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ASSOCIATIVE LABOUR.
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Rational naiiu icompaaiy.
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&l)Mti8t Intelligence.
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$ttWc Jft«tmg&
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Qmttyttitimt.
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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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jIb , Eduok , — The competitive principle has been permitted to work out its mission ; nnd its shortcomings have , plainly demonstrated that a people ' s happiness is not its destiny . The condition of the working classes in all conntries speaks tranipet-tongued against it . It is not the complaint of men , hut the practical realisation of its insufficient ¦ oovers for good , that condemns it . As the § ol of usurpers , and the adopted rule of the -wealthy and the proud , it has-had its day , to ike undoing of the majority of mankind ; and
now it stands before the world as a huge failure , impotent in beneficial results , and de-Btractive to a nation ' s peace" and glory . It lives ; bat the life that is within it is fast departing . Tried in the balnea of puUie favour , it has been proved to ' be lamentably deiicient , when tested with but a modicum of honesty of- purpose . It most give place to gome more truthful plan , -whose bads shall be laid sufficiently broad , to meet the increaging wants of a more educated and better disciplined people . What shall be substituted { ot it , is the great question of the day . Highly
g ifted minds are now straggling to emancipate the inhabitants of this island , through the agency of a more universal regulation , from the tyranny which Competition , as developed by its chief promoters , and as patronised by the Capitalists of Wr own day , has encircled them with . Like minds are busy elsewhere ; and society will yet be baptised with a governing rule , which , while it will for ever dissipate class distinction , knowing no aristocracy save that of merit and mind , will be the great lever that shall life Up ' the human race to its deserved height , and secure to Industry its fair and just reward .
Will the product of deep thought yet to shine before men , assume the form of ASSOcuirvB Labour ? I believe it will . The reactionary element , it seems to me , must be made up of that idea . Competition , it would appear , was intended to destroy ; Association may prove to be the succouring help of the many . The former has proved itself to be a national scourge , Tvheresoever applied ; Who shall say , that Association will not be the sovereign balm to heal the wounds of humanity ? Men may denounce SOCIALISM and COMMU-NISM , and shudder at the mere mention of these terms . But I would desire of these
alarmists to remember , that their ideas of the practical application of the theories so-called , are of their own creation—not the meaning of those who are the true disciples of either . Associative Labotous one thing ; a Community of Property another ; and Socialism has its own particular object . Men may agree to work for a mutual purpose ; and yet be ranked as opponents of both Socialism and
Communism . It would he well for Society if our scribes of the press and the pseudo-thinkers of the age , would reason more and declaim less . They know nothing of the virtues of that which they condemn ; but prate loudly against that which , in fact , is but the emanation of their own brains . Eut the secret is , the former are paid to object , not to reason ; and the latter are too often guided b y what these dissentients write . We want an increased
number of self-thinkers ; and , to give them place , we can dispense with that numerous class who y ield to others the great privilege of individual judgment . I am addressing , I fain would hope , men , who when they have read the heading to my Letter , will not necessarily conclude that it is but another mode of expressing what the world understands by Socialism and Communism . In truth , I am not writing about either of these plans ; to speak a word in their favour , or offer an opinion against them . It is Associative Labour I am now concerned witb , and that only ; an idea that is as easy to be worked out in this artificial state of our
history , as it is for men to trade one with another . If we will trnthf nlly reason upon this , we shall see that it is so ; but if we are to be blinded by prejudice , and make up our minds to pronounce that devilish of which we are really ignorant , then wherefore complain of injustice being done to the industrial bees of our land , since all are drones , in respect to inquiry , and yet desire to partake of the honey not of our own producing .
Let us , as working men , look about us . What do we eeel On one side a hill of Capital ; on the other a mountain of Wretchedness . As ^ we grow older , we Bee the large money-holders of the country literally absorbing the smaller capitalists . The system in vogue tends to create a very rich and a very poor class , to make the one more independent , and consequently more exacting the other more dependent , and consequently more slavish . And this is capable of ready proof . Your Moses and Sons , and such traders , have a floating capital of £ 30 , 000 .
Ten per cent profit on this amount , yields them £ 3 , 000 per year—a goodly income , methinks , as proprietors , not workers . Bat , with the trader of £ 1 , 000 floating-capital , ten per cent , is but £ 100 , a sum wholly insufficient for his immediate exigencies . Hence , whilst the one can live in a princely way upon ten per cent , profit , it is clear that the other cannot keep on his legs with any such return . Bring the two into Competition with each otlieiv—which is being done every day—and who can wonder that the greater fish swallows the smaller ? 2 ? ow , picture to yourselves , as ,
indeed , you well may , the working man in such a conflict . What are the lineaments sketched out , as representing him ? He is penniless ; his floating-capital consists in the diligent use of his fingers , his bodily energy , and the application of hi 3 mind to the avocation he follows . Necessarily his labour must fall a sacrifice , in the work of Crucifixion that is going on . The man with £ 1 , 000 capital at once declares his iuability to compete with the man of £ 30 , 000 ; but , as he must live , as he must maintain a certain position in society , so long as he continues to be what he is , his battle mustbe fought , —not with theLeviathan of the Stock Exchange , but with his
workpeople—those to whom he is accustomed to pay wages varying from 15 s . to 303 . per week each . His means of living , as he terms it , must be obtained from this source ; and so depreciation of the wages of labour immediately follows . And a glorious achievement is this for the £ 30 , 000 jack-fish ; for as the minimum wage is always the rule , eo his labourers , male and female , must work for him at the srone price that the roach-fish has been successful in reducing his workpeople to . Sometimes , the aggression comes from the larger fry ; to be concluded , of course , by the smaller ; bat no matter who commences the onslaught , the termination is precisely the same—the victims are the working classes .
, This is Competition ; its practical workings ; its nnexaggeratedevery-day results . It is no wonder that the masses are so badly paid and eo little cared for . I confess I am surprised to see certain portions of them so well requited as they are . But I would tell every working man that is in the receipt of 30 a . per week , as an average rate of wages , that he is indebted for his income , much more to his own independent conduct , to his fixed determination , £ o far as in him lies , to resist a reduction of his weekly wages , than he is to any kindness Or consideration of his position shown him by those who are the purchasers of his labour .
^ Jow , when I advocate Associative La Eoeb as a remedy for this terrible evil , I am tort demonstrating a power which the associates themselves really possess . Who is it that is the mainstay of such huge firms as Hoses and Son ? The great consuming class ° f the country—great in point of numbers , — the -working classes . I venture to say , that 1 ( Js . out of everypound of the £ 30 , 000 returns
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annually , is Bono fide , the contribution of the labouring circle . Well , this re a cul pable encouragement , unquestionably , on the part of those whose interests I am here specially considering ; but , still , it is an evidence of . their power , if they would but appreciate the proper exercise of it . External aid , then , I say , such men really do not stand in need of , They could create a great market by and for themselves . As class distinction has been so long the rule , exclusive dealing might be permitted to have a chance in the issue ; but even this
would be unnecessary ; for it is perfectly compatible to sell as low as the Leviathan spoken of , and yet fairly remunerate the producers engaged hi the fabrication or manufacture of the articles sold . - " . Associative Laboub , then , clearly means a given number ^ men , the larger the better , for . tbe working-out of the principle , agreeing to become a corporate body , under previously arranged rules , with the view of making their labour realise the highest possible return . Here are two clashes . The one are those who
have subscribed to the formation of a capital ;' the other those who work ag weekly servants . One rale prevails throughout the firm , VIZ ., that a just rate of remuneration Bhall be paid for all the work done for it ; and that rate of remuneration shall be determined by a pro * perly constituted board , composed of representatives , duly appointed by both orders . In other words , men should work according to a definite scale of prices ; to be augmented or
modified , as the case may be , with the consent of the board just ment ioned . To become part proprietors in such a firm would be but the contribution of a given sum of money ; and as the profits accruing upon the business would be shared only amongst those whose capital was embarked , so it would be a lasting encouragement , tending to decrease the number of casual employed , and increase that of partholders in the property .
A trade , numbering some 5 , 000 men , then , agree to raise £ 5 , 000 , for the purpose of commencing business , as here pointed out . The money is obtained , the shop is opened , and the principle is at once in operation . Why speculate upon success ? Here are 5 , 000 men alone , irrespective of the public at large , whose wants are to be met ; and this is a bespoke trade , one would think , not to be
thought of lightly . It is not the interest upon the money embarked , as it would be the weekly return for the labour done , that would be looked for under such circumstances ; and one great benefit would immediately result ; viz ., a tone would be given to the trade generally , to make the prices paid in the Associative shop the accepted rule throughout . I know that , at first , the employers would not rest easy with this reforming notion
spreading itself around them . They would , doubtless , seek to destroy it forthwith , by denying employment to those who sympathised openly with its welfare , and by trying to beat the shop out of the market . But all this would be withstood in a little while . It is but for the working men to be true to their order , and all the opposition that could be . brought to bear against the practical realization of the good intentions sought to be established would avail but little . Common-sense would roturn to such men the moment they discovered that their opposition was fruitless .
To Associative Laboub , then , I point , as the redeeming feature of Industry ; a plan perfectly easy of adoption ; the same thing that has formed yoar bridges and your railroads , and that has given to the well-to-do classes all the power they now possess . When the attempt is made , it must be on a large scale ; that which the world calls respectable . Business men must be called into action to govern ; and every possible care taken to avoid fraud . Imparting to the principle a fair
amonnt of confidence ) when thus launched , I feel assured the movement would soon assume the form of a great fact ; ' that the labour of the conntry would receive a healthy impetus immediately the principle became to be generally adopted ; and the working classes would henceforth be able to command a higher price for their labour than they can now obtain , or ever hope to receive , bo long as the Competitive principle predominates throughout the land . Censor .
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A public meeting was held on Sunday evening at the City Chartist Hall , Golden-lane , to hear a report relative to the proceedings in the Court of Chancery for the appointment of an official manager to wind-up the affairs of the Company . Mr- Batten was ealled to the chair , and briefly explained the objects of the meeting . Mr . Wheeler gave in a report of the proceedings—which has already appeared in the " Star , " - ~ and suggested the idea of a monthly meeting of the shareholders to watch over their interests and enter into communication with the Official Manager ; by which arrangement much expense might be spared and useful information
given to that officer . Messrs . Hopkins and French supported similar views , Mr- Stratton at some length urged the necessity of a committee being appointed , and if necessary a counsel , also to protect the interest of the shareholders . The allotteea and the directors had counsel—theT' shareholders had none . He objected to compensation befog given to any of the allottees ; many of them had received large sums of money from the Company , and yet were so ungrateful as to refuse the payment of rent —he did not include all * but onlyfca portion of the allottees . The speaker then dwelt upon the advantages arising from the Loan Society , and urged those who were not bo to become members . It was the germ of one of the greatest co-operative movements ever undertaken by working men . Mr . Hopkins showed , by practical details , the value of co-operation , and the easy manner in which worKing men could emancipate themselves . Mr . J . Wilson
made some remarks upon the general nature of cooperative movements , regretting that they only produced partial and Jocal benefits , and were useless to effect any national good . He feared that the failure of the Land Company would hinder persons from joining in any new company . Mr . Wheeler at some length showed that the society was fast acquiring the confidence and support of the shareholders throughout the country . Mr . French moved , and Mr . Stvatton seconded , that a public meeting of the shareholders be held on Sunday evening , September the 21 st , at the Hal ] , Golden-lane , to appoint a commut-. e to watch over the interests of the body . The motion was carried unanimously , and the mce . ing was ordered to be efficiently advertised . After some further discussion on the ' aubject of cooperation , the meeting adjourned until the ensuing Sunday evening , at the Wbittington and Cat , Churchrow , Bethnal Green .
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NATIONAL LOAN SOCIETY . At the meeting at Golden-lane on Wednesday evening , Mr . Stratton reported the result of the meeting at Greenwich . —Mr . Wheeler gave an encouraging account of the progress of the Society in the country districts , and read a vast amount of correspondence . Several members were enrolled , and other business transacted .
Greenwich . —Mr . Stratton lectured on Sunday evening , at 5 , Gales-row , Strtiightsmonth , on the 'Advantages to be derived by ioinins the National Loan Society / A . discussion took place after the lecture , in which Messrs . John Shaw , Hewitt , Robinson , Fussell and others took part . A feeling was created in favour of the society , and members enrolled .
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NATIONAL CHARTER ASSOCIATION . Offices—14 , Southampton-streetj Strand . The Executive Committee of this body held their usual weekly meeting as above on Wednesday evening last . Present : Messrs . Arnott , Hunt , Milne , and Reynolds . Messrs . Harney , Holyoake , JoneB , and O'Connor being out of town , were absent . Mr . J . Grassby , through illness , was also absent . Mr . Thornton Hunt presided . The correspondence , received was read , including a report from Ernest Jones . The Chairman reported that the aggregate meeting of the Metropolitan members , held in the Coffee-room of the John-street Institution , on Sunday afternoon , September 7 th , was of a highly progressive and practical character .
The Secretary reported , that , in accordance with the motion agreed to at the above-named meeting relative to a series of Monthly Concerts being held in aid of the ' Charter Fund , ' he had engaged the Hall of the Literary ftlltl Scientific Institution , John-street , for Monday evening , September 29 fch , for the purpose of holding the first Concert . After ^ len gthy discussion on financial and other business , the Committee adjourned to Wednesday evening , September 17 th . Signed on behalf of the Committee , John Arnoxt , Gen . Sec .
BRSEST JONES ' S TOUR . On Tuesday , the 28 th ult ., I lectured in Manchester , to a most crowded and enthusiastic audience . I am happy to inform you that perfect union now exists among the Chartists of Manchester , the two localities having now joined into one , and recognising the acts of the late Convention and the Executive . I enrolled twenty-one new members . On Wednesday the Town Hall in Staley bridge was filled with , a large gathering . Trade ia rather " brisk" in . Staleybridge—its effects are apparent hi the enrolment—only fourteen—the Council disposing of thirty oards besides . On Thursday , the 23 rd , I lectured in the Assembly Rooms at Bury . A Branch of the Association
was formed ; I enrolled fifty-three membersj ; the Council disposed of twenty cards . Mr . Jonathan Bury was elected treasurer , and John Jones secretary , of the locality . On Saturday I reached Bingley , A band and open carriage were waiting at the station , and a procession formed from thence into the town , when 1 addressed a spontaneous gathering in the Market Place ; and thence we proceeded to the Odd Fellows Hall , where a tea party and soiree had been prepared . The Hall presented a beautiful sight—the tables were crowded , and an excellent band poured forth enlivening music . After the tea party there
was a ball , interspersed with songs and recitations , two bands alternating their melodies . The Chartists of Bingley are to be congratulated on their selection of pieces for recitation and singing : every one of toem . conveyed sound political and social information , Gatherings like this are very gratifying . They can scarcely become too general—for the people need amusement , and if they can be supplied with innocent recreation they will cease running to the gin-palace and the beershop . Entertainments like that at Bingley are some of the best practical promoters of Temperance , while at the same time , so conducted , they both refine the feelings and instruct the mind .
On Sunday I delivered two lectures in the same Hall to large audiences . The enrolment of members was eleven ; but that is no test of the enrolment of hearts , inasmuch as it will be recollected that the admission to the soiree was eightpence , that to the two lectures fourpence , that " Bingley Feast" had but recently concluded , that a protracted strike had terminated shortly before , and that 1 , 500 handj'were and are out of work at one firm alone . The police and overlookers were openly set on the watch to see who attended the lectures , and one employer threatened his hands , " that he would turn adrift any of his men who should presume to attend tne lectures 1 " Such gatherings and enthusiasm as that evinced in the face of all this , proves that the true spirit reigns among the men of Bingley . Several Democrats attended from the surrounding villages , and intended forming localities .
On Monday , the 8 th , I addressed . the Democrats of Bradford , in the Great Temperance Hall , which was literally crowded with its large and entbusiastio audience . Considerable discussion took place after the lecture . I enrolled twenty-four members . A sound spirit prevails among the men of Bradford , and they are determined to make a . decisive stand at the next election . -1 will postpone the few remarks I should wish to make , until the conclusion of my route , next week . Ernesi Jokes ,
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Manchester—The unhappy division which took place in this town a few months since is at last settled ; both parties have agreed to form themselves into one locality of the National Charter Association , pledging themselves to use their best endeavours to carry out the business of the late Convention . A general member ' s meeting was held in the People ' s Institute , on Sunday afternoon last ; Mr . W . Grocott in the chair . After a little discussion , a Council was elected , consisting of
twenty-one persons , for the next three months . The business , though warmly discussed , was disposed of in a friendly manner ; and a good feeling prevailed throughout the whole of the proceedings . In the evening , excellent addresses were delivered - in the above hall by Messrs . Burns and Shell , of the National Trades Association . — N . B . —All communications for this locality must be addressed to No . 8 , John-street , Porter-street , Butler-street , Manchester .
Birmingham . —At the usual weekly meet ing at the Ship Inn , Steelhouse-lane , on Sunday evening last , it was unanimously resolved that the Secretary write to the Executive for 100 of the monthly circulars for September . A plan was also brought'fonvard , and adopted , for the purpose of getting up a course of lectures from the following gentlemen , namely : —Messrs . Reynolds , Harney , Jones , Thomas Cooper , Thornton Hunt , S . Kydd , and F . O'Connor , should he be in England ; the course to commence in October . It is therefore hoped that all true friends of liberty will ralty round the Committee , and assist them in getting up the above meetings . Literary and Scientific Institution ,
Leicester place , Little Safiron-hill . Mr . Ivydd lectured here on Sunday evening , on the 1 Persecutions carried on against the democratic party in Naples , and the other Italian States . ' The masterly manner in which he handled the subject , and tho fervid bursts of eloquence in which he denounced the conduct of the despotic rulers of this fair portion of the earth , were highly appreciated by an enthusiastic audience .
The Sheffield Women ' s Rights Association . — On Wednesday evening Mr . George Hows , of Boston , delivered a lecture in the Hall of Science , Bockinghanvstreet . Mrs . Mary Brook in the chair . At ; the couclusion Mr . Bradbury moved , and Mr . Cavill seconded , a vote of thanks to the lecturer , which being agreed to , the meeting separated . In the course of the meeting large green posters were brought into the room , announcing three lectures by Thomas Cooper , commencing on Monday next . The bills were headed ' Sublimity of Chartism . ' The cause here appears to be making rapid progress .
Brighton Democratic Association . —A large meeting of the membera and friends of the above Association , took place at the Free Butt , Albionstreet , on Sunday evening , to receive Bronterre O'Brien , who had been engaged to deliver it n course of two lectures at the Town Hall on Monday and Tuesday , the first on Free Trade and Protection , the second , on tbe Causes of the Failure of Universal Suffrage abroad . Job Scott in the chair .
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nntfca Br'en * ddri i ssed his friends at some length Bl h * L X their P ' ticaI r V ' He was hP « L ? eer * 'JWout his address , and after tne usual votes of thanks to the speaker and chair-Xf ft ! . TliS ?* , P arated » highly delighted with what they had heard on Monday evening , notwithstanding the shortness of the notice , a verv numerous Meeting took place in the Town Half . —W . Woodward in the chair , —to hear Mr . O Brien lacture ou Protection and Free Trade . The lecturer was received with loud cheers . He said he was not there to advocate the Bystem of I ' ree irade of the Manchester School , or Protection , as it is advocated by the Duke of Richmond . He _ deprecated the system of Free Trad « . which
would import manufactured goods duty free , whioh England could produce in abundance , while from the social condition of English workmen they could not compete with the foreigners on equal grounds . He could not believe that the Protectionists were sincere in their desire to protect native industry , when they prevented the free importation of goods which the soil and climate of England could not produce , and contended that neither the Free Traders jjpr the Protectionists ought to settle the queatftm until the great body of the unrepresented were admitted to their rights as citizens in the British House of Commons . Mr . O'Brien was listened to with great attention . Tho leofcure- 'Why Universal Suffrage had Failed abroad—on Tuesdav
evening , was more numerously attended than the one on the preceding evening . Mr . O'Brien proved that in all those countries where tbe people bad won Universal Suffrage , that they lost it through not having knowledge of their social rights , and , consequently , could not apply a proper test to those candidates who sought their votes only to betray them . He went on to say , that the pveaent Executive of tbe National Charter Association seeing this , had been the first Executive that saw the necessity of advocating the political and social questions together . Mr . O'Brien spoke at great length on the nationalization of land , public credit , and equitable exchange , and concluded a very instructive lecture by assuring the people that it was the
only queBtion that would raise thorn from the condition of wages-slaves to freedom and plenty , and the study of which would secure to them Universal Suffrage when obtained . He Wits loudly cheered throughout his lecture , which shows - that the people of Brighton are beginning to stir . After a vote of thanks to the lecturer and chairman , the meeting separated , Bethiul Gbbek . —On Sunday evening last , Mr . William Davis delivered a lecture at tho White Horse to a highly respectable audience ; after which an animated discussion ensued , in which Mr , Vaughan , Mr . Kell , and Mr . Smith took part , whicb was satisfactorily answered by Mr . Davis . Several members took out cards , and the meeting adjourned to Sunday , the 14 th .
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CHARTIST ORGANISATION . An aggregate meeting of Chartist delegates was held on Sunday afternoon , at the Coffee-rooms of the Literary and Scientific Institution , John-street , Totfcenham-court-rond . Mr . Thornton Hunt was called to the chair , and , in a long and able address , dwelt upon the present state of the movement , and reviewed the position of the Democratic party in the different states of
Europe , and also in England and the continent . Mr . Nichois , of the Hoxton Locality , moved the following resolution , after having explained the method of organisation adopted in his district •—" That in the opinion of this meeting the distribution of tracts , containing sound political and social information by duly qualified district visitors , would be a mighty engine in spreading the principle of Democracy ; we , therefore , resolve to use our utmost energies , and hereby call upon our brother Democrats to render aid to the Tract Fund recently established . "
Mr . G .-Holioahe seconded the resolution , hi a sound and argumentative address , and it was carried unanimously . Mr . Matthew John , of Merthyr Tydvil , moved the following resolution : — " That each locality be requested to scad Wi to iVie Executive the names of voluntary and efficient tract writers , in order to the formation Of a list Of such persons . " The nervous and manly eloquence of the speaker was highly applauded . Mr . Buorr , of Greenwich , seconded the resolution , and dwelt upon the many advantges to be derived from an efficient system of tract propaganda . Mr . Nichols supported the resolution . In Hoxton alone they had disposed of twenty dozen of the Executive Circular . If all places had acted with equal energy , the Executive would not have been destitute of funds .
Mr . Bbzer showed the manner in which the religious sects made use of the tract system , and adduced strong reasons why Chartists should in that instance follow their example , Mr . Or . HovroAKE , and others , also spoke to the resolution , which was unanimously adopted . On the motion of Messrs . Nichols and G . JiOLIOA&B , it was decided that a series of concerts should be got up at the John-street Institution , in aid of the funds of the Executive . It was also decided that an aggregate meeting should be held monthly , and that tbe ensuing one should be held at the South London Hall . In answer to questions , Mr . Arnom explained that the Tract Fund would be kept distinct from the General Fund of the Association .
Mr . abnott brought before the meeting the subject of the desecration of the monument erected to Sharp , Williams , and Hansard , in Victoria-park cemetery . They were aware , that in obedience to the voice of publio opinion , the directors of that company had employed Mr . Cox to restore the monument to its original state : this has been done ; but the architect , though he had called and sent various times , was unable to procure payment , and / was treated with great contempt . Some strong remavkB were made upon this mean conduct , and the meeting fully agreed that legal steps should be taken to enforce payment of the debt ; and in the event of its not beiug complied with , that a public meeting be again called upon the subject . Sur £ es
A vote of thanks wag given to Mr . T . Hunt for presiding over the meeting , also to Mr . Milne , who was called to the chair after Hunt's departure , and the meeting adjourned .
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THE STAFFORD CONSPIRACY AGAINST LABOUR . A meeting of delegates from the various trades ' shops and factories in and around the city of Glasgow , was held in tlie New Ohapel , 68 , Kelson-street , on Friday , the 5 th instant , for the purpose of taking into consideration tho case of the Wolverhampton Tin-plate Workers and the committee . of the National Association of Trades . The meeting was called together by a very strong and spirited address , aud the result was a goodly attendance of delegates . Mr . Joh . n' Fletcher was called on ; to preside . After reading the bill calling them together , he said that this was one of the most important questions so far as regarded the freedom of labour that they had been called upon to consider for a great number of yours ; and he hoped the meeting would give the subject that consideration which the importance of it required . " He then introduced
Mr . D . Sherrikgton , who said that the parties present would require some little explanation whj this meeting was got up , and also as full a statement of the case of the Tin-plate Workers as it was possible for him to give , in order that they . might be enabled to judge whether it was a subject for their interference or not . The cotton spinners had taken up the question at their last monthly meeting , and had instructed their committee to issue subscription-sheets , tO assist in bringing the osi 3 e before the judges of the Court of OyUeeu ' s Bench . ; but aa the question was of so much importance , the Glasgow district resolved on calling a meeting of this nature . He was proud to see that the Trades and other parties had responded bo nobly to the call as they bad done . Ho then read several portions of the evidence adduced on tho
trials , and explained the origin of the contest , together with extracts from the noole defence made by the prisoners' council , and showed that the verdict of the jury at Stafford , if sustained in tho Court of Queen ' s Bencb , would be a virtual reenactment of the odious combination laws ; because , as he said , although the law would still allow them the privilege of combining together , of what use would it be if it were to be conspiracy at every turn they might take ? If , lor instance , to stop the operations of any manufactory by a strike , or to persuade men to , leave , or to endeavour to cause a higher rate of wages to be paid , were to be construed into a conspiracy to cause the manufacturer to alter the mode of conducting his business ? How , in the name of wonder , was it likely
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that they could at all defend themselves from the grasping hand of the capitalists , or what chance had they in bettering their condition , if that verdict were to bo the law ? If such were to bo their ; position , he saw no other course for the working classes , then to break up all their unions and become the serfs of the master class ;—but he Hoped better . He could not Bee how it was possible for the judges to sustain such an odious verdict ; and he trusted as this was a case interesting to every section of labourers m this country , that nothing would be wanting on tueirpart to sustain the committee in their noble defence of the rights of labour . Mr . Matkbw Cuu , tsn , and several others , addressed the meeting on the impovtance of the question , and urged the necessity of subscriptions boing
A number of delegates gave in reports that the question had been taken yp by their respective - trades , and altogether the feeling was such as could > e wished , and it must have been highly gratifying ; O the Glasgow cotton spinners , for the efforts they had made . A resolution condemnatory of the verdict of tho apeoial-jUi'y , and declaring it to be their opinion , ' That it was a wide stretch of tho Conspiracy laws , and a deadly blow aimed at the freedom of the labouring portion of the community . " A COuimittee Was also elected , consisting of twelve members , with power to call upon tho various committees of the associated trades ; and to take every means to raise funds for the Defence Committee .
A vote of thanks having been given to the chairman , the meeting separated ; each person present being sojimpressed with the importance oi the case , that there is every possibility of its being warmly taken up in Glasgow .
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POLITICAL VICTIMS' ASSOCIATION . This body met as usual at Mr . Duddridge ' s , the Dock and Duck Tavern , Queen-street , Dean-street , on Sunday evening . Mr . Sheppatd in the chair . The minutes of the last meeting having been confirmed , Messrs . Bryson , Bbzbr , and Fussell reported that they had completed the arrangements for holding a public meeting , on the subject ; of the Lyonese Conspirators , on the 9 th inst . Mr . Martin gave notice of a motion for next week , to extend the privileges of honorary members . The second address was read by the secretary , and copies of it were ordered to be sent to the * ' Northern Star , " and the " Glasgow Sentinel . " The association arbitrated on the case of Small versus Fleming , acquitting the latter of having any connexion with the police in 1848 , and exonerating the former from any vindictive feeling in bringing the case forward .
The rest of the evening was occupied m an animated discussion upon the nature of revolutionary failures .
ADDRESS OF THE POLITICAL VICTIMS
ASSOCIATION . " BrotherVictims anbDemocratic Fbiesds , —Oar motives for again addressing you is to keep alive the spirit of sympathy in the Democratic bosom . In the present agitated state of Europe Great Britain cannot expect to remain tranquil , amid the surrounding volcanoes of revolution that are preparing for au eruption of popular liberty . And from whence cau this spirit of Democratic sympathy more appropriately flow , than from those who have already felt the iron grasp of oppression , and are now devoting all their energies , notonly to seek retributive justice for themselves , but to surround the path of future patriots with that protection which the law still affords , instead of leaving them to the capricious tyranny of government hirelings , whose standard of
promotion is graduated by the scale ot pubho oppression ? " When the people of this or any other country consider it their duty to censure the government for their mal-administration of national affairs , it is too often the case that they try to silence public admonition by the hand of persecution ; and in this they are too often successful , as their position enables them to have the Executive power of the country at their command . And , although the judges of this country are made officially independent of the Crown , that they may the more justly exercise their divine-like office , yet the ; have ot late given too many proofs of their aristocratic bearing , in aiding the oppressor against the oppressed . But this spirit of injustice must not only be condemned , but totally extinguished by the force of public indignation , which can only be effected
through the medium Oi some associative body , willing to undertake the task of exposing such villany , and possessing sufficient , devotion tor the people ' s cause , to enable them to grapple with the giant power that now threatens destruction to the last remnant of popular freedom . " It is folly to believe , and make others believe , that a ruined aristocracy , who can . only exist by oppression and robbery , will be influenced by a sense of justice , and accede to the people that which belongs to them ; and although the oppressed are ten thousand timea stronger than the oppressors , the latter are united by all the ties of similarity of interest and class aggrandisement j while the former waste their strength in disunion and selfish pursuits , thereby leaving their political rights unprotected , and their industry at the mercy of their enemies .
" When some one more enthusiastic than tbe rest of the Buffering people , or moire deeply impressed with a sense of the wrongs that have from time to time been inflicted upon the working classes , steps forward to admonish them for their apathy , or to point out tbe way to avert the impending ruin , he becomes obnoxious to the government in the exact proportion that he becomes useful to tho people ; and thus our best' friends seldom escape the demon of persecution , which the law , from its oppressive tendency and latitude of construction , never fails to assume when wielded by the power of oligarchical oppression . And to make this demon one of tbe principal scourges by which the doctrines of democracy are to be taught to the people , is one of the objects that tho promoters of this association have in view for maintaining it as a permanent institution . M J . M . Bbtson , Secretary , " 25 , James-street , Lower-marsh , Lambeth , to whom all communications mustbe addressed . "
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O THE LYONESE VICTIMS . A publio meeting , called by the Political Victim Association , was held on Tuesday evening at the Literary Institution , Leicester-place , Little Saffronhill , to take into consideration the sentences and trials of the above men . The meeting was numerous and enthusiastic . Mr . John Shaw having been called to the chair , commenced by reading a letter from Mr . O'Brien , explaining that his absence was owing to being compelled to attend a meeting at Brighton . lie ( Mr . Shaw ) was glad that Englishmen were ever ready to meet and sympathiae with the enemies of tyranny , whether at home or abroad ; and he deeply felt the importance of the subject they hail niet to discuss , lie and his brother victims had suffered
in the cause ; they had fallen victims to a system of police espionage , aud their brethren in Lyons were not a whit moro guilty than themselves . The speaker then referred to a leader in the Morning Advertiser , respecting the designs of Austrian paid agents to destroy Kossuth on his liberation , and read extracts therefrom ( which called forth loud expressions of indignation . ) Tho speaker then dwelt upon the manner in which the trials of the Lyonese conspirators had been conducted . He was opposed to violence , but no means too harsh could be employed to rid the world of men who inflicted such horrible atrocities upon the people . ( Cheers . ) Mr . Jous Fussell moved the following resolution : — " That in the opinion of this meeting the
recent infractions of the Constitution of ISiS , by the majority of tho National Assembly , have been alike insulting to the people of France , and detrimental to the best interests of tho human race . This meeting , therefore , sympathises with the Democrats of France in their endeavour to restore the right of Universal Suffrage , and the other rights of the people , and believe that the recent charges against Gent and others at Lyons for conspiracy , have been manufactured by the police ; and that the sentences passed upon them have been cruel and unjustifiable in the extreme . " Ko men were
better able to deal with this question than those who had suffered in a similar manner . None wero more dreaded by the government than men who had suffered imprisonment ; and who , when liberated , dared again to lift up their voices in defence of Liberty . Hitherto , when men had been imprisoned they were generally silenced . Sow the reverse was the case , and , in the words of Macauly , the persecuted ievr became a powerful party . Tho Times had asserted that they had scotched the snake not killed it . If the Times looked at the present meeting it would see that they were not even scotched , but were alive and vigorous . Government had thought by imposing five years bail upon them to chain their tongues- , but , thanks to the
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fragment ofa constitution , they could sponk frooiy , pvovideil they did not bring tho government into contempt , this he Would not attempt to do . It could bo no contempt to tho Queen or government ot England to denounce the conduct of Louis' Napoleon and his attempts to assume tlie purple in J ! ranee . Tho men of Lyons did not ' conspire against the republic—they were only tbe opponents of the enemies of tho republic ; and CYCll the limes was compelled to admit this . Why then vrera they convicted ? It was because Prance was but a sham republic , seeking to change itsolf into a monarchy . It was a similar situation to which they wore placed in England . They sou » Ut but to return to tho old laws and constitution of the land
They had . never been conspirators or rioters ; none wero ever convicted in the whole of the agitatioa for that offence , savo tho few who were the victims of the Povrcl nnd Daris Whig plot . Tlie speaker thea showed how the constitution of Franco had been broken by the Assembly , and that tho people were justified in conspiring to restore it again to its original democratic shape . The cause of democracy must and would flourish , not onJy in France , butall the nations of Europe ; and the barbarous sentences passed upon tho Lyonese victims would but hasten that glorious event . The speaker concluded by reading the words of Gent and others after tha termination of their trial , and defended the character of Gent from the infamy attempted to ba cast upon it . The speaker was loudly cheered ,
Mr . Bezuu seconded the resolution . The subject was of the highest importance to all lovers of liberty . The war between liberty and tyranny had been , long , and tho friends of the latter were evet scheming to disguise its real features from the peo * pie . One day they wero for constitutional Freedom , at another for scientific liberality ; but , ur-der all their disguisos , when their triekery was laid , bare , they resorted to the old g .-ime of Persecution . Louia Napoleon ought , out of old reminisenees , to have had some sympathy with the fate of othei prisoners ; but it was not so . They commuted the sentence of death , but the . transportation to whict they were subjected in the . desolate isle to which they were sent , was worse than death . He ttuWKoi GOU that thoy WOUld not long have to endure such
sontoDces— -tno tables would soon be turned , and thoy would be led back in triumph to France . Goyornraent never committed a greater mistake thaa in persecuting men for opinion s sake , no man W 33 was ever convicted by such a course . The first element in tha creed of a Chartist was that no man should suffer for his opinions . Under a Chartist government all opinions might be fully propagated , provided it was done in a fair and legitimate man * ner . It was time that they adopted tbe spirit of the resolution passed tho other day in Jfew York" That kings and tyrants had leagued together long enough , and it was time tho people leagued against them . " If Yankeo Doodle really meant that , and ho bolioved he did , it behoved Austria and the other tyrannic governments to look well to it , for from such teachers the lesson would be infectious . Ib
was a new foature in their movement to hear them , calling meetings about prisoners in Naples , in Ye « nice , in Lyons , and other places , lie beliovcd that government was looking with an anxious eye to these meetings , and he knew that they were at « tracting attention abroad . Mr , Dick spoke in favour of the resolution , and commented strongly upon the conduct of ' the Executive in burking tho advertisement of tha Eclectic Institution , and called upon the people to reprobate such conduct in their paid servants , Ue > had no cause ot complaint against the " Northern Star , " which he must aay fairly reported theiE meetings ; but he wuhed to know -why tbe advertisement did not appear in the " Northern Star . " Mr . Wheeler explained that it was solely because Mr . Arnott had not sent it , and they had no right without his orders to insert it in an advertisement for which he paid . 1
After some words from the Chairman , the discussion was dropped tor the present , and the resolution was carried unanimously amid much applause . Some discussion took place in relation to the above Bubject . Mr . Fdssell stated they had nothing to do with the Executive . The meeting was called by the Tie * tim Association . Mr . Bloomheld defended the Executive ; and after some further speaking of a warm nature on both sides of the question , a vote of thanks wad given to tho chairman , and the meeting was dissolved .
National Reform- League . —At a meeting ot the above body on Wednesday evening last , it was resolved : — ' That this Council protests against the conduct of Mr . Dick at the meeting called by tne Victim Committee , Ray-street , Clerkenwell , Ott Tuesday , September 9 th , and respectfully inform the Victim Committee and the public , that such , conduct vras by no means sanctioned by the League , and that they deeply regret the interruption caused by his uncalled for and malapropos interrogatories . "
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OFFICIAL MANAGER OF THE LAXD COMPANY , TO THE EDITOIl OF THE NORTHERN STAB . SiR , —On reading jour report of the proceedings before tho Master in the Court of Chancery , on tna 4 th inst ., regarding the election of an Official Manager of tho Winding-up of the Rational Land Company , I was much surprised and indignant , on finding that Mv . Bradshaw , of Nottingham , is still pursuing with relentless vengeance poor O'Connor . for I perceive that his creature Mr . Earnest is put forth a 8 one of tho candidates . Surely , sir , every honest minded member of our community will raise his voice , and protest as loudly as he can , and , as-I do , against this audacious proceeding aud I call upon you as the guardian of Mr . 0 ' Connor ' s character in his absence , and , as the enemy of such
malignant creatures , to oppose with all your forca tho appointment of this Bradshaw ' s nominee , as ifc is palpable to any one possessed Of haif an eye , that the sole object with which he is put-forward ia that Bradshaw , cuckoo-like , may turn O'Connor out and take to the nest himself . Should such an Unhappy event , as the appointment of Earnest } occur , it ia too clear that it will bo folly and idleness to expect tho return of one penny of our money ; as the payment of a dividend to us , would tend to show that O'Connor is not bo bad as hia aren enemy , Bradshaw , has painted him , and Wishes him to appear . The insertion of this in the next ; Star may perhaps do good , and open the eyes of many . I am , sir , Your obedient servant , Sept . 9 th . A Shareholder ,
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New Colleoe for Iouno Men at St . Barnabas —The clergy of St . Barnabas , of which the Her ' W . J . E . Bennett was until lately incumbent , hava issued proposals for the establishment of a college for young men , in connexion with their church ° It is intended to receive young men living apart from their parents , as students , or apprentices , or office clerka m London . The expense to each young man , for board aud lodging , is not to exceed fronv 253 to 30 s . a week . As soon aa a sufficient number ' of young men have applied for admission , suitable premises will be engaged , and the college will be opened . The institution will be under the superintendence of the Rev . James Skinner , M . A ., late lellow of University College , Durham , and tbe Hon . and Rev . 11 . Liddall , M . A ., incumbent of St , Paul ' s Church . Knijrhtshridrm
Monument to tub Laxb Lord Melville . —Taa committee of arrangements for the erection of thi 3 testimonial at their last meeting deto . mined that the statue of Lord Melville sbouW be iubronze . Mr . Steele will be able to produce the statue oi this material without any difficulty , being ; in w *«* ipn of a foundry where ne can cast works of the lery largest description .
Associative Labour.
ASSOCIATIVE LABOUR .
Rational Naiiu Icompaaiy.
Rational naiiu icompaaiy .
&L)Mti8t Intelligence.
&l ) Mti 8 t Intelligence .
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$ ttWc Jft « tmg&
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Qmttyttitimt .
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—^ TO THE EDITOR OF THE " NORTHERN STAR . "
Sib ,- —In your paper of Saturday last an advertisement appears , signed John Shaw , which consists of a series of inuendos , implying a general forgery of the names of Shareholders to the promoters of Mr . Ainger ' s appointment to the office of Official Manager . I beg to say , from my knowlodge , having seen the proposal papers , which are now filed in tho Masters' Office , that this is a false * hood and a calumny on tho Secretaries of the forty-five Branches who sent up proposals for Mr . Ainger . It is quite true that some of the names are apparently written iu the same hand , without being attested by the marks or crosses of the Shareholders ; but this 1 feel warranted in saying , w as done by the Secretaries and others with the authority and consent of the Shareholders whose name 3 aro so inserted .
Tins fact , I believe , will bo clearly and satisfactorily established before tho proper tribunal on tllO 23 rd instant . I may just remark , that this pa- ! try production has found so much favour somewhere , that means have been furnished to get it printed on excellent paper in circular form , and to pay postage , to send it through , the length and breadth of tho country . Trusting that the Branch Secretaries will triumphantly exonerate themselves from the calum * nies cast upon them , and that from tho numerous candidates in tho field for the office of Official Manager an upright and eificient man may be appointed to bring the Company ' s affairs to a close . I remain , yours faithfully , PiiiLir- M'CEAia . 1 , Bond-street , Chelsea , Sept . 11 th .
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AND NATIONAL TRADES' JOURNAL
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m . IB , F . W . LOMMH , 81 THM > iT , SEHEBBIE 13 , IS 8 I . „ JHTjaSK . - .-,
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Sept. 13, 1851, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1643/page/1/
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