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A NEW MODE OF PAYING OFF THE NATIONAL DEBT.
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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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[ COMMUNICATIONS OMITTED LAST ] JWEEK . ] 1 « . \ ra n'BRIEK TO HIS FRIENDS AND CORRES- '¦ . PONT ) ENTS . I Mr . O'Brien begs , through the medium of the Star , j to acknowledge and return his grateful thanks for , the > several congratulatory addresses , invitations , &nd other j epistolary communication * which have been pretested j to him from various parts of England and Scotland j jiace his liberation , through Mrs . O'Brien , Mr . Hey- 1 irood , and- other channels ; and begs to assure his jriends and correspondents , that tfce communications , jiluded to shall command his respectful attention , the , moment h e gets relieved from his present engagements m Lancashire and Yorkshire . He has noted down the j Mines snd addresses of all the parties who have written <
to tim , snd would reply to them immediately bat : Sadg it impossible to answer all , partly owing to the ; up idity of his movements from town to town , and partly to extreme bad health "which lenders him , for ' the present , incapable of any farther exertion thin is \ absolutely necessary to meet the engagements on hand . Be wishes also , when he does write , to be able to inform hii friendB , ( ih the distant parts of England and Scotland . ; of the precise time they may expect him in gjeir r espective localities , —which he cannot do now , owing to the causes already stated , particularly to the preeariocs state of bis health , which he sometimes fean will compel him to postpone his intended visit * to Scotland and the West of England till next ranker . Owing to this latter cause Mr . OB . after attending
sixteen great meetings within the tot seventeen days of b is liberation , ( in Westmoreland , North and South XA ocssaire and Cheshire , ) was compelled at last to take to his bed on Monday last , and put himself into the doctor * hands , who tells him that be will not answer { or his life , if be resumes agitation otherwise than s ' owly and leisurely , not lecturing or addressing crowded assemblies oftner than three times a week , and eren then always taking care to get to bed as soon as possible after the meetings are over , without subjecting ymself to cold or sudden chcages of temperatare . In consequence of his illness Mr . OB . was obliged ( for the first time / to disappoint the men of Oidham on the evenin gs of Monday and Tuesday list , bet thanks to Me ssrs . Doyle and Vincent , wba kindly volunteered to lake his place , and thanks to the men eff Oidham ,
themselves , -whose humanity and considerate feelings were eonspicnons oa the occasion , the disappoinment wti not felt , save on Mr . O'Brien ' s own account To j prevent the like disappointment in future , Mr . O"B . j vill not kare more than three or four meetings pre- ; arranged for his within a given time , and in and at jpecified days and places , daring the remaining portion j of his political tour , but if his health and strength ; yritt permit , he will visit other places in the immediate ; ficiajtr , on the intervening days . j We en Mr . OB . finds himself convalescent , he will ' laorew ' nis frien < is at greater length , through the Star , ' and meanwhile he wishes all fntore communications from them , ( till further notice , ) to he addressed for him to the ore of Mr . Heywood , bookseller , Oldh&m-etreet , HsDchester ; is Hrs . O'B . and family , are about to re- ! move from laaeister . ;
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HrDBEEsriELD . —Mr . Duffy lectured here on Mon- •' diy evenisg to a crowded audience . ! HaCK 5 et . —At a public meeting of Chartists , held at Mr . Weston ' s Temperance Hotel , on Tuesday last , Hi . Rowland in the chair , ilr . Wheeler delivered an , excellent lecture to an intelligent audience , on the pria- ; ciples of the People ' s Charter , proving it to be a complete remedy for the numerous political evils which . ifflict society . At the conclusion of the lecture , Mr . ; Rowland , in an eloquent address , supported the views
of the lecturer , and recommended , in glowing terms , ' the Sorihem Star newspaper to their notice , it being the only English newspaper that advocated the right of labour . The address of the National Executive was then read from the English Chartist Circular , and highly approved . [ The spirited proprietor of this work ia Ushi ? to be commended for the prompt manner in ' ¦ which he has inserted this and other national documents emanating from the Executive . } Several new members were enrolled , class-leaders appointed , a council elected , and this young branch of the association having got fairly under weigh , will , we trust , speedily become the parent of many others in this truly shopoeaiae district May it increase and multiply . St . Pakcsas . —Mr . Martin delivered an excellent address , tt the Feathers , Warren-street , on Sanday hurt , < m the best y ^* " of obtaining t ^ Charter . An excellent spirit was evinced , and much good will be the |
Laxbeth . —Mr . Stallwood lectured hers on Tuesday last , at the spacious Hail , China Walk . Subject— " The necessity cf a change . " The lecturer in an able manner depicted the evils of onr present system of legis ' . ative iocquslity , snd showed the superiority of the Charter crrer every other proposed remedy . Middlesex—A delegate meeting was held October 10 th , at 55 , Old Bailey , Mr . Rowland in the chair . Reports of a satisfactory nature were received from the various deputations appointed to wait upon the koJitiea . Much disappointment was expressed at the ^ potations appointed to wait on two bodies of the tailors having neglected to attend according to engage * sect Credentials were received from Messrs . Dale
and Mills , as delegates from the city of London locality ; file sum of £ 4 6 s . 2 d . was received towards clearing the loans due on account of public meetings . The deputation appointed to attend the discuss i on on the Charter , at the Social Hill . John-street , Tottenham-Conn-Road , gave in a satisfactory report , and announced Bat the snfcjeci for the ensuing Friday evening wonld be " The Comparative Benefits of the Repeal of the Corn Laws , and the attainment of the Charter ;" Mess * . 3 £ sriin and Qsvdfellow -were appointed to attend . Mr . M'Grath , assisted by Mr . Knight , was appointed to attend a discussion on the following . evening , saiject— " Were the People intelligent enough to possess the Franchise . " The various lecturers and
deputations to the localities were appointed . The offer of the shareholders , of 55 , Old Bailey , to allow the council the use of their room for lecturing every Thursday evening , on condition of paying Is . 6 d . per night for lighting , fce . was accepted , and Messrs . Dale , Martin , and Watkins , appointed a committee to manage the business of the lecture-room . After considerable disensaan on the subject of the late article in the Bupateh , headed " Political Bloodhounds , " it was earned , by a majority , that the council should not waste its time in discussing the frivolous or malicious attacks of those parties who , fearing oar strength , and dreading onr honesty , were anxious to sow the seeds of discord amongst us . Much indignation was expressed it the
cwidncJ the new jonrnal , the Weekly Express , m bidding for publi * fat oar , by promising to give faithmi isA extended report * of ill Chartist proceedings , ttd treating the St . Fancies meeting in the manner it had done . Mr . Martin gave notice of a motion con- j aemning the vielent language contained in the sermon Published by Mr . Watkins . Mr . Fussell moved , and \ Mr . Goadfeliow seconded , the following resolution : — ihat tins meeting , having obtained the professional MTiee of Mr . OConnor retarding tte payment of the la . per month t » the Delegate Council , declare ,- in » aswer to the correspondence from Finsbury , that it is ttea opinion that it is strictly legal , and impress upon taem the a&eessity of immtliitery furnishing their quota , " Carried unanimously . Various loans were i '" a&arsed , and the meeting adjourned .
* S *?""*«**• —Oa Sunday , Oct . 10 : h , Mr . Stall- i Twd lectured at the Charter Coffee House , 8 tretton ! Ground , on the •¦ Necessity of a charge . " He state * ' tttt manimd continual !? boasted of their intelligence , ' ttor » udom , their knowledge , arts , srieoce , ic as If tta learning led to happiDess , as though we were i ^ Karronna ^ by want , aiaery , prostitution , and ! h ^ L S ^ ""* ° <***' "'* < to » t « vd of considering ! te t £ w « M E 8 nres . WOnId fcentfit ** People-how ^ nTw ^ S ? l ™ w ttttTe of ^ PP ^ ear , considered only Ak ZJ > % d Sqaare * ilh our Bnrienl »> d vener-« 5 £ S f * ' Qieen ' Lwk . ^ Commons , j enWo ^ V u the ? « ' te showed the era ! Sn ? J ^ l ?* UwB ' Endosnn Laws , Enlistment monstataag ^ 1 ^^ - of , *„__ . hfl thm , hi w « i !
Sw ^ u T ^ 8 " 01 England , Ireland , Scotland , ! Peoofew ^ alond ^^ chan ? e * h 0 llld ^ ! Wrti » * 7 f ^ ' 8 il 0 ' ( ril 1 ? the advantages which all ; aaXrVT ^^ from its adoption , and concluded j Bfc * n £ Powerful address , amid the plaudits of " . S m ^^ ^^ a ««>* room here , and if \ ^ m embers m thU locality would bat exert toem- \ the ,- » w endeavour to " get th « » tea . m up , " ! hU- ^ rf , ° d 0 Utt th 4 t & ***¦ g ^ xi nigte *» effected , to * £ l ^ f 7 V * ?^ locality . Lecturers can be found S"e services , bat they in return expect an aadienoe , ! o £ iS 'i ? - lrGHA 1 ISH 1 a «—OnMoiida , ^ ening , t nnmw ™ , ' Sunm ° DS gave a lecture at this place , to I ^^ s and attentive audience , and the reVult was i £ d r ^ Tv ^ 86 ' * ber 8 ^^ standard of Chartism i fcan ^ T . v ^ nd * ed > he saeceeded in establishing a ¦ SS £ Ihtl ati 0 Bal ° hSrta Assod * ' and alsS a
kSjf S ~ Oa Wedne ^ 7 erening last , an over- , S . S 1 ribb ° » weaver ? of Congletoni * iertot ^ ^ 6 Ch ? rtirt - ««^ . Moody-street , to con-1 irMrR V ¥ fnS ot " 2 ° *^ sa attempted reduction I drrertr' * Westj &om Macdesfield , atte 8 ded , i S ^ V" > tu to entering on the busin « s delivered a ; 5 &Pi ! BeceBity of tte workin « cl& 8 Ses ' r ^ W ttie Charter , and the utter impossibility ef ; ^^ uy ran £ tng reduction ot wages wiaiout the j ^ m of poUtical power . The meeting > eemed im- 1 *^^ ^ ^ " 5 " ¦ remar ks . « d » general VaiSurjif feT 0 UI of J ^ « ^ associAtion , I »* s ™ * nrf procetdbdwith their immediite busi- ' ^ » druxmmoTtsiy agree , ! to re »« the proposed re- ! itttS " r ^ Sspp " ^^ twa-o au by ereij means i * eH ?; J v reduction wiU amount to from 4 s . \ ^• adSh ^ T' Oflernan stated that for several weeks ^ i ' wmvT' ^ i *" ** ° ^ *** Wetk > and ' ) } dc ^ corapej his hands to live in his cottages for * SSil Wlfe aa foar chilaren ; and if the pro-: ^ K ^ wtion toos place he would have but 3 s . ! The ; JSLSS ? » ? aWiih . ^ mgs ' ' * to •«* **\ ¦ " ***«» of the press in > hilx centest
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Chblsea . —A public meeting of Chartist * took place at George-street , on Monday , Oct 10 th , Mr . Dallibar in the chair . Minutes were read and confirmed , i"he Secretary reported from delegate meeting . Considerable discussion arose on the change of the meeting night from Monday to Sunday , when it was resolved to continue to meet on Monday evenings for the transaction of business , and devote Sunday evening to leetorixuc . It was resolved that in future we meet at seven o ' clock instead of eight The Committee appointed to get up the late public meeting at the Bath Gardens having reported that the collection for the meeting had defrayed all the expences , Mr . Banker raeved and Mr . Wheeler seconded a vote of thanks for their energetic services , which was carried unanimously . The address frem the Executive was then discussed ; some objections were raised
respecting the number of delegates for Middlesex and the surrounding counties , and other minor details , but eventually Mr . Stall wood moved that the address he adopted , which , being seconded by Mr . Wheeler , was earned nnanimonsly . Mr . Wheeler was infracted to communicate with the Executive for petition sheets . Mr . Stallwood was appointed to lecture on the Corn Laws , on the ensuing Sunday , and Messrs . Wheeler , Dillibar , and Dowling , on the following Snndays , in consecutive order . Mr . Stallwood , in conseqnence of lad increase of members , was elected by a majority of four over Messrs . Heath and Dowliog , to the office of De-legate to the Lsndon Council . The Treasurer was authorized to transmit to the Finance Committee the money for fifcy cards . A vote of thanks was given to the Chairman and the meeting adjourned .
Trcho . —The Chartists of this place met at M ] r . John Eudean ' s Coffee-house , No , 1 , Castle-strest , when Wm . Wale , jun ., was called to the chair ; he addressed the meeting with good feeling and spirit , calling on them to unite for the purpose of supporting the movement under the guidance of the Executive Council of the National Charter Association . Having laid the future plan of operation bef « re them , and the notice calling a delegate - meeting at Bxth , a resolution was passed to support to their utmost , any decision they , the delegates , might come to . A good feeling generally seems to prevail amongst the working elasses , and many middleclass men , and . the hard hands anticipated at a future day that the bold and true to the cause of the poor , will pay them 2 visit in his agitating tour . The cause puts on a new face , % fresh impression seems to prevail , and the people anxiously await the arrival of some good and determined lecturer amongst the miners of Cornwall .
Wiivchcomb . —Mr . Melsora , of Cheltenham , lectored here on Sunday last , to an athiienoe composed of upwards of two hundred agricultural labourers . He was accompanied on his visit by Messrs . Perry , Welling , and Hay ward , and much good has been done in the district . Wi 6 as . —The Kev . J . R . Stephens paid a visit to this town on Tuesday , and in the evening delivered an eloquent and impressive discourse in the Commercial Hilt At the conclusion , a vote of thanks was moved by Mr . Dixon , and seconded by Mr . Birtwistle , to the lecturer , for his able defence of the rights of the labouring classes . Oldham —Mr . Doyle , of Manchester , * nd Mr . H . Tincent lbctured here , to numerous audiences , on Monday . Mr . O'Brien was to have lectured , but was unable from indisposition .
MiCCLESFiELD . —On Monday evening , Mr . Linney , of Manchester , delivered a very impressive lecture in the Charti st rooms , to a crowded audience , who seemed deeply impressed with the wholesome truths which Mr . L . brought forward . At the close of the lecture thirteen members were enrolled . Birmijigham . Progress op Chartism . —The good cause is advancing steadily here , and nothing is bo much required as a large place of meeting , in a central positioa ; such is the increased desire of the people for political information since the demonstration , tkat Freeman-street room is found to be too small for the accommodation of the public . The members of the council have therefore determined to procure a larger place els soon s > 3 possible . An association has also been foimed at the Ship Inn , Steelaouse-lane , at which place serend ot the most active &sd leading members uf the old political onion have taken oat cards . Another is about being established at the Domestic Coffee House ,
Henrietta-street , and it is hoped that ere long there win be a place of meeting in connection with the National Charter Association in all parts of this densely populated town . i Public Meetings . —Tbe usual weekly meeting of : the members of the National Charter Association was , held at their room in Freeman-street , on Monday evening last , Mr . J . Williamson in the chair ; the Chairman < delivered a long , instructive and humourous address , in i whi'h hfi ahlv exrwwed the villanipji of the nreatnt whuh he ably exposed the villanies of the present
system , and concluded by stating that he had been a Reformer throughout the course of a long life , and was determined to finish his coarse in the same way . Mr . George White then addressed the meeting at some length , he reviewed the opposition which the Chartists had \ - contend with , the steps which had been taken to break their spirits and intimidate them , and then alluded to tbe glorious position which they held in defiance of all opposition ; be then shewed substantial reasons why every working man and every friend of
justice and humanity should give their active support to the Cdartist movement , and concluded by proposing " That the general meeting should be held en the first Monday of every month , when the secretary should cal over the names of the members , and each person would afterwards be expected to pay up his arrears provided he was in employment" The motion was seconded and carried unanimously , after which Mr . Fassell addressed the meeting concerning tne charges which were made against his brother new resident in London , and stated that his brother was determined to ceme to
Birmingham to have them investigated . The usual notices were then given , after which the meeting separated . Sc . vd . at Etsa / sg . —The usual meeting was hridat Freeman-street on Sunday evening last , at half-past six o ' clock , and although the rain descendea in torrents , the attendance was numerous . Mr . George White delivered an address on the principles of the People's Charter , and tbe benefits that its establishment would confer on society , and showed op the infamous robbeiies perpetrated under the present system ; after which the meeting separated .
Chartist Meeting in Steelhopse-lane—A numerous meeting took place at the Ship Inn , Steelhouse-lane , on Tuesday evening last , for the purpose of entering the names of those who were willing to join ¦ tbe National Charter Association , and also to elect members of the National Council . Mr . Taylor , printer , ' Steelheuse-lane , was called to the chair , and opened ; the business by reading the circular and address of the Executive Council , and then stated his willingness to ' ¦ ¦ to hear any person who thought proper to address the [ meeting . Mr . Horsley then rose and stated , that they i had met there for the purpose of strengthening and ! assisting the National Charter Association . They also meant to embody themselves in the Association , and i would endeavour to cencili&te and heal np any breaches
¦ ! that might exist amongst the real friends of lioerty . I They , had eo intention to create division , but intended ' to act in tbe same spirit as they had done at the dsmon-; stration . They had a good example shown them by Mr . O Connor , whose eiery speech breathed a spirit of conciliation ; asd he hoped to see the same spirit breathe turougbout . He would propose that they immediately proceed to elect a Council as they had now got tbe number of members which they had originally i fixed upon . Mr . Feliowes , of Monmouth-street , se-. coiided the motion , which was put from the chair , and carried . Tbe election was then proceed with , when Lh » following persons were unanimously elected . Mr . Sampson Davis , Marshall-street ; Mr . Horsley cabinet maker , Steelhouse-lane , Mr .
Taylor , printer , Sttelhouse-lane , Mr . Samuel Davis , boot and sbee maker , Newton-street , Mr , Bnrdett , Pritchard-stteet , Mr . Richards , of Moseley-street , Bub-secr * - tary , and Mr . Followes , of Monmouth-street , sub-treasurer . Jt was then agreed that a report of the proceedings should be sent to the Northern Star , through the reporter for that paper , and also to Mr . John C < unpbell , secretary to the Executive , Mr . George White afterwards addressed the meeting , and expressed his satisfaction at the good feeling which prevailed . Mr . Eames of Lionel-street , delivered a feeling and truly patriotic address , in which he commended tbe manly , consistent ,
and straightforward condact of Feargus O'Connor , Esq . and expressed his approbation of Mr . O'Connor ' s manly and honest bearing , as contradistinguished to the vaccillating manoeuvres of Attwood and Co . Mr . Eames concluded by expressing a hope thit every man that held Chartist principles , and intended to carry them out , would do so in a friendly and amicable spirit . He was louly cbeered by the meeting . Mr . J . Wilkinson , sub-Secretary of tbe Association at Freeman-street , also addressed the meeting , after which it was adjourned to the following Tuesday evening , a vote of thanks being previously given to the chairman for hiB upright conduct
Frosi , Williams , & Jones . —Thegeneral committee of Birmingham , for the restoration of Frost , Williams and Jones , held its usual weekly meeting , on Tuesday evening last , at the National Charter Association-room , Freeman-street , Mr . Cress well in the chair , when it was resolved , " That in future all communications for this committee be received by the corresponding secretary . " A deputation was also appointed to wait on Mr . Guest , to enquire concerning Mrs . Roberta's soiree , in order that this committee may fix the time for holding their soiree for the benefit of the funds . Haslet ( Staffordshire ) . —Dr . M'DouaU delivered one of his able and talented lectares , in the large room of the George and Dragon Inn , New-street , Hanley , October 5 th , to a crowded audience , which has done immense good in the cause of Chartism in this district , and caused onr numbers to increase .
Todmorden . —The Chartist cause is getting on bravely here . Since cur last notice in the Star we have got twenty-four new members , and we have formed a debating society connected with the society , which is likely to do a great amount of good . At the weekly meet ing , October 12 th , it was resolved , " That tbe Secretary write to either Mr . or Mrs . O'Brien , to ascertain the reason there is no answer come to tbe letter we ssnt some time back giving aim an invitation to ccme to Todmoiden ; that a number of Chartist publications be sent for to distii at 3 amongst the indifferent to the cause ' , and that Mr . B . ll be sent for to give a lecture on the Cam Laws . '"
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5 K . IPT 0 N . —Mr . Knowles , of Keighley , kindly gave ns another viait , last night , Oct 9 th . He lectured on the law of primogeniture , and shewed in a masterly style that class legislation was the source of all the poverty and distress which prevails la this country . Tredegar . —The men of Tredegar and the neighbourhood met on Monday , the 4 th of October , to form a reading room and debating society . Mr . Joseph Ferry was called to the chair . Mr . Charles Powell delivered an address ea the necessity of spreading intelligence amongst the trozklag daseea , « sd after other business had been gone through , Mr . C . Powell moved , and Mr . Thos . Bray seconded , the following resolution : — " Viewing , as we do , the present state of society , with tbe distressed condition of tbe industrious millions , it is the determination of the members of this society to inquire into tbe cause , and do all in their power to remove the evil . " The resolution was unanimously carried .
SIOCKPOBT . —The Btockport Committee hearing of Mr . Vincent ' s arrival in Manchester , and wishing him to pay them a visit , appointed a deputation to wait upon him for that purpose , who saw him hi a few minutes after he left the train , and to whom he promised he would attend on the Tuesday evening . In accordance with this , the Steckport Council took the Socialist ' s Room , appointed a person to meet him at the Railway Station , according to promise , ordered the bellman to go round to announce It , and made all necessary arrangements . Notwithstanding the above , some persons in Manchester persuaded him to go to Oidham , consequently he did not come on the Tuesday evening , and the room which had been previously taken could not be
spared on the following evening , which completely frustrated the arrangements . Persons waited from three o clock till six , but no Vincent came ; and at length a message was reoeived to say he would be there on Wednesday evening . The beUman went round la the forepart of the day . and in the evening , at eight o ' clock the room at Bomber ' s Brow , was nearly fillod . Had no disappointment taken place , a large room would have been crammed . Mr . Brad burn was called to the chair , and after a few remarks introduced Mr . Vincent , who delivered an excellent a 4 dres 3 on the progress of the cause which convulsed tbe audience with laughter at times . An address was presented to him from the
young men of Stockport , and a resolution conveying a vote of thanks and confidence was moved by Mr . Clarke , seconded by a person in the meeting , and carried nnanimonsly . A vote of thanks was likewise tendered the Chairman , and the meeting dispersed highly gratified . The Committee attach no blame to Mr . Vincent , though they regret that the cause should be injured by apparent neglect No one had any right to engage with Mr . Vincent for Tuesday , after they knew he had given his word . It was given oat at a large meeting , on Monday evening , at the Soei&iiet ' s Room , the consequence was that scores of people went who had to go away , not knowing the reason of there being no meeting .
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STRIKE AT THE NEW HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT . NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC ! We , tbe masons employed at the above worts , having observed ia the public papers of the metropolis repeated attacks upon our character , relative to our recent strike , we therefore considered it our duty to defend ourselves through the same channel we were attacked ; but to our surprise we found such channels only open to one side of the question , which must at once convince a discerning public that » nr opponents' position cannot be maintained by fair and just means . In consequence of a letter having appeared in the Times of Monday the 4 th instant , signed Messrs . GrisseU and Peto , we felt ourselves called upon to answer the Bame through the medium of the same journal , aud therefore sent the following letter , which was refused insertion , and which has also been refused by several of the daily press : —
To the Editor of the Times . SlB , —A letter having appeared in the Times of this day , signed Messrs . Griasell and Peto , stating that tbe charges made by the Masons lately employed at the New Houses of Parliament , against Mr . Allen , their foreman , are without the slightest foundation , and that the secession of the workmen has not originated in any oppression on the part of their foreman , we trust in your sense of justice to give insertion to the following reply in vindication of our rights as men , and to substantiate our charges : —
It would take op too much ot your valuable space to enter srrialim into a refutation of their assertions ; but , suffice it to say , that we regard them as mere glosses and evasions . Allen himself has not denied our charges , and Slessrs . Grissell and Peto have merely made an attempt to shift tbe question , and to throw the blame upon what they are pleased to term our idleness and inexperience . ThU charge comes with an ill grace trom them , after having posted bills on their own gates , declaring us to be sober and industrious . We would also beg to remind Messrs . Grissell and Peto that they themselves virtually admitted tbe truth
of our charges against Alien , for when we made a complaint to them , on a former occasion , they promised that Allen should alter his conduct He did alter it But how ? He merely changed from one species of tyranny to another . He adopted the system of encouraging what they are pleased te term chasing , whereby one man who might be gifted with greater physical ability than another could be excited to do more work than his companions ; his performance Ib then made a standard for the quantity of labour demanded from all the rest , who are bullied and abused if unable to come up to this mark .
We do not wish to have the nomination of our superintendent ; but we wish that a tyrant might not be appointed ; for no man possessed witk a spark of manliness can submit to have bis feelings outraged in the manner which Allen is constantly doing . The public will bear in mind that we are not the first who have struck against this man ' s tyranny . The masons of Birmingham struck against him in 1837 ; and Allen , we are bottj to say , has not mended in temper , if he has in circumstances . In conclusion , we beg to reiterate our charges , —we could add to them , were we disposed to do so , and are prepared to prove them by tbe evidence of the sufferers and eye-witnesses of bis tyranny . Instead of shrinking from them , ws court public enquiry and investigation into them ; we challenge it . and are ready at any convenient time and place to meet it
It is not of the quantity of work required , or the rate of our wages , that we complain , but of the unbearable insolence and oppression of a taskmaster , who resembles those of Pharoab ; and who would rednce us to a bondage worse than that of tbe Egyptians j and because we complain of it , it ia to be said— " Go to , ye are idle . ' " We have all along separated our employers from the tyrannical foreman , for we believed that the conduct of tbe latter was not tolerated by them . We are , therefore , surprised and sorry to observe that they have now made common cause with him , and identified themselves with him . But they e&nnut justly constitute themselVBS arbitrators in their case , any mere than we in ours .
All we want ( and surely we do not ask too much ) is that a more civil man than Allen be appointed as our superintendent , and in the mean time rest our cause upon the candid and impartial consideration of the public . From the Operative Masons , Paviers' Arms , Westminster . Oct 4 th , 1841 . Thi 3 has been thought unfii to appear in the '" liberty loving" and impartial daily press of the metropolis . But mark their honesty : an article appeared in the columns of the Times of last week , containing the greatest amount of unprincipled falsehoods in so 6 hort a space it was ever our misformne to behold . Mr . Jackson , of Pimlico , ( to
whom the said article principally alluded . ) was so disgusted with its audacious falsehoods , that he immediately contradicted it in the same Journal the following day , but , nevertheless , it appeared in almost all the metropolitan press , both daily and weekly , although it must have been obvious to them all that they were promulgating the grossest falsehoods . Under these circumstances , we have been forced to the alternative of placards , by which means we beg to state to Messrs . Grissell and Peto and the Public that we struck against a system the most degrading to the human character in existence . We have maintained onr position hitherto peacefully
and manfully ; and however far they may have recourse to error and mystification—however far they try to persua . de the public and us that injuries are not injaries , we have felt the lash , and have withdrawn from beneath its excruciating inflictions ; and when they are prepared to remove the slave driver , then , and not till then , are we prepared to resume oar employment . Resting onr cause with an impartial public , we subscribe onrselves , Your humble Servants , The Masons lately employed ' at the Niw Houses of Parliament .
Thomas Caeteh , Sec THE OPERATIVE STONEMASONS LATELY EMPLOYED AT THE NEW HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT TO THE TRADES OF GREAT BRITAIN . Eellow Workmen , —Seeingthat a peat misunderstanding exists among the Trades of Britain relative to onr reasons for withdrawing from ear employment , and which we have every reason to believe has been caused by the reports that have been circulated through the medium of the Times and Observer , which we are
prepared to prove are the grossest falsehoods it is in tbe power of man to utter , —we , therefore , take the opportunity ef laying before you a few facts , { and which we challenge the world to deny ) that were the cause of us withdrawing from onr employment , and then leave yon to judge between us , our foreman , and our employers . In tbe first place , one of our sbopmates had the unwelcome intelligence from Manchester of the decease of bis mother : he informed Mr . Allen ( the foreman ) of bis wish to go and see her interred , stating that he would have to be absent for a week or fortnight ; when Allen informed him . if that was the case ,
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he might stop aiwf altogether ; with an assertion that be ( Allen ) wdnhlnot keep a job open for any man that length cf time under such circumstances . ' ' It has ialfco teen quite customary for Allen to order , la the most domineering manner , many a good tradesman to " pick np hii tooti arid be off , " before he had been many hours at fhe j « b also for the inost trifling mistake have been discharged at a moment ' s notice , without the least consultation aa to whether they were blameable or not Again , " one of the men had his leg broken by a fall from the scaffold / and on his return to his work , t expeetfng . ' of course , as he had been lamed in the service of his employers , that they would continue to give him work . But no : Alien Immediately discharged him , with an execration that he wanted none snch d——d hebblingfellows ashim there .
Tbe same foreman told one of our shopmates , who had been at home ill for some time , and whose wife was also very ill , on his return to his work to go about his business ; as he ( theforeman ) did not want any men there of his description . We immediately made a collection for him , to enable him to procure fotfd f « r himself and hissickwife . Another of the men had been called from bis work to attend the death-bed of his wife , and when he came from that seene to his work , he was told to go back and die with her , and be damn'd . In fact , bis general eonduct has been so debased as to be quite unbearable . He damns , blasts , and curses at every turn ; and to terrify us , has made a practice of threatening to discharge two or three dozen of us at a time , if w « even complained of such conduct
Wo now leave you to judge how far we are justifiable in the steps we have taken to suppress such inhuman , monstrous , and intolerant conduct ; and while we return thanks to those trades which have so generously tendered us their aid , we solicit that amount of assistance from our fellow operatives who have not yet done so , as shall enable the working , toiling millions to maintain that independent position in society which , as tbe producers of all wealth , they have a right to occupy . We remain , Fellow Workmen , Your ' s , respectfully , The Masons lately employed at the hocse 8 of parliament . Thomas Carter , Sec P ^ viort Arms , Westminster , October , 1841 . TO THE MASONS LATELY EMPLOYED AT THE NEW HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT .
Sies , —The energy which you have displayed in resisting the tyrannical proceedings and ceuduct of Allen , have woo for you golden opinions from your brethren in every put ef the empire . More and more am I convinced that something besides a mere trade association is requisite to procure for the toil and industry of our working population , an adequate degree of protectiosagainst the encroachments of legalised but unchristian power and insolent domination , and without constitutional liberty , without the safeguard of the franchise , without the fair , just , and adequate representation ef your labour and industry In the Commons House of Parliament , without such protection , be assured that you will continue to be employed as mere machines for accomplishing the ambitious projects and luxurious gratification of a sordid , tyrannical , and hard-hearted aristocracy .
For the moment resist the mandates of the cruel and vindictive disposition and temper of the tyrant Alien , and for the future , with a view to the permanent and legal establishment of your rights and UbertleB , not only as workmen , but as good citizens and patriot * enrol your names as members ot the Charter Associate n of Great Britain and Ireland—unite with us iu the arduous but glorious undertaking of achieving the emancipation of ourselves and of our children , from the monstrous tyranny of exclusive legislation , with its long train of insults , misery , degradation , and ruin . May the blessing of God—of that God who is the avenger of the oppressed , accompany and reward , With the niOBt ample success , tbe undertaking in which you are embarked .
I have myself been a persecuted man , and have more than once been made tbe sport of Allen ' s despotism and caprice . Your friend and well wisher . A Warwickshire Chartist , t Akb an operative Masom . The Masons' Stuikb . —To the members of trade societies , and others , throughout Qreat Britain and Ireland . —Fellow workingmen , at a general meeting of "The Original Friendly Society of Carpenters and Joiners , " held at the Running Horse , Dukestreet , Grosvenor-square , on the 4 th of October , it
was unanimously agreed that a circular should be addressed to you , and to coffee-shop and publiohouse keepers , expressing their sympathy for the masons now out on strike from Messrs . GrisseU and Peto ' s employ ; and to call general attention to an article contained in the \ Weckty Dispatch of the 3 rd of October , headed " The strike at the new Houses of Parliament , " wherein , by its misrepresentations , the interests of the working classes are very injuriously affected ; and that they therefore pledge themselves to discontinue their support of that paper , recommending all friends to the rights of industry to adopt the same resolution .
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TO THE EDITOR OF THE WEEKLY DISPATCH . " Tis a cruelty to load a falling man ! " —Shakespere , Sir , —Weekly attacks having appeared in the Dispatch upon me or rather upon a sermon of mine , I trust you will permit me the right to reply—and first I wonld state my astonishment at the severity of these attacks , from one who " neither knows me , nor is known by me . " I can only account for this on the ground that you hare been actuated by the prejudices of others rather than by your own , and , if bo , candour will incline you to hear the other side .
I am a country Chartist and cannot but think that the Chartism in town is not so healthy , nor so free-toned , as that in the country . There are many country Chartists in . London , but their efforts are in a great measure neutralised by the town Chartists . I am not opposed to these men personally—bat their opinions . 1 ¦ wi sh a line of demarcation to be drawn between them aud us—that they may separate themselves from us and not come among us for the purpose of sowing dissension to create division . It was to effect this , to make there Individuals disclose themselves , and be known for what they are , that I preached the Bermon complained of , and it had the desired effect I was challenged to a discussion , the result of which was more effectually to separate the sheep from the goats—the chaff from the corn .
Now , I would ask with what trnth can it be asserted that I would kill or even harm the men ? The very passage you have quoted , though picked out for the purpose , will not sustain such a charge , and I could pick out many passages that contradict it , that confute it . As for instance— " I w * uld not harm these men' I would not hurt the serpent but to make The serpent hurtlesa . Let us set a mark upon them that all men may see , and know , and avoid them—then let them depart and freely . '
I cannot consent to your opinion , that the sermon is a " disgrace" to me ; it has been pronounced " right , " useful , valuable , well-timed ; too lenient , &c , by men whose judgment is morally , and not physically , directed . I readily admit that some portions of it might be modified with improvement to the whole , but should not some allowance be made for the heat of that indignation which is prompted by pity and by zeal for suffering humanity ? I am , Sir , Your obedient servant , John Watkins . No . 9 , Bell Yard , Temple Bar .
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. * . TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN STAR . Sir , —I expeet as an act of justice , you will insert this , my reply to the letter of Mosely Stott , to G . J . Harney . I am , Sir , Your obedient servant , Mark Crabtree . to mr . george jdlian harney . Sib , —in the star of 2 nd October , a letter appears from a Mr . Stott , Secretary to the Chartists of Dewsbury . In this letter he states , on the authority of four persons , of the name of Haigh , Atkinson , Wass , and Simpson , that I said "that the Chartists , or leading Chartists of Dewsbury , were a set of poor , mean , shabby humbugs ; and this , said he , ia the opinion of William
Martin , of Bradford , and poor George Julian Harney . You behaved in a most shabby manner to poor Harney , said be ; you paid him as your lecturer , a paltry thirty shillings per week , « while I paid him five-and-forty shillings per week during the late West Riding election ;' that after this ; Thomas Waas challenged him to prove bis assertion on the Market Cross next morning at ten o ' clock , and he ( Thomas Waas ) would at the same time engage to prove to a majority of the inhabitants that Mark Crabtree was a lying , two-faced political TiUain . " Now , Sir , I ask you whether , during the time you was at the Convention , and at any time yon ever met me , you found me to act the part of a double-faced man , or even a " two-faced political Villain . "
You all knew my sentiments ; I never disguised them . I throw back , with scorn , the term villain upon Haigh and Co ., with the contempt they deserve , and assert that they are base and infamous liars , when they state I ever mentioned I had paid you 45 s . per week during the West-Riding election . I did say , that the Chartists of Dewsbury were *• mean , " See . ; so far they tell thetruthj but I did not say I paid you weekly such a sum . I did say , and do still say , that during the election , J let you have money , because I felt that the man who was doing the dirty Work of Haigh and Co ., and enlightening their ideas , upon the Five Points of the Charter , was meanly , shabbily , and rascally paid at 30 a , per week . What money you had from ma I never considered as politically advanced ; but as a stir has been made , perhaps you will let these Chartists know how much it wm you received
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from me ; this Is not my seeking , yon must blame Stott and Co . for it ; it was them who sent you out to aspire to senatorial honours , at a price that Stott would not offer to hU journeyman barber , if he kept one . A fair day ' s pay for a fair day's work , is my motto ; but these high-minded Chartists of Dewsbury , think differently . They " want their man to do their work , and to starve while doing it . Provided , Sir , yon bad received Tory money to advance the Tory cause , it must be . remembered by the Chartists , that by the late Convention , an address was Issued , advising the people , in case they could not return a Chartist Candidate , to do all in their power to return a Tory . Had you tacu , I say , received Tory money , you would only have acted in accordance to the Conventional advice . You must be paid for what you did .
I never said you did receive Tory money—I never suspected you did—I have too great an opinion of your political honesty , and I wish you would go toDewabury , and instil a little of that honesty into the tailor , and his three geese , for they seem as deficient in political honesty , as they are in the knowledge and practice of the ninth Commandment . I am , Mr . Harney , Yonr obdt . servant , Mark Crabtree .
NOTICE TO BRICKLAYERS . A false statement has been circulated in the neighbouring Towns round Manchester , that the strike had been settled , and men were at liberty to go to work agreeable to all parties . Bricklayers , this statement is false ! The Bricklayers of Manchester are as determined not to go to work as ever they were , until their former rights and privileges are granted . Therefore , be not deceived by any false pretences ; for the three hundred men are still on the strike ; and feel themselves called on to disabuse the public mind relative to a placard , purporting to have emanated from Mr . George C . Pauling , where he appeals to public opinion respecting the charges brought against him by the operative bricklayers of this town . He affects to deny that men ' s wages have been reduced , and says , except boys , and a few inferior men , every one ia paid 5 s . per day . .
This statement is incorrect , for when a new hand claims full wages , the answer is , that very few get five shillings per day , and several good men left , rather than crouch , while others have to crouch , lest their families should wantt He states that no advantage is taken over men . Nowt reader , listen . Men hava been stopped on Saturday , because it being what we eall a short day and one man refused to stop off work whilo there was plenty of work and plenty of materials . On refusing to stop , he was discharged ; but would not leave the ground without his wages , whereupon the police was called to take tho man , 1 suppose to a dungeon . The man resisted the police , and was paid before he left the works . Well , why did not the police apprehend him ? Because the man ' s cause was just . The said man got work in another place , and was pursued by the parties , and turned off by his
next employer . , Again , another man was ordered to throw down his trowel , and set bricks with his two hands , though one of his hands was bleeding , yet he was cursed and damned by Mr . Pauling himself in person . Another man got kicked , and several were threatened to be kicked , treatment such as renders Mr . Pauling intolerable . The men are cursed and abused in such indecent language as the framers of this appeal must shrink from publishing . Another man was discharged on the ^ spot for having been making inquiries who were in benefit in the Bricklayers' Sick and Burial Club , though these inquiries were not made in working hours ; which institution is not only recognised by the most respectable authorities in the town , and- appreciated by the wisest , but even based on Acts of Parliament .
But it is not the protection of widows and orphans —it is not the support of honest men labouring under accidents , that ; Mr . Pauling aims at . No ; but to trample upon , and to debase , and grind , and pauperise the poor man . That is his aim , and he has proved , to a demonstration , that he is the decided enemy of the working classes . Wo have stated our grievances before' public opinion , which we , the operative bricklayers of Manchester , look up to as the throne of honour . We were never trampled on by any contractor . We esteem our character as men , and we respeot the laws ; we were the first class of men in the kingdom to expunge from our Society that which we found illegal , namely , secrecy . We support a Society with a view rather to relieve the wants of one another than to raise wages beyond our value .
With this appeal we make to public opinion , we ask , must our cause perish % No ! a thousand times no ! The Operative Bricklayers of Manchester . Ootober 13 th , 1841 .
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TO THB EDITOR . OP THE NORTHERN 8 TAR . SIR , —On the 4 th of last Jane I addressed a letter to Feargus O'Connor , while he was in York Castle , requesting bis opinion upon the subject of which it treated . To that letter I received ' no answer ; but I have learned , within these few days , that it never reached the imprisoned patriot A friend of mine was at the late demonstration at Sheffield , and asked him if he could recollect receiving a letter from Holmfirtb , about the be ginning of last June , signed "Abraham Whitehead , " and the answer he received from Feargus O'Connor was , "No , never ! " My friends , and your friends , the readers of the Star , have prevailed upon me to write out a copy of the letter to which I have alluded , and request that you will insert it in the Star . With this you will receive the copy , and I hope you will find room for it in your next impression .
And am , Sir , Yours , &a , Abraham Whitehead . Scholes , Holmflrth , Oct . 9 th , 1641 .
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to be , so long as they are in exiatthoa , for taxes or any thing else . Any amount of debt being discharged , the interest will be saved ; that amount of Interest so saved , whatever it is , to bo employed for the purpose and for no-other purpose than the redemption of the notes .
1 LLV 8 TRATWH . Suppose the Government owe to the Governor and Company of the Bank of England the sum of five millions of pounds , for which they are paying five-pee cent Pay it off all atonce in these notes . The interest will thea cease , and at the end of twelve months the interest saved will be a surplus of taxes of X 250 . 00 *— - let that amount of these notes be collected by the Chancellor of the Exchequer , or some other person properly authorised , and be destroyed—let them be burned , then will so much of the National Debt be reduced to smoke and ashes , and so on of any other amount ; / - Again , the National Debt is said to be £ 8 o ; Q 00 , Q 00 ; five per cent of that would be just ^ 40 , 000 , 600 . If five per cent of stock be paid off in these notes to eaoh creditor who has stock , for which he receives interest at five per cent per annum , would be £ 2 , 00 . 6 , 000 , an < l the taxes continuing the same , that amount of these notes might be annually destroyed .
Thus by making money upon the new principle which he recommends , the National debt would be rapidly liquidated , without imposing any additional buthen upon any class of the people ; a healthy tone would be given to trade and the revenue , and individual and national distress would vanish from the land without noise and tumult These notes , being legal tender , would soon find their way into the Banks , and would be equal to so much added to their stock of gold : while tkese notes lasted they would never be under the necessity of parting with more gold at once than the diffdrence between a five and a three pound note .
Some persons may be ready to compare these notes to the assignanta , which circulated in France from 178 S to 1789 ; but in the opinion of the lecturer , the comparison cannot be made good . The assignants were a mortgage on the national estates , and no means were provided for their redemption . The means for the redemption of the Crown notes are provided , and would begin to operate the moment the notes were issued . Hoping that I have Bald enough to enable yeu to understand the nature ot the scheme , it enly remains for me to request that you will give me your unreserved opinion upon it , in time for the next lecture , which is to . be delivered on Wednesday the 9 tb inst , and beg , Sir , to subscribe myself ,
Your obedient servant , ABRAHAM WHITEBEAD Scholes , Holmflrth , June 4 th , 1841 .
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TO THE CHARTISTS OF THE COUNTY OF DURHAM . There will be a delegate meeting for the above county at Mr . Bradford ' s Temperance Hotel , Durham , on Monday , the 25 th inst , at eleven o ' clock in the forenoon , when delegates are invited from the following places : — Sunderlandi Bishop Auckland , Oateshead , West Auckland , South Shields , Barsard Castle , Stockton , Hartlepool , Darlington , South Hetton , Durham , Thomley . To take into consideration the better organization of the County . ¦ ' ¦• ' Communications to be addressed to John Mowbiay , 39 , Framwellgate , Durham . Your ' s , &c , John Mowbrat .
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TO THE CHARTISTS GENERALLY . ( From the English Chartist Circular . ) The position in which we find ourselves justifies us in earnestly directing attention to the following communication from a Correspondent of the Northern-Star , as inserted in that journal of the 9 th
inst—TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN STAR . Dear Sir , —I have just learned from what I have every reason to believe is good authority , that the proprietor of the English Chartist Circular does not find that encouragement which the excellence of the work and the cheap rate at which it 1 b published , fairly entitle him to expect It is , I am told , at present , a losing concern ; and this , I must say , is a disgrace to our extensive body .
This work eught to be In the . bands of every Chartist , and no Chartist who smokes tobacco or drinks beer , can say he cannot afford to take it . If he will not forego the price of a pipe of the one , or a small portion of the other , in order to find good intellectual food for himself and his children ; he is , in my opinion , unworthy , to be considered a worker in our glorious Btiuggle , since he proves , by his acts , that he prefers to support the revenue of a corrupt Government , rather than aid in the maintenance of the Chartist press .
I hope this hint will be extensively acted upon . I would a ' so propose that every Chartist Association should spend sixpence in the purchase of Circulars to be sent to the parsons , magistrates , and other influential persons in each locality . Thus , the work would be made to pay , and the glorious principles of the Charter would become more generally known . I will conclude by requesting the lecturers to strenuously recommend the work wherever they go . I am , yours , A Chartist . Hunslet .
We are in utter ignorance of the source from which the above originated ; but , whoever its author , we thank him most sincerely for the favourable mention of us , aud forcible statement of our case ; regretting , of course , that the talent he evidently possesses should not rather have bad an opportunity of congra tulating us , and those for whom we labour , on our permanent establishment , instead of thus fraternally appealiag to the Chartist body to extend to us that " help" which , failing—we perish . It will easily be gathered from these remarks , that our friend . "A Chartist , " has correctly stated that
•• the proprietor of the English Chartist Circular has not found that encouragement which'he had expected . " The Circular has now reached the fortieth week of its existence . Of each number has been printed a quantity -which , if wholly disposjed of , would barely cover the mere cost of paper , composition , and press-work , ( leaving out all consideration about editing , publishing , &c ) , but we must add on no one occasion has the week ' s sale done this . There is , therefore , a heavy stock on hand —that is to say , the proprietor has from first to last sustained a pecuniary periodical loss , which in the aggregate amounts to a sum that may take years of toil—if ever—to recover .
Hitherto , and unreservedly , we have spoken of the Circular as a matter of trade , and the only question a casual reader might infer would be , whether it shall stand or fall as a remunerating publication . But we have higher ground to take . It is due both to the Chartists and to ourselves , that we should place the question in a different light We entered upon the task of establishing the Circular in the high hope of becoming useful to the masses in their struggle against oppression . We aimed at becomiug a medium In the bands of Chartist readers of expressing their feelings—of aiding the extension of their principles by evidencing their justice—of strengthening the community in the one great cause ; not
that we sought to-become , a sun round which the whole body of Chartists might revolve , to the exclusion of greater lights , but an earnestness of purpose—a conviction that our own energies ought to be employed in the utmost degree to forward that great social and political change , the necessity and justice of which we have long asserted and believed , induced us to fondly imagine that our exertions would be appreciated—that wo might be accepted as an interpreter , a mediator , and a teacher by the Chartists themselves . Confident in our own integrity , we have laboured in tbe good work . Shall the labourer sink for want of a helping hand from those with whom—for whom he has toiled ? Shall he be suffered to lie in exhaustion , and none put a cordial to his lips—his energies prostrate for
ever ? . ¦ We appeal to the great body of Chartists for support or rejection ; by their decision we must abide . It must be speedily pronounced . If adverse to us—sbenld they tacitly allow us to close our career by not granting the aid we seek , we shall carry into our retirement the same deep , hopes for the restoration of the millions to their rights ; while we shall of a surety regret that the sphere of our own action—we can assume from' the kind patronage we do receive—our own utility—has been narrowed . It is for our Chartist brethren to declare whether the Circular shall come to an untimely end , and its proprietor be thus crippled in a pecuniary view ? Chartists answer—shall we go on with you ?
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Something New . —The pupils of a school in the neighbourhood of Wolverhampton , having exhausted every ordinary pretext for obtaining ft holiday * bit upon a new one , whioh deservesnotice . . They signed a round robin , expjessing their anxiety for the health of their masters , and begging them to take a holiday , which the the pnpite , on the part of tbemsehes and guardians , would willingly consent to for the sake of the ' precious health of theix " much approved good masters . "
The Cast-Iron Ornaments op Berlin . —The raw ore from which they are manufactured does not coat more than Is . Gd . per cwt . but wrought into earrings , the value becomes £ 2 . 734 2 » . 6 d . per cwt . ; and made into shirt buttons , about £ 3 , 000 per cwt . . It would not be easy to point out any other metal in which art can increase the value of the raw material 40 , 000 fold —[ We should like to know how much of this increase goes into the pockets of the artisans in the shape of wages ; and how mnoh is absorbed in profits . ]—Ed . N . S .
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A New Mode Of Paying Off The National Debt.
A NEW MODE OF PAYING OFF THE NATIONAL DEBT .
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TO FEARGUS OCONNOR , ESQ . Dear Sir , —Ever since you commenced your career as an agitator for the rights of man—the People ' s Charter , I have watched all yout proceecli » gs -with great care and attention , and it gives me great pleasure to be compelled to acknowledge you to be the most zealous , the most upright , and the most determined opponent of corrupt Government that ever lived In this or any other age . You havo displayed such admirable tactics in the arrangement of your forces , that you are in a fair way of gaining a complete and triumphant victory over all who oppose you .
Such being my opinion of your honesty and skill , I have a sincere desire to have your opinion upon another " new move" which has begun to shew itself in this neighbourhood . He is one of your own " fustian jackets" who is at the head of it , and one , too , who would not , for his life , utter another word upon the subject , if any one can prove that , by so doing , he would be injuring the cause of Chartism , or that the Charter would he retarded one moment longer from becoming the established law of the land , in consequence of him giving his opinion upon another but not less Important subject—the National Dsbt The Individual to whom I have just alluded has delivered two lectures upon the National Debt , and tbe best means of liquidating it
He declares that he has discovered in the taxes which are appropriated to the purpose of paying the interest of the National Debt , a mine of wealth which may be worked with ease and advantage . Its trea-Bures may be easily made available for tbo benefit of every class ef men in the United Qaeendom . Trade may be promoted te almost any extent , and universal prosperity reign throughout the land for ages to come . Our present currency he designated a paper currency , based upon a metalio standard of value ; that its base is too small , that its diameter is too limited to bear the immense superstructure of paper that is necessarily built upon it , in order to raise the taxes , and carry on the trade of this great nation . The consequence is , that when the paper building is raised sufficiently high for the purposes for which it was designed , it looses the centre of gravity ; the line of direction falls without the base , and down would topple
the whole superstructure , if tbe builders did notdiscover their error , and be glad to take it down with aa much ease and promptitude aa they had manifested a short time before in building it up . Henca it is that we have such fluctuations of the currency—such universal banfcruptcj and distress . The ease is the same everywhere where paper mon ey exists as the representative of gold . And why ? Because , if there were as much gold as is represented by the paper in circulation , there would be no need whatever for a paper currency . It is the want of gold to exchange for pape * that is the cause of such sudden alterations in the value of money . But sudden and ruinous alterations in the value of money is inseparable from a paper currency thaUIs based u pon a metalio Btandard of value ; for , as no skill can make a cone stand with firmness upon its apex , so / neither can any ingenuity of man make a monstrous paper ballon balance itself upon the limited dfcmnferenee of a golden sovereign .
So much for the lecturer ' s opinion of the false principles upon which our present currency is founded . Let us now see what he proposes as a remedy . He says bis propositions for the remedy of the evils of which he has been complaining , are the strangest propositions that ever were made in the world ; but no less strange than practicable . He says let tbe Government turn bankers—let the stock of tbe National Debt be converted into a floating capital , and the taxes which are appropriated to pay the interest of the debt he converted into a bank stock for the re "
demption of the capital so created . Let a national paper be issued to be " called crown notes of tbe value of £ 6 and £ 3 . Let not one of these notes be issued without paying off as much debt as the declared value <* the notes . Tbese notes . to bela legal tender , and continue
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THB N-0 R TH'E B .-N STAR . 7
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Oct. 23, 1841, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1132/page/7/
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