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CDarttst Jhtttfligencfc
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tffl THE m>RKING CLjISSES. {
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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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jfy fbiesds , ¦; . V ; ^ ;" % ; ?; " ; : A fortnight , or a twelfth part of the - ¦ „« has now passed pyer , and with the rUntioB of some promised tinkering of the ^ sh lavs , and long and tedions discussions ^ th reference to English Darbarons treatment e jier colonies , can the keenest eye , or the fflostdiscriminating genius , point out one single article of benefit that the country has derived , ^ . is likely to derive , from a fortnight ' s chatter * . ;
It is true that Members in that House base t heir notions upon the presumed opinions ' of ^ g pe op le ; and if I am to look upon John ^ bihcb Roebuck as the . veritable represent- ' afire of the mind of Sheffield—I -would cha-l racterise Sheffield ajs a barbarous and atrocious town . In the bloody days of Pm and Casj ^ eeeagh there never was made , in the House of Commons , such a speech as the honourable jfember for Sheffield made on Monday night . He not only sanctioned , but lauded , the atrocious and barbarous acts of murder and plunder committed "by the NOBIiE Iiord
ToBUisGios , the Bepresentative of Her Bkijassic Majest ? in one of her Colonies . But as you will read % at speech , and . are capable of estimating its value , I ^ wUl make no farther comment upon it ; " nor is it necessary , as the veteran Hume gave him such a castigation , as neither he , the House , nor the public will forget . Bat is it not a cobviasang proof that lie —like others—presnmes that the people of this eountrvhave abandoned thbseprinciples which , ^ hen " HOSTING FOB POPULARITY , " he was one to advocate ? TVjU tB | men of Sheffield , then ^^ allow ^ e ^^^ to ^ esWi
tifaMen ^ emipSe ^ p i ^ aifetwa ^ s ^ eh of their representative I I ain not of that opinion ; because I have ever looked upon the men Of Sheffield as a bold , a generous , and an independent people . But I now leave this subject in disgust , and turn to one which , although not to your order of the greatest importance—is , nevertheless , of great importance : I mean Mr . Muner Gibson ' s intended proposition for the Abolition of Stamps upon Newspapers , the Duty upon Paper , and upon Advertisements . Nothing furnishes the Ministers , and your enemies , with stronger grounds for opposing any measure calculated to serve the interest of your order , than the boasted satisfaction based upon your apathy .
As one undertaking to instruct the working classes , I have always considered it my duty to instruct them as to the value of any measure to be discussed in Parliament ; and as your disfranchisement and degradation is based upon your ignorance , I now consider it my duty to draw your attention to the effect that Mr . Criusoif ' s proposition would haTe as jegards the enlightenment of the people , and the conversion of then * opponents . The Times in a most whimsical article , irould make Mr . Gibsons motion a mere financial question , and endeavours to shew us the very slight importance it would be to the public in a pecuniary point of view ; bat I will take a difterent view of the subject
Therearemany youngpoliticians who are yet old enough to remember when the stamp upon a newspaper cost fourpence ; and they remem-T ) er that in those days , newspapers , catered for the support of those who could afford to pay that fourpence , and that but few working men in those days , -were in the habit of reading newspapers ; and those yonng men will be able to estimate by comparison , the great change that has taken place as regards the press since the stamp -was reduced to one penny .
I shall not take the squinting view of this question as the Times does ; I shall view it in a national and a general sense , in the hope that no minister will be much longer able to base his opposition'to popular demands upon , popular ignorance . . I lwve frequently explained to yon , the effect that any tax has upon the consumer or the purchaser of the manufactured article . I hare * idd you , that if it required six different descriptions of raw material to manufacture any article , that the
manufacturer of that article would measure his greatest profit , by the profit he would make of the tax so paid—that , is , : f the tax upon those articles amounted to twopence each , or a shilling for the six , instead of charging a shilling more for the article composed of those six , he would charge two shillings more , or make the purchaser pay him a hundred per cent , profit upon the duty he paid for the law materials . But as the manufacture of knowledge is by far the most important iabrH I will come to the position of the Times .
If the stamp was taken , off newspapers , those journals which now cost od . would sell for 3 d . ; thus proving to you that the newspaper manufacturer does make a profit of 100 / . per cent , upon the duty he pays for the stamp : and further , and which is of still more importance , the managers of those papers would write for the mind , and for the interest of the threepenny instead of the fivepenny customers . But let us see the effect that the reduction of
2 < L on the Times would hare upon that paper . If we estimate its circulation at 30 , 000 a -week , and reduce the price from 5 d . to 3 d . it would reduce the cost to the readers by 78 , 000 Z . a year ; and as you know that I am fond of the land , let me iell yon , that at 251 . an acre this ¦ would purchase , annujJly , 3 , 120 acres , and in twenty years , would locate 15 , 600 persons upon four acres each , and there would accrue from the rent , at the end of that time , a capital of THREE HUNDRED and TWELVE
THOUSAND POUNDS . Now , as the Times measures this question by Ministerial necessity , I have just as good a right to measure it by State necessity . Again , the Times shows us , that as regards the duty upon advertisements , that a servant seldom advertises more that twelve times , which amounts to 38 s . ; but the Times has not told ns that its circulation mainly depends upon those advertisements—it has not told us that its matteris cooked to suit the taste of this advertising community ; whereas , if the columns "fall newspapers were freely open to advert isers , then e ^ ery newspaper would cook its matter to suifc the taste of the majority of the people .
Go to any solicitor ' s office—to any barrister's chambers—to any shopkeeper that wants to buy or sell—to any auctioneer ' s office—pawnbroker ' s office—merchant ' s office—or banker ' s office , and there you will find the Times , taken ui for its advertisements ; and there you will find the minds of these customers regulated by this MORNING DIAL . JJy opinion is , that if the stamp was taken off the newspaper—the duty was taken off the paper—and off advertisements , that those papers which costoi now , would , T > y the enormous competition created in the knowledge market , be . reduced to 2 ld . "Oh ! but "
says the Times , " the stamp permits bb to said it free of postage 1 " "What an absurd argument . Would not any Act for repealing tnose stamp duties also enact that papers should go free of postage ? Ajid such an alteration trould make ignorance a crime—would diffuse knowled ge , and put every man in possession of what was daily going on in the world . ^ ' Quick sale , and light profit , " is the Trader ' s motto ; and the newsvendors -would
be better remunerated by receiving a halfpenny profit upon each paper by the augmented sale , than they are now by receiving a id . ; so that , in my opinion , there is no auestoon that more urgentl y deserves support than the proposition of Mr . Musek Gibsox ; and the people may rest assured , that the Government will frame its mind according to their vill ; and , therefore , it is their dut to send petitions , however brief , from all parts of the country , insupportof 3 fr . GlBSOx ' sproposition-
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but while I give the advice I fear those who need it -will not follow it . The motion comes on on tiie 26 th inst ., and , therefore , there is ample time for forwarding petitions to the House , and I do trust that the people will see the deep interest they have in the question . Tour faithful Friend , Feakgtjs O'Connor .
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"RUIN HIM WITH EXPENSES . "—Lord Melbourne . to the Chartists .
My Fhiends , I have received numerous invitations to attend public meetings . It is my intention to be at Halifax on the 38 th of March , at Sheffield on the 19 th and 20 th , and at Bristol on the 25 th of February and I think , that in the present state of Parliamentary prospects , that I can do more good at those meetings , in theway of uniting the public mind ,, than I can do mParh ^ ment ; but alth ough Sampson wjas a strong man , and ^^^ traon waBi- iS ^^^ wssefs
fmm& w ^ wmism&ys $ - the had ' nt itj and the veritable fact is , that the Land Company and Chartist expenses have so completely exhausted my Exchequer , that I . cannot—and will not—again be made a sacrifice to a nation , if the people suppose that a man can do a nation ' s work . I think the manner in which some poor men forward then * 2 s . 6 d . and 5 s . is an honour to them , and a disgrace to those who impose the tax upon them . I fully expected—I had a right to expect—that my loss by the defence of the
Chartist Prisoners , and to relieve them from oakum picking , would have been discharged in a fortnight ; but , happy is he who expects nothing , as he is never disappointed . I hope that this is the last appeal that an individual will be reluctantly compelled to make to a nation , to discharge its duty . But , however you may fail in the discharge of yours , I am determined that even your ingratitude shall never destroy my resolution to persevere , to the death , in the advocacy of the people ' s rights . Tour Faithful , but Sacrificed Friend , Feaegus O'Connor . - — ¦ — ^^^»* ., «^ rf- *>^^
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• ' The folly of to day may be the wisdom of the morrow . " TO THE LAND MEMBERS . My Friends , In order to prove the truth of my oftrepeated maxim , let me call your strict attention to the following letter , written by Mr . Clifford , the Representative of the city of Hereford , to his constituents in public meeting assembled , and from it you will gather the truth of my prediction—that the landlords , to save themselves from ruin , muBt bring their Land into the retail market ; and that to secure to the people the benefit of Free Trade in Corn you must first have Free Trade in Land . Here follows the letter ; let me beg of you to read it , and from it yon will learn , that however reviled MY Land Scheme has been , it must , and will be , ere long adopted , as the only remedy to save ' all classes . Your Faithful Friend , Feargus O'Connor .
Extract from Mr . Cixefokd ' s letter : — "I should possibly have differed from the view * of many gentlemen for -whose opinions I entertain great respect , as to the remedy to be applied to the present agricultural distress ; but I concur with . them in a feeling of alarm and re ^ gret at the existence of that distress , and in thinking that th « utmost -rigilance and the most careful consideration are reguired at the present moment from all who are interested in the cultivation of the « oiL In my opinion the rtmedy is not to be found in the restoration of a protective duty . Although depending entirely Hpon land , I never can he a party to any measure -which has for its object the raising of the price of food fer the benefit of any particular class , however numerous , influential , and -valuable that class may be and even could I consent to become the advocate of such
a measure , the conviction , whether well or ill founded , existing in the minds of a large portion of the population of this country , as to its cruelty and impolicy , would render success most dangereus , if not impossible , ilr . Clifford adds that he thinks the landed interest is unequally burdened , and anv measure harag for its object the reraoral of that inequality should have his support , ' prorideditbe not brought forward , lfl » the recent amendment in Parliament , as a cOTer for the restoration of a protective duty , ' lie thinks it unjust , however , thatmany articles of primary necessity shonld pay an import duty—such as tea and tobacco , which are undoubtedly essential to the comfort of the labouring classes /—while corn is admitted entirely free . He thinks , however , that it is only to the remoTal of the unequal pressure of local taxation that ' we can look
with any prospect of succeis . ' Some remedies , he flunks , are in the power of the agriculturists themselves , viz ., draining , deep cultivation , and the more economical management of manures , wupled with greater energy and kill among the occupiers in some parts of the country . ' 'But , ' says he , ' almost all improvements must proceed from the landlord , and the question is , where is the capital to c « ne from S The answer is simple . The land is the landlord's capital let it only be free , and let his hand * be untied . Give him some extended powers of sale in cas « s of strict settlement In all cases make it possible for him to dispose of small portions of his land without being an
enormous loser by the operation , let us no longer submit to the cumbrous , costly , and vexatious proceedings now necessary for the transfer of&tltL That which llaS been done in Ireland can be done in EnjrlanuV He concludes a long letter as follows : — ' Free trade in land will , in my opinion , do more to improve the present disastrous state of things than any other measure , for it would be the parent and origin of all others . At aU events it , as well as every Other plan , should be tried before Parliament is asked to restore duties for the sake of protection , a course which could not foil to embitter and perpetuate the animosities bv which the community is now so unfortunately disturbed . *"
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Stockport . —Mr . George Candelet lectured in this locality on Sunday night last , to a numerous and attentive audience . The chair was occupied by Mr . Middleton , who briefly addressed the meeting . Mr . Candelet , entered into an argumentative address , on " The benefits of Co-operative Stores . " The great object of Co-operation was to emancipate labour from its present helpless and prostrate condition , and to secure its freedom and independence in reference to capita ) . There were only three requisite elements to its success ; first , the creation of a favourable opinion ; secondly , its organisation ; and thirdly , its direction . Mr . C . concluded by
alluding to the Parliamentary and Financial Reformers , and said ho had pledged himself publicly and privately , never to relinquish his demands for its principles , until crowned with success . Though he would not oppose them , but do all he could to facilitate their success , ho would nerer be satisfied with anything short of the Charter , except a ? an instalment of what he considered to be right . Holmfieth . —M . H . Marsden delivered a lecture at the room , Underbank , on Sunday evening last , on the " Queen ' s Speech . " The lecture gave general satisfaction , and at the conclusion , a subscription was entered into , to defray the debt due to Mr . O'Connor , when the sum of fourteen shillings ( herewith enclosed ) was subscribed . This is not the last subscription for this purpose . That other localities may do likewise , is the sincere wish of the Chartists of Holmfirth . Bradford . —We have had some glorious meetings of the democrats of this town . On Sunday , the
10 th of February , Mr . James Leach of Manchester , delivered two addresses , to numerous and attentive audiences , in the Temperance Hall . Mi . D . Lightowlcr occupied the chair on both occasions . The lectures gave great satisfaction . —On Monday , the 11 th of February , a tea party was held in the above hall , when a goodly number sat down to tea , after which a public meeting was held . Mr . Thomas Wilcock was called to the chair . The proceedings commenced by singing a hymn from the Chartist hymn book ; after which , Mr . D . Lightowler sung one of his own composition , which he had composed while in the Wakefield House of Correction . The Chairman-gave the first toast of the evening : " The people ; may they not only know that union is strength , and knowledge is power , but endeavour to produce the first , ana acquire the second . " —Responded ,, to by Mr . George White , of Leeds . —The second sentiment was : ? ' Education : the first great
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element necessary for the people towards gaining their jUStmhts /' -Responded to by Mr . J . 13 oothT of queen s Head , lecturer on phrenology and mesmensm . —The next sentiment was : " That in the opinion of this meeting , Universal Suffrage is the right of every man / rf sane mind and untainted with crime ; and ; the document called the People ' s Charter embodying such right , we call upon every person to labour for the making that Charter the law of the land . "—Responded to by Mr . D . Lightowler , of Bradford , in an admirable speech . —The next sentiment was : " Frost , Williams , Jones , Cuffay , Mitchei , o Bnen , and all banished patriots and martyrs in the cause of liberty . " —Responded- to by Mr . Joseph Alderson of Bradford . —The room was then cleared for , dancing , which was kept up till d late hour .
MERTnxR Tydvil . —A number of true democrats met at tho Chandler ' s Arms , Nant-y-gwenith , on the 29 th ult ., to commomorato the birth of the immortal Thomas Paine . ' After partaking of : a substantial supper , Mr . H . Thomas , an old democrat , » was elected to the chair . . A number of patriotic itpasts were given and ably responded to by several speakers . Arrangements . were also made for a meeting to re ; organise the Charter . Association in tBtatowii . .,. - " . ¦ r ^ .. ¦ > :: ^ ' ^ -J : .. ^ ifeKBDEBft?— ^ The . memliersrs ' pf . '; tKo _ : Naiiohal <^> r As&ew ^ on ; reH ^ meeting on Monday evening last , in the Union Hall ; Mr . Lyon was called to the ohair , and after the satisfactory settlement of financial matters connected with the public meeting held here , as
reported in last Slav , Mr . D . Wright vead a letter from Mr . G . W . M . Reynolds , expressing the pleasure : that his visit to Aberdeen had given him and his wife who accompanied him , thanking the Chartists for the glorious reception they had met with , and promising to visit' Aberdeen about the month of June . Mr . Wright also handed over to the treasurer £ 1 as a donation to the local funds from Mr . Reynolds , and moved " That the cordial and sincere thanks of the Chartists of this city be given to G . W . M : Reynolds , Esq ., and to his excellent wife , for the honour done to the Chartists here , and the great impetus given to the cause by their kind and generous visit to Aberdeen , and also for the donation of £ 1 to the local funds of the
association . " This was seconded by Mr . G . Smart , and unanimously carried . Mr . D . Wright then moved " That a public meeting be called on Monday evening , to petition parliament in favour of Mr . Hume ' s motion , as an instalment of our principles , and to memorialise her Majesty to dismiss her present ministers , as they are unworthy of the confidence of the people , in consequence of Lord John Russell ' s finality declaration that no measure would be brought forward this year for the extension of the franchise , and that ho was determined to oppose any such measure . " This was seconded by Mr . William Lindsay , and unanimously agreed to . Parties were then appointed to take the Hall . 206 , George-streetl for the above
meeting . Speakers were appointed , and other preliminaries arranged . It was then agreed to take a place of meeting for a quarter , for the weekly meetings of the Chatist body , and that the first meeting be held on Wednesday , the 20 th inst ., and be called b y handbills , and that all parties willing to become members of the National Charter Association be invited to attend . Mr . William Forbes was appointed interem treasurer ; Mr . D . Wright financial and corresponding secretary ; Mr . G . Smart local secretary ; all pro . tem . After the enrolment of several persons as members of the National Association , the meeting separated . . South London Chartist . Ham ,. —The spirited men of South London , acting in concert with the provisional committee of the National Charter Association , convened a public meeting at the above Hall
on Monday evening last , the 11 th of February . Mr . Hobden wss unanimously called to the chair , and in a few brief remarks opened the proceedings . Mr . G . J . Uarney , whoso appearance was greeted with much applause , in a telling speech , proposed the first resolution as follows : — " That this meeting is of opinion that the present degraded position of the working elnsses is wholly derived from the evil system of class legislation which prevails in this country , and hereby calls upon all classes to assist < us in the promulgation of- the . principles laid dowh in the document called the People ' s Chait ? r , as we consider it to be the only means by which all classes can be benefitted . " — Mr . Doyle , in an able speech , seconded the resolution , which was adopted unanimously , amidst loud acclamations . —Mr . Clark , with his wonted ability , moved the second resolution as follows : — " Thai
in order to make effective the demands for the People ' s Charter , it is necessary that the friends of that measure shonld forthwith form themselves into an association , and that this meeting hereby calls upon all classes to adopt the course here indicated as the one most essential to their moral , social , and political elevation . "—This resolution was seconded by Mr . Tomlinson , and ably and eloquently supported by Messrs . Dixon and P . M'Grath , and , like the former , adopted unanimously . A vote of thanks was given the chairman . and the meeting terminated . We understandit is the intention of our South London friends to hold another meeting , on an early day , to promote the cause of democracy , when we trust the men of South London will do their duty , and fill the hall with their presence .
A Public Lecture was delivered on Sunday , Feb 10 , at the Commercial Locture-haH , Phil pot-street , Commercial-road , by Mr . J . S . Sherravd , the subject / was , " On the Science of Education . " A vote of thanks having been given to the lecturer , Mr . Sherrard kindly offered to lecture again on Sunday evening , the 17 th inst ., " On the Duties of Governments . " It was then resolved , " That all members of this locality pay a penny each for twelve weeks , towards paying Mr . Nixon ' s law expenses . " Finsbury . —On Sunday evening last a meeting was held at Mr . Blake's , 85 , Leather-lane , Ilolborn , Mr . Dicey in the chair , when the local plan of organisition , recommended b y the Provisional Committee , was adopted , and thirteen persons enrolled . The appointment of officers was postponed until Sunday evening next . ¦
CHARTIST DEMONSTRATION AT HANLEY . On Monday evening , a great meeting of the Chartist friends in the Potteries , took place at Hanley , the local authorities having lent the Town Hall for the occasion . It being known that Mr . Reynolds had been invited from London , and had promised to attend , the spacious building was crowded to excess , long before the hour advertised for the commencement of the proceedings , and in spite of the unfavourable weather prevailing at the time . When Mr . Reynolds appeared upon the platform , he was welcomed with enthusiastic and prolonged applause , which lasted for some minutes . Mr . Daniels , the miners' local agent , was called to the chair ; and in a brief but eloquent speech
he explained the objects of the meeting . Mr . 6 . W . M . Reynolds was then called upon to address the assembly ; and on rising he was saluted with a fresh outburst of deafening cheers . He delivered a lon / j speech , in which he reviewed the social and political abuses existing in tho present systems , and pointed out the necessary reforms . Ho denounced the aristocracy in tern . s which excited frequont cheers , and drew a bold and truthful picture of their rapacity , ignorance , intolerance , and heartless cruelty . He traced the institutions of England from their commencement down to the present time showing how incompatible wero the systems founded in barbarous ages with the wants , interests , and intelligence of the nineteenth centurv .
He likewise showed how the land had been taken from the people and monopolised by a few ; and he expounded at great length , and with striking effect , the meaning of Proudhon ' s maxim ; " Property is robbery . " He next dilated upon the vaunted excellence of the British Constitution , proving that it was the most wretched hodge-podge of antagonistic and inconsistent principles over concoived , and refuting the doctrino . thatit worked well . Asaninstanoe of its faultiness , he showed that under its influence there had been no less than eight civil wars and twenty rebellions in tins distracted country . Alluding to the Queen ' s speech , which would lead the super * ficial observer to suppose that peace , contentment , and tranquillity existed in the country . Mr . Reynolds proved that the whole system of society was in reality convulsed by agitation . Every glaring abuse had its repressive society . There was the
middle-class agitation—there was the anti-statechurch agitation—there was the agitation for the reform of the law—there was the sanitary agitation —there were trades' agitations—there were the Free Traders' and Protectionists' agitations—there was the Repeal agitation—there was the Currency agitation—there were a hundred other agitationsand last , but chief of all , there was then own glorious and transcendent agitation for the People ' s Charter . ( Tremendous cheering . ) Mr , Reynolds then spoke at * great length upon the principles involved in that document , illustrating ' his remarks upon the six points with many telling examples of existing abuses , and the certain results of' the required reforms . After a speech of two hours' duration , Mr . Reynolds sat down } amidst the most enthusiastic cheering . , Mr . Lawxon then moved the first resolution , as
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follows :- ^^ That meeting- highlyapproves of the objeefcifor which : the . peopleda , r . e \ -wsembied . to ' -j gether thirievenihg , riamoly . ' the ereqtiqri of a hall or suitable 'Kuildrng wherein tlie . w prking classes can meet for impTovSm ^ by sect orjparty ¦ •' . andI ' ufSeniffyJreqiiest that all who feel interested in th § ; w © lfare " of that portion of society , as ^ ^ well as the ^ risitfg gen . ei f ation , will-assist , by pecuniary means ^ OKiotherwisi j ithis laudable undertaking . " Mr . LivwtondweJ . ti . 6 ip . iiiuently . upon the necessity of . carryingthis resblMi&n . and handled-in an able manner the ebnsiderations ^ o-wbieh it naturally gave rise : ' ' ££ ,. ';¦ "V ?' v " ^ V . ' ., " . ' .. ' Mr . BinBii * aToN ^ ho repreBen ted tho Chartists of Hanley in the Natf 6 nai ; Convention of 1848 , arid who is known as a 8 ta ; to < phVahd unflinching Democrat , seconded the resoliitidnj which was carried by acclamation . }•• ' .: ¦ -: ;• ¦ -.. ' . ¦ .-t . «
Mr . WboMiET moved , and Mr . Moreton seconded , the next resolution , which ran as follows : — " That the thanks of this meeting bo gratefully tendered to G . W . M . Reynolds , Esq ., for the . kind and liberal offer Of his services on this occasion , and for cheerfully responding to the firstappeal made to him by the working classes in this ; importan £ (^ is-but a feebieaoknow ^ agement'to express our ' ad-«"**« pn M . Aj ^ ews ^ ten fo and instrvioUvBL » ddless ^ ! 6 )^< foty $ B ^^ hanced , when wekftow that the same fraternal and benevolent spirit i ^ , invariably displayed to all the sons of toil in the "United Kingdom . Again , we thank our esteemed visitorand may he continue to
, labour in his mission until the domination of kings , priests , and nobles are powerless for evil , and the glorious principles of democracy reign triumphant . " This resolution having been carried amidst loud cheering , Mr . Reynolds returned thanks for , the honour done him , declaring that as the unpaid and disinterested advocate of the cause of progress , he should never rest until he saw the peopte triumphant , and that the only reward he required or coveted was such an approval of his conduct as had just been vouchsafed to him . Mr . Berrington moved , and Mr . Woollet seconded , tho third resolution , to the effect that- ^ " The best thanks of this meeting be given to Mr .
Daniels , the able advocate of Labour's Rights , for his impartial conduct in the chair ; and may he never relax in is exertions until that useful body of men , the ( North Staffordshire miners , ) have obtained their proper elevation in the social scale , with full and complete justice . " This resolution having been carried , the Chairman returned thanks ; and the business portion of the proceedings terminated with three tremendous , and most enthusiastic cheers for the Charter , The Hall was then cleared for a few minutes , to enable the arrangements to be made for the ball which had likewise been advertised ; and dancing was sustained with-much spirit until mid-night .
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. PlRLIAMENTAfvYAND FINANCIAL BEFORM . MEETING AT NOTTINGHAM . On Friday last a nieeting of the inhabitants of Nottingham and the-surrounding locality was held in the Exchange Hall , for the purpose of hearing addresses from Sir Joshua Walmsloy , M . P .,. and George Thompson , Esqi , M . P ., who attended as a deputation to explain the objects of the National Parliamentary and Financial Reform Association . The room was densely crowded , there being upwards of a thousand persons present . The chair was filled by Mr . Alderman Bean , who has grown grey in the cause of reform .
The Chairman having opened the business of the evening . Sir Joshua Walmslet , M . P ., presented himself , and explained the objects of the association . The hon . gentleman then proceeded—Lord John Russell , on Monday evening last , told you in the House of Commons that he did not mean to introduce any measure for the extension of the franchise this year . ( " Shame on him . " ) Now you call " Shume on . him . " Let us see how far that shame extends . I am no panegyrist of Lord John , but I would ask , what has he done to call for that shame ? Lord John Russell means this— " I don ' t heliove that the
people of this country are in earnest for reform , orthat they want an extension of the franchise . There are a few demagogues " —( I speak feelingly upon this point , for I come in for that title j" there are a few demagogues who are clamouring for an extension of the franchise , but the people ' of this country don't desire it . " ( Laughter . ) We want to convince him that you do desire it , and this is our mission this evening , and for this wo are travelling from one end of the country to the other —asking the ; people to convince the government of this land that they aro in earnest ia demanding an extension of the suffrage . ( Vehement applause . ) After a few more observations the hon . gentleman resumed his seat amidst loud cheers .
Mr . G . Thompson , M . P ., said the Bcheme they had propounded was one which would create such a-House of Commons as would fairly represent the people . If they united . together in aiding the scheme they should soon have power enough to control the legislature of the country on Parliamentary Reform . Parliamentary Reform could not be obtained while the majority of the House of Commons were interested in keeping up all the government salaries ; they wanted church reform ,. but they could not get it from a parliament , the large majority of which had some connexions living upon the people . They wanted to reduce the army and navy , but they could not'do so with tho present house without a . long course of agitation . After a few more observations , My . Thompson concluded
byrecommending the National Parliamentary and Financial Reform Association to the consideration of the meeting , and asking them all to enrol themselves as members . ( Cheers . ) Mr . G . Gill , founder of the People ' s College ,. Nottingham , in a few forcible remarks , moved : — " That this meeting , approving of the principles on which the National Parliamentary and Financial Reform Association is founded , pledges itself to support the executive of that association in carrying out its objects—namely , an extension of the suffrage , the shortening the duration of parliament , ana economy in the expenditure of the public money ; and at tbc same time expresses its thanks to the deputation ( Sir Joshua Walmsley and Mr .. George Thompson ) for their attendance on thisoccasion . " ( Cheers . )
Mr . George Parkin seconded the motion , which was carried unanimously . Sir Joshua Walmsley " and Mr . Thompson having returned thanks , a vote of thanks was given to the chairman , and the meeting separated at nine o ' clock , having occupied about two hours , It was arranged that a local committee should be formed to receive the names of members , and to organise a branch association .
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PARLIAMENTARY REFORM BANQUET AND
MEETING . On Tuesday evening last , the Parliamentary Reform Association had a splendid banquet at the Prince Albert Tavern , Notting Hill . The dinner was served at six o ' clock , and the largest room was not sufficient to give accommodation to the guests . Mr . Serle presided as chairman , and discharged his office in a most gentlemanly and satisfactory man * Her . On his right sat Mr . Lushington , M . P . ; Feargus O'Connor , M . P . ; Mr . Williams , late M . P . for Coventry ; and on his left sat Mr . M'Greq ; or , \ tt U nm « i »«« 4 n m " ¥ T # v •* a # 1 «* Hf «* T iifikthfHiAn nmM lui diAU
.., vrtipuuil jumiieujr . lUi . liUSMIllglUll , MU . M'Gregor , Mr . O'Connor , Mr . Williams , Mr . Walker , and Captain Kennedy responded to the different toasts , and their speeches gave the greatest satisfaction , and elicited the loudest applause . The whole proceedings wore conducted with the most perfect harmony , and have left a dcop impression upon tho guests . We trust the districts , in the neighbourhood of the metropolis will evince the same amount of spirit and enthusiasm in carrying out the good cause of Parliamentary Reform .
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MEETING IN NORFOLK . A soirU was held on Tuesday evening at the Independent Chapel , South Creak , to hear addresses from a deputation of the National Reform Association . Beyond 250 persons sat down to tea , and after tho removal of the cloth , the chapel became thronged in every part with an attentive audienoe gathered from the surrounding agricultural districts . The chair was taken by the Rev . Mr . Somers , who , after introducing Mr . J , H . Tellett and Mr . T . M'Enteer , as members of the deputation referred to sin unsuccessful effort recently . made by the landlords of this locality to inclose a common of 600 acres that for time immemorial had been in the possession of tho poor of South Creak , to the great advantage of tho humble residents of the neighbourhood . The meeting was subsequently addresstd at longth by Mr . Tnllett , Mr . M'Enteer , and other gentlemen , amidst the most enthusiastic applause , and after the enrolment of memb ers , separated .
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Financial and Parliamkntary Reform . — On Monday evening last a numerous and highly respectable meeting Of the in habitants of Great Yarmouth was hold at tho Cora Exchange , in that place , for the purpose of establishing a branch of the National Parliamentary and Financial Reform Association . Mr . C . Barber was called to the ohair , and a series of resolutions , in accordance with tho requisition , wero adopted . At the closo of the meeting , members wero enrolled , and upwards of 120 were entered in less than an hour , besides which several wero compelled to leave without tickets , owing to the great number of applications to join the now branch society , which promises shortly to be the most powerful ever established in the town .
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"What is to be done for the people must be dgne by the people . "
TO THE IRISH EXILES . My Gototrymex , Though residing—or rather existing —in England , and although England is a freer country , and a better governed country than Ireland , I call you exiles , because I feel convinced that no people in the world entertain snch a love for fatherland , as the Irish people . Yea , poor Paddy , accustomed to the cheerful society of his cheerful and hospitable countrymen , when they can be hospitable , would rather live upon a dry potatoe at home than live sumptuously away from home .
No uiau will doubt that the Irish people are stedfastly attached to their country ; while the repl y to such an assertion may be , how comes it then that they abandon the land of their birth , and flock in thousands and tens of thousands to foreign countries , in the hope of preserving a miserable existence ? My answer is , because the power of tyranny and oppression , both foreign and domestic—that is , English and Irish—is so great that they cannot even preserve that miserable existence at home .
But then , my countrymen , you must understand the reason why you thus suffer . It is because you have been selfishly used for individual benefit ; it is because you did not see the truth of , or did not act upon the maxim , " what is to be done for the people must be done by the people ; " and my object in writing this letter is to show you what is now the people ' s duty . You are fully aware that during the O'Coxxell agitation his great power was based upon the PRESS , and that he preserved that power by diffusing bis own opinions —if not knowledge—through the Press , and by expending large portions of your hardearned savings in advertising in the Press .
No newspaper that was independent of this system could long stand against his reviling and denunciation , and for that reason the independent mind of Ireland could not be independently expressed , or independently circulated . 3 fo man is better aware of the difficulties against "which an independent Newspaper has
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to contend , than I am ; and no nian better understands the value of an independent organ —however prosecuted and pQi'seontedits owner maybe—than I do ; and it is from a knowledge of the value of an independent Journal , and from a conviction that without , such an ; auxiliary the true cause of liberty cannot prosper in Ireland , or elsewhere , that 1 now address you , not as a mendicant , but as a loves of justice , and my country . My countrymen , what circumstances dp you think would give greater pleasure and delight to the English and the Irish Government , as
g well as to the political manufacturers of Ire ^ . land , than the announcement that the IrisM man , the veritable representation of true deli mocratic principles , had expired ? and what M great a stigma upon the Irish character , ^ that its death was causedbylrish indifference' ? Would not . your rulers he justijfieddn Baying 'Vhere , in the expiration of /( the . Irishman , we have the strongest proof of Irish contempt for ^ empcratio principles ; " and how that portion of ^ f ^^^ t ^ asbmMt ^^ pInahim ^ f'W ^ Dravely ' and magnanimousl y stood ,, would luxuriate in its downfall . '
My countrymen , you must understand that this is not a begging letter , but that it is dictated by a thorough knowledge of the value of an organ representing popular feelings ; and upon the principle that no man , as the proprietor of such an organ , who beards tyranny , embarks capital , and devotes his time to the promotion of your interests , should be allowed to suffer and become a sacrifice to popular indifference .
To my own knowledge , the proprietor of the Irishman has expended more money in procuring able editors and assistants , than is usually embarked in a newspaper in the outset ; and upon this fact alone do I base my belief in the sincerity of the proprietor of that paper ; and having discovered from authority — upon which I place the greatest reliance—that this paper is likely to fall , if not sustained by your justice , I will not call it kindness , I now appeal to your sense of justice , to establish com mittees of Irishmen , in the several towns of England and Scotland , for the purpose of preserving the life of the I'epresentatiye of your principles ; and I will venture to assert , that in those towns the SAXON will not be outdone by the CELT .
My countrymen , you are perfectly aware that ministers of the Crown , and ministers of the Church ,. officers in the army and navy , and all sorts of Government tools and toadies are paid , and well-paid , for what are ludicrously termed their services , while the owner of a newspaper , which may command more power than all , unitedly , is not only not paid , but is frequently victimised for his services .
I believe that no organ has done more to unite the democratic mind of England and Ireland than the Irishman , and I feel convinced that no circumstance weuld give greater pleasure to your enemies than the announcement of the fall of that paper ; and I also feel convinced that nothing would more justify the continuance of oppression and tyranny than the fact , that millions professing democracy had allowed their organ to perish . -
My countrymen , what I now mvite you to do is this : to appoint some early day for holding meetings , for the purpose of discussing the value of the jrisJunan , and the necessity of preservtng ^ is ^ xisfe ' nce- ; and upon that day let your sincerity be tested by something more substantial than mere declamation and praise ; let it be tested by your subscriptions ; and bear in mind , that a mere mite from each man professing democratic principles will keep the good ship afloat , and save the crew from
shipwreck for , depend upon it , that should that paper perish through your ingratitude , while the proprietor would but sufler individually , you would suffer collectively . You should take the Irishman in all your readingrooms ; it is a splendidly written paper , and powerfully developes principles : and let me ask you what your feelings would be , if you read an announcement that the advocate of those principles had perished through your neglect ?
I trust that those meetings will be held prior to the great Democratic gathering that is shortly to take place in Dublin , and that the several English representatives who attend that meeting will take with them the STERLING ! - opinions of those they represent , namely , the subscriptions from their several localities : and as I intend to be one of that deputation , I hope I shall not go emptyhanded . At that gathering , also , I will appeal to the generosity of my countrymen ; and what a slur it will be upon the English Democrats , if I collect more at one Irish meeting than a nation has given .
My countrymen , in conclusion , let me remind you that a man cannot do a nation ' s work , unless sustained by the justice of the nation ; and therefore I hope that my appeal , —not so much on behalf of the Irishman as upon behalf of my country—will have its due effect , as well upon the English Democrats as upon the Irish exiles . Your faithful Friend and Countryman , Feargus O'Connor .
Cdarttst Jhtttfligencfc
CDarttst Jhtttfligencfc
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REVIEW OF PARLIAMENT . On Tuesday evening last the hall of the Literary and Scientific Institution , John-street , Fitzroysquare , was crowded by an auditory , intent on hearing the weekly review of tho proceedings in parliament . Shortly after eight o ' clock , Mr . Henry Ross was called to the chair , and having briefly addressed the nieeting amidst loud applause , proceeded to call on Mr . Tomlinson , who said he had just came from school —( prison)—where he had been eighteen months , and now he was come to show his persecutors the gratitude due to them for the care they hud taken to teach him . They had imprisoned him as a Chartist—they had freed him a Republican . ( Loud cheers . ) He ( Mr . Tomlinson ) was no orator , and what little knowledgo'he possessed he had acquired in time stolen from the hours of rest . Mr . Tomlingon proceeded to com .
inent on Lord John Russell s reply to Mr . Hume that no Reform was needed . He ( Mr . Tomlinson ) would ask the meeting if no Reform was . needed when the unrepresented western districts of London had a population of 130 , 000 , with 10 , 000 houses rated above ten pounds rental , while Harwich was represented by two members , with 245 ejectors . On this small ground alone it was sufficiently proven that Parliamentary Reform was wanted ; but , when even that insignificant Reform was refused , could they expect that the real , the great , and the necessary Reforms would be granted , or Reforms that would elevate the social and political condition of the working men of England ? In respect to Mr . Horsman's affair , and the Ecclesiastical Commissioners , the Bishops blasphemed every Sunday ; they had their ten C 6 mmandments ; they repeated them , but they misconstrued them . " Thou Shalt have no other Got
but me , was the words , but they worshipped gold ; " Thou Shalt not Steal , " was another ; but yenrly these descendants of the Primitive Fathers wrung from the sinews of an already over-burdened people the sums of ten millions . They talked of " blasphemy ! " but did not those state priests lift up their heads to the all-seeing God , and utter blasphemy every Sunday in the year ? They said it is now as it was in the beginning and should be in the end . Why , what a libel was this ! Were there any bull-headed bishops in the beginning , or foxhunting parsons , cotton lords , or factory slaves ? ( Cheers . ) They held up their hands and whined " O Lord , we have done that which we ought not to have done , and left thatundone which we ought
to have done . ( The facetious tone in which this was recited forth bjr Mr . T ., called forth loud cheers and long continued laughter ) . Why should they act the hypocrite weekly any longer ? Let them leave off their evil doings and set to work , and do that which they ought to have done long ago . Three : nonths agitation from the pulpit , would do more than three years in the proas , or on the platform . ( Hear and cheers . ) He ( Mr . T . ) had read and marked the skirmishing between the Protectionists and Free Traders , and lie would state it as his firm opinion , that Free Trade , under the present arrangements of society , instead of a blessing , would prove a curse . ( Hear , hear . ) Let trade be as unshackled as the air ; if the wealth producers held no better position towards their employers than they held at present , Free Trade would drag
them on to that gulf of ruin , which had swallowed every ' nation that had based its power—not upon the happiness of its people , but on its unrestricted commerce . ( Loud cheers ., Mr . T . then proceeded to prove his assertion regarding Free Trade , by statistics of the productive power already in existence in this country , in America , and Germany , compared with the population of the world ; also comparing the increase of machinery with the increase of population , and inviting refutation if his statements were incorrect . He concluded an eloquent address by calling on tho people in tho name of those who had died for the sacred cause of Democracy , to unite and agitate for the Charter , as the only means whereby they could obtain the power to frame a code of Democratic laws , and secure the social ri g hts of the people . Mr . Tomlinson sat down amidst a burst of enthusiastic
applause . Julian Hahney , who was received with protracted applause , delivered a lengthy and energetic speech , in the course of which ho commented on a variety of topics , his observations exciting the most enthusiastic cheering . He concluded by moving the following resolution : — "That the proceedings of parliament , thus far , warrant the conclusion , that unless the pressure from without is brought to bear upon the govcrnmpnt and Parliament , toe present session will . terminate , like its predecessors , in leaving the people still subjected to the taxation and tyranny of irresponsible rulers ; this meeting , therefore , appeals to the industrious classes to unite , organise , agitate , and struggle for the obtainmont of the People's Charter , as the only means of securing to the people tho blessings of political and nAAtnl ^ liotitn " ovviai
jiwvjvv . Mr . Gkassbt , in a short and energetic speech , seconded the resolution . He concurred in the opinion , that this nation , if much longer oppressed by the present unjust and oppressive system , would soon imitate Babylon in its coufusioii , and , ultimately , in its fall . ( Cheers , ) lie ( Mr . Grassby ) believed there were but two ways in which the problem could be solved : cither by the manufacturers working out their own and their country ' s ruin , or by the people taking their affairs into their own hands . He feared that they lacked energy for the lattor course , but hoped he mightfind himself mistaken . If they had the energy , he would- tell them that the Charter was the meaus to save the country ; and the means to get the Charter was by an organised , well-directed , and persevering system of agitation . Mr . Grassby sat down amidst great applause .
Mr . Dixon , who was greeted with applause , on coming forward to support the resolution , said they had oeen told that unless the pressure iroin without became greater there would be no reform within . With that he entirely agreed'fahd further believed , that no measures that would permanently ameliorate the condition of the people would ever emanate from the government , until they were literally forced from them . He did not contemplate a phy-
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sical revolutions out a moral one—a complete rero-IuYf 6 lro 1 ^| a 6 |^( h ear)—by which the Charter . would become 4 he ^^ litical-oreed -of ; the great ^ maiorifcg . rCheers . l ^ iH ^ nemitEere were not many" st ^ rne ? ) hen \ il ^ n ^ i tl ] E ^ i ? &fi | i ^ r _ & % iflfe t ' h ' ouglit'thiE > pe . wa » no danger- ^ - { a ;; ifti ) fgh )^ and * rnone could put a better face p'hyaV ; . ba ' a . ' :. questionf ? y (; Hear . ) Yet , notwithstanding ; their late apathy ^ ; on tho continuance ? of whjchjijs ; lordship ; reckone"d ,- he ( Mr . D . ) thought there' was ^ pme ' little 'danger to the little Lord '? finaJifyvP ^ fcyiia ^ aSaliplSors were furious . They talked of-ftGojiff ^^^ o ^ aanging , and what Dot . The commerpgl % i ^^^ elamouring for their " rights // bu ^ g ^ ucMs ful , not a class , but the whole people nf ^ stri go fof ^ re form that would give mart / i a a rtn /» h ' -Suj . ¦;•¦ ' ¦* : « - ' m \ :- .. . #% . « \ tL uloiwj ciuL iina
* — ,, U » . u ; u ,. . cpmiort -to all . ( Cheers . ; a the present government' were exchanged for a goTernment of / the . working , classes to-morrow , they might legislatelso / aar tor put themselves in the same position as thfcir obrfoxious predecessors . But what the Chartists : wanted ; was not to exchange the l'Uld of On& clslgSifor-that of another , but a full measure of po ^ itieal , justice to all ; and whatever differences : of opinion . might' exi 3 t now , the time was ^ approaching when it . would te felt to bo the-, interest , of all classes , of the people to unite for the , good «> f all . 'No better basis of union could be found . , than tlie People's ; . Charter .., With these remarks " Mr . Dixon cordially : supported the resolution , and sat down . imidst . mubh cheering .
; -Mr . ¦ M'Grath ' expressed his satisfaction to wit- ; ness such a . ' crowded and enthusiastic meeting , and hoped that such . meetings might increase in number " and in enthusiasm . He concluded a lengthy 8 p . cechj ; w . luph :. w . as warmly applauded , by support * jflgVthe lielspjuti ' on . . '; ,- ; . ; Mr . Yeb . kM who on coming forward , was loudly . cheered , addressed the meeting on the sham fight . ' , between Mr , - -8 grsman andLord John Russell , after ' which he adjferted to the motion about to be brought forwwd for the repeal of the taxes on knowledge . 3 £ ter commenting oh the iniquity of ;
those taxes , and ; appealing to the people to support j t % movement for their repeal , he sat down amid , much ;^ ppJ » useS -h v , . ! . On the motion of Mr . Harney , seconded by . Jtfr «^ ^ Grathy ^ a ;; - ^^ sfw ^ raedvto ; 1 thV ^ fiJffimttyi , t |^^^™^ W £ | ba nk 84 n . a short and felicitous speech , and concluded the ' proceedings of the evening by calling for three cheers for the Charter , ¦ which were most heartily given j thus terminating one of the most enthusiastic , crowded , and orderly meetings which have taken plac e for a length of time .
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ExTiuonDiNAiiY Change of FoRiuNE . —Within the past week an authentic legal announcement has > een made to Thomas Strickland , carpet-weaver , , living in Caroline-street , Kendal , th ;; t ho ii heirat-law to the estates of Miss Burns , of Cringlemire , . near Bouth , who died' recently at Cheltenham . ¦ The value of the estate is stated at £ U , ( 00 . The - fortunate successor to ijhia property has hitherto been in poor circumstances . "¦ ¦ . ¦ ¦ : ¦ ¦ */ W ** ! ,-. < v £ - ^ ' ™ f . ^ rS ' ^ £ W M ki . £ : " ¦ ' . « ¦ >* : T IW ^ vk
Tffl The M≫Rking Cljisses. {
tffl THE m > RKING CLjISSES . {
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y ^^^^ •'¦• -. v / i v' ¦ ' . ' : ¦ '• ' ' ' . ' , ¦• [¦ AND NATIONAIItR&DES' JOURlfc
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jVOL . XDI . P . 643 ., LONDON , SATURDAY , FEBifflAltY 16 , 1850 . ' ^ j ^ g ^ tv £
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Feb. 16, 1850, page unpag, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1561/page/1/
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