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X byibeCanonlaw Whbbb 22, 849 , . THllHi...
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THE DOLLTS BRAE MASSACRE. Lord Eoden and...
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The total receipts T t at the Binningham...
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RECEIPTS OF THE NATIONAL UNO COMPANY Fob...
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THE MINISTER AND THE ITALIAN REFUGEES. M...
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Alexander von Humbolbt.-TIus foto@g phil...
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L'AMI DU PEUPLE. The usual letter of " L...
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-NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF UNITED TRADES. ...
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THE ACT VI. GEORGE IV., AVITH ADDITIONS ...
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GREAT MEETING OF TIIE MINERS OF THE NORT...
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Mi/rder of a Cuan.—On Thursdays report w...
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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- R~Nttrt ^ More Parson Plunder, Having ...
bitedbyibeCanonlaw . In 1225 , Stephen Latohw decreed : _^ " Firmiter _inKbemns ne auquampro ahquapecunia denegetur senullura _*" - " we strictl y forbid thatany man be refiisk banal for money cause . » " Money cause , " however , made its way in spite of the prelate and _thecanon . The "firmiter inhibernus" in _T _fS _? _- _?^ T & _^ ms _wgenious gloss . " Albeit the clergyman may not demand anything forbunal , yet the laity may be compelled to observe pious and commendable customs ori " Kit tha _Honn . 1 _— -r _-. . _»__ _ ¦
_[ w . maKnig _afltatotiie clergy ] and if the clerk shaU allege that for every dead person so much Mh . beenaccustomed to be given to the minister or the Church , _hemayrecover it . " Of course tl _ff _£ ? the reqaired _^ _^ tion ; and in _deface ofthe canon , "the pious and laudable custom of _payingburialfees , became anew , feed source of income . It was literall y a case ot no compulsion onl y you must . " The amount of the exactions thus squeezed from the public exceeds half a million . The Rev Br . Cote estimates the surplice fees alone at about 401 . _annnall y for each parish . His estimates however , are generall y admitted to have been below the truth . Another authority calculates that nearl y a million of the entire income received by the parochial cler _^ _was
_composea ot _faster offerings , surplice fees , and various small endowments . The amount -derived from these sources may therefore be fairly set down at 600 , 000 / . No official value has heen affixed to parsonages and glebe lands . Indeed the Ecclesiastical Commissioners deny thatthey are soarees of income ; as if houses , gardens , and _padlocks did not constitute a serious item in the annual expenditure of a family . A writer
in the Quarterl y Review , not likely to be ¦ mimical fo the Church , stated some years since , that there-were 8 , 000 glebes , which le valued at 201 . each . But the parsonages were omitted from the estimate , which by other omissions and substractions was pared down to the lowest amount . An average value of 1301 . would be still below the truth , and the total annual revenue from this source may be jut down at a quarter of a million .
The revenues appropriated to the support of € hapels of Ease , amounting to 100 , 000 / . yearly , form another item of clerical emolument—perpetual curacies being included under the denomination of Chapels of Ease . From these various sources State has directl y provided the Church with a munificent yearly income of nearly _s-uve MiLLio-ys , for a purpose , which we have shown in the _cutset of this
examination , to be essentiall y impracticable , -which never yet has been fulfilled , and from its very nature never can be so . Now 9 , 000 , 000 ? . is a large—a very large—sum of money , and any other body of men but the parsons would have been content with it . But tbeir rapacity knows no _boonds , and they make thefact of their receiving so much money the means of getting more .
In addition to the amount directly paid to them , in the capacity of ministers of the Established Church , there are various sources of -emolument to which their position as church functionaries gives them access , and which must be taken into account to have a correct idea of the amount annually received by them . Among these we may enumerate lectureships , supported by endowments or by voluntary
subscriptions . These are abont 350 in number , and yield 50 , 000 / . yearly . Chaplaincies , in connexion "with public institutions—corporate bodies—Commercial companies and embassies—and also those ofthe army and navy , ¦ which alone amount to 1-4 , 000 / , a-year . To these may be added the domestic chaplaincies ofthe nobility and gentry—these places being generally monopolised by the clergy of the State Church . The amount of revenue
flowing through these channels into the Church Exchequer , cannot be reckoned at less than . 25 , 000 ! more ; and wherever there are salaries attached to the posts of secretary , trustee , or librarian , these pious and disinterested _gentlemen generally secure their own appointment to these " good things . '** The next item in the account is the public -charities , over which the parsons , from their position exercise an almost exclusive clerical controul , especially the educational charities .
Many of these benevolent institutions were founded before the Reformation , for the express purpose of providing sound education for the poorer classes ; and according to the provisions of a statute of Edward IV ., the -property belonging to charities and relig ious houses , was applied to the endowment of grammar and other schools . Private individuals , stimulated by laudable zeal for the _education of the people , devoted considerable property of the same purpose . The benefit that would arise from the faithful application of these funds to the purposes originally contemplated , may be estimated by a glance at the
state of Birmingham , where the provisions of the statute of Edward IV . are carried out . The large sums left for educational purposes , are in that town really devoted to the education of the inhabitants . In one or two other places , as at Bedford , the same is done , with ¦ similar advantage to the district ; but in the _ great majority ef instances , these noble bequests have been seized by the rich , and made the portals through which their children and -relatives enter active life , and seize on its prizes . The poor , for whose benefit they were founded , are excluded from all participation in their advantages .
In this most foul and detestablerobbery , the parsons have borne a conspicuous part ; they have shared the plunder with the wealthy -classes , who have usurped possession of the property left for the common weal , because that was the only way by which they could ensure a monopoly in the controul andmanagement of thesecharities . jS o one was eligible to the mastership ofa grammar , or , indeed , of any school , -without a bishop ' s licence ; and the religious instruction was , in all cases , to be that of the established church . The masters of
thesefoundationsmustsubscribe the thirty-nine -articles , as well as a " declaration of conformity to the liturgy of the United Church of England and Ireland , as it is now by law -established . " As these subscriptions and _declarations are indispensable , the masterships are usually held by clergymen ; the best subordinate places are filled by clergymen ; the inferior by their dependent *; the educational and other advantages are mainly , ifnot entirely , confined to members ofthe Church ; aud , in fact , the whole administration of these charities has fallen into the hands of the
parsons , who have taken good care to appropriate their various endowments to their own use . These endowments , according to the l _> est authorities , amount to £ 1 , 500 , 000 a year . Of this large sum , fully one third , or £ 500 , 000 , is consumed in clerical salaries , - while the remainder , instead of providing , according to the original intention , instruction for the poor alone , supplies cheap education for the sons of the aristocracy and the middle classes , who established
are members ofthe Church by law , The Universities of Oxford and _C-anibndge , which are monopolized by the parsons , with all their nice snug fellowships Mid masterships , yield , accoiding to the Eev . H . L . Jo _^ _s , of Magdalen College , Oxford , ihe sura of _£ 7 fl , 003 , which is thus made up : —Oxford £ 283 , 998—Cambridge £ 4 o 7 , 00 _o . The parsons , of course , take " thelion ' s share . But clerical rapacity does noteven endfacre .
They are incapable of crying " Hold ! enougfl . With them " _increaae of appetite doth grow hy what it feeds on ; " and Parliamentary grants , town assessments , and Church budding acts , are milch cows , out of which they _manage to extract a considerable addition to their annual revenues . The last item , however -we shall enumerate of that revenue , IS ScI rates , an impost which has been levied on the community by the parsons _, va _& - out the shadow ofa right to do so ;> Inthe Start distribution of tithes , provision was
- R~Nttrt ^ More Parson Plunder, Having ...
made for the very purposes for which this rate is raised . The clergy were , formerly , only entitled to one-third of the tithe 3 , and the remainder was to be appropriated , in equal proportions , totherepairsof Churchesandthesupport ofthe poor . The parsons have , however with their characteristic fraudulent and encroaching policy , managed to grasp the whole of the tithes , and to throw the duty of
supporting the poor , and repairing ecclesiastical edifices , as additional burdens upon the people—nay , even the Universities , with all the wealth they enjoy , axe exempt from poor rates ! The amount of Church rates levied intheyear , ending Easter , 1839 , _was 363 , 103 Z . and if to this sum be added the proceeds of pews , sittings , and other sources—this item may be set down at half a million sterling . review
A of these various sources of revenue , which have not been in any way exaggerated , leads to the conclusion , that , after makingevery reasonable allowance and deduction , the net annual income of the established Church of England and "Wales is upwards of ten millions sterling . A close and scrutinising investigation , aided by correct returns obtained through the medium of an impartial conimis sion , would , we believe , show the amount to be much larger , but the facts adduced fully warrant us in fixing the amount we have named .
The whole of this enormous amount of money is misdirected , aud applied to other than national purposes . It is national property , and yet it is appropriated by a favoured and dominant sect . Taking the population of England and Wales at 15 , 000 , 000 , the parsons plunder the people of 15 s . a head yearly , or a family of six persons of 47 . 10 s . It is high time this monster abuse was looked into , and the national propert y restored to its legitimate owners —the people . In a subsequent article we shall glance at a few of the national purposes to which that property might be applied , and the benefits that would result therefrom .
X Byibecanonlaw Whbbb 22, 849 , . Thllhi...
_Whbbb 22 , _X 849 , . _THllHimilVK _^ i , * _^ — rr » n .... J
The Dollts Brae Massacre. Lord Eoden And...
THE DOLLTS BRAE MASSACRE . Lord _Eoden and his brother magistrates have refused to grant warrants for thc apprehension of the Dolly ' s Brae murderers This is a specimen of lame and lop-sided justice for which , even in the history of L-eland , we cannot find a parallel . On the 12 th of July , 1849 , a body of men calling themselves " Orangemen , " make their appearance on Lord _Rodes _' s premises . They come by his Lordship ' s leave , if not by his
express invitation . Most of them are armed . They are graciously received by the Lord , who wears the insignia of their order . They drink his Lordship ' s beer , eat 1 ms beef , and listen to his patriotic speeches . Both he and they are full of lip-loyalty ; and after toasting the Queen , and the Prince , and the Prince of Wales , and the Royal Family in general , and cheering his Lordship , and wishing the Pope in the hottest of all climates , they set out for their homes .
They have a choice of roads . On one of these , at a point called Dolly ' s Brae , a large body of the opposite faction—the Ribbonmen —are assembled . These are exasperated by previous outrages and insults , and a hostile collision may be expected . All this is pointed out to Lord Roden bythe chief of the Constabulary _Eotce ; "who at the same time begs his Lordship to induce the Orangemen to take the other route . A word from his Lordshipwhose power and popularity among these ruffians are unlimited—will be sufficient . He
refuses to give that word , on the plea that it would be of no avail ! In a spirit of bravado and fiendish recklessness , the Dolly ' s Brae route is taken . The Orangemen feel strong and secure , under the favour of a protecting magistracy , and ajnc _& _e-ipolice . Doll y ' s Brae is crossed . The anticipated conflict occurs , and the Ribbonmen are driven from the ground—not by their Orange antagonists , but by the niilitary and police , who capture a score of men , beating them with a marked aud wanton brutality .
In the skirmish , several ofthe Orange party are wounded ; and their comrades , in the spirit of retaliation , make an attack upon the neighbouring houses , dragging forth their defenceless dwellers . A massacre ensues—a massacre of aged women and boys ; a massacre that , for cold brutality , cannot find its parallel in the history of vindictive warfare . A woman eighty years old is shot down , dead , and trampled in a sink I Another , bedridden by a
chronic disease , is battered with huge stones , thrown down upon her with violence ! Her son , a harmless youth , is dragged forth before her face , and spitted upon a dozen bayonets ! An idiot is shot through the heart , while smiling in the face of his murderer ! A lad running across the fields is wantonly fired upon , and killed , and a young girl receives a bullet through the thigh ! To make the picture complete , it is illumined by a holocaust of blazing huts !
Now , it has been proved beyond a doubt , that all this occurred on the 12 th day of July , 1849 ; that it occurred in the broad light of day , under the eyes ofthe military and police ; nay , more , a host of witnesses have sworn that a county magistrate—to whom we will * allow the benefit of celebrity by giving his name—a Mr . F . Beers , was on the spot , aiding and abetting the _^ massacre by such loathsome expressions as— " Come , boys , you are info M'Mullen ' s land , d—n their souls ! blow them—man , woman , and child—out of it !" "D—n her , boys—pop her ! " " Fire and kill on !"
All these facts have been established—if ever facts were established—by oaths and probability ; and yet , inthe face ofall tbis , the Right Honourable the Earl of Roden , at the head ofa bench of magistrates , officially refuses to bring the offenders to justice ! Nearl _y a score of the opposite party—many of them without the shadow ofa charge against them—are dragged to gaol under brutal insult ; while the real aggressors , who are seen filing their gunsburning houses , and murdering women and children , under the eyes of the police and magistrates , are suffered to go free , and , by likelto
the grace of the Earl of Roden , are y remain so . His Lordship deigns to defend his conduct in a speech—or rather an apologyso filled with remarkable doctrines , that , but for the serious nature of the subject , we should have been compelled to believe that he meant it for a burlesque . Hear him : — " I cannot help lamenting that the Government has seen fit to bring forward such a charge , after Her Majesty ' s visit to this country , "which had put down , in a great _measure , the angry feeling which was prevailing this country . I repeat , I cannot but lament that the present proceedings have been instituted . " Can this be the serious expression of a man in his senses ? or must we look upon his Lordship
as a lunatic ? " Cannot help lamenting" what ? —that the Government has seen fit to institute a search for a set of the foulest murderers that ever cheated tho gallows , and whom Lord Roden thinks should be allowed to go scot free , just because Her Majest y has visited Ireland ? If this be the usual logic of Irish justice , we sincerely pity those to whom it is administered . That Her Majest y ' s visit to Ireland should cancel all liability for crime is a virtue that , among the many others , we have not yet heard ascribed to it . But , although we cannot see any relationship between the Queen's visit and the murders at Dolly ' s Brae , we can clearly appreciate the position of the Earl of Ro bes , m relation to these melancholy events ; and we are not at all surprised at his Lordship s anxiety to stay all proceedings in this case .
The Total Receipts T T At The Binningham...
The total receipts t at the Binningham Musical Festival were £ 8 , 810 ; number gf visitors , 10 , 203 .
Receipts Of The National Uno Company Fob...
RECEIPTS OF THE NATIONAL UNO COMPANY Fob _ihb Week Ending _Thobsday , _Sepiembeb 20 , 18-19 . SHARES . £ _s . d , £ s . d . _£ _eigh .. .. 012 G J . Lewis .. 0 5 0 Preston , Brawn 112 0 "W . M'Lean .. 0 5 0 Little Town .. 012 8 Westminster .. 0 2 6 Nottingham .. 0 0 0 . _iynn . .. .. 11 « 10 £ 5 12 6 EXPENlSE FUND , Yarmouth .. 0 2 0 Little Town .. 0 4 0 0 6 0 TOTALS . Land Fund ... 5 12 C Expense ditto ... ... ... 0 6 0 Mathon 376 7 5 Bonus ditto ... 90 1 0 Loan ditto 0 3 0 Transfers 0 10 _zmloTi W . Dixon , C . _Dotle , mmmmmm _^ ° T . Clark , Cor . Sec . P . _M-Gbath , Fin . Sec . EXECUTIVE FUND . Received by W . Rideii . —W . Hyde , Milborne Port . Somerset , 5 s . Keceived- at Land Ofrica—Mrs . Heath , ls . FOR COSTS OF MACNAMARA ' S ACTION . Received by W . Kideb , —Dewsbury Chartists , per E . Newsome , 10 s . ; Camelford , per E . Brown , 3 s . ; R . Crowther , Birmingham , per J . A . Fusseli , 2 s . ; William Shaw , _Bu-muigliau _* . is . ; It . Carter , _Biwnju-rham , 3 s . ; P . Pott , Birmingham , 2 s . Cd . ; J . A . Fusseli , Birmingham , 7 s . 6 d . FOR WIVES AND FAMILIES OF VICTIMS . Received by IT . RiDra . - 'ff- . Hyde , _Milborno Port , 5 s . ; Holmhrth Chartists , per H . _""AaTsden ., 5 s . ; S . Guinaman , _Tunbridge WeUs , ls . ; Cameuvrd , per E , Brown . 2 s . Hull , _perG-Bsu-netMs . EXPENSE AT INQUESTS ON WILLIAMS AND SHARP . Received by W . Ride ** . —T . C . Ingram , Abergavenny , Is . ; Bruce Ingram , _Abtrgavenny , Gd . Received at Land Office . —Leicester , per Colliers , Is . 3 d . ; per W . Rider , 2 s . Cd . ; "Westminster Locality , 53 .
FOft MR $ . JONES . Received at Land Office . —t . J . Crowther , ls . ; James Buckbridge , ls . ; Hanley , per Silvester , 8 s . FOR THE HUNGARIANS . Received by W . Rides , —S . Guinaman , _Tuabtidge " WeUs , Cd . TO EXEMPT E . JONES FROM OAKUM PICKING . Receved by W . _Rideb , —Halifax , per John _Culpan , £ 1 . FOR THE WIDOW OF 4 . WILLIAMS . Received by W . Rider—Camelford , perB . Brown , Is . FOR G . WHEELER . Received at Land Office . —6 . * W ., Is . VICTIM FUND .
Received by S . Boonham . —W . S ., ls . ; Hanley , per Silvester , 8 s . ; a Frii _* na _* , Burslem , Is . ; Newport , Isle of Wight , 5 s . ; Galashiels , ls . ; Mr . Rider , 17 s . ; Mr . Martin , Somers Town , per John Arnott , ls .: Mrs . Heath , Cd . — Total , £ 114 s . OU
The Minister And The Italian Refugees. M...
THE MINISTER AND THE ITALIAN REFUGEES . MR . HUME TO LORD JOHN RUSSELL . My Lord , —As chairman , for thc time being , of a committee of members of parliament and other gentlemen , which has been formed in aid of the Italian ( Roman ) refugees in this country , I am desired , in their name , to address your lordship , as the head of her Majesty ' s government , with respect tothe recent conduct of thc governor of Malta in refusing an asylum to the refugees from Rome . The broad facts of the case , as brought to the attention of the government and the House of Commons on the closing day of the late session of parliament ( facts which hare heen corroborated and developed in greater detail by subsequent information ) , aro more than sufficient warrant to address your lordship , without reference to any individual cases .
The Governor of Malta has thought fit to refuse a landing at Malta to political refugees from the Roman States , who took ship for that island , _relying with confidence on passports vised by the English consul at Civita Vecchia or at Rome . Had there been reasonable cause to apprehend any misconduct on the part of these unarmed refugees the garrison of Malta was surely a place where sufficient security could have been taken against such a contingency : whilst , in considering the probabilities of so unworthy a return fov the hospitality they claimed , it should not have been forgotten by a British citizen so high in offico as the Governor of Malta that the unlortunate wanderers were ofthe number of those defenders of the
city of Rome who liad won the respect ofthe civilised world by an observance of law and order and of constitutional government within its walls as remarkable as the valour and humanity they displayed in its defence . Amidst all the diversities of opinion , in this and in former times , concerning the foreign policy of our country , there is one rule of conduct which has been invariably observed , and has met withuniversal and heartfelt assent , namely—that of extending a generous and fearless hospitality to political exiles of every class , from every country , and of every cause . It is a bitter mortification to fine that rule
of conduct in the present instance disregarded , and the character of this country for hospitality needlessly sullied , by an officer bearing her Majesty ' s commission , and in command of one of the strongest _garrisons ofthe British empire . The committee ventures to express a confident hope that her Majesty ' s government , if it have not already done so , will visit with marked disapprobation this discreditable act of its representative in Malta , so as to manifest to the _wcil-d that the British government in no way countenances conduct which is as foreign to our national character as it is disgraceful to the British name . I am , <& c , Aug . 31 . Joseph Hume .
LORD JOHN RUSSELL TO MR . HUME . Balmoral , Sept . 5 , 1849 . Sir , —I have had the honour of receiving your letter ofthe 31 st of August—written in yous capacity of chairman of a committee of members of parliament and others , "which has been formed in aid ofthe Italian ( Roman ) refugees in this countrycomplaining of the conduct of the Governor of Malta . Lord Grey has sent me all thc papers which have reference to the conduct of Mr . More O'Ferrall ,
Governor of Malta , to the Italians who sought refuge . It has been our practice , as you truly observe , " to extend a generous and fearless hospitality to political exiles of every class , from every country , and iu every cause . " You may remember that , on thc occasion of the French revolution of February , 1848 , when you asked me a question in the Ilouse of Commons , I adverted to this honourable practice , and expressed my determination to adhere to it . I may observe , that the refugees in this country at present are " of every class , from every country , and in every cause ; " and a proof is thus afforded how well the usual rule has been observed .
The Governor of Malta , however , was of opinion that , although the refugees from Rome ( not Roman refugees , in great part ) might safely be allowed to proceed to England , he could not be responsible for their remaining in Malta . They were therefore detained onboard shipforsome ten days or a fortnight , with the exception of the sick , and of thc women and children , who were allowed to land . You are probably , aware that there has existed during the past year a sort of circulating society of revolutionists , who have appeared sometimes in Paris , sometimes in Berlin , sometimes in Baden ; and who were especially in great strength and numbers at Rome . It is not consistent with the peace and good government of Malta , although it may he consistent with the peace and security of London , to have numerous bands of this revolutionary association at Malta . ... to
It would be as pleasant an occupation to them stir up dissensions in Malta as to head a wot m Berlin or in Baden . ,. One of these refugees was avowedly only _taKing _MaltainhiswaytoYenice , to assist in defending that city against the besieging troops . __ . _..., » After all , what has been the hardship inflicted < These persons were in no danger of their lives wnne they were on board a French vessel . They were not detained longer than a vessel put in quarantine . They took their passages to England , or to Oreece if they chose . They were prevented from disturbing Malta , and that was all . _. Lord Grey has therefore , with my full concurrence , expressed his approbation of the course pursued by the Governor of Malta . I have the honour tobe , & c ., & c , J . Russbu . P . S . I presume there is no doubt of the legality of the course pursued by the Governor of Malta .
Alexander Von Humbolbt.-Tius Foto@G Phil...
Alexander von _Humbolbt _.-TIus _foto _@ g philosopher accomplished his 80 th year last * liday _, he having been born upon the 14 th of Sep tember , 17 C 9 . It -will be gratifying to fas a _* ii _» "ers _-X friends in England , and in many other parts oi tne globe , even to the mighty Andes and far-distant * Himalayas , to hear that the illustrious author _contimiea in the full enjoyment , not only of _sturuy health , but ofall those mental faculties which have crowned his name with immortal glory , she d lustre upon his native land , and conquered for him a permanent _plase among the prince **) of the intellectual world . i
L'Ami Du Peuple. The Usual Letter Of " L...
L'AMI DU PEUPLE . The usual letter of " L'Ami du Peuple " cannot appear this week , in consequence of the ill-health of that writer .
-National Association Of United Trades. ...
-NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF _UNITED TRADES . ( Established 18 i 5 . ) The apathy which attends tho termination of periods of unusual excitement or suffering , appears now the distinguishing feature of tho industrial world , viewed either in its political or social aspect , or , to borrow thc expressive words of the sentimental Jack Ragg _* . «* There is nothing stirring but stagnation . " ft WO uld almost appear , that , not only all . power , but even all desire on the part of the working classes to bettor their position , had been utterly expended iu their past struggle , and that the
possessors of power and capital were for the . future to be the undisputed arbiters of the liberties and privileges ol Labour . The National Association , m common with every other movement of an industrial character , finds its progress impeded by the sluggish insensibility . However much this state of things is to he deplored , there is nothing ffi it which shoul d cause surprise , or deter from steadily endeavouring to perfect the great work we have in hand . As surely as day follows night , or any other of natures operations pursues its inevitable course , so surely will this cold fit pass away ; andthe workin-- meu arouse themselves shortly , as « were , Wa _tZcl and greatly instructed bv the _axmri . _nM ST ? ' ??
_SJ-Ji red ° Ub , ed en ? _^ int 0 thosc _HMi afana political movements , whose vital principles have earned them safely through thc storms Of tbe past ' or such as may be called mto existence £ the changed circumstances ot the times . And it may be safely predicted , that all future movements of the working classes , whether social or political , will differ materially from the past , by their superior practical character and tendencies . Conceivm _*** that the National Association is most peculiarly one of this description , the central committee are fully determined to maintain its position , and to force even its enemies , ( for unfortunately it has enemies ) to admit its superior power and influence
m dealing with the ' wrongs and grievances of thc working men . Within theso few weeks , several important advantages have been obtained for members of this Association in Birmingham , Daventry , Lynn , & c , without any of those losses and privations , which usually , nay , almost invariably , attend the successes of other movements . Such facts when known , must have their weight upon the working classes , notwithstanding the constant endeavours , of certain influential officials in some parts of the country , to misrepresent tho policy and principles ofthe Association to their members Had the factory operatives , who iu their hundreds and thousands f or a short period , in 1847 , attached
themselves to this movement—hut were compelled to withdraw from it , the late depression in trade , and in many instances the total _shuttingtip of the mills , depriving them of the means of keeping up tlio very small contribution required from themrejoined the movement upon resuming their employmen t _, their prospects of obtainining an ad ranee u pon their present miserable pittance would have been much ,- greater : thah wo feav it is at present , notwithstanding the heavy contributions exacted from them to support isolated strikes iii Bolton and elsewhere ; which , with the present imperfect organisation , and the unimproved policy of their present leadors , can only end , as all previous strikes of this sort have ended , in disappointment and loss to the operatives themselves . That this will be the result ofthe present movement in Lancashire , we are justified in predicting , because all the elements necessary to ensure success are wanting in the present
movement . 1 hat the demand for an advance is justified by the late improvement in trade , and would have been conceded generally if urged a few weeks later , we have reasons to know . But the present very questionable policy , of trying to force it by sectional strikes , in the face of a rising cotton-wool market and a depreciated market for the manufactured goods , speaks but little , at all events , for tho judgment of tiiose who advised it . The Central Committee havo tho promise of the manufacturers of Warrington , that an advance will be given to tho hands in thoir employment , as soon as the present feverish state of tlie cotton markets sliall nave subsided , and the employers of other towns , buying and selling their goods iu the same markets , shall be prepared to follow their example * . These gentlemen expressed the utmost desire to be placed in a position to give the required advance , fairly conceding the reasonableness and justice of the demand .
The Central Committee will not f ail to watch for an opportunity of renewing their application under more favourable circumstances , on hehalf of those belonging to the Association ; and they hope tliat their success will be as early and as ample as will be obtained by the hands in any other town ; while , at the same time , tliey will be " free from tlie heavy imposts wliich their follow-workmen are submitting to , with thc slightest possible chance of any ade ° quate advantage . _ The Central Committee _cannot let this opportunity pass without again calling the serious attention of the Factory operative , and the leading men possessing their confidence , to their present position . There is one great fact which stands in the
way of any successful movement for an advance of wages ; that is , the different prices paid for tlie same description of labour in tbe several manufacturing towns in Lancashire ; indeed there are scarcely two towns that pay the same rate of wages . This is ' an evil of sueh magnitude that nothing but a thorough confederation of thi Factory operatives of Lancashire is equal to cope with , hut ivith such a confederation it would bc easy of adjustment ; and not only would an equalisation of wages be accomplished by this means , but the adjustment of the Iiours of labour to the demand inthe labour market , could be effected more completely , and far more satisfactorily , than by special acts of legislation .
This is evidently the opinion of C . Hindley , Esq ., as _expressed by him at a meeting in Manchester , upon the _^ qucstion of the violation of the Ten Iiours Bill , when * he advised the Factory operatives to pass a Teh Hours Bill for themselves , by combination . The advantages to be derived by a thorough organisation of the operatives of Lancashire is not confined to the above-named special grievances , but would be found of inestimable value in the adjusting the disputes and remedying the evils which tlie irresponsible power usurped by the factory masters ' constantly entail on their workpeople , from a conviction that there exists no tribunal which their victims can appeal to for protection or redress .
It is this reliance upon thc supremacy of their usurped power , which has rendered the Ten Hours Bill and the Truck Act mere waste paper ; for it is too notorious that these Acts—but more particularly the Truck Act—are openly violated in every part of the manufacturing districts . Nor is it in the power of any local union to protect the operatives from the vengeance of the guilty law-breakers —the secretaries and committee-men . themselves would need protection if they were found moving in such proceedings . Tho Central Committee hope that these remarks will be received by those whose interests are
Involved , and be considered worthy of their deepest consideration . They must surely begin to perceive the inefficacy of their present organisation for any useful purpose . Let them at once call a meeting of delegates of every branch , from every town or district , to consider the propriety of forming a Confe deration ofthe Textile Trades of Great Britain , for mutual protection . The question of nationalising such confederation , when formed , would be the subject of future consideration . But the present petty . huckstering system is a gross delusion—of benefit to no party , and an injury to all .
The Act Vi. George Iv., Avith Additions ...
THE ACT VI . GEORGE IV ., AVITH ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS , BY MARK NAPIER , SHERIFF-DEPUTY OF DUMFRIES-SHIRE . IMPORTANT COMBINATION CASE . One of those scenes of power , ' working its wantonness in form of law , which demonstrate the utter servility to the interests or supposed interests of the governing classes of this country ; of those who are sworn to do justice between man and man , ( perhaps not between master and man ) was witnessed on Friday week last in the Court House of Dumfries . No blood , was shed , and no bones broken ; but it was clearly demonstrated how in this free and enviable state " laws grind tho poor , " by seven industrious and respectable tradesmen being immured in prison for what , save by an atrocious quibble , was no crime against Dives , oven by his own-unjust laws . " The case was ma' ? by Napier , the county sheriff ; the accused were ably defended
_* by John Millar , Esq ., advocate , who did all that logic could to upset tho indictment , which was altogether a non sequitor , and to stop the _unequlanties with which the proceedings abounded ; out , it was . jio . uso , the victims were foredoomed . If this infamous trial have no other effect , it will have this . It has been often argued , that while it is manifestly unjust to allow such a case as the one undernotice , to como before a jury of employers , who are all indirectly parties , justice might be attained before a " gentleman " removed from such influence ; but while fully allowing the first , we can now add another fact te those already existing , which prove that the special sheriff is still the same animal , not a whit improved sinco the timo when the clothyard shafts of the bold foresters of Sheerwoodand his democracy -were _ireouirecl to _fceep him in _wde- ' -
The Act Vi. George Iv., Avith Additions ...
and to mete out to him the justice so often denied to others . "When the people get the reins it will be a question only , we hope , of one solution , whether the exeeutivo should be allowed to retain the appointment of at least local judges . To our thinking it is to the full as dangerous in another way as tho French systcm of allowing the mayoralties to be filled by their executive is politically . The court was crowded , the gallery filled by a sympathising body of " shopmates , " and Messrs . James M'Cali , Jamc 3 Hannah , James Beck , James Scott , William Dodd , Joseph Glover , and James Renwick , journeymen shoemakers all honour to , and all good men ' s sympathy with them , were placed at tho bar , before her Majesty ' s sheriff ,
charged , in a rigmarole of an indictment , which would occupy about a column of your paper , with violently obstructing Wm . Henderson , master shoemaker , in Dumfries , and Benjamin Walker , Ms journeyman , & c , & c _, and in so doing , contravening the Act VI . George IV . Mr . Henderson , tho employer , whom we _liolicvc to have been at unwilling witness , was the principal one . Tlie chief portion of his evidence were to the effect that ho was called upon , and invited to a meeting of committee of the cordwainers society , requested to act up to the just requirement of the society ; and if ho did not , he was told quietly and civilly , that his shop would be " blocked , " namely , that no man belonging to the society would be alloived , that is , by its laws , to work with him , by laws to which all the members had agreed . There was no compulsion used nor any wish to use it . The only show of
ground for assuming any such thing was the phraseology of some of the men , the true and honest signification of which will bc seen by thc following evidence , led in exculpation : —" ' Andrew Frascr Johnston examined : Is a journeyman shoemaker in Dumfries , and a member of the cordwainer ' s society . Its objects avo forupholding wages , for supporting sick members , and relieving tramps . Benjamin Walker wrought with Mr . Henderson in Jane last , refused to join , and said , with an oath , ho did not care for the society . "Witness icfo Mr , Henderaon's employ , because he kept lien . * WaU «» thero . There was no compulsion used , but witness withdrew of Ms own accord . There were other members of the society _witlt Mr . Henderson , who then withdrew from his employ also . It was entirely of his own accord , and no one used any threats towards them of any kind _.
Eive of the prisoners were sentenced to two months , and Messrs , Glover and Ren wick to three months' imprisonment ; _Kapier being determined , as he said , " to exercise the authority with which he was vested to put down &« ch illegal and dangerous practices . " Mr . Renwick , on _receiving sentence said , " This is a taste of tho glorious liberty of Old England ; but a systen wider wliich such injustice can be enacted cannot last long / ' No doubt it will not—God forbid it should . Bat ib will last three months , and during two of these , five good and true men will be lying in prison fov * aot only the shoemakers , but every other working man not only in Dumfries , but the entire country . Let all the zealous , then , be up and stiring—let no time be lost in canvassing the town ; and although perhaps nothing can be done to mitigate the
sufferings ofthe victims of class-made law and king-made ofhcials—let their brethren see of it , that the innocent families and dependents of those who liave fallen in thc breach do not suffer . A mere trifle from every man in work would make up their little incomes , and encourage otliers in the day of need . Let the business of tbe society , too , be , in future , more cautiously conducted—let thero be for one thing fewer " conferences" with employei' 3 , they may prove traps ; but , above all things , cling to your organisation , Sons of Crispin , and " never give up the ship . " And when Justice (?) lets go her grasp be you prepared to welcome your prisoners . Why not bring them forth with royal honours and all your insignia ? besides , to make up for the privations of their dungeon , inviting them to your board on the evening of the uay when they shall be restored to the little liberty left to the toilers of Britain . Hundreds there aro of all crafts in Dumfries who would flock with eagerness to the " Victims' -Soiree _''—Cori-esuoiuteit .
Great Meeting Of Tiie Miners Of The Nort...
GREAT MEETING OF TIIE MINERS OF THE NORTH . to the EDiTon or THE NORTHERN STAR . Sir , —In accordance with the previous announcement , the general public meeting of the Miners of Northumberland aiid Durham was held on the Black Fell , on Saturday last , a brief account of which 1 forward for insertion in your , valuable journal . At about an hour before the time of meeting , the great gathering was going on . Colliers , preceded by their flags , were seen advancing from the soutii , the north , the east and the west , all forming around the base ofthe hill , where , in times gone by , thousands had met together for the holy purpose of checking the onward march of tyranny and oppression ; which , but for these solitary gatherings , would ere now have reduced thc miners to the lowest depths of misery and degradation . At a few minutes after twelve o ' clock , Mr . Elliott was elected to preside , and opened tho meeting by a few brief , but pertinent remarks , upon thc necessity of
those present being culm and * collected , to hear with all attention what had to bo laid before tbem , and so to conduct themselves as to gainjtbat respect , which upon all previous occasions had been freely awarded them . The chairman then called upon Mr . Cimblgs Hardi * to pvopose thc first resolution as follows : — " That all experience goes to prove that when the miners of this district are disunited , their wages always decrease , fines are increased , measure tubs enlarged ,, additions made to the standard weights , & c , all of which form an aggregate reduction in our earnings within the last few years of about thirty-three per cent . That from the almost general attempt made during this year by our employers to still further reduce our wages , this meeting pledges itself to use its best endeavours to unite the whole of the miners in the district , as heing thc only remedy against such frequent , continued , and extensive reductions in the price of our labour , "
Mr . Hardy said , that in moving this resolution lie must say that the presence ot * so many of his brother miners , made his heart glad , and afforded another pvoof—if more were wanting , that the oppressions they had to endure were so manifold and keenly severe , thatthey could not endure them longer ; and he hoped that from this day they would bo enabled to date their relaxation , and , ultimately , the entire freedom from such unheard-of tyranny . Having made a few more observations bearing upon the subject , Mi * . Hardy concluded by moving the resolution . Mr . F . Smith being introduced by the chairman to second the above , stated it to be his unqualified opinion , and he was altogether guided by his experience and observation , that in tho language of tho resolution , the want of union engendered all the evils therein . expressed . In his district they were bound to have a measure tub , and to he
allowed to see a surpected tub measured , but though they had applied for the privilege , it could not be granted . They had respectfully intimated to their employer that _they-wanted a copy of the bond , but he coarsely denied them such a boon . Mr . Smith next entered into the various grievances to which they were subjected , which were ofa most serious character—especially the practice of sending young boys to gaol for the slight offence of laying idle a day , and sometimes for only half-a-day —thc describing of which , elicited from the meeting , the deepest execration . He most cordially seconded the resolution , * but before he sat down the meeting would allow him to state , that though hc had been in the armv , and had experienced enough of the ovils of despotism there , yet he must say . that thc man ( not the gentleman ) who was their employer at present , exceeded by far all he had seen in the shape of tyranny and oppression .
Tho second resolution , moved by Mr . J . Iawcbts , was as follows : — _' * That inasmuch as the laws of I this country allow thc workmen of any calling to meet together for tho purpose of fixing tho hours of labour , and the prices to bc paid for the same , be it therefore resolved , that we take the earliest opportunity of ascertaining the best manner of regulating our labour , so as to ensure employment to all our brother miners , and to produce a greater uniformity in our future earnings . " Mr . Fawcett called the attention ofthe meeting to the necessity of making good their pledges , and of keeping strictly to what they uromised . Hc elucidated with a clearness of perception rarely evinced by coal-hevers , the invaluable truths embodied in the resolution , and their relative hearing upon the well-being of the collier and his familv . Thc principle of moral
justice inculcated by the resolution was dilated upon by the speaker , with happy effect ; who concluded an able address with the following illustration ofthe pvactical of the resolution . Suppose a pit with 150 hewers , and that with the master ' s arrangementor non-arrangement , for they care nothing about the matter—fifty of them get 4 s . 6 d . each per day , fifty more get 3 s . per day , and the other fifty ls . 6 d . per day . Sow this is the real state of an unregulated trade ; therefore , by uniting together and regulating our labour the whole 150 men will get 3 s . per day each , and that is but what the trade at present will afford . Mr . Fawcett sat down with
moving the resolution . The Chairman then introduced Mv . B . Embletos , veteran collier , to second tho resolution . Mr . Embleton said , that in addressing the miners this day upon the question of restriction , or of regulating their lahour , ho felt hound to observe , that the present deplorable and miserable condition oi the miners was _etvutely-AtUihMtaMe to the _abseuao of such regulation . He could inform theni that m Scotland , where he had once laboured , th o miners there , by a strict observance of that just principle ol so regulating theiv labour as to allow their leii _(*»* s minors an equal chance to live , and thereby ensure a uniformity of wages , had not ouly brought about a better feeling among themselves , hut had _m- *
Great Meeting Of Tiie Miners Of The Nort...
creased their rate of wages fifty pet * cent ,, and instead of altercation with their employers there had arisen the greatest harmony . He cordially seconded the resolution . n r \} ' ? UVCEIT _* . then called upon to move the following resolution , upon the ventilation ofthe pits m this district :- " That the immense sacrifice of human lift m thc pits and uiiucs of this country , calls aloud for legislative interference , in providim _? some remedial measure . That in thc opinion of this meeting the providing of an efficient systcm of inspection of mines—such inspectors bem" practical man—would go far to prevent this ° feai _* M destruction of lift ; hut to ensure that to the greatest possible extent , such inspectors should be empowered by Act of Parliament , to enforce a
healthy and safe ventilation ot mines , by compelling the use of brattices , doors , stoppings , and proper air-ways ; and that we resolve to petition the legislature at the next session of Parliament to pass an act embodying these views and opinions . " Mr . Fawcett began by declaring that though he was an unhappy sutterer by the present unhealthy state of the air wherein so many thousands had to earn their bread , yet he felt altogether inadequate to faithfully describe the real state ofthe case . He could draw their attention to the extreme anguish ofhis own feelings when he witnessed the _sufferings brought about by the _Haswcll tragedy—mothers weeping for their sons , and wives for their husbands—but he saw clearly that the picture would
bring again the tears from their eyes ; many of them , indeed , had but too ample experience in the loss by these direful events of their friends and relatives ; to dwell upon such sad scenes was only causing those old wounds- to bleed afresh , therefore he would change the theme ,- and ask , was not the constant presence of the carbonic acid gas equally destructive of human existence ? thc only difference being , the one killed instantaneously , while the other was the work of time , but no less sure . What could bc expected bufcthafc their constitutions should be broken up in middle age . "Did they not toil day
after day in the sunless imno , and during each day they never breathed thc wholesome air * * Gas was present when they began—move-abundant while the work lasted—and almost suffocating before thoy hit off . The masters have put in horses to supplant tUe labour of our boys , but these animals consumed what little air there was , and contaminated the whole much sooner than it otherwise would be ; the large tubs blocked up the passage in- such a way that a man was literally locked in , and if gas camo off , he would be roasted alive ; for—like Yorick ' s Starling— " lie cannot get out . " He- begged to move the resolutfeo _.
Mv . -toiBs- Smith seconded the resolution , in a few brief remarks , illustrative of the position that the carelessness on the part of the employers was , in a great measure , attributable to our divided and disunited state .. The _Chahim-uf then announced that Mjv Wyld , M . P ., would address them upon the subject of colliery explosions .. Mr , Wvj . Bj . who was received with the most enthusiastic cheering ,, _j-resecded to state , that upon this matter , the loss of lives by explosions and other accidents in the miues of this country , Uis mind was made up that something should _b-j-done , and that as speedily as- possible . That alUiou _<* _-h their well-tried friend ,. Mr . Duncombe , had laboured
assiduously to bring protection to the miner , yet had the ministry- of the day always succeeded in frustrating the benevolent and humane intentions of the miners' friends m providing a proper inspection of miners by Act of Parliament . Since ho first saw the disastrous- effects of an explosion , whether viewed in the light of a serious calamity as _affeatiii . " the comfort and happiness of those deprived of their ordinary support , or ,, in thc shock to your own-feel- * ing in beholding so- many of your fellow-creatures so suddenly cut off . m the pride of manhood ,, he had resolved to use all his influence to bring about a different state of things , and though he was not acquainted , nor had anything to do with minesyet he felt as a man ,, and as a member of parliament , that it was his duty to investigate this matter ; and to do that most efficiently ho had
determined to visit tho miners , and hear and sec for himself what was best to be done ; and such was the strong desire he felt to be present at this meeting that he had travelled five hundred miles sinco the previous day , having been in Cornwall on business connected with his parliamentary labours . Mr . Wyld concluded an-able speech by calling upon the miners to support their friends , when parliament shall again meet , hy numerously-signed petitions , and not to lose sight of this fact , that their wealthy employers would eonsiderahly influence the * House of Commons . But if they ( the minors ) could secure public opinion—and to ensure that they must work with energy—the time may not be far distant when tliey would have a like protection accorded , as was provided for the protection of the sailor and the emigrant , and also to the factory operative and railway travellers .
lhe following resolution was then put to the meeting , and carried unanimously : — Moved by M . Jude , seconded * by J . Fawcett" That this meeting having learned the arrangements come to by the meeting of viewers , and professor Philips , in selecting a few collieries only for inspection , as affording a true index ofthe state of the ventilation ia the whole ofthe collieries in these two counties , beg to enter their sincere and earnest protest against such proceedings , and trust , forthe honour of the commissioner and the cause of humanity , that he will not persist in making to the government any report calculated fo Jeave the impression that the state of the ventilation of the whole ofthe collieries are-in accordance with those few which lie has inspected , inasmuch as such
impression would bc a gross imposition , and tend to lrustrate the humane object of providing by act of parliament some efficient remedial measure for the prevention of such disastrous accidents in the mines of this district . " The arrangements made by the viewer with Professor Philips to visit only a certain number of the nits in the district , was then read to the meeting , when the following protest against the proceedings was adopted : — " That a letter be wrote to Professor Philips , and another to Sh * G . Grey ,, apprising them of the feelings and convictions of thc miners in this district , as expressed in the above protest , and urging the necessity of increasing the number of inspectors , so as to insure a fair and impartial report ir regard to tho real state of the ventilation of the whole collieries in these two counties . " - _**•
A vote of thanks was then given to Mr . Wyld , M . P _., forhis attention , and endeavours to provide a protection for the lives ofthe miners and also for his visit that day , which , to use an old phrase , made the " Welkin _rin- ** . " That gentleman briefly returned thanks , assuring those around him , that , if spared with life ana health , ho would be at his post as soon as thc parliament met ; and any and all information necessary for him to be acquainted with they would best serve their own cause by forwarding the same to him and all thoir friends ia parliament .
A vote of thanks being given to the Chairman the meeting broke up , and all wended their way to their several homes , hundreds of whom had _coaae upwards of twenty miles . With respect to tho number present , I feel certain there were not less than seven thousand men ; and when it is considered that this is the first general meeting since thc miners began to re-organise their union it maybe safely said to have been a bumper . I have been at maiiy first ) meetings when unions have began , and this is tha largest that I have seen . Indeed , all parties wero highly delighted with the meeting , and tha . greatest harmony of feeling prevailed throughout ... Yours , obediently , M . _Jui _*** .
Mi/Rder Of A Cuan.—On Thursdays Report W...
Mi / rder of a _Cuan . —On _Thursdays report was forwarded to Lambeth Wovkltouse to tlie effect tliat a man named Henry Weston , who resided in Woodstreet , Lambeth-walk , had muvdercd-. his daughter , about eighteen months old . Westoa had becu a . waiter at the United Service Club .. On Thursday afternoon Mrs . Weston left the clsild in bed aad went out ; when she returned , in , a quarter of an hour , hor husband was standing it ' s the door . They both entered the front parlour , when Mrs . Weston asked him where the child was ., hc coolly replied , " I have murdered her , and you . will find her hi tho
water butt . You may give me in chargo if you like . ' * Tho body was found in the _watca-butt , quite dead . Weston was _immadintcly apprehended . An inquest will be held on _tha-body . Day of _Hbmiliatio _*** . _—Wednesday haviflg been appointed by thc Bishop of . Winchester a- } -a day of humiliation and prayer to .. _Almighty _God- . ui consequence ofthe prevailing epidemic , it WS J * observed as a close holiday by abstinence from bnsijicss , & c _, in the various parishes oa the Surrey , side of tho water , and , with very few exceptions _fodeed , all tho shops were closed .
At Romk the ido _& fe industric _^ - _% circulated among the . _populato ,. that Sam !* Peter lately appeared to his Holiness in a _visional * - ! announced to hun that he had , Lost all chance- of salvation ,, m consequence of iris , having _eiico-qjiaged infidelity by granting polities ! reforms to his- subjects , and , that the only way 4 o > regain the favour of Heaven was by at once retracwg his steps ,, aud restoring the old regime as ia _ijhe'days of _Gi-Qgory XVI . It has beoa ordered ,, lihat in _future all the
assessed taxes , including the mcorao tax , shall be received by the _collators ofthe inland revenue . The separate offices , bow held will * , therefore , shortly he aholishe _^* = « Slo 6 e , Svs _? _RSsion Brvqsr tor St . _James ' s Park , —The Commissioners of Woods and Forests arc about erecting a _suspensioa bridge across the orn amental water of the enclosure , St . Jan _os ' s Park , similar to those thrown across the Regent ' s Canal , to . connect Primrose Hill Park and Regent ' s Park . She proposed bridge is to be coastvwtod _diwQtly _Qpposito _QueeH _' _SQuate gate-
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Sept. 22, 1849, page 5, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns3_22091849/page/5/
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