjer _, and in her wlldnGBS , nnd in her yearnings for revenge , and vows tbat she no longer will beheld in' durance vile' by those she hates , and wbo have long centuries ago deserved the bloodiestrettibttUaa which a _n-aduMwd nation could bestow . And It is remarkable— -too—in tbe highest degree remarkable , —that not alone on their ' native soil ' are Irishmen taking John Bull by the beard , but even in his own land—in the very heart of London—a son of tbe Emerald Isle taunts him with his villany , and swears tbat his threats , or his bullying , shall not save him
_millioss of Englishmen- to the battle , and be their gene * ral in the campaign against robbery , and corruption , and misrule _., Yes , it is , indeed , a proud Coast for this eonntry , thai an Irishman—Mr Feargus O'Connorsbould prove , lu tbe very stronghold of British swaythe very focus ot British power—one ol the ' chit ! dim _. cutties' of British government ; aad not only be found fo . _arlssely _^ pressing his own daring sentiments , bat actually combining , and organising , and concentrating in tbe bosom of _Eopland , the moat formidable and indefatigable and effective ' opposition ' . which ever rose _sgalnBt tyranny aud misconduct . It looks rather more like some ordination of a just Providence , then one of the mere accidents of tim << , or chance , or circumstances . Sod is just , and it is , not the first occasion when Heaven chose' the weak things of this world to confound the strong . '
I often predicted 'that the day would soon arrive when tho name of Mr O ' Connor would bo a credit to Ireland , aud his conduct meet the applause aad approval of his countrymen . And I was right . That time bas come already . Already is the great Chartist leader Identified with the leaders of our ' movement'in Ireland ; and at every assembly , and club , and meetfng , cheers for Feargus O'Connor aud the English Chartists are eoupled with those for Smith O'Brien , John Mitchel , and our other genuine patriots . The stale slanders against O'Connor are uttered no more , . Bis old enemies are silent ; and those who , cot six months ago , were prejudiced against that gentleman , aad looked on Chartism with disgust , now view the former with & feeling of national pride , and the latter a something ' , which , tbongh not exactly suited to Irish wants , may still be very good for English labour and industry ; . something which will open a pathway to British independence and British prosperity .
Thelast lettor of Mr O'Connor to the English Chartists , exhibits that chivalrous gentleman in a bolder light than _yegrs of _spcechlnp , or agitating , or dodging , _cduld _Create . He there tells what he intends . ' He does not cry ' To your tents ob , _England ! ' but he says , he will lead bis Old Guards' to the very note of the chafed Hon , and his _beliowings shall not frighten bim from his duty ; nor threats , nor buffyingg , nor the prospect of death itself , deter him from prosecuting his scheme in a bold , fearless , but quiet , steady , and constitutional manner . This is the way to speak . Sueh language as this alouo is suited to the obtuse faculties and stiff-necked _doggednees of John Bull . This is the tone for every slave to adopt . WMnery , and _bej-ginj , and petitioning , never did any thing good ; and never will , and never can , do good . Let men speak like MEN ; and then , if tbey find that warning , and remonstrance , aad * challenge , ' are unheeded-why , then , in God ' s name , let them DO , or DIE like MEST .
A . nd this doctrine is gaining ground quickly in Ireland . The peeple ef tleia country , forgetful ot last year ' s famine and fever , and braving the destitution and desolation which , even at this moment , prevail over tbe land , nre shaking ofi * their old cowardly prejudices , and are determined TO BE FREE . This is a seaton of anxiety and suspense ia Dublin . No man knows what to do , Many still cling to tbe O'Connell policy , but the _overwhelming masses are bent for the adoption of the Paris fashion ) for February 1 ' The _Faddj-go-easy system is on its last legs in Ireland , and the grey-coated rustic , as Bell as the unemployed mechanic , flings ' moral force' to the tomb of—no , not to tho tomb of tbe _Capulets —• but to that of Daniel O'Connell . Pikes and barricades aro now more
respectable names in Irish households than Repeal B ° nt or Conciliation Hall addresses ; and the last ' shreds ' and ' planks ' of tho 'constitution' are laughed at with as ; much _cJHtamptaoui noncialance as if yoa spoke of paying homage to the cap and feathers of some idiot or harlequin . It is beyond a doubt the people of tbis island are contemplating au appeal to arms , and , mere than that , they-are . at no pains to _conc-al tbeir intentions . People have no hope in English faith or English promises , even if that faith were plighted , and these promises given ; but when they find that the very mention of ' Repeal' or ' Justice for Ireland , ' is received with derision and ' sneers' in the British senate , they are resolved
to seek their claims ' with more imposing weapons than sheets of _feolscap or begging petitions to ber _Msj _^ _stj's 'Honourable Houses , ' or' Faithful Lords _andCommohs . ' The young men of Dublin are losing no ground , at all events . They will lead thc van , as in truth tbey should lead it . They are establishing Rifla ClubB' and shooting galleries in various _quarUrs ofthe city , where they intend ' making their hand' for a future day . Pikes are manufactured publiely , aud I havo seen several of a formidable 'fashion . ' They are sold without hesitation , or any efiort at concealment , whilst every gunsmith and armourer iu town is completely ' out of smelt , loofc , and tarrel ' sueh is the * run' for _fire-aims of a cheap and middling description .
Iu the meantime , tha ' powers' bere are leaving nothing _undone to meet the anticipated struggle . Additional troops are coming in every day in the week .
The Military Preparatiens Continue To Be...
The military _preparatiens continue to be carried out on the moat extensive sale . Tbe following arrangements have been decided upon by the authorities : — Application has b _unmade to the Provost by the governmentfor accommodation within the walls of ( he college for a strong military detachment . The benches of the Queen ' s Inn * have also been applied to for permission for the military stationed in the Linen-ball to _exercbe in tha grounds attached to the ( nhs in _Hcnrletta-stroet . Leinster House is being fitted up for 800 infantry and a strong squadron of cavalry . The 57 ih are about to move to the Belfast district . The ISth light Infantry , now at Birr , are to proceed to Scotland . The 52 ad Light Infantry and a battalion ofthe Guards aro under orders of readiness for Dublin . The 1 st Royals will be moved from Belfast to Dublin . < A wing of the 43 rd Light Infantry is to form part of Dublin garrison . . A strong company of Sappers and Mi ner _» has arrived from Chatham , and taken up quarters in the barracks at tho Linen-hsll .
Nowise daunted by the , preparations of government , the cry of' Arm , arm / raised by Mr Mitchel , ia _bsing cheerfully responded to . The run for pikes is rather ob the increase , and to meet the demand vory inferior weapons are vended in Patrick-street , _Bridgefprt-street , and in the . neighbourhood of the Liberty , at prices rangi 0 | from eightpenca to one shilling . _Theprimest article manufactured gees as nigh as 8 a . 9 d ., with ready Bales . GunBmitha ' shops are the great' centres of attraction just ntjw . Around them are to be seen groups bf idlers oaSting longing eyes upon the _ten-pting wares ' _expoaed to view ; and I am' assured that within the last fortniaht vast quantities of cheap and _inferior
arms , which bad long laid mouldering on the shelves , Have been eagerly purchased up , at remunerative rates to the sellers .. lam further informed that a person largely engaged ia the iron trade received a country order for 2 , 000 pikes , bnt that before he undertook toexecute the commission , ho asked professional advice as to the legality of the transaction , and was tolu there was no law in existence to prevent the manufacture of pike ? , buttbat government might at any time issue an order to eem and confiscate them . In order , therefore , to save his property from atiy such contingency , the maker determined to _CRmplete the job by instalments , and despatch them score by score to their _deaticalion until the whole wera finished .
Repeal appears to be becoming a second-rate question . A _Rtspublie is now proclaimed to be the only _tfiectualromedy . The United Irishman aad Natiok . of last Saturday , speak out in the plainest possible style . jUnder the head of Oar War Department , ' Mr Mitchel gives the following , with a _nromise that the _auhjeot shall henceforward form aleading topic in the columns of his journal <—
ABMID OXVJ 35 , An United Irishman { Cork ) wishes to oe . informed of ' some plan for the formation of a _Bifls Club , to be composed , of _pereoBsof limited means , to enable . Ihe _meroberp of eneh ao ! ubtopuTeha » B > nd Jc & _ra theme ef arms , ' """ "' ¦""' . Mlnuto thereon . —A good strong , _flerrlceahls rifle , three feet ih the barrel , eleven grooves , patent breech , soundbaokacHott lock , _plainBtwl mounting , without strap or trap ) _anfl of any ealibre , can be made in "Dublin for £ i ; or tbe same , with braes mounting , for £ 2103 . Suppose a hundred persons form a club , eaeh of whom will subscribe 2 i . Sd . per week . Let 64 . of eaeh oontrl . button be set apart for the _ganeral . _expentes of the club aud forthepnynierit'Of a _pei-aon competent to train and _Inslract in rifle practice , or drill , or the uie of firms _generally . ' Tho remaining 2 s . of each subscription is carried to the stock , fund of ths dub ; and _tuuse & _oh week _amosDeB £ 10 '; by which four rifles ( at £ 3 10 a . each ) can be each week _supplied , ' to the club , or . ten
The Military Preparatiens Continue To Be...
rifles ( at £ 3 each ) every _tbrse weeks . Bacb w « ek ' s , o * three weeks' supply , should : tfe distributed b y lot * or alphabetical order , among - the , membera « _"Wiflv the _undSfstanding _' that "if they " fall to pay nn their subscriptions for three or . fonr weeks ( or other definite number i of weeks ) _suocei . f _tivsly , until all are armed , then the ) forfeit all tight t 6 their rifles . The weapons purchased should be rettored every day after practice Iato tbe hands of the treainrer or other person selected by the club , until all are armed ' unless—always unless—It be necessary , In the mean
timo , to bring Into action ' whatever arms ' may have been obtained . By this means the whole hundred members can practise , and receive Instruction from the first week and at the end of twenty . five weeks all will be supplied with rifles ef their own , at £ 2 10 s . each , or at £ 3 , at the end of thirty WeekB . Of course , if tho members can afford to p & y double tke subscriptions above mentioned they will all be armed In less than half the time ; If ibey oan only afford to pay half that snbscrlptloa , it ' will require something more than double tbe time to arm thtm . But , whether the timo be long or ihorl , they can still , from the beginning , practise tbe use of arms
We shall be happy to make arrangements in Dublin for the _tupply of any such club ; but we recommend clubs in the provinces to employ , _» b a matter of justice and economy , local artificers , where possible , ia the making of the stocks and locks and the finishing ofthe barrels —the latter , wa believe , can be bored fn _DabHa _onlyi A slight addition to tbe cost will provide a short sword ' or long dirk , wbich should be fixed on the end of the barrel in place of a bayonet . If a rifle club wero established on the plan we have described , part of its funds might bs expended tn the purchase ef pikes ; thuB , a fund of £ 10 a week wonld provide three rifles of the superior kind , and ten firstrate plkeB , ten feet long , steel heads . We _recommend this distribution , wherever it can be practised . When the wealthy members are armed with rifles , they caa bestow their pikes on the lees wealthy—there is no charitable donation like pikes for the poor .
Or , in a large city like Cork , or Limerick , or Dublin , clubs might be easily formed for the general armament and drilling of all , and tha armament of eaeh with _wea pons suitable to bis means . Arranging the members of this club fn three daises , thus : — Per week 1 st _Kfflemen , subscription for rifles ... 2 s . Od . 2 nd Musketeers , ditto for muskets and bayonets Is , Od . 3 rd Plkemen , ditto for pikes Os . 3 d . These classes become armed contemporaneously , each class within a definite time , proportioned to the cost of the weapon , and the amount of weekl y subscription } while all the classes and member * , by an additional subscription of fid . or 3 d . each , weekly , can learn drill , and exercise and practise the use of all arms , from tho rifle t 6 lh 6 » lk « . . .
We do not propose these clubs as a movement to super sole or interfere with , in the slightest degreo , tbe Na . tional Guard to which the Confederation is pledged . On the contrary , wben tbe Confederation shall bave matured its plans , and laid a programme of organisation before the people , it will be for these clubs to carry that organisation at once into effect . To be enabled to do _so tbey sbould at ouce organise for their individual arma * ment . This is followed by directions for the accoutrements of the patriotic army , as thus : — For musketeers , tbe belts and pouches should be the _sanis construction as for rifleman—ammunition in cartridges , and pouch larger . For small sword , bayonet _. Calibre of muskets same as the British army , tn order tbat , should the Royal troops run short of ammunition , we may be enabled to supply them , and vice _vers & ,
Porplketnen , tbe accoutrements ara greased _brogats _, and a stout arm . Svery endeavour shonld be made to obtain ammunition of all kinds , and every care should be taken to know where it can be had when wanted . The stores of food are the sinews of war . Care should be taken of them too . Not alone should rifles , muskets , and pikes be pro * cured , but every gun and weapon in the island should be put into immediate order . And be adds : —
Whero _bayenets cannot ba had , we bee to remind all _tenant-iight . less farmers and able-bodiedpanpers , that a strong English reaping-hook straightened , with the saw edge ground sharp , and rounded , and a socket hilt welded to the tan ? , makes a weapou which , when attached to a duck-gun or long fowling piece , Ib as deadly as the pike , and as complete its the bayonet . Yea can make it any length convenient to your purpose , aud the length of yoar barrel from one foot to three , A scythe blade , fixed by a welded socket hilt on a half pike , or shaft ot six feet , become * a weapon equally deadly , Such nre tbe glorious fancheura by whieh Poland avenged her slavery , whsa she failed to win her freedom . Meantime * the virtues of the hour are patience and perseverance _^ to got guns and run bullets ,
Such earnest , plain , and distinct teaching cannot be without its effect in Ireland . That it is telling is proved by the fact that ,. although his paper is only two month * old , its circulation ia without parallel ia the weekly press of Ireland , and that his readers ara spread over the whole of the country . The Nation _baoks up its contemporary in tho same spirit . < Speaking of tho determination of the Confederation to summon the Council of three hundred , Mr Duffy says—But it is said the Eaglish Government would pre vent by loree of arms the _election or assembly of such a body .
It could not prevent their election . If it issued a proclamation . The people ought to _disregard it . If it brought troops to the place of election , ihe place ought to be changed . . But the thing la Impossible . To suppress three hundred elections in one day would leave every barrack , garrison , and guordToom in Ireland t _» - cant—vacant , perhaps , to be filled no more , When the assembly waB actually elected , the government would scarcely venture to impede tbe direct _coramunieation between such a body and the Sovereign . If tbey did—if tuch an honest attempt to bring to a peaceful issue the unlrersal _discontsnt of this eonntry were impeded , parley would be at end , The assembly mi ght bo adjourned for a month , to most under toe guns of an Irian army , in the capital of a free nation . If It come to this , Bossed will hava _btunderel more unpardonably than Gu- _' zot or Metternich , ' And he further thus states the spirit in which the Confederation are prepared to act .
_WbatBTer come , the Confederation will meet it firmly ; There shall be no rashness and no retreat . Not so much as a Btop . If they ara proclaimed down , they will trample upon the proclamation as so ranch waste paper —which itis , If the Coercion Act is extended to Dublin , they will fall back upoa the other great towns in Ireland , and agitate tbem till tbere is no city in the land but will require a proclamation and a garrison of its own . The people in both islands must take one pre . caution , not to move before their time ; the government , if they are not all _rsckleas of life , and all impenetrable to teaching , shonld take tbeir time , the present hour , to make terms . Of the two parties the people ara the lets desirous of blood . But , if it mult come to blows , 1 u ) ay God defend the right '—that is , the right ef the people
The _LunsRicK _i RispoRTKn . _annouHoes the formation of two or three rifle club 3 in that city , adding the following information with regard ta the purchase of arms : — Jn reply to ' a Subscriber' as to tbe price bf firearms , and tbe best description of them , we beg to say that a first-rate _siogto gun ( _twiit barrel ) caa be had at Mara ' 8 for about £ 2 , 2 s ,, and an excellent description ofa gua too , that would answer good purposes , for about £ 1 159 . Por a short distance or for gsmeral purposes , it would just answer as well as a rifle that would cose £ 7 . or £$ _, _t The refusal of Mr Butt , Q . C ., to sign the declaration of confidence in Lord Clarendon , and hia satisfaction with the present mode of governing Ireland , iB a proof that the disaffection extends to all parties . Mr Butt is an eminent Conservative , and . was a great opponent of Repea . It is stated positively by the Cork _ExiMman that he has given his adhesion tothe Confederation .
__ iThe most important demonstration of this disaffection to English rale yet made pnWic , ia the following declaration which has the sanction ofthe leading mea of the learned professions . A fellow of Trinity College , a Conservative ! being one of its warmest supporters , nnd whioh has a -great number of influential names appended to it . ¦ : ' ' ' f TO BIS _BXGELM-HCr _QEOHQE EABL OF _GHABEROON , L 0 B & IIECTEtUNT _flEHSaAL AND _GENEIUL 90 _VEENOB . OP IBEL & ND , We , the undersigned , desire to express our _respect for your _Excellency , personally , and as _represtntatlreof onr Sovereign , snd to declare our determination to maintain the prerogatives of the Crown , the privileges of the peerage , the rights of the public creditor , and tho inviolability of'private contracts .
We have witnessed with regret and disapprobation theavowa ] pf designs incompatible with social order , aud with the legitimate enjoyment of the fruits of industry ; aad we are resolved and ready with force and arms to resist any attempt to Bubvert social _relstioas , or to effect revolutionary _ohangos in property . ' AS Uie Bamfi time we are bound to declare our convie _» tion that a general and well-founded feeling of _dieiatisfaction pervades society in Ireland , joined to an earnest and growing desire for a return to our ancient constitution . ' ¦ __ ¦ _' _¦¦¦¦ _' _^^¦ ¦ ' " ¦ ' ¦ - '¦ ' X The failure of tho Imperial Parliament to provide adequate means for the relief of our poor , and their refusal oi inquiry into the defects of the present unjust and partial system of Poor Law taiation , joined to the systematic conttnn & nce of a ' pernicious and unconstitutional policy of _omtrsliaatitin _, cause us to sympathise in the present feeling ' , ani to participate in the general desire for self-government . . .. ¦ ..
_Contfdering that extreme _opltilops and violent . Ianguage , however cenmraUe , are but the natural exponents of so great a mass of discontent , we humbly beg to ; represent to your Excellency bur opinion , that ie would bs expedient to treat the violent _demonstrationo which have lately _takm ' place , rather as evidences of tb © prevailing- desire for a change of pollpy _, than as _indi _** _idual _ofiinces against the law ; and pray sour _EaefcHeoey to _recommend to your government the speedy adoption of measure * which may restore to Her Majesty ' s Irish subjects their old feeling * of respiot fer the laws , and of
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), April 8, 1848, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns3_08041848/page/6/
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