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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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olTlTC 0 F '* ALC 0 UI * 'GREG 0 B . ^ trammel n » ysd ffor a Aort time ' for ' If I £ »* "L nol aeare entire or wen long rettnt ^^ L ^ tchtag inflaencethatlfeelKatMeen £ * * - £ *« my every thought , I niD , *« ^ er the nnaaoraed narrative of " THE pte * , ^ » for such " minehost" turned out to ^ reader must p icture to himself a stranger bs . ^^ mea to all the comforts of a happy toafl ^ ' ^ se which the Lest hotels can furnish , ios * \ gjgn society from the ranks of the gay , « 5 t 1 * - and « eHinformea , as his companions ! fls sp ^ y ^ j tj , aii the dissipation that courts and jnflJ ' flf lively fashion afford , sitting in the tiit * ^ n oi an Irish cabin , \ rith an aged and ^^ L peasant , and his two peasant children , as sn ^^^ companions . Yet , strange as it may ^ xai do as * ^ PP ^ aPP etite for ^' lile enjoyment to be , I fonnd a chord pP " ? r jfcji till now had remained mute and ^ T flt hin me ; I felt a mixture of honest delight ? tonishinent » mingled with no small share of " ^ Loach , for having spent so many years of the ! j 1 Dt ] jfe in search of what is termed polite lite-^ a nda knowledee of the world , while I left un-! ^ and was ignorant of the sphere and circle ^ valuable knowledge may be acquired and pure Z * £ t enjoyed . The ODonnell , a muscular looking
~ ol neaily four-score years , with his snow white iKk streaming npou Ms hrawny shoulders , with r gooe blue eye that seemed to read my inmost jjoag k ! s , and a freshness that frugality and content--prt alone can give , sat in the chimney corner , jjjjjng forward upon his staff , with the prop of the tense , young Phelim , upon his left hand , while I jjeap fed the opposite niche , with Kathleen upon , jj right , husfly employed in airing sheets , pillow-^ es and a night-cap , and mending stockings , not ^ attentive to her father ' s oft-told tale , nor much
pat out of the way by the presence of a stranger ftie little circle thus arranged after supper , and at jnv request , the O'Donnell gave roe the following vjstory of bis times and family .
NARRATIVE OF THE O'DONNELL . "Well , " said the patriarch , " I ' m running on to fourscore years , and , thanks he to God , I never had j dav ' s sickness . I ' m living in this townsland , and ay ancestors before me , over FIVE HUNDRED IEAHS , but we have no SURE account before that time only in them days , and till William come with iie English , it belonged to ourselves , but now we ' re glad , ' God be praised / to rent a bit of it . I had a large spot of over 100 acres from the ould Lord , God rest his sowl , hut I gave it up to Jack and Xedeen , when they got married , and I come to Has place with the Gossoon here , and Kathleen . I tad two bovs and two girls be my first partner , ' God
rest her sowl , * as good chuder as ever a poor man « a blessed with , and all , thanks be to God , well to fa . \ f elL snre when they all got married , I used to act as herdsmen to the ould Lord , and but I jjeked up with the dairymaid that used to milk the ours , as comely a girl as you'd see in a day ' s walk , ffla the ould Lord and my Lady was very fond of as both , and when the young Lord was born , Phelim lare , too , was born on the same day , and the poor woman that's sick in there now with the rheumatics , being so clean in herself , they took her to
the castte and gave her the nnrsing of the present Lord , and they'd let her have Phelim there to see Jam on Sundays , and he and the young Lord was peat playfellows together , being they were fosterers ( foster-brothers ) , and we went on that way tin Pheh' meen and the young Lord was about 16 years , always taking Phelim with him shooting and Cowsing , and bird catching ; and sure there was no
one like Phelim with Mm . "When he ' d come from ichool it was , ' where ' s Phelim V and what he done TO 3 always snre to be right . Well , my dear sir , tMs went on till the young Lord went to College , ind wishing to settle Phelim first , he got the ould for a" to give him a laise of this spot , for all our own &ts and 31 years , and be helped us , and madegreat improvements ; and Phelimeen is always putting by for Kathleen , in case she might get married . "
God forgive me ! but my whole frame trembled sheti I heard the last sentence . " And , " I observed , tastily , " what then , is Katb , that is , is Miss O'Don-Eell going to be married ? " "No , sir , " replied Kathleen , "I have no notion < ii it yet . " This assorance gave me relief , and the O'Donnell continued , " Well , the young lord would come over to see us , and send us help , and would hie Phelim down to the castle shooting and fishing Then be came home from College , and Kathleen should go to help in the dairy . But sure , as bad
tack would have it , when the young lord bad done with college , the ould lord died , and then the young one went on his travels , and indeed he brought Lome an English wife , and ever since the ould place las been turned out of the windows , and all the cmld people have been sent upon the world . Nothing res good enough for hen and all English sarvants ana all English people , and all come to the castle , and them that was good enough to drive the ould mksis , God rest her sowL was ' nt fit to drive the sot one ; and who ever beard of a lady being
dressed by Molly Mulligan—that was the one that used to dress the ould lady—and think of axing Teadv for a plate at dinner , or calling to Murtough , the footman , to tell Curly , the coachman , to stop . 0 , says she , upon my honour , it's enough to frighten a lady out of her wits : —so nothiug would do , there was no company good enough for her , so ' pon my word , they say she took tbeiulks , and saidshe'de stop at borne and never go out till she routed the whole house , and made the young lord sell up bag and baggage , and go off to England ; end as they
hadn't much spare money , Captain Squcezetenant , that was always frightening the English woman out of her wits about the danger of stopping here in the winter , and telling her lies about tbe Irisb . he comes down with the money , and all tbe laises being out then the ould lord died , he takes all , castle and all , and tbey makes him a magistrate , and sure he came lere a raw gossoon about forty years ago with his fether , without shoes or stockings , but the father « as a great man about elections , and was made bailiff , and would whip up all the cheap farms over
lie heads of the tenants , when the laises would he running out , and now he has the parish to himself , ad nobody dare say . ' Why did yon doit , ' whatsomerer he does , and God help us but he ' s ruining the ¦ whole parish , and sure though -we has a laise of this spot , as I tould yon , we don ' t know the day we may ? t the road , " as he begun already to clamper —( go to W)—for ould conditions , so we have no heart to king manure , or do any thing that would rise the ¦ teat upon us , or may be put us out after all ire tone . "
"No , nor the devil an inch of it they'll get from **? ' says young Phelim , starting up , " they shall lever have my sweat , they shall have my life first , fa be the CROSS of—God forgive me ! I'll die Wore I'll give it up . " "Hould your tongue , you foolish boy , " said the klher , " you don ' t know what you ' re talking about , ^ SAXON LAW is too strong ' foryou . " " Yes , " observed Kathleen , with a sigh , " let them *» e it ralber than be hurt , and you shall keep all ^ Jaoaey , and we'll both work to keep father and Mother . " J was about to say , " No , you never shall *« V' hut I restrained mvself .
* "W eH , " continued O'Donuell , " Kathleen rejoined at the Castle after the Captain and bis au sekeeper come there , but , one day , she comes ining Lome , on a Sunday , just as we were going ^ ass , and ihe ciyin ? as if her heart would break ;
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and she never would tell me the reason of her laving , hut I believe she tould her mother . " " Yes , " said Phelim , " Thevillain , and I'll have his life . " "What , then , " said 1 , no longer able to restrain my indignation , " did he insult you ?" Kathleen wept ; and with a deep , deep sigh , answered " No , sir , I'de kill myself first , hut he caught me and asked me to—" 11 Enough , enough , " I ejaculated hastily , " He ' s a villain . " O'Donnell resumed his narrative .
"Well , sir , he continued , "I ax you , is not it a hard case to he in dread of being sent to the road in my ould age , " rising slowly from the bench and , with great care , pulling an old leather hag from his breeches pocket , " look there , your honour , " he continued , taking a roll of old papers out of several old bandages of leather and linen , " look there , them is the papers of tbe lands of Crief and O'Donnell's Town , that was in our family for hundreds of years , and the Crowley ' s , and Bryan ' s , and Moore ' s and Father O'Farrel , all has there ' s . " " And how did you lose them ? " said I .
•• Lose them , " he replied ; " why , when William and the English come over here , the ould Lord ' s great-gra ndfather was a corporal ; and I often hear my grandfather—God rest hu sowl ' . —telling how he heard his father say , that Corporal Buttermilk watched Father O'Farrell ' E great-grandfather , night and day , till he found out his cave in the mountain . He was a priest , and was obliged to hide himself there ; and he and my ancestor used to be in it together ; and he'd come out to celebrate mass in the hills ; and sure , Buttermilk , the ould Lord's
ancestor , nabbed them both , and tbey murdered them for being papists and saying mass—the Lord save us!— and he got all t he lands of the O'FarrelTs , the O'Donnell ' s , the Moore ' s , the Crowley's , and the Bryan's . Musha , Phelim , show his honour the blessed cave ; I'll engage but not a child in the county but knows it , and blesses it when he passes . It ' s on the way to Father O'Farrell ' s . And now , " he continued , still standing ,
and with great energy , " I ax you—is it any wonder that my ould blood should boil , when I think ef an upstart spladdereen living on the spot where my forefathers owned ; for , indeed , that child there , ( pointing to Kathleen ) , could show you where the ould house stood ; and to think that she , a real O'Donnell—for her mother was a cousin of my own , and she has the eyes , and nose , and hair of the O'Donnell' s—should be a scullion in his kitchen ; and that the thief should dare to offend her . "
Here the old man . seized his staff with both hands , winding it round his head , and looking at Kathleen , said , — " My child , why didn't you tell me the reason of your laving ? and , ould as I am , but I'd have the villain's life . Now , your honour , " he concluded ; "is it any wonder that we should hate the Saxon laws , and that we should love our priests that sheltered us
when the enemy come , and that lost their all rather nor forsake us ; for sure , if they'd only turn Proest ants , they might keep their estates and be gentlemen : and now , in my ould age , I suppose I shah be turned on the road . God help us !!!" " I do not wonder , O'Donnell , " I replied ; " and I join fully in your hate , and bate myself for having lived so long in ignorance of the history of such a race ; but you shall never be turned upon tbe road . " ( To he continued . )
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ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE CHARTIST LAND COMPANY . The delegates assembled at the People ' s Ilall , Loveday-street , Birmingham , on Monday , December 7 th . Tbe following is the
LIST OF DELEGATES . Mr . James Sweet , Nottingham and district . Mr . William IIahbr , OJdham and district . Mr . E . Rouse . Reading and district , and the seve ral districts in France . Mr . William Brook . Leeds and district . Mr . George Cavil , Barnsley and district . Mr . John Gilbebtsok , Carlisle and district . Mr . John Smtth , Bradford and district . Mr . William Cuffay , Metropolitan districts . Archibald Walker , and Robert Burrell , Scottish districts . Daniel Diikovas and William Dixon , Manches ter and districts .
Mr . William Cosn , jun ., Persbore and district . Mr . Hexkt Ross , Metropolitan districts . Mr J . Shaw , do . Mr . Robert Wild , Ashton-under-Lyne , and districts . Mr . Charles Smith , Halifax and districts . Mr . James Brows , Preston and districts . Mr . James Bootel , Wigan and districts . Mr . Ubnry Page , Plymouth and districts . Mr . George IIollowat , Birmingham and districts . At eleven o'clock , Mr : James Sweet was unanimously elected president of tie Conference . Mr . T . M . Wheeler was unanimously appointed Secretary .
STANDING ORDERS . On the motion of Messrs . Brook and Smyth , it was resolved : — That the Conference assemble ; it half-past nine o ' clock in the morning , sit until one , and then adjourn for dinner until half-past two , then resume their sittings , and conclude for the day at six o ' clock . On the motion of Messrs . Donovan and Smith , it was resolved : — Tbat the directors be allowed to submit motions , not to vote thereon . . On the motion of Messrs . M'Grath and Cavill , it was resolved : — That each delegate on making a motion be allowed to speak for ten minutes , and each other speaker five minutes .
On the motion of Messrs . Dixon and Cuffay , Mr . William Lees was appointed room door keeper , and occasional messenger ; his salary to be 3 s . per day . The Conference thin adjourned until two o ' clock .
AFTERNOON SITTING . At two o ' clock the Conference resumed . A protest was presented from Bury against the election of Mr . Ilamer , and declaring that Mr . Ireland had the greatest number of votes—Upon which Mr . J . Skaw moved : — That a Committee of five be appointed to inyeBtigate the return , aa < i report accordingly . Seconded by Mr . Brook , and carried unanimously . Tbe following persons were selected as the committee : —Messrs . Cavil , Cuffay , Wild , Dixon , and Gilbertson . Mr . O'Connor moved : — That a committee of seven be appointed to examine the financial accounts of the Company from its commencement to the present time . Mr . Brook seconded the motion . —Carried unanimously .
_ _ In moving it Mr . O'Connor suggested that they should be selected from different parts of the coun try , in order that all might be fully satisfied . Messrs . Donovan , Conn , Walker , Burrell , Shaw , W . Brook , and Page , were appointed . Mr . William Dixon brought forward the case of a disputed claim to a house in the Chartist Co-operative Land Company , between Messrs . Barber and Houghton , of Ashtnn-under-Lyne , arising out of the sale of si share , which turned up a prize . Mr . Walker said be intended to submit a motion to the effect that no person shall be allowed to sell a share after drawing a prize . He would , therefore , suyeest that Mr . Dixou ' s question should stand over iinifl such time as his intended motion was disposed of . Mr . O'Coxxgr tbouirht it rather a question for the directors thai * tbe Conference .
Mr . T . -M . WiiEFLERsaid the case had been already c onsidered and disposed of by the Board of Directors ; the facts were that a Mr . ' Mills , who held a share , wisbeif to so to America , and consequently had transferred his share previous to the ballot , and when the
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ballot took place , it happened to turn iip a prize ; the person to whom it was transferred , held other shares at the "time , but immediately transferred them ; this question had been submitted to the board , and decided oh its merits to be a strictly legal transaction . Mr . SMTTn thought the country was of opinion that no man could legally transfer his share after having obtained his allotment by ballot . ' Mr . T . M . Whkblkr said such things were of daily occurrence . A man held shares , he became depressed in circumstances from slackness of work or other misfortunes , and thus was compelled to dispose of them ; such was the case with Mr . Mills . Mr . O'Connor thoueht there was no cause for alarm ; he had offered eighty pounds for a four acre allotment at Herringsgate , and his offer was declined .
Mr . G . Cavil moved that this Conference agrees with the decision made in this case by the Directors , believing it to be strictly legal . Mr . Gilbbrtson seconded the motion , which , after a few words from Messrs . Cuffay and Donovan , was carried . . Mr . O'Connor in carrying out the programme of business , brought forward the question of a
BASK OP DEPOSIT AND IS 8 UB . and said it was an important question—it would obviate the necessity of either sale or mortgage of the Land- Mortgage would to , a certain extent cripple their exertions , as for twelve thousand pounds worth of property , they could not expect to get more than eight thousand by mortgage . He thought their bank giving three per cent ., would be far better , and much more secure than the existing banks . He had received many votes from trade societies , requesting him to establish a bank , and promising to withdraw their deposits , and deposit their cash in the People's Bank a 9 soon as established , and there ' s would not be like many others , mere bubble security , but the good and substantial one of land . This . would afford the
company time to wait , and not force on a sale ; whereby they might , if they determined to sell , realise sixteen thousand pounds for their Herrimisgate property ; which , it would be seen , the amount of rent realised would justify a capitalist giving , and thus would they be enabled to carry on the operations of the society much quicker , and locate one thousand , where now they could only locate one hundred . The people had now begun to see the value of Land , and the Star of Ia 9 t week exhibited at one view the mind of the working men of England , Ireland , and Scotland , all co-operating for one object . The people were anxious to obtain immediate possession of land , and hence the necessity of taking some effectual step to secure that object .
Mr . Bcrrell rose with great pleasure to second the motion , he believed a bank of deposit and loan was the best thing that could be adopted . A provident bank had been established in Scotland , and the security offered was the docks and harbours of Greenock , which no one was likely to purchase , and our national Bank of England offered no better security than eight hnndred millions of debt '/ He thought the proposed bank should be managed as a separate and distinct concern , apart from the Land Company , although in aid of its objects , and he would like it to be placed under the direction of thn British Guarantee Society , which had the sanction of government , and he thought its directors should bpaid as well as the directors of any other banks . Ee cordiallv seconded the motion . Mr . Clark said many members of the company
desired that their allotraent < should become freehold , the moti'in submitted would have the effect of aceomplishins this . He believed , if the Bank couW give three per cent ., gentleman ' s servants and other small capitalists would be happy to bank with tht-m , taking their Chartist Land as their security , and he believed the allottees , in six years , would be able to possess their allotments as freeholds . He did not agree with Mr . Burrell , that it should be separate and distinct from tbe society . Mr . W . Dixon said his constituents were much in favour of this object , and a trades' body , with who'i , he was well acquainted , were ready to withdraw their money from the savings bank and deposit it in the people ' s bank .
Mr . Donovan said he thought the proposition was calculated to put the people in possession of the land much speedier than they otherwise could , ne believed the plea was well calculated to make the company what it was intended to be , the regeneration of the working classes . Mr . Wild said the question had been discussed amonsst his constituents , and he thought if the trades put their funds in their hands , there might be circumstances occur tbat would compel those societies to draw out their deposits , at the rate of thousands per week . Now he thought if a capital of £ 50 , 000 was raised there could be no difficult in keeping a capital of £ 15 , 000 in land to meet such emergencies . Ilia district was desirous of becoming freeholders , and he thought this was the only course calculated to give the directors the power to hold the land until such times as the allottees could purchase their own allotments .
Mr . Smith , Bradford , thought a vast number of freeholders would be the depositors , and consequents , no danger to be apprehended from precipitate withdrawal of capital . Many thousand pounds from Ins district only waited the establishment of the people ' s Bank and would be immediately deposited Mr . J . R . Smart said hisdistrict was unanimously in fivoiir of a bank of deposit and loan . Mr . Paok said , he wa 3 acquainted with persons who were ready to deposit five hundred pounds in such a bank immediately it was opened , he wished it to be in connexion with the movement , and should support it . Mr . Shaw said , he was instructed to support the proposition , and not to part with the land under any circumstances whatever , the company was formed to get the land for the people . He knew there were many persons who were ready to deposit their , superfluous cash with them .
Mr . O'Consor wished to be permitted to say a few words more before they adjourned . He meant by his projected plan , three departments , first , deposit ; second , redemption ; third , sinking fund . As regards the withdrawals , timely notice would be given , the redemption fund too , would be security for moiv than any snm likely to be withdrawn , ne hoped this Conference , before it separated , would put its veto , on selling the land , altogetllei ' . The great ob eet was to get the land and keep it . If a run was made , which he did not anticipate , a mortgage could be readily obtained to meet it ; establish this bank of deposit and the locating of the people would be easy —as easy to locate a thousand as it wag now a hundred ; he had credit himself to raise a capital sufficient to meet any run that might be made . ( Loud cheers . ) The question was then adjourned , after which , the Conference , likewise , adjourned until the follow .
ing morning . TUESDAY . The Conference resumed its sitting this morning at the time appointed . Mr . Sweet in the chair . Mr . Gilbkrtsos reported from the committee on the Oldham District election , that the election waa informal , and that Mr . Hauler ' s election was consequently null and void . Mp . ' Burreli . moved that Messrs . Hamer and Martin Ireland be allowed to sit as representatives of the Oldhain district . Mr . Henry Ross seconded the motion . Mr . Brook moved as an amendment that the report just presented be received . Mr . Rousb seconded the amendment . The original resolution was carried . Mr . Cuffay moved that the votes given by the two delegates just seated count as one . —Mr . J . Shaw seconded the motion .
Mr . Brook moved , as an amendment , tbat the minutes be read . —Mr . Clark seconded the
amendment . Amendment carried , and the minutes was accordingly read and confirmed . The Secretary har . ded in a protest against tlie election of Mr . Smith for the Halifax district which was referred to the committee on contested elections . The adjourned debate on the BANK OF DEPOSIT AND ISSUE , on the motion of Mr . O'CoNson , wag resumed by Mr . Shaw , who briefly expressed a wish for its
success . ... Mr . Bhook said the question of sale and mortgage had been much discussed in the Leeds district , where a strong feeling prevailed against the selling of the land , and they , would be . much gratified when they heard that this motion was adopted . Mr . Gilbertson coincided with the view of the ast speaker . Mrl Bkadlky said his constituents feared that the Government might take steps to break up the Bank , and therefore wished that persons desirous of withdrawing money to the amount of one hundred pounds slimilil Rive six months' notice . Mr . Smith , Halifax , would support the proposition , if small deposits could be received . M < ssrs . Cavill , Conn , Brown , and Ilamer , supported the motion . ¦
Mr . Ilolloway read some res » lutions passed at Kidderminster , in favour of leaving the question in the hands of the directors , and from other places in favour of a Bank . He supported the motion .
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V Mr . Rouse said , he represented some fourteen towns , RU $ pposcd to the selling of the Land , under any circiHnstances . His constituents in France would unjiqrtaUe to -deposit some seven hundred . pounds . ' ¦ $£ ¦ - - > - = ^ t zi ^' -: ' ¦ v- ' ¦ ¦ ; ... Mr , CcjrjrAT said he had received no instructions as regards the Bank , but he was instructed to oppose the sale of , the Land , and hence he would support the motion , and trusted great caution would be observed . >;{ ¦ Mr ., Sunn ' s instructions was to support the motion . , . ¦ . ¦ ¦¦ : Mr . T . 81 Wheeler would support tho establish * mentofahank of depo .-it , but he thought branch banks would ; be to unweildy for them to manage at present . Ho thought a redemption fund was an absolute necessity , : ,
Mr . O Connob would he Borry to see any large capitalist or m » ney-monger deriving benefits from the results of his labours . Aa to the sums to be paid in , he would say any sura , as they had threepenny instalments hev could not- see why they should not pay . threepenny deposits to the Redemption Fund , and it wonld « n « ble the members to place the money in banks instead ; of ) tbe publican ' s store . He was decidedly opposed to loans . If they mortgaged , they sacrificed , and if they . ? old , they must do it in a way that would insure a profit . There was no mortgage on a tittle , of their property . He had been offered seven thousand as rqortf age on the Redmarley estate , but bad declined the-offer , determined to leave the q ' uestjpniiietnbarrassed for the decision of Conferof the fonk
ence . ^ Asl&the question having separ-. ite . it was impossible , for where would be theseou * rity .- Separate and distinct directions , would , of course , be necessary . - As to branch banks , they were impossible ; they must have but'one central reservoir for the receipt of cash . He hoped they would come to an unanimous vote on the question . lie had never charged a shilling for his travelling expenses to view estates , although it had cost him fifteen pounds in a week , but' henceforth as they were a wealthy society , he should consider them better able to pay than he was . ( Loud cheering . ) Again he trusted they would come to an unanimous decision . Mr . Brook thought the best way would be to eubmit a distinct proposition , he would therefore propose the following : —
That it will be more conducive to tho interest of the Lund Company , both collectively nnd individually , that funds requisite for the carrying out the object of the company be raised by the establishment of a bank of deposit of either sale or mortgage . Mr . BuKKEUi mured : — That a committee of five persons bo appointed to draw up a code of rules , on which the bank shall be established , Mr . Walker seconded the motion . Mr . J . Shaw proposed as an amendment—That the directors shall submit the details of a plan for the establishment of a bank of deposit , and report the same to-morrow . [ Mr . Shaw's amendment was not seconded . *] Mr . Donovan moved the following amendment—Thiit Mr . Burrell , and all persons who have any information to give , do convey the same b y letter to the directors . Mb . Brook seconded the amendment .
The mover and seconder having expressed a wish to withdraw the motion , it was accordingly withdrawn , and the amendment was unanimously agreed to . Mr . O'Connor next submitted the next question on the programme : — What sort of cottages shall be erected for the allottees for tbfi future , and bow much money shall be expended ill thiir erectiDD . He thought ihe cottages should be as much alike as possible , and four rooms the greatest number of rooms lie thought such cottages would not cost more than seventy pounds in their erection . Indeed he thought three rooms sufficient , giving the occupant the privilege of adding at his own pleasure and expense , and then these cottages would not cost more than sixty pounds each . It was of all things necessary that a plan of cottages should be decided on .
Mr . Sitaw thoueht it an important question for the consideration of this Conference , he would therefore . propose-That a committee of five persons be appointed , consisting of the following persons , Messrs . Ross , Smart , Wild , Dixon , and Iiurrell . to carry out the object contemplated . Mr . C&xihij seconded the motion , Mr . Smyth nuved—That three room cottages on one floor be adopted . Seconded by Mr . Page . Mr . Burrell moved—That each allottee shall have his choice as to the size of the hnusi- lie may wish to occupy , always provided , be doi& not exceed the sum appropriated tor that purpose . Mr . Bkadlky seconded this amendment .
Mr . Wild thought the rule had better remain as it was . Mr . Clark , thought the several class of houses should be uniform , making the largest four rooms , and that no larger be allowed unless the allottee shall be prepared ta deposit the cash requisite for tint purpose . Mr . Cuffay was opposed to the motion for a committee , lie wished faith to be kept with the present members , ho would wish them to have all that had been promised . Although as a democrat he admired equality and uniformity , he could not forget that the 11 resent system was founded on a rule adopted by the late Conference , and on which promise the Bhares had been taken up .
• AFTERNOON SITTING . Resumption of the debate on the plan of cottages . Mr . Henry Ross , said he did not agree with Mr . O'Connor , that the cottages were too large , at the same time a four room'd house wai large ermigli for moderate families . He thought tbat the members should be allowed to exercise their taste , and if there was a little diversity , it would only bts in accordance with nature ' s laws . He was desirous of seeing some regulation made by which shareholders could build their own houses , he knew many members that would like to do so . Mr . Gilbertson , said he was instructed to vote for two , three , and lour rooms , according to the several classes . Mr . Smyth , thought three room'd house would be deemeil a paradise by the poor woolcombers .
Mr . Dixos , thought four rooms quite sufficient , and as many as would be kept comfortable when obtained . Mr . M'Ghath could not agree with any of the propositions now before the Conference . He thought provision should be made to suit the condition and circumstances of all parties . He would move the following resolution : — Thut there shall be but two classes of houses , comprising respectively three and four rooms , of not less than twelve feet square , and th-it it shall be optional with the allotees as to which of them they shall have , allotces however to have houses of larger dimensious provided they advance the requisite capital for that purpose . Mr . Dotlk would second the motion . Mr . Brook , suggested a slight amendment to Mr . M'Grata ' s proposition . Mr . M'GiiATn , had no objection to adopt Mr . Brook ' s suggestion .
Mr . O'Cmnnor said the object of this discussion was to ensure economy in the cottages combined with comforts . He agreed with those who said , the members of the company had elected a Conference like this , to make alterations and amend rules for the government of the Company , and would doubtless be satisfied with the conclusion this Conference might come to . Mr . Ross had said he objected to uniformity , lie ( Mr . O'Connor ) did not wisli it in the way supposed . They might build the cottages like Noars Ark if they wished , but he wanted ; m uniformity in price , and if the allotces wished and had the means , th ( : y might if they liked build castles . Ikdid nob think they broke faith , seeing that they did not charge for that they did not build . They must come to Fome description of a house ; he had drawn up this rule for the opinion of Conference , and whicli he would submit : —
Thut the society shall not , out of the funda , build any house of mure than four rooms , for four acre , and three acre occupant * , and three room'd houses for two acre occupants , no room to be less than twelve feet square ; whiiv all lots balloted for shall be assigned to the parties getting prizes before the houses are built , then leaving il optional with such occupants , as to whether or not the , \ wish for an ; addition to the society ' s regulation and fur which such occupants shall pay themselves before such alterations are undertaken . Mr , Hesky Ross seconded Mr . O'Connor's amendment . Mr . Shaw in reply said , the opinions he had heart ! expressed had only convinced him more forcibly of the neceosity of his resolution . If it was the opinion of this Conference that four rooms should be the maxims , he would submit , but ho did think that a committee was the best medium of coming to a just conclusion . Messrs . M'Grath and Smyth withdrew their rcpective propositions , and the vote was taken , and
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the motion of Mossrs . O'Connor and Robs declared to be carried , The next portion of the programme was introduced by Mr . 0 'Con . nor relative to
PLACING ONE FAMILY ON THE SAME ALLOTMENT . He submitted the following motion : — Tbnt in order to looate members of the same family upon the » ame estate , the ballet in future shall be t » k « n m follows : —In such cases , thai is to say , suppose the members wishing to hazard their shares on onu ballot shall amount to four shares , and suppose the number to be bullotted for be fifty , in such cmc when forty-sis shall be drawn , all chances of such members then resting their chance upon one ballot shall cease in that ballot . Mr . Brook seconded the motion . Mr . bnsojAH thought the resolution would be unjust , and called upon a family to make too man ; sacrifices . It was an intricate question ; they had dUcussed . it much in Manchester , and the more they discussed it the more difficult they found it . He thought it would be beneficial to locate ' ' f . uoilles together ; they would be better calculated to work together than strangers .
Mr , VyHBEKB thought Mr , O'Connor ' s proposition was decidedly unjust , as it would do away with nine chances out of thirty . , 'Air . Smyth approved of the resolution submitted by Mr . O'Connor , and could see no injustice in it ; the sacrifice , if sacrifice it was , was entirely voluntary . Mr . Rouse proposed the following : — , , That to enable persons to be located together , the compartments , be divided in proportion to the number of acres ( making tbe family allotment to consist of a siven number of acres ) the gireu number to be decided by a subsequent resolution . Mr . Cuffat seconded the amendment . Mr . M'Grath thought Mr . O'Connor ' s a just and equitable proposition . He thought it was necessary that the family wishing to be located together , should belong to one class , and all the names of the family should be put on one ticket .
After some remarks from Messrs . Clark , Bradley , Holloway , Walker . Wheeler , and Dixon , Mr , O'Co . vnor intimated a desire to make an addition to his motion , and said he thought his motion instead of being an injustice , was the very contrary . The addition he wished to make was That no nnme should be placed on the ticket , but the names of lucti as were of sufficient age to occupy , and that only fire names ohould be placed on one ticket . He thought this necessary to give security that the houses should be kept in proper order and repair , Mr . Burrbli . was of opinion that a scale should be drawn out , on which members wishing to be located together should be required to act . Mr . Cuffat moved that the Conference resolve itself into Committee to consider the question . Mr . Wild seconded the motion .
The question was put , and an equality of votes were declared , whereupon the Chairman gave his casting vote in favour of going Into committee . Mr , Ross thought the number of acres should be limited to four for one of those family or co-operating parties . Mr . Page was decidedly of opinion that minors should be excluded . Mr . T . M . Wheeler said , in some places in Scotland nearly the whole of a town was desirous of cooperating together . Mr . Dosovak said , the more they discussed tbe more complicated the affair became , he could not see that Mr . O'Connor ' s plan was just . lie thought it was almost impossible to decide this question before they had diseussed the rules . lie would move "That this question stand adjourned until the rules be 'i isoussed . "
Mr . Whkelbb read some instructions forwarded to Mr . Wilkinson , from the Exeter district , whowa * unfortunately detained at home by severe indisposition . The instructions were in favour of the bank of deposits , &c . &o . Mr . Cuffay seconded Mr . Donovan's amendment , which w . as , however , subsequently withdrawn . After some remark 3 from Messrs . Doyle , Wild , and B'n"k , the amendment was put and lost , and Mr . O'Connor ' s motion waa declared to be carried , Mr . O'Connor moved , That no person make part of the aggregate of shares , constituting the family or co-operative party , under the ¦ Age of eightueu years , Mr . Shaw seconded the motion . Mr . Cuffay supported the m&tion as being well calculated to keep the land in the hands of working
men . Mr . Clark objected to the proposition on the ground that any person who had paid their shares , had a right to the b « nefits resulting therefrom , and the lease should be made out in the name of the minors . Mr . O ' Connor explained that in law they could not make the lease to a minor , the father orguardinn would takoit . Mr . Clark persevered and moved : — That minors have the same right as mnjors . Mr . IIollowat seemded the amendment . Mr . Donovan opposed the motion , as unjust and impracticable . After some remarks from Mr . O'Connor and Cuffay , the Conference adjourned for the night .
WEDNESDAY . The Conference resumed its sitting at the usual time , Mr . J . Sweet in the chair . Mr . Gilbkrtson reported from the Halifax District Election Committee , "That die election < if Mr . Charles Smith was null and void , inconsequence of uross irregularities . " Mr . Brook movul , and Mr . Smyth ( Bradford ) seconded , that the report be received . Received accordingly . Mr . Smith entered into an explanation , and stated ' . hat if any blame was attached to him , it must be imputed to ignorance on his part , and should another election occur , and ho be returning officer , he would act differently . Mr . Conn moved that Mr . Charles Smith be allowed to take his scat . Mr . Shaw seconded the motion .
After some discussion , this motion was withdrawn , and Mr . Smith retired from the Conference . The adjourned debate on the " Family ballot" and allocations wa ? then resumed . Mr . Ross said he had received no particular instructions on the subject ; it was anything but clear ; but he thought the best way was to fait buck on thu motion of Mr . O'Connor . Mr . Buurell said neither the motion nor the amendment came up to his views , he would therefore
move-That in the event of minors having allotments assigned to them on the same estate with their parents , the directors .-hall appoint two trustees to act in conjunction with the parents , whose duty it shall be to employ n sufficient amount of labour , and expend the requisite quantity of manure upon the minor ' s estate , in order that the rights of the minors may be secured , the rent guaranteed , and the value of the estate preserved , nnd further that the whole proceeds of the allotment , after the labour and other necessary expenses iire paid , be invested in the redemption fund to the crudit of tlio
. Mr . O'Conkou said he should be sorry to havo to become the step-father of all the minors ; it would be a difficult and complicated affair . This business was found a cumbrous affair even to the Lord Chancellor , and he thought it could not be carried out . He appealed to fathers , would they like to live in the ca « tle while trustees managed their funds ? 1 ? It was carried , he should move that Mr . W heeler be the father ; he had hoped it was a crotchet , of Mr Burrell ' s ; he was not aware that Mr . Wheeler had tho bump of philnprsgenitiveness so largely developed—why , there would be a whole army oVyoung Wheelers . ( Loud laughter . ) Mr . Wn , o ; thnught it would be well if we refrained from legislation on the subject until a casu occurred requiring it . Mr . Smyth thought such cases was certain to occur , and should be provided for .
Mr . O'Connor moved that the Conference go into a Committee ol'tlie whole bouse . Seconded by Mr . Dixon , and carried unani mously . Mr . M'Ghath said some members seemed to think that the admission of miners into tho ecmpnuy had been ! njurious , but l : e differed from that , in asmuchus the fund so created helped the adults , and the minors when they became majors had something to fall back on . He thought the idea of minore possessing the same right as adults was _ ridiculous , its duties attended rights which the minors could not perform . He thought it necessary for the Conference to deiine the rights of minors , and concluded by moving n resolution in accordance . Which was seconded bv Mr . Wild .
Mr . Curk thought the parents w < , u ! d make better guardians than the Land Company . Mr . M'Grath seemed to think his motion would create an aristocracy , and that the minors would receive uino hmuireii pounds without labour , but it would be an extraordinary tiling to find families of six without somu of them being able to lab iiir ; for instance , agnail siout boy of fourteen w « s able , and frequently was : is useful , as men on ihe land . Mr . 0 'CoNNon said Mr . Clark in opposing Mr . M'Gi'iith ' s , had supported tho original resolution , Mr . Clark had said his system would not introduce
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> / l /^ i ^^ r ' r *^ ¦ ' . ; : ¦' ¦ ' / : - ' - - . \ ' ^ ' tliTmMdtiwe ^ Vyl ^ mrbut nWioTghf ! by ' adpfH } ng four or . five children phMhe Awe-lane [ as the Wr , they would -Introduce ' tVe veVyv worst feature of that system . 17 e would use tM wonfo of the late Mr . Cobbet . vand tell them that they cmiM notlegis-. ateou the subject , therefore he said - let the Mi « . the natural protectors . - be the guardians ot we children . If they passed the resolution propose' ! by Mr . M Grath , not a father in England would take up a share for his child . , .. - Mr . Shaw wou'd support Mr . O'Conr . or fl nation . Mr . Cuffat eaid he would snp ' port Mr . O'Connor S motion . ^
Dixon . saiil he thnuKht it was wrong that any n man should obtain the tee-simple of twenty acres of land , hut the more he considered thft Case tllO more he was lost in it . Mr . M'Gr-ftth said they must not forget that the w property would always-vemnin the property of the ^ v Company , until such time na they had bouchi . itr- X he thon . i , hf ; fatliow were hound to support their children on their allotments . Mr . BunREttsaid he believed it was quite consistent with the laws of the country , that nnno '» B . »>< ild hold . He thoueht it would he the father s p * rt to look to his children , but it would likewise Iw the dutv of the Tniftees to sRethiit the property and
rights nf the Company were duiv bmwm- . ' n Mr . IIollowat said h « ttiong btit Mr . « ?^ posttion was not adopted . it-wunW create dissat . ^ tion amons »» those who were favourable to inm * nation . And strain , If fathers f » Mr , U uau nor ' s proposition was adopted , the y would immediately transfer thoir shares to nther persons . . ' Mr . ' Donovan said if Mr . O'Connor's propov . noa was adopted , it would bo detrimental to tba infenaM nf the Company . He thought when capital-was waia in by one person , and circumstances- compellea Mac person to transfer it to another , the person to yaom it was transferred could not feel that interest \ n it , and the paying up of shares would decline ID » nr portion . ••¦ ' ¦¦ - ¦ ¦ i
AFTERNOON SITTING . Mr . Cuitat presented * » petition from GlflSSOW aaainstthe return of Mr . Walker , signed by WiluatB McMurray and William McDonald , and moved ; tbat ) it be received ; at the same time protesting agituisi its ' proving ! form . ; '¦¦¦¦ - ¦ ¦'¦¦¦¦ ¦» i--, ^' Mr . O'Ciinnob seconded the motion . -: ' ' Carried unanimously . > - ¦ ' ¦• ¦ •'¦ : : ¦ - ' ¦ .- ¦ ¦ -. - n : - The debate on Family Compact , as regardabaiiofc-r ins for allocation , was resumed . . ' . Mr . SMTTiisniri it the parent got the share the child should w with , and vice versa , Mr . J . R . Smakt had arrived sit the conclusion to vote with Mr . O'Connor .
Mr . Bradlet had arrived at a similar conclusion with Mr . Smart . Mr . Gilbbrtson wouli support the original motion . Mr . Broww said , looking to the fourth rule , anybody was elieible to become members who . took out cards and rule ? , and paid one shilling and fourpein . e ; and the evil had , therefore , commenced with the origin of the company . He would , therefore , mov »! : — " That henceforth no person be admitted into'fcke Chartist Land Company under the age of fourcf-en years , " Mr . Cuffay seconded the motion .
Mr . SnAw opposed Mr . dmay ' s motion . Mv . Ross moved , — ' ¦ ' That the Finance Committee be allowed tomuke their report , Seconded by Mr . Wild , and carried unanimously . Mr . Johm Shaw said , they had thoroughly sifted Mr . O'Connor ' s accounts , and found them correct to a halfpenny . Mr . Wn , i > morod , that the report be received . Mr . Smart seconded the motion . Mr . Smyth wished to know the total sum recpived , and was informed it amounted tn £ 18 250 43 . Ilia .
Mr . O'Connor related the immense sums ic oust hira in travelling to see estates , which were not . uor would they be , entered , lie had vouchers for sll ; and never were men better satisfied than were the seven tho Conference had appointed as a committee . And all he required was that they should relate . ind put down the rascal * that went about the country stating that he was spending the money of the people in support of the Northern Star . The report was unanimously adopted . Mr . John Shaw moved the following resolution : —
" We , the undersigned , hiving been appointed a Finance Committee , and having rigidly scrutinised the accounts of Mr . F . O'Connor as sub-Treasurer of the Chartist Co-operative Lund Company , and examined the bank-book , the vouchers . for both receipts and disbursements , and every item of expenditure ) do hereby express our unqualified approbation of the invariably straightforward aad satisfactory manner in which those accounts have , from the commencement of tbe society , been kept by Mr .
O'Connor , and submitted by him to us : and being found per * fectly correct to a fraction , as a reftif ation to tlie base calumnies by which that yentlenmn has been at tucked , beg to record our entire . coDfidenco in Mr . O'Connor ; which opinion , we are happy t <> state , is ceucrally participated in by the vast constituency we teanectively represent . We further beg to inform the members that the accounts have been brought down to the meeting of this Conference , and all monies paid to the account of the Treasurer . " Mr . Smtth ( Bradford ) , seconded the motion .
When , nt " ter a lew words from Messrs . Burrell , Ross , and Dixon . Mr . Bkook said , he thought the gentlemen who mads calumnious statements did not think fchoiuselves ienorant ; therefore , he was anxious to be on the committee : and , having been , he could now return to Leeds , find s ; iy the assertions that had been made were falsi * , and that Mr . O'Connor was in every way worthy to be trusted with the working nun ' s monev ; and he should now call for implicit confidence in Mr . O'Connor . He thought it was flieii duty to say to Mr . O'Connor , "You have served us faithfully ami well ; and we will not allow you any Jonger to go about tbe country at your own expense . " lie thought they ought to express their thanks in even a more substantial way , and place Mr . O'Connor in such a position as to ba out of the way of all his opponents .
Mr , Cons said , prejudices had prevailed to a great extent in the agricultural districts ; and hence ha was happy to have formed a member of the Finance Committee . He cmild now return , and say , that he hud seen those accounts , and that they were perfectly satisfactory . Mr . Walker said , ho was equally satisfied with the oilier members of the committee , and should h ; ive pleasure in reftiniing to Scotland . and stating ihe same . Mr . Page ( Balh ) reiterated the like sentiment . ? . Mr . Shaw said , he w : is much obliged to Daniel OC ' onncll for . making ua a present of ihe " madbrained Fear » us , " and lie was sure the people of England , would make the most of the present . The motion was carried unanimously , amid great applause .
Mr . O'Connor s ;\ ul he could only thank thorn for ihe attention they had paid to the subject , lie thanked them sincerely for the appointment of the eonimittei' , anil the commit tee lor the resolution thuy had adopted . Mr . Smyth moved that the resolution just adopted be printed in the shape of a circular , and distributed in all tbe districts . Mr . Dixon aeconded the motion , Mr . Glahk bad been through the country , and was Kiire _ Mr . O'Connor never stood hkher- in public opinion , and thought the motion unnecessary . Mr . Shaw supported ihe motion for printing . Mr . Ross also supported tho motion .
Messrs . Smart and Cuffat supported the motion , which was carried with the condition that the resolution should be advertised in two Irish , paper . * , a Scotch paper , and iwo or three English provincial papers . The Debate on Family Parties for purposes of ballot for allocation , was again muiued by Mr Donovan , who said he did not think tho arguments adduced iti favour of the original motion of any value , lie had two sisters , members of the Company , and did they think he should be more careful for hi « bistors than he would for his o ^ n children ? Well , if laud was to be cultivated for females , lie could not sec why it miglit not also be cultivated for cliildi-en . ulso . Mr . Ross moved that tho Conference resume it 3 sitting . Mi . Cuff ay seconded the motion . Carried uniini * niftuslv .
Mr . Rouse said he was in favour of Mr . Clark ' s plan . Mr . O'Connor in reply , said , he had shewed fully tho superiority of his motion over others , and the majority of members had expressed their approbation , it would therefore be unnecessary for him to uke up their time . Mr . BimitELL , with consent , withdrew , his amendment . The original motion made by Mr . O'Connor , was declared to be carried . Mr . Siiaw moved that the directors get ten thoii * aaixl lmii < l bills as per inotinn * of Mr . Smvth .
Air . Shaw moved that the family circles for ballots for allotments of land , shall be confined to four porfona . Mr . Smyth seconded the motion . Mr . O'Con . noh moved that the number be five . Mr . Clark seconded ihe amendment . The nii'tfon for four was carried , The next subject on programme was considered' What expenses shall bo borne , out of the Expeuse M y . O'Consou said this of course meant the two shillings ou each share , they must not for a moment think the title deeds or leiues could be included , but be wished them to say what should legitimately come out of the expense i ' lind . The items had been directors' salary , registration of Company , incidental expensos , Ac . Ik- moved " That the expence fund Us liiible to all inciilentiil expenses . " Air . Clark seconded the motion .
Mr . Donovan thought a portion of this fund should bo f . et apart lo t ) i' > se poor persons who hai no other jiic ; i ., s < itgt . ar . ii ) 5 o > i their allotments . Mr . Dono-* an iiiuvtiti an t ini'udnient . 'i'iie motion was carried . Tho Conference then adjourned for tho ereningj
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^ p ^ - ^^ .-i ^** km National jrabes journal .
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VOL . X . NO . 477- LONDON , SATURDAY , l ) ECEMMWJ 8 a . ^ jjjg JTO ^" «~
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Dec. 12, 1846, page unpag, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1396/page/1/
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