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A NEW MODE OF PAYING OFF THE NATIONAL DEBT.
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TO THE CHARTISTS OF THE COUNTY OF
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<Bfavti$t £Kt*Ki2**tt*-
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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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[ COMMUNICATIONS OMITTED LAST ] WEEK . ] « . J ITR . O'BRIEX TO HIS FKIENDS AND CORRES- '¦ . PONDEXT& ( Mr . O'Brien begs , through the medium of the Star , to acknowledge and return his grateful thanks for , the ] several congratulatory addresses , invitations , ud other ! epi etolary communications which have been pretested j to Ijim from various parts of England and Scotland j jinca hia liberation , through Mrs . O'Brien , Mr . Hey- 1 ¦ w ood , and other channel *; and begs to assure his ' friends and correspondents , that the communications , alluded t o shall command his respectful attention , the moment h e gets reliered from his present engagements ! Id Lancashire and Yorkshire . He has noted down the ; Mines and addresses of all the parties who have written
to him , and would reply to them immediately but fn ^ B it impossible to answer all , partly owing to the np idity of his movement * from town to town , and \ partly to extreme bad health which renders him , for Re present , incapable of any further exertion thin is absolutely necessary to meet the engagements on hand . Be -wishes also , when he does write , to be able to in- > form nil friends , ( ia the distant parts of England and ' Sco tland , ; of the precise time they may expect him in gjeir r espective localities , —which he cannot do now , owinfi to the causes already stated , particularly to the precariocs state of his health , which he sometimes > { gars will compel him to postpone his intended visit * to Sc otland and the West of England till next summer . Owing to this latter cause Mr . OB . after attending sixteen great meetings within the first seventeen days of fcis liberation , ( in Westmoreland , North and South . Xincxsaire and Cheshire , ) was compelled at last to take ta bis bed on Monday last , and put himself into the ¦ doctor's hands , who tells him that be will not answer
for his life , if be resumes agitation otherwise nan x ' owly and leisurely , not lecturing or addressing crowded assembliesoftner than three times a week , and even iixea always taking « are to get to bed as soon as possible after the meetings are over , without subjecting hims elf to cold or sudden dotages ot temperature . In consequence of bis illness Mr . OB . was obliged ( for the gjsttuse ) to disappoint the men of Oidham on the evening * of Monday and Tuesday last , bot thanks to Me ssrs . Doyle and Yineeot , who kindly volunteered to faVa tig place , sod thanks to the men ef Oidham , themselves , whose humanity and considerate feelings \ were eonspienons oa the occasion , tbe dissppoinment ing cot felt , save on Mr . O'Brien ' s own account . To prevent the like disappointment in future , Mr . O"B . trill not iare more than three or four meetings prearranged for his within a given time , and in and -at : gpeofied days and places , during the remaining portion j of fcii p olitical tour , but if his health and strength ; yrili permit , he will visit other places in the immediate ; ¦ ncimtron the intervening days . ]
, - preen Mr . OB . finds himself convalescent , he will laoress to "« friends at greater length , through the Star , and meanwhile he wishes all future communications from them , ( till further notice , ) to be addressed for him to the csie of Mi . Heywood , bookseller , Oldham-etreet , Manchester ; u Mrs . O'B . and family , are about to remsTefrom Lancaster .
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ErDBEBsriELD . —Mr . Duffy lectured here on Monday evening to a crowded audience . Backset . —At a public meeting of Chartists , held at Mr . Weston's Temperance Hotel , on Tuesday last , Hi . Rowland in the chair , Mr . Wheeler delivered an excellent lecture to an intelligent audience , on the principles of the People ' s Charter , proving it to be a complete remedy for the numerous political evils which xfflict society . At the conclusion of the lecture , Mr Bowl&nd , in an eloquent address , supported the views of the lecturer , and recommended , in glowing terms ,
the X&rthern Star newspaper to their notice , it being the only English newspaper that advocated the right of labour . The address of the National Executive was then read from the English Chartist Circular , and highly spprored . [ The spirited proprietor of this work is hUhiy io be commended for tae prompt manner in which he has inserted this asd other national tiocnjaeats emanating from the Executive . } Several new members were enrolled , class-leaders appointed , a carnal elected , and this young branch of the association bsving got fairly under weigh , will , we trust , speedily become the parent of many others in this truly shopof »« Hf . district May it increase and multiply .
Si . Paxceas . —Mr . Martin delivered an excellent address , « the Feathers , Warren-street , on Sunday hartj on £ hs best t ""*^ " of obtaining this Charter . An excellent spirit was evinced , and much good will be the Ksuli . Lasbetb . —Mr . Stallwood lectured hers on Tuesday last , at the spacious Hall , China Walk . Sahject— " The necessity cf a change . " The lecturer io an able manner depicted the evils of our present system of legislative Equality , and showed the superiority of the Charter over every other proposed remedy . Middlesex— A delegate meeting was held October 20 th , at 55 , Old Bailey , Mr . Rowland in the chair . Eeports of a satisfactory nature were received from the various deputations appointed to wait upon the
kalines . Much disappointment was expressed a * the deputations appointed to wait on two bodies of the tailots having neglected to attend according to engagesect . Credentials were received from Means . Dale ad Mil ls , as delegates from the city of London locality ; the sum of £ 4 6 s . 2 d . was received towards clearing the loans due on account of public meetings . The deputation appointed to attend the discuss i on on the Charter , at the Social Hall . John-street , Tottenham-Conn-Road , gave in a satisfactory report , and announced that the sntject for the ensuing Friday evening wonld be " The Comparative Benefits of the Repeal of the Com L&ws , and the attainment of the Charter ;" Hessn . Martin and Geodfellow were appointed to
attend . Mr . M'Graih , assisted by Mr , Knight , was appointed to attend a discussion on the following eveniag , saiject— " Were the People intelligent enough to Possess the Franchise . " The various lecturers and deputations to the localities were appointed . The offer of the shareholders , of 55 , Old Bailey , to allow ihe council the use of their room for lecturing every Thursday evening , on condition of paying Is . 6 d . per night for lighting , & * . was accepted , and Messrs . Dale , Martin , and Watkins , appointed a committee to manage the business of the lecture-room . After eonsiderible disensaon on the subject of the late article in the bitpstdi , headed " Political Bloodhounds , " it was carried , by a majority , that the council should not waste Us time in discussing the frivolous or malicious attacks of those parties who , fearing our stresgth , and dreading obi honesty , -were anxious to sow the seeds of
discord amongst us . Much indignation was expressed ^ ? f MIidnct the new jonrnal , the Weekly Express , m bidding for pubii * favour , by promising to give faithnil and extended report * of ill Chartist proceedings , ad treating the St . Panels m eeting in the manner it had done . Mr . Martin gave notice of a motion conaemning the violent language contained in the sermon published by Mr . Watkins . Mr . Fnssell moved , and Mr . Goedfeliow seconded , the following resolution : — ih&t this meeting , having obtained the professional * mce of Mr . OConnor recardiug the payment of the lo . per month u > the D-leeate Council , declare ,- in Kawer to the correspondence from Finabury , that it is ttiai opiBion that it is stricrlj legal , and impress upon « aem tne necessity of imme lately furnishing their quota . " Carried unanimously . Various loans were GiKbarged , and the meeting adjourned .
J * f ? * £ *—Oa Sunday , Oct 10 * , Mr . Stall- i « oo lectured w the Charter Coffee House , 8 tretton ' fc ' v ^ " yeK * K y < rf a ehar . ge . " He stated ' »« masked continually boasted of their intelligence , ' Van wjsQom , the ,. tnOW ; edge artSy science , ic . as if ' ' ttu leannng led to happiness , as tbough we were i rtnT ^ K 1 ' 7 ' ' mL ° * V , prostitution , and ! h ^ to JS ^ ° f Coffilr -- ^ . to * t « id of considering ! fw t ^ v ^ f ^ ^ caId b - ctSt &e People-how 4 tov £ ^ t ^ H ^^ ° ^ P ^ ea . considered only ( attT W ^ fZ m Squsie Titb ° « "ocieat and vener-M ££ J stiree f t » te « , Qaeen , Lords , and Commons , j S ^ fl ^ l ?" * LaWB . Enclosure Laws , Enlistment ! iMMtatang &e necaaity of a change ; h « thPn . hewed 10
^ STf'f' England , Ireland , Scotland , PeorirtTk Ond th ! A fie than ? e * hollW ** the ! IKBtow ^ ? ' ' ° ' rins tte "toatases * & <* all . » SSu ^? f " fTOm its ¦ doptwa . ^ concluded j . GTmhk Powerful address , amid the plaudits of - S S ^" ? **** 8 ° ^ «> om here , and if ; tta- « JTr e ^ eavoar to " get th « steam np , " '; b £ * f ^ f aou ^ t hat great good might be effected , S ito t 2 ?' P ? * a localft y- I *« ur «» can be found : pvese mces , but they ia return expect an audienoe , I oSuS 'i ?" 6 HAKSaiait —OnMonday evening , j * nnm « S , -Suam <> ns gave a lecture at this place , to I l £ ™ = ™ x and attentive audience , and the result was ! £ d ne ^ J ^ ' ' " rher 8 thB standard of Chartism i hantihrf th v ^ > be ^ weeded in establishing a ¦ Sd ^^ L 0 Dal CbBta ^^^^ "d ali a
boklS L ^ nbbon ™» Ters of Congleton SS a't ^ ^ f tirt - rooiM ' Moody-street , tS con-• TMr » ^^ of resittin S > a attempted rednctlon ! * dpreS f Mt y ?* » * " »» Macdesoeld , atteflded , ! VjJr ™ . ** entermg on the bu » n « s delivered a i te 5 " ft ^ T £ v tbe necess ' ty ° f tte working classes J ' ^ for ae Charter , and the utter impossibility efi {^^ Uyresirtmg reduction s wage / w ^ iout the j | ^ m of pohtical power . The meeting seemed im-1 * 5 rS £ « S ? ^ " 5 ° "" « ks . »* » g ^ eral I i e ^ S ^? fv m feT 0 UI of ioiniB « & * association . I ^ Tnrt proceeded with their immediite busi- ' ^ KM unammouEiy agreo . 1 to resist the proposed re- ! Spowi ^^ fay " « y BeaM > 6 s . rJrZ I The redocuon will amcunt to from 4 s . kJ ! ,, ^ ° ae man stated that for several weskB hn £ ?? ? ^ » ^ t ^ ds to live in his cott ^ es for ! «»» per
: ^ ^ 3 * week , leaving them 5 s . ! H * Jr « ££ » aBd foar <^ ^^ i Md if the pro-: Sl * ° > Piace he wonld have but 3 s . / The KSSS ? £ pabiiih . ^ doin « B ' * - ^^ ^ usance of the press iB > h . jii centest
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Chelsea . —A public meeting of Chartists took place at George-street , on Monday , Oct . 10 th ., Mr . Dailibar in the chair . Minutes were read and confirmed , r he Secretary reported from delegate meeting . Considerable disensston arose on the change of the meeting night from Monday to Sunday , when it was resolved to continue to meet on Monday evenings for the transaction of business , and devote Sunday evening to lecturing . It was resolved that in future we meet at seven o ' clock instead of eight The Committee appointed to get up the late public meeting at the Bath Gardens having reported that the collection for the meeting bad defrayed all the expences , Mr . Bunker rasved and Mr . Wheeler seconded a vote of thanks for their energetic services , which was carried unanimously . The address from the Executive was then discussed ; some objections were raised
respecting the number ot delegates tor Middlesex and the surrounding counties , and other minor details , but eventually Mr . Stall wood moved that the address be adopted , which , being seconded by Mr . Wheeler , was earned unanimously . Mr . Wheeler was instructed to communicate with the Executive for petition sheet * Mr . Stallwood was appointed to lecture on the Corn Laws , on the ensuing Sunday , and Messrs . Wheeler , Dillibar , and Dowling , on the following Snndays , in consecutive order . Mr . Stallwood , in consequence of tbtJ increase of members , was elected by a majority of four over Messrs . Heath and Dowlicg , to the office of Da-legate to the Landon Council . The Treasurer was authorized t ~> transmit to the Finance Committee the money for fifcy cards . A vote of thanks was given to the Chairman and the meeting adjourned .
TRvno . —The Chartists of this place met at M , r . John Eadean ' s Coffee-house , No . 1 , Castle-street , when Win . Wale , jun ., was called to the chair ; he addressed the meeting with good feeling and spirit , calling on them to unite for the purpose of supporting the movement under the guidance of the Executive Council of the National Charter Association . Having laid the future plan of operation before them , and the notice calling a delegate meeting at Bath , a resolution was passed to support to their utmost , any decisi on they , the delegates , might come to . A . good feeling generally seems to prevail amongst tha working classes , and many middleclass men , and the hard hands anticipated at a future day that the bold and true to the cause of the poor , will pay them a visit in his agitating tour . The cause puts on a new face , a fresh impression seems to prevail , and the people anxiously await the arrival of some good and determined lecturer amongst the miners ot Cornwall .
Wikchcomb . —Mr . Melsom , of Cheltenham , lectured here ou Sunday last , to an atniienoe composed of upwards of two hundred agricultural labourers . He was accompanied on hia visit by Messrs . Perry , Welling , and Hayward , and much good has been done in the district . Wi gax—The Rev . J . R . Stephens paid a visit to this iovrn on Tnesday , and in the evening delivered an eloquent and impressive discourse in the Commercial Hilt At the conclusion , a vote of thanks was moved by Mr . Dixon , and seconded by Mr . Birtwistle , to the lecturer , for his able defence o ! the rights of the labouring classes . Oldham—Mr . Doyle , of Manchester , and Mr . H . Vincent Itctured here , to numerous audiences , on Monday . Mr . O'Brien was to have lectured , but was unable from indisposition .
MiCCLESPiKLD . —On Monday eveniEg , Mr . Linney , of Manchester , delivered a very impressive lecture in the Coart i st rooms , to a crowded audience , who seemed deeply impressed with the wholesome truths which Mr . L . brought forward . At the close of the lecture thirteen members were enrolled . Birmingham . Progress of Chartism . —The good cause is advancing steadily here , and nothing is so much required as a large place of meeting , in a central posiuoa ; such is the increased desire of the people for political information since the
demonstration , that Freeman-street room is found to be too small for the accommodation of the public . The members of the council have therefore determined to procure a larger place as soon as possible . An association has also been foimea at the Snip Inn , Steelflouse-Iane , at which place several ot the most active and leading members uf the old political nnion have taken out cards . Another is about being established at the Domestic Coffee House , Henrietta-street , and it is hoped that ere long there win be a place of meeting in connection with the National Charter Association in all parts of this densely populated town .
! Public Meetings . —Tbe usual weekly meeting of : the members of the National Charter Association was , held at their room in Freeman-street , on Monday even-| ing last , Mr . J . Williamson in the chair ; the Chairman < delivered a long , instructive and humourous address , in ! whuh he ably exposed the villanies of the present system , and concluded by stating that he had been a Reformer throughout the course of a long life , and was determined to finish his course in the same way . Mr . George White then addressed the meeting at some length , he reviewed the opposition which the Chartists hfldt » contend with , the steps which had been taken to 1 break their spirits and intimidate them , and then : alluded to the glorious position which they held in defiance of all opposition ; he then shewed substantial
reasons why every working man and every friend ol justice and humanity should give their active support to the Caartist movement , and concluded by proposing " That the general meeting should be held en the first Monday of every month , when tbe secretary should call over the names of tbe members , and each person would afterwards be expected to pay up his arrears provided he was in employment" The motion was seconded and carried unanimously , after which Mr . Fusaell addressed the meeting concerning tne charges which were made against his brother new resident in London , and stated that his brother was determined to ceme to Birmingham to have them investigated . The usnal notices were then given , after which the meeting separated .
Scscat Etex / sg . —The usual meeting was hrid at Freeman-street on Sunday evening last , at half-past six o ' clock , and although the rain descended in torrents , the attendance was numerous . Mr . George White delivered an address on the principles of the People ' s Charter , and tbe benefits that its establishment would esnfer on society , and showed up tbe infamous robbeiies perpetrated under the present system ; after which the meeting separated . Chartist Meeting in Steelhocse-lane — A numerous meeting took place at the Ship Inn , Steelhouse-lane , on Tuesday evening last , for the purpose of entering the names of those who were willing to join the Nat ional Charter Association , and also to elect members of the National Council . Mr . Taylor , printer ,
' Stoelheuse-iane , was called to the chair , and opened ; tbe bosuiass by reading the circular and address of tbe Executive Council , and then stated his willinrnesB to ' to hear any person who thought proper to address the [ meeting . Mr . Horsley then rose and stated , that they I had met there tot the purpose of strengthening and ! assisting the National Charter Association . They also meant to embody themselves in the Association , and i would endeavour to conciliate and heal up any breaches I that might « iss amongst the real friends of lieerty . i They had bo intention to create division , but intended * to act in the same spirit as they had done at the demon-; stration . They had a good example shown them by : Mr . O Connor , whose eiery speech breathed a spirit of ! conciliation ; and be hoped to see the same spirit
breathe turougbout . He would propose that they immediately proceed to eleet a Council as they had now got tbe number of members which they had originally fixed upon . Mr . Feliowes , of Monmouth-street , Becouded the motion , which was put from the chair , and carried . Tbe election was then proceed with , when tha following persons were unanimously elected , Mr . Sampson Davis , Marshall-street ; Mr . Horsley cabinet maker , Steelhouse-lane , Mr . Taylor , printer , Steelhouse-lane , Mr . Samuel Divis , boot and sbee maier , Newton-street , Mr . Burdett , Pritchard-street , Mr . Richards , of Moseley-street , sub-secratary , and Mr . Followes , of Monmouth-street , sub-treasurer . Jt was then agreed tbat a report of the proceedings should be sent to the Horihem Star , through the reporter for that paper , and also to Mr . John Campbell , secretary to the Executive . Mr . George White
afterwards addressed the meeting , and expressed his satisfaction at the good feeling which prevailed . Mr . Eames of Lionel-street , delivered a feeling and truly patriotic address , in which he commended tbe manly , consistent , and straightforward conduct of Fearg-us O'Connor , Esq . and expressed bis approbation of Mr . O'Connor ' s manly and honest bearing , as contradistinguished to the vaccillating manoeuvres of Attwood and Co . Mr . Eames concluded by expressing a hope thit every man that held Chartist principles , and intended to carry them out , would do so in a friendly and amicable spirit . He was louly cheered by the meeting . Mr . J . Wilkinson , sub-Secretary of tbe Association at Freeman-street , also addressed the meeting , after which it was adjourned to the following Tuesday evening , a vote of thanks being previously given to the chairman for his upright conduct
Frost , Williams , & Jones . —The general committee of Birmingham , for the restoration of Frost , Williams and Jones , held its usual weekly meeting , on Tuesday evening last , at the National Charter Association-room , Freeman-street , Mr . Cress well in the chair , when it was resolved , " That in future all communications for this committee be received by tbe corresponding secretary . " A deputation was also appointed to wait on Mr . Guest , to enquire concerning Mrs . Roberta ' s soiree , in order that this committee may fix the time for holding their soiree for the benefit of the funds . Haslet ( Staffordshire ) . —Dr . M'Donall delivered one of his able and talented lectares , in the large room of the George and Dragon Inn , New-street , Hanley , October 5 th , to a crowded audience , which has done immense good in the cause of Chartism in this district , and caused our numbers to increase .
Todmorden . —Tbe Chartist cause is getting on bravely here . Since cur last notice in the Star we have got twenty-four new members , and we have formed a debating society connected with the society , which is likely to do a great amount of good . At tbe weekly meeting , October 12 th , it was resolved , " That the Secretary write to either Mr . or Mrs . O'Brien , to ascertain the reason there is no answer come to the letter we sent sojae time back giving aim an invitation to ceme to Todmorden ; that a number of Chartist publications be sent for to distii Bti amongst the indifierent to the cause ; and that Mr . B . I ] be seat for to give a lecture on tie Corn Laws . ''
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SK . IPTON . —Mr . Knowles , of Keighley , kindly gave us another visit , last night , Oct . 9 th . He lectured on the law of primogeniture , and shewed in a masterly style that class legislation was the source of all the poverty and distress which prevails ia this country . ' Tredegar . —The men of Tredegar and the neighbourhood met on Monday , the 4 ih of October , k > form a reading room and debating society . Mr . Joseph Ferry was called to the chair . Mr . Charles Powell delivered an address ea the necessity of spreading intelligence amongst the working classes , and after other business had been gone through . Mr . C . Powell moved , and Mr . Thos . Bray seconded , the following resolution : — •« Viewing , as we do , the present state of society , with the distressed condition of tha industrious millions , it is the determination ot the members of this society to inquire into the cause , and do all in their power to remove the evil . " The resolution was unanimously carried .
Siockport . —The Btoekport Committee hearing of Mr . Vincent ' s arrival in Manchester , and -wishing him to pay them a visit , appointed a deputation to watt upon him for that purpose , who saw him in a few minutes after he left the train , and to wham he promised be would attend on the Tuesday evening . In accordance with this , the Steckport Council took the Socialist ' s Room , appointed a person to meet him at the Railway Station , according to promise , ordered the bellman to go round to announce it , and made all necessary arrangements . Notwithstanding the above , some persons in Manchester persuaded him to go to Oidham , consequently he did not come on tbe Tuesday evening , and the room which had been previously taken could not be
spared on tbe following evening , which completely frustrated the arrangements . Persons waited from three o clock till six , but no Vincent came ; and at length a message was reoeived to say he would be there on Wednesday evening . The bellman went round In the forepart of the day . and in the evening , at eight o ' clock the room at Bomber ' s Brow , was nearly fillod . Had no disappointment taken plaxe , a large room would have been crammed Mr . Brad burn was called to the chair , and after a few remarks introduced Mr . Vincent , who delivered an excellent a 4 dres 3 on the progress of the cause which convulsed the audience with laughter at times . An address was presented to him from the
young men of Stockport , and & resolution conveying a vote of thanks and confidence was moved by Mr . Clarke , secanded by a person in the meeting , and carried unanimously . A vote of thanks was likewise tendered the Chairman , and the meeting dispersed highly gratified . The Committee attach no blame to Mr . Vincent , though they regret that the cause should be injured by apparent neglect No one had any right to engage with Mr . Vincent for Tuesday , after they knew be had given his word . It was given oat at a large meeting , on Monday evening , at tha Soei&llsi ' a Room , the consequence was that scores of people went who had to go away , not knowing the reason of there being no meeting .
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STRIKE AT THE NEW HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT . NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC ! We , the masons employed at the above works , having observed in the public papers of the metropolis repeated attacks upon our character , relative to our recent strike , we therefore considered it our duty to defend ourselves through the same channel we were attacked ; but to our surprise we found such channels only open to one side of the question , which must at once convince a discerning public that ar opponents' position cannot be maintained by fair and just means . In consequence of a letter having appeared in the Times of Monday the 4 th instant , Bigned Messrs . Grissell and Peto , we felt ourselves called upon to answer the Bame through the medium of the same journal , aud therefore sent the following letter , which was refused insertion , and which has also been refused by several of the daily press : —
To the Editor o / lfce Times . SIR , —A letter having appeared in the Times of this day , signed Messrs . Grissbll and Peto , stating tbat tbe charges made by the Masons lately employed at tbe New Houses of Parliament , against Mr . Allen , their foreman , are without the slightest foundation , and that the secession of the workmen has not originated in any oppression on the part of their foreman , we trust in your sense ot justice to give insertion to the following reply in vindication of our rights as men , and to substantiate our charges : —
Tt would take up too much of your valuable space to enter sirialim into a refutation of their assertions ; but , suffice it to say , that we regard them as mere glosses and evasions . Allen himself has not denied our charges , and Messrs . Qrissell and Peto have merely made an attempt to shift the question , and to throw the blame upon what they are pleased to term our idleness and inexperience . This charge comes with an ill grace from them , after having posted bills on their own gates , declaring us to be sober and industrious . We would also beg to remind Messrs . Grissell and Peto that they themselves virtually admitted tbe truth
of our charges against Allen , for when ws made a complaint to them , on a former occasion , they promised that Allen should alter his conduct He did alter it But how ? He merely changed from one species of tyranny to another . He adopted the system of encouraging what they are pleased to term chasing , whereby one man who might be gifted with greater physical ability than another could be excited to do more work than his companions ; his performance is then made a standard for the quantity of labour demanded from all the rest , who are bullied and abused if unable to come up to this mark .
We do not wish to have the nomination of our superintendent ; bat we wish that a tyrant might not be appointed ; for no man possessed witk a spark of manliness can submit to have his feelings outraged in tbe manner whieh Allen is constantly doing . The public will bear in mind that we are not the first who have struck against this man ' s tyranny . The masons of Birmingham struck against him in 1837 ; and Allen , we are sorry to say , has not mended in temper , if he has in circumstances . In conclusion , we beg to reiterate our charges , —we could add to them , were we disposed to do so , and are prepared to prove them bj the evidence of the sufferers and eye-witnesses of his tyranny . Instead of shrinking from them , we court public enquiry and investigation into them ; we challenge it . and are ready at any convenient time and place to meet it
It is not of the quantity of work required , or the rate of our wages , that we complain , but of tbe unbearable insolence ind oppression of a taskmaster , who resembles those of Pharo&h ; and who wonld reduce us to a bondage worse than that of the Egyptians ; and because we complain of it , it ia to be said— " Go to , ye are idle ?¦• We have all along separated our employers from the tyrannical foreman , for we believed that the conduct of the latter was not tolerated fey them . We are , therefore , surprised and sorry to observe tbat they have now made common cause with him , and identified themselves with him . But they eannot justly constitute themselves arbitrators in their case , any more than we in ours .
All we want ( and Burely we do not ask too much ) is that a more civil man than Allen be appainted as our superintendent , and in the mean time rest our cause upon the candid and impartial consideration of the public . From the Operative Masons , Paviers' Arms , Westminster . Oct 4 ih , ISil . This has been thought unfit to appear in the ' liberty loving" and impartial daily press of the metropolis . But mark their honesty : an article appeared iu the columns of the Times of last week , containing the greatest amount of unprincipled falsehoods i'i so short a space it was ever our misformne to behold . Mr . Jackson , of Pimlico , ( to
whom the said article principally alluded . ) was so disgusted with its audaciou 3 falsehoods , that he immediately contradicted it in the same Journal the following day , but , nevertheless , it appeared in almost ail the metropolitan press , both daily and weekly , although it must have been obvious to them all that they were promulgating the grossest falsehoods . Under these circumstances , we have been forced to the alternative of placards , by which means we beg to state to Messrs . Grissell and Peto and the Public that we struck against a system the most degrading to the human character in existence . We have maintained our position hitherto peacefully
and manfully ; and however far they may have recourse to error and mystification—however far they try to persnade the public and us that injuries are not injuries , we have felt the lash , and have withdrawn from beneath ita excruciating inflictions ; aud when they are prepared to remove the slave driver , then , and not till then , are we prepared to resume oar employment . Resting onr cause with an impartial public , we subscribe ourselves , Your humble Servants , The Masons lately employed at thb New Houses op Parliament . Thomas Carter , Sec
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he might atop aiwy altogether . ; with an assertion that he ( Allen ) wduM not" keep a job open for any man that length of time uhder such circumstances . " ¦ •'' ¦¦¦ It has * lko ' 1 » ett qqlfce customary for Allen to order , ia the mo « domineering manner , many a good tradesmail to " pick up his tools and be off , " before he had been many hours at fhejab ; also for the [ inost trifling mistake have been discharged at a moment * notice , without the least consultation aa to whether they were blameable or not Againy one of the men had his leg broken by a tall from the scaffold , and on his return to his work , t expecting . ot course , aa he had been lamed in the « ervice of his employers , that they would continue to give him work . But no : Allen immediately discharged him , -with an execration that tie wanted none such d——d hobbling fellows as'hlm there .
Tbe same foreman told one of onr shopmates , who had been at home ill for some time , and whose wife was also very ill , on his return to his work togoabouthls business ; as he ( the foreman ) did not want any men then of hia description . We Immediately made a collection for him , to enable him to procure food fer himself and his sick wife . ' Another of the men had been called from his work to attend the death-bed of his wife , and when he came from that seene to his work , he was told to go back and die with her , and be damn'd . In fact , his general eonduct has been so debased as to be quite unbearable . He damns , blasts , and curses at every turn ; and to terrify us , has made a practice of threatening to discharge two or three dozen of us at a time , if we even complained of such conduct
Wo now leave you to judge how far we are justifiable in the steps we have taken to suppress euch inhuman , monstrous , and intolerant conduct ; and while we return thanks to those trades which have so generously tendered us their aid , we solicit that amount of assistance from our fellow operatives who have not yet done so , as shall enable the working , toiling millions to maintain that independent position In society which , aa the producers of all wealth , they have a right to occupy . We remain , Fellow Workmen , Tour ' s , respeotfully , The Masons lately employed at the Houses of Parliament . Thomas Carter , Sec . Puvior ' s Arms , Westminster , October , 1841 .
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TO THE EDITOR OF THE WEEKLY DISPATCH . " 'Tia a cruelty to load a falling man !"—Shakespere . SIR , —Weekly attacks having appeared in the Dispatch upon me or rather upon a sermon of mine , I trust you will permit me the right to reply—and first I would state my astonishment at the severity of these attacks , from one who " neither knows me , nor is known by me . " I can only account for this on the ground tbat you hare been actuated by the prejudices of others rather than by your own , and if so , candour will Incline you to hew the other side .
I am a country Chartist and cannot but think that the Chartism in town ia not so healthy , nor so free-ioned , as that in the country . There are many country Chartists in London , but their efforts are in a great measure neutralised by the town Chaittste . I am not opposed to these men personally—bat their opinions . 1 wiBh a line of demarcation to be drawn between them aud us—that they may separate themselves from ua and not come among us for the purpose of sowing dissension to create division . It was to effect this , to make these individuals disclose themselves , and be known for what they are , that preached tbe sermon complained of , and it had the desired effect I was challenged to a discussion , the result of which was more effectually to separate the sheep from the goats—the chaff from the
corn-Now , I would ask with what troth can it be asserted that I would kill or even harm the men ? The very passage you have quoted , though picked out for the purpose , will not sustain such a charge , and I could pick out many passages that contradict it , that confute It . As for instance— " I w » nld not harm these men' I would not hurt the serpent but to make The serpent hurtless . Let us set a mark upon them that all men may see , and know , and avoid them—then let them depart and freely . '
I cannot consent to your opinion , that tbe sermon la a " disgrace" to me ; it has been pronounced " right , " useful , valuable , well-tJmed ; too lenient , &c , by men whose judgment is morally , and not physically , directed . I readily admit tbat some portions of it might be modified with improvement to the whole , but should not some allowance be made for the heat of tbat indignation which is prompted by pity and by zeal for suffering humanity ? I am , Sir , Your obedient servant , John Watkins . No . 9 , Bell Yard , Temple Bar .
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TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN STAR . Sir , —I expect as an act of justice , you will insert this , my reply to the letter of Mosely Stott , to Q . J . Harney . I am , Sir , Your obedient servant , Mark Crabtree .
TO MR . GEORGE JDLIAN HARNEY . Sib , —in the Star of 2 nd October , a letter appears from a Mr . Stott , Secretary to the Chartists of Dewsbury . In this letter he states , on the authority of four persons , of the name of Haigh , Atkinson , Wass , and Simpson , that I said "that the Chartists , or leading Chartists of Dewsbury , were a set of poor , mean , shabby humbugs ; and this , said be , 1 b the opinion of William Martin , of Bradford , and poor George Julian Hamey You behaved in a most shabby manner to poor Harney , said he ; you paid him as your lecturer , a paltry thirty
shillings per week , ' while I paid him five-and-forty shillings per week during the late West Biding election ; that after this , Thomas Wass challenged him to prove bis assertion on the Market Cross next morning at ten o'clock , and he ( Thomas Wass ) would at the same time engage to prove to a majority of the inhabitants that Mark Crabtree was a lying , two-faced political Yillain . " Now , Sir , I ask yon . whether , during the time you was at the Convention , and at any time you ever met me , you found me to act the part of a double-faced man , or even a " two-faced political villain . "
Yon all knew mjr sentimental ; I never disguised them . I throw back , with scorn , the term villain upon Haigh and Co ., with the contempt they deserve , and assert that they are base and infamous liars , when they state I ever mentioned I had paid you 453 . per week during the West-Riding election . I did say , that the Chartists of Dowabury were " mean , " &c ; so far they tell the truth-, but I did not say I paid you weekly sach a sum . I did say , and do still say , that during the election , I hi you have money , because I felt that the man who was doing the dirty work of Haigh and Co ., and enlightening their Ideas , upon the Five Points of the Charter , was meanly , shabbily , and rascally paid at 30 s . per week . What money you had from me I never considered as politically advanced ; but as a stir has been made , perhaps you will let these Cliartiflta know bow mwtt it was you rewired
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from me ; this Is not my seeking , yon must blame Stott and Co . for it ; it was them who sect yon out to aspire to senatorial honours , at a price that Stott would not offer to bis journeyman barber , if he kept one . A fair day ' s pay for a fair day ' s work , is my motto ; bat these high-minded Chartists of Dewsbury , think differently . They ' want their man to do their work , and to atatve while doing it Provided , Sir , yon bad received Tory money to advance toe Tory cause , it must be . remembered by the Chartists , that by the late Convention , an address was Issued , advising the people , in case they could not return a Chartist Candidate , to do all in their power to return a Tory . Had you taen , I say , received Tory money , yon would only have acted in accordance to the Conventional advice . Yon must be paid for what you did .
I never said you did receive Tory money—I never suspected yon did—I have too great an opinion of your political honesty , and I wish you would go to Dewsbury , and instil a little of that honesty Into the tailor , and his three geese , for they seem as deficient in political honesty , as they are in the knowledge and practice of the ninth Commandment * 1 am , Mr . Harney , Your obdt . servant , Mark Crabtree . ^ i
A New Mode Of Paying Off The National Debt.
A NEW MODE OF PAYING OFF THE NATIONAL DEBT .
TO THB EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN BTAR . Sir , —On the 4 th of last June I addressed a letter to Feargus O'Connor , while he was in York Castle , requesting his opinion upon the subject of which it treated . To that letter I received no answer ; but I have learned , within these few days , that it never reached the imprisoned patriot A friend of mine waa at the late demonstration at Sheffield , and asked him if he could recollect receiving a letter from Holmfirth , about the beginning of last June , signed "Abraham Whltehead , " and the answer he received from Feargus O'Connor was , "No , never ! " My friendB , and your friends , the readers of the Star , have prevailed upon me to write out a copy of the letter to which I have alluded , and request that you will insert it in the Star . With this you will receive the copy , and I hope yon will find room for it in your next impression .
And am , Sir , Yours , * c , Abraham Whitehead . Scholes , Holmfirth , Oct . 9 th , 1841 . TO FEAKGUS O CONNOR , ESQ . Dear Sir , —Ever since you commenced your career as an agitator for the rights of man—the People ' s Charter , I have watched all your proceedings with great care and attention , and it gives me great pleasure to be compelled to acknowledge you to be the ' most zsalous , the most upright , and the most determined opponent of corrupt Government that ever lived In this or any other age . You bavo displayed such admirable tactics in the arrangement of your forces , tbat you are in a fair way of gaining a complete and triumphant victory over all who oppose you .
Such being my opinion of your honesty and skill , I have a sincere desire to have your opinion upon another " new move" which has begun to shew itself in this neighbourhood . He Is one of your own " fustian jackets" who is at the head of It , and one , too , who would not , for his life , utter another word upon the subject , if any one can prove that , by bo doing , he would be injuring the cause of Chartism , or that the Charter would be retarded one moment longer from becoming the established law of the land , in consequence of him giving his opinion upon another but not less Important subject—the National Debt The individual to whom I have just alluded has delivered two lectures upon the National Debt , and the best means of liquidating it
He declares tbat he has discovered in tbe taxes which are appropriated to the purpose of paying the interest of the National Debt , a mine of wealth which may be worked with ease and advantage . Its treasures may be easily made available for the benefit of every class ef men in the United Queendom . Trade may be promoted to almost any extent , and universal prosperity reign throughout the land for ages to come . Our present currency he designated a paper currency , based upon a raetalic standard of value j that its base is too small , tbat its diameter is too limited to bear the immense superstructure of paper that is necessarily built upon it . In order to raise the taxes , and carry on the trade of this great nation . The consequence is , that when the paper building is raised sufficiently high for the purposes for which it was designed , it looses the centre of gravity , the line of direction falls without the base , and down would topple
the whole superstructure , if the builders did not discover their error , and be glad to take it down with as much ease and promptitude as they bad manifested a short time before in building it up . Henca it is that we have such fluctuations of the currency—such universal bankruptcy and distress . The ease is the same everywhere where paper money exists as the representative of gold . And why ? Because , if there were as mnch gold as Is represented by the paper in circulation , there would be no need whatever for a paper currency . It la the want of gold to exchange fof pape * that is the cause of such sudden alterations in the value of money . But sudden and ruinous alterations in the value of money Is inseparable from a paper currency thftUfa based upon a metallo Btandard of value ; for , as no skill can make a cone stand with firmness upon its anex . so , neither can any Ingenuity of man make a monstrous paper ballon balance Itself upon the limited circumferenee of a golden sovereign .
_ So much for the lecturer ' s opinion of the false principles upon which onr present currency is founded . Let us now see what he proposes as a remedy . He Bays his propositions for the remedy of tbe evils of which be has been complaining , are the strangest propositions tbat ever were made in the world ; but ) no less strange than practicable . He says let the Government turn bankers—let the stock of the National Debt be converted into a floating capital , and the taxes which are appropriated to pay the interest of the debt he converted into a bank stock for the redemption of the capital so created . Let a national paper be issued to be called crown notes of the value of £ 6 and £ 3 . Let not one of these notes be issued without paying off as much debt as the declared value « f tbe notes . These notes . to beta legal tender , and continue
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to be , so long as they are in existence , for taxes or any thing else . Any amount of debt being discharged , the interest w ! U be saved ; tbat amount of Interest so saved , whatever it is , to bo employed for the purpose and for no other purpose than the redemption of the notes . > L _ % ILLUSTBATIOW . Suppose the Government owe to the Governor aud Company of . the Bank of England tbe sum of five millions of pounds , for which they are paying five-pe * cent . Pay it off all at once in these notes . The interest will thea cease , and at the end of twelve months tbe Interest Bared will be a surplus of taxes of £ 250 , 00 *—> let that amount of these notes be collected by the Chancellor of the Exchequer , or some other person properly authorised , and be destroyed—let them be burned , then will so much of the National Debt be reduced to smoke and ashes , and so on of any other amount ' ¦ ¦¦ \ ; , - r
Again , the National Debt Is said to be j £ 8 M , OOO , O 00 ; five per cent of that would be just £ 40 , 000 , 600 . If five per cent of stock be paid off in these notes to each creditor who has stock , for which he receives interest at five per cent per annum , would be £ 2 , 000 , 000 , and the taxes continuing the same , that amount of these notes might be annually destroyed . Thna by making money upon the new principle which he recommends , the National debt would be rapidly liquidated , without imposing any additional buthen upon any class « f the people ; a healthy tone would be given to trade and the revenue , and individual and national distress would vanish from the land without noise and tumult These notes , being legal tender , would soon find their way into the Banks , and would be equal to so much added to their stock of gold : while tkese notes lasted they would sever be under the necessity of parting with more gold at once than the diffdrence between a five and a three pound note .
Some persons may be ready to compare these notes to the assignante , which circulated in France from 1786 to 1789 ; but in the opinion of the lecturer , the comparison cannot be made good . The assignants were a mortgage on the national estates , and no means were provided for their redemption . The means for the redemption of the Crown notes are provided , and would begin to operate the moment the notes were issued . Hoping that I have said enough to enable yeu ta understand the nature of the scheme , it enly remains for me to request that you will give me your unreserved opinion upon it , in time tor the next lecture , which is to be delivered on Wednesday the 9 ta inat , and beg , Sir , to subscribe myself ,
Your obedient servant , Abraham Whitehead Scholes , Holmfirth , June 4 th , 1841 .
To The Chartists Of The County Of
TO THE CHARTISTS OF THE COUNTY OF
DURHAM . There will he a delegate meeting for the above county at Mr . Bradford ' s Temperance Hotel , Durham , ou Monday , the 25 th fast ., at eleven o'clock in the forenoon , when delegates are invited from the following places : — Sanderland , Bishop Auckland , Gafceshead , West Auckland , South Shields , Bansard Castle , Stockton , Httrtlepool , Darlington , South Hetton , Durham , Thornley . To take into consideration the better organization of the County . Communications to be addressed to John Mowbray , 39 , Framwellgate , Durham . Your ' s , &c , John Mowbrat .
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TO THE CHARTISTS GENERALLY . ( From . Vie English Chartist Circular . ) The position In which we find ourselves justifies us In earnestly directing attention to the following communication from a Correspondent of the Northern Star , as inserted in that journal of tbe 9 th
inst—TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN STAR . Dear Sir , —I have just learned from what I have every reason to believe is good authority , that the proprietor of the English Chartist Circular does not find tbat encouragement which the excellence of the work and the cheap rate at which it is published , fairly entitle him to expect It i s , I am told , at present , a lesing concern ; and this , I must say , is a disgrace to our extensive body .
This work eugbt to be in the bands of every Cbartist , and no Chartist who smokes tobacco or drinks beer , can say he cannot afford to take it . If he will not forego the price of a pipe of the one , or a small portion of the other , in order to find good intellectual food for himself and his children ; be is , in my opinion , unworthy to be considered a worker in our glorious stmggle , since be proves , by his acts , that he prefers to support the revenue of a corrupt Government , rather than aid in tbe maintenance of the Chartist press .
I bope this hint will be extensively acted upon . I would sVso propose that every Chartist Association should speud sixpence in the purchase of Circulars to be sent to the parsons , magistrates , and other influential persons in each locality . Thus , the work would be made to pay , and the glorious principles of the Charter would become more generally known . I will conclude by requesting the lecturers to strenuously recommend the work wherever they go . lam , yours , A CHARTIST . Hunslet .
We are in utter ignorance of the source from which the above originated ; but , whoever its author , we thank him most sincerely for the favourable mention of ua , aud forcible statement of onr case ; regretting , of course , tbat the talent be evidently possesses should not rather have bad an opportunity of congratulating us , and those for whem we labour , on our permanent establishment , instead of thus fraternally appealiag to the Chartist body to extend to us that " help" which , failing—we perish . It will easily be gathered from these remarks , that our friend . "A Chartist , " has correctly stated that
•* the proprietor of the English Chartist Circular has not found that encouragement which'he bad expected . " The Circular has now reached tbe fortieth week of Its existence . Of each number has been printed a quantity which , if wholly disposed of , would barely coverthe mere cost of paper , composition , and press-work , ( leaving out all consideration about editing , publishing , &c ) , but we must add on no one occasion has the week ' s sale done this . There is , therefore , a heavy stock on hand —that is to say , the proprietor has from first to last sustained a pecuniary periodical loas , which in the aggregate amounts to a sum that may take years of toil—if ever—to recover .
Hitherto , and unreservedly , we have spoken of the Circular as a matter of trade , and the only question a casual reader might infer would be , whether it shall stand or fall as a remunerating publication . But we have higher ground to take . It is due both to tbe Chartists and to ourselves , tbat we should place the question in a different light We entered upon tbe task of establishing the Circular in the high hope of becoming useful to the masses in their struggle against oppression . We aimed at becomiDg a medium in the bands of Chartist readers of expressing their feelings—of aiding the extension of their principles by evidencing theii justice—of strengthening the community in the one great cause ; not tbat we nought to become a sun round which the whole
body of Chartists might revolve , to the exclusion of . greater lights , but an earnestness of purpose—a conviction tbat our own energies ought to be employed in the utmost degree to forward that great social and political change , tbe necessity and justice of which we have long asserted and believed , induced us to fondly imagine that our exertions would be appreciated—tbat wo might be accepted as an interpreter , a mediator , and a teacher by the Chartists themselves . Confident in our own integrity , we have laboured in tbe good work . Shall the labourer sink for want of a helping hand from those with whom—for tchom he has toiled ? Shall he be suffered to lie in exhaustion , and none put a cordial to his lips—his energies prostrate for
ever ? . " . ' - -. We appeal to the great body of Chartists for support or rejection ; by their decision we must abide . It must be speedily pronounced . If adverse to us—shaald they tacitly allow ua to close our career by not granting the aid we seek , we shall carry into our retirement the same deep , hopes for the restoration of the millions to their rights ; while we shall of a surety regret that tbe sphere of our own action—we can assume from * the kind patronage we do receive—our own utility—has been narrowed . It is for our Chartist brethren to declare whether tbe Circular shall come to an untimely end , and its proprietor be thus crippled in a pecuniary Tiew ? Chartists answer—shall tee go on with you ?
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Something New . —The pupils of a school in the neighbourhood of Wolverhampton , having exhausted every ordinary pretext for obtaining a holiday , bit upon anew one , which deservesnotice .. They signed a round robin , expressing their anxiety for the health of their masters , and begging them to take a holiday , which the the pupils , on the part of themselves and guardians , would willingly consent to for the sake of the precious health of their ** much approved good masters . "
The Cast-Iron Ornaments of Berlin . —The raw ore from which they are manufactured does cot cost more than Is . 6 d . per cwt . but wrought into earrings , the value becomes £ 2 . 734 2 » . 6 d . per cwt . ; and made into shirt buttons , about £ 3 , 000 per cwt . It would not be easy to point out any other , metal in which art can . increase the value of the raw material 40 , 000 fold-7- [ We should like to know how much of this inert a ? e goes into the pockets of the artisans in the shape of wages ; and how muoh is absorbed in profits . ]—Ed . N . S .
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THE OPERATIVE STONEMASONS LATELY EMPLOYED AT THE NEW HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT TO THE TRADES OF GREAT BRITAIN . Eellow yV orkmen , —Seeing that a great misunderstanding exists among the Trades of Britain relative to our reasons for withdrawing from ear employment , and which we have every reason to believe has been caused by the reports that have been circulated through the medium of tbe Times and Observer , which we are
prepared to prove are tbe grossest falsehoods it is in tbe power of man to utter , —we , therefore , take the opportunity ef laying before you a few facts , ( and which we challenge the world to deny ; that were the cause of us withdrawing from our employment , and then leave you to judge between us , our foreman , and our employers . In tbe first place , one of our shopmates had the unwelcome inteliigence from Manchester of fee decease of bis mother : he informed Mr . Allen ( the foreman ) of hia wish to go and see her interred , stating that he would have to be absent for a week or fortnight ; when Allen informed him , if tbat waa tbe case ,
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The Masons' Strike . —To the members of trade societies , and others , throughout Great Britain and Ireland . —Fellow workingmen , at a general meeting of The Original Friendly Society of Carpenters and Joiners , " held at the Running Horse , Dukestreet , Grosvenor-8 quare , on the 4 th of October , it was unanimously agreed that a circular should be addressed to you , and to coflfde-shop and publichouse keepers , expressing their sympathy for the masons now out on strike from Messrs . Grissell and Peto ' s employ ; and to call general attention to an article contained in % ) ne \ Weekly Dispatch of the 3 rd of October , headed " The strike at the new Houses of Parliament , " wherein , by its misrepresentations , the interests of the working classes are very injuriously affected ; and that they therefore pledge themselves to discontinue their support of that paper , recommending all friends to the rights of industry to adopt the same resolution .
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TO THE MASONS LATELY EMPLOYED AT THE NEW HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT . Sirs , —Tbe energy which you nave displayed in resisting the tyrannical proceedings and ceuduct of Allen , have won for you golden opinions from your brethren in eveiy p& * t ef ihe empire . More and mora am I convinced that something besides a mere trade association is requisite to procure for tbe toil and industry of our working population , an adequate degree of protection against the encroachments of legalised but unchristian power and insolent domination , and without constitutional liberty , without the safeguard of the franchise , without the fair , just , and adequate representation ef your labour and industry in tbe Commons House of Parliament , without such protection , be assured that you will continue to be employed as mere machines for accomplishing the ambitious projects and luxurious gratification of a sordid , tyrannical , and bard-hearted aristocracy .
For the moment resist the mandates of the cruel and vindictive disposition and temper of the tyrant Allen , and for tbe future , with a view to tbe permanent and legal establishment of your rights and liberties , not only as workmen , but as good citizens and patriots enrol your names as members of the Charter Associate n of Great Britain and Ireland—unite with us iu the arduous but glorious undertaking of achieving tbe emancipation of ourselves and of our children , from the monstrous tyranny of exclusive legislation , with ita long train of insults , misery , degradation , and ruin . May tbe blessing of God—of that God who is the avenger of the oppressed , accompany and reward , With the most ample success , tbe undertaking in which you are embarked .
I have myself been a persecuted man , and have more than once been made the sport of Allen ' s despotism and caprice . Your friend and well wisher , A Warwickshire Chartist , 1 AN » AN OPERATIVE MASOM .
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NOTICE TO BRICKLAYERS . A false statement has been circulated in the neighbouring Towns round Manchester , that the strike had been settled , and men were at liberty to go to work agreeable to all parties . Bricklayers , this statement is false ! The Bricklayers of Manchester are as determined not to go to work as ever they were , nn til their former rights and privileges are granted . Therefore , be not deceived by any false pretences ; for the three hundred men are still on the strike ; and feel themselves called on to diBabuse the public mind relative to a placard , purporting to have emanated from Mr , George C . Pauling , where he appeals to public opinion respecting the charges brought against him by the operative bricklayers of this town . He affects to deny that men ' s wages have been reduced , and says , except boys , and a few inferior men , every one ia paid 5 s . per day . ,
This statement is incorrect , for when a new hand claims full wages , the answer is , that very few get fire shillings per day , and several good men left , rather than crouch , while others have to crouch , lest their families should want . He states that no advantage is taken overmen . Now , reader , listen . Men have been stopped on Saturday , because it being what we call a short ; day and one man refused to stop off work whilo there was plenty of work and plenty of materials . On refusing to stop , he was discharged ; but would not leave the ground without his wages , whereupon the police was called to take tho man , 1 suppose to a dungeon . The man resisted the police , and was paid before he left the work ? . Well , why did not the police apprehend him 1 Because the man ' s cause was just . The said man got work in another place , and was pursued by the parties , and turned off by his
next employer . > Again , another man was ordered to throw down his trowel , and set bricks with his two hands , though one of his hands was bleeding , yet he was cursed and damned by Mr . Pauling himself in person . Another man got kicked , and several were threatened to be kicked , treatment such as renders Mr . Pauling intolerable . The men are cursed aud abused in such indecent language as the framers of this appeal must shrink from publishing . Another man was discharged on the ^ spot for having been making inquiries who were in benefit in the Bricklayers' Sick and Burial Club , though these inquiries were not made in working hours ; whioh institution is not only recognised by the most respectable authorities in the town , and- appreciated by the wisest , but even based on Acts of Parliament .
But it is not the protection of widows and orphans —it is not the support of honest men labouring under accidents , that Mr . Pauling aims at . No ; but to trample upon , and to debase , and grind , and pauperise the poor man . That ia hia aim , and he has proved , to a demonstration , that he is the decided enemy of the working classes . We have stated our grievances before' public opinion , which we , the operative bricklayers of Manchester , look up to as the throne of honour . We were never trampled on by any contractor . We esteem our charaoter as men , and we respect the laws ; we were the first class of men in the kingdom to expunge from our Society that which we found illegal , namely , secrecy . We support a Society with a view rather to relieve the wants of one another than to raise wages beyond our value .
With this appeal we make to public opinion , we ask , must our cause perish ! No 3 a thousand times no ! The Operative Bricklayers of Manchester . October 13 tb , 1841 .
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. THB NORTHERN STAB . ^
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Oct. 23, 1841, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct571/page/7/
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