On this page
- Departments (2)
-
Text (9)
-
Cfcartigt %xtttTli£etite.
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
HORRID DESTITUTION.
-
Untitled Article
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.
-
-
Transcript
-
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.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
Cfcartigt %Xttttli£Etite.
Cfcartigt % xtttTli £ etite .
Untitled Article
CTJPAR , FIFESHIRE . GLORIOUS DEMONSTRATION IN HONOTJR OF FEABGU 3 O'CONNOR , AND IN FAYOUR OF THE PEOPLED CHARTER . On Monday last , the above patriotic and talented inaiTidoal visited tbii place , aod received a right hearty ^ eieome from the lores of equal rights . The morning waa aSber buy and -wet , vrfckh , ire hare bo doubt , had ii * e effect of keeping b * ek numbers from & diatauee irbo would otfcenriae bav « been present ; bat , BotiritiutondiDg , we think khis m ooe of the mart SBSetmal 7 attended demonstrations in favour of the Garter ever fceM in Fiieshire . We think it surpassed
ia nsmboi the one held in December , 1838 , when Mr . jtitfcew iras elected represeaUtiive to the Convention , t % lrfcleh it "was estimated there were mote than ten thousand persons present The procession started from the School-bin at eleven o'clock , and vu Vjjned at M'Jfab * s inn by a coach and four horses , vbieh , along with the procession , proceeded sboBt two gutes along the Dundee road , where Mr . 0 Conner and jlr . J . Dnncsn wereaet . Theprooesrion then returned , ntd , after making several taming * in the town , halted ft the east ton bar , where a hustings m erected in the oornsr of a field .
Mr . Thomas Scott commenced the proceedings by nominating Mr , John Duncan , the people ' s representatJTe for Fifeshire , to the chair . Jfc Duncan , an taking the chair , was loudly ap- \ pjjndtd ; and , after OiMiViwg them tot the honour cos- 1 fared on him , mod cautioning them against being en-, temped into any disturbance , introduced Mr . La-w son , of Newbnrgb . who proposed the first nfota&on , which was to tie effect , that all the poverty \ tod degradation which iffiicted the industrious classes ; ({ this oonntry , was the result of class legislation , -and s yaitbe only remedy was the T" * v ; "g the principles i contained in the Charter the law of the land , and that , tbe thank ' of the meeting were doe to Feargns O'Con-Bar , for bis able advocacy of these principle * .
Tfcis was seconded by Mr . LmsDKX , of Baintown , j tad carried cnanirBoaslv . ' Hi . W . MBX 7 ILLE , Markinch , proposed the next ' jwohiUon , which was , that this meeting agree to petition parliament is favour of the principles contained in tbe charter . jfr . Scott seconded the resolution , which , like the ! other , m carried unanimously . There being no other resolution , I Hz . 0 Cos . vor was introduced , amid tremendous j tpplaose . When the chftprfng had subsided , he said he unti with their worthy chairman when he tali Oat S ptas John had traried Chartism , it mnst now hare ' lad » glorious resurrection . Mr . 0 Connor spoke at ecsBtderable length in a temperate and conciliatory man- ;
ser , and-alludwi to the Tile calumnies and nzisrepresea U&ss of the press , and , in particular , noticed a raseaBy and libellous attack upon him , which had appeared Qat sune week in the Fi / nhire Journal , calling him a « hwkss demagogue . " « Better ( Siid Mr . O'Conaorj be » lawless demagogue than a brainless pedagogue ; for in the former case there was s > hope of repentance , but in the latter there could be no prospect of any amendment . '' He denied , however , ttiii he was a " lawless demagogue "—in proof of rhidi , he had sot been put in bonds for any fault of fate wn , but for publishing what was called the faults of often . Mr . O'Connor was listened to with the most pmtuEztd silence , except when it was broken by the tad applause which eTer and anon burst from the jaembled thousands .
At the conclusion , three cheers were given for Mr . O'Connor , three for Mr Duncan , and three for the Charter , when the meeting dispersed . Among the crowd we ohserred a large number of ike Biddle classes—mostly all the lawyers , of which there ire not a few in this place—and a T&st number of shopkeepers were present during tha whole time . Several t £ the higher classes were also present ; and we oheerr&d Maitland MacgQl Cricbton , Esq ., of Rankeiloa , the celebrated non-intrusion advocate , standing is tte middle of the dense mass during the whole profaofmyn
SOIXEE . la the evening s grand soiree was held in the Mason ' s H » E , which was cr « wded in every part by a most mpeetable assemhly of " braw lads and bonnie Isk ' to . W . Meltille , Markinch , amid loud cheers , to oikd to preside , when , after thanking the meetiaf for the high honour conferred os him said , when he bebtld such a brilliant assembly as that before him , and R&cted on the glorious display which they had all fiaiday seen , it was a proof to him that the principles ef Qartian were w ^ itVur dead nor dormant , but that tiey were graduilly forcing themselTes upon tte con-TieSioa of etery unprejudiced mind , and ,
notwithstanding in opposition , would be the principles which would t £ nde the world . ( Cheers . ) That persecution had ctb failed to accomplish that which it was intended , he Bid the history of the world fully Terified ; and the procssdiifj tiii day were only another addition to the innmsrable instances already recorded . While the jmseccters of Mr . O'Coiner had been driTen from c&k imid the ececr&Uons of &n insulted and oppressed pwpla , he was welcomed and applauded for his stern t 2 < d oicompromiang adTocacy of rigbteoos principles . \ Ctteen . } JJ : er a few more remarks , the Chairman prethe first toast on the list , " The People , the source of ill political power . " ( Cheers . ) Instrumental band— " Scots wha hae , " &c
Original song by Mr . Philp— " Briton ' s now by Fearg 8 ! stand . " The C ; ai . i £ Si 5 said , the next toast which he had the booour propose was one which he need only mention to ie received -Bitt acelamatios , it was , " Feargus O"Con-Mt , " EiQ ,, and may be lire to see those principles temph for which he has suffered . " [ Tremendous
oeeri&g . ; Instrumental band— "See tfce conquering hero comes . " 8 cn | 1- "& > ld , braTe , O'Connor , O . " Oailx . O"Co 5 Soa rising , he was presented with a spirited and well-written address , which was read by J& J- Scott , in the name of the Chartists of Cupsr . Hi . O'Coedot spoke nearly an hour and a half in the sees admirable and conyincing manner that he had daK isnag the day , and was rapturously applauded . The next untiment was " The Charter , and may it SMB be tte law of the land . " iCheers . ) IsitrumecUl band— " My lore she ' s but a lassie jet " The BeEtiment was spoken to by Mr . CH ^ s . Sir aBT , » yenmg gtntleman from St . Andrews , who made b elcqumt speecn , which frequenUy elicited bursts of sppUsfe .
fv ?* CaAiasus said , the toast which he had now tobacFBi to propose was the health of no less s disjfSsafced iidiTidual than their representatiTe—not as fox-iunticg ignoramus up the way—tlaughter )—r at tfcs resl member of the people ' s choice—he meant ni tneod Mr . Dancan behind him . ( IInch applause . ) 5 atrcae t ^ l bacd— " Tp and waur them a . " ?® S ~ " ^ ie old country gentleman . " A ^ LF ryuy > Qn rlsill S return thanks , was loudly ns&eu . Be speke at great length in his usual anig * J naiffier , and was listened to with marked atten-After Mr . Duncan Lad done speaking , Mr . O'Connor * n to room , apologisirg for his doing so that he had wj ^ sa tbrte mettiEgB on the morrow , namely , Kirk-» WJ , Lath , snd Editturch ,
« tw ^ sentiments were then giren , namely , " * Uarfast Press , " sj . oken to by Mr . Stuart . " The ^™* > " rpoken to by Mr . John I > une » Ji . A number of " * p sad redtationB were also gi \ en , and the interest rr ewmsiaim kept up till nearly twelTe o ' clock , «™ $ iboat fire houis . At the conclusion , three cheers j * « giren fox Mr , OCoMltP , three / or the Charter , ^ -w Pro st , "WilliainB , and Joces , three forBronterre ^ «* a , three for Mr . Duncaa , and three for Use Cnair-^ J-aen the company made way to join in the merry
Untitled Article
O'COXKOB-S VISIT TO DFMFRIE& " Xo ! he comes , he comes . ' Garlands for eTery shrine ; » Wk _ e lyres and sound the drums , Bring roses , pour ye wine . Swell , swell the Dorian flute Through the blue triumphal sky ; ¦ Let the eyttern ' s tone salute , As the patriot passes by . ' " fcj ^ *** the motto of a placard announcing that ka HjJt hoa" ^ ould terminate his triumphant « o ttMsnT a f otland b * » P ^ lic entry into Dumfries i ^ , , Arrangements had been for some time Son u mfvw CT t 0 hmiTe Ml- O'Connor such a recep-U i C ™^ . ' testify the esteem in Trhich he waa held fcYH » r * TOStS hCTe ' " ^ HW »* diBg ] y oa the eTentful iruui uuiex
VXtof , -- _ , ,, —* ""»"> asu nnmnere - u » SSKSr tixB doei « and ¦« " teing inar-X mtb ^ V eT > pioce 6 ded ^ P ^ *** & *> acr 048 &e ^« r ^! t' ^ ** ^ Sow road , there to receiTe * an ** i i ^? lon of the Charter , who was expected * PnJhnf ^ ° ' clock by ^ Glasgow coach . About Ww ^ PorUand-plaee the procession halted , * St a ^> &rdrop Bna M'Dowall , in an open carfef ^ v k Vere ^ Patched foi vb . e purpo&e of yr ^~ * f 0-Connor . The coach soon met them , PtbeWa ^* ^ * ? 1 ^ ' *• Pwcessfon , fet rflLTr ? we at length gratified by ¦ ivnKui
. V *^ » a rat nt i ,. _ . * -- *•¦* «« ay Kiavuicu uj a Klj Z aey had heard 80 much , a Ptteb -Z ^ gaMation rrinced the warmth ¦ ^ dai ^^* " ' Rllen to ** *** somewhat ¦^ ea . jT ^* ** I * 06888 ^ mored on witix flags and ¦ * iar ^ numb « r numberless , - the spirit-stirring »«• me musicsJ instruments interrening with the ¦ SX M » J ^ 1 n muititade - Tlle Procession passed ¦ ^" ilttwelltowa , Md a ^ pr indpal streels cf l ^^ nSl ia ^ ^ " ^ neTe ?
I w ,. TiF 0 marEhals , on horseback , wua sashes , and other ornament * . I r ~ Sand . mat « 7 % ^ Wotki = « Men ' s Association , I tt-v J tte hx points ; and on the other an 1 - ^ Wfacal figure of Liberty , carrying oa a spear the " Bonnet Ronge , " with the British Lion t couchant at her " feet ,
Untitled Article
follewed by a deputation of the society , three and three . Irish Slag , followed by Irish Chartists and others , three and three
Scottish Flag . Supporters , three and three . Banner — " This is not the cause of faction or party , bat that of erery lover of bis country . " Curriers , Skinners , and Tanners , with the flags of their respective trades . Banner" When Adam delTed mud Etb span , Who was then tae gentleman V Shoemakers , with Trade ' s Flags ; and in the body ef the trade , Banners—1 st Do net rich men oppress you and drag you before the judgment seat J Y « are manr they are few .
2 nd . Turn , the drone * out of the hive . Tailors with flag and banners , 1 st He that will not work , neither shall he eat 2 nd . Taxation without representation is tyranny . Stocking makers with flag and banners . 1 st In your own land ye crouch in dread , Cra-ring but leave to toilfer bread ; Rise ! wrestle for your rights instead . 2 nd Methinks I hear a . little bird that sings , The people by and by will be the stronger . Millar Lewis , a juvenile Chartist en a brown palfrey , with an address to Mr . O'Connor , beautifully ornamented with bay leaves and holly . Hammermen with flag . Kings , would ye chain The rack and the rain ; Would je fetter the lightning and hurricane ? They are free—And so shall we be . In an elegant open carriage drawn by four greys with postillions ,
O'CONNOR , With Wardrop and M'DouaU on each Bide . Leckerbie band . Country deputations , three and three . Squaremen with flags . Motto— " Union shall make us free . " Hand-loom Weaver ' s Flag . And also a large Green Flag , on which were inscribed the names of illustrious patriots of former days , to which the figure of an angel appeared pointing , as if to animate the spectators to emulate their deeds . Below the " eloud of witnesses" was the verse— " Behold what witnesses unseen Encompass us around > Men once like tu , by sufferings tried , Bat now with alo * y cro- » m © d .-
In this order the procession passed through Maxwelltown and the principal streets of Dumfries ; it defiled across the New Bridge into Dumfries , down Bridge-street , up Friars' -vennel , passed throwh Highstreet , into English-street , by Queen street into Shakespear-street , and again into High-street , where it drew up at the Commercial Inn . Here Mr . Wardrop addressed a few words to the assznbly , and announced that Mr . O'Connor would be present at the soiree in the evening , when he would have an opportunity of addressing them .
THE SOIREE . Previous to six o ' clock , the deors of the Relief Church were besieged by an eager concourse of people , all anxious to secure stats ; and on the appearance of Mr . O'Connor , at seven o ' clock , he was received with immense cheering . Mr . John Bell was called to the chair and at his request the Rsv . Mr . Carson said grace ; and the company proceeded to the discussion of the good things bo plentifully provided for them by the stewards . The CHAIRMAN opened the proceedings in a neat speech , in which he sketched the lowly origin of Chartism—its progress in Dumfries , comparing the early meetings of the friends of freedom , consisting of thirteen or fourteen individuals , with the glorious display which that evening presented ; and augured from this the certainty of ultimate triumph to the principles they bad espoused . He sat down amid loud cheers , and called upon
Mr . Wabdbop , who made a few remarks ; but he said that he would not thea occupy much of their time , as he intended to speak at greater length when tha evening was more advanced . Song— " Hurrah for the Charter , "—Mr . Adam Paterson . Mr . W . M'Dowall was then called upon , and was received with applause . He stated that he was entrusted with a document for presentation to Mr . O'Connor , namely , —an address of the Chartists of Dumfries and Maxwelltown , on the occasion of his visit ; previous to which he would say , that it gave him plexsure to see the inhabitants ef this town Coming forward in such numbers and in sueh enthusiasm on this occasion ; it was & proof and a pledge to him that the deeds of
their illustrious guest had not been overlooked or forgotten by them . It was a proof and a pledge of something more important still—that of love and regard for the great principles which had impelled him forward in his career of agitation . There was , in the first place , esteem manifested to the man ; in the second place , adherence and attachment to the measures which be h&d adTaaced ; and these feelings seemed so inseparaby connected , that in speaking of the one he could scarcely fail speaking of the other also . When the cry of the factory children arose wild and clamorous , appealing to heaven and to man against the unnatural toil to which the votaries of mammon had doomed thtm—wbtn-this cry arose and came unheeded on the ears of the marble-minded masters—when the
Parliament of Britain shut out their prayer—when there was none to plead their cause in the gate , three individuals stood forward , and , in spite of the frowns of the powerful , and spurning the proffered bribe of those whose interests were endangered , testified loudly and long against the atrocity of the system . These men were Stephens , Oastfer , and Feargus O'Connor . And when the numberless privations to which the people were exposed bad conspired to make them investigate their cause—when their burdens became so heavy that they could no longer be borne patiently—when the iron of oppression bad entered within , and touched as with electricity their long benumbed energies , and they arose as one man with tae demand , what shall we do to be saved ? How shall we elevate our social position ? By what means
* h « . H we stem the tide of desolation , whose waters have so long covered us ? How shall we erect a bulwark which shall shelter us , and repel the encroachments of power?—when the psople were in this dilemma , con-Bcious of their grievances , but comparatively ignorant of their cause , helpless in their misery , and hopeless of a cure , wio so forward to announce the tidings of deliverance as Mr . O'Connor 2 He , with bis other brave compatriots , went from place to place , unfolding the cause of the national grievance , and propounding the cure , the only effectual cure—Universal Suffrage . From henceforth making this his rallying cry , and saying to the hosts of enemies who leagued for his destruction , because it tras like the death-knell to that system of class-legislation and party privilege on which they prospered—saying to
these" Come one . ' come all ! this rock shall fly From its firm base as soon as I . " To the principles thus promulgated , he ( the speaker ) looked as the only guarantee for the happiness of the country . Make the Government irresponsible as in Russia , and you subject the people to the iron yoke of an unmitigated despotism . Continue the Government responsible to a class only as in Britain , and the interests of that ciasa will be consulted , and the "welfare of the community sacrificed at the shrine of their selfishness . What the Chartists wanted was a responsible
Government Responsible to the Cabinet ? No ! Responsible t » tie BJi £ tCCiacy ? No ! Responsible to the middle Classes ? No ! Responsible to the ten pound householders , or rather to the ten pounds' wortfi of bricks and mertar which they possessed 7 Responsible to them or these ? No ! But a Government representing and responsible to all who pay for its support , who are liable to fight its battles , who bear its burdens , and who are affected for good or evil by the tendency of its enactments . Mr . M'D . then read an address which had been prepared for presentation to Mr . O'Connor .
Mr . O'CojiSon , who had remained standing while the address was being read , then , amid the acclamations of the meeting , began by expressing his high sense of the confidence reposed in him by the men of Scotland , adding that the reception fee had met with in Dumfries was more than a reward for the privations of a five years ' strugjle for freedom , prosecuted under the scorching sun of summer and through winter ' s chilling blast He had nurtured his bantling until it had grown a giant , powerful to destroy all evil and to support all good The principles which he advocated could alone save the country ; and the higher classes , in supporting exclusive legislation , were nourishing a vipez which would in the end destroy them . A base press had heralded bis approach . He was charged with inculcating
principles subversive of social order—he had been misrepresented until men came to see him , wondering whether he were man or devil ; but be struggled for liberty tempered with reason and discretion , not to promote rapine and licentiousness . He had long watched the progress of Reform ,- and , before the Charter was even heard of , he had taken the entire of his native county of Cork from the Tories—a county which returned eight members to the Imperial Parliament—without expending a single shilling , aithooga opposed by a powerful and a wealthy aristocracy . Th « principles upon which that struggle was conducted were Universal Suffrage , Annual Parliaments , Tote by Ballot , the Abolition of the Property Qualification , the Redistribution of the Electoral Districts , Payment of Members , Repeal of the Union , Exclusion of the Bishops from the House of
Lords , the Total Abolition of Tithes , and the Election of the Magistracy by the People . WI en he established the Northern Political Union , he was assailed on all hands with , " Don't disunite the working classes from the Whigs ,-- but who , he wenld ask , broke faith first ? The Whigs , who had violated every pledge which they had given to the people . During the nine years they were in office they had passed a Coercion Bill for Ireland , the Poor Law Amendment Act , and introduced a Rural Police into Britain . "When , however , the party was buried in the grave which the undertaker , Plain John Campell , of Cupar , said he had dug for Chartism , the cry was raised of free trade , cheap bread , and plenty to do . So lojs ; as the Whigs were in office , they held that the distress of the country was local , but no sooner were they out Xfrw they dis-
Untitled Article
covered that it was national . The Tories , who had succeeded them , now that the ; were in office , alse attributed the distress of the country to local causes The object of his mission waa to arouse the energies of the people for a last assault upon both factions , not for the purpose of spoliation , but for the attainment ef equality under the law . The dlvdples of Malthas , while allowing the existence of wide-spread destttu . toon , attributed it to the increase of : t&e population beyond the means of suppart He ( Mr . O'O . ) denied that God never sent the month without the meat These infidels told the people not to look , like the groreUing ox , to the earth tat support , but to stand erect like phflosopttera , and look abroad to Danteio , and Poland , and America , for food . They had cheap food
and high wages in America ; but there they had also Universal Suffrage , in Britain , under the existing system , the landlords let their farms in large allotments , although they lost thereby £ 20 , 000 , 000 a year in rental . But the extent of the farm increased the dependence of the cultivator : the landlords could that more readily command the votes of their tenants ; and having the controul of the Legislature , they divided among them more than £ 120 . 000 , 000 a year , in pensions , sinecures , and commissions for their relatives Let the people obtain Universal Suffrage ; and the landowner would be iniaoed to bring his property into the retiil market The land would then not only be better cultivated ; but the necessity for emigration would be done with . When the improvements in
machinery had enabled the manufacturers , in a great measure , to dispense with manual lab-iur , the people were told to emigrate . Bat , although they had got the means of manufacturing , they had got none of consuming ; and the shopkeepers were beginning to find that out He , too , was a friend to emigration ; bat he was for removing the useless population first Let them freight a vessel of state paupers and parsons , with a crew of bishops and Philpetts for a pilot ; and he would bid it God speed . Before the people were thrown oh their own resources , justice demanded that others should be taken off these . He was also for a voluntary church ; and then , instead of the pastor selecting hi * flock , the flock would select their pastor . He had been denounced as an advocate of physical force and a man of blood ; but he had nevtr struck » man nor injured a dumb animal in his life , and he would rather wear his fetters all his life than one drop of human blood should be shed in the present struggle ; the
man who marshalled physical force destroyed it ; and he who would recommend it was a knave or afooL When , in 1832 , Grey was shoved out of office , the moralforce Whigs set Bristol , Nottingham , and Newcastle in flames ; but , during the whole course of the Chartist agitation , with the solitary exception of tt © Uoamouth afiatr , which wai got up by Whig spies , not one life had been lost nor one pennyworth of property destroyed . Let the people , then , centinne in a course of peaceful agitation ; their strength lay in their onion ; their power was in their voices ; and they were to look for their success in their perseverance . For his own part , he had embarked with the working classes in the same boat ; and he would sink with the crew rather t h f- desert the snip . Mr . O'Connor then sat down amidst thunders of applause , reiterated bunts ef which greeted him during the delivery of a brilliant and effective speech , occupying two hours in the delivery , and of which tins is but a faint and imperfect outline .
Songs—The Bover ' a Bride—Mr . L . Ingram . The Fine Young German Gentleman—Mr . E , Haining . Mr . A . Wab . db . op again rose , and was received with strong marks of respect He was proud of the exhibition given this evening of the prevalence of Chartism . When he looked back foux abort years , and recollected with their respected chairman , when a low obscure indiyiduals met in a secluded room , in a most secluded corner of the town , there to study the principles ef political freedom , and when he saw now that they were increased to such extent that they were able to beat both Whig and Tory on matters either ot Church or State , and carry their Charter , he bad reason to rejoice . What had made him a Chartist ? It was misgovernment ; and eood government could not be
obtained without the Charter . When ke saw that wealth and not labour was represented , —when he saw the wealth of the few gained at the expense of the poverty of the many , —and , above all , when he saw that those who were roiling in luxury received the whining adoration of those who called themselves guardians of the poor , and followers of Him who was the patron of the poor , —when he saw the one , working infants to death , regardless of their temporal welfare or their spiritual interests , and the other , clad in purple and fine linen , and faring sumptuously every day , heedless of the tears of children crying for bread , or the sob of the mother over her famished babes , — when he looked at this and called aloud for help , who anawared the cry ? Waa it the minister Of the Gospel ,
who prays to Ood that there may be plenty for man and beast , and who kisses the sword that Is' bared to cut down the suffering people ? Who pi each poverty is a passport to heaven , and takes a way strewed with roses for himself , —who preaches passive obedience for the people , and herds with their oppressors , —who calls the bloated occupants of the throne the servants of the Most High , and the registers of oppression the disturbers of vested right , —who , ¦ when the people ask for bread , gives them a stonechurch , and for education the prayer book . Was it from men acting in this manner that he was to look f « r help ? No , but to the people themselves . They were to persevere in their present course . Be net led away by any cry but the Charter . An united people could
carry anything . Some called for progressive reform , but how can you get it , if the House of Commons will not progress ? Ask yourselves if benevolence actuates the minister , justice the thief , morality the debauchee , and then look at the Commons for good legislation , it has been truly said that you could BOOner move Gibraltar than their hearts . The philosopher laments the accumulated wrongs of bis country , and sinks in despair ; or he may make an occasional attempt to remove one of the millstones from the neck of the people , such as the State Church , but he fails , because he is powerless in the Commons . Is be a friend to family equality , and the overthrew of the blessed entails ? How can he expect this when the men be appeals to reckon these as their best privileges . Does he sigh for free trade ?—the men he solicits exist upon monopoly . And be will be baffled in all bis attempts at reform till the people receive the suffrage ; and if he is eager for their
relief , let him lend his aid towards giving them that To tell a poor man—poor because he wants political power—that he is too ignorant to be free , you add insult to injustice . Let brother cease to insult and persecute brother ! Let the political philanthropist unite with the people , and thus regenerate them . The battle of right against might cannot be fought without the people . Let all unite , therefore , to bring into operation tbo principle that taxation without representation is injustice , —that the represented and representative should annually ranew their trust , —that the representative should be paid for bis labours , —that poverty should not circumscribe your choice of representatives—that electoral districts should be established , and that the ballot should protect the electors , and with them the visions of the philanthropist will be realised , and the happiness of the people consummated . ( Mr . W . sat down amid thunders of applause . )
Song— "The Flowers o" the Forest , "—Mr , Thomas Watson . Mr . Donaldson , from Gatehouse , was then introduced , and gave a varied and beautiful address , which was responded to with the utmost enthusiasm . We regret our want of room to give a speech replete with humour , good sense , and spirit Song— " M'Crimmon ' s Lament , "—Mr . Alexander . Mr . Lawson then proposed briefly a vote of thanks to the Her . Mr . Blackwood , and the managerB of the chuMh , for the ready manner in which it had been granted for their accommodation ; and after three cheers for O'Connor and the Charter , three for Frost > Williams , and and Jones , three foi the strangers , aud three in acknowledgment of the excellent conduct of the Chairman , the O Connor Festival terminated . [ We copy the following account of O'Connor ' s visit to Dumfries from the Dumfries Times : —
" After all their doubts and fears , the Chartists of the district have had their visit of the " uncaged lion , " and , unless he has much changed his manners , he is not half bo wild or so dangerous as he has been called . Arrangements bad been for some time going on , in order to insure Mr . O'Connor such a reception as might testify the esteem in which he "was held by the Chartists here ; and , accordingly , on Friday last , the men of the traces , and numbers from other classes , assembled on the dock , and , after being marshalled into order , proceeded up the Sands , across the New Bridge , into the Glasgow road , there to receive tha gjeat Champion of the Charter , who waa expected to arrive at three o'clock , by tbe Glasgow coach . About a gun-shot past Portland-place , the procession halted , and Messrs . Wardrop and
M'Dowall , in an open carriage and four , were dispatched for the purpose of taking in Mr . O'Connor . The coach soon met them ; and when the carriage took ita place in the procession , and the crowd of people were at length gratified by a sight of him of whom they had heard so much , a deafening shout of gratulation evinced the warmth of their welcome . When this had somewhat subsided , again the procession moved on with flags and banners " in number numberless "—the spiritstirring tones of the musical instruments intervening with the plaudits of the multitude . The procession passed throngh Maxwelltown and the principal streets
of Dumfries : it defiled across toe New Bridge , into Dumfries , down Bridge-street , up Friar ' s Vennel , passed through High-street , into English-street , by Queen-street into Shskspeare-street , and again into High-street , whereit drew up at the Commercial Inn . Here Mr . Wardrop addressed a few words to the assembly , and announced that Mr . O'Connor would be present at the soiree in the evening , when he would have an opportunity of addressing them . Previous to six o ' clock , the doors of the Relief Church were besieged by an eager concourse of people , all anxious to secure seats ; and on the appearance of Mr . O'Connor , at seven o'clock , he was received with immense cheering .
Untitled Article
MACCLESFX 2 Z . D . —Mr . Doyle lectured to a crowded audience on Sunday evening last , on the People ' s Charter , and made a great impression . Several new members were enrolled at the close of the meeting . His labours are doing a vast amount of good throughout the country .
Untitled Article
DALKEITH . CHARTIST DEMONSTRATION , PUBLIC MEETINCK , AND BOiHEE , IN HONOUR OF FEARGUS ° ' 5 S 1 % ' W .,. A » D :. THE PRINCIPLES OF THE CHARtEft . ¦ ¦ i . ' ' ¦ .. . . . ¦ ¦ Onr demonstration in honour of the above noble ohatapion of the riflhts of . mankind came off on Wednesday , November the 3 rd-: and considering this district being an agricultural one , and the great influence of the Tory Duke of Bncclengh , . we had a grand torn out , ' The good men and true mastered in great numbers from Lassvrade , Muaselbur ^ h , Pathead , cfore Bridge , &c , with bands of music , and appropriate flags , banners , &e . Great fears were entertained at one time for the weather , owing to its being unsettled . Many were the Dravers of Whist
ana * Wf * that the day might be wet £ however , we had a fine day . The sun beamed out as if to smile upon the exertions of the thousands determined to be free . The Demonstration Committee having chosen Mr . William Daniella , of Lasawade , and Mr . Tayjor , of Dalkeith , as a deputation to conduct Mr . O'Connor to Dalkeith , those persons started early by railway to Edinburgh , and found Mr . O'Connor at the Black Bull Hotel . After a little trouble they succeeded in hiring an elegant coach witli four grey horses to conduct him to the enthusiastic thousands , who were waiting with open arms to reeeive him . Besides the deputation , Mr . O'Connor was acoompanied by Mr . Robert towcry and Mr . A . Duncan . In passing through the streets of Edinburgh , the coach attracted universal attention : all stopped to look at the man of the people ' s choice . On arriving within about a mile of Dalkeith . the carriage was
met by the procession , headed by the Dalkeith band , in military uniform . The carriage here stopped , while the procession passed round it ; Mr . O'Connor standing uncovered . He was hailed with loud aoola * matrons . On reaching the town the streets were thronged with people , all eager to patch a glimpse of him who had done and Buffered bo much for the cause of freedom . In front of the carriage was borne a triumphal arch , composed of evergreens , &o , with O'Connor * worked Jn the centre with flowers . This clever piece of workmanship met with universal admiration . The procession then passed through the principal streets , Mr . O'Connor standing in the carriage , and bowing gracefully to all . The windows were crowded , to witness the way the people act towards him they delight to honour . After parading the town , and passing the Duke of Buocleugh ' 8 gate , the procession returned to the marketplace , where a hustings had been erected , to hold a
PUBLIC MEETING . On Mr . O'Connor appearing on the bastings he was greeted with cheers lend and long . Mr . Wm . Daniells then came forward and said , — Men and Women of Mid-Lothian , I most heartily congratulate you upon the noble manner in which you have conducted yourselves this day , which I am sure must be gall and wormwood to the enemies ot the Charter and Feargus O'Connor j as it ia always our wish to conduct our proceedings in a ( egal and orderly manner , I beg leave to propose that our friend , Mr . Wm . Taylor , do take the chair , ( Cheers . )
The Chairman then informed the meeting of the objects for which it was called—to again petition the House of Commons to enact the People's Charter , and to congratulate Feargus O'Connor , Esq . on his release from the fangs of his and our oppressors ; be exhorted them to hear the different speakers with attention , and to conduit themselves so as to put to the blush those who say that Chartists were ignorant , and disorderly . He then called upon Mr . James M'Pherson to move the first resolution . Mr . M'Phebson , in a very neat speech , moved the following resolution : — " That this meeting again petition the mis-called House of Commons to pass , without delay , , the Act entitled the People ' s Charter , and that we pledge ourselves to devote all our energies to cause that measure to become the law of the land . " Mr . D . Potter , in a short but pithy speech , seconded the resolution .
Mr . A . Duncan then came forward to support the resolution , which he did in his usual eloquent style , and waa loudly applauded . The Chairman then called for a ahow of hands for the resolution , when thousands of hands were held up . He then called tor a show against it ; not one was held up ; consequently it was declared carried amid loud cheers . Mr . W . Dam ells proposed the following resolution , in a short speech : — " That this meeting congratulate Feargus O'Connor , Esq ., on bis release from prison , and cordially welcome him to Dalkeith , and thai we will stand by , and repose every confidence in him , bo long as be advocates the People ' s Charter , and the rights of the suffering millions . " Mr . Samuel Kidd , seconded the resoUtion , and like the last , was carried nem . dis .
Mr . O'Conhor now came forward , and was met with most tremendous cheering . As soon as silence could be obtained , he said , —My friends , I do not se much thank you for the last resolution , reposing confidence in me , as I do for passing the first , pledging yourselves to petition for the People ' s Chatter , — ( cheers , )—inasmuch as the one ia of far more vital importance than the otaer . He ever had , and ever would do his duty ; he was not to be deterred from advocating the people's rights by persecution or prosecution , and so long as the people Btood with him , so long would he stand by them . ( Loud cheers ., ' He then went into the question of the Corn Laws , and proved , that although tnese laws were moat unjust and wicked ; yet their repeal ( alone ) would not benefit the
working man . ( Hear . ) That the object of the Corn Law repealers was to get cheap bread for the people , in order to give them an opportunity to lower the wages of their workmen , or , as they were pleased to call it , to enable them to compete with foreign manufacturers—( cheers)—but it should be borne in mind , that those countries were not taxed to half the amount , as the people of this country were . ( Hoar , hear . ) He then went into the question of machinery , showed bow it was superseding manual labour , and glutting the markets with goods , thereby lowering both prices and wages ; he then went into a lengthened argument on the necessity of placing the unemployed on the waste land ; showed the gcod it would effect ; but let no one think that he wished to take the land from its present possessors . ( Hear . ) No , he would allow a just rent to be paid for every acre . ( Cheers . ) He contended that if we had a just Government that they would
immediately set about placing the people on the land at home , instead of sending them to the colonies . ( Loud cheers . ) He said the working men were the shopkeepers' best friends , and invited them over to our ranks . The middle classes were at length beginning to be convinced of the necessity of joining the people for on empty till on a Saturday night , made a ugly wife on a Sunday morning . ( Great laughter . ) He then stated that the only effectual remedy for the present distress was the Chatter—he would stand by the Charter , the whole Charter , and nothing less than the Charter . Onward , and we conquer , backward and we fall . His motto yet waa , and ever should be Universal Suffrage , no surrender ! Mr . O'Connor retired amid loud and enthusiastic cheering . After a vote of thanks to the Chairman , three cheers for O'Connor , three for the Charter , and three for Frost , Williams , and Jones , this immense meeting separated in the most orderly manner , convinced by the truths they had heard .
The Caledonian Hunt werj dining together this day at an inn close to the place of meeting , and many of them attended to bear the proceedings . Tba Earl of DaJhousia was observed to be present during the time Mr . O'Connor was speaking , as well as a number of gentlemen on horseback . There were also present most of the shopkeepers and middle classes of the town , who are so convinced of the justness of our claims , that they can hardly believe that Mr . O'Connor is the same person whem the Whig and Tory papers so much misrepresent Their eyes are beginning to open ; so Hnrrah J for the good old cause Of equal rights and equal laws !
THE SOIREE . The Soiree took place at night , in the Freemason's Hall , and in a short time after the doors were opened the spacious Hall was nearly rilled . . On Mr . O'Connor entering , accompanied by Mr . Lowery , Mr . A . Duncan , and other friends , the company rose and cheered them in the most rapturous manner , the women waving their handkerchiefs , and the men their hats , the band ( which was stationed in the gallery ) at the same time playing , See the Conquering Hero cornea Mr . Tati . or took the caair , and called upon Mr . A . Duncan to aak a blessing . After partaking ef a substantial tea , 4 c , thanks were returned by Mr . D . Potter . The cups and saucers being removed , The Chairman rose to propose the first sentiment , which was
The people , the source of all national power , which he did in a few choice remarks , and then called upon Mr . Robert Lowery to respond to the same . Mr . Lowest on rising was much cheered . He appeared to belabouring under a severe cold I notwithstanding he spake for about an hour , in a most eloquent and convincing manner . ; He complimented the company on their respectable appearance , and said , " Was it possible Out people such as he saw before him , so decently attired , and with fiuch intelligent looks , that they could cut one . another ' s throats , as had been imputed by their enemies ? " ( Loud ctiea of no , no . ) Ha then went into an inteireating argument on the question of " Who are the peopje ? " He gave great satisfaction , and sat down loudly cheered . Tone , by the band—Scots Hha hae . Song—Rule Britannia , by Mr . Campbell . The second sentiment
was—The People ' s Charter , may it soon become the law of the land . Mr . A . Dukcau spoke to the same , and proved that all parties had their Charter , but the poor party . Why should not the working man have his Charter as well as the rich , when he contributed so much by his labour , to make other parties comfortable , while he was miserably peor ? Because be was not represented , while the other parties were , so they had managed to get their Charters , while the poor wanted theirs . He entreated them all to unite in one holy bond of brother-
Untitled Article
hood , and demand their rights , and neither Whig or Tory Governments , could long refuse to , . grant them He made a feeling appeal to the ladtes to come over and help as , and thai . persuade their husbands , brothers , and . levers to join the glorious movement for free dom . He would say the same to them as he would to his own wife . But he would maintain , that the woman whose husband was not a member of a Charter Associa tion , that she had not a man for her husband , btt a bubUjockf ( anold SiotUah word for » turkey . ) This remark wai received with loud aheew and laughter . Tune by the instrumental band—Marsailles hymn . Song—Hurrah for the Charter ; Mr . TXrquhart . The Chairman then called upon Mr . James M'Pherson , to come forward to present an address to Feargus O'Connor , Esq ., written in Wank verse , by Mr . Wm . Millar , the poet laureate of the Dalkeith Charter Association .
Mr . O'Connor was standing during the reading of the address , after which , he came forward to address the meeting and was received with deafening cheers . He spoke for about two hours , in a most animated and talented manner—it would be impossible to follow him through his able statesmanlike speech . He ran through a history of the Com Laws , the monetary system , the Courts of Law , the Church , and the effects of machinery , and proved to the satisfaction of his audience , that nothing could remedy these evils , and the numerous ills of the social compact , bat the People ' s Charter . He exhorted them to unite , and thereby to concentrate their powers , and let the Charter , and the Charter only , be the object which they contended for . He said machinery had over-stocked the markets , had
superseded manual labour , had reduced , and ( unless the working man was represented ) would still reduce wages , and now the Corn Law Repealers turned upon them , and told them the Corn Laws bad done this . No doubt these laws were wrong , but their conduct in laying all fault on the Com Laws reminded him of an Irish anecdote , which , as they were ia such good humour , he would tell them . ( Hear , hear . ) " Mrs . Brady was an Irish widow , and she sat all day in the chimney corner knitting her stockings , and smoking her short cuddy pipe . Now Mrs . Brady always made it a rule to purchase a farthing candle from November to March , so , when she goes for her farthing candle In November ( the War had broke out during the time she had bought the last ) the shopman told her it was a
halfpennny . 'A halfpenny' says she , what ' s the cause of that V * 0 / says he , ' it ' s the war ! " the war , ' says Mrs . Brady , aaya she , 'bad luck to the scoundrels , have they not time enough to fight by daylight , that they want to fight bylcandlelight '" ' ( Roaisaf laughter . ) This was the flfty-eigth public meeting he had addressed since he came to Scotland . ( Hear , hear . ) To-morrow he should meet Brewster at Glasgow , on the next day he should go to meet the men of Dumfries . During the day a delegate had arrived from Dumfries in Dalkeith , and after a good deal of persuasion , induced Mr . O'Connor to visit that town . He sat down amid loud and general applause ! indeed the cheering throughout his address was unbounded . Tune by the band—The Shamrock so Green . Song—Exile of Erin , —Mr . George Thomson .
Mr . O'Connor again rose , and said he wished to draw their attention to their brethren ia London , the stonemasons , who had struck at the new Houses of Parliament , to withstand a low , mean tyrant ( Hear . ) He considered it the duty of one trade to support another under such circumstances , and he trusted they would assist tiie stone masons during theit struggle ( Cheers . ) This , we donbt not , will be well responded to . Mr . O'Connor here left the meeting , along with Messrs . Duncan and Lowery , and shortly after left Dalkeith In the carriage together , for Edinburgh . On leaving the Hall , they were loudly cheered—the band playing "All the blue bonnets o ' er the border . " The next sentiment was—Frost , Williams , and Jones ; may they Boon be re-Btored to their native land . Responded to by Mr . Kidd , in an energetic speech . Mr . ' Macpherson then recited the
Fall of Poland . Air by the band—Draw the sword , Scotland . Several other songs were given ; thanks were voted to the chairman ; three cheers for the Charter ; three for O'Connor ; and three for Frost , Williams , and Jones , when the delighted company broke up about twelve o ' clock , having been gratified in the Hall for about six hours . Thus has ended our demonstration , audits effects are , our enemies are silenced , the indifferent and apathetic are roused , and are now rushing to join the Association—no less thaa twelve joined on Saturday night , and aa many are expected to join this nigbt . Ghxlspeed the Charter !
Untitled Article
EDINBURGH . GRAND SOIREE AT THE WATERLOO ROOMS , IN HONOUR t ) F FEARGUS O'CONNOR , ESQ ., J . B . O'BRIEN , ESQ ., AND THE PRINCIPLES OF DEMOCRACY . Thia Soiree took place on Monday evening , the 2 nd of November , in the large Waterloo Room , when upwards of a thousand Chartists were as sembled to do honour to the patriots who had so nobly fought the battles of the unenfranchised millions , and suffered the pains and penalties awarded by Whig malice . Every one who has seen this Soiree joins in praising the admirable arrangements of the Committee , the activity of the Stewards , and the highly respectable character of the assemblage . This is the largest room we could obtain , Otherwise wo could have easily doubled the
numbers ; hundreds could not gain admission , and three and four prices were offered for one ticket , aud always refused , those who had them would not have parted with them for any price . Mr . Peter Andekson took the chair , and regretted the absence of our truly worthy friend , Mr . Henry Rankin , who was necessarily detained in the country , and also that of Mr . John Watson , through indisposition . Mr . Blackie , our excellent and indefatigable Secretary , then read two letters , one from « L B . O'Brien , the other irom J . Moir , of Glasgow , stating their inability to attend and regret thereat . The whole assembly then rose and sung the People ' s Anthem in grand style . After it had finished ,
Mr . Andebson tobo and proposed as the first sentiment , The People , the legitimate source of all power . Mr . Sankey , in an eloquent manner , responded , and was loudly cheered in the course of his speech . Mr . O'Connor who had been at LeUh , at a Soiree , then ascended the platform , and was received with waving of ha , ts , ladies' handkerchiefs , clapping of hands , and loud cheering , that for some minutes made the welkin ring . After the cheering had subsided , and Mr . Sankey finished , The Chairman gave The Charter , and may it speedily become the law of the laud . Mr . John Duncan , of Dundee , then rose , and amidst the approving plaudits of the people , responded in fine atyle . He showed the importance of the Charter movement over every other at the present time , pointed out its benefit to the rich as well as poor , rejoiced that the cry had passed over the Channel , and after a long and excellent speech sat down loudly cheered .
The sentiment of " The distinguished champions of Chartism , Foargus O'Connor , Esq . and J . B . O'Brien , Esq . " was then followed by long continued cheering . Oar Secretary , Mr . Blackie , then read an address , adopted at a public meeting , to be presented to these distinguished patriots . A gentleman also read an AddresB from the Teetotal Chartists of Edinburgh . Mr . O'Connor then rose , and was again aud again loudly greeted with peals ef applause . He remarked that it wonld be five years next month since he had visited Edinburgh first , and appeared before a large jury of modern Athenians to plead the cause of the people ; and although the case has
been unfairly tried by the hirelings of the press , he had returned to receive the meed of praise from them . He talked in glowing terms of the " crime" for which he had been incarcerated , and said that if loving to Bee the poor man enjoying his just rights was a crime , then he was a criminal . The only count that plain John and his minions' could find him guilty of , however , waa being proprietor of the Northern Star . He said there was an adage in Ireland , that the best time to court a widow was when coming from the funeral of her husband ; and the Whigs , as if wishing to give Governmental authority to the saying , had tried to win the Chartists , shortly after having immured in dungeons 500 of their friends ; and when they could neither cajole saia
nor allure , them , they turned rouna ana wuwme Chartists were a miserable faotion . Thia put them in th « position of owning that they themselves were weaker , having been beaten by these very factious Chartists * . He defended the course we have pursued with regard to annihilating the Whigs . Mr . O'Connor had attended forty-five meetings , and addressed upwards of a million of working men , in one fortnight . He gave cheering accounts of . the spirit abroad , and anticipated glorious rewards for the struggling millions in the speedy attainment of their liberties . He spoke of the wrongs . of his native Ireland in a truly masterly style , and said that if he could help it he would never let England or Sootland obtain freedom one moment before Ireland .
He contrasted our present power with © tor position in 183 L and said that it had cost us an immensity of labour , six months and nearly £ 9 , 000 , to obtain one million two hundred and thirty thousand signatures in that year ; while in 1840 we had got , m one fortnight , for £ 69 only , two millions of signatures . Mr . O'Connor wanted this petition * , for whiplr he was now agitating , not to give confidence to Peel , but to the people . Be said that he had once objected to petitioning , but had altered his opinions on the subject , and had candidly confessed the utility of petitioning : he was ever open to conviction , and ready to yield to what was just . He referred to the forthcoming Convention , and trusted that witn l * oa s blessing they would do a true service to the country . He referred to the Irish calling the Chartists , who had no controul over their own oppressors , the oppressors of Ireland , He contrasted the . treatment
Untitled Article
of Robert Lowery , in Dublin , with that of some of our Irish friends who came to visit us , and said that Mr . Lowery might be termed the Chartist Precursor , Association of Ireland . We had now our 700 members in Dublin * and other ten Associations through the country . Mr . O'Connor was almost glad thai ~ ih 6 people had not ro * the suffrage in 183 i theinerejee of political knowledge , which received a great impetu 9 at that time , having been - - »• marked and beneficial . Mr . O'Connor said that he was a friend to emigration , bat that hewoala only take qna out of- every parish , and that the people would feel the benefit of that system ; he would only take a state parson from every parish and that wonld ha the banefidal method of XMXOMZ
the country of the useless portion of the community . In conclusion , he called upon his countrymen to stretch out the hand of fellowship to the Scotch , and to remember that though Ireland was their country , the world was their republic ; and he asked what man amongst the Irish did not wish to render the green land of his birth a home meet for a premier , and a grave worthy of his ashes . The talented patriot then sat down amidst thunders of applause * which lasted a considerable time . Mr . Anderson then gave our distinguished representatives , Col . Perronet Thompson and Mr . Robert Lowery . Mr . Lowery replied in a speech replete with beantifnl sentiments and lofty language in © very way worthy of himself .
The next , the ' Speedy return of Frost , Williams , and Jones , was given from the chair . Mr . Abbam Duncan , in a pathethic and foroibla address , responded . - The " memory of Muir , Palmer , Margoret ,. Gerald ,, and Skuving , " was the next sentiment . Here an old venerable gentleman , one of the 1733 patriots , came to the front of the platform , and was hailed with rapturous applause . > Mr . Sankey replied in his name to the sentiment , and said , that though the snows of age had fallen , he might say , on . the browa © f his venerable friend , Mr . Aickman , yet , was his heart as warm in the cause of liberty as when the fire of youth and love of justice , prompted . him to associate himself with such men aa the gloriouaMiurj he had known Thos . Muir , and if he was guilty of , any crime in seeking freedom , his friend , Mr , Aickman , claimed to sh « re .
and gloried in the participation thereof . After Mr . Sankey sat down , the plaudits of the meeting ., were long and loud , and they were increased when they b « held the aged head , with looks aa white as snow , applauding warmly the sentiments that had been uttered in his name . The Chaibman next gave the Northern Star , and democratic press . Mr . Abbah Duncan replied with p ithy and pointed remarks , highly eulogising the hading Chartist organ , impressing upon the people the necessity of supporting the organs through which their principles and opinions passed untainted to the world : and also eulogised the Scottish Patriot , and wished God speed to every engine they possessed of combatting tyranny . Cheering and clapping of hand * followed his noble appeal in behalf of the people ' s press .
Mr . Blackie then came forward and addressed the meeting . ' He alluded also to the absence of our our good and true Chartist brother , Mr . H . Rankea and Mr . John Watson . He thanked the ladies and gentlemen who bad attended the meeting , and was proud to say that , instead of selling the number of tickets issued , he could have sold double the number . He also , thanked the gentlemen who had contributed to the intellectual feast . Mr . Innes proposed a vote of thanks to Messrs .. M * Alpine and Slatie for their vocal entertainment . Three cheers were then given for the Chairman ; three for Feargus O'Connor \ three for O'Brien , and three for Frost , Williams , and Jones , when theassembiy broke up highly delighted with the evening ' s entertainment , and as peaceably as could be expected of men who valued their principles .
Untitled Article
CKUBL AND HEAST-RKND 1 NG WORKING OF THE INHUMAN POOR LAW . Sir , —In allowing the following distressing account to appear in your columns , you will be doing a shadow of justice to suffering humanity . Yesterday evening , after a lecture I delivered In Brick-lane , Spitalnelds , a person requested the audience to make a subscription to give relief to a family iuthe last stage of starvation , consisting of a man , bis , wife , and seVtm children . The meeting did so , and I was deputed to take the sum collected , viz : seven shillings and eigbtpence , and inquire into the case . I obeyed their request , and several other persons accompanied me . Our guide took us to a wretched looking house situated in a filthy court We ascended the stinking staircase ; in a nauaeous garret , we found the unfortunate victims of class legislation , unjust laws . &c
Tbename and residence of the wretched man is Henry Potts , No . IV , Vine-court , SpHalflelds ; and be it remembered , this is only an isolated case , out of numbers in this district Round the ore-place I saw huddled the ghastly spectres ef the mother and her seven children , nearly in a state of nudity . I was struck with horror . My feelings were overpowered and tears stole down my cheeks . I glanced round at my companions and found I was not alone In sorrow at the sieht of this wretched family . I asked the woman if her busband was at borne , but she told me he W&S gortd to his brother ' s . I asked if she had no relief from the parish ? The answer was no—they had refused all out-door relief for some time , and that the family must come into the workhouse . She sa'd' she could not bear
the thoughts of being parted from her children , and chose rather to die with them from destitution and starvation . The children vary in age from nine months to thirteen years . The man is a weaver . It appears he is past work from exhaustion ; there was some kind of work in a loom which he had got the end of last week , it will take him , with the assistance of his family , three weeks to finish , and then he would earn ten shillings . The family cannot live on air for that time i and what is tbe money when they get it ? little more than one shilling per head . All the furniture the room contained was a stool , a broken table , a kind of bedstead , no bedding of any description , a dirty rotten rug , part of a broken dish , and a jug—no other domestic articles of any kind whatever .
I cannot dwell longer on this paralyzing scene of horror . If any of your readers doubt my statement , I ask them to be their own witness . Sir , I would ask , through yout journal , his Grace the Duke of Wellington , Sir Robert Peel , and their colleagues in office , to enter the dens of misrule , and judge for themselves before they , in their official capacities , make a public statement that " no distress exists in our unhappy land . " I would ask his Grace . the Bishop of London and the prelates under him , to obey the dictates of their Lord and Master JesuB Christ , by visiting these scenes of human misery and relieving the wretehed sufferers .
I would ask mycountrymenof alt grades and opinions , to raise their voices against the inhuman system of starving their fellow countrymen to death . I remain , Sir , The servant of the people , Ruffey Ridley , Chartist Lecturer , 19 , DOyley-street , Sloane-street , Chelsea . November 4 tu » 1841 .
Untitled Article
An Amateur Ikfobmer . —On Friday night a man of respectable appearance went into the Norfolk Arms in the Strand , and ordered glasses round to a posse of individuals not the most unexceptionable m appearance or c onduct , and tha landlord seeing that his customer had already taken too much for his own comfort , advised him to go home . Thia the foolish fellow would not , and 6 aid that he should inform against the landlord for refusing to serve him , and took a card of the house , so that he might not make any mistake . His companions highly applauded his resolution , and offered to take him to an informer who was " up to everything , " and away he went . The next morning , however , his wife , buoyed up by hope , yet almost crushed with fear , presented , the card , and asked whether £ 30 had been left for security with Mr . Childe . He then explained howHw victim haded * the card , and remembered that he had boasted of having so much
with him , which the " gentleman who was up to every thing" had no doubt taken notice oL Narrow Esc ape on the Greenock RAii . w > r . — On Saturday evening week , as the luggage train waa wending its way from Glasgow to , Greenock , the engineer descried the body of a man lying across tbe rails . The signal was immediately given , and the breaksman stopped the train , but not . before the trucks , had , it was supposed , gone over the body . Burns , the breaksman , alighted on the train stopping , and picked up the unfortunate individual , and brought him into Paisley . He proved to be a mason , who was the worse for liquor , and had fallen out of the third-class , carriage . The guardin front of the engine had providentially , pitched ^ the body off the rail , and thereby prevented his death . Had this individual been taken into custody , he would , w accordance with the Railway Act , have been severely fined or imprisoned ; _ '¦ /¦ ; ,: _ : „_ - - ^ 'j of the
Marriages on the Bordeiu—The priestess far-femed temple of-Hvmen , the SarkToUbar , m her evidence on a trial for Bigamy lately at Cockennoutb , stated that 1300 couples bad been married ^ there within the last six years . . Thw , however , is •¦«»* £ ¦ , sive of the number marriedjby the . " biaho * ^ of Gretna-hall , which is one of the principal places or refuge for persecuted lovers . —Carlisle Journal . Coast of Africa . —From letters just received from Captain Buttetftold , of her Majesty ' s ahip lantome , it appears that he has juat taken another pruse peitig the thirteenth since he has been on that station . The prize was a schooner , 30 feet m length by 9 feet beam , and had on board one hundred and five slaves , all children , besides the crew . The deck on which the slaves were stowed was only finches clear from the mat they lay on to the deck between the beams . It is a curious circumstance that the whole of the prizes taken b y Captain Butteifield have been captured on a Sunday
Horrid Destitution.
HORRID DESTITUTION .
Untitled Article
THE NORTHERN STAR . .. . '¦ ¦¦ - ¦ ¦ - . ¦ / - - " ¦ - ¦¦ -. ; J
-
-
Citation
-
Northern Star (1837-1852), Nov. 13, 1841, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct574/page/7/
-