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THE O'BRIEN PRESS FUND COMMITTEE OF LONDON . jO THE RADICALS OF GREAT BRITAIN , WITHOUT DISTINCTION OF SECT , PASTY , OB OPINION . « Chained , cabin'd , edbb'd , confined , l ^ st too much light should bant on the ethezial mind- " . —Byron Js llO'W-Mes , —Impremd irith a sincere dedr&t © promote the political freedom and soei&l happiness of en country , and to witneu the extirpation of all sys-12201 and Tioes vrbich impede oar moral and political progre ss , with a belief , that the chief impediments in tbe T » y ° * our political and social progression -woold be removed by the spread of knowledge , and with a poD -rictioa th&t a goood press , advocating sound demojniic principles , and conducted by the hand of a long-£ && and talented friend of the people , voald go far towards the diffusion of that knowledge , the want of which we , at present , so much deplore .
ff e sre , therefore , led to address ooraelTes to you , in gj ^ gj- x ? impress upon yonr minds the necessity of eomto forward and exercising your utmost , energies to assist M in the establishment of a press , for that noble patriot , Br onterre O'Brien , whose pen so boldly and indefatia $ j defended the rights of labour in the Poor Mati ' t Guardian , the London DzspaUA , the Operative , &c-, vbo h * s suffered both persecution and prosecution , and ^ ho has bat l&tely broke forth from the bonds of the most accursed and brutal faction { calling themselves 151 ) 351 ) that ever disgraced the annaia of our country ; vn with the name of liberty upon their lips , perse--rted the best friends of freedom , and imprisoned the Hottest of patriots Xeed -we then to wonder that the neat mass of the people are dissatisfied with the LegiBthe Ex ecutive with
^ ture—wilh —nay , even the Grown itself ? when we see the working men—the pro-( jace rg of all wealth—labouring under a distress unpar alleled in the history of our country , while assumed representatiyes are -wasting the lime of the public in ^ jjensaxig qnes&iBS in " which tlie mass of the people have no interest , or in Toting away , with a reckless and extrswan i profasiDn , that wealth which has been extracted from the blood and sinews of those who are ( kecaufle unrepresented ) famishing unheeded . A line of demarcation has been drawn by class legislation , between the upper and middle , and the -working classes , HI feeling has been engendered , and who but the partisan Whig , Tory , and sham-Radical press , have fce&oed calumny npon calumny on the injured people , and " nattered and caressed their oppressors !
Fellow countrymen , let us take a brief leaf from our enemies' book , let us at once resolve to haTe a press . " Thar press , " they maintain , even at a great pecuniary loss . Let us , being sensible how great the influence of the press is in the direction i or rather the mis-direction of public opinion ! and that no system of government cm long exist in opposition to so formidable a foe , let « withdraw our support from the interested thick tuad tain supporters of those factions who rob the pro-( Sicers of an wealth of their comforts , trample on their rights , and acorn their petitions , end at once Tallying
rnnd & press which will remore ignorance and correct fl » mi sdirection of public opinion by spreading political information and right principles among the mass of the people , which will assist us in hewing down the feuge spas tree of corruption , and enable us to replace it with a scion bom the sacred plant of liberty . Let that press be to toe Southern counties of England what the Star is to tie North , a faithful sentinel , to watch the motions and expose the deformities of the present vile and se fish system , which has hitherto existed , but by the culpable and apathetic sufferance of the working class .
SHaii -we then longer allow ourselves to be led blindfold , as it were , as eaerificew to the great Moioch of Oppression ? Shall we allow the few to wallow in wealth and idlenes , to gratify their ambition and lust of power , at the expence of the many ? Shall we quiescently allow the misrepresentations of the press to bolster up a system , which has its ramifications in the pulpit , and among the members of the lvw , the grmy , sad the navy , and to disseminate its poison among the masses of the people , perpetuating ignorance , -superstition , and corruption , at the same time precluding
them from th&t knowledge both political and religious , which would open their eyes to their condition ? No ! if we are men and Britons , we shall &t once energetically exclaim ; and that such may fee the response to Has tumble address is the most sincere wish of eur hauti "We remain , Your sincere Brother Democrats , J . Watis , Jas . Smith , The ilembera of the O'Brien Press Fund Committee , London .
WILLIAM HOGG , Dispatch Coffee House , Secretary Bride-lane , London .
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TO THE RIGHT HONOR 0 UBLE THE LORD MAYOR OF DUBLIN . llT Lose—As your Lordship has doubtless perused the Star newspaper of the 27 th uit , and in so doing hare perhaps seen in iu columns a letter addressed to your lordship , of -which I am the humble author , ind haviag by thi 3 time , perhaps , considered the nature of the questions therein asked , ana the objects for which it was written , and not having seen in any of the pnblx prints , an attempt to answer or object to its contents , I take it for granted , that the hints therein contained , carried conviction to your Lordship ' s heait . I shall loir beg to remind your Lordship that it is many years since n ; j countrymen , stimulated by your lordship ' s EOinpis , cominencei their great system of moral
agitation , and long as that period bas been , End much u they haTe been opposed by the many and mighty ELfcicicS of thtir country , they haTe still resolutely maintained their position in the ranks of political warfare—they have withstood tie multitudinous attacks of Toryism and bigotry , and kave outlived tie fury of the costsst , and are still resolutely determined to obtain that liberty -which they are so devotedly attached to . HaTirg ths 5 giveu them credit for perseverance and consistency , it may be aik = d how mxioh have thty ctnrd by the struggle , aad -what is still to be sought for / Without entering into a detail of their many Tictories , or the conbiq-aences resulting from them , : aa lityEur . be familiar to eTCry Irishnnn , I will only st , that it has ever been stated by your Lordship , that "in & ^ : ti : " ng for C-tioIic : Emancipation , you had Tilterier manures in view , the urinciDle of which -was a
Rrptsd of the LegislaUve rak-n . " This , then , may be Eid : o be the flimaT of ray countrymen ' s hepss—this the rnsin-spriiz of all their political action * , and the EncL-ioved c-lject of their unceasing pursuit . He _ re , then . &r = ts a question , Which is the best method to c-ttsiL it , or are the peopie of Ireland convinced that their r _; de cf seeking Repeal is the surest as "well eb the ^ . ; -t wise they co uld adept ? To the latter par t of i £ r-qErstK 3 I will sin ; plyi 3 T , if it is the surest , it is itd-i ^ dlj the slow-eet they coold adopt ; for , according toycm Lt dshiv ' s Sit , " they will hiTe to -wait n : < : i ! tit j .-zzz Prince of Wales -wii ; open the Irish Punia-Ertt £ 3 Viceroy of Irciacd , " , in other -woras , a Kf .- A . f t—e =: y years , btftre there "will be a chatce cf ottiiriLj ; it . Verily , " my Lori , your mea-ure of KrpesJ j- - -r- > r in 5-ed : or so muc ' Q valuable t : rae woul-i not i > e txTtiiQrd laliing Lbeut a question 'which might
pro--a ^ j -e ; p * " a : Nov n ; v Lord , to a man like your Lerd ' -hip , who his by S 3 isfciry of "wsrs become possessed of not cniy ths Lrc ; S £ ir : es , but the luxuri- s of life , a period cf ra-erty yesrs msy not appear long , bu : to the many ttedft . j thvusaad of your ccuntrymeD , Trho are eTtn itw stiirisg out of txistecce , it will be a lung and tecioTis ir . trrTal . How maty thousands of brare spirits tf Irr . ' ixd -will be qnesch-. d btfere the txu-iration o ; ttst dcSrire cerio-1 ? >* jr can your Lordship be Certain t ..: fw"iihs : sna Bg tout macy comforts and honours
tz ic-rg before tLat period ha ^ expired , your m 3 y not br tuti-rsd with the " te-nacts of another Trorlu , " is < i rot C 7 t 2 lite ' Acsn " be blessed with a sight of ~ e p :. 3 iUed iand . " How "w-. se inch a course of proraecirr is I ' . ea ~ e to the ¦ world to suppose , but for nsy cira rsrt , I h ? : d i : ¦ would be a greater part of wisdom 12 tLT countrymen , did they taie the trouble to think p- set for themselves , instead of yielding fednd and ^ p' ^ ci : cbec-lence to the -will of a man , who . under » U cirrcnistsuces , C ' -nadtrs his own interest btfure ail ctr-T «
If the " Rrpeal cf the ITnion" U so desirable an ^; -ect ro Irishmen . I see not why they should refuse ~ e co-operation of their English friends , the Chartists , * co are to a man desirous to assist them in tbeir effoiH ~ &rtair it . or if your Lordship is siccerely a Repealer , Eamfc -y , if yon wish to obtain Repeal in the nrost ^ P ^^ j asd tflectual manner , you ought to join issue * ith the Chartists , for your Lordship has often said , " Tne greater the rroral power is , the greater the Certainty of inccess . " ^ Tom Lor-iihip kno-a-s that Chartists are not ~ th # " Physical force men" you would make it appear , and iskceTcl y hope , that the uccharitabJe assertion that " J"onr Lordshi p is deferring the repeal to continue the tribute - is unfounded . Be that as it may , it is certain j tat nice years have passed since the last " premature " wscusiien of the question , anrt twenty are to come before there will be another , and during that time there * ill l-t a c-.-ntJnnal drawicg from the pockets of the Pper to swell the ceffers snd the dignity of your Lord-« jip , whilst by embracing the principles of the Charter , tfcft pfccple of Ireland and England would , by their eSer-j , be in a -very short period able to obtain tfceir "ery oVject by legal eeq constitiitional means andwiUi kardy a nombial erpecce .
1 am Lord , not a little surprised that the soberluill * ug EifcD of Ireland cannot see that tie pwjndiries o * country and Eect are passing away , and that EnglisbffiED are capable of being their friends , and are worthy o ^ tfseir ccnSaence ; and tha t the malicious reports winch have been circulated in reference te Chartifim , are ** unf ounded as they are vile and contemptible . It is ** « i the hope that my countrymen vriil be led to in-? uire for themselves , and to adopt a more certain and * P ^ 7 mams of obtaining their lonsr-lost rights and privileges that I thus trespasa on " 3 our Lordship's Tenable time , and trusting that my humble efforts will , 8 CICe measure lead them to do so is the sincee 'Wish ei My Lord , 1 cur Lordship ' a most obedient humble servant , "R * . H . CLiFioy .
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TO THE OPERATIVE MASONS OF LONDON . Fellow Countrtmek , —Having read the particular * respecting your straggle against » combined system of tyranny , and beUeTiag 70 a to be actuated by really honest motires , both to yotmelvet and your fellow men , is my reason far offering you my opinion u to the steps to be adopted in order to secure a Tictory on the aide of right against might Happy am I that you hare maintained your position like honourable and ban men , and bare giren no reason to be pounced upon by the sernnts of the law . From my knowledge of sober , honest , and industrious men , I am certain that they would sooner be employed than sees walking the streets . My object then in this communication is to lay down a plan by which yoa all might be set to work . Suppose
, uien , that you were to make a call upon your friends in ! the ether trades for a loan of Koney towards your sup-: port , and I un Tery glad to hear they come forward 1 liberally ; raise , say a thousand pounds , to purchase a : plot of land ; after which you might barrow seTen or - eight' thousand pounds more oa interest , with which i yon may set to work immediately ; and build » Urge working-Kan ' s hall : and , by so deing , you would be enabled to pay your men wages for working for themselves , instead of , as now , walking about doing nothing . : You would then have a commodious building wherein ' to meet for the mutual improvement of each other , without being dependant on other parties at times for a room . When erected , it would pay good interest ; it
would tend to insure Tictory oTer your oppressors by opening & market foi labour . The working men and trades would be relieved of their subscriptions , and would wiiiingly give a loan for such a laudable purpase ; because the men , instead of receiving money for doing nothing , would be creating wealth for what they receiTed . Then wnat man would Booner work for an oppressor than himself ? I inereiy throw ont this hint to remind you of what might be dona Having had some experience with strikes , I am afraid that the trades will fall off in their subscriptions , unless they see a chance of success . If you could accomplish the above object y # u would give tyranny a mighty shake ; and that you may do so is the sincere wish of Yours , faithfully , Wa . Ohiffin .
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" ^ ~ TRIBUTE TO WHOM TRIBUTE IS DUE . TO THE EDITOR OF THE S 0 RTHEB . X STAR . SiR , — -An anti-Corn Law tea party , was held on Tuesday the 7 th inst , at Strcud , after the baby meeting ; it took place at the Victoria Cuffee- R ^ onis . 1 was anxious to hear the arguments of the speakers and went to the meeting . 1 assure you , sir , not one of the speakers produced a question to prove the good or evil of the present Corn Laws . After tea . the Rev . W . Yates was appointed chairraan . After a few remarks upon the need of union , he sat down , after calling upon tie
Jiev . B Persons , -who rose and said , Sir , I am here this fcv « 3 icc to hear and not to sprsk , I know Dot -what to say on the occasion . If I had been left until some one had spoken u ^ -n the question . I could haTe picked up a speech . Af : * -ra time he spoke ; the arguments of the speaker went to prove that of all monopolies , class monopoly was ths most cruel , urjust , and severe , in its operations , and contended that without the destruction of class monopoly , eytrj other moncpjjy -would still exist Scripture said , " Pat not your hope in princes . " And if we look to Kings , Queens . Dukes , Alarquisses Earls , L- > r . ! 3 , X 0 L-L-3 , or the Commons House of m .. iK-polies , we shall in all be disappointed . I contend . £ ii < i the speaker , ttat Property Qualification is qukt a ? m jubi , a ^ to lekit :. paity of cobblers , who preteECcJ t / he tLot-njaoers , yet evuhl not jntnd a shoe ; and the patching of cv . r ruicra shows the waut of knowledge on tUrir parts , and until the people put the question to tbeni-. tlrcs , who uniit do the Woik , and demand their ri"Lt % nothing wouMbedo-e .
T \ ' . Hcpson , E q , nts ' . a-ldresstd the nieetin ? , and distinctly luid do-wn the plan t-f Mr . O'Connor , as to rnjal ! farms being Itt to the poor . He could by manual labour pro ^ iucs thirty bu-htls of corn pn- r acre , ar . d that upon laud ^ hic ' a seven years ago , would yield mJy fifteen . O _ e thcurand live hundred ncrts of iar . d wtre now Jying tj-k .-te in the bore ugh of Stroud , and if we put one family tu cu ' . tivate an acre , Pnor Law Commiisioners , Ahiistai . t Cuunuissioners , and H-te Co ; lec * ors woul : " . n-A be needed . I liuintain that t ^ e land of England CviiM . r . j pr >] rr cul ' . iv . ition produce Cvrn fur rc- ' -re than treble its inhabitants , and if put into use , England couid , in a few ye ^ rs , tspuit instead of iiuyi-rt Ttis s-:.: fcnce did not meet the apprcbi ' . ion of the Pbcue , vrho % egan to cry ' -We du n . t want to txport ' The Spraker said , If yea do n .-t wish to exf » . ri , why ro tuU agitate for fre- t ade ?
The cry < . f ' Impost , Import , " drowned the voice o ; the Seeker , and he left the rau , u . yir . Ferrib&e then exj-iaiced the pirm of obtaining rn < = n > bsrs r-y ¦ way of collect . rs s - - 'S ' J lbe factories ¦ with bi > : ks . and moved " That a niecting be called at the Sabfcnpiion Rooms , to hear the opinion of the M P . s of the Boruu 2 h upon the question 'if the C ^ rn Lavs , auti if net in accurdance with a m : j . rity of votert and rate payers , to demand their resignation . " A long debate ensued r . s to the plan best to he adoDted to exclude the ChaKTISTS from the iKetting . * It was at last carried to admit all persous . Charti-ts , wiJl you go ? The Rev . Mr . Mound , represented the monopolies to te as pernicious as the Upas tree , and urged upon the meeting a uetd of uniun , to destroy the power of all monopolies . Mr . Paris , Secretary to the Association , was called upon . He thought as he had to work he ought not to speak , and tendered his service in the way of werk , and sat down . Rev . H . Griffith rose , and after reTiewing the goTemmejit plan of erecting barracks and transporting the poor , under coTer of emigration , be stated that much had been said against a clasi of persons called Chanists , and he thought if he was piaced in the same situation as the Chartists , he should act upon the same plan they did with regard to public mettings . It -we look at the difficulties under -which they labour , and consider the opposition against which they haTe to contend , we ought rather to give
them an opportunity to be beard in public , than shut the doors of public meetings against them . Do we go to their meetings to hear the question of the Charter explained ? Xo ; nor do we ask ourselyes what the Charter is ; and I therefore think the Chartists are justified in their coming to all public meetings , and urging their questions npon the public attention , persecuted as they haTe been , and still are , but witheut whom the monopoly of corn , nor any other monopoly , cannot be destroyed ; and I hope , at your meetings , you " will gire an opportunity for them te explain tee question , aa to the grieT&nce under which they ( the Chartistsi haTe long had to labour . An indrvidual once or twice interrupted the speaker , b 7 exclaiming aloud " Draw me out , draw me out . " This person is an indiTidnal of Tery mean principles , and of smaller understanding ; his name is John Lewis . The ReT . Grentlccan proceeded to ; -iiaik , that the person before
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him was a true eridenoe at the opposition the Chartlsti had to contend against ; and , in hopes of a onion , in place of opposition , the Rer . Gentleman sat down much applauded . The Chairman urged npon all present to bring all they could to the meeting , and show their strength by numbers ; and , after singing two Teraas of the anti-Corn Law Rhyme , the meeting was dissolred , and you humble serrant left for his home . * *
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v TO HAMER STANSFELD , ESQ . " All classes will prey upon all other classes just aa much as they can and dare . "—Homer Siansfeld , Sib , —I endeavoured in my last letter to yon to draw the inference from the words which I bad chosen as my motto , ( and which words I hare taken fairly from your pamphlet , entitled " Monopoly or Machinery , ") that , as all classes would prey , npon all othai classes just as much as they can and dare , supposing that all the benefits would flow from a repeal of the Corn Laws which you talk as if you anticipate , still
those who bad the power would , as you say in another part of your pamphlet , " work underneath , and reap eTen more than all the advantages" which could be derived from the measure . I also endeavoured to impress upon your mind , and the minds of my readers , that if you were an honest and consistent man—that if you really wished to destroy all monopolies and their effects , you would at once strike at the master monopoly , the root from whence al ] other monopolies spring , the very fountain whence they have their being , the monopoly of legislation .
Taking this view of the matter , and I cannot conceive how , after your declaration as above , you can come to any other , it would appear to be entirely useless to say more upon the matter ; but as you , and those who act with you , tell us what great effects would Sow from a repeal of the Corn Laws , It parbaps may not be altogether unnecessary to give the subject a further consideration . There is such a discrepancy in the statements of the advocates of Repeal , that it is almost dangerous to fix upon any one . M'Gregor says , in his official examination , the difference which the labourer pays in money is from forty to sixty per cent more than the foreign consumer , A pretty decent range this , one would think , for men who deal in figures . Dr . Bowring
appears to estimate the rise in price for all kinds of grain at 5 a per quarter . The two statements appear so preposterous , when placed side by side , that one is almost ready to conclude , that , at the least , one of the parties did not know what be was talking about But , however , as M'Gregor seems to speak more positi-rely than Bowring , I will take his estimate ; and , as put together and divided , they would make the average difference paid by the English consumer over the foreign one , to be sixty per cent , I , for the sake of roundness of numbers , will take the average difference to be fifty per cent ., and then Bee what it amounts to , as compared with the taxes ; and then see if it would be possible to carry it into effect under the existing circumstances of the country .
I will only take a few of the leading taxes of the country . Then say gross revenue 60 , , 000 ; tithes , < fec . 10 , 006 , 000 ; poor rate , county rate , rural police , &c sayio 000 , 000 more , wliich would , in the gross , amount to 80 , 000 , 000 . Now then suppose that we consume 16 million quarters of wheat , say at an average of 60 s . per quarter , 50 per cent of which would be 24 millions ; and if we consume 30 million quarters of other kind of grain at on average of 25 s . per quarter , 50 per cent of which would be about 19 millions ; these together would amount to 43 millions ; and suppose that the amount of labour , after paying for the raw material contained in all our exported manufacturers , should am oust to 35 , 000 , 000 ; both being puttogetheT , 50 percent , upan all the corn consumed and the whole of the labour contained
in our exported manufactures would be less by £ 2 , 000 , 000 than the amount of taxes . And if we take the average price of grain for the last twelve years , before the deficient harvests , the 1 G millions quarters of wheat at 56 s per quarter would be abouti ) 45 , 000 , 00 ©; and the 30 millions q « arters of other grain Bt 25 s per quarter , would be about £ 37 , 000 , 000 ; or both together , say £ 82 , 000 , 000 ; or the whole cost price of all the grain consumed in the country about 2 , 000 , 000 more than the taxes of the country . And yet these men tell US that the taxes are nothing , and that the Corn Laws are every thing . ' But now as to the practicability of Ropeal with this amount of taxation ; and according to the statements put forward by the leaders of your class .
It will be necessary , perhaps , before I proceed further , to state that tho taxes are a fixed monetary amount , and that in none of the plans put forward by Corn Law Repealers is it ever purposed to reduce thorn . Indeed so far from proposing to reduce them , Lord Jehn Russell said , in his speech to the electors of London , that " it is as absolutely requisite to preserve the public faith as it is to preserve the power of the country . " And Lord Morpsth said , in his West Riding address , tbat' « the safety of the nation required that the revenue should
be raised . " It must bt . borne in mind that these men are lo » ked up to as leaders of their pait 7 ; and therefore , it is completely fair to say , that there is no reduction of our fixed monetary payments in the least contemplated . Nsy , Lord Morpeth tells ua that the " safety" of the nation requires the present gross amount ; and Lord John Russell says that it is aa absolutely necessary to preserve the public faith as it is to preserve the power of the country ; and the public faith cannot be kept without the present f ross amount of taxes .
It -mill also be requisite to state , in the onset , that the price of wheat and all other agricultural produce , is made up of rent , profit , and wages of labour in its production and conveyance to market . The wages of labour are made up partly of the amount of remuneration necessary t > procure the absolute necessaries of existence during such production ; and partly of the tares whieb are " required by the safety of the nation . " The taxes of all description amount at least to one-third of the sum expended in the wagea of labour ai the present prices of labour ; and the taxes , being fixed rnenetary amounts , would cot be reduced in consequence of the fall of corn . It is granted en all hands , by the most sanguine of _ thoio in favour of Repeal , that the farmer and labourer do not receiye too much remuneration ; therefore , the only available resource in the price of corn appears to fce in the rent .
Let us then , Sir , endeavour to trace , if we can , what ¦ vrould be the eficet of a Kepeal of the Corn Laws upon the fariiitr end labourer , if thwse consequences followed w .-. ich are so pertinaciously a&ssertod would be the result , allowing our fixed monetary pnymeiits to remain as th .-y are . I shall not pretend to any very creat accuracy in quantity , and will tnke the load of Tvhent at one p ' . / uml per load , instead of by the quarter , ii r . rd » r that the calculation may be more e : \ sily followed , just prenre ' r .: ; tbnt the result vroulii have appeared w . jr ^ e if I ha . l ta ken the higher price , and by the q . iart'r , but the calculation wouid have been rather mo : e n . f 5 : u " . t to follow .
S'ipp ;;?? , then , that an acre of land produces ten levels of wti . it , at three bushels to the load ; and BU ^ pot-t . ' tLat tbe whfeat sells at one pound per load , the prc-uuee of an acre ¦ will thus raise £ 10 . Now , then , Itt us suppose the rental of the land to be one p .-und , to he , of course , taken from the £ 10 raisud by the s : ile c : t _; e v . htat . There will then bo £ i ) left , to he iHvicU'i between the farmer and the labouter , for prr-fit , purchasing the nectssariis of life , and paying ifceir tnxes . Well , then , Itt us ; ake from the £ i ) the £ ' : ' ¦ which will be required as their share of taxes ; thus ieavii . e £ f ! . or the value of six loads of wheat , aa the
net share cf tho farmer and his labourer , for profit ard ; wage ? . And let us alwaysbtar in mind that the £ ( i , left cftsr the rent and taxes are paid , will purchase 2401 : ? . of American ctt ' on at sixpence ptr pouad . Supi . cs-- then , now , that the Corn Laws are repealed , j ar . d t ' . / At . in consequence , tha price of wheat is re-j ductd ir . e half , or from 20 s . per loud to 10 s . per load , j ai . ri th : t is only a trifle cump : ired with what some of 1 the ltci'JTtra talk about ; and , to make the best of it , ( let us tupposs that the landlord has reduced his rent .
from 2 us . p . r acre to 10 ? . per acre . Well , then , as the acre produces ten loads , and as the price is 10 s per , acre , the jtross amount raised by the acie will be £ 0 ; i from which take the 10 s . rent , and it -will leave i £ i 18 s . as the gross amount to be divided between tbe funncr una his labourer for profit , wages , and the pay-1 reent of taxes , instead of the £ 9 , which they bad before ; the repeal . A prttty decent pull this one would think ; : and it would appear scarcely possible , even for a poli- j tical economist , to enable the farmer and his labourer j to have aa much out of £ b 10 s . as they had of the £ 9 , before . i
But tins is net quite ' the -worst of the matter . It will ' be rccoikcted that I stated , at the outset , that the taxes j were a fixed monetary amount , and tbat they will not ; lower with the price of corn ; and if "we are to take tbe ; authority of the leaders of the com repeal party , it is i impossible for them to lower . You , Sir , well remem-1 bet that , I # ord John Russell 6 &id , that " it is as a&ao- > lutely requisite to preserve the public faith as it i 8 to I preserve tbe power [ by which 1 suppose he means tbe ' ¦ independence ] of the country ; ' and you will also remem- i ber that , Lord Morpeth said , that " the safety of thei nation required that the revenue should be raised . " i These names , with you , will be high authority ; and if their opinions be correct , will prove tbat the " taxes are a fixed monetary paymei t , that will not lower in consequence of the fall in tbe price of corn ; in short , the full amount of the bond must be raised , or Shylock
will have the pound of flesh from our bosoms . Therefora , as we supposed the amount of taxes to be paid by j the farmer and his labourer to be £ 3 ; and as that j amount is & axed one , and will not lower with the ' price of corn ; that £ 3 taken from the £ 4 10 s which , j after tbe repeal of the corn laws , the produce of tbe 1 acre , deducting rent , would amount to , will leave only j £ l 143 , or the value of three loads of wheat , iiutaad ' of £ 6 , or the value of six loads , which the farmer had i before the repeal , for preflt and the wages of labour , j But , Sir , yoa must bear in mind that although the ! £ l 19 s will purchase half as much wheat aa the £ 6 , it will purchase only one-fourth as much American cotton ; or as was shewn before , he can now purchase £ 401 bs of cotton after he has paid his rent and taxes ; but j after the repeal he could only purchase with his £ l 10 s , j 60 ibs of cotton . A rery enviable situation truly . I
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I dare not trespass farther upon the apace of a weekly journal which has such heavy demands upon its columns ; bat by the kind permission of the Editor 1 will reaume the subject at another time . Toon , < tc James Pbnkt . MUlbridge , December 6 , 1841 .
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TO THE CHARTISTS OF GREAT BRITAIN . Brother Democrats , —The Executive have come to tbe conclusion to publish weekly in the Star , Findtoater , and Chartist Circular , the weekly receipts , and by this means the country will be more satisfied as regards those places th&t pay and those that do not . I am glad to find that the suggestions I have thrown out last Saturday , are being acted on ; letters now sent to me have the proper address to them , besides I have received several papers from Scotland as well as England , when sneers have been thrown out against us . Two copies of the Sierfbrdsiire Advertiser have been sent me by some kind friend , in both of which we are attacked . This betokens something good—it dearly proves that our numbers are making the venal and corrupt press of England begin to quake . Look to the two Important meetings and triumph for our cause ,
that have lately taken place in the great metropolis , viz the ene at Southwark , and the other at Lambeth . Observe how gpurr , Ridley , Maynard , and others made the immutable principles of truth triumph over cant and humbug . Here was a meeting called to inquire into the present distress , the returning officer in the chair ; everything was right enough until Mr . Maynard moved the two members be requested to support tha Petition , when Alderman Humphrey said that he would not suppoit the Petition , because there were statements in it , with which he did not agree . Then came the storm from the toll-worn , til-treated working men , aye , and because it is mentioned that Prince Albert has £ 101 per day . he would not support it . Why really the Alderman might not be afraid of tha country , knowing how much per diem the Prince
However , the Alderman may rest assured that all England , Scotland , Ireland , and Wales shall know how mush per diem Prince Albert has , and not only shall the Chartists take steps in letting the country know this matter alone , but also to inform the people that Queen Adelaide has £ 273 per diem , that the Queen has as much for pocket money in one year , as would pay the entire salary of the President of America for twelve years . Aye , aye , Mr . Alderman , we will ere we end this sort of information , let the people know all these things , and I am sure it will require more logic than Alderman Humphrey possesses , to convince the people that each intolerable grievances ought not to be mentioned . Erery praise is due to Messrs . Maynard and Rogers , for the exertions they have been at , to get up the above meeting .
The Doctor made an excellent address but the dailies would not report him . The other meeting at Lambeth was called to pass congratulatory addresses to the Queen , Prince Albert , and the Duchess of Kent , on the auspicious event of a Prince of Wales being born , ( what a sublime happiness to the Spitalfields weavers . ' ) Dr . Bedford in tie chair . Addresses were moved and seconded fot tbe above purpose , which were met by counter resolutions , that the addresses be discussed tbat day nine months . The Chartist amendment ) were triumphantly carried . I have received letters from London , speaking in very high terms of Dr . Bedford and the High Bailiff of Southwark .
One of the best features in our agitation Is , tbat the London Trades are beginning to move ; the masons , the tailors , the shoemakers , and the batters are at the good work in their respective trades . Let the trades but come out for the Charter , and we are sure of suecess ; let as be united amongst ourselves , and I defy the united power of Whig and Tory to arrest our progress . It is now past five o ' cloek , and I have to be in Todmorden at half-past seven ; bo I bid you good night , by again pressing on you the necessity of union . I remain , Your brother democrat , John Campbell , Secretary .
STATE OF THE COUNTRY . Gentlemen , —Since-1 last wrote about the distress at Mansfield , some of tho operatives have returned to work or rather half employment . Others are still eraploy ed at the Bas tile whitUer their necessities placed them . And now I will glance at the sufferings endured by my fellow townsmen during the last seven or eight months . The Guardians aa I before asserted refused to allow outdoor relief to any but married men with families , and the relief allowed was utterly insufficient for the support of their families . Very many refused to go at all , and endured all the miseries of their fate at home .
Some have cultivated small plots of Forest ground and haTe grown crops of potatoes , and this has been the fare of ninny families to every meal for many a day . I shall never forget a scene that I was made the spectator of : —A family of six persons bad had the swinish fare above noticed , for four days successively , when one day they were at dinner ; after the meal , the mother fetched the remnant of a small loat out and shared it amongst her children , reserving the smallest share for herself . I am personally acquainted with a man and his wife , who have had only a quarter of n stone of flour per week , for a many weeks past .
j i ' ! { ! j Begging has-been the order of the day ; scores of i parties of from two to six , or seven , have distributed j themselves up and down the country , humbly asking I for a trifle to just spin out life , upon whom , if brigand I laws had not interposed betwixt them and nature ' s I ordinations , themselves and their starving families I might be living in health and plenty upon the uncultivated park , and thinly-manned farms , through which they passed in their amateur mendicant excursions . I cannot refrain from expressing my surprise at the
almost entire absence of sympathy on the part of the wealthier portion of our towns people . At a meeting of a few benevolent and influential gentlemen , ( last noticed ) a deputation from themselves waited upon those public functionaries whose especial duty it is to manage towns * meetings , and wished to call a public meeting for the purpose of devising some means for meeting the exigencies of the case ; but the ; refused to call the meeting . A requisition , got up by some working men , and signed by a Magistrate , for the same purpose , had no better success .
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Amidst some kind and sympathising individuals there were some who" Like the rude Corinthian boer , Against the houseless stranger shut the door . " One man of this tort , a parson , living at a village net many miles from Mansfield , actually shimmed his door in the face el five highly respectable working men whilst they were respectfully stitingtheir case ; and these men actually returned home with twopence each , after a day's exposure to the most inclement weather : they were all married men-Working men are often taunted with their immoralities and their ignorance . I should like to know how many of those be wallers of our moral aberations , were they in like circumstances , would bebettsr specimens of human greatness ? There has been an immense amount of unseen
suffering and out-of-slght misery endured in this neighbourhood , and when the thousand little sympathies that bind a man to his own fireside , and make life worth living , are broken : when the roddy glow of health forsakes the cheeks of his half-starved children , whea he has to meet the mournful eye of her who has pinched herself in order that her children might know somewhat less of want ; and when the many discomforts of his wretched cellar-house , where rags and filth and poverty are his lot , instead of the joyous smiles of happy children , and the kindly sympathies of an affectionate wife , with the plenty that nature Bent for all , is it surprising under these circumstances that he should resort to the pot-house to drown all remembrance ef his woes , in the most vicious and criminal pursuits .
And yet the distress that now obtains in all our manufacturing districts , does but display the sufferings of the useful classes in a little bolder relief . We have been for years but just vegetating , and coM and selfish calculations about how we should get over the next day have
" Repreaa'd our noble rage , And froze the genial current of the souL " The higher ends of our existence have been forgotten amidst the crime and turmoil that society has forced us into ; but notwithstanding the degradation ia which What axe called the higher classes have plunged us , we nave been visited by some glimmerings of the great and good , and , despite our distresses , nothing can divert us from the pursuit of our full rights . ' In answer to the crotchets of expediency-mongers , tbe people , in a voice of thunder , demand their Charter , as the first , the only thing they will contend for : and the wrongs that crush us , though they are keen to bear , yet even they point out the ephemeral character of the Horrid system that entails them ; and they clearly foreshow the coming—the speedily coming time when the present barbaric state of society shall be matter of history , until historians shall refuse to record its crimes . I am , Sir ,
You * obedient servant , J . W . SMITH RatclifFe-gate , Mansfield .
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ADDRESS OP THE MEMBERS OP THE GENERAL COUNCIL TO THE CHARTISTS OF SHEFFIELD . " Awake ! arise ! or be for ever fallen I " Brother Democrats , —Appointed by the National Charter Association to -watch over tbe safety , and do all that in our power lies to promote the success , of the democratic cause in this district , we deem it our duty to briefly address you , shewing the necessity of immediate exertion on your part to place Sheffield in that position which , as one of the principal hives of British industry , it ought to occupy in the glorious movement now extending through tbe length and breadth of the land—a movement for tbe establishment of the right * of our order , and tho restoration of national greatness and prosperity , based upon the equal rights and equal enjoyments of all .
Brothers , the hU General Election saw the wretched Whig faction driven from power , and for ever destroyed as a party . Their end was just—their doom well-merited : they bad betrayed and insulted tlie people ; and when , in tae hour of their need , the miserable hypocrites appealed for help to those whom in the plenitude of their power they had trampled upon , the derisive laugh of a nation ' s scorn was tha only answer given : the tricksters of 1831 periahud , and one national shout of exultation hailed their fall . Then was restored to power the Tory faction , tha conservators of , because the proflters by , every abuse . If the Tories imagined that because the people rejected
the Whigs they ( the people ) had any love for the rival faction , miserably have they deceived themselves , as tbe future will show . No ; bad the people possessed legislative power they would have driven both factions to destruction . Not possessing tbat power , they destroyed the traitor parts , leaving enly tbe avowed supporters oi tyranny to battle with ; the party with whom there can be no compromise , who will themselves be crashed striving to uphold the present canibal system : or , conquering us will being the now aroused millions under £ military despotism , from which there will be nc escape but by and through a struggle , such as the heart and the mind sickens to contemplate , and instinctive ]; prayeth may never come .
Are we mistaken ns to the character of the ruling faction ?—No . Without ; reverting to their former deeds , without rehearsing the bloody records of the past , a glance at one or two of the leading members of the cabinet , will show the real charact-r of tha present Government Who Is the Duke of Wellington ' : Who ? Let the t = ) ns of thousands of victims of kingcraft and aristocracy who sleep ' neath the blood-stained sod of Europe ' s fields , and Asia ' s plains , answer . Who is Sir Robort Peel ? " One ( to quote a certain writer ) of the most Jesuitical and of heartless men . He hates and despises the people , more cordially than even the vilest ef the vile Whigs . He is a man without heart , without human sympathy , without any political aftoction in common with the masses of humanity around him . He may be said to embody all the bad qualities of botb . factions , and the good uf neither . " We need proceed no further with our description of the present Government , save but to remind
you of the Duke of Wellington ' s ignorant and heartless assertion , that there waa no distress in the country ! And that every man who chose to labour might , warn a sufficiency of the necessaries and comforts of life . ' The very reverse of this being as notorious as the sun an noonday . To which we may add tbe arrogant declaration of the Duke of Richmond , to tlie eftdct , thsit the power that made should unmake the present Government , unless that Government did the work of the landed aristocracy ! Are ye Englishmen , an « blush not to hear this aristocratic insult , th . it it is not } v , the people , that make the G >« .-rmnent . tut your lordly oppressors ? And told this , too , by one who o . vushis titles and wealth , the power to starve English jumpers , and grind Highland serfs , to tho fact of the first n .- > blo mother of his linn having beun fie accommodating mistress of a royal debauchee ; to the arrogant . tvr < iuny of suck shah wa patiently sn ! -mit '! Forbid it , Heaven . ' Forbid it , every remembrance of our sires' deeua J
' We bavtt too long Knelt at our proud lords' feet ; we have too long Obeyed their orderB , bowed to their capricec—Sweat ; d for them the wearying summer ' s day , Wasted for them the wages of our toil ; Fought for them , conquered for them , bled for them , Still to be trucuplcd oa , and still despised . ' But we will burst our chains . " From such a Government can we expect migLt of good ? No , we turn wit ' . } lot-thing disgutt from th : liberal knaves , whotjll U 8 t > give Sir Robert Peel a fair trial . We call upon you t > be up anci «;< iiu ^ , an' ! bs ready t ) oppose the measures of the Governme 11 if
when brought before the com try , they are found t > be as rumoured ' national einigr : < t on , and the building of more barracks , " tiiut is , transpoit ' . tioufor these who may be drivtn from home and kindred and builtti for those who may nut ! But , brothers , renumbering the mi .-tikes and failures of the past , let ua , reaping wisdom from experience , fail not to combine pi ' . ldeuce with dttjrmiuttion in giving bat - . leto the common foe ; we have to contend with a paity , craity as -well as cruel , cunning ua well as strong . But , brothers , only Itt us be united and energetic , calm and resolute , and we may laugh the power of faction to scorn , and uespita the ttrength of tyranny , win the freedom of ourfut ^ erland .
We deeply regret the necessity we are under of tilling you plainly , that hitherto , the Executive Council have not found that support on the part of tha Chartists of Sheffield they had a right to expect . K-imember , brothers , 'tis not in the power oE leaders , no matter how talented , courageous , and incorruptible to accomplish of themselves a nation's regeneration- It is tbe soverreign people , the mighty masses who must will by their apathy or energy , the slavery or freedom of our country . We have to complain that a considerable nnmher of the association have fallen into arrears with fieir contributions . "We know that thin may , in a gteat measure , be attributed to the want of employment in the
town . But , as it is necessary for the carrying on of tbe agitation with vigour , as well as to ascertain the real strengthof the association , that the said arrears should be obtained , we have resolved to send a circular to each member indebted to the association , stating the amount by him due , and fixing a limited time f » r the payment of the Bame ; where , owing to the want of employment or other causes , inability to pay may be shewn , we shall be ready to extend the time specified in the circular . If there is any man whose name is enrolled on our liit , who will neither make good his arrears , ner state why he is unable to do so , we shall consider tbat man to be no real Chartist , and aa such unworthy to have his name longer on our roIL
We now tarn to those who , professing the principles of Chartism , have not as yet joined the tanks of the National Associt tion . Brothers , we appeal to you to shake off your apathy , aad at once emist under our banner . He who is net for us is agdnst us . In your countless thousands ye thronged the streets to welcome , and hailed with rapture every word from the lips of your champion , O'Connor ; that undaunted advocate of the poor man ' s rights will shortly again visit your town . Come , then , join the Association , and prove to O'Connor that his past labours have not been in v&io .
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During the week of the Christmas holidays , we « h * U take active and energetic measures for obtaining signatures to the National Petition . In the meantime , the names of persons holding Sheets for signatures will be found in another column of tbe Star . Lectures are delivered every Sunday evening at halfpast six o ' clock , in the Assiociation Room , Fig Treelane . Meetings are also held in the same place every Monday and Tuesday evenings , when new members an enrolled , and every information u to the rules of tbe Association given . Upon the necessity of signing the National Petition and supporting the forthcoming Convention , we shall hereafter address you . By order of the Committee , QEOBOE JVLIAV HAENEF , Sub-Secretary . Sheffield . Dec 13 . 1841 .
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BRUTAL MURDER AT ST . HELEN'S . It is our painful duty to record the facts of a most diabolical and barbarous murder which hns been committed on a highly-respectable farmer residing at Rainford , about two miles from St . Helen ' s , whose name was Henry Qrayson . About fiTo o ' clock on Sunday morning , a man , employed as ostler by the Dsnton'a-green Brewery Company , was proceeding to his stables , when he discovered the body of a man lying in the centre of the highway , and his suspicion was that he was drunk and asleep . He , however , raised him up ; and , finding him incapable of either speaking or helping himself , carried him into a barn immediately adjoining , which belongs to the landlord of the Gerard ' s Arms public-house , Denton ' sgreen . There the man left him , supposing he was still
asleep , but returned some time after with a Ianthern , when he found that he had been dreadfully wounded in his head and other parts of his body , and if not then dead , was utterly insensible . He immediately gave the alarm , and assistance was procured ; but the unfortunate gentleman was dead before it could be of any avaiL A report of the transaction wa 3 speedily conveyed to Captain Woodford , the Commander of the County Constabulary Force , whose head quarters are at Preston , and who lost no time iu repairing to the scene of murder snd outrage , for the purpose of rendering advice and direction . The result of his exertions , together with those of Superintendent Storey , of the St Helen ' s division , is , tbat six persons , who are supposed to be implicated in the inhuman and bloodthirsty deed , are in custody . . ¦ ' -
The following are the particnlars of this dreadful deed : —The deceased , Mr . Henry Grayson , was a highly respectable farmer , residing at Rainford , a village about four miles from St Helen ' s . He was about £ ixty-fonr years , of age , and was reputed to be worth considerable property , some say to the amount of £ 200 a year . Part of this property consisted of cottages in St Helen ' s , the rents of which he was in the habit of collecting weekly , and for that purpose he generally attended every Saturday . On Saturday He waa in St . Helen ' s , and bad called on several of his tenants , but so far as it is at present ascertained he had only received , in the course of the day , the sum of 12 s . 4 d . Between eight and nine o ' clock he was seen in a beer house in the town , and in the course of conversation with some persons who were
aware of his residence and toe road he had to traverse , knowing also of a gang of poachers , reputed bad characters , who were in the habit of frequenting that part of the country , he was cautioned to desist from his common practice of returning home at such late hours , as , in all probability , on some occasion the " long company , " as the gang in question are generally designated , would attick and rob him ; but so little suspicion had he of such . au occurrence taking place , that , in reply to the caution , his observation was , " Oh , no ; I know them all ; they'll nut meddle with me . " He left the beer-house between eight and nine o ' clock , and called on a respectable tradesman , with whose family be remained until about midnight , and partook of supper with them . He waa Been about one o ' clock at the
door of the King ' s Head public house , in the cempany of a friend , knocking for admission , by a policeman on his beat . The policeman went to the place , but , seeing who they were , left them , without addressing them at all . As he was going away he heard some one belonging to the house say that unless they wished to stay , all night they could not be admitted . Shortly afterwards be was observed on the highway , leading towards Bainford , apparently eober . This is supposed to have been the last time he was seen alive , except , perhaps , by the assassin or assassins ; for , about half-past four in the morning , the body was found lying in the middle of the road , in such a dreadfully mangled state that it could not be recognised , even by those who knew him . The place where the horrid crime was committed is
called Denton ' s Green , about a mile from St Helen ' s , almost in the centre of the village , and within fifty yards of the Gerard ' s Arms Ina . It is evident that either the deceased bad been instantaneously deprived of nit'ranee , or the storm , which was raging at the time , had prevented his cries fr * m being heard , for no one in the neighbourhood was disturbed until the corpse was discovered . It waa found that on the forehead , immediately above the nose , a wound was inflicted with some blunt instrument , which had broken the skull and penetrated the brain . Oa the back part of tbe head was another wonnd which had also broken the bone of the skull and penetrated the brain , aud the right eye was burst and forced from its position by another blow of the assassin . But as if the demons in human shape , for less one could hardly suppose them , were not satisfied with taking away the life of their victim , they proceeded to further violence , for his
right shoulder was dislocated , and six of his ribs on the right side , and four on the left side , were broken ,, and forced into the lungs . The deceased , it would appear , from the state of tbe road , and the filth which covered him , must have had a fearful struggle with his murderers , and it is supposed , was acquainted with all » r some of them . His pockets were all rifled , and the right hand breeches pocket was turned inside out , and the lower part of it cut off , but it is known that ¦ they could not have obtained more than 10 s or 12 s . booty , in silver and copper , and this is alt the property that was taken away , so that there is nothing which can be identified as belonging to him . So exceedingly cautious had the murderers been in thoir conduct to the dead ,, that bis pocket-handkerchief , which probably might have been recognised , waa found thrown into the ditch at the road side , a few yards from where the body was found .
In the coarse of Sunday morning , Mr . Storey succeeded in apprending two men on suspicion , named Thomas Meadowcroft and Isaac Jacques , within a short distance of deceased ' s residence . On tne smill clothes of the former , were marks of blood about ihd knees , ¦ whictx had evidently been attempted to beobliterated by scraping with a knife or some such instrument , and in his pocket was found % large clasp kuife on which were marks of blood . When they were about to by conveyed to prison , Jacques was about to csmmunic-. t-i something , but was prevented by bis companion , and he afterwards declined making any fiUitiiutat at present , aitkuugli be said he had something important to communicate . Since ( hen , four other persons have been apprehended , whoi-o names » re Robert Wood , Charles Wood , William Jacques , aud Patrick M-Caudon , all part of the gang of poachers above t * sf > rrtd to . Th > iiave all been identified aa bsing in the neighbourhood within a short time of the murder .
As a proof of the perfectly reckless character of the { , 'ang mentioned above , the following particulars , which have since coaie to our knowledge , are given , and will afiurd a melancholy illustration . On Sunday evening Superintendent Storey met three of them on the road between St . Helen ' s , and tbe place where the murder was committal , whom be stepped and searched , but finding nothing on them except some tiins , which they admitted they were going to set for hares , he allowed tii- ' . n to depart . Within tvo hours after this a poor • abourur was knocked down on the rort'A by three men , robbed of his little all—half a sovereign—which , he was conveying home to his family , and thrown into the ditch . li happened , however , tbat the party robbed was well acquainted with one of the roi / btrs , whom he has . since idtntiu ^ d , and who proves to be part of the same gang—a person named Peter Wooiia , brother to cue of tlie prisoners in custody , ou suspicion cf the murder . ¦ .
Voracious Pike . —A singular instance of the voracity of the pike occurred on the subsiding of the Hood from the footpath adjoining Mr . Oidham ' s mill , a few days since . Some lads were engaged iu play , and dabbling with their naked feet in tho waters overflowing the banks of the Loam , when one of the juvfiiiile party was seized by the foot by a pike of about 4 ln . weight ; and such was the tenacity iviih wliich this tyrant of the watery element kept its hold , that it was with no little difficulty the boy succeeded iu shaking it off , which having at length accomplished , he carried it to the domicile of his parents , where it formed part of the family meal a few hours afterwards . —Manchester paper . Coming to the Point . —A young gentleman ,
hose extreme bashfulness might otherwise cause rious embarrassment to tho fair , takes the followg very modest -means of breathing his sighs Tough the columns of the Carmarthen . Journal : — Open to all South Wales . —Wanted , by a hand me young gentleman of nineteen ( whose bashfal-: S 3 has caused him to adopt this mode of conitip ) , an object of affection . * She must be pretty , it very tall , accomplished , fond of music , and have good voice of her own ; her age from seventeen to renty-fiv « . Money of no consideration . Address ostpaid ) to ...... The utmost secrecy observed . S . —Any lady wishing to embrace the present ' Portunity will meet with an affectionate lover , and , rhaps , wealthy husband . "
Melancholy a . td Fatal Accident . —On Thuray evening the master of the Kirkcaldy packet , iling between Leith and that place , fell into rkcaldy harbour , between eight and nine o ' clock , d as the night was very dark , no one saw the acieat , but his cries for assistance brought David agg , one of the men belonging to the fiory boat , the spot , whose endeavours , we regret to say , in ndering assistance , terminated in both being owned . Tho captain ' s body was found the same ening , and that of Hogg the next morning . The ptain , whose name is Robert Graham , perished thin 200 yards of his own house , and we undertad has left a widow aad three children to deplore 1 loss . Hogg has lefc a widow and eight children . ' dedonian Mercury .
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TO THE EDITOB OF THE NORTHERN STAR . Sib ., —As no doubt many of our friends in Scotland are awaiting in anxious suspense , for communications from Mr . O'Brien , he being unable in consequence of the bad state of his health , to write them , you will greatly oblige the above gentleman and his Scottish friends , by inserting the following letter in tae Sortliern Star . Tours , very sincerely . Duxcis Nicholson . Aberdeen , December 3 d . 1841 . P . S . The following ia a copy of the letter received by me , from J . B . O"Brien .
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D . N . Wolverhampton , 1 st Dec . 1841 . My Dear Sir , —In reply to your second letter , il have not received your first ) I beg to say , that owing to tte precarious state of my health , I cannot pledge myself to visit Aberdeen , or even the south of Scotland , before ntxt summer , lest I should be obliged to disappoint my Scottish friends , as 1 nave already been to the man of Oldhawi . I have undergone a deal Of fatigue since my liberation , having attended not less than sixty meetings , since the 24 th September , at each of ¦ whicb , I spoke on the average , not less tban three hours .
J am now on my -way to Manchester , where ray fsmily ire resitting temporarily , and should » week's quiet have the effect of recruiting my health , so as to enable me to resume the agitation , I shall most likely proceed northward , to Edinburgh and Glasgow , and if the weather be not very inclement , shall endeavour to visit Dundee , Aberdeen , 4 c , it , before my return to Englaod . Bat as already observed , I dont like to pledge myself , lest I should be compelled , by ill health , to disappoint my friends , after putting them to the trouble and expense of preparing for my reception . I am dow eearly two years away from my family , who hava suffered many inconveniences and privations on my account , I must therefore think well on it befere I lea-re titem agsin , and especially for a tour in the north of Scotland , which at this Beason of tiie year , might prove fanl to me , owing to my Btate of health .
Under the 3 e circumstances , all I can promise is to comply irith tbe kind invitation of ray Aberdeen friends hs soon as my heaith and circumstances ¦ will permit , and to give timeiy notice when they may expect me , either through the Sorihem Star or by pri-rate letter . If I visit Scotland before Christmas or soon after , I stall have to take Mrs . O'Brien with me , ( which would mate the journey more expensive , ) and I dare not leave her for a long absence at this season of the year , —1 am therefore desirous to put off my Scottish tour till next spring or summer ; but nevtrtheless , snonld health and
circumstances permit , I shall be in Scotland before Christmas , accompanied by iny -ss-jfe , rather than have my Scottish friends suppose for one instant , that I make light of their invitations , 01 entertain any otfeer ftelings than tho ? e of respect and gratitude , for the many disinterested proofs they have given in my absence of their sympathy and good will towards , Tueir and your very obedient servant , And ftllow-labourcr in the good cause , James Bro . nterre O'Brien . Duncan Nicholson , 37 , East North-street , Aberdeen .
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MEETING OF THE DISTRESSED SPITALFIELDS WEAVERS . Last Saturday night , a numerous meeting of the distressed Spitalfields weavers was held at the Crown and Anchor , Waterloo-town , Bothnal-green , by adjournment from the previous Saturday , to receive the report of tbe deputation which waited upon the Lord Mayor , for tbe purpose of hearing from his Lordship his intentions as to the appropriation of the funds in his hands for tbe relief of the SpitalflsMs weavers . Mr . Boddington having , about nice o ' clock , been appointed to preside ,
Mr . Fox , on the part of the committje , said , tbat he and two of the committee waited upon thu Lord Mayor , on Thursday last . The committee were aware that & meeting had been held in the vestry-room of the church , at which meeting several clergymen of the district , and some gentlemen connected with the Adelaide Society , attended . The committee were informed that an intention was then expressed to devote the monies raised for the relief of the Spitaluelds weavers to the support of all persons in distress , of whatever trade . Tbe committee recolved , in coosequence , that a , deputation should wait upon the Lord Mayor . The deputation saw bis Lordship at the Mansion-honse , and his Lordship expressed his surprise that there should be an attempt to appropriate money in any other way than the donors intended . They obsetved , tbat they called to express their desire that the money should not be
parted with by the Lord Mayor until a proper committee bad been appointed . His Lordship said that such was his intention . While they were in conversation , Mr . Wenwood , from the Adelaide Committee , and Mr . Brydges , entered the room , when they stated what had been done at the vestry , and what were their intentions as to the disposition of the funds . The Lord Mayor having stated his objections , recommended the deputation to get up a district meeting , when , if they had a responsible chairman and an efficient committee , who would apply the funds judiciously , he -would then Rive the money out of his hands . He stated that he had about £ 1 , 000 ., but which , he obstrved , ho knew was not near sufficient to supply their urgent necessities . The committee bad since waited on Mr . li . Hanbury , who had declared his willingness to become their chairman at the district meeting . ( Hear , bear . )
Mr . Claisse , the Si-cretary , said , thit ho was happy to find that they were in a course to obtain some assistance for the starving Spltalfields' weavers . It vfasn-. w out of the hands of tlw Committee . He assured them , that in the City and at the West-end the best disposition was evinced on their behalf by all parties , and he believed that now tUat the opinion of the Lerd Mayor was known , that many of the gentlemen who met ; it tho church had fallen in witlh his vtew * . Tho distrtss , he was sorry to say , was increasing to an alarming extent .
Since their last meeting , the Cnninilttoo had had above 300 personal applications ; while the landlord of the Knave ot Clubs , where the Committee meet , is called upon all day to know when the money will bo distributed A few days ago he saw Mr . Brutton , tho vestry clerk , who stated that thero were about 1 , 000 in the house , ami 1 , 300 who receive out-door relief . ( Several exclaimed , " Nearly 3 , 000 ; " ) and a weaver said that Barton , the relieving officer , informed him a few weeka ago tbat there were above 2 , 000 receiving out-door relief .
Mr . Fox said , that a fortnight ago there were 851 in the house . He believed tlie out-door relief was about 3 , 000 . Several weavers addressed tho chair , after which the report was unanimously received ; when , thanks being passed to the Chairman , who replied , the meeting broke up .
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__ | • THE NORTHERN STAR . ^ 7
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Dec. 18, 1841, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1140/page/7/
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