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» SB WHO IS HOT WITH US IS AGAINST US . " pxri n . iv jrssbcaldBoi care who were against ub , if those rtatajs&r as were -with us indeed—if ihej we » e all ? fte—ini those who are against us , have great means 4 o use against us—they , hare power , they have -wealth , « jey c&n peisecute , ^ bey can bribe—and custom is on \ bjisa £ - ^ sre sre poor and have nothing to offer Trat jj ^ Siae . Those "Khp are not satisfied -with the just wsgof the cause and the approTal cf their own consdoaeas , are led by other inducements , by considerations jofarake tss , to betray us . We are God ' s counsellors jnd plead ^ ^ s of the poor—they have the rich for clients and they advocate worldly interests . ^^ __
2 i ia in Tain for us to to appeal to the understandings £ xsn eBfiinies—they arealready convinced that -we are rigbt—ii is equally Tain to appeal to their f eeiing— - jbey hive none—they try to deprecate our resentment % y seeming sympathy j to delay the tame by devising ^ ain-Kfcnns—they fay ereiy art to blind us , to seduce as , to repel "& *—and nothing mU they yield to bnt to { ear—no noilerinotrre trill ever mate them give up jfceir ill-gotten prey , and if ever they are compelled to restore to ns c-nr rights , it will not be -without a ggtermmation to deprive us of them soon again if possble , to that It ia no less necessary to be energetic to ywain our rights , than it -will necessary to be -watchful to Becnre tbem -when gained .
fye have been acenstomed to loos to Parliament for jgires , to pefifiDn Parliament—knt as -well might the jiE&Iook to tie -wolf for pity , the doye implore the jjjgfor release , as the people loot to the Parliament ^ tatygjs upon them . Ibe people must agree , most jgacsse , icnst orgsnizs to gain their Charter and get a jsrHsment of their ewn before ever they can hope , or jjresia of redress . I do not know -whether any of yon jaTeeTsbeen tosee tbehigh court of Parliament , where gje coBectrre "wisdon of the nation g jts—j never have __ j conld noi see without disgust nor 13 st * n but "with i ^ japsDca to the proceedings there ; for what should Ijeezna hear?—scented dandies " perfnmed lite millings , - decied with trinkets lite stage-players , tilings ^ jjgsit head or heart , that call themselves members , — Sesongb to be members of a club of horse-jockeys , -jj 2 BBS , oreocknfhters ; but not the representatives ^ TpeoplB whose miseries are bnt mirth to them .
jjapeopls do not know their own strength , do not ieelthar own importance , ot they would never let such gs ^ aiez as these libel and laugh at them . Then there sk orators who loTe to show their wit at the expence cfth 8-ctrantry , or their folly at their own expence—Ml fed iqsires who go to take a nap after dinner , nothing bsi 2 ? * " ^ mnolent as the speeches thEre—imTaHottsand worldly wise men , fonder of themselTes than « f ite * country— -lawyers , usurers , sycophants , vbo , whenever an honest man rises like ajspirit sad ^ sndjin the midst of them , set np such howlings and screeching * to scare Mm back , that one wonld believe Befflim had broken loose , and all the mad folks fcsd come there . 2 iow -what can the people expect from such a motley assembly , but farther injury and jasuli ]? Would that another Cromwell would arise and go among them to tell them what they are , and , to make Ibem give place to honester men .
It is in rain expecting our rights , or even a cessation of wrong from the Court , the . Ministry , or the Parliajsmt : —from -whom , then , must ire expect it ?—why fern nona but ourselves . "We Ernst nnite and with oes Toi»—a voice like the sound of many -waters —« t nest bj , these things shall no leager be ! When the Jlom&ns mated to make known their minds , their -veices were so loud that the noise struck the birds of the sir isTfSi a shot , and made them fall dtad to the ground . If as people ef England , Scotland , and Ireland were gna to raise one universal shout for freedom—the powers that be , the despots on high , the carrion , me biros inat hover over us for prey , -would immefistelj fill from their Ugh estate and strew the ground Bb withered leaves shaken from Freedom ' s tree by aaBaeas- 'blast of liberty .
Batto elect this our VGices must be united not only ja umiber , but in sound ; we must not have scattered mi caniriry odes , bnt one only accordant ay The Qarter r We wereaH ahenSng for the Charter , 'butsoHjB among ns , some who bad taught ns that-ahont , turned icnsl upon ns and said , " Oh , yon irant the Charter ; bit jon shant have it until yon can spell it , and read it , ssd write it « nd tell ns what iB Latin for the Charter ;" inihort , we mnstbny the books they write , distribnte as tracts ttiej print , and read their papers , pamphlets , Ed periodicals . Ten must appoint them as missionirks , only mind you pay them -well ! You most have
lorediSBg library , and not only see that the books drealate , tctabothat the Ubisrj itself trait ronod fram town to town and village to Tillage . Ton must bnlld-scbools for yourselves to go to school in ; you ees * isTe pleasure-gronnds and play-grounda . baths , music , and dancing ; a laboratory for you to 2 nd the phDoeenhEr ! stone in ; and schools to teach scbool msEtetBinas-weHastdvolars ; imfeort , yon most all become complete gentlemen and men of science , and nfcvei nsSnd thsoija all ti » "wbUe yon isve no bread to eat , xodo > h £ Stowesx , nobonseto put your heads in , nothing to do , and nothing to lire on .
JMJ fins was ytxy grand , very glorious , enough to immortalize the eonKwtorsof flie scheme—the Chartist schoolmaster wonld have gone abroad 1 Bat , nnfortnnstely , while they were birildjng these castles in the air— -while fhsj were connting their ehiekens , the eggs * were yet to be hitched ; they had the f oundaJion to lay ; they had Boi comted on the means— and the Tiaon -rsniBlied . ( To he continued . J
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m ilAN-WOBSHIP—Pixi 3 . The true patriot eTer looks at the cause , never si himself ; nor does lie ever interpose . himself betnen &e eanse and flie people , like the fy in the Mesarae , to intercept Qieir view , Tbe ^ anse is not losrTeiiin , butb . e . is to serve the caase , and he is issflj to ecrifice all for it By constantly fixing bis gas en it , be grows like it—he imbiBes its influenceshe bscaaes great -ana good . Are there any who join ™> He rejoices at it for the eanse sake ! Do they pi bstee him ? ie rqoices still mere J Fall they into mseaen ^ s hands ? jHe laments as Washington did Trhenha brother General and compatriot Lee fell into ashsads of _ the Engfisbj he is -willing to second or to lead , as drcamstances may require . ~ Ff «» fortune nronred bim , ha -will-use bis fortune to fevunr the less
fcrtsnaie . He wffl cbeck every disposition cf the PM 0 e to Gad him , and . win seek lather to inspire ^ a wHh confidence in themselves than in him , as M . ffii , who , when tie men of Switzerland wonfisreaatiisbolaness ,- told them that not ene of them Pttnaghidoas he had done , for he was but aman like nasofthemselves . He will nBTer raise false expectations cyprenndng more than he can perform , and will pni "sjfrom himself every suspicion of seeking personal aggnDdaemeat or profit , as Cssar-pnt away bis sus-P *^ wife ; for , iaid Csar , the -wife of Cssar shall sSbeKapected . HewiUnot seek , neither -win he sbnn ¦^^ Sm , far less flee from it ; and he -will HSoe whatever mfiering tfee Government may impose ^» iaa with marly fortitude having always the amon of the cause in view and being -wishful to set an wwagicg example . Such an one -will serve the
«** with snccesa-SBch an one will attain irne glory . " wTl how few such Uiere are—Washington is MB { «* v& 3 one . How seldom is it bnt that the ffcti ^ saa Whin Iotb -with himself , and the mere he « rahuaR 3 f the less hs-wffl love the catae . He-will ^ to Satteren and grow jealous of friends—he Trill £ * w > ol 5-the needy and TmscrupuloTa will form Mb fe « »_ 5 P iter > ¦*« E gb * and he&t "which he *"*» &om . the sun he will commnnicate to these IKE 1 ute » whoin Eke -muTrppT revolve yonnd Mm . ! The ^ s will lose it » own name and be named after 1 ^ * "l « ame Mb cause , instead of the cause of «« * cae pwple—and-we shall become his parti zn . "DWj ' whBtu-nfnTHirm' } n > . *^ T « o 7 «?/! «? * Vn
, , £ P ™« u jrart principle , It set oat Trith an inten-^ sa » bBfeeBons , tohavenouEhtto do withfaetion , ^ Ms a t 0 Boficeit . Charfismtookita stand own » f * ™ ' SDi scaring in the dignity of its ^ 'j ^ ttlpardenr , high above all party ox personal ^^ a hoTera in the Heavens like the eagle of the bs » ^ 2 ^ P ™® -npon foction or parthanship and imJ ^ Ior itB ¥ * % ¦ K ttere 5 » any class prei » K ^ . Pot 7 ^* i - ^ Chartism , they wffl renderit -m r ^ Whiggism or Toryism ; Chartism ctih ^ f ^^ lose * " Vo ^ rex to expel those ^ T ^ *^™ Government or from society—the fcj " *'™ Qarann win go out of it , all its moral arattenoj ^ of mQlj it ^ n cease to attract their £ ^ » aate their hopes—it -will no longer beregarded ^^ q to heal the wounds of the Wcied , as a r ***** to cure th « j ^ rfit . „» » v- _____„ j / wi .. v-
* J tS ? T thQBe " rices ^^ i ^ » denounce , can ° T b ^ S ; er to ca £ t ^^ ont > OT escaP 8 tte ' ^^^ tcs ^ Z ^? ' Tbs txa » Chartist is entitled to regard Ttthfi . ^^ « paiorto any mamrho iB factionB or » S 5 ^ ra ** ^ leflaDuke , a Lord , or ¦ J ^ Tt ~_ w ^ have CksrtiBtB to do -with either isii ^ JSP' * nt'to ; d « nonnceboth . ExpedieHcy is ti Sh 6 ri ^ J ) nt honeE * y- Kever let our palms itch Yi £ «^ te of the system ; or be scored or branded ti Tfay wJ ™ 6 QiaTtist "wio Totes for either Whig ISC , J ^ oz ^^ a heterogenous compound—an ano-O ^ ae enhflea bimBelf to the name of Whicfcfe&ufcTi ! a ' bSi public cspadty acts nn justly , and ^ S £ 5 r ° » - ta » a * - * & *! xhA * M ? ' to Christianity ite ^ ™ t ^ Q aSajj ^ trYv * its name from no man ; whereas hjtxi £ r < l ^^ its name irom Jesus Christ the * Cbri * L . ** & *«» are -mitTty modifieations VibrtiKf-j . — * *» vuuc are """ j jaaMioeaaona the
_ ^ Pt ^ tT ^^ ' eac ^ - taking its name from It » &na c& ^^» * a doctrin * of CalTinism Oaiggj , -i ^ V ** * from Wede 7 » *«• No 1 r Qa « tt-W ™*« 5 H takes ita name from the te » UieSnl ** 80 Dl d Jostiee , « f -which the Char Qaetam-u ° * l - Thete abonld be no sectarianism in it bB&i ^ ^ ° mvention si one man any more than Caa "toTL * 0086 ¦ las i 0 ^ theifcat ilie ^ i » t Great ¦ **¦ " rTbaJ ** ~ 'we ^ vocateit ; -we do not set 16 GsaStF 68 ^ honox » < an a man baTe than to ^^ enes ^ V ^^ greater approTal than his own ^^ ecnflLr 1 * 5 0 Be ? He ^ no * ieek-he will ^ tebowHTi ^ t > aier hononr - H men stb ict" ^ SS ^ vv ^ n *• « n » toe them up ; t " ^*^ ^ ^ Canse - - - * TVit 3 s allowable ^* Si ? £ ; £ * " ^ ¦» » * P ^ t oal abstraction J ^ kifc&S ^ l * "! Forda P & ^ - All other ^** tcTS * ** ¦**** d ^ ^ ourEelves and
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There is a degree-of esteem—a degree of deference dne to advocates for the cause sake ; and ao long as they remain true to the cause they deserve to be eateemed next to- i it- ? but never as it—sever-- ' before it Ho good man but will refuse worship when oSWed to him . No great people Trill refuse to offer it Whence , then , does the man-god rite ? ( To be continued . J
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TEE ADDRESS OF THE SOUTH LANCASHIRE DELEGATES TO THEIR CONSTITUENTS , AND THE MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL
CHARTER ASSOCIATION GENERALLY . Bhbthhek , —There never was a time in the history of this country that the working classes had more to contend with than they have at the present period , norwaB there ever a time when apathy was more prevalent We had hoped that the persecution which povrer and capital has raised in the country , and more especially in Lancashire , -would have long since aronsed you to a sense of your duty ; and we can only attribute it to your unparelleled suffering , and the tyranny of yonr merciless employers , -who -will , we are sure , exercise the same power over you that they have hitherto done , nnleEB you seek to establish your own rightthe right of bbourin opposition to the right claimed by cspitsL
We are on the eve of the day when many of our best men are to be condemned by class-made laws ( tried and sentenced they have been already ); they are to be separated from their homes , tbBir kindred , and their friends . Fer -what ! For advocating the right of a class ? No ; bnt for asserting the right of all men , without reference to class or creed . This , in the eyes of unjust law makers , is a crime not to be forgiven . Why do they persecute ? Why do they imprison ? Why do they expatriate our brethren ? Because -we -want that unity of interest and fellow feeling -which they have for themselves and them ocly . Let us in this instance shew them that we do not want sympathy for those who have stood forward as advocates for the rights and privileges of ns and our children ; nor that ¦ we do not -want moral courage to come forward and take our stand as they have done . Do this and the wori of persecution is at an end .
Brethren , consider for a moment -what must be the feelings of those who are to be deprived of the society and support cf these men ; the poet says" There are hopes from the prison , But none from the tomb . " But -what hope can they have from an apathetic people ? -what consolation can it be to them to know that their children are dependent on you fer support ? Away then with lktlessness ; rally all your energies ; deprive yourselves of all that is unnecessary ; abandon the public-bouse , for it gives Etrength to our enemies ; deal only wiih our friends , -with those who will give towards the support of the victims of class legislation .
Brethren , -we have beheld with extreme regret , the defalcation in the attendance of delegates to the Sauth Lancashire Council . It therefore became our duty to remind the Chartists of this district , that we consider it of the utmost importance that the "varieua localities shonld have their representatives present at such council meetings , in erder to create a feeling of brotherly affection in "the Chartist ranks in the division of Laocasbire . We also know that the Chartists of Great Britain have been in"the habit of looking up to this meeting as the most important meeting in the country . In the hope , therefore , that the past will mere than suffice , -we have to announce that a delegate meeting will take place on
the 22 ad , when subjects of the most vital importance will be brought forward for the consideration of the delegates , one of -which will be the propriety of employing a lecturer in this division of the county ; also the new plan of organization . Another equally important subject will ba the most efficient means of procuring funds to defend the victims at the forthcoming trials , and render support to the wives and families of those who may be incarcerated . There is also another subject -which will demand the careful deliberation of the delegates , which is the emendation of the constitution of the county council , and placing it upon more thoroughly democratic principles .
W « call upon the members of trades unions to come forward at thiB important crisis , and assist their countrymen in obtaining a thorough reform in the Commons House of Parliament , —a reform -which -will give to every man an equal share in the legislation of the country ; and this can only be obtained by the enactment of that document called the People ' s Charter . Trades unions have not answered the purpose for which they -were originally intended , namely , keeping up the price of labour ; and whilst -we are walling to admit that they have stood as bulwarks between the oppressor * nd the oppressed , yet they have not , nor cannot , snecessfnlly combat against the grasping and insatiable avarice of the grinding capitalist ; and why ? Because the law protects his property ; in fact he is one of : he
law-makers , while the honest and industrious working man has no law to protect his labour . On the contrary , btbtj law- made is more or leas opposed to his real interest ; and so wonder , because be is not allowed to have a hand in making It Tben seeing such to be the case , we call upon you , the intelligent mechanics and artizins— -we urgently call upon you , the very life ' s blood of this nation—you -who are the sinews , the prop aid support of the Government and its abettors , to rally round the standard of true democracy , and shew by your honest and firm adherence to it that ycu are determined to be politically free , and implacable enemies to that Leviathan , Class Legislation , which has , like a devastating tornado , blasted and destroyed the " vital interests of the great body of the working community .
To you of the Trades -who have already joined our ranks , -we are compelled to say , bnt we do it with all due respect , that you have been wanting in your duty ; you have been apathetic . In truth your conduct lately evinces a complete indifference to the glorious cause which you professed sincerely to espouse . To you we say , shake of your lethergy , rouse from your sloth and exert your best energies to promste the onward progress of our holy principles . Ton have no excuse ; you are convinced of the truth of the political tenets which we have preached ; therefore we say once more , put on your armour and be ready to fight the moral fight of right against cruel and oppressive might Let your and our enemies see by your virtuous attachment to the banner of freedom , that you are ¦ worthy of those rights which God and nature intended you should possess .
Brethren , -we need not remind yon of the necessity of giving your undivided support to that portion of the press advocating purely democratic principles . We are of opinion there are none so deserving attention as the Horihern and Evening Stars . These bright luminaries , under all circumstances , have nobly defended the rights of the toiling mniifynw , and , regardless alike of calumny and persecution , have fearlessly denounced injustice and oppression , no matter whether emanating from . Government < fncials or local tyrants . And it would manifest the basest ingratitude on your part , if
you do not strive by all possible means to promote the circulation of both papers first , by taking themyour-Belves is preference to others , and then by introducing them into your Temperance Hotels and other places of public resort where you have any influence . By thus performing what is no more than your duty yoa are removing the prejudices of those -who are not acquainted with your principles , and , at the same time , carrying terror into the camp of your enemies , and silently , yet eSVctually , promulgating those glorious truths on which alone caa be based the happiness of yourselves and the salvation of your country .
In conclusion , brethren , we call npon yon to shake off the apathy which you have so long manifested . Exercise all the energies you possess in the prosecution of your noble enterprise . Be determined that your principles shall be known , being folly assured they have only to be known to be appreciated by all who are not inaccessible to conviction . Let no danger induce yon to relinquish the contest , and soon , very soon , will victory crown your united efforts . Tben -will liberty be proclaimed upon the mountain tops , and the valleys
echo back the sound , -while the glad news of your country ' s freedom will reverberate from shore to shore , tin distant nations catch the delightful theme , and with one spontaneous burst of enthusiastic rapture proclaim , Tyranny is fallen , is fallen I and freedom , happiness , and peace is permanently established ;" We remain , yours , In behalf of the Delegates assembled , Thos . Bailton , Chairman . Wjl Dixoii , Secretary . Manchester , January 8 th , 1 S 43 .
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TEE VICTIMS . TO THi EDITOB . OT THE K 0 RTHBB . S STAB . Sib , —In' the NorBiern Star of December the 17 th , appeared a report of a meeting of the Somerstown Victim Committee , at which meeting five shillings was voted to Sir . Peter Foden , and a like sum to Mrs . Clayton , both of this town . Allow me , through you , Sir , to inform our London friends that I last week paid over the above sums to Mr . Foden and Mrs . Clayton . Mr . Ardill has their receipts for the money . Mr . Foden and Mrs . Clayton letum their grateful thaTiTm to their KnS friends , the Somerstown Committee .
With respeet to Mr . Foden , allow me to state that after Buffering two years imprisonment in the cause of Coartism , he has returned to Sheffield to find his home broken up and himself thrown upon the wide -world -without employment and -without resources , to maintain himself and family . He is by trade a baker and confectioner , but owing to the depressed state of trade cannot obtain employment in Sheffield . Hi » present object is therefore to start in business in the above line for himself ; he of course needB the pecuniary means . The Sheffield Chartists have rendered him all the assistance hi their power at the present time , and could any of eur Cfcarfot friends , out of Sheffield , add to thepittle store Mr . Foden has at present in hand , itTronld be the means of renderinghiminfiependentof the employocracy , and in furnishing him -with the means of honourable subsistence-would lender his Btrvices of greater utility to the good cause .
In the Star of Dec 31 , appeared certain resolutions adopted by the Sheffield Chartists respecting the fund lodged at the Star office , collected for the purpose of bringing fee remains of our departed brother Clayton from NerihaDeiton tv Sheffield , bat which , ewirig to
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unfavourable circumstances , was not applied to that purpose ; it-was recommended in the said resolutions that the fund in question should be given to Mrs . Clayton . No opinion has been expressed on the subject out of Sheffield , and if , after the appearance of this letter , the country shonld still be silent , it -will be inferred by Mrs . Clayton's friends that all who subscribed to the fund are -willing that it should be given to and appropriated for the benefit of the widow . I beg leave to call the attention of my Sheffield friends to the case of Mrs . Ellis . Upon the awful
calamity that has overtaken that much injured woman I need not comment ; all are acquainted with the particulars of that cruel stroke of tyranny by which she has been deprived of her husband , her children of their father , and both : of a home . Mr . Cooper is exerting himself with praiseworthy zsal to secure the latter { a home ) for ; this persecuted family , all that is needed is a few pounds to secure " a consummation devoutly to be wished" by all lovers of the Gharter and sympathisers with their suffering fellowcreatures .
Sheffield has been appealed to , and I hope will not be backward in giving its support . I will keep a book open lor the receipt of monies for Mrs . ElliB from the present date to the 21 st February , when all sums received shall be acknowledged in the Northern Star , and remitted to Mr . Cleave , treasurer ior Mrs . Ellis . The case of Mrs . Roberts , of Birmingham , —in whose behalf appeared an address , in the Star of last Saturday , —is one abw demanding the active sympathy of all having a heart that can feel for another . In the case of Mra . Roberts , only a very few pounds are required to afford her the means of procuring a decent livelihood for herself and children . Was something like Fi-vE shillings given by each ti the important Chartist localities the sum wanted would be more than realized . For this object I will keep open a b » ok for the receipt of monies until the 14 th of February , when all snms received shall be acknowledged in the Northern Star .
TruBting you will excuse the length of this , and give it insertion in your columns ,. I am , Sir , faithfully yours , Geobge Jdlijjj Hab > et . Sheffield , January 17 , 1843 .
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BIRMINGHAM . CHARTIST CONFERENCE . For the last few months , and in faofc , since the memorable " strike' ? of the colliers and others , Chartism in this town was in a disorganized Btate ; for although the localities existed in name they fell sadly short of efficiently performing those duties which fall to the lot of all well-organized bodies . A number of active and Intelligent members of the National Charter Association , deeply deploring this state of things , and knowing well that Chartism was numerically strong in BirmiBgham , resolved to issue printed circulars calling on each member and friend of the National Charter Association to attend a general meeting or Conference of the whole . The subject was brought before the members of the General Council for Aabton-street Locality , and it was agreed { that printed circulars should be issued , of which the following is a copy : —
Birmingham , January 11 th , 1843 . Sib , —Youare requested to attend a meeting of the members and friends of the National Charter Association , resident in Birmingham , on Monday , January 16 th , at the Royal Oak Inn , Little Charles-street , at seven-o'clock in the evening , for the purpose of considering the best mode of extending and strengthening the cause in this town , and adopting a good mode of operation for the future , in order that full confidence may be established amonget all the members . We remain . Sir , yours respectfully , George Richardson , chairman ; William Talbert , secretary ; Messrs . Reece , Parkes , Bates , Cowan , Saundera , G , White , Murleas , councillors . "
At the time appointed , a large number of persona were in attendance in the large and commodious room of the Royal Oak Inn , Little Charles-street , amongst whom were the most active and intelligent Chartists of the town . A kind and brotherly feeling pervaded the whole ; and , from the general tenor of the proceedings , it will be seen that each man was animated with a desire to make Birmingham what she ought to be . On the motion of Mr . G . White , Mr . John Mason was unanimously called to the chair .
Mr . Mason then took the chair , and said : —As they had done him the honour of electing him to preside on that occasion , he hoped that every one present would make it his study to preserve a good feeling whilst they freely expressed their opinions on the various questions which might be submitted to their consideration . A more important object than that for which they had now assembled could not engage the attention of the sincere and devoted patriot in his struggle for liberty ; he congratulated them that they had been brought together for the immediate purpose of ere * ating a good understanding amongst the honest and sincere Chartists who desired the freedom of theit country , and he had no doubt they would ultimately succeed . There was a power then present competent to accomplish an organization of great magnitude ,
which , if conducted with energy and prudence , under the guidance of an efficient directing body , invested with tiie entire confidence of all the Association , would call forth the . activity of the surrounding districts and Bet an example to the country at large . He did not anticipate any frivolous objections would be urged , or that any person would complain of a want of proper respect in the distribution of the circulars , as he felt confident that everything had been done for the best , considering the > hort time in which they had to distribute such a large number . He hoped that they were all animated by noble sentiments , which he had no doubt would characterize their deliberations that evening—( hear , hear ) , The general good was their paramount oi ject ; and he waa certain that unanimity and decision would be the surest guarantee for their fntnre bdccbsh . Mr . White wonld now read over to
them a series of propositions to be submitted to their consideration . They bad been drawn up with a tenacious regard of the existing organiz ition . But it was obvious that , from the vastness of the population of Birmingham , and the disgraceful manner in which the Whig leaders had abased their confidence , it was necessary to adopt a more comprehensive mode of action than had been previously in operation , in order to arouse the immense energies of the working classes ; and he hoped that their proceedings that evening would be conducted in such a dignified tone of feeling as to give life and vigour to the cause in Birmingham , and prove to England that that power which displayed itself in 1830 would now be used for a nobler purpose . ( Cheers . )
Mr . George White having been unanimously appointed to act as Secretary , explained the reasons for calling the meeting , and pointed out the mode by which Birmingham might be made the grand centre and bulwark of sound chartism . He referred to the immense numbers who , at all times , came forward at public meetings to support their principles , as a justification of the steps they were about to take , to bring abont a good understanding and healthy organization of the whole . He then read over a number of propositions which had been drawn tip at a preliminary meeting , and concluded by expressing a hope that they wonld that evening make such regulations as would place the cause in Birmingham on a sure and irremoveable foundation . After a few remarks from the Chairman , and Messrs . Carter and Williamson ,
Mr . T . Saundebs said , that from what he bad beard read by the Secretary , it appeared to him that there was an intention of breaking up the localities , and establishing them into one . body . If such was the case , they had better submit a resolution to the effect at the outset He therefore moved , " That the whole of the existing localities be merged into one body . " Mr . Joseph WaSHBOUKWE objected to the resolution , as a member of the shoemakers' locality . He felt convinced that Ibey , would not agree to iV Messrs . Chilton , Thorne , and Williamson , also spoke on the subject , when Mr . Saunders withdrew his motion .
Mr . George White then addressed the meeting . It appeared to him that at a time like this , <^ e advocates of liberty should not cavil about trifles . There were numbers of our beifcfriends at that moment with a prospect of imprisonment before their eyes ; and it would add to their punishment if , after they were incarcerated , they should find that their iabonrs were in vain . If they would net act energetically to support those who bad been placed in that position , what-could be thought of them 1 Tens of thousands of honest men were then Buffering all the horrors of starvation , and there was not a man theu present but was liable to share the same fate . They well knew that there was no protection for working men under the present system , and , in order to come to an unanimous decision , he would move the following resolution : —
" That as it is necessary to improve the position , and extend the principles of Charfcis ^ i in this great and important tows , in order to concentrate our power , we hereby resolve to unite our energies without interfering with the business of the various localities as at present conducted . " Mr . Edward Murless seconded the motion , which was put from the chair , and unanimously agreed to . The Secretary then read the following portion of the propositions : — "That members of the General Council for the town of Birmingham be now elected , composed of twenty or more , if necessary ; that their duties shall be to divide the town into districts , appoint collectors , and to take all necessary means of extending and consolidating the organization ; that they shall 6 ave the power of electing a directing body from their members , who shall be authorised to convene the eouncil as often as they shall deem it necessary . " >
Mr . W . Chilton moved that the resolution just read , be adopted by this meeting . Mr . John New house seconded it . Mr . James Saundehs moved an amendment , " That the words 'directing committee' be substituted Ior ' general council . ' He thought that it would be less o \ r jectlonable and wonld be more legal . Mr . Smith Linden supported the original motion . He conld not see any reasonable objection that could be raised against it . . Mr . Johh Williamson conld not see any difference in the terms . It was quite dear that the Council proposed to be appointed were intended to be superior , to
the local councila now existing . They were to do that which the others had not done . They were to extend the Organization of Birmingham , a town containing a populatioB of nearly 200 , 000 . They had now only three localities , when they ought to have more than ' . forty ; and no doubt they would have if they had a good working committee , aye ! that was the woid—that was the teal name they should call it , as it was exactly what was required ^ - < hear , hear ) . The Anti-Corn-Law League were moving heaven and earth to gain one proselyte , and why should they not do the same ? It waa necessary for them to take more energetic steps , and he had no doubt that ; they would present as strong a body ere
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long , as they did previous to tiie passing of the infamous Reform BQL He should support the original motion . Mr . Joseph Reece supported I the original motion . He would suggest the propriety of adding the word Birmingham , to those of General Conncil ^ n order that it might be fairly understood . ' ™ Mr . Saunders again repeated his former statement . He considered the substitution of his amendment would not alter the spirit of the resolution , whilst it would legalise the whole . The Chairman explained . They were acting perfectly right in pressing the resolution as it stood , as they were not met there solely ' as members of the National Charter Association . That meftiog was open and legal , and any council they j appointed would be legal also . , Mr . We Smith Lindon , took the same view as the Chairman .
Several persons here called for the resolutions to be put , as Mr . Saundera' amendment had not been seconded . Mr . John Magee thought it a perfect waste of time to indulge in the present discussion . They had not come there to talk about legality , j He was perfectly tired of such nonsense . It was a shame for men to talk about it who knew that there ] was nothing which a working man did that could not be turned into illegality by the present irresponsible ! Government . Was it not notorious that they had no law to ptotect them ? Was not the very name " Chartist , " scouted by the wealthier classes ? He should support the motion . The Chairman then pnt the inotion , which was carried with one dissentient The Secretary then read the next proposition , " That the Council shall meet once per week , and oftener . if required . "
Mr . Smith Lindon moved its adoption . Mr . Walter Thorne seconded it , and it was carried unanimously . j The Secretary read the proposition under the head "Contributions , * ' . " That each member he required to contribute one penny per week or more , if their ! circumstances will permit , and that no member shall be excluded through inability to contribute . " Mr . Edward Mubless moved its adoption . Mr . Edward Taylor secondedjit . Mr . J . Saundeks could not see any utility in it . The localities ought to have power to dispose of their own funds . : Mr . Williamson thought it would be useless to elect a Council unless they were { invested with the necessary amount of power for carrying out the object for which they had been chosen , j
Mr . White said that the local Councils would have the same power then as they now j possess , with this difference , that they would be expected to act in eonjunction with the others who might be selected that evening . j The resolution was carried unanimously . Mr . John Newhouse moved the following resolution . — ; " That a monthly Conference he j held , at which a full and correct account of all the transactions of the Council stall be submitted to the members . That each member be supplied with a printed copy of the Balance Sheet , containing a complete detail of the income and expenditure , and that the Council ] be empowered to receive all contributions and disburse the same for the benefit of the united Chartist body . " ] Mr . Joseph Reece seconded the adoption of the resolution . 1
Mr . J . Williamson objected to providing printed monthly balance sheets for the use of the members . He thought a quarterly Balance Sheet sufficient ; other societies only published them half-yearly . He nevertheless should not move an amendment . Mr . Walter Thornb moved , ] " That the Balance Sheet be published once a quarter . " ' Mr . J . MaGEE seconded the motion . Mr . Smith Lindon supported the original motion . He had a vast deal ef experience as a collector , and had often been asked by those who , could not attend every meeting , when do you produce your Balance Sheet ? What do you do with the money ? The publication of a monthly sheet was objected to on account of the expance . He just heard Mr . White remark , that a halfpenny each might be charged : for them , and as they would cost only about a farthing each , those which were left could be given to the poor members that could not pay . J
Mr Saunders supported the ; amendment , and suggested the propriety of each collector taking a written Balance Sheet for the saaiafaction of the members . u j Mr . Wm . ' Chilton supported ] the motion . The balance sheet could be produced ^ at very little cost ; being a printer be could form a pretty correct estimate of it , and he knew theie -was not ; one present who would refuse to pay one halfpenny for a copy . Mr . Thornb again spoke in favour of his amendment , and after the necessity of supplying a printed monthly balance sheet bad been spoken to by Messrs . White , Lindon , and others , Mr . Williamson declared himself satisfied with its utility , and Messrs . Thorne and Magee consented to withdraw their amendment The Chairman put the resolution , ! which was carried unanimously .
The Secretary then addressed the meeting on the necessity of having the most energetic and business men of the town elected to carry out the resolutions already agreed to . He often remarked that in large meetings like that there was often a difficulty in selecting proper persons , through their Dot knowing each ether properly—with this view , the preliminary meeting had selected the names of the most active and useful Chartists in the town , not by way of dictation but to assist them in the selection of proper persons ; they could reject any that did not suit them , and put as many as they liked on the list , when' a vote would be taken for and against each . They had been aelected from each locality , so that full satisfaction might be given to ail . He then read over the names of twentyseven persons . Sbveral names were [ added to the list at the suggestion of various persons present .
Mr . J . Saunders moved *• That the meeting should not proceed to the election ofi Councillors , but refer their previous resolutions to the , judgment of the localities . " , Mr . J . Magee seconded the motion . Mr . E , Taylor , said the meeting would stultify itself by complying with Mr . Saunders ' resolution , as they had already agreed to elect twenty or more . Mr . G , White spoke in favour of proceeding at once to the election . | Several addresses were delivered on the subject A resolution moved by Mr . White , shewing the necessity of a nnion of action , and allowing each locality to add any active person they thought proper , was agreed to almost unanimously . The names were then proposed and seconded separately , and put to the meeting . Out { of the original list some declined to act , and others were rejected . The following persons were eleeted : —
David Potts George White John Follows William Smith Lindon Alfred Fuaael John Williamson John Mason Richard Thompson William Hopkins Walter Th ' orne Joseph Reece . Joseph Washbourne Edward Murless Mr . Watson John Newhouse Edward Jones Thomas Welsford Thomas Laughton James Mavitty William Bradley William Chilton Mr . Gibbons . Mr . Cowan Peter Higgins John Magee Charles Steward William Kaigat Mr . Barry \ Thomes Blake Edward Taylor George Richardson Mr . Wright
The Secretary then gave notice that other important business was intended to have been brought forward that evening , but as it was then too late to go into it , he would advise that the meeting , at its rising , do adjourn to Monday evening next , at seven o ' clock , to be holden at the Royal Oak Inn , Little Charles-street —This was unanimously agreed to . j It was also resolved that the Secretary should convene the Council for Sunday next , for . the transaction of business . Their first meeting will therefore be held at the Ship Inn , Steelhouae-lane , on Sunday , at three o ' clock in the afternoon . The Chairman then read the following address , which was unanimously agreed to , and ordered to be published with the report in the Northern Star : —S
" Fellow Patriots—Lovers of Liberty , —It is under no ordinary feelings that we have undertaken to address you on the present occasion , and we cannot but suppose that yon , although net moving so ardently in the cause as we would desire to see every devoted lover of their country , that you , nevertheless , are animated to a high degree with similar sentiments to ourselves . The perils , difficulties , and persecutions to which all great political movements expose the most zealous of their promoters , are such as ever to be regarded concurrent in struggle against constituted powers ; but when these efforts originate in the desire to establish real and substantial justice , and contemplate the sublime object of exalting degraded humanity , we cannot but regard apathy at this period , with the fearful persecution now threatening some of our most virtuous : men , as most disreputable to the character of the working classes . Did the present struggle merely comprehend the elevation of a class of society , as in the case of the Reform
Bill , and all the other measures proposed by tee middle orders of the community , we should have found an adequate explanation in your silence ; but , as this struggle for tbe entixe political freedom of the enslaved , ia the only grand attempt having for its " object substantial justice , we feel unable to account for your present quietude , under such unparalleled Bufferings . Let us crave , for the character of our order , " yoa will rally to the cause of liberty . To adduce facts | of your sufferings would only be an insult to yonr intelligence as men , and as but weak in the force of description , compared to the daily and hourly miseries you are doomed to undergo , and feel more keenly than language can express . Be it then your duty to spurn such a condition . It is unworthy the spirit of men to submit to such a fate , and still more unworthy , with the ! power In our own bands to put an end to it when -ever we have virtue to will it What motives which jcould emulate opprca&ed humanity in this the most rational and
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jjlerious of causes , do not inspire us to accomplish the freedom of our families and country ? Tba greatest bravery and perseverance have been and are now devoted in the cause of tbe worst of human tyrants , for personal ambition , imperial aggrandisement , or the subjection of every effort made by the patriots of uations to free enslaved humanity ; and , tu-ely , we do not over calculate the dignity of se ttiment and feeling which auiiriate the working class , in supposing that thuy will prove themselves too proud to remain much longer the ar ject slaves of a heartless race of rich
tyrants Come forward , tben , men a ? Birmingham , and organizs your moral power ; , concentrate your means and energies in such a manner and numbers as will sefc an example of political power to the people of England . Ltt honesty , prudence , and bravery be the qualifications of your officers , and , supported by your coufldtjnee and power , you will attain a position of moral greatness , which the haughty aristocrat will fear to despise , and the usurping shopocrat draad to resist We demand juatics and equality , and be who would refuse or trample upon the eternal principles of human right is a tyrant , and deserves a tyrant ' s fata "'
A vote of thanks was then given to the Chairman , to which hehrirfl / replied-A colleetion was made for a poor member of the National Charter Association , from Soockport , and the meeting adjourned to Monday evening ntxt . Although much discussion took plac <; on the various propositions , yet the whole waa conducted and concluded in the most satisfactory manner ; and the best results are anticipated from the highly important meeting of Monday evening . We shall now have a good acting and guiding body tjr this town , the want of which has cramped our energies to a great extent It is intended to divide the town into districts and commence an active canvas , as all tbat is necessary ia to bring the great amount of Chartist feeling in this town into active operation .
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BADFOBD- A . t a general meeting of the Chartists of Radford , Mr . John Watkins , Mr . John George Dron , ' Mr . Tnomas &L Wheeler , Mr . Ruffy Ridley , and Mr . William Bolwell , were . nominated as fit persons to examine the accounts of the Executive . LEICESTER—The Shakspereans were addressed by Mr . Cooper , last Sunday night , In the Shakspereaa Room , on Shakspere , and dramatio literature and dtamatie representations , —the usual form of
sermonizing being laid aBide for this occasion ;—and on Monday night , Shakspere's great play of Hamtet was performed to a densely crowded audience , fn the Amphitheatre , Mr . Cooper taking the chief character . The aff * ir was received with great favour , and the play is to be repeated next Monday evening • Addiaon's Cato is to follow . On Tuesday evening the half-yearly meeting for settlement of accounts , election of committee , &c , which had been unavoidably postponed from tbe close of the year , owing to the Birmingham Conference , &c , was held . The election of officers for the ensuing year
was postponed till next Tuesday evening . KIDDERMINSTER . —A meeting of the unemployed of this town was held on Button Common , on Monday last ; Mr . Clisset being on a visit at Kidderminster , gave a short address . Mr . Crouch followed , and announced that Mr . Clissit would deliver a lecture at the Free Mason's Arms the same evening ; but the landlord refused the use of the room , assigning as a reason that it was wet . and that it would cost him three shillings to clean the room . Notwithstanding this disappointment , we sent the cryer round the town , announcing tbe meeting to take place at the White Horse Ian . Mr . Crouch was unanimously called to the chair , wko , in a brief speech , introduced Mr . CUsait to the meeting , who delivered a plain but instructive lecture , during which he frequently elicited the plandits of his bearers . Tbe Chairman theu delivered a rather lengthy discourse , and at the close announced his intentisn . of delivering a lecture in the same room on Monday next .
CARKIHGTON , near Nottingham . —The Caartists in this locality met at their room , Mansfieldroad , on Sunday evening last , and after the pecuniary bu&iness was gone through , it was agreed to have a tea party aad ball on Shrove Tuesday , for the benefit of the wives and children of the victims of magisterial oppression , wao are now suffering various terms of imprisonment in Southwell house of correction . DUKIKPJELD . —Mr . Rigby lectured in this town on Sunday night He showed the moral impossibility of Class Legislation , no matter how propped up by political quackery , ever effecting any general good to soGiety . Tfae audience was small in consequence of the shortness of the notice .
LEAMINGTON . —At our usual weekly meeting at the Prince of Wales Inn , Mr . Henry Sanaford in the chair , Mr . James Green delivered a very able lecture on the present distress of the country and its remedies ; after which a long discussion followed on Cooper ' s proposed plan of Organization , by Messrs . Sansford , Sb . epb . etd , Hobson , and Allen . The debate was ultimately adjourned till next Sunday evening . Several new members were enrolled , and many old ones came and paid their subscriptions . RUTBERGtEN— On Monday the ninth instant , a public meeting of the inhabitants of this place was held in Mr . Fulton ' s Hall , to hear the report of the Delegates ( Mr . Charles M'EwanandMr . W . E . Pattisan , ) of the proceedings at the Conference .
STCCBPORT . —On Friday evening hist , Mr . R Manlz , of London , visited this town , and lectured in the Association Room , on the present aspect of society ; but owing to the brevity of the notice , together with tbe inclemency of the weather , the attendance was not so ? reat , nevertheless the talented lecturer went through much interesting matter , and throughout displayed a thorough knowledge of bis subject At the conclusion he received a unanimous vote of thanks , and tbe meeting broke up quite satisfied with the proceedings of the evening . On Sunday night , Mr . Mantz preached to a numerous and respectable audience . His discourse was listened to throughout with marked attention , and gave universal satisfaction . Fifteen shillings and ninepence was collected at the door ; also four shillings and three-pence for a member who was then on his deathbed .
LONGTON , ( Staffordshire Potteries . )—A few men of the right sort having determined en opening tbe Association Room as soon as they could procure some talented lecturer ; they engaged Mr . £ . Mantz and Mr . Brown , of London , who were passing through that part of the country . Mr . Manlz lectured on Monday , the 9 th , to a glorious meeting . Mr . Brown lectured on the 10 th , to a very good audience , and gave general satisfaction . On Thursday , the 12 th , Mr . M . Simpson , of Hanley , lectured to a very good audience , and was cheered throughout his lecture , which lasted about one hour andahalf . The Association Ro < nn will be opened oh every Tuesday night , afc seven o'clock , when lectures will be delivered . Tbe council hope to open the room as a general news roexn , in a short time , when the Northern and Evening Stars will be publicls read .
SOUTH SHIELDS . —A placard having appeared from the Committed of the Anti-Corn Law Association of this town stating that a Mr . Liddell would deliver a lecture on the repeal of the Corn Laws , on Thursday , the 12 th inst , the Chartists considered it desirable , as it was the first time they had dared to attempt to palm their free-trade nostrums upon the working men here publicly , to nip their proceedings in the bud , and if possible , to strangle their darling bantling at its birth . Consequently , long before tbe time appointed for holding the meeting , the room was crowded to suffocation , and hundreds went away enable to get admittance . Business was commenced by appointing Mr . Briggs , a member of the Society of Friends , as chairman , to which no opposition was offered . The lecturer was also
allowed to proceed without the least interruption throughout the whole of his addresss , and after he bad finished , Mr . Wm . Carr , chairman of the Complete Suffrage Union , proposed a vote of thanks to the lecturer , when Mr . Hamlet Booth , a working man , said he could not let this meeting separate without giving his opinions frankly aad disinterestedly npon some of the statements of the lecturer . This was the signal for the freebootereuto commence their usual interruption by groans and yells of the most discordant sound , not forgetting to use physical force by pulling the coat of our friend , and other ungentlemanly means ; but Mr . Booth was not to be put down , and proceeded to shew forth the fallacies that bad been adduced , in a bold and straightforward manner , proving to the satisfaction of
all unprejudiced minds that it was useless for the working classes to attempt a repeal of the Corn Laws ox any other bad- law until they had first gained the Suffrage , and after a very able address proposed the following resolution amidst the cheers of the Chartists and wry faces of the humbugs : — " That this meeting is fully alive to tbe wicked and mischievous effbots of the Com Laws , and also-monopolies of every kind ; we , therefore , resolve to use all lawful means in our power to remove the parent of all monopoly—class legislation ; and as tlie only honest and effectual way of attaining this de-Birable object , we pledge ourselves to agitate for the document called the People ' s Charter , being Batiafied that all attempts to waste the people ' s time and money on anything short of this caa only call forth our pity for their ignoracce , or contempt and derision at theii futile and wicked designs . " Mr Mitchell seconded the resolution in a very able manner , and sat down amidst
tremendous cheering . Mr . Carr again rose , and in plausible and deceitful speech , in which he attempted to gull the working men into a belief that the repealers were honest in their intentions when they stated that the repeal of Corn Laws would give food-and employ ment to all classes of the community , sat down by proposing the following amendment : — "That the repeal of tbe Corn Laws would be of great benefit to the working classes . " , Mr . Cook seconded the amendment The Chairman put the amendment first , when very few hands were hold up . He then put the motion , when a forest of hands were raised ; Mr . Broadbrim refused to give his decision , stating that tbe Chartists had holdup both hands instead of one . Mr . Mitchell tben proposed that each party hold np both hands , when the humbuga confessed that they were beat Three cheers were giveufor F . O'Connor , three for Frsst , Williams . Jones , and Ellis , and three for the Chatter , when Uw meeting separated .
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PIXITY OF TENURE . The following is the letter of Mr . O'Connell alluded to in Mr . O'Connor ' s letter of last week : —
" TO THE PEOPLE OF IRELAND . " Hereditary bondsmen . ' know ye not , Who would be free themselves must strike the blow ?" " There are two propositions of perfect truth , which ought to be kept in the constant recollection , and engraved on the mind of every true Irishman . " The first is , that no political measure whatsoever can be of any efficacious or permanent value to Ireland , except the repeal of the union—the restoration of her native parliament " The second is , that at the present period the means of constitutionally and peaceably repealing the union are in the hands of the people of Ireland .
" As to the first proposition , I need waste no words in proving its accuracy . No man can know anything of the real state of Ireland without being conscious tbat any other measure , save the repeal of the union , can , at best , be the palliative } or lenitive o £ some particular evil ; but that there can be no real remedy for the immense and augmenting distress of the Irish people , save only the restoration of the Irish Parliament . Without that restoration tbe destitutien of the people must go on augmenting ; and theconnection of the two countries must terminate in a total separation . If driven to it , the Irish people are perfectly capable—of course they are—of managing and maintaining their independence as a separate natian . He is an idiot who could doubt it I But it would be a grievous calamity , under all the circumstances , to be driven to the necessity—a necessity which , whilst I live , can never arise . Whilst I live , there shall ev « r be , at least hope—of the repeal ; * nd repeal only begins when hope ends .
" As to the power we have of attaining the repeal , that man is a greater idiot still who could doubt that the people of Ireland have sufficient power to obUin the repeal of the union statute . The overwhelming majority of a nation , whose people amount to eight millioBS and a half , never yet combined to achieve any one political advantage which it would be practicable to withhold from them . We have that majority unequivocally favourable to the repeal . All we want is combination , because without combination millions are but chaff before the wind . With combination , they are as powerful ( without being destructive ) as the thunderbolt I " Men of Ireland ! simplify your political creed ; it consists but ef two propositions : — " The first—• That tbe repeal of the union is the « nly remedy for all tbe woes of Ireland . '
" Secondly— ' That you have the repeal of the union hi your own power , if you have the honesty to desire it , and the virtue to combine for its achievement' " After some further reference to the repeal of the union , Mr . O Connell thus proceeds : — "This is my new year ' s gift to you , ; people of Ireland , the knowledge tbat you can , iffyou will , be free ) " It requires an Irish parliament , a domestic legislature , t * achieve the great measures essential to do justice to Ireland or to promote the prosperity of her people . " Tbe measures essential for these purposes are" Firstly—The total extinction of the tithe rentoharge . " Secondly—The establishment of fixity of tenure for the occupying tenantry of Ireland .
" Eveiy day more and more painfully demonstrates the necessity of an arrangement of . this description . It is a pure question of blood , whether multiplied murders are to be continued and to fill us with horror andapprehenBion 2 Are these things to be continued ? Are we to have tbe multiplied landlord murders of the clearance system ? Are we to have the diabolical assassinations of the landlords and their agents . Ought any motive to be so strong as that which should impel us to remove the causes of these horrible and degrading crimes ? 1 conjure every man who calls himself a Christian to join with me in extinguishing the causes of thoBe most unchristian crimes .
" Let it be recollected that it is a fact unquestionable in political economy , tbat all over the world countries are prosperous and the people are happy , in the ratio of tbe numbers of occupying proprietors . Countries are miserable as the number of occupiers cease to be proprietor ? . Misery exists in the ratio in which the ocenpiers hold lands by a short , an uncertain , or unstable tenure . It is true that the state of property in Ireland forbids the hope of multiplying for tbe present the number of occupying proprietors ; but a . remedy would be found to mitigate the evil , and to increase the security , and thereby the prosperity of the occupying tenant , by giving him fixity of tenure—a fixity which would leave to the landlord an adequate rent ; but would allew the tenant the continuance of his enjoyment ot the land and the benefit of his improvements .
" Seme symptoms have latterly appeared in England of the disposition on the part of some of the tenantry to join in any application to the Legislature to pass a law , tending to secure fixity of tenure . If this disposition were extended , as in truth it ought , we , perhaps , might get English assistance sufficiently to enable us to procure relief for the Irish tenants . An identity of Interests may produce a co-operation equally advantageous to both parties . •¦ It has , indeed , been B&id that to legislate against the landlord would be to deprive him of his property , or to depreciate it ; and that , therefore , no law ought
to be enacted to benefit the tenant at the expence of the landlord . Those who reason thus , totally forget that several acts of Parliament have been passed in favour of the landlord , and against the tenant Let there be no act of Parliament at either side , and the condition of the tenant will be greatly benefited by depriving the landlord of much of the legal machinery by ( which he . is enabled to extort exorbitant rents from the occupying tenants . All that wonld be necessary -would be to repeal a few acts of Parliament , and to restore the ancient common law of England with respect to the relation of landlord and tenant "
Mr . O'Connell proceeds to review the state of the law of landlord and tenant in Ireland , and thus concludes : — * ' By reason of the acts of Parliament I have mentioned , the landlord cares nothing fer the character of his tenant , nor much for his solvency , provided that he can stock tbe lands at all . If the seasons be abundant , and prices high , the landlord gets an enormous rent If the seasons are bad , or if prices fall , the landlord pounces upon the tenant—sells all his moveable property and crops—totally ruins him—and then , by civil bill ejectment , at the cost of a few shillings , evicts him from the possession , turns him and his family adrift upon the world , and makes them beggars .
" The enormity of this landlord-power In such a country as Ireland , is full of the most disastrous and sanguinary effects . And , alas ! the avarice of the Irish landlords is but very frequently aggravated by the very bitter antipathy which too many of them bear to the people and to the religion of the people . " Surely nobody can say that ' it consists with humanity , aye , or with public safety , to leave this tremendous power in the hands of the landlords . " If the machinery of oppression , which the statute law gives to the landlords , were taken away from them , the difficulties hi the way of an arrangement for fixity of tenure would be easily obviated , " But after all , it is only in a domestic legislature that this subject can he calmly and deliberately taken up and handled , and legislative security given to the industrious tenant fer the permanency of his tenure .
•« Thirdly , The third measure necessary for justice to Ireland is , the legislative encouragement and protection to our native manufactures . " Fourthly—The fourth great measure essential for justice to Ireland , is the extension of the franchise and vote by ballot ; " The fifth meastjbe essential to the prosp eb 1 ty of ibelasd is—the abol 1 x 1 os of the present system of poor laws , and the scbstitdt 1 on of a great increase of medical AKD OTHER WELL-ARRANGED PUBLIC CHARITIES . There is nothing so satisfactory in the arrange ment of public charities , nor any plan that conld be
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made to work so well , as the principle of the Irish medical dispensaries—that Is to say , tbat wherever private subscriptions wore collected , there should be given out of public moneys a sum equal in amount to such subscriptions . " These public moneys , however , should have nothing to do with grand jury presentments ; but should either come out of the consolidated fund , or be produced by an income tax upon all persons having a certain income —say , for example , to begin with £ 500 a year . " Fellow-countrymen—I put forward these five great measures as the basis upon which I seek to combine all Irishmen in the struggle for the Repeal of tbe Union . They constitute the great national compact upon which I call upon Irishmen of every persuasion to rally together in order to obtain national independence and prosperity for their native land . " They are these : — " Firstly—The total abolition of the tithe rent-charge . " Secondly . —Fixity of tenure for the occupying
tenants . " Thirdly—The encouragement and perfecting of Irish manufactures . ' Fourthly—Complete suffrage and vote by ballot " Fifth . y—Abolition of the present poor-law , and augmentation of well-regulated charitable institutions . " Such , fellow-countrymen , is the basis of our repeal agitation for the year 1843 . " I have the honour to be , fellow-countrymen , " Your ever faithful and devoted servant , "Daniel OConnelIi . " Derrynane Abbey , January 1 , 1843 . "
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___ _ THE NORTHERN STAR . ; 7
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Jan. 21, 1843, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1196/page/7/
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