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Northern Star (1837-1852), 26th June 1841, Edition 2 of 5, Page 2, Untitled Article

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    • &&lFre00t& Kt.
    • .* Ji^b^Bttl^^S^^JHfel LEEDS BOBOUOH SESSIONS.
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      Untitled Ad

      NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN , Th * t «» ae » fc Gbkebal Quartkb Sessions of th * Pjsace for the Borough of Lbbds , ~ in the County of York , will be holdeu before Thomas Flows * Ellis th * Younger , Esquire , Recorder of the said Borough , at the Court House , in Leeds , on Wbdnesdat , the Seventh Day of July next , at Two o'Clock in th * Afternoon , at which time and place : all . Jurors . Constables , Police Officers , Proseoutors , Witnesses , Persons bound by Recognizances , and others having business at the said Sessions , are required to attend . And Notice is hereby also G * ive » , That all Appeals not previously disposed of will be heard at the opening of the Court , on Friday , the 9 th day of July next , and that all Proceedings under the Highway Act , will be taken on the First Day of tbe Sessions .

      Untitled Ad

      C . GRIMSHAW & CO ., 10 , GOREE PIAZZAS , GEORGE'S DOCK , LIVERPOOL T \ ESPATCH fine First-Class AMERICAN LJ SHIPS , of large Tonnage , for the following Ports , namely-. — NEW YORK , PHILADE& PHIA . BALTIMORE , BOSTON , and NEW ORLEANS , in which Passengers can be accommodated with comfortable berths in tbe Cabin , second Cabin , and Steerage . Persons about

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      Just Published , Price Two Shillings , Cloth , PAPER AGAINST GOLD , containing the Hisx tory of the Bank of England , the Funds , th * Debt , the Sinking Fund , and the Bank Stoppage » also showing . how Money is raised or lowered is value by alterations in its qualities ; and the evil effects of the whole npon the Community . By Wn . Cobbett , condensed by Margaret Chappelsmith . Price One Shilling , GASKELL'S POPULAR COMIC SONGS , Complete . This Edition contains the whole of the Songs that were published in five former Numbers at Sixpence each .

      Untitled Ad

      MEDICAL ADVICE . MESSRS . WILKINSON AND CO ., SURGEONS , No . IS , Trafalgar-street , Leeds , and 34 , Print Edward-street , Fox-streeU Liverpool , H AVING devoted their Studies exclusively for many years to the successful treatment of the Venereal Disease , in all its various forms ; also , te the frightful consequences resulting from that destructive practice , "Self Abuse , " may be

      Untitled Article

      TO THE ELECTORS AND NON-ELECTORS 07 THE WEST RIDING OF YORKSHIRE . FUEKDS AKD CoUltT&TMKN , H AYING been solicited by the delegates of the unrepresented people ( assembled from all parts f the Riding ) in Dewsbury , this day , to allow myself to be put in Bominatfon as a candidate for the representation of the West Riding , I hare deemed it my duty to at once comply , and in responding to theeaU made upon me , see the necessity and propriety of making known the principles in npport of which I claim your suffrages . I appear before yoa as the humble advocate of of that great body of our countrymen excluded by

      the present legislative system from all participation in those rights and franchises held and exereiaed by the other classes of the commnnity . I see around me the men of my own order ( the working class ) creating ( under God ) all wealth yet enjoying none—earning that bread is the " sweat of their brow , " which they themselves do not eat , but which is devooree by the drones , the schemers , and plunderers of society . From personal connection , correspondence , and communication , I can speak to the universal spirit of discontent existing in the breasts of ihe labouring many . I know that disaffection toward all existing institutions parades the mass of the working classes . I know that they regard with

      acorn and contempt the miserably delusive measures f Reform lately propounded to the country by the present Advisers of the Sovereign . What will the proposed trifling reduction per pound in the price of Sugar ; the proposed alteration ( for the worse ) in the Duties on Timber ; the proposed alteratioa in the Corn Laws , intended solely to bolster up a decreasing Revenue ; what will these changes do for the wretched hand-loom weaver existing upon 2 s . 9 d ., 3 a 6 d ., and 4 s . 6 d . per week ! For the miserably-paid agricultural labourer ! For the tens of thousands of the destitute of England , Scotland , and Ireland willing to earn by labour their subsistence , but unable to Indit ! A change is required , sot to keep one faction in and another faction out ; but a change that will socially benefit the mighty mass—that shall guarantee to him who toils the fruits of his labour .

      How is such change to be effected ! Will titled Aristocrats or wealthy Commoners do that for yon which would ameliorate their class-usurpation ! Not they indeed . How then is such change to be brought about ! By the destruction of class-legislation and the representation of the oppressed wealth * producers . Seeing , in the present system of legislation , the cause of the political debasement and social wretchedness of the working class , I seek for the enfranchisement ( politically and socially ) of that class by the recognition and adoption of the principles of the People ' s Charter . I demand the extension of the Suffrage to every ¦ tale that shall hare attained the years of manhood . First , on the ground of right , believing that all sen are born free and equal . " Second , on the ground of protection , that labour may legislate for labour , and that the rich , through class made laws , may no longer grind the faces of the

      poor . Opposed is principle to secret voting , I would nevertheless give my support to the Ballot as a means of protection to the weak against the tyranny of the strong . Atmn *! or Sessional Parliaments I would most cordially rapport . A more equal division of Electoral DistrietB ib absolutely necessary to avoid the gross anomalies of the present system . The Property Qualification at present required on the part of K . iglish and Irish Representatives is a gross insult to every principle of justice , the people ' s approval

      should be the only qualification of the legislator . Each Representative should receive wages for attendance , that he may be truly the servant of the people , they ( the people ) having the power te dismiss him from their service when failing to fulfil the duties of Ms mission . fcOnly when the people are represented will legislative measures be adopted for the good of all . ¦ J ^ But , in the meantime , it is perhaps necessary that I should state briefly my sentiments upon certain peat questions connected with the welfare of our eommou country .

      I am sternly opposed to the New Poor Law , both in principle and detail , and will seek its immediate and total repeal . Regarding with horror and indignation the ' , wholesale murder of the children of the poor in the manufacturing districts , the Ten Hoars Bill shall have By hearty support ; and I will seek by every means in my power to promote a complete reform of factory labour . Seeing in local government the best palladium of national liberty , I am opposed to all schemes of * ' centralisation . " I am hostile to any scheme of Rural Police , and consider that the complete controul over the police of towns aad boroughs should be Tested in the hands of the inhabitants . I am opposed to all restrictions upon knowledge , ud will seek the repeal ot all laws and taxes fettering the press .

      The advocate of religious as well as civil liberty , I contend against the existence of a state church , or compulsory exactions for the support of any sect or creed . I will support a total repeal of the Corn Laws accompanied by such a reduction of taxation as will allow the British fanner to compete with tha foreign corn grower ; and give to the manufacturing population , the benefit of such repeal without inflicting injury upoa the agricultural classes . I am for the repeal of all *• ' monopolies" by the repeal of the u monopoly" of legislation . With respect to Ireland , I am decidedly in favour of a Repeal of the Legislative Union , believing t \ at it would be for the interest and welfare of both countries that Ireland should constitute and legislate for herself .

      If elected as your Representative , I shall use every exertion to procure the liberation and restoration of all those suffering in prison or in exile for their advocacy of the rights of man . Electors , —I have briefly but explicitly stated my principles—^ he grounds upon whieh I hope for your Suffrages ; in you is reposed a weighty trust , Bee that you exercise that trust for the good of all . We are on the eve of a change , which no earthly power can avert , it 13 for you to say how that change shall be effected . Wj are on the very threshold of " Revolution , " it is for you to decide whether that "

      Re-¦ volution" shall be peaceably brought about with yonr assistance , or whether the disfranchised many shall ba compelled to right themselves in spite of jour opposition—in the latter case the consequences are frightful to contemplate . Believe me , mere brute force cannot much longer stifle the voice of the oppressed and the enslaved . Non-Electors , —The principles set forth in this address are no sew principles adopted for the occasion ; for years I have struggled for their triumph ; my first services in your cau 3 e entitle me to look for thai support of which I feel confident .

      Friends and Countrymen , —Now i 3 the tima to assert your claim to tbe suffrage ; long disfranchised —long enslaved , cease to be toe willing serfs of faction . Attend ia . your thousands and tens of thousands , on the 4 ay of nomination , and once , and for ever , set aside the odiou 3 aud wicked distinction ef the " . privileged few , " aud the subject many . " Demand " your rights , and practically assert your demand . I am , Your devoted Friend and Serrant , GEORGE JULIAN HARNEY . Dewsbnry , June 20 , 1841 .

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      TO THE ELECTORS AND JiO ' -ELECTOKS uF THE BOROUGH OF LEEDS . HAVING been iniiied to-becoma a-G&adidaU for tbe Representation of your Borough , I cheerally comply , and rest my hopes of bucct-f * upon the coincidence between my principles and objects , and jour interests aad duties . There are periods in the history of nations , when events concur to produce a crisis , in which attention to the constitution and workings of Government , the condition of the people , their grievances , opinions and feelings , become the sacred duty of all . The present is such a period . The voice of discontent rings through tfao land , and the cry of the oppressed jaercsth the heavens . Merchants and

      Minnfactarere , Masters aad Workmen , all , in fact , excepthose privileged to live « n tbe resources develops , and wealth produced by the mind , skill , and labour of the people , are dissatisfied with things at they are . Oppression and fraud increase daily . Kuin and un .-endurable misery are fruits of things as they are 'therefore , a change is demaade&sBI - ' ¦ f But what change ! What change is adeqtate to the emergencies of the ease , aad capable of effectually eradicating existing evils ! What change 'Will make England and Englishmen what they < ngit to be { Tamos stheaei in offered by par * * we eisinlnc yoar Saffrafet . Wiisk it the best t Tnat is the faoetioo , tke * Qustiea ef Questions , " whieh yom suit atw decide ! ani Muwii

      « •« nwnw n « mj ooEnKj , aaa » BU deairoas ef advaaeiag the eoaditien of my nee , I respectfaSy submit By views of the meant fey whieh the boa » ar and happiness ef both would feeteeared . * Be just , and" fear not . " That in » y remedy ; toe foundation of ny political creed . Class Legislation , and Irresponsible Power , are opposed to this . I believe then , therefore , to be the source of our miseries—Government by and for the people , the enly remedy . Justiee to the People requires that the voice of their Representatives be heard in the Legislature ' which &akei laws affecting their lives , means of exist eaee , aad happiness . This Justice to the Peopte is not oaly compatible with , but inseparable from , the real happiness of alL I aa therefore , no Pefiiisil Partitas , box Party Slave .

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      My Principles are embodied in the People ' s Char ter , and are admitted , by all , to be abstractedly , Just ; but I hold that where Justice is an abstractor * , Injustice must be a reality . The Principles of the Charter would rest tbe Government of the Country in Men of Mature Age and Sound Mind ; the present system enfranchises and legislates for Bricks , Mortar , and Money . The former is a Living Soui . the latter a Dead Matter Suffrage . _ _ ... . _

      I am not only for the Repeal ef the Com Laves , but the abolition of all Duties upon Imports and Exports . I would make Trade as free as the air we breathe , and abolishing all ether Taxes , would provide the needful expences ot a just Govenunment by a Tax upon Property . I maintain tha right of the Unemployed Labourer , as well as the Aged and Infirm , to a subsistence from the soil of his native Land ; and shall , therefore , oppose the present Poor Late as insufficient in its provisions , as well as insult ing and despotio in its administration .

      My opiniens on other subjects I shall have an opportunity of submitting to yoa shortly ; in tbe meantime , I assure you your Choice shall be my Qualification , your approbation my reward , and the promotion of your universal Interest my highest Happiness . : ¦ % /? I am , Gentlemen , Your Friend and Servant , JAMES WILLIAMS . Sunderland , June 12 , 1841 .

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      TO THE ELECTORS AND NON-ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF LEEDS . rfiHE time has arrived when anew Government JL has to be formed out of the Representatives of the National Mind . In the struggle for the selection and election of such Representatives Leeds has to take a part ; and already are four Candidates , in the respective interest of the two great factions who have ruined our country , claimants for your " sweet ¦ voices . " To meet the usurped power of faction , you have , in Public Meeting assembled , called upon me to become a Candidate for the Representation of your Borough , associating me with a noble celleague—one of Natnre ' s Gentlemen . I have great pleasure in responding to your call ; and hope to prove myself

      worthy of your confidence by exhibiting the incompotency of our opponents to legislate for the present enlightened race of "ignorant" Englishmen . I am a plain , blunt man ; so " ignorant , " that I am . not considered worthy of being trusted with the power , or even the right , of judgiDg of the respective merits of those who plead for your Votes ; while you consider me worthy the distinguished honour of standing by their side as a Competitor . My opinion on the questions of the Suffrage , the Ballot , and the Church , " are not" in process of formation ' ! They are fully matured and confirmed . I trast , therefore , that I shall not require "drilling " to *• render " me sufficiently acceptable te the Electors" on these points ! . I am a firm and uncompromising advocate for the immediate legislative adoption of the People's Charter—a document draws up by Dan O'Connell , Mr .

      Roebuck , Mr . Hume , and others . This measure duly provides for the just Representation of the whole People ; secures the free exereiBe of the Franchise ; and puts an effectual stop to tho practice of Bribery and Corruption which now so notoriously prevails . Under its provisions the House of Commons could be no other than a true reflex of the National Mind . Belonging t « the people ; having no interest but in common with the people ; working for the people ( in Parliament if sent ) as I hare hitherto worked among the people , I shall be free from the trammels of party or faction ; and shall not have to sacrifice honour , honesty , truth , consistency , and character to maintain the ascendency ef any one set of miscreants over another . I shall never be obliged to vote that " black is white" to preserve my friends in office !!

      I make no difference in the creeds of Whig and Tory . The whole ( if any ) consistB in their position relatively to the two little monosyllables— " in" and " out ! " The Whigs t » are Tories : —the Whigs out , are anything that you wish to make them to secure their " innings" ' . ! As a charge has lately b » en made by the hired press against that body vo which I have the honour to belong—" the Chartist-paid Missionaries , "—a word here , perhaps , may not be out place . We have been called Trafficking Politicians . " For the present 1 shall rest quietly under the charge ; bnt npon the day of Nomination I shall take the liberty of questioning both " the noble soldier , " and the " prostituted barrister" as to the difference of our respective callings : and I think I shall be able to

      show , that while I still eat the bread of honest toil . that one of my competitors is a tool ready to be hired at so much per day for the honourable service of indiscriminate slaughter , while the other is ready to prostitute himself , for pay , to the indiscriminate support of right or wrong—the first comer being the object of his protection and support . » Electors and Non-Electors 1—A great and mighty change is at hand > and it behoves us to be prepared with the proper machinery fer working out that change . Hitherto all Revolutions have failed , becauseVne people nave not been prepared with a new system to replace the old one ; the intermediate space between the death of one system aud the establishment of another having generally been one of Physical Revolution , in which the paramount and general good of the people has been overlooked .

      To constitute a small cog in the required machinery I take to be the purpose to which you mean to apply me and my honourable colleague should you elect us ; that is , we ghall form a portion of the National Representation of the National Will , ready to act for the Nation when society shall be convulsed , ( as in all probability it will be ) by the interested straggles of the two rival factions for supremacy . Whatever danger may be consequent -apon that position , I willingly undertake it ; and shall not shrink from any honourable task imposed upon me by my Constitutents . We are in the midst of a mighty struggle between Land and

      Machinkbt . The question of tbe rightful and harmonious application of these two elements of production is one of paramount importance , though few understand its bearings . I flatter myself that I know some little on each branch of the subject , having had practical acquaintance with both . We must return from a too-artificial , to a more natural state of Society . Then will each of these great sources of Wealth and Happiness find its true place in the estimation of Society , and produce its natural results . Agriccltl-bb will then be fostered , and not discouraged ; and Machinery will be made to work for man , instead of working against him , as at present .

      Looking anxiously for the day when unprotected Labour shall meet protected Capitml , before an unprejudiced jury of EnglisbjneH . I am , Your devoted Friend and Servant , JAMES LEECH . Manchester , June 14 th , 1841 .

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      TO THE ELECTORS AND INHABITANTS OF THE BOROUGH OF ROCHDALE . Electors axd Inhabitants op Rochbale , T COME before you , at this great Crisis , as the can-JL didate for your representation , not assuming that position at my own seeking , but under the command of a great body of your Electors , signified to me by their written requisition , and since sanctioned at your late Meeting , by the unanimous approval of your assembled Citiiens—not assembled in privacy , or within walls , where opponents eoald be excluded —bat in an open space where every individual had the unrestricted power to enter , after a Procession

      through your Streets , whieh gave tbe greatest possible publicity te the object . I am not so presumptuous t » consider this proceeding as a manifestation of personal favour to myself ; I hold it as a declararation of your adhesioa to that great Cause which we jointly support : —that Cause is , the Abatement of Monopolies , Political , Religions , and Commercial ;—it was this csuse which , at yonr Meeting and Procession on Saturday evening , produced such unanimity and enthusiasm—that through the extsnded range of that Procession , and at that Meeting , not one murmur of dissent was heard .

      When I avow myself the Opponent of all Monopolies , I proclaim the advocacy of every Measure which can produce Political , Religious , and Commercial Freedom . 1 desire , by the just Extension of the Suffrage to all Classes ef the Community , protected by the tJaUot , to destroy the Monopoly of Representation by which the / etc have been hitherto enabled to make . Laws to the injury of the many : —and I hold this Monopoly of Representation to be the grand source from which every other Monopoly has derived its existence and support .

      1 desire to Establish Religious Liberty , by A bolishmg Church Rales and all Compulsory Assessments curougn the means of whieh a man may be required to pay for the Ministry er Ordinances of a Church with which be ib not joined in oommanion . I dew © to establish Commercial Liberty , by Repealing all Duties imposed for the Protection ef Cia * 9 lutere 8 ts , a « Mmgttwhieh I consider the Duties oa Cam to be the most grevious , eppressire , and unjust , —asd rendered still more in tolerable , whilst through the means of the New Peer Law , the provision for the Pooriias been curtailed , and the terms of relief rendered bo hard wid offensive to the honest feelings of

      English Independence as to induce the sufferers to submit , in many cases , to the extinction of life through want and disease , rather than humble themselves to the degrading condition of a Workhouse . By these unjust enactments , discontent has been generated , tho attachment of Englishmen to the constitution of their Country has been weakened , outrage has been the unfortunate consequence , your Jails have been filled with Political Ofteuders , and under pretence of enforcing good order—the constitutional Constable has been exchanged for the hired Policemen—the noble institutions of yonr Great Alfred have been cancelled—Englishmen are no longer to be the unpaid guardians of their own

      Untitled Article

      peace—and a body has been formed under the name of a Rural Police , for the support of which , your Taxes have been increased , ana an instrument has been created , which , in the hands of an arbitrary Government , might speedily be converted into % Standing Array independent of the control of Parliament , and applied to the subversion of all the Constitutional rights of the people . My desire is to restore your country to good order , not by the continuance of imprisonments and punishmenta , and despotic establishments , but by such improved Laws and systems of policy as will secure the attachment of the People to their form of Government , and their obedience to the authori ties of the State , by a sense of the practical benefits secured to them .

      With reference to Ireland , I claim for that portion of the United Kingdom , Equal Rights , and Privileges , and Franchises with Britain , and I desire to incorporate the interests of the two Countries by the communication of mutual advantages , through the means of just and impartial principles of united Legislation . Electors asd People of Rochdale , such is an abstract of my opinions , my well considered opMeas —which I have more fully explained to you Mflftr public meetings : —I have told you also , that Fwill not go to Parliament to support the objects of any Party or Ministry , or any Leader , but to BUBtain to

      tbe best of my judgment , by my honest votes , the combined interests of all Classes of the Community : and impressed with the evil of the lengthened duration of Parliaments , I reiterate the pledge of annually submitting my Parliamentary Conduct to the test of your decision , and if called on , at any time , by any considerable number of the voters who supported me , I promiEe to re-place in your hands the trust of your Representation . If I go into the House of Commons in a capacity to serve you , I must go there by your free , unsolicited , and unparchased voices : —On no other terms can I consent to be yonr Representative .

      Electors of Rochdale , I feel there are no personal grounds on which I could solicit the position of your Representative . We come together with a view of acting for the common good ef oar Country : we desire , at this great Crisis , to take the best steps to promote those Reformed Systems which the National interests imperatively require . For these objects our connection must be founded on public virtue . Electors and Inhabitants of Rochdale , I am informed that the friends of Monopolies will attempt to make a stand against us , b y m 3 ans of the power which the monopoly of tbe rights of voting supplies them . That they hope , by private workings and undue influences , and , above all , by creating divisions , to swamp the votes of the Liberal Electors , and defeat that power which would be impregnable

      to their attacks if the Elective Franchise were diffused to a just extent through your Working Classes . Be on your guard , therefore . Recollect "That united we stand—divided we fall . " Think not of the individual Candidate , but of tbe cause , —think of your wives and families—think of your working fellow townsmen , the Non-Electors , and then ask , — will you give your votes in support of those monopolies by which the sources of employment are closed , whilst at the same time the prices of food are raised 1—Electors , recollect that the more the franchise iB limited , the higher are the responsibilities of those who hold it . Permit me , is conclusion , to call to yonr mind the memorable words of Nelson , — England expects every man to do his duty J" Acting upon this motive alone , I offer myeelf to your service . Your faithful Servant , WM . SHARMAN CRAWFORD . Rochdale , June 7 th , 1841 .

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      TO THE ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF BRADFORD , GENTLEMEN , —You are about to be called Hpon to exercise the important Trust which you hold in common with the other Electors of this Kingdom , of returning Representatives of your opinions to Parliament . The present Political Crisis is perhaps of more importance CD the industrious and produotive Classes of our Countrymen than any that has occurred in our history . A struggle is about to ensue between the two great Factions of the State for Political Power . —They are so nicely balanced that it will require bat a very few Independent Men in Parliament to turn the scale on whatever side is most favourable to the People .

      It behoves you therefore to exercise the Elective Franchise with caution and discrimination . Have a clear understanding with tbe Candidates , and endeavour to return , at least , one independent of party ; for the great advantage of having only a few suoh men in the ensuing Parliament is obvious . They all hold the Balance of Power , and the cause of the People must progress . In responding to your call , it is but right that I should give yon a candid statement of my political principles . They are , adopting the maxim of Bentham , to secure te the People the greatest happiness of the greatest number i To arrive at that desirable end , I bdieveit necessary to give to them Universal Suffrage aud increased facilities for acquiring knowledge , by a National System of Education founded on liberal and enlightened principles . I am for restoring to the People their ancient usage of electins their representatives Annually , and that they

      should be paid for their Services , believing these measures te be of the utmost importance in securing a real Representation of the People inParliament . by establishing , on a firm basis , that dependence » f the Representatives upon the Represented , which is essential to good Government . I am also for a division of the Kingdom into Electoral Departments , depending in their divisions upon an equal amount of population , a 3 one of the meanB ot getting a fair Representation of the People , by destroying the preseat corrupt and iniquitous system of permitting Boroughs with a population of 4 , 000 to exeroise the same influence in tbe State as those containing 100 , 000 inhabitants . I am au advocate for the Vote by Ballot , not from principle , but expediency , looking upon it under the present coufined arrangement , as the only means of destroying the corrupt system of influence and bribery at Elections . The foregoing I consider fundamental principles called into existence by the increasing intelligence of the

      age . With regard to those Measures now exciting public Discussion , I am fora Total Repeal of the Corn Laws , believing them to be au iniquitous tax upon the many for the benefit of the few ; and an impediment to the Extension of the great Resources of this Country , her Manufacturing Iodusiryand Capacity . I am for a Repeal of all those Laws which prevent the freest Intercourse of nations in their Commercial Transactions , believing such Restrictions to be disadvantageous to the great mass of the People in this Country , and an Impediment to the Advancement of the Civilization of Mankind . I am in favour of a Graduated Property Tax , as the fairest which can be levied , to supply the deficiency of Revenue which might be occasioned by an alteration of oar Commercial Code .

      I am opposed to the New Poor Law , considering it Unchristian and Inhuman , in sacrificing the nearest and dearest Ties of Humanity to Political Economy . I am for the Abolition of Church Rates , looking upon them as oppressive and dishonest towards the Dissenters , in calling upon them to contribute to the support of a Structure in which they never congregate . This is the general outline ef my Principles ; not taken up for the occasion , but which I have held throughout life . I have Independence and Leisure , both essential for the proper performance of the duty of a Representative of the People in Parliament . If you think my Principles claim your support , my

      time and energies are at your service ; bat by no bribery or Intoxication , ( being a decided friend to the Temperance Cause , ) will I compromise my Principles , or endeavour to corrupt you . I shad then have the satisfaction , in ease of my Election , of entering upon my duties bold and fearless , in having been returned by Honest and Independent Electors . On the other hand , in case 1 should not be chosen by a Majority of you , I " shall have the satisfaction of retiring into private life without a single unpleasant feeling , but with the consciousness of having honestly offered to my supporters the means of recording their opinions in favour of the Political Principles of which I am the humble

      Advocate . I remain , Gentlemen , Your ' s , faithfully and sincerely , W . SIMPSON Bradmore-Hoase , Hammersmith , June 12 ih , 1841 .

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      TO THE ELECTORS OF THE CITY OF PERTH . riENTLEMEN , —I have been solicited b y anu-VJ merous portion of your fellow-cititene to allow myBelf to be pat in nomination as a Candidate for your suffrages at the approaching election . And , gentlemen , I assure you , that nothing but a' high sense of public duty , and the hope of preventing the representation of your city from falling within the Pale of Aristocratie or Ministerial influence , could hare induced me to cone forward . It is a natter of imperious necessity that Mme thonragh Radical Reformer should stand forward to vindicate the purity of your principles , the freedom of Teur «!«« .

      tion , and the independence of your character . I accept the invitation with a determination to assist yon in defeating the ancosBtitational intentions of the present Government , in thus attempting to force « pon you a Placeman as your representative —a Placeman , too , who already pals into his pocket £ 3 , 500 per annum out of the public taxes , wrung from tke industry of the poor . Your object is laudable and I hope you will succeed in frustrating their design by placing my name at the head of the poll . I make no lofty pretensions , —I can boa 3 t of no aristocratical connection , no family influence , no corrupted instruments of power , —I depend entirely upon the reliance you may place upon the honesty of my principles aad the integrity of my actions .

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      I solicit your suffrages as a thorough Radical Reformer of the old school , —unused to the new fangled doctrine of "Expediency , " or to the claptrap theories of the present Government , —I am opposed to Finality" principles in every sense of the word , and I am therefore determined to go on radically reforming the Commons House upon the principles of Universal Suffrage , Annual Parliaments , and Vote by Ballot . , As a Radical Reformer I am opposed to every species of Monopoly , whether of power or of wealth . I am opposed to the Monopol y of the Bank of England , because 1 conceive that its connection with the Exchequer is dangerous to the commonwealth—its pewer over the . monetary interests of the country injurioss to trade and commerce , and its influence over the whole property in the country , an evil which demands the serious attention of the Legislature .

      I am opposed to the Corn Laws upon principle ; because I conceive them to be unjust , impolitic , inhuman , and unchristian ; and am therefore opposed to the Government plan of a fixed duty , in the Ml conviction that any tax upon food is aa injustice that ought not to be tolerated . I am an . Advocate for their Total Repeal ! I conceive that the question of Free Trade as brought forward by the present Ministry is a scheme to gam popularity—a mere stalking horse to delude the people with new promises , whioh , like all the rest , are sure to be broken—a speculation to gain a little- strength to uphold their rotten and rickety administration . '

      I am in favour of Free Trade ; but would also free the industry of the people from the enormous amount of Taxation they are called upon to pay for the support of the State , and supply the deficiency of the revenue by a tax upon all real and funded property ; then , instead of merely revising the import duties , we could safely abolish them altogether . The industry of our people , combined with our natural and artificial resources , would enable us to compete with any nation in tbe world . Why then should we fear competition \ If we had a cheap Government , we Bhould not . We ask it—we demand Free Trade , Free Labour , Free Institutions . As a Radical Reformer , and an advocate of self

      government , I am opposed to the grand Bchems of centralization—a scheme set oa foot by the present Government ( of which the Hon . Fox Maule is an active member ) to subjugate the people and destroy every vestige of Constitutional freedom that our ancestors have fought for and defended with their lives . To the Rural Police scheme , for filling the country with Gendarmerie , I am heartily opposed ; and also to the principle of the New Poor Law Amendment Act . Though its baneful and destructive influence has not touched your land , recollect Eagland is already cursed with it—Ireland is under its baa—Wales is falling beneath its deadly blight . You , people of Scotland , cannot expect lone to

      escape from its poisonous touch . Be prepared , then , and return to Parliament one who will use his endeavours to resist the invasion of the Poor Law Commissioners upon your constitutional right . I am opposed to the connection betwixt Church and State . I hold it wrong in principle , and utterly at variance with the precepts of Christianity , to tax a man for the support of any religion with which he does not conscientiously agree . As a Christian , were I in Parliament , 1 would vote for the abolition of clerical imposts , of all stipendiary ministers and high church dignitaries , all exactions , oblations , fees , and emoluments , levied by the clergy in the name of an established religion , whether in the Church of England and Ireland , or in the Kirk of Scotland , and throw religion upon its own merits .

      and its support upon the voluntary contributions of its adherents . I am also opposed to the existence of oar English Ecclesiastical Courts , believing that such institutions are not compatible with our sacred religion , whose precepts teach , us Peace oa earth , and good will towards all men . " These are my views . If you agree with me , I hope you will give me your cordial support . And , Gentlemen , depend upoa it , if I succeed at the Poll , I will serve you faithfully , honestly , and honourably , so long as I maintain your confidence . And farther , I pledge myself , in accordance with my views of Annual Parliaments , to appear before yoa once a year , and give you an account of my services in your cause . I have the honour to be , Gentlemen , Your most obedient servant , R . J . RICHARDSON .

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      TO THE INDEPENDENT ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF MARYLEBONE . p ENTLEMEN , —A dissolution of Parliament is IX at hand , and you will be shortly called upoa to exercise your most valuable rights as freemen . Permit me , on this occasion , to solicit your suffrages . The Son of a Member of Parliament , my attention has been early directed to the science of Politics , and I have there learned to recognise the f-ea t principle of equal rights and equal privileges , therefore boldly , unhesitatingly , uncompromisingly avow myself the advocate of Universal Suffrage , which shall secure to every adult male the right to the vote in the locality wherein he resides . The recognition of that right I believe to be the best security for the rich , as it is the only guarantee for the poor . f Mm jIaai ^ A ( 11 « AnnAOAli ? *\ 4-1 * A ATrtrt * * Di \ A 1 * T . em

      X « s « U UvUlUOUtj vi /|/ v > wu w « u « 4 iwii < a > vvi uair Amendment Act . The principle which has been avowed by its advocates , that no distinction shall be made between poverty , the effect of misfortune , or the fruit of crime , 1 detest , as equally abhorrent to the feelings of Humanity and the dictates of Christianity . The centralized authority of the Poor Law Commissioners I look upon as unconstitutional . ItB exercise heartless and tyrannical . My best efforts , therefore , would be directed to its repeal , and a return to those principles which shall secure the benefits of the Aot of Elizabeth without the abuses . Having successfully , after obtaining the highest academical honours , studied in the three faculties oi Law , Medicine , and Theology , I venture to hope that my services might prove useful upon many questions connected with these subjects that come before tbe Parliament .

      Being a resident in the Borough , its Local Interests must necessarily engage my best attention . Should you do me the high honour to elect me as your Representative in Parliament , I trust you will ever find me active in business , unremitting in exertion , and unwearied in application . Neither Whig ner Tory , it shall be my preud boast to be , indeed , and in truth , the Representative of tne People . < ¦ I have the honour to be , Gentlemen , Your most obedient humble Servant .

      WILLIAM VILLIERS SANKEY , M . A 30 , Harwood Street , June 15 , 1841 .

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      TO THE ELECTORS AND NON-ELECTORS OF CLACKMANNAN AND KINROSS-SHIRES . A REQUISITION , signed by a number of the electors J \ . and all the Chartist Associations , baa been pat into my hand calling npon me to become a candidate at the forthcoming election for Clackmannan and KiuoBS-sbire . I feel honoured in such an invitation , and accept it with tbe determination of prosecuting the canvass to the utmost extent the people may deem it right . I understand that Col . Abercromby is already in the field upon the Whig interest It is currently reported that a candidate for the Tory interest will also make his

      appearance . It Is right that the Chartists , who are nine-tenths of the population in these districts , ought also to have their candidate upon tne present occasion . To the Chartists I have , npon innumerable occasions , explained my principles , these are » U contained in that well known document called the People ' s Charter , and I have unhesitatingly declared that 1 will countenance no other agitation until this Charter become the law of the land , as , in my opinion , those who do so sacrifice their birthright at the shrine of some of the factions who have all in their turn deceived , and afterwards pillaged and oppressed , the British people .

      To the electors of these counties—Allow me to point ont shortly your present position ia connection with the great body of the people ; you are divided between the manufacturing and agricultural pursuits ; a wise and enlightened government is necessary aa a protection to these interests . Bat government in this country has never held in the legitimate path of its duty , it has continually interfered to regulate those interests which it ought to have only protected . Abuse has now increased to such an extent under its long continued maladministration that the whole resources of the people are absorbed to satiate its demands , and even now , ia the midst of profound peace , the resources of the most ingenuous and industrious people in the world are inadequate to supply its wants . Upwards of two millions of its industrious labourers and artfeans toil from morning until midnight , and have not a tithe of the

      ordinary necessaries of life . Our warehouses are groaning with the fruits of tbe people ' s industry , aad yet they are wandering about ill fed and clothed in rags . The people are new convinsed that these permanent evils result from bad government . To * , the electors of these counties , are called npon to send forth a repretea . taUve who will either augment or remove these evils . If . yonr election should unfortunately fall npon either a Whig-or a Tory , you will then have extinguished the last vestige of hope among the people , of their condition being Improved through your patriotism and wisdom . ft you eUet arepreseaUtlve who will pledge himself to use all bis influence in the Hause of Commons to pass the People ' s Charter into law , you will inspire the people- with renewed confidence in your integrity and wisdom , as they feel confident that this country is doomed speedily to be the scene of anarchy and revolution .

      To the I'Jhartists of these counties—Yoa are now called upon to perform a sacred and important duty to yourselves , your families , and your country . The people are the legitim ate source of political power . Yoa have now an opportu tiity to prove it The Whigs and Tories are your bitter ai id uncompromising enemies—use that power by harrai ^ i ^ g them in all possible means under the constitu tion—use your constitutional righto

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      at the day of nomination , and ftfter recording your decision there , trust to God , and the means He will discover to yoa for the securing and establishing of your rights in this land . lam , '¦ . ¦ ¦ ¦ . . ' ¦ ; ¦ ¦ Electors and non-electors , Yours &c , Alva , 14 th June , 1841 . Abeaham Duncan .

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      TO THE ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF LEEDS . & ENTLEMEN , —A Requisition has been presented to me from a large and influential Body of the Electors of Leeds , calling upon me to become a Candidate , in conjunction with Lord Jocelyn , for the Representation of the Borough in the event of a Dissolution of Parliament . The character . of the Appeal with which I am honoured , whether I regard the number or respectability of the parties who make it , is such as will not permit me to hesitate between the inclination of private feeling and the dictates of public duty ; I , therefore , Qentlemon , respectfully announce to you my intention of complying with its request . In declaring myself a Candidate for so great an honour , and in purposing to undertake so heavy a responsibility as that of watching over the Parliamentary Interests of this extensive Borough , I

      wish I could offer to you the benefit of Parliamentary as well as Commercial Experience in the consideration of all those great questions which so deeply absorb the publio mind . Never have we stood more in need of the ability of an energetic Government or the wisdom of an enlightened Legislature than at the present moment ; and I confess that I do not recollect the period when the depression of every branch of our Commercial Interests has been so appalling as it now is , nor can I conceive any duty so imperative upon Parliament as that of a most patient yet prompt endeavour to devise substantial means of relief . What may be the cause or the combination of oauses which has produced this paralysis of our commercial strength , or what may be the best means of restoring us to activity , admits of much discussion , and deserves to be discussed with moderation and temper .

      To those who ascribe our preseat distress to the operation of the existing Corn Laws , I can admit that a reduction and modification of the present scale of duties would not be attended with injustice to any class of the community ; and to the advocates of Free Trade I can equally admit that our Commercial Code requires deliberate investigation , and that many obstacles which now impede the current of Trade may be removed without injury to any other existing Interest ; but in the pursuit of this object , I hope that England will not be compelled to abandon those exertions which she has so nobly begun in tearing off the hideous badge of Slavery from the human race .

      Upon the subject of the Poor Law , the provisions relating to what is called out-door relief appear to me to h ? , ve been made by the Commissioners m utter ignorance of the precarious employment of a manufacturing population , of which not only individuals , but masses of individuals , are , at a few days ' notice , reduced from a state of industrious competency , to helpless destitution . Relief so restricted is wholly inapplicable to the wants of the d « nse population of a trading district ; besides which , there are other parts of this law that evidently require amendment . It is needless for me to dwell in this address upon my devotion to our Church , or upon the importance which I attach to the Religious Education and Moral Improvement of the Poor . It is equally needless for me to express my reverence and admiration for all those institutions comprised within the pale of our unequalled Constitution , calculated as they ate to

      en-; ail blessings upon all classes of the Community ; but I am persuaded that these blessings cannot be permanently enjoyed by any class , or in any rank of life , unless due regard be paid to the means of subsistence and to the "contented labour" of the great body of the People . Whatever may be the estimation in which the policy of the present Administration has been held by its supporters , they must acknowledge that that policy cannot be successfully applied to the exigencies of the State except it be based upon the Confidence of the Nation . They must see that this Confidenee has been withdrawn ; -a general dissatisfaction with the measures of our Rulers , and an increasing suspi ci on of the Honesty of their motives , are fast growing upon the publio mind : I concur in these apprehensions , and Bhould hail their removal from Office as the first step to the restoration of our National Prosperity . I have the honour to be , Gentlemen , Tour faithful Friend and Servant , WM . BECKETT . KirkstallGraBge , 8 th June , 1841 .

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      TO THE ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF LEEDS . p ENTLEMEN , —The honour you have done me in ajT presenting to me the flattering Requisition I have just received , proposing that I should offer myself as a Candidate for your Suffrages as one of your Representatives in Parliament , demands my most cordial thanks . I am fully sensible , likewise , of the additional value which is stamped on that Requisition by your haying associated ray name with that of your honoured Townsman , Mr . William Beckett ; and , with such a call and suoh a colleague , I cannot hesitate to accept your invitation , and to profess my willingness to fight with vou the battle

      of the Constitution in this great Crisis of the public affairs . With respect to the principle on which I now come forward , I have already had some opportunity of explaining myself to you personally ; but in accepting yonr Requisition I am bound to state explicitly to all the Electors what those principles are . In one word , then , they are strictly Conservative ; that is to say , they are such as will lead me to consult the interests , not of one class to the exclusion or prejudice of others , but to advance the well-being of the entire Community , adhering as closely as possible to the old Landmarks of the Constitution .

      I shall not bid for yonr support by promising to root up and destroy every Institution that maybe found to require Regulation or Improvement ; bat with due respect to the existing Laws and Usages of the Country , I would labour to preserve whatever is useful , and honestly to correct and reform whatever in amiss . As to the immediate questions which now occupy the publio mind , I believe you will agree with me in thinking that , however important they are in themselves , and deserving of the most serious consideration of the Legislature , they do not constitute the real point at issue at this time , whioh is no less than the formation of an efficient Government in place of the weak Ministry which has for the last few and disastrous years exercised the responsibility without being able to wield tbe powers of the State .

      That the unexampled depression ^ the Commercial and Financial affairs of the Chiptry requires a searching investigation inte its-cause , and great wisdom and firmness in applying the fittest remedies , no man can doubt ; but it is equally obvious that the indispensable preliminary to this is the formation of a strong aud effective Government , wise in counsel , and possessing the confidence of so deoided a majority of the Representativee of the people as to have the power of carrying through the measures which they may dflem tne exigency of the times to require .

      To the support of a » ca a Government , if elected as one of your Representatives , I shall consider it my duty to render my assistance , believing entirely that it can be formed only on Conservative principles ; and while thus seeking to accomplish what I consider necessary to the safety of the Country , I will address myself assiduously to the protection and advancement of your own varied interests , and to the consideration of those great and complicated national questions which involve on the one hand the greatest extension that can safely and profitably be made of the Manufacturing and Commercial Exertions of this Country , and on the other the protection of the large and important interests of the Cul tivators of the Soil ; the supply of Food to all classes free from the influence of Foreign Jealousy and the dangers of Foreign War ; the removal of all the harsh and needless severity of the New Poor Law .

      rendering it applicable ( which at present ic is not ) to the vicissitades of the trade , and the wants and comforts of the Manufacturing Population ; the maintenance of the great and truly glorious effort made at so large a cost by thia Country to strike off the bonds of Slavery throughout the world ; and the extension of those means of a moral and religious National Education which can alone insure the safety of the State and the well-being of all Classes among our rapidly-increasing Population . Upon these and all other subjects I ehall be happy toafferd yoa every satisfaction in my power whenever the proper period arrives for aay again appearing among you , and in the meantime I snail rely on the continuance of those efforts upon your part to whieh you have so generously pledged yourselves , and whioh , if continued , eannot , 1 believe , fail t » be erowned with the desired effect . I have the honour to be , Gentlemea , ; . Your moBt obedient , humble servant , JOCELYN London , Juae 7 , 1840 . The Committee for promoting the Election of Mr . W . Beckett and Lord Jocblyn meet at No . 17 , Albion-Street , every day at Eleven d'Clock in the Morning and Seven in the Evening . Any information will be willingly afforded to the Electors at any time in tho day .

      &&Lfre00t& Kt.

      &&lFre 00 t& Kt .

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      2 . THE NORTHERN STAR .

      .* Ji^B^Bttl^^S^^Jhfel Leeds Bobouoh Sessions.

      . * Ji ^ b ^ Bttl ^^ S ^^ JHfel LEEDS BOBOUOH SESSIONS .

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), June 26, 1841, page 2, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct385/page/2/