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THE EXECUTIYE OF THE NATIONAL CHARTER ASOCIATIOJf TO THE GEKEBAi COUNCIL AND MEMBERS . Buethees , —Having assembled in London to transact the general business of our Association , it beernnes our pleasing duty , at tke close of the present Bitting , to address you , aad convey through this medium , saeh information , instruction , aad advice , as appear necessary to guide you aright in your mov » - Hients . The basinets of the Executive , on this occasion , baa been u&usually extensive , from the enlargement f oar Association , the increase of correspondence , tile general activity that prevails , and the importanoe of the future proceeding * which we hare designed COB £ XSPO > "DE > 'CE OP THE EXECtllVS . In the first place we will advert te rech portions of the eaMflpcaid « s «> laid before us , aa are ot -importance , and requite general notice . V . any letters have been received from Northampton and Leicester , seeking a new arrangement for the represents uob of those places in the Convention .. And in Lancashire , and one or two other places , arrangements sot in accordance with those already laid down have bees sought . Bat , is surveying a map of the kingdom , we n-3 not think a more equal representation could be 4 cYi ? ed than that set forth in the Address Issued at our last sitting .
We beg , therefore , urgently to impress on our brethren ia the various localities the great necessity of observing one systematic plan . If each part of the kinc iomiato act in the man' >» best suiting its peculiar Interests or circumstances j ¦ . after a national adjustment of representation , thei a are to fee numerous departure ? from it ; if , in sections , the people are to act upon several various methods , tSien are the objects of a national organisation defeated , and the operations ef ar . Executive rendered of non-effect We urge , then , that the scale of representation already prepared may , in all cases , too , be abided by In each electoral district the votes of the people most be taken in reference to the election of representatives , 4 c , and the -will of the majority must be obeyed . This is in strict accordance with the principles of Chartism , and , we have no doubt , on reflection , will be readily acquiesced ia .
Letters from Carlisle , and other places , have directed our -attention to the necessity of levying the expences of the Convention on a scale more equitable than that already proposed , and of making taxation and representation co-extensive . We at once see the propriety and justice of this ; and , after estimating as nearly as possible the probable expences of the entire Convention , we Lave decided that each district sending one reprelenta . ive shall contribute to the Convention Fund £ 18 ; two representatives , £ 36 ; and three , £ 54 . Out of this fund tbe travelling expences of each member , to and from London , will be defrayed .
A i-tter from Leamington conveys to us tbe following qaesuon ; "Do you , as an Executive , sanction the interruption of Corn Law meetings ? " In reply , we beg fearlessly to state that we are advocate * for free inquiry , and it is our belief that on all occasions when tbe people are cdied on for their opinions ob any question affecting tie public weal , they should boldly speak out their sentiments , whatever they may be . If a meeting is convened "to consider the propriety of repealing the Corn Xawf , " would it not be slavish and discreditable to the persons attending it , if they consented to sanction any resolution its originators were pleased to submit , whether it eorrespended with tbe opinions of the mettiog cr not ? Most assuredly . We « re not friends of tomuiruous proceedisgs , for these can never aid the purposes of truth aad justice ; but we have , evidence
before us of innumerable instances when the peop e have been called together to " consider" the repeal of the Com Laws , and , when met , have been denied any voice in the matter by the persona who have taken upon themselves the management of such meetings . "We cannot , therefore , restrain oar Chartist brethren from expressing their isdignatien at such tyrannical conduct . We rejoice that the time has arrived when the people dare think and speak out their opinions ; aad it may be relied on that we , in our representative c » paci : y , are nrt about to use our influence to arrest this freedom of mind merely because it does not suit Ute imaginary interest of any peculiar faction . L « t calm discussion be permitted , tbe venae of the people fairly be taken and duly regarded , and truth and justie- must ultimately prevail
From the Bristol General Council we have received a communication touching the issue of the cards of our association . The following is its substance : — " The present aethad of granting cards ia bad , and fraught with deceit , for instance , a person calls at tbe Association rooms , gets a card by merely paying f « r it ; he soon picks a quarrel with some one , and the ' n comes the evil . He starts—what—a new Council ? No : but he not unfrequent ' y takes everything upon his ipsi diriL He sends tot cards , and start 3 not a set ef Chartists , bet of mCTTiift ^ ever ready to . find fault Now the remedy we propose is , that an application to the Gteseni Secretary for cards , for soy person , must have tbe signature of the sub-President and sub-Secretary resident in the locality . " We have seriously considered the matter , ani an of opinion , that to place any
restrictions oa the issue of cards , other than those laid down in the plan of organization , would be attended with great difficulty and danger . Sub-Presidents and Seerttiries may bave their " ipH diirir—xbe wrong may , ia a variety of instanc ** , be on either side . The constitution of our Association says : — "Any person shall be Emitt ed g , member of this Association on taking a card of membership , to be renewed half-yearly ; for which he shall pay twopence ; and afterwards one penny per week subscription . " We are not yet convlaced by oar Bristol bntoren of the necessity for altering the fundamental prtodple . We have not , therefore , the will ; nor do we believe we have the powtr . to place any othtr restrictions on the issue ef cards than those already embodied in the 5 th clause of the plan on which we sre organised .
Fr . m Trowbridge numerous letters have been received respecting a schism in tbe Chartist body in that town . One portion ot toe members hare tiien a frab place of meeting , and made the following declaration requisite to admission : — "I , , believe in the inspiration of the Old and New Testament ; and do hereby pledge my word to use all lawfnl and just means in my power to cause the People ' s Charter to be the law of the land . " ThU is utterly irrelevant to the leading principles and object of our Association , and , if persevered in , would produce innumerable divisions and endless disagreements . It is our duty to guard against that ¦ which wooM lead to such evil consequences . We have , therefore , written to the persons who have been the actors in this matter , and requested a withdrawal ef the above declaration . Numerous applications have been made for the missionary services of the members of the Executive . These hs / re been too numerous for all to receive
immediate atvjutioB . 7 dx . I / sacb , Dr . M Douall , and Mr . Campbell , have been lecturing and holding meetings without intermission in various parts of the kingdom ; and Mr . Philp , at intervals , had made various circuits . These proceeeiings have worked almost incalculable good ; bnt it must be remembered the Executive snmbare ofily fi-re individuals , and it is impossible for so few persons to accomplish a mission throughout the entire kingdom -without a considerable lapse of time . The uembers of the Executive will , however , continue indn ^ -riously to pursue this portion of their duty , asd will so apply the means placed in their -hands , that saturation may be felt by every member of . the Association .
Tee Chartists of many places where our nnmbara are not yet large , bave applied to the Executive for the aid of lecturers . Unfortunately tbe funds of the Association have kitherto been toe limited to render the assistance sought . We hope this fact will weigh heavily with the General Council and members , and eozmnce them of the necessity of supplying the requisite meant of agitation . Th * lfcitars from various localities seeking information , advice , &c for varied subjects , have been abundant . Every promptitude has been observed by our Secretary , who immediately aniwers privately all communications not of a public nature , oi requiring general notice .
THE SATIOSAL PETITION . 3 ?« t a moment should be lost : The patition-sheets mus » , be immediately issued , and signatures sought for in the remotest as well as the most important parts of Great Britain . The General Council must immediately call meetings of the Chartists in every part , and at these mgwHngi volunteers should be sought to take petition-sheets and procure names . The sheets should be Bttmbered , and the name of each person taking one should be entered on a list , that when the petition is called in it may be readily ascertained whether the sheets are all returned or not . This plan must be at once
resorted to , and with earnest spirit Copies of the printed petition should be taken from door to door , and left for perusal nitil called for . At tbe commencement f every meeting tbe petition should be read , and sheets lain at tbe doors for signatures . The Chartist missionaries ' and speakers should urgently recommend their bearers to sign . Tables should be placed in the public streets , and , where practicable , a few bills should be printed to this eSect : — " The National Petition for the People's Charter lies here for signature . " The signatures of males and females to be alike aceepUbla .
We call on erery individual far his or her aid . There mast be no delay , but energy and zsal must now mark our conduct We invite our Scotch brethren , particularly , to be on the alert , to procure signatures for this petition . ( See the address to the People of Sect'and . ) The sheets should be all uniform , on demy paper , ruled in four columns , six inches ia -width . The heading of the petition has appeared in the several Chartist papers , and is now printed in a cheap form , 15 s , per thousand , and may , together with petitionsheets , be procured of any of the London or country agents . We pray , therefore , let not a moment be lost Let tb . 9 present petition far out-number any hitherto presented .
TSB KATI 0 N 2 I COyiZSllOX . Already many nominations hive taken place , and we are glad to find some of the most , talented and patriotic of ouz party placed as candidates for the Con-
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vention . But there are many yet to come in , and we urgently request the further nominations to be sent without delay to the General Secretary , " Mr . J . Campbell , 18 , Adderly-street , ShaWs Brow , Balford , sear Manchester . " We hope to find Scotland and Wales equally participating in the representation afforded by this body . Meetings should immediately take place , and the candidates at once be named . These should also be sent to the General Secretary , and published in the same list with the English candidates . No time must be lost in relation to this important matter . Twentyfour representatives for England will be forthcoming ; and we have no doubt the people's choice will fall on those best qualified to fulfil the important dnties of the Convention , and most likely to ensure the esteem of the community .
We have already set forth tbe scale of contributions to tbe Convention fund , from those who send representatives . It will not , as it is important , be improper to repeat it- Each district sending one representative Shall contribute £ 18 , two representatives £ SB , aad three £ 51 . It must be borne in mind that out of this fond the travelling expences of the members to and from London will be defrayed . It will immediately be perceived that this regulation is at once jost and equitable , and will bring the amount of money required within the means of each district . The electoral districts all being extensiTe , a few peunds from each town will produce the required sum . For instance , in Gloucester , Somerset , and Wilts , there are as many towns where tbe Association extends as will produce the required snm at aa average of £ 2 each . Of course , the towns will contribute in proportion to their size and influence , and then the amount may be easily raised .
Out of the above fond , as already stated , the coach fare of each member will be paid . This will render the burden less heavy on those districts lit'iated far away from the Metropolis , and the travelling expenses to and from which will be exceedingly heavy . The above fund will also liquidate all the expenses of the Convention for rental of a large and central room , printing , advertising , paper , pens , ink , postage , 4 c 4 a There mast be no deficiency in the contributions of the several districts . A petition of four millions ( unprecedented in tbe history of our country ) should be backed up by the determined voice of the people , which shall have utterance through representation . Tbe collection of moneys should be immediately proceeded with ; and the General Council in every locality must at once put on extreme activity .
We are aware of the deaitH of money , particularly with-the working classes : all this has received our most serious consideration . But can our cause be won without a sacrifice ? Could funds be m « re profitably applied than to toe purposes already set foitb ? Do not , then , brethren , be discouraged : one hundred thousand persons , at one penny each , will produce more than the required sum ; and can it be doubted that out of three or four millions or persona who will petition for justice and liberty , one hundred thousand may readily be found to subscribe for its realization ? Who will hazard the assertion that we have not soul enough amongst us to bear the Petition Convention through triumphantly ? Let us all subscribe according to our means . One may give a Battling , another sixpence , another a penny , another a farthing . But let us not rest satisfied with ourselves until we have all contributed according to our means .
It was at first contemplated that the Convention should meet in London oa the 1 th of February ; but on second consideration , its assembly has been postponed until the first Monday in March . This is to afford the people an opportunity of ascertaining the " policy" of Sir R Peel , that , whilst the Convention is yet sitting , it may have the power of undeceiving the public mind , exposing the frauds that will be attempted by the Tory premier , and showing that the Charter is tbe only hope for an oppressed people . We believe this -will be tmi-rersaHy approved . The postponement has been thus early suggested , that tbe sittings of the Convention may not , under any circumstances , be prolonged more than one mouth , which will be sufficient to do all that is required .
We recemmend , for more effectually ensuring sufficient funds , that tea-parties , paid lectures , dec . be at once instituted . These will at once be imparting knowledge , and creating a bond of brotherly onion : while , wimout « mbarrassment to any , they will produce good toalL In departing from this branch of our address , we particularly urge our brethren immediately to send in the further nominations , that the day for a general ballot throughout the Association may be resolved on . ( See tbe Address received from Birmingham . )
THE EXECUTIVE JOURNAL . After mature deliberation , tbe discontinuance of our Journal has been resolved upon . Its publication was at first resorted to for the purpose of circulating the National Organisation , giving greater publicity and further information of the proposed Convention and National Petition , and of arousing the G-aneral Council and others into activivty , tor the purposes ot carrying out successfully the plan of agitation laid down by the Executive . These oVjetts have been fully accomplished .
It would be impossible for the Executive to conduct a weekly journal with regularity and ed . at to themselves . Their engagements are so numerous , and inconveniences of travelling through tbe various parts of the country so great , that it would be impossible for them to superintend the publication of a weekly paper . Tbe delay of tfee numbers of tbe Journal hitherto issued , arose solely out of tbe cause already alluded to . When circumstances shall again require it , the Execntive will resort to such means to give publicity to any projected plan of operation as may seem xnott fit .
The Northern Star , National Findicaior , and ExflUh Chariisi Circular , are the official organs of the Association .
WEXT SIlTIJfC OP THE EXECUTIVE . The next sitting of the Executive will take place in Bristol , on the first Monday in February , when all final arragements for this great and important movement will be made . Before that date , without fail , all tbe nominations must be sent in ; and tbe various Electoral Districts must report to the General Secretary what amount of funds has been raised for the support of the Convention . Letters of ad-rice will be thankfully received , and undergo serious consideration on the mcetiBg of the Executive at Bristol . While in tbe West the members of the Executive will traverse , ai much as possible , that part of the kingdom ; and also visit several parts of Wales for the purpose of inspiring energy and real into tbe hearts of the people . Tbe ) xecative will ever perform its duty , and may every member of the Association be inspired by good example .
GESEB . AL ABGUMKM . Bketbrek , —We earnestly invite you to pursue the plan of agitation laid down , -with tbe zeal becoming sien determined to be free . Let our feelings , our actions , our determinations , henceforth be ONE . Bury , for ever , any petty feeling ef disunion that may have crept in amongst yen , that yon may present the formidable array of a united People , determined to struggle against your many corrupt foes . Reflect on the urgency of a powerful Cbab-tist moTement at the present time , now that the factions have changed places , and the reins of usurped authority are banded to Toryism , t-e deadliest enemy of our race ; now that plots and counterplots are rife ; now that Vhe war of faction is becoming strong ; in the same of LlBEKTT ,
let TJ 3 be the foremost in the ranks of the Patriots , by whom our native land shall be freed from the fetters of Despotism . Arouse , to dispel the gloom of mental ignorance that bo long has rendered man a passive menial , the slave of tyrants , and the dupe of knaves . Spread the light of those political truths , for the triumph of -which we have girded on the armour of moral resolution . Bemember , our Cause is the Rights of Man—rights defrauded , abused , insulted , and betrapped . Do we see our kinsmen starring ?—the Charter is to give them food . Do we behold them ragged ?—Justice demands they shall be clothed . Do we mark their misery?—Nature declares happiness and prosperity man "» birthright . O \ JR r \ 3 &SBiT is NO phantom—it IS NOT A BUBBLE THAT BURSTS AND IS
SEEN NO MOBS—IT IS NOT Jl CU . VNING EVIL DEVICE ; it is Justice and Liberty fob . am oppbsssed people , now gkoaning u ? ider the ibo . i- toee of despotic monarchy and aristocracy , 1 sd the heartless cruelties of class Legislation . We have proposed none but peaceful means : for , though goaded to detperatian , though we behold our brothers and sisters , even in the midst of plenty and profusion , dying , as in the reign of famine , from want of the merest necessaries of life , we forbear . We
would work a revolution of mind and of principle—a revolution peacefully effected , and the institutions founded by which , « hall be peacefully maintained . We repudiate the assertion that we are " anarchists . " We live in days of anarchy—there exists a war of classes , of caste , of interest—and strife must prevail until the broad equality of man is recognised , and the laws by -which mankiad is governed be framed with a due regard to this great principle . We are not , tbeiefore , promoters of disorder and discord , we seek to establish that bond of etermal right that shall link all men together , as beings of one creation .
These glorieus designs easnot be accomplished , unless we are detbbkined and peeskvkbing . Our petitions aad Gosvextions most follow in rapid succession ; and the increase of our numbers must repeatedly be made manifest If we cannot display , ( in a manner to strike apprehension in our greatest foe ) increasing strength of numbers and determination , our appeals of justice will be assailed with ridicule and mockery . The Petition aad Convention for 1812 , are designed to be such as shall cause a deep tremor to come over the scorner , and strike the oppressor with awe . It rests with you ; yes who are sensible of you wrongs , sod know and appreciate the rights withheld from you , whether or sot this movement shall do honour to the British Peop ' t , acd raise a hope for happiness speedily U be realised . We look forward ko your proceedings with eonfldeace . R , K . Philp . Morgan Williams . Johji Campbell . James Leach . P . M . M'Dodall .
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STRIKE OF THE MASONS . At a meeting of Delegates from the different trades of the metropolis , held at the Craven ' s Head , Drurylane , Hovembet 34 th , tor the purpose of assisting the Masons in their strike at the New Houses of Parliament , Woolwich Dockyard , and Nelson ' s Monamtet , Mr . Bctleb , carpenter , in the chair . After hearing read the letter of Tbotnaa Hickey t » the Editor of the Northern Star , stating bis accident at the new Houses of Parliament , and bis treatment and subsequent discharge by George Allen , the foreman of Grissell and Peto ; and the replies by B- J . Wardle , G . Alien , and John Baker thereto , and also the statement of Patrick Wheelan , it was unanimously resolved , " That two of this meeting , not masons , be appointed to investigate the correctness or incorrectness of the statement made by Thomas Hickey on the one side , and Messrs . Wardle , Allan , and Baker oa the other ; and that T . J . Dunking , bookbinder , and J . Baker , plasterer , be appointed for that purposs . "
Tbe undersigned being thus appointed , lost no time in making tbe necessary inquiries . The allegations of Messrs . Wardle , Allen , and Baker , contradicting the statement of T . Hickey , they place in order , numbering each . R . J . Wardle states : — 1 . " That Tbonas Hiokey met with his accident on the 25 th of February , instead of the 13 th , as alleged by him . 2 " That he did not complain to him ( R , J . Wardle ) of Allen ' s conduct . 3 . " That be returned to his work , March 29 th , after an absence of five weeks , and not on Jhe 14 th , as he stated . 4 . " That in no Instance have the foremen on the works made use of the language stated by T . Hickey , in bis presence , upon men being discharged . " tteerge Alien states -.
—5 . " That the circumstances and language imputed to him by T . Hickey , as to the cause of bis dismissal as mason ' s labourer , from the new Houses of Parliament , is absolutely false . 6 . " That he firmly declares he is not in the habit of discharging men without good and sufficient reason . 7 . " He begs to append the statement of Patrick Wheelan , the individual alluded to in his previous statement , in confirmation of that statement . John Baker sUtes : — 8 . " That he is one of the foremen of masons at tbe new Houses of Parliament , and that he perfectly recollects Thomas Hickey returning to bis work , and the fact of his working six weeks after bis said return . 9 .. " That he ( John Baker ) considers George Allen perfectly justified in discharging the said Thomas Hickey . "
Tho above statements are given in the form of affidavits , intending them to be sueh , but the Magistrate refused , on account of some legal objection , to sign them . Whether the objection of the Magistrate was madt before or after the parties had taJcen the eath , the deponents , ot oourse , have not infoimed the public . l . With respect to the date of the accident , the undersigned , after carefully inquiring at the Westminster Hospital , and elsewhere , have no doubt that it happened on the 25 th of February , and that , consequently , T . Hickey is mistaken in believing it to have happened on the 13 th . This , however , as all parties are agreed as to its having happened , and as to its serious nature , is a matter of alight
importance . 2 . The statement of T . Hickey is as follows : — " I then went to the pay clerk , and told him of the usage I had received from Allen . " Here , also , appears to have been an error , for it was to the time-keeper , and not to the pay-clerk , to whom the complaint was made . This error , which relates only to the person to whom tbe complaint was made , and net the treatment complained of , is thus explained—There are two persons to whom all employed on those works had to apply previous to b « ing paid—the time-keeper and the pay-clerk ; haviDg first to go to the time-keeper for their " time , " as it is called , and then to the pay-clerk , who paid tnem for the time which had thus been previously given . It appears that T . Hickey wanted to be paid for two hours of the morniug on which he was
discharged , which Allen refused to allow tbe time-keeper to give ; Hickey , therefore , could not go to the payclerk for theas two hours , for he had not got" his time " for them , » circumstance which Allen must well have known , and consequently must have perceived the error , and remembered its cause immediately . The undersigned , therefore , in confirming tbe statement of Wardle that no complaint waa made to him cannot acquit him of gross partiality in his omitting to correct the error , after he had pointed it out , thus made by T . Hickey ; for the undersigned are covinoed that both Wardle , Allen , and Baker , well knew to whom the complaint was made , and are convinced , therefore , that the pointing out of this error without correcting it , was only for the purpose of leading tbe public to believe that the circumstances complained of had not taken place .
Tbe undersigned give the following shortened account of the matter in Hlckey ' s words to them . After the first ebullition of anger , when Allen said " he did not want any d—d Irish cripples there , " be ( Hickey ) stopped about ten minutes to see if he would forgive him ( relent ) , but he ( Allen ) came back , anil told him " if he did not go he would put his boots in bis backside ; " he then went to the timekeeper for his money , who told him it was " all nonsense , " and went \ o Allen , but returned to him ( from Allen ) and told him that it was " all up" with him . AUea went off ( away ) for about a quarter of an hour , during which time Hickey waited near the office to be paid , or to " get his time" for the two hours in question . When Allen came back , he ( Hickey ) asked him bow long he was to wait for his money ? Allen told him if he did not go about bis business , be would give him in charge of a polleeman . This took place on Thursday , May 6 th , 1841 .
3 . The 3 rd by Wardle , the pay-clerk , and the » th by Baker , the deputy foreman , are the same , each impugning Hickt-y ' s correctness as to tbe time he was in the employ of GrisseU and Peto , after the accident ; they asserting the period to have been six weeks , while he five and a half days . Tbe undersigned , when they ascertained from tbe Secretary of the Westmlnbter Hospital the date Hickey left that hospital , March 30 , inquired whether he had been afterwards an out-patient , and , if so , for how long ?—for the undersigned did not know then he had left the hospital without leave ; the Secretary replied that he could not give that information , nor did he believe such information could be readily obtained ; but , said he , " if the inquiry is made with reference to the statements in the papers" ( alluding
to Wardls ' s , Alkn ' s , and Baker ' s statements ) , "it is certain that , in the case of a broken leg , the bones could not knit together , so that the limb could be used , in the short time , fur such a process , from Feb . 25 to March 30 , less than six weeks that be was in th « hospitaL" If this be correct , of which medical men can best decide , it must have been physically impossible that Hickey could have returned to work on tbe 29 th of March , as stated by Wardle , the pay-clerk , and Baker , the deputy foreman , which , on oath , they " so perfectly well remember . " The undersigned , upon questioning Hickey on this point , elicited from him that a few days before he left the hospital he inquired whether he could not be allowed to leave , when the surgeon told
him that he would not allow him even to leave his bed for a fortnight He , hewever , did leave , without the consent of the surgeon , on the 30 th , in a " cab , " but soon found that the " Doctor" was right , and , after a few days , applied for medicine at the hospital , when he was teld , thfat as he had left contrary to orders , they could do no more for him . He further stated , that fie waa able to do nothing for five weeks after he left the hospital . If this be correct , which , as it is against himself , there can be no reason to disbelieve , it is again impossible , and utterly bo , if we allow competent medical knowledge to the surgeon ef the hospital , for Hickey to resume his employment on tbe 29 th of March .
The undersigned do not notice the error of making Hickey to be at work on tbe 29 tt , when he did sot leave the hospital until the 30 Ui , f « r that might be entirely verbal . In pursuing this part of the inquiry they felt the injustice of calling upon Hickey to prove a negative . All inquiries they have made , both of thoaa in the house when he lodged , and of all besides , have confirmed their belief that his statement is correct The landlady of the house where Hickey resided when he left the hospital is positive as to bis not being at work for four weeks out of the five . She has no doubt as to the whole , but can swoar to four weeks' inability to perform work . The undersigned inquired of Messrs .
Baker and Wardle how they knew Hickey was in the employment of their masters from the 29 th of Marob to the 6 th of May ? Is it by consulting thair books for that period , or is it only from the assumption that he must bave been employed by Brisaell and Peto inunedialely after he left the hospital , of which period the undersigned know due inquiries were made by that firm at the hospitil ? If it be from comulting their books , the undersigned publicly challenge them to produce those books . Nothing can be more easy than their production ; and if Hickey were really on the works for the period they were ready to swear to , nothing is more certain than that bis name must be found on the books for the whole of that lima .
If , however , it be only from tha mere assumption , the undersigned beg to suggest to them that an oath is no trifling matter , and to recommend , for their own sakes , that tbe next time they tender an oath , or take an oath , to take care that they really do " perfectly well recollect" the circumstances to which they aae about to awear . 4 . R . J . Wardle denies that the foremen on tbe works have in any instance made use of the language stated by T . Hickey in his presence upon men being discharged . Does Wardle really intend this to implicate the statement of Mr . T . Hickey ? if so , he ought to have spetiaily named not the " foremen on the works , " but George Allen . Hickey has brought DO charges against the " foremen on the works , " but only against George Allen . It has already been admitted that no complaint was made to him , tbe pay-clerk , and that , therefore , the language described might not have been used in his presence . But does he mean to say because it was not used in his presence that it was not
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used at all I The undersigned beg to inform , him that if it really be true that Allen never made use of tbe language described "In bis presence , " tbat they have seen very many persons lately employed on the works , before whom , and to whom , the same individual most freely iadnlged in it 5 . Tbe undersigned come sow to tbe extraordinary declaration made or tendered . upon oath by George Alien , denying tne circumstance and tbe language alleged to have been used in the dismissal of T . Hickey . Tbe undersigned read over the statement of T . Hickey in his presence , and closely questioned him as to the circumstances stated , and tbe language used , when he reiterated every particular . Before doing so , the undersigned requested him to relate what really did take place on the occasion , when they found the same thiiigs related by him with minute particulars of detail , which it wonld have been impossible for him to suggest , if his statement bad not been true . In opposition to Allan ' s
denial , therefore , they confidently place T . Hlckey's reiteration . It is impossible not to be struck with the manner in which this charge front the first has been met by AUea . First , be evaded all knowledge of it , affecting to believe it to refer to the case of Patrick Wheelan , while it is impossible that be could for a moment have imagined it to relate to him . Nor is it possible he could have forgotten it ; bis two friends , Wardle and Baker , who so " perfectly well recollect" all about it , render this supposition also impassible . If , then , he could not have forgotten it , and could not for a moment bave supposed the masons alluded to Patrick Wheelanfor this supposition is unutterably absurd—what could have prompted this evasion—an evasion now , since the publication of Wheelan ' s statement , so gross and palpable ? The undersigned are compelled to reply—a guilty knowledge of the whole transaction , and a wish to prevent ail knowledge of it going to tbe public Tbe following are the testimonies of those who saw and heard tbe whole transaction : —
" I remember Thomas Hickey being discharged . I was close to Allen and him at the time he was discharged ; and I heard Allen make use of language similar to that which is mentioned in Hickey ' B letter . I saw T . Hickey the next day after he was discharged , and be told me he had got employment in the firm of Mr . CubitL " Thomas Reid , Mason . " 24 , Tufton-street , Westminster . " « i remember Thomas Hickey being discharged . I was close to the place where Allen discharged aim ; was aware that Hiokey bad had his leg broken . I heard Allen swearing at Hickey , and make use of language similar to that which is stated in Hickey ' s letter . The last words I heard was Allen ' * telling him to be eff the works altogether . " Thomas Charnock , Mason . " New Cross , Kent . "
But what circumstances does this man deny ? Does be deny the accident ? No ; then of course he cannot deny the subsequent weakness and inability of Hickey . He is now compelled to admit that he discharged him . What did he discharge him for 7 If all alleged were false , what could be more easy than to state the reasonable and proper grounds of his discharge , and what more imperative for bis own vindication ? Was he discharged for not doing work enough ? If so , then he must have been discharged for his weakness in consequence of the accident , for he was not , nor is he now , able to do a full day ' s work . Was he discharged for
being insolent f Allen baa not pretended that be was insolent . Was he dishonest T Certainly not ; for they wko could so readily notice the discrepancies explained above , wonld eagerly have made known every particular , if , then , he were neither insolent nor dishonest , he could only have been discharged for not doing work enough . A valid reason certainly , if the man had been lazy , but a most cruel procedure when the man was weak through injuries received in the service of his employers . Was this tbe " g « od and sufficient cause , " Which be " firmly" swears to , for the discharge ef Thomas Hickey f
6 . Allen also states on oath that he is not in the habit of discharging men without good and sufficient cause . This is no reply to the statement of Hickey . Hickey does not accuse Allen of being in the habit of discharging men without cause ; he makes a specific charge of his being discharged himself without cause , and with circumstances of peculiar cruelty ; and it can be no reply to this charge for Allen to say , that he is not in the habit of discharging men without cause . If all the ctreumstancM and th « language imputed be false , this statement is supeiflu « us ; if true , it is no reply to them . The masons certainly accused Allen of bting in the habit of discn>ag men without sufficient reason , and offered t » prove their charge before any fair arbitration , on which occasion Grissell and Peto publicly announced that they would not allow any agent of their ' s "
further to communicate with the men , because they had fully satisfied their minds on the subject ; " that is , as the undersigned supposed , that tbe charges against Allen were false ; which reason , if true , was sufficient at least for them . They have now destroyed this reason . It now appears , that so far from being " satisfied , " except of the truth of the charges , the moment a wrong date is mentioned , or an error in naming the different departments ef their establishment is committed , which may serve as a peg en which to hang a general denial , they are again in the field by their agents , eager not to let such an opportunity p&ss without taking advantage of it ; clinging with convulsive tenacity to the hope , that these mistakes , which make not the slightest difference to the main charges , may implicate the whole .
7 . As the letter of Patrick Wheelan has nothing to do with T . Hickey , the undersigned do not feel called upon to make any remark upon it , further than to state that they are glad to find , if true , there appears to be one instance in which Grissell aad Peto behaved well to those injured in their employ . They can only say that it contrasts well with their treatment of T . Hickey ; for while bis friends of bis own class collected what their scanty means would allow for him , while in the hospital , Messrs . Grissell and Peto rendered him no assistance whatever . The undersigned , with regret , are compelled to state , that it appears to havo been quite an unusual thing for Grissell and Peto to render any assistance to those injured in their employ . We give two instances , out of many that might be adduced : —
Thomas Wade fell with the dam when it gave way during the summer , and waa most severely injured . Messrs . Grissell and Peto sent to him , while in the hospital , to say that neither he nor his family should waut for anything . They , however , gave him nothing , but stopped bis time up to the very half hour of the accident He got £ 1 from the box kept on tbe works to receive charitable donations ; but this he did not receive until after he bad recovered and been at work some time , and then not until dissatisfaction had been expressed by the men to Allen at his not baving given him a portion of the money from the donation-box . He was supported while in the hospital by a voluntary subscription among the men , amounting to £ 6 3 s . Watson Ellis , by an accident last winter , had his arm broken , by which he was unable to work fourteen weeks . He received nothing from Messrs . Grissell and Petonothing out of the box .
Mr . Baker appears not to be content with " perfectly well recollecting" upon oath the return of Hickey to bis work , upon which tbe undersigned bave before remarked , but he volunteers an affidavit to the truth of an opinion 1 He swears , or was ready to swear , that in his opinion George Allen was justified in discharging T . Hickey I The undersigned have no donbt bnt tbat here , at least , he might safely be believed j but they would remind him that an affidavit is not the way to proTe the truth of an opinion . The truth of an opinion can only be proved by substantial reasons , which reasons must be supported by facts . It would have been to the purpose if he had stated the reasons and facts which supported his opinion ; but for him to make oath to its truth implies most surely that he knew bis reasons and biB facte would not bear investigation , and that therefore be substituted his oath in their stead , giving the singular , and withal ludicrous , instance ef a man making his testimony valueless by the very act of swearing to its truth .
From the whole , it appears that T . Hiokey baa made two mistakes , first , in believing the accident to have happened on the 13 th of February , while it happened on the 25 th } and second , in confounding the time * keeper with the pay-clerk ; a fact which invalidates nothing in his statement concerning Allen , and , in the position of one discharged , instanter , from the works , very easily made . In all the rest the undersigned believe him to have been perfectly correct It appears to the undersigned that the statements tendered upon oath by Wardle and Baker were , by implicating the correcting of dates , and by pointing out the mistake above referred to , intended to throw a doubt over the whole statement of Hickey ; a statement which , in the opinion of the undersigned , these deponents were
unable to disbelieve ; which inability also appears to have been shared in by the exuberantly grateful Patrick Wheelan . Wardle swears concerning himself to what did not happen in his presence—and here he ia careful net to mention bis friend George Allen—and to dates . Baker to dates and to the truth ef an opinion ! But neither hint their disbelief of Allen's language , or his cruelty , as specifically detailed by Hickey . Patrick Wheelan , though overflowing with gratitude , does not even mention Allen , nor hint , directly or indirectly , the existence of such a person . Although he is brought forward by Allen himself , expressly to confirm his previous statement that be obtained his plaoe to "tally bricks , " because he " recommended his application to Messrs . Grissell and Peto for a lighter berth . " It is not always fair to argue from omissions ; bat here , where the wanting testimony is so necessary , and is what
wonld so instantly saggest itself , the undersigned cannot but consider its omission as evidence that the cruelty and language of tbe man who waa so notorious th *» It became » thing of which it was impossible , even for his friends , to express their disbelief . The nmdenigned , in giving the result ef their investigation , beg to say tbat they hare endeavoured most sedulously to discover the truth . They also have endeavoured to express their opinions with calmness . J hey now leave it to the pnblic to judge how far Allen dks been successful in clearing himself from the charges of cxaelty and swearing , and how far Mr . Wardle , the pay-clerk , and Mr . Baker , the deputy foreman , have been succesBfal in defending their friend George Allen . Thos . Joseph Dunmug , Bookbinder . John Baker , Plasterer .
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GREAT CHARTIST MEETING AT SELBY . Tbe inhabitants of this place were gratified by a visit from Mr . O'Connor , and a few other excellent Chartist friends , on Friday , the 3 rd of December . A lew days previous t j the notice of Mr . O'Connor ' s intention of visiting Selby , our good Chartist friends were in considerable perplexity as to whether they wonld be able to obtain a place sufficiently large to hold their meeting in , but were at length relieved by the promptness and generosity of Mr . John Llnton , who , resolving upon giving the noble champion of Chartism a reception worthy of his zeal and usefulness in the people's cause , made immediate application to the trustees of the large room , situate in New Road ; but the bigotry of these politically orthodox gentlemen refused to allow the use of tbe building for " the wild and mad hair-brained" purposes of Chartism .
Mr . Lintoo , however , was not tbe man to submit to a defeat after having once settled upon his purpose . He set to work , and bad his large building , which is appropriated to the purposes of boiler and steam engine making , cleared to the middle . To effect this , several large boilers , and a large quantity of iron and metal , bad to be removed at much labour and expence . This was done on Thursday , and on Friday morning a spacious , dry , and comfortable arena presented itself , capable of holding upwards of 2 , 400 people . A platform was erected at one end , and tbe splendid banners of the Association spread their wide folds over the canvas behind , which formed the partition of the temporary room . The place was well lighted , and everything was in readiness several hours before the time arrived for the meeting to commence . The friends -were all la the greatest possible good spirits , anticipated disappointment having succeeded to complete triumph over the machinations and bigotry of their enemies .
Precisely at half-part seven oclock Mr . Linton was appointed to fill the chair for the evening , which be did in a very efficient manner . After briefly addressing the large assembly on the pleasure they were about to derive from listening to a developemsnt of the great principles of the Charter from the mouth of the muchpersecuted but their much loved patriot himself ; he begged to commence the proceedings of the evening by introducing Mr . Stillwood , the East Riding lecturer . Mr . Stallwood iu rising to address the meeting , stated that he had a resolution in his hand which he intended to propose to tbe meeting , bnt as it related to the document called the National Petition , he would first proceed to read it , and then submit the resolution . Mr . S . then read the National Petition , which appeared
to have a powerful effect upon the meeting . After which he proceeded to explain the principles of the People's Charter , going through each particular with considerable fluency , and frequently eliciting great applause . His arguments were sound and conclusive . The objections to tbe term universal , aa applied to the Suffrage , fell to the ground , aa it was only in accordance with the definition given in all ages by all the greatest of men who had ever thought and wrote on the subject In Ireland , Scotland , England , or Wales , Vote by Ballot was its safeguard—Annual Parliameats necessary , as short reckonings make long friends , and twelve months is long enough to have a bad servant , while it was not a bit too early to compliment an honest and upright friend of the people by his re-electionthat unless the parliaments were annual , an individual who being within a few weeks of twenty-one years old would bave to wait until he were twenty-four yean old
before be could obtain tbe right of voting ; the present property qualification put all the brains in the pocket and none in the head . Equal electoral districts were necessary , because men being represented instead of property , the numbers must , to be fairly distributed , be equally represented ; and lastly , the members must be paid directly , or they would pay themselves indirectly . He ( Mr . S ) considered these principles were just and constitutional as they were the practices of former ages ; and , rapidly running over their history , dropping in bis course the never-to-be-forgotten story of Andrew Marvel , the famed representative of Hull ; and , in proof of the practicability of the whole scheme , reference was made to the practise of benefit societies , clubs , tha Americans , dec . winding up by evidence in favour of the intelligence of the working classes—the producers of the best works of science , art , and philosophy ; that no men were born slaves , nor were any born booted and spurred , —for as Southey has it ,
" Ye are all equal , and nature made ye so . " ; At this stage of the proceedings Mr . O'Connor entered the building . All were on the tiptoe ; and not less than 16 » O people were breathlessly anxious to behold the lion of the evening — another minute and he ascended the platform , amid the moat deafening and tremendous cheering , which lasted for several minutes . After order was restored Mr . Stallwood proceeded to read his resolution , which was as follows : — Resolved— " That we , the inhabitants of Selby , and its vicinity , in pnblic meeting assembled , do hereby adopt the petition just read , called the National Petition —praying for universal suffrage , vote by ballot , annual parliaments , equal representation , the abolition of the property qualification , and the payment of membersthat we also pledge ourselves Individually and collectively to get the same as numerously signed as possible , and forwarded to tbe proper quarter for presentation . "
Seconded by Mr . Richardson , and carried unanimously Mr . Sotherby next moved a resolution , congratulatory and complimentary of Mr . O'Connor , which was seconded by Mr . Watson , and supported by Mr . West , the West Riding lecturer , who accompanied Mr . O'Connor from Dewsbury to Selby . Mr . West said—I shall leave the present resolution to be dealt with by Mr . O'Connor , and observe tbat you must do more than bold up your bands for tbe National Petition ; you must enrol yourselves as members of the Association—you must support the Convention with all your might That petition is a subject of vast importance ; it shows the rights and the wrongs of the millions , and contrasts the condition of the represented and unrepresented ; and it will bave , if numerously
signed , a powerful effect upon the House of Commons ; it may enlighten them on the subject—on our progress , and determination to establish tbe Charter as the law of the land . What is there among the rich , the great , the titled , the enfranchised , more than among ourselves , that God has conferred 1 They say we baveno right to interrupt them , but we bave a right to express our opinion . Our principles are not exclusive ; we would do to all alike—they will not—their ' s is tyranny—bnt this shall fall before our righteous demand for freedom . The working people are like the foundation of a building , without which the walls and the roof must give way , and become & heap of ruins . It is distress aad poverty that breeds discontent , and hunger will break through stone walls . We are striving to put
down discontent by removing poverty ; they would increase it ; they are disturbers . Do they think to allay the hatred to oppression by their bit by bit Reforms ? Nay . the change must be Radical—the axe most be laid at the root of the tree—the political weeds must be toru completely up , and wherefore , then , should we labour to destroy effects when the causes are left untouched . The people wish to have full possession of their rights—they want the privilege of earning a pound—of putting it into the pocket , for thei * - ewn use ; but the state comes , and demands its sharethe Church comes for another—the profitmonger wants his , and thus they rob withont consent , and the hardworking man who has been able to earn a pound in the
week , finds he has only 3 s . 6 d . left It ia well that you should labour , but it is right also that you should enjoy its fruits yourselves rather than by proxy . Mr . W . here related a well-timed story of a cobbler , with a large family , who was visited by a Bishop , after considerable cheering he pathetically remarked that hundreds of thousands were starving and dying for want of food to eat , and that the same distress was following hard upon all—they care not ; they fear not , but it will come . The privileged classes will always keep up their distinctions if possible ; and nothing bat extending our privileges to Cnlvrrsal Suffrage can be productive of true freedom . Let this petition then be attended to . The resolution was then out and carried
unanimously ; after which tbe Chairman called npon Mr . O'Connor to address the meeting , wha , immediately rose amid thunders of applause , and said it gave him great pleasure to kiow that although they ( the Chartists ) bad been driven from the pubiicjrooiH bylthe littlemindness of their political opponents , he had not to address them in the cold open air . There is one amongst you , who , said Mr . O'C , your worthy Chairman , regardless of all risks has the manliness to step between prejudice and principle , and generously provide you a place to meet in . I have not now to preach the ABC of politics to you ; my excellent friend , Leach , and others have been here . I begin at the middle . We have arrived at a position which is worth considering .. We bave now the privilege of the
attention of all classes . When I consider our position a few years ago , and compare it with the present , it more than repays me for all my labour aud suffering . I count all these things as nothing in our present triumphs and future prospects . Bat there is still more to do . One ef the resolutions which you have adopted this evening , has reference to the National Petition . ( Hear , bear . ) Some have said , and I have said , it was useless to petition a House that has always been deaf to the complaints of tbe people ; but , let us consider whether now we are justified in acting thus . You onoe had no organ where the instereats of the masses . were allowed to be canvassed , but it i * not so now ; and it ia therefore impossible to treat us as an insignificant body or keep our principles disguised . Our influence is felt ia the coantry , and muss be felt and appreciated In the House . In 183 d , when the law officers of the Crown pounced upon us , and baving
immolated 600 of our leaden in their dungeons Plain John Campbell boasted that be had put down Chartism ; but thanks be to God , we are not put down , rather , in tbe very |> it dugfor our destruction , have Ire buried the putrid carcase of Wbiggery ; and if our petition of 2 , 000 , 000 , along with our other efforts , have had such a powerful effect , shall we cease now , when they are tilking of reaction ? our only alternative is tbat of petitioning to show our strength , and then the heaven-born minister must be compelled to apeak of tbe many-tongued people . It Will ensure us the influence of tne best leaders of the House ; and by this pressure from without , for the first time , they will abandon their own principles , and lend some attention to legislate for ours . This pressure from without is necessary , as there never was any great organic change forced upon them without it We have shown by our power materials by which t ley
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can manufacture laws ; but we must improve npon what we have done . Improvements are progressing to an unaccountable extent while the working man ' s condition is getting worse and worse , would it not be better that chaos should exist than that this state of things should continue . The natural labourer is impoverished while artlfical labour supplies ererj demand and reaps the benefit . If you will not return to first principles , legislation is unnecessary . And we have this state of things after ten years of reform , after preaching for forty-one years . And now behold the finality rf Whig reform—ninety-one majority . What is it after all that Whig reform has done ? first , robbed the poor of their rights , and then established a rural police to keep them down . If those who oppress wen
you sufferers by it , then night we have hope . The daily bulletein of health of the Dowager Queen with her £ 100 , 000 a year are issued , but if chance waa to relieve you , if all wen > to die of political apolexy , the Chancellorof the Exchequer would create a new stock of young state paupers the day after to fill their places ( Cheers . ) But to get out of our present dilemma w » are told me mast emigrate , or we must repeal the Cora Laws . We will repeal the Com Laws but it shall be for the general and not for sectional good . Mr O'Connor here ran rapidly over the extravances of royalty , and the sums paid to state paupers and bastards , and in other extravagancies , placing all these to one side of the ledger , and the Exchequer out at the elbows on the other . And with these things ( said Mr . O Connor ) they
tell us that population presses too hardly upon the means of subsistence , ¦ but if equitably distributed it would not be so . He ( Mr . O'Connor ) would gladly see s cargo of bishops emigrating , and he would give PhilpoU for a pilot , for why should the labourer be called upon to give up his native land ? th « labourer who sees the work of his band upon its surface , why should he leave it ? No , no ; let him remain at home , get power , and make home worth living in . The system has driven yen off the land , the stamp of the meneymonger is upon your face , and while the shopkeeper has been looking out for his market he has lost it It will ba useless to say the Exchequer ia empty , for they will sell the shopkeepers' property for the revenue . Mr . O'Connor then gave an account of the advantages
resulting to the Tory Exchequer while in office , as compared to its state when put of office , tracing its effects upon their conduct , as evidenced in the struggle for class legislation . He next pointed out the amount of land that needed cuitivatioB , and in an elaborate manner shewed the advantage of keeping all in employment , to prevent masters from taking advantage of the superabundance of labourers , by lowering the wages of the rest To correct this ( said Mr . O'C ) man must return to a more natural state of society . If four millions quarters of corn be all that tbe Corn Law repealers want extra , we can create it ourselves . To the land , then , and we can con * troul both the raw and the manufactured material . Make every man his own producer . See what a position your
fathers were in , before the factories were brought into existence ; the master Jived with his men , and the men had something for a rainy day , and then drunkenness was looked upon as a crime . If the matter wanted a larger supply than usual , he said , " Here , my good fellow , is zs . 6 d . ; get it done by Saturday night" No factory cruelty then—no quartering for being late . Then you had no class legislation , aud we were the envy of surrounding nations ; then every man was one of the civil power ; since then we have a got police armed force . It would be impossible to follow Mr . O'Connor through the whole of bis delightfully interesting speech . His powerful eloquence elicited the most tremendous cheering .
Selby never before saw such a meeting in doors for political purposes , and the people will never forget the joy of the occasion . After Mr . O'Connor sat down and tbe cheering had subsided a collection waa made towards defraying the expenses of tbe placards calling the meeting . Fourteen fresh members enrolled their names , making tha total number of Chartists who nave received tickets 114 . After tbe usual cheers and a vote of thanks to the Chairman , the meeting broke up at a late hour .
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SCANDALOUS TREATMENT OF THE POOR . It is hardly possible to conceive a place more wretched in appearance , and destitute of comfort and accommodation , than an apartment called the " Refuge , " within the precincts of the West London Union Workhouse . In this so called place of " Refuge , " ( Heaven save the mark !) the poor are treated a ? though they were bogs , bo far , at least , as tbe sleeping part of the business is concerned ; but as regards the eating and drinking , that is another matter . While the hogs are plentifully prorided with food , the miserable creatures who apply at the West Union for shelter receive , at this inclement season , but a scanty supply of bread and a little water I Bnt we will come to facts . On Monday an inquest was held by Mr . Paine , at the West London Union Workhouse . West street , West Smithfleld , to investigate
the circumstances attending the death of William Parker , aged fifty-two , who died in that workhouse on Friday morning . It appeared from the evidence of Joseph Standen , gate-keeper at the house , that deceased had applied for shelter f « ur times within a fortnight , and bad oa each occasion been admitted and supplied with a rug to cover him and bread in the morning when he left , in common with , a great many others . Th * applications for shelter for the night were very numerous . Nothing was given them to eat when they wen taken in , but they had bread in the morning . They lay on boards placed in a slanting direction , and each waa supplied with a rug for covering . Sometimes they lay two or three together to keep themselves warm . It was usual to see if they were covered , and inquire if they wanted water .
James Greig , assistant gate-keeper , said that deceased was admitted about eight o ' clock on Thursday evening last , and went into the Refuge with some others . Witness did not see him again till the next morning , when he went to ask the deceased why he did not eomefor his bread , bat receiving no answer , he concluded ha waa ill , and acquainted tbe previous witness , who immediately sent for a doctor . Mr , Kinsey came in is about ton minutes . Daceased was removed to the probationary ward , and the surgeon ordered a little brandy and water to be given him , but before it could be administered he expired . By a Juror— "The place ia very cold , the windows all broken , and partially boarded up . There have beea as many as fifty persons in the Refuge at one time , and on these occasions they were obliged to stand up very close together . The rain sometimes came In . "
Michael Young , who has the care of the probationary ward , said that deceased when undressed , was found to be covered with vermin . His clothes bespoke a superior condition . Dr . Rae , surgeon to the workhouse , stated that water on the chest might account for the suddenness of his death ; but there was no doubt it had been accelerated by want of food . The Refuge certainly was a very cold place , but the guardians would not improve it The windows were destroyed by persons who reaped the benefit of its shelter . Mr . Burchfield , one of the guardians , said the board were tired of repairing the place . The windows were all broken by persons taken in . He would , however , suggest to the guardians the pr . priety of improving the place , and also of supplying mattresses . He bad no doubt hia suggestion would be attended to .
The Coroner Slid that it did not appear tbat tbe officers of the establishment were at all neglectful . Tbe accommodation afforded there to persons who had bo home was certainly better than being exposed to the inclemency of the weather . It was a lamentable fact that many persons slept in the pens in Smithfleld nightly . The subject of relief to the poor would come under the consideration of Parliament in the next session , and he hoped that such alterations weuld then be made as would alleviate tbe sufferings of the distressed whose claims were so numerous and urgent The jury would bear in mind the evidence , and give sueh a verdict as their judgmentsuggestod . The Jury , after a consultation of a quarter of au hour , returned a verdict ot " Died from natural
causes . " ' Whoever heard of such management , unless it has been dictated by a hard-hearted tyrant ? If the Guardians of this infernal bastile possessed a particle of feeling—if they had the slightest amount of sympathy running in the current of their composition , they would denounce such a brutal order , and direct the subordi * nat » officials to provide wholesome food for those who ask to become inmates of the " Refuge , " immediately they cross its thresheld , and not permit a number of starving human beings to lie for hours , huddled together in a state of positive hunger .
The Coroner said , it did not appear that the Guardians had been neglectful . Now , with all due respect for the keen perception of the worthy Coroner , we maintain that there has been gross neglect shown ; as a proof of which , Mr . Burchfield observed , that " he would suggest tbe repair of the place to the Guardians , and he had no doubt bis suggestion would be attended to . " What la this but as admission , that the Guardians never go near the place at all ? it is hardly possible to conceive any thing more cruel or barbarous than to ternst a destitute man into a place , affording by fat less accommodation than the meanest stable , locking him up without food , and , in the morning , turning
him adrift with a piece of dry bread in his hand . This is part and parcel of the new-fangled scheme of throwing the poor on their own resources , at a time when the Legistatuxe denies them bread . Merciful God 1 unless something be done to arouse the apathy , we were going tosay , the stupidity of tbe collective wisdom—unless a law be passed to secure to the poor and destitute proper relief , to which they am justly entitled—and to wrest from the Somerset House Bashaws , the working of tne Poor Law Bill , —we fear the country will shtrtly be convulsed from one end to tha other , until its throe bespeak too plaialy that something must be done to meet the case . It is impossible to remain much longer under suth a state of legislation with any security .
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The baptish of the infant Prince is not expected to take place until February , immediately after Parliament assembles . The cexemony will be performed in town . —Morning Post . , Exchequer fiiix Fbacd . —The trial of Mr . Boanmont Smith , for the Exchequer Bill fraud , came to an abrupt conclusion on Saturday morning . By pleading " Guilty , " the delinquent prevented those disolosKces which were looked for with so much interest . He waa sentenced to transportation for life .
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TWH Nft RTrTIRM STAR .
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Dec. 11, 1841, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct408/page/6/
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