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Northern Star (1837-1852), 4th September 1852, Edition 1 of 2, Page 10, Untitled Article

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      business through the means of credit and borrowed capital with no better security than their machinery , premises , and capability to do business , which working men might to some extent also ofter . But then there would be the interest to pay , and would not that diminish profits seriously ? Unquestionably it would ; but still the manufacturers manage to pay the interest now and to pay for labour too , and to make profits and build up fortunes beside ; and it is difficult to see why co-operators would not be in as good a position .

      But granting all that can be said upon that point , excluding the consideration of all ^ extraneous aid ; allowing that the money market would be closed against such purposes ; admitting that capitalists would not have sufficient faith in workingmen or interest enough in their welfare to malic them advances , the question still remains to be put , cannot they find the money for themselves ? We answer unhesitatingly , yes I If they have faith in themselves , in their fellows , and in the principles we advocate , they can do it without looking for help outside their own order . They have in their own hands , accumulated through their Trade Societies and Benefit Societies very large funds , of which hereafter we shall attempt

      to give an estimate—certainly more than enough to commence the work . These funds are now invested in Savings Banks , private banks , and the funds at a low rate of interest . Through these channels they find their way back into the general circulation , and form part of the credit capital with which their masters employ their labour and get profit . These funds gathered together and properly invested in the aid of Cooperative efforts—invested upon as good security as they are now , upon the security of the representative industry of the workers , and all tke wealth of the kingdom rests upon no more secure a basis , would produce a larger return by way of interest than they do at present , and would lay the foundation upon which might be raised a great superstructure of

      power . It would be the first great and sure step to the emancipation of all who live by labour from the tyranny of that capital which their toil has created , and their deliverance from that intense competition for profits which it is grinding down men , debasing women , and incapacitating children from rising above degradation . Such a plan , however , must have the sanction of the names of men of tried integrity , and the active aid of persons of unquestionable ability . It must also be fully matured and secured by the sanction of the law . How that is to be accomplished must be told in another ariicle .

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      PUBLIC MEETINGS , &c . QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS , No . 2 . Is it advisable that a better and more conciliatory policy be adopted by the Democratic body ?

      To the Editor o f the Stak op Fkkedom . Sik , —In approaching this question , I am perfectly aware oi theprejudiceandmisrepresentation that will be called into action by certain parties . Nevertheless , . as I am firmly convinced that it is a question that must be met , ere we stand any chance oi realising our hopes , I have resolved , at least , to open a discussion on the subject , which will no doubt be wrought out by abler than myself .

      . I recollect , in your inaugural address to the second series of the Frisiiiqfthe Peopl e there were these words , "As regards conductive ignore both faction and compromise . We believe it to be ^ mipossible to resussitate the worn out phrase . " let the dead bury their dead . " These words gave hope to many that a better and wiser course was about to be pursued ; hut never shall I forget the storm of abuse and misrepresentation that was hurled against you , and lest similar misrepresentations he made again&t me for writing , and you for publishing , these letters , I will state broadly and distinctly , that the principles which I wish to see established are tlmso contained in the People ' s Charter , and

      which will embrace the entire sovereignty of the people . Nothing less than this will ever srtisfy me , nor would I advise the people to ask for anything less . The point , therefore , that I want settling is , " how shall we get . the Charter ? " For my own part , I know of but two methods by which the people can obtain political power . The one is by physic ,, force , the other by moral power . Both oi these methods are , in my opinion , perfectly legitimate ; but the former never ought to be resorted to when the latter will

      accomplish the purpose . In such places as Russia , Austria , Borne , and at present France , which are governed on purely despotic principles , and where the liberty of the pen and tongue are annihilated , where the governments are huge conspiracies in such countries , physical force becomes a sacred duty , which every man-r-who is not a traitor to his species , and an enemy to his liberty—is . bound to have recourse to . But I am not now speaking of those countries , but of a country where we enjoy a large measure of freedom of speech . We may lay bare the rascality of the priesthood , and even call in question the truth oi ; their tenets . We may expose the extravagance of the government , and point out its unjust and exclusive characters . In

      fact , we may talk about anything , or everything , if we only keep our hands off peoples persons and property , and do not frighten the old women by talking about fighting . A people thus situated cannot conspire ; it is impossible . In fact no attempts of this kind are ever made , except in times of commercial distress , and then the voice of agitation is a hungry howl iaisedbymen , the majority of whom have no fixed principles nor any clear idea of the cause of their distress : still less of the

      means by which it is to be removed . They therefore fly on the first appearance of danger , leaving the few men of principle who stand at their head to bear the full weight of governmental wrath . Being screened by their insignificance , they remain in security until the next panic awakes them from their slumbers and just as they are utterly powerless , they again make their appearanee in the political world , again to play the same game with the same disastrous results .

      Such will always be the consequence of any attempt at physical force in this country . It has required a long course of dear bought experience to demonstrate the truth of this position . When , therefore , the next panic comes , let the leaders of the democratic cause be prepared to enlighten the minds of the

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      people , instead of inflaming their passions , and some good will ultimately be accomplished . Seeing that we stand no chance in this country of ever again making a physical force revolation , it follows that if ever we are to have < i revolution in government , it will have to be brought about by the united moral power of the people , it therefore becomes our duty to enquire how this can be done . We have already seen that " it is impossible to persuade any considerable portion of the labouring class to unite heartily for such a purpose . We have flattered their pride , and have told them they were wise , when a uast portion were as ignornnt ay asses . We have told thorn they were virtuous , when a large portion were steeped to the lips with vice . Had we spent half t ! : n time

      m endeavouring to reform their morals and improve their minds , that we have in flattering and deceiving them , the results would have been indifferent . But it is now too Lite to menu , though in this case it is nearly so , for the party who still hold together have become so accustomed to flattery and humbug that nothing else will suit them . The man who attempts to teach them plain common > c ; ise is either hooted or laughed down ; no amount of previous labor in the cause of liberty being any guarantee for the continued confidence of this particular body ; while the man who can natter find claul them to the highest pitch , though he be the greatest knave in existence , is sure to meet with applause and support ,

      Looking impartially at these circumstances , I am led to the conclusion that all attempts to raise a party , from rmonj ; the working classes merely , sufficiently powerful , united , and persevering to wrest the Charter from the government , are at present hopeless ; for a union of this , sufficiently strong to effect any good , must consist of : a large majority of the entire people . Of what earthly use are the present associations , contisting , as most of them do , of from half-a-dozen to twenty or thirty persons ; in no town do they number as many units as there arc thousands of inhabitants . * Is there any sincere Chartist , possessing the ordinary amount of intelligence , that can imagine for a single moment that a result can be accomplished by such an insi g nificant force . If there is , he will find himself woefully

      deceived . Indeed , the only purpose for which most of these associations exist at the present is to increase the number of our enemies , and split up and weaken the already too feeble army of Democracy . A new and better policy has therefore become a necessity for the true and earnest democrat . I am perfectly aware , Mr . Editor , of the amount of misrepresentation that will take place on this point . I am perfectly aware that the mere agitator , who wants to live by the trade , and who never intends that the people ' s hopes shall be realised , will endeavour to raise the cry of "traitor , " " middle-class tool , " &c ; nevertheless , we who want the thing done , and done as soon as possible , must not be deterred by such considerations . So long as we standby our principles , we are justified in using such means as we think best to accomplish the advent of the people ' s liberty .

      And , as we ' are not infallible , if the plans which we propose fail to accomplish the end sought , we shall be justified in making such improvements as experienck may dictate . Such , is the course pursued by the skilful artisan when he constructs a new machine . When he first seta it to work he proceeds to note down its defects , and make improvements , time after time , until lie has breught it to perfection . Such must be the course pursued by the political machinist . If his machinery is found to be defective , or does not produce the anticipated resuli , he must set to work to repair it .

      > Tuere is one other subject to which I will allude before quitting this part of the part of the subject , that is our propagandist machinery . This , as your are aware , has heretofore consisted in public meetings , processions , and great demonstrates ; the platform being the grand emporian whence our wares ; wo been distributed . Now , undoubtedly , this was a very successful method , and proved highly advantageous to our cause up to a certain time , after which its efficacy began to decline . Various reasons may be assigned for this-, sonwjof which I have already alluded to , others there are equally pernicious . The leeturers fmm

      had no small share in driving awav the . . i . ndip . n ^ . pq miv nad no small share m driving away the audiences from our halls by the imperfect manner in which they performed their task ; indeed , numbers of them ought never to have mounted a platform , for they were more ignorat of the principles they had undertaken to expound than the audiences they had called together to enlighten . Hence their time was taken up in wild and incoherent declamation , leaving the people worse than they had found them . Swarms of idle vagabonds took advantage of the lecturing mania , and threw down their own imploymcat that isthose who had istnose who nad

      ( , any ) , appointed themselves as lecturers \ ia . M , any ] , appointed themselves as lecturers , and having marked out for themselves a route , senl it to the Star for insertion , and off they marched , a flaming band of tramping patriots . The thing , however , become an intolerable bore , and brought the whole lecturing system into contemot . The frequency with which lectures were delivered soon destroyed the novelty of them , and by reducing them to an every day occurrence , destroyed their efficacy .

      Our large processions and county demonstrations havin ^ been got up for the purpose of " striking terror" into the ° other portions of society by showing them numbers which did not in reality belong to us , has acted to our prejudice in two ways first , by deceiving parties as to our real strength ; and secondly ' by raising up a strong feeling of animosity against us on the part of numbers who would otherwise h ave been with us . We have likewise outraged the feelings of the religious world by the

      holding our meetings on Sunday , and thus putting it out of the power of that party to unite with us . 1 have no sympathy with the priest-ridden herd , and shall rejoice in the day when their eyes are opened to the delusion which is being practise *! upon them . But what shall we do ? there they are v-fth ' all their prejudices upon them . Tnoy command a vast inikience in the world , and shall we so arrange our society that that influence shall be directed against us ? If we ' do , we are not acting wisely , for wo ought to lose no power that we can have it is all needed , and will be found little enough . I have mentioned this last circumstance , because I have been so oft-n attacked upon it by the religious world . Doubtless . the priest hood as a body are opposed to us , as they have ever been tue enemies of progress ; but it is their supporters that wwant ; and , I ask , shall we ever get them if we Dut it out of their power to join us ? Most certainl y not ; if we can o-ct tl-o congregations the pars will soon follow , in a word v % winfc our society to be built upon such principles that it must com mancl the respect and esteem of all parties . Until we cm onng our minds todo this we shall remain as we are , a weak , disunited , and despised body . ' ; PHILO .

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      Many , * friends have suggested the union of the " Eurnn Freedom Fund , " with , the " Refugee Fund , " believhi"S one ; . combined , vigorous effort , on the part of the British pT mocracy would ensure the success of both . This import ° t question is under consideration . ut Letters of the unemployed refugees arc being prepared ° - publication and distribution among the friends of the cxil ^ ° '

      Monies Received , August 27 th . Broilght forward , balance in hand August <) j , ' j ' A Friend , per Walter Cooper \ ~ ' A Member of the Committee o ¦[ ( . Barnsley : per T . Lingard 0 a q W . Ii ., Pocklington 0 () | j * W The following correspondence has been received : To the Members of the Political Refugee Committe "

      G . FNTLEMEN , —We heartily thank you for the generous appeal you have made to the hospitality of the English nation in f ^ y ^ , of our fellow countrymen who are in distress . It is true , that ohe funds raised hitherto can go but a short way , as you ' have said , to relieve the necessities of our unfortuuate brethren , 1 ^ wo are not the less grateful to you . Only , let it be understood that , above all , the French Refugees ask for labour . To enable them to work bravely for their livelihood , would be the best mode of administering assistance to men who suffer for luivinp ; defended freedom and loved justice . Yours faithfully , The Members of the Committee-- * J . Pu . Bey . vm A . Behlik : ;/ , T . Tuoke Boissox , jun . BoiciiOT Felix Py . at Louis Blanc

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      lo ike Engluk Workmen who have helped us . Our Commission has already thanked you , but for our own part , we thank you , English brethren , for your feelings of brotherhood . Your gift is more than the gift of a rich man ; it was the gift of a free and hard-working man , therefore we accept it with joy and pride , well knowing that the gift of your sweat will be the guarantee of the future brotherhood between all labourers throughout the world .

      It is with thankfulness that we have received from our friimil the citizen , Louis Blanc , what you offered so kindly to us ; Initj brethren , could you not help us to something better than money —to work ? It is sad tor us to remain in unwilling idleness , it is wearisome for us to do nothing all the day long ; for we were accustomed to labour , even to hard labour , and we should like to work and deal with you , that we may know you , and love you , and obtain a free and honest living for our wives and children .

      Do not fear our competition in the labour market ; we arc not numerous enough for it . There shall be no competition when we shall hold together as brothers and friends . We shall come to you but to encourage and strengthen your numbers . Let us be united now in the days of sadness and misery , and thus we will prepare tin future union between all the members of the human family . English workmen ; let us shake hands together ; let us be friends—good friends—and go-a-l \ ead I ( Signed ) Le Chios , Delegate of the Luxembourg , 7 , Hodden Court , Regent-street .

      FORMATION OF A HEt fUGEE COMMITTEE AT BUISTOL . Some weeks ago the Btah of Freedom in its columns kindly noticed the condition and wants of the Refugees at present in England , and to-day with pleasure we report that a committee has already becn ' formod at Bristol , on behalf of the Refugees ; The meetings of the committee are held at the Young Men ' s Rooms , Castle Green . The endeavours of the committee will be directed towards obtaining employment , as one of the most

      pressing wants . Large would bo the field upon which the committee would labour , for many are Refugees , who want our assistance ; lout to regulate the process of work , the committee having equally the fate of all Refugees in mind , for the present took care of the Polish , as their number is vastly enlarged by new exiles expected from Greece and Prussia . " The last meeting was held at the above-mentioned place , on Monday last , Mr . George Powell was unanimously called to the rtl-.. » C- » . ~\ l ,. T > TIT 1 ' _ 1 i i . ** iiT i \ 'i ' i . chair Wareski elected White

      ; Mr . B . , was secretary , and Mr . , treasurer . The committee turned the discussion towards the selecting of proper means to awake the attention of the people , and as the calling of a public meeting did not seem at this season of the year the most suitable , the committee decided upon printing a list of unemployed Refugees , including their profession , and with a short notice to the people . Three hundrccUopics of this list will be printed in the course of this week The members of the committee charged themselves with its distribution .

      The meeting adjourned till Monday next , at c&ht o ' clock , when all friends are kindly invited to attend .

      ^ oT'mGiUM . —Tuk ! SEi : uLAitrLu . L . —Wo have ha « . t a triumph at Lenton , the authorities ivied to prevent Jlr . Broom ' s delivery of his second lecture , but foiled . A friend lent us a largo piece of land in the centre of the town , whore all the people flocked to hear the long lecture that was delivered , to them . Sunday morning , long before Mr . Broom had reached the forest , thousands had assembled to listen to his last lecture on the Dogmas of Theology . He spoke above two ^ hours , and a large collection was ' made for the Sccuto 1 ' Society , at the conclusion , friends came far and wide to the tea-party that was held in the afternoon . The hall was literally crammed . Two courses of tea had to be served . " Have ourselves , save oppressors , ' " Marsellaisc'" were sung * and "He ' s my Brother , ' and the ' " Voice of Freedom , " ^ re recited by Mr . Broom . ' He delivered a long lecture on organisation , showing the follies of the past awftho chances oi W present The society is adopting plans to have built a W nail of their own as their present one is too small .

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      The New National Gallery .-We understand tm the authorities have it in contemplation to purchase ;'' extensive property of the Earl of Harrington , situate" J Old Brompton , for the purpose of erecting a new Gallery .

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      POLITICAL REFUGEE COMMITTEE . At a meeting of this _ body , on Friday last , it was rooked to hold the future meetings every FkiiAy instead of Monday evening . Members are earnestl y requested to attend y

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      58 . THE STAB , OF FEEEDOM . Sptmbr 4 , 1825-

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Sept. 4, 1852, page 10, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1694/page/10/