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THE HORTHERN STAB SATURDAY, J ANITA KY 11, 1851.
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SOW I'TOLISUIXG c
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5lo croYrwuoittemfi
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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.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
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la Four V > etk \? Xrnnbew , of Twenty-four Pages each , Price Twopence the Number , CANTERBURY versus ROME , TWO LECTURES , BY ERXEST JOXES , Xo 1 , on Saturday , the 18 th inst Contests . — What is really the teaching of Christ !—How has lie been ohejtd ?—How did the church perish ! —The fire taints : ambition , ararice , Uiury , insanity . ] lilaspliemr . Th * Tapai . Church or Exg&asd . —British—Saxon—Norman—Anglican—Old CoiS—The Devil's mtssenetr—Tirate parsons—How the Charter was obtained , and what it ivas worth . —The Loliards—Ficketfields—The fitry pit—Thepriccof woihI—Luther ' s le : ttr—The church property —Did the church help science , religion , or freedom ?—Papists and state churchmen , Dissenters and democrats . Published by E . Uijiiile , llolywell-street , Strand , London . So . - ' , ( nitli an historical appendix ) , will appear on Saturday , the -Ml last . KRXEST JOXES "Will repeat the Second Lecture on the above subject , at THE NATIONAL SCHOOL-BOOMS , COWPEU-STREET , CITY-UOAU , On Wednesday evening , January the 15 th , Admission-.-Hall , Id . ; Platform , 3 d . To ccuuaence at eight o ' clock precisely .
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XATIOXAL CHARTER ASSOCIATION . GSce , 11 , Southamiiton-street , Strand . THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE hereby announce the following meetings : — On Sunday afternoon at three o ' clock the Metropolitan District Council will meet at the City Hall , 2 C , Goldeu-lane , Barbican . On Sunday evening next at the Rock Tavern , Lissongrove—Princess Uuyal , Circuf-street , Marylebone—King and Queen , F « il < -y-street , rortland-place—Bricklayers ' Anns , Tonbridgc-strett , Xen-road—Crown and Anchor , Chediire-street , Wai-iloo Town—Globe aud Friends . Morgan-street , Commercial ro : id-east—and Sew Eastern literary and Scientifi : Institution , Morpeth-street , Greenstreet , Sethnal Green . On the same evening at five o ' clock , the United Councils Of the Tower Hamlets Will meet at tho Woodman Tavern , ^ hite-street , WaU-rluo Town ; and at eight o'clock Mr . Ernest Jones will lecture at the above Tavern . Subject : Past Present , » nd Future . ' On Monday evening next the Election and Registration -Committee will meet to receive the report of the auditors , at 14 , Southampton-street , Stnmd . On the same tvening the Lhnehouse locality wiU meet at the Brunswick Ilsdl , llopeiuakei s * Fields . On Tuesday evening next a public meetiHg will be held at the Literan and Scientific Institution , John-street , for the purpose of considering the present critical position of affairs at Home and Abroad . The whole of the Executive Committee—viz ., Messrs . O'Connor , Reynolds , Ernest Jones , llarney , Grassby , and Milne , are expected to attend and take part iu the proceedings . Chair to be taken at eight o ' clock . Admission free . Signed on behalf of the Committee , Jons Absott , General Secretary . i ' , , '
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• Liberty—Equality-Fraternity . ' EARLY NEXT FEBRUARY WILL BE PUBLISHED The First Number of 'THE PEOPLE . ' 'We'll struggU on till all be won the good God has designed . ^ The Empibe or the People—the Monarchy of Mind . ' A NEWSPAPER established by private individuals is manifestly inadequate to the attainment of any great National object . ' It is , ' says a distinguished Irish writer , in many particulars defective , in many others injurious , and iu some dangerous , unsafe , and untrustworthy ; it may be bought or bartered ; it may be traded with and faiikkrd on ; it may be corrupted , conquered , or intimidated , and ofivrs no guarantee for firmness , independence , or honesty . " —Influenced by these considerations , a number of Irishmen—deeply interested in the welfare of their Native Land—have resolved on the establishment of a National Weekly Journal , which , founded by the People , will be alone responsible to them , and will have for its immediate aim and object the uncompromising advocacy of their rights—their interestsand their liberty .
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nnilE LONDON CO-OPERATIVE J . STORES are now opened at 76 , CiiAKLorrr . Sweet , Fitzrot . Square , In connexion with the Society for Promoting Working l ien ' s Associations .
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c ' , ENL " ARGEMENT OF THE NATIONAL INSTRUCTOR " . The First dumber of the Xew Series OF THE NATIONAL INSTPCTOS . Ia novf ready . SIXTEEN LAKGB ROYAL OCTAVO PAGE , Price One Penny . II 13 THE ADVOCATE OF POLITICAL , SOCIAL , AND INDUSTRIAL PROGRESS . II COSTAISS A WKS . KIiY 1 LAKOIU RECOKD . The Autobiography of Feargas O'Connor , Esq ., M . P ; , Original Articles on Social and Political Questions . Tales : Eeviews : Poetry : Gleanings , &c . Contents of i \ o . II . 1 . National Education , with an Account of a Model Country School . 2 . A Sketch of Factory Life , by S . M . Kydd . 3 . The Great Mississippi Bubble . 4 . A ' lventuresof Feargas O'Connor , Esq ., M . P . 5 . History of tlio AVar of the Sicilian Vespers , G . The African Slave Trade . i 7 . Labour and Co-operative Record . The " National Instructor'' is supplied by all the ' , London Agents for similar publications : or by A . 1 Ueywood , Manchester ; W . Love , and G . Adams , , Glasgow ; Robinson and Co ., Edinburgh ; J . Sweet , ' Nottingham ; J . Guest , Birmingham .
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TO TAILORS . By approbation of Her Majesty , Queen Victoria , and II . H . II . Prince Albert .
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Matrimony made easy ; or how to win a Lover . MISS JULIA BOOTH will send free to any address , on receipt of fifteen postage stamps , plain directions to enable Ladies or Gentlemen to win the affections of as many of the opposite sex as their hearts may desire . The proposal is simple , and so captivating and enthralling that all may he married , irrespective of age , appearance , or position ; and last , though not least , it can be arranged with such ease aud delicacy that detection i « impossible Address , Miss Julia Booth , 14 , Ilaudcourt . Holborn , London .
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THE CELESTIAL SCIENCE OF THE STAHS . MR . F . M 0011 E having after years of sedulous devotion to the study of this sublime science , made himself perfect master of it in all its branches , respectfully offers hia services to a discriminating and enlightened public , trusting that by personal demonstration some may be convinced of its truth and importance . In Horary Astrology . Ptrfessor M . has been eminently successful , the accuracy ol his calculations and the perspicuity of his judgments have caused hundreds , who before considered it to be an imposture and a cheat , to join tlie ranks ot the wise and bear their grateful testimony to its reality and exwedins usefulness , when legitimately practised by educated anliompetent persons . This department of the Art ( H . A . ) esteemed the most beautiful , is founded on the sympathetic properties which
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Savages at SEA . —Captain Daley , the coinmanoer of the Jeremiah Garnett ( which arrived on luesday at Liverpool from Shanghai ) , reports that on the 7 th September he fell in with two canoes , wfiich contained nineteen savages of a copper colour , tattoed all over , and in a atate of nudity . By signs and other means of interpretation it was gathered from them that they had ken blown out toeeathireea days previousl y from the Islands of SL 2 *? r Vl * TT , , ceived on b ° ^ e Jeremiah Ganwtt and fed , but one of the poor wretches died the same evening . Capt . Daley bore op for St . David ' s ana Iur - ^ nd ft . » tm .
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T ETTERS TO THE HIERARCHIES , •^ By Robert Owen . Also to Richard Cobden , Esq ., M . P ., with observations on the means to well-place , well-employ , and well-educ * te the population ; and other interesting matter , in B . OBEET OWEN'S JOURNAL , No . IX . contains LETTERS TO THE CIIARTISTS , AND TO TUB CABINET MINISTERS . No . XII . will be published next Saturday . Part II ., price 4 d ., is now ready . Published weekly by Clayton , 265 , Strand ; and Watson , Queen's Head Passage , Paternoster Row . Price , Id ., and in Monthly Parts , U .
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W . W ., Leed 6 . —Mr . Kydd leaves London on Monday for the West Riding of Yorkshire ; parties wishing his 6 ervices should write to him . Ilii address is 5 , Park-row , Knightsbridge . Nottingham J . Sweet acknowledges the receipt of the following sums ( sent herewith ) : —Honebtv Fund—Mr . J . Turton 6 d—J . Brown 6 d—J . Hind Is—Mr . Lee Is—J . Thurman Is—C . Po . yser 6 d .. Winding op Fond . — J . Brown 6 d-J . Hind Gd—Mr . Meakiu 3 d—Mr . Ligirctt Is-J . King Gd—Mrs . A . Burbage 16—Mr . G . Gamble ( id . Polish and Hungarian IUpugee Vvst > . — Mr . Drake , Uriclt-lane 5 s—Two Hungarian Friends 1110 s . —Thomas Fehcbsosj , Sec , 3 , Gray ' s-buildings , Elizubeth-strect , Hackney road . Mr . Bkoadbest , Waterhead Mill , begs to acknowledge the receipt of the following sums for the HosejTY Fund . — James Brendbent Is—James Bradley Is—James Bradsley Is—Amicus Justicus Is Gd—J . Sumnicrscales ls-Kubert Broadbent Is—T . Law Is—J . Johnson Is—Joseph llcywood Is—John Billington Is—Robert Beaumont Is—John Incram Is—J . Mcadowcroft In—J . Taylor fld—T .
Sheridan Cd—J . Hanson Cd—Mrs . Millrench Gd—Matthew Brierley Gd—J . Beaumont fid—J . Mills 6 d—J . Shaw Gd—J . Broadbent 6 d—J . Royle Gd—Daniel Whitehead Gd—Henry Wiiley 3 d—A few friends 2 s 9 d . Mb . C . MtsiENCER , Lower Warley . —The list of names , together with the sum of £ 1 Is . Id ., has been handed over to the proper quarter . Mr . T . Wallet , South Stockton . —The correction has been made in the book . Mb . Morris . Tintwistle . —Your letter respecting the scrip has been handed over to the Directors . Mr . Hemmis , Cheltenham . —Yes , it is right . Sorry for the mis-spelling . Me . T . Newell , Howsell , near Malvern . —His account amounts to 4 s . 2 d . Mr . J . Temperlet , High Gate . —Received . Mr . Flisn , NeiUton . —We would gladly send it to th * nddress could we do it without complicating the account * . Mr . J . IU'BErts , Chester . —The 5 s . was reoetvtd and included in the list given in at the office , but by some oversight was omitted by the compositor .
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NOTICE TO SUBSCRIBERS . Now ready for delivery with the Northern Star , authentic , highly finished , and beautiful STEEL ENGRAVINGS , UPWARDS OF . TWO FEET LONG From the contractors' ( Fox and Henderson ' s ) own Drawing of the Interior and Exterior of THE CRYSTAL PALACE : OR
GREAT BUILDING IN HYDE PARK FOR The Grand Industrial Exhibition of 1851 No expense has been spared in obtaining a correct and finished Engraving of this GIGANTIC UNDERTAKING , Aud we feel assured our Subscribers will admit , on seeing impressions , that the Plates are only second to the Building itself in their
extraordinary novelty and dimensions . Pnco of Prints Gd . ; Proofs Is . each . Post Office orders for the number required , must be forwarded by the Agents to William Rider , at the Northern Star Office , Great Windmill Street ; or to Mr . Pavey , Holywell-street , Strand ; or they may be obtained through their respective London Booksellers . The usual allowance to the trade .
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TO THE READERS OF THE "NORTHERN STAR . "
With the commencement of the Session we purpose to make several important alterations and improvements in the shape , contents , and publication of the Northern Star . It will , in the first place , contain Sixteen instead of Eight pages ; thus giving greater facilities for filing and binding it , and permitting at the same time of superior arrangements in the classification of news , correspondence , reviews , and original articles . A larger quantity of small type will bo used than atpreBent , which will materially improve the appearance of the paper , and add to the quantity of its contents .
The present Scottish Edition will be discontinued , and advantage be taken of the extension of railways , to delay the publication of the First Edition till Friday evening ; by which our Scottish readers will have one day's later
news . By making correspondence as brief as possible during the sitting of Parliament , we shall be enabled to give very full reports of its proceedings , together with an ample and careful selection of home and foreign news . We shall also isBue a Saturday Edition for the metropolis , and the home counties , containing all the news of that morning . This will place the Star on an equality with the other metropolitan journals published on the game day , as regards the lateness and variety of its news .
By these changes we hope , that -while tho Star will maintain its distinctive character as the organ of Chartism , it will also present all the best featureis of a carefully compiled Family paper . We trust that our readers and friends will exert themselves to support these efforts to issue a journal worthy of being the organ of Democracy in this country . Orders , Subscriptions , and Advertisements for the New Series , which will commence on Saturday , February the . 8 tb , should be forwarded to this office immediately .
The Horthern Stab Saturday, J Anita Ky 11, 1851.
THE HORTHERN STAB SATURDAY , J ANITA KY 11 , 1851 .
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CHARTIST POLICY . It would appear , from what has transpired during the past week , that there is at present very little chance of a united Chartist party being formed . We regret tho fact , but it is as well that it should be openly stated . No benefit can arise to any one by concealment of the truth , or by acting upon fallacious data . By openly acknowledging and accepting the actual state of affairs , there is , on the other hand , this advantage to be derived ; if wo caauot make things as we wish them to be , we can at least make the best of them as they are .
Indulgence iu vituperative personal abuse , naturally provokes retaliation in tho same coin . Reason loses its sway in proportion as tho passions become inflamed . The combatants . soon lose sight of principle , aud fiwht only small personal battles ; to the great amusement of the bystanders , who have not the slightest objection to see them pummel each other so lustily . U is , however , astonishing how rapidly evil example spreads in such caseB , and how eager some people become to mingle in the fray . This week we have reeaived resolutions from so-called "Councils . " iu localities where we were not aware thatany Chartist whatever
organisation existed . They have been deaf aud dumb enough , at all events , when they were wanted to help in any good work requiring the fiinaJleet self-sacrifice . Tho eagerness with which they seek to rush into the midst of a personal squabble—fcho pains they have taken to cull all tho strongest vituperative epithets to be found in the English language , and the force with which they launch , their huge avalancho of Billingsgate , against the characters and motives of parties of whom they can in reality know very little indeed , contrasts strangel y aud strongly with their previous torpor , if not practical
non-existence . What may be the nature of the . influences which have called these self-styled " councils *'
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into the field we do not pretend to know , nor shall wo too curiously inquire . Every one , however , in the least acquainted with these matters , can easily imagine the nature of the machinery by which such spurious manifestations of opinion are attempted to be palmed off as a genuine expression of public feeling . There is no necessity for any laboured refutation of the assumption—no need to fight with
shadows . Oue fact stands boldly out in the midst of all " the fire and fury , signifying nothing , " with which we are dinned . The socalled National Charter Association can only contrive to muster about eighteen hundred votes for an Executive , aud these , too , be it recollected , arenotall bonafide members , but composed of all the " waifs and strays" who could be caught hold of by accident at the time the election took place .
We take no pleasure in stating that fact , but it is a fact ; and whatever ability tho members of that Executive may individually or collectively possess , however their past exertions may have entitled them to fill the position , we- say as we said last week : that it is preposterous for them to assume national authority , to claim national obedience , or put forth the presumption that they lead a national party . To the support and the sympathy of the few hundred persons who elected them they have an undoubted right ; beyond that English Democracy owes them no allegiance whatever , and is free to take its own course alto * gcther , irrespective of any resolutions , addresses , or deeds of that body .
If tho Executive are satisfied with their position , let the matter rest where it is . They know the extent of their jurisdiction , the amount of support on which they may calculate—and if they so chose may take their own way , and agitate for the Charter , as an united body , in any form they think proper . Those who voted for them , who placed them in a position to incur expense , and to give labour , are bound either to support them or give formal notice of withdrawal . As an united party , however small , and with certain pecuniary means , however limited , they will be
able to effect some good , but no benefit whatever will be derived , by any party , from a protracted dispute about mere personal matters . That can onl y lead to the waste of energythe waste of time , and the waste of money , for the worst and most unprofitable of purposes . If the two sections of the Chartist body cannot agree to act together , let them fairly and frankly separate , the world is wide enough for them both to pursue their own path , without jostling . The section that acts on the most
comprehensive , enlightened , and practical policy , will do the most to further the end which each has in view . It will speedily be known by tho public support given to either , which is the best . By this course each would be progressing , however slowly . The public at large would not be edified by the spectacle of Chartists bespattering each other with abuse , and disputing who are to be leaders , when there is nothing to lead . That folly has surely lasted long enough . Let us have no more of it .
We observe that orders have been issued forbidding any Yorkshire localities to send delegates to the Manchester Conference . In the course of the painful aud damaging discussion which has lasted so long , much virtuous declamation has been expended about " dictation . '' It certainly appears to us , that this is the climax of "dictation . " The parties who have dared to pass such resolutions , should be sent back to the first form , and instructed in the very alphabet of Democracy . They are ignorant alike of its principles and its spirit ; and , we believe , that this exhibition of
themselves will not conduce to make the people at large much in love with the prospect of their ever having power to give effect to their own wishes . ' Better to bear the tyranny we have , than fly to others that we know not of , " The Manchester Conference will , of course , proceed to hold its sittings as if no such ukase had ever been issued . We trust it will do so with as little reference to these unhappy differences as possible , and that what is said will be in a manly , but temperate and rational tone . As Democrats , they must recognise the full and unfettered right of every individual to judge for himself , on all questions of public and private interest . If
others have been compelled , by the impressions made on their minds , to take a different view from themselves , their convictions are to be respected . Let them go their own way in peace . Let the Manchester Conference set about its own work—that of organising a People's Party , in a calm , comprehensive , and earnest spirit ; and when the task is completed , let them appeal to the people for support , in a way that shall give no encouragement to the perpetuation of divisions , or the excitement of antagonistic feelings among those who profess to be seeking the same object as themselves . If those who may be appointed to carry out the resolutions of that Conference take a lofty and dignified position ; if they turn neither to
the right hand nor the loft , in the discharge of their public duties ; if they rosolvo never to condescend to personal squabbles , sedulously avoid returning railing for railing , and keep steadily before the people the great principles for which they contend—we promise them ample and speedy success . Self-respect is the first step towards gaining the respect of others . As to the policy of the Conference , we have no wish to interfere . That can be best decided when all the facts connected with the Chartist movement , and the present stato of
public opinion , have been fully considered b y its members . If , however , we were to venture upon offering any suggestion , it would be , that as a basis for all their deliberations , they should resolve upon keeping tho agitation for the Charter separate from auy other movement . We would rather that it were otherwise , but the duty of the practical politician is to work with such instruments , and such a public opinion as he finds around himnot to construct theories , or propose organisations which , however correct in the abstract have no immediate chance of beinw realised '
. An attempt has been made , we are certain , in all sincerity , to amalgamate in one movement all the different sections of the Democratic party , both political and social . That attempt has failed , much to our individual regret , for we have longed as much for such an union as the most ardent advocate who attended the John- street meetings . It would appear , however , that thorn is something in the nature of the plan itself which
is adverse to its success . There is , in fact , an essential difference between a struggle to obtain political rights and the use of these rights after they are obtained . All who are excluded from the enjoyment of these ri ghts may unite in the first—the use . which they will make of them depends on their previous education , habits , and position in life ; and as these vary so much , it is impossible to secure the same unity , of opinion and action in the second .
The legitimate aad straight-forward task of tho Chartist party is to instruct the masses as to the nature and extent of their political rights , aud to organise them for the purpose of wringing these rights from ahostile Government aud aoieluctant Legislature . The duty of Soeial Reformers is not ioss obvious—uor less importaut : it ia to diffuse a knowledge , of tho most equitable and beneficial mode of using those powens . vhen attained ,
Each party wtlleQect much good b y keeping to its own work . The principle . of the division of labour holds good in the politie&l as well as in tho industrial world . No great popular or successful movement , that we remember , was a composite or a complicated one . The Repeal of tho Test and Corporation Acts—Catholic Emancipation—the Reform Bill—the Peim ^ Postage—the Anti-Corn Law League ; all were distinguished by singleness of aim , aud perti-
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nacity of purpose on the part of their supporters . The agitation for the People's Chartor must be marked by the Bame characteristics . It does not , however , follow as a corrollary that Chartists , because they confino themselves strictly to the Charter iu their capacity of members of a Chartist movement , are therefore to take no part in any other movement having in view the elevation and improvement of their fellow men . On tho contrary , the more actively they mix with others the better for the great cause of political freedom . We do not advise the mixing up of the Co-operative movement directly with the Charter , but
we do say , that for Chartists everywhere to combine for the purpose of becoming , as far as possible , their own producers , distributors , and educators , would indirectly g ive a compactness , power , energy , and organisation to tho Chartist movement , which it has never yet possessed . The forethought , business habits , and practical knowledge acquired in the formation and management of workshops , mills , warehouses , and schools , would bo brought to the aid of . the political agitation . It would improve it in spirit , tone , and manner and provide a larger and steadier supply of fundB to carry on the struggle for political emancipation . It would , in fact , make Chartism what the middle classes made the Anti Corn
Law League , and with the same resultsuccess . The " Lcaguo " was neither a cotton spinning , a woollen , manufacturing , or a mercantile body in its corporate capacity ; but there can be no doubt , the practical intelligence , and the abuudant means brought to it , by . the fact of its members being engaged in these occupations , hastened the downfall of tho territorial monopoly . Chartists must for a nobler and more universal object , bring into
the field elements of a similar description , and therefore , while keeping their agitation strictly confined to its legitimate and single purpose , they may also give such encouragement to the spread of cooperation in principle and practice , as shall not only confer immediate benefits on the working classes , but aid in ultimately placing them within the pale of the constitution , in tho full enjoyment of all their political privileges .
If the Manchester Conference acts in this spirit , and proposes a practical and efficient plan of organization , we have no doubt that it will succeed in attracting round the standard of the Charter a powerful association . If London caunot , or will not , act with it , there is no need for any angry words on tho matter . Parliament will be assailed by two bodies instead of one , and perhaps both of them will be stimulated to make more earnest and ardent
efforts in the noble rivalry that may spring up between them in the good work . Mutual recrimination , and personal disputes , are as contemptible as they are criminal . It is for the Charter , and not for A B C . or D , that the Chartistsare called upon to struggle . Those who attempt to occupy their minds , or waste their time and energies with petty personal squabbles , are either fools or knaves , and in neither case not fit to bo the leaders of a great popular movement .
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lives ne * t door to him , and receives £ 2 ]» week , does not pay oue farthing ? H 0 W ( f" clumsy the taxing machine may be— . hoM-Z ^ ignorant Financial Ministers—surel We u , er demand some nearer approximation to nm ;^ in the imposition and distribution of tho ^ tional burdens , than this ! na What is wanted is a careful revision of n whole financial system by practical and in ? partial men , with a view to placing it UpOn a * broad and intelligible principle , that cvp
aiviauai snail pay m proportion to 1 means ; and further , that the money so n ' ? shall not bo more than is absolutel y necesl for tho efficient performance of the natio ^ duties confided to the active officersof Govp " "' raent for the thno being . a "
"Papal Aggression" will no doubt & . mtuto a prominent subject of discussion u this question will have been worn g 0 tliVe 1 bare before it reaches the New Palace I Westminster , that little novelty in ai-jin ,,, , can be looked for . What will excite cm-ioait - will be , the mode in which tho various P . ' ' liamentary parties will try to getout of the due " culty in which the policy of the Romish CliUr 1 has placed them . It is not improbable W that it may lead to the formation of a „ Ministry , and the dissolution of the prosJi Parliament . If so , the new Cardin al im \\ bishops will bo the means of giving tlT
electoral and non-electoral bod y an opj ) 0 tunity of openl y tenting tho extent [' which popular feeling exists in f ! lV 0 ° of representative Reform . From the proscnf House of Commons we have not the sMifrJ hopes of any real amendment . Tho sh am less and beastly corruption and drunkennes s t St . Albans—the coercion and intimidaf , under which slaves with votes are driven lik cattle to the hustings , in other places are mado tho theme of indignant comment in « o < un nc v » aw ¦•• vuiu V a * 4 * a ° Q ** " ** W UVilllUVUI / JJJ ^ l | ' | ln f \ t
our orthodox journals . But not one of tliesn ever hints at the only effectual remedy 4 these disgraceful occurrences—namcl v thorough substantial and honest reform Jf thn People ' s House of Parliament . As Ion * , that House is elected by a small section of the community—as long as the constituency thus limited continues to be so unequall y tipportioned , so long will bribery and c orruption prevail among the voters , and selfish class-in , terests rule tho legislators of this country
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PARLIAMENTARY PROSPECTS . Signs of the approaching commencement of the Session begin to make their appearance . As yet , they are purely of a financial character . The certainty that a considerable surplus will this year beat the disposal of the Ministry brings out the advocates of the repeal of various taxes , with their reasons why the impost they are specially opposed to should be abolished . We have already recorded our opinion of tho urgency of the repeal of tho
taxes on knowledge . Tins week new claimants demand the abolition of the window-tax , and we apprehend with a greater chance of moro immediate success . When the housotax was repealed twenty years ago , it was distinctly understood that the window duty was to follow at tho earliest possible moment . But , like many other obuoxious and mischevious burdens , it has been maintained by successive governments because the people have never told them iu decided terms it would no longer be endured .
Last session , however , Sir Charles Wood only barely escaped a defeat . On the dirisiou he had a majority of two in favour of retaining this most injurious imposL Had the door not been shut in tho face of other members , who hastened to it when the division bell rung , the majority would have been the other way . However foolhardy aud obstinate Lord John and his colleagues may be in their resistance to popular demands , they are too good parliamentary tactitiaus to disregard such an emphatic warning as that division . The window-tax must go , whatever ^ else remains ; and thus one huge injustice will be swept from our fiscal system .
The tax , though a war tax , and , like all war taxes , levied expressly for the protection of our " property , our homes , and our religion , " was cunningly laid upon those who had the smallest amount of propert y , and the poorest homes . The wealthy classes escaped by the contrivance of an ingeniously-constructed sliding-scale , which diminished in proportion as the moans of the tax-payer increased , and increased in proportion as they diminished ! The poor hardworking aud
struggling artizan has to pay forty or fifty per cent on this rental for his li ght , while the rich man escapes with one or two per cent , on his . How much of the proportionatel y large mortality among the working classes is owing to this exclusion of the precious but plentiful light and air , which is requisite for health , cannot perhaps be accurately estimated . But if it be true that typhus tever sends moro victims to tho grave yearl y than were slain at U aterloo , that , as one item of tho fearful
account against this tax , will serve to give an idea of the magnitude of the evil it inflicts on the community . The retention of a tax so prejudicial to the health , the comfort , and tho morals of tho masses , gives tho lie to all the boasted anxiety of the Government and the Legislature about sanitary improvement . The first and most indispensable pre-requisite to health and cleanliness is an abundant supply of sunshine and air . Deprived of those , man withers aud deteriorates as certainly as plants or trees . The Session of 1851 will do
something worth remembering , if it admits the light and the breath of Heaven freel y into the pent-up dwellings of the poor . We mav expect the construction of a superior class o " f houses for the industrious classes , in which the ingenuity of the architect will not be expended in contriving how to evade the tax-collector , but to admit tho pure air and the golden sunshine , with their purifying influences , to the fireside of the labourer .
Another financial question which will give rise to much debate is the Incom Tax . It will bo remembered that the late Sir Robert tw ^ "W" * tlmt taX for three I * ™ . ™< 1 that the Whigs proposed its renewal , with a larger per ceutage , on coming into office The renewal was granted , but not the increase , with a very significant indication , that if the import was to be made a permanent one it 7 $ } ± ™\ * ™ ^ Wle principles . Nothing be
can more glarin ^ umEhK :: ice winch taxes an income of 41150 derived fiom personal labour , and therefore dependent upon personal health and skill m tho same way , and to the same extent as £ , lo 0 derived from real propertywhether that propert y be lands , houses , shares , or stocks . That monstrous anomal y must be redressed , if a tax on incomes is to be paid after this year . But , beyond this , the question may fairl y be put : why should the man who receives £ 2 10 s . 9 d . a week b , e called uyou to pay £ i 7 s . ( id . every yeartothe Government in bard caBli , while his . neighbour , who
Untitled Article
FACTION FIGHT IN FRANCE . The gamo of cross purposes , at which tho President and the Legislative Assembly have long been playing , has at length reached a crisis . M . Babociib ' s administration has been sickened , at last , of doing dirty work , and of eating dirt in the service of the would-bo Emperor , who apparentl y finds great difficult y iu persuadiug any body to take their places The livery of the El y see if } not particularly clean , and the nature of the duty not over
agreeable . To any man of spirit it can b y no means bo pleasant to be always dunning ' the Legislative Assembl y for money to support a system of wholesale and shameless bribery and extravagance , which , whether it takes the shape of sausages and champagne at reviews , or costly and splendid parties , and the glitter of a mimic court , has for its oliject the destruction of the Republican Constitution , and the elevation of " the nephew of his uncle " to a throne . Not that the majority of
the Assembl y have any objection to the restoration of monarchy—tho Very opposite . But while they are as anxious for the restoration of monarchy as tho Buonapartists , they have other candidates for the situation . The Bourbon and Orleans d ynasties divide tho allegiance of the President ' s opponents , and tlie struggle is ono of the most selfish , dishonest , and treasonable kind on tho part of all who ar involved it . The Legitimists and Orleanisfe have avowedly only tolerated Lows X \ -
roLtON as a warmmg-pan for their respective favourites ; everything that could tend to give him a permanent hold upon power has met with either an open or concealed opposition ; and by keeping at their back General Ciiangabnieb , with a large body of soldiers in and about the metropolis , they have , id fact maintained the virtual mastery of the " situation *
It is with no small amount of satisfaction that we see Louis Napoleon ' s unconstitutional , treacherous , aud despotic policy reap such a reward as it now has . He deliberately preferred to intrigue with the enemies of tho Republic , for his own personal and petty ambition , rather than to faithfull y perform the duties he solemnl y undertook , as tho head of a Republican Government . He deserted and betrayed the people , and they , in turn , have left him to the mercy of those whose talent and expertness in political trickery and swindling
being greater than his own , have turned the tables upon him . He might have been tho loved and honoured Chief of a great people , and a prosperous and free state : ho is the powerless stipendiary and used-up tool of factions , not more hostile to popular liberty than they are to his own personal projects , and prolongation of power . This is , indeed , a fit retribution for the elect of six millions , who showed his gratitude to those who dragged him from obscurity , by selling three millions and a half of their votes for a tew paltry hundred thousands of francs ; and who , during the whole of his administration , has not
inaugurated a single great or comprehensive measure , based on the principles he professed awl advocated previous to his elevation . His com ' plicity in the patricidal destruction of the Roman Republic—his proscription an < l perse cution of the press—his rigorous suppression of tho rights of public meeting—the ' au-iacity and tyrannyofhis system of political esp kst —and tho ruin and misery caused by the trumped-up conspiracies of his infamous ^ V inidons . All these things will give LoViS Napoleon no enviable position in history . In proportion to the greatness of his opportunities will be the depth of his fall .
^ Vo do not apprehend any immediate result from the present check . Tho opposing parties no doubt hate each other most cordially . M neither of them are foolish enough to Lelicc , that if they wore to come to blows the pcop ' at largo would side with either of them . 0 » the contrary , the great probability is that the castle of cards , which they have been constructing with such care for the last two year . , would tumble to pieces before the breath «'
popular displeasure . However their i : " ^ ' may itch to be at each others throats , the * - fore , they must perforco content themsel ves with resuming a hollow and constrained trace , in the hope that time will yet permit them W try conclusions , without the chance of v ^ they aim at being snatched from all of them .. Hence , after the usual coquetting and » leh » : » some flimsy device will be resorted to for tii ^ S over the difficulty of the daw and avoiding t ^
bcylla and Charybidis of the Dotation an General Ciiangahkier . The Presiden t \\ fo we fear , gone too far , and committed lii"f' ! too deeply to retrace his steps , and place W-i self at the head of a National EepuWif *' party ; though that offers him the only re » J chance of safety , or permanent power aud $ ' fluence . But tho real struggle is only post # poned . Next year will compel all par tiee to measure their strength fairl y with each nthcji , and decide whether France is to be Key « lican and progressive , or Cossack w& & actionary . We have yet faith that ft P ° l whose most learned philosophers—most poffCf " ful and polished writers , and createst state- "
men , have shown themselves so deep ly ewb ^ with a love of liberty , will cast off the irf tyranny to which it is now subject . >' France we still look for the establishment olf European Republic , Democratic and Socia' - The trials and sufferings , and obstruction through which it must attain that g lor ^
Untitled Article
4 THE NORTHERN STAR . January 11 , 185 L
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Jan. 11, 1851, page 4, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1608/page/4/
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