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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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¦¦¦¦¦¦¦^¦¦¦¦^¦ ^ ^ HHBMM ^^^^^^^^^^~^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^—^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ r ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ r ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^* ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE . Tit Eait * rt » f ' * The iftrOem Star" riri to It distinctly * ndert& * d , th * t in affording a vehicle J * r the discussion vf freat Pttblit Questions , they are net ' to be identified irith the Seidaunls or the Language of their several Correspondents . TO THE EDITORS OF THE XOK . THERK STAR . " Want is the scorn of every wealthy fool , And merit Id poverty is tarned to ridicule . " G ^ xtlemen , —In the last number but one of the Weekly Chronicle there appeared a leading article , headed '" Doings , Sayings , and- Inconsistencies , Stc , of the Chartists . " " The writer , or editor rather , after reviewing and commenting ( in ids usual style of base lying and perversiofi of facts to suit his own vile purpose *) on some of the doings aad sayings of those eood aad patriotic men . that
hare hitherto taien aa active part in endeaTonring to effect the political emancipation of tie enslaved millions from their present impoverished and desradrd confines , conies at last to notice me in reference t » « . nieetiag l * tek held at tee Corn Exciiaage , is Hanebener , in which ., moit certaiaiy and -anexpectedly I did take a prominent part being nothing less than , that of occupying the chair , to which I was osiled by the great majorin of the meeting , whe became disgus : ed and indignsBt at r ± « very partia l onduetof Harbortle , the rick miilow ^ er , wh 0 had previoaslv niled it .
In allndins to my enadaet and appearance on that occasion be represents me as being " a tool in the kinds of a certain individual , and as one with whom it was costamination for any man of common deoeney to associate . " I felt myself called upon to "jeply to these strictures , and accordingly * ent an article t * that effect for insertion in nis subsequent somber . Bat his refinement and sensibilitr as & gentleman , and as the conductor of a press for whose public virtue he feels go exquisitely tenacious , © cold not indcee him to contaminate its columns © r effend the ears polite of ia readers with auy tiling coming from ODe of ray description , or filling * such a « tuation in . society as I do , -viz . a potatoe ¦ WHEELEB . IS SHrDE HlLL MARKET .
But I beg , through the mediam of your truly lonest , icdtpendeEt , and impartial journal , to tell tie vile caidff and base slanderer , that the contempt iriich he seems to entertain for me , or any thics from me is boi a quarter as great as that which " 1 cor > eerre for him , and for the whole philosophical crew to which he belongs . And foremost in the * e , and Bext to himself , is the arch-ejed-rall and hypocrite of the Manchester Times , from who ? e etchings it appears the Chronicle drew his picture . And I innoi resist the temptation of mentioBing—indeed , I shonld haTe placed his name at the head of the catalogue—the arch hypocrite and political dehider of my unfortunate country , whese mock agitation
for justice to Ireland first earned me to leave my lome , being the sen of one of the forty shilline freeholder victims whom he sacrificed at the altar of his interested ambition and devouring avarice ; and who ssbsequently had the cold-hearted a . nd ¦ unblushing effrontery to deny re thtse poor victims lie legal right to relief , because , as the hypocrite stated "' The establishing of such right would throw all the poverty of tie country upon the property . " Y «* j Gentlemen , to associate with such as these , or with their expediency and time-serving tail , . everv konest man would deem contamination greater than that of the Turkish plague , or than the pestiferous and emaciating atmosphere of tke cotton basale ?
the infant victims of which the hard-hearted monster also found it expedient to sacrifice to his inordinate avariee . But the circumstasce of the Com Exeiaage affair furnishes a triumphant refutation of tfee base calumny which he ha » frequently uttered against the people of England , viz ., " ' That no ympatly exists among them toward * Ireland ;" wken it is the fact that tht great majority of that netting- were Englishmen , " aad preferred me , an Irishman , notwithstanding my humble appearance , to an aristocratic English jaillowner . But when he
teJis of the people of England in that ses ^ e " he iaows whom ke means ; certainly not the intelligent and hard-working classes , who hitherto "hare had . no tkare in Hiaking or framing thosu laws-that would confer real and sd » ttEtia . l justice on Ireland as well aj on England , aad that not that mock' justice which he is seeking for , and for which he dra « . s " o largely on their hard-earned and pitiful savings ; and hence i ; is that he has put all his wicked" ingenuity in requisition , in order to divide the ereat bodT of workine classes of both countries . " ~
I must apologise from dilating from tie topic upon which . I started , but my ftciisgs bec-ame warm , and I eoald not hejp giving them utterance . - In conclusion , I must again bee to tell the lying Chronicle that I have never consented , and never akall consent , to become the tool of any man or set of men , in any place , or for asy purpose , where my wn honest convictions do not lead me ; a . nd further , that if I were to relinquish mat right of judging a . nd acting for myself , and , like the Chronicle , would become an expediency and time-servine knave , I Migat then ? pare the Chronicle the trouble of showing his refinement in commenting upon mv dress at
the Corn Exchange , or drawing a contrast between it and Harbottle ' s . Yes , I might then give up the one wheeled coach House at tke market , and the fatigue of which is not inconsiderable , and take a drive in a two wheeled one just a ? neat , and a » spruce , sad with as ranch sang froid as the vilifying editor of the Chronicle , or the truly impartial chairman , Harbottle . But no , Gentlemen , humble as ay present situation is , I woald not exchange it for that of the Chronicle , if , at the same time , I were to act from motives as he does , or prostitute mv principles , or acted the part of a base tool in the bauds of as grinding and rnprincinlei a . set « f men as ever disgraced hamanirr .
"Sot fame I ssi . nor for her fat-ours aTi . Shs « omes unloosed lor if a'ht coraes » t all ; But if the purchase cost sa dear 3 j . rice , As sooi&ing foily , or -rV . pTig vice ; Or , if the muse mnst flatter lawie&i swav , And _ follow still where fortnne leadi th ; iraj ; Or , if ao basis bear mr rising name , Bnt the falie » rniiu of another ' name , Then leich me , Heaven , to scorn tie gciirv ea » e , Drive from aj breast such wretch *^ lust of praisa : UnViemished let me live , or die unknown ; O gran : nit honest fame , or grant me none . " I remain , Gentlemen , Yours nost respectfully , Pat Mrs ? HY . Manchester ^ March 19 th , 1 S 3 S . - ^
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NATIONAL BENT . TO THE EDITORS OK THB NORTHERN STAR . GextLEXEX , — Many of the payers of the National R * > nr , in Manchester , are displeased with the Council of the Political Union for not publishing a weekly income , in the Star , of all the money to the Hent ; as by that means- they think that it might draw many new subscribers forward , and show at the same time that the mosey that was collected wasaecount * d for . If you ailow us a small place in . your 2 sonce to Correspondence , yoa will oblige ] ttjonsaBis of year readers in this town and neigh- boarhood . The list below I have made out for this j
weer . 1 AAXCHE 5 TES KENT . lne operative Gyers ma cressers 10 0 C Fustian shearers 3 12 6 Operative spinners 10 0 0-Ladies' shoemakers 1 0 0-Prom Aspinall ' s smithy ( second payment ) 1 4 6 . Hizabetc Pencieton , Baardmaa ' s-square 0 5 0 Elizabeth Pendleton , Cropper-street 0 ] 1 9 feamnel Chamberley ' s book -i 0 0 Mr . B-oachs ' s book 3 0 0 -
Mr . Appleton ' s book } o 1 Mr . A . Heywood ' s book 4 15 }^ ' Hulme branch of the Union o 0 0 * Salford branch o 29 2 Township of Pendiebury 1 \ i Q Miiles ' s Baiidingi ! j 0 q James Brooks and John Neil , Boardmas-_ » i ^ are 1 9 loi I > ougiass Green and Charle * Town 2 1-2 6 j Pema ' es ef Pollard-street Union o 5 o | Pollard-street Men ' s Branch 9 11 g Pendleton and Morris 1 0 6 Newton , Mawson and Failsworth ( second
paymeat ) 5 5 0 i Jir . t » roe s bp ^ k 3 3 8 Doowr ( A . Friend ) 1 q q Mi . Nightingale ' s book 1 2 5 Jrom private sums that the Council has net power to publish their names 78 10 11 GzxiL £ M £ X , —The Council hopes that the " above sums wiii give general satisfaction , and hopes feat yon will insert them as they are here marked down . ' * Yours , Tespectfaily , Vm . "Willis , Sab-Treasurer to the Union . £ N " . B . This was received last weekj after our second eiincn was at press . —Eds . ]
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THE MEMBERS OF THE MIDDLETON POLITICAL UNION TO THE INHABITANTS OF THE SURROUNDING DISTRICTS , BUT MORE PARTICULARLY THOSE IN THE SOUTHERN DIVISION OF LANCASHIRE . Fellow Citizens— - "We take thi < opportunity of aaares-ing you for tbe purpose of disabusing your minds , of the varisus calumnies and unfounded report * , which have been conveyed to you through the Manchester Guardian , the Manchester Couritr , and other provincial paper ? , respecting us , the Radicals of Middleton .
tNhen men , for the sake of obtaining a paltry penny-a-line , are found base and tiesjradfcd enough t ' o calumniate and slander their own neighbours—men who , destitute of every principle calculated to elevate the human character , snen without any fixed principle ? whereby to regulate their conduct , men too id : e to gain their bread by honest industry—is it anT wonder , that base , scandalous , and unfounded reports should be proclaimed to the world , when a neighbourhood is infott-a by such characters as tbe above ? B-j : to tht -- 'jr-ject . Araonast other things stated by these ba > e scribblers are , '' that there is no security for L : ea . Ti . i pToj-rrty in our neighbourhood , in consequence of t :. e \ : o . ent proceedings of tbe Chartists . "" Ana the j _< . vrr ; , £ nent has betn called upon by these ba » e M . r : uo ! ers , to institute proceedings against i > m consequence .
These base rc-no-uers , in order to prove that iife and property is insecure , have stated that the Middieron Cnrmi-ts are armed , and that report * « f fire-arm * are frequently heard during nights . That some of the Midileton Chartists are armed , is perfectly true . It is likewise true that reports of fire-arm * are beari in the night . Now we admit all this , but this does not prove that we have endangered life and property . But , * ay these base slanderers , an attempt has been made to destroy life by shooting a bail through the door of : > u operative * ilk weaver
Aye , wLeii , a :. d wnt-re , ai ; d ly whom was it shot ? Now , ye sianderiDj scribbler * , we tell you the above :.- uite .-iy faWe . But , iVlio * - citizens , to be seriots ; Ue fdCts of t > . e c-d ., e -re as follow . A number ol young men a few weeks ago , on Saturday evening , after baring finished tht-ir work , resorted " to a field close by their own home ? , for the purpos » of amusing themselves by , -hoctiDg at a target , fixed to the balk of a tree opposite a row of houses , when one of the bails that was fired , instead of lighting upon the target aj was intended , hit the side of the tree in question , which had a kind of channel in the side of
it , into wmen cnannel the ball entered , and by this means was thrown in an opposite direction from the one intended , and in its course lighted upon the door of an hand-loom weaver ' s house in a spent state ; for , had it not been spent , it would inevitably have eose through , which it did not , but merelv ' left a mark where it had hit the door , and then dropped down . So that it is quite evident there was no intention whatever to injure either life or property , but that the whole aSkir was perfectly accidental . Now ii has been stated in several provincial papers , and arr . ong > t the re » t that trath-loving journal the Manchester Guardian , that this was a wicked and diabolical attempt to destroy life , and that the ball actually went through the door .
60 much for the veracity of the Manchester Guardian and the other two respectable paper ? , the Courier ani the Chronicle . Su much for the danger in whits life and property is placed . Again it has been stated that we the Middleton Chartists are become quite pathetic and indifferent to the cause of Radicalism , and that we have no confidence cither in F . O'Connor or the National Convention . Such lasguage is anything but truth . Yv e venture to affirm that there is no town throughout Great Britain that has come forward moregeaerousiy and enthusiastically than the people of Middleton have , particularly when it is taken
! \ into consideration that tae majority of the Middleton ! o peratives are hand loom weavers . For besides 1 having contributed about £ 39 . towards the National j Rent , together with tbe delegates snpport , we have j procured a greater number of signatures to the 1 National Petition than was ever attached to any J other in the same town of any description ; amounting j to abnut three thousand . j In adr . itioa to the above a meeting was held a [ few weeks ago for tbe support of Mr . Stephens , at i which meeting Mr . Oisv . vrr and Mr . Taylor were j present , when about five pounds was collected , and a committt-f appointed to rective any further subscripticms tba ; persons mieht be ui < po ; ed to give for tbe support of Mr . Stephens .
We have also a Political L ' nion consisringof about j S 00 members , which is & great deal for such a town I as Miidieton . Now if these be not sufficient proofs I of our zeal for , and attachment to , the cause of real I reform , we confess we do not know what is . } Fellow Citizens , be not deluded . The people of I Middietoa will be at their post when the day of trial * comes . Our enemies ar * endeavouring in every possible manner : o deceive , to disunite , and ultimately : to destroy us . Let us heed them not , tut rather let 1 us continue to agitate , agitate , agitate ; let us rally j roand the Gent-ral Contention ; let us show our
tyrants , by our whole deportment , that we know our rights , and that we are determined to have them . Our cause is the cause of justice , of right against might , of justice agaiiist injustice , of truth against fa ; . * ehnod , of liberty against slavery ; it is the cause of Goi and must ultimately prevail . Therefore let 113 . DDt . **? weary in well-doing ; but let us li werk while it : s nay , for the night cometb when eo man can work . ' Upon the success of our cause , depend " our future wcitare , and perhaps the welfare of generations yet unborn . ^ We rviaaia your Fellow Citizens , J-EE MEiIB £ RS OF THE MlDDLETOX Political Uxion . on their behalf , Benjamin Tvtton , Chairman . -il ^ r-h i 7 : h . isii ) .
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TO THE EDITORS OK THE NORTHERN STAR . Gentlemen , — Permit me to say a few worcU in reply to the B «^ e ; in ) j charge which Mr . Griiniiy make * against me in your lust . He charges me with having , at the MancluMler nuptinp , on the 4 th inst ., piven utterance to a " tissui ; of fal sehoods . " ' Now , the truth i * , that instead of being a tinsuo <> f lalsehootis , they are truths which few men in Bury , rxcept Mr . G . wuuid have had thf hastiness to deny . Jn your report , ( which is not correct an to tho precise lancuaeemade us « of by me , ) 1 alluJe to a meeting called in the sliurch vestry to oppose a bill than in progress through the House of Commons . That mseting was called at an hour when the working classes could not aitend ; a petition was drawn up ; md > iC ued by the chairman , and a committee formed to superintend it ; in short , the whole busine-m was eoue through , and th ^ n thi ; meeting aejvmrneQ to the Peoples Hall , U give the working cias . ie-. an opportunity of approving or di-ayproving M what they had done . I "blame not the gentlemen of bury for this ; it U what they ever ought to have don- ; but there was a time when they were not so condescending .
A « to that part of the report which Mr . Gramly applies directly to himself , 1 have only to gay . that at the adjourned m-eting he ( Mr . GrusiU ) ' advised tht ) people to elt-ct Guardian *; the election of ' Guardians would be an acknowledgement ol tap law , and weuld takp out of our hands the only moral power by which we could effectually re » Ut it . Kor with what cr * Cr > could we relu * e to pay rates to officers whom we had ourselves elected ? The law , ohce introduced , would W carried into tfiVct , whether th- _> Guardians were our friend * or enemies . It may be convenient for Mr . G now to appear o } ipr > 4 * d to the Poi . r Law ; but he must take other means to Cunviocf the people that he is iu earnest , than recommending the _ election ol" liuarJiniis , » nd , bi-fore he can again enjov their ciintiJence , he must labour in their cause , anU'Btly and ditinlnTtx ' fdiy f < . r \ ears ; he must redeem the pledges he his violated , maxe coed the promisps he has broken , and nhew to the people that be is heartily ashamed of his new notorious apoitacy . I have the honoHr to be , Gentlemen , touts , 4 c , John Ra-. vson . Burr , il * rch 19 th , 1 * 39 .
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- ^ -MR . FROST AND THE LORD CHANCELLOR . The following i . s the correspondence between the Lord Chancellor and Mr . Frost , to which allusion wa . < made in our last : — 16 , Bruton-street , 28 th February , 1830 . Sir , —1 am directed by the Lord Chancellor to inform you tliat Lord John Russell has laid before him the corre < poiidence whicb . has lately passed between yourself and Mr . Fox Maule . liefore taking any measures upon what ha * been so disclosed to hiia . ike Lord Chancellor is desirous of giving you an opportunity of making any sti ' . temeni you may think advisable , in explanation of the facts referred to in that correspondence , and particularly as to the conduct you are represented in having pursued , and tbe language you are represented as having u . « ed , in the newspaper called tne Dispatch , of the 10 th of February .
1 have tae honour to be , Sir , \ our most obedient .-ervant , H . H ^ ixes , Secretary of Commissions of the Peace to the Lord Chancellor . 10 Northumberland Court , Strand , March "; h , 1839 . Mv Lord , —The letter written by the direction of your Lordship reached me on the 5 th . 1 presume , my Lord , tkat my first letter to Lord John Russell requires no explanation . His Lordship was , I believe , quite satisfied vritu tbe contents of thai letter .
I do not , my Lord , understand precisely what your Lordship ' s secretary means , when that gentleman says , " and particularly as to the conduct you are represented in . haviiig pursued , and the language you are represented as having used , in the newspaper called the Dispatch , of the 10 th of February . " My coaduct , on the evening of the 10 th ol Feb ., wag , I trust , my Lord , quite correct . I attended a . dinner by special invitation . During tbe dinner 1 behaved with propriety . I drank nothing but water , and I left early iu the evening . I -was not avrare , before I received the letter of your Lordship ' s secretary , that my conduct , on that occasion , bad displeased , or that it bad been arraigned bv
any one . As to the language ascribed to me by the editor of the Dispatch , L can assure tbe Lord Chancellor that it was not used b y me . Tbe language uttered by me on tbe 10 th of Ft-bruary , conveyed idea ? of a very different nature . That language 1 am ready to repeat , and it is my opinion that tbe Lord Chancellor would not deem it improper . Mine " was not tbe language of intimidation . 1 have , my Lord , long seen the folly of attempting to frignten by words . Experience has . my Lord , taught me that those who talk most do the least . Permit me , my Lord , respectfully , to call the attention ol your Lorrlship to other language , which , in my opinion , requires explanation . If one magistrate is called npon by tbe Lord Chancellor to explain language ascribed to him , offensive to another magistrate , justice will , 110 doubt , point out ta yonr Lordsbip the propriety of applying this rule to Lord John Rus » ell .
In my answer to the first letter of Mr . Fox Maule , I denied that I bad attended meetings at which violent and inflammatory language had been used . Lord John Russell is reported to have said , in the House of Commons , in answer to a question of Mr . Praed ' s , " Tbit it was true , that in observing in the public print * , and ois attention having ; been called to tbe lacr , that Mr . Frost had attended meetings of a violent character , &c . ifcc , in his answer , whicb was at very considerable length , he stated that he certainly bad attended meetings at which there were some speeches made of a violent character . " If Lord John Russell did utter this language in the House of Commons , he stated that which was not true , and which his Lordship must have known was not true when it was uttered , wherein I , my Lord , am represented by the Secretary of State as having attended such meetings , while bis Lordship mnst have knoTjru that 1 had unequivocally denied the truth of tbe charge .
I ask your Lordship whether language of this sort does or dees not require an explanation ? My Lord , i have never sought for situations of authority : tuey have been conkTrcd on me unsolicited . 1 : ' entrusted ^ 'ith power . I ¦ will exercise it
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accordingto the best of my ' , ability , fearlessly impartially . If deprived of it by arbitrary men , influenced by petty feelings unworthy of those entrusted with the management of the concerns of a great nation , I shall feel no regret , and particularly when I have nothing to reproach myself . But I E ?• m l Lor ( * ' that the t " ^ nol ; distant when public officers vrillbe judged according to the mode in which they perform the duties of tht ir office , and not from reports in newspapers . I trust , my Lord , that we shall live to see the day when the office of a magistrate will depend on the will of the people . I am , My Lord , respectfully , Your Ljrdship ' s obedient ' servant , rr , r .. , JoH * Frost . 1 o the Right Honourable the Lord Chancellor . I ^
16 , Bruton-street , 18 th March , 1839 . Sir ,--I am directed by the Lord Chancellor , to inform , yon fAsatie ha » considered your explanation ot what is represented to have taken , place at the meeting referred to in my former letter to yob , and that he considers it far from Satisfactory ; but tnatms Lordship consider * it less necessary further to observe upon that subject or the other transaction referred to in the several letters addressed to you trom tna Home-office , in consequence of what is reported as having taken place at the meetings , one at the Westminster Theatre , York-street , on the Kthinstant , and the other at the Crowa and Anchor , on the J 6 th instant , at both of whic !» you presided . Of the former the Lord Chancellor has authentic information , and with respect to the latter , J am directed to refer you to tbe report in the Mornmg Chronicle of this day .
The Lord Chancellor has directed the commission of the peace to be sent for from Newport , but his Lordship will attend to any explanation you may give as to these meetings , before Thursday morning ; on which day I am directed to inform you , that if a satisfactory explanation be not given , your name will be removedfrom the Commission . 1 have the honour to be , Sir , Your most obedient Servant , H . Haines , Secretary of Commissioners of the Peace . 10 , Northumberland Court , Strand , March 20 th 1839 .
, My LonD , —That Lord John Russell should shew no regard to justice , that his Lordship , inflated with power , should be influenced by petulant feelings in its exercise , excited in me , my Lord , no surprise . But that the Lord High Chancellor , the highest law officer in the kingdom , should follow an example so unjust and so unwise , has , I assure your Lordship , produced very painful feelings . How stands the matter between your Lordship , Lord John Russell , and myself . On the 18 th of January , 1 received a letter written by the direction of Lord John Russell , in which 1 was told that his Lordship had been informed that I was a Delegate to a body calling itself the National Convention , and that 1 had been present at Duhlir
meetings at which violent and inflammatory language had been used . I answered 'the letter of his Lordihip , and apparently to his satisfaction . On the 12 th of February , 1 received another letter written by the sanction of bis Lordship , referring to a paragraph ia the Dispatch newspaper of the 10 th instant , and requesting to know whether I had used the language attributed to me . 1 referred his Lordship to a newspaper report of language uttered , or purporting to have been uttered , by his Lordsbip in the House of Commons ; and I requested to know whether that language had besn used by his Lordsbip , informing bis Lordship that my answer should depend on his . On the . 28 th of February , 1 received a ktter wnttea by the sanction of your Lordship , which informed that
m I was the correspondence which had passed between Mr . Fox Maulo and myself had been laid before your Lordship ; that your Lordship was desirous of giviug me an opportunity of making any statement in explanation of the fuctfx referred to . and particularly as to the language attributed to me in the Disputch of the 10 th of February . In my answer to your Lordsbip I said , that the language ascribed to me by the editor of the Disputch had not been used b y me . I always understood , my LoTd , that when language is , in newspapers , imputed to any one , if the person to whom the language is ascribed , denies havin " uttered it , that 'the denial is considered sufficient . How is it , my Lord , that this general rule is Hot to be applied in my case ? In the letter of your Lordship » Secretary of the lbtb , I am told , " That your Lordship has considered my explanation , and that
it was tar from satisfactory . " Lxplanation ! ! Satisfactory , my Lord ; 1 explain nothing ; 1 say that it is not trua ! " That tbe language uttered by m » on the 10 th of February conveyed ideas of a very different nature , that language 1 um ready to repeat , and it is my opinion that the Lord Chancellor would not det-in it improper . " What i * there , now , my Lord that could not be deemed satisfactory to any one determined to decide justly between Lord John Russell and myself ? There is another part of my letter of which your Lordshi p has takeu no notice . I shew your Lordsbip . that if newspaper reports be correct , Lord John Rusaell had , in thi House of Commons , uttered language respecting me which was false , and which his Lordship knew was false , and 1 called on your Lordship to do me justice in that matter . Your Lordshi p has turned a deaf ear to tbe appeal .
lhere aro , it appears , other charges against me . I presided at a public meeting at Westminster Theatre , York Place , on tho 14 th , and at the Crown and Anchor on tbe Kith ; of the former , representations have been made which your Lordship deems authentic , and for an account of the latter I am referred to the Morning Chronicle . On this authentic information aui the report in the Morning Chronicle your Lord * hip has directed the Commission of the Peace iu which my name is inserted , to be >« nt for i ' rom the Borough of Newport . Is this the way in which your Lordship administers justice in the Court of Chancery ? What , my Lord , receive information , and possibly from a hired spy ; on this information proceed to strike my name oil" the
Commission of the Peace , and this , my Lord , without letting the accused party know tlie charge preferred against him ? Youv Lordship has given me till Thursday morning to explain . To explain what ? 1 have seen no report of the Westminster meeting ) I know not the nature of tbe offence with which i am charged , how then can I give your Lordship any explanation ? What says the Morning Chronicle ol the 14 th March to which your Lordship refers me : — ' The Chair was taken by Mr . Frost , who observed that the objects of the meeting weretwo-fold ; first , to explain to the men of London the reasons which had induced the Couventiou to delay the presentation of tbe petition ; the second to obtain their support for the Convention if it should be deemed wormy of their support . The members of that body convened the
meeting for the purpose of submitting their actions to its examination , nnd receiving from it commendation or censure . " This , my Lord , is the report of tbe Morning Chronicle , and for language of this sort your Lordship is preparing to strike my name off the Commission of the Peace . Why does not your Lordship assign the real motives which actuate the ^ authorities in removing me from the Commission ? I am an ave wed enemy of that system which has bribery , drunkenness , and perjury , for it ? foundation . 1 am an enemy of that system , by which a set of oppressive and rapacious men live in luxury on the spoils of an impoverished and starving people ; there lies my offence . A public meeting was held in Newport a few days ago , at which among otheTsthe lollowing resolutions were parsed unanimously and enthusiastically : —
1 . " That this meeting rejoices that John Frost , Esq ., is , at this hour a Magistrate of the Borough of Newport ; hopes that he will for many years continue to be so ; and regri'ts that Lord John Ruitsell should ever have contemplated depriving the Botough of the services of an upright , honest , independent public servant , because ol his opinions or expressions as a private individual . " 2 . " That thu most respectful acknowledgements of this meeting aro hereby presented to those who , on the very earliest rumour of the contemplated
exclusion of Mr . Frost , transmitted a memorial highly honourable to his personal character and pnblic services to the Home Secretary ; that this memorial , signed in a very short time by half the Councillors of the Borough , by some legal " , medical , and mercantile gentlemen , and ministers of the go ? pel , and a number of respectable tradesmen , to which Conservatives , Liberals , and Chartists , most readily appended their names , is as honourable to the memorialists , aa it must have been gratifying to Mr . Frost . "
' S . That in the opinion of this meeting , the expression of Mr . Frost , 4 t If Lord John Russell puts me out of the Commission , the people will put me in , " is not justly liable to objection , as it evidently contemplated a ' political change which should make the magistracy elective : and should the magistracy become elective , this meeting assures his Lordshi p , the Newport people will put in Mr . Joha Frost . " 4 . ' That in the opinion of this meeting , the constitutional and truly dignified sentiments of Mr . Frost , in hia correspondence with Lord John Russell , are worthy of all praise ; and that such persons are wanted on the Bench , rather tkan those iiirintellectual nonentities , mere automata in the hands of town clerks , whp in former years were put into the commission , or than the truculeat , sordid , political aspirant . * who in the present day strive to thrust themselves into offices for which they are totally unqualified . "
Does your Lordship suppose that while niy neighbours , in pubbc meeting assembled , speak of me in such terms , that it is in tbe power of the Lord Chancellor and Lord John Russell to degrade me by removing me from the commission ? No , my Ltrd , I set more v . ilue 11 the good opinion of those to
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whom I am known than in holding power under a set of men of whose conduct I will not at present trust myself to speak . I demand ^ jugtice at the hands of your Lordship . I demand that jqstico which would not be refused to a common pickpocket . Let me be furnished with the charge for which I am to be removed from the commission , and I here engage to answer it . I remain , My Lord , Your Lordship ' s obedient servant , John Frost . To the Rt . Hon . the Lord Chancellor .
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MEETING OF THE WORKING CLASSES AT WHITE CONDUIT HOUSE ON BEHALF OF THE REV . J . R . STEPHENS . On Thursday , the 21 st inst ., a meeting was held at the White Conduit House , for the purpose of expressiag public opinion , in Finsbnry , a * to the treatment which Mr . Stephens has received from the Government , and also to form committees to join in raisuag the necessary supplies for his defence . The arrangements made by the committee , if committee there was , were the very worst we ever witnessed . No chairman appointed till the last moment , no prsposera or seconders of the several resolutions , no order of business ; nevertheless , affection fer Stephens , and Jove of justice supplied the plHce of formalities ; but we must again and again impress upon the minds of the leaders that the cause of Stephens is their cause—the people feel this , and act upon it—let the leaders do so
like-. . Shortly after eight o ' clock , on the motion of Mr . Macdouall , seconded by Mr . Pitkethly , Mr . Feargus O'Connor was called to the chair by acclamation , and amid loud cheers . He said that he seldom presided over their meetings , but was happy to take the chair upon the present occasion . It is on « of our Radical maxims that when any individual is oppressed , the whole community , through him , is al » o oppressed . ( Cheers . ) You are hero to-night to perform a s&cred duty—13 perform a pleasing duty . You are here to rake your voices in behalf of , and to rally to the defence of , a gentleman who has been represented to the public as not being either Whig , Tory , or Radical . Gentlemen , 1 am not going to present him to you in any one ot those characters— ( cheers)— although if unequivocal
support of all your principles proves any thing he may justly claim the name of Radical . ( Loud cheers . ) I am going to present a novel character to you ; a minister of the gospel , breaking through the prejudice of ages , and the practice of divines by declaring that political instruction as well a * spiritual ministration , constitutes part and parcel of the sacred duty of a preacher . ( Rapturous applause . ) I am going to prove to you that the direct advocacy of a question i * not always its strongest tupport , for , if the Poor Law Amendment Act , ( foropposition to which Mr . Stephens is being persecuted , ) had not been mado the law of the land , the question of Universal Suffrage would not yet have acquired its strong position —( cheers)—and
therefore Mr . Stephens ' s denunciation of , and opposition to , that damnable act , indirectly stamps him as one of the ablest , most zealous , and most efficient promoters of your general principles . ( Loud cheers , and bravo . ) How have the oppressors dealt with this best of men ? Either miscalculating their own dominion , or the people ' s independence , or ignorant of his fascinations in giving a political interpretation of the spirit of his Divine Master , they first endeavoured by threat and injunction to seduce tUe flock from the shepherd , but , foiling thereiu , they had recourse to the dominion which wealth holds over poverty and the acts of tho pauper ; they excommunicated from their factories , those who delighted to hear a
n » vel interpretation of their Maker ' s Word from the lips of hi * servant . ( Great cheering . ) Thus situated , did the shepherd forsake his flock ? No ; he squared his practice by his theory , and became the political friend of those who suffered for worship , ping at his altar . ( Cheers . ) He gave up his miserable Toluntary pittance—every farthing of it , for the support of the martyrs . ( Loud and long-continued cheering . ) 1 was sometimes in the habit of dining with him ; bat , during this famine , I called upon him , and found that he had no dinner for him - self . ( Great j ^ usatiou , and cries of " Shame , shame . " ) He never once complained . ( Hear , hear . ) Stephens is one of a new order of politicians . There are some who , professing to worship your principle
so long as it was an harmless babe in the cradle , by theadvocacy of which they may gain popularity , and praise , and support , they would p lay with the kitten but fly from the cat—they would tondle the infant by frowning upon the man—they would swear allegiance to tbe principle , but turn traitors against its accomplishment . ( Great cheering . ) Such are the highest order of" your patriots . Then there are the worshippers of the opinions of departed patriots , who rally round a name , and hold last by a dogma or an error , looking only to the question of by whom , and not for whom , a change shall take place . ( Repeated cheers J Then there are you , the people the blistered hands and fustian jackets , to whom alone I have ever looked for the establishment of
right . ( Cheers . ) It is as necessary that a man should know bis danger , to strengthen himself against it , as that he should know his strength to give him confidence . ( Cheers . ) I know both . 1 know that I am the most unpopular man in England . (¦' Ne , no . " ) Yes ; but not with the people . ( Cheers . ) liut there are not , beyond the degree of a working mas—a real working man , ten men in England , who would not rejoice to see my head on a pike at Temple Bar . ("' Nevermind them . " ) They would sympathise with my fate , by the outward and visible signs of compassion , while they would feel an inward and spiritual delight at niy departure . ( Cheers . ) Let Stephens also know that his strength is iu you , and let kim rely npon that strength
, and he may defy the united endeavours of his persecutor * ; for all classes of moneymongers , whether Whig , Tory , or Radical , are equally his oppressors , and the oppressors of any man who sides wich the poor against tbe rich . ( Cheers . ) But what value do I set upon this paltry satisfaction of holding public meetings , and bearing the oft-told tale , aod repeating the old declaration of support ? Stephens is now doubly persecuted : a majority of gentlemen in one county are to find the bills against him , and another Jury in another county are to deliberate upon the facts . ( Shame , sbarce . ) This refinement upon cruelty , and this perversion of law , and this disregard of precedent , has been made necessary , by the thrilling effect which hi * sermons have hai upon
that class from which his Jury would be selected . ( Shame . sh : ; me . ) Yes , he is now to be brought amongst you . In his person Magna Charta and all the principles ot" the Constitution have been violated . ( Hear , bear . ) Excessive bail has been required , justice has been delayed , and will be denied , unless , as freemen , you exercise your constitutional privilege , and declare that what a whole people affirms , twelve men shall not reverse . ( Loud cheers . ) What , then , should be your position ? You know the esteem in which he is held by those who know him best . You have had public opinion declared , by the resolutions of nearly even town in England , and when the stranger comes , what will be our duty to those who have
thus written his character ? Why , to give him a glorious public entry . _( Great cheering and waving of hats . ) To escort him , every man of us , to the Courts of Westminster , and having there heard the whole case , and having , as the great and virtuous , and unpacked national jury , declared your unanimous verdict , if justice should be denied , let his jury know , that they are , then , but a court of appeal , not trying Stephens , but hearing cause , why the public opinion should be reversed . ( Great cheering . ) Even this is not . all . I am not satisfied with my advocacy of jour support . I am not satisfied witn hearing Dr . Macdouall , who sits at my left—( cheers)—and who , is , Stephens ' s substitute " , advocating his cause , I must aud 1 will see him . sidtf bv
side with his accusers in the House of Commons . ( Tremendous cheering and waving of hats , which lasted for several minutes . ) This we can do , and this we will do . ( Cheers and " We will . " ) We can often accomplish a great project when a small one is beyond our power . ( Hear , hear . ) To thij one object the whole nation will ba directed , and then when his eloquent tongue shall depict the horrors of the Poor Law , tho iniquities of the Factory System , the illegality of the Rural Police , the destitution of the neglected hand-loom weaver , and the usurpation of the capitalist * then , if his startling facts and true ponrtrayal ot a nation ' s wrongs shall be met by tbe impatient murmur and hollow groan of the voluptuary , they will be
responded to by tbe cheers ot millions from without , which will declare a people's wiU , and carry the nation ' s verdict . ( Indescribable applause . ) " Yes , it shall be like tbe Killarney echo , which , if yoa say " How do you do , Paddy Blake , " responds , " Very well , I thank you , how do you do , Judy Murphy . " ( Great laughter . ) While we were clamouring for Universal Suffrage , and many , dreading while they professed to worship Stephens , werei exhibiting the many grievances which arose from a want of it . ( cheers )—who was the first to sound the trumpet of opposition to the bloody Marcus ? ( Cheers . ) Why , the terrier and the bull dog Stephens , who , like tke faithful sentinel , is ever at hi&post , watching the
assaults upon your rights , and arousing your ^ pposi tipu by his eloquence . ( Cheers . ) . How different is the law for . rich anil poor . ( Hear , hear . ) Marcus recommends infanticide , and is recommended by the Government , white statute law declares , that the jioor victim of seduction , who , dreadiEg tho world ' s trown , and seeking to hide her shame in secrecy , who shall be guilty of infanticide , shall suffer death . . (;' Shame , sbame . " ) Ab , why did not Marcus live or write in those duys , when a few of the population did indeed press too hardly upon the means of subsistence—and why was not this humane inflation of gas reserved as a boon for mothers , made poor by oppression , administered to
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five of those royal dutes out of the eight , beqaeTtw as a legacy to the aation by George 3 T § S $ ( Uproarious applause and bravo . ) if Victoria * Un produce a fourth pauper , will Marcus $ 3 dlK ceremony and adminfster the -boon" ' Ewi ^ H ^ l ' f 7 ^ ver destroy idlew * « 3 in the dead hour of last night they sent thJ * U , rocket brigade , the flying J ^^ Sg ^ " * their horse , fooL and ammunition , to xManchS Shame . ) Aye , bnt as we received a note this moS to gay whether or not It is true , I may as well Si you , that it is not to put the p 3 ople down , hut tn hi prepared to meet the bloody recommendations ^ threats of the Corn Law repealer * , who , £ ffi t
call us plunderers , recommend the people to-. teal their neighbours' stacks and to fire their neighbour ,-property —(* hame ) -but we will throw the shield of protection over them- ( cheers )—we will show that oar-wish is to protect and not to destroy nroDertv to render b'fe secure , and to make it worth nm serving , by giving to it all the blessings of afr 2 , " constitution . ( Loud cheers . ) Being appointedIto tmj wtaation , 18 iaU preserve order , hear all parties patiently , and decide impartially . ( Loud and W continued cheering . ) "« The meeting was afterwards addressed in soulstarring harangues , by Dr . Macdouall and Mr uasuer , whose eloquence was responded br th « acclamations of the people . in most gratifying
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MEETING OF DELEGATES AT NOTTINGHAM . At a meetisg of delegates , held at the Fox and Hounds inn , Nottingham , March 18 th , 1839 Mr . Woodhouse in the chair , the following delegates were present : —Messrs . Hactforth and Woodhouse , from Hyson Green ; Messrs . Thurman and Baraby , frsm Mansfield ; Messrs . Castle and Lester , from Calvertpn ; Messrs . Gosling and Pinkett , from Burwell ; Mr . Rozzell , from l , ougl > - borqugh ; Mr . Tomlinson ^ from Sattou- \ B-Ashfield Mr , ; Emmereon , from Arnold ; Mr . Hankin , from Day brook ; Mr . Williams , from Belperj Mi . Trescott , from Derby ; Mr . Pricefrom Stapleford '
, Mr . Brown , from Carkoa ; Mr . Hudson , from Fox and Hounds , Nottingham ; Mr . Bowley , from Lord Holland , Nottingham ; Messrs . Sansom and MacDuff , from the Fox , Nottingham ; Messrs . Peters andLilley , from the Bob Hudson , Nottingham ; The fallowing Resolutions were passed unanimousl y —1 st " That we view with disgust the proceedings of the base "Whig Government , in dragging the Rev . J . R . Stephens from bis home and from amongst his friends , for the purpose of having it in their power to sacrifice him to their tyranny , and to dissolve the united efforts of an oppressed people to redeem
themselves from their present thraldom , but that we will not be discouraged in our exertions in his behalf , nor be led astray by the insinuation of the weak , on the intrigues of the deceitful , to relax our efforts , but we will continue to devote both purse and person , and , if required , risk our lives , rather than that brave patriot shall receive any injury . " 2 nd . " That we form ourselves into a Union of the three counties ; that Derby shall be considered the head place for calling delegate meetings for tbe next month ; Leicester for the second month ; and Nottingham the third month ; and we recommend to our brethren at Mansfield and Sutton re call
delegate meetings for the villages within seven miles of those places , and Loughborough to follow tbe same example ; also Belper and the other large towns in the above counties ; that the monthly delegate meetings may , if they see it necessary , call a delegate meeting of the three counties on any inv portant occasion . " —3 rd . "That this meeting recommand these delegate meetings to do all in their power to assist the Rev . J . R . Stephens as well as the Contention , and to use every means in their possession to organise the villages , by sending out missionaries , " &c—4 th . " That those preachers ef the gospel who have taken up the cause of the itev . J .- R . Stephens in the pulpit deserve our
warmest thanks for their Christian and patriotic conduct on behalf of our friend and champion . " - 5 th . "That to convey the sentiments of the industriouscldsses in the three midland counties , namely , Nottingham , Leicester , and Derby , we take into consideration , the means necessary to establish a Democratic newspaper to represent tbe said classes , in shares of five shillings each , and the delegates be instructed to do all in their power to further the above object . " —6 th . "That the editors of the Northern Star , Operative , Charier , Champion , Nort / ierh Liberator , and other newspapers that advocate the rights of the people , are entitled to our warmest thanks . "—7 th . " -Ttiat the thanks of this
meeting are justly due , and are hereby given t » those indomitable champions of the people ' s rights — Feargus O'Connor , Esq ., Rev . Joseph Rayner Stephens , and Mr . Richard Oastler . "—8 th . " That the thank * of this meeting are hereby given to Messrs . Smart and Skevington , for their conduct in the Convention , and also to Mr . Sweet , for his active exertions as secretary this day , and his honest conduct as treasurer lor the National Rent Fund in this district , and' to Mr . Smith , aV treasurer to the Working Men ' s Association . " —9 th . " That the abore resolutions be forwarded to the following newspapers for insertion , namely , the Northern Star , Operative , Charter , and Champion , " A vote of thanks was then given to the chairman and vice-chairman , and the meeting separated .
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CORN LAYT AGITATORS . —THE WAY TO MANUFACTURE PETITIONS . TO THE EDITORS OF THE NORTHERN STAR . Gentlemen , —Will y « u have th « kindness to insert this letter in your widely circulated journal , as in Manchester tbe Radicals have no paper honestly disposed to publish tbe want * and wishes of tbe producing classes , or to extend the principles of equal justice . On last week , it was partk-ularly requested by tbe Political Council , that tbe contents of tbis letter should be published in the Manchester and Salford Advertiser . For that purpose , a espy was sent , but was passed by unnoticed .
Gentlemen , —The mean tricks and low cunning practised by tbe Anti-Corn Law Association , deserve all the exposure tb-dt it is possible to give the artifices they have ado ; . u-ti to swell the amount of signatures attached to tneir petition ; they have also had tbe dishonesty to get up petitions emanating from Trades' Unions . Now , as a member of a Trades' Union , I know full well that tbe majority of Unions see into the deception of the agitators in the present movement on the question of Corn Laws . Tiej Dev « r expect any act or desire on tbe part of tfce capitalists , who are livisg on tbe blood and "ritals of the labouring classes , for tie bettering their condition , or to alleviate thti distress that it present
prevails in all parts of tbe country . Out oi tbe many trades in this town tbat protest against tbe conduct of the Anti-Corn Law Advocate ? , I will selec : one in particular , tbat is , the CordwaiBer > Union . A report was current that this boiy had signed a petition to the amauat of 1 , 375 ; one of the members of that society , determined , to find out tke truth of this report , waited on Mr . Ballantyne , Secretary to the Anti-Cora Law Association " , at their room , NerrallVbuiidings , and , to his greit astonishment , found that the number before stated was in the possession of the Association , as comin ^ from tbe Cordwainer ';! Union . They bad obtained this cumber of signature ? , when the wkole of the
. « ocie : y does not amount to one-third of the number . Now , Gentlemen , the fact stands in this position . The Secretary of the Cordwainer ' s Union was applied to b y parties from tbe Repeal Association , and finding their reception cot in accordance with their wishes , they requested the secretary to let them have the residence-book of all the members , for tie purpose , co doubt , of affixing the whole of thfir names to the petiaon , whether the members wished it or not . There are twr > individuals , ~ W iiliam Ziiman and Gabriel Hargreaves , wbose Barnes are to the petition , and bv what mean * thev
have got them without their sanction they know not , bnt against tbis line of conduct they mest solemnlv protest . The Operative Taiicrs have had a like deception practised upon them , and a petition got up in their name ; but , Gentlemen , were 1 to enumerate oae fourth part of the dishonest movement * of the present Anti-Corn Law Agitators , it would take too much of my time , and woald also swell this letter beyond the ordinary size for any hope of its insertion in the crowded columns of your truly invaluable journal . I have , Gentlemen , tbe honour to subscribe myself
It ours most respectfully , A . C . Dean , Secretary . Manchester , 13 th March , 1 S 39 . P . S . Any trade * tbat have complaints of the above kind , will forward them to the Council as soon as pistible , at their roem , No . 9 , Whittle-street , Oldbam-srreet , who meet every Mondav and Thcrsdav .
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HMWHVMHMHMM ^ iHM ^^^ ¦ ¦ m ¦ ' ! 11 ¦ p . ' ¦¦ aiaBcsci ^ awB London , March 16 th , 1839 . Radicals of Yorkshire , —The swrod cmu « of freedom mo * t , and will prosper , mangre the opposition of those who unworthily sit in high places , and vulture-like prey on tbe riuU of the nation . The haughty Tories may affect to despise onr present movement , and tke vacillating Whigs » ay p . nfieavour to delude the people by an empty noixe about alterations of the Corn Laws , and such , like humbug , bnt the pn . gTe&sof liberty canaot now be arrested , nor the holy flame of patriotism be extinguished in the breasts of Englishmen . Persecution may now commence its march against us , and exkibit iu terrors to our riew , yet we will not , cannot fear ; because , we know that we are stronger than the foe against whom we contend . On our side stands justice , reason , religion , fru (/ i , and humanity ; on that of the enemy , w « behold Jrauds intanity , vice , falsehood , and cruelty . Oa « ur side we have OMNIPOTENCE , while perfect impotence guides oar bewildered antagonists . Can we , then , desuair of victory ?
( -an we doubt the result of the conflict ? Not for one moment , if wft stand firm to eur colonrs . The struggle commenced with us , the tvorkingme * , by us it mnst be continued , and by us it must be completed . Aa our enemies are powerless , and totally incapable of removing us from our present vantage ground , it behoves us to take good heed that we da not desert our posts , or our principles , and parley with our adversaries ; if w < j do , we shall inentBbly ruin our cause , arm our opponent * , and perpetuate the onerous evils we have too long , and too tamely endured . 1 am glad to see that all jour resolutions , agreed to at your meetings , evince your urnitt « w , a&A jout rit-terniination to purst-vere in the glorious . work , and not to eamgromi * e with the exetrublc lections , who lord it orer ua . I can assure you that the Dpmocrats of London will
gpcond your effort * , and , at the proper time , perform their dutr to thems-ilveii and the countTy . They are a body of men who do honour to the came ; and , lrom the enthusiasm they manifest , and the good sense they display , it is widest that those are unacquainted with them , who represent them us being far behind the men of the North . V * ithout any disparagement of th « abilities and firmness of any Northern Delegate , I can say that the united Democrats in this metropolis ari » not inferior to any of us . Thin you might know , did not the press xeUfully suppress all information re » -pecti » g their proceedings . They work hard and zeulovsly , and effectively , in promoting our object ; but they upeak out in plain and unequivocal " terms , therefore , the corrupt , trading press of this town labours to ke « p thecountry ignorant of the eflortaol these brave men .
1 attend all their public meetings , and I must confess that 1 aui surprised at the unanimity which prevails ; not one resolution has been proposed at any of their meetings , but hks met the approval of all pres # nt . It in true , that they have been disapproved of by a majority of the Convention ; ani my friends , Haroey and Raw * on , together with niyself , have beea most unjustly censured for taking part with the people , and supporting their vi .-ws , which we did c «» scientiuusVi- , iknd TihicYi 1 shall continue to do , so long as t tind them to harmonite wilU the principles ltid down in tha People's Charter . However other men may act , 1 will not preach one doctr ine in the North , aud another hftre : neither
will I sp >> nd my strength in talking for weeks abont rules and regulations , »» though we wtrn > eut here fur life . nor will 1 waif time by txpo . Mng the eviUof the factory system , as though we were sent aaaShort Time Committee ; ' butlwill sptndiny strength and time in attending the call of the Democrats , and in exhorting the people to rally round our ntandard— to support the Petitiun ; and , Bhonld it be rejected , TO PETITION . NW WORE ; and , further , I shall labour to induce the men of London to prepare for Belfdefence—tbat is , to ARM . Hitherto 1 have not attended one meeting at which 1 could find o »« man who dissented from this doctrine . Number * enlist under our banner , a ' . l pledging themselves to "do or di ? . ' *
You are aware that the presentation of the Petition is delayed until May ; consequently , we have plenty of time to organirr the men of London ; and , 1 think it right to inform you that your servant has plenty of work cut out , being chosen o ;; e of five , \ , \ the people here , to daily watch all pro-« edn > ji » on th .: pan ot the enemy , and also agitate the metropolis . 1 he press will not , or dare not , reportW transaction * , but , \ un may depend npon it , the work in rapidly progressing . With regard to the unfortunate circumstances which took place subsequent u . the public meeting in the Hall of Science , 1 sha ! l say n' > thi : ig here , as we ought to preserve peace iu our ranks , particularly at the present time . The lacts of the case you will hear trom my mouth on my return , when 1 shall reply to all the charges , and show that we are neither " inconsistent , U > K > dy-mind-iL , or actuated lya lore if notoriety , " The men ol London aje s&tisned on these points , and I know I shall satUly y < m . Bi-t prudence iurbids me to enter 011 the subject at present . Yours truly , Wm . Rider . ^^ fc
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Mr . Frnton , M . P ., and his Radical Constituents . —On Tuesday evening , March 12 tb , the correspondence between the Radical association of Rochdale , and John Fenton , Esq ., M . P . for that borough , 011 the subject of rural police , was laid before the members of that body , when it vf as resolved that a public meeting should be called , to b « held on Thursday evening , March 14 , for the purpose of laying the correspondence before the inhabitants of the borough . On Thursday noon , the meeting wad announced by the bellman . Before eight-o ' clock ( the time of commencing ) , the the roam was crowded to excess . The cnair being taken , the correspondence was then read to th » meeting , of which tkefollowing is a copy : —
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TO JOHN FENTON , ESQ ., M . P . Rochdale , March 1 st , 1839 . Sir , —I am directed by that body of your constituents composing the members of the Radical Association of Rochdale , respectfully to request that you wijl inform them whether or not it is yourintention to support the measure about to be introduced into Parliament , by Government , for the establishing of a rural police ; whether or not you are lavonrabW at all for the introduction of any such measure into this country , whether called " Constabulary Force , " or by whatever name denominated . ?
The intentions of Government are so obvious , the expected nature and consequences of any such measure are of such vast importance , that 3 'onr constituents infer it will have already come under your serious consideration j and , therefore , request that you will favour them with an answer as seon a * the nature of your circumstances will permit . I remain , Your obedient , humble servant , William Simpson , Secretary .
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MR . tenton's answer . Sir , —I have received your favour of the 1 st inst ., on the part of those ot" my constituents forming part of the Radical Association , and , in answer , would say it is premature to say what may be a right course to pursue with respect to a measure not yet having assumed any shape . But 1 may say , with truth , 1 shall be hostile to any plan which deprives the localities of having . a voice in the selection of parties appointed to watch over the security of life aad property , by what name it may fee called . When I say this , both you and 1 must admit , there wanted some improvement in the old system ; and I shall be gjWif the present discussion may lead to it with jigp iitrenchitig on constitutional principles . ipf .- . I am , Sir , ? ' ¦ Yours respectfully , John Fexton .
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After some introductory remarks by the chairman ? requesting that all parties would be allowed a fai and impartial hearing , the following resolution were moved , and earned unanimously : — 1 st : — -That it is the opinion of this meeting , tha John Feuton , ; Esq ., M . P . for this borough , has , by his vague and unsatisfactory answer to the letter sent him by the Radical Association , entirely forfeited their esteem as a member of Parliament ; and they , therefore , pledge themselves , in the event of another election , to use all their influence in returning a member who will not sufier their interests to be trifled with in the manner intended by a rural police spyforce . 2 nd . — -That it is the opinion of this meeting , that the Rural Police Bill intended to be brought into Parliament will be of a sample with the other Act * of the base , bloody , and brutanVhig faction ; ana we hereby pledge " ourselves to watch their whole proceeding « » and to oppose them in every constitutional manner , and , if necessary , to the death . 3 kL—That the correspondence between ¦ ¦ this association and Mr . Fentonbe published in the Northern Star , Manchester and Salford Advertiser , the £ ««»»• pirn , and the Operutive , '
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), March 30, 1839, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1051/page/6/
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