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Chartist Untellipttft. ~
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Rational Uanu compamn
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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^ TIONAL CHARTER ASSOCIATION . " ' nfi ces—14 , Southampton-street , Strand . conse quence of the public meeting at the v Sonal Hall , on Wednesday evening , July 30 th the adjourned meeting of the Exe-^ vo Committee is postponed until Wednesopening , August the 6 th . N B . —The monies received will be acknw-S igned on behalf of the Committee , ° John Akxott , General Secretary .
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j [ iyCHESiEE .--On Sunday evening , July n-jb , 1851 , Mr . Thomas Clark , from London , gate a lecture in the . People ' s Institute , Heyf ad-street , on the following subjects : —• The c ietonian tendencies of England , Sylla-^ 3—Exi sting combinations ; some of their consequences ; competition and individualism up held . Communism and Owenism consideied as destructive . of the true co-operative principle . Fersonal enterprise and indmdiial ex ertion recommended as the only panacea for pr ivate and public abuses . ' After thelecture a discussion ensued between Mr . George Clark and Mr . Lindsay , on the part of the Socialists , and Mr . Thomas Clark and Mr . J . Leech en the part of the Chartists , after which a a vote of thanks was . unanimously passed to Mi * . Thomas Clark , lor his very able lecture .
Sheffield . —On Sunday evening last the Council met in the Democratic Temperance Hotel , 38 , Queen-street , —Mr . Brook in the chair—when the secretary read two very interesting letters , one from Mr . How , author of the "PonrP's , " and the ^ ther ^ fjrom Jeanne Deroine , and Pauli ne Roland , ( two French ladies ) which gave great satisfaction . A short address was adopted . itoeSfcQuuitionto the mayor to call a public meeting to petition parliament for the immediate and unconditional liberation of Kossuth , was found to contain 200 signatures . The usual thanks oeiflg awarded , the meeting was adjourned to the following Sunday . —[ We regret that the press upon our columns prevents the publication of the letter and address this week . M iV . & 3 „ _ .
Paragon Chapel , Bermoxdsey New Road . —M r . T . M . "Wheeler lectured here on Tuesday trening on the evils of a standing army , and gave satisfaction to fcis audience . The chair was occupied by Mr . Ollorenshaw , a successful competitor for one of the pr izes for the best essay on the sab * huh . He introduced the lecturer , dwelling upon the subject with powerful and impressive eloquence , and wa 3 loudly cheered . He has but lately become a member , but promises to be a powerful assistant to this premising locality . At the conclusion of the lecture , Mr . Bubb , in an effective ad-&bs , moved a vote of thanks to the lecturer , and earnestly impressed upon bis bearers the necessity o ; joining the association . A vote of thanks was also given to the chairman , whose reply was loudly cheered . Several members were enrolled .
FiXSbubt . —Tie associated democrats met on Sunday night , at 21 , Tine-street , north end of Hatton-garden . Mr . Williams in the chair . The council reported that the Loan Society would come into operation in September nest . The extensive premises , and the donation of twenty-five guineas was declined , owing to the want of pecuniary assistance from democrats generally . Mr . Johnson , of 2 fo . 2 , Limbeth-square , Westminster-road , will receive leaders for premises adapted for a local HalL It
¦ Ras announced that the BUI of Sights was prepared , and would be submitted to the members on Sanday evening . After transacting other business the meeting waa adjourned . The Cktsmi . Cofpbe House . —On Friday evenmg Mr . Worseldine delivered a lecture on the life , rfc-nius , and philosophy of Plato . He afterwards Erected the attention of bis hearers to the patriot liazzini . The lecturer was well received , and the usual vote of thanks was awarded to him .
Bhadfobe Democratic Associaxios . —The weekly m&iing of this society was held at the Yorkshire Divan , Manchester-road , Ton Sunday evening last . Mr . Ralph Ogden was called to the chair . Mr . G . White then read a series of rules for the government of the society , in which it " was resolved to co-operate -with the Executive Committee of the Kstional Charter Association so long as the election of the same be conducted on a similar principle to that which took place in 1850 ; also that all
payments shonld be voluntary ; that all members s ' bonld be admitted by election ; and that any member who calumniated another should be dismissed from the society ; that the committee should he elected quarterly , three of whom shall retire at esch election , and three others elected in their stead . Provision was also made for pnblic meetin » s , lectures , and the circulation of democratic tracts , pamphlets , &c . The rules were put separately to the vote , and unanimously approved of , aiier a few verbal alterations .
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XATIOXAL LAND AXD LOAN SOCIETY . The members held their usual weekly meeting K Golden-lane ; owing to the unavoidable aossce of the Secretary the country correspondence was not read . Money was paid as instalments OS the shares , and also as repayment of loans . Messrs . Wheeler and TWndeler were deputed to Kait on Mr . Sewell , one of the Trustees , and deposit the scrip now collected into his care . Other bs ? iness matters were arranged , and the meeting Jdjonrned . Sheffield Bbaxch op the 3 f atioxal Loan and Ibd Society . —The Committed held their first meeting on monday evening . Mr . Loy in the c ' -iir . Seven members took out shares , and ser eral copies of the rales were sold . So far , this infant society promises well . The meeting w& 9 ^ warned to Monday evening nest . G . Cavill , Secretary .
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Hol—The members of th is branch met at tie Malt Shorel , 3 forth Church Side , when the P-3 U of Mr . Sweet cams under digenssion , and re-« : Ted the approval of tbe members present , all agreeing in the necessity of a Conference meeting , list , in consequence of toe smallness of the meeting , tLesnlgectwas postponed till next Monday evenfc ? , August 4 th , in the hope that the meeting may >> i more numerously attended .
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—^ 3 he Hefcgbes . —At a meeting , of Polish and naifrattan Refugees , held at 41 , Tunimill-street , fcaienwell , on Tuesday , July 28 th , Mr . wown stated that the ' " Fraternal Home " * oald he closed on the 14 th of August . He stated that from the time of their reception , ajorethan 140 Refugees had received food , money , ac-ihing , and lodging , with the exceptiou efafew fio are employed in various professions or refcrned to the Continent . He hoped , with confidence that their friends would generously assist ttc-m to liquidate a few debts which unavoidably uiS accumulated , so that tbey might leave their "jise with their moral character untarnished . As a £ w Refugees arrived about a fortnisht since
V-o would be glad of employment , he shonld be P-eased if some friends would , send for Oue or two . nsieit graiefnl for the support they had received , ^ positively stated that the " Home" would not J * opeo longer than the 14 th of August . It was jounced that a farewell ball would be held on ^ tedaj , August 2 nd , when all friends would be Te ' «> me . ^" ¦ Mioxit Ekfobm Association . —Tbe council of r " - association for 1831-2 is now being elected . All 5 *? b * ho have subscribed before the 24 th ult . are ~ 3 a » 3 e to vote , the aggregate list of candidates , jj ^ ithom 100 are to be selected , being placed in £ hands of each subscriber . The voting com--L-seed oa Thursday , and will continue up to this ^« oon ; andthe scrutiny , to decide on the 100 j ^ esfor whom thelarsest number of votes has
• q "corded , will take place on the 8 th . The r ^ j *?^ of every local association numbering fifty J-jnters becomes a member of the conncil ex opdo kf \ Xaf ^ ociation numbering 100 members is h ~* r entitled to send a second representative of u * s to the council . The elected 100 will have cc ^ ° of adding fifty honorary members to the * C "«! j - ^ verv member of parliament who has j iea with Mr . Hume , on the Keform Association , Vl ) on tne councU . This new arrangement "EiT 6 cons ^ tition of the council gives great satismi to the now numerous body of whom the as--- "tion is composed .
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T ) ^ - ^ M asiublb Totags . —The British ship Oregon , , -wns , Captain William Herron , sailed from Litej ? ? the 3 Otb of AP " . Iast « for Rew Tork » with t 8 ^ ?^ 5 . thence proceeding to Quebec , and reef jjl , ° ^ wcrpool on the 28 th instant , with a cargo Iajv . er « avingthus completed the whole voyage tt lID . ^ ecede ntly short period of two months and V £ ' 8 l dayg - h-l V ^' mou r-Tremenheere bad an interview witb jr ey , on Thursday , at tbe Colonial-office .
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FRENCH POLITICS . A public meeting was held on Monday evening at the People's Institute ,. Denmark-street , Soho , to consider tbe present aspect of affairs in France . Mr . Cudden was called to the chair , and briefly stated the objects of the meeting . Mr . Rogers moved the first resolution as follows : — That this meeting hails with delight the disfc&mfiture of tne reactionist censpirators of the French Assembly in their late treacherous attempt to subvert the French Republic under pretence of revising , the Constitution , and trusts that in tbe forthcoming elections of 1852 the sagacity and courage of the Proletarians trill place the democratic and social republic bejona all future danger , by gaining one last and decisive victory over all their enemies .
The Bpeaker strongly animadverted upon the conduct of the ruling parties in France , and adminis . tered a severe castigation to Louis Napoleon for his treacherous conduct , He was pleased that tbe democratic party had been powerful enough to throw out the measure for a revision of the Constitution , and thus put a check upon his ambition . He had no doubt that this would hasten the crisis in that country , and that ere long a terrible struggle would take place . They possessed a great moral , power , and it behoved them to give that aid to tho . se brave men which they so justly deserved . > .-r :
; r "> Mr . C . MtfftRAy seconded-ibe'rasoluiion .-If it wt ? only a question of whether France should become a monarchy or remain such a Republic as sbe now is , it would not be worth their consideration ; but the question to be decided was , whether the working class should be slaves or freemen—whether they should be robbed of the produce of their toil or enjoy it themselves . As such , it became the duty of all working men to range themselves on the side of the French democrats . Liberty was a mere
name , if it did not conduce to the happiness and physical well-being ol the people . Did tbey think that the measure of Sir John "Walmsley would benefit them ? ( 'No , no . ' ) Did they think the repeal of the duty on newspapers and other duties would benefit them ? ( ' No . ' ) Even the People ' s Charter would not benefit them unless they knew how to use it . They must go to the root of the evil , and abolish the monopoly of land and all other monopolies .
Mr . Connor supported the resolution , and reviewed the prospects of tbe democrats in the different states of Europe , dwelling particular upon that of tbe French nation . The resolution was unanimously carried , amid loud applause . Mr . O'Brien moved the following resolution : — Thai , in the event of the aristocracies and bourgeoisie of Europe making common cause with the feudal and monied tyrants of France , to put down the Republic by force of arms ( as happened in the first French Kevolation
to the ItepubliC of 1793 } this meeting protests , by anticipation , agaiHst any such atrocious intervention on the part of foreign governments . And should such nefarious policy be repeated in 1852 , we trust iu divine Providence that a universal and simultaneous rising of the whole European democracy will prevent the consummation of such a crime , by hurJing to destruction every government that may take part therein . It being the interest of the jooi everywhere that the cause of the poos should prevail in France , all conspiracies against it on the part of the rich should be everywhere zealously watched and counteracted .
Jlr . O'Bbiek stated that France was the pivot upon which the social progress of the whole world revolved . Thrice had she shed her blood for the world' s good , and though each revolution had proved unsuccessful , yet they were now well aware of the cause of their failures . If the French people bad . understood the social question as well as most of those in that ball , aristocratic and bourgeoisie tyranny would for ever have ceased . The French people had gained morally by their three revolutions , but physically they bad not bettered their condition . The first revolution bad destroyed feudalism , and abolished many abuses ; but these had been succeeded by other abuses , which
pressed upon the people with a tenfold weight . The first revqlutioa-gave power to the middle class , and they made the revolution for that express purpose . It was they who , by creating financial difficulties , drove the king to arbitrary measures . If they abolished some monopolies they created one monopoly ten times more dangerous—the monopoly of power by property . The upper and middle classes in this country had , in a similar manner , monopolised property , and entered into a conspiracy to prevent the working men from ever obtaining it . The way in which property in this country was acquired was robbery . They might have a legal , but not an equitable light to it ; and if they were
wise they would adopt the principles of the Keform League ; for unless they did , other parties would succeed them , who would not respect their legal right to it . Before the revolution the taxes of France were 400 , 000 million francs , now the taxes were 1 , 800 . 000 . In the time of Louis XVIII the army was 180 , 000 strong , but under Louis Philippe it was 350 , 000 ; and under the present sham republic it had , at one time , been raised to 570 , 000 ; but since they had slaughtered and imprisoned so many democrats , and also engaged such a host of spies , they had been able to reduce it to 400 , 000 . They were taught by the press of thie country to consider the Republicans
of France as brigands and assassins , whereas these terms were applicable only to the so-called party of order . The three parties in France—the partisans of Napoleon , the Duke of Orleans , and tbe Duke of Chambord were quite agreed upon one thing—that the people should be made slaves—though they quarrelled upon all other points , they were united upon the question that the people should be devoured , and that tbeyshoiild be the devourers . ( Hear , hear . ) They would see that this resolution was needed when the papers informed them that Baron Bothschild had gone to Vienna , and had been closetted for days with Baron Glausz about negotiating a loan to enable Austria to put down all
remnants of liberty in the German states—Hungary and Poland . He thought it ill-timed of the Chartist Executive , knowing this , to call a public meeting to advocate the claims of this man to a seat in Parliament . ( Shame . ) He did not Wame them for advocating the cause of civil and religious liberty , but it needed no meeting for that purpose ; every man knew that the Charter gave a vote to all men aged twenty-one , whether Jew or Gentile . . Mr . O'Brien then commented upon the state of things in France and upon the statement of Girardia in the Presse who asserts that , under the old electoral law ,
three millions of men would now vote for Ledru Rollin , as President ; and he bad every reason to think that this statement was underrated . He also showed how the middle classes had played one party of Republicans against another , until they had nearly destroyed them all . Lamartine was played off against Ledru Rollin , Cavaignac against Lamartine , &c , each time getting further from the Repnblic , trusting , ultimately , to get the laws against the Bourbons repealed , then to elect Joinville into President , and ultimately King . Mr . O'Brien showed how the French democrats intended to act
in case that force was used to destroy the Republic . Let the result be what it might tbey would fight to the last msn iu defence of the Republic ; if beaten in the field ( as they might be , not being so well practised in arms as were the hired assassins who would be opposed to them ) they meant to adopt the plan by which the Emperor of Russia beat Napoleon . Tbe press of London denounced this conduct as violent and incendiary , but tbe same press praised to the skies the conduct of Alexander , when ift set fire to Moscow , and thus defeated the French .
The Times was now praising a letter of Guizot , not yet published , in which doctrines of a most dangerous and insidious character were propounded . Instead of being worthy of praise it was worthy only of the flames ; it advocated doctrines which could only be suppose d to emanate from brigands and robbers . The speaker concluded a long and eloquent speech amid mnch applause , and adverted to his standing as a candidate for the Tower Hamlets , and by his humourous manner created much laughter . The resolution having been seconded by Mr Jennesok , of the Tower Hamlets , was carried amid tumultuous lause .
app _ _ _ . n A vote of thanks was given to the Chairman , who in reply , stated that the meeting on next Mondav evening would be for the purpose of considering the best method of promoting the election of Ifr . Smith O'Brien for the Hamlets .
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THE POLITICAL VICTIMS OS 1848 . A meeting of the victims to the spy . system of the Whi ? government was held on Sunday evening , at Mr . Duddridge ' s , Dog and Duck Tavern , corner of Frith-street and Queen-street , Sbho , to adopt steps relative to the parliamentary inquiry into their treatment during the ensuing Session . Many of the victims and their friends were present , Mr . Bryson having been called to the chair , stated his opinion that , of all the political victims those of 1848 had received the worst treatment ;
their object in meeting was to form an association of all the victims of that period , and also to make arrangements for an ensuing public meeting at the Paragon Chapel , Bermpnusey . It was highly necessary that such an association should be formed ; at present they were unacquainted with each others residence ; and on a , recent occasion , when Lord Dudley Stuart wished to consult them , there were but few who , fromlfiis reason , had an opportunity of seeing that gentleman . If they formed- an . association , their Secretary would then be a recognised head , from whom information could be obtained . The society would be useful in other respects , and should have been formed immediately ' upon their release fi'oai prison : this would ' have given to the ' world a . prodf _ of their determined adherence to their principles , " v .
Mr . Bezeb moved the following resolution : — That we , the political victims of 1818 , do now form ourselves into an Associationi for the purposo ot exposing the illegal treatment to which we were subjected during the period of our incarceration , and to prosecute , by means of Lord Dadley Stuart and other parliamentary friends , an inquiry before the next session of parliament relative thereto , and thus prevent a repetition of such unconstitutional and impolitic treatment . ¦ He thought they had not been well treated by the Executive ; it might not arise from any ill-feeling , but from want of consideration , but as he and others felt themselves neglected he could not avoid no . ticing it . If some of their brethren possessed more
talent than themselves all were animated by the same feeling , and endured tbe some punishment ; therefore , all should be treated alike . He had no objection ! as Ernest Jones was the first in the field , that a separate inquiry should take place into his case ; but he thought the Executive had shown bad taste in not taking the slightest notice of the other victims . If Mr . O'Brien and bis friends bad not taken up their case , they would have been entirely forgotten . The formation of an association would be productive of great benefit in many points of view . He had waited on Lord Dudley Smart , and was requested to give him the addresses of the
other victims , but the residence of the majority were unknown to him , As men who had experienced persecution in tbe cause , it became them to give the benefit of their knowledge and experience to their brethren , and this could be best carried out by uniting themselves together . He wished to see the association extend itself to all in tbe Kingdom who had been imprisoned for their political principles . It was the intention of Lord Dudley Stuart to contrast tbe treatment of the prisoners of 1842 with those of 1848 . They must snpply him with the necessary information , which could be done far better by the Society than by any individual .
Mr . Looney seconded tbe resolution . It would prove highly beneficial in conducting the ensuing inquiry . Neither he norhis brethren expected to gain any benefit by the proposed inquiry , but it was a duty they owed to society to expose the treatment they had received , and by that means prevent others from receiving similar treatment . Mr . Young supported the resolution . He be lieved that under the late Gagging Bill any treatment was legal . The Chairman explained , that although they were committed under what was termed the Gagging Bill , whictf ' made their offence felony , yet , most of them having , by the advice of Mr . Roberts , pleaded Guilty , .. an arrangement was come to with the prosecutor that they should only be tried for a misdemeanour , and , as such ; the treatment they received was decidedly illegal .
Mr . Pkowting said that he , like others , bad been induced to plead Guilty , as they were informed that if they did so the prosecution against many of them would be abandoned , and tbe others only receive light sentences , but , like all other promises of the Whigs , it was broken . All who were tried for felony were transported . After some further discussion the resolution was agreed to . On the motion of Messrs . Pkowting and Irons , Mr . Bryson was elected Secretary . On the motion of Messrs . Young and Bezer , Mr . Looney was appointed Treasurer .
It was then decided that a fund should be raised by A subscription of one penny per week , and that donations would be received from all friendly to their objects . The sum of nearly four shillings was then collected , and handed to the Treasurer . The secretary waa then instructed to write to the whole of the victims residing in the metropolis , requesting their attendance at the meeting at the same house on the ensuing Sunday evening .
Mr . Bezer then moved , and Mr . . Pbowtikg seconded the following resolution : — " That this association desires , and hereby invites , the co-operation of all those who may , at any period of their existence , have suffered imprisonment , or other punishment at the bands of the British government for any alleged political offence , in order that a strong coalition may be formed of the oppressed against the oppressor . ' The resolution was carried unanimously .
Arrangements were then made to carry out the meeting announced for the Paragon Chapel on the ensuing Wednesday evening ; but it having been ascertained that the Executive had called a meeting at the National Hall on the Jewish question , and that Ernest Jones and other speakers could not attend , it was decided to put off the meeting until the Wednesday following . Great dissatisfaction was expressed at the Executive calling , the meeting in Holborn on the same night as the meeting for the Victims , with which they were ' previously acquainted .
During the evening Messrs . Wheeler , Bronterre O'Brien , Dick , Cudden and others addressed the meeting . A vote of thanks was given to Mr . Wheeler , for bis attendanceand general service , also to Mr , O'Brien , who consented to take the chair at the meeting at the Paragon Chapel ; a vote of thanks was given to the Chairman , and the meeting adjourned until Wednesday evening , at the National Hall . During the latter part of the evening the large room was crowded to excess .
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• ffOLVBRHAMPTON CONSPIRACY CASEMEETING AT KIDDERMINSTER ;
A public meeting of trades of this town took place on Tuesday , July 22 nd , to consider tbe nature of the Wolverhampton Tin Plate Workers' Case . Mr . Blower was called to the chair , who , in a neat speech , opened the business of the meeting . The follo wing resolutions were then unanimously Moved by Samuel Aekell , seconded by William Deaken : — " That this meeting do condemn the suicidal policy of the manufacturing classes of this country , in that they destroy the energies of this great nation by their oft repeated reduction of the wages of their workpeople , by which means they drive away from our shores the blood and sinews ol the State-that is to say , the industrious , sober , and economical portion of our labourers who dread the approach of poverty and pauperism , the inevitable consequence of ill requited labour . '' _ . , ____
Moved by Joseph Hayes , seconded Dy josem Arsolb : — ' That thismeeting do publicly denounce the conduct of the Messrs . Perrys , of Wolverhampton , inasmuch as they have infringed upon toe rights of their workmen , and have entered into a compact for the purpose of entirely crushing tne rights of labour , by endeavouring to destroy that unity which ought to exist among the working classes for the preservation of their just rights . Moved by Thomas Feiers , secoflded by Johw Pdgh : — " That this meeting is of opinion that tne law of conspiracy , as it at present stands , is unjust , oppressive , and unconstitutional—unjust because it is made to bear principally against the working classes in their endeavours to maintain their just rights—viz ., a fair day ' s wage for a fair day's work —oppressive , because it " is a powerful engine in tbe hands of pith emriloyeEs * who would wish to
crush the inde pendence of those among their workpeople , who are the ad vocates of tbe poor man ' s rights and the champions of hia liberty—unconstitutional , because it is tho fruit of eluta legislation , made by a faction , for the sole purpose of keeping hVs ' s" ligence of tha wiping and middle Moved-by Thomas Witts , seoonded by — Haigii — That this meeting do further pledge itself to support , by pecuniary means , the defendants in the forthcoming trial at the Stafford Assizes , who are arraigned at the bar ot their country , at the instigation of the Messrs . Perry 3 , for daring to assert their right to a voice in the adjustment of their own wages . : ¦ -. . - Moved by Joarr North , seconded by Jons Yeates : — " That the thanks of this committee , and the operatives of Kidderminster , are due and are hereby given to the shopkeepers arid publicans who came forward so generously , to the support of the nine men indicted for conspiracy at Wolverhampton . " -
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MAGHIJTEEYw . LABOUR . —THE SEWING MACHINE . ' ( Fromv-the Scientific Americano Lfjst we | t } we visitecUhe tailoring factory , ¦ No , $$ ¦ ¦ ^ plpfi ^ eet , in this city / and . were much surprised to find , thirty of tbe above machines running on clothing , and twenty sewing up bags . These machines are attended by girls , and have been in active operation for a year . They are driven by . steam power , and so rapid is their operation , that the thirty machines turn out 300 pairs of pantaloons in
one day , and they could , if driven , liavo turned out 600 pairs . The superiority of the rotary machine over the reciprocating one , consists in the continued and uniform action and motion of the shuttle , there is no stopping its motion to make a return stroke , consequently no jarring and less liability to get out of order , and for this reason its speed can be greatly increased . No less than 600 , 000 caps were made in this factory in six months . We saw fine coats , every stitch , except the button holes , put in by this machine , and the work could not be
surpassed , The sewing is stronger than by hand , and wholesale goods made by this machine are better and command a higher price than the hand-made clothes . The stitching is beautiful and is alike OU both sides of the cloth . In this factory there is a machine for turning the hags from the inside out , as the inside is stitched outside . It is a sim ple and good contrivance , consisting of a tube like a stove pipe , over which a givl draws a stitched bag , inside out , when a reciprocating leg comes down , strikes the bottom of the bag into the tube , thus folding the inside into the inside . The clothes are
jressed by men , and here this . heavy hand labour is relieved by a pressing machine , which consists of a simple lever operated by the foot of the presser acting upon a stirrup , which brings down the lever to act effectually upon the seams , of the clothes . Mr . Lerow has been in Europe and secured patentB in England , Scotland , Trance , and Belgium , and , from what we ' have seen , it is our opinion that the time is not far distant when all sewing , excepting artistic
ornamental work , will be done by machinery . At present there is another factory in Eleventhstreet , j n ^ this city , where there are nfty . ^ of the above machines running , and there is a . , factory in Boston , running 100 machines ; such are the triumphs of inventive skill labour . The profits of running these machines , we have learnedj are enormous ; and no wonder , when one girl by Bucb a small machine will sew six overcoats in one day , and a very expert hand twenty pairs of pantaloons .
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MACHINERY . ( From the Pioneer , a new American paper . ) Machinery is an element which has done much < towardfl revolutionising the habits of society during the last century ; an inquiry into its effects cannot he deemed out of place here . There are those who contend that machinery is one of the greatest blessings ever conferred upon the human race , and there are others who maintain the
converse of this . I pause to inquire . —A machine is a complication of tools . A spinning mule , a power loom , or a steam engine , are machines . A knife , a . spade , a trowel , are tools , but to avoid confusion , I will class all under the term machinery . Whenever a new laboursaving machine is brought into operation , if it is intended for the benefit of the labourer , then it is a good , but if it is intended that the machine shall work against the labourer , instead of for him , then it is an evil !
On society emerging from a state of nature , the implements of husbandry must have been rude and disadvantageous compared to what they are now . Wooden spades , probably , were then used ; hut as man progressed , his knowledge of iron enabled him to substitute an iron one for the wood . Now this improvement must have been a blessing to all , until a few made a monopoly of the earth , in which was placed the ore from which the instruments were formed ; when the law became partial and unjust . When man had again progressed , ploughs
were invented ; a further blessing , only liable to the same objections as the spades , because the monopolists say to the men who require spades and ploughs , we will permit you to produce wealth with the spades and ploughs , on condition that you will give us two-thirds of your produce ; ' and in such a condition are the producers placed , that they are forced to the proposed terras . It is clear that the improvements in machinery have not been of equal benefit to all . I perceive around me the most wonderful improvements in chemistry , in machinery , in steam , and in electricity ; I also behold large masses of human beings completely in the power and at the mercy of the possessors of these elements , I ask the
reason and I find the following to be tho only answer : because man being born ignorant , those having thegreatest amount of knowledge , combined together and monopolised the soil ; a monopoly of the earth led to that of its productions , and , consequently , to a monopoly of money ; a monopoly of money has led to a monopoly of education ; a monopoly of education to a monopoly of the government , and learned professions , and thus established two separate , distinct , and antagonistic classes of men , viz ,, an educated , oppressive class , on that side , and ^ an ignorant , oppressed class , on this . But it is certainly my duty to place this question in the clearest possible manner before the people .
Mr . Grr iphard has 500 hands in his employ ; there is full work for all . Each mechanic receives ei ght dollars per week wages ? Labour saving m achinery ib introduced , which supplants the labour of one hundred men , or , in other words , as much work is now performed in four hours as before in five ! Now what does Grriphard do ? Does he reduce the labour of his wages , slaves from ten to eight hours ? or does he discharge 100 men ? He does the latter . What is to become of the unfortunate hundred men ? 'They can find employment at other occupations , ' says Mr . M'Caut Hypocrisy . As Sterne said , ' Of all the cant in this canting . world , the cant of
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hypocrisy is the most disgusting . ' How can they find work at other trades , when in consequoncs of the improved machinery , introduced into each , each is glutted with a redundancy of labourers . I again ask , what are the unwilling idlers to do ? They have several choices V-Firstly , they may beg , bat they are too honourable . to do that , - secondly , they may rob , but they are too honest to do that ; thirdly , they can walk about the streefo until they themselves are . in rags , their wives and children all but periahing of hunger ; fourthly , and laa ^ l y , there w one more resource remaraing —that is , to go to tne employer , and offer to
work for whatever remuneration he may think proper to give ! ifiithevto they have been ' recemng eight dollars per week each , but now the slaveholder , says that they must work for seven , they are forced to submit ; next for six ; again , for five ; and so on until they only receive the ; merest pittance for their labour . It is objected , « that even this state of things is to be , preferred to a state of nature , and that men are much better off now than they weft f ^ erlf ^ . Thifl ^ oS'tiftfl ' '» , baseiupbn error , because marris made more miserable b y contrast . In a state of nature all are equal , no one man has greater privileges than another ; if one man is clothed in ekins , or has
a wooden hut to shelter him , or has leaves for a bed , and a log of wood for a pillow , he is the more content , because he knows that every other man is similarly situated . Is it so at the present time ? No—nature and the rights of man are no . longer acknowledged . The producer witnesses , that although he labours , he enjoys not the fruits of his own industry , therefore , it is that'he is miserable . I do not wish it to be understood that I
advocate a return to a state of nature ; but I do contend , that all our institutions should be based upon natural law . Nor must it be inferred that I am opposed to machinery in itself—no , quite the contrary . I anxiously desire to see improvements take place in the construction of machines which will all but do away with manual labour in toto ; but then , I contend , that these inventions and discoveries
ought to be for the advantage of all , instead of for the few , I wish to draw the attention of the people to the monstrous injustice , as to the deep planned system concocted to keep the surplus number of labourers under the control of the employerBi The land is held by the monopolists for the sole purpose of preventing the labour market being hinned .
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A PENNY FOR TOUR THOUGHTS . ( From the Non-Conformist . ) The Select Committee appointed to inquire into the present state and operation of the law relative to newspaper stamps , and to the transmission of newspapers and other publications by post , have given in their report . Their general conclusion is that , apart from fiscal considerations , news is not of itself a desirable subject of taxation , The evidence elicited by this committee exhibits , in a strong light , the objections and abuses incident to the present system of newspaper stamps , arising from the difficulty of denning the meaning of the term " News "—the inequalities which exist in the
application of the Newspaper Stamp Act , and the anomalies and evasions that it occasions in postal arrangements—the unfair competition to which stamped newspapers are exposed with unstamped publications—the limitation imposed by the stamp upon the circulation of the best newspapers , and the impediments which it throws in tlie way of the diffusion of useful knowledge regarding current aud . recent events among the poorer classes . They recommend the abolition of the stamp duty on newspapers , an alteration of postal arrangements in regard to their transmission , and a short privilege of copyright in respect of original intelligence , to protect the high class newspapers from piracy by cheap reprints . The report is drawn up with considerable ability , and , as the reader will see , arrives at conclusions
satisfactory to reason and justice . It has placed the whole subject upon a basis of solid argument , and accurate information , from which no sophistry can again remove it . It may be acted upon , or neglected , according as the Chancellor of the Exchequer may be alive or dead to bis own reputation , and to the intellectual improvement of her Majesty ' s subjects , But , at least , it can no more be put aside by pretences calculated to impose upon the unwary . As a matter of debate it is settled , and , looking to the rapid approach of the termination of the present Parliament , and to the certainty of a fairer representation , before long , of the will of the people in the elective branch of Legislature , we tbink it not unlikely that the conclusions of tbe committee will be embodied in law next session .
We Qhly regret that the question of the Newspaper Stamp Duty has been considered apart from those other taxes which enhance the cost of knowledge to the masses , and that the operation of the Excise Duty on paper , and the Stamp Duty on advertisements , was not considered in connexion with the subject upon which the Select Committee have presented so lucid a report . There is something so preposterously unjustifiable and absurd in the newspaper stamp , and in . kindred imposts , that one cannot sufficiently wonder at the audacity of the Chancellor of the Exchequer who first imposed them , nor at the endurance of the public which till now has permitted tbeir continuance . All knowledge is useful , or it may be so ; but knowledge of current events is absolutely necessary to a
competent discharge of social and political duties . It has been the policy of our government , under fiscal pretences , to obstruct mental light in the process of its transmission , and then to punish those who , in consequence , have been consigned to darkness , by withholding from them their constitutional rights . That species of information which is ' most'likely to awaken curiosity , and stir up the intellectual faculties to active exercise , has been considered by our rulers a fit subject for taxation , whilst that which depraves the taste , inflames tbe passions , misleads the judgment , and undermines the conscience , is left free and unrestricted . It would seem as if they who make laws for us had formed an alliance with ignorance against knowledge , and vice against virtue .
lhe weapons of the former they allow to be produced in any quantity ; those of the latter they incalculably diminish by fiscal regulations . In effect , their legislatiou has thus addressed the poorer classes of society — " Head , as you like , any trash which impure imaginations may find it profitable to purvey to you " , read firtions the foulest , or essays the most unattractive and unserviceable , and we will ask of you no pecuniary acknowledgment . But passing facts or comments upon them , no matter to what subject they relate , no matter how important for you to know , no matter how stimulative to your mental activity , or how conducive to your moral
interests , Bhall not be furnished you until they have first paid toll to our treasury . You may have candle-light and welcome—gaslight , if you please—but daylight you shall not have for youv minds , as an untaxed luxury , and news shall not be told you , save at an enhanced cost , until it has ceased to be news , and , therefore , ceased to be attractive . " Now , we scruple not to affirm of any such fiscal arrangements as this , that it sins against aU tilt laws of morality , that it is a gratuitous tyranny in itself—devoid of a single recommendation , and in its consequence quite as pernicious as a censorship of the press .
It is said , however , that a . penny stamp on newspapers is but a fair equivalent for a gratuitous transmission of these publications by the post . The Select Committee have dissipated this delu . sion . It is not fair—quite otherwise . A large portion of every aewspapev ' s ioipvessionis sent to its readers without enlisting the service of the post-office at all ; and even of those which , go from the metropolis to the provinces , the greater half , perhaps , reach the largo towns by special railway conveyance . Yet , upon every copy , whether sent tuvough the post or not , the penny is charged ; whilst under cover o ? stamped newspapers , both letters ami unstamped publications , in great numbers , evade the payment of postage altogether . If it be thought desirable that revenue should be derived from tbe postage of newspapers it would be simpler , juster , and more economical that the collectiou-of such revenue should be managed as ia the case of letters , directly , by the
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¦ post-office , rather than indirectly by another de > par . tm . enj ; , . . ,-y The Select Committee have suggested the propi'iety ; of protecting from pinipy those newspapers which , at groat cost to tlifeir proprietors , obtain original and important' intelligence . On t » i 8 subject wo think it but "fair to quote from a leading article in the Times ;* justification , of thia recommendation : —;; .::: ! . ; J ' i r thiD H now are » newspaper publishers are " , wo believe , the only class ^ people who literary observe the rule of the firat Christians in a perftoc community of goods . The information we eive , to
tne world every morning before ouV'ieaders are out of their beds costs us hundreds of pounds , but ho sooner is it out than it is freelyapp > opriated by our brethren of the press . We have our correspondents in India , in America , in Paris , Vienna , and all orer the world . We have lines of cpninumication frcto a thousand different parts to Pnnting-house-square , all of them requiring great management and coat . The intelligence is brought ia brefwthless haste t » our oftce , arranged , composed , and priu ted with , costly and critical celerity . In a few hours we may see it verbatim in the columns of a . contemporary , which repays the obligation with fctie rankest abuse , and a day or trro after we may find our precious
setter filling whole pages of soraff provincial jour naj , whose only original matter , perbaps i isafuri&as tirade against the- vktim of this wholesale spoliation-, claiming spotless integrity for She spoiler , and enyjjig all principle to the spoiled . So customary is . this , that the offenders ate really unconscious of their , evimo . Of conrss it occasionally strike ' s us in perhaps a stronger light than we cap ever expect ifc to strike our provincial contemporaries themselves-. If it were an' object tQ exteod our circulation , we- m' ^ bt , perhaps , conroliiin that in certain , promising di&tvicts of thU country tae London papers are iii a preat measure superseded by provincial re » prints , published and circulated' a 3 most as soon an copies
of ourpapDr coald reach the rural districts by the general post . At present the grievance—for a grievance itfa—lias certain practical limits , and the ' penny stamp , as bsing a limit to the circulation of the pfes * altogether , is oue of those limits . But , in the event of its aboli ion , these is some renson to ' apprehend that a swurm of papers would spring into existence , both in town and . in country , that would recklessly appropriate pur intelligence the instant itianpeared , and undersell uaiii ite propagation , t&o fivepsnnyv weekly paper isTiKely te-be- generally sujieir * seded by the penny and twopenpy dnily paper , and other cheaper and more frequent tfriinnels of
intellfgence . Unless they are taught betted manners they will prey on us without scruple and abuse us in return * 1 'llG Select Committee on Stamps hare not put us so entirely out of the question , and they propose a limited lawof copyright , just to give t » a few lioui' 3 start of our nume * rous plunderers . That is no more than is fair , though ' whether the predatory legion is prepared : for an enforce * ment of the rights of property , is more than we or they will venture to say . The introduction of penny and two * penny papers will be a new state of Ufvng 3 , and we caa have no right to object to it ; but lve certainly shall be justified in protesting against pirates who- shall first rob us of our costly goods and then undersell us in our owa market , "
We have now only to express oar hearty concurrence with the committee in the report on which they have agreed—our deep gratifi-i cation at the tone which pervades it , and our eavuest hope that it will not be allowed to remain , for any long period , a dead letter amongst other Parliamentary Blue Books . ' The Legislature professes to be most anxious *" for the education of the people . Iieve is a method of giving , at Jeast , a partial effect t < v their desires , without wandering from their own legitimate province . Their sincerity may well be doubted , until they have removed every fiscal restriction upon the circulation of knowledge . They must not blow hot and cold , with the same breath , nor whilst they give with one Land to tho promotion of education , take with the other from existius educational
means an annual amount nearly six times as large . The matter having now been fairly examined into they ave debarred every plea for upholding the present system , but that which to put forward would be to pronounce their own condemnation .
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Human Sacrifices . —The day of human sacrifices ia not yet ended . During a six weeks' stay < &M * Becroft , a British Consul , in Abomey «^ fl' * KSg of the Kingdom of Dahomey , fo 1 ( y-iaO 8 Sp ! wero killed as sacrifices , "to water tgfKJI the dead . " So numerous are such ? a ^?« lS § Si that the place is characterised as " ^ W ^ m ^ ^> ' - . - ¦ fr ag ¦ ¦ i " ' ' ll
Chartist Untellipttft. ~
Chartist Untellipttft . ~
Rational Uanu Compamn
Rational Uanu compamn
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A MERCHANT VESSEL SEIZED BY THE PASSENGERS . The ' Advocate , ' or ' St . Helena Weekly News , ' a paper recently started at St . Helena , gives an account of some extraordinary occurrences said to have taken place on board a vessel called the Levenside , and which were being investigated by the authorities of the island . The vessel had on board Captain Vosey , of the Royal Artillery , in command of a detachment of hia corps , and Captain Neill , aide-de-camp to the expected governor , Sir Emerson Tennent . She arrived on the 29 th of May , and it appeared that ou the loth .
of that months while at sea , Captain Campbell , the master , ordered the booby-hatch to be closed . This waa done , and immediately afterwards Captain Vesey summoned tho troops under hia charge to take off the hatch iu defiance of the master ' s order , which was immediately carried into effect . On the 17 th , twodays after this , a squabble appears to have taken place between one of the soldiers and the ship ' s carpenter . Captain Vesey insisted that the carpenter should be punished , bufc . Captain Campbell , the master of the vessel , would not punish the man . This led to some sharp words between the officers , and it is asserted that Captain Vesey said he had a superior force on board , and should not hesitate to use it when he thought requisite . This
language appears to have excited Captain Campbell . At half-past eight o ' clock at night , the captain ordered the booby-hatch to be put on ; but no sooner was the order given than Captain Vesoy , in charge of the troops , said it should not be done . Capt . Campbell then pulled out a pistol , and told Captain Vesey that if he attempted to interfere with him , and prevent any of the crew obeying hig orders , he would shoot him through tha heart . Upon this qualified threat being utterred , Captain Vesey immediately called his men to fall in round the hatchway , and ordered his bombadier to go below for arms . This order was instantly obeyed , and aa soon as Captain Campbell saw the arms being handed up the hatchway he went forward , seized hold of one of the muskets and
commanded the soldier to give it up , saying , put that down , it does not belong to you—it belongs to the ship . ' The soldier refused , whereupon a struggle took place for the gun , when some one called out , ' seize him ! ' on which several soldiers seized the captain , threw him against a boat , wreuched tho pistol out of his hand , as well as the musket he attempted to take from the soldier . Captain Vesey then ordered his hands to b © lashed behind hia back , and it appears , at tho instigation of Captain Neil ] , he was hurried into the hold and secured to a
stancheon . The next morning he was uulashed from the stancheon , and had strong chains fastened to his wrists by padlocks . In this position he was kept in the hole twelve days and nights , with an armed sentinel keeping watch , over him . He was not allowed to communicate with the crew during this time , nor waa he released from his captivity , even on the arrival of the vessel in the roads , till the police went on board and caused him to bo unchained , Immediately Captain Campbell was seized and forced into the hold ,. Captain Vasey commanded one of the soldiers
to turn every one belonging to the crew out of the cabin , and take possession of it , which , was done . He then seized the ship's papers , and the vessel was navigated by the mates , by the direction of Captain Vasey , and on ita arrival at St . Helena , on tbe 2 Gth , he went on shore , and obtainnd a warrant against the master , on the charge of assault and attempted , murder . Captain Vesey ' s alleged reasons for not allowing the booby-hatch to be closed is , that the weather was hot , and that ifc would endanger the health of the men , about thirteen iu number .
After four days' investi gation , Captain Oampbell waa committed for trial , on the charge of assault with intent to murder . Information was then laid by Captain Campbell against Captain Vesey and the others of hia passengers for piracy and illegal seizure of the shi p , which information was taken and signed by the magistrates .
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¦ ¦ ' ' V ¦ .- " . - ¦ ' " " ' ¦ ' % \\ < " ¦ v- : ¦ - . - AND NATIONAL TRADES' JOURNAL
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TOL m . P . ill LOMDOM , SATURDAY , AUfiDSTXm . h . ^ g ^ SSSJR , ^
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Aug. 2, 1851, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1637/page/1/
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