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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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TEE POLKA ; OR , THE BOHEMIAN GIRL TO SERXOTER . [ Jl JfATIOSAL BALLAD ] The following graphic description of tke far-famed "PilkaXtoce" has recently been given to the world > y the celebrated Frederika Bremer , the Edgeworth and Austin of Sweden , in a ¦ work entitled " Strife and Peace , * of "which s translation has appeared from the pen of a kindred "writer , the accomplished Mary Hbwitt This dance which is equally popular 1 b Bohemii , Hungary , Sweden , - "Norway , &c , " is /* says Miss Bremer ,
" highly characteristic ; it paints the northern inhabitants * highest joy in life ; it is the -Bsrseriw-gladness in the dance . Supported upon the arm of the woman , the man throwB himself high in the air , then catches her in his arms , and swings round with her in wild filrclee ; then they separate , then thay unite again , and trhirl again round , as it were in superabundance of life and delight . The measnre is determined , bold , and foil of life . It is * donee istoricolion , in -which people for the moment release themselves from every care , every Jjnrden , and oppression of existence I "
T ) esr youth , from the forest and moontein , O . come , ^ neath the wild cherry tree—* Jly flax thread I ' ve washed in ihe fountain , Come , lore , fiance the Polka irith me j l . ke the waves of the Elbe madly bounding , Let not the dark Wodnylt affright , The Mandoline long has been sounding , Like Yilar * we ' ll dance through the night ! Dear youth , from the forest and mountain , O . come ' neath die wila" cherry tree—II y fijx thread I've washed in the fountain , Come , love , dance the Polka wilh mo 1 With the mrnets yon cave to . adorn me ,
Those gems in onr Giant's Glsr f found , That onr Bnrjjrave himself should not scorn me , By my gold Tt&xried * mother I ' m crowned ! There's life in my feet and my arras , love i There ' s fire in my heart and my sonl ! 2 pant for the Polka ' s wild charms , love , Which each sorrow of life can control 1 Then come from the forest and mountain , O , come ' neath the wild cherry tree—My flax thread I ' ve washed in the fountain , Come , love , dance the Polka with me I Like wine , the glad dance will inspire me , With transport twill thrill every vein—Did I dance through the night , ' twonld not tire me—I would donee it at morning again ! "Whit rapture , when heart to heart joining—In thine eyes , love , as onward we go , All its magical circles entwining ,
I nmrt gEza , or I giddy should grow . ' Then come frem the forest and mountain , O , come "neaih the wild cherry tree—21 y fbx thread I ' ve washed in the fountain Come , love , dance the Polka with me !
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THE BRIDEGROOM TO HIS BRIDE . 1 cannot tell the all the love that dwellB within my heart , To thee , my fairest , dearest one , for deeply lov'd thon art , Beyond compare with whatsoever the fertile earth may yield , Or gems that dtrep in ocean ' s bed lie hidden and concealed ! 2 know that there are brilliant eyes and locks of anbnrn hair , And virgin forms of chasest mcnld all beautiful and
And they may add the jewelled zone , and bright and precious pearls Hay sparkle in their native light amid luxuriant cnrlt And they may move in gracefnl dance on " light fantastic toe . " Tin blmSnng joy and merriment in every feature glow ; And they may breathe bewitching words , but what are they to me , So long as I am deeply loved , my beantifnl fey thee ? I would not change the faintes ; smile on those dear lips ef thine , Tor festive hall or Indns wealth , or rich Golconda ' s
: My home , though poor , an Eden is , and dearer far tome , * Hht > honor , glory , wealth , or fame , while shared , my love , by thee .
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EOPE O > . 0 man them hast a treasure in thy heart , it Bright as the day-spring of the orient sky , Whiah flows -nnmingled pleasures to impart , When aught of pain or blighting grief ib nigh ; It is a boon descended from -on high , That fate can never , though it frowns , destroy ] Refreshing life it smiles when ills are by , And whispers thus , in tones of soothing joy—* Hope on , ye sons of » en , life is not all alloy . " O ! is there one whose heart re-echoes not With sweet vibration to that stilly voice , Whose life fleets on without cne sunny spot 1 To bid the sonl expand with gladsome joys : It cannot he , though ebon-like the dyes That dona existence , hope is ever there , To $ Ud the iuture , tho" that f ntnxe lies Beyond the reach of time , in regions where Eternity doth reign " mifi scenes celestial fair . Hop * on , for 01 it is a glorious boon
To waft along on hope ' s bright downy wing , While fancy sheas her rays as if Use neon Did all her smiling grandeur gladly bring T © wreath the fnture and make beauty spring Around tee days that yet repose in time ; While nxto these the soul would gladly ding , To bsnisb glocm with imagings snblime , Until the future gleams , in pleasures golden prime . When chilly cares disturb th » boK > m * i calm , And on the brow enst&mp their fateful gloom , Hope to the heart cornea like a gentle balm , To cheer and gladden while it dcth illume ; life ' s varied page beneath its smiles doth bloom , Although that page be Biained with many a trace Of grief and sadness , and the darkest doom , With glowing rays it loveth to efface , " Until pale sorrow ' s frowns to brighter hues give place . Hope on , hope on , and thus nprear a shrine ,
Where freed from ills the spirit may repese , Around the scenes her 'vision will disclose , Tfco' pleasure from the fount of fortune floWB , T » win the heart to joys unsullied bright , Hope ' s cheering smile , with fairer Inrfre glows , To socr above each measure of delight That earth can boast or bring , though all her sweets nnite . Hope on through life , and when the hand of death &ais np existence in its earthly shrire , l = t golden hope embalm thy latest breath , In TiBi&nB fair of happiness divine . Ana wirg a way to spheres where glories shine B ^ on d the psitals of the » l ent tomb , To Ttgions blest whose joys may yet be ihine , When through the trackless vale of death and gloom ^ Thine eye shall meet a land of bright immortal bloom . Glasgow , May . Jos Henderson .
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* The branches of ihe wild cherry-lree , which is supposed to possess many magical properties in Bohemia , ic , sre used in wedding festivities . It U the favourite tree tf Sdafcnlan song and superstition . -f The Wodnyk , or Wodcjk—water-demon , fre-< ratntly the subject of popular stories in Bohemia ; his mine is cs » d to frighten children away from the water sde- — The Wodigk will catch yon ; "is a common exrdaination ¦ with mothers and nurses . 4 Tilas—a race of mountain spirits , very popular ttiL-UEhout all the GerHian provinces ; they have lately beta rtncSexed aomtwhai familiar in England under the name of Wilis , in the ballet of " Giselle ; " there is an Acc&nnt of them in Ktightlfcy ' s " Pahy Mythology . "
Giant ' s Gltn , or Risengrand , a deep valley in the viciirry of the Elbe , and the BErann , in which precious stores are often found . Bohemia fcSB long been celfc * hn&cn ioi tfce beauty anfl quantity of its native garnet * , which almost rival in brilliancy and value th » se of the East . \ Gulden is a particular term of endeaiment in Scla * Toiiian poetry : it occurs f t * qnentJy in the ballads of Bohemia . — ISexellordhiy Moo .
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^ FJiE QUESTION ANSWERED : " WHAT BO TblL PITMEN WANT V By Wm . Mitchell , Pitman . Sunderland : William 3 , Bridge-street leneen : QeaTe , Shoe-lane . Manchester : Heywood , Oldhson-Btreet , &c . < fec . This is a well-written pamphlet ; the "work , as the iitle bespeaks , of a pitman , " one more nsed to handle tie pick than the pen . " The arguments of the writer are temperately yet forcibly stated , and rnnst command thesrfention of all who Trill take ihe trouble to read bnt s solitary page of his very able appeal to the public Of course many things are here fcdTaneed which h » Te already in substance appeared in onr eolniuris in extracts from the Aliner ? Magositie . aid addresses , BtatementSj &c of the pitmen themselves . The folJowinR extracts "will , however , tend te throw additional li ^ ht bpod the wrongfl and Ht&rinfi of the pitneo : THX ilTXBM ' S 6 HEVX 5 C 1 » .
Ow frievaMM are ef two kinds—those - which admit ¦ e l renio-ial by law , aad tbc * e Trhich can be xemoved « alj by an equitable arrangeDient with onr employers . TJndtr the first head , are breaches of agreement , or Itttida . committed npon ns by false weights , measures , ' **• Pm these the law proTides a remedy , and to 8 TuI tnrtelves of it , we have had to employ profea-^ onsl asa ^ taBCe . We tbonght we could secure this more . fSriently by nniting to engage one man to de-Toi « tis time and talenU to onr service , than by the lormfcr pracdee of each colliery prDcnring such assist->*<» es ihey required—henca Mr . Roberts' appo ^ itttast Mi . BobertB , ire know , ha » xendered us mi-
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portant aid , bnt it i * in hi » legal capacity al * ne tha * we avail ourselves of his assistance . For other pnrposes we have as Extcntive Council , composed of men of onr own profession . We have our " Miners * Vuion , " which embraces the vast majority of the pitmen of Northnmberlaiid and Durham , and extends throughout England , Scotland , and Wales . ' We look to legislation to enforce , if necessary , the application of means to ensure the safety of » ur lives and remove some of the sources of disease to which we are exposed . The nature of these means will be learnt from the following extract from the " Pitmen's Petition , " drawn up , I believe , by a committee of gentlemen , belonging to South Shields : —
" That the canse of those fearful explosions , Is in-Variably the want of sufficient ventilation , which permits tbe accumulation of inflammable gas , or fire-damp , from tbe -coal , in such large ma * aea , as ^ accidentally sets fire to , and explodes with such tremendous force , as sometimes to blow men up a shaft , 200 yards deep , as if from a cannon m&nth , shaking the aoSid strncture of the earth , in the neighbourhood of the pit , as with an earthquake . " That the lives of your petitioners are not a day or an hour Becure from such deadly operations , and , that it is a horrible and fearful thing to die such a death , or live in daily expectation of it
" That , in addition to destruction by these sudden calamities , inscfficieiit ventilation produces a vitiated atmosphere , from the poisonous gases and damps ess of the mines , in which , from ten to twelve hours a-day , your petitioners are coiiflned , breathing it under a severity of labour seldom practised on the surface , which brh . gs on suffering , emaciation , disease , and early death . ? " That your petiti'ners are clearly convinced , that while mines Bre allowed to b * worked , n at present , with only a single brattice-pit to each , as in the greatest number of instances in those districts , through which are supplied lOf . 2 ftO , 300 , or 400 , and sometimes 500 acres of under-ground workings , extending in some cases to upwards of 6 » or 70 miles of passages , that
the livra of your petitioners will continue in daily imminent danger , fri . m the incapacity of one shaft to supply a sufficient quantity of air . Your petitioners are further convinced , that brattice-shafts , or pits divided by wooden partitions , are very imperfect , dannerous , and ill-fitted for securing proper ventilation , aa they waste the air at its Bource , by allowing an escape from the down-cast to tbe up-cast , throngb a partition of about seven inches thick , tbe temperature differing between them , from 50 deg . to 60 deg . That in accidents they get easily deranged or destroyed ; and , as ia universally the case where they exist , are nsed at the same time for drawing coalB with corves or tubs , which obstruct by the aniennt of their areas , the admission and egress of air in their already too diminutive capability
" That the only mode of securing proper ventilation , whatever direct mears may be employed for securing it , is by always sinking two shafts to tbe coal or winning ; and in proportion as tbe under-ground , making additional shafts . And thus wonld the whole mine be ventilated , the coals more easily and healthfully worked , and your petitioners secured from the recurrence of these terrible accidents . *'
FATAL liATTJRB OF THE HIKEBS LAB 0 EB .. Far from the 1-ght of day , we labour at the bottom of a mine , which varies from 300 to 1 C 0 O feet from the surface of the earth . There we toil in an atmosphere always vitiated , aod sometimes surcharged with poisonous and explosive gases . These are principally of two kinds— " choke-damp , " or " stithe , " as it is called , is carbonic acid gas , and the other is " fire-damp , " or carburetted hydrogen . Cacke damp is almost always present in tbe workings , and the inhalation of it is the fruitful source of asthma and other diseases , by which the life » f the Miner is shortened ten or fifteen years of the ttrm of existenc « he would otherwise enjoy . Sometimes this chokt-damp is so powerful as to produce instant death .
The loss of life which has occurred from explosions is terrible to record . From tbe acconnta which have b&en kept , though these are very imperfect , and probably the loss has been much greater , it appears that the loss of life in the Durham and Northumberland mines , from 1 S 03 to 1820 , was as follows : — From Explosion ... ... ... 105 Inundated by Water ... ... ... 75 Choke-damp ... ... ... ... 8 Boiler Bursting ... ... ... ... 18 Other Causes ... ... ... ... 22
Total ... ... ... ... 625 From 1821 to 1830 , From Explosions ... ... ... 341 Falling of Stones , Choke-damp , < fc& ... 29 Total ... ... ... ... 370 From 1 S 31 to 1843 , Explosions ... ... ... ... 3 B 1 Other Causes ... ... ... ... 60 Total ... ... ... ... 451 Total killed from 2803 to 1 S 43 . ... ... 1416
This pamphlet , we repeat , is well worthy the attention of the public . The edition before ns is the third , which we DnderstaDd , like the preceding editions , has been " eold out , " and a fourth edition is new in the press : a strong proof of the popularity of this production . The very able manner in which this pamphlet is cot np affords the best evidence of the assertion contained in tbe following extract with ¦ which yte mnsi ccEclade this notice . That the success of the Pitmen may be eTery way cqnal to tbe justice of their claims ia our most fervent prayer : —
While other portions of socitty have advanced , we have not remained stationary . We no longer occupy the outtr margin of civilization . Onr present cttsation from labour is distinguished by union , strict peaceful Bess , and calm determination . On these , and the fairnest of our claims , we rely , and without fear await the isAHP .
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^ -ct distinctness , the Intimate connection between their OWu t interests , an J the interests of religion . What care they v DOllt tne troth ot falsehood of Christianity ? If true , Wv ~ i * fake , no matter , ' tis falsehood which brings " "rirt to the milL" They are loaded with hononrs—tbt . fr coffers are filled to overflowing—for what reasen tht . "Q should they complain . What reason can they be presumed to have for preaching any other than the most sls-. ^ sh doctrines . Oar holy religion , said one of them whe . i addressing Pdtcrson , 1 b without doubt part and parcel of the law of the land . Like a genuine Christian lawyer" he Bald , " lawmust be obeysd so long as it is law , "—na « he hypothesized in almost extra judicial fashion— " Tho bible may be false , it may be all you say it is , but we sit here to administer law , and the law of this country declares no man shall with impunity attack that sacred volume : every word you have read ot spoken against our holy religion may be true or false , but whether false or tine , none must bring it into contempt at peril of liberty and life . "
The following slap at the Chartists , or rather a scabby section of that party is worth extracting : — The decline of Chartism commenced with and was greatly accelerated by ,- the abortive attempt of certain Jesuitical numskulls to Christianize it They thought to beat our regular professors in the race of humbug , and the upshot was their own and their party's preoipitation into what Paine felicitously styled " politics gully hole , or sink , where reputation dies . " This canting , unprincipled and very contemptible set of politicians , after drawing disgrace upon the banners of Cbartiim , were among the ficst to abandon them . With instinct perfectly rat-like , tbey deserted a falling cause—that cause to whose fall they had so largely contributed . Burn ' s says—0 wad Bome power the giftie g ! e us To see oursel's as ithers see aa , It wad fra mony a failiog free as , An' foolish notion :
it therefore is well that we Chartists should know something of what those oulside our own circle , are sometimes thinking of ns . For ourselvt a we have always given our unqualified opposition to the cant of which our anthor speaks ; and it has been matter of deep regret with us , that a political body like the Chartists , or anyporiion of them , Hhould at all give countenance to those superstitious follies , which , if not abolished , it is in vain to look for the establishment of real liberty ; while it cannot be too often repeated , that ignorance and prejudice , instead of being pettod , coaxed , and connived at , must be unrelentingly battled with , to be overcome . Wishing Miss Roalfe every success as an author , we conclude this notice with the following extract ;—
My resolve is not to budge an inch from the high pinnacle of principle , on which events ( certainly not of my own creation ) have placed me . Authority may do ita best , or its worst—it may again legally rob—it may again revile , and imprison , and torture , but to silence it must murder ma . The law which forbids the publication of heterodoxy shall never be obeyed by ma I unit publish irreligious opinions , be tbe consequences to myself what tbey may . If conduct so just is unlawful , so such the worse for the law . It is no fault of mine if proper conduct is not lawful conduct And this I know , if the many odious laws enacted by tyrants , as necesbsuy ptopa for their enormous schemes of oppression , are not resisted , tbey never will be brought into the contempt they bo richly merit
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animated by the most exalted motives , the love of universal liberty , and the consequent elevation of her race , she fearlessly probed existing evils , and eloquently elucidated the true geinus of republicanism , and the proper dignity of honest industry . The first great practical effect * of her exerttona in the United States , was to raise labour to honour , and to cheok the spirit of gambling speculation , and the iciuence of * false capital in destroying the morals and deranging the Boeial mnchinery of the country . She made the system of Bouthern slavery her study , and embarked a considerable portion of her fortune in an important experiment o « i that question . The establishment which first gave her the idea of her experiment in the Southern Ssates on this subject , was tbat of the Co-operative Society of the German Reformer , Rapp , which the first saw at Harwony , Indiaua , and afterwards at ; Economy , Pennsylvania , where , under some form or other , the society still exists .
In a variety of pamphlets and publications in this country , I have often seen Madam DAursmont's name coupled with tbat of Mr . Owen ' s . I have seen this with suspicion ; not having found in her writings any of that gentleman ' s views , nor traced any of tbe most remote allusions to his plans or his doctrines . Being curious to understand what degree of truth there might be in this supposed , sympathy between individuals whose minds appeared to me very dissimilar , I have taken some paina to elucidate the matter from authority perfectly authentic .
I have now ascertained that she never saw Mr . Ow » n until he sought an | intervi « w with her in the year 1826 , after her return to the United States . So fat from Madam D'Aursmont receiving from Mr . Owen her views , she never heard him spaak in public but once ; and to this d » y has never perused hia works . Some misconception may have arisen on this point , from her having at one time associated with one of Mr . Owen ' B eons , as assistant-editor of tbe Free Inquirer ; and another in her printing office . The eldest of them ia now a member of the Anibtican Congress , and the other a geological surveyor in the United States .
At Mr . O wen ' s request , she afterwards visited New Harmony , which she bad previously known in the hands of its German proprietors . She subsequently visited tbe village more than once , after the one naif of it bad become by purchase the property of her friend , William M'Lure , whose life and fortune had been devoted to tbe cause of education . This benevolent and estimable man was a native of Scotland ; of large fortune , which be employed in travelling and visiting every inathutioa of interest in every country , in making extensive mineralogical and geological collections , and furnishing with the same tbe cabinet of public institutions . He took an active int « rest in the educational experiments of Pdstalorzi , aided him with funds , and furnished bis school with many scholars whose expences he paid . In the United States , of which be waa an adopted citizen , he favoured every liberal opinion , and every attempt at reform , and was the founder and president of the academy of natural Bdencea in Philadelphia .
The object of the visits wbith we have alluded to , was to inspect the very important school of industry , there started under the patronage of Mr . M'Lnre , by tbe gentleman who subsequently became ber husband , Briquepal D'Aursmont , assisted by the distinguished natural ist and hotauiBt , Thorn aa Say , of Philadelphia ; Dr . Troost , professor in the University of Nashville ; and tbe distinguished artist and naturalist , Monsieur Le 8 ueur . It is proper to st&to that tbe juvenile schools and instruction of tke whole village of Harmony waa founded and conducted in Mr . M'Lure ' s half of the village , at bis entire expence ; and that the whole merit of tbat ve » y important experiment , which demonstrated the practicability of children of twelve ye « rs of age and upwards , making an educational establishment selfsupperting , bdonga exclusively to Briquepal D'Aursmont .
We may likewise remark tbat this educational establishment was held entirely distinct from all Mr . Owen ' s experiments , and consequently proves nothing witb respect to the truth or falsehood of hia d 6 et * ines . While Madam D'Aursmont has always entertained kind feelings towards Mr . Owen and wished well to bis undertaking , having ostensibly human good for its object , she positively declined all co-operation with him , and this from radical differences in their principles of action .
At another time I may communicate to the public a variety of important facts relative to the New Harmon ; establishment , with additional information of tne lite and proceedings of Madam D'Auramout , with remarks on ber important writings , which breathe tbe genuine Bpirit of political and mental liberty . In the meantime I deem it my duty to state , that on informing Madam D'Aursmont 1 had written the forgoing paper , she remarked , ' * I hope , Sir , you have confined yourself to a simple narrative of facts , as I strongly object to personal panegytic "
Dundee . James Myles . ( gp" Erratuh . —In our correspondent's first comniuuiciUon he was made to state tbat the height ol Madame D'Aursmont waa five feet five inches ; it should have been five feet ten inches . }
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rageous folly . glAsd yet an Editor can sit down gravely and solemnly , and talk of the . jifUence of a Governor of Christ ' s Hospital who is ; not more than two years and a half old . It would almost appear that these paragraphs were inserted forj the purpose of creating a popular impression that royalty , iu its infancy , ia gifted witb on intelligence far superior to that « f the children of honest citisens or industrious operatives . Were a Mr . Smith or a Mr . Jenkins ; to have hia infant made a Governor of a philanthropic institution , and then boxtt of tbat child's it fluence in disposing of a presentation to the establishment , he would be most outrageously laughed at We ourselves should be inclined to laugh at such bombastic and luditiouB displays of adulation towards royalty , did we not : discover in them a
pernicious and dangerous tendency to support those traditionary solemnities , ceremonial * , and manifestations of awe which surround despotic thrones . Such illusions should disappear with the march of civilisation ; and the people , instead of seeing in their Sovereign a being whom they are to warship as a Deity , should be taught to look upon him or ber as tbe chief Magistrate to whom respect alone is due . Th « idea of the Divine Right of Kings was sustained for centuries by means of the fulsome adulation paid towards them . Every knee bent , every voice sank to a whisper , and every eye was downcast , in tbe presence of royalty . We regret to say that much of this enslaved condition of the human mind still exists , and that royalty is coaxed , petted , and flittered iu a way calculated to turn weak head ? , and spoil strung
onea . The werthy cititrana of Paris present a sword to their young prince in his cradle ; and our newspapers puff off the qualitiea and accomplishments of our infant prince , with all the gravity and seriousness which characterize ettlogiums upon grown-up persoEB- Tne human intellect is degraded ; by this absurd servility - and if men can possibly feel lessened in their ewn estimation , upon any oocusion , it must be when tbey are prostituting their time and talents to a bombastic eulogy upon the doings of infants . { The mind ia debased and enslaved by the shakles which such labours throw around it , flowery and gay though those shackles be , and though great the pecuniary emoluments that may ensue . We may observe , to tbe credit of the French press , that ita newspapers are never filled with those
minute and detailed accounts of all tbe movements and transactions of the " fashionable world , " which are reported and spun out in the English journals , until tbey actually produce a feeling of nausea . A morbid taste for the notorious—a false notion of popularity pervades the " upper elasses' * in England . This Conntess and that Marchioness—this ] Earl and that Duke , all appear anxious to place their grand assemblies , their banquets , and their festivals in strong contrast with tbe destitution , tbe distress , and the nakedness of the poor . Henee is it that men must thus reason : " la it not expedient to alter a system which allows one man to possess a palace with thousands a year , and drives another to the workhouse , where bis food ia doled out to him by ounces ?"— Weekly Dispatch , \
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original productions by anthors of ability , conceived fa a right spirit . We have many offer ? of assistance from writers of established reputation , who feel that the cir » culatioB of their thoughts ia & cheap pocket volazne is a tribute to their usfuluess and their reputation . We have no want of materials to conduct this undertaking steadily and extensively . ' * 2 nd . As to form-and price : * f We proposa to issue , every Saturday , a volume , handsomely printed , of from 240 to 280 pages contain * ing as much matter aa an ordinary octavo volume of three hundred pages . E « ch volume will be essentially a book , not a tract—a book for tbe pocket aud the library . Many of the volumes will be complete in themselves . Some subjects will exUnd to two or more volumes . The price of each volume will be is ., sewed , and Is . « d ., booud .
" In proposing this series of unequalled cheapness and universality , we rely upon an extensive sale , amongst the usual number of individual purchasers great body in these days . Some individuals will content themselves with selection ; others will purchase the entire series . We also depend upon a large support from persona of wealth and ir fluence , who are willing to render every aid in the formation of Leading Libraries . But we also see that a new element of association remains to be developed amengat tbe great body of the people ,- and we have especially adapted our plan to meet the formation of tbia medium of popular improvement , which requires only to be explained Xn be easily acted upon . "
This plan , if adequately executed , sannot fuil to be productive of much benefit—Penny Magazine , May 11 , 1844-
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NOTES ON GALLOWAT . Galloway frequently , in common conversation , is nnderstood to consist of two counties , Kirkcudbright and Wigton , and extends in length , from a few miles soutb-west of Dumfries to Portpatrick , and in breadth from Klrkmaiden to Minniehive . Within this region there , are about twenty towns and villages mostly inhabited by handicraftsmen , labourers , shopkeepers . See In course of tbe last past twelve months , the writer has repeatedly visited mo « t of these towns and villages in a capacity that enabled him to pry most narrowly into the domestic and social condition of the working man . The particulars of the short statement
which he ia about to make on this topic , it may be remarked , have not been procured at " second hand" as tbe phrase goe » , but jotted down on the spot , and in tbe instant of time tbey presented themselves to my observation . The newspapers that are to be seen , now and again , on the shopkeepers' counters here never mention bow the working man lives in Galloway ; their conductors are more interested about the introduction of guano , three-legged chickens , and the woman who vomited an eel the other day as long as your arm ! Our handioom weavers and labourers , however , are perfectly awake to all this , and quietly affirm that any thiag short of the Suffrage in the way of Reform is sheer delusion .
In conversing with an intelligent operative in Newton Stewart about a Repeal of the Corn Laws , he said it was very generally believed in tbat quarter that the Corn Laws would be repealed when the slavemade class paid for repealing them ; but not till then ! The late disruption ( as it is called ) of the kirk has caused aoaie little stir hereabouts , certainly , but when I oak a working man what temporal benefit it has brought to him ? He anawers none whatever ! The " Moderate" believes that God has fore-ordained whatsoever comes to pasa , and the "Nonconformist'' that the wicked were damned before they came into existence This ia the rock upon which Toryism ia built , and he who believes this dogma , can swallow everything . Bub the principal object of this little communication is to
make known how the working man lives in this regio at present . My inquiries were not confined to one town or one individual , for I listened and watcned witb such vigilance , as became a tried and warm Chartist in conversing with labourers and ha&dloom weavsra in Castle Douglas , Kirkcudbright , Gifcehouae , Newton Stewart , Wigton , Whithorn , and Stranner , I found that 7 b . is rather above than below what a working man is able to earn in a week in Galloway , I lived a few days in the cottage of a labouring mas iu Wigton . He has a faithful partner , and thrae children , tbe oldest not eight years of age , and as I deem him a fair sample of working men here , I shall adduce him aa an instance of how his class sUuggle for an existence . He is a native of Ireland , and of course a Repealer ; but ia
thoroughly convinced the grievances of Ireland will never be redressed till tbe working man obtains the suffrage . He ia paid la . 4 d . per day in favourable weather ; but throughout the year , does not average over 7 s . per week . L 8 t us see then how he contrives to support himself and family ont of this small sum . He pays one shilling a week for his cottage , one shilling a week for fuel and soap , and one shilling a week for clothing . This reckoning took place in tbe presence of hia wife , and she concurred in the accuracy of tha statement now given . From this it will be perceived that 49 . a week ia all that this hard-working man has to provide food for himself and family , iu all five persona .
This is a truthful picture of the working-man ' s condition throughout Galloway at the present moment . Now , aupposing this family were supplied with bread for nothing ( would a repeal of the Com Laws do that for them ? j I know not by what kind of domestic economy , 43 . could weekly meet tke other numerous requirements of their housu-keeping . Tha individual I have instanced ia a remarkably steady sober man , and withal blessed ( as I have already said ) with a managing prudent wife ; but for her I question if he would long have a roof ovex bis head . It waa with much difficulty , he said , he procured a pair of shoes once a year , and in keeping up his very scanty wardrobe , he couid hardly maintain an honest character .
Such is the condition of the working classes of this part , and yet the rasoilly editors of the press of this part of Scotland , have tha impudence to denounce the Chartists as madmen aud anarchists I But the day will come / A Lookbe-on .
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THE TEN HOURS' BILL . Manchester , Mat 25 . —The discontent which exists amongst the operatives of tbia district ever since the decision of the House of Commons on the Factories Bill ia extensive in tbe extreme . Many of the old Ten Hours' advocates , who for upwards of twenty years have been engaged in the cause , now begin to despair of ever getting redress from Parliament , and are advising the operatives to take their affairs into their own bands , and curtail the hours of labour without the aid of Parliament . Though there may appear considerable difficulty in tbe undertaking , there does exist a very resolute determination to make the attempt . In the early part of this week a meeting of delegates from eig hteen or twenty towns in Lancashire was held In Manchester , at which meeting the question waa fully gone into . It appeared fr * m the report of several of the delegates , that societies bad been formed in several
towns for that purpose , and that there existed a universal disposition amongst the operatives to accampisb their object by combinations . Some of tha delegates advised their fellow-workmen to persevere in demanding redress from Parliament , in preference to effecting it by combinations , on the ground tbat an organization to effect an abridgement of the hoars of labour was a dangerous undertaking . It was urged that if they succeeded in effecting their purpose , there might be great difficulty in checking the farther movement of the Association . On the other hand it was contended that Parliament had ceased to be a deliberative assembly , and therefore little or nothing waa to be hoped from it which would benefit tbe working classes , if the proposition waa in any way disagreeable to the Minister for the time being . The proceedings of the meeting occupied the whole of the day , and amongst other resolutions the following were unanimously adopted : —
" 3 . That notwithstanding tbe decision of the House of Commona against the Ten Hours' Sili , this meeting is resolved respectfully but firmly , to prosecute their efforts in demanding a confirmation of the previous deliberate decisions of the House of Commons bj three distinct divisions , which fixes the time of factory labour from six-o ' clock in the morning until six o ' cleck in the eveniog . " 4 , That the delegates now present shall , on their return to their respective districts , endeavour to ascertain hcrv far the operatives in their various districts are prepared to adopt the regulation ef oommencmg work at six o'clock ia the morning , and of leaving off work at six . o'clock at night , as passed by three distinct
votes of tbe House of Commona ; and that at their next meeting they lay before tbe body theit report , particularly the probable Uhob when they would be ready to carry it into effect , and how far all other factory- worker * can be got , to aafc with them . ; , and that the report from , each district b » submitted to tbe meet--ing this day month . " 5 . That it lathe opinion ef this meetiag , that tha defeat of , the Ten Hours' Ball on Monday night last , May 13 , 1844 ,, waa not a decision against the principle of limiting the hours of labour in factories to teao « n a day . but a decision forced upon *** £ *? % •*** threat of the Ministers to resign , and that therefore weTre ^ solved , regardless of the political opfnionaof CtotenmehV to do aU ia oar P 9 *« J » WJ » ¦»» Ministry that refuse * to protect children aad young perSU being worked more- tham ten he ^ a ^ r ^ beat than kof the meeting be to
. TTharthe , gWen Tthe deleaates who w < we assisting iprd AsUey In London for theit judicious and pralsewortbj exertlonala Pr ^ ° Ste ^ now assembled are due , anda » beteJ < Sglv « B , to Locd Ashley tot his able and jadldoua advocacy of tha cans * of factory workus in tne How * of Common * , and Alithoa * number * who voVttiwithbl * Ioidibipj n « n especially to Lords Praacla Iferton , Howick , fSaadon , Russell , John Manntrs , Bir R . Inglii , Mr . Vfeldea , Mfc Charles Bulles , Mr . BiotbwtOB , fcc . " 8 . That ad 8 p » tetiQ » from thU me ^^ wattttpoa the two candidates for 8 o « th I * ncawb »^ Wiasit I '> K If they will vote lot the Ten Houra' BUt £ N ^ v-j « , j » iA ~ > . ¦ » . That the conduct of Vt . j 6 h ^ mm ^ Jm ^ House of Commons in reference ^ fk ^^^ ^^^ f is deserving of the censure and conten 1 t *^» WJK !^^ \ = M wisher of the human race . \ C \>* 3 ttXM % &' J& \ £ vi
" 10 . That the thanks of the "fmjBlPgSg ^ v &j the friends of the Ten Hours' ^\^^^ r ^ 3 b < W meat , " N ^ iFNiwllrsasgi * The meeting stands adjourned for »>« ° ^^^« 3 9 S 0 S 3 S 3 MOH
%3oett£.
% 3 oett £ .
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A MEMOIR OF SIX CHAIRS AND A TABLE SEIZED FOR EASTER OFFERINGS . Birmingham : ShoweJ ] , Upper Temple-street . This i 8 a letter to the Vicar of Sedgley , by a working man named William Smith , whose goods , named above , were seized by tbe harpies ef clerical rapacity , for the sum of 10 d . demanded of him as Easter Dues . The goods stized cost £ 2 8 j . ; but we will let the writer speak for himself : — ?• When yonr agent took them from my house , he conveyed them to the premises of David Hartland , landlord of a beersbop in tbe neighbourhood , who took them into his custody . On the 23 rd , tbey were brought forth
and i Hired for sale ; _ bnt as tbe neighbours who came to the spot on the occasion , had more good sense than to bny them , your agent bought them ' of himself , ' for the sum of £ 1 . Is . 6 d . Of course I did not understand that particular mode of selling and buying , bnt I concluded that it formed part of the * mystery of iniquity ' belonging to priestism ; & branch of clerical legerdemain which you taught him . When you retire , Mr . Lewis , for reflection and meditation , think of these items ; cost price £ 2 $ 9 ., clerical demand 10 d ., produce of novel sale £ 1 . Is . Sd ., and when you rise to make yonr second defence , please to tell me whether your sgent bought my goods of himself at market price , and what you did with the difference ?"
It appears , also , that the writer ' s wife was at the time of the seizure , in an " interesting situation , " and expecting hourly to be brought to bed ; in thiB state she was annoyed not only by this act of robbery , wo can call it nothing better , bnt also by the blackguard hectoring of the ruffians who were plundering her house Really , such doings most strangely illustrate the title claimed by the Establishment of " The Poor Man ' s Church . " The oponents of State Churchism , and all who abhor oppression , will do well to read and circulate this little tract .
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THE MlSRFPEESENTATIO 2 s * S OF THE ANTI-CORN LAW LEAGUE EXPOSED , By D . Wbibht , a Factory Operatire . Aberdeen : Smith , TJjsion-street . This is a foall pamphlet by a working man , exposing the fslshoods and fophinns of the " Freebooters" on the fnbject of Corn Law Repeal , and Extension of Trade . It will be found worth y the patronage of the public , more especially political lecturers and Democratic Associations .
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1 AM AN INFIDEL ; WHY ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN ? By Cbables Sodthwell . Edinburgh : Roalfe and Co . ; London : Watson . Fob ilr . Southwell's reasons for being what he is , and not being that which he supposes his rtader may be , we muEt refer the reader to the pamphlet itself , which is written in Mr . Souhwell ' snsuai and pretty well-known style : a style which , whatever may be thonght of the writer ' s arguments , is calculated " we guesB , " rather to retard , than advance the march of his opinions .
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LAW BREAKING JUSTIFIED . By AJaTJiDa RoaU £ . Edinburgh : Roalfe and Co , Nicboltonsireet ; London : Watson , Paul ' s Allty , & . c . & . c . This is the production of a lady , the publication of which seems to have been occasioned by the mean-spirited persecution of which the has been ihe viciim . We could wish that Jliss Itoalfe had £ hen us rather more of her own reasoning , and rather less of quotations from Plato , Aristotle ,
CictTo , lie . Quotations from these worthies have now bfccoxse exceedingly kuckneysd , while the strength they impart to any one ' s argument is very questionable . The virtues and patriotism of most of ihese "sages" have been greatly magnified ; and for ourselves we are by no means disposed to do homage at their shrineB . A more mean-souled hjpocrite than Cicero never ezi&ted , unles-s indeed we except that glory and shame of England ,
Bacon" Tbe greatest , wisest , meatiest ot mankind . " Cse-ar , " tyrant" thongh it has been the fashion to dub him , v ? as an infinitely more noble character than Brutns , who slew , or Cictro , who triumphed , orer him ; and it is very questionable whether eyen Caialine was not most lonlly calumniated by this much vaunted patriot orator . The following extracis will afford the reader a specimen of the arguments contained in this pamphlet : — An opinion very generaDy prevails , that law should be obtyed , ( however nrjust ) so long as it is law . Laws may be bad , they msy be made by the few for the sole benefit and convenience of the f « w . . No matter —all ifeould obey them , because they are laws . Such is popnlar doctrixe , but inch is not my doctrine . 1 protest against it as essentially slavish , aa utterly false , and unspeakably demoralizing . - ? * *
England ' s statesmen boast about the superiority of its laws ; but every one who bas consulted the statute books ef our country nnst know , thej aboncd with enactments of a character the most oppressive and absurd ; enactments , however , which have for the most part fallen into desnetnr . e , because , Oia * k * to lawbreaker * , they are ntteriy repugnant to the spirit of the age . Does any one imagine that the law , compelling Individuals to go to church at least once on a Sunday , which still adorns our statute books , weuld not have been rigorously enforced te this very hew , if all bad consented to go to church quietly , just to escape the character of law breakers , ud tbe penalties attathed to Jaw breaking .
How then ean I « ta » d tamely bjr -whem nra •• bold lough to be koaeat , and heaest enomgh to be bold , " are legally immured for month * , ssy years , in cold , damp , cheerless dungeons , fox propounding their opinions : J > aterson is at this moment suffering in the cells of Perth Penetentiary , a felon's doom , not because he murdered , robbed , or did ought else ot an immoral character—no , his offence was the venial one of telling bocks containing opinions opposed to Christian principle and Gbrutian practice . His judges are or affect to be rigid Presbyterians—they were educated to believe Scotch Christianity the only true religion—they have through long ana prciperous lives seen with per-
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ROYAL HUMBUG—EDITORIAL SYCOPHANCY . A paragraph , copied fsotn a Welsh print , has been ffeing the rounds of tbe daily Journals , announcing that tbe first presentation to Christ's Hospital ( the Blue Coat School ) of tbe Prince of Wales , recently become a Governor , has been conferred upon & son ef Mr , H « nt , the Secretary of the Royal Polytechnic Institution . Tbe paragraph concludes by stating that the Queen and Prince Albert have signified thoir pleasure in having the opportunity of promotfrg tbe iatererts of ecie oe in Cornwall by the use of ihe Prince of Wale&'s influence . Upon this piece ef informatloB we ore anxious to make a few remarks . We m pleased to find tbat any member of the Royal Family baa become a Governor of the Blue Coat School , inasmuch aa the snm of £ 500 thereby accrues to a very valuable
institution . We a > e also glad that the son of a gentleman enjoying a high reputation as a philosophic investigator , should have been selected as thtdeservUg object of bouaty npoa tho prtseni ooca » io » . So f n , so good 1 Bat wo « unot pass ov&r the fulaoae and adulatory manner in whloh every thing connected with royalty Is treated by the press . Will the English dally press never become independent ud rational i > thfai tespectN-and will it always sustain , by tht Ianguage of sycophancy and the servile humility of coartiers , that blind veneration for titled pewonajrea which tends to enhance tbe value of the rich to the prejudice of the poor ? To make an infant a Governor of a great tdutationalinBtitutlon , is absurd ; but to speak of tbe ii fluence of that child , in the nomination of a scholar , or the disposal of a presentation , 1 b ttie most insulting nonsense . We feel convinced that the Rood Benae of the Queen induces bet to laugh in bet sleeve at such out '
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BIOGRAPHY OF MISS FRANCIS WRIGHT . Madam D'inTsniont , better known »> y the lrnmt of " Wi « a Francis Wrigbt , " was born in Mill's Buildings , Nt-thergate , Dundee , on tbe 6 th day of September 1796 . Her father was the boh of a wealthy Dundee merchant , and stood high in scientific and literary attain , mentsamong the mercantile cinsa of Scotland . Her mother issued from the littrary aristocracy of England . Tbe gifted Mrs . Montague was her grand aunt , and Baron Rokeby , Primate of all Ireland , her uncle ; her brother General William Campbell , was deeply versed in the Oriental languages , highly accomplished as a man , and as a soldier , rose rapidly to command in India , where snbuquently he was killed on the battle field .
Madam DAxmmont lost both father and mother when she was s child of only two years of age . At the wishes of her paternal irandfather , a General in the army , she was taken to England , and remained there until tbe age of eighteen , under the care of a maternal aunt . Though nursed in the lap of Toryism , she at an earJy age imbibed liberal opinions on religion and politics . Her early years were spent in reading and storing her mind with tha opinioDa of philosophers , both ancient and modern . Ho better proof can be given of thia than the fact that the wrote her " Few Days in Athens , '' before she completed her eighteenth year . This is a work ot singular profundity and eloquence . Tbe reader 1 b informed on its title page , tbat it is a
translation from a Greek manuscript discovered among the iuiss of Btrculanetim , bnt in reality the whole was translated" from the fertile regions ef her own mind . Being on a visit to Sco'land , a few female friends who were enamoured of letters , proposed starting a periodical , to be conducted entirely by ladies . Miss Wright was requested to write the firut article . The first chapter of the above work was what the produced . Her literary friends were so well pleased with her exquisite and classical imaginings , tbat they earnestly solicited her to continue ber task . She continued writing two chapters per week until the woik was concluded , witb tbe exception of tbe elegant discourse ol Epicurus , which she wrote ten ytars afterwards .
About tbe age of seventeen , she accidentally found a history of America written by the Italian Botto . Its pages made so powerful an impression on ber mind that she determined to visit ihe U . iited States aa soon as she was mistress of btr own conduct , where ske would see the embodiment of political principles , which she warmly admired . This lesolution she disclosed to m > one until the day she set sail ; and at the age of twentytwo , she arrived in America . Aftui spending eighteen months in investigating the character of its institutions and people , she returned to Britain , and endeavoured , in a small woik she then published , to awaken the attention of European Refoimers to the great principles laid oowd in tbe American form of government . She afterwards visited tbe continent of Europe , and passed four years there , watching tbe attempts there made to establish liberal principles of Government .
In the 3 ear 1824 she returned to America , and became a resident citizen of the States . In tbe year 1828 , she first appeared as a public lecturer . The immediate circumstances which incited ber to form and execute so bold and novel a resolution , were peculiarly significant . We cannot better describe them than by quoting ber own language : " The » ity * f Cincinnati had stood for some time conspicuona for tbe enterprise and liberal spirit of her citizens ; whtn , last summer , by the sudden combination
of the clergy of three orthodox sects , a revival , as such scenes of distraction sre wont to be styled , was opened in houses , churches , and even on the Ohio river . The victims of this odious « xperiment on human credulity and nervous weakness , were invariably women . Helpleu age was made a public spectacle , innecent youth driven to raving insanity , mothers and daughters carried lifeless from the presence of the ghostly expounders of damnation ; ail ranks shared the contagion , nntil the despair of Calvin ' s ball itself seemea to have fallen on every heart , and difcord to have taken possession of
every . ' A circumstantial account of tbe dietressand disturbance on the existing public mind in the Ohio metropolis led me to visit the tinicted city ; and , since aU were dumb , to take up the cause of insulted reason and outraged humanity . " The consequences of the course of ltctnres 1 then Int delivered on three successive Sundays in tbe Cincinnati court ho »» e , and re-dtlivered in the theatre , ware similar to tbos * which have been vitaasaed elsewh « re ; --a kisdling of wrath among tbe eleegjr , a re-action in favour of common sense en tbe part of their
followers , an explosion of the public se » timent in favoar of liberty , liberality , and instructional zaform , wad a complete xpoeure of tbe nothingness of the press , which , at » time when the popnlar mind was engrossed by qusrtions of the first magnitude , sullenly evaded theix discussion , betraying alike ignorance the most gross , and servility the most . » bameleB 8 . " The sensation productd by ber bold , dignified , and energetic addresses , waa unfuecedeiited ; the anathemas of the pulpit , the ribaldry of the fanatic , and tbe thunders of the preBs , were burled at her head . Yet her noble spirit quailed not beneath tbeir united rage ;
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THE ROLEY . POLEY MARTYRS . Man is a sympathising animal . He seema incapable of existing unless , he baa some oppressed beings to pity aud protect . A state of perfect happiness would be misery to him , for there would be no one to excite his compassion—ao one in whose behalf to indulge hia quarrelsome propensities . The county of Surrey must be fast verging towards tbe insipid state of unalloyed felicity , when the inhabitants of Epsom , fur want of better objects to give exercise to their amiable and heroic propensities , are obliged to take up with the ownera of roley-poleys , wheels of fortune , Ac , scattered before a ruthless police .
On Monday night , tbe Commissioners of Police , " ungraciously if not unjustly , " aa tha newspapers have it , issued a notice for the suppression of gambliugbooths at Epsom races . A meeting of the inhabitants addressed a memorial to tbe Home Office , in consequence of this " arbitrary proceeding" of the Police Commissioners . In the memorial it was represented witb due emphasis , that the keepers of the gamblingbooths bad spent large sums in hiring ground and fitting up tents to inveigle the unwary ; and that " if they are not allowed to proceed , hundreds of persons must be reduced to a state of destitution , many having travelled from all parts of tbe United Kingdom . " This ia the richest idea of a " vested interest" on
record : the pockets of the honest boliday-folke are to be exposed to tbe congregated blackguardism of all parts of the United Kingdom , because " a similar practice bas prevailed . " And the penny-a-line chroniclera of the raceB , catching the contagious sympathy of tbe inhabitants of Epsom , are astonished at tbe dignified forbearance of the iojured swindlers , after Sir Jumes Graham ' s cruel refusal to repeal the police ordicai . ee— " Tbe unfortunate persona who had hired and paid f < tr ground for their gambling-booths did not create any disturbance ; and we have heard that the reason tbey did not , was not so much from fear and deference for the police , as respect for the local Magistrates . " Perhaps tbe presence of the military aided .
It were to be wished that some degree of selfishness did not peep out beneath all this generous sympathy . But it is to be feared that some of the memorial'a ' ng inhabitants of Epsom apprehend that the races may become less attractive without a sptce of gambling , and that their own profits from the annual resort of visitora may be diminished . Nay , it is whispered tbat the tenants of tbe gambling-booths contribute liberally to make up stakes to be run for . The local Magistrates , so much deferred to by the Ramblers , are Indignant that the Commissioners of Police did not consult with them before issuing their mandate : why should the Commissioners consult with those persons who yeari after year have connived at the abuse ? Doubtless the gamblers defer to their patrons in office ,
and to their allies the lodging-house-keepers of Epsom . " By this craft we have our living , " cried the smiths of Ephe&us when idolatry was assailed : " By tbia craft we have our living , " cry the inhabitants of Epsom when gambling is to be put down . Tbe gamblers'conduct , say the chroniclers already quoted , "baa created sympathy in many quarters on their behalf ; and we have beard persons of high standing in society deprecate the treatment they have received . " This ia possible : tbe inhabitants" memorial says— " A similar practice has prevailed witb the Duke of Richmond at Goodwood , and at Ascot , Mouleey , and other places . " " Persons of high standing" may be alarmed leBt the rent of stands should fall in consequence of the proceedings at Epsom .
Ought not a petition to be presented to Parliament , and a memorial to her Majesty , to allow tbe roley-poley martyrs three days' plunder of the lieges next year , in recompense for the loss tbey have auffeied I—Spectator .
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BOOKS FOR THE MILLION . One of the first attempts , and it was a successful one , to establish a cheap book-club waa made by Robert Burns . He had founded a society at Tarbulton , called tbe Bachelors' Club , which met monthly for tbe purpose of discussion aud conversation . But this waa a club without books ; for the fines levied upon the members were spent in conviviality . Having changed his residence to Mauchline , a similar club was established there , but with one important alteration—the fines were set apart for the purchase of books , and the first work bought was " The Mirror , " by Henry MackeDzie . Dr . Carrie , the biographer of Burns , in recording this fact , says , " With deference to ths
Conversation Society of Mauchline , it may be doubted whether the books which tbey purchased were of a kind best adapted to promote the interest and happiness of persons in thia situation of life . ' " Tbe objection of Dr . Currie waa founded upon hia belief that works which cultivated " delicacy of taste' ? were unfitted for those who pursued manual occupations . He qualifies bis objections , however , by the remark , that " Every human being is a proper judge of ibis own happiness , and within the path of innocence ! ought to be permitted to pursue it . Since it ( b the taste ef the Scottish peasantry to give a preference to works of taste and ef fancy , it may be presumed tht-y find a superior gratification in the perusal of such works . '" This truth , timidly put by Dr . Currie , ought to be the foundation
of every attempt to provide books for all readers . The great body of tbe people , if tbe best books are rendered accessible to them , will choose tbe best books . Tho very highest works of literature and art are addressed to the universal mind ; those which aim at txclusiveness are the perishable productions which have tfeeir little day of drawing-room fame , and can never reach the greatest of all honour , that of making the labourer forget bis toil in bis free and equal converse with minds that shed their radiance indifferently over the cottage and the palace . We are learning to correct the false opinions which , for a century or two , have been degrading tbe national character by lowering tbe general taste . Those who maintained that taste was tbe exclusive property of tbe rich and the luxurious , could not take away from the humble the beauty of the rose or the fragrance of the violet ; they could not make ihe nightingale sing a vulgar note to " the
" Bwink'd hedger at his supper ; " nor , apeaking purely to a question of taste , did th « y venture to lower the noble translation of tbe Bible , which they put into the hands of tbe poor man , | to something which , according to the insolent formula of those days , was " adapted to the meanest capacity . " A great deal of this has paBSed away . It baa been discovered that music is a fitting thing to be [ cultivated by the people ; the doors of galleries are thrown open for the people to g : a ^ upon Raflaellea and Correggios ; even cottugea are built ao as to satisfy a feeling of proportion , and to make their inmatea aspire te something like decoration . All this is progress in tbe right direction . It remains to be seen whether , by a tew strenuous efforts , books of real Value—the best books in their universality—may not be made as accessible to tbe great body of the people as the best music , and be a * much their property as flowers and sunshine .
The principle of voluntary association for tbe purchase of books has scarcely been called into action ; and the reason is pretty obvious . { The machinery by which such associations are worked ia too cumbrous . We have before us the rules of a reading society in a village some ten miles from London ' . Here we have all the array of president , vice-president , secretary , honorary members , minutes , notices of ' motions—in a word , all the complex contrivances by which tbe management of such matters ia kept in the hands of a directing few . But the great difficulty of all is the choice ef books ; and this is a difficulty which cannot be got over without soni « new arrangements , j If a otllection of books were published at n su&iciently rapid rate , and at bo low a price as very soon of themselves to be capable of
being the foundation of a library—alwaya provided that such books were unexceptionable in their morality , interesting aa well as instructive , and containing an abundant provision of truly national literature—it is evident that all tbe troubleaume arrangements of proposing baoks and of approving books , to say nothing of the difficulty of getting the best books sufilcientiy cheap , would be effectually got rid of . If a subscription of a peony a week by twelve individuals would place at their command fifty-two volumes ia the couise of a year , in which , from the nature of the subjects and their modes of treatment , the majority should feel an interest , it is evident that no machinery ; would be required to set such a plan in action but tbe association of twelve such
individuals , and the choice of one amongst them as secretary , who would receive the subscriptions quarterly , purchase the books week by week as they came out , paste within tbeir covers the rules of the club , with a list of the names of the members in alphabetical or other order , and then Bend a volume to the first person on the list , who should keep it for a limited time , passing it on to the next , till it had been circulated through tbe whole Dumber , and returned to the custody of the secretary . A few books of reference might be purchased by a small extra subscription , and deposited in some piace of common acsess . [ The books might form a permanent library , or be sold amongst the subscribers at the end of each year .
To meet this principle of iassociation in forming libraries amongst the great body of the people , Messrs . Knight and Co . have is » ued the plan of a publication to be entitled " Knight ' s Weekly Yolume for all Readers . " They say , " Tae friends of popular instruction—the people generally—feel that the rapidly growing appetite for information has not yet been adequately supplied . There is a ! dem&ud for books of standard value and universal interest , cheap enough te find tbeir way into every oottage ,. so trustworthy in their facts , sound in their principles , and attractive in their Bubjecta and thair treatment , as to be welcome to the most instructed readeisl Tbia demand has jet to be met . Miscellanies , auchl ft& the Penny Maga * sine' and ? Chambera's Jonrnal , ' have their own sphere of usefulness ; science has been well taught in special
treatises ; series of works , such as the 'Family Library , ' the Library of Entertaining Knowledge , " Lardner ' s Cyolop « e-. lia , ' have still numerous readers : the ' Penny Cycloi Obtia , ' has shown how tha ebtapest book of reference might also- & « file test . W « have many modern reprints « f standard wotka , aa cheap as we could desire ; but they aie mostly close-printed pamphlets , which are easily destroyed ; their foxm unfits them for circulation from , band to band . There la a general desire to- form libraries fer ail readers *—not only libraries of reference , bat extensive libraries , of circala tion . . . In every case there is a difficulty in the choice ef fitting books , whether we regard the suoject natter « r the form and price . It is hoped that the dimoolty may be obviated by the publication ef Knight i Wukty Vbtwtnt . \ " 1 st . As to the sabjeet matter :
" We prop ** to place within tb « mmI * of mUreadara a seritt of boks which shall 1 altiauiely ou » pr # n « d sonethisg Bke thairugeof literature which wtU-edseated persoas desire to have at their « onraaaad . I * this svriM there will t » no attempt at exclmsivwaes * . Weshall not take up ths moat false and dangerous opinion that the « nderstandings of the masses should be written down to , aor will mere didactic instrnctlon be enly . attempted . A taste for knowledge is not so induced . The recreation of genial and amusing reading should be offered in connection with what ia solid and serious . The pnbliahers possess many valuable copyrights which maybe readily adapted to this purpose . There is a great deal also to be done anewj in the way of judicious compilations , of translations from foreign works , and of .
Untitled Article
Jura 1 , 1844 . THE NQRTHiJlJaN STAR J .
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), June 1, 1844, page 3, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1265/page/3/
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