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<£Dartt# Stittlltorm*,
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MR. E. BROWN, BIRMINGHAM.
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,«**** % ON THE SOCIA-L POWER OF BBOITC**^ MIDDLE CLASSES.
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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r nrbig a UlUr to afnend m Edinhtavh . J { MC * Lanoster CasUs , Msrch 18 th , 1541 . _ . _ « _ I bare just reoelred your long * !^ Ttetter of tbe lSfc , bafciwfbw I notice tha » " * is 4 er JSowme to nan * ray taw wbjwt tint H ^ &SSenUrf «• **«*«*« * »• obstacles $ Lvottsoba * . * ad whichmart be overcomebefore ^ ihlvs tovito alSgnto * ebaiaa of bein « able to ? - ? iadr to the evito we anptata ofc ' *? * Lm j »« T !•* . " »« . e * * 11100 * * *•¦ ¦ "««?* liTrftfcB « iddto dun tfaraajk the organisation F ^ < v ^ osiftenk iiis »« Botf » i » g in eompariaoii ¦ witb *^« rifc ^ r 1 w 5 in Tirtoe of the exiatiBi arfaniBa-* rf * S& :-ia oUm » wonto , that their aoeial ** i . fir greater t 4 "" even their governmental -F *? indeed , the latter i » bat a cooseqoence of 4 he CS though in this , a * in manyottur cum , tits *^ M M fearfully aggravated tha cause M to be
""^ Tnowi * Britain , we may w « a b * euaosed far »^ £ * £ 5 to eaa * and » Wch efibet ; aMlag that £ fi « ti of power operate «* m «* otter with 2 * BSW « » tic reciprocity that ewj imw of the * 2 , t o *« ia folloTred by an increaw ofO * «« w » - , Jw * ex , and every increase of the gomnmaBtal ^ fj ^^ inofcase of the social . Sythesaeba ^ J ^ ri Sse middle classes 1 m ^ an , of oonne , the V ™ ^ gj oa -bring to bea on the Body Politic by Sans of tfeir wealth , position , and foEcaon * as mem-2 T « f weietr . This species of power they had already ZIcLa to an enormous extent , before the passing of gTSfortf Art ; ( which , indeed , was but a natural ^ L enee of that power , ) but , r ^ nng obt otaed a « rt man
rz ^» f goTemmentel power uuougn act , mey S ^ Tused the power so acquired to augment ttrir z ! L vovei , as they had before naed the social to * ra tthe L TernlnentaL Witness the relaxation of SfLiTT ]» wi ; the infamous Ntw Poor Law Act ; the ^ ner ikdon of the fanded debt ; aad the nnmerous «? nwY Acts they flare got passed , in Tirtne of which Sfr tare tnraed the public highways into private ZlLrfr scd already invested mere than sirty millions S ^ apitaS - with a prospect of sooner or later getting * . « cent on the whole , besides other advantages . Kite i . the Corporation » Rrfte « - Act ; the , act
. jTr SJ ( trhich maies Bani of England notes a legal L ^ g i-y con atry banters , ) and divers other acts of ZZZxiZreiS minor importaxee , snch as the act for SSri&Topefl tha trade with India , ic I might cite intbese , v& various other acts , etery ons of which ZL intaided , and does actu ally tend , to augment the TSjl power of the middie classes . Bat the troth is , fraud , that erery goTernmenta . measure passed radar S » asspices o ? our " reformed - Parliajnent has Iw teofifflc ? ' and so it it is needless to specify par-^ c mason * . Do you just tafce a glance at the S ^« I statate * of the last nine years , and unit their of the mwdle classes
C ej ^ os apon the interest , i on 3 ? M one set r . Ying th ? m a more complete monopoly rffte Devspaper press than they erer had before—, 0021 a aring them cheap postage—another extending Sir w ^ er oTer the effects of poor debtors—anotter BjiSag tiem { by snmmarj - process ) to recoTer StDili j £ z lj instalments , and , in default of payment , to fe rnBoa for eTtry instalment—another giring increased liatsde to their usurious practises , by extending to all tab what was before limited to bilJs not exceeding fime maths' date;—another enabUng country bankets to cto than increased " faeffities " i , diat is , to discount ssssfreely a = d cheaply for there ;—by beir . g protected fe rn ash payments on demand—other acts opening up
to jfcan " frah e-V . s ind pastures new " for tha IncrafeTe liTesteetl cf their " capital ; " that is to say , aaKnj them to coarert stagnant pools of fictitious to ! ± ~ . for snch is thd true character of their ragneKj-, zz 3 scrip , and " security" capital)— into per-BSJil sfaiams of seai and solid -sreaUh . Of this daaita aad tendency are all parliamentary acts which esp-re ? K « npai ! ie 3 to make railways , canals , bridges , tr * o £ » public -wcris ; as well &s ihoae -which enable pnsbes to mortgage the p ^ wr ' a rates , or which augment fee paMiedebt either by autborisiig new lesus , or the
faDdiase of exchequer bills . The ob ; sct of ail such acts 5 i , totiaW £ ther-eh middie classes to praci . 156 usury cb » Urger seals , and in a mare secure way , than tfcey aberrise could . By enabling them to derive intermiaS * uureities from definite capital ( while they &till pjaerTe the capital entire , or majhap aagmeat its -nJaa ia the stock market ) the law puta them on an eqesl footin ? -with the lords of tbe soil- While On this KSjfcAktEie remark ., that bercwe haxe the true origi-i of oar ni&aal debt , and of all the national debts tfcat err . iz&swcTl'i . These debta were not erased ( as
EBfOetviis hnagiBe ) by extraTagaat wara or profligate raiiiitaj ; bat TTsre inTested for the purpose of mlfis ? mooey capitalists to derive the same adTantues froai tbeii jnoirey that the lords of the soil do &oee TiH estate ; md the wars -sre : e got up to famish pittecs for borrowing , so that , instead of the debt bsLf the toMtquenee of ¦ wars , royal < xiravaeance , & . & . thete were bnt &jnseqnen « s of a predisposition t * ha ^ e Ss dtbts , \ rladi would have been created equally * iik « J tte wsrs as with them . It was the cspital ' sts * fates * thai there should be natioBal debts ; and it i& iItijj the interest of aristocratic goTerniner . ts to t > orroT ; psnlr becansa they have all the spending of the ffiang- -winls tbrybare Boiie of it to pay , fthey leave
the people to do that , j and ptrtly because the fcstablisbttat of 1 Bsoney aristoera « y nas cecessuy to the profactLm rf the landed aristocracy ^ "who -would , long ago , lars jor . their usorped iiominion orer the soil , but for fie » id of the fundlordB , and other descriptions of Wcsrs , "who , being u uotorioas robbers is the iandtoi tbems ^ Tes , are equally interested in proscribing tksoTtreinit y of the people . If you doubt this ? ersa of the matter look at ths fact that the debts of way other European State , a 3 - well as our own , ? bare iwsasti saee the general peace of 1 S 15 . See France t liii moment a . ugnifc 3 i'jiig htr debt yrnA * r the pretax * of "public trorks "—see ths States of America P « iaj ap '" internal improvements . " for the like
pur-P **—« e « the American Whig papers lamenting that tiiers a sot a General or TJnited States De > t , as well as ttaldeba for each iEdepaodect State . If all this dots **« iisfj yon , then take up Blaekstone and M"C ? ullocii , « ay ots of our modern political economists , and yon * u £ ad that toey , one and all , consider a national fcK to be & rational blessing , ( proTided it be not too «!*; tUtk , prorided the interest of it can be -wrung * to * P «? ple without the rlik of rebellion er a blow *? , <¦ ttdtiu * they all aitribuw no small share of Ens-«^"« " unri-r » Usd prosperity es a nation" to her « & 2 l debt and tbe " good fai--h" the has always ^ "w to- » xrd 3 tha " pablic creditor . " Credat iiieu ApeUa /
But I have strayed from my subject In ref errln ? to te kgiOition ol the last nine years , I only wished to Bo * that ibe middle classes baTe employed thegovtrnfat * power cocferred ou them by the . Reform Act to **>^ se their social po-srer , at the expence of the social saury of the people ; jest ss they ha 1 before em-I * 7 MT and 4 o Kill employ , their social to increase « kt jarernmtntal power at the expence of the political ^ a o { the said people . All the acts above alluded f ore a direct tendency to increase the middle-class ¦ ai Teslth , aod hU po-wer over the labourer ; i . t . to "Snwit lit social power ; and , in proportion as this ^» W increases , yen -will £ nd him employing it to ^*« " ais gOTercmsntai T > OTrer . both in and oat of
f » saa >« rt . ^ very increase of his wealth ( wnm » , as r ^ wocs the haJf ^ arred labourer , 1 will bring with it T ^ w naager to the possessor , and , consequently , ¦ ~ -j ** KI necessity for coercion acts , spies , and armed g * a- n « to protect it Eenee zbe new Rural Police ; ^ e the jqt ; t iugmentati on of our military force ; ^ the demtnu for a » , o- « additional troops for this J- ^ T ^ , H 4 L The Brifnivn Gazelic , upon whose ^ n £ j 1 state this fact , informs us that the m&rir . ts ••» U > be iEcreased , and mure shies put in comj ^^ And think not , my friend , that these ang-Izr * * " « the public forcearo owito the Trarlifct
, ng ; ^ f ^ P contintctial neiguboiira , or made far the i 2 ^ prv ^ etioa of " cur ealonkl possessions , " " naTal g *^ Ky , ' it ~ Lying Whig ar . d Tory papers may kite ^ J *? of it ( bat the trae Te « ion is a rulh'Sasrtf 2 * ^ * tt (! part ° f our v PP er an ^ ™ d £ e-^ pZf * to keep down the democracy of Great Britain ; &i ; * ^^ c&tsa are dtoi the late sa ^ meEtatioxur ^ a Shilsad ir , d natine forces ol mest of tbe con-•*« Kttea . For , beassnr ^? , that tee same demo-^^ a wkieh ij & vort here to oTCTthrow g 9 E ^ wratie institutions , is a ^ o at trork . in France , O . j * IiiT . ilTl / 1 ? n t * r > ¥ « I ) two * PrtMrvi tn ni-.-T ' - Ult J-ILU
^ J ^^ j ., . * — - ^** AjB ^ rfW ( ML ^ V ^ T . j WU \ y I «—* {^ . " * " ¦ aratocraUc imtUutioES . Indeed , I know ks 5 , » , " ** . *** ** regards France and Seraiinj , ar . d I fc fcT * !^^ ae P riac iP ;« of Chartism are trten-E r ' Sp 3 in ' ll 3 ] y' aJld other Europesn > gjj . iS 0 ffle of the best a = d most enlightened g ^ * fca s-Dcial Reformers I have e-rer ^ ^ Spaniar ds and Poles ; some of I faJrfX . nsidiint ^ London . In fact , nothing but WT 7 BM ? eaa » a can present a breaking up of sj ^^ = > Mti-ssieial organization of society through-^^ pe ; tad , as the anti-social and aristocratic tow ~ ^^ de greattr ravages in Engiaad than i ^« "S 6 , the greatest efforts wiU be made by the VbT ^ ^ PitalisU of this couatoy , not only to ** J » "f * ' *** . " but to make it mure Woody and de-^ «« ttan any fotmei -war , in order , if possible , to ( fc ^ r * ODoctaC 7 of Europe in the carcase . In ^^« w Shropshire , rt ^^ mome nt , the landlords * fcfeb ! f * ^ 5 ses * ° ererj tarmt-i , who wiU not en-^ G tt , * Taliy man , or to supply one in case of R . • BO , tO the diaPFKM « f fV , o m \ , \ A 1 ^ . la » forrrm fc ^ A f | T ^ f ll 111 i IT i jj- * M ** m rat too to
^^ T ^ Vm . V ffT *^*^^ c j ^* I' . ' ^ T ^ 'J j *^ ready a am told ) enter into the * i ^ j . * honi 3 ciQ * i Tievns . A pretty state of society ^ ao ,, J ™^ i * England , -when every fanner , or (^ j V ^ wfll be a ca-nui 7 man , and trith aBourbon ** AaT 7 t bl 4 lsnr 1 i 0 * oI ^ e kingdom , to act ^• im blui geovmea at tbe beck of the middle ^« ad ttTT ~ U ri ** ' Perfectly right , in making up KaT rfr America . Great number * , I am told , are ifc / 8 " ^ month from the neighbourhood of MaJ ^ 0 ^ and Bradford . My informant is a *»* ife ^ f ZJ ? ** ' * bo ca 31 ed ben yesterday , with ¦*« ^ JT r ^ ' to pay his " schoolmaster" a farenet A smjjj ^^ - ^ ^^ ^ ^
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^ l ^ wSi ' " ' ireIlMcmr 01 ini ' " because , though < Ckl v 00 ffiiiaUy less oow than at the dose **^ Df ^! a ttaHt y Sreatar , owing to the depre-^ »« r wnreney , and the general fall in prices ^ wnt upon this and otter cauHea ,
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ttmwgrt his wife , sod , like a prudent man , he is about to take it with him to the other side of the Atlantic , well Jtno- » ing that if he remaina here , it would soon get into the hands of landlords , ssorers , lawyers , sod tax-eaters . I -was grieved to see one of my old di « - ciples thus obliged to leave his natiTe land in quart of the right of free existence , but I could not , and , of coarse , did not , blame him , under the circumstance ! . A man , having a wife and family dependent upon him , is morally b « and to do the best he can for them , con-Hisfcent -with maintaining his principles and his honour ; said , therefore , ao far frwn blaming my countryman and disciple , ( VRorke , tot betaking himself to the land of Democracy , I highly approre of his conduct -, though , I confess , I should not do so , if I saw his brother t \ ¦ ii a . - \ LL _!» . J | •»«_ __»/ . _
Chartists , or ratter the working people of England generally , taking proper steps to put an end to the despotism that is destroying the country , and driving so many of them to exile . That being , unfortunately , not the case , I think that O-Rorke , and all who act a similar part , are doing precisely what they ought to do , under present circumstances . While on this subject , let me mention that since I wrote you last , I had a visit from another Manchester man—one ot those inelided in last year ' s batch of indictments , got up by the Whig authorities of that town . This poor fellow has not been able to get a stroke of -work for the last three y « irs , owing to his being a " marked man ! " One overseer in a mill had , by chance , employed him , but jast as he waa going to his work , in steps the
cottonlord , and , walking right np to him , says , " Yonr name isaoand ** ? " " Y » s . " "You come from Manchester ? " "Yea . " "Oh ! that will do ; we don't want yon here ,- yon may go ' . ~ So there was an end to that job . This poor fellow has latterly depended wholly on the labour of his wife for subsistence . I leave you to CQuoeive what must be bis feelings when his wife leaves him—an able-bodied man—behind her in bed , to be ofi" at six o ' clock in the morning to the accursed factory ; to earn some seven shillings a week for hi 8 and her subsistence ! Talk of imprisonment , indeed ! Why , solitary confinement i » a luxury in comparison with such damnable degradation as this . Tho man ¦ who would tcil / uliy live on the labour of his wife , is a heartless villain , and the man who would not , but
must either do so or starve , ( as ia this poor fellow ' s case ; that man is more punished by society , for no crime at all , than society has a xiglit to punish any man for any crime—not excepting murder itselt Now , tn-: s punishment is iiflicttd by the social power of tbe middle classes ; and , as these classes possess a simitar power over almost every other member of the race of labourers , I find injself brought back once more by this digre&sioa , to tha original purpose of this Itttef , which was to shuw that the social power of the middle classes : is even greater than their governmental power , and that , ( wosequ = Dtly , it is vain for us to expect any real political or social reform in this country , unless we con put an end to the usurpation of the middle classes .
I have said that by the social power of the middle classes , I moan , of ( wurit , the pawtr they can bricg to bear upon the body politic , by means of their wealth , position , and functions , as members of society . This power rfiey hold to a great extent , independently of acts of Parliament ; and is , I assort , greater than their governmental power ; that ia , greater than-any power they possess , throush the erg » n 5 zitioa of the Goveramtnt ; and , it would be infinitely greater , if they chose to exercise it on the side of honunity , and the people . To convince any one of this , I would just aik the fallowing questions : — 1 st . Does the artisan or labourer receive a farthing of wages , Have throngh the middle classes ? And , if he does not . have not these classes something very lite a power of life or death over ihs artisan or labourer ?
2 nd . Gin the landlord receive a farthing of rent , save through the middle classes ? For , were all tbe f . imiers to combine against him , what remedy has he , or could he have ? He could have none , for not a labourer in the kingdom , would raise a hand in support of th& landlord ' s claim . snl . Does not the government receive almost all the taxes through the middle classes f It does ; and if the middle classes were to combine against th-a payment of taxes , net one labourer or artisan in the kingdom would raise an arm to assist the government in collecting them ; and as for the soldiers and police they always go with the purse-holders .
" Here , then , ia a power of stopping the government at ouce ; nay , of annihilating it withsnt striking a blow ; and tbii power , mind , is possessed by the middle classes , independently of their representatives in the House ef Commons . Though they had not a smile representative in that Houw , they would still , as the aired p * yers of almost all the taxes , have the power of ceiling off tbe supplies . This p « wer the working classes Lave not , tvea to the smaiiest extent . They , poor saulIs , caui » ut itiusa to pay taxts without refusing lo w » t and drink ; fur as the great buik of our Uiation is indirect , or mixed np with the price * of ihe commodities we daily consume , we cannot escape paying the tax without making war upon our five seiises , and punishing ourselves even more than we
are paniihed . by tbe tax . But it is quite a different caso -with the middle classes . They pay direcL y to tbe government , what we pay on ) y indirectly through them . The hop- « rower , the soap-boiler , the tallowehardler . the maltster , the brewer , the distiller , the tanner , the importing merchant , &c , thsse are tbe lads rhat can put a stopptr upon taxation whenever they like . Xoir supposing they &ii like . Supposing that they were to give notice to the working classes to-morrow , that ofter the first of next month ( April ) they Tronld pay no more duties on spirits , malt , hops , tobacsj , brandies wires , leather , soap , & . c ; suppose , I say , they were to issue this notice , at tbe same time apprising the working elasies that their object ¦ was tvro-fold : one , to enabio them to get everything for half the money they pay now ; the other , to induce tbe government , by the moral power of " passive
resistance , " to make Universal Suffrage the fundamental law of the land . Suppose , again , the above section of the middle classes to issue such notice , and all the other sections of tLe middle classes to issue a manifesto approving of the same , ard inviting all loyal 1 objects to use their iLflutnce with tbe Crown and Parliament , to induce them to join in the new " Holy Alliance . "Suppose , farther , the middle classes , at the same time , t 0 suspend the payment of King ' s taxes , which are direct , an-i the gTeat bulk of which is obtained from them . Just , I say , suppose all this ; ( and , mind , it is all as easy for the middle classes to do—and a vast deal easier—as to becoiue cavalry men , act as special constable ? , measure out cheese and skilly to unfortun * te panptrs , fcc . ); and what , I ask , would become cf the exchequer ? Would not tbe aristocracy and the government have to surrender without a blow on either tide ?
You see , then , my friend , that our destinies are altogether-at present ) in the hands of the middle classes . With goVt-rnmental power or triOioul it they have it always in their power to obtain justice for u 3 whenever they like ; and more than justice the working classes have never asked . Indeed , they wcnld be content with less ; for tbe most thoroughgoicg of us have neTer asked more than security for the future , though we are equally well entitled to indemnity for the past . Seeing , then , that the middle cte ^ ses have politically ' as I have before shown ) and so ? iaV . y the power to
redresa a . 11 our wrongs , and seeing that , instead of doi » g so thty have used tand still use ) both their social and political power t » lender our position more and more helpless and degraded every year ; -what other inference can we draw from their conduct than that they are our most implacable enemits ? And what other resolve ought-the oppressed classes to come to than a resolve to band themselves together as one iuaa against the common oppressor , and neTer to reiax thtir efforts until they have humbled his pewer in the dust and raised up th ? fabric of their own independence on its ruins .
" But a portion of the middle classes , " you say , are friendly to the working classes , and why not unite with them ? 3 Iy answer to this , as well as to other paints of your letter , I most reserve till a future eemumnication , and meanwhile beg to remind you of what I said on a fcrnier uccssion , v a \ that if there be a portion ot the middle classes really friendly to us , they -will unite witfe us , instead of asking ns to unite with them . We want nothing bnt what is just and righteous . We want to invade no man ' s rights—no man ' s property—no man ' s peace or liberty . We want only equal justice and eqnal protection from the law with our oppressors , so that we may henceforward have the free and unshackled use of
onr bodily and mental facultier , to provide for our own maintenance , and to obtain such rank , position , and honours in society as onr private and public worth may tntitle us to in the eyes ef our . fellow ciV . SAUB . 11 the portion of tbe middle classes which you say is friendly to us , has only these , or the like , objects in view , they can have no rational objection to unite with us . If thty have other and different objectsif they have objects in view hostile to ours—or objectj which they dare not avow , 1 must , in that case , conclude that they are not friendly—and that , consequently , cur business is to unite against , and not trith them . Yours , fcc , JjlMIS B . O'BRIEX .
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BANBTJB . Y . —On Sunday , the 4 th insUnt , three sermons were preached in the Lecture Room , Banbury , by Mr . Collins , from Birmingham . Scores KWt- obliged to go away for want of room , —Mr . C , Jeciured on Political Economy , in the Theatre * on ; he Monday evening , and vu well received . The cause is gaining ground in this place ; man ; who have stood * loof are now beginning to hare their eyes opened .
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WORCESTER . —At a meeting of tha Chartists oeW ob the 12 th inst ., it was resolved , " That we look with suspicion on the leadera of the Christian Chartist Church of Birmingham , &c , believing they are striving to promote their own individual interest and middle elass approbation , who hare always proved themselves the bitterest enemies of the working elates ; we are determined not to give any countenance or support to that party as they do not belong to the National Charter Association . " " That we hereby protest against Mr . Collins being elected a Delegate to the Petition Convention , for tne reasons above . "
BRADFORD . —The Chartists of Wapping held their nsaal weekly meeting on Monday evening , at the house of Mr . R . Corrodus , North Tavern , Northstreet . Saveral sums were collected for the Convention , and petition sheetB delivered out for signature . All is activity and zeal in Wapping ; a deputation from Idle received sheets for signature and promised to have them filled spedily . The meeting adjourned to Monday next at seven o'clock . z . orjGHScmoucta . —At a public meeting held at the Charter Hotel , on the 22 nd March , Mr . John Skevington was elected as a fit person to be delegated to the Petition Convention about to meet in London .
TQT . tESB . —At a meeting of Delegate * for the Counties of Devon and CoruiraJ ] , held hew on Sunday last , for the purpose of appointing a leofcirrer for the above counties , the following resolutions were unanimously adopted : — " That thia meeting consider * it highly desirable that a lecturer should be appointed for the counties of D * von and Cornvratt . " u That this meeting considers Mr . Henry Vincent to be a fit and proper person to bo appointed as lecturer , and that a communication should be opened
with him on that subject . " " That Mr . John Horswill , one of the Delegates for Plymouth , be appointed to communicato with Mr . Vincent respecting the terms , &c , and to state the result to the other Delegates . " "That iiuhe event of Mr . Vincent ' s being unable to comply with the request , that each Delegate do write to Feargus O'Connor , Esq ., stating tho weekly sum the counties coulu devote towards tha payment of a lecturer , and to request him to use his influence to procure an efficient person .
white abbey .-The Chartists of White Abbey met on Sunday , at their meeting room . The letter of H . Burnet to Feargus O'Connor waa read , whieh called forth severe animadversions , and a resolution passed to institute an inquiry regarding the meeting of the 24 th instant , empowering Mr . Riley to demand an explination . Petition Bheet 3 are rapidly fibing , which looks well for the Charter . MAN NIK GHArtt . —The Chartists of ( his place have changed their time of meeting from Mouday to Sunday , at ten o ' clock in the morning . SAWLBY—Mr . Bairstow delivered a lecture last Saturday evening . SERB 7 . —On Sunday evening last , an immense body of the working &ud middle classes assembied ia the JIarket-place , to hear Mr . Bairstow , who addressed them tor upwards of au hour . The cause is going on right gloriously .
WARWICK . —On Tuesday , the 6 th inst ., Mr . Collins , of Birmingham , gave a lecture , at the theatro in this piaoe , to a large audieuce , the subject being "Tho intimate connection between Chartism and Christianity . " The Mayor was applied to for the use of the Court House , by requisition , signed by upwards of fifty inhabitant householders , but refused tbe use of it . NOTTINGHAM . —On Sunday last , a chapel waa opened at Arnold , four milea from Nottingham , when serssons were preached in the afternoon by Mr . Bairatt , of Nottingham , and at night by Mr . Harrison , of CaJverton , to fall congregations of Chartists . On Monday week , we gave the base Whigs another specimen of the power of the working classes , by returning twenty-three pledged men or Guardians of the Poor for this
Uniontwenty-, four being tho number required . The candidate highest on tho list of the late Guardians , who were for building a new bastile in this place , had only 408 votes ; while the lowest candidate named by the Chartists , as oppowd to the new bastile , had 1 , 263 , thus giving a majority of 837 for the lowest candidate named by the Chartists . Mr . H . Vincent gave us a lecture in the Chapel on Monday night , to a highly gratified and overflowing audience . The ladies of Nottingham have kindly presented Mrs . Vincent with a cap , some glov « s , aud other articles of the manufactures of this place , as a small token of their respect towards her . We elected Mr . Jame 3 Sweet , of Goose Gate , as our delegate to the London Convention , at a public meeting held on the 22 nd of March last , ia the Chartist Chapel of this place .
IPSWICH . —We hare received a letter from the Chartists of this place , stating that a meeting of the trades had been held ; when resolutions had been agreed to , pledging thetr&dts to support the journeymen tailors of Sunderland in their resistance to their tyrannical oppressors . It was alfo stated that their attention had been first called to the subject by the paragraph in the ii . ' ar . On Good Friday a meeting in favour of tha Charter was heid , when a resolution to that effect was passed , and addresses were delivered by MessrB Macpherson and B » oling .
PONTYPOOt . —The last of the Whig victims made his appearance here on Thursday , the 8 th of April , from the dungeon of Oakham ; the people of this neighbourhood have bean expecting him for eome time , aud nothing could exceed the joy manifested by his friends ( he has no enemies but what are sorely ashamed to be thought so ) at his return ing amongst them agiin ; even Fletcher , the principal evidence against him , runs to Mrs . Shellard , and profftrs the almost friendship by offering himself as Mr . Shellard ' 8 bail . The magistrates , on this occasion , got a few handbills stuck about the town , stating that it was jntenaed to hare a procession which was likely to disturb the public peace , and commanded all officers of the peace to prevent any breach of the peace , and to bring the offenders to justice .
HAUPAX ,-On Sunday evening last , Mr . Arran delivered a soul-stirring address , in the Chartist lioozn , back of Waterhouse-street , to a numerous and attentive audience . MXDGLEV . —Mr . Arr » n preached at this place on the afternoon of Sunday last , and gave great satisfaction to his hearers . Chartism is assuming a very healthy appearance here , which promises to vie with any other village in the great and glorious ciase of universal 2 iber 4 y-BRI © HTOar . —At a meeting of Chartists , held at the Cap of Liberty , on the 7 th instant , resolutions were unanimously passed " That Mr . Flowers do send the sum of £ 1 to Mrs . O'Brien ; " "That 5 s . be forwarded to tha Frost Restoration Fund ; " and " That a petition be got up for the liberation of Mr . Hetherineton . "
iiriCiSTER . —The Easter meetings havo been delightful ones , and have tended to augment our strength . Since the new plan of organization was adopted , our local society baa been reorganized , and , in the formation of rules , an especial regard has been had to providing agaiust discord by the spread of leetotalism , or other principles among us . Warned by O'Conuor , care has been taken by the committee to present such a body of rules to the society as should secure its unity , and yet give perfect liberty for the stated Beparate meeting of the cifferent sections of it . Twenty-six more have taken the Chartist Teetotal pledge , during the week . T . It . Smax t was nominated , on Monday last , as our candidate to serve on the Executive Committee .
, STBATKAVEN . —The National Petition has bten unanimously adopted at a public meeting , held in the West Belief Church , on the 8 th instant . A soiree took place in the evening , when , after a substantial repast , the meeting was addressed by Messrs . Moir and il'Carmey , from Lesmahagow . The addresses were replete with sound xe&sooing , and were of a most effective character . SALPORD . —Mr ClaTke , of Manchester , delivered * . % excellenUy impressWe lecture on Sunday evening . On Monday evening , being Easter , there was a free ball in the Chartist Association Room , corner of Great George ' s-street , within two doors of the Mechanics' Institution ; » dancrng class is held on every Wednesday and Saturday evening , at seven
o'clock . On Tuesday evening a lecture was delivered in the Repeal of the Union Reading Room , by a Mr . Robertson , on the Corn Laws . The lecturer admitted discussion , beirg the first of that party who admitted discussion . The lecture occupied three quarters of an hour ; at the conclusion of the lecture Mr . Campbell replied for * quarter of an bonr . He waeibllowed by one of their beat men , namely , Mr . Finuigan . and a spirited discussion ensaed , in which seTtrai speakew took part . The discussion will b » resumed on next Wednesday evening , at eight o'clock , when Mr . Campbell intends challenging any of them on the question . Let but the Corn Law Kepeaierg b «* . continue to admit discussion , and the principles of democracy shall soon send their riewB to tfw tomb of all the Catailets . "
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LONDON . —Citt of WESTMinsi-EH , —The weekly meetings of the Chartists of the City of Westminster are reoioved from the ' . Paviour'B Arms , Johnsonstreet , to the Charter Coffee House , 32 , Strutton Ground , Westminster , every Wednesday evening . BERnONDSEY . —At a meeting of the ChartistB in this locality , at their New Room , Horn ' s Tavern , Cruoifix-lane , on Tuesday evening , the 13 th inst . Mr . T .. Wall delivered a talented lecture on the Chwter . The lecturer was 6 olioited to continue his lecture on next . Tuesday evening , the 20 th . Four new members joined . . ¦ : -
KORTHAIWPTON .-At a meeting of the Northampton Working Men ' s Association , held at their Meeting Room , Castle-street , a circular received by the Secretary , from- William Lovett , and signed by that gentleman and othere , was read , and a discussion took place , at the conclusion of which the following resolution was unanimously carried-. — " That the circular bo returned by tomorrow evening's post , and that the Secretary wnto to tho effect that we consider the National Charter Association quite sufficient to carry out the objects mentioned in the circular , and that the establishing of anotr . er Association will act in juriously to the cause . "
NEWCA 8 TI . B . —The National Petition is getting well ou for signatures . We are determined to excoed our last number , 100 , 000 . The ' sheets lie for signatures , at Mr . Tkios . Horn ' s , Market-street ; Mr . Thos . Grey ' s , tobacconist , Grey-street Mr . J . D . Edgar ' s , Nun-street ; Mr . Lowery ' s , Nun-stteit ; Mr . Crother's , Shakspeare-atreet ; Mr . William Graham ' s , Nag ' s Head , Groat-market ; Messrs , Byrue & Co . ' s , booksellers ; and Mr . J . Blakey ' Si Sida ; Messrs . D . France & Co . ' s , Foot of Butcher Bank ; Mr . Richard Ayre's , Bridge-end ; Mr . Wm . Cook ' s , Blue Bell ; Mra . White ' s , Cannon-9 treet ; Mr . Kirk's , Oakwell-gate ; Mr . Palmer ' s , Oakwellgate ; Mr . Blagburn ' g , High-street ; and Mr . Marliu ' s , Barn-close , in Gateshead . Mr . Deegan has been elected as tho representative of Northumberland to tho Convention .
Meeting . —Tho Chartists of Newcastle and Ouseburu held their weekly meeting , on Tuesday ni ^ ht , in the Chartists ' room , Chancellor's Head-yard . Mr . Hall having been called upon to preside , the Secretary read the minutes of the previous meeting , likewise the rules to be observed at all general meetings of the amalgamated Chartists , which Messrs . Hall , Starkey , and Sinclair were appointed to draw out . Having been put from the chair , they were adopted unanimously . A lengthy discussion was then entered into respecting the projected Reading Room . Mr . Sinclair reported the result of tho interview which tha deputation had with Mr . Gray , when Mr . Bruce moved and Mr . Quin seconded , " That Mr . Sinclair bo appointed to draw out the copy of a circular , to solicit donations from any person who may be considered friendly to the mental improvement 01 ' the working classes , lor tho projected Reading Reom in Newcastle . " Carried .
OUSEBTJRN .- ^ -AccordiDg to the recommendation of the Delegates assembled in Manchester , on the 27 th Feb ., a penny subscription was eutered into for the wives and families of the incarcerated Chartists , which will be left open for a week or two , to give our friends here au opportunity of subscribing for this charitable purpose . Any one that ia wishful to give any thing , by attending at the School Room , on Sunday inoraiugs or Wednesday evenings , can dp so , as proper psrsonHare appointed for that purpose . —Thero appears to be a general
movement among the trades of Newcastle in favour of the Charter ; the shoe-makers have already begun to form themselves into tho Charter Association , and numbers upwards of fifty ; and we hear tell of other trades bbginning to follow their example . May God speed the work ! The men here would like Dr . M'Douall to be put in nomination as a member of the Permanent Executive Council . We enter our protest against John Collins being sent as a member to the Petition Convention , or any oiher man that is not a member of the National Charter Association of Great Britain .
BIRMINGHAM .- — -Frost , etc . REsronATJON Committee . —This Committee held their usual weekly meeting on Tuesday evening last , Mr . Lyaell in the chair , Messrs . Dally and Trueman wore nominated as membersof the Committee . The report of the Glasgow meeting for the election of a delegate to the Petition Convention was read to ' the . meeting ; when it was resolved to request Mx . Cullen to pre * bent the memorials to her Majesty , in conjunction with Messrs . Pitkethly and Williams . Letters were read from the following places : —Ashton-undor-Lyne , containing £ 1 3 s . lOd ; Wigan . Ss .: Stafford , o-. ; Nottingham , 10 s . ; Monmouth , 5 s . ; Liverpool , 53 . ; Brighton , 5 > . ; North West district of Glasgow , £ 1 lla . 6 d . ; Trowbvidge , IO 3 . ; and W . D . S * ull , of London , 10 s . A letter was read from Aiarkincli , rt quiring information concerning tbe mode in which money should be remitted .
The Committee request all their members to attend on Tuesday evening next , as business of great importance will be brought forward . All collectors and persons desirou 3 of assisting are likewise invited to attend at the Chartist Meeting Room , Freeman-street . REDDITCH . —Mr . Wm . Dean Taylor addressed a numerous meeting of the Chartists of this place on Monday evening last . Tho worthy lecturer was loudly and deservedly cheerad ; and at the conclusion , several enrolled their names as members of the National Charter Association .
SHEFFIELD . —At a meeting of tho Sheffield Chartists , the following resolutions were passed with acclamation : — " That it is the opinion of this meeting , that , the attempt now being made by Messrs . Lovett and others , to cause a division amongst the friends and supporters of the Charter , is unjustifiable , unnecessary , impolitic , and unwise : and therefore it entirely disapproves and condemns the whole proceeding ; and will do all it can to support and make permanent tho present organisation of the people . " The resolution was moved by Mr . Ottley and sf conded by Mr . Parlces , " That the above resolution be sent to the Northern Star for insertion . " " That Mr . Parkes be our delegate to Dewsbury on the mil inst . " STOCKTON-ON-TEES . —Mr . J . Williams , from Sunderlaud , delivered two lectures here 011 Easter Monday , to an attentive and highly delighted audience .
ROCHDALE . —The femalss favourable to the People ' s Charter sat down to tea on Easter Tuesday , the 13 th inst ., in the Radical Room , School-lane , when upwards of one hundred partook of an excellent repast , got up in the best order , and well calculated to rcfleot credit upon tho fair managers , and on tho company . ! DUDLEY HILL . —Every exertion is making here to strengthen the Convention , by signatures to the petition . All hands are at work . SUKDERLAND . —On Sunday afternoon last , Mr . Deegan lectured at the Life-boat House . The audience was very numerous , and , judging from their past success , there is every reason to hope that these open-air meetings will be productive of much good .
ASHTON . —On Friday evening , April 9 tb , In accordance With announcement by placard , a public discusBion took place in the Charlestown Chapel , between Mr . Campbell , the Socialist Missionary , and Mr . Leech , the Chartist Lecturer for South Lancashire , on the relative merits of the doctrines of Socialism and Chartism , in removiDg the evils that afflict society . Mr . Campbell opened the disciusion , by asserting that Socialism is a panacea for all complaints that afflict tbe body politic , and that society must be trained by Socialism before it will enjoy happiness and comfort Mr . Leech commenced by showing that Socialism is impracticable with tbe House of Commons as at present
constituted—that it is erroneous in not holding the responsibility of man . He contended that responsibility was not acted upon , nor ever had been , properly speaking . The responsibility , as now acted upon , was a one-sided thing—one that squinted horribly—the people having no power over the lawmakers . Mr . Caoipbeli said , that Mr . Leach meant anawerability , and when driven from that , he said it was accountability from which he -was driven to preventabUity , and then was compelled to admit tbe fact , that without responsibility no society could be governed , which was folly illustrated by the members of the Socialist Congress being chosen on tho principle of Universal Suffrage and Vote by Ballot
Tea Pabty to Celebrate the Release of tihothy Higgins , John Bboaduent , and the rev . J . B . Stephens . —Pursuant to announcement by placard , the above tea party was held on Monday evening , in tbe Chatlestown Meeting Room ; Mr . James Mitchell , Mr . Charles Davies , Mr . John Wright , and Mr . Isaac Armitage . were ; invited aa gnesta . The arrangements were inch as gave general » tbfaetion , and reflected great credit upon thefemaiea . Tea being over , Mr . T . Higgins rose amid load cheers and clapping of hands . He said , Mr . Chairman , Ladies , and Gentlemen , it ira * with no « nall gratification to him that ha had once more the opportunity of addressing them . He was sorry to see the apathy of the people of Ashton . There was the same tyranny and oppression practised upon them , as loan were previous , to their incarceration . He contendid that the people must not depend upon strangers or foreigners to do their work , but must do it themselves , it they wUb to get their emancipa-
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tion . iCheers . ) The bodily sufferings while in prison were nothing to the suffering of the mind at seeing the cause for which they had been incarcerated , neglected , and the people divided among themselves . He again warned his hearers against being deluded by men who wish to thrust themselves upon them , declaring what they had undergone for the sake of the cause , in order to create sympathy . They mast not depend upon the middle class to do their work for them , nor those men who go about with black coats upon their backs asthough they were independent gentlemen , and when their debts were paid , had not five shillings to spare . He " said that we might as Boon expect to see or ask the moon for sunshine and the sun for frost , as to ask the present Government for a r « dresa of their
gr ievance ? . He thought the man who made and produced everything good and valuable in society ought to enjoy them . He never believed that Gou fever commanded or ordered such a Btate of things to exist Mr . Higgins then commented upon the different plans which have been put forward for the organisation ot the people . One plan was agreed upon one day . and the next they were meeting to discuss Whether , what was done the day before was legal or not , some base Bcoundrel comes in before it can be finally put in operation and frustrates their designs . Mr . Higgins condemned the document put out by Levetfc and Collins , and said these individuals were acting in this way because the people would not let them havo the disposal of their monies . This document he called humbug and n » nsense , and
again said that the people of Ashton must do their own work or tkey would be cheated . ; some body must mate a beginning ; some plan must be adopted , and he for his part knew no plan half s » good , half so likely to bring things about as giving the people political power , whether it was called the Charter or anything else . The people ought to have the bread , clothes , houses , blankets , and all other necessaries , and , if they were all like him they ahouid have then ) . ( Cheers . ) Cheering and eloquent speeches were then niado by Messrs . Mitchell , Davies , Armitage , Wright , Broadbent , and others , which our space forbids tbe reporting . Mr . Stephens said , he would give his compliments through the press , if they would allow him , to the Poor Law Commissioners , and tell them they may bring the
Poor Lawinto Ashtonas soon as they like ,- and lie would likewise send his compliments to them , if he could be reported that the bastile would receive no harm . The men of England , from one end to the other , begin to see that it is now gone too far ; that they will not go for a redress of one single measure , but that they are determined to have a general reckoning . ( Hear and cbeera ) He had told the Government , that had it not been a wet night at Newport , the people would have been successful . Had it not been a wet night , he would not have been talking to them , Newport would have been taken , and the news would have run like wild fire . Mr . S . said the people were preparing tfeeir minds tor the worst , for they had coma to the conclusion that no tinkering can mend the kettle . He said that very few working people had Mgned the petition against the New Poor Law . It was signed by the respectable men and the clergy of tbe'Eatablished Church . Mr .
Stephens spoke very highly of Mr . Eielden , M . P . He Considered bim tho only honest man . ia tbe House . Mr . Stephens , in conclusion , said , that tbe preceding speakers were his friends , though they wero Chartists . He did not wish them either to be Stephenites , O'Connorites , or any other ites , but Englishmen . He then concluded a long and humorous speech , by exhorting the people to hammer away . Mr . John Wright spoke in favour of tbe late plan of organization . He knew nothing could be done without unity aud a proper understanding on the part of the people , therefore , he would recommend the people t » join the Charter Association , and obtain political power . Mr . Wright made a sensible speech in favour of the presunt organization for the Suffrage , and was repeatedl y applauded . A vote of thanks was given to the Stockport friends and tbe chairman , and the meeting broke up at a late hour .
DEWS 3 URY . —A public meeting haa been lately held in Dtewspury to appoint Purveyors of the Highways for the ensuing year , aud to examine the accounts of the Board of Surveyors for the past year , when several very heavy and objectionable payments being found in the accounts , a Committee was appointed to attend the Special Sessions at Wakefield , on Monday last , the 11 th of April , to appeal against their being allowed ; bnt the magistrates decided upon allowing all the charges with the exception of £ 14 14 $ . 9 | d expended by the Board at their various meetings for eating s , ud drinking . For taking a part at the public meeting on this question , a poor man , a ratepayer , of the name of Joshua Joy , has been refused any more work by his Whig master , Mr . John T ? rance , carpet-manufacturer . So much for Whig liberality
MANCHESTER . —The Manchester Local Committee for tho relief of Messrs . O'Brien , Banbow , and Barker have received since the last notice the following sums ;—Tib-street box , £ 1 15 s , 61 L ; Tibstreet dancing party , 19 s . 7 d . ; Patricroft , Ss . ; New Garrat block printers , per Robert Mahon , IOj . ; SaJford box , £ 3 . 3 d . ; from a friend to the cause per Mrs . Richardson , 6 d . ; and 2 s . for Mrs . O'Brien ; and 2 s . for the support of the lecturer . Tho committee hope that many other middle class men will go and do likewise , and shew to their order that they do in reality sympathise with the suffering families .
Meeting . — -The following resolutions were unanimously passed at a numerous meeting held on Sunday evening last : —1 st . " That in the opinion of this meeting , the attempt now being made by Messrs . Lovett , Collins , Hetherington , Cleave , Rogers , and Mitchell , to form a new National Association , instead of joining th « , present already powerful Association , is as mean , base , and traitorous an attempt to divide the energies of the people , and pnralyzs their effoits to make the Charter the law ot the land , aa our most insidious and inveterata enemies , with all their powers of invention , could havo devised . We therefore embrace the present opportunity of publicly denouncing it , in order that
our more unsuspecting brethren may not be deluded by its ' specitus pretences , ' arid do most earnestly request them to examine the letter preceding the address , in which they will find that the first move of the party is secretly , aud without our knowledge , to win over our most talented and powerful advocates , in order that ihey way be enabled to sell us in a mass , and keep up a continual agitation ( profitable to a few parties ) , without accomplishing tha object they pretend to aim at " 2 nd . "That this meeting most cordially agrees with the proposition made by the people of Glasgow , that tbe Convention do meet on the 3 cd of May , instead of the day previously proposed . "
Manchester West ( Habdman Sikket ) . —Mr James Cartleuge , of Manchester , delivered a very eloquent and impressive lecture to the cord wain ers and tailors who meet at No . 53 , Hardman-street , on the evils of a standing army in time of peace . The lecturer was warmly applauded throughout . Lectures are delivered every Sunday eveuing at the above room , also a discussion every Tuesday evening . The Liberation of the Rev . W . V . Jackson hkom Lancaster Castle . —At the beginning of last week , the above gentleman . wrote to his friends at Manchester , stating th . it an order for his liberation had arrived at Lancaster from the Home Office , on condition of bail being given , according to the sentence passed upon him at his trial . His friends lost no time
in procuring bail , whica was accepted , and the Rev . Gentleman was liberated on Thursday rooming ; he arrived in Manchester in the afternoon of the same day , and immediately placards were issued , announcing that he would preach on Sunday last , in the morning and afternoon , at Brown-street Chartist Boom , and in the evening at the Hall of Science . The services were well attended , and great enthusiasm was manifested by the people generally . So much for Whig imprisonment putting down Chartism ! We are glad to say that Mr . Jackson looks remarkably well , rnd that he fearlessly asserts that imprisonment has only more fully confirmed him in . the principles sf Chartism , because thoae principles are the principles of justice and equity .
CHORJCTON AN » HDI . ME .-Mr . Charles Conner delivered a very able lecture here en Sunday evening last He was listened to with great attention , and at the close , the following resolution w % a moved by Mr . Yarwood , seconded by Mr . Cariow , and carried unanimously— " That this meeting views with extreme regret the course that Messrs . Lovetfc , Collins , Cleave , Hetherington , Rogers , and Mitchell , are pursuing ; yet , with all due respect to the gentlemen and their plan , we mill not leave the present plan of organisation that was agreed to by our delegates , andfoilow the plan oi a few men , who act without the will of the people . " Mb . Do * LB addressed the- people of Brown-atre « fc , and Mr . Lewis , of Oldluun * addressed the peopl * w
Tib-street , on Sunday evening . STOCKPORT . —At tfc » usual meeting held i * the Association Room , on Sunday evening * Mr . O . Bowman ' in the chair , My . Fehto *» ot Ashton , delivered « long and interesting address on tbe Church and ita abuses . At the doae or bis address , Mr . Thomas Clark said h « felt sorry , indeed , that it ahonld be hi » painful duty to uon oucfc a resdli » tt ©» M the following OM t— " Tbat we , the Char tists o * Stockport , in public meeting assembled , take , this opportunity to disown any connexion with any « f the aix ' moral gentlemen' whose names are attached-vto the address to ' Leading Chartists' -which appears i ' d- ' OioSht of the 10 th . of April ; and , further , that we shall consider any man who joins this clique as an enemy to the working millions of this countiy . " Mr . Jo seph Carter seconded the motion in a Beat and appropriate speech . The motion -wan then put and carri- id unanimously .
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y v COXHOSft—A good meeting waa held aVtfil * place on Tuesday evening , which was addressed by Mr . Edward Lawaon , and Mr . Deegan ; at the close of which several shares were taken in the Joint Stock ¦ Provision Shop intended to be established in the city of Durham . BARN 8 X * Y . —The Chartists of Barnsle ; held thei * weekly meeting on Monday , the 12 th instant . When the usual business was gone tbrongb , the new scheme , or the secret move , was discttsaed , and after a calm debate on the subject , the following resolution waft
unanimously carried : — "That we , £ he ; Chartlata of Barnsley , are satisfied with the present National Charter Association , and that we feel both sorry and indignant that any men calling themselves patriots shtrald be found base enough to attempt to destroy one of the best piaua for organising the people tbat baft ever yet appeared , whieh plan , if carried out with that spirit that ought to actuate men determined to recover ¦ heir jnst rights , will b « certain to obtain the Peopia ' a Charter . We also feel grateful to the editor of the Northern Star for his able exposure of the foul and Becretmove .
STRotrowAOER . —The room lately ocenpied as a ch « pel by the Ranters has ben opened for Cliartiat purposes . Meetings are held weekly , » n Monday eveninus , at seven o ' clock . At a meeting halden on the 12 th , varioui resolutions , including one of thanks to the Ediior of the Northern Star , were unanimous ! v adopted . CARWFP . -At a meeting of the Chartists of this town , if . was the unanimous opinion that Mr . Morgan Williams is a fit person to sit in the Petition Convention ; and they will contribute theif utmost towards the expence . HBYWOOD . —Mr . Leech lectured here on Thursday night week .
KEASIWGrTON " . —Mr . Stallwood lectured at the United Temperance Coffee-house , Lower Georgestreet , Chelsea . Several new members were enrolled . £ 1 17 a . was appropriated to the political victims ia tho Kcasington and Chelsea district . Tae cause proceeds well . Q tASGOW . —At » public meeting of the North West District of Glasgow , held on Friday , it was resolved— " Thai the Glasgow Chartist * again record their determination never to ceaae agitating until the Charter become law ; that a eubgcripfcioh be entered into to defray the expences of a delegate to the Convention , and of getting up tho National Petition . ' Resolutions were ably spoken to by Mr . Abram Duncan , to whom thanks were voted . Subscription-sheets were ordered .
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Mr . Editor , —By inserting the following in your Stmr of Saturday next , you will oblige the undersigned . Mns . E . Bhown ' s , Support Fund , Bibmingham . We the undersigned members of the above committee , feel it to be our duty to make the following protest public , viz : — That the leaders or preachers of the Christian Church meeting in Newhall street , Birmingham , have acted moat unfair , unmanly , and unchristianlike , and calculated to injure the funds , aud consequently the family of Mr . E . Brown , by affixing his name to tho" Secret Move" party , and we feel confident that such signature must havo been obtained by party etatemeut , misrepresentation , &o ., &c .
We strongly call into question the sincerity of that man who would swell his own lists at the expsnee of any Chartist victim , who cannot possibly know any thing of the present existing circumstances oat of his prison , and must give his name through the party statement and recommendation of the person making auch application . From the triflng amount that has come in lately , and from verbal statements made , we are assured that tho best of Brown ' s collectors are , at this time , against the " Secret Move" party , and we further state , so satisfied are some of them of the intentions of the secret party , that they have signified their intentions . of abstaining from meeting with us so long as we meet in our present committee room . Tkis , we trust , they fwiU not persevere in , after we state our reasons for changing our committee room , which reasons , we hope , will recall
spmeof our Chartist frierxis to their 1 ' OIBieT duty . It is well known we rented aud paid for the room we occupied in Mo « r-street . The Newhall-street party offered their school-room gratuitously ; no reasonable objection at that time was seen , aud consequently theiroffer was accepted . We do hope that the good Chartists , who have so nobly done their duty since Mr . Brown ' s incarceration , will not desert him for party sake . No ; let it not be said , that you who have kept from starvation , the seven small children of that innocent victim , E . Brown—let it not be said , a ^ ain we repeat , that you forsook his helpless family on the eve of his liberation . Kally tothe committee . The time will soon arrive when Mr .. Brown will be out to answer for himself , and whatever may be his future actions , let it not be said that the Birmingham Chartists forgot their duty to a brother victim .
We wish to be understood as having no party motive iu this protest ; we Btand as part of Mr . Brown ' s Committee , and we feel confident that the name of Mr . B , being affixed to the " New Movement , " wili , without the least doubt , injure him' in this town . For his family alone , and lor their interest , we feel it to . be our duty to make this public announcement . In conclusion , we do assert that without the members of Mrs . Brown's Support Fnnd Committeo do attend , our funds must fall short . We know of monies we have lost since meeting in Nowhallstreet , in consequence of not being able to form a quoroui , part of our committee being engaged in the
lecture upstairs , and the other part staying away altogether . Again we most sincerely call upon all good Chartists to make ono more bold effort to raise a fund , not only to maintain his family , but to give him a liule start on his liberation ; the time is but short now , and we fcssert it to be the duty of all those who took part with him in his agitation , to assist his family during his incarceration ; therefore , rail ; to the committee ; and , if y » u are Christian of Chartist , be on the Bide of humanity—recollecting that Mr . Brown's incarceration waa for his advocating the rights of the : people . We remain ,
In the cause of Democracy , ( Signed ) Samcel Davifs ., late Secretary to the Radical Association . George Richardson . Charles Bettam . David Potts , Secretary to Brown's Committee . P . S . In the original , each haa signed his name which Mr . White shall see , and have it , if required ' The above is a * correet copy .
≪£Dartt# Stittlltorm*,
< £ Dartt # Stittlltorm * ,
Mr. E. Brown, Birmingham.
MR . E . BROWN , BIRMINGHAM .
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TO THE EDITOR OP THE NORTHERN STAR . 30 , Harwood-street , Caraden Town , : Sth April , 1841 . Dear Sir , —I have received the address you have forwarded to me . I must , however , decline appending my name to the samo , as I cannot a&bscrib © to some of the principles contained therein . For instance , that contained in the first paragraph , as it seems by implication to deny their rights to those who may be supposed not sufficiently educated to make a goad use of them , which will at once give a handle to the enemies of the cause , and , encourage them to persist iu their denial of the people's rights . I totally diasenfc from the idea that these rights are to l >« based upon any thing but their birth-right qjialifleation as men . Indirectly this would raise us . a knowledge qualification , or a moral qualification , neither ol which are
legitimate bases of sound constitutional liberties , aa they are is many instances merely relative aad referable to the atbitriry ' standards of other men ' s opinion * . As well might we deny Uw right of national government to -what are called aawge tribes * under the plea that that they ace too ignorant aad self-witled to exercise such functions tan their own advantage . To look back to History . What is tha origin of the Roman State ? A numb » r of robbers , the outcasts of other states , congregated together and laMithe foundation of an ElectiTe Monarchy , -wW » h feeing based upon tke people . at last won for the people their right * ,, while- it developed tad moral nisine * of fortitude * patieace , perseverance , and temgeraeoe , not as ta » causa * but the consequence .
With respect to another paragraph * which casta blameupoa the meetings of the peopl *; considering tbe citeanstances , 1 am . not disposed to visit them -with aay harsh censure . X never NBunbet attending any meetings of the people -whitb , we *» not orderly conducted , which i » more tban caa be said f 0 * the meetings of the gther ' class ** . ; fore-sample , that called is connection with the Shisriffk of London , where Messrs . Hume and Warfctutos * && , took so active a part—the firstand only time—I happened ia be present whea the Rio * Act wa * read . J I do not Bfiderstand-what is meant by the alluMOQ to the people " aping ihe proceedings of a tinselled and corrupt aristocracy , " aa I do not recolleck any display beyond what was fairly admissible ; for example ,, the triumphal procession on the entry of Mr . Collins into Birmingham . ' , '
Taktog this view of the addrew ai a whole , and observing the Mtondary position which the Chatter occupies under the equivocal tttte of » " Nattoaal Attociation of tne United Kingdom , for j > T ©» t ) ti » g tha Poli tical and Social Improvement of tbe People , " I feel I would not be justified in becoming a member of tbe ( ro < posed Association . " ; - ¦¦'¦' .
I am , dear Sir , ¦ _ .- ¦¦ ' Yours , &c , . . willum yituBBa sanrbt . To Ml * Lovfctt , ¦ : '¦'¦ 5 183 , Tottentf'SQ Court Road , -
,«**** % On The Socia-L Power Of Bboitc**^ Middle Classes.
, «**** % ON THE SOCIA-L POWER OF BBOITC **^ MIDDLE CLASSES .
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AND LEEDS GENEEAL ADVEETISlE
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, VOL . IY . NO . 179 . SATURDAY , APRIL 17 , 1841 . fWC Vff'Sg * f £ Zu ?* - " ' ¦ . ' ' ¦ ¦ ' -. 1 1 1 i _ 1 _ _ _
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), April 17, 1841, page unpag, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct375/page/1/
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