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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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Tc ~ . - -: ¦ - 'J - LETTERS < : " ~ TO THE WORKINGCLASSES . . ' : ¦ ¦ - LXXXHL «• words are tMigs , aid asmall drop of ink VaBiog— ^ e dew—Jipon a thought , produces ntal which makes thousands , perhaps millions flun k . " ***»• -out iXD'S APPEAL TO THE BRITISH IRELA MJ- j , EM 0 CBACY . xnirm XAPOLEOU ASD THE « QUIET . 1 ? D MODERATE" MEN OF "ORDER , " ESOTBEK PEffltBIABIAaS , ¦ : TV darkest hour is nearest to the dawn . _ ,. „„ ^ d Pestilence -wrapt Ireland in a IrSMS The apathy which permitted Sfsscrifice of Mitchel and his compatriots , aApA io the gloom of death the darkness of j £ 3 r . > behoWl " a bright P « ticakr Ii J * L » the Aurora of a happier da y ishursting rtjronffh tue sombre night of desolation . A ] w months ago the heart sunk in hopelessness , : contenip lating the fallen and degraded state of Ireland . Xovr hope is rapidly taking the Iacc of despondency . Thai hright luminary flieIrishman lxas arisen , and is shedding light - > nd Wfi ar ° und- I * ' s at once tne rc'flcx and flic reviver of Irish Democracy ; the morn-. s ar ( Jet us hope ) of Ireland ' s day of
redemption . To the genuine lover of Freedom , no duty morep leasfag than thatof acknowled ghigaHd extolling the fraternal services of othor of her derotoes . As one , whose mission it is to speak for , as well as to , the British democracy , I consider it incumhent to take notice of the admirable addresses from the Irishman to the democrats of Britain , reprinted , the first in last Saturday's Northern Star , and the second in the current numhor .
Those addresses prove , firstly—that the spirit of veritahle democracy is ohtaining possession of our Irish brethren ; and , secondlythat all tueeSbrts of Eug lish tyrants on the one hand , and Irish impostors , like the O'C ( m-Sells , on the other—have failed to prevent the growth of that sentiment which must ever spring from true democracy— -Fraternity Untif now , a main feature in Irish agitation ,
has been the inculcation of hatred ofrihe English without distinction . It "was the boast of the Irish Motanna that Irish soldiers shot down English Chartists at [ Newport ; and it iras his vaunt that " five hundred thousand Tipperary hoys" were ready , if needed , to put down the Radical-revolutionists of England . Every attempt on the part of the English democrats to unite the suffering millions of the
two nations , encountered from O'Coknell aud his satellites the fiercest hostility , and most rirnlent denunciation . On his trial , the great impostor even made it matter for boasting that he had prevented the fraternisation of the " loyal Irish" - with the Engluh Chartists . How different is the course pursued by the men ¦ who at present are devoting their services to , and perilling so much in , Ireland ' s cause I
They draw a just distinction between the British people and the tyrants who plunder Hnd oppress the millions of both countries . They deplore that the physical strength of the two peoples has been arrayed against each other , or when combined has been so , to promote the aggrandisemeet of the common enemy . They desire io unite the two nations , that each aiding the other may succeed in breaking the chains of Saxon and of Celt .
Surely , the soul-stirring addresses of the Irishman will not hare been made in vain . It is the duty of the British Democracy to respond , less by words than b y deeds . If the toiling millions of Britain feel sympathy for their wronged Irish brethren—if they feel indignant at their own sufferings—they will grasp at the hand proffered to them in the spirit of brotherhood , and swear , by their common wronge , to march shoulder to shoulder—a serried phalanx—against theoppressors ¦ who have so long misgoverned both countries , and plundered and enslaved the people of both islands .
Yes . plundered and enslaved are the downtrodden millions of both Ireland and Britain . In Haelrisltman of Satnrday last , it is stated , on the authority of a Report compiled by Major Larcom , that , in the time of the recent "famine , " there was produced in Ireland a sufficiency of grain to have supplied the whole of the inhabitant with a year ' s consumption , and to have left a surplus of ninety-seven pounds' weight , ibr every man , woman , and child in the island . Yet , in spite of this superabundance , the miserable people perished
of hunger , and rotted to death , to the number of hundreds of thousands . The well-fed hypocrites in Parliament , and elsewhere , asserted , tb&t the famine was " a visitation of Divine Providence "—the troth being , that the famine "was caused l ) y no extraordinary visitation of any land , but , by the system of permanent plunder , established for the benefit of landlords and capitalists . Similar results are produced b y a similar stale of tilings in this country . The people raise the corn , but cannot get a sufficiency of bread . They rear the cattle , yet thousands of them never
taste flesh meat They build mansions and palaces , and are glad to shelter themselves in hovels , garrets , and cellars . They perform the dreadful labour of digging through the bowels of the earth for coal , yet how many of their class neFer know the comfort of a stove-full of fire ! They weave silks , broad-cloths , and linens , yet rags , or at best the coarsest clothing istflDontward and visJUe sign of their allegiance to Labour J They traverse distant seas to bring home wines , teas , coffee , spices , and innumerable luxuries , yet the best and the most of these products of distant lands are
consumed by idlers and plunderers who never braved the dangers of the deep and the hardships of the storm . Amongst the wealth-producers poverty abounds , and the labour which supplies so many enjoyments fails ' to confer them on the" labourers . The greatness of the nation has been built up by the toil and heroism of the many , but the few have contrived fe > monopolise the advantages and the glory of iintain ' s Empire " on which the sun never
sets The words of TiBERfiJS Gkacchus , though uttered two thousand years ago , apply Btnctly to the present condition of the grea ' t a ^ L of Britain ' s defenders on flood and field . — lhe private soldiers fight and die to increase the wealth and luxury of the great , and they are styled rulers of the world , while they aave not a foot of ground which they car . call tteir own . " Slavery accompanies poverty , ¦ inepeople who have no voice in forming the laws they are compelled to submit to . whose
maustry is taxed b y irres ponsible rulers , and Who are compelled by hunger to vort on anv tarns the master-classes may dictate , are Stores . He who works for the profit of another , and is denied the enjoyment of rights secured to his fellow , is a bondman and a sla te . And such is the state of the veritable people of this country . The ent ire system is one of organized vil-« ny , and to reform it altogether should be P « s stern resolve of every true man . In these islands all the elements of happiness abound aD * F hitherto those blessings have been mo-Sopolised by the idle and the rapacious , the ^ "i iu a great measure , has been with the people themselves . An earnest and eeneral
ram tor their own redemption would result in delated ? * » *¦* effort to be ^ ssss ^ rf-W ^ am h gMdL . S ^ Wte ; Iflere ' e a will there's a wav * ' Tn ° » + ; i j be taken as a proof 3 e £ " £ W £ > Joe 8 not exist . The plea that the 12 cheniBelves are contented , musthe taken from ta ¥ bo profit by the existing system
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The organ of our Democratic Brethreii i acr oss StGeorge ' a Channel , isa paperwhich Bhottld beread wherever British Democrats congregate , It exhibits talent equal to , that £ . ^ flfi P » * ts best davs , witH this additional claim on British aupp ' ort—that though breathing fervent aspiration for Ireland ' s regeneration , it wages no war against Britain's people ; on the contrary , it desiresi-to quote its . owu language—to "weave together the rose and shamrock—the one no longer tyrannical , the other oppressed * To grave on one shield * the rights of liberty , of labour , and of man . * And to twine together the banners , green and red , in one thick cord , to bind down for ever the demon that has oppressed us . " ¦
All individual Democrats who can afford to purchase the Irishman BUould do so . All organised bodies of Democrats will do so , if they desire to learn the sentiments , and note the progress of their Irish brethren ; There is no paper that has higher , holier claims oh the people of both countries than the talented , earnest , aud thoroughly democratic Irishman . Of French affairs a cursory notice , this week , will suffice . In dealing with the
disputed electoral returns for the department of the Haut Hhin , the circumstances connected with which heing similar to those at the election of the Soane-et-Loire , the majority in the Assembly has given another illustration of "Moderate" equity . The Members elected for the Haut Rhin being Ordermongers their election has been voted legal , while the majo rity had prievously unseated the Members for the Soaneet-Loire . "Why ? Because they were Socialist-Democrats . The Government
is pushing forward the Bill to Transport to the Marquesa Islands Bakbes , Blanqui , Raspail , and other Revolutionary Chiefs condemned for the affair of May 1848 , and June 1849 . The Ordermongers seem determined to establish some excellent precedents , which may be made to apply to themselves hereafter . The " Special" Chief of the gang has heard the warning note of popular vengeance , Returning from Vineennes to
the Elysee , the imperial ape had to pass through the Faubourg St . Antoine , where , to his dismay , his ears were assailed with cries of "Vive la Ilepublique—democratique et sociale ! " * 'A -bas le tyran ! ' * and men with naked arms , shook their clenched fists in the face of the " nephew of my uncle , " at th same time exclaiming , " We will only have the Republic ! " The Times correspondent consoles his masters with the assurance , that "thereare few who do not believe that the
authorities are perfectly competent to suppress any attempt at disturbance . " He significantly adds- — " So strong is this feeling , that there are are very moderate and quiet men who think that an emeute would be so far fortunate that it would decide many a disagreeable-question for a long time . Of that , however , I do not learn there is any chance at this moment . " What a pity I You observe , Brother Proletarians , that there are some " very moderate and quiet men , " who would like a little iasurrection—an un successful revolt , so that they might have the
pleasure -of massacreing the Proletarians , and making a St . Bartholomew of all known Red Republicans . Of course these quiet and moderate aristocrats , bankers , and men of property , would not do the killing themselves , they would employ butchers for the purpose . But why blame these interesting traffickers in human lives ? They are only true to " their own convictions , ideas , and opinions ; " and you know it is declared , on high authority , that " men who are true to their own thoughts are true to the world as they see it . " Vive la Humbug !
Yes , they believe the world was made for their paradise and for your hell . They are true to the conviction , idea , and opinion , that it is their sovereign right to use up the labourer purely for their own profit , and should he rebel , to slay him without pity or remorse . But that is not " private assassination / ' it is only murder according to law , and of coarse Citizen Chenu is content . What , though millions suffer , and thousands are destroyed ,
as long as " property is secured , and " order " maintained ? Let us hope , Brother Proletarians , that there will be no insurrection in Prance until the people are sure of victory ; and let us hope , too , that in the event of the people being forced to combat against their tyrants , that ( notwithstanding Ghent ? s horror ) the " quiet and moderate" men , who are just now thirsting for the people ' s Wood , will have their thirst allayed after a fashion they would least desire . L'AMI DU PEUPLE . April 11 , 1850 .
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TO THE DEMOCRATS OP GREAT BRITAIN-( From the Iritkman of April 6 th . ) Bhotber Democrats , —In our last we "lanced at the ungracious aud insulting mode in which the Constitution—the boasted , ideal , unwritten , and non-existent Constitution of England—bad been sealed against your entrance . It is a "holy of holies , " into which none of the vulgar must be admitted—none but the high-priests of the aristocracy , duly sprinkled with the blood of a struggling people . The insult is not a bootless one—the
deprivation of privilege is not a bare sentimental abrogation of right—it is an actual , solid , and material injury . It leads to evils so sore as must one day level , like a Sodom , the cumbrous fabric of the British Empire , and scatter to the four winds of hearea the elements of the tyrannical and unwieldy fabric . At the present day , it crushes you—made in god ' s image ^—into the mere brute ; into a base and hopeless struggle for a morsel of food . On jou go , from week to week , toiling , like Hood ' s seraptress , " in misery , hunger , and dirt . "
why , friends , why is this ? Remember the Constitution itself is founded on a revolution—the first stone was laid in successful revolt ; and tLe wings and keeps of the great feudal dongon , that oppresses us all , and throws its black shadow over the broad woods of ! Uorth America , and to the mountain tops of Central India , were built up by repeated acts of insurrection . "Why , then , should you bow pour necks like slaves to the willing joke ? You are told of allegiance : be you the Sovereign , then , and to you . will the allegiance he owed . Submission , you are instructed , is dne to " the powers that be ; " but what power is equal to that of the people ? What , in fact , is the power of the Crown but the crumbled walls of a dismantled edifice ? The Sovereign has now no authority—she is the puppet of Ministers , and they , in turn , are the creatures of Parliament . Dave you sworn allegiance to that
rotten body , that every changing and changeful composition of all that is stupid , worthless , and tyrannical ? Look at your JJLP . ' s—what is there about them that marks the heaven-bom right to oppress and to degrade ? Yet , from these nominees of a debauched aristocracy , and not from the throne emanate the edicts that have reduced yon to a level with the live-stock on a "ffegt India plantation . Will you go on submitting £ o this multifarious tyranny of a grinding class ? If you had a despot what would it signify ? the farthest reach of his extravagance would be mild , compared with the burdens under which you trudge . Every villace has its lordly satrap , every city or countv its bevy of dictators . For these it is not enough" to screw the last fit-thing from the toiling farmer , and stint the meals of sleepless labour ; but they must make a joint-stock partnership in the trade of general spoil and public oppression .
Look at the Sational Debt , of which you iiav ud some twenty-nine millions of annual interest When , think ye , did this begin to accumulate « Was it under the fierce absolutism of the Tutlors ' or the gloomy despotism of the Stuarts ? Did these arbitrary minds draw to ihemsehea the wealth and vitality of the nation ? No ; it was Parliament—the diffused monarchy—the sovereignty of the aristocracy , that devoured the present , and anticipated the future . The banishment of the legitimate dynasty , and the intioduction of an elected monarch , threw the power of the crown into the hands of the Legislature . One tyrant had been cashiered , but ten thousand were installed in his place—and then
began theiace of public profligacy . "When the expulsion of James laid the crown of the empire at the feet of the parliament , the public debt was little more than half a million . 2 fow , after about one hundred and sixty years of liberty , and constitutional government , it is eight hundred millions . At that time , the public revenue was about two millions a year—now , it is fifty-two
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millions annually . This , friends , is what your parliament has done for you . Two millions servea all the public purposes andiprivate wants of the Stuart monarchs and their predecessors ;¦ but-j the parliament kings- ^ -the ten- thousand . aristocratic sovereigns—must have fi . ftjr . tffo . Formerly , the monarch only , considered his own wants and those of a few favourites : hut now , men of England , you have to : provide for a whole army of rulers . Thi 3 is the reason why Lord John Russell could ' stand up in the House of Commons and say , you were unfit for the ¦ suffrage , and that , having obtained it , your first step would be to cancel the National Debt . To be sure it would ; ' What right have you to pay for the profligacy of the Marlboroughs , the Walpoles , the Liverpool , and the Newcastles ?
Look at America . There employment is abundant , food is plenty , and wages are two or three times as high as here . Surely , if the employes of " goverument" should have high pay anywhere , the Union is the place . Yet a paltry secretary , in a London office will pocket more money than tho President of . the United States . Is this to bo borne ? You go in rags , toiling like beasts of burden , with nothing before you but ' the pborhouse , or the grave , that these bloated voluptuaries may riot in pension and place .
Tliis is the way in which the National Debt was acquired : —First , entail and primogeniture kept all the property in the hands of the eldest son . Tho others had to be provided for elsewhere . The work was easy , for their fathers and brothers held in their own hands the reigns of power , and the government of the nation . Offices without end , and salaries without limit , were created and givqn away . The church establishment was kept up in all its wealthy prodigality . It was a convenient nestling place for the young cygneta of aristocracy . The army , the navy , the lenrned professions , wcro similarly crowded with the Corinthian capitals of loftv sinecuristn . Embassies and missions were
created without end . We have known instances in which many thousands outfit , salary , and travelling expenses have been paid to parties as ambassadors to neighbouring States , who actually never left London ; others , in which an antiquated belle or a broken roue , wished to visit the German spas , or escape the pertinacity of dunning creditors by a sojourn in the mountains of Switzerland . Government—this blessed , constitutional government ef yours—got up a flash embassy , or sham secret mission , and a whole family , with cousins to the tenth generation , were paraded through the continent , with all the splendour and ecl&t of State deputies , at the public expense ; or , in other words , at yours in
—while you were yourselves steeped misery . More ; if these hopeful sight-seers happened to fall into a fit of spleen , and fancy some mimic insult , the whole nation was up in arms . Navies were sent out to avenge the wrong , and battles wei ' e fought , and blood was spilled in plenty . The revenue was then run upon , till the Treasury was exhausted , and " a loan" necessary . Here was a new opportunity for public plunder . The contract was given to a batch of aristocratic blacklegs , with pockets as empty as their heads ; but no matter , they knew how to spend money . Of course , they had no notion of raising the cash , but they handed the matter over to the bankers , and netted some aggregate millions by the transaction .
How far debts acquired in such profligate modes , for more profligate purposes , ought to be a binding obligatioB , mny well be questioned . The acts of a usurper are never recognised on the restoration of the legitimate sovereignty . We had intended , brother Democrats , to run much further into the question , and expose for you , in our own plain way , a slight miniature portrait of the very handsome , and withal complimentary manner in which your affairs are managed , and yourselves lightened of all extra or cumbersome cash . It had been our purpose to examine the Colonial Government , and point out to you the great advantages arising from depriving independent nations of all liberty whatever , for no other appreciable reason
than that they may afford a flimsy apology for first paying , and then pensioning , such very estimable military butchers as , for instance , my good Lord Torrington , of rather equivocal Ceylon celebrity . It had also been our intention to take a slight glance at some eight hundred thousand acres ol Crown lands , which you and the House of Commons together purchased , some time back of the reigning Sovereign , at a handsome price , but which , though of unquestioned fertility , somehow can hardly pay for its management . In fact , to give one instance , there is Sherwood Forest , containing ninety-five thousand acres , or very comfortable allotments for some twentyth . usand honest English Democrats and their families . Well , this very handsome
estate of yours—for it is absolutely , bonafidc , and unquestionably yours—these ninetyTeight thousand acres yield , what do think you ? Just this : in a period of twenty-fivo years the statistics of which are at this moment before us , they yielded a nett profit of nine thousand and odd pounds less than nothing—in other words , the management of your estate cost you exactly nine thousand pounds more than it returned . Would you not think it , now , full time to take it into their own hands ? We can assure you , on the faith of honest men , that every branch of the public service is managed in the same style of ex-emplary economy suggested by tho very profitable national estate of Sherwood Forest .
It is against such barefaced plunder that we ask you , friends , to protest—not in the grumble of the pot-house , or the extemporised courage of the ginbottle , but with the firm and resolute determination of men . Were ye formed for slaves , we ask you—are the make , shape , and proportions of degradation written indelibly on your-bronzed countenances ? If so , you have hapjnly found your proper position . But if otherwise—if the- proud voico of manhood rises in your hearts to shout " weare men , " then , be of us and with us . We have raised the f lag of Erin—the green banner of a thousand year ? . But we have sworn , too , enmity to oppression ; wherever and however it may be found , the Irish Democracy is its sworn enemy ; join us then , brothers ; help us to wipe off together ' the foul stain of domination ; help us to twine together the banners , green and red , in one thick cord , io bind down for ever the demon that lias oppressed us .
We do not broach impossibilities , men of Britain . Trodden and oppressed as we are , we are still the people ; help us to assert the people ' s rights—to crush those proud usurpers who have wronged and insulted us in Parliament , and tyrannise over us elsewhere . Help us to fling the proud flag of a free Democracy over every battle-fie / d of Europe ; to assert the high , yet , humble , privileges that God gave to man—to toil , and reap the benefit . We ask no spoliation of honest property ; but we will submit to none . Look round the horizon ; heavens ! how it reddens , to dawn on the great Armagedden of Nationality—the broad battle-field where a continent and its islands shall join in the loud anthem of freedom , and sine , once and forever ,
the requiem of departed oppression . Rise , men of England , the battle is yours ; we shall not be behind . Already , the lack-lustre eye of Erin flashes with the glories of Tara , and the memories of Clontarf . A million serfs step proudly on the greensward of our isle , and swear they will be slaves no longer . Tyranny is doomed , we tell you ; it is fated in God ' s Book , and the exposition is read i n a hundred tongues by events as they pnss . Hear ye not the voice of the Archangel proclaim the resurrection of man , the restoration to his first estate ? Look abroad—look at home ; are ye contented—are your neighbours ?—and if ye be not , what power of earth or hell can bind you ? Are you not the peoplethose whose fertile streams feed the great ocean of
military force , and whose toiling industry supplies the sinews of the proudest war , weaving , like the silkworm , a tomb for your liberties and yourselves ? Ye are the strength of the nation ; know it—act on the knowledge , and your power is omnipotent . Combine , unite ; remember man is the lord of the creation , not by superior strength , but by superior skill . Practise that skilful wisdom , and exercise your lordship . Multiply yourselves like the locust flight—for in numbers there is power . Are we not all wronged ?—then why should not all unite ? We stand out for the nationality of our brave countrymen ; but that nationality is not repulsive . We ask out to make our island-home one of the sisterhood of nations , free as the wild winds ofHeaven .
Do you grudge us that , men of England ? Then , stand aside , the battle shall be fought without you . Europe is set thick with the crop of future freemen . In them we shall find brothers . Let no dastard heart pollute the sacred cause of liberty . The struggle is already on and around us . Dare ye follow ?— choose for yourselves ; be cowards or wen . Look at your factories , black with the smoke of your hardy toil , but blacker still with the infamy of the oppressions you- have suffered . Look at your fields red for the pregnant seed , but not to be harvested for you , ye aliens in a 6 oil that
is your own—ye strangers in your native land—ye helots to a willing chain . But come , join us once and for ever , and the helotism is dissipated , the chain is broken , and a new age and era shall have been written ou the title-page of tbo world s history . We must part you for the present , friends , but be strong in the good cause . Remember our organisation is a social ono , and society cannot be protected without soldiers . We must , therefore , all be ready to redeem and buy back for posterity a bequest which our fathers never left to us . —Your faithful friend , TnE Irishman .
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Fatal Gun Event . —A dreadful accident bofel the Rev . George Pretyman , of Great Carlton , eldest son of the Chancellor of Lincoln , on Saturday afternoon last . When ho was passing through a hedge with a gun in his hand , its contents were unhappily lodged in his fcodyi ajld in a few Beconds he was a 0 rpge .
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TO PHILIP M'GRATH , THOMAS CLARK , WILLIAM PIXON , AND THE FIVE OTHER PERSONS WHO HAVE USHERED INTO EXISTENCE THE " NATIONAL CHARTER LEAGUE . " . Brother Chartists , —With , feelings of regret I have observed your secession from the National Charter Association , and your projection-of a New Society , identical in its principles and objects , and differing but slightly in its means for their attainment . I believe you have not sufficiently considered the consequences of this , in my opinion , imprudent and dangerous step , and I raise my humble voice to warn you to pause , ere you introduce the evil of disunion and civil warfare into the Chartist ranks .
I acknowledge that , on certain points of policy , a wide difference of opinion exists between yourselves and the majority of the acting members of the Charter Association , and that this difference has been aggravated and embittered by the introduction of personal and hostile feelings ; but surely this does riot justify you in commencing a New Society . This , if justifiable at all , can only be so as a dernier resort , and should , even then , receive the sanction of a large minority of the members ; but such has not been the fact in your case . What means of conciliation have you resorted to ? What length of time have you allowed to elapse fov excited feelings to cool ? Could you not have waited until an Executive body was elected , laid
yourprotesfcs , before them , ' and have been assured of the policy they intended to adopt ? If you had followed this course , and had failed in securing attention to your views—if large and influential bodies of Chartists—men who-were no ways personally connected with these unfortunate disputes , had then called upon you to form a new Association , your conduct would have appeared more feasible , and your motives would not have been liable to misconstruction . Gentlemen , from the long experience you have had of political agitation , you must be well aware of the injury that even the semblance of two organisations for the same object will ipflict upon our cause . Our Irish and Scotch brethren were about uniting with us for the attainment of the People ' s
Charter ; with which organisation must they identify themselves ? Will they not stand aloof from both ? Think in what a position you place Mr . O'Connor , a ' nd many other active domperat 3 ; they must either hold themselves apart from both parties , or , if they join one , give bitter cause of hostility to the neglected section . Even among local loaders , what causes of dissension and heartburning will it not give rise to ? The Chartist and every other agitation is carried out by the exertions of a few active spirits in each town ; amongst thoge you haYG thrown the apple of discord ; the unity of action will be dissevered , and their influence destroyed . Our halls and places of meeting throughout the country arc the joint property of shareholders , who , in all probability , will embrace opposito sides of the
dispute , and the right of occupancy to these places will be a fruitful cause of dissension ; one ground of quarrel will beget others , and the result will be , that » e had far better have slumbered in inaction , than have h : id two rival factions contending before the public for supremacy . In past times , we have all bitterly deplored the division of our own ranks , caused by the promulgation of Mr . Lovett ' s plan of organisation . That secession from the main body was caused by the self-same difference of opinion on matters of policy which . you have now started . Lovett's plan of organisation was more perfect than our own ; but the public felt the inconsistency of a secession on such slight grounds , . and we denounced tlio misehievou 9 tendency of tlio division ; and ,
after causing heartburnings among the leaden—not to this day eradicated—the Lovettites dwindled into nonentity , and their services were lost for all matters of public good ; but though their influence is gone , and their leaders have retired into obscurity , the mischief they produced is still pregnant with evil , and your ill-advised step will' stir the smouldering embers into life and activity . You may imagine that you are justified in the step you have taken—that Truth is mighty , and will , in the end , prevail . But , gentlemen , it is not Truth for Justice that , in instances like , the present , carries the sway ; a thousand fortuitous circumstances may give a supremacy even to the erring partythat party which possesses the rudest health , ^ vhich
can collect around it men of tho most enterprising habits , and of the most bigoted zeal will survive in the conflict , but the warfare will damage not only the individual character of the opponents , but also the general character of the body ; and , in the metropolis , where the quarrel had its origin , the result will be most disastrous , for there personal liberty will- mingle its most deadly influence with the otherwise minor matters of difference , and we shall fall into the gulf of disunion , which , in n somewhat similar instance , paralysed tho efforts of our brethren in Ireland . Gentlemen , I wish not to underrate your power or influence—you possess unquestioned abilities ; from long experience you . arc adepts in all the machinery ot
agitation ; you will be able to command the services of local agents , attached to you by tics of personal as well as political friendship , but all theso advantages only tend to make your project more dangerous to the general welfare of the body . I am too well acquainted with the majority of you , to believe that you aro actuated by any feelings of personal ambition ,, or that wounded vanity has any share in this proceeding ; jf it has , in tho name of our commom welfare , I implore you to cast- the degrading incubus away ; let the sympathies of past exertions , and the hopes of futuro success , bind us again in one united phalanx . A few months will restore to us our old and tried friends—M'Douall , Shaw , Jones , Fussell , Hezar , and others . If they have benn imprudent they have bitterly suffered for it . Do not even by implication further heighten their sufferings ; let . them not see two
rival organisations struggling for power , . with tho alternative of increasing the hostility , by adding their influence to either of the opposing parties ; let each make concessions ; in the present infancy of the separation , this can bo done with honour , by both parties ; and it will add to your credit , as the seceding party , to take the initiative Let a Conference be again held , let fresh : officers Jbe again appointed , and the past be buried in oblivion ; or , let the election of an executive , under the present arrangements , and the policy adopted by them , after mutual consultations with the councils of both associations "be held , binding upon all . We aro on the eve of a gre . at . and mighty atrugglo let us not be found worrying each , other , instead of preparing to join in the combat which will then take place between the oppressed and the oppressor , As leaders of the movement , you are
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i' ; ' « ' " ' ' : U 3 v i : \ •'" . " " "' i » ¦ •¦¦ "¦ : . ¦ » fj i ! PTjT ^^ TT all ; anBYWJrahW ! tft rjourr ; countrymen ; and-to the worldisior : the oonduct yOu > now pursue ; reflect ¦ caltnlympOft this responsibility ; and-1 know that ^ eujwill iact justly ^* . v . < . ?; , ! i-. l - .-. » j .- .-- - .- ... . ¦¦ ¦ ¦ ¦¦ :. '¦ ¦¦ ¦ ¦ ¦¦ :-, ¦ ¦ - , . ; . . . vYoui's in sincerity ^ " ¦ . ' ' Thomas Mahtin Wheemjb . ; O ' . Conner . ville , ; April 8 thi"r .. . - . ; . ..-, ; ( i- [ Mr-. WhG 0 l 8 i "' 8-. good intentions warrant tho publication of ; the above letter . But he is sadly , in error as regards the influence of the aeceders . They , are impotent for any mischief but that ol self-destruction . Ed . N . S . ]
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Bosfoud . —At a meeting of members ^ branch held on tho 8 th of April , at the sign of the Old Pare Tree Tavern , Mr . Holroyd in the chiiir , it was resolved : —That it is the opinion of this meeting ; that the affairs of the National Land Company be . wound up as soon as possible , and that tho directors be requested to dojso . "— " That while this meeting considers it desirable , that the affairs of Hie . company be wound up , it also holds the opiuion that any in-: diTid . uaL , membors-imay invest thu amount of their shares ( or scrip ) in tfce hands of-Mr . O'Connor , for the purpose , of forming another Company to carry out the Land Plan . "
ltocunALE . —At a . special meeting of the Land members held at their room , Yorkshire-street , on Sunday last , Samuel Clegg in tho chair , the following resolutions were agreed to : —Proposed by \ V . Taylor , and seconded by John Buttenvorth : — " That this meeting having seen with disgust the numerous obstacles-thrown in tho way of its advancement by pretended friends as well as by open fous , the Public Proas , &o . That as the government and the House of Commons have done all in their power to . impodo its pr-ogi-css , that it be wound up without their assistance , if it can be done with honour and safety to its worthy founder , Mr . O'Connor , as we have the fullest confidence in him and the directors . "—Proposed b y George Morton , and seconded . by Abraham Crabtree : — " That as great
numbers have paid no levies , the secretary do prepare the list of arrears for each section in rotation , and to commence with the first on Sunday afternoon , at two o ' clock , in the room , ia Yorkshire-street . " The meeting was one of the most numerous that had been held for the last two years . Several speakera addressed tlio meeting : in a friendly and kind spirit , all feeling confident in the plan if honestly worked out by its members . Carrington . —On Sunday evening last a meeting of mombers was held to take into consideration the critical position of the Company . Several of the members present were those who lent their assistance to open the branch—veritable Chartists—men who have laboured aud paid to their utmost in the
beginning , to set the Company on its first foundation ; and , I am convinced , that there are many such like men in different parts of the country . Had the Company been confined- to men of the same principles , who had paid up willingly to test Mr . O'Connor ' s ability , and if a failure occurred , to sink their money , if such a failure was caused by honest means ; in fact , if the Company had been confined to the Chartist body , who had , and still have , full confidence in Mr . O'Connor ' s honesty , the Company would now be in a healthy condition . Those men after having paid-their shares would have contributed weekly to keep the Company in a flourishing state . Who have we to blame , that such is not the case ? Why , Mr . Clark . He
was determined to open the fourth and fifth sections , in spite of the recommendation of various branches throughout the country , and when that was done , in came the scum , or men of no principles . The principal part of the allotments are occupied by such characters . These are the men , who , as it were , have set themselves in battle array against Mr . O'Connor . Who have we to thank for it , and the downfall of the Company ? I say again , Mr . Clark . The fact is this , that very many of us have no further confidence in him , and hud I written as requested , we should have recommended his retirement long ago . But to return to the subject . Duncan Shernngton ' s letter was read , and also that from Hull , which came within the views of a majority of the meeting . Similar views having been talked over by many for some time . The meeting came to the samo conclusion as the Hull members did , when thirteen paid-up shareholders , and four
nearly paid-up members , gave in their names , that the scrip be deposited in Mr . O'Connor ' s hands only , for the purpose of purchasing one or more of the estates , as his judgment may think proper , as the depositors of such scrips are desirous of seeing the Land Plan carried out , as first intended by Mr . O'Connor . The meeting was adjourned to Sunday , April , 21 st ., at seven o ' clock in the evening , to give others an opportunity of expressing their opinion , and by that time we shall be prepared to send our contributions to the Honesty Fund . If you will please to give a place for this in the Star , we shall feel obliged . —John Lei . Carlisle . —In consequence of the notice of the Directors which appeared in last Saturday ' s Star , the members held a meeting , when it was resolved , that the discussion should be adjourned to Sunday afternoon next , in order to ensure a full attendance of members .
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DISSOLUTION OF-THE LAND SOCIETY . TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN STAR . Sir , —I have observed with some degreo of pleasure and satisfaction the noble spirit which is being everywhere evinced by the members of the Land Company , not to allow Mr . O'Connor to be laid aside in his meritorious scheme by the acts of a corrupt legislature . How often have I re ; id , with interest , the numberless votes of confidence which the various branches of the Company placed in Mr . O'Connor ? and how often—I repeat—have ihe members , almost to a man , said , the entire capital
was believed by them to be quite safe , while it was spent under his directions ? Indeed , I firmly believe not one farthing was ever subscribed by any one except those who had the most warm-hearted friendship for , and implicit confidence in his honesty and integrity . Now , Sir , if I Lave judged correctly , then let mo ask , what is the obstacle in Mr . O'Connor ' s way to the placing the people on the Land ? My opinion is , that the shareholders are to blame , as they , in this particular , are as stubborn and obstinate as the corrupt administrators of our class-made
Jaws . Tho Judges say , " the law does not allow us to register your Company ; the legislature , also , refuses to pass an act to legalise the past and future operations of the Company ; " and the members of the Company turn round upon Mr . O'Connor , and tell turn ; " unless you obtain legal assurance that we can inherit our possessions in terms of law , which , we observe , seems to be impossible , we will not proceed . " Now does such a substantive declaration show full confidence in Air . O'Connor ? I think not . As the matter stands , Mr . O'Connor is placed in a very uncomfortable fix , for he can move in no direction . Mr . O'Connor would not like to tell the people to give him their money and make it
his own , and that such a course would arm him with the power to spread cottages for the people on the Land . No ; be cannot be expected to do this , for if he did , that would be enough—a storm would arise against him , and he would probably have to submit , to the end of his days , to the vile abuse of every hireling scribbler who mocks tho people with lip and pen sympathy . Whatever the people may do , it is evident Mr . O'Connor must obtain power to wind up the affairs of tho Company ; and hence an act to dissolve the Company is requisite . But although this must be done , it does not follow that the Land must be sold ; if the peeple have confidence in Mr . 0 ' Connor—and thousands of tho members have said , and say still , he is an honest
man , which is no more than his greatest enemies aro compelled to declare , and admit openly . Now this being a fact , which is placed beyond the power of contradiction , wherein lies the difficulty ? For my own part , I caa discover none . If the people constituted Mr . O'Connor the bona fide proprietor he will then be able , like other land holders , "to do ' with Ms own as he pleases , " and would , as a matter of right , grant leases , and encourage all those who were inclined to do well . Mr . O'Connor would then have power to sell or mortgage the different estates ; and it would matter extremely little to the tenant , who held the title deeds and drew the rents ,
when a good lease defended tho tenant ' s right , and armed him with the power to purchase , at a given rate , the annual rent charge . It was not originally intended that the Company should hold the kind as its individual property , but pass it into other hands , and go on in the purchase of other lands , settling the people as fast as money could be raised . The scheme is certainly excellent , and no doubt can exist , but the expectation of the people could be fully realised , if they would invest Mr . O'Connor with the power to execute his intentions . If this is not grantod , then the people will distrust , and the sooner he is rid of the matter , tho better for his own ease , comfort , and peace of mind .
I have told you before , I am not a member of the Land Company , but sovoral of my sons are , and lienco I have some interest in its . ultunato success . I hope the question will bo calmly discussed ; and it anything I have said BUall tend towards advancing the interests of tho public in their wish to improve their social condition , I shall bo exceedingly happy . In conclusion . ' I earnestly hope the people will not desert Mr . O'Connor upon this occasion , but will invest him with authority to lay out their money as seems best for the advantage ot all oonooned . If this is agreed MT 6 he will no longer W ™ inexpensive " staff of directors to conduct the n onagement of his private bus ness , and I hrmly believe m fStesis ^ srai not at any time , be found wanting . uvi , u \ j ui'jr , Yours respectfully , Aberdeen , April 8 th , John Smari ,
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' ' I ; THE / MINERS OF THE N OBTH . ' f r TO THE EDITOR ' OF THE NORTHERN STAR . . Sik , —At the raiders' delogate' meeting held on Siturday last , at tho Garden House , near Durham , among other local business'several letters were read from the mining districts relative to the utility of hqlding . a Miners' Conference , and also in connexion with the departure of thedeputation to London upon the ventilation question . ' With regard to the latter , a communication from Lancashire' detailed the impossibility of the deputation from that district being ablo to proceed until after the 16 th inst ., consequent ^ the delegates agreed to postpone the departure of the deputation from this district until the 23 rd inst ,, so that full and ample time might be given to all localities to forward their petitions
, 4 * w— -1 ^ L * _ . ^ a j « j « A hmi flaw * _« J 7 _ . . . I * ' ^_ . f ^ ~ _ and the necessary information . Hence the signing of petitions , < fcc ., cango on for a few days longer , but all must be sent off aa soon as possible after the 20 th . With respect to holding a conference , it was agreed to , meet for that purpose on Monday , May 20 th , the place to be fixed upon at tVic next delegate meeting , and to be noticed through the medium of the'Aort / tflm 'Star . It is therefore of essential importance that the miners in every place should come forward and assist in this work of salvation , ' and thus hand down to posterity a monument ' of ' their zeal , to give a salutary check to the ruinous downward tendency of the wages of the miner , and which , if not checked , will most assuredly bring them to the lowest possible depths of misery and starvation . In accordance with this view a proposition was
submitted to the delegates , to be discussed at the next meeting , ' and which will , nodoubt , heal 3 o submitted to the Conference when it meets ; therefore , it is essential that all districts should take it into consideration at the earliest possible opportunity , seeing that it embraces the interests of all the miners in the kingdom . The proposition is as follows ;— " That Ike unlimited competition which has prevailed among both employers and the employed , has , within-the last twenty years , reduced the wages of the workmen mere than one third , and the profits of the masters more than a . half . It is therefore desirous that some well connected plan should be called into operation , which will prevent tiie further decrease
of the profits of the proprietors , and the remuneration of tho workmen , and that it be considered whether an application should be made to Parliament to grant an eight hours'bill for the mines and collieries of Great Britain , as the lik < liest means to secure the cbove object . It is but proper'to acknowledge , that very many persons aro persuaded th « above application will , if granted , ensure a more steady arid uniform rate of wages to the workmen , and a regular and reasonable profit to the proprie * tors , a desideratum devoutly to be wished . Again calling the attention of the miners to tho forwarding of their petitions , &c . ; and also , to the necessity of taking up the subject involved in the proposition ^ I remain , Yours , Ac , M . Jude .
P . S . —All information for the miners' deputation can be forwarded to Mr . Win . Dixon , 144 , lligh-Holborn , London .
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- ^ . THE LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE MINERS . TO THE EDITOR OF TnE NORTHERN STAR . Sir , —The fortnightly delegate meeting of the miners of these two counties was held at the Amen Corner , Rochdale , on Monday , the 1 st inst ., when the following , among other resolutions , was agreed to ;— " That the petition drawn up by D . Swallow and C . Meadowcroft , as now read , be adopted ; and that the secretary do get the same printed against this day fortnight . Also , that petition sheets be prepared as well and brought to the next meeting . " Mr . John Fiance and . Mi . John Louise were both nominated as fit and proper persons to form one of the deputation to London on the subject of government inspection over mines and collieries . Mr France was elected by a majority of 1 , 043 over Mr . Louise . * . ¦
On account of several districts not yet having sent in their twopence per member for the purpose of defraying the expense of the deputation to London , it was ordered : " That any district failing to send in their monies to the next meeting will have the same deducted from their county levy , and kept from the first money due to the district . " After the usual business had been transacted , the meeting was adjourned until Monday , the 15 th inst ., to he held at the Cheshire Cheese , Oldhatu . I am glad to inform you that I have opened three new lodges in the Chorley district last week . Mr . Dennett has held some good meetings during the fortnight in the neighbourhood of Poynton and Norbury . Yours , ic . D . Swallow .
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t ^ rff i ^ jm THE HONESTY FUND . TO P . O ' CONNOR , ESQ ., M . P . Honoured Sir , —Several paid-up Land members and Okl Guards of Truro , desirous of convincing your base calumniators of their folly in attempting to break , or in any way injure your reputation witn the working classes of this country , join issue with our political brethren from all parts , in bearing our portion of the burthen , so shamefully thrown on you by a partisan judge and a splenetic lawyer . Wu hen / enclose £ 1 as our first instalment to tha Honesfcy tfund , trusting , as wo feel fully assured , that Ponzance , Helstone , and St . Austle , will feel it their duty to show their attachment to justice and common sense , mid devotedness , to one tviio is made the scape-goat of parties for his disinterested , conduct towards the working classes . We remain , dear sir , Touv affectionate adopted children , E . TttEGENZAH , SCO ..
TO F . O CONNOR , ESQ ., JI . P . Uoxoimi !» iv » Pbrseoomd Sin , —We , the jur « - nile and veritable Chartists of Todmorden , feel with strong indignation the injustice . and persecution which you have received from the enemies of freedom for endeavouring to ameliorate and improva the condition of the working classes . Respected sir , notwithstanding the slander and . abuse which have been heaped upon you by . 1 vile and corrupted press , the decision of prejudiced juries , and tha pueWiity of partial judges , to destroy your reputation , you have risen in the estimation of all srood and honest men . We ax-e of opinion that it is the duty of every true Chartist to do what lies iii his power to lessen the burthen which now presses so heavily ' on your exchequer , and we hereby deposit in your hands the sum of £ 1 Is . as our first contribution towards liquidating the expenses incurred in the libel cuBe . On beluilf of Committee , Thomas Fielden , Chairman .
To e op tub northern star . Dear Sir , —Enclosed you will find 2 s . 6 d . worth of postage stamps , which you will please to recoivo as my contribution towards reimbursing you tho amount you are out of pockefc in the action ag&inut Bradshaw , of Nottingham . I regret that my inc-ans will not allow me to contribute more just now , but being a paid-up three-acre shareholder in the L md Company , and believing in the practicability of tha scheme , if rightly supported , and being determired , as far as the exertions of one individual is concerned , that you shall not be put down in your designs by your enemies . I shall hold myself in readiness to repeat the dose , and if that does not do , you will bo at perfect liberty 10 make what use you think proper of my share in the said Conijj :: ny to enable you to beat down your persecutors . Hoping , sir , that you will press forward in your holy mission of effecting political and social redemption of mankind . I beg to subscribe myself , with every feeling of sympathy aud legard , John Adams . Leicester-street , Northampton .
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The JIkfobh Conference . —The Council of the National lteform Association , of which Sir Joshua Walmsely , M . P ., is president , have issued a circular announcing their intention of holding a conference of the friends of reform , in Crosby-hall , Bishopsgate-street , London , on Tuesday the 23 rd , and Wednesday the 2 ± tu of April . ' The objects of the con . ference will be to receive reports from the delegates , in reference to the progress of the reform movement ; to devise means of carrying out , with promptitude and vigour , the objects of the association ; and to complete the arrangements for retdiS ' ing the fund of . £ 10 , 000 required for the present year's operations . The gentlemen eligible to attend the conference will be : —1 . The Members of Parliament who support Mr . Hume ' s motion . 2 . Tiiose elected by associations or committees who luive adopted the principles of the National Reform Association The Council request that immediate stops be taken by tho friends of reform to appoint representatives , whose names should be furnished to the secretary as soon as tho nominations are made . " Fatal Coal-pit Accident at Worslet . —On Friday evening a fatal accident occurred at the colliery of Mrs . Nightingale , Worsloy . Two mgn tunned Eli Molineux and John Perry , on leaving work , signaled to be raised to the top of the pit , and they were accordingly hoisted up . When they reached tho mouth of the pit , the engineer endeavoured to stop the engine ; but owing to their weight being lighter tkan the loads usually wound up , the impetus was given by the descending basket , and the quick speed at which the engine was going at the time , ho was unable to do so . The consequence was that the men were wound up to the head geer , when the chain snapped , and they were dashed to the bottom of the pit , a depth of 150 / yards , and of course both wei e killed , On Monday Mr . Rutter held an inquest on the . bodies at Woraloy Stocks . -From the evidence given , itappeared that no blame attached to the engineer ; who was a sober man , and had been in the employ of Air . Nightingale several years . The jury returned a verdict of " Accidental death . " ivlolineux waa 38 > and Berry 47 years of age , and both have left families . ¦>
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^^^ WNAL ; cywiiTEB ! of M M tional Charter " Asspciatiop ; ineii on ^ Tliursdaj ; evening ,, A pril ; 11 th , attheirofficd , ' . l 4 ,, Sputhampton-street , Strandi' : Mr . ' John Milne-iin the chair . Moat encouraging " correspondence was read ; from Aahton-under-Lnie ; Bradford , Birstal , . Gainsboro , Keighley , Liverpool , Merthyr . Tydvil , Newcastle-on-Tyne , and Yarmouth . The Secretary reported that a steam boat couldnot be had on Whit Monday . It was then agreed that the ' " Gem- " be
engaged for Wlnt Tuesday . ' It was also agreed that a Tract Fund be formed ; land that an address to the country to support this laudable method ' of propagandisin be drawn up , and submitted to ' the next meeting . The Committee then adjourned to Wednesday evening , April 17 th . . Present . -Messrs . Araotfc , Bi'own , Gi ' assby , Miles , Milne , and Reynolds . Exeteb . —At a meeting of members held at the Caledonian Coffee-house , on the 2 nd inst ., ' the Parliamentary votes of tlio Liberiil " niember for the city—Mr . Divett—was brought under discussion ^ and more especia lly his absence on the ' . motions of Messrs . Hume , and Berkeley , on the Suffrage and tho Ballot , afa'd Mr . Cobden's motion for Financial Reform . After a protracted discussion , a communication * having been made by a member as to tho course tho Reform Association of this city was
likely to take on the subject , the discussion was adjourned to Tuesday , April tho 16 th . Sheffield . —At the weekly meeting held in the Democratic Temperance Hotel , 33 , Queen-street , on Sunday evening ,. a communication Was received from the Irish democrats resident in this town , intimating that they were wishful to join the Chartist Association , in a body ; whereupon Messrs . Rensbaw , Holmes , and Hague , wero deputed to wait udor our patriotic : L-ish brethren , to give them a friendly invitation ; The deputation returned in the course of an . hour with the pleasing intelligence that they would most cheerfully jem hand and heart ; and they likewise suggested—which was agreed to—that , at the first meeting , Mr . Buckley be desired to address them next Sunday evening , in the above room . Chair to be taken at half-past seven o ' clock . A few additional cards were taken
out , and the . meeting stood adjourned . Birmingham!— ] $ e \ y Summer-street LocAtiir . — At a numerous meeting of members andfrionds , Mr . Duroain in the chair—Mr . Dajziel delivered a very instructive lecture on the organisation of labour , which gave general satisfaction : after which Mr , Jackson moved , seconded by Mr , Grantham , " That as the subject is one of vastimpori , r , nce , it bo discussed on Sunday evening . " Carried . William Jackson , secretary . Tnn Victims . —At the locality meeting held at the City Chartist Hall , 28 , Golden-lane , it was resolved : — " That in consequence of no Victim Committee being in existence , the Provisional Committee be requested to take the management in their hands , in the hope that by so doing the funds will be increased , and greater satisfaction given to the country at large . . ' *
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Northern Star (1837-1852), April 13, 1850, page 5, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1569/page/5/
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