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Northern Star (1837-1852), 24th February 1844, Edition 1 of 1, Page 6, Untitled Article

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    • SOWERBY.—On Sunday last, Mr. Smith, of Bradford, addressed the Chartists of this place, iu the
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      Untitled Article

      distress of the fustian cutters at Manchester . TO THE XD 1 T 0 B OT TfiB HOKIHEUS STAB . Sis , —The fustian cutters $ t Manchester are Enfferingtne deepest di-tress and slavery imaginable , through , their estremtij low wages , tie wide introduction of infant labour , and long and late -working " , Inndreds of good woikmen not being able , by hard laboiii , to earn more iban seven shillinga per week , fronrwhich , in many cases , a wife and family hare to l > e supported . The enclosed humble appeal io the Members of t > oth Houses « f » ParliamcBt , on the necessity of protecting labouT , has been written with a view of calling ihe attention of ihs Government to their unhappy condition . I am . jours , respectfully ,

      Kjchabd Cbowtheb . Manchester , Feb . 6 lb , 1 B 44 . As HrMBrx Appeal to the Members op boih Horsss op Parliament , on the bkcessitt of PROTECTING XaBOER . HOXOTJRRB LOBBS AND Gestlemxn . —At the period is at hand when ycu must be engaged in devising measures for relieviEjj the distress of ths country , jot trill prebably excuse aa individual in bumble life should he present you . with a few remarks relative to your past services , and oa ench changes as be hopes ma ; be the object , and business of your future legislation . In taking a retrospect at your proceedings , 3 find that B 8 ssion after eesaon you have been passing measures of Improvement , removing taxes , lessening duties , xnd extending trade ; and yet thd workmen in many of the respective callings are no * in a ¦ worse conditisn tasn at any ether period within jut recollection .

      Ana why has this anomaly cf oecorrenciea taken place ? Simply , because yon have only attended to those cirenmatoeea -which are the inUls oftbeirprosparity , and disregarded , or overlooked those events ¦ which are the outlets of tfceir good fortune , "which latter are as necessary to be attended to as the former . Ton have been like persons attempting to fill a leaky vessel with 'water ; for as fast sa yor . have poured prosperity in at the top cf their affairs , jost bb copiously has it been suffered torunt » at at the bottom . By the absence of proper Isws a few masters , and -workmen , in the several brandies of labour , have be -n suffered unnecessarily to reduce £ ae 'wages ef ttonasr Is , and tans of thousands of "Worthy individuals occnpie-. l in the same calling . Children and women have been allowed to compete for

      employment ¦ with men of jvars , and such as have large families to support . Macb ; iiery has been permitted to sun long hours , and persoia to wort still loiter periods to render their strife "with 'hese superhuman workers anything lita siccessfnJ ; zt ^ s , despite of the many qpenicsp which have "beeh msdefor commerce , a scarcity ef employment has Zcm ^ iaed in existence , and one parttjf Che working people made davea at a paltey lemuntration , and another part panpers , and starring arrisats thronsh having nothing to do . In abort , the interest , health , happiness , and lives of many of the Working class , instauT of l ^ ing wider the cara of tbe legislature , hare been left in the hands of a few merciless masters , shielded by magistrates , solditra , and policemen ; and the inihap >/ V results are only such as might naturally be expected .

      - That ibis is tie real cause of the failure of your weB-rjaeant measures I a ^ a certain ; and I further humbly aver , that shcul £ you remove every impost from the statute book ; eraBe every name from the pension list ; reduce the nntubcr and salaries of the officers of a * ate ; bring the army ted navy to a mere skeleton ; and applj the sponge to the national debt ; but still omit giving protection to labour , you . will find tbe eounky at the dose of your endeavours in a much worse condition than you fc : md it at the commencement Since the 'vide intredaclSon of chemical , mechanical , 2 nd steam power , a seaer-l superfluity of hands have

      been in existence , and- t "~ ss in all occupations has materially leessned the ir 2 a = nce -which the operatives had for ¦ withstanding the encroachments of avaricious and tjT-B-iT » f ^ i TTiMfprHj and in many callings has entirely annihilated it ; so that under the best condition of business that ^ csn now possibly exist , mean cunning employers can in many trades easily find ways io reduce the -wages of their -workpeople to the lowest living point ; and if there elfish individuals are still to goon -with impunity , 6 V ^ -y measure « f amelioration which can possibly be instituted must of necessity in a TEry abort time become as though it had never been .

      In the affairs of Traces , appeals to employers on the grounds of benevolence and justice are extremely futile , and in most cases entirely useless : for however well disposed the bulk cf the masters in ray trade may feel towards their workpeople , still they cannot pay them good wages if other masters are suffered to step below them in the price of labour ; neither can they raise wages however desirable it may be , unless the rest hi the same line of business are led to do the same ; therelore , it must be evident to every attentive observer that government protection is absolutely necessary to assist

      these bodies of workesen in fnain ^ ining jtheir wages J who are so cicumstanctd that they cannot maintain them by trades' unions ; for , unless Vbis is the case , their earnings must inevitably become reduced to a condition which is both disgrseefnl and oppressive ; destructive to trade , and the general interests of society Hie reductions which have been made in wagss , have been more owing to the want of an authorized method of maintaining ttwm t ^ nm anything els ©; and to this rirpiiinstance the attention of the legislature should be particularly directed .

      That good wages are the basis of the country ' s prosperity , I infer , because it is only through the medium of money that the labouring classes can consume each others * produce , and consequently find one another employment , er that they can pay rent and taxes , and create profits ; therefore , good wages cannot but ad-Tsstage the government , landlords , ' manufacturers , and Bhopkeepera , and every chva , except nich as lire at cue on fixed incomes ; of which there are but few who have not more than enough , and stQ ] fewer , I would hope , than can desire to swell the valne of their mosey at the expense of the comforts and liTei of any portion Of their fellow beings . Only imagine the * breadth of the market Jot cloth , food , furniture , ic . which the »« king people .-wtmld make , if their wages were equal io thsir wants ; sid imagine the amount of taxes , profits ,

      and employment , that would arise from this increase of . business ; and reasons the most incontrovertible must appear wky the labourer should be protected against l £ ose circumstances which are the causes of bad wages . A return , to good wages would effect almost every Jhing which the cor flicting parties of the nation require ; would bring the Governnvent into universal tsteero ; would make trx-ie virtually free by enabling the consumers of foreign produce to buy at . those duties which sse necessary fcr protection and revenue ; and would tn&intairi tbe rtutal of the "tanfl in its preseat state . It was under the ruidanee of good wages that the country leachea its unjaralleled greatDess ; and to * he decline of ¦ wages , and the meamj taken to forte this decline , its ^ dnkiEg prosperity , and general ditcontentedness may be wholly attributed .

      I am aware that it may be objected , that we could not pay ^ igh wages without riskiag some portion ol oar foreign trade ; and on this account I beg to be particularly urderstood , that I do not mean that wages ibcrald be paid which the trade cannot bear , but that such should be paid as the trade can bear . In many occupa tions prices and wages are unnecessarily low , and it is to these that my remarka have a reference / and to no other . In the bunnesa of fustian cutting , to which I belong , and which numbers about three thousand three bundred tar-Is , more than one thousand pounds per week might be paid than is paid , without endangering its security , or raising the workpeople s » bove plain living ; and ¦ which more than nine-tenths of the masters would be Willing to pay , provided , they could be aecurfed by Jaw from the attacks of a few ruthless competitors , who axs continually striving to undermine them in thB ^ trade by procuring cheaper labour .

      Thit the condition of tbe fustian cotters is a case immediately in question , every person that is acquainted wUh thtir situation must readily admit ; and I humbly , and earnestly beg that the Honoured iords and Gen-Ugmen , whom I am addressing , will see that a commission of enquiry be appointed to look into their affairs ; for I believe that a greater amount of heedless ignoanceandwretehedikss , injustice to children and women , long working , and sacrifice of wages , cannot be found in any business of equal numbers throughout the whole length and breadth of thaland . The protection which I imagine should be given to labour would be—1 st To balance the price of the produce of foreign eonntries with the price of the produce of this country by&nttsa that would be productive , bnt not prohibifcory .

      Sad . To restrict child and woman labour in a manner as to prevent It from coming inte toe-dose Competition with rrrKnT > n 1 labour . 3 rd . To regulate tbe unequal distribution of employ Jneat by shortening tbe boon of labeur , and prohibiting long working in BTEry branch of business finoughont the country . 4 th- To prevent a few masters from causing unneces sary low wages , by authorizing the institution of Boards of Trade in those callings where a majority of the workmendesireit The Board to consist of a proper number « persons chosen at a General Meeting of the Masters , V > draw up scale © r wages , payable for a definite period , or ^ ntil farther consideration ; snch seal * of jrages to be tanaing on every employer in ths business BJ suitable penaltits .

      This , Honoured Xrods and ^ entlemen , is an ouUbie Cf the protection , which I cansider shonld be given to Isioar , *» d begging p « doa tot ihe liber ^ I hare asjUMd ia offering thMe remsAs , Iremaia , Tour hmble and obedient servant , ElCHAiD CaoWXHEB . if , Tickk-stoeet , Dsansgate , Manchester , Jan . 1844 .

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      ScecKPOBi . —JBLiTTEEs' Tdhs-ottt . —The branch of hatters ealled rnffers , " connected with various hat ei&blisbmente in thi 3 towuj returned to their emplojjnent on Monday week ; bnt a fresh disagreeaeniJiaTin ^ arisenwiththeir emplojers , thej have af&in left their work .

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      TRADES OF LONDON . A public meeting of the Metropolitan Trades was held on Monday evening , February . the 12 th , in the Theatre of the Mechanics Institute , Southampton Buildings , fox the purpose of explaining the nature and objects of the " Operatives' Type-Foundry Association , " on the principle of a Union of Capital and Labour . W . B . Ferrand , Esq ., M . P * , was called to the chair amid loud applause , and in a brilliant speech contended for protection to native industry . Mr . Clark read letters from Messrs . Duncombe , Emmcrson Tennant , and Newdigate , Members of Parliament , excusing their non- attendance . Mr . Sherrard , Bilk-weaver , mored the first resolntion as follows t—

      1 . " That the Journeymen Type-fonnders , in resisting the uDJustiSable attempt of their Empayers to reduce their wages to a rate insufficient for subsistence , having been out of * mDloy for six months , and during that long period suffered great privations and distress , have acted on principle , and proved themselves worthy of the sympathy and support of the Trades and of every friend to the Working Classes . The journeymen typefounders had already Hubmilted to a redaction in their wages , and had been reque ? ted to submit to a further reduction of 6 s . per week , and had manfully resisted ; and he did not know any other step they could have taken

      which wonld hare met mtb the meeting ' s approbation—( cheers ) . The principle they meet to support is a new one ; a union of capital and labour for the benefit of the producer . Wo are told it is slavery to have protection for labour ; but commend him to snob slavery , which meant "justice for eaeh and for all . " Ho trusted that meeting would lay the foundation of a better system—( loud cheers ) . Let them remember one of the master type-founders was a member of the Anti-Corn Law League ; and , like many others , pays his subscriptions by the reduction of the wages of his men—( loud cheers ) . He trusted they would persevere in this righieous objeet nntil success crowned their efforts— ( cheers ) .

      Mr . M'Frederick ( shoemaker ) seconded the motion , which was carried unanimously . Mr . Parrot , operative tailor , then moved the second resolution aa follows : — 2— " That to oppose the encroachments of capital on labour , and counteract the destructive effects of unprincipled corapeti tion , it is the duty of the working classes and the supporters of their cause , to unito and % dopt measures of legitimate defence ; and it appears to this meeting , that the union trf capital and labour , on the basis of * a fair day ' s wages for a fair day ' s work , ' judicionsly applied for the benefit of the working classes , Trill tend to protect them from oppression , and rescue them from their present state of degradation and distress . * Mr . Lambert seconded it , supported by Mr . Spurr . and carried nnanimonaly . Mr . Clark then moved the third resolution as follow * : —

      3— "That the Operatives Type-Foundry ^ &socia lion , based on " the Union of Capital and Labour , " is a practical application of that principle , highly important to the Working Classes ; that being carefully and eqaitably framed , with a view to its success and a due regard to the interest and security of the shareholder * , as well as the type-fonnders to whom it will give -employment , as set forth in the prospectus , dated January 25 ih , 1844 , it will serve as a model for similar associations of varieus trades throughout the kingdom ; and this meeting , therefore , is of opinion that operatives of all trades , and their true friends among the tipper classes , by subscribing to the undertaking and thereby insaring its success , will contribute to the legitimate protection of labour and the welfare of the working classeB . This was seconded bj Mr . Urquhart , supported by Mr . James , and carried unanimously . Mr . Thompson then moved the fourth

      resolution—6— " That the Committee of journeymen Typefonndcrs , having by their labours , jointly with the representatives of other trades , been instrumental to the formation of the plan detailed in tbe prospectus , have established a claim on the gratitude of ihe working classes , and are entitled to the thanks of this meeting . " Seconded by Mr . Parrott , and carried unanimously . A vote of thanks was unanimously carried to W . B . Ferrand , Esq ., and the meeting separated .

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      The Spixaxpielis WsAVEBS .- ^ -On Monday night , at eight o ' clock , a general meeting of the journeymen broad silk weavers , of Spitalfields , Betbnalgreen , and the vicinity , was held at the Crown and Anchor , Cheshire-street , Waterloo-town , to hear the report of the committee relative to their interviow with Mr . W . E . Gladstone , President of the Board of Trade , The large room was densely crowded . Mr . Gale having been called to the chair , briefly stated the object of the meeting , when Mr . Sherrard , one of the deputation who waited on the Board of Trade , said , that at the interview there were present Mr . W . E . Gladstone , President of tbe Board , the Earl of Dalhousie , and , Mr . G . Shaw Lefevre , with whom they remained two hours , and

      by whom their representations were listened to moat patiently . The object of the deputation was to shew the intense privations and sufferings endured by the labourers in consequence of the operation of the principles of fxee trade . They pointed out , that in the year 17 S 7 the weaver at Manchester received 263 . 8 d . per week , whereas the wages of the wearers now were 3 a . 6 d . They urged that the Government fihonld , as formerly , give them some legislative protection . In the reign of Edward IT .. they stated that a law was passed to protect the workiog-man , and in every successive reign to that of Elizabeth the same system was adopted , when the sheriffs and magistrates were empowered to see that the price of food and articles of necessity Bhould not exceed

      the means of the labourer to purchase them . The effect of the present system of free trade was , that the manufacturers amassed immense fortunes , larger than was ever in the power of the farmers to obtain . Mr . Gladstone , who appeared to feel for the condition of the trade , said their destitution was muoh to be regretted , but circumstances was so altered that they ceuld not pass a lew for ihe protection of trade . Then said the deputation , if the Government with iheir majority of nvnety-one cannot do this > they had belter sit down and sap they can do nothing , in the course of the discussion , the Poor Law Bill was mentioned , upon which Mr . Lefevre said tee must not make their condition too good in the House or too many will want to get there : and see vfbat a sum it takes

      even to build an almshouse . To which the deputation replied— The labouring : people—the operatives , were the source of all wealth , and consequently when they arrived at an old age , say sixty , they were entitled to a place of refnge . " Bnt seemingly thiB failed to prodnee any effect on Mr . Lefevre . The deputation then show&d the eviJ effects produced by migration from the agricultural to the manufacturing districts , and quoted the letters of Ashworth , Hyde , Grey , and J . D . Hume , Esqrs ., the greai Free Traders , who rated high wages as a crime . Their Lordships reiterated that altered circumstances in snch affairs , prevented them « ttine a bill passed for -their protection

      The depntatioa then retired . Letters were read at the meeting from Maceletfifild , Norwich , &e . &c , stating that they were labouring in the same field with their brethren of Spitalfields against home competition , and in tstovx -of Troteetionjor Labour Mr . Delaforce then moved the first resolution as followg : — "That it is the opinion of this meeting that the Committee ' s report is encouraging , and that it beTeceiv&d . " It was the want of a proper remuneration for labour that caused the destitution . Some Eaid let trade be free ; we want no protection . O , certainly not ; they liked to grasp all they could . Mr . Rayner seconded the resolution , which was carried unanimously , Mr , Berry rose to more the

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      second resolution , as follows : — That the thanks of this meeting are eminently due * and are hereby given , to Kiohard Oastler , for the Very great kMdness he has eTinced towards-the Broad Silk Weavere of Spitalfields , in having giyen insertion to their two letters to the Board of Trade , in his in * valuable publication , the Fleet Paper * . " Mr , Mayon seconded the resoluton , which was carried unanimously , amid loud cheers .: Mr . Sherrard then rose to move the-third resolution , as follows :-- " That tbJB meeting \ b decidedly of opinion that nothing but legislative interference Trill oheck the growing rapacity of the unprincipled manufacturers whose tyranny arid cruelty towards their Unresisting workpeople , are not only destructive of the physical

      capabilities , morality , and religion of the operatives , bnt highly injurious to the trades people of the district , injurious in causing parochial burthenB , and injurious'to the country generally . Under these circumstances , this meeting pledges itself , individually and collective [ y , to use perseveringly , its best energies for the obtainment of bo desirable and righteous an object ; a legislative enactment for the protection of labour , every one resolving to become himself a missionary in fO holy a cause , remembering the wordB of the apostle Paul , who says , that he who will not provide for his own children , is worse than an infidel . " The resolution pledges us to protection . Can you have stronger arguments than those adduced in the Norwich letter , that labour which used to bring two shillings , now only produced ninepance . Increase of commerce had to them been worse than useless , because there had been no protection for labour—( hear . ) The late Adam

      Smith had said home trade was of double the value of Foreign Trade , and the nations on the Continent were finding this out—as witness their Tariffs . The working classes were the stay of the country—they lost all the masters gained . If our labourers were rewarded with one shilling a week each extra , it would produce more than all our foreign trade . He need not go to Hindostan for cases of distress . No , look at home—( hear , hear ) . Then unite in one body , in one phalanx for the protection of labour —( loud cheers)—and let your offspring thank you for tbe blessings they will receive . Protection must be had ; therefore go forwardlet this spot re-eoho we want not charity , but justice—( loud cheers ) . Mr . Delaforoo seconded the motion . Messrs . Burroughs , Paynter , Blanch-£ ower , and Snooks also spoke in its support , when it was carried unanimously . A vote of thanks was passed to the chairman , and the meeting separated .

      The Tailors * . Union . —Crewkrrne , Somebsetshibe . —One of the most important meetings that has taken place in connection with the tailoring trade for many years past , took place at the Red Lion , Commercial Inn , on Tuesday , February 13 th . Delegates and many others belonging to the trade were present from most of the surrounding towns and villages . Mr . T . Moon being unanimously called to the chair , and the preliminary business of the meeting attended to , a warm and lively discussion ensued , relative to the present alarming and depressed state of the trade , which concluded by the unanimous adoption of the following resolutions : — "That we the Masters and Journeymen Tailors of Crewkerne and neighbouring towns , assembled at

      the Red Lion , Commercial Inn , deploring the long existence of that degradation to which , our trade has been reduced , having seen in several newspapers , the efforts now being made in London and other large towns , for the purpose of raisiug the trade from its present depressed condition , hail with much pleasure so noble an enterprise , feeling confident that such efforts , will , if persevered in ultimately bring about a better state of things . " "That we are unanimously of opinion tnat the present depressed state of the trade ia inloonsequence of tbe mercenary frauds of capitalists , who knowing nothing of the nature of our trade , have embarked therein with a view simply to fill their pockets at the expence of crashing and starving tbe workmen . And wr viqw with unspeakable disgust , the conduct of drapers , who , to a great extent , are embarked in tbe sale of those slave-manufactured articles , the ready-made slop clothes . " " That we regard the introduction of

      slop-made garments , as not only detrimental to the master and journeyman tailor , but highly bo to the public at large , inasmuch as the articles thus made np are of a very inferior and spurious quality , and cannot but prove dear at any price to the purchaser ; we , therefore , unanimously denounce the system as being unjust and unprincipled in all its bearings . ' * "That we also feel called upon to denounce the sweating : system , as be ! ng destructive alike to the morals and health of those engaged in it , and to the interest of the trade generally . " "That having witnessed the awful effects which the present competitive system has produced in the trade , we feel ourselves Bonnd to seek its immediate destruction by all legal and constitutional means , and that we most highly approve of the principles of the Metropolitan Tailors' Protection Society . " After a vote of thanks had been given to the Chairman , the meeting broke up .

      Nottisgham . FrahewouxKnittebs . At a general meeting Framework-knitting delegates , from the town and counties of Nottingham , Derby , and Leicester , held at the King George on Horseback , on Monday last ; the following delegates wore present : —Thomas Smith in the chair , representing the whole of the branches of Leicester ; John Cross , vice-chairman , wrought cotton hose branch , Alfreton and District ; Thomas Emznerson , secretary to the meeting , wrought cotton hose branch , Arnold ; George Woodward , Bilk hosa branch , Nottingham ; B . Humphries , silk and cotton glove branch , Nottingham ; Abel Smith , drawer branch , Nottingham ; John Key wood , wrought cotton and machine hose branches , Hucknald ; James Brown , BaBford ;

      Thomas Hilyer , wrought : cotton hose branch , Ca . 1-verton ; Win . Fe ) kin , Mansfield ; Wm . Hall , plain silk hose and glove branches , Derby ; Samuel Parker , Bel per , Duffield , and Holbrook ; John Aulton , Haynor ; John Potter , Ilkeston and pariah ; Joseph Stephens , Sheepsbead and District , whole of the branches ; Richard Law , on the Central Committee . The following resolutions were passed unanimonsly : —1 st . Proposed by William Felkin , and seconded by Thomas Hilyer—That the petition to the House of Commons now read be adopted as the petition of the delegates present , on behalf of the framework knitters of these realms , and signed by the chairman of this meeting . Proposed by John Heywood , and seconded by Joseph Stephens—That the various branches in this trade , in each locality , have in readiness one or more persons to give

      evidence before a Committee , or Commission , as the case may be , without delay , and to oommuDioate immediately with the Secretary of the Central Committee . 3 rd . Proposed by John Cross , and seconded by Joseph Stephens—That whereas some of our fellow-workmen are subjected to great privations , in cases where prosecution takes place , in exposing the truck system—we therefore pledge ourselves to use our best endeavours to render assistance to any party , who may be tbuB situated . Proposed by Wm . Hall , and seconded by John Heywood—That , as at a meeting lately held at the Conservative Hall , Nottingham , a resolution in support of the frameworkknitters was passed—we , the delegates assembled at this meeting , ibeg to acknowledge our gratitude to that meeting for their resolution . —Signed , B . Humphries , Acting Secretary to the Central Committee

      M&TAorotiTAN Tailors Protection Socieit . —On Monday eveBing , a public meeting of the trade was held in the Star and Garter , Poland-street , Oxfordstreet , for the purpose of removing the section which had been formed at the Brittannia , Berwick-street , Sofao , to that house , the use of which had been kindly offered by the landlord ; Mr . Parrott in the chair . The Chairman having briefly stated the canse and objects of the meeting , shewed the necessity of a general union of the trade for the protection of labour ; the inadequacy of all systems in present UBe for practical good , the injurious erfects of most ; read letters from Liverpool , Glasgow , and Halifax , and commented on tbe encouraging character of their contents ; and concluded by urging upon thoBe

      present to support the society for their own benefit , and become missionaries in the cause . Mr . Cotter moved a resolution , pledging the meeting to support a general union of tbe trade as the only means of elevating them to a proper position in society , and in doing so , detailed some heartrending scenes , which he , as a member of a visiting committee , bad witnessed ; and thoogh the wretched victims of [ unjust competition , had no clothes to appear in public , they supported with readiness the present just and rational movement . Mr . Eames detailed instances of £ ood already done , and observed that much more would be accomplished if the whole trade were united in one bond of brotherhood , and cordially seconded the resolution . Mr . Nan considered the present movement the first great step to general improvement ; and if the working classes chose , they could , by union , at all times protect their labour from the

      encroachments of misapplied capital ; Mr . Parker stated that all Secretaries of Societies would on Tuesday have circulars forwarded to them , inviting them to prepare for representation in the forthcoming National Delegate Meeting , whioh the members of the Societies should see were duly read ; and , in glowing language , which elicited consider * able applause , entreated the meeting to unite heart and hand in the cause . Messrs . Rierdon , JR&wcjIiffe , and Smith followed in the same strain , and the resolution was carried unanimously . Several cards were issned ; and after an intimation that the meet * ings would be continued every Monday evening , in the same room , and that a lecture would be delivered by the President , " On the state and prospects of the trade , " at the Sawyers' Arms , 20 , Marylebone Lane , Marylebone , on the 2 tthinBt ., the meeting separated at eleven o'clock .

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      Manotacicbiko Distress . — -It is with extreme regret that we announce another failure in Kendal . It is not long since the extensive manufactory at Nttherfield , in that town , was shut up , and two or three hundred hands turned adrift on the world , to the serious injury ef the shopkeepers . We have now to state , that the large manufactory of Mesnrs . J . Harrison and Co ., which employed many people , stopped on Thursday . —Lamaster Guardian .

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      Frightful Accident—Forty Lives Lost . —HayBRl'ORDWJEST . FjtB . 16 . —Lasfi evening intelligence was brought to this place of a dreadful accident at Laud-shipping Colliery in this neighbourhood . While the men aaji boys , amounting in number to fifty-eight , were at work in one of the pits which extends under the river , the water broke in at about half-tide , and so sudden was the rush that eighteen only of the number were enabled to mako their osdape . The remainder were either instantly drowned or ofuahed beneath the slip . The work ot thiB pit is completely destroyed . No blamo appears to be laid to any party , as the persons whose duty it was io survey the work had considered it safe . It had never before been worked at high water , when the pressure must have been much greater than when the above accident took place . Among the numbers * who bare perished there are several who were fathers ; with large families dependant on them for support . The distress of the widows and others can scarcely be conceived *

      Incendiarism in Essex . —On Saturday evening last , about seven o ' clock , a straw-stack upon the premises of Peet-hill , West Mersea , in the occupation of Mr . Martin Harvey , was discovered to be on fire , and , the wind blowing from the south , the strawstack was soon consumed , and the flimea communicated with two large barns adjoining , which with their contents , were burnt to the ground before the fire-engine from Colchester could arrive . A large wheat-stack , tlio produce of eighteen acres , a beanstack , the produce of twelve acres , a large grass j hay-stack , and part of a tare stover-stack , another large straw-stack , a cowhouse , riding-etable , and piggeries were entirely destroyed . In the barns

      tbero were but t wenty coombs of oats , and four sacks of dressed clover seed . The value of the property destroyed is estimated at from £ 1 , 000 to £ 1 , 200 . — About the same hour on Saturday evening another fire was discovered on the premises of Mr . Robert Lugar , of MarteU's-hall , in the parish of Ardleigb . The flames were discovered by a person passing , aa proceeding from a haulm-wall in the farm-yard . An alarm was immediately given , and a number of neighbours and labourers were soon at the spot ; and there being a plentiful supply of water at hand , the flames were happily confined to the haulm-wall , and were extinguished in about an hour , when all danger was at an end .

      Fire in King-street , Snow-hill . —On Tiesday evening weeE , shortly after six o'clock , an alarming fire broke out in the premises belonging to Mr . Worssain , nfewsvender and tobacconist , carrying on bubiness at 36 , King-street , Snow-hill . The flames were first perceived raging ia the shop by gome of the neighbours , who immediatel y raised an alarm , Mr . Worssam being at the time in the upper part of the building . There being an abundant supply of water at hand one engine was set to work , and , by dint of groat exertion ; on the part of the brigade , they succeeded in confining the firo to that part or the buiUling where it commenced , and Boon extinguished it , not , however , until the whole of the stock in trade was either consumed or rendered useless by the action of the fire .

      Shocking Accident on the Sodth Westebn Railway . —Oa Sunday evening week , two men named Henry Weller and John Weller , ( father and eon ) , accompanied by a third individual named Pallick , had been bpending the day with some friends at Chelsea , which place they left about eight o ' clock to return borne to JSwell in Surrey . , They arrived at that point of the road intersected by the South-Western Railway , near Wimbledon , about half-past eight , and as it was nearly dark did not obser ? e the

      cross-gate 3 , ereoted to prevent persons crossing the line , until they were close open them , when John Weller called out suddenly , " Come on , here | ja a train coming , " and immediately after throwing open the gate attempted to cross the line . At th Bame instant the five o'clock up-train from Southampton ( passed by at fall speed , and on ChaTles Pallick ( the third individual alluded to ) and Henry WeJier looking round they could Bee nothing of the unfortunate man who had but the instant before called out to them to follow him across the road

      One of the policemen oil the line coming up search was made , and the unfortunate man was discovered about a hundred yards from where he crossed the road , bleeding profusely from a wound in his head , where the skull was laid open , besides being otherwise muoh injured . He was removed with all possible care , and the best means at hand used to stay the hemorrhage . The poor fellow bad not ceased to breathe , but had remained perfectly insensible from the time of the accident . Death . —Oa Tuesday morning , the 13 th instant , an explosion ot fire-damp took place at a pit near Darlaston , when George Priest , a workman in the colliery , was killed : one or two others were injured , but not seriously . Priest has left a wife and five small children , who no doubt will have to seek a home in the "free-born EnglishmanV palace , the Workhouse , to be fed upon twopence farthing a day !!

      Untitled Article

      Villainies of Piuestcraft . —The Society fob the Promotion of Christian Knowledge . — I a our extensive reading of the press , we have seldom met with a more gross imposition than that which we extract from a Government paper . The fraud is equalled only by its monstrous impudence . It is known that the pretence of teaching Christian knowledge in India is the very worst of all the frands practised by the Christian Knowledge Society , or by any other . The Hindoos and Mahomedans are just as bigotted as ourselves , and nothing can move them . We must give our readers the following extract : — 'At the monthly ( February ) meeting of this society , after the transaction of some routine business , a letter was read from the Bishop of Calcutta , who

      at tbe time it was written ( November ) was on his visitation tour . His Lordship therein expresses a hope that he will return to Calcutta in April 1845 , when he will consecrate the new Cathedral , towards the * erection of whioh the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge contributed the munificent sum of £ 5 , 000 . The endowment fund now amounts to about ( Company ' s rupees ) one lac and three quarters , including the noble grant of half a lac by the Society for the Propogation ef the Gospol . Tbe interest of thi 3 will suffice for the maintonace of the three missionary canons . This number the Bishop wishes to increase to six . Four lacs more , or £ 40 , 000 , will be required to raise the endowment fund to any thing like adequate efficiency . A

      communication from the Bishop of Nova Scotia , and several letters of acknowledgment , were laid before the meeting . Legacies and donations to the amount of £ 1 , 060 were announced , and thirty-three grants of books were made . " How ornol , and really vilianous is it to extract from our starving poor , the houseleas , tbe shivering , the hungry , and the dying , the enormous sum of £ 5 , 000 for building a church at Calcutta . Why can we iiot build cottages at home ? Thb Society for the Propagation of the Gospel contributes an enormous sum in aid of building the church at Calcutta . Having robbed our poor of the enormous amount of £ 5 , 000 sterting , it plunders the amiable , the passive , and obedient Hindoos of a lac of rupees , or about £ 10 , 000 sterling . Then comes an

      extortion of another lao of rupees , or another £ 10 , 000 sterling , and the modest and moderate Bishop of Calcutta says that he must have four lacs more , amounting to £ 40 , 000 sterling ; of oourse when the Prelate has got his grasp , his gripe , and a pockot full , he will find the sum insufficient , and rave for an increase of contributions . We foel indignant in the strongest sense of the term , when the clergy become such wholesale plunderers . £ 50 , 000 extorted by the clergy from our hard-working people to build churches would do an infinity of good were it properly applied . The idea of christianizing the Hindoos is most ridiculous ; Every Hindoo convert costs us at least £ 100 sterling , and we never keep him aa a Christian for one year . He has lost oaste

      with the Hindoos , and he cuts and runs from us , and becomes a robber . The Bishop of Calcutta reoently exposed himself and his system of proselytism most egregiousiy . He had , at Calcutta , an immensely rich Rajah , whom he had converted , as he thought . A public assembly was held at Calcutta , the Governor-General , the whole staff , with the military and naval officers were present , and all the civil officers were assembled . The Bishop examined the Hindoo on the Christian faith . The man answered mechanically ia the affirmative to all the Bishop had said . But at last the Bishop went too far , and asked him whether his answers were really those of conscientious conviction . A dead pause , was in the assembly . Immense expectations were raised . The Bishop said

      as literally as we can remember , On your conscience which do you consider the best religion t " The Hindoo , with the usual solemnity of his race , replied in the following words , and not in very good English : — " I have considered this question very considerably , and I have given it a great deal of consideration , and I consider that the Christian religion is the best for the Christians , and the Hindoo religion the best for the Hindoos / 7 Tbe whole meeting burst out into a roar of laughter , and even the Governor-General could not keep his countenance * It is under such disgusting circumstances of imposition that the Bishops and migatory clergymen will fleece oar poor , and rob them or the sums whioh are necessary for their sustenance and comfort . — Weekly Dispatch .

      m Thb End op all Things at Hand . "—A Mr . G . Dealtry is at present reaping a plentiful harvest in the neighboarhood of Liverpool , by leoturing on the above subject ; a charge of one penny each being made for admission . The various prophecies eon > tained in the book of Daniel , are the subjects upon whioh the lecturer chiefly grounds his doctrine ; and inoontrovertibiy proves ( according to his statements ) that the advent of our Lord will take place , and the world assuredly come to an end on the 19 th of March or in the beginning of April next . Whether or not the Ieoturer himself believes in the theory we are not prepared to say ; but , at all events , he appears anxious enough to secure what cash he can ; regardless as to whether or not he has use for it before the end cometh . He delivered three lectures on the subject on Sunday , but refused to ontor into any discussion on the subject at the close of them .

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      BuBNLBT .--On Monday , the 26 th instant , " a public meeting cf Miners will be held at Burnley , in a'field opposite the Tart Tavern , when Messrs . John Auty , James Price , and several others , will address the meeting , ¦ KiLJiARNOCji . —A meeting of the Miners of thi 3 district was held hero on the 12 th inst . Mr . Davis addressed tbe ! meeting , and fifty-two members were enrolled . The Union is gloriously advancing' iu Ayrshire . i - Halifax District . —Meetings of Miners have been held at the following places : —Amblethorn , Feb . 7 th ; Denham , Feb . 8 th ; Thornton , Deb . 9 th ; Four Lane Ends , Feb . 10 th , * LockwooJ , Feb . 12 oh ; Aldmon ^ lbury-, Feb . 15 th ; TnornhiU , Feb . Uth ; Flockton , Feb . 15 th ; Brighouse , Feb . 16 th ; Elland , Feb . 17 th . The meetings were numerously attended , and a considerable number of new members have been enrolled .

      The coal jjunerb of Halshavr Moor district have received the following list of subscriptions for the Halshaw Moor and Pa ' . rioroft men : —Black . Horse , Pendlebury , 'Halshaw - Moor district £ 5 lls 6 d ; Bowling Green , do £ 5 7 s ; Grapes Inn , do £ 9 15 s ; Horeo Shoe , do £ 213 s ; Hanging Bank , do £ 4 13 s ; Patricroft , dp £ i I 83 ; Vitriol Makers' Arm ? , do £ 4 63 2 d ; Q , ueen Ann , Little-lane district £ ' i 43 ; Rose Tavern ^ do 14 ? ; Bull's Head , do £ i . 14 s ; Robin Hood , ! do lls ; Farmers' Arms , do £ 6 17 *; Unicorn , do | £ 2 7 a 6 d ; Hall-lane , do £ 3 8 s i < d ; Horse Shoe , do £ 1 9 i ; Colliers' Arms , do £ . 1 12 s ; Black Horse ; £ 2 5 s : Hines' Lodge , Bury district , £ 2 16 s ; Jericho , do £ 2 8 a ; Fernhill , do £ 1 12 s 6 d ; Banktop , do ' £ 1 11 4 d ; Ball ' s Head Loage , Eatcliffe , £ 2 5 s 4 d ; Grundy ' s Lodge , do £ 1 2 s 8 « i ; Spinner's Arm > , Tylderley , £ 1 93 ; Bedford Collery £ 1 53 ; Dog and Pheasant , West Houghton £ l 153 ; Colliers' Prosper , Worsley £ 3 83 ; Dean Church £ 7 2 s ; total £ 89 0 s 6 d .

      Shropshire ^ . —Messrs . Edwards and Butler have addressed meetings at the following places : —Feb . 12 th , Hart Hill ; a number of new members were enrolled ; Febi 13 th , French Lane : Feb . 14 th , Holloway Lane ; Feb . 15 th , 16 th , and 17 th , meetings , all of which were ; very numerously attended , were held at Hart Hill , Messrs . Edwards and Biuier , two North Staffordshire Miners , and other advocates of union , were the speakers . The proceedings were very enthusiastic , and calculated to greatly advance the good cause .

      Wolverhampxon—At the weekly meeting of the commitieo of 'No . 1 Lodge , hold at the Miners ' Association Room , near the True Briton Inn , Bilston-street , Wolverhampton , on Wednesday , Feb . 14 th . The following resolutions were adopted — That if any member deliver up his card to either his head master or his charter master , he shall , before he be re-admitted as a member , be liable to a fine of five shillings , and shall pay up all his arrears . " " That any member of this Ledge who does uot clear ; up his arrears every fourth night , shall be subject to a fine of one penny , and on the sixth night , shall be excluded , after having a fortnight ' s notice of the same ; except those members who , on account of either sickness , accident , or wart of employment are unable to make good their payment . " "That the sum of five shillings per quarter be paid to the secretary for bis attendance on Lodge nights to call the roll , settle accounts , enrol members , &c . < &c . "

      Sooth Staffordshire . —Wednesbuby . — -A most important meeting of the Miners of this district took place on Wednesday last at the People ' s Hall , Mr . George Ward in the chiir . The business of the meeting was opened in an excellent address by Mr . Brophy , who pointed out the evils under which the Miners'are ! labouring , and the means by which those evils might be removed . The delegates present amounted ] to upwards of one hundred and fifty ; the best { possible spirit prevailed . The moat heartrending talea of misery were told during the debate by the ! speakers , who moved or supported the resolutions ] which follow ;—Moved by Mr . Jas . Thompson , seconded by Mr . Stephen Mills , both thick coal workers , " That the thick coal Miners

      restrict themselves to a day's work each day , and to four days each week ; and that those wbo work in thin mines restrict themselves to a day ' s work each day , and to five days each week . That the men shall not work in thick coal on the Mondays and Thursdays ; and in the thin mines they shall not work on Mondays . That we cease to work at nights , and that every master have notice when such restriction is to come into operation . " Moved by Mr . Char lea Gething , seconded by Mr . John Wedge , " That the paying of workmen ia publicbouses is an evil which requires to be immediately put a stop to . i We , therefore , pledge ourselves to refuse to be paid in a public-house , or to pay for drink to be drunk in a public or other house when

      we receive our ; wages . " Moved by Mr . S , Baddely , seconded by Mr . S . Carey , " That we refuse to be paid by truck . " Moved by James Whittaker , seconded by Mr . Joseph Wheight , " Tnat we demand our coals every lour weeks considering them as oar due . " Moved by Mr . Charles Getbing , seconded by Mr . John Jones , " That in the opinion of this meeting a great evil has arisen to the Miners in consequenoe of persons not Miners being employed in the mines ; we pledge ourselves in future not to countenance such , or to work with them ; more especially at this time , as there are are numbers of our brethren who are Miners out of employ in consequence of belonging to the Miners' Association . " Moved by Mr . S . Carey , seconded by Mr . John

      Hindley : " That monthly or fortnightly payments are too long , and subject the workmen and family to a great deal of privation and poverty * We , therefore , pledge ourselves to refuse to be paid otherwise than every week . " Thanks being given to Mr . Brophy and the Chairman , the meeting separated highly delighted with the work that brad been done , and the prospects such resolutions are likely to realise . •' Robbery of Workmen by a " Butty" Collier . —George Davtes , a ** butty" ia the employ of Wm . Riley , Esq ., of Bilston , has for some time been exercising the most unjust and tyrannical conduct towards the workmen , by increasing their " stint , " or measurement . The poor men found themselves in such a pitiable bondition , from over-work , that in the course of tha last fortnight they ceased to work

      until their labour was reduoed to the proper standard measure . They stood out a week , when knowledge of the case was conveyed to the master , Mr . Riley , who hastened to the place , and procured persons to go down and measure the " stint , " when it was discovered that the men were doing nearly two days' work for the price of one . Mr . Riley caused the " stint" to be reduced , and told tbis Davies ( or devil ) that he would not allow such acts to be performed towards workmen ia his works . Mr . Riley has S since taken 3 d . per ton off the " butty / ' Richard Molposs , a " butty" under the same master , was waited upon by a deputation of the workmen to request him to reduce the " stint , " to which he readily consented : he has taken off a yard . This will ; make a difference of two hours each day to the workman .

      North Staffordshire . —Tbe delegate meeting of the Miners of this district was bold at tbe Plough Inn , Hanley , on Monday , the 12 th of February , Mr . Enoch Mountford was called to the chair . The following monies were paid in to tbe General Fund . '—Coek , at Folly Lane End 19 i 3 d ; Wild's Lodge , do . 15 s 4 cl ; Lovel ' 8 Lodge , ( do . £ 1 Oa lid ; Chesterton Ledge lls 8 d ; Old Oak , Cheadle 5 s 7 d ; Barley ' s Lodge , Burslem 15 ; 7 d ;} Plough Inn , Hanley £ 1 Oa 7 d ; Sneyd Green 6 s ; Queen ' s Head , Baralem 3 s 3 d ; Prince Albert , Tunatall Si 5 ( 1 ; Grown and Anchor , do . 193 ; Bradley Green 168 ; Kingsley 7 s 9 d ; Knutton Heath £ 2 Os 6 d ; Norton 14 s lOd ; Harrishead £ 1 13 s lOd ; Alsager ' a Bank £ l Os 4 d ; Audley £ 1 O 2 d ; Smallthorn 70 3 d : Golden Hill £ l 10 s 3 d : Butt Lane

      13 s 5 cl ; Bucknall Lodge 4 s 6 £ d . —Total £ 17 lls 5 £ d . The following sums of money was then paid in from tbe Lodges to support them that ate out on Strike , and oasriflced : —Cock , at Foley Lane End £ 7 18 s 9 d ; Wild '« Lodge , do . £ 3 Is Level's Lodge , do . £ 10 5 s Id ; Chesterton Lodge £ 9 7 s lid ; Old Cock , Cbeadle £ 1 9 s ; Bftiley ' s Lodge , Butslem £ ie 4 s 7 J 4 ; Plough Inn , Hanley £ 11 15 s ; Sneyd Green £ 5 Ids 103 ; Qieen ' a Head , Burslem £ 1 18 s lid ; Prinee Albert , TanstaU £ 4 15 s 8 d ; Grewa and Anchor , do . £ 14 16 a 5 d ; Bradley Green £ 12 ; Kingaley £ l 7 s ; Knutton Heath £ 16 17 a 10 d ; j Norton £ 3 14 s 8 dj Harrisbhead £ 20 12 s lOd ; Alsager'a Bank £ 16 7 s 6 d ; . Audley £ 7 ; Smallthom £ 3 6 s Id j Golden Hill £ 5 153 6 Jd Butt Lane £ 1 13 a lljj . 4 ; Bucknall Lodge £ 2 6 a 3 id ; Dove Delane £ 2 17 s O ^ d—Total £ 180 lls ll £ d .

      Thornley , February 19 ra . —A list of monies reoeievd from the different Colleries : —Friends at Shotton , 5 s 9 d ; North Helton Colliery £ 4 ' 3 s 6 d ; Hugh Hall do . £ 1 6 s ; Elariiore do . 42 183 3 d ; Datton do . £ 1 10 s 3 d ; South Hetton do . £ 5 lls lid ; Friends in South Hetton 33 5 d } Cassop Colliery £ 7 4 a 6 d ; Crow [ Trees do . £ 4 2 s 6 d ; West Hetton do . £ 4 12 s ; Castle Eden do . £ 6 83 ; Trimdon ^ do . £ 7 10 a ; Friendsi in Trimdon £ 3 2 a 9 d ; Friends in Wingate 14 s Id 1 Wingate Colliery £ 11 83 2 d .

      BiRKBNSHAW .--Afc Christmas , -the Colliers of Cam ' s Tunael , ne » r Hudder&field , collected lOsTd ; and on Saturday last , made a further collection amongst themselves , and gathered 12 s fld , making the sum of £ 1 3 a 4 d . At Brighouse 6 a ; Anley Low Pit 4 a ; Anley Top Pit 4 a ; Grimsoar Hard Bed 2 s 6 d ; Grimacar Soft Bed 7 s ; Holen Hey Pit < s ; Elland Society 10 a ; Lopton , New Road Side , and neighbouring Colliers , 5 s lid , which wag generously ; sent to the Committee of the Gomersal and Birkenshaw Coal Miners , who have been on strike for advance of wages . 1 '

      Ashbt-i > e-la ? 2 ouch , February It .- —A delegate meeting of the Miners of Leicestershire , Ao ., was hald here at the Shoulder of Mutton , Mr . James Bowers in the chair . Mr . Robert Widdowson was elected District Secretary , and Mr . James Harvey , District Treasurer , when the following sums were paid in , —Whitwick £ 3 0 s 9 d ; Coalville 45 10 a 7 d ; Newhall £ 2 13 a > 7 id ; Ibstoct 9 s Id ; and . Church Greasly 4 s 2 d . ] lu the short space of a fortnight , three hundred and ninety new members have been enrolled .

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      LeiCE 3 TERSHIBB . —Messrs . Palmer and Scott hare visited the following places daring the last week : — Longlane , Ibstook , Bagworth , Whitwick , Newh&H and Coalville , with good success . " , ' A Delegate Meeting of the Miners will be held at the house of Mr . John Pickering , Union Im , Barnsley , oa Saturday , March 2 ad 5 to commence at nine o ' clock in the morning ; * A DJEiEGAtE Meeting of the Mmera of Leicester , shire , will be holden on Monday , March 4 th , ia the large rootri , belonging to the Shoulder of Mutton

      A 8 hby-de-la > ZQUcb , to commence at ten o ' clock in the forenoon . CuMBERtANb ( Oughterside , Monday , February 5 ) —A meeting of the Miners of this place was held jq Mr . Thomson ' s house , Mr . John Cowen in the chair Mr . Hunter addressed the meeting ; and at the coo- ' elusion several new members were enrolled . * Bolion . —On Tuesday * February 6 th , Mr . Hunter visited this place . The poor Colliers are in a deplorable condition—rendered miserably wretched through' the truck system .

      Mr . Htjmter visited Gillcrux on Wednesday , Feb 7 th . Several paid up their arrears ; and others promised to do so on pay-night . Workington . —On the 14 of February , a delegate meeting was held in the New Lodge Rooms , Washington-street . Mr . Hunter was called to the ehair The following places paid , in the following sums , for : — General Fond . Law Do . Support So h . d . b , d . b . d . Dearham «* . 4 0 ... 0 0 ... 0 a Maryport ... » 10 ... 0 0 ... 00 Oughteraide ... 16 1 ... 17 4 ... 00 Bolton ... 6 10 ... 0 3 ... 00 GiHcrnx ... 12 0 ... 2 2 k ... 0 0 Ssaton ... 2 2 ... 0 0 ... 1 6

      Harri gton ... 16 0 ... 0 0 ... 0 0 Flimby ... 7 7 . ^ ... 0 0 ... 12 9 Workington ... 12 5 h ... 16 OJ ... 6 « Mr . Madine Was appointed permanent Secretary for Cumberland , at a salary of \ 2 s . 6 d . per week . Several persons were put in nomination for election as delegate to the forthcoming Conference at Glasgow . Newcastle—A meeting of the . tradesmen of Newcastle friendly to the oppressed pitmen was held ia Mr . Jude ' a Long Room , Three Tana ,-Manor Chase , on Friday evening , the 16 th instant . Mr . James Edgar having been elected to the chair , called upon Mr . Booth to state the objects for which the meeting was convened , who , in a very able

      mannor , showed the necessity of forming a society for the protection of the pitmen . Mr . Sinclair . wa 3 appointed secretary pro , tern . The Chairman read letters from several respectable tradesmen , expressive of their regret at being unable to attend per-Eonally that evening , and pledging their co-operation in the formation of a society for the purpose of aiding the pitmen to procure that justice for Which they , as an association , contend , and which they are so shamefully deprived of . The following resolutions were then unanimously agreed to , viz .: —1 . Moved by Mr . Sinclair , seconded by Mr . John B . Oyston , " That this meeting do deeply and sincerely

      sympathise with the Coal Miners of this district in their present condition , and see the propriety of forming a society of tradesmen and others friendly to the interests of the pitmen , to aid them in procuring that justice they so much stand in need of . " " That the society meet weekly in Mr . gJude ' s Long Room , Three 'fans , Manor Chare , until farther notice ; the night of meeting to be decided on next meeting night . "— " That this meeting stand adjourned until Wednesday evening , the 21 st , at eight o ' clock . "—A vote of thanks having been tendered to the Chairman , the meeting adjourned at tea o ' clock .

      The National Conference op the Miner ' s Association of Great Britain and Ireland will be held in the Mechanic ' s Hall , Tontine Close , Trongate , Glasgow , on Monday , the 25 th of March , 1844 , commencing at nine o ' clock . Beds and every other accommodation will be provided for delegates prior to the meeting .

      Sowerby.—On Sunday Last, Mr. Smith, Of Bradford, Addressed The Chartists Of This Place, Iu The

      SOWERBY . —On Sunday last , Mr . Smith , of Bradford , addressed the Chartists of this place , iu the

      afternoon and evening , to very attentive audiences . CtJPAR Angtjs .--Mbt . tjal improvement Society . —The members of the Mutual Improvement Society of this place , beld their hinth anniversary on the evening of Thursday last , Charles Doaa , Vicepresident , in tbe chair . After partaking of a sumptuous repast , prepared by the Co-operative Society , the business of tbe evening commenced by an address from tbe Vice-President , wbo directed the attention of the company to tbe necessity of establishing such institutions , and the benefits to be derived from them . Mr . James Simpson was next introduced to the meeting , and said , Mr . Chairman and friends , it affords me no small

      gratification in having an opportunity of meeting with yon on tbis occasion , and particularly so , when I see it shows there is a desire for . knowledge , if it were otherwise you would not cave been . here . An association of thU description affords advantages to tbe attainment of knowledge , wfeich in our individual capacity we could never acquire . Have we then , Sir , as individuals , been benefited to that * extent which might naturally ba expected from the Institution , the foundation of which we have this night assembled to celebrate ? I think , my friends , you will be beat able to answer that question by comparing your present with your past acquirements . He then reviewed some of the subjects which'had come before them at their weekly meetings , particularly astronomy , and said the

      pleasures and advantages that were to be derived from a knowledge of the sciences was fat greater than one could suppose wbo had never made these subjects bis study , tbe Chairman then called on Mr . J . Cathles , who came forward and gave a lucid description of physical education as it ia and as it ought to be . Mr . Robert Robertson followed and said , being one of the oldest members of this institution , I consider myself gratified in seeing such a number before me , met to celebrate the anniversary of this Literary and Scientific Society , the object of which ia to spread- knowledge of such a nature as will ultimately benefit society in all its ramifications . In the earlier part of . my existence tbe opportunities which were than afforded of

      improving and enlarging the faculties of man compared to what they are at present , were few , and consequently unattainable by the great body of the people . On account of tbe want of that knowledge whioh it ia thi © bject of this society to spread , ignorance and superstition prevailed to an extent not to Toe credited by tbe present generation . After descanting at seme length on the science of physiology he sat down . The subject of spade husbandry was next introduced by Peter Parguson , wbo spoke at great length , and warmly recom . mended Mr . Feargus O'Connor's work on Small Farms . —During the evening the company were entertained with vocal and instrumental music , to the gratification of all present .

      BRADFORD . On Sunday evening week , the Regeneration Society met at the Cross Keys , Wharfstreet A new Directory , and other officers , were chosen ; after which a model of a machine called a Satellite , intended for agricultural purposes , was exhibited . The machine is intended to go by wind or water , as moat convenient . The first part consists of a cylinder , armed with strong spikes , its duty being to tear up the ground ; - then came a number of ploughs , followed by a harrow ; then the box containing seed , and a finer harrow , for the purpose of covering the seed , —the whole worked by a windmill with sails of a new construction , involving on a perpendicular pivot . A water wheel is attached , for the purpose of water-power when convenient , Two cords are attached to the Satellite , from a drum id the windmill , whereby the whole ia propelled in the manner of jerking the engine forward . In stony ground a strong hammer is fastened to the engine to break-up stones that may be in the way of tbe plough .

      CAI . VJSRTOW ,- —On Monday evening last , Mr . M'Grath attended here for the purpose ot forming a locality . The large room of . the Bed Lion Inn wafl crowded . Twenty-five cards of membership were taken out , and the necessary officers appointed . Carlisle . —Working men ' s Mental iuprovemen * Society , —On Sunday evening last , the members of this Society held their usual weekly meeting at their room , No . 6 , John-street , Caldew-gate , when Mr . James Mnir resumed the debate on the following important question , " Have the improvements in machinery benefltted the working classes ? " Mr . Mnir said , as a practical cotton-spinner , he would prove that the improvements in that branch of business had not only increased the labour , but seriously curtailed the earnings of that body ol men . He himself received as much mere in 1836 , for spinning a certain quantity of yarn as a spinner did now . for turning off the same quantity . Mr , Mnir here read a number of extracts in illustration

      of his yiewa of this portion of the subject ; and contended tkat no improvements in machinery would benefit the working man , as long as hia labour remained unprotected . He then went oa to show tsat improvements in machinery . had injured those engaged in & variety of branches of trades of different descriptions ; and that there was no security f ° the working own , but in having legislative protection in the adoption of the People ' f . Ch arter . Mr . Simon Harder replied to Mr Muir at great lengtn . He thought the foregoing speaker had taken a very limited and partisan riew ojt the subject , not calculate to make ont the r ^ bWiii gB of the question . He of Heyed ttat . tte marijr and great improvemente inm *" chinery had produced- great and salutary effects on

      society at large : T » come to a satisfactory deciiwa . a general , and Bo * a , limited , Mew of the question inuss be taken . Thereliave always been lome clasM * of aociety more wretehed than other *; bat taking the mamv factoring popnlaaon gensrally , they xiow wjoyed jur more of the comforts of We than they ever did to ™** - our artisans flad mechanics apw live In *** f " ~ houses than they eTer did . The people generally « e far more enlightened , and are not addicted to those brutal passions whioh formerly characterised them , no said machinery had benefitted the letter-press P » ^ because of the caeap mode with which pobhcawo ^ could be produced , caused a greater demand for ooo ** He cenoluded by sayibg that onr distress was oj "" 8 *" the want of a field for our prodHce . Mr . J . F « » a » w » moved an adjournment of the debate .

      Strafcf.S' Iko&Rmrots.

      STrafcf . s' iKo&rmrots .

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      OBJECTS , ETC ., OP THE ASSOCIATED MERCANTILE 1 BADES OF MANCHESTER . The objects sought to be obtained by the Mercantile Trades are these , viz . to promote a social and philanthropic feeling amongst the members of thb Trades ; to eradicate from their minds every ill feeling towards their fellow workmen j to administer justice between the employer and the employed ; and to render every possible assistance to any member who may fall ont of employment . By the rules and articles adopted by the Trades , we hope to

      realise these objects . We hope that muoh goodwill be doijd by these means , and thai each and all will act with a determined spirit in the struggle to better the condition of their fellow men ; and thus ensure the comfort , happiness , and well-being of himself and ffcllcwlabonrerB . Manchester , Feb , 12 th , 1844 . All correspondence to be addressed to the Secretary , Mr . William Lewis , at the honse of Mr . Pollard , the Archer Tavern , Bishop-gate , Great Bridgewater- street , Manchester .

      Untitled Article

      ASSOCIATED MERCANTILE TRADES OF MANCHESTER . TO THB BWTOB OP THB NO 2 THBRN STAB . , ¦ Sir , —The members of the Mercantile Trades of Manchester havine for a length of time seen' the evils arising to themselves individually , and collectively , in consequence of aot' - "being united in ' the hol y bond of fellowship j an 9 , knowing From ex * perience the benefits that they would derive by being united ^ with each other , the trades held

      meetings , and discussed the matter openly , fairly , and manfully ; and the result has been that they have associated together for the following good and holy purposes . Hoping that the rest of the trades will " go and do likewise , " I beg leave to subscribe myself , Sir , Your humble Servant , T . Hacknbt , President of the Associated Mercantile - Trades of Manchester . Manchester , Feb . 14 , 1844 .

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      Untitled Article

      6 THE NOB T HERN 8 TAH . ! February 24 , 1844 , -. ¦ " . .- „ - . _ .-¦ ' ; : " - -O ; . . - _ .- '" ¦ . ¦ ~' ¦¦ ; , ; . -. .. st .., ¦ -- ¦ ... - - ^ , - -. ¦• ..-.. , ~

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Feb. 24, 1844, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1253/page/6/