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Northern Star (1837-1852), 25th October 1845, Edition 4 of 4, Page 5

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      Tiie Minister And Tiie Corn Laws. What S...

      _^^^ _TZvladh . ioomel to Uial gh 3 tt ! _maiW _^^ „ ?< wmy _rf _€ pr « _fion -istlie cer" ° 8 o n _^ e of his free trade measure s , Ao . i 3 n _rTkthat hitherto _ithas been allsun with the _? ie faCt \ " their measures have not yet been ) llniSl ! j to the trving blasts of winter . The trialsU - Broaching , however : and we shall bo ready lsaP l , notes Mime six months hence with those 10 C ° Wm that Sir Robert ' s free trade tariff has WUO I "" _ . r _„« f _lmnniiipca nnd _dvafrnp- ;* _' ' . ourcomfort happinessand greatness

      -I tedto , , . 00 " this is a point in abeyance . Speculation _jj eantinie , _^ _^ TegaA is worse tlian useless ; for _° lln 3 _aken < . _« ° tbat " fairtrial" wbieU W 8 S MlMd _jntliea - W 0 U 1 J be unfair to condemn , and f . _* rthc 5 cna < - _> ,, n' _' iir tof _«« J aPI , r 0 _vet" i"t _^ edeterminedabolition of the duties _^ _f ' - "t be importation of foreign grain , Loud _TCgis . a " _jn _^ _e fanners of Dorsetshire : — - _* JIes 5 u > argae the policy or impolicy of such a l _« f _^ . ld rather be wise to consider in what way oi _uieuiauic oiu iuu

      _"^ Lrisik the _torce aa » . you _** j 0 f _n-ese laws would be destructive ; the iUddCU l ab olition of them wonld be less injurious . You 513 t this moment , the power to offer such terms ; W ' * cer tainty that you will retain it mueh longer . d 1 _* * - _^! prosper ity must come to an end ; and then _**** _* de and fearfid pressure of commercial distress , with _^ _T' _-tilityon the one side , and the indifference on the _^ If the great political chiefs , will leave you , in an ° * ° of esped al difficult } -, altogether without a refuge or resource . The advice here given is -well worthy of being foli vied . Argument on the question is at an end . The minds of all parties are made up : and as both of

      flic great parties have coalesced , " the blow of _Jta-EAi- is inevitable . -- There is now then only tlte lusuon of iEiiiis . If the farmers are wise , they will _iMtanUv wakc"tenns " -withtlieworkereofallsortB and he thus prepared to i refer "terms" to the ministers which shall effectually break the force of ihat " inevitable blow" to all parties likely to suffer from It , if not foiled . Those terms must be an E _QTJITALLE ADJUSTMENT of raiu , tidies , _salaries pensions , allowances , and the national burden in the shape of debt , -with power to carry that adjustment into effect . These measures , with thc

      Malt and Uo ? taxes , and the abolition of all excise duties , will enable the farmers to meet the foreign growers of corn in the British market , aud enable the artBan-produecr to purchase their home-grown food . But a Repealof the Cora-laws without these "terms , " or with less "terms" than these , will indeed "be destructive . " It is for the farmers to say how they will act .

      E Ioomel Wiylace Have Been Clearl « : ^J...

      E _WiylaCe _« _^ J & L _MM- - ¦¦—¦ _..::.:... TH NORTHERN STAR _____

      %$ States? & Correspondents

      _%$ _States ? & _Correspondents

      To Aatsrs, Subscribers, Ajxd Readers.—Fo...

      To _Aatsrs , Subscribers , _ajxd Readers . —For some time after our location in the metropolis , we were inconvenienced hy laving thc paper machined away from the printing-office where it -was " set . " This arose from the machines we had at Leeds Laving to be removed and re-erected _, iluch disappointment to the readers was the <> onsemieuce , both in bad printing and late arrivals . Another cause of delay was ia having the printing -and publishing office so wide apart . Letters intended for one place were constantly sent to the

      other ; and all the arrangements we could _makedid not prevent mistakes arising from this source . This has determined us to concentrate our operations . The printing machine is _now at work in our own office ; and we have further determined to publish tliere also . In future , therefore , the " setting , " printing , and publishing of the Star will be done under one roof . This will involve no change to the agents and subscribers , only in the _-addressing of their communications , and the greater punctuality with wbich their orders can be attended to . All communications must , therefore ,

      in future , be addressed as follows .: — Orders for the paper and advertisements , -to F . O'Connor , Esq ., 16 , Great Windmill-street , Haymarket , Loudon . Communications for the paper , to Mr . Joshua Hobson , Editor Northern Star , Office , 16 , Great Windmill-street , Haymarket , London . AD orders for money must be made payable to Mr . O'Connor , at the Charing-cross Post-office .

      2x Esse, Deceseeact Asd Jd-Ath Tbomoted ...

      2 X ESSE , _DeCESEEACT ASD _JD-ATH _TbOMOTED BT THE I ' j- esest Habitations of the Working Class- —\ fv take the following letter from the Times : Sir , —The great iuterest taken lately iu investigating the sources of disease among tlie poorer classes of the population has shown the necessity oi extending throug hout the country the wholesome laws regarding drainage and ventilation , formerly coufiucd to the limits of certaiu towns , aud I am happy to sec that the Government arc anxious to promote , as much as possible , this very desirable enactment . Still , a great deal remains to he done to prevent the formation of disease by overcrowding the apartments inhabited by the poor , each room being usually occupied by one , aud in some situations by more than oue family . In the prosecution of my

      piofession the following strong evidence of this evil of overcrowding has lately come wider niy notice . — A £ imiIy , consistuig of father , mother , and sue cliildren , the eldest a girl aged 15 , were living in one small room , in a neighbouring court ; this room , although ou the first floor , is incapable of proper ventilation , from thc circumstance that the court is a euldesue ; the _cousequ ; uce is that most of the children are seriously _afiected by scrofula , which must beasourceof suffering io them in alter life , and the youngest _Iiasjust expired , woru out by the impossibility , through mesenteric disease , of dcriviugnourishmentfrom itsfood _; four months ago , likewise , the children were each In turn seized with scarlet fever and measles , both diseases existing at the same time in did" rent subjects . The father , a farrier ,

      las worked at the same forge for many years , and -tbe children are brought up with more attention to education than is usually paid by persons of this class . The rent of their single room is 5 s . a-week , amouuting ¦ to £ 13 a-year , a sum amply sufficient to provide a _cottage of considerable _sixe in the _cuuatvy . Uemwal to a more open situation would do much towards restoring these children to health , but the difficulties of effecting tub are very great ; many householders de-« Iine to admit into their houses families with many _children ; even a single child is frequently objected to , while in this family five still remain . From this difficulty it

      arises that those individuals who most require pure air in abundance are the most _deprived of it ; theu * constitutions are impaired , disease of a most injurious nature is set up , and life itself _frequsntly terminated at an early age . This is a lamentable state of things ; yet it prevails , more or less , in all the towns of this kingdom ,. to the shortening of life to an enormous extent , and te the destruction of proper moral feelings in many cases . Can nothing be done to prevent this ! Can no soeiety be formed to provide wholesome lodgings at _reasona le rates for the poor ? While millions are bang spent upon railroads , surely a little might be afforded to relieve the necessities I hare attempted to

      describe . T . W . I . _Heueisias , M . . _BrooV-street , Grosvenor-square , Oct . IS . _COSDITIOS op SEE Sbadfoed _Woolcombebs . — Having what may be considered a degree of practical experience regarding the situation of the _Woolcombers of this town , aud being oue of that body myself , I have no doubt that you will _alhw me to explain their grievances , and the _shaun-M condition in which they ¦ replaced . I do not feel disposed to play the editor by philosophising on the circumstances of which I complain , knowing well that you are perfectlycapable of analysing the facts which , with your _per-TOisaQU _, I shall now lay before your readers . In the course ofthe last weet I have visited some of the most

      filthy aud wretched abodes that the mind of man can conceive , iu which misery of tlie lowest description was personified . In a portion ofthis town called tlie levs there are scores of wretched hovels , unfurnished and unventilated , damp , filthy in the extreme , and surrounded by stagnant pools , human excrement , aud everything offensive and disgusting to " sight and smelL" _Xo sewers , no drainage , no ventilation . _Nothing to be seen but squalid wretchedness on every side , andthe features of the initiates show forth a perfect aud uumistakahle index of their condition : all this is to be seen in the centre ofthis wealthv emporium

      ofthe worsted trade . Rags , filth , and the jj most -humiliating wretchedness seem to he the order of the day . . . How often arc the intelligent aud _lenerolent portion oftlie inhabitants to appeal against this state of things ! Have some of the wealthier classes grown so completely sordid , and given themselves so entirely to the worship of Mammon that not only the physical aud moral condition of their _fellowcreatures cannot rouse them from their lethargy , but that a regard to tlie health andjife of themselves and _ifaniUies cannot lift the scales from their eyes » The _Sanutarv Committee of tliis Iowa kaYc published two ¦ reports " i £ _winca ths conil _' . ws yf its woolconihers

      2x Esse, Deceseeact Asd Jd-Ath Tbomoted ...

      have been clearly and explicitly setl ' oith , and although the greater portion of cases detailed in the first report might raise a blush on the cheek , and cxeiie the commiseration of those who have the slightest claims to humanity , yet , iu the words ofthe poet tliere is " . Beneath the lowest depth a lower still . *' This morning my attention was drawn to the condition ofa family residing iu a place situate ou the Manchester-road , dignified by the title of Albion Square ; at the entrance ofthis _square are several good-luoUiug cottage houses , under one of which is a single cellar , twelve feel below ihe surface . I entered ihis horrid dun , and could not perceive auy occupant , owing to the darkness of the place , but iu the course of a minute I heard a low moan , as of a person suffering from

      bodily pain . I advanced along the floor saturated with raiu water , which rolled iu torrents from the door , and recoguised a female form laid on what it wuuld be a shame to term a bed . I questioned her , aud found she had been ill for some time . I asked whether she was married , aud fouud that she had a husband and five children living ( t _) with her iu this miserable hole . Ou looking round more closely , I beheld some wretched , half-naked children huddled together , I resolved to see lier husband , and after some delay he came , lie told me he was a woolcomber , that lie had worked in that cellar uutil his health was so completely underminud that he was compelled at last to go and work elsewhere ; his health was still bad , and he had applied for several

      cottage houses , hut could not get one , because he was awooUomber . The woolcombers are blamed for their immorality , insubordination , irregularity , & c , & e . Sow , sir , who are to blame ! Perhaps these few lines way come under the notice of parlies whose consciences will give a _response . One thing must be clear to all . The present mode of woolcombers being compelled to work in their bedchambers causes the proprietors of cottages to decline accepting them as tenant * , they are consequently forced to occupy such filthy and unhealthy holes , as I have endeavoured to describe . What is the remedy for this degrading state of things ! TuE ebection of Siiors fob . Woolcombers > Yours truly , Geos . ce WniTE .

      "Divihe" Justice is Leicestershire . _—AYo take the following from the Times : — * The Leicester Chronicle reports what it justly calls a "hard case , " tried , or we should rather say , disposed of , at the late Quarter Sessions . Two young men appealed against a magistrate's conviction . The charge against them was that of having stolen some apples from a gulden . Tliey c-amo _provided with a host of witnesses to prove that tliey were elsewhere at the time of the robbery . This defence was either true or false ; but instead of inquiry whether the accused were guilty or ii _. noceut ,

      they were treated as guilty and sentenced to six weeks imprisonment , with hard labour , because they had , iu tlieir notice of appeal , through their attorney ' s mis take , called tlie convicting ; magistrate John Dudley , _IZ & ptirc , iustead of the _ifceerettd John Dudley . The effect of this decision is , that because Mr . Dudley is a divine -J . P ., therefore the men stole the apples . Had he been an esquire , they might have established their innocence , if they were innocent , and if , in addition , they had the meaus of proving it—a by uo means necessary accompaniment . "

      John Uosald , _EcuiBuBcn . —The trade price of " The Purgatory of Suicides" is three fourths . We have not any Stare for October llth . JIb » . Lancaster , _"fVAiiEriEiD . —The reason of the Stars not being sent on September 13 th was , the person who should have packed them , in Windmill-street , mislaid the cover for tliose to Wakefield , and also those for Mr . T . S . BrooV of Dewsbury , and Hr . Liddle of Preston . This mistake was not found out till the Wednesday following , when the covers were brought to the office in the Strand .

      _JJecessitt of _Sanatobt Reform ik TnE Toweb IIahlets , —In the street in which I reside , there exists a most abominable nuisance , in consequence of some of the houses not being provided with a proper receptacle for the night-soil , aud other filth , which the occupiers are necessitated to pump out into the street , tliree or four times a week , where the nuisance often sccumulates opposite my door , and there remains ter days . This nuisance is believed to be the cause of much of the sickness that has latterly prevailed in this district . The stench is at times so great thatit is difficult to breathe . How this is really too bad , for when the offensive stuff has been floating before my own door , I have frequently pointed it out to the police , who admit the nuisance , yet think they have no power to

      interfere , take no notice , and it still remains unabated . I wonder how long it would be allowed to reniain before the residence of some of the royal paupers who have recently cut so conspicuous a figure in resisting the payment of poor rates . Be it remembered I arid my neighbours pay all rates . Having eoinulaiucd to the polico and collector ofthe sewers rate without redress , I see no other mode of removing this crying evil but anpealiug to the press , iu the hope that it may meet the eye ef some of tlie philanthropic gentlemen who are enquiring into the sanatory-condition of the metropolis , that they may be induced to compel the owners of property to reform this abomiualle and mischievous nuisance . By inserting this you will confer a favour on yours , ifcc ., J . Shaw . — 24 ,

      -Gloucesterstreet , Commercial-road East . Ma . T . M . Wheeler and hjb _Balak-ce Sheet . —In the Sditltern Star of October -1 th we inserted the balance sheet of the Co-operative Laud Society , as furnished by Mr . T . M . Wheeler , the secretary . In the Star of the succeeding week Mr . Wheeler made it matter of complaint that mistakes had occurred in the account of monies from "Ashton , Barnsley , Bolton , ¦ Carrington _, Dewsbury , Lambeth , _Lamberhead-grecii , Mottram , Northampton , Nottingham , Old Basford , Oldham , Ratcliffe , Itoiherham , Sheffield , Somers Town , Wheeler ' s list , andthe Whittington and Cat . " These errors Mr . Wheeler stated to hare arisen from " want of due attention on tlie part of the compositors and readers •" aud their consequences , he averred , had been to "

      compel him to issue another printed balance sheet . _JNow , it struck us when we saw this statement , that there had either been gross neglect on the part of those Mr , Wheeler described , or that the errors had been committed by somebody else before the balance sheet had been made out , and placed in the compositor's hands . To set this portion ofthe matter at rest , we caused the MS . of said balance sheet to be forwarded to our present location , —at least such portions of it as could be found , —for one slip , containing the accounts from Lambeth and _Lamberhead-green , has beeu lost . All the others are there ; and , in every instance that we can trace , has Mr- Wheeler ' s MS . been scruplously

      _folloxvcd . Both the compositors and readers have done tlieir duty—printed the balance sheet as rendered to thein . The errors Mr . Wheeler speaks of are not therefore chargeable to them . A . B ., BmsiixcnAsi . —We cannot help him off with his songs . L . T ., Keswick . —The rules of the United Trades' Asso . elation , and every information connected therewith , are to be obtained of Mr . Barrett , the secretary , at the Trades' Office , 30 , Hyde-street , Bloomsburyi Ma . Watts , Birmikghah ; akd Mb . _Dedbage , Norwich , will oblige by procuring their post-orders payable at the brauch Post-office , Charing-cross .

      The Restoration or the Exiled Patriots . _—Vfe have received the following to which we call the attention of our readers : —I have long been waiting in earnest expectation that some one of your numerous and talented correspondents would have called the attention of the Chartist body to the importaut subject at the head of this communication , but , finding that uo one has done so , for me to be longer silent would be highly culpable . I therefore trust , sir , that one of your humblest subscribers will be allowed to express his sentiments through the columns of the _.. Yortfterii Star . —Brother Chartists—• A'licft , that excellent compendium of sterling wit and satire , says , that everybody is asking " Shall Cromwell have a statue V I reply iu the affirmative , inasmuch as Cromwell far surpassed many ( if not the whole ) of our

      _governors , whose names defile the pages of our lustorj since Alfred the Great . But what is it to us , the robbed , despised , degraded , aud enslaved working classes , whether this or that " slaughterer of the human family " has a place in the new Houses of Parliament ; whether those who have for ages _boen the upholders , defenders of , and participators in that system of spoliation , robbery , and murder , which has , and " still curses this eountry , are allowed a niche in that building . I have a question to . ask of far greater and momentous importance to us who profess to be firm adherents and warm admirers of truth , justice , and liberty—a question which should , in my humble opinion , make every democrat hold down his head and plead guilty to the charge of not having done his duty . The question , I would

      ask , sir , is this : "Shall no euort be made fur thc restoration of the patriots Frost , Williams , Jones , Ellis , and other political exiles , the victims of class laws , class juries , and perjury 2 Men who , for their attachment to , and their exertions in the cause of freedom , were torn from all thataffection held dear , and banished to a penal settlement , there to associate with those who had been guilty of every atrocity in the black catalogue of crime . OhJ what men like these have _suffered under such a punishment 1 The late Chartist couven . tion , imbued with the true spirit of democracy , and actuated by pure philanthropy , decided on recommending that an united , energetic , and determined effort should be made to restore the expatriated patriots to their native land ; and the convention appointed a deputation to wait on that friend of labour , T . S . Duncombe , M . P ., to ascertain his opinion on the subject . Mr . Buncombe assured the deputation that he would bring the question before the House of Commons , at

      the close of the then ;( April last ) present session , or early in the next ; and for the motion to be successful , it would be necessary that it should be _supportad by numerously signed petitions . Suitable petitions were drawn up , and it was agreed that a Central Exile Restoration Committee be formed , to consist of a delegate from each of the metropolitan localities , to act in conjunction with the Executive . The duties assi gned to the central committee were to wait on and solicit members of the House of Commons to support the motion ( recollect in 1 S 13 the motion was lost by the casting irote of the Whig speaker ) of the patriotic Duncombe , to correspond with , and aflbrd information to , petitioners ; to superintend the presentation of petitions , and facilitate the object for which they were appointed in every possible way . Thus far the Convention nobly did their duty . Six months have U 01 V _elap _^ _-d , and what has been done ! Have the committee ei _\ -r met ? _Notices have appeared , calling

      2x Esse, Deceseeact Asd Jd-Ath Tbomoted ...

      ou the _lovaliiit-s to elict iheir delegates , to which some have responded , others cannot understand , or have neglected tlieir duty . How can we reconcile our profession of democracy with our culpable neglect of tliese ill-Ueed and persecuted men ? Certainly , at the close of last year memorials were presented to her Majesty , or rather to Sir James Graham , for that cold-hearted renegade returned his lithographed answers that he saw no reason why he should recommend their case to the merciful consideration tf " her Majesty . " ' It is , therefore , manifest that our only hope is in petitioning the House of Commons . It is now high time that we bestir ourselves in this good work—not a day sliould be lost , February will soon be here . Let us instantly set about gettiug up public meetings , to adopt petitions , and where this is not practicable , let individual petitions be crowded into the liouse , that we may thereby back up the noble Buncombe . Let the working men of

      London , in particular , set au example in this laudable undertaking , us much will depend on the exertions of the central committee , ( lhe duties imposed on that committee being rather of an onerous character ) and the majority of the executive , from the importance of their functions , being compelled to bo much absent from town . I would advise thnt each of the metropolitan localities forthwith elect two delegates , meu that are warm and eurnest in the cause , for this special purpose , and let the whole meet our worthy and assiduous general secretary { I respectfully call his attention to this , ) iu the Hall , Turnagain-lane , on Sunday afternoon , November 8 th , or Kith , at the latest . Let us no more give " three cheers" for them at our meetings , if we fail to exert ourselves iu their behalf . There must be no apathy , no half-heartvduess , no hesitation , no failure , but energy , firmness , promptitude , and success must and will crown our exertions .

      "A District Seceetart of tub Chartist Co-operative Land Society , " must append his name to his letters if he wishes their contents to be noticed . AVe do not give publicity to such letters without knowing the writer ' s address . J . Berts . —Vour letter arrived loo late for notico this week . We wish Mr . Berts , and some others of our correspondents , would eschew writing on both sides of the paper . It is a great grievance for editors and compositors _.

      Receipt8 Of The Ciiaktist Co-Operative L...

      RECEIPT 8 OF THE CIIAKTIST CO-OPERATIVE LAND SOCIETY . PEE . MB . _o'cOSMOB . £ S . d . Halifax , per C . W . Smith .. .. .. il 0 o Wigan , per X . Canning .. .. .. .. 7 0 10 Leeds , per Wm . _lirook .. ., „ .. 5 0 ( I _Hiii'iiloj , _' , per J . Grey .. .. .. .. 8 0 0 Worcester , per Mr . Griffiths .. .. .. 500 Culloiiipton , per W . _l'oole .. .. .. a 0 o Stockport , per T . Woodhouse .. .. ,. 200 _Dodn-orth , per T . Crofts .. .. .. .. 2 0 o Keigliley , per J , Vicars „ ,, ,, ., 500 Uotherham , per XT . Kimpster .. .. .. 4 18 6 Preston , per J . Brown .. .. .. .. 3 17 7 Helin Locality , Sowerby , per W . Woodhouse .. 230 Manchester , per J . Murray .. .. .. 12 o 0 Plymouth , per E . Robertson .. .. .. 4 * 2 Colne , per II . llorsfield .. „ „ .. 500 Birmingham , pcr II . Parker .. .. .. 5 o 0 Brighton , Artichoke Iuu Locality , No . 1 , per W .

      Flower .. .. .. .. .. .. 4 0 11 Ashton under-Lyne , per E . Hobson .. .. 2 19 2 P £ S GENERAL SECRETART .

      lUSTALUEXTS . £ s . d . £ a . d . Dorking .. .. 0 12 0 Birkenhead .. 094 SHAKES . Westminster .. 1 10 0 Boulogne .. .. 228 Favrington .. 720 Bradford .. .. 3 O 0 Bristol .. .. 1 IC 10 _Leicustai' .. .. 'lev CARDS AND RULES . Cheltenham .. 044 Wootten - under - Worcester .. 0 2 G Edge .. .. 026 Thomas Martin _Wueeleb . NATIONAL CHARTER ASSOCIATION . PEE GENERALaECRETART . 8 UBSCB 1 PT 10 NS . Greenwich .. 0 10 0 Bristol , Mr . 11 : 11 .. 010 Bolton .. .. 050 _Cai'i'ington .. 0 17 0 Do ., a friend .. 0 0 10 DIXON FOND . Bolton , Mr . Lircsny .. .. .. .. 006 VETERAN PATRIOTS' FGND . Mr . Browelt , one _( _juarter _' -i subscription ,, 011

      Bnotiier Siiarenoldkits,—By The Time You...

      BnoTiiER _SiiAREnoLDKits , —By the time you peruse this every sub-secretary will be in possession of a balance sheet .. ivhich sheet I liave no doubt will be satisfactory . There is one item in the expenses whieh seems to _hiive been misunderstood by some of the shareholders , and therefore I deem it prudent that further exp ' unation should be given—theitem alluded to is the salary of the directors , lt is asserted by some that the laws do not Bane tion nny appropriation of the funds for that purpose . I believe this to be a _mistalic . Bach shareholder , on join _, ing the society , is aware that 2 s . of the £ 212 s . is to be devoted to expenses for the _ejciieral good ol the society . The expenditure must , of course , be left iu a great measure to the good sense and discretion of the buard of directors . In the opinion of the directors the _employment of . Messrs

      Doyle , Clark , and M'Grath , as agents and expounders ol the principles of the society , was the most expedient method they could adopt , and thc result has justified their conclusions . These gentlemen and myself have devoted nearly the whole of our time and energies to the furtherance of the interests of the society , anil tliey would have been justified in receiving , and the funds for that purpose would have allowed of them being paid from that source ; but . aware of our position as apro tern , body , and anxious to guard against the slightest shadow of suspicion , the directors determined not to touch one farthing of the fundi : for the payment of tlieir sal . _-. ries ; there was still , however , a fund applicable to that purpose , and over which we liad perfect right of control—1 allude to the profits on the _snlc of cards and rules . By their exertions this source of

      revenue was raised ; they were as much entitled to it as any other tradesman for the sale of goods which he may think proper to vend . It is from this source that our salaries have been paid , and there is still a considerable balanceof profit in hand , I have offered these remarks because 1 am aware that the subject has been warmly discussed and it is for tbe welfare of the society that the officers and the body sliould perfectly , and as speedily as possible , as certain tlieir relative positions . In conclusion , I have only to add , that , although our labours have been far more onerous and responsible than when solely employed as the Executive Committee of tlie National Charter Association , yet we have not received one fraction extra salary . Whatever has been received by us as directors has been deducted from our salary as members of the Executive Com . mittee of the National Charter Association .

      Yours , on behalf of niy brethren , Thomas Martin Wheeler , Secretary . No . 7 , Crown-court , Dean . street , Oxford-street . N . B . —The _sub-secretaries are requested immediately to collect and remit tlie levy to me , in order that I may ar . range the district representation _.

      Accfirmtsf, (B Smtte, Sc Jikpiesfts

      accfirmtsf , _( B _Smtte , Sc _JiKpiesfts

      Singular Death From Nightmare.—Late On S...

      Singular Death from Nightmare . —Late on Saturday evening Mr . Wm . Payne , the coroner , went into an inquiiy at the Crown Tavern , Basingliall-strcet , touching the death of John Connolly , aged 35 years , a vocalist . It appeared that latterly the deceased man had suffered a good deal from nightmare . On Friday evening last he went home rather depressed in spirits , and retired to rest at a quarter to ten . His companion , Samuel _M'Mahon , who slept in the same bed with him , on awaking next morning ( Saturday ) discovered the deceased lying in an apparently lifeless state . Witness , believing liim at first to have been labouring under some paroxysm of his complaint , shook him , when he breathed very heavily . Mr . Lennikcr , surgeon , was immediately sent for , but before his arrival life was extinct . The surgeon was of opinion that death was caused by the breaking of some blood-vessel in the region of the heart , no doubt from the excitement consequent upon nightmare . — Verdict accordingly .

      Maiostone . — Mysterious _Disappearance . — A young girl , aged about 17 , named Dann , the daughter of a tradesman in this town , disappeared on Thursday evening week in a very strange manner . She had been , with a younger sister , hop-picking for Mr . Baxter , at Shepway Court , and on Thursday night went to the Wheatsheaf Inn , on the Loose road , to receive her earnings . She received about . £ 2 13 s . : and had left the liouse a few minutes , when a young man who had beeii employed in the hop-ground said to another , " Why , you don't mean to let your sweetheart go off in that way , " and ran out after her . He returned in about five minutes , and said that he had run down the road but could not overtake her . Since that period she has never been seen , although every place likely to contain her has been searched . As she was a steady , well-behaved girl , her parents are in the deepest possible distress at her disappearance , -which has caused much excitement iu Maidstone .

      Coroner ' s Ikquest . —Death from the Kick of a Hokse . —On Monday Mr . Wakley , M . P ., held an inquest at the Middlesex Hospital , on the body of James Hills , aged 46 . It appeared that deceased was a horse-keeper in the employ of Mr . Glover , proprietor of some Norwood coaches . On the lOth instant deceased was in the stables in Little Portlandstreet , Portland-place , when a horse which he was rubbing down , suddenly kicked him on thc left thigh . When he was picked up , it being found that he was unable to stand , he was removed to the above institution . Every attention was paid to him , but delirium tremens supervening , consequent on deceased ' s irregular mode of living , be sank , and died on Thursday last . Verdict , accidental death .

      Melancholy Suicide . — On Monday evening Mr . W . Payne held an inquest at the St . George ' s 1 avern , Lambeth-road , on the body of Mr . Charles l _™ j «} - aged 31 , late landlord oftlie above house , lhe deceased had lost liis wife about two months , and ever since he had exhibited a singular strangeness in his manner , accompannicd with great despondency . On Friday he retired to rest about twelve o ' clock ; on Saturday morning , about nine o ' clock , he was found by the waiter suspended by a silk handkerchief from thc frame of the bedstead : he was cut down immediately , and Mr . Hooper , a surgeon of the Londonroad , attended , and tried every means to restore animation , as the bod y was still warm , but ineffectually . About seven o ' clock the same morning the deceased spoke to one of his children , 5 years old , and told him that he hoped he would be taken care of , for he should not be with liim long , and he wishe d to be hurried by the side ofhis poor mother . —Verdict " Temporary Insanitv , "

      Singular Death From Nightmare.—Late On S...

      _bnirivit-. cic oi- the _AIauy mom Sydney . —Livkupool , Monday . —By the arrival here to day of the buccplialus , Captain Small , from Bombay ; we learn the total loss ot the above vessel , and seventeen of her unfortunate passengers , women and children . 1 lie Mary lclt Sydney , _A . S . W ., on the 10 th Alav _, and all went on well until the 21 th , when thc vessel , about midnight , ' struck on a reef in Bass ' s Straits , and immediatel y went to pieces , * t ? ie passengers and crew , with the above exceptions , saving themselves _nr , \ , difficulty , and ultimately reached _I'lindcr s Island in safety , whence thev wereconveved to Launceston , New South Wales . Captain Collins , a passenger , has written a long narrative to one of the Syduoy papers , in which he deprecates in strong terms the uuseaworthy state of thc vessel , as it appears she began to leak shortly after leaving Sydney , he also says , that from the striking of the ship ' to her

      parting and going down , only seven minutes elapsed . We subjoin a list of passengers saved and lost : — Saved : Captain Collins , 13 th Light Dragoons ; Mrs . Collins , Miss Elizabeth Collins , Miss Emma Collins , Miss Strathallen Collins , Sarah Sarson , Mrs . Newbv , Mr . Reeves , Mrs . Reeve , Mrs . Stailbliry , Mrs . Kvans , Mr . Ilcft ' erman , Mrs . Ileffcrman , Stephen Dwyer , Mr . Thomas Newman , Mr . James Abbott , * w ' r- . _, s" Mr JosePh Wilkinson , Mr . Heather , Master Arthur Heather , Michael Nicholson , George llempson , 1 atrick Gardiner , and all the crew . Lost —Mrs . Heather , and two children , Mrs . Grev , Mrs . lurnbu'l , two daughters of Captain Collins , three dau « htorsot Captain Newby , Sarah Powkes , and six cnildren ol Mrs . Evans . Tlie Bucephalus received her report from the Indian , bound from Launceston to London , which vessel she spoke on the 6 th instant in lat . 37 N .

      _A _™ eii Child Murder . —On Tuesday last Mr . \ Villiam Payne resumed and concluded an inquiry at the l'leccc , Queen-street , Cheapside , on the body of a newly-born male child , discovered on the night of Sunday week , lying on the door steps of Mr . Ilalford , of Ironmonger-lane , the churchwarden of the parish . Notwithstanding every exertion on the part of the city police , and the parochial authorities , not the slightest cluo can bo obtained to the parent . Thc jury returned an open verdict of '' Found dead . " Fatal Occurrence —Neglect op a Road Contractor . —On Tuesday afternoon an inquest was held before Mr . St . Clair Bedford , coroner of Westminster , at the George , Wardour-street , Soho , on the body of Mr .. Allied Richard Harrison , aged 30 , silversmith

      and jeweller , ot Pickett-street , Strand , whose death occurred under tlic following nielauclioly circumstance !! . George Hill , tailor , No . 9 , _Doune-teirace , Hackney , stated that about ten o ' clock on the night of Saturday , thc 4 th inst ., he was walking along Portland-place , Clapton , whim hearing a shout from behind he looked back and saw a gentleman ( who proved to be the deceased ) on horseback coming along , and the rider at that time seemed to be righting himself in his saddle . Presently the gentleman passed him , and had only proceeded a few yards before his horse stumbled over some dirt in the road , and hewas thrown head foremost to the ground . Witness , on the accident occurring , went up to the deceased , and Hiked hiin if he was hurt , but receiving no answer , lie raised an alarm , _andassistance arriving , deceased , who was found to he insensible , was carried to Mr . Hovell's , _asui'j-enn ( inthe neighbourhood ) , and from

      thence home to his friends in Wardour-street . liy the Coroner ; The road had been taken up to repair the sewers , and the mound of dirt over which deceased ' s horse fell was between three and four yards from tho pathway , and about eighteen incllGS in height . There was no light to warn any person of danger , but on the other side of the heap of dirt there would have been plenty of room to have passed . The horse , when witness first saw it , he should judge was going at thc rate of from ten to twelve miles an hour . Deceased seemed to have perfect controul over it . Tliere was a gas lamp about 30 yards from where the accident happened , biit it did not show a light on the spotV The jury , many of whom felt inclined to return a verdict of manslaughteragainst the contractor of the roads under the commissioners of sewers , ( Mr . Crooks ) , eventually adjourned the inquiry , which lasted four hours , till Friday .

      Yellow Fkvkh . at Malta . —The Gazette du Midi states that the Mongibcllo steamer , which arrived at Marseilles on the I 6 th of October , has brought news that the yellow fever had made its appearance on board a vessel which had entered the port of Malta . The number of cases was said to be two , one of which was followed by death . On receiving this news , the Neapolitan Council of State had assembled , and laid the matter before the Board of Health , whicli immediately ordered all vessels from Malta to be subjected to a strict quarantine . This intelligence is not confirmed , however , from any other source .

      Waterbeacii . —Incendiary Fires . —This village is most unenviably notorious for the ravings of incendiarism . Not less than eleven fires of this description , and some of them Yery serious ones , have occurred within about two years . Wc have to add two more to the list whicli occurred last week . Tlie first took place on Thursday night , about eight o ' clock , in the lodge belonging to Mr . William Mason . Fortunately it was discovered and extinguished witliout doing any serious damage , The second broke out on the same evening , about eleven o ' clock , on the premises of Mr . William Benson , situated a considerable distance from Mr . Mason ' s : this also was first discovered in a lodge , whence the flames speedily communicated to the dwelling-house , which was partially consumed , and the lodge entirely burnt down . No doubt can exist as to the origin of these fires , and we earnestly hope the infamous perpetrators will be discovered . —Cambridge Advertiser .

      ; Fire at St . Peter ' s College . —Great alarm was excited in this college on Sunday morning by thc discovery of a fire in thc rooms of Mr . Craven , in Gisborne ' s-court . The fire was discovered by thebedmaker , who , entering the room at half-past nine o ' clock , found it full of smoke . She instantly gave the alarm , and in a few moments the authorities of the college and the servants were present , and shortly afterwards Air . Hazard's fire-engine ( Sun-cffice ) arrived , and every effort was made to suppress the tire .

      but although it was prevented extending further , it was not totally subdued until two o'clocu . For two days previously a smell of fire had been observed in the room , which no one could account for , and it appears now that it arose from the heat of the flues communicating to a beam in the wall , wliich on the morning in question broke out in flames . Though the utmost alarm prevailed we are happy to say no damage was done to any property , or other injury sustained than that we havo stated . — Cam bridge Advertiser .

      Gamlingay , Cambridgeshire . — Alarming Incendiary Fire . —On Alonday morning this neighbourhood was thrown into the utmost state of alarm by the discovery of a fire on the premises of Mr . Payne , called Brockden , in this village , which we understand extended to nearly the whole of the corn stacks and farm buildings . At ten o ' clock on Monday the fire was _blaziug fearfully . There is no doubt as to its origin . Shocking Omnibus Accident . —On Wednesday afternoon , about four o'clock , an accident occurred on Ludgate-liill , to a fine child named Edward Fleraming , aged five years , tHo son of a glass manufacturer , residing near Smithfield . It appears that a

      Wandsworth and City omnibus . No . 2 , 235 , was proceeding down Ludgate-hill , when the child alluded to was observed suddenly to shoot out from among the passersby , into the road , . and before the driver was aware of the circumstance , he was knocked down , and the near fore-wheel had passed over his neck and head . Mr . O'Hennesy , who was passing by , rushed forward and seizing the child , who was bleeding profusely from the mouth , nose , and ears , carried lum to the shop of Messrs . Orridge and Co ., where hc was promptly attended by Mr . Pointing , a surgeon , who at once pronounced tho case hopeless . Tho little sufferer was then conveyed to St . Bartholomew ' s Hospital . The driver of tho omnibus wag taken into custody .

      Daring Outrage near AIanspield . — -About halfpast six o ' clock on the evening of Saturday last , two ruffians attacked and committed a most murderous assault upon tho person of Mr . William Bunting , articled clerk to Messrs . Parsons , Benn , and Parsons , solicitors , of Mansfield , whilst returning in a gig from Nottingham to the latter place . At the period of this brutal attack Mr . Bunting was driving at a very steady pace , when , he was struck a most severe blow on the back part of his head . The injuries which Mr . Bunting received from this blow were of so dreadful a nature that he was rendered insensible , and his head was severely cut , and laid open in five different parts , the wounds being two and a-half inches long , and extending to the bone . Mr .

      Bunting was completely covered with blood . Fortunately before the villains proceeded to other acts of violence and maltreatment , or before they had time to ' rifle the pockets of their victim , they were alarmed by the appearance of a farmer on horseback , who came up at the moment , and instantly gave the alarm , but the robbers succeeded in making their escape . The spot where this daring outrage _toolc place was a complete pool of blood , and is between Thieves and Harlow woods , about 2 $ miles from Man 3 field . The unfortunate gentleman had only a short time previous to the attack passed the man on horseback , who , hearing tlie cries of Mr . Bunting , called out " What ' s the matter ? " and on riding up at a quick pace , hc

      observed the two men make off in the wood on each side of the road . The night was dark , the moon not having risen , and it is supposed thatone manstopped the horse ( the animal stopping very suddenly ) while tlio other attacked Mr . Bunting from behind . It is conjectured that the ruffians had mistaken Mr . Bunting for Mr . White , stockbroker , who was expected home from Nottingham about the same hour , and what makes the supposition the more pvobable is , that both Mr . White and Mr Bunting were driving white horses . I Ins daring attemptat murder hascreatedthegrcatest excitement in the neighbourhood , such a diabolical outrage not having been committed in that part of the country before this period , and a reward of fifty guineas has been offered for the men ' s apprehension . The lull particulars of this outrage have been laid

      Singular Death From Nightmare.—Late On S...

      before the county _magistrates , who , it is thought , at their next meeting will offer a further reward , so that these villains may be brought to ' condign punishment . Mr . Bunting has been attended by a medical gentleman ever since tho murderous ' attack , and wc rejoice to he enabled to state that he is no « considered out of danger , although very weak * from the loss of blood . The medical attendant states that very favourable symptoms have appeared ; and , considering the murderous attack , Mr . Bunting is progressing favourably .

      Adultery and _Attkmi't at Murder , —At the Middlesex Sessions , on Thursday , Joseph Samuels was indicted for assaulting Henry ' Samuels . The prosecutor was the defendant ' s brother . Tliey resided together in the same house . On Saturday , the 5 th of September , the prosecutor had occasion to be absent from home , and upon his return found his wife in bed with his brother . He ordered them out of the liouse , but defeudent refused to g _% . An altercation ensued , in the course of which the latter made a thrust at his brother , the _prosecKtor , with a large knife , at the same time uttering a horrible imprecation . The jury returned a verdict of guilty . The court sentenced the prisoner to one month ' s imprisonment with hard labour in the House of Correction , and to enter into his own recognizances in £ 20 , and find one surety in the sum of £ 10 to keep the peace for six months .

      Suicide of a _cemale at BLACKFniAiis-niHDGE . — On Wednesday night , about eleven o ' clock , a respectably attired female was observed to mount the parapet near the centre arch of Blaekfriars-bridge , and in tantly to precipitate herself into thc water . No time was lost in procuring the drags , but tlic body could not be found . Her bonnet , and a letter signed M . Mann , was afterwards observed in the recess of the bridge . The letter led to the discovery of her friends , when it appeared thatthe unfortunate woman ' s name was Mann , and that she was a widow , about 28 years of age . She had a few months since arrived home from the West Indies . Disappointed affection is supposed to have been thc cause of her committing _self-dostruetion . Up to last evening the body had not been recovered . _Falling-in of the Floor of a Dissenters GnArr . L .

      —Two Persons Killed . —On Wednesday evening last , in the village of East Waldren , the floor of the Methodist cliapel fell in . There was a meeting for thc purpose of _considering thc plan of erecting a new chapel , the present building being in a dilapidated state . During the proceedings a crash was heard , and a considerable portion of the flooring suddenly gave way , precipitating a number of persons into the cellars under the building . Several were extricated with fractured limbs and otlier serious injuries . Unfortunately two persons were killed , namely , Mr . Joseph Sandon , of Stoke Marsh , farmer , and a young man named Patterson , an _assistant to Mr . William Jones , draper , of Waldren . The bodies of the unfortunate men were found jammed between the wood of the flooring and the brick work of the cellar , and crushed in a shocking manner .

      Dreadful Railway Accidents. Fatal Accmuk...

      DREADFUL RAILWAY ACCIDENTS . Fatal _AccmuKT on the Siikffield and _Rotiikuham Railway . —On Sunday night last , about ten o ' clock , after thc mail train had arrived at the Sheffield station , the engine was detached , and after going on to the turn-table was driven on to another line of rails , preparatory to being attached to one of the morning trains . At that time a man named Matthew _Jcssop , a plate layer , in the employment of the contractor of the line from Sheffield to Uotherham , was engaged in shunting several carriages , and amongst them was one heavily laden with iron . It was no part of the man ' s duty to do this work ; but he "MS employed that evening to supply the place of another man who was ill . For thc purposo of shunting the goods ' train towards the S heftield

      station , he had hooked a long chain on to thc centre hook of the hind carriage , the other end of the chain being attached to the tender which was going in the same direction down another line . He placed his back against the carriage , for thc purpose of unhooking the chain when the goods train had been shunted sufficiently far , and when it was too late found that he had placed himself on that side of the hook nearest the line of rails which the engine was going down upon . The consequence was that the chain was drawn in a direct line across the poor man ' s breast , and hc was dragged along till the stopping of the engine relaxed the hold of the oliain . lie then fell , and was immediately afterwards found in a sitting position . On being spoken to , he merely said hc should be better it he could cough , and died in about three minutes afterwards .

      Serious Accidents _om tub _Noutii Midlaxd Railway . —Lkeds , Oct . 22 . —We are sorry to record another very serious accident , which occurred on Monday on the Midland Railway , near Barnsley , whicli has resulted in several of thc passengers having received very fearful injuries . As the Leeds and London mail train , which is due here at _nbout five o ' clock in the morning , was running between the Masborough and Cudworth stations , some part of the engine became out of order , owing to whicli thc train was unable to travel beyond thc rate of eight or nine miles an hour * In consequence of tliis messengers were sent back to the Masborough station in order to procure another engine lo carry the train on to Leeds . In thc meantime the train

      proceeded at a slow pace , with the usual signal lights lixed behind , nnd when passing between the Wath and Danfiekl stations , the assistant engine came up behind at a rapid pace , and inn with immense force into thc train . Tlie concussion was of course a tremendous one . The last carriage , which was secondclass , . vas forced up from the rails , and the butters were driven through into the first _coinpartnieiifc of a first-class carriage which preceded it . In tllis compartment were William Boteler , Esq ., one of the commissioners of the Leeds Bankruptcy Court , Inspector Child , and Sergeant Stubbs , of the Leeds detective police force , two of whom have sustained injuries , the issue ot which it is impossible to anticipate . Mr . Boteler , who is a gentleman between sixty and seventy years of age , had one leg broken close to the knee , and the other severely bruised ;

      and Mr . Stubbs received a compound fracture of the left leg , and other material injuries . Mr . Child was much shocked , but not otherwise hurt . All the otlier passengers in the train were more or less injured by thc violence of the collision , but we are happy to say that they have escaped with a stun and some slight contusions . Sir John 11 . Lowther , Bart ., M P ., for York , was one of thc passengers . Mr . Boteler has been taken homo to his residence , which is at Oultone , a few miles from Leeds , and Mr , Stubbs was conveyed to the Leeds Infirmary . The cause of the accident is stated to be that the driver of the assistant engine had anticipated that the train would be considerably further in advance tlian it was , that he was unaware of being near it until ifc was too late to slacken his pace and avoid a collision _.

      Axotiikr Account . —Thc following letter was received in Liverpool on Monday evening : —My Dear Sir , —I have this moment , armed home , having met with a most serious accident on the railway ; both my legs are much hurt , and I can with difficulty walk . My escape was the most miraculous thing that can be imagined . Alma and self went yesterday to Chatsworth ; and , with a view to get home at an early hour in the morning , determined to take the London and Gloucester train on the North Midland Line , at Barnslej ' , which passed there at half-past two in the morning . The train was a very lengthy one , and crowded with passengers . In consequence of some trifling defect in one of the valves , thc engine wa , only enabled to go at a very slow pace , but rathe !

      than lose the entire time by waiting at Barnsley , they determined to proceed quick , previously _sending for an engine , with directions to follow . About a > hour after starting , the engine in pursuit came ur ( _- and it being dark , or from negligence somewhere , it run with all its power into the train , smashing the carriages to atoms , and throwing them off tho lino to the verge of a steep embankment , where , providentially , the wheels became embedded . To describe the scene whicli ensued is impossible . I have often read of such casualties , but could imagine nothing like it . Four or five persons had their legs completely severed from their bodies , and were thrown on either side _screaming in agony . One gentleman , upwards of CO years of age ( judge of the Court of Bankruptcy at Leeds ) , had his legs crushed to mummy . The buffers of the engine tender came through the carriage where he was sitting , and so firmlv pinned him to his seat that it was at least an hour

      before he could be extricated ; hc was left at the _fii-st station , where , 1 have no doubt , he has since expired . A little child remained in one of the carriages , left , in the fright , by its father , and was found unhurt . A lady , who was in the coupe with her father , had her head cut frightfully . How Alma and myself escaped I know not . I was asleep , and thrown with great violence against the edge of the arms of the opposite seat , cutting the knee of my pantaloons completely through , and hurting both my legs severely . Alma escaped unhurt . During the whole time thc rain was pouring in torrents , and the winds piercing cold , which , coupled with the bodies of the sufferers lying on . the grouud , supported on the cushions from the scats , made mc feel as I shall never forget . I cannot be too thankful to Providence for this wonderful preservation , and I assure you it will be long ere 1 expose myself to similar danger .

      Further rAr . Ticuuns . —The following letter is from the son of Matthew Hill , Esq ., the eminent barrister , who was a passenger by the train : —Don't be alarmed , I am all safe , life and limb , but I had the narrowest escape I ever met with . Soon after we passed Sheffield our engine burst one of its cylinders , and broke the piston rod . This was cleared in about a quarter of an hour , and with the other cylinder we proceeded about lour miles beyond Boursley , atafootpacc , sending \ _you \ by a luggage train that passed us for a fresh engine : tllis overtook us at such a violent pace as to crush up the last carriage , a second class , and drive it bodily into tiie one I was sitting in ( a first class ) . Fortunately 1 was in thc centre compartment , and not in the last . I was thrown furiously forward , and pitched head first into the opposite scat , I lost no time , you may

      Dreadful Railway Accidents. Fatal Accmuk...

      be sure , in picking myself up . and e ottn g o it , he a horrible scene presented itself . The compartment immediately behind mine was filled nith shrieking and groaning victims , calling for assistance . J he _cuaid and I soon opened the door , and dragged one man out , who the moment he reached the ground fell . We soon had him up . and I led him to the bank , seated liim , felt his leg , and pronounced no hones broken . Returning to the carriage I saw a horrid sight , nn old gentleman with white hair was silting with linn determination , his legs being both jammed between the butter of the second class , which had penetrated into the centre and his own scat—one leg cut completely off , except a small piece of flesh , and the otlier dreadfully smashed ; and what was worse , so fast were the carriages stuck together , that it was nearly an hour

      before he could be released . A poor man with one leg escaped by a miracle losing that one , aF . d as it is , is much hurt ; a lady is much cut , and bruises are like blarkberrics . As soon as I saw sufficient people attending the wounded , I sent an old gentleman , with a terribly crushed hat , one way with a red lamp , whilst 1 went the other with another ; by this means wc stopped a down-train , which might have rushed in upon all the passengers . Soon after daylight an engine came and fetched us away . My carriage was forced off the rails and the rest of the train before it broke away , and went on for 100 yards , in which wc went on . I luckily saved my level at first , and fortunately found everything right at last , with the exception ofa slight hurt on the calf of my leg , and my nerves agood deal shaken . I am all right . —Royal Hotel , Leeds , Monday morning .

      Later Particulars . —Leeds Tuesday . —After Mr . Boteler was conveyed to his own residence at Oulton _, near Leeds , medical attendance was sent for from Leeds , and after a consultation between Mr . S . P . Tealc , Mr . S . Smith , Mr . Hey , and Mv . Chorley , all surgeons of Leeds , it was decided that the immediate amputation of one of the legs was necessary , and the operation was performed the same evening . From the latest inquiries , I learn that Mr . _Uoteler is only just alive , and cannot be expected to survive beyond a few hours . The learned gentleman is about 70 years of age , and his conduct in his judicial capacity has gained for him the highest respect here . When this sad occurrence took place , he was returning from Kent , where hc had been on a visit with his family for some time . He was returning home alone ; but his family have had information forwarded them of this melancholy disaster , and ihey aie expected home this evening .

      Restriction Of Labour. To Tue Editor Of ...

      RESTRICTION OF LABOUR . TO TUE EDITOR OF THE NOltTHERI" STAU , Sin , —A Mr . Pringle , of Gateshead , has lately thought proper to attempt to gainsay the truthfulness and utility ofthe assertion , that a diminution ofthe hours of labour would advantage the Pitmen of this country , and so strongly has he worked up his opposition to the views and opinions , the arguments and conclusions , of the Editor of the Miners' _Advocati and other writers in the latcNos . of that Periodical , that hc , if not wisely , yet boldly , denounces the pvoposition advanced in the Advocate , viz ., " That restriction of labour will ultimately cause higher wages , " as a fallacy . That Mr . Pringle , or any other person , has an undoubted right to differ from our opinions , and to promulgate his own , no _oi . e will

      attempt to deny , and I l ' uliy admit , that any individua is entitled lo _' oui' best thanks , who attempts to arrest , as it _ivei'e , ; in theirbirth , the promulgation of opinions which he honestly conceives would be injurious to tho welfare of thousands of his fellow-creatures , whose labour is their only capital . To the position of Mr . Pringle ( if indeed position it can be called ) I intend to reply , though his manner of treating the subject _^ viz ., personal attacks , ifcc , might call for severe censure , ( especially as he has attacked us in a paper which is the greatest enemy the pitmen have r viz ., the Durham Chronicle , ) but as such would be a . waste of time , and might bring about crimination and recrimination , I refrain , and shall proceed to the disquisition of the subject , namely , " Will restriction of labour produce higher wages V

      My experience as a pitman for the last thirty years has fully demonstrated to my mind that great ivork or long hours of labour ultimately bring low wages . In order to afford Mr . Pringle the easiest way to solve the problem , and to understand the doctrine at which lie seems so alarmed , I shall set down in consecutive order certain arguments and reasons as they practically occurred to my observation and experience . From the year 1810 to 1 S 2 Q the pitmen of these two counties ( Northumberland and Durham ) were

      not restricted , except working in the pits from fourteen to sixteen hours a-day could be called restriction . Now , during that period , wages had decreased from 4 s . Cd . pcr day to 2 s . 8 d . ! besides _, welost many important privileges during that time ; for instance , we were compelled to find our own powder andeandies , the putters had to find their own grease , all of which was previously found by the masters , and which was an indirect reduction of our wages of at least id . per day , making a total reduction of OUl ' wages in ten years of upwards of 2 s . per day !

      Now , sir , had Mr . Pringle ' s position been sound and just , had hisarguments (?) been founded on truth and reason , then would pitmens' wages have rose ( luring tlic above-mentioned period ; that is to say , wages should have been Cs . or 7 s . a-day , instead of 2 s . 4 d . . seeing there was certainly plen ty of labour , which Mr . Pringle seems so much to * admire , and nothing in the shape of restriction . Again , from the year 1 S 20 to isao another period of ten years , practical operation and experience demonstrated during that time , whether g lutting the market with coals would bring higher prices . That pitmen ' s wages were further reduced during the ten years abovc alluded to can be attested by ten thousand witnesses , therefore , it will only be necessary lor me to draw Mr . Pringle ' s

      attention to the state and condition oftlie pitmen in 1831 , when the memorable strike took place , and which ended so advantageously for the p itmen , that they recovered back full 23 per cent , of their previous reductions . As tliis may go a great way to enlighten Mr . Pringle , on the principle of supply and demand , I sliall relate an incident or two for the puipose of showing the causes of , and the manner by which the masters were again enabled to reduce the men ' s wages . First , tliey ( the masters ) made small reductiotii * in the score price , with a sly and artful suggestion—each man had only to hew a " corf" aday more , and then he would get the same money 1 This advice tlic men were foolish enough to follow—it was generally followed—and , as a natural consequence , further reductions followed . Still the men were infatuated enough to follow the masters' advice , until they had placed upon eaeh pit heap , or bank , a large

      quantity of coals , Not satislied , Hie masters did not stop here ; but , as the men were evincing strong symptoms of discontent , the plan of reducing the score price was relaxed , and another deep-laid scheme adopted . This plan was to increase the dimensions of the tub or corf , by which the miners send thc coals to bank . This unjust system was carried on for , at least , the five or six years previous to 1831 ; and such was the extent of the fraud , that when the day of adjustment came , it was found that very many collieries had been exacting twenty-live picks of coals from the poor pitmen , instead of twenty 1 By these means they not only got one-fourth of their coals ¦ worked for nothing ; but they were enabled to keep by them an enormous stock of coals , which gave them greater facilities to effect further reductions , and at the same time to prevent any successful attempt being made , to either obtain a higher , or prevent a lower rate of wages .

      Jtlaving thus afforded Mr . Pringle an opportunity of judging , from twenty years * experience as a hewer , and ten years' experience as a putter , when anything appertaining to restriction of labour was unheard of and unknown , and during whicli period they had , by following out and adopting ( ignorant of the results ) the very Identical doctrine which he recommends , brought upon themselves a decrease of wages , from 4 s . Gd . to , on an average , 2 s . Cd . ; and besides being compelled to labour twelve or fourteen hours for the latter sum , when , but for fraud , eight hours would have been sufficient to have obtained the former . Looking at all tliese things , I come to thc conclusion that it will take something more on the part of this Mr . Pringle , than a poor attempt at satire to remove or obliterate from m ' tnien ' _s memories that whicli twenty , thirty , and , in some instances , forty years ' experience and suffering has impressed thereon—viz ., that the want of a well-directed and proper system of _reslx-ictccl labour causes loiu wages .

      1 am , sir , yours respectfully , Martix Jude Newcastle-upon-Tyne , Oct . lVth , 1845 .

      The Potatoe Murrain, In Manchester.—We H...

      The Potatoe Murrain , in Manchester . —We have made inquiries of intelli gent agriculturists and scientifio friends who have visited different districts in tllis immediate _neighbourhoodj and the result is a conviction that the disease exists here , though as yet in a very modified form . It is , however exceedingly difficult to arrive at any precise conclusion at present ; for a great quantity of potatoes in tins neighbourhood are not yet gathered , and it is lomiu

      that the murrain is later in making its appearance m some places than others . An intelligent triend , who has extended his inquiries in every direction around Manchester within a few miles , informs us that he believes the murrain f o be more or less m every district in the neighbourhood , except in that about Cheetham-hill , whicli exemption he supposes to be owing to its Yery light and sandy soil . Indeed the potatoes on tlie light , dry soils , are generally more free from murrain , than those on the cold heavy lands . —Manchester Guardian .

      Death of the Last DiowTAnr op Axcient Polaxd . —The last great dignitary of the ; _Polisll Grown died some days ago at his country-seat , a short distance from Poson . His name was Ilerr Yon Czar _nccki ; hewas the royal carver of Stanislaus Augustus _Ponia owski ths last King of Poland , and 1 ad attained , before his death , his _OOtli year . ' According to his expressed wish , he was buried with all th ! ceremony due to his former high rank and station .-iUifKmeine _Zeituna ,

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Oct. 25, 1845, page 5, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns4_25101845/page/5/