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U £ T US GBGAJSJZEi £ Y 20 DO SO EFFECTUALLY . The general cry for " an efficient Plan ef Orpmiizaiuni" ia one of lie most hopeful " signs of the ujacs . " li bespeaks a genera ] desire on tbe psri cfthe workine classy so to apply the power- thai "Onios can give , that it may eventuate id real good to the < £ preEEEc iBscy . They are nawiiling thai ineir eserrkms should be longer frittered away on isolated and detached portions of ibB system Tyirioh bends them inio the dust ; and they long for an opporaiHIIy to direct their concentrated energies to the fnll orerthrow cf the entire system itse& and ihe r ^ aKfcwicrEi in its stead of the reign of troth and righteousness . Benee the demand for an ** efyjciK 5 T jmoi of ergasnaiiion . *
Bui | f these desirable tSeets are to accrne from Organization , xhat Organ-ziJion must be zfTicisxr Ix musi he one thas will collect together the scattered and irdrriilnal inuts of the working classes , and mats them JtrmJy and securely in one in-¦ rincible Trhole . To be thus efficient and tins secure , it must be iHi&in the law . This i 3 the first and permanent rcqnisii-e . IF this ba 1521211112 , au ¦ efficiency is si eh end ; and to talk of sicmiirr , under such ciresraslaiiees , would be tricked mockery Jjfct 113 have sn Organisation virfiin the law , and Tre can apply the neked strf ^ gili of the confederated hody 10 * EUGees = Ju 3 overthrow of faction ; let tta be Tritijou ; lie Isxr . and the jsGTnent that oht strength iscoiseslbnnidable or even annoying , faction will employ the pt iwrs « i ihe law to remove the
anla-£ onis from the fold . This faction caa alwsvjs hitherto dese j this faction trill always contintie to do , so long as lie people permit it , by placing themselves wiibifl its JjgaJ ciasp . All political " Unions' * of the masses hare hitherto failed , from this cause . It is fc ^ h iiHie ire learned wisdom hj experience ; and enaeaTcnred so to organize as to secure the benkEs otihf i _ &tf * s EHorncxray , instead o * bans ? , as hitherto * the lecipians of the " law ' s TEKGSAycK" 1 Therels one partiealsr connected 'with the Polr-¦ fical Organ i zation of a people against the acts or existence of its government , deserving of the most srrfnsr ? at ?« ii 5 oii _ Hitherto it 1 mb bsen passed over . ¦ wKhoBi « Yea notice : and this passng-OTer has led xo me diirapijca aad fcreakisg-np of ail poiiricaJ societies . ir is ths istekest of
govskn-1 £ E ? 3 S 3 HA 3 XIX SVCB COMBIKAUQXS SHOULD BE ¦ s rriHOBT tbs . p ± le of the lvw ; and thej invaiiaily iriiilr ci / feir existence , sbsJ eTen in some ca 3 es indirectly acknowledire them j nn * i ] fhe time arrj ? e 5 "whentjie pows ? acojured by their means is to he -directed for the accompliskment of the intended object . THEN do 6 oTernse 2 t 3 step in , and iriih the law in one hand , and the key of the gaol in liie other , mate suon TFork of 11 : and thus rid ihem 5 elTe = > of trcablesoms easterners . The policy cf GoTemment to ip » mJc at the existence of an ifiess ) poHncal soei ^ -ty when ii is tccak , —^ h > n it can do ho harm , —has led mauy to calculate en a continuance of such toleration , and to conclnde iba , \ it Tra £ needless to stpp the least ont or the way to Txrocora the fell -prcicenoB of the lavr . Expsrience
iasiowBTerjtroefaCytanght the folly-of all snch c&ienlatiocs aad espe « aui .-ns . GoTenunents always iaTe , ana alv ^ ys Trill , use the powers th ? y possess to protect ties ? 01 m snthoriiyand to pmiLi those "SSrho TTcnld assail or deprifB them of it . To espsct they ironld flo otherwise is to proclaim a man a namral-l > orn fooL lie people , when opposed to a goTernBient , and especially Trhen prcfessediy a « -= oeiated for that pnrposejjmploy aU ^ e power they posses for the acccispEshin' * : nt of their object . fiOYennnent in ** pstting down" Ench oppofiiion . frhec itpresfnts i ^ elf in an illegal form ,-does no more . Tie eT 3 is in the people placip- tkcin ^ elv ^ in tie Lands of tha ^ whose istr ? est it i > to a iish their ^ brisforecverssicnial reform . " We most iry suob to aroid that ct ' A .
To avoid jiat e ^ il -n-emest Grgaij : ze m accordance ¦ wi th the la"W 3 now in bang to rsniEcr all associations established for Matnkl Beaefit , wio choose- to araiJ ihemselTes of tbat proreri'on , by complying T ? ith ihe k . " ?? ? TtquirenieBSs . This we can eaa y do . To -do it , w 31 IhtoItb eo sacrifice of principle ; "Wifleiiail eo tronfele ; "will rnn ng to no additional ¦ expenses bus it wSl sare us from 83 infinity of ^ finesse « pfl double-dealing ; inastnnca aa it wQl ren-< ier unnecessary sli ifca tSsrts ire liare iitheno had xmceasiagi' ? io zaske to -evade the law ; mch . f Sorts iarins alwsys ended in tee < tiscorerj ti&t tre hud brokea the Jaw ai the Tery time we were cqngrato-3 atins OBTgeiT £ 3 on a Tery cleyer crasion of it !
Several ooj&nes atd aiggestions for a pkn of OrjjanIza £ H > n iare been r ? sr * 'd before the country . A few weck 3 age -sre g&ye many of such snggestioas in ens 2 on « ariide ; and Intimated that we should , at A fntnre time , publish some suggestions of onr own , Indeed , -on seTezal occasions ^ we hayo spoken of 1 TXiH in ceurse of concocdon , to accomplish the perfect , atd safe , and secure , —because ItgaJ , —Orcazazaticn < rf ths p # pte- That fxas we hate kgw to ? 20 JTExeATE . Afeth 5 expense cf much thought , mucQ 4 iBie , aiid sc ^ Qabosr , it has b ? en perfected : and "weia ? ra 3 K » w toprtssii it to the Cbani ?* tody , ^ « ne « ninently «! 3 cnlaied to accomplish the object allsoJMoeralljdeaJTB . ... . „ . - .
Before B-eanVert the Plan itself ire shall here eiTe a fccterfrosj tie BiT . ITiHiam Hill , sent by him for oar last publie 2 Sien , "bn ; recemd at such a late hour as preceded ftei ^ saibiliiy ofiiBiJsing then inserted . ! Bmt I ^ ie- refers isaiiu ^ to the question of Organisation ; thereforetHsIs tiemosiStiingplace for it . "With ihe -siews and reasons cf ^ ir . Hill , we , in the Biain , most heartily coincide . Indeed , for a long period ibere has been , on this sribjeet , a perfect one-» ess of fetMiig between the present conductor of the JvbT&em Slot asd 3 ex- Bni . ConTersaaoEs , con-£ nifea « i .- ' , 2 Ed < o « nsellisg 3 togethera hare often been iad lespseiing it . At that time it was the duty of tiia preoent conductor to co-operate with Mr . Hna . in 4 h 3 * getiing-cp "« f { heStar ; and in that capacity seTeral of tie articles respecting the proposed Plan of Organ zatioa that nareLsppeared fr ^ m tima to time , settiEs &nb . theadTantages that we mi ^ ht
-obtain , and the ease with which ihey might be comp&ssed ? sewral of the articles which then appeared in the Star , trere from ihe same pen that now writes ibis . We mention this to show-that the question ofOrgsiazatidn is not a Dew one to the present conductor © f ifce Star . Faifromit . For a considerable period his attentionlasheen-directed to the satject ; and fee has long seen , thst the time would axriTe Trhcn the improTed opinion of the masses wonUieails in the establiahment of a MaJf at once XFKCiKKT and SAFE , Decause plain , dear , defined , and iegaL With this introdacfion , necessary to liable lie reader to know of ihe entirety of- feeling in the ^ nain , oH this sutgect between Mr . Hiix and ourstlTes , we now grre ids letter ; beFpeaking for it ihe calm coiiiHieraUon and earnest attention of every man "who desires to see the units of Chartism gathered together , and bound np as a powerful and energeUe whole 1—
TO TEE PXOPLB . XT DBAS Fbtesds , —I -write this <> n board the Xtesm "vessel 02 voyage from Danflee to Edinburgh . Toa TR 3 , I too'B-, rgoiee to bear ttat my tonr has flone more sirsiuj for me than my hopes looked to , in fbs "way of re » irri « jraSBg my waned : pnyacal energies . T&b biaciss &t cf these xaonntains , coupled with the partial nsi -erhieh I haxe taken , Jisb done xrmeb for de . I am much better ; and hope to he able awn to bring into onr common stock of labpnr more strengtli of body , snd moreconscqaent Tlganrand ^ etenniEaton of mind , p » m 12 iaTe had for years ^ rae by . I have pas « 3 already through . leiai , EdinbBT 5 h , Abexdeen * aiontross , J ^ bH « ai , and Dundee . " I Enppose that the ispeeHYB 8 ecretarie 5 idll Lstb told yon aa abont tbe nieetingr in each place . I shall not , therefore , taks np space with the trumpeting of my ownisma . Sr-fice it that I finathe Scotch ,
« AS . thai siy fancy panted them "; axfocl , thmkisg , disambaatirg , reasoning people , -who ¦ srm looi b = fare they leap , and think before ttey cpeak . "Tts warm bard , of insaidsnip greeted me in efery place , and I fcond tha tamper of the people so suited % t > Oiy VVS , ^ - > r ^ f : 3 y > -m -jTmt ^ t St " hrrmf * JUrllll T ^ PTTK I find the movement to be here , aa in Knglima , "rery ap&Uu&e in its character .
" Alas ! you know the causa too welL " It has udS yet lecofcred fiom its exhaustion . " Bieeaing sx ereiy pore , irom xrcnnas m » st foal , ; T 3 ni all maapp ' o . the locntain of fcer life , j OarsomitiyaEinEdasina ^ eadly traBce , j Of sirooa sna stupor she -sroald erer lie ; I Xoi oace recal tsr Trosted energies , * 1 Sot lie , gnicscant , yeinnqnietly , i Her "lite ixpscJang . " The spirit of ihs pec ^ lE has not departed from them - XEUitT ere thej aiJeep ; aey are merely Veak from I « c * nt * tfji ThEj -snn . » fflj agsra ana present yet to I the enemy a front broaderiEd . ^ boiaened , ana liardened < ¦
tj -a 3 tka ; ttey tare borne . Experience is a safe teaches , a = d its Isssobs -will not be loet eittser upon the Scottish brethren or = npon you , my English countryxnm , to -Kiom I now more specially address myselt f £ e must begin to re-collect our powers . We must ¦ prepare ourselves not merely to demonstrate our power ± 3 great displays-of meetings and petitions , and profcannm , bat to use it for a acccsssfnl csnnteiacUon of - £ m -weil-ordered and sMlfallj arranged forces of corjjn > Krau And , in craato this , twemust be organisad . The first thieg to be lookea to 1 * » wh an Organisation a > ^ all enable tiie irhpto l » ople , *\ any giTen time , -witiilBa KuoroblspGnodi toksow-ttts niada of esdi that spaa lay jrrea qaatton tbro » jho »\ tb » " » hol «
« Bpn 8 . The vast « f neb an Ozgutotkn ia & rock on "Which -re la-re hittierto xplit We haTe sera been « g 2 ni » ed . We iBtrsalwayaaeteaJx sectional OitUcos , ^ whkJj onr strength ha * bean loat in themode of Its a ^ plicaiion . We luurt hare done-wi £ h . ibis . "We must J » T 8 > n OrganisitJon ? sndi-anone * 8 can beuniTeraHy adopted . It jnust is sudi an one aa may be aofdg actcrd as ; -sfitbcnl Jesr of interruption from the legal «>« bx , a of parersitai by tts canning and the aelfish , <* our cwn pfiry . To form jnch an Organizificn as fins Is most easy , if the people be not otstinato j but St -will rc ^ Bire tfcexa to make mutual coDceEdons , oa
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matttrs trblch are of no vital iiuporte ^ cu ; a » . n to ajres to set vbarmonioosly , Uiongh , in suae makers tiiey may dh ? er in opinion . ; Theylan of Organisation which we have already hsd In partial operation has proTed a failure ; and I am no 5 surprised &t it ; for , though I do think that it never had a iair chsnee giTen to " it , there wa auch ef the elements of failure in the plan itself . It was nee&ssazily so lax and vague in its general provisions and so indeterminate in its details ; it left so much to be supplied by the constant vigilsnce of the people themselves , separate from the -written doenment ; it was , in fact , of sheer necessity , so fall of fence and £ nesBa . th » t the straightforward blunt honesty of the unguarded people was continually running its head against soaie post or other . Thus , it was continually violate ^; "was neter in fact brought into effective operation in any one place that I know of . We had a name to live ; while , as & national society , we were dead . .
There is no hope for us but from Organization ; and there is no use in any Organization , which is not , at the srm 9 time , so perfectly clear as te be at once apprehensible , -witfecui explanation by everybody so perfectly simple and comprehensive as to be fitted alike to ihe circumstances of every locality—so perfectly efficient as that it shall jive the opportunity of free , and almost instant&necns , communication of the "whole body with its several parts , so tkat the whole eDergiea of the whole people may be brought to bear on any given p-dnt , -without hesitation or delay . A national O-ganization -which did not possess all these Qualities would be useless to ni ; i- wMle any jJan of Organization , even though it bad all these qualities , if it wanted iht not less important 005 of conformity to law , weald be much worse than useless to us .
The difficulty is to ferai a plan which shall be at once perfectly national , perfectly tfficlent , perfectly simple , and perfectly legal . Any plan of national Organization which does not -embrace all these points of commendation is unworthy of oar notice . Among ths many good things which O"Gonnell has said , I remember one saying of Ms , that " the next best thing to being right yourself is to put yonr enemy completely in tfee ¦ wrong . " I fully accord with this doctrine ; and hencB I haTB ever been most anxious that the operations of the people should be conducted peacefully and legally . 1 know that , if their moral strength was bat marshalled , and their numbers organ'zsd , they are invincible and irresistible . They are able thus to carry any measure of a -wholesome and
sanatory tendency , without violating : any of these forms and appearances cf lnw -with which the harpies have fenced runnd the carcase of corruption , in the h-pe of feasting undisturbed thereon . There is no po"wer in any state successfully to resist the righteous demands of a people who are united fin purpose and opinion , and organized bo as to enable them to express their opinion , and to prosecute their purpose as one man . Of this the factions are most perfectly aware ; and hence their highest dread has ever been the Organization of tie people , and their greatest care to provide against its existence . Aad hence , from the time when the House of Commons was first sought to be emancipated from the « Sircct controul of the Grown , and placed in its due position as
an independent branch of the l-gislainre , and as the index of the people a mind , for a period of about 250 years , an incessant struggla has been going on between those who would organize and those who woald destroy the expression of the people's ¦ will for goed . The lynx-eyed jealousy of faction has watched every movement ; and having in its own hands the power of lawmaking , has met every organised movement with new and more tight restrictions , till it was thought that tff ectnal provision had been made against the possibility of any National Organ ' zition existing , ; otbtr then snch as might accord frith £ ue designs and purposes of the dominant cUis . The . atrs sow in force , in reference to political societies and National Organisation , are comprised in tvo iBOst sweeping and ctmprehenaive statutes , the 39 G # o . 111 . chap . 79 . passed in July , 17 fl 9 , and the
57 Geo . I 1 L c . 19 , passed in March . 1817 ; and so weli are the mc-. shes of thtss ttvo insidious and infamous statutes spread out . that it was doubtless deemed to be impossible for any Nation *! " Organization to escape them . By the united force of those acts , eveiy society the members of which , or assy members wherecf shall , either verbally , or in writing , subecribe , or assent to , any test or declaration , not required Iry laic , is an nsl&- » ful coisbtuation and confederation . See the cars ' fulness -with which villainy has drawn ; the net-strings ! Not content with prohibiting such oaths , tests , or declarations as might be against the law ,, the word * not required by taw extend tfee prohibition to ai / ro ' untary decfarations ef whatever character ; even a declared determination , by the members ofS any society , to uphold the law , might by this clause be construed as illegal ! J :
By the Acts before named , every Society composed of dif&exl branches or divisions , acting IB AJiT MaKJJER ssptu aid ]/ or distncVy from each oilier ) or of which any part shall hare any distinct President , Secretary T-easuier , Delepale , or other officer , on iM pebso >' acting as such , eieded or appointed by or Jbr such part , or io ad is axt office for » Kcft par / , shall be deemed and h « 4 dcn to bs an unlawful combination and confederacy . Now , these provisions render it totally impossible for us to have any system of purely political National Orga&izition more Efficient than the one we had , which has proved , on trial , to be an utter failure j while the penal clauses of these lavs are such as are by so means to be trifled with ; and show us -that it would be utter madness to cosnect oumlves -with any Orga
izanon -wnereby we should be subject to them . Having declared the cases in "which Societies shall be deemed *¦* unlawful combinations and confederacies , " tht-se Acts provide : — " That any member of any . _ such society and every person ttho shall , directJy or iidirectly , maintain correspondence or intercourse vrith any such society , or vriih any division branch , committee or other select body , presides ! , treasurer , secretary , delegate or other tt-fficer . or member theretf as tucb ; or tcfeo shall \ by contribution 1 / money or oiherwise , aid , abet 07 support such society , or axj / member thereof , as such , shall ijicur certain penalties . " The penalties aretrf two kinds . * ' 1 . By summary process on information before ONE Justice of the Peace ; on conviction , a fine of twenty ponnda . er three months * imprisonmftnt in the common gaol . 2 . BY INDlCT->! E ? iT ; ON CONVICTION , TRANSPORTATION
FOB SETEN TEARS . " This trill zhew us at once that ibis business Is not to be trifled with . We must not have an Organization which is not perfectly legal ; there is no use in om osTing one which is not perfectly efficient ; and the question is—Hov are we to compass both ? I still maintain the opinion which I have always holden , that it is impossible to do so otherwise than by taking advantage of some one or other of the forms and names incidental to some one or other of the special txamptions provided by the law itself .
Charitable Societies and Religious Societies of all kinds are specially exempted from the operation of the acts I have referred to ; and , as I believe the Christian religion to inculcate aU the doctrines of truth and righteousness , as -well social and political as personal ; & 3 , is fact , I hold politics to be part and parcel of Christianity and iusepa : abie then from—being mixed up -with , springing out of , and sustaining all its principles and doctrines , I would "be glad to see , for the first rime since the age of the Apostles , a true Catholic and Christian church , acknowledging in all the fullness of their cemprehfenslvo import the precepts of that religion , -which being hitherto talked cf , but neither understood nor practised , has been , and is now being , made the most fearfully tfiective test that ever tyranny employed for the destruction of man ' s liberty and of all clear recognition of the principles ' of moral right .
I hold the principles of Chartum to fee Religious principles , and every Chartist Society to be consequently & Religions society ; and I wonld gladly see them so declare themselves , and leave to the vile herd of despots the option of openly and manifestly trampling on their own laws , or of crushing along with Chartism , Methodism in all its various shapes , and all the other isms of *• dissent" in all its varieties of aspect Bnt a vuy large portion of the English Chartists have declared against this opinion . I regret this ; I wish the people hod been prepared -to take -what I think -would bs the best course ; but I am not therefore the ass to bs obstinate in my own conceitedness of purpose , and seek to browbeat every body else into it I am content to have my opinions estimated by the people , and to take for them just as much itfiueDce as thej are thought -worthy of . Still therefore , retaining my oirn opinion as to
the best conrse of action , I now recommend to you that which I thick to be tbe Btxt best and the only one open to you ; and that is to organize yourselves into one immense national benefit society . ; embracing all the trne democrats of England , Scotland , and Walea , acd Ireland in one bond of brotherhood . This may be done through the medium of &b Orsan zab on with a Laud Pond attached , to which Land Fund each member may or may not contribute , as he may feel du-posed . This will enable all to use their own jndgment on the Land scheme . It will force no one to give 3 n his adhesion to that prqjecfc unless he feel so disposed . Every one be longing to the Organizitiou must pay to the general fund ; sad the general fund -will be for purely political and agitating purposes ; while the separate Land Fund , to -which eveiy m&n may pay 01 not as he pleases , -will Siva us a -title to enrolment under the Benefit
Societies' Act ; and thus give jus the protection of the law instead of making us obnoxious to the law . We shall then escape all the fangs of the Acts of Parliament I have before adverted to . We may mske ' ftai Organ zition as tfneient as we please ; -we may have branches , districts , wards , classes , and every other sub-division that m » y be necessary , and these may all legally and safely correspond } with each other ; and thus may all the nses and purposes of a National OrgatfMtion be secured to bs . } Thus shall -we pat our enemies " completely la the £
" *«» , " by fencing ourselves romna -With the provisions * oVmerely U moral , sod « l ,. a » d religious , but of Itgal , « fht j taKr * all the * upon their oirn * b » wiag . Oar Association may tt « bUt : defi * Boe to the Government alS j ^ Iv , abil 1 P ****^ ifci « b * ll aourfch , in - " ££ ? ? * & * & « fr Power , ana in despite of all their tt ^ SZ&ZiiZ SBitZ £ TS ^ CJJt ™? k * no Provision . They must be left comT * circumBtance , ana dealt with when they To work , then , in making out the plan Ton h » m several already before you * l shall ^ bSly ^ ve ^
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another ntxt fweek . I ask so preference for mine above others , beyond what you may think due to it 3 merits . Bnt I do implore yon to adopt some plan , and act on it nniver&ally . Without union , you ate powerless for good ; without Organ i zation , your union cannot be manifest ; therefore I say . Organize , Oeganize , Organize 1 ¦
Yoor faithful friend and servant , Willum Hill . TtUBd&y . Aug . 15 , 1843 . We have before expressed a general coincidence of opinion with Mr , Hill on this matter ; the only difference between us being as to the desirability of presenting Chartism in a religious aspect . In this we Certainly disagree with Mr . Hill , and agree with the people : but S 3 the point is riKbtfullv fore-gone by Sir . Hill , in deference to ths unequi ^ vocal feeling of the gTeat body of English Chartists , it 13 not worth while further to allude to it . The mention of it at all is to prevent tho possibility of our general expression of agreement in opinion with the object and scope of the above letter being taken to refer to this point amongst the rest !
At the close of his letter Mr . Hill intimates the probability of his Bending a plan of Organization for publication this week . At the time of our present writing it has not come to hand . OUR PLAN however is in type ; and shall be immediately placed before the reader . We had it ready for publication last week , had time atdspace permitted us to give it : time to accompany tit with the requisite explanation and commentary ; and space for the whole . Here , then , the Plan is . We present it as a whole ; devised to enable us to have the advantage of legal protection . , and mating provision for a plain , simple , understandable , efficient Organizuion of the
people in Classes , Branches , and Districts ; with an Annual Convention of Delegates , for legislative purposes ; andjwhh a General Executive Committee for the execution of ^ jftfo general plan emb- died in the I / yws and Constitution of the Sooiety , and for tbo carrying out of tho measures of practice determined on by the Annual Convention . For this echemo of Organization we * espeak earnest investigation ; desiring each one" to withhold all opinion , for or against , until he has read the whole , with the commentary that follows ; and weighed well ths reasons adduced in favour of its adoption . First , then , for the plan itself : —
CONSTITUTION AND LAWS OP THE NATIONAL CHARTER ASSOCIATION , ESTABLISHED FOR TUB MUTUAL BENEFIT OF ITS MEMBERS . ( Enrolled under the Acts , 10 , Geo . IV . c . 56 , and 4 and 5 William IV . c- 40 . 1
CHAPTER I .-BASIS . SECTION J . —OBJECTS . 1 . The objects of this Association are to effect , peaceably and by reason alone , a change for the butter in the condition of its Members , and of all classes of society , by inducing the body politie to act upon those principles of self-governmekt , which , when npplied to practice with the requisite knowledge , will ensure health , permanent prosperity , intelligence , union and happiness to all , by teaching bow to produce and distribute , in tbe wisest and moat equitable manner , the best kinds « f wealth most abundantly ; and to GOVERN most btntficially , -without force or fraud , by tbe removal of the canses which produce evil , and the sufebtitution of those which produce good .
SECTION II . —MEAI « g . S . These objects are to be attained by the following means : — First—By creating a new public opinion in favour of this change in the coi . ditiun of man , through the medium of public meetings , lectures , missionaries , Discussions , petitions to Parliament , tracts , cheap publications , and ths Newspaper Press ; all these means beii > g bo employed as to bring the objects of this Association prominently before the public , and the reasons that may be urged why the the principles on which this society > s based ought to be applied to general practice ; and thus Induce all to joiii as numbers of tbia Association , to procure for themselves the manifold Benefits that would nccuteirom he principles betoggeuetaily adopted ,
and the objects sought fer achieved . Second— -By raUiog fioin time to time , by subscriptions among tbe members , or by voluntary contributions - or bequests , or loans , various stacks or funds , for tab mutual assistance , maintenance , and education of the member * , tbeir wives , and children , or nominees , in infancy , advanced age , ekkness , or otter natural state or contingency ; also funds for defraying the incidental expenses of the society . Third—By applying such stocks or funds for the purchase or rental of 1-uid , whereon to employ tbe labour of the mtmbeiB in the production of food and clothing , under such arrangements as shall eec-re , Plejsty to those so employed , and BENEFIT to all the rest .
SECTION III . —PRINCIPLES . 3 . The fundamental principles of this society ere : — First—The end of a . l Government ought to be tbe happiness of the governed ; and to attain this end , ¦ without injustice to nny , it 1 b necessary to subjec ^ those "ftho have the power of making tbe laws to a ¦ wholeBome and strict responsibility to those whose duty it is to obey thtm -when made . Second ^ -That this responsibility can be best enforced through the infiimnientality of a body emanating from , And immediately subject to , tbe whole people ; thus completely representing their feelings and thoir interests . Third—That this representation to be j ast , must be equal ; and to be full and complete , must include tbo SvffruQt of all who have arrived at the age of minority , and are liable to be called upon to
bear aims in defence of tbe common conntry . Fourth— That to prevent cabal and party intrigue EgainEt the interests of the represented , it is necessary that the representatives thould , annually , resign their txust into the hands of those for -whom they cave acted , that they may receive tha reward dne to their faithfulness or negligence , either in continued confidence , or in rejection in favour of Borne more worthy object Fifth—That tbe represented ought t © be protected in the exercise of their rights cf franchise , that tbeir suffrage may be an expression of tbeir own freely-formed and honest opinion , nnd not swayed by the power of wealth or station acting upon dependency ; and this protection can be beBt sffurded by a general adoption cf the plan of private voting , under such arrangements as shall secure the election from all chance of fraud or
deceit Sixth—That ability , talent , moral character and general fitness , ought alone to be the teat or qualification { and not a mere possession of property ) , necessary to entitle a cit- ' zen to act as a representative of his fellow citizns ; and as no man , much less a body of men , have any right to expect sehvices ¦ without remuneration , whenever any member of the body politic is called upon to devote his energies and talents for the weal of the people , be ou&bt to be maintained at the expence of those whom be is serving . Seventh—That the first duty of the people 1 b to
employ a sufficient amount of its labour in the tilling of the soil which it may occupy , so as to produce , if it be at all possible , within itself a sufficiency of all the first ntcemries of life : and that , after each member of the body politic baa been supplied with home pboddce up to the point of temperate enjoyment , the surplus wealth , if any , is alone available as an article of legitimate commerce , to give to other people in exchange for luxuries and delicacies : the equitable standard of value iu each case being tbe actual amount of labour expended upon tbe article , added to the cost of raw material , when measured by the same standard .
CHAP . II . —MEMBERSHIP . EL 1 QIBILY , AND CARDS OF MEMBERSHIP—4 Every person shall be eligible to become amember of this Association , by entering bis name on its books ; he thereby expressing his agreement with its principles and objects , and hi * determination t » abide by its laws . Ooids denoting membership shall be given to each individual member -when be joins ; and all cards shall be renewed tyerj threo months . 5 . Rigid of Voting . —MemberB of the Bociety shall have the piiviltsse of speaking and veting on any business of the society relating to the general funds and general purposes , such ob tbe election of officers , &c ; the members psying to the Special Fund ( to be hereafter provided for ) shall alone have the decision of matters connected -with that fund . No member , under any cir , cnmstanceB- shall be entitled to more than one vote .
6 . Suspension . —The privilege of members shall be suspended by the son-payment of subscriptions for three months , unless sstifactory reasons can be given to the managers of the bxanoh for such non-payment : such suspension beieg devoted by the withholding of the quarterly ienewal card , until the arrears are paid up , or the managers are satisfied with the reason adduced for such non-payment . 7 . Dismissal . —Members may be dismissed from the society by ] the managers of ; tbeir branch for any aggravated effcnee against the principles or laws of die 8 oci » ty ; the dbmiased member may appt&l against such dismissal to » general meeting of the Branch , » r to the District Board , vbom decision shall U final
CHAPTER III .-0 RGAN 1 ZATI 0 N . ; SECTJOS I . PIVJSIONS . 8 . Tbii : Association ihaii consist of the members joined together in accordaace vr . ih the preceding provisions , forming altogether » National Association havikq Branches ; and shall be governed as follows , V 1 K .: —* An aBuual Convention , and General Executive Committee ; District Councils ; Branch Boards ; and Classes .
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SECTION II . — OnGANiZATION OF BRANCHES . 9 . ^ Formation of Branches . —Persons desirous of forming a branch of this sooiety , Bball forward to the general Executive Committee an application for A charter , signed by at least ten names , and in accordance with the following form : — We tbe undersigned Inhabitants of in tbe county of ¦ , having been made acquainted with tbe objects , principles , and laws of the "National Charter Association for Mutual Benefit , " and being desirous of promoting tfee objects of tbat society , and willing to abide by the rules which are now promulgated , or which may be from time to time enacted , in accordance with tbe constitution of the society , and in accordance with , tbe laW 8 ; protecting Benefit Societies . do hereby request that a Charter may be granted to us to open a branch of tha society ia abovementior . ed .
Namo of street Name fin full ) . Age . , Trade . or place of abode .
On the receipt of such application , the General Executive Committee shall institute inquiries as to tbe knowledge aud general fitness of tush persons for promoting the general objects of the society ; and upon satisfaction ns to these particulars , A CHASTER authorising the applicants to open a Brauch of the National Charter Association for Mutual Benefit , shall be issued , and to remain a Branch of tbe said Association , so long aB they labour to promote vita interests , and advance its objects , by a strict adherence to its lawa and constitution , and a due performance of the duties of membership . For such Charter the sum of shall be paid to tbe G-. 3 ner . 1 l Executive Committee .
10 . Constitution of Branches . —Eich branch shall con « sist of the persons to wboni a Charter has been granted , nnd of the persons enrolled under it , so long as they continue to comply with tbe laws of the Association : but iieglect of the laws , or nonconformity thereto , shaU subject any branch so offending to forfeiture of its Chatter , at the discretion of the General Executive Coramiltee . Against such decision the branch may appeal to the Annual Conference , at its next session , whose decision shall ba final . Should that decision be in accordance with the decision of the Executive Committee , the monies in hand , belonging such branch , shall be returned .
11 . Duties of Branches —Each branch shall caxry into effect tbe rules as to the admission , suspension , or dismissal of members ; tho collection and application of funds ; the obtaining and management of places for public meetings , and for meetings of the members and their families , for business , instruction , and entertainment ; and generally to co-operate to carry out tbe objects of the Association . 12 . Government of Branches - —The Board , or Committee of Management of each branch shall consist of seven members ; namely , ; a president , secretary , treasurer , and four othcTB who shall be appointed by tbe members of tfee branch .
13 . Election , and Tenure of Office . —Three members of such Board ehall resign office each quarter in rotation ; tho members elected by the fewt-Bt votes going outsat tbe end of the first quarter ; and afterwards the three next longest in office . AU the memberu to be t-JiVible to re-election . The nominations shall be made at least two weeks beforetho day of election ; and tho election shall take place at a general meeting of the branch held within seveUirtays of tbe 1 st of the respective ( months of March , June , September , and December , in each year . The persons then elected shall enter upon rfflee on the 1 st day of the following month .
14 . Duties of Branch Boards —The duties of the Branch Boards shuil consist of general supervision of the business of the branch ; entering Into arrangements for ith « due posstsait-n cf a place of public meeting ; , -where riesirnble ; ami for the due occupation of such place of meeting for lectures , discussions , dipcourses , meetings for members , and all other purposes not unlawful or inconsistent with the objeots of the Association . They shall also arrange for the enforcement of the rule 3 of the Association , by providing means for the due collection of tbe subscriptions of the members , either by the Branch Secretary weekly sitting at an appointed time and place to receivo them ; or by Visitors appointed to wait weekly upon the membbra .
at I their own homes tff collect them ; or by Class Lenders , whentver it Is deemed expedient by the members of any branch to form themselves into classes ; and the branch boards shall generally listen to , and carry out , the suggestions and instructions of the members of the branch , when such instructions do not palpably infringe on the general laws and rules of the body . 15 . Classes— Whenever the members of any branch determine that it might condnce to the welfare and advantage of the Branch to be divided into Classes , the Branch Board have hereby tbe power to constitute them of as many members as may be determined on , according to locality . Each Class , when constituted , abail choose for itself a Leader , subject to the couflrmation of the Branch Board . The duties of the Leader
will be to arrange for conversational meetings with his class , at a place of meeting most convenient ; to hold frlbmily discussions relative to the principles and objects of tho Association ; to read the tracts , and authorized documents and reports of the general budy ; to collect the subscriptions of the members , and weekly hand them over to the Branch Secretary ; and generally to infuse a spirit of kindness and forbearance amongst tbe member * . 16 . Appointment of Auditors—At the time of each election for members of the Branch Bon . nl , two Auditors shall also be appointed , to remain in office till their successors are appointed . They shall be
nominated nnd appointed just in l ke manner as the Branch Boarrtmon . Tbeir duty shall be to look over the accounts of tho banch as often as thiy please ; but never less than twice a quarter ; and , at the end of the quarter , report to the general meeting of members the condition in which they find the books at that time . They ore not to confine tbeir attention to a mere adding up of the accounts ; but satisfy themselves aa to the correctness of each Item , by calling for explanation and vouchers whenever there is the least doubt It will also be their duty to report immediately to the branch , whenever they discover any , the slightest defalcation ; or : a departure from the strictest rules of business and orfler .
SECTION III . —ON ORGANIZATION OF DISTRICTS . 17 . Formation of Districts . —Great Britain shall be divided into districts , comprising a union of branches for district purposes , conformable to arrangements which may from time to time be made by the Annual Convention , nnd suVjtct to snob revisions by the Gonoral Executive Committee , aa local or temporary circumstances may call for . The sizj of the district shall be governed by the necessities of each case , regard being first bad to tbe ability of the confederated branches to maintain and employ a district lecturer .
18 . District Councils . —Each district shall be governed by a District . Council , consisting of one member from each branch , elected by tbat branch to serve for oce quarter ; and one member from each branch , as district delegate , to be elected every month . The nomination apd election of the Quarterly District Connoilmen shall take place at tbe same time , and in tbe same manner , as- . tte nomiuntion and election of the Branch Board ; the eleciion of the monthly dekgate at the usual weekly meeting of the branch , after a week's previous nomination . 19 . Place of Meeting .- ^ -The District Board , so constituted , shall meet either iu a fixed place regularly ; or move from place to place , as shall be deemed most advantageous by the majority of branches comprising the district .
20 . District Officers . —In addition to the D ' strict Board , so constituted , the branches in the district shall also appoint a District Secretary and a District Treasurer . Nominations for these two officers may be made by ar * y branch , three weeks previously to the election of Branch Boards and District Couneilmen ; such nomination to be immediately communicated to the secretary of each other branch throughout the district . The votes of each branch shall betaken for each candidate ; and those who have the majerity of votes , when the declaration is made by the Branch Secretaries at the first . District Council meeting after such voting , shall be deemed to be elected . The District Secretary and Treasurer shall attend the D fir trict Meetings , and shall be at liberty to speak thereat , but not to vote .
| 21 . District Auditors . —Ths District Council , at their first meeting ia every quarter , shall appoint two auditors from nmonest the ni « mbera of the Association , not District Councilman ; and these auditors are required to perform similar duties , and are hereby invested with the necessary power over the accounts of the District Council , as the branch auditors have over tbe accounts of the branch . 22 . Duties of the District Council . —The District Council shall make arrargei .-ients for the district lecturer to lecture in each localitj of ths district , according to their best judgment ; tbey sh ; ill examine as to the fitness of any lecturer in their district applying to become general lecturer for the society , and certify
their opinion to the Executive Committee : ttey shall examine , appoint , and suspend voluntary or local lecturers ; see that their labours are suitably directed ; draw up regular plans for local lecturing ; assist in superintending the arrangements for places of meeting in the several branobss ; or mako the neoessary arrangements for taking and occupying a place on behalf of the whole district , where it is determined to bave only one place of public meeting in the district , tbat operations may be concentrated . They shall also review and finally determine jail matters of complaint appealed from any branch in the district ; see to the general efflciemcy of the branches ; and generally , eooporate k > carry oat ttie . objtcU of the society .
? SBCTIOIf It — ANNUAL CONVENTIOK . S 3 . Cow < fl « tfo » . —The legislative powors of this Association shall be vested in an Annual Contention of Delegates from , the several districts ot the Asso ciation . The scale of representation being one delegate for every five hundred members . 24 . Mode of Nomination and Election —Every branch in tha district shall have the power to nominate the number of Delegates required for their district , at a meeting of tbe ' memben holden specially for that purpose between the 31 st day of January and the 7 th day-of February in each year . When the nominations are made ,
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they shall be immediately c-jnimunicated to the District Secretary , bo that ] an alphabetical list of ths whole nominated in the district may be made out , and sent te each , branch , by the District Secretary , with the least possible delay . The election for the number wanted Bball take place at a Special Meeting of the members in each branch , holden for that purpose between the 21 st and 31 st days of I March , in eacb year , and of which meeting a full week ' s notice shall be given . The names of the persons nominated shall be put to the vote from the list ; in the or- ' er in which they stand , by the . President or Chairman ; and tbe number proclaimed in each case , pro and con , registered by the Branch Secretary , j A return , attested by tho signatures of the President and Secretary shall be prepared at the meeting , and transmited by the next post to the District Secretary !; who shall , from &uch returns , declare on whom tbe election has fallen , and communicate such declaration to the General Secretary , aud
also to tbe Secretary of each branch in the District , within three days after the day of meeting for election . Tbo returns from each branch shall ba duly filed and preserved by the District Secretary , amongst the papers of the Association . ) 25 . Annual Session . —An annual session of the Convention shall be holden on the first Monday in the third week of the jmonth of April in each year ; and shall continue its sittings so long as is requisite for the transaction of business to be brought before it ; and it may adjourn , from time to time , within the twelve months after its first meeting . - 26 . Powers of Convention . —The Convention shall have powet u > ma ^ e and isvibo Xlae lavss ot the society ;
to conaider upon , and report as to the progress of the principles of the society , and tbe efficiency of the me : m 3 employed to extend a knowledge of them , and induce their enforcement ] in practice ; to consult and devise new means for addressing the public mind , so as to operate upon it in ] favour of the change in condition sonijht to be effected by the society , tbat want may fee unknown , and plenty every where abound , with a SECO kity by the iaw for its full eDJoymeut ; to appoint the seat of Government ; to elecS tbe Gentral Ex .- cutive Committee , the Geaeril Treasurer , and the Trustees of tbe Society ; to appoint paid officers , and fix the amount of salary ; and generally to transact aueh business as may come before it .
27 . Qualifications of Delegates . —No person shall be eligible to t > it as a delegate , who has not been a member of a branch at [ least six mouths , if tbe branch has been tbat time in existence ; nor shall any one be eligible who Is not ! a regular subscriber to the funds of the society , and clear ou the books . 28- Ecc-offido Members—Members of the General Executive Committee and the trustees of the society may ait and speakj in Convention , though not elected to represent any district ; but in such case thuy shall not vote . I 29 . Tenure of Office . — The delegates shall be elected to serve io Convention for twelve months j or until the next general election . 30 . Removal oft Delegates . —If any delegate should become so situated , by absence from the district , or
otherwise , as not to be in a fit position , in the estimation of the district , to continue its delegate , tbe district may declare the effice vacant . 31 . Facancies . ~ jOa the death , resignation , or removal by the district of ' any delesate , the president and secretary of the district for which such delegate was elected , shall certify the same to the General Executive Committee , who shall [ forthwith issua their precept for the election of some other member to cupply the vacancy . 32 . Votes of Officers . —No lecturer or other salaried officer , elected as ] a delegate to Convention , by any district , shall vote on questions personally affecting themselves . j 33 . Place of Meelivg . —The annual or special sessions of Convention , shall be held at Leeds , Manchester , Birmingham , Westminster , Edinburgh , Glasgow , or such other place as the ( enrolment of these laws may
authorise , and as may be determined on by the annual Convention , or fey thJGeneral Executive Committee . Section v . —cjeneral executive committee . 34 . Appointment—The General Executive power shall ba vested in a dentral Ccmteitteo of Directors , to be cbosen annually by Convention , from liats of nominations from tbe different branches of the Association , rnado at special meetings for the purpose , in the second week of March in eecb yar ; fcueh nominations to be
sent to the General Secretary forthwith , that a general list of tbe whole jmay be in the bands of tbe members before the special meeting for the election of Delegates to Convention . j 35 . Officers . —The Central Committee shall consist of a president , treasurer , general secretary , and two other member ? . Three parsons sha . l also be annually appointed or confirmed by the Convention as the trustees of the Society , who shall be ex-efficio members of the Board . Two competent peTBons shall also be appointed annually by Convention , at ; General Auditors .
36 . Qualification—Every member of thy General Executive Committee , shall be % regular subscriber to the funds of tbe Society . 37 . Povcers and Duties—The General Executive Committee ehail direct and control the general proceedings of tbe Society , for and in the namo of the Society ; tbey shall see that tha laws are obeyed , and that the various orders of the Convention are carried into effect ; they shall receive all applications for Charters , and grant them where expedient !; they shall appoint general mission ) , aries , aud lecturers , v » hen applied to by the district councils , and certified of their fitness . They shall publish such tracts and other works aa they may consider calculated to promote the ol jects of the society 4 they shall summon the annual or spocial sessions of Convention as provided ( by the l * ws ; and generally they shall take the most efficient me . ans in their power to promote the dissemination of the principles , and their application to practice .
CHAPTER IV—SPECIAL AND GENERAL DUTIES OF OFFICERS . SECTION I . — PBESIDENTS 38 . Duties . —The President of the ssciety shall take tbe chair during Ihe sittings of the Convention ¦ and he shall preside at the meetings of tha General Executive Committee at which he may be present . Tbe Presidents shall only have a ! casting vote . The President cf . the society shall be the active superintending officer of the boc ety . The Presidents of the district councils shall preside at the meetinRs of auch councils , The Presidents of each Branch Board shall preside at the meetings of the branch or ) of the board at which he is present Each chairman shall superintend the business of tbe Branch or Board : of which ha is chairman , and regularly authenticate the minutes , as entered and confirmed in the minute book .
3 d . Casual Cliairman . —li at the hour at which the business of any meeting should coimuence tbe chairman should be absent ! the diiectors , managers , or members present at such meeting respectively shall elect a chairman for the occasion .
SECTION II—SECRETARIES . 40 . General Duties—The secretary of each board , council , or committee , shall perform the following duties : ( 1 . ) He shall attend at all meetings of the board , council , or committee , of which he is secretary . ( 2 . ) He shall record correctly the names of the memberB there ) present , and keep the minutes of the proceedings in a book provided for th \\ purpose ( 3 . ) He shall beep all the accounts , documents , ami papers ofjthe beard , council , or committee , in such form ] , manner , and place , ami for such use , as the laws require , or board may appoint . ( 4 . ) He shall also receive , in tbe firt . t place , all
monies payable to the board , council , or committee , of which fce is secretary , and pay nver the same jto tbe treasurer , after defraying such expences as may be directed . ( 5 . ) He shall , ] under the directions of the . board , council , or committee , conduct ita correspondenco , ami transact all business committed to him by the laws 41 . Resignation of General Secretary—U the general sscretary should wish to resign , he shall give the General Executive Committee three months' notice , or pay a sum equal to the three mouths ' salary . If his services should be dispensed with , the like notice shall be given , or the like amount of money be paid .
42 Dismtssal—Should any secretary neglect h ! s duty , or conduct himself in a manner likely to be injurious to tbe ioterestsj of tha society , the board , council , or committee for whieh he ofhAales may remove him from his situation , and supply tbe vacancy , until another secretary be duly appointed .
SEC j TION III . — TREASURERS . 43 . Duties . —The treasurer of each board , council , or oommitue , shall have the charge of all subscriptions and other monies paid to the secretary ; and he shall pay all monies authorised by the resolutions of the board , council , or coruniittee , on an order signed ty not less-than two of ita members ; aud his books shall be a check on the secretary of the ^ oard , council , or committee . A duplicate , or abstract thereof , kept by the secretary , and authenticated byj tho treasurer , shall be laid before each council or committee meeting . He shall balance his accounts quarterly , aud supply tho secretary with au abstract thereof }; and shall , if required , attend the meetings of the board , council , or committee . Ha shall also pay over the various funds as provided under the heads of " Funds" and " Returns . "
SECTION 1 Y . —TRUSTEES . 44 Duties . —The trustees of the sooiety for tbe time being , may , by [ the direction of the General Executive Committee , purchase land , buildings , implements , and other things which may be required for the purposes of the society . They may also buy , sell out , or transfer stock when and [ as directed by the General Executive Committee . The trustees shall , when required , execute a declaration of trust of all the stock , fund * , or property standing and being is tbeir name * belonging to tbe society . I
41 . N « alect . —ll an ; trustee of the society , at any ttme for a period or fourteen dara , neglect any of the duties required of him , ] the directors may » uspe » d 8 uch trustee , aud appoint another ia bis place . SECTION T AVDI * 0 R » 46 . Powers—^ [ Every auditor shall have access , at ' any time , for the purpose of inspection , to all the books , papers , deeds , and documents whatsoever , necessary to the due performance of his duttaa . Any general auditor , in the execution of his duties , may call for the } . roiluotion > vl the books and papers of any branch or district j
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47 . Duties of General Auditors—The general accounts of tbe society shall be audited at least quarterly , by the auditors of the accounts of the General Executive Committee . SECTION VI—RESPONSIBILITY OP OFFICERS . 48 . Limitation . —Wo trustee , treasurer , or other officer of the society , shall be liable to make good any deficiency which may arise in the funds of the society , unless such persons shall have respectively declared by writing under tbeir hands , deposited and registered in like manner with the laws of tha society , that they are willing so to be answerable ; and every such efflcer , or tbe whole of them collectively , may limit such responsibility to the sum specified in such instrument or writing . But every such officer shall be personally responsible for all monies or other effects actually received by him on account of . or to aud for the use of the society . 110 Geo IV . c . 56 . B . 22 )
49 . Priority of Claims—Any monies or effects belonging to the society , er any deeds or securities relating to the earns a . d coming into the possession of any officer ef the society , may be recovered before any other debts are paid or satisfied , on tbe death or bankruptcy , dec , of such officer ( 4 and 5 WilL IT . c . 40 , s . 12 ) .
SECTION . VII . — OFFICES . 50 . Vacancies—Every vacancy in any office , unless otherwise provided for , shall ba filled up by the body in whom is vested tbe original appointment But in the meantime tbe vacancy may be filled up by th % other members of the committee or board until the general body shall appoint . 51 . Re-eligibility—Oa the termination of the tenure of any office , the retiring member may be re-elected .
CHAPTER V .-BUSINE 3 S . SECTION 1 . —MEETINGS . 52 . General Executive Committee Meetings . — -The Cteneral Executive Committee shall meet weekly , or oftener if necessary , at such time as they shall appoint , at the general office of the Society in buch place as the enrolment of these laws may -authorise , and as the Convention may determine . 53 . District Council Meetings . —Each District Council shall meet monthly , or oftener if necessary , at such place as they shall appoint 54 . Branch Board Meetings . —The Board of each branch shall meet weekly , or of tener if necessary , at such time as they shall appoint .
5 ft . General Meetings . —Every branch shall hold meetings aa often as expedient for the purpose of conversation , bearing lectures or discussions , or otherwise extending the general principles , and promoting good feeling , intelligence , and morality . Meetings for business shall be constituted of those who hold cards of membership for the current quarter . None else shall b » allowed to take part in them , or vote either for tho election of delegate to Convention , District Council , or Branch Board ; or any matter affecting the Association . 56 . Notices . —No business , except of tbe most urgent nature , to be determined by the meeting , shall be considered at a general meeting , without at least seven days' notice ; and at quarterly meetings no business shall be transacted implying expense or other responsibility to absent members , unless at ; least ten days * notice thereof has been given . Such notices shall be made to the Secretary in writing , and hung np in the meeting room of tbe branch .
5 f . Adjourned Meetings—Meetings held according to adjournment Bball be devoted exclusively to the business for which the meeting was adjourned .
SECTION . II . —ELECTIONS . 58 . Voles . —At elections of officers , and delegates to Convention , tbe votes shall be taken by a show of hands , unless a ballot bs demanded ; and when a ballot is demanded , tbe votes shall ba taken by the use of voting papers , where- more than one person is to be electee : ; or by the use of balls where that ia more convenient 59 . Scrutineers—Two members shall bs appointed as scrutineers , to receive the votes , and report theresuit 60 . Time—An heur shall be fixed , after which no vote shall be received ; and every election shall be finished by the meeting then assembled , and without adjournment
SECTION III . —QUORUMS . 61 . Quorum of Boards . —Three of the members shall be a quorum of each Board ; but such quorum shall be unanimous in all its resolutions , unless there be present a majority of tbe members of the Board .
SECTION IT . —CORRESPONDENCE . 62 . By Secretaries- —All official correspondence shall be conducted throo ^ b and by the agency of tha several secretaries ; and no letter or document shall be considered genuine , unless expressed assigned by order and on behalf of the body by whom it is authorized .
CHAPTER VI . —DISSEMINATION OF THB PRINCIPLES . 63 . Lecturers . —The public promulgation of the principles and objects of the society shall be more particularly confided to salaried lecturers and district missionaries . The amount of salary shall be determined by each district 64 . Examination . —Xo individual shall be appointed to the office of lecturer or district missionary , unless he la a member of the society , and until he has been examined as to his qualification by the District Council . H » * bs 5 produce testimonials of good character . He shall answer general questions ; and he shall satisfy the examiners tbat he possesses the requisite oraterial powers for lecturing and debating ; and the District Council shall certify as to his fitness to the General Executive Committee , who shall then make the appointment
65 Certificate . —Each lecturer a d district missionary shall , upon his appointment , receive a certificate of such appointment from the General Executive Committee ; and upon any such lecturer or missionary resigning his situation , or being dismissed therefrom , ho shall deliver back such certificate : sach appointment , withdrawal , or dismissal , to be published in tbe organ of tbe socieiy , signed by the officers who usually sign ' . 'facial documents . No one but those bearing each certificate , or appointed by t&d District Council as a local lecturer , shall be allowed to lecture in any branch , ox be recognized as lecturers of the society .
66 . Dismissal , —Any lecturer or district missionary shall be deprived of his office for neglect of duty , or each discharge of it as would injure the cauee which be was appointed to promote ; or on account of mental ox moral incapacity . Such dismissal to be by the General Executive Committee on application from a District Council or Branch Board , and satisfaction given that th « cas 8 calls for such ah exercise of-. power . * 67 . Local Lecturers . —tha District Cotrncil may appoint , after examination , parties to the station of local lecturers , who , along with tbe district lecturer , shall bs under the controul of the District Council .
CHAPTER YII .-FUNDS . SECTION I . —GENERAL EXPENCES . 68 General Fund—A . fund for defraying the general expences of the Society , such as salaries of General Secretary , and other general officers , salaries of lecturers or missionaries , rents of Halls , or places of public meetings , fee ., &c ., shall be raised as follows : — First—By each member paying two-pence for his card of membership when be first enrols bis name on the Society ' s books ; and one penny every time it is renewed , which shall be every three months . Second—By each member contributing weekly to such fund the sum of one penny , either direct to the branch secretary , or through the class-leader , or weekly visitor , as may be determined on by tbe branch itself . Third—By donations and contributions from friends :
and by collections at the general meeting for leo 'tures , discussions , conversations , or entertainments . 69 . Appropriation of General Fund—The sums ol money received by each Branch Secretary for cards of membership shall be monthly remitted to the General Secretary for the use of the General Executive Committee . Toe General Executive Committee shall also be entitled to , and receive , otic fourth of tbe member ' a weekly subscriptions , which shall be remitte > i monthly to the Gsneral Secretary , by the Branch Secretary . The other three-fourths ol the penny weekly subscription , along with the donations , contributions and collections , shall be lodged with tbe Branch Treasurer , to ba used by tha Branch Boards for local expences , and for the satisfying of the levies of the D . strict Council for missionary and lecturing purposes ; which levies shall always be at the rate of a certain sum par member throughout the district ; and when laid , shall be paid by the Branca Treasurer , to the District Treasurer , or to his order .
SECTIO . V II—SPECIAL FUND FOR THB EMPLOYMENT OF TIIE MEMBERS ON THE LAND . 70—Land Fund—A . fund for the purchase or rental of land , and for the erection of suitable buldinga , shall be raised by subscription , at the rate of sixpence ( or threepence ) per week from such members as may be able and will ing-to contribute to such fu ; . d . 71 . Fines . —Every contributor to the land fund neglecting to pay the weekly contributions to that fund shall be Sued for such neglect at the following rates : — For one month , one halfpenny ; „ two months , one penny ; „ three months , fourpence ;
„ four months , eigbtpence ; „ five monthB , one shilling ; „ six months , one and sixpence ; and „ each subsequent month , one shilling . And any contributor continuing such neglect until the floes incurred thereby are equal to the amount of all the monies actually paid by him to the land fund , such contributor shall thereupon be dismissed , and suca monies shall be applied in discharge of the fines so in * corred . Bat the directors or lo « al managers may remit any of tit * said fines upon satisfactory evldwue being givtn them of sldutMa or oUnr siflclut occasion for « ueh nezlocfc .
73 . Jpgrvpruaitn Fin * . — -An nmt artaiaf fion the payment of fines nuder tb « above ral « shall form part of the land fond . 73 . Check Card . — Every meinosr shall b > prdvidejJ with a check card , on which all contributions to tha land fund shall be entered at the time of bis paying tha same , and tnia card shall be a sufficient voucher ' 'for all gums so paid , until they reach the sum of one potted when a certificate , or scrip , shall be given him , agreeable to the following form : — f Continued in our seventh page . J
Untitled Article
a THE NORTHERN ST A R * 1 _ :
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Aug. 26, 1843, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1227/page/6/
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