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TO THE PEOPLE.
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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both si home and abroad , was too valuable to be passed over- That testimony seals the doom of » Jree-Trade . " It shora , concln-dvely , that all the ^ tem pts to reduce the * Free-Trade ' principle to practice , has failed in maintaining for bs our "foreign tnie . " It also shows that we are being regularly driven out of the markets of the world ; and that * National Extinction" awaita ns , unless -we give a sew direction to national energy . Mr . Baijtes shall prescribe that new direction for us in snr next . Meantime we crave the reader ' s serions eonsiderafor the matter presented him already . It is big with mighty impoit . May it hare a jnst and dne effect 1
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THE DAMNABLE i ^ CT . THE REAL MOTTSTRS OF ITS COThCOCTOBS DIVULGED . W 2 shall commence our commentary by publishing the order of the ~ ° Devil-Kings" of Somerset House , as issued to the Swansea Board of Guardians : — 5 tva ? ts £ a , Arc 2 L—A special Board of Guardians ¦ sru heH here to-day in conseqaence of a letter having been received from the Poor Law Commissioners upon the distressed state of the country , In aDnson to the i : riie of the coppermen . The board -was very felly attended , every Guardian in Bie Union having been summoned . The Kev . Dr . Hetreon having taken the chair , read the letter , as follows : — " Poor law Commissionera ' -office . Somerset-houBe , August 2-4 .
1 . " Sir , —I am directed by the Poor La"w Comnuanoners to state , that their attention ha * been drawn to the strike of the workmen employed in the Swansea j copper works , in consequence of a proposed -reduction j of their wages , and to the probability that it -will ? lead to a large number of applications from able- i bodisd men for relief ior themselves and families , inj consequence of the loss of their accustomed means of support . S . " The Commissioners , therefore , having regard to rbe difficulties which , under such circumstances , the Guardians would doubtless experience in dealing with , the numerous applications far relief which might be suddenly made to them , feel it their duty to offer rach advice to the Guardians as the Commissioners consider may be useful to them , in the Jevent ^ of such difficulties actually occurring .
3 . " The Commissioners seed not point out to the guardians that , so long as there is room in the workhouse , the best course is , undoubtedly , to order all rble-bodied applicants for relief into it . 4 . " The Commissioners feel assured that the Guardians will be anxious to meet the calls upon the poorrates which most probably will arise from the abovementioned cause with promptness and vigour ; and the Commissioners do not doubt ' that if due precaution be used , and proper arrangements be made beforehand , tbe Guardians will be enabled to meet this pressure , should it actually occur , with less difficulty than might otherwise be apprehended .
5 . " Under the circumstances , however , the Commissioners' think it right that the Guardians should be ^ uite prepared for any sudden pressure upon the funds -under their control which , may ultimately ensue from the state of the copper-workmen ; and they would recommend thai a special meeting of the Board should t : nlled , 2 nd that the financial situation of tbe Guardians in respect to the funds of those parishes in the Union likely to be affected by such pressure should be investigated ; and that fresh calls , if found to be neces sary , should be immediately made , and served upon the overseen of such parishes , who should , in the meantime , be wanted of the necessity ° f securing sufficient funds beforehand to meet the numerous claims upon the jarisbes which may , and probably will , arise for relief . In the event of the existing rates being iasuSdent for this purpose , fresh rates should be prepared , and got ready for signature by the justices .
6 . " Tbe Guardians will likewise do well to consider whether persons who become chargeable to the pailshea in question , and whose settlements are in other Polishes , should not be removed to their respective parishes as quickly as possible . This course appears tabe recommended by tbe consideration that the ratepayers , if the apprehended pressure should arise , cannot relieve themselves from the burden of supporting their own settled poor , 7 . " The Commissioners on previeus occasions , when smSar cases of emergency to the present one bave occurred in Staffordshire and other places , have issued an out-door labour-test order to the unions where it was found to be necessary . This order , where carried ? 3 to effect , has afforded the Boards of Guardians much assistance in enabling them to deal with the numerous
applications suddenly made to them for relief , under a similar pressure to that which it is feared may soon arise in the Swansea Union . The Commissioners enclose a copy of the order far the consideration ef the Board of Guardians , and the Commissioners will be prepared to issns a similar order to the Swansea Union . In the meantime , bcreTer , means should bo taken beforehand to procure some stone and oakuza , or such otbsr materials as may be accessible , in order to be in readiness for the purpose of setting the able-bodied men to work , in return for flie Telisf afforded them . These materials , " ? not used , will be available for setting to work the able-bodied ^""^ of the workhouse . Tbe Guardians should also be prepared to appoint a superintendent of « ut-door pauper labour , and to procure tools , if necessary , at the shortest notice .
S . " At the special meeting which the Commissioners recommend should be leld , they suggest that the question of where the ont-door labour should be carried on , * i case of need , should be discussed , and the whole of the arrangements which it may be necessary to make be considered . The expenses in carrying out tbe provisions of tbe order above referred to , will be a charge npon the parishes to which the _ paupers relieved and set to work under it may be chargeable . 9 . " The Commissioners fhinfc it necessary to observe that In ease of a strike of workmen for higher wages than their employers are willing to give , a question arises whether the Guardians would , be justified in refusing or iKiirnTiterming relief when the Hien might obtain employment , if they chose to accept it , at wages sufficient to fnrrn » h the means of subsistence for themselves and their fajniViML
10 . "In reference to this question , the Commissioners would remark thst the poor-rates constitute a fund-for the relief of destitution . The amount so levied is withdrawn from the capital wh . 5 c& must itself f nrnish employment to the labouring classes , and proves a severe burden on the middle clsEses , who are themselves liable to hi reduced to poverty by the contingencies of trade and the excess of publie burdens . 11 . " So long , however , as real and involuntary destitution exists , so long must the Guardians , in discharge of their public dudes , require from the ratepayers , and distribute to the applicants lor relief , that * usi £ nance which Hie necessities ef the latter class demand . 15 . "But tbe question becomes a different one if the destitution is -self-imposed , and when the guardians are satisfied that individuals supported by tbe poor-rates may obtain employment at wages adequate for the mai ntenance of themselves or families .
13 . " With the disputes between masters and workmen , or with the agreements of either class amosg themselves , the tiuardians have nothing to da Jf , thtrefore , the Guardians are in -a situation to say , that the men now applying for or receiving relief may obtain work within their leaca at -wages sufficient ior their maintenance and that or their families , and it orly depends on themselves to accept it , they art justified in refusing relief to those persons , simply because they can no longer be considered as destitute It is not , however , sufficient that they should say vagnely to any large number in a mass , employment ffisy be had "; but on being satisfied in each individual c = s * that work is offered or may be procured by tbe mas in question within a practicable distance , relit ! misfit then be refused to that man , always provided that the Gaar-disns axe satisfied of tbe sufficiency of the wa ? es enured for the actual maintenance of the parties , and that all cases of great nrgency or of a mere temporary nature from momentary fear of violence should be dealt
with as exceptions . 14 . "It is not tile object of the poor-Tabes to Bid titha masters or men in any straggle against each o&er , and it must be assumed that tbe law will be found sufficiently Btrong to protest those willing to " * ork from the prolonged action of forcible interference . 5 . "The Commissioners will be ready , should the * ttatj for such a step arise , to sanction a temporary ^ Partare from the prohibitory order , to the extent ¦* iieh uay-biI £ qniHte upon the cases being reported * kem under article 4 . 6- ¦ " The Commissioners , in making the foregoing re-^ kij donotwiBh to excite any unnecessary appre"S ' son in the minds of the Guardians . Their object is simply , that whenever the crisis may arise , it may *** the Gnardians lully prepare * to meet the pres-^ ae npon the Union .
" 1 am , Sir , your most obedient Servant , j "IL Chxdwick ., Secretary , i "To the Clerk of fee Guardians of the Swansea Union , Swansea /^ Et-Bs-h-sds then aaifi , that as far as the copperbarker * -j ^ concerned , it did not appear necessary ; Sat they should mate any provision , a » not one of i * bem had applied to the Board iat relief ; but therri eocduct ia striking had affected other large bodies—the j colliers , ior instance , who were thrown out of work by than . Some of the colliers bad apjlied for relief on , Friday last , and bad been told to come there that day . ; Xozse of them were , iowever , in attendance , and therefore , perhaps , there would not be any necessity of j going into the question even as respected them . ' 1
Mr . Vivian , M . P ., said , as a partner in the Swansea Coal Company , he had expressed his strong desire thai the men should be found work ; and , as that had been done , he was surprised that any of them should have applied for relief . J > r . Hewson explained that it was a sort of prospective application , as ihe men had though } that they ahould be oat of xeik . from Saturday last
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Mr , Yivian said no man could regret more than he did the present unfavourable state of things . The coppermasters had after the most mature deliberation , and the most urgent necessity , proposed to reduce the wages of the men ; still , however , allowing them wages fully competent to their maintenance ; and one of the most painful things arising in consequents of the strike was , the way in which it affected the poor colliers , whom be pitied . He bad recommended that work should be found them , and that had 1 : « n done , for although not at cutting coal , yet they were employed about the works , and paid as the coppermen were , in money , there being no shop in connection with the Swansea Coal Company .
A desultory conversation ensned . In which it was stated that the coppermen were determined to still stand out—that on Saturday they had given notices to draw out £ 1 , 300 from the Savings * Bank—that they were about to break up all their benefit dnbs , in which they had . £ 25 , 000 , and divide the money to enable them to continue on strike . <¦ "We pass over several sections of this cold-blooded and ferocious edict , in each and every one of which will be recognized tbe anxiety of the Trnstees" of the * Poor Law Fund" to make destitution and pauperism more hkiiwto than ihe blackest crime 1 From the mass of infernalism we select for comment those sections which develops the real object of the "Devil" law . Those sections are from No . 9 to
13 inclusive . To them we call special attention for the benefit of those whose wages are henceforth to be regulated by a Board of Gnardians under tbe contronl of ihe Poor Law Commissioners , and whose duty the ; are told it is to protect the middle classes from those burdens which the destitution of the poor is likely to impose npon them . From these sections we learn that if wages adequate for the maintenance of a man and his family is offered by an employer , that such man refusing such offer is to be deprived of all parochial relief ; and that the Guardians upon whom in Tixs poverty
j j ; j ; ] ; '] j Tie is likely to be a burthen are to be the parties to \ judge < tf the question qf juuntehakce ; and they are ; to be the local Executive of tbe devil-kings of : Somerset-house and to mark the amount lehich the " , masters are imlRng to give ! 11 ! j Let us suppose a very possible case , by which the I standard of " sufficiency" will be judged by the Poor Law Guardians . Suppose a copper miner , earning thirty shillings a week , to have a wife and three ¦ children . He is threatened by his master with a ¦ reduction of five shillings a week . His master is 1 either a duly Elected or an Ex OJRcio Guardian
of the poor . The man resists the reduction , and i applies to the parish for relief . His master is upon ; " Board . " The roll of the really destitute is read over—the amount given to them is tbe standard by which a SUFFICIENT MAINTENANCE is to be jndged , the will of the mastek is , no doubt , the basi 3 of the judgment of the Board . Say it would amount to as much as five shillings and sixpence a week ; and suppose the Guardians , anxious to make ont a good case tvs the "devilkings , " say to the miner : we'll allow you ten shillings a week for your family . This offer at once compels him either to submit to the proposed rednction or to starve , and leaves him for ever at the
mercy of the master who may henceforth reduce his wages to a little above the standard established as a " suitable maintenance" by the Guardians . If this role is once acted upon , and if the working classes shonld ever tolerate such an infringement ; of their rights , tbe power of adjusting the rate of ! wages , at which tbe masters shall henceforth con-; descend to employ them , will be vested wholly and entirely in the hands of tbe Poor Law Commis-1 sioners . However slow then this vile Starvation Act j was in developing it 3 real object , can any man now have a doubt that the intention was to starve the poor into complete subserviency ! making poverty a 1 crime , and themselves the arbitrators as to what i constituted " svfident maintenance , " and therefore sufficient wages I
We have bnt very little sympathy for the middle classes , who , as a constituent body , have tolerated that system of invasion npon the poor , which has at length come to their own door . Was there a man of them , who , had he thought , bnt most have come to the conclusion that the aristocracy , although chosen as the representatives of the middle classes would stave poverty from their own doors as long as poBtjble , and thai bankmptcT should only reach them after ib . e ruin of the middle classes had been accom plished . The middle classes will now discover that the system , notwithstanding all their representative
power , has reached their order ; and that instead of being the agents between producers and consumers capital upon the one hand is hourly making paupers and pauperism upon the other hand is hourly making bankrupts of them . Instead of being the governing party , as in former times , when the whole wealth of the country was equitably distributed among the whole population of the country , and which was by no other means so fairly adjusted as by admitting the claim of the unwilling idler to all the necessaries and even the comforts of life , they are now tbe reserw > ir from which tbe paupers must draw ; the broken reed , upon which the destitute must lean .
What a satisfaction it mn 3 t be to their order to read tbe gratifying intelligence that the amount raised for the support of the poor has gone on annnaily diminishing since the whole fund was consumed by tbe staff for cafryiog the law into operation . Bat will ibey not awake to a knowledge of the fact , that when tbe Poor Law Fund was highest , their own-condition wa 3 besv 1 Although we have never joined in a fruitless endtavour to repeal , or even to amend the damnable act ; and although we have
viewed the vagaries of Rebecca in no very favourable light ; yet , who but must anticipate a junction between the " faiT lady , " who vows vengeance against the Poor Law system , and those who have now learned the uses to which it is to be put ! and who but must arrive at the conclusion that property has waged war upon poverty ; and who but must admit , that we were right neariy six years ago , when writing upon this very subject , we divided tbe classes , without reference to political creed , into ** R'ch Oppressors and Poor Oppressed ? ' '
iir . Cobbett , when opposing tbe Starvation Act told the Maiibnsians of that day , that , when brought ini-o fuli operation , it would thake their titles io thwir . e = iates ; and that the people would neyer rame ' y submit to such an infringement upon their inhtreu : rights . He was a trne prophet upon more occasions thanihat ; aad in the document now before us we recognize tbe beginning of the end . " We see the coming of thai time , twhen disinherited poverty will demand from tbe holders of national property , the title by which it has been applied to their sole use , behoof , and benefit .
Perhaps tbe day of r ckoning may bave been postponed by a more euuning management ; but assuredly a more nnfortunate season than the present for tbe asstnnption of such extravagant power could not have been selected , when the Minister is assailed not by one , or two , but by every interest in the country And although that class whose rights are thus insolently and audaciously invaded may be despised as affording no parliamentary strength , ye ; if there is
* ruth in the assertion that "hunger will break through stone walla , " it may be eqnally trne that the power of the unrepresented may break through the forma of Somerset House . What we fear is , that this recent tyranny will strengthen the hands of ** Kebecca " and those who contend for the redress of Bectional grievances ; and in truth we can scarcely blame an insulted unwilling pauper from taking the shortest possible cut to relief .
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WHAT'S IN THE WIND ! WHY DOES OUR QUEEN GO TO SEE THE FRENCH KING ! The Session has closed , and the next business of our showmen is to provide amusement for our Queen . It appeals that two young Princes of the House of Bourbon have , at the request of their august Sire , the King of the Barricades , delivered an invitation to the Queen to honour bis Majesty with a visit ; for what pnrpo 3 e it is not for us to inquire , although we may be pardoned for a guess . The Rcjal minbteral speech , spoken * t tho close of the St . James's season , dealt largely in denunciation of the present agitation fox a Repeal of the
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Union ; while Mr . O'Connell has very pointedly hinted at the assistance that Ireland would be likely to receive from France in the event of the English Minister having recourse to force . Every man possessed of common sense , however , must be aware that to Any compact between Franco and Ireland , the occupant of the tottering throne of the former conntry would be no party ; therefore , French sympathy does not mean , the sympathy of Louis Philli pp e , who , in the success of the Repeal agitation would see the downfall of French despotism . May it not , then , be very reasonably
supposed , that with all the professions of Irish loyalty , added to professions of Frenoh sympathy , that tbe Monarehs of both countries , through the advice of their ministers , are designed to meet and combine for ihe purpose of opposing democratio intrusion by royal combination 1 If , as we learn , the English Cabinet is opposed to the marriage of the Spanish Queea with the Bon of the French King ; and if that project is , as we understand , nearer to the heart of Louis Phillippe than any other consideration at the present moment , —always barring the transition of France from Monarchy to Republicanism—surely we
may be pardoned for wondering that the moment of England ' s rejection of SHch a soheme should be selected as the time for inviting the English Queen to the shores of France ! while we can well understand "that even toe temporary occupation of the throne of Spain would be but poor consolation for the loss of that of France . This Royal meeting is to all intents and purposes but the precursor either to a Conference of Crowned Heads for the protection of Monarchies against the raging desire for Republican institutions , or the forerunner of an understanding between their two " Majesties . "
The reckless manner in which the French King has furnished the means of creating revolution in Spain and the destruction of every liberal institution by the tyrants whom his money has placed in power , will at once betoken tbe horror in which the prospect of a Spanish Republic holds him ; and we doubt not that the . wily monarch will judiciously play Spain against Ireland , and out of British terror at last accomplish his desired object . The present position of France with regard to Spain is not very
dissimilar of that of England ; to Ireland . If Spain proclaims for a Republic , the fortifications of Paris will furnish but a poor barrier against the national demand for a similar form of Government : and sbonld the English Minister drive the Irish people to a knowledge of their own power , the infection of popular strength would not be slow in crossing the Irish Channel . Thus we surmise that the present royal visit is likely to terminate in a gambling speculation , with " the safety of thrones" for the stake .
While monarehs are engaged in gambling for thrones abroad , let us take a review of our ills at home . All must now be awake to the awful inroads made Hpon the social comforts of tbe working classes . Perhaps the beBt picture that can be drawn of the present gamblers in human labour is to represent them in their former character , and in their present position . In the olden times , when a good understanding existed between the master , and some twenty or thirty manual labourers , they played
for pence , and the game was fair . If the profits of the masters were comparatively small , it was because an equitable distribution was made of the profits of all : and society was seldom disturbed by any misunderstanding , which the good sense of the interested parties , did not very speedily reconcile , without the interference of the law , the military , tbe special constables , or the police . At that time , tbe small masters were not invested with the double character of employers and justices . '
When machinery was introduced , and as it progressed , they began to gamble for shillings in the first instance , and tbe pennies were put out of play . As new inventions or improvements went on , they began to gamble for pounds , and the shillings were also put out of play . As toon as the accumulated property was able to contend for representation with the landed interest , the gamblers in pounds were able to achieve an amount of representation , which compelled their Government to appoint tkem
to the magistracy of the : country ; and thus , armed Wltti VUo tTTu-vdg'Da «> wa , ik * {>•«««» at napital to reduce wages , and the power of the magistrate to coerce into an acquiescence , they began to gamble for hundreds , and put the pounds out of play ; until at length they have not only rendered all the real money in the world incapable of representing theii stakes , but have g one to the extent of gambling foi the produce of foreign sta tes ; Great Britain and Ireland being . too narrow a field for gambling speculations .
We believe it was during the vice-regency of Lord Tott-xshknd , in Ireland , that the demands of patronage by the Hutchiksons and Behesfords became so extravagant that the "Viceroy , upon one occasion , observed— " I do believe that if the Hutchinsons and Beresfobds got a gift of England and Irelandi they would want tbe Isle of Man for a potatogarden . " So it is precisely with our manufacturers They have gambled for all at home . They have cheated until they have won all . They have placed it out of play by a non-consuming producing power > and now they ask for some higher stakes to represent their power of cheap production .
It may not be unimportant to show the immediate effect that thid progressive system of gambling ia likely to have upon tbe parties engaged . Let us group them , and mark their progress . Suppose that a number of persons sit down at a gambling-table , to play for penny stakes . As long ao the play is confined to those stakes , the penny will represent something , and have its value in ihe market . If tbe play is changed to shilling stakes , the pennies are put out of play and out of the market ; and he will be considered impertinent who offers to pay a shilling in pennies . The shilling then becomes valuable
as it represents tho stake played for . If , however , the gambling increases to pound stakes , the shilliugs are put cut of play , and out of the market ; and the man who attempts to stake twenty shillings would be laughed at . As the Wood warms , and the de ^ irfl to speculate increases , the stakes increase with it , untii at length they arrive at hundred pound stakes , when pounds are put out of play : and it not unfrequentJy occurs that the hundreds are put out of play by bonds , bills , I . O . U ' s ., Post Obits , aud mortgages , rendering what may be considered real money but an inadequate rrpresentation of the gambling speculation . Observe , then , the effect which those altered
stakes will produce , as if by magic . As long as a penny represents a stake , it was of certain value ; and four or five pennies would be looked at twice before they would be given , say to a messenger who brought a note . When the stakes increased to a shilling , however , the penuies would be freely given in handeful , as they represented nothing , while passing importance would be attached to the shilling . And this again , when put out of play , would be as freely given ; as the pennies were ; and bo on ; each increase of the stakes rendering comparatively valueless those snjal ] er amounts which wero previously played for .
Now such precisely is the position of our present speculators in human labour . They have got more artificial power than would supply the world with produce ; and in the wildness of speculation , they have Io 3 t all thought of the land at home , so inadequate to represent the stakes they play for . If the Bystem be not checked , no power on e&rth can muoh longer suppress that popular fury which , though long pent up , will in its rage destroy the whole system , leaving no trace of what is called England ' s greatness . Machinery has put masual labour out of play and rendered it comparatively valueless in the gambling market .
We have now drawn a picture of the stakes for which MonaTcbs and capitalists play . But notwithstanding the power of both , the people ( without King , Queen , or knave ) have the whole game in their bands , provided they play their cards with judgment . The position of Mr . O'Connell is one of awful responsibility j—one which if supported
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may result in great and mighty changes , —one from which should he be driven by a combination of crowned heads and knaves , will lead to the temporary prostration of the democratic cause ; and is one therefore which every friend of liberty should strengthen by all the means in bis power . No man can doubt for a single moment that the feeling created by him is strongly in favour of demooraoy , whatever his view may be ; while all must come to tbe conclusion that those aspirations so universally raised by one man can never be chocked by the
individual power which called them into existence The working olasseBhave lost much by the consideration of who shall do , rather than what shall be done ; while their constant shout has been M measures not men . " We trust ,, however , that in the nineteenth century the public mind is too far advanced to care whether O'Connell or the Chartists shall lead in the road of democracy . We feel convinced that the people are being conspired against by their enemies ; while we feel equally assured that even had Mr . O'Connell joined in that conspiracy , the means that he has taken will have the direot tendency of frustrating the machinations of the people ' s enemies .
If repose is necessary , after his gigantic exertions during the Bummer , God forbid that we should take advantage of that repose , to gratify any personal animosities . More haa been done in Ireland within the last three months to fadvance the democratic cause than ever was done before ; and In the full reliance that it will eventuate in benefit to the whole people , we say to Mr . O'CoNNELLi " Go ; take rest ; make no compromise ; return to the struggle when you are refreshed ; and fear nothing so long as your motfo is : " Ireland for the Irish . Rep eal , and NO SURRENDER ! " Do this and England ' s Charter will not long lag behind Repeal
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THOMAS DUNCOMBE , ESQ . We understand that the good men of Manchester have it in contemplation to invite Thos . Duncombe , Esq . to a public entry to their town , to have an opportunity of testifying the high estimation in which they hold their almost only parliamentary friend . Tho time will be about the beginning of October . Should such be their intention , we have no doubt that the demonstration will surpass anything heretofore witnessed , even in Manchester .
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My Dear Friends , —At this distance from Leeds—the post taking so long to travel—and lecturing every evening somewhere , and on Sundays two or three times ; besides travelling , and the time occupied with receiving friend ? , who crowd round me by scores in every place , anxious to " hae a crack wi mo " , this being my first visit to Scotland—I find it difficult , and , in fact , impossible to devote so much time to writing as I could wish . I shall , D . V . be in England again soon , and then may be able to "hold counsel" with you more largely , because more leisurely , upon the great subjects which interest us all .
I had a very largo meeting of Repealers and Chartists last night to hear from mo an exposition of my views upon the present aspect of the Repeal and Charter movements . I spoke at great lengthgreat length for me at least—nearly two hours—and never had I a . warmer , more heartily approving , and more enthusiastic audience . After tho lecture an attempt was made by some of our friends to test the value of the Repealers ' plaudits during the lecture and at the close of it , by proposing a resolution , pledging them to the practical embodiment of its leading recommendation by joining with the Chartists hand in hand for the obtaining of the people's liberties—the Charter and
Repeal . , This , however , the Repealers would not do . A priest who was present was their chief spokesman . He paid some high compliments to my lecture , but said thaUhe Repealers did nothing on their own judgment—they surrendered their judgments entirely to Mr . G'Conuell ' s prudence , and they must have his consent before they could take one step in the matter : whiilo at the same time he and another gentleman who spoke , a Doctor , I think , both admitted the value of Chartist co-operation , and expressed themselves individually anxious to give and to receive all possible aid in tho struggle going on between the Repealers on the one hand , and the Chartists on the other hand , against the
common enemy of man and liberty . I may hereafter have much to say to you upon the lessen to be learned from this meeting ; but I desist now , because , though I am now writing in Glasgow on Tuesday noon , this will not be received at the Star Office until Thursday morning , when a long letter might not find admission . My last was posted on Monday and was yet too late for that part of the paper ia which it seems to have been intended that it should appear . I regret that it was not inserted ; but as the , same subject was taken up by my old friend , at much' greater length , I can only now commend the Whole matter of Organization again most earnestly to your attention , and express my ardent hope that good may come out of , the consideration of it by your delegates .
I have now lying by me an extract from the Times newspaper , from which I shall hereafter shew you more and perhaps better arguments tor Organization than any other yet shewn you . I am just uow off to Kilmarnock , where I have to trpout " to-night . " To-morrow night I hold forth at Edinburgh , on Thursday night at Leith , and on Sunday , sometime , I hope again to greet my friends at Hull . Meantime I am as I have ever been , Your faithful friend snd servant , WiuumHul .
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NORTH SHIELDS C 0 URT 4-TtESDAY , Aug . 29 . HOODIE AGAinST JOHN AND GEORGE CAKR , PROPRIETORS OF SEGHHLiCOLLIERT . Mr . Roberts , of Bath , appeared on behalf of Moodie . The sitting magistrates were John Fenwict , Esq ., J . H . Fryer , Esq ., and J . i Sidney , Esq . On Moodie being called and ^ woru , Mr . Roberts rose ; and , addressing the Magistrates , stated he was requested by the complainant to state the case . Magistrate Fenwiok—Are yoii an attorney ? Mr . Roberts—I am . I may ijust state that I am 14 Roberts , of Bath ;* ' and have como 300 miles , for the purpose of stating the case ; and in order that you may give it your most serious consideration , I beg to inform you that on your decision rests the fate of 130 cases of the 6 ame nature . Magistrate—That matters nothing ; in our decision we shall be strictly guided , by the evidence adduced .
An Attorney ( whose name we did not learn ) here roBe on behalf of Can and Co ., and referred to a clause in the bond agreed to' by both parties , in which it is stated that if any dispute arise between the men and their masters , such dispute shall be decided by two viewers ; and , in cases where they could not come to a decision , they should elect a third , whose decision should be final . Mr . Roberts—The men have a strong suspicion that they cannot get justice from such decisions .
They suspect the honesty of viewers ; and I believe I may say of viewers what Horn Tooke said of a special jury : — " It is like giving me a dozen of rotten oranges out of which to seleot a sound one , " The magistrates are looked up to as the natural protectors of the poor ; and on their decision depends the amount of justice administered ! to those who look to them for protection in the present state of society . If that gentleman holds to viewers , I cannot agree with it . Themen are not satisfied with the decisions of viewers . 1
Messrs . Carr ' s , attorney—I ; will agree that the men shall have the appointing of one of the referees and the masters the appointing of the other ; and if the two elected cannot come to a decision . They shall appoint a third as umpire and hie decision to be binding . ] Magistrate—That proposition is perfectly free for the masters and free for the men . It is a just wap of settling a difference of opinion . Mr . Roberts—The men say it is not a difference of opinioD ; it is a fraud . : Messrs . Carr ' s attorney—My clients agree to two indifferent persons . ; Mr . Roberts asked leave from the Bench to retire
for ten minutes , for the purpose of consulting with tho men . This was granted , j On returning he said he had laid the proposition of the gentleman before the men , and he found they had a strong leaning for a magisterial decision ; but would agree that the caBe should stand over till that day fortnight ; and if not then mutually agreed on , it should again be brought before that court . : Messrs . Carr ' s attorney ; did not agree to Mr . Roberts ' s proposition . j Magistrate Sidney—We have no power to decide in the case . The parties have agreed by bond that all disputes shall be settled byjreferees . Mr . Roberts again asked leave to retire for ten minutes , which was granted ; and H was finally arranged that the men should appoint one refereethe masters the other : the appointed having the power to appoint a third if necessary , whose decision is to be binding on all partiesiconcerned .
I understand the ground of complaint on the part of the men to be—that in the measurement of the coals 19 ibs . more have been added to the ewt . This overweight has been practised from the 10 th of April to July the 18 th . Tho sum claimed by each man is eloven shillings . —Correspondent . South Shields . —The working people of this once prosperous town are at present in a most miserable condition . The staple trade of the borough is shipbuilding ; and the dull state of trade in general has completely paralyzed this branch of British industry . There are several excellent new vessels , adapted for the coal and other kinds of trade , that have been on sale for years , and are as yet unsold , and likely to continue so . The shipwrights , who used formerly
to earn from 253 . to 30 s . peiv week , are parading the streets , talking over their miserable condition . A few of their number are employed by tbe parish at Is . per day . Crime is rapidly on the increase ; and the corners of the streets are j constantly placarded with bills offering rewards for the apprehension of offenders . In most cases it : is sheep-stealing aud potato-lifting . The Messrs . Cooksons are about to close their extensive alkali works , employing 700 men . These , and their dependents , will then be thrown upon their respective parishes ; and this town will lose the circulation of somewhere about £ 600
weekly . The middle classes are all on the move . Public meetings have been held at the Cross , and on Messrs . Cookson ' s premises , convened by these parties . Speeches have been made , shewing the deplorable condition of the working classes , and bogging Messrs . Cooksons to continue their factory . This is glorious ! Heavy shop rents , small profits , and increasing poor-rates , are excellent w arguments . " Shipwrights , joiners , blacksmiths , and chain-makers , are nearly all out of employment . The Poor-house is already filled , and the Poor Law Guardians are all in fidgets . A few more works closed , and wo shall soon nave but two classes—the very rich and the very poor . Then for a melee ! ;
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" ¦^ ' ^•^ l ^^^ fc ^^ -rf' ^ -rfN ^^ V ^* CMTHEROE . —A public 1 meeting was holden here , on August 29 ; h , to elect ;* representative to the lorthooming Conference . Mr . Heaton moved , and Mr . Barker seconded , •* Mr . Richard Marsden as a fit and proper person to represent them in the Birmingham Conference , for the re-organizatioa of the Chartist movement . " Carried unanimously .
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TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERS STAR . Sir , —For some time post I have observed , with much pain , your columns occupied with complaints , by , and on behalf of the incarcerated Political Victims and their families . Now this , I must positively declare , originates in the gross neglect of the patties resident in the neighbourhood of the Victims . Had there been one individual who would have exerted uiraself , he might have done a great deal towards keeping them from starvation . Dswsbury , for instance , has had its share of persecution to encounter . I have now before me s lawyers bill , respecting the defence of Mr . Ddwhirat , at York , to the amount of nearly £ 20 , all of which hn been paid . Then there was the defence of Messrs , Sheldrake and Cliasett , at Yo * k . We now look after their families , and support tbem , allo wing tbem weekly donations , at the rate of Is . 61 . per head ; or , when our fnnda will allow , Is . 8 d ., or Is . 10 d . per bead , which amounts weekly , at Is . 81 , for Sheldrake ' s
family , 10 s . ; Cliasett ' s , 63 . 81 ; making a total of I 63 . 8 d . weekly . Ia addition to which the Dsf&bury district have sent upwards of , £ 12 to tbe General Defence Fund . These families would have been left to starve if we had not exerted ourselves . When the last strike had ended , our Organization was broken up , "and a few have . done the work . We got men with subscriptions books , who went about the ' r own locality , and got weekly subscriptions of a penny , or more , as it could be afforded ; and by these means we are enabled to afford relief to our imprisoned brethren , and keep them from the fangs of Pickersgill Had all places bestired themseles , and looked after their Victims , as they ought to hive done , instead of being apathetic , the complaint of the Victims would ,, not [ have been so gRneraL My good friends , be up and doing in the good cause , and let not your incarcerated friends , and their families , fall victims to starvation . I remain yours , in the good cause . James Fox . ' Secretary to the Devrebury Victim Fund .
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BOLTON . —Loyal Order of Ancient Shepherds . —Tne Loyal Lamb Lodge of the above Order , No . 341 , held their first anniversary on Saturday , Aug . 26 th , at the house of host Baxendale , when upwards of 130 sat down to a good substantial dinner . After the cloth was removed , the young men and maidens enjoyed themselves with dancing and singing , which was kept up with great spirit , till time announced that the Sabbath was fast ; approaching , Thurso , Aug . 19 . —The Margaret , M'Leod , of and from Inverness , sprung a leak 15 : h instant , went ashora in entering the harbour , and has become a wreck : cargo saved , and hull sold .
Coroner ' s Inquest . —On Monday , an inquest was held at the Queen's Arms' Inn , Bradford , on tbe body of a young man of the name of Dixou , who was drowned , on Saturday , in the Bowling Fish Pond . It appeared in evidence that the deceased , who was nineteen years of age , went , in company with two other lads , ono aged eleven , the other twelve , to bathe ; the younger lad could swim . Deceased , after being a short time ia tho water sunk . The boy who wns in the water with him , immediately swam to the place , aud saw deceased at the bottom , struggling ; but , through fear , durst not go near him . Both boys ran for assistance . Shortly afterwards , hundreds of persons were on the spot ; but upwards of an hour elapsed before the body was got out of the water . Medical aid was useless , as life was extii ; ct . The jury returned a verdict accordingly .
The " Duel" Murder . —At the Central Criminal Court the parties in the late fatal duel were called on to surrender and take their trial . Mr . Cuddy the second of Colonel Fawcett appeared , as did Mr . Gulliver , the surgeon ; with respect to the latter gentleman a nolle -prosequi was entered , and he was discharged . Mr . Cuddy was then put on bis trial , and after a prolonged investigation , the jury returned a verdict of Not Guilty , and he was immediately released . The Trappers Trapped . —A servant of an officer , quartered at Chatham , was walking out the other evening , when he met two persons apparently countrymen . They spoke and asked him why he remained a
soldier , and did not desert , and so forth ; and it ended by the fellows offering him £ 1 for his clothes , saying they would give him others . The servant acquiesced at the same time resolving to give them up to justice . He mentioned that he wished to return Jiuj maatar ' a dog that he had with him , aad told them to remain in a certain spot at Rochester . He informed his master of what had occurred , who sent a sergeant and four men , in plain clothes , to seizv taem , when they were immediately recognized as being a sergeant and private of some Depot quartered there . They are awaiting their trial . Their object was to secure their victim , give him up as a deserter , aad gat the reward .
LuxjrcROUS CiRCCJiSTANca . —On Sunday aytfning much excitement was eccasioned in the High-street , Kensington , by loud cries being suddenly heard proceeding from the interior of Kensington old churob A large crowd immediately surrounded the railing of the churchyard , the gates of which were locked , divine service having been concluded about half an hour . At that juncture police constable Swain , T 176 , who had heard the orie 3 in the station-house in Church-court , arrived with a key of the gate , aad' on entering the churchyard , followed by the crowd , the head of a girl was perceived out of one of
the gallery wiudows , iwho loudly supplicated to be released from the ( to her ) terrible situation ehe was in . The policeman immediately sont for a lantern and the keys of the church , which were speedily brought , and on proceeding up tho gallery stairs they found the alarmist , who was in a dreadful state of fear , to be one of the children of the parochial charity-school , about eleven years of age , who having gone into one of the pews , had fallen asleep , and did not awake until after the whole of the congregation had left , and the church was locked up .
Fatal Coal-pit Accident , at Swjnton . —On Saturday morning last , a fatal accident occurred ia what is called a ladder pit , in Moss Lane , Swinton , belonging to the trusteea of the late Duke of Bridgewater . This pit is an old one , and till flooded a month back , it was used for the colliers to go to their work by . It is about a hundred yards deep , and the descent is made by a eeries of ladders , each about eight yards long , and a landing place at the foot of euch ladder . It seems that three boys , named Robert Lansdale , Robert Worslcy , and James Thorp , of the ages of ten , eleven , and twelve years , wero amusing themselves by going down the top ladder , and when they had descended about four
yards , b « ing overpowered by the "black damp " ( jarbonic acid gas ) , they all fell down to the first landing place , about eigtit yards from tho surface . Fortunately , it was strong enough to support them , otherwise all must have fallen to a depth from which they could not have been recovered . Another lad , named Thomas Knight , who was near the surface , on hearing his companions fall , immediately called to a man named Peter Richardson , who wa-5 passing by , and told him what had happened . Richardson ran to the assistance of the boys ; but in descending the ladderj the deleterious gas overcame him , and he likewise fell down . Thomas Worsley , the father of one of the boys , then came up , and in like manner
fell to the landing , overpowered by the noxious T £ ? u— An alarm was then given by a man named v \ liliam Cnarlton , to some men in a brickcroft ia an adjoining field , and one of them , named Jesse Holland , having had one end of a rope tied round his waist , ventured to descend the ladder ; but . when aboat half way down , he fell , and was pulled up by the rope . He soon recovered from the effects ot the gas , and he then directed that some water should be thrown down the aperture . Thi 3 being lmmediately done , he again descended with a rope round him , and an extra rope , which he fastened to Thomas Worsley ( the father of one of the boye ) , and , Holland making the signal , they were both drawn up . Again Holland descended , and was a third time drawn up , together with Robert Worsley . A man named Wm . Ormrod next went down with
Peter Richardson . Then a man named Wm . Arden descended in the same way , and was drawn up with James Thorp . Arden again descended , and was pulled up together with Robert Lansdale , who was the first boy that feW down , and was brought oat last . _ Mr . Hilton , Burgeon of Swinton , was by this time in attendance ; and , as the sufferers were brought out , all in a state of insensibility , and several of them to all appearance dead , he applied such remedies as were available , with great assiduity and perseverance , and at length had the satisfaction of seeing all but one restored . The boy Thorp , aged twelve years , was past recovery ; and Peter Richardson was upwards of two hours before sensibility was restored . It is supposed thafcthe-cauae of Thorp ' s death was , that Richardson jjgf / u ^ fcaA ^ g-- fell upon him ; and , lying over hi ^ pwy ^ ej ^ SnB ©!\ him of the benefit of the partial P ^ fic ^ tJon ^^^ hj ^^* air , caused by the throwing d ^ a ^^ f- t ^ i ^ ioi ^^ \ Richardson himself had sufieredml ^ Ofl ^ ili ^ : o | awrTO ^ ' ^ fe of the survivors , probably from jjp ) same cTH&B £ ?| 3 fc §? v'JjSh ^ Sr inquest was held before Mr . Rjfljer £ ) ioa Mp& ^ jiito : '* . C ^^' the body of the poor lad , and jSwro ' S ^ ff ? Aeciaeifot £ * f ^ tal death" wasretwued , ^ j ^^ V \ H' # 7 m / >*? *! T \ y&P ^ & ? &M ¦
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MR . O'CONNELL AND HIS NEW CHARTER . W e have received many communications upon the subject of Mr . O'Connell ' s backward move with respect to the Suffrage , substituting " wife" tenure , for " land" or u house" tenure , and Household Suffrage as an improvement upon either " manhood " or Universal Suffrage ; but we shall abstain ( in strict accordance with that policy which we have deemed it rit ; ht to observe since the commencement of the Repeal agitation ) from a single comment
upon the subject calculated to furnish any argument that the Liberator may use as proof of " Saxon " hostility to Ireland . We may observe , in passing , that he has paid his own countrymen , so well prepared for the full enjoyment of their rights , but a sorry compliment , by acknowledging their unfitness in 1843 , for that description of franchise which ia 183 G he drew up as the only standard with which Englishmen should rest satisfied )! We have never made odious distinctions between the "Saxon" and
the " Celt ; " and we trust , therefore , that the different franchise proposed by Mr . O'Connell for the " Saxon" and the " Celt" will not be hereafter urged by him as proof of English indifference towards the Irish people . We have laughed at much that we have not thought it prudent just now to comment uion ; but our anxious correspondents may rest assured that no false step of ours shall furnish Mr . O'Connell with any , the slightest , pretext for marring , obstructing , or retarding the Repeal Movement .
We attach importance to the sucoess of ihe undertaking from a conviction of its universal , rather than its local effects ; and therefore we abstain from grappling seotionally with the great question of national independence . Our readers may rest satisfied either that the democratic principle must receive an astounding impetus from the accomplishment of Mr . O'Connell ' s praise-worthy undertaking , or the Chartist cause must receive an increased strength from any apparent shrinking upon his part . In either case the Chartist body will . find that our policy has been directed to the furtherance of their cause ; and that nothing could more tend to the injury of our party , than furnishing Mr . O'Connell
with a justifiable pretext for abandoning the Repeal agitation , ia consequence of the opposition of the English Chartists , as evinced in the spleen of their only organ . We are quite awake , and not unobser--r » nt of parsing events . We fully understand the value of Uaionj the extent to vrhioh it exists ia Ireland , and the rewpd to which it entitles the Irish peoplo . They have not yet said , nor has Mr . O'CoNNEtL said , that they will be satisfied with less than a Repeal of the Union ; and until we see something more than symptoms of defection , we shall abstain from creating any useless alarm , which would only tend to the frustration of that object that we have as much at heart as either Mr . O'Connell or Dr . Me . Hale .
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EXTENSIVE SEIZURE OF " POCKET PISTOLS " IN IRELAND . On the morning of Tuesdny last a gentleman of this neighbourhood gave private intelligence to one of our vigilant plot-hunting police—Head Constable Cox—to the effect that Mr . Butterly , a respectable grocer and spirit dealer , residing in Shop-street , had that nnrning received from England a large Contraband consignment of pistols and other implements for tbe express purpose of arming the Repealers ; and , more awfully ominons and audacious , they were branded as if iu utter defiance and contempt of Lord Eliot ' s Arms' Bill , with the dreadful word " Repeal ! " Here was an openiDg for an active man . A badge of merit , the Srst
vacancy in the . list of sub-inspectors , and a letter of thanks from the valorous Da Grey danced merrily before the mind ' s eye of tbe Head Constable . There could be no mistake in tbe matter . The information came from a gentleman—one of the right sort—a Conservative every inch of him ; [ and like Napoleon on the eventful morning of Waterloo , the incipient subinspector bad but to stretch forth his arm and annihilate the enemy . This seizure made—Repeal must be blown . Imagine then tbe worthy functionary poising his portly person , of six feet j in circumference , upon the Tholsel steps ; his chest dilated to a most awful magnitude with the mighty importance of tbe duty he was about to perform ; his keen grey eye rapidly revolving as he proceeds alone . There is no time to
procure assistance . Numbers [ might create alarm and defeat tbe object ; and besides ! the whole glory must rest upon his own ample shoulders . Juat see him moving down Shop-street with majestic step . He reaches the shop of the doomed " arms importer . " Gentle reader , bave you ever seen the final operatorthe finisher of the law , commonly called the hangman , while about adjusting tbe fatal noose ; with what extreme politeness , what blandness of voice , he urges tbe victim about to be operated on to move on one step farther—just a little step | or so—' till he gets him on the trap ? No you have nipt ; or , if you havo , the occurrence has for years been so rare that you forget ; but let it suffice that you are now assured Head Constables can be excessively polite when they are abont to mtb
a man . " Good morning , Mr . Butterly ; could I speak a word to you in private ?—ah ! I bave information tfe&t you have got a large number of pistols into your bouse this morning ? " " Oh yes , " replied Mr . B ., somewhat relieved , " stay , I'll show you a pistol " "Oh no , sir , you have got a chest or large case full of pistols ; my information is precise , I want to see them—to see tho case . " Resistance was out of the question . The Rrocer was caught . He led the' way to his store-room . There , was tbe package—shipping marks all on . The straw was removed—and sure enough , a moat splendid array of small arms was there I The constable ' s hand was upon them ! But " teur-an-agers , constable dear , don't break tho delph 1 " There they were— an many pistols as would appropriately fit up the arms' room of tte
Rhadamanthas on her next expedition , all formed out of the most beautiful crockery ware ! Most prcdi table to tbe ingenuity of the Staffordshire potterymen—the shape was perfect—lock , stock ! and barrel , of genuine brown delph , and each capablf of holding full half-a-, pint of tbe real " mountain dew . " There they were , I veritable crockery-ware " pocket-pistols" made for the j convenience of gentlemen anglers and others who when j out of town love to a taste oft something to keep tbe chill out Could it be possible ? There might be a mystery below . Deeper search however only brought to light certain other crockery implements , whicb , taken individually , rhyme with | "COE , " and which we fear will long strike the mind , when the word Coe is pronounced . All was over . The seizure was abandoned .
Fame , dignity , and reward vanished before the rattling of tbe delpb . ^ Tbe vigilant ] officer descended veiy quietly . The inflation waa gone . He gained the door , when melancholy to relate , at a ) little distance stood his respectable informant , the thumb of his sinister hand resting waggishly on the tip of his nasal organ , while tbe thumb of bis dexter hand slightly touched tbe digits which were spread in fan form for an instant before the horrified gaz ? of the disappointed functionary ! The merry informant loves his practical joke ; and he had it And poor Eliot ! the crockery men of Staffordshire turn your arms ' bill into ridicnle , while yon r Conservative friends feel delight in hoaxing your spies . We trust their plot-bunting propensities may never find better grounds than in this cme . ~ Droaheda Argus .
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XiONGTON ( Staffordshire Potteries ) . —The Directors of the Working Man ' s Hall and Scientific and Political Institute , which is intended to be erected as soon as possible , desire all persons holding cards for the collection of funds to exert themselves , and bring in their cards on Sunday night , ths 2 nd inst ., io the committee , at the House of Mr . Wm . Nicholson , ChuTcb-street , where shares Baa ? be taken , * and every information , together with the rules , may be had . The Chartists of tho Potteries are also respectfully informed that a delegate to the Conference Will be chosen on Monday evening , at six o ' clock : the place will be announced by placard in due time , when wo hopa that th&t a'l will attend . LONG BUCKIiEY . —At a meeting of tho Chartists of this locality it was resolved , thxt no person be entitled to any assistance from tho Victim Fum ' , who cannot prove , by his card of membership , to be clearly identified with the Chartist cause .
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^ _ NORTHERN STAR 5
To The People.
TO THE PEOPLE .
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Sept. 2, 1843, page 5, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct497/page/5/
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