On this page
-
Text (7)
-
LETTERS . X . discreditable &shionin his...
-
LETTERS . X . TO THE WORKING CLASSES. LX...
-
PROCEEDINGS IN PARLIAMENT.. The first of...
-
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF UNITED TRADES, 2...
-
TO THE MECHANICS, ENGINEERS, FITTERS, DR...
-
LAW EXPENSES. TO MR. WILLIAM KIDER. Sib,...
-
A Brown Russian bear has recently produc...
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.
-
-
Transcript
-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
Letters . X . Discreditable &Shionin His...
. ftaww _fe ; i 850 _. TKR m _% _mmmmm . _;; nr * I ¦ - I" _~ ii " -
Letters . X . To The Working Classes. Lx...
LETTERS . X . TO THE WORKING CLASSES . LXXT . «* Wo _*^ * _fre _OiiBfp , * i * iaatmiall drep _« fink _JfaJJin g—13 t « _dew-4 ipon a thoug ht , produces Iha t which makes thousands , perhaps millions think . " ' Brio ** . THE MASK THROWN OFF—THE GAUNTLET * THROW DOWN . THE HAYNAU OF CEYLON . SOCIAL PROGRESS—CO-OPERATION . " " TTTTTT 1 II
EXCITED STATE OP PARIS . Broth * *? 11 _Proieta-suss _, _"Wherever ~ W 9 or three of jou are gathered _together in the name of Liberty , you -will neglect your duty if you fail to give a vote of thanks to Lord John _KUSSELL It was predicted by the political seers , that ihe present session would tie the most important Eng land has seen since the passing of the Beform Bill Judging by the proceedings which thus far have filled the pages of the flldly papers , the seers are very likel y to win for themselves the title of fake prophets . The
contemp tible " speech from the throne" followed by Lord John Russell ' s insulting declaration , leaves no longer room for doubt thatthe people have nothing to expect from the patriotism ofthe Government ; thatif they ieally desire reform , they must stretch forth their hands and help themselves . After the humbug-reports of the recess , and the humbug-doings on the first two nights ofthe Parliament ary session , it is impossible . te . be too thankful for the bit of downright _speaking contained in the _following sentences uttered by the Premier on Monday evening
The hon . member for Montrose had addressed to the house = ome observations on the subject of the extension « f the franchise . He-would hot enter into the arguments , _morvehis reasons al the present moment , hut IT WAS WIT TnE INTENTION OP GOVERNMENT TO PROPOSE a \ T BILL FOR THE EXTENSION OF THE FRANCHISE _EJ EXG 1 . AXD , DURING THE , PRESENT YEAR . He hoped that some gentleman would bring the _subjectnnder _^ Smsaon , and he { Lord J- Russell ! shonld then be ready to j ** amtainthe opinions which he now held .
In my letter in the Star of January 12 th , I warned you against putting too much faith in the rumour so " craftily got up by the Weekly Chronicle , and so trickily endorsed by the Times . I reminded you of the salutary lesson _conveyed in the old and admirable proverb : — - " Blessed are those who expect nothing , for verily they shall not be disappointed . " The Weekly Chronicle—a ministerial _journal—professed to have " great pleasure in idng enabled to announce , that amongst the -earliest measures to be submitted to Parliament , would be bills to provide for an extension of the suffrage both in England and Ireland . " The Times commenting on this announcement , observed , that " the ministerial
measure -would , most prooably , be carried this session . " . Simple minded persons could not have imagined that both j ournals were but making fools of ihe people ; yet that such was their work is now evident to all Europe . Lord John has thrown offthe niask , and thrown down the gauntlet . He has declared that he does not intend to propose any extension of the franchise daring the present year ; and he defies the _advocates of Parliamentary Eeform to . discuss the question . If any gentleman will bring the subject under discussion , his lordship Trill—maintain his own opinions . Tims much will he do for the people , hut the devil xi bit more .
The cool and hanghty defiance , flung by Lord John into the teeth of all _Reformersgham and veritable—is quite refreshing , and _contrasts most favourabl y with the hypocritical whinings of the Protectionists , and the false-hearted liberalism of "the Manchester School . " As " a plain , bold-faced villain" is -certainly preferable to a " Jeremy Diddler ;' _« o the Whig leader , declaring that he will
make no concession , yield not one jet to the . demands of the people , shines by comparison -with the knaves who use words notto express hut conceal their thoughts ; and who , whether they _championise "Protection" or- "Free Trade" look npon the people only as forces to he nsed for their own selfish purposes—not as heirs of a common conntry , or human beings hairing the same ri ghts to " life , liberty , and the pursuit of happiness , " as themselves .
I f _jmshriaMng insult , added to nnmit _j _|* ated wrong , he sufficient to move the injured to action , then will the people take up the gauntlet thrown down by Lord John Bussell , and force him to eat his own words " during the present session . " But how accomplish a work so much needed ? The answer must be hy a national union of the unrepresented classes , aided by those who , though they possess the franchise , find themselves really unrepresented hy the operation ofthe " Beform Bill . " Snch a national union , however , will he impossible as long as one section of Reformers agitate for " The Charter , " another section for "the little Charter , " and a third section for "freehold franchise . " There can
he no real union without oneness of object . That oneness of object can only be accomplished by all but one section abandoning their pet schemes . Shall the Chartists abandon their Charter ? _Xo ; for the Charter means justice to all , injustice to none . Rival schemes do not mean justice to all , and , therefore , do mean injustice to- some ; and those , too , the most unfortunate , miserable , and oppressed ; those , indeed , who most need legislative representation , that ihey may thereby Telease ihemselves from the miseries of wages ( and no wages ) slavery ; that , as was happily observed by one of the speakers at the London Tavern , they may be enabled to protect themselves from the Protectionists , and free themselves from the Free Traders .
It is useless to tell those who would not be represented under the "little Charter , " tbat they -ought , nevertheless , to supportthat measure as an " instalment . " Mr . Ross , at the meeting at the John-street Institution , on Tuesday last , exploded that _fidlacy . "He had no objection to take an instalment ; bnt as the " little Charter" would not invest him with a vote , it would be no instalment to him . " Moreover , the Charter itself is bnt an instalment of the people ' s claims ; it is , however , an instalment "that weuld he shared hy everybody , and give to the people without distinction , the means of wresting further instalments from the privileged classes , until such time as the debt was discharged in foil .
Iadmitthepossibility of the "Parliamentary Reformers" getting np the steam to a very considerable extent . Those who command wealth , may command almost anythingunreflecting and excited multitudes included . But , all discouraging circumstances notwithstanding , the people have advanced from that which they were in the time of the Reform Bffl . Then _Heney Hunt stood alone . Now « Hunts" in every town , and "Village Hampt _ons ' in every comity , men who look upen the Charter as anecessary instrument to enable them to obtain veritable social reforms , are neither lew nor impotent These men will work for a complete and conclusive measure of Parliamentary Reform , hut for no half-andhalfmeasures .
Let the Parliamentary Reformers reflect . They may command a national organisation if they wUl ; but to do so they must enlarge their "little Charter , " so that it may include « _8 the unrepresented , and ensure the representation of all . Lord John Russell has defied _iT _^ _? ey ma y answer his puny defiance by the _timnder-roar of the people s voice , ' if they will onl y awaken the energy and enthuaaan of the masses , W raising the cry for tbeCharter , the whole _Charter , and nothing -less than the Charter'" .
_^ flionghlhave given Lord _^ Russell _tteditfor . _^ _bold-perhaps I _« houId say _fflwfea _*—a-claration that he m » aa no : _^ finm this year , l _^ _m sorry •» to ad * that * _$ _*?" l ? ; " _?^' - _^ - _^^^ nstar e ia a * Whi & "* -. mI _**&»&> 4 * _*& _a-usfc _^^
Letters . X . To The Working Classes. Lx...
discreditable & shion , in his relations with the committee appointed by Parliament to investigate the conduct of Lord Torrington , governor of Ceylon . The atrocious doings of that aristocrat must he yet fresh in everybody ' s recollection . _Misgovernment , taxation , oppression , and insult , having driven the unhappy people into " riofems excesses" — the outburst of disaffection was never formidable enough to earn the title of " revolt , " " rebellion , " or " insurrection . "—Lord Torrington and his agentsresolved to " strike terror" to the hearts of I ¦ ,
the suffering people- _^ -committed acts of at rocity , which , as Mr . H . J . Baillie said last night in the House of Commons , were unparalleled hy the cruelties even of that monster Haynau . Well , public opinion having demanded inquiry into these horrors , a committee was appointed last session to make the investigation . Lord John Russell promised the committee , that during the recess any witnesses , whose attendance in England the committee might deem necessary , should be summoned to this country ; whereupon the committee unanimously instructed their chairman , Mr . Baillie , to communicate to the Secretary for the Colonies , the names of
the witnesses they required . "When , however , Mr . Baillie sent into Earl _Gret , the names of seven witnesses whose presence they desired , he refused to send for them , on the plea that the Committeo had exceeded their powers , in delegating to their Chairman the function of communicating to him the names of the necessary witnesses . Mr . Baillie then appealed to Lord John RUSSELL , who expressed his concurrence with Earl Grey . This was during the recess , and , of course , for the moment there could be no appeal from the Ministry to the Parliament . In the meantime , the Colonial Secretary took care to send for witnesses interested in
whitewashing Lord Torrington , whilst the persons who are prepared to prove that worthy's crimes are still in the island of Ceylon . Tou will read for yourselves , the debate in which this shuffling and disgraceful conduct of the Whig Government was laid bare . An unscrupulous majority enabled Ministers to defeat two successive motions ; and thc arrival of the hour of adjournment ( six o ' clock on Wednesday evening ) put an end to the debate without the motion of the Under
Colonial Secretary for the appointment of a Select Committee being decided on . There will , consequently , be another debate , and it is to be hoped that when that comes oil " , the independent members will insist on a full discussion of the atrocities committed by Lord Toruington ' s Government—atrocities which should make every Englishman blush for the foul deeds done in England ' s name ; but done by those who have no legitimate right to represent the English people—those who , usurping power over their own countrymen , use that power to plunder and murder nations even at " the furthermost ends ofthe earth . "
The atrocities committed by the direction of Lord ToRRtNGTON , and by persons calling themselves officers and agents of " Hek Britannic Majesty , " I will merely indicate , not examine in detail . Twenty-eight persons were shot , twenty-two banished , and sixty-six imprisoned . The burning of villages , and wholesale confiscation of property , must be added to the list of these enormities . The poor wretches
who were condemned to death by courtsmartial , had for their judges three military officers , all of whom were ignorant of the native language . The persons condemned were at once led from the scene of their condemnation to the place appointed for their execution , and there shot as you would shoot mad dogs . Amongst the proclamations issued by the British was the following
;—Unless all those who have concealed the effects of _Gobuaixe _TTti . T . E llminHTi deliver over to me such property , or gire information abont the same without delay , sucb peeso . vs shah , be killed , and their property confiscated . —( Signed ) 'A Watsox , Captain Commanding . ' Did Haynau ever indite a worse proclamation I Deeds , too , were in accordance with these threats , as has been already shown ; but I must add one or two striking examples of Lord Toruington ' s " vigour . " In one of his despatches , he wrote to Earl Ghey that' he had caused " an influential priest to he shot in fiill robes . " It is true that subsequently ,
when he found that this atrocity—not only revolting to humanity , but also an outrage to the religious feelings ofthe people of Ceylon —was by no means generally approved of in England , " his Lordship " attempted to show that the priest was not influential , nor did he suffer in " full robes , " but merely in a yellow waist cloth . Whatever his dress may have been , the wretched priest was shot . In the course of the riots which were made the pretext for these barbarities , it was given out that a " Pretender " to the monarchy of Ceylon was in the field , at the head ofa body of " rebels . " Although disaffection abounded , " rebels , " in the ordinary sense of that term , were somewhat
difficult to find ; and there appears to have been at least equal difficulty in getting hold ofthe alleged "Pretender . " But the humane British were no way particular ; if they failed to catch the right man , they contented themselves with shooting the wrong , Mr . Baillie stated that a person having been arrested , who was said to be the Pretender , was forthwith condemned by court-martial , shot within half an hour , and Ms body hanged upon a tree . Nine days after that execution , Lord Torrington wrote to Earl Grey , saying that it was a mistake to have supposed that that man was thePRETENDEK , he was only the Pretender ' s brother . But , by another post , Lord Grey was informed that the victim was no more the
Pretender's brother than he was the Pretender himself—he was only an " adherent . " In this manner a million and a half of "British subjects" are governed by Lord Torrington . In the present state of things it is impossible for the friends of Justice to do more than expose the crimes of irresponsible rulers ; and invoke against them the condemnation of public opinion . For the natives of the British Colonies and Dependencies there can he no hope that they will obtain redress of their manifold wrongs , while the British Parliament shall continue to he constituted
as at present . When the people of this country obtain power over the Legislature , their brethren beyond the seas will obtain justice . Until then , there is no hope for the people of Ceylon , or . any other colony or dependency—unless , indeed , strong enough to right themselves by hoisting the flag of independence , and repeating the glorious lesson given b y Washington and Jefferson—that Governments must exist for the good of peoples , not peoples to be the prey of their rulers . Turning from the contemplation of aristocratical misgovernment and parliamentary
juggling , to a more genial subject , I rejoice that the working men are beginingtomake " social reform" a matter of more than mere words . Pages upon pages of the Morning Chronicle have- been devoted to revelations of the " sweating system , " and tho other evils which combine to render the mass of operative tailors , a most wretched and cruelly used body of workers . Meetings too have " been holden , and from the lips ofthe victims themselves , statements have gone forth , elucidatory of wrongs and miseries awful to contemplate .
A Government worthy of the name , would at once endeavour to _grapple with these evils and aid the victims to escape from them . But we have no such Government . The let-alone princip le is in the ascendant , and the Government exists merely to devour taxes , and to give aid to the powerM in keeping down the weak . Under . these circumstances , it is cheering to observe that , Instead of further yielding ¦ _"SttOTselves to despair , * a portion , at least , of ihe . - _fro- _'ktiro . _Lsre ' T _^ something for _Sfieif * own social _* a > atfon . - & r _$ WQn
Letters . X . To The Working Classes. Lx...
Co-operative . Association -has been founded , and will almost' immediatel y commence operations . It is pleasing to'be able to add , that several men of property , actuated by purely philanthropic motives , have given their aid to this good work . Owing to their assistance , the necessary capital is in hand , premises have been taken in Castle-street , Oxford-street , and under the management of Mr . Walter Cooper , the Association—modelled on the Parisian Operatives' Associations—will almost immediately commence business . It is to be hoped that this attempt will not result in an addition to the list of failures which in many instances have attended the efforts of
working-men to free themselves from the tyranny of mastership . With good management , patience , perseverance , and a fair share of public support , the scheme can hardly fail to succeed , and being successful , give birth to many more efforts ofa like character . My principal purpose in calling attention to the Tailors' Co-ooperative Association , is to assist in stirring up the friends of progress in this metropolis to give the Association their support . All true Democrats , all earnest advocates of Social Progress , will support and encourage every attempt at Proletarian emancipation . While on this subject , I Bhould not omit mention of the Boot and Shoe Makers , whose address appeared in last Saturday ' s Star . Driven by oppression to resist the iniustice
of their late taskmaster , they have commenced manufacturing " pn their own account . My metropolitan readers , who may not have observed the address of our friends , will do well to turn to the second page of last Saturday ' s Star . It is tobe hoped that this Co-operative band will also succeed in obtaining public support . A question arises , whether it would not be wise for the Cordwainers as a trade to take up this question . Perhaps , if instead of leaving the work to a few , they were to apply to it the energetic action ofthe trade at large , they might find parties to assist them in the samo manner as the Tailors are being assisted . Successful associations of Tailors and Cordwainers would give a wonderful impetus to the cause of Social Reform .
I must confess that I have no / aith in such associations being successful to the' extent desirable , as long as the present political system shall endure . In my _' opinion , only when the veritable people shall be in a position to command the power and resources of the state , - will the principle of "Association " have a chance of being fairly tested . Not even then , unless the people have been previously prepared to make use of the suffrage to reform the social system . The best course of education would be supplied by the success of such experiments as
the Tailors' Co-operative Association . The good that association , if successful , will effect for a few will be of some moment ; but the good influence it will have in stimulating the masses to get rid of all obstacles to the progress of social reform , will be of much greater importance . If social justice is to be the end of political reform , the people must know how to save themselves , when rid ofthe obstacles that at present impede their _progreas from bondage to freedom , and from misery to happiness . I had intended to have offered some remarks , on
British bullying in Greece , and the perilous position of Switzerland ; but the length to which this letter has already extended , compels the postponement of comment on those topics . I congratulate you that thus far the outraged , insulted , and noble people of Paris have resisted the incitements employed by the men of blood who at present rule in France , to drive them to insurrection . Tho tremendous progress of Red Republicanism in the departments strikes the ordermongers with despair ; and in their baffled rage they try to get up an-insurrection to have a pretext for placing Paris in a state of siege , suppressing the
true Republican journals , and consigning the Democrats and Socialists to a general massacre . To provoke a conflict was the object of cutting down the trees of liberty . Up to the time I write , tho villains in power have been foiled by the good sense of the people ; who at the samo time have given _unmistakeable evidence of their devotion to the Republic . Let Louis Napoleon , and his infamous confederates do their worst , Democracy will yet swamp them , and the waves of that deluge will sweep over Europe and destroy tho last vestiges of despotism . Not all the tyrants and traitors on the face of the earth can prevent the regeneration of the human race .
* Thy first steps , lovely Liberty ! sometimes may falter-But thy march will not cease nor thy banner be _fnrl'd , Till thy conquering Land shall have rear _* d a proud altar To the God of the Free , o ' er the thrones of the world !' L'AMI DU PEUPLE . Neb . 7 , 1850 .
Proceedings In Parliament.. The First Of...
PROCEEDINGS IN _PARLIAMENT . . The first of a series of Tuesday evening meetings , to watch over and discuss the proceedings of Saint Stephen ' s , was held on Tuesday , February the Gth , at the Literary and Scientific Institution , John-Street , _Tottenham-court-road ; and notwithstanding the stormy weather there was a very numerous attendance . * Mr . W . Dixon was called to the chair , and said he always was , and trusted he ever should be , the friend of free and fair discussion , and therefore in the course of the proceedings would endeavour to gain a fair hearing for all who might present themselves . ( Hear . ) Lord John Itussell , the first
minister of the crown , had last night , in reply to a question from Joseph Hume , asserted that the people do not require parliamentary reform , and that the government did not intend to submit any measure on that subject during the present session , therefore it remains with the people now to decide whether they require the suffrage or not . Let the people speak out , and show that they are determined to have their rights : let them unite heart and hand against the common enemy , and achieve their common rights , as written in the People ' s Charter . ( Loud cheers . ) Mr . Hesbt Ross rose to move the folowing reso lution : — •¦ That this meeting having heard the declaration made last night by Lord John Russell in parliament , to the effect that no extension of the
franchise waa contemplated by the Whig cabinet _, hereby indignantly denounces such declaration as a gros 3 insult to the feelings of the great body of the people . And , further , that it regards the aversion of the Whig ministry to the conceding of political justice to the nation , as the strongest proof of their utter unfitness to fulfil the important functions which pertain to the government of this empire .-This meeting therefore resolves to throw itself , heart and soul , into that agitation which aims atthe subversion ¦ of irresponsible legislation by the 1 enactment of the People ' s Charter as the foundation of the British House of Commons . " , Mr . Ross said it was time the government made some concession to the people . He by no means
thought it the duty of the government to initiate measures of reform ; their duty was to carry out the measures passed by the Legislature in a fair , wise , and honourable manner ; but when the parliament , as was their duty , brought forward the required measures of reform , the ministers had no business to throw obstacles in the way . ( Hear , hear . ) The ministerial , declaration of last night was in accordance with their whole proceedings ; but he hoped the people would not neglect their duty . He had frequently been asked by professing liberal friends , why not take your rights by instalments ?— -why not take Household Suffrage , or tlie Ballot ? His reply was , these were no instalments to him—they would not confer the franchise on
him . He was willing to take an instalment , but that instalment must be the vote . Give him that , and then he would be enabled to talk or the . other instalments . ( Loud cheers . ) r . Mr . P . M'Grath , in seconding ihe motion said , he trusted the _words that had fallen from the lips of their experienced friend would not be lost ' sight of . ( Hear , hear . ) That hall had been taken by the Provisional Committee of the National Charter Association for half-a-dozen consecutive Tuesday nights , for the purpose of watching the _proceedings in parliament , and taking such other steps-a ' sf would promote the People ' s Charter . ( Loud cheers . ) ' The Provisional Committee had felt it their duty to take this early opportunity of meeting their brother Lord John
Chartists , and taking their opinion on . Russell ' s declaration . Now mark , he avows that the government has no intention of bringing for * ward any measure relative t o the franchise for England , Scotland , and Wales this session ; and if this declaration does not bring out the people , surely nothing will . ( Hear , hear . ) He fully agreed with Mr . Ross , that _nothing was to be hoped for from the government on behalf of the people . Although it might be dangerous to do so , he repeated ; what he had said at the National Hall , namely—that the Houseof Commons , as at present constituted , was nothing better than an usurpation . ( Loud cheers . } Its members could not show that they received their power from heaven , and they had it not from the people . Then what else could they be but usurpers ? ( Repeated cheers . ) It had been said
in the so-called House of Commons , thatthe people were prosperous : this was an illusion , and would not last long . The peoplo in the northern districts were working away , but for what ? What was their reward ? a miserable pittance of course food , woodeu shoes for their feet , billy cocks for their heads , and equally rough clothing for their body . ( Hear , hear . ) Turn to tho agricultural districts , and see the miserable condition of the labourers there . It was all very well to cheapen-bread if you could keep wages up , but if wages . were . lowered where was the advantage gained by chea pening food ? ( Hear , hear . ) Whence arose this f eropory comparative prosperity ? - Simply from the recent continental _convuh-ions . ( Rear , _heai-A But let continental State * settledown tnd " 'd _&^ J _^ -: OTOiWork , and faea .-what- . be _^ ines _"' _pfow _. _fedasted prosperity ? Mr . ttopdea _, at _Aylesburjr _, had allude 4 to tw _ser _& _teW
Proceedings In Parliament.. The First Of...
-millions of bullion in the Bank of England ; biit Mr . , / . . "speech in thehouse , had literally _STcf t i ' _, lliu 8 ion - He ; showed that alarmed capitalists had flown from the continent , and deposited their specie in the-Bank of , England ; but _S l _!! _- _" - "' Was getting quiet the bullion _7 wMr M . n Jl ' from England . : ( Hear , hear . ) A _» _, i . ' J a _^^ trU 8 ted the People would do their k ? 5 _ia-Si'f i _? _f d the _WhiM , wonld soon be _SSSJiW the , r bu 8 iness - ( Cheers ' . ) A pretty _S if _^ ? _rung _' P ° _th within and : without the m 5 £ « w ¦ use * between the landed and thc S 3 h « _ft nter ? J let lbem take advantage , _? _SvL ? nf / _5 Lord _Wnchelsea had declared they meant to have a renewal of protection at any * A j ™ did . not mean revolution , he did not know what did . Loud _chf-m-a i _ Af ti , ; . mnm » _n +
Feargus o Connor , M . P . entered the hall , and . was & _-J A " - J ; " _* at _> ons and prolonged applause , d _™ Ch Mr " _' Grath res _<* ' _»<* h « 3 seat , and au . u Connor came forward to support the resolution ,- amidst renewed cheering . He said , there were not many who valued the affix M . P ., who would .-leave the Bi g House to come ' and address the littio one . ( Laughter and applause . ) But he preferred the good sense of the platform to the nonsense ofthe house . ( Hear . ) Perhaps that meeting v _» not aware that Mr . Ilume had put a question relative to the extension of the elective franchise for England , to Lord John Russell last night , and that his lordship had declared that ministers had no intention of submitting any
measure on that subject , lie ( Mr . O'Connor ) thought Lord John ri ght , as the people had not demanded their rights as they should have done . ( Hear , hear . ) Remember if you stop the supplies , power flies away the next day . In poor impoverished Ireland , O'Connell was wont to get almost any sum to carry on the war ; but here , although the Chartists had a new organisation , and a new staff of officers to conduct the movement , what a miscraole pittance was returned weekly frOm the whole of England , Scotland and . Wales . ( Hear , hear . ) A great breeze was now prevalent in the house—tho agriculturists had got the squeeze and were beginninc to
speak out . The Honorable Baronet , who moved the atnendmentto the address , had said it would now be their duty / to watch financial affairs , and take care of the . _jiublic purse . Mr . Banks had last nigh ' reiterated the same thing ; but mark , these were the . very men , or rather they were of the party who had caused such a lavish expenditure of public money . ( Hear , hear . ) A Protectionist to whom he had spoken in the house , said Universal Suffrage was a very good question . ( Laughter . ) You see their loyalty . is oozing ; take away , the Bishops patronage , and their loyalty would begin to vanish away the next day —( Laughter )—and just show the merchant and capitalist that they could obtain
a safer investment , and a larger per centago " under a republic , and they would say to the devil with monarchy . ( _Cheei-s . ) So it was with all cUsses , ; it was a question of interest with them . There would be three parties m the house , fighting one against the other ; but only let somo measure be brought forward to benefit the people , and then see how speedily they would all unite to oppose it . ( Loud cheers . ) It was reported in the papers this evening , that another revolution had broken out in the streets of Paris , at three o ' clock the preceding day , and that much blood had been shed . ( Great cheering ;) Ay , you cheer that , whilst perhaps many ofthe _strugglers lie dead in their cold graves . ( Hear , hear . ) What he wished , and had so wished for twenty eight years past , was that revolutions
should be effected by an union ofthe intelligent of the working classes . ( Hear , hear . ) This was with the exception of America and Switzerland , the only country wero public _' meetings were allowed to be held _. at which the people could give vent to their feelings . ( Hear , hear . ) Baptist Noel had once said , that within a short distance off the Palace there existed half a million of souls , living without God and without hope ; yet after thi 3 he had been made chaplain to the Queen . Well , and what was now proposed as a remedy for these evils ? emigration , and the qualification for transportation , was that the distressed needle women should have had thc small pox . ( Loud laughter . ) Yes , all the good , the healthy , and the virtuous were to be
transported , and tho bad , diseased , and vicious wero to remain at home . lie had seen their excellentfriend , Mr . Duncombe , that night , and remarked to him that he was coming to that meeting , and that ne would report to them his apparent better health , to which Mr . Duncombe added , ay , and give my regards to them at the same time . ( Loud cheers . ) Lord John Russell was about to extend the franchise in Ireland ; but why ? because the old race of electors were either dead of famine , or had emigrated to other lands . ( Hear , hear . ) Why there were not so many electors in all Ireland , as there was in the West Riding of Yorkshire . { Hoar , hear . ) If he got appointed by an influential portion of the people as their ambassador , he should go to Ireland next
month , to aid and assist in forming the great democratic association . ' ( Loud cheers . ) Tho cry in Ire ; land used to be , "do not divide the liberal interest "the liberal interest meaning the Whigs ; but ho ( Mr . O ' Connor ) said , the Lord deliver him from such liberals —( roars , of laughter)—but now thc people had confidence enough in themselves to found their own Democratic Assoeiation . The agriculturists wore crying out for Protection ; he was willing to give them real Protection ; open up the land , that was the best Protection . ( Cheers . ) It was said England was over-populated , whilst her population was only one in four , as compared with Jersey and Guernsey ; yet , in those countries the land was cultivated to such an extent as enabled them to
become exporting countries ; while we might walk twenty miles in England , in any direction , and see lots , of land uncultivated , or only partly cultivated . Again , wo are told that tlie people are too ignorant to exercise tho franchise . If this be true , who is to blame . Did not the ecclesiastical authorities hold two millions and a half of money , for the purpose of educating thc people ? yes ; but they had retained it in their own possession . ( Hear , hear , and loud cheers . ) He ( Mr . O'Connor ) did not believe the working classes to be ignorant ; he had told a right honourable gentleman to-day , to get ten members of parliament to attend a . meeting , and he would find ten . working men more than a match for them .
( Cheers . ) Mothers always had the greatest regard for their crippled children , and they ( the meeting ) were his cripp led children . They had been a great source of trouble to him , both in youth and old age '; and he liked them the better for it , aiid he was pleased to meet them here . In the speech from the throne , the death of the Queen Dowager was regretted —( laughter)—lie _regi-etted it too , because 3 he was a charitable woman , and most probably would do more good with the money than those into whose hands it had fallen , ( near . ) The speech also proclaimed us to be at peace with all the world , whilst we blockaded Grecian ports , and were on the eve of war with Trance and other nations . The speech promised them nothing ; but if the people
possessed union , then lord John Russell would ask what they would havo ?—( laughter )—but so long as they were disunited , so long would the minister use the people for his purpose , Let tbem unite , and then they mi ght effect their rights when nnd how they liked . ( Loud cheers . ) Mr . Hume had declared in tlie house , that he preferred Chartism to any other measure ; George Thompson and Sir Joshua Walmsley , were now going all over the country to see what they could do . ( Loud cheers . ' ) They will all become Chartists now . The people had done rig ht in not opposing them . The parliamentarians had furnished them rooms and halls for the discussion of their principles free of charge , and the discussions had initiated them ;
and when the Parliamentary and Financial Reformers had their gallop and sweat out they wp / uld come round to Chartism . He _avas sometimes reviled for his'Lnnd Plan . His last purchase , Mathon , was cheap , ' becanso it had a jointure of four thousand pounds on it ; but like the Queen Dowager , tho lady had died , and the Company now had the advantage . ( Hear , hear . ) The people , when work was slack said , " lead us on to death or glory ; " but when in full werk their cry was , " Leave us alone , we are well off now . " The aristocracy found it more profitable to ' mako votes for the ministry , and thus procure places for their sons , thanto cultivate the land properly . ( Hear , hear , ) When cultivating thousands of acres in
Ireland , ho paid better wages than any other landlord . ( Cheers . ) There the farmers gave sixpence per day in winter , and eightpenco in summer , whilst lie gave cightpence in winter , and tenpence in Summer ; and ho was bow ashamed to add , that as tlieir labour was performed by the spade , he had made two shillings per day of each of the men ' s labour . In _Jast week ' s Star he had told them , that should anything arise from reverting to protection , old as he was , he would show them what could be done by the glare of torchlight meetings . ( Loud cheers . ) A baronet had showed , that twenty-four millions of neoole were employed in
agriculture and manufactures ; now he ( Mr . O'Connor ) had recently shown that were twolve millions employed , the employers would put no less a sum than ninety-six mdlions six hundred thousand pounds into their pockets . In conclusion , he ( Mr . O'Connor ) asserted , that it gave him ; far more pleasure to hear common sense cheered from their p latform , than it did to hear nonsense oheered in the House of . Commons , lie hoped it would not be Jopg before he could come and tell them that a change had come over the -noble lord ' s dream , and that . he , would trust the fet _onle with | the whole Charter . Mr . O'Connor left the pall ,, wnidst the m < wtj _» ptur <) _-w' ) h « i _^ : _*'? •
Proceedings In Parliament.. The First Of...
Julian Harney , who on rising ; was greeted with every mark of applause , said the parliamentary events of the last few days , must have satisfied them of the value of the good , old proverb , that _'* . blessed are those who expect nothing , for they shall not be disappointed . " ( Laughter . ) The Weekly Chronicle and Times had led tho people to expect some measure of suffrage extension ; and even the Spectator , a journal of great talent , and of middling honesty , had called on the people to abandon all other agitation , and " rally round Lord John Russell and the New Reform Bill . " Last Saturday the . Sj » ectotoJ * consoled itself with the reflection that the absence of promises in the Royal Speed ) was its most promising feature . According to this theory , the Spectator , on Saturday next , would tell
its readers that , in declaring against all refornrthis session , Lord John Russell intended to move tho adoption of the Charter . ( Laughter . ) Inthe Speech , they were described as a "free and happy people , " in the teeth of the revelations of misery , published in the Morning Chronicle , and the fact that seven-eighths of the peoplo were unrepresented in tlie Legislature , and treated by their rulers as though they had " nothing to do with the taxes but to pay them , and nothing to do with the laws , but to obey them . " The Earl of Essex , when moving the address , had congratulated his brother aristocrats that " the working classes of this
_country , though often tempted , had ever held fast to their allegiance , and refused to imitate the example ofthe kindred . classes in other countries . '' Lord John Russell , too , had said , " that only the lowest nun * mur had been heard amongst the people , ' with respect to the nature of the country ' s institutions . " But he ( the speaker ) warned those lords not to mistake popular apathy for popular approbation . If there had _bsen but little agitation , there was great disaffection , and thousands * vho were never members ofthe Chartist movement , nevertheless were for all the principles of the Charter , and a great deal more ( Cheers . ) He scarcely knew whether the Free Traders with their boast of
prosperity , or the Protectionists with their pretended sympathy for the working-classes , most _oxcited his disgust . Tho Speaker proceeded to comment on the speeches of tiie Duke of Richmond , the Earl of Carlisle , Lord Stanley , Mr . Disraeli , Lord John Russell , and other Parliamentary orators ; his remarks calling forth the repeated and hearty applause of the meeting . He next took up that portion of , the Royal Speech relating to the recent struggle in Hungary , commenting in severe terms on the conduct of Lord Palmerston . After speaking onthe blockade of the Grecian ports by the British fleet , he reviewed the present position of Switzerland , and his appeal in ,
support of the liberties of that country excited enthusiastic cheering . Finally speaking of the present position and prospects of Chartism , he called on his hearers to tako the initiative in rousing their fellow countrymen to contest the insolent declaration of Lord John Russell , by an united and determined effort for , the Charter ; adding that he would labour with all who would honestly work for the enactment of that measure ; at the same time maintaining his own independence to think , to speak , and to act as his own convictions commanded . He resumed his seat amidst prolonged and enthusiastic applause . > . ' ' 1 'he resolution was unanimously adopted .
A vote of thanks , on tho motion of Messrs , M'Grath and G . J . Harney , was unanimously awarded to the chairman , who briefly acknowledged the same congratulating them on the harmony that had prevailed , and the meeting terminated .
National Association Of United Trades, 2...
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF UNITED TRADES , 259 , TOTTENHAM-COURT ROAD . Established 1845 . The reactionary feeling in favour of this institution has been fully equal to the sanguine expectations expressed iu former reports of the Central Committee . The indefatigable exertions of Mr . Green in Birmingham , Kidderminster ,. Wolverhampton , and other places , _liare been crowned with the most complete
success ; as is amply proved by the adhesion of nearly twenty additional Trades bodies , and large accessions to the numbers of those alreay attached to the movement . Much of this success is , undoubtedly , attributable to the steady adherence , by the Executive , to the excellent principles upon which it is established ; tothe maintenance of its strictly nonpolitical character , by wliich course a unity of feeling and action has been preserved , amidst circumstances which haye paralysed the wellintentioned efforts of so many popular societies .
Many inquiries have been made if the Central Committee of the National Association of United Trades , were concerned in the attempted Protectionist Demonstration at Stepney ; the Central Committee felt it their duty to give a public disavowal of the charge through the Northern Star , of January 19 th . But as the impression appears not to have been removed , they renew the opportunity of again assuring their friends , that they have no possible connexion with the individuals calling themselves the National Association for the Organisation of Trades . The principles and purposes of the two Associations are totally dissimilar . The one being entirely of apolitical , and the other of an industrial character . The
Central Committee cannot too strongly caution their members , and the trades generally , tokeep the industrial question as distinct as possible from any admixture of party politics . In making these observations , they must not be supposed as undervaluing the importance , to the working men , of political enfranchisement , or of those other great questions which absorb public attention ; but , seeing that all
past attempts to obtain a cordial and extensive union of the working classas as such , even for political purposes , has most signally failed , they conceive—with all deference to . many highly-popular and respected individualsthat to convert Trades Unions into political societies , would endanger the existence of the one , without advancing the progress of the other .
To The Mechanics, Engineers, Fitters, Dr...
TO THE MECHANICS , ENGINEERS , FITTERS , DRIVERS , PORTERS , POLICEMEN , AND OTHERS , EMPLOYED ON THE VARIOUS LINES OF RAILWAY IN THE UNITED KINGDOM . ' If it were possible for the working classes , by combining among themselves , to raise or keep up th j general rate ol wa < -es , it need hardly he said that this would he a thing wot to le punished , hut to be welcomed and rejoiced at . 'Stuart Mill .
Fellow Workmen , —The lives and property of millions of your fellow-beings in every grade of society aro entrusted to your professional skill , attention , vigilance , and sobriety ; the labours of most of you require the most unerring precision , the most constant and protracted endurance , and from many of you—such as engine drivers , firemen , porters , policemen , Ac . —constant exposure to all the varieties and severities of . weather , incident to our very variable climate ; and the legal powers necessarily given by the legislature to railway companies , to enforce and nunish any dereliction ofthe duties imposed upon jou , are far more extensive and severe than is to be met with in any other department of labour . It is not , therefore ,
unreasonable to expect that men , from whom such onerous and important duties are required , and to whose good conduct such vital interests are confided , should be given not only adequate , but even liberal remuneration for their services . But how stands the facts ? The immense property entrusted to the guardianship ofthe directories have , in a majority of instances , been either recklessly and extravagantly wasted , or most dishonestly diverted from the purposes to which they should have been appropriated , and applied to their own personal enrichment and aggrandisement . The scandalous _exposuresof absurd extravagances , wasteful expenditures , and infamous misappropriations which have taken place upon almost , without exception , all the northern lines ,: are top notorious for denial ; and it . may he fairly said , that the general financial operations of the railway interests have been a series of unmitigated dishonesties and jobberies . Hence has arisen that panic fear , that
withdrawal of confidence , , which has caused an unnatural depression of railway property , which it is now attempted to counteract by the cruel , and still more dishonest [ expedient , of pillaging the labourer of his hard earned and already unremuncrative wages . Already , in many departments of railway industry has this illiberal , unjust , and it may bo added , impolitic expedient , been successfully applied ; and in others , the favourable moment is waited for , to make its application general upon every ! line , and through overy , department of railway labour . The isolation and unorganised state of the several bodies , whose interests are thus exposed to' the rapacity of capital , is a favourable circumstance ,. and ensures success to this _disrepu-Mle-conapiracy . It is high time thorofpro , for _tliose whose ticks and property is . _tAus threatened and invaded , to bestir . themselves , and at once , and in ' _etwiiesi _" _toAdopt thbse ' _measnres which oan alone _protect'tfcm _^ oases _mmplUh _^ -91 _^ , 7 7 " .
To The Mechanics, Engineers, Fitters, Dr...
The remedy lies in : the union : of . every class oi railway operatives with each other on a broad , liberal , and constitutional basis , for mutual . protection . Your oppressors set you the example ; they prove to you by a bitter lesson , the power and efficacy of combination ; for it is by the combined action of the different railway boards' that a successful issue to this unholy crusade is anticipated . You possess , by law , the same right to say , we win n 0 U j wa 8 _""s he not reduced , as they havo to will , and , by your apathy , to effect a reduction . It is union alone which gives strength either to capital or labour ; and in either case" tho efficacy ol the union to accomplish its objects will be proportionate to its numerical strength , and the knowledge and integrity of its _goveriiin-r hodv . ine
amalgamation of competing lines of railway is found conducive to the interests of _sharchoIders-1 by destroying competition , that principle so banelul , when applied to profits and dividends . By the united action of isolated bodies power is immensely multiplied ; and the instance of the successful application of combined capital aresonumerous and convincing , that the wonder is why the same principle has not been more generally applied by the industrious classes to protect their only property—their labour—from the deprecation caused by the double influence of our ever-gorged labour market on the one hand , and the attacks of united capital on the other . But the princi ple of combination , and the most effective mode by which it could be made to conserve the interests of labour , has not
hitherto been properly understood , or wisely directed by the working classes . Millions of money have been uselessly and injuriously squandered in fruitless struggles with capital ; while theMAsrEREvii , —surplus labouh—which those millions would have effectually removed , and directed into channels where its application would havebeen beneficial to society , remained unheeded . A labour capital raised bjr the aggregation of contributions individually insignificant , would , in an iiiCR'diably short period , place every unwilling idler in a position to , earn the food he consumes without deprecating tlie labour of others by a competition—the unavoidable result of his position rather than of his will . This proposition is as demonstrable as the simplest problem in euclid , and
must , sooner or later , in the national course of events be . seen , acknowledged , and acted on , by those whose interest are at present so seriously damaged by their ignorance or inattention to this subject . But the more immediate , nay , the instant effect of " a . legal and' constitutional combination , would be found in the immense moral power ; such combination ' would ; possess upon every question whereby the inteiestsof the _huriiblest individual of the confederation was endangered . Tho Act 6 , Geo . iv „ cap . 129 . — Tho MAGNA CHARTA of the British labourer—but hitherto too little known and appreciated , acknowledges the right of the working men to unite , without limitation as to numbers , avowedly for the purpose of fixing" the priGe of their labour , of regulating the
hours of their labour , or of making any regulations or stipulations , which shall be equitable and lawful , as the conditions upon which they consent to sell their labour ; provided they do not , by violence , threats , or intimidation , seek to force others to adopt their views . Here , fellow workmen , the constitution , so chary of the privileges it eonfers upon labour , invites you , and points to yon , the means by which you may protect your interests from all adverse influences . Combine , unite then , in the spirit , and within the provisions of this , your Maona _CnAKTA _i and exercise those privileges it acknowledges you possess under its provisions . It is under the protection of this law , and by a scrupulous adherence to its provisions , that tho National Association of Umted Tkadks , under the presidency of that safe and _trae friend to the
working man , T . S . Duncombk , Esq ., M . P ., is established , founded in 1845 , at the express recommendation of its patriotic and honourable president , by some of the most enlightened men from the ranks of labour . The National Association has proved the excellence of its principles , by a long catalogue of brilliant successes achieved for ita members by its <* rea 4 , and now generally acknowledged moral power , notwithstanding many serious drawbacks which has attended its progress , not ths least among which may be noticed ; the severe and protracted indisposition of its chief nnd president , and the commercial convulsions by which the Kingdom has been visited since the year 1846 ; befote this movement had time or opportunity to consolidate its powers into that mighty machine which it is to be hoped it is shortly destined lo
become . Tlie Central Committee of this Association has witnessed with sorrow and indignation the attempts which have been made , and are still in progress , to rob you of a portion of the hard-earned fruits of your industry , to cover the delinquencies and extravagances of a portion of your employers . It iB in your power , if you will it , to stay the progress of this moral contagion . But no individual efforts will avail you . Individually , you are powerless to cope with the gigantic power opposed to you . No considerations of humanity , or even of common justice , ever did—or ever will—regulate or control the action of combined capital towards unorganised labour . To he deemed worthy of attention , you must be powerful to resist : to be powerful to resist _.
you must be united as one man . Union—union alone can . save you . Let your rallying motto be : — " Each fob All—All fob Each . " Unite , then , in sections upon the different lines of railways , each department in its own section . Let the sections then unite by delegation into bodies ; . and let the various bodies form a mighty whole , through the instrumentality of the National Association of United Trades ; and before such a demonstration , rely on it , your present oppressors will pauso in their unjust and inhuman war upon your rights as men . Public opinion , that powerful rectifier of wrong , will be evoked in your behalf , and proud capital taught that it has duties to perform , as weU as rights to conserve , and that the chief of those duties is to pive to lahour its just reward . Tlie Central Committee are desirous of aiding you in this contest of right against might .
They invite you to this contest from a conviction of its justice and necessity . They advise you to be cautious and temperate , but manly and firm ; to give to others the same privilege you claim , for yourselves—the liberty to choose or reject those measures , proposed for your general benefit . Try to convince , and not to coerce those who differ ; and to Win the _wavercrs , by persuasion-and example . Thty further advise you not to sign any _tcritten contruct cr tndeuturc , _" without first taking the advice of a solicitor as to Us legal tendency and operation ; and with these _necesssary cautions , they earnestly advise you , by the respect you owe to yourselves ; by the love you bear to your wives and children ; to arouse yourselves to a sense of tho insult offered to you ; to take instant measures to place yourselves in a position to defend your labour Irom depreciation , and to protect your families from this unmerited diminution in their already too slender means .
The committee will send a deputation to any locality where further information or advice is desired ; and every endeavour will be made to aid those who have manliness enough to desire to protect themselves from this violation of their lights to ' a fair day ' s wage for a fair day ' s work . ' By order ofthe Central Committee , "William Vikl , Secretary . Trades Offices , 259 , Tottenham-court-road , London . February 6 th , 1850 .
Law Expenses. To Mr. William Kider. Sib,...
LAW EXPENSES . TO MR . WILLIAM KIDER . Sib , —Enclosed you will find a Post-office Order fur ten shillings , granted by tbe Chartist Council of Huddersfield , towards liquidating the debts _^ of Messrs . Macnamara and Nixon , for defending Chartist prisoners in 1848—to be divided between them at five shillings eacb . I assure yon , that we consider the salutary advice bestowed on the nation by Mr . Oldfield , is very much required here . I am sure Mr . J . _Oldfieiqf would be a great acquisition to our ranks . W all agree with him , and wish him to agree _rit ' i us , and that he will come forward and enrol his name in tbe Chartist Association , held every Wednesday evening at Mr . _Stamfield ' _s , Rainbow _Ciffee-hoaae , Manchester-street , at half-past seven o'clock . .
It is with the utmost regret that we are forced to acknowledge that : we only number a few paying members out of a population of 30 , 000 . Our number has . prevented us rendering that assistance ' -winclin ' _atibii j ' . could ' wish ; yet with ail , we have sent pounds to Bradford , Kirkdale , Ac , for the prisoners and families , wliich has not appeared in the columns of the'Star . * By inserting this , you oblige _yonra , & c , On behalf of the Association , _HnddeKfield . "Wiluam Murphy .
A Brown Russian Bear Has Recently Produc...
A Brown Russian bear has recently produced » litter of cubs in the Edinburgh Koyal _ZooJo-jiea _* _- Gardens . Tho ' breading of the bear nr captivity is rare or unknown . The number of cubs , in this case has not been ascertained , as the bear savagely resents any attempt at intrusion on her *** _ivacyjustifying Aribsto ' s simile , _ _Destbucsion of a _Cnuncn by Firb . — On _Wednesday afternoon a disastrous fire broke out in AU Saints' Church , Oxford-road , Manchester . The roof was entirely destroyed ;• and many ofthe seats in the galleries and tho centre aisle have also been damaged by the falling timber . The damage done will amount to £ 4 , 000 or £ 5 , 000 .
CoLcn _** _sTBB Election . —The nomination of a burgess to represent Colchester , in place of Sir _G . H . Smyth , Bart ., took place . © u Thursday , "lord John Manners was received with yell *) , groans ,: and partial cheering . G . W . Cooke , Esq ., the liberal candidate , met with a flattering reception . After the candidates had addressed the assemblage , the Mayor _caUed for a show of hands , _why & _tffiffig i _^ oM six to one in favour , of Mr . _Cooljj _^ >» _, * _wlK _*«* _tWi , _&•* _. maided on behalf of Lord M _* Man _« 8 _^^ J * »« H _W * ' _? e >\ assembly dispersed . _Fwr _^ _-HS _*^ _'fL' _% _* V _^ ¦ -- ¦ For Lord' John Man _^ _rij'fl _@*«^ p | r _^; e _*^^ V
Com , 396 j "ta _$ 6 nt- ft $ 37- < _% _' . 1 _fr _$$ _& _$$£ / . r * ¦•' -- ¦ ¦¦¦ - ' ¦¦ ' _rf / _Jf | ' _^ t _Coplw _, 396 j"ta _^ onty . -237- " _^ _P » _1 £ / . v •'
-
-
Citation
-
Northern Star (1837-1852), Feb. 9, 1850, page 5, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns3_09021850/page/5/
-