On this page
- Departments (3)
-
Text (18)
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
ftttilttf MMUzeme-
-
Untitled Article
-
©o*ojm*atfoe Jtotenigettce.
-
Untitled Article
-
CJjavtfot JhUelUpnce.
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
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.
-
-
Transcript
-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
Untitled Article
MAiw" - •* — ^^ S ^ ed agitate for political ** £ Let them fail then , if that is the only condiji « non which they will aid in the accomplishment Political jasticc . The affirmative duty is to orgac L the time which is coming—to prepare for the SUen the people will he called on to act . To fv ^ i- in the objects of our asso ci ations , both social frftion and political strength-to gain a commer-• 1 standing as well as a legislative status—to manciple ourselves from the rule of wealth as much 5 from the governmental ascendancy of the privileged ? V—that is what , wo should do for the present—LJ ^ a great people's party capable of taMng advan-^ ^^ " ^ rX ^ o ^ i the ? agitate for political
tage of the furore—a « party forgetting old watchwords Jthrowk'g aside obsolete dogmas—discarding the trhwniojis of expediency , and defending upon great princip les—a party recognising the equal necessity * f both political and social reform . Such a party vo rise to pre-eminence and power upon the rains cf » H tlie factions of the day . Such a party only can really elevate the people . To create it is the duty of all real reformers , and it appears to us that now is imminently the time for the effort .
Untitled Article
FREE TRADE , LOW WAGES , AND DESTITUTION . It must he confessed that the * cheap loaf has jsot converted England into a Paradise . Stretch its TJrtues as far as you please , and still there is a yawning golf of discontent—if not worse—which it does sot full up . According to the Free Trade journals and speeches , we ought to be the happiest people in the world just now . The tables of exports and imports amount to unprecedented totals ; the revenue exceeds the expenditure j pauperism is said to be decreasii'gi and trade flourishing ; the country is , ' wo are reiforatedly assured , in a highly prosperous condition , ' and it would be madness to doubt' the reason vhv . ' . ...
Bnt if we turn from these seductive pictures and statements of ' sums total' to the details which go to make n ; i the aggregate , there is some how or other a painful discrepancy which cannot be reconciled . In ihe very midst of all this commercial and manufacturing activity , this unparalleled prosperity , there are largo classes of operatives complaining of the most extreme destitution—thousands are oat of emp loyment , while those who have partial work are
paid sueh prices as will scarcely keep eonl and bodv together . The statements at the meeting of the Spitalfields Silk Weavers , reported in The Star' of this week , though perhaps an extreme illustration of the distress , is by no means a solitary instance of the truth of this fact , and they betray such' an unsound and perilous state t > f affairs , as to demand from all classes some more searching investigation into the causes of our social erils than has yet been instituted .
Without , in the slightest degree , either denying or undervaluing the benefits that some classes or sections of the population may have derived from the repeal of the Corn LawB , it is very evident that we cannot stop with that . ThoBe who are now suffering , from whatever cause , have as great a claim to relief as the classes who formerly complained of the injurious operation of a sliding scale of duties upon grain . Whether they are right in their opinions , as to the source of the misery , starvation , and calamity nader which they are suffering , is another question . | All we contend for is , that they have quite as good a
right to complain , and to demand a remedy , as any ©{ her class in the country . The contemptuous manner in which these claims are either pasfted b y in total Hlence , or the truth of the complaints denied , and ihe complainants charged with factions or personal motives , while it does not say much for the candour of those who thus treat grave public statements , must , at the same time , not be taken as a proof that ihe parties who thus act feel confident in their posiiion . If we are not mistaken , the mere political economists would by no means like to have the actual eperation of their system sifted by a Parliament in
Trhich Labour was fairly represented . Perhaps the landlords would find in the revelations made under Sach auspices , some awkvrard and conclusive retorts to the accusations levelled against them by their opponents . One thing , at least , is certain , without such an investigation : in many trades the wages have been iargely reduced since the passing of the Free Trade measures ; while , in almost every department of industry , there has been , or is now , a despei rate—too often unaTailiug—resistance on the part of I the employed , to proposed reductions . The influx of [ gold from the newly-discovered mines of California
and Australia has , to a great extent , arrested the natural downward tendency of wages under the present system . Owing to the sa-na cause , the season of ' manfdcturing prosperity' has been prolonged far kyond its natural duration . Providence has neutralised to a large extent the injurious operation of our insane Currency laws , and our not less irrational jinodes of producing and distributing wealth . Yet notfmthstanding the alleviation derived from the vast inpuxof the precious metals from these new sources , pe find that there is a general and steady declension , [ or tendency , to declension in wages . Since 1846 , the
prices paid to the Spitalfields silk weavers—low as they then were—have fallen fifty per cent . In the article of velvetE—on which by for the largest propor-? w ° , , U ? ¦ " at work —so great has been the fall that it is impossible for the silk weaver by Jfae utmost exertion , and by working the most proitracted hours , to earn sufficient to keep off starvation £ s it any wonder that men thus crushed , ground down tad oppressed , should speak bitterly of a policy Mnci , if it has notcaused , has at least failed tomitifeate their sufferings 1 Can it be matterof surprise gatthey should regard Free Trade in a very different yiglit from tbe large capitalists whose profits it has tamtod , and whose mills and warehouses it has ? the
nlarged Vah ^ n consciousness of this fact jakts so many enthusiastic Leaguera look coldly on arlumentary Eefonn . The / are not dv any eans sure that if the workers had a voice in the wttai profitmongering and usury would maintain neir present predominance in the Legislature . o S \ i * WinDotdoforthem or aQ y oAer class o close tl . e , r eyes against these facts . No matter W ^ V " * m ? f * " * facta are iocoS ^ Wt be taken cognizance of , and ^ U ytoo , or there will be a forced and a fearful jajnwg for the neglect , in due season . The longer e Labour and wages question remains unadjusted , ¦ flc inore difficult it will be to deal with it . Self ! "K-rest and self preservation combine to urge that ¦ pen the possessors of property as the most imminent
«« momentous subject to which they can direct ateMion . Society is indeed in a threatening and dan-Krous condition , when such facts as these can be joly averred in a leading article of the' Times , ' ^• f the great organ of the tnoneyocracy : sl £ \ k ^ table fectfl » t in this very town of Lendonalone , the Ci&otBl ? 1 onhttflop , 100 , 000 persons are every * CWh tfood \? ave " b , ^ precarious prodnce of apassiDg * flwS * > . Ce EDsIand was EngIalld *•* grama jreepetfJ ^ nl w aS , - erreachea S ° Mgh a point aB at the present & * tide Jl ?? f *?? ^ P kcency the gradual rise of this ssrel-*« £ l a £ ^ Mi and luxury ; we Ube no notice of the receding P ^ S'asto ^ n ^ T- ^ been deri 6 ed ** Pdto' c or humane fe « i » . _ 2 * *? y tlns acknowledged evil . Th . ifet . ™ .,, »« rf «
« still the ^ esrib , r' andthe Phllrati >«> pisthis houses of refuge ; ^ eralV aaaiSi conanaes - Ifc » ****** in the Registrar-^ SSfi " " ' "that nearly one human tan ? be correfpondine n ^ uF metr <> polis from actual starvation . " In ieafrnm i : arra ^ ? i r 1 S 5 ^ e find that twenty-eigat adults fcm off , * , } . Inft 7 '^ ,. . 2 tf 2 infant 8 fromwantof breastmUk or Nation , rod twentl ^ - * ? ecem * er , 1851 , five adults died from ^ WetZ ^ ru tm " ^ representative of all No / is M »/» m » * 8 ame factsn » ay be repeated , kmS " * ' ° . wholeof them . What an K 4 lh ™ r ° u' ^ tchedness which coh ful comZ ? T lmn ^ enlightened , and sue pWSE ^ - ° i % How S reat ^ ^ for P ^^ fiST ^ &m ^ ^ ^ 8 ttch b * SS A ^ Th ^^ oaremoBt deeply l ^ 4 K ; frT lnade a ^ teremedies : As lOre ^ p S 2 ^ "T ' Ph ^ ftropiste' propose fejn ^ l ^^ onnit ories . Thldemc
¦ Ol nerv in — wt 0 I our MEane Jfoor Law IVitl 8 ° f Cdr ? Tu ° ^ *¦ organised alms . ft The ^^^ table W . etieMB notauffite and S ^ ° f P rivate houses , clubs , &tia J of pnnS Me P P «> 8 ed to be collected by SPJ fiwJTSr- ? Dd « a * tributed among the ^ n toSaJ T genes of local B 0 ° P MhshaS ; in ^ « k ^ JJ . ° ^^ "te is to be aaked »** « . a wee * , or 12 fl . a year , in
Untitled Article
aid of these appendagea to our elemosynary machiup . . To all such proposals there is-but one answer , that given by the Silk Weavers on Tuesday night :-• We don t want charity , but work-work at which we can earn an honest living . ' There is too much of alms-gmng alread y . Let us do justice first , and , if chanty be needful , let it follow . But where is the work to be found ? The' Times ' , duly aware of the objectionable and vitiating influence of the soup kitchen scheme has a pet plan of its own ; it would aid of apP 3 to ouv maM .
. Convey the objects of their charity to oilier regions , where , with industry and good conduct , they couU well afford to dismiss all apprehensions of want for the future . If the charity of the country i * to be organised in so comprehensive a manner , and brought to bear upon its crime and destitution , why not settle the question by removing these poor children and these houseless wanderer * to the fertile uplands of New Zealand , or the cold districts of our English Califonra ? In turn we ask—why not apply the money it ¦ would cost to convey them to those distant labour fields , to the exploitationoi fields nearer home ? When we have done full justice to our own soil , and developed its capabilities to the utmost , it will be quite time enough to organise a wholesale system of transportation for those whose only crime is their poverty . Foreign emigration , when voluntarily undertaken by those who have made up their minds to brave all
its contingencies , may , in many cases , be beneficial both to the individual and his adopted home . As a remedy for the ignorance and destitution revealed by the * Times , ' it is only less ridiculous and absurd than the soup-kitchen itself , and both may be classed with the impracticable theories of political economists , who promised us a Utopia of their own , which has turned out a lamentable failure .
Untitled Article
PROTECTION OR DEMOCRACY f In the midst of the faction fight waged by the two great sections of the oligarchy , it is to be noted that neither of them forget the danger of being overcome by Democracy . In fact , their bitterest accusation against each other , is , that by the course pursued , the guestioa at the next election will be asLordHARRowBYaaid not , Protection or not ?' but « Democracy ornot ? ' Lord HABROWBYis a moderate Conservative . He was satisfied with the essentiall y Conservative style in which the government was carried on by a nominally Liberal Ministry . If he had lost a few pounds annually in rent he was quite willing to compound in that shape for the preservation of " other important privileges , and for the continued
predominance of the aristocratic element in the Government of the country . The Whigs had mesmerised the people . They were in a Btate of political coma . There was , every now and then , a talk about ' progress , ' but it was of so tame , and quiet , and subdued a character , that the most nervous old lady in or out of petticoats could not have been alarmed by it . Rash and impetuous StasijEY has upset this happy state of affairs . Questions that might have been deferred for years , will press for settlement , because he has given a bold defiance to Democracy , and calls upon the Conservatives of the kingdom to asBist him in resisting its progress—if possible to extirpate the thing itself . The truce is broken . Parties once more stand fairly and frankly opposed . The Whiga have been bustled out of the intermediate space , and the combatants face each other .
Lord J . Russell echoes the querulous complaints and ominous warning of the Peelite peer . He knew best the means by which the Democracy was to be met and encountered . By simply declaring that any change threatened the maintenance of the Free-Trade regime , he had got the middle classes under his thumb . They constitute the electoral majority and the members returned by them of cours e faithfulle reflected their interests and their opinions . Thy sentiments and the wants of the unenfranchised
masses were unrepresented in Parliament—found no voice there ; while , at the same time , the influence of those who otherwise would have been popular leaders being directed to the maintenance of the status quo , and the discouragement of out-door agitation , the same supineness was produced out of as there was in Parliament . The Protectionists have released us from ibis dead lock . We are all in motion again ; but this time it is not the Democrats now disturb the state , encourage the love of change , and foster political agitation . These have always been branded as political crimes of the blackest die , when committed in furtherance of popular ob When
jects . " the Tories do 80 for the restoration of class monopolies , and the imposition of burdens upon the many , for their own special advantage , their conduct is termed by quite another name . They are Conservatives . Lord J . Etjssell , however , sees where they are drifting to , and as he is no friend to Democracy , he earnestly implores them not to pursue a course which must end in giving Democracy the advantage . If Earl Derby will persist in a policy that is reactionary , restrictive , and undisguised in its contempt for popular feeling and popular wants he is solemnl y warned that instead of discountenancmg Democracy , he will be the greatest favourite with those who entertain and advocate such opinions .
It would almost seem as if the ex-Premier had been reading the Star ; ' if not , his naive confession unconsciously , but strongly , bears out the opinions we have expressed , with reference to the late Ministerial changes , and their necessarily beneficial effect upon the position of British Democracy , During the whole existence of the late Government , we uniformlydenounceditasthegre atestobstruction to allreal progress ; and now that it is out of power , the head of that Government unwittingly confirms our statements . At this very moment he is exerting himself to the utmost to regain the position of stop-gap ; whether that will be any recommendation for him and his party at the Election we do not pretend to Bay , but , at all events , it is right that there should be no dispute about the fact .
Even were he restored to power with such an infusion of so-called liberalism as might bo inferred from the admission of such men aB Mr . Cobden and Mr . Bright into the Ministry , we should have no guarantee whatever that the purely obstructive and stationary policy of Whiggism would be reversed , -these two leaders of the Free Trade party have on many occasions evinced a very decided disposition to dxscourage any popular movements of a decided character , and especiall y where these were calculated in the slightest degree to endanger the permanence of the settlement of 1816 . Under that feeling they have on many occasions voted black white , in order to 'keep out the Tories . ' They were short-sighted enough to believe they could effect that object , by becoming consenting partiesto an essentiall policy
y Tory . It does not appear that they are yet aware of their mistake , because they are still talking of settling the Lorn Law question finally , without any organic change in the Constitution , or any extension of the Franchise based upon a broad and an intelligible principle . Whatever satisfaction the formation of a Government , in which Russell , Graham , Cobben , and Bright were combined , might give to Free Traders , speculators , profi-mongers , usurers , and the whole tribe of those who believe in the dogma— ' buy cheap : sell dear as the Al pha and Omega of human duty , —it would present no guarantee of progress or reform to . o ™ fif tif \ f- Aay one vh 0 has watched the career of the two latter gentlemen , must have noticed their increaang phancy , and their readiness to chime m with arrangements made to suit Ministerial
conremence . jNow that they are in the habit of placing their legs under the dining table at Chesham-placeT their pohUcal morality will not grow more stern , and Cato like , their elevation to office would doubtless complete the transformation , and produceso thorough achange , that no one would be able to recognfoe in . the then ' nghthon . gentlemen' the twin agitators who once so fiercely assailed , exposed , and denounced the buBes ol our existing system . They would not change T \ higgery , but be changed into Whiw The only way to prevent the formation of such an administration , and to secure thepeaceful , but steady advance of genuine Democracy , i 8 to take care that the i « ue at stele dnnng the approaching election , Bhall be placed clearly and unmi stakeabl y before the people . The Anti-Com Law League must not be
permitted to lead them off after a false scent . Free Trade , as far as they are concerned , has been aettled . If they wish to maintain that settlement , they must now go further , and work heartily for the extended and bona-Jide enfranchisement of the industrial classes . That is the sole condition on which these classes should in any way countenance them . If they are not prepared to take that position , let them fight their own battlea with the territorial aristocracy and if beaten so much the better—it wHl sooner bring ' them to their geniee .-
Untitled Article
Ever since the resignation of Sir R , Peel in 1846 the country has been kept in a state of forced inac ' . tion . All its effortB to progress have been neutrahzed and repressed , in consequence of the anomalous and unhealth y relation of parties to euch other in the House of Commons . Fortunately the accession of the Derby Cabinet has released us from this vicious circle . We can now breathe again ; and if the first use of our restored and liberated energies is that of hand-to-hand conflict with the traditionary and here ditary enemies of popular freedom , let us cheerfullv accept the position , and do our best to win a victorv The struggle will at any rate strengthen and inricorate . The false repose and fatal apathy which has been so long maintained , and was fast destroying all politi cal vitality in the nation will be dispelled . At the hustings let Lord Harrowby ' s candid statement of the question at issue not be forgotten . Let the watchword 'Democracy' respond to the war cry o 'Protection , ' and the contest be distinctly waeec upon these two definite principles , not upon any to termediate / indistinct , or doubtful questions whetW raised by Lord or Leaguer . V . ™ sin ™ * u » „ ,:,.... * :,.,,, « :. -o ^ -T-r
Untitled Article
THE OLIGARCHY v . THE PEOPLE . In the "Review of the Week , " we have stated that tbe proceedings in the House of Commons are " make believe " They wore so up gto the time that was written . Since then there has been a real battle oa Mr . Hbme ' s motion for the " Little Charter . " He was defeated by the junction of Lord J . Russeli and Mr . Disraeli , the new Chancellor of the Exchequer ! The fact is enough to open the eves nf the country to the real character of the ex-Minister ' s int ™ tions on that all-important question . Ws should think there wui not be found among real Reformers a MngfepSSl Slllv enough to swnllow the l ) ait lield OUt at the Chesham n 1 «« meeUng L < , tthe atthe hustlngsbe _ . t not " . A ' a W a ? e Wings . ' Treat them ag they really arc-the enemies of t-n " telPpSc ^ a- e ^^ rSlg SS ^^ ° thenew ^ eaLwhatS / mafex "
Untitled Article
NATIONAL AS SOCIATION OF UNITED TRADES . " PUT JUSTITU . " » 4 " asursi w ^^ Ann wffAswasi&iSSaw The usurpations and encroachments by which under various forms , and by various namesf the freedom and independence of labour have been brought unduly under the iron dominion of capital , have been the gradual accumulating deposit of a long ' oontinued and steadil
y pursued system , instinctively and reck ^ lessly persevered in by its owners , without even the colour of legislative sanction , or of moral right The well-known power of capital to multiply itself , is , by a thousand ingenious artifices , constituted the be-all and end-all of a lifetime ' s commercial anxious speculation ; and the most successful adept iu this thim . bleng operation , is , conventionall y , the most honoured . As in ancient Sparta , robbery , when successful , was an honourable avocation , so in these days of civilisation ; he who creates the largest torfcuwe in the shortest time becomes the idol of worship , and the honoured object of envioualmHa . tion . Trade and commerce have a morality peculiar to thmselves
e , the essence of which Shakespear puts into the mouth of honest Iago , Put money in thy purse—honestl y if thou canst—but put money in thy purse . ' Just so with our modern commercial fortune-hunters—the end desired must generall y sanctify the means . Some of these means indicated by axioms grown quite respectable by their general currency , would not , we apprehend , bear a very critical examination by the severe rules of morality . The Free Trade maxim of ' buyino- in the cheapest market , and selling in the dearest / always conveys to us an idea of the successful perpetration of two dishonest transactions—the purchase and sale of a commodity without reference to its coBt
or intrinsic value . The misfortunes or necessities of the seller , and the ignorance and credulity of the buyer , are the generally existing and necessary agencies for this system of successful appropriation . 'Each for himself , and God for us all , ' is another favourite , because anti-social , maxim . It is the laissezfaire doctrine of the school of Political Economists ; which means , if it means anything , that every man should scramble up to a position of wealth and distinction , totally regardless of the welfare and happiness of his fellow men . This maxim—which
savours to us of-a strong anti-Christian spirit—is in great repute among the employing class , and is strongly enforced upon tbeir dependent workmen by a variety of plausible arguments . The independent position of the working man—who is the architect and fabricator of his own fortunes—b y the free and independent exercise of his own unaided and uncontrolled will in bargain-making with his employer , is , according to their philosophy , the very beau ideal of industrial dignity , but , aceording to ours , a personification ot the principle of narrow-minded selfishness . We
never can subscribe to the doctrine , that the general value of wages in any particular trade can be satisfactorily arranged by individual contracts or agreements between the employers and workmen . "We 77 . on tLe contrary , that the standard of wages should be , from time to time , the reisult of agreement m every skilled trade between the employers and the employed in their corporate capacity . For the labourer who lives from hand to mouth , is certainl y no fair match or bargain making with the !" Iv Capitalist who has an accumulated capital to fall back upon , in addition to the great advantages derived from the ordinary state of things in moat trades , whether skilled or unskilled ; that , for every master wanting a man , there are three men wanting a master .
In such a- state of thingB , to talk of freedom to choose or reject , is simply to talk the most extravagant nonsense . We think the system adopted by the Iron Masters of Staffordshire , to preserve them from the evils of ill-regulated and ruinous competition with each other , presents an example worthy of imitation by the working classes . We find them associated for the protection of their interests , and that the prices of Iron is fixed periodically , reference being had , we presume , to the stock on hand , and to the future probable home and foreign dnmand . Whv .
the value of Labour , even lesB liable to sudden fluctuationi , - could not be , in most trades , adjusted uj on a Biimlar principle , we have never yet had satisfac tonly explained to us . The Legislature , by their latest act upon the combination laws , seems to have contemplated the adoption by the working classes of such a system of regulating wages , by tbeir expressly legalising voluntary combinations of workmen for this and similar objects . We know that strong efforts
f * Te been m » de by the employing class , in which they have been greatly assisted by interested magistrates , prejudiced jurieB , and narrow-minded judges , of giving to such combinations a complexion of illegality ; but the late solemn decision of the Court of Queen ' s Bench establishes beyond dispute the right of working men , by combination , to fix the price , hours , and all other conditions , under which they agree to sell their labour .
It is one of the objects of the National Asasciation to enforce and defend this invaluable right intact , as the greatest privilege accorded to labour by legislative authority . We believe thiB lawful right cannot bo effectually maintained except by a union of tranes to mutually assist each other from any attempt to deprive them of it . We feel assured that no isolated , and from what we . see taking place around us , no partial combination of certain select trades can effectually maintain this right inviolate . Tbe requisite union must be broad in its basis , enlarged and liberal , and essentially democratic in its prinoiples . It must be open to all trades and departments of labour , and not unduty influenced by the arrogance or pretensions of any . It is an active interfcrtnee with , and a combined resistance to , theie and similar abuses which have gradually accumulated , and
are constantly increasing , which it is the object and purpose of the National Association to make war upon and eradicate . And it i » rot this , with other objects of a reconstructive character , for which we invite the assistance of the Trades of Grtat Britain . n , WiuUM Pim , Secretary , Queen ' s Prison . *
Untitled Article
During the week we have waited upon the Boiler Mnim .. " * " of Glasgow , Greenock , and Dumbarton ; each branch , ' ceived us very cordially , and on hearing the nature o * L caso explained , unanimously agreed to subscribe sixnonop per man to assist the defendants ; and many of thorn iv pressed their gratitude to tho London Committee for the important service thoy have rendered to the ' causo of Labour , in defending the Wolverhampton case , and upholding the right to Trades' Unions . Wo have also visited tbe Joiners , the Coopers , the Covkoutters , the Dyers , the Sawyers , the Cloth Lappers , tbe Printers , the Hand Engravers , the Cotton Yarn Dressers the Rope Spinners , and others ; all of whom have expressed the deepest sympathy with the defendants , and resolved to commence subscriptions through their respective shops , so that the Defence Committee may bo in a position to bring their arduous and important labours to att honourable ter-— ^ == ^ = ! = == ! 5 r «»
-mination . It is with feelings of gratitude we refer more particularly to the noble and straigthforward manner in which tho Joiners , Coopers , Corkcutturs , and Boiler Makers , have taken up this question . They have not only agreed to render immediate assistance , but to do so without detainin » the deputation unnecessarily , and thus save an expense to the Committee , If every trade would adopt this course , a vast amount of labour , time , and expense , would be saved , and the Committee be better able to me » t their engagements . On Tuesday , March 23 rd , we attended a large and influential delegate meeting of tho trades of Glasgow , hold in the Nelson-street Chap 3 l . There were about one him
dred delegates , comprising the secretaires and leading men of the numerous trades . Mr . John Brown , Cotton-yarn Dresser , was called to tho chair . The deputations then gave a full statement of the case , which excited mingled footings of indignation and sympathy . Indignation at tho persevering injustice and oppression of the prosecutors , and sympathy forthe men who had so honourably and withoutcompromiso , vindicated and maintained the right of working men to combine to fix the price of tbeir labour , Mr . W . Brown , mechanic , then moved : — " That this mooting having heard the statement of Messrs . Humphries nnd Burn , do pledge itself to use every exertion to obtain immediate assistance to liberate the defendants from prison , their bail from responsibility , and to enable the London Defence Committee honourably to discharge theh liabilities . "
Mr . Matthew Cullen , in a very feeling manner , seconded the motion , which was carried without a single dissentient . A committee was then formed to visit the trades , receive subscriptions , and without delay remit them to Mr . George Greenslade . A vole of thanks was carried by acclamation to the deputation and chairman , and tho meeting dissolved . We have no doubt but the result of this delegate meeting will be satisfactory both to the trades of Glasgow and the Defence Committee , We are , yours , &c , Edward Humphries , WitLuu H . Burs . Glasgow , March 24 th , 1852 .
Untitled Article
THE CORPORATION REFORM BILL . On Wednesday a Common Hall , convened in pursuance of a requisition to the Right Hon . the Lord Mayor , signed by several merchants and others of tho Oityof London , was held in the Guildhall . His lordship presided . Deputy Harrison moved a resolution to the effect that the meeting approved of the principle of tho bill now before parliament for the purpose of extending the municipal franchise . Tho bill proposed to admit as freemen of the City of London all persons who paid taxes as parliamentary electors , and who had resided for one year and one day in the City . The present mode of voting was far too restricted and exclusive for the necessities of the present day . £ 99 , 000 a . year was raised by direct taxation from their fellow citizens , and of those who were not entitled to vote there was a large majority . In the ward of Aldersgnte 182 persons possessed
me municipal franchise , while there were 768 who paid taxes who were not entitled to vote . ( Hear . ) In Colemanstreet ward 223 only were entitled to voto , while there were bW rated inhabitants . In Cornhill ward 731 were eligible to rote , 348 others being ineligible . In the ward of Famngdoii-without there were 783 persons in possession of the franchise , whilst there were 2 , 722 taxed inhabitants . ik * J « on u eTer was there » case brought forward in that hall which , m his opinion , called moro loudly for justice . ( Cheers , nd uproar . ) The motion having been seconded , Mr . A . Clarke , citizen and mercer , moved an amendment , in Bubstance , that the meeting viewed with alarm the proposed bill , which it stated would destroy the independence and jurisdiction of the body of livervmen .
ULner speakers having addressed-the meeting , the Lord Mayor put tne a mendment , which was carried by an overwhelming majority .
Untitled Article
Proclamation for Assembling Pakliament . —On Thursday Lord Broughams ' s bill to shorten the time required for assembling parliament after a dissolution was printed by order of the Lords . The following is tho entire bill after stating tho title :- " Whereas on account of the increased facilities of communication which now exist , the time required by law to intervene between the date of the proclamation for assembling parliament and the day appointed for the meeting theroof may be reasonably shortened . Be it euacted ( in the usual manner ) that so often as her Majesty shall by her royal proclamation ap .
point a ume lov the first meeting of the parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland after a dissolution thereof , the time so to be appointed may be any time less than fifty days after the date of such proclamation , tne act Of the 5 th of Queen Anne , chap . 8 , art . 22 , or any oMier taw or usage to the contrary , notwithstanding ; provided that the time so appointed shall not be less than thirty-five day s after the date of such proclamation . " Intended Prebrnt io Mr . Gboroe Dawson . —We have been favoured with an inspection , through the kindness of the gUssmakers' committee , of a nobla sni > r > irn «> n nf n-i ™ .
manufacture , to be presented , some time in April , to Mr . George D . iwson , in the Bhape of a cup in the form of a tulip , fourteen inohes high , capable of holding balf a gallon . Ihe bowl is ruby-ooloured , the pedestal white , and the foot green , and weighs upwards of four pounds . It was made at Mr . Ihomas Gammon ' s manufactory , Brooke-Btreet : the artist and maker , Mr . William Gillonder , editor of the Glassmakers' Magazine ; " and the engraver , Mr . John Jackson , Ueneageatreet , whose executions of the various designs is at once elegant in finish , superb in effect , and highly creditable to his talents as an operative . The manufacture , involving an immense amount of care and labour by Mr . Gillender , » tamps him as a workman that needeth not to be ashamed , and will remain a monument of his qnaancation for the manufacture of first-clasB productions in his branch of business . Round the bowl are eneraved the
various national flags of England , Amerioa , Hungary , and lurKey , over which are inscribed the words , 'liibvrtv , Fraternity , and Equality , November 10 th , 1851 , " the date being that of the memorable day of Kossuth ' B entry into Birmingham . On one aide of tbe bowl are most beautifully engraved the national emblem of England—fi rose " in full IT'Z ! C ' ^ . ^^ heembleufa of the UnS Kingof The " bowl ! ' Wf / ? ^^ ek . On tbe other side i ^ figgB Smanufac ? nr « S ? atthl 8 splendid 8 P ™ n <* ^ SgAwiiawi . V *™ . " . k flaK ° w « e ( i by the elassmakm-a in thn TC ™ . ¦ uwi ession
proc , with the name of Mr . Dawson unon it $£ & $ & *** & £ resUn ? S 2 y beiD W ent to witness theW ^^ BSMBSP In Great Britain # . ¦ „ , „ Inlveland ... ol , 387 toS ^!? * " ' """""" " : " . 'AS SST J ^ sS' ^' " ^' " ^^" . ' ^ SftS KW a ^ MK SLitt-aaaBBebiSS
sSS&WsstiBffiis : September o £ &Xr f T nino to fi ™ o ' clook . during
Untitled Article
NATIONAL CHAlil ' i ' i ASSOCIATION . The Executive Committei met on Wednesday eveningliist , at 3 , Queen ' s Hond-passage , Patcrnostervow . Johu Arnotfc presided . The following brief address was agreed to : — Brother Chartists , -- In using the privilege of addressiug you , we must express our regret that we havo boon restricted to one subject ; but this will be readil y excused when the importance of that is considered . Tho Executive of ix society , almost without members , and without means-members wdaced t > y urnviso antagonism without , and influence reduced by repeated rotation ,, witlm ,-no course has been CmLf ,. of res ^ i"g ourselvcB into a o ^ nW ^ Wr ' ^^ e ^^ Slitlei which were our only inheritance on comim , into offir . o . Tho
disci urge or t is . ungracious duty ha 9 , however , been attended with the satisfaction of knowing that it has me with the approval of all who are accustomed to nuke saenfices ot meaus for Chartist character . The debt . 8 now reduced to £ 1 G 103 . Noxt week we shall bo able to announce a subscri ption from one who has often assisted our funds . \ v truat , as the difficulty grows less and less , that is as the balance owing is weekly decreasing , that we shall End that all friendly to Chartism will at once seud in subscriptions , and close the account . James Grassby , Sub-Secretary , 96 , Regent Street , Limbeth . N . B . —Tho monies received will be acknowledged next week .
Untitled Article
Metropolitan Dkiegate Council . —At a meeting of this body , held at the Fin 3 bury Literary Institution , on Sunday afternoon , Aprit 21 » t , Mr . G . Farrati in the chair , credentials were received from Messrs . Suugg and Heather , of tfce-Bevmondsey locality . —Mr , Jonea reported from the O'Ovnnor Committee that he bud communicated with MessiB . S . Crawford and Wakley , and they expressed their willingness to become trustees , provided they were only to be held responsible for the actual monies they received , ond not for money received by the treasurer orother officer , bs decidsdia the bavings Bank eases . The report w » b received , and Mr . \? ne \ v ir Stru < J Tl ? have a funhor interview with them , mr , William Newton was nominated as treasurer to the lund .-Mr . Clavke reported from tho Public Meeting
Committee , that the meeting at the Druid ' s Hull was highly suecessful , and that the resolution blaming the policy of ihe Parliamentary Reformers was carried with ' only four dissentients , notwithstanding the speeches of Messrs . Thornton Hunt , Le Blond , and Nicholls . A lengthened discussion arose on a resolution as to the business of the committee for forming new localities , which was carried by twelve to seven . A Uommitteo was proposed to carry thu resolution iuto effsct , which was ultimately adjourned for the localities to expreas their opinions thereon . Tbe quarterly accounts wtre then audited , and showed a balance in hand , after defraying all debts . It was decided that the aggregate meeibg of Chartists should be held in that hall on the first Sundaf in . April , and the Council adjourned .
WiiiTECHArEL . —At the meeting held on Sunday evening at the -Sto p Inn , the delegates to tho Metropolitan Council gave in their report , and received a voto of thanks for their services . Messrs . T . M . Wheeler and J . Strattoa were elected delegates for the ensuing quarter . A rosolu- ¦ tion waa unanimously passed— " That their delegates should bo instructed to oppose the carrying into effect theresolution passed at tho Council for issuing metropolitan cards for membershi p . " Other business was transacted , and tho meeting adjourned . Finsburt . —At a meeting of members resolutions approving of the Metropolitan Delegates issuing oards of membership , and that T . M . Wheeler be recommendod as the Seoretary to that body , were adopted . TUe following persons were elected as officers for the next quarter ' . «* B . J . Loome , Secretary ; Mr . Weedon , Treasurer ; Messrs . Jonos , Grant , Livesay , Down , Butler , and Fennel . Gkoboie Miixs . ~ -At a meeting of Laud members and Chartists , Mr . Petor M'Neil in the chair , the followinff
resolutions were unanimously adopted : —•• That this meeting sympathises with tbe unfortunate nosition of our muchesteemed and patriotic friend , Mr . Feargus O'Connor , and being satisfied with the plans sot forth in the address to tho country by the select committee , to raise pecuniary means to alleviate the condition of that gentleman , resolve that an immediate subscription bo got up to assi 3 t them iu carrying out the desirable object . That having no confidence in tho present Executive , wo deem ic imperatively necessary that a Cluirtist Convention should be summoned at a 3 early a day as possible to re-organise tlie Chartists movement , to support which we pled ge ourselvos to use all tho means at our disposal . " - —W . Meciian .
Hull . —At the weekly meeting of Land members ho \ dat the Malt Shovel , North Church side , a committee was appointed to collect funds for the purpose or assisting the London Committee in tbeir laudable endeavours to placo Mr . O'Conuor above want , or th « fear of it . The mcetiDg was adjourned to Monday , the 29 th inst .
Untitled Article
CENTRAL CO-OPERATIVE AGENCY , 76 , Charlotte-street , Fitzroy Square . Weekly Report , March 16 th to March 22 nd . The Agency transacted business with the following storeB : —Norwich , Birmingham , Povtsea , Leeds , Padibam , Braintree , Ullesthorpe , Banbury , Swindon , Woolwich , Tillicoultry , Bannockburn , Hey wood , Galaahiels , H (! ddersfield , &c . Samples of broadcloths have been received from the Rederaption Society of Leeds ; they are now on view at the Agency ' s offices , and orders will he received for them . We hear from the Co-operative Society at Congleton , that it is their intention to furnish us with samples of rib . bon . D , ; e notice will be given o < their promise being carried out .
It would be well if all the stores , not regularly supplied with the list of the goods sold by the Agency would send up their addresses at once , that they may be so supplied . Mr . Lloyd Jones , having left the Manchester district for the purpose of attending to the business in London ( a step rendered necessary by the rapid increase of the Irade of ihe Agency , ) will not be able to attend on the Stores in that neighbourhood , as formerly . This , however , need be no inconvenience to the StoreB ,, as orders forwarded through the post will be attended to just as well as if they had come by personal solicitation . Indeed , ihe Agency prefers that the orders should be sent directly from the Stores in the country , as it not only saves expense , but is also an evidence of confidence between the A gency and its customers ; which is the surest sign that Co-operation does not need either the pushing practices or cautiouB watchfulness of competitive business .
Untitled Article
The largest sailing vessel which ever floated on the . Clyde i 8 now lying ' at the Broomie lair . ine u , v , Kidston measurea l , 444 tons , Custom-house maftsurement , and is intended as a regular trader beiwwn Glasgow and Australia under the command of C » pt « n Patron Ja ^ j of the Montgomery . Her principal , 'f ?" ""^ " ^^ 1 G 8 feet ; brladth , 32 feet f dep th , 20 J feet Sha w » a bu ilt at New Glasgow , and launc hed in June , lttol . Exportation w Whrat » ^ " - T A ^ S * ; tity of wheat and flour has been shipped from the ports « f London and Hull for the ports of Prussia , which will be adSd at only nonnaal duty , in consequence of tfafl great soarcity wh ich prevails in that eountry of eT ery d « - 'SriptSi of gr-ta- ^ fJ ^ TV ™ 8 Uted t 0 * W « been entered mto by some of our leading cornfaotors in
thf ' iS&B News Letter" eayei :, « We underhand tint the Blue Ribbon , vacant by the death of the late Duke of Cam bridge , was given to the- Marquia of Donegal by Oil late goremment before their retirement from oftee . " ¦ 1 : * m
Ftttilttf Mmuzeme-
ftttilttf MMUzeme-
Untitled Article
THE AMALGAMATED SOCIETY OP ENGINEERS . THE STRIKE . On Saturday last a reduction took place in the allowance paid to members of the Amalgamated Society , who received only 10 s . per man for the paBt week , instead of log . paid since the first week of the strike up to Saturday , the 13 th of March . The non-society men received 10 s . as usual , thus piaciHg the whole of the skilled workmen belonging to trades in connexion with the Amalgamated Society upon a common footing . The reduofcion in the allowances to society men is said to have been made with a view of preparing against a lengthened continuance of tho contest , rather than from the fear of any immediate and severe strain upon the resources at the commnad of the Executive Council of the society . Subscriptions in aid of the operatives still flow in . 1 he labourers continue in a most deplorable conmtion . As an instance of the destitution to which they have been reduced , it may be mentioned that in tho West London branch they have only shared 11 s . 8 d . per man since tho commencement of the strike , or Is . 2 d . per week for ten weeks . *
©O*Ojm*Atfoe Jtotenigettce.
© o * ojm * atfoe Jtotenigettce .
Untitled Article
DUMFRIES AND MAXWKLLTOWN CO-OPERATIVE 3 'ROVISION SOCIETY . The 18 th Quarterly Meeting of this Society was held ia the Court House , Maxwelltoffn , on the evening of Monday , the 8 ch inst , Mr . ' Wiirdrop in the chair . The minutes of the Committee for the last three months having been read and approved of , a report of their transactions , and a state of tho Company ' s affairs , were discussed , from which it appeared that tho profits or surplus funds of tbe Company , for the last six months stood thus : —Auxiliary fund , £ 10 3 s . 1 \; profits for quarter ending 27 th November , 1851 , £ 19 14 s . Id , ; profits for quarter ending 27 t . h February , 1852 , £ 18 * 3 . 7 Jd . ; total , £ 47 18 * . 4 d . ; being upwards of 19 per cent , upon the declared value of shares . Tho report
also stated , that from the increasing prosperity of the Company ' s business , the Committee fully expected 40 per cent , profit at tbe end of their financial year , viz ., September next . They also recommended an extension of the Company ' s business , by adding to their stock teas , coffee , sugar , soap , soda , and tobacco and snuff ; to which the meeting agreed . The Committee notioed their having commenced a new trade this season , that of bacon curing , and expressed their regret at not having followed it out to a greater ex * tent for want of accommodation . They congratulated tho meeting on their having been able to secure a granary oonvenient to the Maxwelltown Store , in which they were from time to time placing oatmeal , corn , barley , Ac . The adoption of the report by the meeting being moved and seconded , was unanimously agreed to . The election Of office-bearers for the next six months was next proceeded
* with , and the president , vice-president , purchaser , secretary , auditors , and stock takers , were re-elected ; and Win . Moffat , blaoksmith William Todd , shoemaker ; and James Moodie , eloginaker j were appointed memberB of the Committee . Tbe president , in congratulating the meeting upoa the prospeota of the Company , remarked that forty per cent , profits in a twelvemonth might be considered , by somo unconnected with the Society , rather exorbitant ; but from the economical way in which their business was managed , coupled with the no credit system , it was easy to see how profits accumulated . After dwelling a few minuteB upon the cordial unanimity that distinguished their meetings , lie conoluded by proposing a vote of thanks to tie Prorost and magistrates of Maxwelltown for the use of the Court Bouse , which was cordially responded to . Vote * of thanka were next given to the retiring Committee , « nd to the president , and tho meeting adjourned .
Cjjavtfot Jhuelupnce.
CJjavtfot JhUelUpnce .
Untitled Article
TRADE IN SOUTH WALES . A month ' s notioo has been given at tho Ystalyfera works , at the termination of which a reduction of ten per cent , will take place . The depressed state of the iron trade has induced many families to prepare for emigrating in the course of the spring to the United States and to Australia . A large band is also forming in the neighbourhood of Merthyr for emigration to Australia , there being , it is feared , but slight hopes of an improvement in tvaile in tho spring . Among the colliers in Monmouthshire there is an intention on the part of the many to seek a new home . At Pohtypridd the colliers' strike still continues , and , as it is threatened that the works shall be closed , it is feared that very ruinons consequences will follow . The men resist the slightest reduction of their wages .
Untitled Article
WOLVERHAMPTON CONSPIRACY CASE . Glasgow , Mahch 24 . —Tho above case continues to excite the sympath y . and support of the Glasgow Trades nnd all we have visited fepreia their regret at the oppro ' ssfon of the employers , airaaho their determination to render assistance to discharge the debts incurred bj the London Defence Committee .
Untitled Article
they will ^^ rn 27 1852 THE STAR i . T will these endage ehSv ^ ^^ 111 M . ¦ ^
-
-
Citation
-
Northern Star (1837-1852), March 27, 1852, page 5, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1671/page/5/
-