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"United we stand, Divided we fall."-
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« Unionis strength." • jo THE WORKING CL...
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-' M^L^/^Lj , 6&U^&
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AND NATIONAL TRADES' .IQITRNAT. '
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m. m. p. 622. ionium Saturday, sEPTEMB¥2...
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We give the following from the " Nation ...
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- Rational Uanu comptm-g
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"WmTiiXGio-s xsn Cat.—At the weekly meet...
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MONOPOLY OF THE LAND. TO THE EMTOB OP TH...
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FAILURE OF O'COSNOTl'S LAND SCHEME. (Fro...
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®wm IwteiKqem.
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AEWOASTLE.-.At a general quarterly meeti...
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MV^lVVV<//»<4 ' ^h< ' / ¦*•* ¦**- *-4V**...
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The Canada (steamer), in her passago hom...
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THE LATE JOSEPH WILLIAMS, THE CHARTIST M...
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I I f
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"dp tliiiU te^hoSfT <i<i. to .they, -/ V...
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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Transcript
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
"United We Stand, Divided We Fall."-
" United we stand , Divided we fall . " -
« Unionis Strength." • Jo The Working Cl...
« Unionis strength . " jo THE WORKING CLASSES . _ _$$ _Fme-sds , — -p rom the establishment ofthe "Northern c - down to the present moment , my pride _•^ tba it has been the only channel through -ffiich your cause would be fairly _andimparf _- _allY discussed ; that in fact , its columns have _gj . _' heen open—not only to fair and generous nnooation of my views , but to the most
virulent abuse of me ; and to tins _l nave not the slig htest objection , because when argument fails , abase becomes the only available _subetftu fce . Nevertheless , itis just thatyou should _dvays understand both sides of the question ; _jmditfe with that view that I now open the columns of the " Star" to the comments and _gtrictnres of all who choose to _eulighten the _people by argument , rather than by slippery _slvness , upon the co-operation recentl y formed _ty f-veen ihe middle and the working classes ; _^ hat is , bear in mind—not between the labourer and HIS EMPLOYER , but between ihe shopkeeper and HIS EMPLOYER , who
is the WORKING-MAN-CUSTOMER . I have stereotyped my opinion as to the jmpossibility of forming an honest union _tetween the capitalist employer , and the dependant workmgman , in these terms : — " As well may the lamb with the tiger unite , The monse ivith the cat , or the lark with the Mte . " My friends , you have ever been as mice and larks in the claws of the privileged cats and Mtes ; andeverythoughtofmylife , bothinEng-3 and and in Ireland , has been how to wrench vour order -from their fangs ; and the greatest dfficulty against which I have had to contend , has been the strength ofthe cats and kites , cpnseqaeni . i _*''' po _* _'ifii _^
-anion , the jealousy , and ambition of the larks and the mice . Let me now explain fo you my reason for & us addressing you . I understand that Mr . James Leach—recently released from Kirkdale prison—has invited the _"Jianche-ster working men to resist sternly , the proposed onion between the veritable middle and working classes . It would be not only a crime , but a sin , upon my part , and _-Qponyonrs , to meet arguments , however fallacious , by mere denunciation ; as by argument alone— -and by fair argument too—can
_trc arrive at the proper solution of a question ; and , therefore , I throw open ihe columns of the "Star' * for the general discussion upon this subject , to James _Leacd , and every other person who chooses to discuss it , upon tiie simple condition that their matter for insertioH shall arrive at the "Star " office by "Wednesday morning , in order that mv reply may appear in the same number ; and , upon my part , I promise that the controversy shall be conducted with moderation , asd without the slightest vituperation or personal animosity .
New , in my opinion , ( hisis abetter mode of enlightening the public than mere platform orations . The people _csvn calmly consider and - _judwe inthe one case , whereas , they may be " led away by enthusiasm in the other—the one course may be necessary for the creation of public opinion , while the-other is indispensable to its proper direction .
_r _$ Mv friends , the one thiagneeded justnow—J | and the one thing invited by Lord John Eusseix-is the NATIONAL SQUEEZE , i | the pressure from -without , and , to which r M alone , he says , he is prepared to y ield . And , m having had some little experience in politics It aud ministerial tactics , let me assure you tiiat § 1 there is no intelligence over which the noble | _f Lord aud his Colleagues—the " Times " and ' _^ l its readers—the Landlords and their _toadies—-fl the Money-lords and their dependants—the x "Chronicle" and the Peelities—would so
J ) _luxoriously gloat as the announcement that a M rupture had taken place between the working _,- _!*! and the middle classes . To the dissension and ' ' % disunion of your own order , rather than to the 0 tyranny and power of your rulers , is to he _M a _' scribed yonr every grievance , and accursed _^ be the name of tiiat man who would now _M throw any obstacle in the -ray of removing the H tvra & ts' barrier . y ' My friends , the feet that we have not _? Moored in vain is sufficiently proved bythe ' - _¦« admission of the middle classes , that without
1 as they would bo powerless ; and the fact that I the principles of this New Association are not 1 hu _** ed upon the mere policy of speculation , is I irrefutably established by the GREAT FACT of Lord _Nx-gest , Lord D _* OD _* fcEY Stuart , I Sir Joshua Walmsley , Mr . LusmyGToy , I Member for Westminster ; _Geokge TflOMFI so : ** ., Member for tlie Tower Hamlets ; not I one of whom live upon labour or upon speculaf * tion , having joined the Association , not so 3 much from feeling to the middle class as from % consideration for the working people ; and \ _vwsw see what their declarations amount to .
V They declare that any limit to tiie Suffrage ¦ _" bevond Manhood Qualification , is ridiculous ; ? * tliey declare for Vote by Ballot , for Equal I * Electoral Districts , No Property _Qualification , f- and Triennial Parliaments ; thus adopting all $ tlie points of the Charter , save Annual _Parlia-* - ments and Payment of Members ; and to hoth
I ) of which points the very first Parliament , ig- elected by Universal Suffrage , wonld arrive 1 ? I by no means state that without the co-opef ; ration of the middle classes the working classes £ are powerless , but I do state that" Hope de-| ; ferred maketh the heart sick _;'*» and that in _P this union and co-operation I see the more I- speedy realisation of my every wish—namely , ¦ _^ th e earlier bettering of your condition .
My friends , it is a fact , which no man , the r mo 4 audacious , "will deny , and one that I have : ' often stated , that your order ever derives * greater advantage from timely and prudent Y- conce _^ ionsmiarmony with the esisting state j" of things , than from sudden convulsions which ¦ vou celebrate with enthusiasm and thanks-: _j-iving , but from whiehin the end you are ever £ tiie greatest sufferers . Every measure forced p from tbe Whigs by the privileged classes since i the Reform Bill , has been an injury to your I order—and wby ? Simply , because the union
I of the privileged classes was measured by tne social and conventional , and not by the poli-] tical standard . The representatives of liberal _t shopkeepers , and tiie trading classes , joined Free Traders and Whigs npon hatred to Toryism , and confidence iu Whiggism , butthey have now discovered , that as regards the shopkeep ing and trading clases , tenure of office constitutes the only distinction between Whig and ! Tory , and their support can no longer be en-I _lttedbyaFree Trade "CRY . " Theyhavenow I changed theirnote to aFULL , FREE , AND
! FOR REPRESENTATION OF THE I WHOLE PEOPLE LN THE COMMONS 1 HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT . And let me 1 ask you , if you suppose me slave enough , I base enough , or hypocrite enough , to cater for I popularity by denouncing and resisting the _ftmeans , nay , the only means , by which such a ' _"J rmisummation can be arrived at ?
My friends , vour order possesses more _poh-Itical knowledge than the working people of _* _ny nation in tbe world ; and my hope and anxiety is , tiiat yonr class may derive such _benefit from that knowledge as will one day , ana that ere long , place them in a position in _vrhich they will be independent of all other classes , and only tributary to laws made by their own representatives .
p- My friends , as to the people being humvi _ffired by this new move , do not allow such a * % Jlon to enter your mind . The first step in & reai would be followed by their final _over-% ow , while tiie union afibrds to your order _-vS only opportunity of which you could avail MtrJve _^ of convincing those who base their | g ~ _W upon your presumed ignorance ofthe _^ _Jenor knowle dge you possess . Out of Par-
« Unionis Strength." • Jo The Working Cl...
Hament I could not damage your cause much » for two reasons . Firstly . —Because it is my own cause , and it is dearer to me than life itself ; and it is not that I WOULD not * but I COULD not desert it . Secondly . —While agitating for ifc , if I went wrong , the good sense of your , order would very speedily turn me into the right course . , 1 could not damage it in Parliament becauseihe eyes of the non-electors of Nottingham would be fixed upon me ; and upon their recall , based upon their suspicion , I would resign the trust I hold for them ; but I believe , and I am
proud to beEeve , that there is not a working man in England who doubts my political sincerity . In conclusion , then , my friends , let me implore you , and let ' me beseech of you , notto dash fie cup of hope fromyour lips . Let your motto be , " Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof , ' * and before you doubt have proof of deception ; but as long as the present fraternisation affords you the opportunity of meetingplaces , and of developing your views before your former opponents , adhere to it , and rel y upon it that you shall have timely and ample _igti _^ ofjny reasonable doubt that maxjinat m my mind as to the _m-flficenfcy of your new confederates ; but in the name of God , in the
name of justice , of common sense , and in pity and mercy to your suffering and unprotected families , do not foolishly throw away such an opportunity as may never again occur , of fixing the stepping-stones firml y in that ford over which we have been so long attempting to pass , and which with your co-operation will be shortly accessible to all . Your faithful and uncompromising Friend aud Representative , Feargus O'Connor .
-' M^L^/^Lj , 6&U^&
_- _' _M _^ L _^/^ Lj , 6 _& U _^&
And National Trades' .Iqitrnat. '
AND NATIONAL TRADES' _. _IQITRNAT . '
M. M. P. 622. Ionium Saturday, Septemb¥2...
m . m . p . 622 . ionium Saturday , sEPTEMB ¥ 2 U 8 _ir ~ _^ _rjKstvH .
We Give The Following From The " Nation ...
We give the following from the " Nation " of Saturday last . It is published in that paper as a novelty : while , no doubt , many of our readers remember Mr . O'Connor ' s commentary upon past agitation , as to what it was , and what it might be , if the monies expended in Tom-foolery had heen applied to the location of the Irish people upon the Land ; and in which he remarked , that there would be a pilgrimage from all parte of the country to witness the first exhibition of Na tional Regeneration . But , as the folly of today is the wisdom of the morrow , we live in hope that at last Irish Tom-foolery may he changed to Ireland ' s regeneration .
HOME COLONIES . " Xemo" who states he ias given some time to tbe consideration of the land question and of the facilities for making home settlements for Irishmen , writes to us as follows : — I always thought that if the Repeal Association had employed its funds in forming a " Home Settle ment" for the unemployed population , that the gratitude of Irishmen would be due to them , and that tbey would by taking that plan repeal the Act of _TJaton much sooner than by the paths they took . I will give au instance . Suppose the Association in receipt of one million shillings , or fifty thousand pounds per annum—tbis would be no miracle- if they proposed a project of real utility . "Were this sum invested in the purchase of an estate , then suppose the land produced £ 2 per acre , and at twenty years' purchase , there would be 1 , 250 acres of land to begin with . Since it needs no proof that
four acres of arable land , properly managed , will employ five or six persons , adults and children , and supply all their wants , if held at a reasonable rent and Jong lease—for these constitute the real stimulus to industry as the opposite do to idleness and want . Suppose tbis estate , containing 1 , 250 acres , divided into four acre farms , there would be 312 farms . These 312 farms , given to agricultural labourers or evicted tenants , at fair rents , say £ 15 s . per acre , or a little more than half the late acreable value , and stringent covenants made as to improvement , spade husbandry , & c , especially for the maintenance and employment of two male adults and four females or children on tbe farm—for unquestionably that number would find ample employment on a four acre farm . Then there would be room for the creation of 312 Irish yeomen ; and , at the average of six to each farm , or family , 1 , 872 individuals saved from the poor-house or grave at one
swoop . Again , suppose on tbe ensuing year the same amount of contributions received , there would be an additional income of 1 , 872 shillings ; for every person thus provided for would pay one shilling per annum , some much more , and the rent of 1 , 250 acres , at £ 15 s . per acre , all which would make the round sum of £ 51 , 662 to purchase land with . Sow if the funds of tbis bod y had been thus expended during seven years of its existence , I'll be bold to assert that at tbe end of that time they would have in their bands in perpetuity no less an area than 9 , 674 acres of land , on which 2 , 420 yeomen or
heads of families could be settled , m all a population of 14 , 520 souls couldhavebeen settled and provided for in comfort , leaving besides a yearly rental of £ 10 , 192 fov tbe _"SatioBal Exchequer . But it would not be found necessary to tax the people for their shillings for so many years , because many facilities would present themselves if the work was begun in earnest ; there would naturally enough a _National Banking system be had recourse to , which under a judicious management , and possessing popular confidence , would be able to work wonders yet undreamt of . The laud is our staple , and from . agricultural prosperity must all other branches of trade and commerce grow , and -flourish among us .
- Rational Uanu Comptm-G
- _Rational _Uanu _comptm-g
"Wmtiixgio-S Xsn Cat.—At The Weekly Meet...
_"WmTiiXGio-s xsn Cat . —At the weekly meeting of members it was resolved , — " That a call should be made on the branches of tho London district to pay tbe expenses of the delegates to the Conference . " SnErFrELB . —A meeting of members was held in the Democratic Temperance Hotel , on Monday evening , Mr . Joseph Williams iu the chair . The first question considered was in reference to a misunderstanding which appears to exist amongst a greatnumber of paid-up shareholders , who think that are not called upon to pay anything further . After a good deal of discussion ' on the subject , the followino- resolution was moved by Mr . J . Lever , seconded bv Mr . Howard , and carried unanimously , — ¦ ' That " tbis branch begs to remind the paid-up
shareholders who aro neglecting the small payments _a-T-eed to by tbe Conference , tbat all such defaulters will not be returned for any future ballot ; for , should it be otherwise , it would be a violation of the laws of the Conference—thus making a farce of our national delegation ; therefore it 'is hoped that the whole of the paid-up shareholders will again come forward , and recommence their payments , as laid down at the last Conference . " A goodly number of members—both paid-up and unpaid-up shareholders—bave commenced their payments , being determined to carry out the plan under tbe old system of the ballot . Those members who have not paid their Conference levies are requested to pay the same . The meeting was then adjourned to Monday night next .
Mouxiaix . —A meeting of members was held on the 11 th of June , when a resolution was brought forward to the effect , — " That a committee be appointed for the purpose of carrying out such plans as may be deemed necessary to secure the paying off the dissatisfied members . " An amendment was moved and carried , — " That- no steps be taken in the matter until the trial now pending in the Queen ' s Bench be terminated . " A somewhat similar decision was subsequently come to by the Conference at Snig ' s End . Thus we concluded that tbe affair was settled until that time . However , a
meeting was again called on the 3 rd instant , when afew of tbe dissatisfied gave notice that it was their intention , thai day week , to move a rescindino- of tbeir former resolution , and to appoint a committee to carry out their object . They were informed that the former resolution had been carried by , and was the opinion of , a majority of the members ; and seeing that there was no other business to transact , they should not so far stultify themselves as to keep constantly meeting for no otber purpose than tbat of keeping a motion on the books ; any business , therefore , that might be transacted on that occasion would be considered as
"Wmtiixgio-S Xsn Cat.—At The Weekly Meet...
the opinion of tbe dissatisfied only , and not the opinion of a majority of the branch . Notwithstanding tbis caution they met , to the number of nine persons , and passed tbe following resolution , — " That in consequence of the Conference held at Sni g ' s End , refusing to arrange to pay back the subscription of the dissatisfied members of the National Land Company , we , the Mountain branch , have resolved to petition parliament upon its reassembling to compel the directors ofthe National Land Company to wind up , and that a committee of five persons be appointed to carry this resolution into effect . "
Monopoly Of The Land. To The Emtob Op Th...
MONOPOLY OF THE LAND . TO THE EMTOB OP THE KO _* dTHE _*{ tK STAR . Sir , —As man is constituted of two natures , a spiritual or intellectual , and a physical ; both of which should be developed , in order to generate that state of happiness which he is capable of enjoying . "When we find that the great bulk of mankind are mentally and physically debilitated by the excessive labour which tbey are compelled to perform , in order to supply themselves and their dependants with the necessaries of animal existence , we necessarily conclude that there is something wrong in the institutions of society , otherwise such a state of things could not be . There appears to be one principal element which must be restored to man
universally before the people of this or any other country cau enjoy the principle , of freedom . This _flBmefltlif'the land , which exists in abundance , and whenever it is cultivated yields an ample supply ot frnits . But from the existence of an iniquitous principle , a just share of those fruits doth not accrue to the labourer who tills the earth ; he is almost naked and destitute , and after years of struggling and privation , he sees no other prospect , when his physical frame is reduced beyond the power of labouring , than being compelled to spend tlie remaining portion of his existence ( which ought to be comfortable ) in a Whig Poor-Law bastile , which appear to have been erected for the purpose of enclosing the misery generated by the gross injustice of man .
An eternal blush of shame ought to be impressed upon the countenances of those who are fhe cause of such misery , —who , doubtless , are the landed and moneyed aristocracy , in conjunction with the Malthusian political economists of the day . This robbing of the working man has been effected by a class of men moved by tbe superstitious feelings generated by a corrupt priesthood ; having presumed that they have a divine right to govern , from wbich has followed tbe idea that they had a divine right to divide the land amongst themselves , and thus constitute it private property . The land , to the present time , is divided amongst kings , aristocrats , and priests , —the people , as a natural result , are their slaves , —hence , they have little or no controul over their labour . So long as this principle is allowed to exist , the destruction of slavery is impossible . Slavery is antagonistic to iustice , and
therefore that which produces it is wrong in itself . Slavery is the necessary result of private property in land ; and inasmuch as land is one of the primitive elements , absolutely necessary for the support of man , not having been made by man any more than any ofthe other primitive elements , it follows , that neither man , nor any class of men , bas any more right to constitute land private property than he has to constitute the air we breathe—the water we drink—or the sun's rays—private property . This being the question of questions , it should be thoroughly studied by every man calling himself a reformer , being the key for solving thc anomalous condition ofthe people ; it will show them why they are poor , though they are industrious , rna also produce in their minds a principle of faith , which is absolutely necessary tothe carrying out a successful agitation . Jons Cuxpa _* _- * _* , Jun . Halifax , September 11 th .
Failure Of O'Cosnotl's Land Scheme. (Fro...
FAILURE OF _O'COSNOTl'S LAND SCHEME . ( From the Weekly Dispatch . ) The entire failure of Mr . O'Connor ' s Land Scheme may now be considered to be an admitted fact . He is sued for losses occasioned by it , and he can only plead tbat the afiair was bona fide , and not fraudulent on his part , and that he has reaped n o pecuniary benefit from it . With a most edifying ignoranco of law , he assumes that if he cannot fcc proved to have committed an actual fraud , he is free from all civil responsibility to those whom he has induced to spend money on his representations . It is true that the men who trusted in his scheme have been ruined ; but then , he says , that was by no fraud of his , and
they muat submit to bear the consequences of a simple misfortune . The law does not take quite Mr . O'Connor ' s view of such a matter ; for , when a projector assures people tbat if they will pay him so much money , they shall receive such and such advantages , the law holds him liable to make good his promise , or to take the consequences . One part ofthe plea now set up by Mr . O' Connor is itself the strongest condemnation of his project . He says that he is not liable to make good pecuniary losses in respect of a scheme from which he has received no pecuniary benefit . If be has not benefited by it , who has ? If nobody is the better for it , then it is clear that this mighty p lan , which was to regenerate the labouring community , to secure them
comfort , nay wealth—to convert them , in fact , from a working" into a proprietary class—was one enormous deception . It was not the less so because thc original schemer has been ( supposing such to be the case ) as much deceived as any one else . The project was put forward as something marvellously good , and now its author claims exemption from responsibility on tbe grounds that it was so bad that even he has not been able to make any profit out of it . There could not be a more complete confession of its utter worthlessness . For , as the grand part of the scheme was that the "fortunate" holders of prizes in this land lottery were to pay a certain kind of rent or per centage on the land they heldand that , from the fund thus raised , the means of
further purchases were to be obtained—tbeir inability to live on the produce ofthe land , even though they paid nothing for it , shows how entirely illusory was every calculation on which the system was professedly founded . The fund which -was to ensure its continued existence cannot bc obtained the men who were to furnish it are ruined—and tho whole attempt ends in the amassing , in the hands of the projector , ofa large quantity of land which cannot be profitably worked in the way originally proposed . But it does not necessarily follow that ths land itself is worthless , or that the man , who in form of law is its owner , has obtained nothing of any value . The subscribers to the scheme were bound to certain terms . Non-compliance with thoae terms subjects
them to forfeiture of their rights—and lands once allotted aud occupied do not appear likely again to become tbe subject of lottery . But suppose they should be again allotted—the new allottees would be but tenants . To whom , then , do such lands belong in right of proprietorship ? Certainly not to the tenants , who may forfeit them by inability to pay rent and to perform covenants . They belong to the person in whose name they were bought , to whom the deeds of conveyance were made out , and who appeared to pay the money for them . Whether tbat money was raised by subscription , or came from his own pecket , is a matter with which the conveyancer did cot trouble himself , and which , on the face of the deeds transferring tho property is , in all probability , not even incidentally mentioned . Here , then , is tlie blot of the scheme . Mr . O'Connor may , as yet , have obtained no pecuniary henefit from the transaction : but in form of the
law tbe land is his , and the " fortunate'' holders of pr izes in this lottery have no power , by a meeting and a resolution , to sell the property and divide tbe proceeds as an indemnification for their losses . The Winding-up-Act , of 1848 would not give them the benefit of its wholesome provisions . They are perhaps worse off than the hundreds who lost their throw in tbe lottery , and who drew blanks—for these men knew at once the extent of their losses , and had nothing but their subscriptions to regret . But the "fortunate" holders have sunk more money in the adventure , besides their time and labourand now the whole stake is gone . Whatever occupa tions they abandoned for the chances of this scheme they must resume , if they can—and , if not , the workhouse must be their refuge . They were warned in time—but Wind belief hugs its dear falsehood all the closer for contradiction , and the stern realities of adversity can alone disenchant men from the attractions ofa cherished folly .
These realitiesbavenowcome npon theso credulous and deluded men , and we notice their unhappy error less for their sakes—since it is out of our power to replace them in their former position _^ than as a caution and a warning to others . Although indemnity for tbe part" is , we fear , not to be thought of by the unfortunate victims of this bubble project , we would , at a _' l events , endeavour to afford our honest and industrious fellow-countrymen of the workingclasses that " securityfor the future" which consists in a clear appreciation of the admonitory lessons of experience , lo be chary of believing in extravagant promises of impossible advantages ; to put no faith
Failure Of O'Cosnotl's Land Scheme. (Fro...
in schemes winch profess to guarantee a vast retun for . . . , _i mI 0 l } tla ; Y _? to eschew quack medicines fo social ills ; and , above all , to keep clear of "lotte n _^ ofeverysort and kind-such , as we read it , i _tHmoraltobedrawtt by working-men from the hia tory of % _-Q'Coaaor laud scheme .
®Wm Iwteikqem.
_® wm _IwteiKqem .
Aewoastle.-.At A General Quarterly Meeti...
_AEWOASTLE .-. At a general quarterly meetinjer held on Sunday evening ; _jfr . M . Bohinson in the chair , the Mowing persons -were elected to the council-John Hudson , John Brown , John Robertson , Martin Jude , Joseph _M'Farhne , John Hamblin John Same and James _ITesbit ; John Brown to be the financial secretary ; and John Hudson the _corresponding secretary . Moved by John Brown .
_seconaeuujdosepnM'Farlane : — "That a general meeting ofthe Chartists be held on Sunday , September 23 rd , for the transaction of business of importance . " Wmmmion Am Cat . —At the weekly meetimit was _l-esolyed . — " That we form a locality ofthe National Charter Association , and Mr . Fidgewas appointed secretary pro tern . " The meeting then adjourned until Sunday evening , seven o ' clock , to hear Mr . M'Grath lecture for the benefit of the victims , and to hear the delegates report ofthe land Conference .
Sheffield . -- The : council held its usual- weekly _meetia _^ . i _% _^ k _^ mM _^ _iSS 2 ! £ _SS Hoiie k _^ j Queen-street ; o _* a _^^«^ _w'Si | p _^^ absence of the president , Mr . Kershaw ( who was sick ) , Mr . Higinbottom was called upon to preside . After the confirmation of the previous minutes , and other minor business was disposed of , the secretary read the correspondence from Rotherham and other places , when the secretary was instructed to write to Rotherham , to see whether Mr . S . Kydd ' s services could not be secured for this locality and district for a short time . The Chartist council have not , as yet , come to any resolution relative to taking the _managementof electing members to the Town Council , however , next Sunday evening , that question will , in all probability , occupy the attention of the council ; it it expected that every member of the council will be present at the next meeting , as important business will be brought forward .
_Cbippi-egate , 28 , _Golden-une . —At a meeting of members , this locality passed a general vote of thanks to all friends who haye and are assisting them in the inquests and funerals of the Tothillfields victims ; they also request that the South London Hall , and other localities , will send delegates ' on Saturday night , to make further arrangements . _WESTMi-vsrER . _*—At a meeting held at the " Two Chairmen , " "Wardour-street , Soho , on Tuesday evening last , Mr . John Godwin in the chair , the
matter ofthe " printer's bill" for the late Convention and Assembly , held at the Literary and Scientific Institute , John-street , was brought before the meeting . On the motion of Mr . John Milne , seconded by Mr .- Andrew Black , it was resolved : — " That fifteen shillings be paid in liquidation of that debt . " Five shillings -was also voted towards defravmg the legal expenses incurred in the inquests on the remains of Joseph Williams and Alexander Sharp—the Tothill-fields' martyrs ; after which the meeting adjourned until Tuesday evening next .
Mv^Lvvv<//»<4 ' ^H< ' / ¦*•* ¦**- *-4v**...
MV _^ lVVV /»< _4 ' _^ _h < ' _/ ¦*•* _¦** - _* _-4 V _**~* THE LATE VICTIMS , JOSEPH WILLIAMS AND ALEXANDER SHARP , GREAT MEETING AT THE HALL OF SCIENCE ,
CITY ROAD . This building was densely crowded on Thursday evening , to consider tlio cause of death of the above victims , and for the release ot all political prisoners . Mr . Williams Davies was called to thc chair . A letter was read from William Williams , Esq . ex M . P . for Coventry , apologising for non attendance , and stating , that be and Sir Joshua Walmesiey , had waited on thc under Secretary of State , with a memorial on behalf of the political
prisoners , and also conveyed a request that the memorial should not be forwarded to the Queen , until Sir Joshua bad an opportunity of an interview with Sir George Grey . _Tisdai , Atkinson , Esq ., Barrister-at-law , stated that Sir Joshua Walmesiey had been called to Eastborne , on a case of serious indisposition , or he would have been present to raise his voice in favour of the exercise of tho brightest prerogative of the Crown , mercy for the political offenders . ( Loud cheers . )
Mr . W . Davies , in a brief speech , recommended prudence nnd determination in the object they had met to night in support of . In the friends who surrounded him ho had the greatest reliance . Mr . T . Ciark said , the battle had hitherto beon fought nearly single-handed ; bufc now , fortunately , we bad tho middle classes , whom , he hoped , would prove an able ally . In the same felon prison iu which Williams and Sharp died other great , good , and glorious men wore still confined . Thero were also widows and orphans ; and , therefore , he would not allow his feelings to betray him into undue warmth . The evidence already published to the world was sufficient . Had not the jury , by implication , in Williams ' s caso , declared that the
treatment be had experienced had led to his death ? Mv . Clark moved the first resolution , as follows . '" That when circumstances render the punishment of political offenders necessary , a broad distinction ought to be made in their treatment from that of persons convicted of crimes against persons and property ; and seeing that in the case ofthe political prisoners confined m the House of Correction , Westminster , and several other gaols in these dominions , such distinction has not been made > this meeting is of opinion thatthe severity of their treatment , andthe term of incarceration which they have already endured , has amply satisfied the requirements of law ; and this meeting emphatically declares
itself in favour of the release of all persons who are at present suffering imprisonment for political offences . " Mr . Wm . Dixon , in an excellent speech , seconded the motion . _Tisdal Atkinson , Esq ., who so ably sifted the afiair at the recent inquests , rose amidst loud applause , and said lie felt nt a loss to find words to convey his feelings , Ifc was the first timo in his life he had been called face to face with the hard-working and hard-headed operatives . This was a mournful occasion—the destroying pestilence liad struck down two of the elected members of the working classes , and that under very peculiar circumstances . Theso men were an honour to their
class . It had been said by one who wrote as if he wore inspired , " Tho quality ot mercy is not strained . " We say , let a general amnesty—let mercy prevail , in this time of epidemic , to all political offenders . ( Loud cheers . ) Another reason was , that as far as things liad gone thc punishment had been a mistake , and was not warranted by law . ( Hear , hear . ) Now is the time to hold out the olive branch , when ifc can be . appreciated . He was proud to say they had-an auxiliary to whom they could now appeal—hc was ashamed to say they had been estranged so long . He had been surprised at the talent that he had found amongst tho working classes ; and having now found ifc he would use his utmost influence to get them represented , not only by their votes , bufc in their own persons in the House of Commons —( loud cheers)—andhe had willing coadjutors to work with . ( Hear .
hear . ) It would be a mistake or a blunder if they did not now succeed in effecting the object they had in view , as great influence was at work for them . __ He was proud of making their acquaintance to night , andhe hoped ifc would nofc be the last time ; he trusted that they would not go one step out of their way in taking the body of their deceased friend to his last resting place , bufc have every thing in peace and order , and the time was nofc far distant when they would enjoy that freedom and those rights wbich nature , and their intelligence justly entitled them to . Mr . Tindal Atkinson resumed his seat amidst great cheering . Mr . P . M-Gkath , in his usual eloquent manner , proposed a memorial to her Majesty , asking for a general amnesty for all political prisoners . Mr , Stauwood seconded the adoption of the memorial . Carried unanimously .
Mr . Clark moved , that Richard Cobden , M . P ., present tho memorial , and that Sir Joshua Walmsley , and Joseph Hume support its prayer . Mr . Stallwood seconded the motion . Carried unanimously . ., T . Atkinson , Esq ., moved a vote of thanks to the Chairman , which whs seconded by Mr . Dixon , and carried . The meeting then separated . The memorial will be given next week .
The Canada (Steamer), In Her Passago Hom...
The Canada ( steamer ) , in her passago home from America , made 8 t ) 2 miles in three successive days , a greater speed , we believe , than was ever maintained for so long a period at One time by . any of the hno m steamers . —Z _^ _n-ooZ Mercury .
The Late Joseph Williams, The Chartist M...
THE LATE JOSEPH WILLIAMS , THE CHARTIST MARTYR . The funeral of this much-lamented victim to class-misrule took place on Sunday , September 16 th . No funeral pomp or ostentatious display attended the last obsequies ofthe departed , but all was as ifc sliould be on such mornful public occasions—unadorned simplicity . Thanks to the good men and true of the Cripplegate locality , andthe other honest democrats from the Tower Hamlets , Finsbury , St . Pancras , & c , who rendered their valuable services with such alacrity ; and the best arrangements , that time and means permitted , were made for conducting the remains of the deceased to his last resting-place . The funeral took place under the auspices ofthe firm of the political prisoner ,
John Shaw and Co ., of Gloucester . strecfc , Commercial-road , and gave very general satisfaction . At two o ' clock Golden-lane * and the streets , and other avenues leading thereto , were crowded with a dense mass of persons , anxiously awaiting to pay the last tribute of respect to the man who had sacrificed his life at the shrine of principle ; and long before half-past three , the timo at which the mournful cavalcade took its departure for its destination ( the Victoria Cemetery , Cambridge-heath , Befchnalgreen ) , Golden-lane , Beech-street , Chiswell-street , & c , became so thronged as to become impassable . The excitement equalled , if not surpassed , the " great Trades' movement , " the procession ofthe "National Petition , " & c . The committee of de
* i _* _nafiHMK < 1 _lKre _^ and it is only fair to state , that the police , both City and metropolitan , behaved admirably on the present occasion , nofc at all interfering with tbe quiet mass of the people , bufc rather aiding the progress of the dense-moving body . At half-past three the hearse drew up to Golden-lane , in which the body was deposited . Over the hearso was a red pall , of glazed calico , on either side of which was inscribed—• " He asked for freedom with his breath . Merciless tyrants gave him death . " And on a similar piece of glazed calico at tho back of the hearse were the words"It is nofc Cholera , but Cold and Starvation . "
"Joseph Williams . " In the procession the hearse was preceded by a huge tricoloured banner , inscribed on the one side , " Finsbury , " and on the reverse , with the above words of'' Joseph Williams . " Immediately behind the hearse was a coach , conveying the widow , father , mother , and other relatives of the deceased , which was followed by five cabs , and these were followed by an immense concourse of persons , armin-arm—some six , and others four a-breast ; whilst Chiswell-street , Finsbury-square , Sun-street ,
Bjshopsgate-street , Norton Folgatc , Shoreditch , Church-street , and Bethnal-green-road were lined . Every window , balcony , and other available place on the lino of route , was crowded with anxious and sympathising spectators ; and on arriving at the Cemetery wo found many thousands awaiting the arrival of the funeral cortege . Having reached the deeply-dug grave , the body , incased in a substantial elm coffin , with inscription plate , bearing tho name and ago of the deceased , was _loweved _iftto it . There could not be less than twenty thousand persons in the Cemetery .
Mr . T . Clarke ( who , with Mr . P . M'Grath and E . Stallwood , his colleagues on the Chartist Executive Committee , had formed a portion of the cortege ) then addressed tbe assembled throng . Mr . Thomas Clark presented himself amidst the most breathless silence , and said ; Friends , we are assembled together upon this awful and solemn occasion , to perform a sad and melancholy duty . Our object here i 3 to pay a last tribute of respect to the deceased patriot Williams , whose remains have just been consigned to the earth , and who has ofiered up his life in the service of that great cause in which is involved thc future welfare of our common country . Another name has thus been added to the catalogue of those who have sacrificed themselves for the benefit of their fellows . And although
the station and calling of Williams were humble , he has nevertheless earned for himself a niche in that modest temple which will ono day chronicle the fame of those who have fallen in this age , straggling for the establishment of democracy . Time was when martyrdom for truth ' s sake was confined to the learned and the great ; but one of the features of these present times is , that the most lowly class has its champions belonging to itself , who have not hesitated to stand forth and to claim for their order the rights and privileges of manhood ; and although some of these champions have perished in the moral conflict , their fall has been glorious , and their example sublime ; and hence it is that so many others have been found to tread in the same path , because , though leading to the -jrave , ifc
has secured immortality , if not for the victims , at least for their principles . Thus has it been with poor Williams . For tho sake of his country he compromised himself , and in so doing has made our common cause his debtor . But why , I ask , should these sacrifices bo needed ? What can be a greater reflection upon the boasted freedom of our land than tho sad proceedings here at this moment ? For myself , I am for obvious reasons , speaking under restraint , a restraint whicli I have imposed upon myself , in order not to damage thc chances of the liberation of those who are still the inmates of that terrible prison house , where Williams died ; but I cannot refrain from expressing my horror , that the penalty ofa slight political offence should
have eventuated in death ! I am desirous of speaking most respectfully ofall , who have been officially concerned in this case , especially of the Coroner ' s jury , whose verdict I do not impugn ; but still I must remark , that to my mind , the death of Williams is a MURDER , perpetrated , certainly not by any individual , but through the operation of a cruel and savage law I As I gaze upon this magnificienfc assemblage , and reflect upon the cause of your presence at this spot , I feel myself agitated by such emotions and impressions as such a scene as this must naturally suggest ; and I am prompted to ask , how long deeds like tho death of Williams will continue to be executed in this Christiaa land ? Can it be , that England , whoso
fame has dazzled tho world , needs that such scenes as this should be enacted to support her power and her pride ? Are the institutions of England so equivocal in their character , that to stand , they require to be cemented by thc blood of her toiling , but patriotic children ? No , my countrymen , 1 say these things are nofc requisite for the glovy of this land . On the contrary , this deed ef death , whicli has drawn us together to-day , is a foul blot upon tho humanity and civilization of the country , and a cruel , but unanswerable commentary , upon its practical liberty . Sadly , indeed , arc our rulers mistaken , if they think by persecution to stay the mighty tide of ( -nought which is beating against our shores , and which threatens to inundate the land .
They may rely upon it , that tho end of their rule is at hand , and nothing will tend moro to hasten its termination than exhibitions like the present . The day of the people will shortly arrive , and when in the moral grandeur of their might , they will teach thoir present rulers , not the lesson of vengeance , for it is not in that spirit—it would become mc to speak in the name of a great people—but these rulers shall be made to feel their injustice and insignificance , by the forbearance and charity of those whom they now persecuted . Of the patriot Williams , I am unable to speak from personal acquaintance , but of him I may truly say , that if hc loved his country not " wisely , " he did so , at least , " too well . " His death hath imposed upon
his country a heavy responsibility , but one , which I hope will be readily undertaken . He has loft behind him to lament his untimely end , a wife and six dear children , who must henceforth look for paternal protection to tho democracy of England . I put it to you all ; will you not be fathers to tho fatherless ?( Loudcries of " Wo will _. wo will" ) . Will you nofc interpose your kindly offices to protect them fromthe heartless treatment to which orphans are too often subjected ? ( Unanimous cries of " We will , we will" ) . ' Standing , bending over this grave , here , by my side , are the wife and the aged parents of the departed patriot . Of thoir feelings and sufferings , it will be moro easy for you to judge , than for me to describe . I implore of you , to boar in remembrance the situation of the widow . When
you leave tlus ground , and you each bend your way to your respective homes , think of the widow and tho six orphan children . When seated at tho domestic hearth in the company of the partner whicli you each hold dear , reflect upon the sad condition of her whose connubial hopes lie buried in the grave . Think of the home without thc protectorwithout the provider—and your own feelings will point to your duty . I have only to add , in conclusion , my thanks to those of the friends of the deceased , and of the committee , who have convened this demonstration , to tender you our joint acknowledgments for your magnificent conduct , and to exhort you to union and good fellowship in that causo in which Williams has perished , so that we may witness the annihilation of despotism , and the establishment of Justice . Mr . Edm-jhd-St allwood , at tbo request ofthe
The Late Joseph Williams, The Chartist M...
committee and the relatives of the deceased , delivered tho following biographical and historic sketch ofthe deceased , and also his public career . Ho said that his friend Joseph Williams had expressed , through his aged parent , a desire to havo an interview with him ( Mr . Stallwood ) in his dungoon , but , alas ! ho did nofc lire to have his wish gratified ; and he had now tho painful , yet melancholy gratification , of paying a last tribute to his friend ' s memory . Their friend Williams had notbeen removed from amongst them b y any decay of nature ; no , for he was a hale healthy ma a in the prime of life , being only in his forty-first vear .
having been born in April , IS 0 D . My friends , it was but as yesterday wo heard his voice amongst us uplifted in the cause of right , to-day we point to his remains in the cold grave—to his bereaved widowto his six orphan children—to his weeping aged parents , and to you his numerous friends _^ cast down with grief and woe for thc loss of an attached friend . Some fifteen years ago our departed friend begun to take part in political affairs , afc which period the unstamped press , the national union of tho working classes , awl other bodies , bad circulated and made known the principles advocated by those noble French Reformers , Babuef , . fcc , & c . ;
and Mr . Williams , being by trade a baker , and of an impetuous temperament , and a daily witness of the sufferings of his fellow-men , ifc was no wonder that heat once became a thorough-determined strong political and social reformer . In succession to tlio bodies to which I have alluded , sprung " The Working Mens' Associations ; " bufc the more earnest and energetic reformers amongst them not thinking they progressed fast enough , Harney , Neeson , Beniowski , and others formed tho ' -Democratic Association , " which at one time engrossed so much of public attention , to which Mr . Williams very soon attached himself , and became an active member . Then came the celebrated Chartist Convention of
1839 , of which Messrs . Cobbett , Henry Hetherington , William Lovetfc , G . J . Harney , Feargus O'Connor , Charles Nccson , Dr . Fletcher , and Or . Taylor , were members ; and to this Convention Mr . ' Williams aspired to be a member , and contested tho representation of Surrey with a member of the •) Working Mens' Asseciation , " and gained his election by show of hands at a public meeting ou Kennington Common , being on that occasion proposed by William Rider . The Convention dispersed , various movements occurred in divers places , amongst others afc Abbey-street , Bethnal-green , at _wwh"th 6 " _* shrewcth * es §*( l Jf "the'democrats dofeated tho
wily crafty dealing of Whig spies , and saved the people from the arms ofthe police and soldiery . In this affair our departed friend was deeply engaged . Perhaps ifc may be as well here to state that tho ardent temperament of our friend has caused him to be regarded as a spy ; but , surely , before such obloquy is thrown upon any one it would be well to examine well the ground , and to remember that spies are generally well rewarded , whereas our departed friend Williams—no doubt from feeling deeply , and g iving expression to his thoughts strongly—could , with difficulty , furnish forth tho daily meal , aud very rarely was in possession of a" Sunday suit , " his honest politics always keeping him poor . Bufc as he had now ( riven his life a
sacrifice to the cause , he ( Mr . Stallwood ) trusted all idea that Williams was ever guilty of spyism would bo banished , and that his memory would be handed down to posterity as a sincerely honest democrat . He had already told them that Mr . Williams was a social reformer , and that he was a baker by trade . About three years ago a movement sprung up in behalf of thc journeymen bakers , for thc purpose of abolishing ' night work , and shortening the hours of labour ; at the commencement of this movement , Mr . Williams gave liis hearty assistance , and walked many miles as an advocate ofthe cause . That cause now finds Lord Robert Grosvenor its
parliamentary exponent . From this wc find Mr . Williams engaged afc meetings on behalf of the National Petition for the people ' s Charter . You all know the result of that petition . From this arose the meetings on Clcrkenwell-green , and other places , at which ourdeparted friend raised his voice . He " Talked daggers though he used none * , " and a weak Whig government , alarmed afc " Strong words , " even from so humble an individual , caused Mr . Williams to be arrested . He was tried , convicted , and sentenced to a lengthy imprisonment in Tothill-Mds Prison , where he has met with his death . And now for tho causo of that
death . A coroner s jury says , the cause was " Cholera . " Mr . Williams , just prior to his death , exclaimed , — " I am a dead man ; it is not cholera , but cold and starvation ! " Well , but the jury says , the cause of death was " Cholcra , " and the Tiwesnowspaper says , that cholera is caused by " Miasma , damp , and cold . " The government some time sinco caused the prisoners to be removed from the Millbank Prison , in consequence of the prevalence of cholera . Now , tho Tothill-fields Bridewell is bufc a short distance from Millbank , yet tho political prisoners were left there , and Messrs . Williams and Sharp aro dead . Tothill-fields is surrounded by factories , continually emitting their miasma . Those , who like himself , had suffered thc glories of
martyrdom , knew what thc dark cells in a prison were ; they were cold and damp ; " and" says tho Times newspaper , " cold and damp brings on diarrhcea , cholera , and consequently death . " Williams and Sharp are dead , aad he believed , were one of the late colleagues of thc deceased in the Democratic Association now present , hc would say that they " Wero done to death . " Bufc Williams did nofc go voluntarily to the damp cell . No , he was coerced into that coll . By whom ?—by the rules made by tho " Visiting Justices , " by thc orders of the governors . The cell was cold and damp , cholera ensued , and Williams died . When ono man beat another with a stick wilfully , and from which
heating the man dies , the man who inflicts thc punishment is called a murderer , and treated accordingly ! Ho ( Mr . Stallwood ) left it to thc consciences of thc visiting magistrates , to the governor , and thc government , to answer the question , —are you nofc guilty on thc present occasion ? In conclusion , friends , there , alas , in the cold grave , rests the remains of our departed friends , there stands tho bereaved relatives . You have been told you must act thc part of husband and father , and hc ( Mr . Stallwood ) called on them to have an extra care for those great political and social principles which to the last moment of his existence our friend so strcnouslv advocated . To
be more zealous in your advocacy , and more earnest in your endeavours to obtain the people ' s Charter , that great means to a mighty social end . That , onco obtained , the days of poverty , damp cells , short commons of bread and water , will be numbered , health , prosperity , and happiness , will everywhere abound , and thc memory of tlie departed will be truly blessed . Mr . Stallwood , hove read the following memorial , which ¦ had been previously adopted unanimously by tho committee . TO THE QCEEX ' S MOST EXCELLENT . _* I . UESTT . The Memorial of the _muiion-us Friends who followed tlio
remains o ! Jose _* m Williams to ins last _restm-j-placc _, ami adopted over his grave iu tlie Victoria Cemetery , _1 ' ctlmn ! Green , on the liitli day of September , _lSw , Siiewetii , —That your memorialists , with the most -poignant anguish , have to lament the death of Joseph Williams , leaving a widow and six children , —and Alexander Sharp , leavin _*** a widow and Uwce cUUilren , —to hemoan the irreparable loss of affectionate husbands aud fond fathers . That yonr memorialists have too much reason to believe that Joseph Williams and Alexander Sharp f ell victims to cold and hunger , caused by their boiii _; . - incarcerated in damp cells , aud fed entirely on small quantities of bread and water for several days together , during the period tlieywere _under-joim ** ( what yonr memorialists can but designate a cruel punishment * while incarcerated in 'i ' _otliill-1 _'ields Bridewell for iv _political oli ' ence . That your memorialists liave heard with grief and pain that several other of the political prisonevs arc now suffering from sevevo indisposition in your Majesty ' s gaol * -.
Tbat your memor ialists Jiavo heard with pleasure ot the mitigation of punishment , and tlio remittance of tlie fines , imposed on several late political prisoners . That your memorialists implore your Majesty , in this time of profound pence and tranquillity * , to see fit to remove the political prisoners from these scenes of cold , hunger , diarrhcea , cholera , nnd death , by remitting the punishment and fines ofall political prisoners in your Majesty "*? dominions , and restore tbem to their families and _fi-ionus . And your Memorialists will ever pray . This memorial was put and unanimously adopted . The following hymn composed as a tribute of respect to thc memory of the deceased Joseph Williams , by Mr . Beutly , of the Cripplegate locality , was sung at tho grave to the tune of "Base oppressors , " the whole audience . "joining in chorus .
Sons of Briton , ono more martyr , Sleeps the hero ' s sleep of death ; He has died for freedom ' s Charter—Class-made laws have seized his breath By oppression , and starvation , In a prison he has died , For declaring that a nation-, Class-rule , has a right denied . Safe from further goading malice , Resting in tho arms of death , Echo through each gaol and palace , Lies one , true to his last breath . Tell them , sound the thrilling story , That the twenty-ninth of May , Scar destroy _ed their rule gory-Williams—Williams , led the way !
Triumph , bless his name respected ; Deaths liko bis do victors rise , Labour ' s price shall bo protected , Freedom ' s shout shall rend the skies , With appalling voice of thunder , Whether _gain'd by peace or war , Merciless villains cease to plunder , Man is man , and who is more ? Mr . _StAiOToop now announced the close of the _procecdin-js , exhorting all friends to depart in peace , _iiiicf by all means to remember the widow and orphans as they passed out at the gates . Tho exhortation was strictly followed , thc dense mass quietly separating , anl we hear that on opening the * boxes a large sum was found to have been contributed . Honour to those who so ably got Irago demonstration of sympathy . Thanks who composed the demoustraUon , aud _pea manes of the patriot .
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Sept. 22, 1849, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns3_22091849/page/1/
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