On this page
- Departments (1)
-
Text (15)
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
^— <£ric-tnal Covvetyonbence. *
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
-
-
Transcript
-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
Untitled Article
50 TBS SD 1 TOB OF THE XOETHEK . N STAB . clB—In haste I take the liberty to intimate that vned the address of the proposed Charter Associa-I **? Tierfdct reliance on the good faith &nd stanch ^^ le of Messrs . LoTett . Collins , Cleave , Hether-£ i 2 , and Tin « &t ; ali individuals , I conceived , per-^ T ' icapable of a traitorous design on the grand ** j £ aium of our rights and interest * , the People ' s ®!? ftis » atject , Sir , my sole ambition is to promote The ssteo 1 ° * my ability , the success of this real $ , «« Cbaria , this glorious record of the people's de-JjZjBjdon to be free . My motto is— " Universal JS ^ m / " entire and unqualified ; and less than this , ? 2 t vhwever shape or designation , frill I refuse to *? hs cheering intelligence of the progress of Chartism ^ —«> a throuzh the medium of the Northern Star 1
ZL # , from -week to vreei , -with the highest satisfaction Sdel-fit , not only on account of myfellow-slaves S eocntrjicen at large , but , individually , I am proud Lexpress tiie sen * " 116114 of gratitude which I feel to S , O'Connor and to yourself fer the unparalleled jJ ^ jgjK to which you hare advanced the only journal {? 2 ths people can properly designate as their own . Io the Sorthent Star I hare beeea & subscriber from gj , jons asnccnitnt ; and I have al-srayB been , and shall ^ jjjj ne to be , an indefatigable promoter of its cir-^ aon at home and abroad . gjYJisg come to London for a short period , I xhufi Ian w opportunity of acquiring accurate intelligence zL eetJES the new association . With the import of hs
ifilfii Mr . Osbon-e , of >* un « aton , I say there has v ^ too JEUch of piisionate iuvective and ab use ; and , j ^ t > dd , loo much of the violent aad vulgar denuni ^ oa ; anil the language occasionally empleyed in SjjlfaJ of theNorthern Star ( especially in the attacks j a » latter against Mr . O'Connell ) has been low and wjjeajtintieeia-erae . ^ j this I sincerely re gret ; and on this subject 1 gj-i that the old Association may learn something of jseas'W on ? . In signing the address of the latter 1 papered that I was amply constituting myself a -gajjer of s Charter Association ,- because in Learning ja , i h&ve failed in the attempt -which I made to ^ ji Jjgk one .
I fc » TB Kill faith in the parties whom , in so tin-{ g £ BOlj a spirit , you hold up to the denunciation and jjgole , if cot to the absolute execration of the people , gags , tnur men , I at present believe , never existed , jj csfenee of the rights of the people they have always jlaoi nanfnilr forward ; and it is by their acts , and jifciaieeordance with the hasty condemnation of their K&created enemies , that I am prepared to judge jfcss . If fee projected Association cannot , without injury fc ) jbe < M one , be established and maintained ; or if II intention of accepting an ioia less than the full pafire of Universal or Charter Suffrage * h ^ l be £ e ! 8 & from the originators of the former , I shall , isboat hesitation , withdraw my name from the list of jjgridBiU , whom I shall then eeteem the virtual and jammed enemies of the people ' s regeneration and mtwznty .
I Sire not , mt , constitute myself s jndge of another gts . 1 qualification for the franchise . Who am I that ] dsmld exclude from that invaluable right and privifcr erea the meanest of my fellow-subjects * Ba 1 will not intrude longer on yuur time , and Till oslj add , after the example of Mr . O'Connor , Ebtc » 1 Sufiage and no Surrender . I am , Sir , Tours respectfully , J . B . Smith , of Leamington Ei ^ s Arms Inn , Holborn-bridge , London , MoBday , April 26 th , 1541 .
Untitled Article
TO TEX ZDlTOa Or THE SOKTHEaS S 7 AB . Sn , —Haring seen an address sent t « Peter Layton iy Mr LoTett inviting some of the leading Chartists of £ 3 place to tign it -without de-ay , and send it back by Knn of post , leafing no time for consideration , erraJ signed hoping all was right . It was sent back b Mt Lovett , as requested , and he considered there toe more names than was required , and be therefore mi » second time , stating that the names of two pertzi Tcald be sufficient Accordingly the names of two pasta * were sent , but on looting over the Northern Sar of the following week , we found that both these HBei vere omitted , and the name of Peter Layton jc en the list , in lieu of either of the names sent . 5 ot , Sir , I feel truly thankful that my name did K appear in the Star , but here is the query , why n « ii n& ; there . ' Was it because I stated in the hearbg of several , that if I found anything wreng 1 would bn&wfcingatail to do with the concern ?
Sot , I believe that Mr . Lovett haa been made aeqsaiaied with this assertion , and hence there would kM hope * of my having anything to do with it , if 1 tend ill was no : right >* , Sir , I am decidedly of tpiioE that all is net right , for I find this " New Man" is hailed by the Whig papers as very excellent , ad the middle class Radicals , as they call themselves , atlaply delighted with it , though we cannot get them to Kb oae angle inch with us for the Charter . Apia , 1 want to know how the arch-traitor Dan , « aeto knew ali ab-. ut the " Xew Hove , " before the pwjie were made acquainted with it ? > "ow , I atk Mao . Lorett and Coilins if they are by no means KKMeied M ' nk Dan , why not come out and meet him Mb men ; and tell him they are not his tools , nor ever rffl be ; more especially , when he declares th ? y &re «* decidedly for Household Suffrage ? Surely this ¦ M- a » Tery strong of the old lax .
At , Si , I -Bish V ) give eyerj man his due , I beg ¦ an u > state that Mr . Collins gave a lecture in the ttaae , Banbury , ai . d there showed himself the detersmsS adTocate for Universal Suffrage , &c He also pschsd three ssnnocs in the Chartist lecture room , i&xh gsve great satisfaction , and preaching has contofial every Sunday since ; but on account of the divi-Boa between the Chartist Church in Birmingham , » d the National Association , the Chartists of this ^ ee will not attend ; therefore I expect pr eaching wil j k oueontinue-i . >' o » , as regards tbe iznorance of tht
People , my opinion is they are not so dark as they are * Pttsen : ed be . We know we are slaves , and the P « aus : part of the produce of our labour goes to sup-VXLTjjUtj . and peasicced lords and ladies , with a » mbB of idle bishops , and the suite church wi ' . h *^ tkej i re connected , all of which swallow sonie-• tereibout nine millions of the hard earned money of «* peop ) e ; "VTe know that , until we have a voice in «* J ) j tie lavs by which we are to be governed , we « iba slaves ; therefore , I am for "Universal Suffrage ¦ a no nirrfcBder
Aito those great halls and expensive libraries , they ™ ; be aU yaj good , but as some years must elapse S 5 Gase ialls cm be bnilt , and those expensive *™*? a tJi be wtab . ished , what is to become of the «¦ " * $ thousands the whUe » It may be aU very well ^^ 9 se who , out of the money collected , may consider ~* Writes -wcrth two or three pounds p = rr week . It " ~ Jj * &U right with them ; but what is the cry of the "" nithonsa-n-ia ? VThy , "It is no go ; we won't rj !^ a . give us the Charter ( and all the blessings iLliiaf " ™ taill 3 i ^ then weshall teable to obtain ' ^ R edn eitiaa which is needful to promote our betl " **** ME ^ rliihaen andas Christian * . ^ J aaentag t h = above in the Northern Star , you will ¦^ o oiige ,
, Tuurs , most respectfuDy , t . , Edwabd Hughes *« WT , April 25 sh , 1 & 41 .
Untitled Article
? ^ SE CiLTEORPE STREET ! MEETING . ^ THE 2 D 3 T 0 B OP IHJE JfOBTHEE 5 STlB . ^> -In a letter to the electors of Nottingham , r ^ Jwthem to vote for Walter , the Tory , written » shah Dt > and P ublishe < i b ? tbAt gentleman , as 5 ^ n 5 ^ eoimfect 1011 with his letter in your last , ) ^ ^ kged that the meeting held in Calthorpe-street , jj ^ J ^ k nuce , " for the purpose of considering the ^** y . ° f calling a National Convention "—and in j Sta , eetea Snp " of whidi meeting I had the honour iJT ^ PwniineEt part—was concocted bvthe WhiEB , the
g ^^ p nrpose of fcntrsppin g people . I am aware b » fli ek 3 'rse'rasina'ie ' ut iV'&i , tven at that time , ^ of tios e genikmen who have recently signed j ^ ^ feerel moTe" circular ; but . though many years k * m » - ' ttis ^ ltfe Sret tangible opportunity I j ^^ = t with , to call jubiicly for the reatocs which jjUjjTf . ^ itce nt and othtra , who make such a _ ot , to ccae to that coEciusicn . ij fc m ^' -iig aUnded to , Sir , was openly discussed t i ^^ . 'etis ; it was well and duly advertised , ^ waiidSEt notice ; and , we have the opinion of tjjjj ^^ O'ConneU himself , tfiat its obkd was cerfe Af ? " - 'ttr&UvlioxaL True , a " proclamation , " jj ^ ' ** &r of the Secretary of State , " though not b W * * " ? sued against the meeting ; but J happen * a i » rt priaisr ' Wno 8 ° t np quite as pood-lookinp an 8 * » tf P 051 *^ over the " originals ; " aye , even on *» det * * 2 i ^ - ^^^ - ^ lds Baetil e , Indeed , I mysell P ?* diin with another of the with another oi
^ , -, conjunction com-* 8 « s : h tUDjunction me comt ^ ° T the National "Union of the Working Classes , g ^ . ° o Celonel Brans , ( now General Sir De Lacy ^^ y ^ the purpose of inviting him to preside on *» i ^ 5 ^ That genUeman iCoL Evans ) expressed W , ^? " 8 to oblige us by complying , only that , l ^ = « toen engaged in his first canvass for the rej ^* aoa of Wwtminster , he feared it would pre-^ eg aTf ^^ ^ el ectors , were he to preside over ft j ^ j T **^*« h a purpose as that avowed . 6 * poj- ^ 7 * ttle atrocious and sanguinary conduct oi ^ kaZt ?*** ° ^^ occasi 011 . ttai is another matter , *¦*• of , rtckoT ' / or ; I shaU merely say , in the * Jie Wv " 6 stiQ Jabie friend of mire ( now deceased ) fc cBjfe . QdTed" by ^ pigeon-livued
expediency-> 4 ¦*• en ift ^ y ^ my gmoo ^ y ^ ie ) £ *> Seance seannngly subsii e , Bcri ' j ^ » fcaawarts , m tie blood-fed sons of pride "M must by blood be satisf y , Ajid orphaiu' tears . "
Untitled Article
On the subject of spies , I would that my kumbl « warning might be attended to by every youth , ( fur the " old birds" are not so likely to be netted with " chaff , ") in these plutocrat-ridden dominions . Let none trust even his own brother , unless he see him earn his bread , or KXOVi , beyond possibiltip of doubt , thai he comes ly hit being honestly . This is not a mere generality ; for , alaa . ' I feel a deep and bitter necessity for the cmtion , founded on considerable experience , and an analysis of men and measures , at least as complete as my contemporaries . But I am now only addressing Mr . Vincent , through your columns , a . to the Calthorpe-street job ; I shall be happy to see the matter set before the public in it « true colours . Tour ' s , truly , R . E . Lee .
Untitled Article
- ^^^—TO THB EDITtB OT TH « KOHTHERJT STAR . Dear Sia , — On Tuesday last , a poor weaver came to me to inform me that he had taken in two cute , and that his master wanted to rob him of nearly half of what he should have reseived for weaving them- I advised him to wait upon his master again next morning , and have an interview with him , and try to settle the-matter amicably , if possible . He did so , but to no purpose ; they could not agree . ^ 1 then told him if he would empower me to act for him , I would summon his master , which , by the oth of Geo . IV ., chap . 96 , sec . 15 , any one is empowered to do so . ^ He did so . 1 then went to the magistrate , and applied for s summons , according to the above Act I was ordered into an adjoining room , where I wa » told I could get it . When Mr . Bounce , tfce clerk , had made
it out , he demanded a shilling tor expences . I then referred him to the 3 » th section of the Act , which stated that twopence only was the charge , and no more allowed to be taken according to law . He then laid the summons by , and took no further notice of either me or the summons . I then held the Act in my hand , and- asked him to look at it He refused , but said nothing . I asked him if I was not to have the summons without a shilling * He said do . I was then compelled to pay a shilling for two pennyworth of law . I then took it to be signed , and here I wns doomed to be robbed again , for when the " blue devil" got it , he would not serve it without sixpence ; yet the « ame section of the above Act says that fourpence , and no more , should be taken . I offered to serve it myself . He told me it must be served by a constable ; so that at this stage I was robbed of twopence more .
If yon will insert the abeve in the defender of the people ' s rights and labour , the Star , Ton will greatly oblige , A Constakt Reader . Harpurhey , May 3 rd , 1 S 41 . P . S . If any one , perhaps Mr . Hnme , M . P ., the staunch supporter of the above Act , would answer me , through your paper , what use Acts of Parliament for bestowing justice cheap to the poor are , while the clerks refuse to allow it , I would feel greatly obliged . D . Y .
Untitled Article
TO THB EDIT 8 B OF THE X 0 ETHER . V STAB .. Sib ., —Having seen in the Northern Star of last Saturday aa article headed " Guiding again ! " in which my name is prettily meuti * ned by the conceited booby who forwarded it to you , I beg to call your attention to the same , in order that justice may be done to Mr . Golding . I , have known Mr . G . for a long time , and I , as well as many others , cannot believe that Mr , G . is a tpy ; and being anxious that the various charges existing against him should be either substantiated or refuted , I beg leave to offer the " leaders" of the London Chartists the use of my premises ( capable of accommodating two or three" hundred ) gratuitously , for the purpose of fairly trying the accused , and hearing his defence , which I have Mr . G . ' s sanction to say he is ready to make . Tours sincerely ,
Francis Wilbt . Pestalonlan Academy , WhitSeld-street , iLate Tabernacle Sunday School , ) April 2 S , 1841 . " Recollect poor Peddie . " P . S . Any letter addressed to me will be attended to immediately .
Untitled Article
THOUGHTS ON THE PRESENT PROSPECT OF THE CHARTIST MOVEMENT . , TO THE EDITOB 0 ? THE > 0 RTHERS STAR . Sir , —The above is the heading to a letter inserted in the Dundee Chronicle of Friday last , signed "A Democrat , " which , I trust , he wiil allow me to borrow without assailing me hereafter with the charge of plagiarism , particularly , as 1 shall not visit bis lucubration with any severe animadversion . His thoughts are « f a very puerile description , and evince only a slight acquaintance with political events , otherwise he would not have betrayed his consummate ignorance by saying—" From the men of Birmingham preceeded the demand , for Universal Suffrage . **
With every disposition to render to the men of Birmingham their due portion of praise , I must dissent from the dogma of "A Democrat , " inferring , as I do , that he alludes to the present generation of 'Brummagem' Radicals . Did it originate with Munta , with Attwood , with Douglas , with Salt , with Hadley , with Pearce , with Collins , or with any of their coadjutors ? No , no , Mr . Democrat , it did not ; the demand for Universal Suffrage is of much older date than is the wheel-about career of those flexible politicians . Let the "Democrat" consult the men of Birmingham ,
and , I am persuaded , ttey will not only decline the honour he would confer upon them , but they will tell him that they lighted their torch at ihe fLwibeau of such by-gone ptstriuts as B ^ ntham , Cartwri ^ kt , or Cobbett , it , and Cabbett would infurm him that he lighted bis flimbeau at t . at eterna : luminary , Thomas Paine , and that noble oi nature wocld refer him to other men of other times . In fact , the origin of the demand belongs not to this generation ; our fathers , and our fathers' fathers demanded that right , and they taught us to contend for it likewise .
He also says— " From the Working Men ' s Association of London emanated the People ' s Charter . " Does he mean the name or tbe principles ? If the former , ; hey are welcome to all the praise as romenclators , Lut if the latter , I deny it in toio : the principles are not oniy much older than the " Working Hani Jssociatkm , " but tbey had more powerful , stedfast , and disinterested advocates , loDg anterior to the existence of the said Association . The reason why I have marked the words " Working Men ' s Association " in italics is , because it is a m ' : snomer ; it" was composed , NOT of the veritable blistered hands of the metropolis , but of such fcoft-nsted gentry as Hetherington , Lovett , and Co ., whose very souls abhor the idea of work : the Devi ! Linieeif eould not persuade these men to work in the legitimate sense of the ttrm . No , no ; they have a greater x = st for profit gathered from the counter , than for any really honest and useful br&neh of- productive industry .
" A Democrat" eulogists the " ne ? r move , " for which , no doubt , the " -working moa" will feel Very grateful , as they are much in oetd of & pander , no matter from whence he comes , or whatever cognomen he may
assume . leaving " A Democrat" to the full fruition of all the ineffable pleasures attendant upon the contemplation ui the " new move , " I proceed to congratulate the Cbartists of the United ( Jaeendom on thtir present glorious and soul-elating prospect Omitting , for the present , all ¦• unpalatable' * terms , sueb as knaves , traitors , apostates , unprincipled villains , fcc kt , I say that every artifice -which ingenuity could devise , has betn put in motion to impede the progress of our sacred cause ; avowed opponents and pretended friends have conspired to sow the seeds of dissension and strife among us—those who were honoured with almost interminable confidence by the people , have turned against us , and , * vitkout eveu the shadow of a reas * n . have laboured to scatter out
phalanx , and frustrate our object , by maligning the character , and misrepresenting the motives of our most aealou 3 advocate , Feargus O'Connor . The concoctors and supporters of the " new move" know that O'Connor has won an imperishable fame ^—they know he is beloved by the people , and hence their evtry epistle is fraught with scurrility and malevolence , directed personally against him . This is a fact ; and , ¦ wi th all their craft , they have not been able to conceal it They thought this our vulnerable point ; but they have discovered their mistake . Instead of wounding our cause , through O'Connor , they have inflicted a mortal wound upon themselves—their " new move" is an abortion , aud the framers of that execrable scheme have fallen into the pit which they themstlves " have dug and designed for others . ¦
They have hatched the cockatrice egg , and , to conceal their iniquity , they have woven the spider ' s web . They would fain worm themselves into favour again by talking about having acted " conscientiously , honestly , " Sc . ; but they h ^ ve been too incautious in their proceedings ; they have discountenanced the only real Chartis ; Associations ; they have levelled their anathemas against the only real organ of the people ; and they have slandered the best advocate of the rights of the people . These are facts substantiated by every sentence that has hitherto emanated from the scheming digue . It is known that the most venal , time-serving , and prostituted portion of the press has devoted columns ia praise of the " sensible , " and " honest , " and " rightthinking" patriots , who stand at the . head of tie " new move ; " and we also know that tfee hacks would not allow a single stick of matter to be inserted were it not intended , either directly or indirectly , to damage our
cause . We know that O'Connell sounded the war-whoop , " Get rid of Feargus , " and we know that the little knot of schemers have pointed all their artillery against bam and'tbe SLur , in compliance -with the command oi their General ; but the General and his men have been worsted in every skirmish , and O'Connor has come oB mere than corqneror . The siily fellows affect to despise O Connell , in the true thimble-rig fashion . He stands at the table , shc-vci the thimbles , tancles the pes , cries " try your luck , " " twenty to one one on the new mure , " and so / ertb , jet to carry on tie cheat his confederates Bay " He ' s
Untitled Article
not one of us . " They tell us that O'Conncll ' s praise of the game is tantamount to censuie—he does it to destroy the play , which is a sufficient proof of its being a good one . Why , then , on a parity of reasoning , how is it that the " new movers " don't , at once , link themselves to the car of Whiggery , since he has designated them " base , bloody , and brutal ?"—an irrefragable proof , according to the logic of the new shool , that they are paragons of political perfection . The fellows ) certainly go about their busness in a very clumsy and inconsiderate mannei , and I am glad of it , since it not only exhibits to our view the whole of their machinery , but shortens the duration of the campaign , and facilitates our triumph .
Now , is onr prospect blasted ? No . Is our progress retarded ? No . Is the priza for which "we contend rendered more difficult of acquisition ? No . Our prospect Is more cheering than ever . The excrescences are lopped off . The clogs are no longer attached to our wheels . The great body of the Chartists have , by their resolutions , proven , beyond all dispute , that they are men of principle , and are not to be trifled with , aa in the days of " the Bill , the whole Bill , and nothing but Bill . " They are not to be tosied to aud fro with every wind ot doctrine , but are now stedfast and immovable They are not vacillating , but , on the contrary , they are determined not to meddle with those who are given to change . This is a position which every sincere friend of hie country has long desired the people to attain , and having attained Jt , it only requires watchfulness and perseverance to csnsummate our object
It is an immense advantage to our cause that the dead weights have fallen off , and we must take care not to hang them on again . The Com Law Leaguers were our opponents—they were defeated . The " new movement" gentry were insidious foes in our camp , and und- r our own colours ; they have deserted , because not deified and served with sacrifices and oblations in quantum sujficit—these too axe defeated and justly despised . The ruling faction are in inextricable difficultiestheir opposition to our progress is ineffective , aud they have become too imbecile to help themselves even in their own den ; therefore our prospect is more enlivening than heretofore , * nd our triumph more certain .
The Chartists , generally , have done nobly—they have been tried—weighed in the balance and not found wanting . Their conduct , in meeting and withstanding the jugglery of Lovett and Co ., will no doubt be handed down to posterity as a proof ef the march of principle . It does in reality " form a new era in the history of Chartism , ' and one , too , which ia the harbinger of the final overthrow of humbuggism , traitorism Whiggism , and every other ism opposed to publicise . Allow me , as an individual Chartist , to return ray thanks to Mr . Watkins for the proper application of his sledge- hammer . Also to Mr . Martin , for his upright conduct in Convention . He did well to protest against the admission of Collins amongst them , and each and every member ought to shun the company of the " Fast-r . " What effrontery to intrude himself into that assembly . ' 0 , shame , where is thy blush ? Tours , truly , Wh , Rider , Leeds , May 10 th , 1841 .
P . S . —Sir , as the connection of O'Connell , Hume , Roebuck and Co ., with the " new move" is already proven beyond dispute , —as jobbing and the ruin of the cause , has been manifestly the object of the promoters of the scheme—as slander , instead of argument , has been their only weapon—aa their organs are , without exception , the partisans of faction , and exist entirely on public abuses—aa the plats is repudiated by every consistent and sensible Chartist—as their puny efforts to injure our cause has been defeated , in short , as the enemy is powerless , their object frustrated , the tares seperated from the wheat , and our cause gloriously progressing , permit me to suggest that henceforth the conquered foe be pursued no further—let them be left in their retreat , covered with the ignominy and disgrace they have brought upon themselves , and treated with silent contempt- W . R ,
Untitled Article
TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN STAR . SIR , —Although I am not amoag the repentant , short-sighted , and snivelling sinners , who graced your pages on Saturday last , I trust your liberality will allow me to appear in your nt-xt paper , justifying my own character from the aspersions cast upon it , as one of the persons composing the list of ninety . I hope I may be allowed to have my say about " the combination and the split , " for if I am not allowed to do so , I may be Bet down aa one " of the half dozen or less" of the list of the " secret move , " on whom it is assumed " little ennfi ience can be placed even by the new movers themselves ; " ag an accessory to the crinits " of the convicted thieves , traitors , and liars" —aa one of the party of the " society of damn-nations , " one ef the body of new London rat-catchers—( sublime and beautiful . ' )
Before I proceed in my remarks , I would refer you to the resolutions , and particularly to the one notictd below , of various bodies calling themselves Chartists , and reasonable and liberal men , too , no doubt , which appeared in last week ' s Star—but if such be their liberality , 1 would say " save » e from friends ; " if such fee the fruits «» f Chartist Associations , I should be ready to exclaim , from such " good Lord deliver me . " The following appears as the resolution of the Salford Association : — " T > . at it is the opinion of this meeting that the efforts ot those persons—Lovett , Collins , Hs ' . herington , Cleave , Vincent , and others—is nothing better than a base attempt —[ read the heading of this letter}—of a band of Makbusians to divide the people , and it is our opinion that these men are supported by other individuals , holding loftier situations , who , in our opinion , have bribed [ very modest charge , merely on assumption ] the aforesaid individuals ; and , to avoid
those , we are determined to adhere to the present plan of organisation , and to oppose whatever may tend to divide us , not restiDg in our agiUition until our just rights are conceded to us . " Look again at the heading , and ponder over the concluding passage . Is this the feeling which should prompt nitn complaining of tyranny ? of those claiming equal moral and political frt-ertum to ail members of the community ? Mind . b ; cause it is the opinion , without proof or foundation , ' The Chartists ( that is themselves only I should hope , for the Chaitists as a body would not so far disgrace themselves , ) are aiso determined that , for the future , nuijLer an English Chartist Circular , or anything else , bhall be purchaseu from any of that party . " O tyranny , tyranny ' thou pervadest the brtast of the highest , and findest a dwelling place in the most lowly i ! Go you to the Bchool of the Sultan and possess yourselves of the milk of human kindness ; go to the wild beast's den , and learn brotherly affection . ' !
1 have from the first introduction of the National Charter Association had my scruples ; I have objected to a portion of the means proposed for cairying out the obji . cti ; I have questioned the legality , and I ha- » e considered some part of the plan aa highly injudicious-The necessity and importance of a system of organisation -was manifest to all ; therefore the plan of the " move ''\ vas submitted and examined at a meeting asembleil for the purpose in this town , and the whole body of persons agreed to the objections , and dtsired me to write to head quarters for explanation . I did so : but no notice was taken of my application . If the
meeting had not done so , and adapted the plan , should not , because my opinion led me to thmk differently , have attempted to force it upon them ; I should not have been bo illiberal , that , because I could not act with them , either to cease my advocacy of the Charter , or to call them fo ^ ls for thinking differently to me ; aud it is quite certain I shonld not myself have been charged as a conspirator , or on the introduction of any other scheme , aa good , or better , been charged with " treason , treachery , or villany . " The factions resort to such language as tins—it does not become working men to follow such examples .
The plan of the " New Move" or the " Secret Move ' tyou have a choice of terms Mr : E : litor ) came under my notice ia the shape of a pamphlet : it not only recommended itself , but it was bailed by thinking and good men who wrote on the subject , aa " a clever and judiciously devised scheme , and highly praiseworthy to the compilers . " It is not a question with me whether it bad precedence or not ; I believe it had , with the plan of the National Charter Association . I have a right to take it up as being far more important and extensive , not with the intention of frustrating other plans , but , as it embraces the carrying out one of the important essentials to good government—education , and of educating on a large and lofty scale ; and as others more moderately inclined in their political demands , able and willing to lend pecuniary and other aid might be indaocd to do so , I cannot see why such assistance should be rejected , unless at the same time we were called upon to surrender any portion of our demand .
These of the " Old Move" may contend if they please , alone for the Charter , and there can be no objection to their doing bo , but it is certainly inexcusable in their vnsiom to set about bullying us who are are as much in earnest as themselves for the same object , because we wish to do as much as possible beforehand in preparing the minds of individuals for the proper f xercise of their right , when they are in possession of it I know well that proper edncation cannot be earned out on an extensive scale under the present sectarian , uupovt-riohiug and partial system ; but that is no reason , when the desiie for national education is manifested , that tLe beautiful txyressu-n of " National Jackass " should be introduced as a fair reply .
Untitled Article
Though ttiere are tens of thousands in this country who have no tiina for mental improvement , there aro thousands who have time and not the inclination , and an equal number anxious and willing who have not the necessary conveniences and opportunity . Why object to the establishment of such means ? Why assail and brow-beat those , who though inclined to do more than yourselves , do uot , nor have they the least desire to prevent yon from proceeding in your own way . I am one of those persons who would not give up one tittle of the demand in the Charter suffrage ; but I am not so destitute of moral feeling as to condemn all who do not coincide with me in my opinion , or to call ill names , or denounce friends , because their inclination
leads them to higher attainments of individual and general enlightenment , or because they move in higher circles . Nothing is more grating to my ear than the abusive epithets poured forth against what are called the " saopoeracy , " tfce " middle-class slave drivers , " &c &c when it ia well known that there are am ; ng the middle class thousands equally as ardent for Universal Suffrago as thoae who are deprived altogether of the suffrage , but that their circumstances render them dependent , their minds being as tnucu enthralled as the harassed frames of the factory slaves . The principal object of the Chartist body should ba to secure a unity of persons , and not to allow minor differences to break their ranks . The primary aim o ! all good men should be to make friends , and not to bo constantly employed in creating strife and making enemies .
Never was there a mure fallacious charge made against any set of men than that against those of the new move , " as it ia termed . Because Fonblanquo , O'Connell , Ward , and othor such turncoats and drivellers , have praised the plan of the " new move , " we ave bound , one and all , according to the liberality of some of our worthy citirins , to be set down as " traitors , " " Household Suffrage" men , and " enemies" to the working classes . How very generous ! How very politic , at snch an important period , aud how truly consistent with the principles professed ! The object of all good Chartists should be to make converts and to win friends . Not to pander , to cringe , or to surrender principle , but threugh the force of facts , and consistency of conduct , to force the respect of men . All men are not " villains" or " traitors" who cannot see as far , or who cannot act as independently as others .
How , I would ask , is the charge of renegadism made out ? Has Collins or Lovett , or any other of the obnoxious ninety , denounced Universal Suffrage ? And have they really become " renegades , " and " gone over to the Whigs ? " No such thing ; but because O'Connell had made a speech , wherein he stated that " Collins , and L » vett , and Cleave were three of the beat men in the community , and that he understood they were about to form an association having for its object Household Suffrage , " that those men , as well as the list of ninety , are to ba set down as traitors , and " enemies of the people . " This is the evidence , made
up with afew facts which sometime or other , a few secrets , which for borne reason or other must not be divulged till some future period , on which , with the exception of something less than half a dozen of the list , eternal condemnation is passed . I have too high an opinion of the persous introducing the . " new move" to fancy i ' ot a moment , that they have , or will go over , either to O'Connell , or become panies to any selttah , or truckling scheme . The extract above alluded to , is the base of a long letter ; and the long yarn of a letter says , on such evidence , without the proof , that " aconspiracy has been formed as deep as ever was hatched in hell . "
My motto is Universal Suffrage . I will not be a party in the demand for instalments , because I am perfectly satisfied that nothing less than a full representa tion of the people , will secure to the whole people good government ; but aa the Whigs , if they were honest , have it in their power to give instalments , I would not fight with them for granting such Whiggish boons ; but 1 will never cease fighting the Whigs , or whatever faction it may be which stands in the way of a full measure of justice . lam perfectly satisfied that such is the determination of those introducing the " new move ; " when 1 find the question of universal right in jeopardy , from falso friends , or burked by party , I shall be one of the first to raise ray voice against it , and to denouuse tho mentioned betrayers . W . Hollis . Cheltenham , April 25 th , 1841 .
Untitled Article
But you will perhaps ask , if these are my and sentiments , why bolt from tho " trap ? " ami I wili tell you candidly it in because I conceive that the indis cretion which has attended its promulgation , particularly aa respects Mr . Lovett ' s having published unautaorisedly tho names which had been appended , the had feeling and spirit of partisanship which have been exhibited against it , will render any present attempt to carry it out futile . That such an attempt would tend to spread jealousy and dissension among the working classes , or at least among that portion of them who do not conceive it to be possible to advocate two such mighty objects at one and the same time , and further , that any failure attending the present Association would bo laid to the charge of the new one .
If Mr . Lovett and his friends have acted indiscreetly in any of their proceedings , no one more than rayseif regrets it : if I "was convinced that they had actod treacherously , none would more condemn and despise them ; bnt I am not yet so convinced . Tou nrvy , Sir , ask , is not Mr . O'ConnelTa assertion sufficient evidence on the subject ? and I say to my mind it ia net I hnvo shewn you that a gentleman , who has , I b<ove , never been suspected of being other than an honest advocate of the Charter , had previously acquainted me with Mr . Lovett's intentions ; and where men aro
constantly on the alert to find the means whereby to sprat J dissension among the Chartists , it is not to me surprising that they should have become acquainted with the subject But , then , Mr . O'Connell asserted that Lovtitt and his friends were on the point of es&blis ' . ing an Association for the attainment of Household Suffrage , Triennial Parliaments , and the Ballot . True ; but it ia the first time I ever saw it admitted by the E Utor of the Northern Star , that the mere assertion of Mr . O'Connell was sufficient to blast the reputation of any man in existence .
But I have , for the reasons above stated , written to Mr . Lovett to have my name withdrawn from his document ; and I have , also , written to inform both of them that my reasons will be fully set forth in the letter which 1 have forwarded to you for publication , written to the sub-Secretary of the National Charter Association , desiring to have my name erased from its books , because I find that I cannot continue to be a member of that Association without becoming , or seeming to become , a mere partisan . I have , Sir , ever stood prepared to defend and assist to carry out the principles contained in the Charterprepared to prove that it is utterly impossible for any man , or body of men , to improve to any considerable extent the condition of our common country , until the people are fully , equally , and universally represented in the Commons' House ; and , further , that overy extension of the suffrage , so long as a slave class is permitted to remain , is only a greater injury and insult committed on tho unenfranchised portion of society .
It is true , Sir , I possess not the mental or physical powers of Mr . O'Connor , nor—however willing or able in mind or body—am I in a position to assist to the extent that be can do in the establishment of the Charteif ; but I yield not to him . in integrity and honesty of purpose . But he says that he will place the names of eightyseven of his men against eighty-seven of those who are opposed to him . The fact is , in such a squabble , I do not mean to place my name in juxtaposition with any man ' s ; I know no O'Connotism , Lovettism , or any other ism , bnt Chartism . I have sympathised deeply with Mr . O'Connor in the cruelties and injuries which have been inflicted upon him ; I trnst I bava in my breast gratitude sufficient to acknowledge the exertions of any and every man who exerts himself with the intention ef ameliorating the condition of his species . or any portion thereof , whether he may call himself Whig , Tory , or Radical , but I tie myself to the chariot wheels Of no man .
Until the Charter be established , I consider it to be the duty of all persons—who , in perspective , see the advantages it will produce to society—to assist to their utmost it its establishment : that established , and I am convinced that the best if not the only means of bettering the condition of the people will be to elevate the mental , moral , and physical condition of tho most abject among them ; and if Mr . O'Connor possesses more extended views thau his compeers , or greater mental or physical energies to carry them out , I would myself vote for him ; and if he do not , I trust , without being charged with ingratitude towards him , I shonld vote against him : and when I say I should do so , I believe I speak the sentiments of no inconsiderable portion of the working classes of Britain , who , I am certain , will never consent to become , like too many of his poor devoted countrymen , the mere tools of any human being in existence .
Some of your correspondents , Sir , in denouncing those who have placed their name to Mr . Lovett ' s Circular , make it a ground of accusation against them that the industrious classes do not possess among themselves less morality than any other class of society . This I believe has not been asserted nor insinuated by Mr . L ., and if it had I would be tha first to deny the assertion . But I wish not for comparative morality , I ask not what is the morality of other classes , or even that of my neighbour ' s family . 1 know that the more moral I can make my own , the more I shall see them respected by the good of all classes , and the more happy beings will thty themselves become : and I know that the future happiness or misery of the human race depends to a great extent on the virtue , honesty , and firmness of the industrious classes of the present generation . " Virtue is bold and goodness never fearful . "
Having now , Sir , withdrawn myself from both Associations—parties , or " traps , " if you will have it so , I trust that , unassisted—single minded—single banded , I shall so conduct myself as to mako my class , as far as I am concerned , generally respected ; and , however much some persons or parties may differ from me in politics , or even on the policy or impolicy of my present proceeding , none shall charge me with doing aught to disgrace myself , my class , or the sacred cause which I have at heart Trusting that the importance of the subject , and the manner in which I have been mixed up with it , will be a sumcient excuse for the length of my letter , I am , Sir , Tour verj obtdient servant , John Sandy . 64 , Uppei North-street , Brighton , April 2 « th , 1811 .
Untitled Article
^ TO THE BD 1 T 0 K OF THE NORTHERN STAR . Sib , —Have the kindness t » favour the friends of Feargus O'Connor , Esq . with a space in the Star of this week , for the annexed address and i-es'lutioj : s , passed at the various places named and alluded to , as they are wishful to convey every mark of approval , in the trying situation in which he is placed , that their circumstances will enable them to do , to encourage him in the Herculean labour he has undertaken to perform . I remain , Yours , fee . Robert Tetley .
TO F . O'CONNOR , ESQ . Respected Patriot—The incarcerated victim fob . other Mens Okfences , —After reading your excellent letter in the Star of Saturday last , exposing the foolishness of some leading characters ot ' the O" Connell school , attempting to betray you and your cause by an unholy alliance with some of what was supposed to be the accredited leaders of the people , ( they having suffered in the cause , ) it was unanimously determined upon , that an address should be sent to the Star , expressive of the confidence of those present , who -were members , and other friends of the Radical Association , that meet at the Labour and Health , Southgate , in this town , every Saturday evening . Mr . R . Tetley , was unanimously deputed to draw up the same , and send it for insertion in the next Star , as a mark of esteem for their suffering benefactor .
Sir , we admit the system to which you are opposed naturally tends to promote immorality and vice in the world , and has brought the different classes of society into all but open hostility towards each other . Certain ppmms have already armed themselves for self defence , copying after the example set and taught by their euemies , knowing that , by parity of reason , whatever will justify one sot of men in the us « of amis , may , with equal propriety , under certain circumstances , be taken up by others ; yet you have ever advised that moral force principles ought to take the lead , and be , who by virtuous resolutions arms himself to the conflict ,
becomes doubly armed . We are amongst that class who have become your debtors from the pecuniary sacrifices you nave had to make on our behalf , and the personal exertions employed in the defence of that causo we profess to honour and esteem . Ton have furnished us with sufficient evidence whereby we can judge of your motives to action ; and your unceasing labours in the cause , when at liberty , and since your incarceration , ought to put your very worst enemies to the blush , if they dared to come out with one railing accusation against you . Tour straightforward , undeviating course , to establish the principles of free representation , entitle you to the support and confidence of every honest
man . We cheerfully accord to you that honeBt meed of praise due to your firmness , perseverance , and willing advocacy of the poor man ' causa , In the case ot ihu Dorchester Labourers , the Glasgow Cotton Spinners , and that more recent and melancholy event , the Newport tragedy ; all of which are strong proofs of your untiring zaal in the promotion of that great national reform you are seeking to bring about . Amongst the diversified " ism" ot the day , which distract the country , wo almost find yon alone , as a public character , untainted by any of them , n « bly pursuing your course amidst them all , not the least disconcerted , pressing the attainment of that ; p « wer for individual man to possess , which alone can muke him a useful and important member of society—the tight of having a voice in governing the affairs which rule the destinies of the people .
We regret , and fondly hope we may fee deceived , with respect to recent circumstances , said to have taken place in reference to public characters who have figured in the political world as the patriots of the ay , and the friends of the people , and do hope that the name of Collins , Lovett , &c , will not be found in the company of these who parley with the pe * ple's rights , in order the better to establish their own , by sacridciug at the shrine of mammon what ouijht , iu justice , to be given to the poor for self defence , namely , the right of suffrage .
Untitled Article
We adiisire your unduvkting policy tbrtriirt " . o ( iC tha whole of your poHticil career , uninfluenced by rank , station , or power , of any description , neither yielding to expediency on the one hand , nor charmed by modern philosophy on the other ; so as to induce you to hoodwink the more ignorant of your apecies , in order to get at a name amongst tlie " eJncated classes" o ! being a clever man . In short , to withdraw the conudence we think you entitled to at present , you will liave te unsay all that you have ever written or spoken , adopt
the , Mattausian doctrine of over population , the free traile principle * which give to property more right * than to that of labour , and reserve , as a reward for the industrious poor , a place in the modern bastiles , where liberty , sociability , and good feeling are destroyed , by the scanty allowance , and separation , which takes place between man and wife in thean . We remain , Most sincerely yours , ic , Signed on behalf of the meeting , Robert 1 ltle *
Halifax , Apr il 27 th , 1841 . P . S . The above atidress was read on Tuesday evening to the member . * of the Radical Association , as their weekly meeting , and unanimously approved of . R . T .
Untitled Article
TO THE UXITED CHARTISTS OF GliEAT BRITAIN . Brothers , —Having been nominated as a candidate for a seat in the £ xc-cutive Council , at the request ot numerous mvtuhata of the National Charter Assoi ' - ' tiion , I beg thus . pubiiely to make knows my views reipecV ing the duties of the Executive , and the steps they should , iu my opinion , take when electee . The National Charter Association was formed for tho purpose of causing the People ' s Charter to become the law of the latul . The frrat and greatest dutv ot the Executive , therefore , will be , to see that in every movement of the-people the spirit of that Charter is abided by . and to press forward , by all legal and peaceful mean « , unaltered and complete as it is at present stands , that great and glorious measure .
The next duty of the Executive will consist in creating publicopinion in favour of the people ' s cause ; to struggle with and remove the errors by which the peo ple ' s eyes are blinded ; and whenever any attempts are made for factious or party purposes , to delude the people and lead them away from the pursuit of their rights , itwillbefor the Executive to flnd means bj which the tnemy may be met and defeated . Another duty will be to collect and concentrate the energies of the-Chartist body ; to establish unanimity of purpose and proceeding , and , by example , to inspire
energy and activity into the breast of every individual professing to . desire to see tho Charter enacted . It will be for the Executive to superintend the business affairs of the association ; to attend to the monetary department ; to cause from time to time just and comprehensive , tables of the income and expenditure of monies ; to allay dissensions , and settle disputes ; to aid and assist victims ; to watch narrowly the conduct , the professions , and actions of all who take an active part in the people ' s cause ; and fearlessly , unflinchingly , and honestly to discharge the important duties entrusted to them .
The Executive , in my opinion , immediately upon their first assembling , should revise , enlarge , complete , and submit to the Chartists for approval , the Constitution of the Association , or the "Plan .: * It should then proceed to instruct all the officers of the association in a proper knowledge of their duties , and the requirements from . them , until all the parts of the organizition are harmoniously blended and set in motion . It will then be for them , to the fullest extent of the means supplied by the people , to secure the spread of Chartist principles , by tbe appointment of intelligent lecturers
and the plentiful distribution of instructive political papers , simplifying and explaining the objects of government , and the principles upon which it should be based , and showing the superiority of democratic over all other institutions . It will also be for the Extcutive , aided by the General Couucii , to secure in every city , tow . n , or village , a place of meeting , where the pure truths of democracy may be taught , and the people be instructed upon the means to be employed to rid themselves of oppression , aud tke sufferings resulting from it
Such proceedings as these cannot fail to carry with them social improvement ; and without entering into calculations of the amount of money required for the purposes of this organization , and thereby placing their object beyond the , reach of the people , imparting to them the idea that the scheme is Maithusian or visionary , or only to drag pence from their pockets to be applied to idle purposes , incalculable good will be effected ; and suah the mighty results , if the Executive is active and zealous , that a glorious , mural , ; v . A political revolution will speedily ensue , to gladden the hear t of every lover of his kindred .
These ate britfly my views of tho dutteB of the Executive , and the manner iu 'which they should proceed when elected . Of course th'jre are many matters of detail which cannot here be entered upon . But if , in tho fundamental principles , the members of the Nati « nal Charter Association agree with myself , 1 skall be happy to serve them to the best of my ability . - I am , brother Chartists , Tour devoted friend , R . K . Piiilp . 1 , Chandos-Buildings , Bath , Mny 3 , 1841 .
P . S . I have just seen a letter , by Mr . Hetherinjrton , in the Odd FeUow , in which lie says tho National Charter is an O'Connor Association , and "is always talking about the Charter , but doing very little tovvarda enduring its triumph . " As one of the delegates who assisted in the formation of the National Ci > art » r Association , I beg distinctly to say , that O Connor h ; td nothing whatever to do with its establishment ; that a delegate meeting was called by the Chartists , and it is , therefore , in ev < .-ry sense , an association wholly formed and supported by the Chariitt body . I am ready to admit that , the designs of this Association have not been made so public as it wub necessary they should ; nor have the publie been given
fully to understand the manner in which it will proceed . It is , therefore , important that the election of the Executive should come off according to appointment , and the chosen representatives proceed at onpa to their duties , that all ground for misrepresentation may be removed . Tbe Executive will not , in wj o- inion , be ¦ j , permanently sitting body . Quarterly or uther meetings , will be sufficient for the transaction of business ; but those members of the Executive who are agreeable may be employed os missionaries throughout ih .- ytur for which they are appointed , this is the compensation alluded to in tha plaa of organization for long of employment , or in consequence » f ¦ performing the requisite duties . In , my own case , however , this permanent employment would not be required . B . K . P .
Untitled Article
Strange Occurrence . — On Sunday last , during the afternoon service , as the preacher in one of the Established Churohes was about to offer up prayers for the congrega * ibn , the precentor gave out tho following notice : —" . A vomit ; maH , enuring into business , eai'DcslJy solicits the prayers o : this oongregalion . "—Dundee Adverluer . Ghent , May 5 . —On Monday last the Nessor of all the prisoners in Europe died in the prison of Ghrut . Pierre Joseph Socte was condemned in 1773 to be broke on the wheel , for having murdered a youngf girl . He was then seventeen , years of age .
A petition being presented to the Empress Maria Theresa , hisrpunishment was commuted into imprisonment for _ life . In 1814 he was set at liberty by Count Bic ' ial . ff , Hetman of tho Cossacks , wkose head quarters were , in this city ; but being destitute of the means of subsistence , of relations , and friends , afcer thirty-six years' captivity , he solicited , as a favour , to besuffered to re ' urn to the same prison which had be « n so long his abode . The request was granted , and h » remained in the Easphuis twentyseven years more ( in all aixty-three years ) , and died on Monday , at the age of eighty years .
Child Dropping . — On Saturday evening , no fewer than three infants were left at different parta of Brighton by their unnatural parents . About a quarter past tettj a boy knocked at the house of Mr . Vlarfiu , a saddler . North-street , with a . basket , in his hand , which he said was for Mr . Martin , but" there was nothing to pay . " The servant girl went to call her mistress ,, and on her return the basket was in the passsge , but the boy had left . On opening the pareel , they found a beautiful boy , about six weeks old , wrapped in flannel , and very nicely clothed . The infant was immediately taken to the Town-hall by a policeman , and from thence to the workhouse , where it is doing well . Two others were brought iuto the poor-house the same night , which had boon l "* t- at doors in the western road . —Ayleabury News ,
The Rev . T . D . Grego in Cdstodt . —The Rev . T . D . Gregg , of controversial notoriety , has been brought before the Dublin police magistrates for an assault and outrage at the George-street nunnery ia that city . The liev . polemic , it seems , having heard that a girl of respectable connections , formerly a Protestant , had entered the convent , proceeded thither wittrher uncle and brother , and endeavoured to force tbe girl away , at the same time using very
offensive terms to the nuns . The girl ' s mother , it appears , is living , and had offered no objections to the step she had taken . After an investigation , the magistrates ordered all the parties concerned to be bound in their recognizances to keep the peace ; but Mr . Gregg refused to comply with this order , because he said he was convicted by a Popish magistrate . Information was then lodged against him by Mr . Duffy , the magistrate alluded to , and Mr . Gregg remains in custody , having refused to give bail . »
A Black Affair . —A chimney sweepers boy nam d Richardson , of Knaresbroueh , was last week committed for trial at the next West Riding Sessions , on a charge of stealing a quantity of soot , from another , of the " fraternity" named Watson , who being also a boy , and haying no friends to be bound for his appearance against his " professional brother" at the sessions , he was also consigned to prfpon , so that ho may be forthcoming at the " moU fid time , "
^— ≪£Ric-Tnal Covvetyonbence. *
^— < £ ric-tnal Covvetyonbence . *
Untitled Article
THE " NEW MOVE . " " Tracing most of our social grievances to class legislation , we have proposed a political reform upon tbe principles of the People ' s Charter : we have made it tfie polar star of our agitation , and have resolved , by all just and peaceful nn-ans , to cause it to become the law of our country . " Believing it to have truth for its basis , and the happiness of all for its end , we conceive that it needs not the violence of passion , the bitterness of party spirit , nor tho arms of aggressive warfare , for its support : its priuciples need only to bo unfolded to be appreciated , and , being appreciated by the majority , will be established in peace . "—Extract from Address " to the Political and Social Reformers . "—{ ' New move . " )
Untitled Article
. « , THE W 0 NDK 0 US "SECRET MOVE . " " Gt » oi name in man or woman dear , my lord , Is the immediate juwel of tbe soul ; Who steals my purse , steals trash j 'tis something , nothing . ' 'Twas mine , 'tis his , and haa been a ' ave to thousands ; But be that filches from me my good rmme , Robs me of that which uot enriches him , But makes me poor indeed . "
Untitled Article
TO THE EDITOR OF THE N 0 HT 11 ERN STAR . Sin , —Another rat escaping from the " trap" will probably be the exclamation of the Editor of the Northern Star , aud truly you may . Sir , if you pleaso , add thereto , one dettiuiicttl to escape from both tbe " traps . " But I shall , Sir , in forcing my vray oDt of tbe trammels of both of them , require , as un act of common honesty at your bands , un opportunity of replying to some considerable extent , to the vituperation which I conceive to haw been unmcritedly thrown on myself , aud on many others , equally with myself undeserving of it . I shall endeavour , as briefly as possible , to show how I bec . viue mixed up with the wondrous affair—my opinion on all that relates to it—and why I have now determined to withdraw my name both from the plot and the counterplot .
I beg , then ,, at the commencement to say , Sir , that as respects the persons whose names were in the first instance attached to tbe circular , I know them no * , personally . 1 never , to my kiiow , e < lge , save but one uf them , nor ever had the slightest coiuiuuuicat . on with either of the hi , previous to the general diatvibudja of that document through the country . I did not myself receive a copy of it directly fiom its promulgators , nor had 1 any reason to suppose that such a plan was in embryo , excepting that a geutlemun whose name I give you in coniiUeucH , informed me fcomu mouths previously that Mr . Lovetb was su sanguine of being abie to carry out his views anil objects , that be was actually making preparations for the attempt . Well , Sir , when tha time urrived , a friend who had received a copy willed on me with tbe same . I said the time is short , but let us sit down ami
perus-e it We did so ; when I saul however much I may approve of the object , if practicable , there aro curtain parts of tho circular which I should much regret to see become a public document ; and aa suggestions are rtquesttd , I will luy ^ eif write to Mr . Lovett , ami give him my i < leas on the subject . I did write to him , and particularly requested to recal his attention to those parts which went , in the first place , to denounce certain classes of society , instead of showing kow beiuficial bis plan might ultimately became to all classes if properly carried out—at the same tiuio instructing the working classes to depend on none but themselves to carry it out ; and secondly , to the absuniity of denouncing public demonstrations which—whether right or wrong in tho abstract—are to a gnat txtent necessary , n ; itler certain circumstances , to carry out any great public object
I forwarded my views to Mr . L , and previous to receiving an answer from him , two friends called on me , whose names I again give , you in confidence—uot from anj wish for secresy , but because we have already had too much of personality . They requested my signature , and having every reason to suppose that that document would be properly revised before it was made public , I unhesitatingly placed my name thereon , and 1 buve no rtuson to suppose that such revision would not have taken place had £ ood faith been kept by those who revised them , and their various suggestions been forwarded as required : if some persona thought improvements could be nv . ide , and others thought it impolitic at the time to publish it , each , in my opinion , ought to have sent his suggestions as required ; ami I do not now believe that , had such been the case , the suggestions wuuld not have been properly attended to .
But no . Sir , some of them were eent to the Editor of the Northern Slur , with strong denunciations against , ihe parties who had proniuigated , or who might have the temerity to app-.-ml their signatures thereto . This I consider injustice—injustice on tbe part of those who forwarded them , and injustice on your part in publishing that which was in an unfinished state , merely sent round to collect suggestions for improvement ; and 1 consider it equally unjust on the part of Mr . Lovett to fcave forwarded to you for publication tho names of tbase persons who bad appended them to it in its crude and undigested state , without having previously askeil them whether they had any objection to their names so appearing .
This , Sir , brings me to the c Moderation ef the prac ticability of the object itself , and the propriety or impropriety of attempting it , whilst there was auother National Association in existence . And I confess that much as you may sneer at the immensity of tbe sum requisite , I do not , when I look around me at the various railroads and other works which are by co-operation accomplished , and which would but the other day have be « n consuleml as so many impossibilities , —I do not , I say , consider tbe plan utterly impracticable , and particularly if those who profess to be the instructors of the working classes would endeavour to convince them of its utility , and of the possibility of their
carrying it out Nor do 1 conceive that the object had any thing whatever to do with the Association previously in existence : in fact , I conceive that I am borne but in both my views by the Editor of the Northern Star , for ho ifl even now publishing some excellent essays on " Trades Halls , " wtaiub . are ntarly a counterpart to the views and objects of these terrible conspirators ; nor do I recollect that he has even recommended to us to wait till the Charter shall be established , before we attempt another business of such mighty importance ; nor has he in his wisdom informed us how or when these beautiful structures are , as in fairy land , to spring up without the exertions and contributions of the working cUues .
Untitled Article
THE NORTHERN STAR . 7 ~ ~* ' *~ " ~ ' ~ - ¦ - _¦ _ - ^ _ _ . - I ¦ ' !¦¦ '
-
-
Citation
-
Northern Star (1837-1852), May 15, 1841, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1109/page/7/
-