On this page
-
Text (12)
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
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.
-
-
Transcript
-
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.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
Untitled Article
• " — " ^^—fcited by the Canon law . In 1225 , Stephen Iasgton decreed :- « Firmiter inhibmus ne anquampro ah quapecuniadenegetur seputtura- " r we strictl y forbid that any man Se refused Iranal for money cause . " " Money cause , " however , made its way in spite of the prelate and the canon . The " firmUer inhibetL" in FZZf * ^ received th 5 s in enious eloss - " Albert the clergyman may not demand anyflung forbunal , yet the laity may be compelled to observe pious and commendable custom-[ i . e . making gifts to the clergv ] and if the clerk sLa lallege that for every d £ d perl so S Mh beenaccustowed lo be given to the minister the Church tited by the Canon law . Tn i » - " ¦¦ ,
or , hemayrccover it . " Of course fte clerk make the required allegation ; and in theface of the canon , - the pious and laudable custom" of paymg burial fees , became an < T fixed source of income . It was literall y a case of " no compulsion onl y you muBt . " The amount of the exactions thus squeezed from the public exceeds half a million : The Rev * * ? T , e 8 fanat f th « surplice fees alone at about 40 / annuall y for each parish , £ estimates however , are generall y admitted to S en ^ 1 7 the truth . Another authori ^ calculates that nearl y a million of the entire income received by the parochial clergy , was composed of Easter offerings , surplice fee * and vanous small endowments . 7 h * amount denved from these sources may therefore be fairly set down at 600 , 000 / .
* o official value has been affixed to parsonages and glebe lands . Indeed the Ecclesiastical Commissioners deny thatthey arc sources of income ; as if houses , gardens , and paddocks did not constitute a serious item in the annual expenditure of a family . A writer in the Quarterl y Review , not likely to he innmcal to the Church , stated some vears since , that there were 8 , 000 glebes , which he valued at 201 . each . Bat the parsonages were omitted from the estimate , which by other omissions and substractions was pwed down to the lowest amount . An average value of 30 Z . wonld be still below the truth , and the total annual Veveirae from thissource may be put down at a quarter of a million .
The revenues appropriated to the support of Chapels of Ease , amountiug to 100 , 000 / yearly , from another item of clerical emolul ment—perpetual « uracie 3 being included under the denomination of Chapels of Ease . From these various sources the State has directly provided the Church with a munificent yearly income of nearl y > ixe smxiosrs , for a parpose , which we have shown in the outset of ' this
exananation , to be essentiall y impracticable -which never yet has been fulfilled , and from its very nature never can be so . Jfow 9 , 000 , 000 ? . is a large—a very large—sum of money , and any other bod y of men but the parsons -would have been content with it But their rapacity knows no bounds , and they mate the fact of their receiving so much monev the means of getting more .
In addition to the amount directly paid to them , in the capacity of ministers of the Established Church , there are various sources of emolument to which their position as church functionaries gives them access , and which must be taken -Into account to have a correct idea of the amount annuall y received by them . Among these we may enumerate lectureships , supported by endowments or by voluntary subscriptions . These are about 350 in number , and yield 50 , 000 * . yearly . Chaplaincies , in connexion \ ritb . public institutions—corporate bodies—Commercial companies and
embassies—and also those of the army and navy , which alone amount to 14 , 000 / , a-year . To these may be added the domestic chaplaincies of the mobility and gentry—these places being generally monopolised by the clergy of the State Church . The amount of revenue flowing through these channels into the Church Exchequer , cannot be reckoned at less than 25 , 000 / . more ; and wherever there are salaries attached to the posts of secretary , trustee , or librarian , these pious aud disinterested gentlemen generally secure their owh appointment to these " good things . "
The nest item in the account is the public charities , over which the parsons , from their position -exercise an almost exclusive clerical controul , especially the educational charities . Many of these benevolent institutions were founded before the Reformation , for the express purpose of providing sound education for the poorer classes ; and according to the provisions of a statute of Edward IV ., the " property belonging to charities and religious
iK > uses , was applied to the endowment of grammar and other schools . Private individuals , stimulated by laudable zeal for the edueation of the people , devoted considerable property of the same purpose . The benefit that ¦ would arise from the faithful application of these funds to the purposes originally contemplated , may be estimated by a glance at the state of Birmingham , where the provisions of the statute of Edward IV . are carried out .
The large sums left for educational purposes , are in that town really devoted to the education of the inhabitants . In one or two other places , as at Bedford , the same is done , with similar advantage to the district ; but in the great majority ef instances , these noble bequests have been seized by the rich , and made the portals through which their children and relatives enter active life , and seize on its prizes . The poor , for whose benefit they were founded , are excluded from all participation in their advantages .
In this most foul and detestable robbery , the parsons have borne a conspicuous part ; they have shared the plunder with the wealthy classes , who have usurped possession of the property left for the conuaon weal , because that was the only way by which they could -ensure a monopoly in the coniroul and management of these charities . 2 vo cne was eligible to the mastership of a grammar , or , indeed , of any school , without a bishop's licence ; and the religious instruction was , in all esses , to be that of the established church . Tlie masters of thesefoundationsmustsubscribe the thirty-nine articles , as well as a " declaratioE of conformity to the liturgy of the United Church of England and Ireland , as it is now by law establish © . ! . " As these subscriptions and declarations are indispensable , the masterships are usually held by clergymen ; the best subordinate places are filled by clergymen ; the inferior by their dependent ?; the educational and other advantages are mainly , if not entirely , confined to members of the Church ; and , in fact , the a-hole administration of these charities has fallen into the hands of the parsons , who have taken good care to appropi 5 ste their var ' ous endowments to their own ^ nee . These endowments , according to the
best authorities , amount to £ l , 500 , 000 a year . Of this large sum , fully one third , or £ 500 , 000 , is consumed in clerical salaries ; while the remainder , instead of providing , according to the original intention , instruction for the poor alone , supplies cheap education for the sons of the aristocracy and the middle classes , who are members of the Church by law established , The Universities of Oxford and Cambridge , which are monopolized by the parsons , with all their nice snug fellowships aud masterships , yield , according io the Rev . H . L . Joxes , of Magdalen College , Oxford , the sum of £ 741 , 003 , which is thus made np : —Oxford £ 283 , 998—Cambridge £ 457 , 005 . The parsons , of course , take " the lion ' s share . "
But clerical rapacity does not even end here . Theyare incapable of crying " Hold ! enough . " With them " increase of appetite doth grow by what it feeds on ; " and Parliamentary < rrants , town assessments , and Church build-Si 01 acts , are milch cows , out of which they manage to extract a considerable addition to their annual revenues . The last item , however we shall enumerate of that revenue , is Church rates , an impost wluch has been levied on the community by the parsons , without the shadow of a right to do so . In the " original distribution of tiftes , provision was
Untitled Article
==== S 5 ! made for the very purposes for which this rate is Taised . The clergy were , formerly , only entitled to one-third of the tithes , and the remainder was to be appropriated , in equal proportions , totherepairsof Churches andthesupport of the poor . The parsons have , however with then- characteristic fraudulent and encroaching policy , managed to grasp the whole of the tithes , and to throw the dutv of i r ¦ ^^^^
supporting the poor , and repairing ecclesiastical edifices , as additional burdens upon the people-nay , even the Universities , with all the wealth they enjoy , ai-e exempt from poor rates ! The amount of Church rates levied intiaeyear ending Easter , 1839 , was 363 , 103 Z .: and if to this sum be added the proceeds of pews sittings , and other sources-this item may be set down at half a million sterling . review of these
A various sources of revenue , which have not been in any way exaggerated , leads to the conclusion , that , after makingevery reasonable allowance and deduction , the net annual income of the established Church of England and Wales is upwards of ten millions sterling . A close and scrutinising investigation , aided by correct returns obtained through the medium of an impartial commis sion , would , we believe , show the amount to be much larger , but the facts adduced fully warrant us in fixing the amount we have named .
The whole of this enormous amount of money is misdirected , and applied to other than national purposes . It is national property , and yet it is appropriated by a favoured aud dominant sect . Taking the population of England and Wales at 15 , 000 , 000 , the parsons plunder the people of 15 s . a head vearly , or a family of six persons of 41 , 10 s . It is high time this monster abuse was looked into , and ; the national property restored to itslegitimate owners —the people .
In a subsequent article we shall glance at a few of the national purposes to which that property might be applied , and the benefits that would result therefrom . 1 *
Untitled Article
THE DOLLY'S BRAE MASSACRE . Lord Bodes and his brother magistrates have refused to grant wan-ants for the apprehension of the Dolly ' s Brae murderers ! This is a specimen of lame and lop-sided justice for which , even in the history of Ireland , we cannot find a parallel . On the 12 th of July , 1849 , a body of men calling themselves " Orangemen , " make thenappearance on Lord Roden ' s premises . They come by his Lordship ' s leave , if not by his
express invitation . Most of them are armed . They are graciousl y received by the Lord , who wears the insignia of their order . They drink his Lordship ' s beer , eat his beef , and listen to his patriotic speeches . Both he and they are full of lip-loyalty ; and after toasting the Qoees , and the Piuxce , and the Piunce of Wales , and the Royal Family in general , and cheering his Lordship , and wishing the Pope in the hottest of all climates , they set out for their homes .
They have a choice of roads . On one of these , at a point called Dolly ' s Brae , a large body of the opposite faction—the Ribbonmcn —are assembled . These are exasperated by previous outrages and insults , and a hostile collision may be expected . All this is pointed out to Lord Roden by the chief of the Constabulary Force ; who at the same time begs his Lordship to induce the Orangemen to take the other route . A word from his Lordshipwhose power and popularity among these ruffians are unlimited—will be sufficient . He
refuses to give that word , on the plea that it would be of no avail ! In a spirit of bravado and fiendish recklessuess , the Dolly ' s Brae route is taken . The Orangemen feel strong and secure , under the favour of a protecting magistracy , and apickedpolice . Dolly ' s Brae is crossed . The anticipated conflict occurs , and the Ribboumen are driven from the ground—not by their Orange antagonists ' ,. but by the military and police , who capture a score of men , beating them with a marked and wanton brutality .
In the skirmisn , several of the Orange party are wounded ; aud their comrades , in the spir it of retaliation , make an attack upon the neighbouring houses , dragging forth their defenceless dwellers . A massacre ensues—a massacre of aged women and boys ; a massacre that , for cold brutality , cannot find its parallel in the history of vindictive warfare . A woman eighty years old is shot down , dead , and trampled in a sink ! Another , bedridden by a
chronic disease , is battered with liuge stones , thrown down upon her with violence ! Her son , a harmless youth , is dragged forth before her face , and spitted upon a dozen bayonets ! An idiot is sb . Gt through the heart , while smiling in the face of his murderer ! A lad running across the fields is wantonly fired upon , and killed , and a young girl receives a bullet through the thigh ! To make the picture complete , it is illumined by a holocaust of blazing huts !
Now , it has been proved beyond a doubt , that all this occurred on the 12 th day of July , 1849 ; that it occurred in the broad light of day , under the eyes of the military and police ; nay , more , a host of witnesses have sworn that a county magistrate—to whom we will allow the benefit of celebrity by giving his name—a Mr . F . Beers , was on the spot , aiding and abetting the massacre by such loathsome expressions as— " Come , boys , you are into Jl'MuLLES ' s land , d—n their souls ' , blow them—man , woman , and child—out of it !" "D—n her , boys—pop her ! " "Fire and kill on !"
AH these facts have been established—if ever facts were established—by oaths and probability ; and yet , in the face of all this , the Right Honourable the Earl of Roden , at the head of a bench of magistrates , officially refuses to bring the offenders to justice ! Nearly a score of the opposite party—many of them without the shadow of a charge against them—are dragged to gaol under brutal insult ; while the real aggressors , who are seen firing their gunsburning houses , and murdering women and children , under the eyes of the police and magistrates , are suffered to go free , and , by
the grace of the Earl of Roden , are likely to remain eo . His Lordship deigns to defend his conduct in a speech—or rather an apologyso filled with remarkable doctrines , that , but for the serious nature of the subject , we should have been compelled to believe that he meant it for a burlesque . Hear him : — "Icanuot help lamenting that the Government has seen fit to bring forward such a charge , after Her Majesty's visit to this country , which had
put down , in a great measure , the angry feeling which was prevailing this country . I repeat , I cannot but lament that the present proceeding * have been instituted . " Can this be the serious expression of a man in his senses ? or must we look upon his Lordship as a lunatic ? " Cannot help lamenting ' what ? —that the Government has seen fit to institute a search for a set of the foulest murderers that ever cheated the gallows , and Avhom Lord Roden thinks should be
allowed to go scot free , just because Her Majesiy has visited Ireland ? If this be the usual logic of Irish justice , we sincerely pity those to whom it is administered . That Her Majesty ' s visit to Ireland should cancel all liability for crime is a virtue that , among the many others , we have not yet heard ascribed to it . But , although we cannot see any relationship between the Queen's visit and the murders at Dolly ' s Brae , we can clearly appreciate the position of the Earl of Roden , in relation to these melancholy events ; and ive are not at all surprised at his Lordship's anxiety to stay all proceedings in this case .
Untitled Article
- - ^ The total receipts | at the Birmingham Mi' « i « al Festival were & % & ¥ ); number of visitors , 10 , 209 .
Untitled Article
THE MINISTER AND THE ITALIAN REFUGEES . MR . HUME TO LORD JOHN RUSSELL . My Lohd , —As chairman , for the time hem * of a committee of members of parliamen t and other gentlemen , which has been formed in aid of the Italian ( Roman ) refugees in this country , I am desired m then- nam * to address your lordship , as the head of her Majesty ' s government , with respect to the recent conduct of the governor of Malta in refusing an asylum to the refugees from Rome The broad facts of the case as brought to the attention of the government and the House of Commons on the closing day of the late session of parliament ( facts which have been corroborated and developed in greater detail by subsequent information ) , are more than sufficient warrant to address your lordship , without reference to any indi-I vidual cases .
The Governor of Malta has thought fit to refuse a landing at Malta to political refugees from the Roman States , who took shi p for that island relying with confidence on passports vised bv the English consul at Civita Tecchia or at Rome . Had there been reasonable cause to apprehend any misconduct on the pari of these unarmed refugees the garrison of Malta was surely a place where sufficient security could have been taken against such a contingency : whilst , in considering the probabilities of so unworth y a return for the hospitality they claimed , it should not have been forgotten by a British citizen so hi gh in offico as the Governor of Malta that the unfortunate wanderers were of the number of those defenders of the city of Rome who had won the respect of the
civilised world by an observance of law and order and of constitutional government within its walls ' as remarkable as the valour and humanity they displayed in its defence . Amidst all the diversities of opinion , in this and in former times , concerning the foreign policy of our country , there is one rule of conduct which has been invariably observed , and has met with universal and heartfelt assent , namely—that of extending a generous and fearless hospitality to political exiles of every class , from every country , and of every cause . It is a bitter mortification to fine that rule of conduct in the present instance disregarded , and the character of this country for hospitality needlessly sullied , by an officer bearing her Majesty ' s commission , and in command of one of the strongest garrisons of the British empire .
The committee ventures to express a confident hope that her Majesty ' s government , if it have not already done so , will visit with marked disapprobation this discreditable act of its representative in Malta , so as to manifest to the world that the British government in no way countenances conduct which is as foreign to our national character as it is disgraceful to the British name . I am &c , Au 3- 31 Joseph Hums .
Untitled Article
^—^^^^ Alexander von Humboldt . —This distinguished philosopher accomplished his 80 th year last Friday , he having been born upon the Uth of September , 1709 . It will be gratifying to his admirers and friends in England , and in many other parts of the globe , even to the mighty Andes and far-distant Himalayas , to hear that the illustrious author continues in the full enjoyment , not only of sturdy health , but of all those mental faculties which have crowned his name with immortal glory , shed lustre u pon his native land , and conquered for him a perm anent place among the princes of the intellectual £ orld . ,
Untitled Article
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF UNITED TRADES . ( E stablished 1815 . ) The apathy which attends the termination of periods of unusual excitement or suffering , appears now the distinguishing feature of the industrial world , viewed either in its political or social aspect , or , to borrow the expressive words of the sentimental Jack Ragg ; « Unot 1 li stirring hnt stagnation . " Jb woul ( I almost appoaPj ^ only all power , but even all desire on the part of tue working classes to better their position , had been utterly expended in their past struggle , and that the possessors of power and capital were for he future to be the undisputed arbiters of the liberties and privile ges ot Laboiu The ~ ,- „ .,
, Association , m-common with every other movement of an industrial character , finds its progress impeded by the sluggish insensibility . Howev S nothi RtatC ° th ! nSS 1 S t 0 be < Mo » d , there is nothing m it which should eauso surprise , or vZ wT f ^ " deavo u ™ S to perfect the great work we have in hand . As surely as day follows night or any other of natures operations pursues its inevitable course , so surely will this M tr , nWIl { J 8 ndthe Workin S men «™ c themselves shortly , as it were , from a trance -md greatly instructed by the oxper ence of the D ^ t r SiS h KioM f *™ 'SY LoISs soc afand political movements , whose vital principles have carried them safely through the storms of the past ; or such as may be called into existence by the changed circumstances ot the times . ' And it may be safel y predicted , that all future movements of
tn T ^" King classcs . whether social or political , will differ materiall y from the past , by their superior practical character and tendencies . Conceiving that the National Association is most peculiarly onp of this description , the central committee are tully determined to maintain its position , and to force even its enemies , ( for unfortunately it has enemies ) to admit its superior power and influence m dealing with the wrongs and grievances of the working men . Within these few weeks , several important advantages have been obtained for members of this Association in Birmingham , Daventrv .
j , ynn , ao ., witnout any of those losses and privations , which usually nay , almost invariably , attend the successes of other movements . Such facts when known , must have their weight upon the working classes , notwithstanding the constant endeavours of certain influential officials in some parts of the country , to misrepresent the policy and principles of the Association to their members . Had the factory operatives , who in their hundreds and tnousands for a short period , in 1847 , attached themselves to this
movement-but were compelled to withdraw from it , the late depression in trade , and in many instances the total shutting up of the mills , depriving-them of the menus of keepin « up the very small contribution required from themrejoined the movement upon resuming their employment , their prospects of obtainining an advanceupon their present miserable pittance would have been much greater than we fear ic is at present , notwithstanding the heavy contributions exacted from them to support isolated strikes in Bolton and elsewhere ; which , with the nvesent imnm-ffichnvimni .
sation , and the unimproved policy of their present leaders , can only end , as all previous strikes of this sort have ended , in disappointment and loss to the operatives themselves . That this will be the result oftlie present movement in Lancashire , we are iustified in predicting , because all the elements necessary to ensure success are wanting in the present movement . That the demand for an advance is iustined by the late improvement in trade , and would have been conceded generally if urged a few weeks later , we have reasons to know . But the present very questionable policy , of trying to force it by sectionalsti-ihs , in theface of a rising cotton-wool market and a depreciated market for the manufactured goods , speaks but little , at all events , for tho judgment of those who advised it . The
Oentral Committee have the promise of the manufacturers of Wiimngton , that an advance will be ( riven to the hands m their employment , as soon as the present feverish state of the cotton markets shall have subsided , and the employers of other towns , buying and selling their goods in tho same markets , shall be prepared to follow their example . These gentlemen expressed the utmost desire to be placed m a position to give the required advance , fairly conceding the reasonableness and iustice of the demand . J
Iho Central Committee will not fail to watcKfor an opportunity of renewing their application under more iavourable circumstances on behalf of those belonging to tho Association ; and they hope that their success will bo as earl y and as ample as will be obtained by the hands in any other town ; while at the same time , they will be free from the heavy imposts which their follow-workmcn are submitting to , with the slightest possible chance of any ade quate advantage . The Central Committee cinnot let this opportunity pass withoutagain calling the scvioua attention of the Factory operative , and the leading men possessing their confidence , to theiv present position . There is one great fact which stands in tho
way of any successful movement for an advance of wages ; that is , tho different prices paid for the same description of labour in the several manufacturing towns in Lancashire ; indeed there are scarcely two towns that pay tho same rate of wa ^ es This is an evil of such magnitude that nothing lut a thorough confederation of tho Factory operatives of Lancashire is equal to cope with , but with sucli a confederation it would be easy of . adjustment and not only would an equalisation of wages bo accomplished by this means , but tho adjustment of tho hours of labour to tho demand in the labour market could bo effected more completely , and far more satisfactorily , than by special acts of legislation
llus is evidently the opinion of C . IIindlov 7 Esq as expressed by him at a meeting in Manchester , upon the question of the violation of the Q ' en Hours Bill when lie advised tho Factory operatives to pass a Ten Hours Bill for themselves , by combination Tho advantages to be derived by a thorough organisation of the operatives of Lancashire is not confined to the above-named special grievances but would be found of inestimable value in the adjusting the disputes and remed ying the evils which the irresponsible power usurped by the factory masters constantly entail on their workpeople , from a conviction that there exists no tribunal which their victims can appeal to for protection or redress
It is this reliance upon the supremacy of their usurped power , which has rendered the Ten Hours Bill and the Truck Act mere waste paper ; for it is too notorious that these Acts—but more ' particularly the Truck Act—are openly violated in every part of the manufacturing districts . Nor is it in the power of any local union to protect the operatives from the vengeance of the guilty law-breakers —the secretaries and committee-men themselves would need protection if they were found moving in such proceedings . The Central Committee hope that these remarks will be received by those whose interests are
iuvolved , and be considered worthy of their deepest consideration . They must surely begin to perceive the mefficacy of their present organisation for any useful purpose . Lot them at once call a moetin"of delegates of every branch , from every town or-3 i £ - tnct . to consider the propriety of forming a Confe deration of the Textile Trades of Great Britain for mutual protection . The question of nationalising such confederation , when formed , would bo the subject of future consideration . But the present petty huckstering system is a gross delusion-of benefit to no party , and an injury to all .
Untitled Article
THE ACT VI . GEORGE IV ., WITH ADDITIONS ' AND CORRECTIONS , BY MARK N \ PIFR SHERIFF-DEPUTY OF DUMFRIES ShS . '
IMPORTANT COMBINATION CASE . One of those scenes of power , » working its wantonness in form of law , " which demonstrate the utter servilit y to the interests or supposed interests of the gove-ning classes of this country ; of those who arc sworn to do justico between man and man , ( perhaps not between masterani man ) was witnessed on Friday week last in the Court House of Dumfries . No blood was shed , and no bones broken ; but it was clearl y demonstrated how in this free and enviable state " laws grind tho poor , " by seven industrious and respectable tradesmen being immured in prison for what , save by an atrocious quibble , was no crime against Dives , even by his own unjust laws . " The case was tried by Napier , the county sheriff ; the accused were ably defended
by John Millar , Esq ., advocate , who did all that logic could to upset the indictment , which was altogether a non scquitor , and to stop the uneqularitics with which the proceediEgs abounded ; but , it was no use , tho victims were foredoomed . If this infamous trial have no other effect , it will have this . It has been often argued , that while it is manifestly unjust to allow such a case as the one undernotice , to come before a ) uvy of employ evs , who are all indirectly parties , justice might be attained before a " gentleman " removed from such influence ; but while fully allowing the first , wo can now add another fact to those already existing , which prove that the special sheriff is still the same animal , not a whit improved since the timo when the clothyard shafts of the bold foresters of Shcerwoodand his democracy were required to keep him in order
Untitled Article
and to mete out to him the justice so often dunicu to others . When the people get the reins it will be a question only , we hope , of one solution , whether tho executive should be allowed to retain the appointment of at least local judges . To our thinking it is to the full as dangerous in another way as the French system of allowing the mayoralties to be filled by their executive is politically . The court was crowded , the gallery filled by a sympathising body of " shopmates , " and Messrs . James M'Call , James Hannah , James Beck , James Scott , William Dodd , Joseph Glover , and James Rcnwick , journeymen shoemakers ; all honour to , and all good men ' s sympathy with them , were placed at the bar , before her Majesty ' s sheriff
, charged , in a rigmarole of an indictment , which would occupy about a column of your paper , with violently obstructing Wni . Henderson , master shoemaker , in Dumfries , and Bonj-anin Walker , his journeyman , &c , &c , and in so doing , contravening the Act VI . George IV . Mr . Henderson , the employer , whom we believe to have been an unwilling witness , was tho principal one . The chief portion of his evidence were to the effect that he wa 3 called upon , and invited to a meeting of committee of the cordwainers society , requested to act up to the just requirement of the society ; and if ho did not , ho was told quietly and civilly , that his shop would be " blocked , " namely , that no man belonging to the society would be allowed , that is , by its laws , to work with him , by laws to which all the members had agreed . There was no compulsion usud nov any wish to use it . Tho only show of
ground for assuming any such thing was the phraseology of some of the men , the true and honest signification of which will bo seen by the follow ing evidence , led in exculpation : — " Andrew Fraser Johnston examined : Is a journeyman shoemaker in Dumfries , and a member of tho cordwainor ' s society . Its objects are for upholding wages , for supporting sick members , aBd relieving tramps . Benjamin \ Valker wrought with Mr . Henderson in June last , refused to join , and said , with an oath , ho did not care for the society . Witness left Mr . Henderson ' s employ , because he kept Ben . Walker there . There ivas no compulsion used , but witness withdrew of his own . accord . There were other members of the society with . M \ Henderson , who then withdrew from his employ also . It was entirely of his own accord , and no one v . sed any threats towards them of any Mnd .
Five of the prisoners were sentenced to two months , and Messrs . Glover and Renwick to three months' imprisonment ; Napier being determined , as he said , " to exercise tiio authority with which he was vested to put down such illegal and dangerous practices . " Mr . Renwick , on receiving sentence said , " This is a taste of the glorious liberty of Old England ; but a systen under which such injustice can be enacted cannot last Ion " . " No doubt it will not—God forbid it should . But U will last three months , and during two of these , five good and true men will be lying in prison for not only the shoemakeys , but every other working man not only in Dumfries , but the entire country . Let all the zealous , then , be up and stiring—let no time be lost in canvassing the town ; and although perhaps nothing can be done to mitigate the sufferings of the victins of class-made law and king-m ; ide officials—let their brethren see of it , that tho
innocent families and dependents of those who have fallen in the breach do not suffer . A mere trifle from every man in work would make up their little incomes , and encourage others in the day of need . Let the business of tho society , too , be , in future , more cautiously conducted—let there be for one thing fewer " conferences" with employers , they may prove traps ; but , above all things , cling to your organisation , Sons of Crispin , and " never give up the ship . " And when Justice (?) lets go her grasp be you prepared to welcome your prisoners . Why not bring them forth with royal honours and all your insignia ? besides , to make up for the privations of their dungeon , inviting them to your board on the evening of the day when they shall be restored to the little liberty left to the toilers of Britain . Hundreds there are of all crafts in Dumfries who would flock witli eagerness to the " Victims' Soiree . "— Correspondent .
Untitled Article
ml , GREAT MEETING OF THE MINERS OF THE NORTH . TO THE EDITOR OF inE NORTHERS STAR . Sir , —In accordance with the previous announcement , the general public meeting of the Miners of Northumberland and Durham was held on the Black Fell , on Saturday last , a brief account of which 1 forward for insertion in your valuable journal . At about an hour before the time of meeting , the great gathering was going on . Colliers , preceded by their flags , wore seen advancing from the south , the north , the east and the west , all forming around the base of the hill , where , in times gone by , thousands had met together for the holy purpose of checking the onward march of tyranny and oppression ; which , but for these solitary gatherings , would ere now have reduced the miners to the
lowest depths of misery and degradation . At a few minutes after twelve o ' clock , Mr . Elliott was elected to preside , and opened the meeting by a few brief , but pertinent remarks , upon tho necessity of those present being calm and collected , to hear with all attention what had to be laid before them , and so to conduct themselves as to gainjtbat respect , which upon all previous occasions had been freely awarded them . The chairman then called upon Mr . Ciiaules Hardy to propose tho first resolution as follows : — " That all experience goes to prove that when tho miners of this district aro disunited , their wages always decrease , fines are increased , measure tubs enlarged , additions made to the standard weights , &c , all of which form an aggregate reduction in our earnings within the lavt few years of about thirty-three per cent . That from the almost general attempt made during this year by our
employers to still further reduce our wages , this meeting pledges itself to use its best endeavours to unite the whole of the miners in the district , as being the only remedy against such frequent , continued , and extensive reductions in tho price of our labour , " Mr . IIauuy said , that in moving this resolution he must say that the presence of so many of his brother miners , made his heart glad , and afforded another proof—if more were wanting , that tho oppressions they had to endure were so manifold and keenly severe , thatthey could not endure them longer ; and he hoped that from this day they would be enabled to date their relaxation , and , ultimately , the entire freedom from such unheard-of tyranny . Having made a few more observations bearing upon the subject , Mr . Hardy concluded by moving the resolution .
Mr . JF . Smith being introduced by the chairman to second the above , stated it to be his unqualified opinion , and he was altogether guided by his experience and observation , that in the language of the resolution , the want of union engendered all the evils therein expressed . In his district they were bound to hare a measure tub , and to be allowed to see a surpected tub measured , but though they had applied for the privilege , it could not be granted . They had respectfull y intimated to their employer that , they wanted a copy of tho bond , but he coarsely denied them such a boon . Mr . Smith next entered into the various grievances
to which they were subjected , which were of a most serious character—especially the practice of sending young boys to gaol for the slight offence of laying idle a day , and sometimes for only half-a-day —the describing of which , elicited frem the meeting , the deepest execration ., He most cordially seconded the resolution ; but before he sat down the meeting would allow him to state , that though he had been in the army , and had experienced enough of the evils of despotism there , yet he must say that the man ( not the gentleman ) who was their employer at present , exceeded by far all he had seen in the shape of tyranny and oppression .
The second resolution , moved by Mr . J . Fawcett , was as follows : — " That inasmuch as the laws of this country allow the workmen of any calling to meet together for the purpose of fixing the hours of labour , and the prices to be paid for the same , be it therefore resolved , that we take the earliest opportunity of ascertaining the best manner of regulating our labour , so as to ensure employment to all our brother miners , and to produce a greater uniformity in our future earnings . " Mr . Fawcett called tho attention of the meeting to tho necessity of making good their pledges , and of keeping strictly to what they promised , He elucidated with a clearness of perception rarely evinced by coal-hewers , the invaluable truths embodied in the resolution , and
their relative bearing upon the well-being of the collier and his family . The principle of moral justice inculcated by the resolution was dilated upon by the speaker , with happy etfect ; who concluded an able address with the following illustration of the practical of the resolution . Suppose a pit with 150 hewers , and that with the master ' s arrangementor non-arrangement , for they care nothing about the matter—fifty of them get 4 s . Gd . each per day , fifty more get 3 s . per day , and the other fifty ls . Grl . per day . Now this is the real state of an unregulated trade ; therefore , by uniting together and regulating our labour the whole 150 men will tret 3 s . per day each , and that is but what the trade " at
present will afford . . Mr . Fawcett sat down with moving tho resolution . The Chairman then introduced Mr . B . Embleton , veteran collier , to second the resolution . Air . Embleton said , that in addressing the miners this day upon the question of restriction , or of regulating their labour , ho felt bound to observe , that the present deplorable and miserable condition of the miners was entirel y attributable to the absence of such regulation . He could inform them that in Scotland , where he had once laboured , the miners there , by a strict observance of that just principle of so regulating their labour as to allow their fellow miners an equal chance to live , and thereby ensure a uniformity of wages , had not only brought about a better feeling among themselves , but had in-
Untitled Article
creaseu uit-n-i-aiu of wages fifty per cent ., and instead ot altercation with their employers there had arisen the greatest harmony . He cordially seconded the resolution . ' ? w ' n 11 ; J ' kWCK " ™ then called upon to move the following resolution , upon the ventilation of the pits in this district r- " That the immense sacrifice of human life m the pits and mines of this country , calls aloud for legislative interference , in providing some remedial measure . That in the opinion or this meeting the providing oi an efficient system of inspection of mines—such inspectors being practical man—would go far to prevent this " fearful destruction of lire ; but to eiii-uro that to the greatest possible exteut , such inspectors should be empowered by Act of Parliament , to enforce a healthy and safe ventilation of mines , by compelling the use of brattices , doors , stopninsrs , and proper
air-ways ; and that wo resolve to petition the legislature at the next session of Parliament to pass an act embodying these views and opinions . " Mr . Fawcett began by declaring that though ho was an unhappy sufferer by the present unhealthy state of the air wherein so many thousands had to earn their bread yet ho felt altogether inadequate to faithfully describe the real state of the case . He could draw their attention to the extreme anguish of his own feelings when ho witnessed the suffwinfa brought about by the Ilaswell tragedy-mothers weeping for their sons , and wives for their husbamls—but he saw clearly that the picture would bring again the tears from their eyes ; many of them , iiivk-eii , had but . too ample experience in the
loss by these direful events of their friends and relatives ; to ilwell upon such sad scenes was onl y causing those old wounds to bleed afresh , therefore he would ciiango the theme , and ask , was not the constant presence of the carbonic acid gas equally destructive of human existence ? the only difference being , the one killed instantaneously / while the other was the work of time , but no less sure . What could be expected but that their constitutions should bo broken up in middle age . Did they not toit day after day in the sunless mine , and duviii" each day tliey never breathed the wholesome air ? Gas wa 3 present when they began—more abundant while the work lasted—and almost suffocating before they
left ofl . The masters-have put in horses to supplant the labour of our boys , but these animals consumed what little air there was , and contominaT «> i the whole much sooner than it otherwise would i . u ;; the large tubs blocked up the passage in such away that a man was literally locked in , and if gas came off , ho would be roasted alive ; for—like Yorick ' s Starling— " he cinnot get out . " He bejred to move the resolution , Air . James Smith seconded the resolution , in a few brief remarks , illustrative of tho position that the carelessness on the part of the employers was , in a great measure attributable to our divided and disunited state .
The Cuaibman then announced that Mr . Wyld , M . P ., would address them upon the subject of colliery explosions . Air , W * ld , who was received with the most enthusiastic cheering , proceeded to state , that upon this matter , the loss of lives by explosions and other accidents in the mines of this countr y hia mind was made up that something should be done , and that as speedil y as possible . That although their well-tried friend , Air . Duncombe . had laboured assiduously to bring protection to the miner , yet had the ministry of tho day always succeeded in frustrating the benevolent and humane intentions of the miners' friends in providing a proper inspection ot miners by Act of Parliament . Since he first saw the disastrous effects of an explosion , whether
viewed in the light of a serious calamity as affecting the comfort and happiness of those deprived of their ordinary support , or , in the shock to your own feel-, ing in beholding so many of your feflow-creafares so suddenl y cut off m tho pride of manhcoJ , he had resolved to use all his influence to biin <> about a different state of things , and though he w : iS not acquainted , nor had anything to do with n . inosyet he ielt as a man and as a member of uarliament , that it was his duty to investigate this ; natter ; and to do that most efficientl y he had determined to visit the miners , and hear and see for himself what was best to be done ; and such was the stroug desire he felt to bo wosent at this nm <> t-
mg that he had travelled five hundred miles since the previous day , having been in Cornwall on business connected with his parliamentary labours . Mr . Wyld concluded an able speech by calling upon the miners to support their friends , when parliament shah again meet , hy numerously-signed petitions , and not to lose sight of this fact , that their wealthy employers would considerabl y influence the Louse ot Commons . But if they ( the miners ) could secure public opinion—and to ensure that they must work with energy—the time may not be far distant when they would bavoalilto protection accorded , as was provided for the protection of the sailor and the emigrant , and also to the factory operative and railway travellers . "
Hip following resolution was then put to the meeting , ami carried unanimously : — « , m . ovod , by Wl Jt ' ' seconded by J . Fawcett—Ihat this meeting having learned the arrangements come to by the meeting of viewers , and professor Philips , in selecting a few collieries only for inspection , as affording a true index oftlie state of the ventilation ia the whole of the collieries in these two counties , beg to enter their sincere and earnest protest against such proceedings , and trust , for the
honour of the commissioner and the cause of humanity , tii . lt ho will not persist in making to the government any report calculated to leave the impression that the state ot' the ventilation of the whole of the collieries are in accordance with those few which he has inspected , inasmuch as such impression would be a gross imposition , iind tend to frustrate the humane object of providing by act of parliament some efficient remedial measure for the prevention of such disastrous accidents in the mines of this district . "
The arrangements made by the viewer with Professor Philips to visit only a certain number of tho pits m the district , was then read to tho meetin " when the following protest against the proceeding was adopted : — " That a letter be wrote to Professor Philips , and another to Sir G . Grey , apprising them of the feelings and convictions of tho miners in this district , as expressed in the < # ove protest , and urging the necessity of increasing the number of inspectors , so as to maure a fair and impartial report in regard to the real state of tho ventilation of the whole collienes in these two counties . "
A vote of thanks was then given to Mr . Wyld , M . P ., for his attention and endeavours to provide a protection for tho lives of tho miners aud also for his visit that day , which , to use an old phrase , made the " Welkin ring . " That gentleman briefly returned thanks , assuring those around him , that , if spared with life and health , ho would be at his post as soon as the parliament met ; and any and all information necessary for him to be acquainted with they would best serye their own cause by forwarding the same to him and all their friends in parliament . A vote of thanks being given to the Chairman tha
meeting brolco up , and all wended thoir wav to their several Jiomes , hundreds of whom had come upwards of twenty miles . With respect to the number present , I feel certain there wevc not less than seven thousand men ; and when it is considered that this is the first general meeting since the miners began to re-organise their union it may be safely said to have been n bumper . I have been at many first meetings when unions have began , and this is the largest that I have soen . Indeed , all parties were highly delighted with the meeting , and the greatest harmony of feeling prevailed throughout . Yours , obediently , M . Juuk .
Untitled Article
Dat op Humiliation . —Wednesday having been appointed by the Bishop of Winchester as a day of humiliation and prayer to Almighty God , in consequence of the prevailing epidemic , it was observed as a close holiday by abstinence from business , &c , in the various parishes on the Surrey side of the water , and , with very few exceptions indeed , all the shops were closed . Boiler Explosion and Loss of Li ? e at Bunsm . —A most painful catastrophe occurred on Tuesday morning at the mill of Mr . Slater , Sandygate , Burnley . Shortly before six o ' clockthe boiler
, burst with tremendous violence , blowing up the ceiling of the card-room , which is situated imrae * diiitelji over the boiler-house . The hands who were engaged in the card-room , and the room immediately abovo it , fell through into the boiler-house ; and one poor fellow , a warper , named John Parkinson , was precipitated into tho exploded boiler itself , and was taken out dead . Henry Rollinson , of Sandycate ,. was so severely burnt that he survived but three hours . Margaret Salmon , of Salford , and Jarnea Pickles , wore dangerously hurt , and Thomas Tattersall , of Sandygate , whose escape from death wag almost mir aculous , was much burnt .
At Home the idea is industriously circulated among the populace , that Saint Peter lately appeared to his Holiness in a vision , and announced to him that he had lost all chance of salvation , in consequenco of hid having encouraged infidelity by granting political reforms to his subject ? , and that the only way to regain the favour of Heaven was by at onco retracing his steps , and restoring the old regime as in the days of Gregory XVI . It has been ordered , that in future all th& assessed taxes , including the income tax , shall be received by the collectors of the inland revenue . The separate offices « ow heW wtt ) , therefore , shortly bo abolished . —Globe
, Suspension Bridge for St . James ' s Park . —The Commissioners of Woods and Forests are about erecting a suspension bridge across the ornamental water of tho enclosure , St . James ' s Park , similar to those thrown across tke Regent ' s Canal , to connect Primrose Hill Park and Regent ' s Park . The proposed bridge is to be constructed directly opposite Queen-square gate .
Untitled Article
RECEIPTS OF THE RATIONAL LAND COMPANY For ihk Week Ending TnunsPAY , Sepxemueu 20 , 1849 . SHARES . £ s . d . £ f . d . teigh .. .. 0 12 C J . Lewis .. 0 5 0 ^? " . Brown 112 0 W . M'lean .. 0 5 0 LitteTown .. o 12 8 Westminster .. 0 2 G J ^ ottiagliam .. 0 6 0 Lynn .. 11 C 10 £ 5 12 C EXPENSE FUND . Yarmouth .. 0 2 0 Little Town .. 0 4 0 _ 0 ti _ 0 TOTALS . Land Fund ... ... 5 P G Expense ditto ' . '" . 0 G 0 Mathon ... .. oi- /> » k Bonus ditto ... : ;; ;;; 90 [ 0 £° < l'tto 0 3 0 lransfcis ... 0 10 £ i 72 _ 10 ll W . Dixon , C . Doyle , T . Clahk , Cor . Sec P . M'Grath , Fin . Sec . ¦ EXECUTIVE FUND . Receivca by W . Rideb .-W . Hyde , Milborne Port , Heath ^ 5 S" ReceWed at Lasd Omca-Mis . FOR COSTS OF MACNAMARA'S ACTION Received by W . Bider . —Dewsbury Chartists , per E . Newsome , 10 s . Camelford , per E . Brown , 3 s . ; It . Ciwmer , Birmingham , per J . A . Fussell , 2 s . ; William Shaw , Birmingham . Is . ; 11 . Carter , Birmingham , 1 b . D . Pott , Birnuugham , 2 s . Cd . ; J . A . Fussell , Birmingham , 7 s . Gd . FOR WIVES AND FAMILIES OF VICTIMS ; neceivedby W . Rn > ra .-W . Hyde , Milborne l ' ort , 5 s . ; Holmnrth Chartists , pern . Marsden , us . ; S . Guinaman , T . unbridge Wells , Is . ; Camelford , per E . Brown , 2 s . ; Hull , perG . Barnett , 4 s . ' ' . EXPENSE AT INQUESTS ON WILLIAMS AND SHARP . Received by W . Rideb . —T . C . Ingrain , Abeigavtnny , Is . ; Bruce Ingram , Abcrgavenny , Cd . Received at Land ? ]? f- " iPccst . er ' Per Colli « rs , Is . Sd . ; per W . Rider , 2 s . CtL ; Westminster Locality , 5 s .
FOR MRS . JONES . Received at Land Office . —T . J . Crowther , Is . ; James Bnckbndge , Is . ; Hanlcy , per Silvester , 8 s . FOR THE HUNGARIANS . Wdls cd W < KlMB - -s - Guinaman , Tuabridge TO EXEMPT E . JONES FROM OAKUM PICKING . Reccved by W . Rideb . —Halifax , per John Culpan , £ 1 . FOR THE WIDOW OF J . WILLIAMS . Received by W . Rideb . —Canielford , perE . Brown , Is . FOR G , WHEELER . Received at Land Office . —G . W ., Is . VICTIM FUND . Received by S . Boootasl-W . S ., Is . ; nanley , per Silw £ ' - 8 s <; , ? Fnend ' B ^ slem . Is . ; Newport Isle of Wight , os ; Galashiels , Is . ; Mr . Rider ^ 17 s . ; Mr . Martin , Somers Town per John Arnott , Is .: Mrs . Heath , lid .-
Untitled Article
c t L'AMI DU PEUPLE . The usual letter of " L'Ami du Peuple " cannot appear this week , in consequence of the ill-health of that writer
Untitled Article
LORD JOIIN RUSSELL TO MR . HUME . a t i . . v j « . ? almoraI Sept- « , 1849 . oih , —1 nave had the honour of rcccivinn your letter of the 31 st of August—written in yous ° capacity of chairman of a committee of members of parliament and others , which has been formed in aid of the Italian ( Roman ) refugees in this countrycomplaining of the conduct of the Governor of Malta . Lord Grey has sent me all the papers which have reference to the conduct of Mr . More O'Fcrrall Governor of Malta , to the Italians who soucht refuge . s
It has been our practice , as you truly olisevve , " to extend a generous and fearless hospitality to political exiles of every class , from every country , and in every cause . " You may remember that , on the occasion of the French revolution of February , 1848 , when you asked me a question in the House of Commons , I adverted to this . honourable practice , and expressed my determination to adhere to it . I may observe , that the refugees in this countrv at
present are " ot every class , from every country and in every cause ; " and a proof is thus afforded how well the . usual rule has been observed . The Governor of Malta , however , was of opinion that , although the refugees from Rome ( not Roman refugees , in great part ) mi ght safely be allowed to proceed to England , he could not be responsible for their remaining in Malta . They were therefore detained on board ship for some ten days or a fortnight , with the exception of the sick , and of the women and children , who were allowed to land , . m ¦ . «
You are probably aware that there has existed during the past year a sort of circulating society of revolutionists , who have appeared sometimes in Paris , sometimes in Berlin , sometimes in Baden ; and who were especially in great strength and numbers at Rome . It is not consistent with the peace and good government of Malta , although it may be consistent with the peace and security of London , to have numerous bands of this revolutionary association at Malta .
It would be as pleasant an occupation to them to stir up dissensions in Malta as-to head a riot in Berlin or in Baden . One of these refugees was avowedly only taking Malta in his way to Venice , to assist in defending that city against the besieging troops . After all , what has been the hardship inflicted ? These persons were in no danger of their lives while they were on board a French vessel . They were not detained longer than a vessel put in quarantine . They took their passages to England , or to Greece if they chose . They were prevented from disturbing . Malta , and that was all . Lord Grey has therefore , with iny full concurrence , expressed his" approbation of the course pursued by the Governor of Malta . I have the honour to be , &c , &c , J . Russell . P . S . I presume there is no doubt of the legality of the course pursued by the Governor of Malta ?
Untitled Article
¦ — September 2 £ 1849 ' tgw' THE NORTHERN STAR , v-- " SSSigg ^ " i < '" ¦¦¦ * - - ** 1
-
-
Citation
-
Northern Star (1837-1852), Sept. 22, 1849, page 5, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1540/page/5/
-