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Northern Star (1837-1852), 14th June 1851, Edition 1 of 2, Page 5, Untitled Article

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      ««dang er by conjoining sharp doable curves . They allowed sleepers to be placed by I the side of the line , heaped upon each other in such a manner that the strength of a child was suffiwentt' ? to " 10118 round upon tfee rail ; they f lowed their officers habituall y to tun their fuoin es tender foremost , by which the chances of " danger were most frightfully increased . Every one is avrare thatinfrontofevery engine jwaard projects a few inches above the rail , the use of which is to throw off stones , pieces of wood , or any obstructions that may be nlaced there , either by accident or design . In ^ dan ger by conjoining sharp doable curves . &dm **«» i . ** i a ..

      ordinary cases , unless the obstruction be very weighty indeed , these guards clear the line before the wheels come np to it , and thus enable the train to keep its place . But when the engine was reversed , and the tender placed first , there was no such protection . The wheels came direct npon the sleeper , and the engine thrown offb y the shock knocked down the parapet of the bridge , carrying -with it two third-class engines . The breaking of the chain saved the others . Here , then , we have a series of facts , all of them directly pointing to the construction and management of the line , a 3 the real cause of an occurrence

      by -which five lives -were instantaneously sacrificed , and which , had the carriages been more crowded , must inevitably have killed a great many more . How long the legislature will place the lives of the community at the mercy of irresponsible reckless trading corporations , without taking from them some adequate guarantee for the due fulfilment of the duties incident to their position , we know not . It is not for want of proofs of the necessity for doing so that matters are allowed to rest in their present state , disgraceful alike to the Government and the Railway Companies .

      The week , in other respects , has been singularly uneventful . It is usual , during holidays , to take advantage of the recess by making public demonstrationson whatever may happen to he the prevailing question ; with the single exception of the meetings against the Government Water Bill for the Metropolis , nothing has occurred worth notice . On that Bill , however , the Metropolis has spoken out , and will do much more strongly . Though it was carried by a small majority , on the second

      reading , by the aid of the seventy members , who represent their own interests in the House of Commons , as shareholders of the existing Companies , its provisions are so flagrantly venal , the whole thing is such a rank and nefarious job , that there is not the slightest chance of its being carried . Better by far , in the estimation of the Londoners , to " bear the ills they have , > than risk the tenfold burdens Sir George Giiey proposes to saddle them with .

      FOREIGN AND COLONIAL . The prospects of the Revision of the Constitution in France , by legal means , grow fainter as the time approaches . The preliminary stage—that of appointing committees to report on the question—has been gone through , and the composition of these committees is such as to present no chance whatever of there being anything like a decent majority to warrant any high-handed measures on the part of the reactionmires . Thus far the Republic has ehown itself the onl y practical and possible Government in France . In Portugal , the recently ill-gotten power of Saldaxha totters to its fall . Spain sends rumours of court and factious

      intrigues , conjoined with new promises to pay old debts , destined , like their predecessorSj never to be Mailed . The KlxG of PRUSSIA , not content with suppressing the press of his own country , has , without notice , caused the postage on English newspapers to be raised to the preposterously large sum of 13 d ., or about three times the price of the papers themselves .. This has caused a great outcry among the daily journals . Even the absolutist Times does not like this last despotic freak of the pious and champagne-loving Fjiedekick William . It has no objections that public liberty should be crushed , but to touch its receipts is quite another thing .

      The news from the Cape shows that the whole of the native tribes of South of Africa have combined to expel , if possible , the European settlers on that part of the Continent . The defection of the chiefs formerly in amicable relations is all but universal . Hottentots and Fiugoes fraternise with Kaffir , and a universal dissatisfaction with English rale very unmistakabl y evinces itself in every direction . Sir Harry Smith seems so far to have held his post , and even to have obtained slightly the upper hand of his opponents , and wherever open encounters have taken place

      between the natives and the disciplined troops , the former have been worsted . But notwithstanding this the league spreads ; and though it may be forcibly repressed at an enormous cost to this country , it is clear that such determined and general hostility will necessitate a permanent and continuous outlay in future to maintain by foree a position wrested at the point of the bayonet . Before the toiling and under-paid people of this country are called upon to pay millions for that purpose , would it not be as well for somebody to ascertain the actual value of the Cape Colony as a

      whole . Gold may be bought too dear , and tlie whole of South Africa , however valuable , may be too highly paid for . We ought before going farther to have a fair valuation . From the Ionian Islands we have intelligence of more tyranny on the part of Sir H . G . Ward , the soi desant radical member for Sheffield . It would form a curious pshycological inquiry to what causes this transforma * tion of "liberal" Whig governors into colonial despots is to be attributed . Lord Tor-TvLxgton , Mr . Mobe O'Ferrall , and Sir H . Waed are , in this respect , political monstrosities .

      President Fhxmore has made a tour of the States , evidently with the view of procuring a renewal of the presidential office , while Bexjamix Webster , his chief minister , has been doing a little business on hiB own account in the same way . The political news besides this possesses little importance , ' but the state of trade and employment is said to be highly satisfactory .

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      iW r from ? ttTla of the 8 tn inst * announces i « at the Sardinian government has concluded a « an with certain English capitalists ef threemil-«« ns sterling , to be expended in the immediate co mpletion of the railroad from Genoa to Turin and ttt ee to Switzerland . JW 2 ATH OF YlSCOESX MeLTOLE , F . R . S ., P . C . K . T . ~ ine Right Hon . Lord Tiscount Melville departed JF" ¦ afe on Tuesday last , at his seat Melville tMtle , near Edinburgh . T ^ f S Pitts , anIkfauibeeCubefob Fehue Goic-CM mJV- < nnen at different periods of life are subject to ™?« unts which require a peculiar medicine to remove , jr *« u now an established feet that there is none to ™ £ We as eollowajs Rib , their parifjing qualities render ^ invaluable to the maiden , the mother , and middles 2 tw ~ J » re searching , cleansing , and jet invigorating , ^ t / enalea of all ages may take them with perfect is fl S- *** it is truly astonishing to find the benefit that «* rr «!!? ? rtaltm 5 a few doses » which « peediJy remote h ^^ M rfirre gularityin the sjEtem , and establish

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      FACTS AND INCIDENTS OF THE GREAT EXHIBITION . Her Majesty the Queen , accompanied by Prince Albert and the Royal guests at the Palace , resumed their survey of the Crystal Palace on Saturday last , and their personal interviews with exhibitors . At twelve o ' clock the public were admitted , but from the attractions of Chiswick or the doubtful appearance of the weather , or from some other cause , there was an unusually small influx of visitors . The numbers were only 12 , 986 , and the receipts , notwithstanding the as . admission charge , fell to £ 1 , 560 10 s . Nothing of any interest occurred

      during the day , except the accidental explosion of one of Phillips' patent fire annihilators in the eastern division of the building . How it went off no one can tell ; but it is conjectured that some person set the machine off either accidentally or by design while examining it , for it is constructed in such a way that it could not explode spontaneously . A package has arrived from France containing a model of a gun , and also four maps , for exhibition . A package has also arrived containing an album of great beauty , sent by the Emperor of Austria for her Majesty the Queen .

      The attendance on "Whit-Monday at the Crystal Palace was very numerous , but not so much so ae had been expected , nor as h as been witnessed on previous shilling days . The receipts were-season tickets £ 2 2 a . ; at the doors £ 2 , 436 is .- —Total receipts J 62 . 43 S 6 s . As might have been expected from the unfavourable state of the weather during the greater portion of the day , the attendance on Tuesday was not so great as on some previous days . There was , nevertheless , an enormous muster . Passage being with difficulty obtained through the nave and galleries . The company was of a very mixed character . The police returns , at four o ' clock , set down the whole number of visitors at 48 , 599 . The following is the cash account : —Se ason tickeia , £ 9 9 s . ; at the doors , £ 2 , 272 2 s . —Total receipts , £ 2 , 281 11 s . On Wednesday , notwithstanding the fine weather , the company fell far short of the previous day ,

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      when the rain fell in torrents . Judging from appearances S « they were mainly eomposed of the middle and upper classes , the groups of working men and their families coming few and far between . The number admitted was about 45 , 000 . The cash account was follows ; - $ eason tickets , U 4 s . ; at the doors , £ 2 , 1 GO 9 a .-Total receipts , £ 2 , 1 < J 413 s . Another day of incessant storm and rain has added to the misfortunes of the sigbtseein" public , yet , undaunted by thestate of the weather , 4 S . 318 persons ^ visited the building on Thursday , and £ 2 , 233 7 s . was the amount taken at the doors . ml a ^ ffi * 2 ftifiME

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      . . CHANCERY AND LAW REFORM . A lecture was delivered on this subject on Tuesday , at Willis ' s Rooms , King-street , St . James ' s by Mr . G . J . Greene , barristcr-at-Iaw , a member of the council of the Chancery Reform Association . The special object of the lecture , according to the prospectus of the proceedings , was to show " the necessity of reforming the present dilatory , vexatious , and costly system of jurisprudence , in law and equity , and of codifying the laws so as to render them uniform and intelligible . " The chair was taken shortly after one o ' clock by Lord Brskine , who briefly introduced the lecturer to the very limited company assembled upon the occasion .

      Mr . Gkeese then proceeded to say that his lecture should consist of an inquiry inte the five following points : —first , our present system of jurisprudence ; secondly , who made our laws ; thirdly ,- how were our laws made ; fourthly , their promulgation ; and fifthly , their administration , hi discussing the first of those points , he said that our present system ofjurisprudencewasmadeupofanentangledmassdf ill-defined customspand of ever varying and conflicting decisions of judges . His object , and that of the gentlemen with whom he was associated , was to condense that system , which was at present vague , unsettled , costly , dilatory ,- and vexatiou 3 , into one uniform code , formed after the model of the Code Napoleon , which would bo promulgated in

      one intelligible volume , and would bo called " The Code of Queen Victoria . " lie proposed that that code should be subject to septennial revision . The existing system waB pregnant with the grossest abuses . Justice was at present sold , while her agents were constantly crying out " costs , costs •" justice was deferred while the Courtof Chancery had so many heart-breaking delays ; and justice was denied while decrees were in some cases suspended for a period of not less than seventy years . Abuses of a somewhat similar character had paved the way ra France for a revolution in which torrents of human blood had been shed , and then the genius ol Aapoleon had given , birth to one uniform code , formed three

      m months , upon the isodel of tho code of Justinian , and which would be the object of the eternal admiration of the world The Lmperor himself had presided over the under- ' taking and it was probable that had it not been tor that circumstance , the French lawyers who had been engaged in the task would have resembled our own commissioners of law reform , who had only given the lawyers more work to do . He earnestly hoped that a similar change would be effected m this country by means of an enlightened conviction and an honest desire for the promotion of the public welfare . With respect to the second question—who made our Iaw 3 ? Mr . Greene said

      he would venture to predict tliat the day was not far distant when the labouring classes would receive the elective franchise , and would return , as their representatives to the House of Commons , men conversant ivilh their wants and animated by an earnest anxiety to promote their interests . He liad next to consider how were our laws made ? He found that their manufacture was committed to the irregular and accidental efforts of a few law lords in the House of Peers , and of a few ambitious senators in the House of Commons . The result of that system was the construction of an endless mass of contradictory statutes , baffling the conclusions of tho common sense and defeating the ends of justice . Sir Samuel Romilly , Lord Brougham , Lord Campbelland

      , othcra , had endeavoured to reform that absurd system , but that they failed in their efforts in consequence of the opposition of the lawyers and the apathy of the public . The next point to which he should direct their attention was the promulgation of the law . Ho believed that it ought to be made known to the judges who administered it , and to tho people who were called upon to obey it . That was what had been done by the great law-giver of the Jews , Moses . The Romans and the Athenians had their laws written up in some public situation . The famous Justinian code was digested in one comprehensive volume . Napoleon ' s ccdo was contained in a limited number of pages , which could be boucht in anv French

      town , for a few franc 3 ; bub the vast mass of our English jurisprudence was scattered over an endless vuriety of volumes , which no human industry could ever master . The fifth and last point he had to consider was the administration of our laws . He knew that our judges were , for the most part , learned and independent men ; but they had not the power of rendering justice as cheap and expeditious as possible . It was in our Court of Chancery that the greatest abuses were observable . There presided at present over that court a noble and learned lord who was well kriownnot to favour law reform . ( Hear , hear . ) By a most extravagant arrangement , that noble and learned lord united in his single person the functions of keener

      of the Queen ' s conscience , head of the Court of Chancery , distributor of Church patronage , and minister of a political party . But let them look at the details of tbe practice in that court . The anxious and harassed suitors came before a master once in a month , and then could not obtain from him another hearing until after tho lapse of another month , when -he had probably forgotten all that he had previously learnt with respect to the case . Tho Master seemed rather to like those delays , and to listen with pleasure to the squabbles of attorneys , belligerent in appearance at least . But why should not the administration of justice go on from day to day in this country until a decision was given one way or the other ? ( Hear ,

      hear . ) Let it be remembered that , in that most un . fortunately managed court , there were detained not less than £ 9 , 000 , 000 of real estate , and a similar amount of personal property . Let it be remembered , too , that parties were kept for years in the prisons of the court . One person had been bo kept for a period of thirty-eight years , and another had been imprisoned for a period of fourteen years , in consequence of the mistake of a Lord Chancellor . Everybody who had impartially considered the sublet had denounced the whole system as a gigantic fraud . One hundred thousand suitors were annually dragged into Chancery , and no tongue could describe the mental sufferings to which they were subjected . But the system was streuuously supported by barristers , and by that most powerful

      body , the attorneys and solicitors , who amounted , in England alone , to 14 , 000 . Mr . G . here proceeded to denounce this latter class in a strain of unmeasured vituperation . He characterised their influence over families as a pestilential miasma , and declared that as long as that influence remained unimpaired , no measure of legal reform could ever be carried in this country . The people at large should arouse themselves from their apathy upon that subjeet , and declare their irrevocable determination to obtain cheap and expeditious justice . Then , and then only , could a rational and intelligible code replace that absurd and cumbrous system of jurisprudence which disgraced this country in tho eye 3 of every civilised community in the world . Some other gentlemen afterwards addressed the company , and the proceedings terminated .

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      ; 3 iV ' d s on « l ' D ^ cowE , Esq ., M . P ., President , Established \^ " fiat j usihu . " tuSSSBSl *! th 7 , vorkin classes , by cornrate of wages , Kffift T > Veep u . p the B eneral thing not to hmSM . u ^ tllis would le a ati P » i"sned , but to be welcomed and rejoiced BlUAST illLL . oZl tT ! l ^ fcraioe was held at the the S ^ Ottenh ^ -oourt-road , on Monday , In the absence of Mr . Duncombe , nvniLii ' u ?? callea t 0 the choir , and SXSft l athe had been instructed by Mr . ? " > ° apologise for hi 3 absence that & £ the stat 0 of his health ; ^ t at SlrX ^ " * stato Ml - Buncomb e ' s desire to attend during the Conference sitting ; aud if the Conference thought fit to adjourn Mr . The Conference then , upon the motion of Mr . Eowland , adjourned until Tuesday , at half-past two o ' clock . _ Tuesday June 10 , , NATI Sa . association of

      „ . , . On this day Mr . Smith attended , and explained that the unfavourable state of the weather rendered it impossible for Mr . Duncombe to attend that day ; but that he felt himself so much better that he had great hopes of being able to attend on the following day , should the weather be in any degree genial . ' to The Conference was then further adjourned to Wednesday . Wednesday , June 11 . The Conference met pursuant to adjournment . Mr . Duiicom . be in the chair . The minutes being read and confirmed , Mr . Duncombe delivered the following address : —

      Gentlemen , —In meeting the Seventh Annual Conference of the Association , I havo to congratulate you upon its general position , which is , as compared with one oi' two past years , improved , both as respects numbers and organisation . It still , however , falls far short of what I anticipated trom such an organisation . The trades of this country have yet , it appears , to be convinced of the great and otherwise unattainable benedts to be derived from a National Association . For the past few years of the existence of the Association , and when my health permitted , I took a constant and an active personal part in is management . I was deeply impressed with a sense of the importance of such a society , and most anxious that the benefits it was capable of producing , should bo

      enjoyea aiiKo Dy tlie honest and independent working man and tho honest and fair dealing employer my exertions during these years were a source of gratification , itnd their remembrance now is a consolation . But for two or three yoarB past I have oeen incapacitated for taking any active part in your affairs . Last year I have been enabled to do bo to a still smaller extent than in any former year . It gives me pain to sever tho official connexion which has so long- subsisted butween us ; but after fully and maturely considering the subject , I feel that the time has como when I should tender my resignation as President of the Association My great object in accepting that position was to promote to the fullest extent of my ability , and what influence I possessed , the welfare and the

      pe interests- ol the industrious working men of Great Britain . I have ceased unfortunately to possess the health and vigour requisite for what / consider the proper discharge of the duties of that honourable and onerous position . I feel that my longer continuance in it is neither consistent with the interests of the Association , net what I believe to be my duty to the working classes : and , therefore , though with deep reluctance , I havo come to the resolution I have announced to you . As I have no wish , however , that my resignation should m any way impede the ordinary operations of the Association , or impair its efficiency 1 will

      should such be your pleasure , continue until the close of the present session of parliament , to be your President ; and thus afford to you and the trades the opportunity of appointing a successor , who will be able to serve you , and to promote the important objects of the Association better than I can now do . Believe me , however , gentlemen , when I tell you , that though the state of my health thus compek the cessation of our official relations , I still continue to feel as deep and as ardent an

      interest as ever m the welfare of the industrious classes . Whatever affects their well-bein <* will continue to be to me a source of anxiety , and to the extent my health and means may permit , I shall ever be ready to promote their prosperity and advance their interests . It will he to me a cause of sincere pleasure , if anything I may have done has tended to that end ; and m conclusion , I trust that this Association will in future be so conducted as to win the confidence of the great bodv of the operatives of this country-that it may succeed in legally and constitutionall y organising their lutherto-and thus still more eftectunllv , and upon a larger scale , insure to my fellow-countrvtLn

      who live by their labour , tho benefits I had in view at its commencement—the peaceable enioy . mont of the fruits of their own honest industry" A fair day ' s wage for a fair day ' s labour . " The Secretary then read the report of the Committee , which was received and adopted , and ordered to be printed . Numerous letters were then read from different bodies connected with the Association , generall y expressive of the entire satisfaction with the proceedings of the Executive , and nominating them for re-elec ^ tion for the ensuing year . There being no other names put in nomination , the President , Treasurer , and Committee were duly elected . Mr . Eowlands then moved the thanks of the Association to Mr . Duncombe for his kind

      patronage to this movement ; and assured him that be retained unimpaired the confidence and affection of the working classes of this country , who sincerely regretted the afflictions ho had so long laboured under , and fervently prayed that he might be restored to health , and live for many years to guard and protect the rights of labour . The thanks of the Conference were also given to the proprietor and editor of the "Northern Star , '' for their liberality in inserting the weekl y articles and reprints of the Central Committee .

      The thanks of the Conference was also passed to G - . A . Fleming , Esq ., for his services as Treasurer to tho Association . The other routine business being disposed of , the Conference was dissolved . William Pee ^ Secretary . 259 , Tottenham-court-road . <•» .

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      ha ^ eca ^ yS $ « S \ 8 ft -F * .. kindness and cUscenSn ? ^^ og «? J desire to promote tho objects we havo invLt But as the case is still unsettled when this report iS -xf r i « ' u " *\ S lt iS c . onfessedly surrounded with difficulties of no ordinary character , your Com mittee feel . they . will be excused from enterin g more fully into particulars . " ° * * * # " Since the former notice of this caso was placed in the hands of the printer , Messrs . Green and Peel have resumed the negotiation with tlie employers to effect an amicable adjustment of prices for the trade in that town . - ^ mm . ** . - = r- - ..

      " They have held repeated and lengthened interviews with the principal manufacturers , many prejudicea have been removed from their minds , and a disposition fairly elicited to treat tho subject in a spirit of mutual forbearance . The first proportions of the deputation to arrange a book of prices by a Conference of masters and men has been conceded , and a further and important privilege granted—that two members of tlio Central Committee should assist at such Conference as advocates for tho men upon general principles ; and your Committee deem it but an act of justice to repeat hero the observation of the largest manufacturer at the last interview with the deputation : — " 'If , ' says he , 'the men gain anything by these proceedings , lt , not to themselves thov will i , « , •„

      wn ^ nKln i com ; ° ' ¦ iudiciou * manner that you gentlemen hare acted on their behalf ' " Your Committee are justly proud of ' this compliment , not as paid to then / or their colleague , to whom it was addressed , but as a spontaneous of tbe National Association , emanating from a gentleman . of wealth and great influence , and whom the Tin-plate Worker ' s of Wolverhampton havo never before been ablo to meet in a spirit of conciliation . Your Committee trust that the same ^ mSilTS . Wil 1 UUimately brir 'S ttStaSS tant matter to a happy termination , believing that SrablTSS » ° thlnaSter 8 ^ ¦* inse " From the above extracts it will be readily imagined with what sanguine expectations

      your Committee resumed their mediatorial labours , and how severe is their present disappointment that . those labours have terminated so unsatisfactoril y . Your Committee consider it unnecessary to recapitulate in this report the various incidents which transpired during the progress of the efforts to bring this affair to a successful termination , inasmuch as tho events , as they occurred , have been regularly reported in the columns of the " Northern Star , " and recently condensed into a "Narrative of Facts"

      connected with this affair , and copies forwarded to each trade belonging to the Association , and extensively circulated through the country , It is , therefore , merel y requisite to state here , that , upon the failure of their mediatorial efforts to arrange the matter in dispute amicably , your Committee were called upon by the members of thi 3 Association to act in conformity with its laws and constitution . They complied with that request in tho spirit of that constitution ; and though two of the firms engagedin that struggle have , since its termination , thought proper to include three members of your Commi ttee in an indictment for

      conspiracy , your Committee confidently believe that every step they took , and every action of theirs , with reference to the dispute , was strictly in accordance with the law , as declared by judges of the highest reputation ; and they aresustained in this conviction by the approbation their conduct and policy elicited from the great body of the most respectable inhabitants of Wolverhampton , as well as the civil and municipal authorities of that town . Perhaps your Committee cannot more briefly lay before you a statement of the general

      merits of the questions at issue between the Tinmen and the employers , and the opinions entertained by tho authorities on the subject , than by quoting the following "Minutes of the proceedings before the Mayor and Magistrates upon the invitation of Mr . Edward Perry , the principal employer , who resisted the introduction of a uniform and equitable book of prices for the same kind of work . " This document was printedand published under tho sanction of the mayor , " and may fairly be taken to be conclusive as to the merits of the dispute : —

      Decision of the Magistrates on the important question between Mr . E . Pemj and the Tin-plate Workers of Wolverhampton , The worshipful the Mayor , agreeably to tie request of Mr . E . Perry , convened a meeting of the magistrates at the Town Hall this day , to which meeting his worship invited Messrs . Green and Winters , the delegates of-the United Trades' Association , likewise four Tin-plate Workers from Mr . E . Perry ' s

      manufactory , one from the Old Hall , and one from Messrs . Shoolbred ' s . R . II . Bartlett , Esq ., solicitor , was also in attendance , on behalf of tho working men , and their differences were submitted to the bench , the Mayor being in the chair . A lengthened statement was made on both sides , and listened to by the bench , we aro happy to say , with the usual attention and interest . The gist of the complaints of the men \ ns , first , that Mr . E . Perry had inveigled his men into unfair and one-sirieri

      agreements : and , secondl y , that Mr . Perry objected to pay the same price ( for the labour of his workmen ) as had been and is being paid by Messrs . Walton and Shoolbred ( the two largest manufacturers in the town ) to thoir workmen . It should bo understood , that tho Mayor and other magistrates assembled and acted as mediators in this unpleasant affair , with the consent of both parties . The magistrates having retired for a considerable time , returned into court , and the Mayor delivered tho unanimous opinion of tho magistrates in the following words : —

      The Mayor said , " It is a great satisfaction to me , that on this ocoasion other magistrates , unconnected with manufacturers , have kindly given me their assistance , and being unanimous in the opinion wo have formed , we have determined to give it without binding any other party to it ; we think such a course the most likely one to terminate these

      dissensions . " Mr . Perry has addressed us at great length , and requires from us protection in the carrying on of his business ; he represents that workmen willing to work for him are insulted and intimidated , and that lie is subject to great annoyances , because he does not subscribe to a certain book of prices settled by ihe Tin-plate Workers of the town . Since tho Combination Acts have been repealed , the working classes have the fullest right to meet and discuss their interests , and to be advised by whoever they please , but they have no right to interfere vsith others by coercion or insult , and if there be any one duty more incumbent than another upon

      magistrates , it is that of restraining the power of physical force against individual liberty , and Mr . Perry may rest assured , that he will not appeal in vain to tbe magistrates of Wolverbampton on that point . we will sit at midni ght , if necessary , to enforce law and peace . With reference to the book of prices , we have nothing to do with it unless assented to by all parties ; nor is it by any meeting or printed book that the price of labour can ultimately be adjusted ; it must depend upon the varying state of trade and other circumstances , too numerous to mention . The workmen may be emphatically , assured , that it is not by their meeting and writing down any list of prices that will in the end

      determine the price of labour . In the absence of exatt terms , the magistrates can know nothing but the market price of work for the time being . And this brings us to the question whether Mr . Perry is now bound to pay that price ? It seems that all the workmen usually employed by him have left his manufactory , except those who are under written contracts . By those contracts , judging from the one before us , he engages to pay each workman such wages as he pays other workmen in his manure tory ; but if tbey are all hired , to wha t standard are we to refer ? Others can remain or not , as they like , and a manufacturer can employ theni or not , as he can affordand it is one

      , of the objections to long agreements for service , that if wager rise , and those hired are bound to work for less than their fellow labourers , discontent is sure to ariae . The magistrates , therefore , do always regret to sec agreements for long periods , and they have an objection to commit upon them , unless absolutely necessary ; but Mr . Perry must not conclude that this implies any objection to give him every protection in our power . The question , however , now resolves itself into' tfeis : What rate of wageB is Mr .. Perry bound to give

      under existing circumstances ? To whom are we to refer for the market price of the day ? To Ms . Perry ' s own list and and the list of three other houses acting avowedly in concert with him , or to the other houses of the town ? In our opinion wo should be obliged to refer to the latter as the standard of value , for this amongst other reasons that if a workman were not bound by contract he might go to those houses and obtain their wages This , we think , would be the rule adopted in " Courts of Law , and we hope this expression of our opinion will terminate these unfortunate dfferences . " "

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      Magistrates present : The Mayor-O . Robinson , Esq . ; W P . Fryer , Esq . j H . Q . B . Whitgreave ksq . ; Aldermen J . Walker and Andrews . . Dr . Mannix , one of the County Magistrates , having been informed of the decision of the Bench on n ^ I ™ I 10 Vtailtsub J ' ulthongh not present on tho S' ° " ,- has £ 'ven Permission to publish his name « f wl i lu g m 08 t cordially with the above decision Ot 1 h ' , . b'"c'th « -mag istrates . D . » ted this 24 th Day of October , 1850 . miwt ^ f £ ati 0 n WaS calIc ( 1 for at the re > boon ov M /\ £ " * himself > ^ might havo e n X Pf f d «« ' some respect would have been paid to a decision thus publicly and solemnly arrived at ; on the contrary , it was treated with contempt by those who applied for it , the motives of the magistrates Uro oponly impugned , and a dispute , which vour Committee endeavoured most earnestly to avert , was protracted for many months , to the deep regret of your Committee , who were tit all times ready to meet the casein a conciliatory spirit , and to submit the chums of the members of this Association to an impartial arbitration .

      Believing this prosecution , instituted since tho termination of the struggle , will , if successful , place all forms of Trades Unions out of the palo of the law , your Committee have appealed to tho general body of the working classes for a public subscription in aid of the defence of Messrs . Peol , Green , and Winters , members of the Association . The report then proceeds to detail several cases which have been arranged by the Committee and brought to a satisfactory conclusion through their official characters as mediators ; and thus economising the means of the members , and saving to tho employers all ^ ° SSCS an ( l incouvcm ' once arising from tho sudden , and too frequently inconsiderate , withdrawal of men from their employment .

      The cases particularl y alluded to in tho report have occurred in the cases of the Tin 1 late Workers of Birmingham , tl \ o C&vpet Wearers of Kidderminster , the Bobbin Turners of Todmorden , the Thick Wire Drawers , and tho Fender Makers of Birmingham , &o . In all these cases , and some of them involv ing points of great interest , the conciliatory principle of the Association has been found most effective ; and there caa be no doubt that , to all the parties interested , their beat and truest interests hatfe been promoted , and useess , but otherwiso unavoidable , expenditure has been prevented through the instrumentality of this most useful and effective Association .

      From the above reports it will bo seen that , fewer cases of oftered reductions have occurred during the past year than in any ono since the commencement of the Association . This may mainl y be attributed to the improved state of trade ; but certaiul y in and about Birmingham , where tho power and influence of the National Association is dul y appreciated , a great portion o t this quiet state of things may fairly be ascribed to its moral influence . Your Committee are happy to report that , the

      during past year , several important sections of tho industrious classes have joined the Association , and had the Central Committee been in a condition to pay a greater attention to the important duty of propagating , by lectures and visits to the busy hives of industry , a knowled ge of its principles and objects , they believe that a greater progress would have been made than they are now able to report . They are , however , gratified in stating , that from their correspondence , and from general observation of passing occurrences , they are pleased to find sufficient evidence to

      warrant their belief that they havo lived down an immense weight of opposition and prejudice , and that the working men of Eugland are drawing nearer and nearer to a just appreciation of that position which can alone enable them to withstand successfully thocrushing influence of those adverse circumstances , which is constantly tending to make wider the breach which separates ( unnaturally ) capital from labour . An opinion is therefore hazarded by your Committee that it becomes dailv more ncoesRarv

      that the scattered elements of labour should be attracted to a common centre , from which it may bo able to grasp a more enlarged view of tho circumstances which are constantly operating npon its destiny . The causes which first called this Association into existence are still m full operation . Your Committee are again under the paintul necessity of reporting the continued illuesfl of their respected President , T . S . Duncombe , who nevertheless

      Esq ., has not abated in hia warm interest and sympathy with regard to the objects of the Association , of which your Committee have had another generous manifestation , in being honoured by his spontaneous contribution of twenty guineas towards the defence of the nine persons implicated in the alleged Wolverhampton Conspiracy . Your Committee feel assured that such repeated acts of kiadness cannot fall to be duly appreciated by the members of the

      association , and by the workin g classes generally , and to insure for that gentleman their lasting gratitude , and efficient public support upon any and every occasion when such support may be necessary . Tho Official Auditors Annual Report will be duly forwarded to each body in connexion with the Association ; and your Committee cannot but congratulate the members upon the steady improvement in the position of the Association , which they hope will be more strikingly developed in the ensuing ar

      ye . Your Committee cannot close this report without calling the attention of the members , to the nnnsual liberalit y of the proprietor and editor of the » Northern Star , " who , by the regular and gratuitous insertion of reports and articles forwarded by your Committee , have contributed so materially to awaken and keep alive the interest of the masses in this m «

      wument . Your Committee think , therefore , that the 'JNorthemStar , " which , under its present editorial management , is essentially a working man ' s paper , deserves , and should receive the greatest possible support by the members of this Association . W . Peel , Secretary .

      Untitled Article

      Liberation of Kossuxn . —On Tuesday evening a public meeting of the inhabitants of Glasgow -was held in the City-hall , called by the Lord Provost , in consequence of a requisition sent him for the purpose , to memorialise the British government to interpose its influence to procure the liberation of the illustrious KossuUi and his brave companions , and then- restoration to all the rights » nd privileges of free citizens of the world . The following resolutions were unanimously agreed to : —'' That this meeting deeply sympathise with all such as ar $ the victims of civil and ecclesiastical despotistai throughout the world , but in the meantime feel specially called upon to extend a

      becoming amount of hospitality to thoso exile * , who-have taken an active part in the late struggle ' for independence in Hungary , and who of their own free choice havo sought a home and an honeM means of living , in this land so famous for toft , shelter it has afforded alike to the oppressor and the oppressed of tbe various nations on the face m tho globe . " « That this meeting of the citizens of Glasgow present a respectful memorial to Lord Palmerston , her Majesty ' s Secretary of StatTfor Foreign Affairs , in the hope that he may beVtill further induced touie such efforts m aJ ? 5 L £ , St ^ uftftfe " ^ eavouring to DZre S

      mssm S ^^ -ttftSRtK MalH ^ n P , ^ 97 th Foot » and Viwount atSft i ? ° l ? ^ ardB rfw ., the former attended by Mr . E . L . Denys , the latter by Captaia Browmgg . Lord Maldon received the fire of hfo adversary , and discharged hie pistol in the « ir . lh « 8 far the affair terminated . . . - . . ihe Marchioness of Lothian was received into the Roman Catholic Church on Wednesday » bi . ¦ - .: '"¦ ^^? W • - ^ f "! i ^ fl' ^ tfJ'ft \ jaj |

      Untitled Article

      MONIES RECEIVED Foe ihb Week Esdixg Thobsdat , Jdxe 32 ih , 185 L NATIONAL CHARTER FUND . . ™* * eahj Jons Absott . —Peterborough , uerE . Scholey " M-Canls , atllolluway 3 s 8 d-G . P ., Clerkemrellls-^ wrastle-upott-Tsne , per G . Grant £ 1 os 1 M-Honley , per » . Uider 4 s _ E . Scale , Wardour-street Is—N . Frith 6 dietttrin- per G . J . ITarney Is 6 d—Total- £ 213 53 . wcewedbj W . Rideb . —Balance of Paisley District CoD-« ation Fund 2 s 7 id . FOR THE HUNGARIAN AND POLISH REFUGEES . Stceived bjAV . Rideh . —Paisley , per J . Hatchard 4 spaisley , ( Sum due to the Rev . A . Donaldson for attending a matting in Paisley , } per W . Cameron 12 s .

      REFUGEES AT LIVERPOOLwcfch-ed bj W . Bmau—Paidev , sum collected at the ciose of iir , Donaldson ' s meeting 13 s 44 d . FRATERNAL DEMOCRATS . Jon Teflbjr JoHN Absoit—C . IJddelL Alra , perlErnest

      Untitled Article

      GLANCE AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE AND ITS CONTENTS . We observed , in a former visit , numerous obiects m connexion with constructive art-such as the brick making machine , glasg nnelhn « r . < fcc . We turnuow y ^ e hardware depa rtmentrin the inspection Of which we shall keep in view this same great end , the facilitation of social improvement , in this long avenue , running behind the Birniinffh . Furniture , and Sheffield courts , on the south ol the nave , the most economical fittings-up of a cottage will have more interest for us than the most Splendid combination of polished steel and ormolu yet designed for a nobleman ' s saloon . It is soon obvious that we shall not want for sratification of GLANCE at thp fpYnTiiT , THUfT iVTTl moo , ™ .

      tnis Kind . Withm tbe space of half-a-dozen yards are stoves that may be had for a few shillings , and others costing as many thousand pounds—plain but convenient compounds of firebrick and iron , resplendent structures of marble , gildins , and burnished metal , adorned with devices furnished by Spencer or Shakespere . The principles of construction are almost as various as the degrees of decoration observable . The use of steam and gas iu culinary operations is largely provided for . Here is a vessel by which a bachelor in his solitary chambers may grill a steak , and there a colossal range of spits , boilers , and stew-pans , warranted to do all the work of a club kitchen by the same power . Among the many adaptations of steam , we

      notice a saucepan which cooks potatoes simply by extracting and then condensing their own moisture ! which is known to be considerable in proportion to the solid parts , and detrimental to the alimentary value of the -vegetable . Among the " multum in uno" ranges exhibited , one bears an inscription significant of the object of many , " Waste not , want not . " Economy of human health and life is not uneared for . Many moro than we can specify are the provisions for the better ventilating of rooms and workshops , and the counteraction of noxious effiuvirc from the fires constantly ne < cessary in some handicrafts . Sanitary reformers will observe , with pleasure , the array of domestic baths and lavatories—an indication of the greatly increased degree in which attention is directed to the use of water on tbe skin , as

      promotive of health and vivacity . On either hand of us are apparatus for administering the recreating stream , cold or warm , upright or recumbent . One manufacturer has a bath in which one can lie down and surround oneself with water , or let it down from above , at pleasure ; another combines with the bath provisions for its conversion into a bed . Besides metallic bedsteads , we have ventilating mattresses , and a couch of an altogether novel usethat , namely , of awakening tbe sleeper ! By a simple contrivance , an alarum clock , set to ' the hour desired , touches a spring , which withdraws the front legs of the bed , and gently tumbles its occupant from the arms of Morpheus . As a practical illustration , some policemen , or other bystander , is induced , many times in tbe course of a day , to trust himself to this too faithful servant ; invariably to the great amusement of spectators .

      At the western end of this court , in a bay looking npon the nave , is a complete exhibition of tbe eudery of Sheffield—its characteristic manufacture —including a series of models , illustrating the var ious stages of the process necessary to convert iron ore into keen , highly polished razors , and circular saws that make one shudder to think of their revolutions ; but , unfortunately , these models are neitheir self explanatory , nor is an attendant at hand to exhibit them . The display of cutlery is infinite , and beautiful in arrangement ; Turning , again , Into the hardware avenue , at its junction with the agricultural implement court , we find ourselves beside the formidable guns and carriage lashings of a man-of-war . They have more . of the grim aspect of war than the blades and barrels disposed in dazzling shapes in several other parts of this building—they are , therefore , its more faithful representatives .

      Pbixce AuiEni's Model Cottages . —Tho exterior of those cottages is both pleasing and picturesque . On crossing the threshold the visitor finds himself standing under an open porch , where he perceives that the building ia double . On his right hand and left are stout oak-stained doors , and before him rises a flight of stairs constructed of thick slate , and leading to tbe external gallery . Let him turn and enter one of the doors , say that on his left hand : be is now in the living room , an apartment about ten and a half feet wide and fourteen feet from front to back . It has one window looking into the road , the casement of which , made of zinc and iron , is divided into lozengeshaped panes . The floor is formed of Staffordshire

      tiles . The roof is the most striking feature of this chamber , being formed of "bricks set in cement , and arched to the extent of about eight or nine inches . The arch is tied with wrougltiron rods connected with cast iron springers , which rest on the outer walls , and bind the whole structure together . The fireplace contains a grate of the simplest construction , lined with fire-clay . By its side is a closet , to which warm air may be introduced from the back of the range . Over the mantle is an iron rod for hanging pictures , and on the opposite side of the room is a shelf . In front of tho window hangs a deal board capable of serving as an ironing board , a table , or , when thrown up , as an interior shutter . Such is the living-room . At the end of this

      apartment , opposite to the window , are two rooms , each nine feet in depth and equal to half the width of the living room ; they are intended as bed-rooms for children , and , opening out of the middle room , afford an opportunity for the exercise of parental watchfulness , without the unwholesome crowding of the living room by its use as a sleeping apartment . Each has a window opening in the rear of the house , and a fire-place . The living room and the two sleeping rooms just described , constitute tbe outer half of the space allotted to one family . The remaining portion is not all applicable to domestic use , a part of it being required for the porch and lobby . Between the living room and the parting wall which bisects the centre structure , are the

      scullery and parents bed room . The scullery is fitted up with a sink , and beneath which is a coal bin of slate , a plate rack at one end drained by a slate slab into the sink , covers the entrance to a dust shaft , which is enclosed by a balancing selfacting door . A meat safe is also fixed here and ventilated through the brickwork . This room is lighted from the porch by a window of thick glass . The parents' bed room , with a superficial area of about 100 feet , is entered through the scullery , a recess in this room provides a closet for linen , and a shelf is carried over the door , with a rail fixed beneath it—a provision which is made in each of the

      other bed Tooms . Between tbe scullery and the porch is a water-closet fitted up with , a Staffordshire glazed basin , which is complete without any wood fittings , and supplied with water from a slate cistern , in common , of 160 gallons , placed on the roof , over the party and staircase walls . The same pipes which carry away the rain water serve for the use of the closets . Four sets of rooms , such as have now been described , are combined in the model building—one on each side of the ground floor , and two upstairs . The external gallery corresponds to the porch in size and purpose , and all the tenements correspond in plan .

      It is the main peculiarity © f these buildings that they are constructed almost without timber , and with hollow bricks . Perfect ventilation , facility of cleaning , and cheapness , are the correspondent advantages . The tubular walls exclude moisture and sound , and , at the same time , offer the readiest means for the admission of fresh or of heated air . The hard , glazed surface is as easy to wash as a hand-basin ; and a copious supply of water leaves nothing to be desired on this head . And , the four dwellings cost but about £ 400 ; so that , if each set of rooms were let at a weekly rent of three shillings , there would be a return of seven per cent ., and something to cover contingencies .

      Untitled Article

      Escape of Five Couvicts .-About two o ' clock on Wednesday afternoon five convicts belonging to the Justitia , convict-ship , nt the Royal Arsenal , Woolwich , were employed in the gig of tbe vessel in taking on board Captain Veules , who was on a visit of inspection . The convicts generally employed on that duty are selected from the wellconducted class , and consist of men whose general good conduct would soon ensure their liberation , and consequently greater confidence is ' placed in them . In this case the confidence has been found

      to b& misplaced , as shortly after Captain "Vouies went on board , and the convicts were lying on their oars in readiness to take him on shore again , the idea of escaping entered their imagination , and one of them enveloped himself in the cloak of the gallant officer , and , taking charge of the rudder , the other four convicts rowed with great speed , and soon reached the . Essex aide of the river , where they landed and left the gig , making the best of their way past Barking for Epping Forest . In their progress they came near a constable of the K division of the metropolitan police , who immediately gave chase , and having obtained the aid of several of the

      inhabitants of the district , succeeded in apprehending three of the escaped convicts . The other two have not been taken . The attention of one of the Custom-house boats was drawn to the rapidity of the rowing of the four convicts when making for the Essex shore , but the self-confidence of the convict steersman enveloped in Capt . Voules ' cloak prevented them from following the gig . They , however , made the circumstance known on board the convict ship , but any pursuit from that quarter after the escaped convicts had got on shore and some way into the country would have had little chance of success .

      Yankee-Doodle . —In a curious book on the Round Towers of Ireland ( I forget the title ) , the origin of the term Yankee-Boodle was traced to the Persian phrase , " Yanki dooniah , " or " Inhabitants of the New World . " Layard , in his book on " Nineveh and its Remains , " also mentions " Yangbi-dunia , " as the Persian name of America . —Notes and Queries . . Penn * reading rooms have been opened in Cheapside . They present a supply of newspapers , including the London daily journals , the leading Parisian and German , ag well as the English , Scotch , and Ixuh provincial newspapers .

      Untitled Article

      SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT . The Central Committee present their seventh annual report to the members of the Association under circumstances of extraordinary interest to themselves and the Association . Tho past year has been to them one of intense anxiety , and of great difficulty . The case of the Tin-plate Workers of Wolverhampton , which , at the period of the last annual Conference , was under a negotiation for a friendl y adjustment between the

      employers of that town and your Committee , and which , in their judgment , presented every appeara nce of a speedy and satisfactory settlement , has occupied almost the exclusive attention of the Committee through the entire year . & Your Committee beg to recall attention to the following extracts from the last annual report , indicating the position of the case at that time , and the strong hopes that were then entertained that the affair was susceptible of a solution which would be satisfactory , beneficial , and honourable to all parties

      concerned . At page fifteen of the last report , the im-plate Workers' case is thus alluded to : — «™ J » » ? ommittee . in addition to the cases enumerated , have for some time been engaged in an important negotiation with the leading manu-SSnV ° lverhampton , to induct them , moonjuction with the Tin-plate Workers of that ™ . £ ? P ° list of prices for the numerous articles of their manufacture , by which means many fruitful . causes fordisnute would hn

      romovea and the good understanding which it ia so f ! n » w j promote between Parties so intimately Sn ^ thened . """* " * WWkmeD ' materially * w 5 Comrnitte e have great pleasure instating , tnat as far as 'this important work has progressed , they have jjteat cause for congratulation .

      Untitled Article

      June 14 , 1851 / tup r * rrn ? Twn »* T « __ ¦ iii )^ JNUK THERN STAR . '" ¦ "" 5 0 . —

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), June 14, 1851, page 5, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1630/page/5/