On this page
- Departments (1)
-
Text (4)
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
¦^^f^Tcorr r&umnnue . -
-
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
^ S coottcaiio * . rpos ^ % TOSS OF EXPEBIENCY-TBi ^ SFEBSoMISE-POiUICAL TRAFFIC , AND
LoffSSSAlIW . ILgsaiioii , » nee the passing of the Reform Bill , OaBp ^ Ji ^ jm ry extensiTe in political use ; but * * shov that it , Also . « **» tenna expediency fl praniw . h » *** ^ PP ^ « lHnsition me " recompense for less sustained , - 23 S *" rfto ' " flew 4 to B ^ ™ iU Bidj " pI&il 1 " laBguage csn * " * s « riB « & ** ^ people bad sustained great Of *! ^ system of representation , and tie k * ^ rom . _ , to fcaTe insured the nearest thing to ^^ - tj »{ is , a means of preventing a recur < SgS ? e ! a ^' rA to have given compensation by | SBe ¦ rote a » sn equivsleEt for taxation . ; because , J ® 5 e ^ in mind , the one and only j « wel of tie ****** BS 1 *»* ft ^ ^ ° * ^ P * 1161 ? 16 ' tliat ***** jai represftiitation should be co-extensive and ***** jag people , then , long cheated under a tfrS ! rLs : em , were , M s matter of c 0 QMe , the ^ js this peat new compact who -were to have got
^• a on . ffji , 1 « us see . Js . int aba * which was proposed to be remedied asi ; btJ jobbing in Ireland , and the placing all " ^ eu taken under the Boad Act , and li nes of liibwl & ^ hMkdi of trustecs for re P * ' oaS of fckadsof those -who had long made a liTelihood out f ^ gsffic-it being al ways understood that road * jj jreland formed one of the principal means by ^ . 1 — . ** v «* o-na > ml « ni ^ ^^ -nnri ^ t "Kf "D * in generaland county MP - B
_ LLTjoBjiny gentlemen , .. a HSJeolsr , proTided for creditors , servants , bad L ^ , poor relations , and political supporters . In iaaaces , one , two , three , four , and fire thousand iu been nude by individuals in this sort of ^ s Tuid , not satisfied with the undisturbed possesiatfmeafire abase , they had the matchless effrontery , jBi GoTernffleat lad tie matchless audacity , to grant o-jpasasn , ibex the demand should hare been" for
res&nasffl . _ _ Tte kiJ isaiase of compensation ^ always barring b-boj s& , *« ^ P » yu » ent of twenty millions of Ea rijifc jbokj , as compensation to savages , human tajtbei , irfco b * i made immense fertunes by stealing , eBjsi , Bid -wddng Eum&n beings to death . Here , * s , lias * Bsformed Parliament should haTe ordered fte ^ f & loditt planters to disgorge and restore all ft » ws ? stj Tbkb . they had made by the foulest abo-^ j ^ ja , -, bs wrong parties step in , and get compensa timfcaar own abuse .
ISBSSosly to the poor negro that compensation gj ^ B » ts been made , but to the English working jjae ik -, as the very principle established by the iijTfai made those of the mother country slaTes ^ Ms aaly in the actual csntroul over their time and iitc , Sc is contronl over their life and property laa , ispiasment for the navy , ballotting for the f ifen . rknapping . child-stalling , and even man-st # al ja iad BiiE ^ diicg , "were all so many abominations fTTry irr fnan the parent abcsa . Here , then , recomp 3 Bc e& Equivalent were given to the aggressors , and psM bj ifcs aggrieTed .
WLa Hother Church had dried up the paps of the xjt ctiiucii cow , by continuous mil king—when the mm lad literally eaten the calf in the cow's belly , d whs tis Citholic people were actually unable to j fas Protestant warship , the pt » pie of England 2 S e » M npoa to " lend , " as they call it , one million mane ; to the Irish parsons , but to git e , as I call © Tsr rra miilions in loan , gift , law expences , aojustnt , ssd disbarsiment , and Tngn « jym PTit of Jill jobbing 335 . Here , then , instead of the shepherds who , m ame immemorial , had been fieeting the Socks , ng KffiMlled to rastain those fiocks in the hour of
ed , sad . Bes&on of calamity , we find the Tery poverty ikh thsj h&i in p 3 rt caused urged as just grounds for rspenssaon . Here , agwn , insiesd o ! the aggressors oarini reward , they should hare paid compeiisation tifagriered . Asaiber , and a most singular ease of compensation , sSatoi the Duchess of Hsu ' s aranity ; she was iuwad , I think , stren thousana s year for the educaiffl < £ her own child , onr own Qneen , and as soon &s awackwaspsrfeetsd , and she was relijred of the ¦ oa&e iid erpencfc , one would nstaraUr ssj that she » eH fcsre ceased to reseire an egai-ra ^ ent for her
il »^ r , te BO , bo fa silierwise , Parliament in its risaoE Socbfed it , £ Ed coatiBued i : for lu ' e , that is j hsJacfe , and upon you and your heirs for ever . la ifcf IhuicS ! got the compensation , and I trust , we iiUffit ciy hsre an equiTalent in the knowledge "a tot * displayed S 3 the fruits of the teaching . IianSsposed of country gentlemen , West Indi 3 planas , jss = 3 , aad the Qaeeu ' s mother , and now I come to ii oid erpesdoas . These were considered the most ssrqs . jiKag , and expense institutions in the ^ raay . Jai , in fact , their corruption went a great * J 7 ia GEaaj for Kfoj ^ . xhe oficers had Iod s
fat-^ Motja abuse and plunder , which , as a matter of ^ s , if refonoe . 3 inr . itutiens , " the Rasssll p ^ rst , " CDiid h-R made thtra disgorge ; but no , they get anpsssia _ ilr-0-0 = cii £ ll most hera-caUy demanded compensa ks la a . c £ sscs of the Irish corporations , whose ^¦* a 13 sofia from the reformed system . As an 2-niiai lassoes , cot of corporation , bat of loss of f ^ s *> Sir Abraham Bradey King stationer w fem , Trhe had made thousands and a title , F " ^ -isk , ccmpensatiois to the amount of £ 2 , * 00 a
¦¦* «!¦ I : is natttnUy to be presumed that judges f -aia from that rsui at the bar in which the ^ = 3 hays beta made of public and private r ^ ^ ^^ caring which season of prosperity , -- —« siMld be laid up for a rainy day , and some-¦ jiaoRfcadditi on from the large salary of a judge . - ~> ETsa iere , -re £ cd , after making thousands ^< a i aoa ancLs , compensation is to be given , s > > l 3 i = aea Tea - rtce : pt of from ^ > c , , x- > 0 oe T ^ - . a ^ csse of a Judge retiring ; and after re-• jjj ^ ^^ 'T iio / . co per annum in case of a T ^ re-jrfng . y Ov , I think , eren sinking the
^ p' ^ r * ' tatin 5 the loTest sa ^ T of a f . " 7 ^** * S ^ ileEan may contrive to lay np enough . J " i 3 s » a resourses , cf £ ro , fOO in fourteen years , ¦ J ^ Wablr upM for life . tr ^ J ?*? y l aea 11 V fcO do k-ere and there , giTe S & Tid ° i ^ iasce of a gross job . Spring Riee « sp ^^ int 0 inexI ! licable dlificulties , and got a lot 2 ' ' a J 631 as compensation . Eae ^ I ™ eoiag ® x ° * 3 h every branch , and now i i p ^ J ^ most intricate , bat yon must follow me , ¦ l ^^ ai me .
sieaai ' ' . > ^ analysing the immense and ^^^^ sidaiier ; of a portion of military abuse , siiaa r ^ ' PE a " * s " 9 s'ers ^^ "beginning the system , * 5 * 5 y ° " - ia ' ^ l ^ ' bother French war , and an augmea-: tbdK ^ ^ lniIIi 1 > er of ^^ P 3 . 1 c 31 " 6 n ° t what , say « d bs ^ v , e BfeTeral regiments commissions Kt-m ^ . ^ Ten ****¦ J 1 * ° : id ' Ck > T « m"re ^ CT *^ ^ P ^^ hase money , say , aecording-¦* ycg ^ . — ^^ wumc Auuutr / , oa / , 2 iccyruiii ^ -
Egarr ^ j ? * " 00 for a cornelcy of dragoons , or ^¦^ tr YoXl Iaj tte fdl P 3 ? of ^ wIlole a a ^ j ^ ^ Tice ' - oppose a reduction of the > kti g ^ r * - * P *** - what do you pay ? Why , ^ Ss t-, Sft * t 0 twenty per cent for ever i' * i ^ fe ^ ' ^** Whkb GoTemment t ^ received , i a JajjT * an end to the service . You pay ^ te bad ^^ S 3 J for eTer " Tbeta ^ -P » 7 ^ a 5 o ^ mT &e eD 2 igtl > woald amount to from " ' ¦^ tit sli Per ^ at" ^ P 011 t ^ 8 original sums of Vit , V . *** MKLmiKKI m *
^ W *! " ? do with private sales of eomsgsj ^ jj ^^ adiTiduais they are not governed by SQ ! l % a !* r ** ' « nnic 2 i as three times the regute ^ T lTe 77 ° ften fQr " e ^ caange by efficers at ^ from s . ( Bi 01 r .. to 4 .. g ^ . ^ . Sot t b *>«« jw . T * ^ * 5 > to erer , and why ? Be-^ «• Wi ^ regime 31 ta to i » w three hundred L ? »* nw- i : id roppose " ^ n 1 * * them ^^^ ofZ J ° ** " ^ " **• ^ " t ^ T tO makehis demand for the ft ^^ t ^^^ npon *• foUowil * ^* * S" ^ ° " « »«*<* the kill ed , ^ ' ^ S ^ ?^ K «» » that would be every ^ ^ p ^ ^^^ otddgoiB sop , to minis-~^ «»*« Sutsex , B ^ e Cambridge ,
Untitled Article
• Queen Adelaide , and Queen Kent , and . all the Royal Family , "were to die to-morro-w , —do yo-a suppose that taxes to the amount of xeh&i ttey now receive ¦ would be remitted , or that one farthing of the saving would go in ease of taxes yet to be laid on ? No , not one penny ; and , gvre me leave to tell you , that though we hear nothing of it , it is this accumulation of ages of abuse , for which the people at obliged to give compensation , instead of the aggressors making restitution , which is fast hurrying the aristocracy and middle classes to bankruptcy , and the people to beggary and revolt You see , then , there is no suck thing as annuitants of abuse . When the life interest ceases , the fee reverts back to the original granters , and becomes traffic-money for new abuses , and increased support .
Observe , that with respect to the three hundred officer * , it makes no difference to you whether they have purchased , or hare been presented with their commissions . All the purchase money goes into the hands of the Government ; you pay fall pay during the period of service , and half pay in perpetuity . A sophi * t may say , bow could aC purchase , m corneteies and ensignciea are the only commissions * old ? guppose we had now one hundred thousand treops , and no half-pay officers , and suppose that an augmentation of
ten thousand was required for war purposes . The superior officers of the old force of one hundred thousand would get a step , and the new force would be made up from their ranks , while , as all must commence with carrying the colours , yon would hare an appointment of subalterns for the whole one hundred and ten thousand , and even that would be too few ; so the first appointment of cernets and ensigns would get a rapid step to the rank of lieutenants , and the thing would be done .
If parties who have power fail in a speculation they receive compensation for their Insolence ; hence , the Chines © war was nothing more or less than a war of compensation , for a set « f English , and , Scotch jobbers , who took lands in India for the jwrpose of growing epium upon speculation and forcing it , u & contraband ana prohibited article , upon the Chinese . Had those who lost their smuggled property never complained , you would never have heard of the war .
See how differently they treat the poor speculator . If a man establishes a private still for the manufacture of unadulterated spirits , and if it is seized , he l oses bis property , and subjects himself to heavy penalties . So if he smuggles gloves , lace , pictures , brandy , anything even knowledge , from foreign countries , his compensation is to lose all his property . The fundera got an increase from £ « 0 to £ 90 upon all amounts in the funds , just at a time when they should have reduced their demand , in consideration of the great rednction upon all the necessaries of life . The landlords gav 6 themselves compensation , by raising their rents to nearly a war price , instead of reducing taxation to the level of a peace establishment . Observe well , the people , in this instance , as in all
others , pay fer all ; and last , though not least , of the lot , the parsons will look for their compensation when a repeal of the Corn Laws reduce * tithes by reducing rents ; and John Bull , be he Papist , Jew , Turk , Protestant , or Athiest , will net escape the nicely constructed meshes of the holy and sanctified Church net « - All is Rsb that cosies to that net ; and now , believe me , good Christians , that nineteen in every twenty State Parsons and Bishops in the Empire , would prtfer receiving a guinea for cavilling with a nation of i nfidels , to a pound received from a pious congregation of the-very best of Christians . PMIpotts , ot coarse , wont tell yon so ; but , if the honour of the Lords Spiritual conld be relied upon , and should they hereby pledge it , they would , one and all , say the " guinea legally , upon my honour .
Agam , in the Excise , when the English and Irish establishments were consolidated , we had many young gentlemen of twenty-eight years of age , fox-hunting four days a week , and half drunk all the week . placed upon the superannuated list for compensation . What a farce ! ! ! But so it is in all matters affecting the powerful ; and now let us apply the rule to the different orders of the lower classes . If I walk in Greenwich Park I am delighted at the sight of old men who have spent their youth in fighting the battles of tyrants and misrule . I dent blame the men ; they have been pressed , and even if Tolunteers , better that than
rfcarradph . If I follow thfm to thfeir abode , I see none of the machinery of a cold bastile . I see a neat and comfortable sleeping room well furnished for each . I see a contented family sitting joyous arojind a smoking repast I see them well clad . I see their rules aud regulations put in operation , by those of tteir own erdei and profession , and who have a fellow feeling for them , as members of the same profession . I hear of no restraint or punishment beyond an exchange for a different coloured dress for drunkenness ; in short , I see them as men ought to be in the latter end of their days , happy , independent , and comfortable , and I see a noble school and " college for the education of their children ; this is their just compensation .
But "when I coae to look upon the autumn of the productive labourer ' s life , or rather the sammer prematurely turned ia winter ; whan I reflect that an operative of the age of thirty-five , has done more real service to his country and society than all the sailors in England , and when I see him still willing and able to work , but made idle and thrown upon his own resources and handed over fur his compensation to the tender mercies of three men , neither of his order or profession , no play-groand , no school , no tender care , no comfort , but l « ok ^ d upon as so much proud flesh sloughed from the general sore of over-population , then I am sick at heart . Again , look at the disabled and veteran soldier in Chelsea Hostital—look at the old man ' s Hospital
Bat , but , bnt , and above all , look at the cheerfulness with -which the unrepresented allow the Government to Tote annual compensation to the Polish patriots , while they allow them to vote a larger sum for the prosecution of their own patriots . Think well over that one political tirge in the picture . You cheerfully pay for the support of the Polish patriots , while your own , for a less crime in the eye of the law , are banished , at
your expeuee , after thousands being expended upon their mock trial and cunviction . Again , I say , think of that , and also think , and think well upon this factthat the present generation ^ of paupers , thrown upon tkeir own poor resources , are compelled to pay com pensation for every abuse which has existed for ageB , and been transferred to them , and that the liability is / or ever ; hence has the evil so multiplied , that it hasbecome a monster difficult to be grappled with .
A poor girl is seduced and has a bastard ; she and her child are thrown upon her own resources . A rich woman is seduced ky a monarch , and she has a royal bastard , who receives compensation for his mother ' s loss of chastity , and distinction to cover the royal disgrace . Think of that also . Idle country gentlemen got commissions in the militia , and when they were disbanded the staffs were kept in full pay as their compensation . I could cite instances innumerable , but I have said enough to arouse reflection and . awaken pride . Thirk , O think of those things , and dont lose sight of them . And now I take a moment's rest after this , I fear , too long and melancholy letter .
My next ehall be upon Church Chartism , Teetotal Chartism , Knowledge Chartism , and Household Chartism . But till you read all form no opinion ; in the mean time , though I mean to denounce one and all as trick , farce , cheat , or humbug , dont mistake me ; I do not object to Chartists b # iBg religions—to Chartists being teetotallers—to Chartists thirsting after knowl edge , or to Chartists voting out of , and living in , th « r own bouses . No , no ; I approve of all ; but I will show you tlie danger of establishing four different methods of arriving at the same end , in which , although a perfect identity and harmony is professed , yet a totally different means of arriving at the end is proposed by one and all , which must inevitably split ranks , ithat should be united firmly upon a given principle , ) into four different detail sections .
Working men , stand by your order . You have been too often deceived by those who professed friendship , ever again to trust , save in yourselves . They have thrown you upon your own resources ; use them , and you are free ; abuse them , and you are slaves for life . I am , Your faithful , devoted , and "Unpurchasable Friend , FEAEGUS O'COXKOB .
Untitled Article
TO EVERY WORKING MAN , WOMAN , AND CHILD ; TO EYEKY FATHER , MOTHER , SISTER , BROTHER , HUSBAND , WIFE , UNCLE , AUNT , COUSIN , RELATION , FRIEND , AND ACQUAINTANCE OF SUCH IN ENGLAND . 0 > B and all I ask , have you read Martin's letter in last weeks Star , and are the victims yet in the dungeons , and in the clutches of the tender Shepherds ? I cannot write tamely upon this subject ; who could ? My blood flies through my veins ; my brain is maddened , and my soul is on the rack , that I should be compelled to " read , mark , learn , and inwardly digest " this horrid , heart-sickening tale , and be debarred the privilege of flying through the land with my wonted speed , to liberate the captive .
I must be calm , lest I writs libel in the damning language of troth , and , thereby , allow the overzeal of the advocate to damage the cause of his clients . You are all at large ; I am in one of the solitary cells of a felon ' s dungeon ; locked up from morning till sight—but what is my suffering compared to the suffering pourtrayed by Martin , and silently endured by poor Carrier and others , who hare not even the privilege of complaining ? nor indeed have I the privilege , but , being in a felons' gaol , I steal it Well , then , you are at large in the sea-bound dungeon ; and my mind is more free , within the precints of my cell , than that of any one of my tyrant oppressors , who , though at large , are bound in mental fetters . Shall we join spirits , if not at hands ? shall we mingle voices on behalf of the friendless , the captive and the oppressed . '
The men of Sheffield say they will follow whithersoever I lead . I thank them , from my soul , for their confidence . I never will lead them from the path of virtue , or a single hair ' s breadth from the safe and straight road to freedom : not that | freedom which would degenerate into licentiousness , but freedom tempered with reason and discretion . Will they , and you , follow me in the short and pleasing tour through the sweet fields of philanthropy for a little , a very little time ? Will you wipe off the past stain up « n your country ' s honour , and prove that you will have
freedom , at all events ? Will you join me in opening the dungeon ' s massive door , and releasing its virtuous inmates ? I ask you in my own name , in year country's name , in God ' s name . I would go down on my knees , and beg , in a -voice , more suppliant than ever beggar asked foi alms , or sentenced convict pleaded for his life . Your task shall be an easy one ; your duty shall be a pleasing one , the most delightful that man can perform , that of doing good to others , of relieving the oppressed , and setting the captive free .
The value of my plans has ever been that they Are inexpensive , and , if followed , must lead to Euccess , while they close all the avenues against jobbing and political traffic . Her « is my plan . Send ten good men to London , to meet there upon Monday , the 12 th of April . Call them " The Political Prisoners * Liberation and Chartist Petition Convention . " I must stuff the Charter in everywhere , as the means of putting an end to a recurrence of the eviL London , from eur ranks , will add five to the number , making a compact Convention of fifteen . Let their duties be to receive petitions from all parts of the kingdom , for the liberation of all political offenders , and for the Charter—one prayer , and a short one , will answer for both . Let them divide Ltndon into
ten districts , and let a delegate and a London friend attend somewhere in his district every night , for the purpose of creating a proper feeling , and of getting up petitions . Let tbe missionaries , and all class-leaders , and all news-vendors , and all barbers and friendly shopkeepers have sheets for signatures and let notice be given , at the several meetiogs , where the sheets lie , and have sheets at all the meetings . Let all the addresses and petitions in favour of Frost , &c ., be sent at the same time . Thus you will have a compact working body of fifteen upon the spot , performing several duties at once . You will have your Transported Victim Convention , your Charter Convention and your Prisoners' -Release Convention all iria jiiJtcta in uno—three joined in one . I now come to the means .
If every honest Radical in the kingdom will join me , -we will do it at the Blight expence of one penny . Bear in mind that I caa only rely upon my own stall ' , and what do I a * k them for ? Why , one halfpenny a week , for two weeks , and no wore ! If all consent to give one halfpenny fur each of the laH two weeks in April , it will pay your delegates £ 3 per week & man ; pay for a place of meeting , and leave a surplus ; but we must pin our friends to a sum , say £ 30 a week for ten country delegates ; the London friends will cheerfully give a helping hand in turn . I propose that the delegates shall remain in London till Monday , the 26 th of April , just one fortnight , anil arrive , say on Monday , the 12 th of April ; that they shall receive two weeks' salary , paid weekly , and that each district shall pay the expence of sending its delegates , and bringing them back from London .
On or before Friday , the 23 rd of April , all petitions should be presented ; and on or before Thursday , 22 < 1 of AprU , Mr . DuBcombe , whom I recommend for the job , fchould give notice that on Friday , the 23 rd , ( upoa the House going into committee upon the Iri&h Registration , ! he will move upon the first part of the prayer of the petition , namely , an address to the Queen for the liberation ot all political prisoners . Whigs and Tories stand by each other better than we do , and they both unite against us ; whereas , if we were to unite heartily against them , their opposition would V > e but as the ripple upon the current
Xow let me explain what we get by this . In the first Dlaee , we once more bring our question of national rigbt before the world . You find that Lord John Russell attaches great importance to the effect produced by domestic feelings and excitement , upon our foreign relations , and unless you absolutely throw yourselves in the way of the press , it will not report your proceedings . Wiiat makes the Irish bubble of more consequence than the strong current of national opinion throughout Great Britain ? Why , the simple fact that the press keeps it eternally boiling and it has its due weight Recollect that Mr . Charles Buller has told you that " the most effective insurrection is that which never actually breaks out , but which is always to be apprehended . "
Now , what do you gain for your £ 60 ? Ltt us see . Firstly , you ought to b ^ ve more than two millions of signatures for the Charter and the release of your prisoners . Secondly , instead of allowing the Whigs to close the session , and snap their fingers at the Chartists , exulting in having for ever put them down , you will have proved your increased resolution ; for , observe , niy friends , you must not imagine that because you are satisfied in your own minds , that we have now two Chartists f » r every ene we had before persecution led to the wider dissemination of our principles , that , therefore , those who read Whig and Tory newspapers , ami who merely judge ol questions according to their effect , as stated in the House , are equally well informed upou the fact of the increase of Chartism .
There is one fact which , I think , ought to settle the question . It is this . I assure you that aothing couM possibiy give the Whigs so much pleasure as your total and complete silence upon the question of the Charter . O ConneH and his party wish to make the Ministerial Irish humbug agitatioD an estingui&her for all others ; let us just put an extinguisher upou his rushlight for a fortnight Again , if we are to have a dissolution , it is indispensible that you should be able to judge candidates by their most recent acts , and , believe me , many will w illingly t « ll you , for the sake of another seven year ' s lease , that they have changed their opinions since the National Petition , and would , if more recently tested , have voted for the Charter ; and as for the Chartist prisoners , they never heard of petitions or any great anxiety about them .
Again , London deserves well at your hands ; our brave and glorious Peats , Neesoms , Walls , Camerons , Spurs , and Boggis ' s have fought a glorious winter ' s campaign ; making war to the knife , against the united factions , in the very citadel . They deserve aid , help , and succour from the provinces-I will , in another letter , prove to you that we were all to Lave been sold , first , at Leeds , on the 21 st of January , and then in London . Well , you invigorate our noble garrison ; you strike terror and dismay into the amalgamators , and , above all , always bear in mind th&t Ministers never take the slightest notice of progression ; they are governed by results , and such results as wonld be produced by my plan would be more effective than meeting in thousands and tens of thousands in the provinces , and not noticed by the press .
Again : the country never has , even to this hour , expressed itself upon the case of the incarcerated Chartists ; and well may Mr . OConaell go to his patriots at the Corn Exchange , and say , " Only just think of the rascally Chartists , with 431 prisoners , for mere political offences ; they allow them to die in gaols , upon the tread-mill , without an effort for their liberation . O . ' if we had but one repealer in , would'nt he make the country too hot for any government that dared to keep him there against law and justice , and against Ireland ' s wilL Oh ! I always told you they were a paltry beggarly set , that did ' nt care for liberty . " Vow could you blame him ? On my soul , I could not
Recollect that I but preach as I practised . Again , I ask you to think of my exertions for the Darchester labourers , the Glasgow Cotton Spinners , Frest , Williams , and Jones , and all the Chartists . I ask you to read over the numerous meetings that I convened for M'DqurII , Lovett , Yineent , Collins , and the Subscription Committees , that I had appointed all over England and Scotland , and how I stood by the d » ck on Frost ' s trial in December , 1839 , to the close at Liverpool iu 1819 . Surely , we have a demand upon every man who has been released , to come boldly forward .
But what is the expence ? Why , just a mite from each . Let us bear England , Scotland , and Wales speaking by next Saturday , and then the Editor will be prepared to lay a more detailed plan before you ; and , in the meantime let the mite from each place be collected forthwith throughout the land , and again I offer to be the Prisoner ' s Convention Treasurer , and to account for the
Untitled Article
monies , pledging myself , as HSUaJ , that the settlement shall appear against myself , rather than" against the country . Send to my credit to the Leeds and West Riding Banking Company your subscriptions at once ; it shall not be touched , but by my order , and that only given according to your instructions ; there Bban't be a sticking to the fingers , or deduction of balf a farthing . . Then , at once , proceed to elect your delegates . Elect them at public meetings ; appoint Monday , the 22 nd , foi the election day ; you can give legal notice and need not have tremendous meetings ; they may be all jn-door , or oat-door , as you please , but let them be public meetings , and not the meeting * of any district , or separate bodies , and let the people take care that each delegate Is a South Shields Chartist , " the whole hog , bristles and all . "
Now , we will have no fending or proving , or afterclaps about this . I lay down the objects and means distinctly , and sinipjy give you a list of persons from whom you may or may not , select " ten to carry out these objects . The objects are to release your friends from hell * and mad-honses , and to revive the Charter , and present the addresses , on behalf of Frost , WUliami , and Jones . The means are a mite from each district ; a national fund to release our prisoners . The mode of carrying out the object is , by electing ten persons from the subjoined list , or any other ten whom you may think proper . The persons whom I name are : — Mr . Moir , Glasgow ; Mr . Morgan Williams , Wales .
They are pledged already by not having refused to present the addresse * for Frost , Williams , and Jones , which can be done while they are in London . Mr . Pltkethly ; Mr . Binns , or bis partner , Williams ; Mr . Arthur , Carlisle . Some one of the Frost , Williams , and Jones' Restoration Committee , from Birmingham . He also must be chosen at a public meeting . Mr . Deegan ; Mr . Leech ; Mr . Jones , of the National Charter Association , residing at Leeds ; Mr . Arran , ditto , Bradford ; Mr . Marsden , ditto , Boltou t Mr . Duncan , Ediaburgh ; Mr . Dover , Norwich ; Mr . Gill , Sheffield ; Mr . Charlton , Newcastle ; Mr . Martin , lately released from Gaol ; Mr . Smart , Leicester ; Mr . Skevington , Loughborough ; Mr . Greaves , Oldbam ; M » WUVinar . ™ WnlifaT ¦
In fact , thousands , whom I don't recollect at the moment . I don't mention M'Douall , as I find that he will be engaged about bis new publication just at the time . Now , if all those named will send in their assent , or dissent , to the Star , at once , the list can be published on the 2 oth , and the elections caa take place upon the 22 nd ; and , if more than the ten should be chosen , I propose that the names of all chosen should be sent to the Executive , at Manchester , who , from the numbers chosen , shall select ten , the names of which ten they shall submit to a public meeting , upon Monday , the 29 th , and should the meeting think proper to substitute any of those postponed by the Executive ,
for one chosen , let a show of hands be taken . Always bearing in mind that three are already chosen , via ., Moir , Williams , and the Birmingham delegate , and , I think Pitkethly's presence is absolutely indiapensible : he is the most practical man for such business of our party , and works like a horse when humanity or principle moves him ; and here I take the opportunity of saying that whatever credit I may deserve for my exertions upon behalf of Frost , Williams , and Jones , and the Glasgow Cotton spinners , that it is uiy firm conviction , and always has been , that but for Pitkethly , Frost , Williams , and Jones , would have been murdered , and the Cotton-spinners would have been transported . Ha is the man for work—he knows every one , and never .-pares himself .
Then in London you have Sankey , Peat , Watkins , Neesom , Cameron , Boggis , Wall , Spurr , and the rest of the troops who have so nobly kept watch and ward during the winter , and you ¦ will have the invaluable aid of Lovett , as far as the remnant of health left him by the Whigs will admit . In short , London won't be behind . If these things are worth £ 60 let them be done ; if not , let Martin , the Irishman , continue to shame you , one a « d all , every week in the Star . Let the subscription be national , and should there be a surplus , the surplus to be given to the Executive of the National Charter Association , to assist in beating and keeping down the cock-tails .
Who will send me the first letter announcing that a lodgement has been made to my credit , as above ? Huddersfield , Barnsley , Carlisle , or Glasgow ; one of thuse against the field . When any sum has been transmitted , let a letter be sent to me stating the amount . Chartists of England , here is a new , a safe , and a delightful field open to you , without a single briar in it ; no illegality , no hobgoblin : up then , and let us have a short run , what t ! te sportsmen call a " blood run , " for the Charter , for fourteen days . The Spectator has asked when the people ' s business is to come on m the House ? I answer , now , n « w , this iDStant Bear in mind , that a little from each will do , and will be money well spent , even if we take a mercantile view » f the case , as success will relieve the country of the burden of the families of the Chartists .
We have seen the effect produced upen the House by humbug agitation ; let us shew them that " the most effective of all insurrections , is that which never actually breaks out , but which is always to be apprehended . " I thank the Rev . Mr . Hill for impressing the maxim of Mr . Bullsr upon my mind , and upon the mintis of his numerous flock . Mark , Englishmen , Martin is my countryman , and I am proud of him ; and if I was the only Irishman in England , I hereby pledge niysulf to drag Master Shepherd to the bar of justice ( if we can find it ) , as he dragged Mr . Martin .
Again , observe , you have the following Irish . Chartists , prisoners , or liberated 3 fter suffering .- —The schoolmaster , your teacher , O'Brien , Martin , Hoey , Ashton , White , Byrne , Duffey , Doyle , and O'Connor , ?> ow , I tell you what : I kuow they won't let me out , and , in faith , I can scarcely blame them ; and I hereby release them from all obligation , and will be satisfied , if they let the others out , and will pledge myself not to send out another despatch during the who : e period of my imprisonment ; so they will bo better off than ever . Now , then , let us put a leg under Chartism , and knock Whiggery aud humbug off its crutch , otherwise , believe me , * plain John" will chuckle and say , Well , didn't I put the Chartists down for you , and got the Peers out of the Cardigan scrape " upon wy honour : " he did , but , upon my soul , he shall not put down Chartism so long as Feargus O'Connor lives .
I have no more to say , but that I will look upon every penny sent as a rich gift , from the poor but generous and grateful people . I am , A Beggar , But only for the Captive , and I am , Your Friend , Feakgus O'Connor . P . S . Mr . Hill should give a draft ef a petition with great care , and make it national , so that one will do for all , and then the several districts will morely
require to have it read from the Star , and when adopted , without the slightest alteration , ( if adopted at all , ) aa any alteration in a particular district would invalidate the signatures from that district , particularly in the form of prayer . Let the sheets be then signed , and sent at once to whatever address the delegates shall publish as their place of meeting , after arrival in London . Sign on one side , and nave the paper ruled ; one pennyworth will contain six hundred signatures , if properly done . Let the men and women sign different sheets , bo that the men ' s and women ' s petitions may be presented separately .
I believe that not a man whom 1 have named can be purchased for g' > I < i , or corrupted by the influence of the Court , or the cock-tails . Let us hear nothing about dictation . Elect whom you please , but I have thought it rigbt , as I have an abundance of time , to assist , as much as possible , in simplifying the arrangements . And , again , bear in mind , that Pitkethly , Moir , Williams , Deegan , Gil , Smart , Skevington , and Marsden have been already honoured with public confidence , by their appointment to the Convention , and Deegan a second time , by being elected to the highly honourable and important office of district missionary . Leech the talented and honest missionary , has also been honoured with your confidence , and so has Chorlton , of Newcastle , as 1 met him upon the Frost , Williams , and Jones' Delegate Meeting at Manchester , and so have the gallant Williams and Binns been honoured , both by persecution , and election to
sundry missions , and so has Martin , who has just emerged , pore as gold , from his twelve montuS' tOIllb in the hell madhouse , and all Yorkshire will answer for Jones and Arran , and Robert Wilkinson ; as for Dover , the Bishop ot Norwich , and all the nobility and clergy will testify for him . Lancashire will testify for Jamea Greaves ; indeed , be was a delegate to Leeds upon the glorious 21 » t All Scotland will approve of John Duncan , and all Cumberland of honest James ArtUur , of Carlisle . In fact , to me it matters cot one farthing , provided you select no cock-tails , or Household Suffrage men , who would merely take our money and their expences , and then sell us in the London market , while I defy the whole gang to purchase one I have named , and that is what you want If O'Brien knows any one in Brighton , « r the South , let him name as many as he ean think of , and his recommendation will be enough .
Let all who object to be put in nomination communicate at once with the Star , and let any other person name ten , or twenty , or ten thousand , if they are as honest , as talented , and as well-tried as I have named , and as free from cock-tail influenza , and you cannot go wrong . Jr . U \ jw
Untitled Article
TO HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY THE
QUEEN . Madam , —Having noticed some of the points to which the attention of Government should be directed as to Individual reform , we will now proceed to examine those institutions of society to which immediate and searching attention should be given , in order to their being brought into accordance with the demands of justice and Christianity , and made to conduce to the general happiness and improvement of the people .
On this subject , I must , notwithstanding its importance , be very brief ; which , howevar , is of the less consequence , because I must of necessity retnrn to it at considerable length , in the conclusion of these letter * For the sake of order . I will class the institutions of society which so imperatively demand re-organisation under three heads , as subjects of observation and enquiry : —the arrangements of trade , the influence of the Church , and the constitution of Parliament , including , in the latter , the appointment of Magistrates and Other Executive Officers .
First , I say , that nothing like a sound , healthy state of society can be produced , consequently , nothing like a general developement of good and virtuous principles can be rationally expected to perrade the bulk of the nation , till a Radical Reform is effected in the prevalent customs and arrangements of the trading community . Persons engaged in trade , I include , of course , under this general description , manufacture and commerce , may with strict propriety be divided into three broadly marked and distinctly recognised sections : —those possessing large capital , and who , by that means , have the power of ruling the
markets , whenever they think proper to do so ; those who have small capital , and who are , therefore , only purchasers at such prices as the interest or cupidity of the others , may permit them , and who , besides , most render themselves the bond slaves of wealth , by taking long credit , and giving it in return , at the influence of which they are passive to the support pf every base and nefarious scheme which is generated by the graspers of property , for their own use , and the aggrandisement of their families ; and , lastly , the working bees , who axe compelled to labour in a state of most perfect competition , against accumulated gold , and untaxed machinery .
The first of these sections would do -well to obtain fr « m the Herald ' s Office , a patent to adopt and use , in all their transactions , and to have em > blaaoned upon every part of their splendid equipages and mansions , the horse leech , as a crest , and the words "Give , give , " as a motto . To fancy anything more destitute of feeling or humanity ; to suppose any combination of intense selfishness ani low cunning more perfect , than the grasping , wealth making capitalist , is impossible . The prophet Joel has drawn their picture to the life— " The land is as the Garden of Eden before them , and behind them a desolate
wilderness , and nothing can escape them . " The ledgsr is their Bible , and the mill , or the counting house , their temple ; they would grasp at every green thing , and and would accumulate bouse to house , and field to field , till they were left alone in the midst of the land . Let your Majesty issue out a commission of enquiry , and let them report faithfully to Parliament how many landed estates , which bad been in the hands of the nobility ever since the Norman conquest , have , within the last fifty years , by purchase or marriage , passed into the hands of those who have risoa from the ranks of the working classes ,
solely by a system of legalised robbery ; a system which has enabled them to advance to opulence and affluence , by coining the life , and blood , and souls of men , women , and children , into heaps of shining ore , or to rear up for them places of almost imperial magnificence . Let the Commissioners also further inquire how many thousands of acres of land , once common right , have , during the same period , been misappropriated by the operation of Incloaure Bills , and how much of the said inclosed lands are now in the possession of the same monied and mushroom aristocracy ; and , in conclusion , let the said commission , ascertain , as far as possible , how many families who , in an age -which rewarded Industry , occupied comfortable homesteads , and brought up their families in habits of
useful and productive labour , are now , in this age of mills and machinery , of railroads and steam navigation , pining away in cellars , or dying slowly in Unien workhouses . Let your Majesty , I say , issue out a commission to report faithfully on these subjects , ( the nation , impoverished as it is , will not grumble at the expence , ) and I will warrant that you will be convinced that the very class whose prosperity you are taught to consider as Bynonymous with the prosperity of the empire , is in truth a vampire , sucking the very heart ' s blood of the nation , and seeking to gratify the insatiable craving of its own infernal avarice by at once undermining the legitimate influence of the landed interest , and the comfort , happiness , and independence of the industrious classes .
Turn we now to the second section of the trading population—the men with small capital , who go to market at the utmost possible disadvantage , and are reduced to the necessity of resorting to means the most disreputable , in order to maintain their station in society . And even this they cannot effect , as the numerous failures among them abundantly testify . This section , aa a , section , are as bad as the rest . Their coat of arms should be the lash and short weights ,
quartered with the New Poor Law ; the supporters , a slave driver and a vulture ; the crest , a spaniel ; and the motto , " Legion . " For , to wealth and station they are fawnhig as a spaniel ; to their dependents they are cruel as slave-drivers ; an inexperienced customer , a greenhorn , as they call him , they will cheat a » d bid " God bless him , " as the pious hypocrites of Glasgow have recently testified ; to be Poor Law Guardians , &c . is their heart ' s delight ; and upon an unfortunate creditor they will fasten like a vulture .
We never find these gentry ( I mean as a body , for , doubtless , there are many honourable exceptions ) trying to ameliorate the condition of society . On the contrary , the little wages of the labourer they make still less by their base adulteration of goods , and by their scandalous overcharging in price . It would be an Herculean task to cleanse this Augean stable . The interest of the nation
does , however , demand that the river of legislative interference Bhould be turned in among these gentry without delay , especially among the licensed victuallers and beerhouse keepers , and the small shopkeepers . The latter ought to be placed under a salutary system of surveillance , that they might become honest by good looking after ; and the two others should be swept away altogether as an intolerable nuisance , no longer to be endured .
The manner iu which these small capitalists conduct their business is sufficient to prove that , whatever pretensions they may have to brains , they have none at all to hearts . They employ as few hands a « possible and at rates of remuneration which will not permit them to procure the means of mental culture , even had they time to make use of them , ot to enjoy the more refined amusements of society . Time , however , they have not ; they are now considered only as machines , and are used accordingly . Late hours destroy at once their bodily health , and their moral character . Only think of the hundreds of young men and women , who are nightly compelled to travel the streets of this vast metropolis , and every other large town in your Majesty ' s
dominions , exposed to all the moral contagion which walketh about in the darkness , and with far more destructive consequences then the most fatal pestilence that ever visited the land . Yet , this is a small matter in their estimation ; the lives , and health , and souls of those young persons , are nothing in comparison with their fancied interests-Yea , not a few of them can keep them to an hour in which they would not suffer their own sons and daughters to be abroad , without parental protection ; and can , in the plenitude of their sanctimonious hypocrisy , whine out that their business requires their late attendance ; but they hope they will be safe under the protection of Providence .
The above may serve as a yery imperfect sketch of two of the sections of the votaries of trade , let us for a few moments survey the third . The portrait of the labouring classes of this country was painted long since by a masterly band :- » Issachar is a strong city , " reaching down between two windows , and he saw that rest was good , and the land that it was pleasant , and he bared his shoulders to bear , and became a servant unto tribute . " A likeiyway , truly , either to enjoy the goodness of rest , or the pleasantness
Untitled Article
of the land ; none b , ut an ass would have hit upon such an expedient , and no wonder that he found two burdens to crouch under . Yet this is the exact prototype of the soulless conduct of the weak producers of this country for many years back . They have laboured to make them rich who now look down with sovereign contempt upon them , and who , from all the fruits » f their incessant toil , can afford tliem no more than ft " coarser food" diet , while they are capable of working ; and the cold charity of a poor-house to solace the remainder of their days .
Thank God , a new state things is approaching : ft state of things in which the Bible law ef equity will be acted upon , and " he that laboureth will be first partaker of the fruits . " This is , as all unprejudiced people will admit , nothing more than fair and reason * able . But the present usages of trade must t > e altered , and altered most materially ; before this state of evenhanded justice can be fonnd amongst us . But we are on the march ; , and it is beyond the power of men and devils to keep us back . We Ijave next to inquire into what I have designated the influence of the Church ; but , as J have occupied all my space , I must conclude for the present .
I am , Madam , Your Majesty ' s faithful and obedient subject and servant , NTJMA . London , February nth , 1841 .
Untitled Article
BKONTERRE ON THE MIDDLE CLA . SS UNION . ( FromaletUr to a friend in Edinburgh . J Lancaster Castle , February 18 th , 184 L My dejlrM , —The more * I reflect on it , t&e more I am convinced that the new project of " uniting with the middle classes" was originated in Machiavelisra , and will , if it goes on , eventuate in the disorganisation of the Chartist body . With every disposition to discard prejudice aud factious feeling , I can still com * to no other conclusion than that it is the offspring of fraud , begotten upon the feody of folly ; the fraud ef the capitalists who have started it , —the folly of the few
workpeople who have become parties to it . If too former were honest men they would have long ago coma to some explanation with the Chartists ; or , at saj rate , interposed between them and the late furious proscription in which so many thousands of them have suffered in and out of prison . That they have not done so proves that the despotic conduct of the Government ( and of its instigators , the middle classes ) has had their sanction . It also affords the strongest possible presumptive evidence that had not the tyranny of the Government so signally failed to subdue or crush us , ws should never have heard aught of the redoubtable" Fox and Goose" Union .
I have already observed that I should not be opposed to a union between the middle nnd working classes if £ saw any likelihood of an honest union ; a union having for its object equality of rights and mutuality of interests . But I see no such prospect ; nor do'I think such a union possible in the existing state of parties Indeed , I regard the proposal as a downright insult to the Chartists ; for , let them twist and turn it as they may , what is it , after all , but a proposal to us io unite with the very tyrants of wfitse tyranny tee complain , and
against whom we demand the protection « f self-government f A union with the middle classes agaiost the Government , forsooth ! A union , as I remarked before , with the Creator against his creature . A union with the oppressor against the instrument he makes use of to oppress us ! Is there not folly oa the face of it For whatehe is the present Government than a Government of the middle classes ? What else is that , Government than the tool and creature , of the middle classes ? at oHce the breath of their nostrils , and the instrument of all their liberticidal projects ?
Is net the Queen the mere puppet of her ministry for the time being ? Are not these ministers the mere creatures of the House of Commons ? Can they hold office a single week without the consent and support of the House of Commons ? Can any branch of the public service be carried on without the consent of the House of Commons ? Does not that House hold the putse strings of the country ? Does not the official existence of every minister and ether public functionary
depend on its votes of credit , and may It not , by withholding the supplies , suspend the entire action » f the Government-machine , and make' all the constituted authorities march in whatever direction it may choose to dictate ? These questions must be answered in the uffirmative . It must be admitted that the Bouse ef Commons possesses all this power , and admitting that , you must admit the corrollary—that the Government of the country resides essentially in the House of Commoas .
But by whom is the House of Commons elected ? By about 700 , 000 usurpers , of whom it is . notarious that the vast majority belong to what we call " the middle classes . " Even your leading Whig organ in Edinburgh —the Scotsman—has admitted that the middle classes constitute upwards of tkree-fouriks of tha whole electoral body . I know they form a still larger proportion , but taking it even at three-fourths , we have thereby the fact established that the constituency is a middle class constituency ;—that the House of Commons is of middle class creation;—that the representation of the country is but the breath of the nostrils of the middle classes I—and consequently , ( every other department of the Government being dependent on the House of Commons , ) that in the middle classes resides essentially tfie government of the country .
When , therefore , it is proposed to us to unite with the middle classes , in order to bring about an organic change in the Government , what else is it than a proposal to unite with the Government , what else is it than a proposal to unite with the usurpers to set aside their own usurpation , by helping them to break the instrument of their own despotism—the very instrument by which they uphold their usurpation ! If this be not delusion I know not what delusion is . . Why , folly herself is outfooled by such a proposal ! .
I might , if I chose , call your attention to the varions institutions and local administrations of the country , and shew you , by the irrefragable evidence of living facts , that the usurped dominion ef the middle cla # ses is even more glaring ( as it is more- absolute ) in these departments than in the general Government itself . But I knew I am writing to a man of sense and observation , and , therefore , I need not inform you that middle-class influence reigna paramount in all our municipalities—in all our Town Councils—and in all our local administrations and jurisdictions . Are not all our corporate bodies composed almost exclusively of the middle classes ? Are not the civic authorities
elected by them ? Are not all our borough magistrates ( though nominally appointed by the Crown , ) appointea \ at their suggestion , out of lists furnished by them to the Home-office ? And is not the local administration of justice ( or rather of the law ) altogether in the bands of those authorities and magistrates 1—I mean as regards criminal matters ; for the rogues will not trust civil cases ( which concern their own properties ) to other than the regular judges of the land ? And is not the military as well as the civil force of the country at the permanent beck and call of those authorities , and obliged in all times or under all circumstances , to act upon their requisition—even to the extent of
slaughtering the very people who pay for their maintenance , and towards whom our constitution declares they shall stand in no other relation than as defenders from aggression ? Do not the middle classes effectually control the police , through the commissioners elected by them , as they do the military , through the civic authorities of their nomination . And is not the administration of the Poor Law entirely in their hands or in those of their creatures ? Except a few em-ojBkiot , have they not the election of guardians , overseers , masters , and mistresses of workhouses , &c , and are not even the en-officio guardians , as well as the Poor Law Commissioners themselves , indirectly appointed
by them through their tools in the General GoTemmentr And , above all , is it not from the middle classes that juries are selected , and have they not , therefore , aa jurors , a sort of supreme power of life and death * liberty or captivity , happiness or misery , &c , < kc , over the rest of their follow-subjects ? But it is only wasting time and words to pursue the subject further . A . single glance at our institutions must shew any man of sense that the whole substantial power of the conntry is wielded by the middle classes . Yet , "we are modestly invited to coalesce with these classes for the demolition of the fabric of their own power ! I defy Daniel O'Connell himself to stomach the impudence and quackery of such a proposal I * * * - * Yours , devotedly , Ji MKS B . O'Bbiek .
¦^^F^Tcorr R&Umnnue . -
¦^^ f ^ Tcorr r&umnnue . -
Untitled Article
; THE NORTHERN STAR . 7 . .. . .. i I ., ¦ ¦ ' ¦»
-
-
Citation
-
Northern Star (1837-1852), March 13, 1841, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct370/page/7/
-