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TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CHARTIST CO-OPERATIVE T.AND ASSOCIAI KW"'
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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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Mr Dear Feiesds . -Xo General , in * j * TJJ his troops upon the ere of a sanguinary conmct m their fellow-men about some bailed privilege o tteir oppressors , ever felt half that p ride ttati ** u fed in addressing you in the Carpenters Hall on Sunday night , ihe 12 th of April , ^ on to eve « England'rregeneration . I . am g lad to find that a delegate meetinir has been called , to assemble at Manchester on that day . I propose making one 01 the tea party on Good Friday , in Carpenters ' Hall ;
and after the ballot on Monday I will address the people of Oldham in their -hall . On the whole , next Easter week ought tebetheproudest Easter holidays that ever the Lancashire men spent You will see , by Wednesday ' s Summary , that I was «»«* " first bid , £ 2 , 000 for the land that cost us £ l , 8 C 0 . This , I hope , will give you some confidence in ray judgment . "While , in order that all , even the suspicious , may have confidence incur practice , I and my brothers of the Executive invite their attendance daring the finie of taking the ballot in Carpenters ' Ball , in order that they may see how the business of
the working men is conduoted . It would really gladden your hearts to read the numerous letters that I receive from all parts of the kingdom relative to this growing subject . Some persona-who hate Chartism , nevertheless usetheLand project as an argument to prove that it would destr oy Chartism . I now tell yon whatevery man in England knows , thathaditHotbeeafertheLandproject , Chartism would kave been dead , and the people sold irrevocably to their oppressors . They tried preaching exclusive dealing , speaking , turn-outs , and many other experiments which the poor who work were told was Chartism ; but the Chartist mind of the kingdom had been long seeking the way from the house of bondage , and it only required to have the sure road pointed out , to follow it
There are a great many collateral subjects yet to be taken into consideration—sneb , as education , insurance company , and loan society—which of course the directors and delegates will enter into at Manchester . Bat there is one subject of a negative character , which I have before mentioned , and to which I shall again draw your attention ; I mean the insertion of such conditions in each lease as will prevent our new-bom moral society relapsing into the filth , depravity , and roguery which now characterise
society . I mean , that there shall be an express clause against leasing or selling to a banker , a parson , a distiller , a brewer , a pawnbroker , or for the purpose of carrying on the business of selling spirits or malt drink , or leasing to any person practising in any department in the legal profession . This latter condition may appear strange when we have a solicitor for our treasurer ; but we must bear in mind that he is a glorious exception , and that we must not frame our rules upon exceptions .
While I am pent up in a stinking lodging-house for six whole days in the week , I long for a breath of fresh air ; besides , I long to make myself more useful . I long to be surrounded by the little children of a hundred virtuous labourers—to read to them , to teach them , and to learn from them . I want to see them playing about their own fields , and living upon the industry of their own parents , without being subject to the horrid dominion of tyrant masters . 1 want to be in a situation to invite some Members of Parliament to New England , and I want to be able to show them a hundred freemen of my own makingi
and their hundred happy families . Well , then , do you think any monarch on earth will have as good a right to be proad as I shall have when I see this first colony ? Does it ever strike yon , my friends , of the difficulty of inculcating a knowledge of a new science in a country at a time when the governing mind of that country was wholly set upon diffusing metaphysical knowledge upona new science of commerce , speculation , and plunder of every kind ? Do you ever reflect upon the fact , that five years ago , nay , two years ago , not one in a thousand who are now thirsting after knowledge of agriculture , then knew
anything about the land ? And is not this education and progress in the right direction ? While , to those who hare attempted to persuade you that the Land project would kill Chartism , I answer—has thair duty as directors prevented the present Executive from discharging their duties to the Chartist bod y with more profit , activity , and success than those duties were ever performed before the establishment of the Land project ? 1 tell you that Chartism and Landism are as the Siamese twins , so bound up together in life and interest , that it will be impossible to separate them withont endangering the life of both .
l « iow , I would ask , - what possible peg , except the Land , Chartism can hang its hope upon ? What would possession of representation be if not directed to the emancipation of labour ? ; . And how , in the present state of commerce and manufactures , can labour be free otherwise than by giving to each , in his INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY , the power of exer cising his { labour , which is his capital , for bis own
sole benefit ? As soon as this project of ours is ripe for attack , then it will be honoured with discussion ; and don't I long to get up as a mere mute upon the platferm , and paint to the appearance of the free labonrer in comparison with £ he slave ! Don't I long to exhibit the innocent children , uncontaminated by ¦ rice , brought up under the guardianship of their own parents , as a comparison with those who are brought np under the cursed rule of monopoly ?
In the addres 3 of the Poles , now struggling for the regeneration of their country , they see the necessity of holding out the expectation of possessing their natire soil as an inducement U fight against their oppressors . What a reflection the success of our undertaking will be upon those who have pocketed millions upon millions of the poor Irishmen ' s money , while famine , pestilence , and death are the only fruits they have reaped from their generosity . Alas : if all the monies squandered in bombastic patriotism had been expended in the purchase of Irish
land , to be leased for ever to the Irish people , not a sod of the country would now be ia the possession of the proud alien invader . Ireland might have boasted of anational militia of one million fighting men , with be * hearts and UXBRAXDED ARMS , who could not be kept prisoners in their own hovels from an hour before sunset till sunrise , and who would be better defenders of their faith , their country , and their homes , . than the sentinels they pay for watching their weakness and taking advantage of their credulity .
What should be the dearest objeet of a man ' s life ? Should it not be to leave the world better than he found it ? And if I expire after I have located even one hundred men in their own castles , with land from which none can disinherit them , may I not . after setting an example that nations may follow , say with my last breath , THANK GOD , I HAVE LEFT THE WORLD BETTER THAN I FOUND IT ? My friends , the object of most men is to live as wel as they can in this world , regardless of everything
save their own comfort , while my only comfort and enjoyment , regardless of self , is devisine means for your elevation . I shall now take my leave for the present , looking anxiously forward to Easter week , when I trust to be rewarded for my poor ex « rtions on your behalf . The time for taking possession of the Rickraansw « rth estate will be duly notified to all who are anxious to join in the ceremony , when a Committee will be formed for the purpose of managing the proceedings .
I know that thousands are anxious to join in the jubilee ; and to prove to you that the mind of this country is not depraved , many hundreds who were in the habit of making a purse annually to visit Epsom races , have determined upon applying it this yearia regaling themselves upon the people ' s first f tate- Yflio , then , will say that hours diverted from excessive tod would bedevotedto drunkenness and donation , if the honest labourer had a fair inducement to apply them to his own advantage ?
As sub-treasurer , I shall be prepared to submit my accounts to the delegates at M anchester , and by that time I hope to be able to shew between £ 6 , 000 and £ 7 , 000 placed to the credit of our treasurer in the hank ; thus , in less than ten months , we shall have realised more than I dared to hope the Society would posscssk two years . I remain , my Friend ? , lour faithful Friend and Servant , Fearccs O'Cqsxoh .
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THE POLISH KRURRECTON . [ Continued from our Seventh Page . ] The Universal German Gazette publishes accounts from Posen of the 11 th instant . All the small towns of the Grand Duchy had been occupied by the military . The Catholic college of Pryemezno had been closed by the authorities in consequence ot a revolutionary spirit having been found to exist in it . Prisoners were daily being bnraghtinto the town . One half of the persons arrested are said to have been sent into Silesia . Itwas reported that the Russian and Austrian troops in Cracow could not agree , and that the civilians were treated witlt great sevet ity . The government alone issued passports . Paris , Tuesday . The journals contain no new facts of importance on the subject of the Polish insurrection . The absence of correct and detailed information on the affair occasions general surprise in Paris .
The Reform observes , that— " If the Polish insurrection had been suppressed , the northern governments would have hastened to announce itwith great pomp . If the insurrection was suppressed , the Austrians would not be obliged to send 40 , 000 men into Gallicia . If tho insurrection had been suppressed , we should have been told what had become of the insurrectionary columns whose march is attested by their bold action . We should have been told that one column was defeated on such a day , or that it had been compelled to lay down its arms . The names of the victorious generals would have been announced , aud we should have known the number of victims . The organizers of the massacres at Tarnow would not have scrupled to terrify the population by sanguinary executions . " Prince Adam Czartoryski had arrived at Brussels from Paris .
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[ Frota our Second Edition of last wed : ] . Loxso . v , Friday Moilvixc . The daily journals * f this morning state positively the OCCUPATION OF CRACOW BY THE THREE POWERS . The town and territory of Cracow are in the hands of the three powers . Whilst negotiations were going on between General Collin and the Prussian Commander , relative to the terms of capitulation , the Russian troops on the frontier advanced by the Olniutz road , straight on the city , and took possession without a blow being struck . " Some accounts represent that the entire of the young and active part of
the population had abandoned the place and entered GaUjcia . Only a few old men , besides women and children , remained . On the other hand , the Prussian Universal Gazette asserts that 200 mounted insurgents , aud COO others , armed with scithes , had surrendered to the Prussians , when they entered the territory of Cracow . They were , marched , after being disarmed , to Rosel . Even if this is true , many thousands ot the insurgents must have made good their retreat , and will undoubtedly spread the insurrection through the country .
REPORTED INSURRECTIONS IN LITHUANIA , SAMOG 1 TIA , AND THE UKRAINE . The National of Wednesday says : — The accounts which we kave to-day received from the same source to which we are indebted for the manifesto of the insurrection , form a strange contrast to the rumours repeated by some of the Cerman papers . Wo understand , from private letters , that the principal objeet « f the insurgents is to aroid a regular engagement with the allied troops of Russia , Prussia , and Austria . They ara at present tr ying to rally the numerous deserters who have conu to place themselves under tha flag
of independence . " The regiments of Mazzuchelli uud Bertolette , " say those letters , " no longer exist . Both officers and soldiers desert by companies , and go OTer to the insurgents . The march of the Prussians upon Cracow has been arrested by the tronbles in Silesia , and by the spread of the insurrection in Lithuania . Samogitia and Ukraine hare commenced their movement . Every , thing appears to indicate that Russia will be attacked to the very core . A band of insurgents has made Us appearance at Seiclee ( fifteen leagues above Warsaw ) , and cauied such consternation in the capital , that General Abramowiez has placed it in a ttate of at , gc . The Reforme says : —
The report of an insurrection in Samogitia has been confirmed . This is an event of the most vital Importance , inconsequence of that province having 6 ome ports upon the Baltic . With respect to the reports current of the occupation of the town of Cracow by the allied troop * , even should it be found to be the case , such event is but of miuor importance , and can exercise no influence upon the revolution . The leaders of the insurrection never intended to defend Cracow against the combined forces of Russia , Trussut , and Austria . Letters which have today reached Paris , announce that the whole of Gallicia was a ckecal ( in a state of insurrection ); therefore , what signifies it that a town should succumb when an entire proiince rises at the same moment ?
REPORTED CAPTURE OF LEMBERG BY THE POLES—INSURRECTION IN RUSSIAN POLAND I The Siecle of Wednesday states , on the authority of a . letter from Breslau , dated at ten o ' clock on the night of the 3 rd inst ., that Lemberg had Men into the hands of the Polish insurgents , and that a formidable insurrection had arisen in the Polish provinces of Russia . The following is a copy of the address issued by the Polish Committee in Paris : —
The efforts of the Poles to recover their nationality , the claims which are so solemnly inscribed in treaties , claims which the legislative Chambers of France recall each ear to the attention of Europe by uuauhnuus votes ; ihe heroic courage of apeopie who brave death in the most sacred cause ; the sad thought that at the present moment new martyrs are sealing with olood their faith in the power of right ; these circumstances have caused a deep feeling in France . All parties , forgetting their divisions , liave united in one burst of sympathy ; the undersigned , feeling that they are called upon to act , have opened a subscription . The subscription collected in the committee-room amounts to about 6 , 000 francs ; but at the office ol the National upwards of 10 , 000 francs have been received , and the Constltutiomiel has subscribed l . COOf London , Satuhday , Mornixo . The surrender of Cracow is confirmed by the following intelligence : —
Viesna , March « . —( From the Aiutrian Observer . )—Captain Denrald , who has just arrived from Lemberg , at three in the afternoon , with despatches from liisjmperial Highness the Archduke Ferdinand , Governor-General of Gallicia , reached Podgorze on Tuesday , the 3 t 6 , at four O ' clock in the afternoon ; he there learnud that Cracowwas occupied by the Imperial troops . He . therefore , immediately-went to that city over the bridge , which had beeu restored , and was occupied by infantry . He found the entrance occupied by the Imperial troops , which also had possession of the principal square : and there was also a Russian battalion and a detachment of Cossack * which had passed the neighbouring frontier . Some detachments of insurgents , which left the city before the enuauce of the Imperial troops , bad retired into tha western part of the territory of the republic
Perfect tranquillity prevailed in the city . A few hours before the entranee of the Imperial troops the following proclamation of a Provisional Committee of Public Safetywas addressed to the inhabitants of Cracow : — "Forties satisfaction of theinhatutants , notice is hereby given , that in order to learn the will of tba three protecting powers respecting the city of Cracow , and to recommend this severely afflicted city to their clemency and attention , the deputies of the citizens , empowered by the committee , have been sent to-day to the commander of the cerps on the frontiers of Cracow . Calling on all peaceable citizens to expect with confidence the result of the above step , the undersigned Committee orders—1 st . That no one , under any pretext whatever , shall discharge fire-arms in the streets , on pain of being called to account . 2 nd . That no one shall venture to
carry arms , except the citizens appointed as a guard ol safety . 3 rd . That all arms and military effects belonging to the service guard bedeposited at the chief guard-house , or at the police-office . ( Si gned ) " Soh . Wodziki , Peter Moszinski , Jos . Kaeoceuski , Leo Bocbenek , Cintos IIelzel , Hilabios Mesziszouski , Secretary . "Cracow , March » , 184 G . " " This afternoon , at three o ' clock , the Imperial Aulic Council of War received the following despatch from Major-General Collin : — "' Cracow , 3 rd March .
' With part of my troops , the Imperial Kussian troops , I hate just occupied , without resistance the city of Cracow , which had beeu evacuated by the insurgeuU . 1 shall have the honour of sendiug the particulars of this affair to-ui ., rrow . Collih , Major-General . 1 " ihe Paris papers of Thursday contain no further news from the seat of war beyond a repetition of the report of the taking of Lemberg by the Poles . The list of subscriptions by the Deputies to thp IVish cause was deposited on WedneXJ ? n ? he Sille ics Conferences of th * Chamber ; it i ^ l ^ Jnt aud tire amount of contributions is 6 955 f The We has opened a subscription for the Si , h msurgente , and headed it with a donation of lOOOf . The pupils of the Pol ytechnic School havo mil . scribed I ** , towards tto * WfiShttaSiS
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EcoleNormale . goOf . ; those of the Central School aw ^ ij * C u BreS n'ii Of- ; the Greek School , 4 . 30 f . ; the Parisian bar , 9 i 0 f . The French clergy were also beginning to . raise their voices in favour of the Polish insurgents .
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ADDRESS OF THE POLISH COMMITTEE TO THE BRITISH NATION . Poland is again in arms ! The struggle against the invaders of our land , against the oppressors of our liberties and persecutors of our consciences , has begun anew . Separated from our homes by seas and by hostile lands , unable at this moment to share the efforts and the dangers of our brethren , can we remain indifferent and » Unt to their appeal ! Have we no duty to perform at the present crisis ? To you , people of this realm , we owe the deepest gratitude for the Shelter and hospitality which you have afforded us . History will d » justice to you in handing down to the respect of posterity your generosity towards
But to Poland we owe our last drop of blood ; and we are raady to shed it for her defence . Duty , ^ honour , patriotism , and all that is held sacred and honourable amongst men , bind us to serve her—to serve her / to the utmost—to serve her according to our peculiar position . On her behalf , therefore , we appeal to you . The wrongs of our country are not of recent .-dati . ' History has pointed them out . The world knows ' them all ; even our enemies have acknowledged them . Poland , a free and independent country , which has rendered essential services to Christendom and civilisation —the land of Sobieski , Kosciuski , and Copernicus , that was , inl 772 , invaded by three neighbouring powers ( Itus . sia , Prussia , and Austria ) , who had leagued themselves against her tor the destruction of her political existence . This infamous act was finally accomplished in 1795 , by the partition of Poland .
Since that period up to the present day the history of the Polish people presents but one chain of unceasing efforts , sacrifices , and sufferings . Alas ! all unprofitable . The last struggle of the Poles for their independence , in 1830-31 , is still fresh in your memory . Nations who love freedom offered prayers for our success , and shed tears for our defeat . Poland , once more doomed to see her efforts and hopes frustrate * , btcame more than evtr a victim of the persecuting spirit and the revenge of the Czar of Russia . Who can enumerate all the horrors of oppression inflicted upon unfortunate Poland jduriiig the last fifteen years !
The dspopulation of her territory , produced hy the forced transplantation of the inhabitants to distant parts of the empire , and by the compulsory enrolment of our youths in the army of our oppressor , that they might perish by thousands in the barbarous warfare which he carries on against the brave mountaineer * of the Caucasus —the suppression of our schools and universities , and all the iniquitous means deliberately and systematically employed to destroy our language , and obliterate our nationality . The . introduction of a perverted system ot education—the proscription of our faith—the destruction of our churches—the persecution of our Jewish population—the confiscation of our property—the tortures inflicted on political prisoners , to extort from them the avowal of suspected crimes—the entire destruction of
every guarantee for individual liberty—banishment to Siberia on the bare suspicion of patriotic sentimentschildren torn from their mothers—their mothers exposed to the lashes of the Russian soldiery . These and other enormities , for which the page of history does not furnish a parallel , shew to what extent of tyranny the yoke of Russia has been accompanied , and , as we believe , form a sufficient justification before God and man , for endeavouring to shake it vff . Many of these facts have been doubted in this country , on the sole giound that they are too dreadful to be true , and because you are too humane to imagine of what Russian barbarity is capable . Yet all these horrors arc true Would you endure quietly such atrocities ! Would yon ever submit to that niiseiy and degradation to which
our enemies have subjected us for so many years ? Or , whilst yourselves enjoying the blessings of good government , of good laws , of freedom , and of all that the heart of a patriot would desire , will you remain indifferent to the voice of 20 , 000 , 000 of your fellow-creatures calling upon you from Poland ? Will you condemn them as guilty of a rash and mad attempt because abandoned by all but God , when the time appeared pressing , when longer delay might have only increased their difficulties" ; the Polish people , trusting to the justice of their cause , and the Almighty defender of the oppressed , rushed to arms as their last resource ; because they have done their duty—the duty of patriots ? No ; our cause is righteous ; the first duty of our lives is devotednees to our country . Your ablest politicians have declared
the partition of Foland an infamous act ; your most eminent statesmen have acknowledged the necessity of her restoration for the balance of European power . Now is the time ! Poland is in arms ! Shu is in arms , not for the sake of any wild theories of government , but for the sake of that which is admitted to be a right by every reasoner , and felt as an instinct by every man—national existence . She is in arms , not for the purpose of replacing one form of government by another , but for the sake of freeing herself from the dominion of foreigners . She is in arms , not for the advantage of any one class in the nation , but for the welfare of all . Will you , people of G reat Britain and Ireland—will other free nations—forsake her again ? Can you refuse her your sympathy in this sacred struggle ? No ! we have lircd amongst you for these twelve years , and we know you well . Your hearts are too feeling , and animated with too noble sentiments , not to send a word of consolation to our brethren now struggling against their . formidable enemy . You
cannot refuse them your helping hand ; for , believe us , the enemies of Foland are also enemies to the greatness and welfare of jour country , to your liberties , and form of your government , of which you have had many a proof ; they hate your free institutions and your manly feelings as they hate us ! Let the public opinion of this country pronounce in favour of Foland . Let your voice be heard through your Parliament . Let it be heard in every country throughout the world . Let England and France , the two great nations standing at the head of the liberty and civilisation of Europe , unite in expressing their wish for the success of the Polish people who have taken up arms to regain their rights , and Poland must be victorious . Should she fail now , still you will have the satisfaction to think that you have not forsaken her . But , if she has risen , as we earnestly hope and believe , to fall no more , the last cannon fired upon the retreating invader of our country , will announce a perfect pence to Europe ; and Poland will resume her formerplace amongst free and civilised nations .
The Committee of the Polish Emigrants resident in Great Britain and Ireland , — Leon Tablouski , President . Count M . Gbabowbki . Colonel Lacii Szvhma . VlNCEST KCRZYCSKI . John Teklecki , Secretary . March 12 , 1846 . 38 , Great Pultenej-street , Golden-square . London .
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MEETING OF THE GEUMAN DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY . On Saturday evening , March 14 th , the members of the " German Democratic Society for tho Instruction of the Working Classes , " held a special meeting in their room , Great Windmill-street , for the purpose of coneidemig the important struggle going ot > in Poland , and expressing their sympathy with the gallant Polish patriots . The room was most inconveniently crowded , and the most earnest interest exhibited by all present . The meeting was addressed
by several speakers , who detailed the progress of the insurrection , aud the noble stand made by the patriots in Cracow aud other parts of Poland . The proposition to commence a subscription in support ot the Poles was received with the utmost enthusiasm , and the sum of four pounds ten shillings and sixpence was immediately contributed by the members present . Besides which the members declared themselves ready to make auy and every sacrifice to serve the cause of liberty , and promote the triumph of their Polish brethren . The events in Poland have excited a great sensation amongst the German democrats in London .
MEETING OF THE FRATERNAL DEMOCRATS . On Sunday evening , March loth , the usual meetnig of this body « as holdcn in the above room , which was crowded with democrats belonging to nearly all the states of Europe . About half-past six o ' clock , John Shaw was cal ' el to the chair , and briefly opened the proeuediugs . For the purpose of maintaining the character of the assembly , and preventing the intrusion of improper persons . A resolution wag proposed , seconded , and unanimously adopted to the effect , that the names of the fraternal democrats be
enrolled ; that alter the present meeting , persons wishing to join the assembly shall be admitted only upon the recommendation of two memoirs , sanctioned by the vote of a majority ; but that each meinbsr may introduce a friend on giving his name to tUecltaivraau , such friend not to be allowed to take any part in the proceedings so long as he is not a member . Ally " rules or regulations , " excepting the above , were deemed to be unnecessary , as was also aiiy iixed payments , it being thought that money was unnecessary except for special purposes , when voluntary con-
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tributions would be sufficient , each democrat contributing according to his means . On the question ot appointing oflicers , It was considered that neither council nor committee was necessary , the " Fratcnml Democrats not being a society or party , but merely an assemblage ot men belonging to different countries , tor the purpose of mutual information . The appmntoent ot permanent gecretarics for the purpose ot authenticating all documents issuad to the public , ''s ^ is&iSr ^ FrenchslaToniai 1 gJuLiAN Uarnbt reported , that in accordance with , the instructions of the nrevini « m «> tint . t . h .
, , , Address to the Working Classes of Great Britain a - ? States" uad been sent to a number of the British journals , including all the London daily papers , and that the only journal which had imblished tire address was the Northern Star . ( Hear , hear . ) Ihe address had also been sent to several American journals , lie had the pleasure to inform the meeting that , as some compensation for the shameful conduct ofjtlie London press , he had received a letter from an emiuent literary character , wlioso name was not merely English but European , indeed was known and admired throughout the civilised world . G . J . H . readtheletter , which waimly cxtolkdtho" Address . " The letter « lieiteu much applause . -
" ^ Charlkb K . BRN then proposed the following res&lution : ~ That the Northern Star having published the "Address of the Fraternal Democrats to the People of Great Britain and the United States , " is entitled to our thanks ; and that paper being the only one that has given publicity to the said address , is an additional reason for ua recommending it to the working classes of Europe as u true re . prescntative of democratic principles . Carl Schapper seconded the resolution , which was unanimously adopted .
G . Julian Uarney said , that at the previous meeting he bad given notice of his intention to bring before the present assembly the subject of " the War in India . " Circumstances , however , rendered it necessary to postpone that subject , and instead , to take into consideration the insurrection in unhappy Poland . ( Hear , hear . ) G . J . 11 . then commented at considerable length on the facts of the insurrection , in the course of which he ' highly praised the manifesto issued by the Provisional Government at Cracow , as being based on principles which alone could render the Poles free , great , and happy , lie concluded by proposing , " That it is highly desirable that a public manifestation on the part of the British people , of sympathy with the Polish patriots , be
exiiibitedas speedily as possible ; and that this meeting commence a subscription lorthwith . " Carl Sciiawer seconded the motion . lie spoke at some length on thu wrongs of Poland , aud the duty of all true democrats giving their hearty support to the Polish patriots , lie concluded by announcing that the German Society had commenced a subscription on the previous evening , and that although all the members were working men , and many of them out of employment , they had already contributed four pounds ten shillings and sixpence . ( . Great applause . ) A subscription was then entered into , and £ 2 2 s . 3 d . collected . It should be stated that all the Fraternal Democrats are working men , and many of them , as members of the German Society , had contributed on the previous evening .
An eminent Polish refugee next addressed the meeting , thanking the democrats for their sympathy , and assuring them that the presentrevoUtion , if successful , would result in the triumph of democraticprinciples . Carl Scuaiteii said , that as the monies contributed in France for the Polish cause were sent to the public journals which advocated the caus * , he proposed , therefore , that the monies contributed at thi » meeting should be sent to thcMrlhirn Star , thu proprietor of which papur should be requested to hold ihe monies as treasurer . He was authorised to say that the members of the German Society would also send to the Northern Star the money contributed by them . ( Applause . ) Brother Moll seconded the motion , which was unanimously adopted .
It was announced that the South London Chartists were aireaay bestirring themselves , and contemplated Holding a meeting on an early day in support of the Polish < ausc . This announcement was warmly received , and a deputation was appointed to otter the co-operation of the Fraternal Democrats . The moating then adjourned till Tuesday evening .
MEETING OF THE FRENCH DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY . At the usual weekly meeting of the French Democratic Society , held in the above room , on Monday evening , March 16 th , the subject of the insurrection of Poland was brought under the consideration of the members , who testiiicd the greatest enthusiasm in behalf of their Polisli brethren . A subscription was commenced , and two pounds ten shillings subscribed , Vive la Fologne ! ADDRESS OF THE FRATERNAL DEMOCRATS ASSEMBLING IN LOND ON , TO THE FEOl'LE 01 GREAT nitlTAIN .
"All men art brethren . " FniESDs and Brothers , — The long-oppressed , long-suffering Polish people are again in arms for the recovery of their independence and liberty . The wrongs of bleeding Poland plead "trumpettongued" for your sympathy for her gallant children . Our fathers basely permitted an act of injustice which will for ever remain the shame of the eighteenth century , —the dismemberment of Poland . The present generation are commanded by every priuciplc of justice to aid the gallant Polish people in redeeming the crimes and errors of the past .
When , in 1830 , the Poles rose against the Muscovite miscreant , your sympathies were immediately awakened and warmly expressed . But , unfurtunatciy , you were at that time led by a mock-liberal government , who , affecting to adopt the policy of peace and non-intervention , made that policy the pretext for withholding from Poland that efficient aid you would generously have accorded . At that time the great body of the people—the proletarianstook part in political questions merely as the blind instruments of the classes above them . Ambitious aristocrats and scheming bourgeoisie excited the
people by party cries and factious watchwords to expend their strength in the pursuit of delusive measures , which , when obtained , gave to a few aristocrats place , and to the bourgeoisie power , but which were worse than valueless to the proletarians . Your position is now very different . You are no longer under the leadership of thu middle class ; you lead yourselves . You nave now orators ofyour own . Governments are constrained to at least treat your sentiments with , respect , and no decided public opinion can be created without your sentiments being largely represented therein .
\ Vnrking men of Britain , you have now a power that you possessed not in 1830 ; we appeal to you to exercise that power in behalf of unhappy Poland . We appeal to all classes of the British people to give their sympathy and assistance to the l ' olish eause ; but we appeal to the proletarians specially , because the cause of _ Democratic Poland is their c&use ; and because bitter experience convinces us that the cause of genuine liberty in Poland has but few , very lew friends among the privileged classes of this country . It is not necessary that we should dwell on the horrors of despotic rule in Poland . Despite Siberia and Spielberg , the Russian knout and the German censorship , tho abominations of tyranny ooze out ; and scarcely a day passes that Western Europe is not horrified at the reeital of atrocities committed by the Tsar and his worthy partners in tyranny , the Kasirx of Austria aud Prussia . RememberBritonsthat
, , besides thp thousands who have perished in battle and by the miseries engendered by war , besides these , innumerable victims have been judicially murdered , or indiscriminately massacred . That thousands of Poland ' s sons have suffered more thiui death in being reduced to slavery in the ice-bound wastes of Siberia , or compelled to serve their tyrant in the ranks of his armed slaves . That thousands hive been driven iuto exile , many of them perishing of want or by suicide . That even women and children have been subjected to the most hellish barbarities , too horrible to be described . Uemember these things ; remember that the religion , language , literature , customs , manneis , and feelings of the Polish people have been systematically and ceaselessly outraged ; aud ask yourselves , is it not a sacred duty enjoined upon you , and the people of Europe generally , to briii" this reign of crime and wrong to an end ?
If you ask what can you do ? we answer , thunder iu the ears of the government your will , that thoy should save Poland from the rubber , the tyrant , and the executioner . In that you may not succeed , because the government is not the government of the British people ; but you will at least prove to Europe that if Poland is enslaved it is not with your eonsent . Prove your sympathy with the Polish people , not merely by speecii-making and petitions , but also by pecuniary contributions f » r the promotion of the good cause . In specially appealing to the working classes we are not unmindful of their poverty , and the many claims upon their generous feelings , but the pennies of the proletarians will be welcomed as gratefully by every Pole as though those pennies were pouuds ; for , whether small or large , the contributions will evidence your sympathy .
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Our German and trench brothers are united with us in this demonstration . The members of the Executive Committee of the National Charter As onation have offered their generous co-operation . The Uhartistsot London have already exhibited the best spirit , and , simultaneousl y with ourselves have taken up this important question . A committee has been formed , embracing the members of the Chartist Executive , and next week will see the commence , mentot a series of dcmonstiations in London , of a thoroughly democratic character , which , if followed up by the . people of Britain generally , cannot fail to greatly influence the fortunes of Poland .
People of Great Britain , we request you to hold public meetings in support of the Polish cause . We request you to contribute your pecuniary aid , and to transmit all sums collected to the Northern Star . . In Germany , the people everywhere sympathise with Poland , and can with difficulty be restrained from uniting with the Poles in combatting against their oppressors . In France , the most generous sympathy is manifested b y all classes . In Britain , let the like spirit be exhibited . Fling away from you the reproach that you are " a nation 01 shopkeepers ' Show that you are a nation of patriots , whose patriotism is not that of selfishness , but of humanity , not confined to yourselves , but embracing the whole human race . Poland appeals to the world for succour , let not the people of Britain be the last to aid . Forwards ! Signed by the Secretaries , G . Julian IIarxey . Cael Scuappek . Jean Acqustiwb Miciieloi . PETKn Holm . — Huber . — Nemetk .
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THE LAND MOVEMENT IN AMERICA . Ihe important proceedings in the British Parliament , the Oregon question , the popular movement in several of the states of continental Europe , together with tho agitations in thin country against the militia and for the Chartist Exiles , have left us neither time nor room to notice the proeeedinns of our friends , tha American Reform 8 rs , ' . for some time past . We purpose now to resume our reports of their progress , and with that view we commence by copying the following document , which came to us ia the shape of % huge placard , a few days ago . It is composed of the right sort of stuff , as our readers will see : —
Vi orking Men ! stop and read . You must demand tho freehold , entire use and exercise in your owd proper persons ofyour inalienable right to your domain person , labour , life- ami novm-eiguty ! beforo you cun be redeemed from the five-1 ' old damnation of the non-proauciug , canijusurping , rent-extorting landlords ; ofthe non-producing , body . Belling , whip-driving , and labour-robbing masters ; of the non-producing , hired-labour-forcing » nd profitmongering capitalists aud bosses ; of the non-producing , tax-consuming , capital-punishing , and war-aggresaing govsrnments , and of the non . producing , reform-ignorant , corrupt , office-hunting legislating hunkers for the
nonproductive class ; who , together , by means of rents , interest , banking , profits , monopoly of machinery , hiring , reduced wages , speculation , taxes , tariffs , fees , salaries and exclusive privileges , monopoiiie nearly all the product of labour without contributing any productive employment , in the face of the astounding fact , that nothing but labour can produce property and give title to it , or cultivation give a right to the use 0 ] the earth ; and thus divide society into the two great elasses of a non-producing , haughty and unfeeling aristocracy , md an all property . producing , toil-worn and destitute houseless and landless democracy .
Ceaee , then , to waste yoar means through a sories of generations , in quarter , half , or one-idea fragmentary reforms , such as abolition » f capital punishment or slavery , but embrace the universal five inalienable right or fiveidea reform of the National Reformers , whohave heard the cry of the starving millions for bread in Europu , who hare had even their labour after the most reduced wages taken from them by the monopol y of labour-saving machinery , and how warn the property producers of Amsrica from the infernal progress of this monopolising aristocracy , by begining with pledging electors and candidates to their measures , demanding the right of the landless to an inalienable home on the public lands , limiting the quantity hereafter transferred by present owners , and ultimately to organise into townships of ICO acre farmers and nrti . 6 ans upon central village lots large enough for gardening ao well as manufacturing purposes , so as to produce an equitable exchange assortment of products without the
intervention of the shopper ; while at the same time all can meet in Township hall , and by direct speech , vote his consent to a brief of all the laws proposed , and send it round to the other townships , so that the will of the majority may bo digested in a well-written form by a committee meeting at the capital , aud sent back to the people to be confirmed , amended or rejected ; so that laws shall no more be mere general deeds conveying the product of labour to the non-produeer . Then rally , at Lexington Iiall , on Monday evening , Feb . 1 G , at seven o ' clock . An address to the citizens of Williamsburg will be reported by L . Masquerier , of the committee appointed by a National Reform meeting , with an address by Albert Biisbaue , Esq ., on the principles of reform . The National Re . formera are now organising in every wurd in New York and adjoining cities for the spring election . "Young America , " edited by & . H . Evans , is the organ of the movement , rapidly circulating , 100 dols . per year , 1 G 2 Nassau .
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ADDRESS OF THE CENTRAL ASSOCIATION OF LONDON TRADES , To the Societies and Operatives generally of Great Britain and Ireland , in behalf of the Carpenters and Joiners of Manchester and its Vicinity . Fkllow Woukmen , —In appealing to you for support in behalf of the carpenters and joiners of Manchester , we deem it necessary to gives brief statement of their position and the causes that led to the present strike . The carpenters of Manchester have for many year * had an established rule to work fifty-nine hours per week in the summer and fifty-two in the winter .
For the last two years the employers have been agitating the question of an equalization of the hours throughout the year , by whicli means the fluctuations that have existed in the trade , . and have been so injurious both to theemployerand the employed , should be obviated ; they , therefore , with the workmen unanimously agreed in autumn last , that this dcsirablv object should be carried into effect by commencing work nt seven o ' clock on the mornings of Monday and at six every other morning during the week , and leave work at six each evening except Saturday , then to leave oft' at twelve at noon , making fitty-ieven hours per week the year round ; to this arrangement they have adhered throughout this winter .
The workmen knowing that their trade was in a flourishing state , and consequently an advance of wages had been given in many districts , and knowing also that in other trades an increase of wages had been effected , or the bom's of labour curtailed , they { jave notice to their employers on the 1 st of January for an advance of sixpence per day , to commenco en the 1 st of March . To which notice they received no aunrer until they were invited by advertisement to attend a meeting of the employers , held on February 27 th , 1816 , when , after the deputation had waited four houn , the following note was handed to them , " the employers rei ' uslnc them an audience
;"—ANSWER OF THE CARPENTERS AND JOINERS TO TUB DErilTATION OF JOUUNEYMKN . " That in consideration of the working houra being as follows , viz .: —Sixty hours during the week the year round , with the exception of the outdoor hands , who shall work from light to dark in winter , the pay to beijin at lour o ' clock on Saturday as formerly . " The masters are willing on the above conditions to give the journeymen carpenters and joiners an advance of 2 s . per- week . "— Albion Hotel , February 27 . 1846 .
The proposition of the employers , when submitted to the journeymen , was unanimously rejected by them , well knowing the great evil of increasing the number of working hours , and thereby producing a surplus in the labour market . The consequence was the whole of tho men agreed to turn out on the Monday , when sixty of the smaller employers immediately gave the advanced wages , and the men are at work ; but the larger masters being combined together in an association , aud truiting more to their long purses than the justice of their cause , refuse to alter their decision . There ar « consequently 1 , 300 men out on strike at tho present time .
The Central Association having given a short review of the present position of the Manchester Carpenters ( who have ever been ready to render assistance in similar cases ) , beg most earnestly to appeal to the working classes throughout the United Kingdom in their behalf , trusting that they will generously lend their utmost assistance to enable this desewing body of men to obtain what they are now justly struggling for—viz ., a fair remuneration for their toil , and to prevent an increase of the hours of labour . By order of the Association , John Bush , Carpenter , Chairman . Thomas Bahuatt , Corkcutter , Secretary .
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) Since the above was in type , the masters in the other branches of the building trades have discharged nil their men , to prevent them assisting the carpenters . All communications to be made to Mr . John Bush , ^ o-1 , York-stree ; , Tork-road , London ; or to Mr . James Levcns , 17 , Devonshire-street , Ur . lrue , Man *
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THE POL 1 SII INSURRECTION . Sarmsttiii's on her way , To take tier stand , And wield her brand . As in the aucitnt day .
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Statjs of Teade in BRADfouD . —Every day adds to the appalling wretchedness aud misery of the working classes of this town . Hundreds are beiug turned off from their employment . Masting alter meeting ol the unemployed have been holden , but nothing , itappeurs ; cau or , will be ' ^ k done to relieve the forlorn condition of the unwilling ^ idlers , while the beautiful embellishments of the ware . \ houses and the splendid equipage of the mill-lords mock the misery of the unhappy working classy Leamington . —The cordwaiueri of this , town Uav * adopted the following resolution i— "' That we , the eord >
warncrs ot Leamington , 111 general meeting assembled , do consider the old trade of Glasgow have acted an unmanly part iu uniting with the masters to defeat and deprive union memben of their work ; and tve consider the Liverpool body , and a few of the men of London , to be equall y culpable fur aiding them . We record our '
appears to be every reason to expeat a turn-out among' all the men engaged iu the liuildiug trade in this part ofithe kingdom . At iJirkenheud the joiners and masons are alt out , and the extensive works at that place are at present brought to a stand-still . At Manchester . ihere : is al « p a very general turn-out amongst the men lengaged in . the same description of business , and there is no reason to hope that we shall escape at Liverpool . The men have certainl y chosen their own time well , for there nevw vfa « so great a demand for workmen employed in buildixiffi Thcmasters , however , appear to be very resolute in . refusing their demands . —Liverpool Tirnct .
The Strike of thb Joiners aWD jBaicitbATEBS . lS ' . ' Manchester . —In consequence of the-slaters , iPlumheriB , glaziers , plasterers aud painteWf tri ^ ' vUjeltVilabbuifMV ^ having been called upon for levies in support of the turn , outs in the other brandies of the builing trades , to which calls they had responded , the master builders of Man . Chester have fait obliged , in order to bring the struggle to a eedy termination , to suspend building operations entirely ; and sinec Saturday evening ,, the 7 th instant , the whole of the men employed iu the building trades hare been out of employmeut . The joiners and carpenters , together vvith the masons , some time since obtained a reduction in the hours of labour , having been permitted to leave off work at noon on Saturdays , and to resume em . ployiuent at seven o ' c ock on Mondays , instead of six , as on every other day of the week , The demand now made is for 3 s . per week ixtra . wages . The masters have offered 2 s . extra per week , if the men will return to their old hours : this has been refused . —Liverpool Times .
Lace Factoeies . —The bill now in the House of Commons , bearing the names of Mr . Thgmus Duncombe , Colonel Rolleston , and Mr . John Fielden , " to regulate the hours of night labour in all factories where bobbinnet warp-lace machinery is employed , " contains seventeen , provisions , and a schedule of five forms to be used in its operation . The preamble declares , that it is ucceasarj ( the expression " expedient" is omitted ) for thepresem . tion of health and morals , to regulate night labour in all factories where bobbin-net or warp-lace machinery is employed or worked for making lace or any other fabric . It is proposed that night labour shall cease , and that th « machinery shall not commence working earlier than gut o ' clock in tho morning , nor worit jatcr ti . «» »„„ o ' c ! ort at night , subject to fines and penalties , which are set forth . The first penalty i * to be 50 ? ., and others of 1001 . Children under eight years old are not to be employed ,
and children and young persons are not to be employed in the factories beyond the time already mentioned . Some » f the other provisions are for the carrying the act into f jrce , and Mr . Dmutoinbe has considered it necessary to annex penal ties for disobedience of the ennctments . It is provided by the 15 th section , that a number of persons shall not act as justices under the act—it has a very sweeping tendency , " That no justice of the peace being a proprietor , owner , or holder of the bobbin-net or warplace machines , or receiving any emolument frjn tha making of any articles on the said machinery , er the father , or the son , or the brother , or the uncle , or the cousin of any such person , shall act as justice under this act . " The measure , which is to extend to England and Wales , contains an improved provision for its operation*—a new feature in acts of Parliament—it is not to commence till the expiration of one calendar month aft § r the day of passing .
The Beltast Shokjjakses . —Meeting at Halifax . —A public meeting of tho trades was held on Jlonday evening last , in the Working Man's Hall , Halifax , to take into consideration the case of the operative shotmakerg of Belfast , totnlist the ' sympathy of the trades in their favour , and give that pecuniary assistance necessary to enable them to withstand the tyrannic » l project of the masters to break up the union and lay labour prostrate in the dust . Mr . Beaumont , shoemaker , was called to the chair . Mr . W . Wallace , shoemaker , moved the first resolution , and explained the conduct of masters and the situation of the mea , and called ujion hit fellow-workmen , to come forward and r » nder th « m all the assistance ia
tkeir power . Mr . Furniss , shoemaker , seconded the resolution , which was supported by Mr . B . Rushton , hand-. loom w « u . ver , and carried unanimously . Mr . Webber , woolcomber , moved tha second resolution , and called upon the working men to be united . Seconded by Mr , Swallow , fkotmaker , and ably supported by Mr . Baldwin , woolcomber . Carried unanimously . Mr . Evans , shoemaker , moved the third resolution , which was seseconded by Mr . Smith , shoemaker . Carried unanimously , Mr . Crossland , handloom weaver , moved the fourth resolution , which was seconded by Mr . Birtnhistle , and carried unanimously . Thtnks were guen to the chairman , and the meeting separated .
Lancashire Miners . —Thenext general delegate meeting of Lancashire miners will be held , on Monday , 23 rd of March , at the house of Mr . John Speakman , sign of the Millstone , lMckley-green , near Leigh ; chair to be taken at eleven o ' clock in the forenoon . There will also be a public meeting which will be addressed by W . P . Roberts , Esq ., and several of the agents of the Miners' Association . The miners of Boltou and its vicinity are still out , with little or no appearance of an amicable arrangement of tho matters in dispute ; it has , however , beeu ascertained that there is a determination existing on the part of some of the coal proprietors to break up the Miners' Union . Will the various trades look tamel y on while such nefarious villany is in contemplation ? Shall the miners battle alone and single-handed in thwarting the designs of
unprincipled employers ! If so , let the trades look to it , they will follow in the wake of the miners . Members of trades' unions , fly to the rescue ! Upwards of 1400 miners are now fighting your battle as well as their own . They do not despair , but they want you to sympathise with them , and render them all the assistance you can . Their demands from their late employers are not exorbitant—they only asked for 4 s . per day ; they did not strike ; they were driven from their employment , and to the men , who have been brought to fill their places , 4 s . fid . per day with refreshments are given . Does not this fact speak volumes , and show clearly that trades' unions arc dreaded by the unprincipled portion of employers in every trade ? Hence the attack upon the Miners' Union , by disdischarging from their employ upwards of 1400 of its
members , at a time , too , when tlicre was a steady demand for coal , at an advance to the public of upwards of 3 s . per ton . The poorfellows and theirfamilflg are suffering very severely ; many of them have been driveu out of theii miserable homes , and for aught their oppressors cared , might have died in tho fields or on the roads . Trades ' societies , give the miners your assistance in this struggle , and there will be little fear but they will yet triumph . Signed , on behalf of the miners of Lancashire , Wm . Guocott , County Secretary . —Manchester , March 11 , 1 S 40 . — . Monies may be sent to Win . Grocott , No . 1 . Camplin ' sbuildings . Mount-street , Ancoats , ManclKstcr ; or to Mr . Charles Meadowcroft , Astl » y-street , Dukinfield , Cheshire . Wm . Groeott most thankfully acknowledges the sum of £ 10 from the minus of Holytown , Scotland , per Wm . Cloughan ,
Ladies' Shoemakers . —City Division A . meeting of this body was held in the large room of the Old Boll , Old Bailey , on Monday evening , March the 9 th . Mr . Wm . Hum in tho chair . A petition was submitted on bohalf of Frost , Williams , and Jones , and carried with great enthusiasm ; ordered to be signed by the chait man , in behalf of the meeting , and forwarded to Mr , Duncombe for presentation ; 4 s . 18 d . was collectod in the worn in support of the Exiles' Restoration Committee . A motion to the effect that , " This body do unite with tho National Unitud Trades' Association for the Protection of Industry , " was submitted by Mr . llobson , in an able , convinciiv ,
unanswerable speech . An amendmentto the effect , " That we dsem shopmeetings best calculated to serve our interests , " was moved by a . shopm . ite , and after a very able dobattf , in which Messrs . Luke , Kiiijr , Dennis , Shea , aud Mr . Robson toek part , a division was called , and the motion was carried by an overwhelming majority . Mr . Robson , at the request of the meeting , postponed his ino-i tion to the effect that , <¦ The City division of Ladies' Shoemakers do take up shares inthe Na . tioiul United Association , of Trades ( Trades'Land Society ) , for tho omployment of labour , until the next general meeting , on the understanding that it then and there take precedence of all other business .
Leeds Shoemakers . —The annual meeting of the Cordwainers'Mutual Assistance Association was held ia Leeds , ou Monday and Tuesday , the 9 th and 10 th inst ., William Stewart , of Leeds , in the chair . The district accounts being audited aud found correct for the past year , and tho whole amount of levies callod for by the General Secretary having been paid , with the oxceptiou of £ 1 3 s ., several suggestions for altering and amending the general laws of the association was agreed to , to be submitted to the ensuing conference . A strong determination was expressed to support the injured men in our trade at Belfast , to the utmost in our power .
Bilston . —A public and delegate meeting of the South Staffordshire Miners was held at Hall-green on Monday last , Mr . James Blaekway , in the chair . Messrs . Browa and Wellsby addressed the audience , which was a veryattentive one . A good impression was made on the meeting , and several gave in their names to form a Lodge of the Miners' Association . The next delegate meeting will be held at the Samson and Lion , Groencroft , Bilston . Lodges neglecting to send u delegate will forfeit Is . 2 d .- > Joun Jones . District Secretary .
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- l < iV ;^~ . ^! TC ^ £ . ^^ £ ^
To The Members Of The Chartist Co-Operative T.And Associai Kw"'
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CHARTIST CO-OPERATIVE T . AND ASSOCIAI KW "'
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' ' ' ' '; ... . AND NATIONAL TRADES' JOURNAL .
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X « B 1 1 VOL . . NO . 436- LONDON , SATURDAY ^ MAKCH 21 , 1846 . r . ™ , raraNCE „ ' ; - »<« 8 lilllto «» aiiJ 8 l » pence va <(„„„„ .
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), March 21, 1846, page unpag, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1359/page/1/
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