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WATKINS'S LEGACY TO THE CHARTISTS . LECTURE II . " Do onto others as you would be done by . " St . Luke , ehap ; vi . Of course ! that is fair , and the English are said to leva fair play . This rule -would make each man Mb otto standardthe measure of justice to himself . For -what is it that we ¦ would have done to ourselves ? Is is not when hungry to be fed—when naked to be clothed— -when sick or in prison to be Tinted—when strangers to be taken in ? in a word , "would we not wiBh our wants to be relieved and our woes comforted ? Yes , nature itself , in all these cases , cries out for succour and for sympathy . Then , since this is what we would have done to ourselves , our Tery nature teaches us to do it to others , — and justice says that unless we do it to others we do not deserve to have it done to ourselves .
Kow , by doing unto others as we would they should do unto -as , what is that we do but teach them what we would have done ? "One good turn deserves another ; " and we may add , that it often begets another . The likeliest method of bringing others to do onto us as we would they should do , is for us to do so io them , for gratitude , or at least pride , weald not suffer them to be behindhand with as , or beholden to us . But , on tie contrary , when we do unto others not aa we would be dene by , we teach them , we provoke them , we in a manner force them to do unto us not as
we would , be done by . In the former instance we raise Ban's better nature to be our friend ; in the latter we rouse his evil nature to be our enemy . We , as it were , give the injured party a right to wrong us . And what bare we to trust to but his forgiveness , his forbearance , or his powerlessness ? Aye , it is to the powerless , to those whom we fear . not , from whom we think we are in no danger of recrimination , retaliation , or retribution , that we commonly do eviL But none are so powerless as net to have it in their power to be a friend or an enemy .
When we do unto others not as we would be done by , we do but teach "bloody instructions which being target return to plague the inventor . " We act like Philaris who invented an engine ol torture in the shape of a bull , and was the first man on whom its efficacy was proved—the Erst victim who suffered by it " Curses , " it is said , " come home to roost" The murim holds good both ways—if we wonld have good Hone to us , we shall do it to others , and if we would not have evil done , we shall not do it There are good men certainly who will not revenge an injury except by forgiveness , which is the noblest revenge . Yet surely these are the last men to whom an injury shouM be done , and he who does an ir . jnry because he calculates upon forgiveness , is surely the very vilest of offenders , the most mean . 1 have
attempted to shew that we are not to calculate upon the present powerlessness of the party to whom we do an injury , nor upon his forgiviDg disposition ; for an unprovoked injury is the most likely to ' provoke one . although a good or a wise ma a will not suffer himself to be provoked , and it should be ou - care not to give an evil man that excuse . Shylock , whom Shakspere makes the very impersonation of malice , is , nevertheless . not left without an excuse for his vindictiveness , and a reasonable excuse too . The character would else have been unnatural and un-Shaksperian . Shylock would have been a better man had he been better used ; but hetms a peor persecuted Jew , and in his hour of fancied retribution he ays to his maltrealors , " The villany yon teach me , 3 will execute , and it shall go hard but I will better the instructions . "
If those are the best of men who return good for evil , those are the worst who return evil for good ; but I need not dwell upon characters of this description : it is enough to sum up their sins in one condemning word —they are vaigraXefid .. "What is it that causes us net to do unto others as we would be done by ? Many seem to think that by doing good to another , unless he be in a capacity to return , or to requite it , they would but part with their own good , and part with it to an enemy , or to one who could not be a friend—that , in fact , they would do evil to themselves . How is this ? Is maa the natural enemy of man ? Not so ; but there is an artificial lystra of society at work that is fast making man the
entmy of man , and the present system of Government patronises , if it ha 3 net produced , this unnatural state of things . Men do not do unto others as they would be done by ; they will not do it ; they do the reverse , and what is the consequence ? You see it , you feel it , you bear it every day and every hour of the day . TVe experience it continnally ; it has made us what we are , wretches of want , and woe , and wickedness , victims and victimisers . Ihere is not one of us bu * it may be said of him as of Ishmael— " Bis hand is against every cm , and every man ' s hand against him . " But see , bow unequal are the odds—millions against one : What wonder that we suffer to much—what wonder that we are crushed beneath the we'gfet of this hestile world—that we writhe like worms under it !
There are doubtless many who wish to do unto others as tnty would be done by , who * i ^ h it for the sake of others or for the sake of increasing the little good that is in this evil world ; but what avails it if the good wishes of a few are frustrated by the evil wishes of the many ? They have to strive against a stream of corruption , which either sweeps them away or overwhelms them . But conld they succeed in turning the stream , in minting It purify itself , and flow more smoothly , what ease and happiness it might spread over the rcSed waters of this world ! The socialists are endeavouring to do this . They wish to act on the principle
of doing unto others as they would be done by , and by acting on it themselves they pursue the likeliest means of inducing others to act on it , for example makes more converts than precept . May their little community go on increasing like the cloud that at first appeared just ab ve the horizon , and was the siza only of a man ' s hand , but rose aad spread until it formed a canopy equal with the heavens . Chartism is the precursor of Socialism , as St John was of Jesus Christ . Chartism is preparing the way far Socialism—it is the dawn of a better dsj—the harbinger of a newer , a mere moral , and consequently a happier world .
Do unto others as you would be done by . What can be plainer ? What can be more equitable ? What can be more condndve to our welfare ? Let us see what we should gain if all acted upon this principle : why each would do good to himself , each would have the other for his friend , his assistant , his servant . We should mutually and reciprocally benefit each other . No man conld have anything to do for himself that ancther could do for him . All that he could not do for or by himself would be done for him , by and with others . One man would have all men for his helperhis associates . We should be twice blessed—biassed in receiving hut more blessed in giving , for it is more blessed to give than to receive . Good would be dealt from hand to hand in a never-ceasin ? round of joy . We should be like the fairies that can have all they wish for with a wish . How delightful it would be to live
aaioEg those who lived for each other—who lived in love—a party of pleasure , each striving to make the othfer more happy fhan himself , and each enjoying the hsppicess of all Why it would make this Pandemonium become a Paradise -, yes , this golden rule would restore the golden age ; the earth and all thiags in it would again becoffie a 3 eood a 3 when G-j'i first made and blessed it . But what do I talk of ? " a mere Utcpia—an idea ! world that cannot be rtalizid ? Cannot ! It might , an < i siiaply by fell-wing the rale in my text If men Wfeuld but take as much pains to assist one another as tkty uo to thwart oneanother tbethinz would be done .
snd how much better would it be for us all ; how much cmfort we sbouid have where row we have care ; how much joy where now we have sorrow ; bow much hippie ess instead of misery ; how much e joyment of this life , and what an increased hope cf joy in the life to come . Taere would be no poverty with crime—no want with woe—no sin with suffering—toil would be turned vets pleasure and we should all go in concert like a party of haymakers working or rather playing in the tuc Eiessed w .-rld ! in which the only rivalry , the oniy competition wonla be who could best please —Couia most serve the other . Talk of self-love . ' this
WoQid be true self-love . Well , we have now seen what "would be done — ¦ what would be if we did unto others as ws would be done by . We have seen what we should fain by the exchange ; but alas ! se faT from doing unto others as we would b 6 done by , instead of doing coo , -s ^ e of ten do evil , even to those who have done us good . Xay , we stir up otbers to do thera evil , and lecd our assistance to do evil more frequently than to do guud . When any of those inevitable accidents or evils that are the lot of life befalls a poor brother , do we sympathise with him , do we succour him , do we thare tee burthen ? Do we not rathtr exult , and add to it '' ¦ Are not some of us bo spitef ul that we glory in
vexicg and disappointing others ?—so malicious , that so far from doing good ourselves , we would prevent otLtrs from doing it , au ^ would destroy good itstlf , rathtr than that it should be done?—bo bas ^ , that we abase , calumniate , and circumvent each other , as though we deemed another ' s welfare incompatible with our own ? Do not some lie in wait , and txurt ail their powers for the injury of others , as thcu ^ n l ife was gmn them f jr that sole purpose ? and thus they continue to the end , when they find how vain , how worse than vain , how wicked their lives have been , that but for themselves and each other might have been g * od and happy . Better the day of death the than day of birth , if we are born to live thus—better still that we had never been .
¦ But this not our nature , for if bo , God , who made us , « ere to blame—before it comes to this pass , our nature has been lost , it is changed , it is perverted . ! Fhe milk of human kindness is soured in us all—we are surrounded by evil circumstances—we hear what is evil , -we see it , we inflict and bear it—what wonder that we should become evil—that our nature should be subdued to that it works in ! 2 io , Bod is not to blame , nor are -we to blame—it is the system , the accursed system , that is in fault . These who trta / d do unto others as they wou ; d be done-by , are prevented by tbo&e who could but will not . For the great are not goed , nor do they love the goodtheir pride takes a pleasure in evil , and if prevented from pleasing their pride they would have do pleasure in lif-s itself . Tcey aie then only in their tlemtnt wLtn they live
" la wretched iote : change of "Rrcng for wrorg , Striving 'midst a eonitrt ous werld wtere non ^ sre strong . " " la wretched iote : change of "Rrcng for wrorg , Striving 'midst a eonitrt ous werld wtere non ^ sre strong . "
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Such men would be content to bear evil rather than forego the vindictive gratification of inflicting it Yet they are fools j for we are so constituted , our nature is such , that we cannot injure others without at the same time injuring ourselves . If the party we injure be not in a situation to make us feel what we have made him feel , yet our consciences make ug feel it , and our conscience makes us . feel it alJ the more if the party have the power to pnnish bnt forgives . Conscience will balance accounts with ns ; vengeance will be repaid , if not by man yet by God himself to whom alone it belongs .
_ Man is not naturally man ' s enemy ; he is too much his own friend for that ; but the present competitive system is turning friends to foes , and relatives into opponents . It operates thus by degrees , flrstmaking us selfish , then sordid , then savage . Selfish , because we are taught to believe that God has not provided enough for all ; sordid , because selfishness itself degenerates into sordidness , when it has accumulated more than its dne' share , and broods over it } and savage , because we then fear that those who in consequence of our overplus have too little , will make us relinquish our prey—will force us to disgorge our spoil . Hence laws aw made to fence the avaricious , and to keep the needy at bay—hence arose the rights of property , founded on the wrongs of man—artificial rights , to Which man ' s natural rights have been sacrificed . Men are first robbed , then killed—that is , when destitution seeks restitution . Would this be the case if all did to each , as each would be done by ?—would it be
the case if he who has enongh of this world ' s goods and to spare , and knows that his lacking brother is perishing with hunger , not only knows it , but sees itnot only knows it , and sees it , but is the cause of itwould this be the case , I say , if he wko has more than enough , were to strip himself of the undue advantages which the ^ world , and the world ' s law , have given him , and " place himself upon an equal footing with him who never found the world his friend , and has always felt the world ' s law to be bis enemy ? —would he think he was done to as he would be done by , if , when he asked for bread , he was given a stone—for fish , a serpent ?—would he wUh his cries of hunger to bB unheard , unheeded—his sufferings neglected , mocked?—his appeals refused , rebuffed—imprisoned for being poor—punished for making known his wants—starved , and bis" death rejoiced at , by the proud oppressor that first robbed him by law , and then murdered him -under lie nia * k of justice ?
But , alas ; tis a common observation , and the time gives , it proof , that those to whom fortune has been the most favourable , whom providence ba-s been most bountiful- to , are the most niggardly—he who has the most means to do good , generally does the leaBt—the further we are removed from suffering , the less sympathy we " feel for it—the higher we are placed above it , the more we scorn it—the greater our ability to do good , the less our inclination , and thus it is that the poor have to keep the poor . - ( Tobe continued tn our next . )
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-THE _ STO > 'E MASONS ON STRIKE , FEOM THE KEW HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT , AND JiElSO-VS MUXVMEM , LONDON , AND THE "W 00 L" 5 V 1 CH , DOCKYAliD , To the Public and the Trades of Great Britain and Ireland . " Trusting too much to others' case is the ruin of many . " " There is much to be done : stick to it steadily . " . = Franklin . " Screw your courage to the fctickL : g place , Anti well not fail . " Siiakspkee .
Brethren , —Although happy to state we are still further reduced in number , we are yet in the battle-Said of moral warfare , contending with all the means at our disposal , and all the tact that occurs to our minds , against the " golden power" ( t , f our own creation ) the- combined and extenBive influence of the common enemies of our order , and , as iB our duty , we mos \ gratefully acknowledge , that since the issuing of cur last address , or ratn . tr appeal , our means , through the prompt manner in which you have responded to it ,
have been materially improved . We , however , feel bonnd to state , that even yet we are about £ 130 in debt to our turnouts ; and as they have not exhibited tbe slightest disposition of traitorism or division—circumstances but' too frequent when strikes are much protracted , even when tie specified allowance is fully and regularly paid—and sensible too thai they submitted to much inconvtnifcnce and even privation for tbe want < . f their respective portions , we sericuBly solicit , " at your earliest convenience , means to pay them .
" Masters , " -says Doctor Adam Smith , " are always and everywhere in a sort of tacit but constant and UDiform combination not to raise the wages of labour . To violate this combination is everywhere a most unpopular action , and a soit of reproach to a master among his neighbours and equals . " This , although brief , we believe a tiu 3 and clear expo-ition cf the disr-oaition of employtrs and capitalists generally towards workmen . Upon the same premises , taking the opposite position , let us follow their example . Let ns , on the present trying occasion manifest tbe same degree and uniformity of combination . Lst each cf those that may be found amongfct ns , of whatever trade or profession , who lias not contributed bis share In
proportion to his-means in support of this important and material struggle , " reproach" himself with a serious dereliction of dnty , and expiat 9 it by at oiice sending in his subscription in aid of the payment of this pressing aud peculiar debt , and it will soon be discharged . The number of turnonts at present oa our funds from the Houses of Parliament and the Nelson Monument together , are reduced to about thirty . At Woolwich , as itated by their secretory , only Cf tern feiaeks are at work , and thoss are engaged either trimming fixed work , or reducing dressed stuff to prevent an entire stoupagB . At present they nave not a Eingle rough stone , " the property of Grissell and Pcto , upon the premises ; the number of our members that turned out were nearly a hundred ; only twenty-five
r . , At Plymouth the turnouts are reduced to s .-x . At Dartmoor , where , be it understood , an a ? ent is kept by both parties , ( that ifl , by ourselves and Grissell
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and Peto , ) it appears "by a letter from our delegate , April 23 rd , 1842 , thatGrissell and Peto have written to Hunter , their * gent , informing him that no men Were employed on new work at Woolwich , and thit very little was doing at the Monument ; circumstances which they would not have occur for five hundred pounds . This Hunter has made another attempt to induce some of those on strike to proceed to W « o ) wich , but in which he has agiin most signally failed . The number now on the funds , sixteen . At Penryn , where we also keep an agent , it appears that their prospects are materially improved . They are in debt to their turnouts , which now nnmber seven .
By the above report it will be perceived , that out of above four hundred individuals that have been engaged in our strike , only eighty-four remain ; and belt borne in mind , that of this large number only six cases of traitorism have occurred , notwithstanding the strike having been protracted over the extremely long period of thirty-two weeks . As an evidence that it is materially important to the trades generally , and more immediately to the trades cf London , that the pending struggle of the Masons should be prosecuted to an honourable termination , we notice the following circumstance , which has transpired at Mr . Jackson ' s ( builder ) yard , Pimlico .
Dur ' mg last week , Mr . Jackson ' a agent Bet some ten or twelve of our members to work at the above named place , the whole of them , or nearly so , having been on our strike ; these men , especially that portion of them having families , were consequently reduced to a state of poverty , which clrcumslarice an attempt was made on Saturday last to take an advantage of . They were paid after the rate of twenty-eight shillings instead of thirty shillings per week , tbe latter sum being the usual rate for masons in London . But notwithstanding the poverty of these men—the privations they and their families had for a long period previous been subject tothey were unanimous ia their determination to resist it .
Oh Monday morning , however , to prevent any misunderstanding , and not knowing but it might have been a mistake of the pay-clerk , they proceeded at the usual time to the yard , and worked until breakfast time , when the proper parties appearing , enquiries were immediately made , when it was ascertained not to be a mistake , and every man of them " lifted his tools , " and left the works , rather than submit themselves instruments in tbe hands of avarice , to reduce the already too limited means of subsistence doled out to themselves and fellawj ? . Respecting this proceeding , we shall venture with more than ordinary seriousness to put the following questions , eBpeeially to those connected with the building trades : —
Had not Mr . JackBon a knowledge of the long-endured poverty of these men ? Was he not aware of the precariousness of the resources upon which , in the event of refusing his terms , they bad to fall back ? Were they not chosen as the objects of attack from these two circumstances ? And if he had been successful , was it likely he would have stopt there ? No , brothers and fellow-workmen ; the object is palpable . If he had met with passive quiescence on the part of tbe masons , then throughout the entire ramifications of Mb txtensive works , would the same spirit of avarice and despotism have been extended . Bricklayer , carpenter , plasterer , plumber , painter—in short , every species of labour—would bave been attacked ; and , as this has placed an extra burden on us , we hope that we shall receive a little extra means to enable us to bear it .
Sensible that we have contracted a very serious amount of debt during our protracted struggle , and that the ordinary means of our paying it , viz , a general extra tax upon our members , is at present , by the general depression of trade , more than usually limited , and knowing , too , that the shopocracy , as a body , by their political servility , tergiversation , and apostacy , have contributed much to the depressed and degraded position in which tne working classes are now found , and that many of them have , during our pending struggle , openly espoused the cause of Allen , we have , with a viewto liquidate the debt by the profit arising from articles of food consumed by ourselves , and which hitherto has found its way into their tills , appointed a committee of eleven members to consider and report the practicability of establishing a co-operative provision store .
It is also in contemplation to prepare and print , in a small volume , a brief history of out strike , to be sold at about one shilling each , the profits , cf which to be applied to the payment of the debt . This however will depend upon the number likely to be disposed of , and we would feel obliged if at the first meeting of each trade society , &c , throughout the country , the sense of the meeting be taken upon the subject , and the number likely to be required communicated to our secretary . In conclusion we beg to state that every practicable means at our disposal shall be taken faithfully to discharge all the liabilities we have contnicted ; and , in once more returning thanks for ths support we have and yet continue to receive , in the event of our opening a provision store , we beg thus early to solicit your co-operation and aid . We beg to subscribe ourselves , Gratefully yours , The Masons om Strike ,
Thomas Suortt , Sec C , Agnes Street , Waterloo-road , Lambeth , April 2 t ) th , 1842 . P . S . Upon the subject of publishing a brief history of the strike , the Mason ' s committee most respectfully solicit all those that fetl disposed to subscribe for a copy , or copies , to forward their orders , in writing , to the MasonsV Corresponding Secretary , Craven Head , Drury Lane , London . However useful such a publication may be considered , as we cannot afford to inn the risk of a loss , it cannot be proceeded with unless a sufficient number of subscribers be obtained to guarantee us agaiMfc the chance of losing ; we , therefore , hope our friends throughout the country will not forget us on this occasion , and that they will be prompt in sending their orders .
If a sufficient number of subscribers is obtained , we will endeavour to make arrangements with Mr . Cleave , 1 , Shoe-lane , London , for their transmission to the country .
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Coalbrook Dale . —Chartist Demonstration . On Whitsun Tuesday , the 17 th instant , the members and fritnda of the Coalbrook Dale Association intend to hold a Chartist demonstration on the Wrekin , and respectfully , yet urgently , invite the co-operation of all the Chartists in Shropshire , or the surrounding counties , they having adopted the old Tory toast of " all friends round the Wrekin . " It is the intention of the Dale Chartists "to meet their Salopian and other friends in Watlins-Btreet , near Wellington , at 11 o'clock , and from thence proceed , with banners and music , to the Wrekin . Mr . Mason and several other gentlemen are expected . Dcdlef . —Mr . Candy will lecture here on Whitsun Wcdnesdav .
Bilston . —A grand ball will be held in the large association room , Stafford-street , on Whit Monday ; musicians areaiready engaged for the purpose ; tickets fourpence each , to be had at the following places : — namely , at Mr . Thomas Rogers , Walsall-street ; Mr . Robert Getting ? , Oxford-street ; Mr . John Jones , hair-dresser , Wolverhampton-street ; and at tbe Co operative Stores , Stafford-street . Darlaston . —A delegate meeting of great importance , will be held at the Seven Stars Inn , Darlaston , at two o ' clock on Whit-Sunday , May 15 ih , when delegates from the following places , are carnpstly requested to attend : —Dudley , Wednesbury , Walsall , Wolverhampton , and Bilston , when business respecting the district lecturer will be transacted , and other matters of importance .
Debby . —The Chartists of this town , will have a tp& party and ball at Mr . Peg ^' s , Tanner ' s Arm 3 , on Tuesday in Whitsun week . Hooley Hill . —On Monday , May 16 th , Mr . Dixon , of Wijian , will deliver a lecture at this place , at seven o'clock in the evening . Nottingham . —A County delegate meeting will be held at the Democratic Chapel , Rice Place , on Sunday next , when it is requested that all places iu the locality will send delegates , as business of importance will be brought forward . Mr" Simmons , from Sutton , will preach twoser mons on the Forest , on Sunday , May 8 th , at two in the afternoon , and six in the evening . Mr . Cooprr , from Leicester , will preach two sermons on the Forest , on Whit-Sunday afternoon and evening .
Bradford . —A lecture will be delivered at the Masons' Arms , Church Houses , on Saturday ( this evening ) by Mr . Edwards , on behalf of the Association . Ramsbotcom . —Mr . James Duffy will open an Association at Mr . James TaylorV , the Dun Horse Inn , on Monday , May the 9 ih , at eight o ' clock in the evening . Little Horton . —Mr . J . Arran will lecture in the Chartists' Roonij on Sunday evening next , at six o ' clock . Adwalton . —A Chartist Camo Meeting will be held at this place to-morrow , at two o ' clock in the afternoon . Lono Land ' s Place . —Messrs . Alderson and Rawnsley will lecture on Wednesday evening next .
Aknold . —Mr . Soar , from Nottingham , will preach in our Chapel on Sunday evening next , at six o ' clock . Chotvsent . —Mr . Isaac Barrow , of Bolton , will deliver two lectures in Harrison ' s Chapel , on the 15 : h instant . Tbe lectures : 0 commence at half-past two o ' clock in the afternoon , and at half-past six m the evening . Collections will be made at the close of each lecture , to defray thG expences of the Chapel . Middle-ton . —Mr . Wilson will deliver a lecture in the Chartist Chapel , on Monday next , " Ou the present alarming state of the country , the cause of it , and its remedy . " Doors to ba opened at halfpast seven , o'olcck , and the kctu , r < 5 to comme . nco at oi ^ ht .
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THE GB A ND N ATIONAL DEMOpTRATIGN . OhJXondar . morning thousands of hearts . In this large Metropolis , were beating with hope and anxiety regarding the result of the novel ; and by many affirmed to be , dangerous experiment of the sons of labour , marching to the House ¦ which ought to represent them , and ^ demandfng that the rights of labour should be respected , and that a nation ' s wrongs should be redressed . ';¦ .. . ¦ . : <\ , . . ;• ¦ ¦ , - ; ¦ . ¦" - . The Tims , and other Tory papers , were not wanting in their cautions to the people that it was illegal for them to go to their own house to present their own petition , and impressing upon them the heavy nature ef the penalties they Would incut but , unfortunately , as but few of the class interested indulged themBelves inreaiing the lucubrations of these sapient journalists , their labour of love , and their well meant advice , was entirely disregarded .
Another claar or men , professing to have imbibed the Chartist principles , were not wanting in their denunciations of such wanton and useless expenditure of money ; it was time , they affirmed , that all such gewgaws as music and banners , for such a purpose , should ^ be thrown aside , and that men should become the Intelligent , the high-minded beings , which they supposed themselves to be . iTh&e men being a century in advance of theirfellow men ; their voice was lost in the far distance ^ from whence it had to echo , and only some slight reverberations of It ever reached the ears of the
thoughtless multitude , who seemed determined that day to fight their enemies with their own weapons of "tinselled glitter and idle pomp , " and the result will prove that they acted wisely and well ; that they inoculated thousands with the spirit of Cbartlsm to whom it had previously been a dead letter ; and demonstrated to their late Whig undertakers that they were neither dead nor slumbering—that the spirit which animated thair breasts was too subtle ever to be confined by a Whfg Attorney-General , too elastic to be bound by any doctrine of Whig finality .
On Monday morning all promised well—the sun shone gaily—and thousando were seen assembling together in their local divisions , previous to commencing their march to the central appointments . By nine o ' clock vast masses had collected in Finsbury-squwo , Waterloo-road , Bethnatgreeri , Church and Circusstreets , Marylebone , &c . Colours were flying , bahda playing , and niarshalmen on horseback were hurrying to and fro , collecting and conveying intelligence . In the meantime , the members of the Convention were not idle : from an early hour they were assiduously engaged in adding signatures to the huge document , and in preparing for the procession .
By eleven o ' clock , the immense area of Lincoln ' s-innfields was occupied more densely than ever it had previously been in the memory of its oldest inhabitant ; and much curiosity was evinced as to the cause of such an imposing spectacle , which was shortly gratified by the arrival of the great National Petition itself . About twelve o ' clock , it was with considerable labour placed in a frame made for that purpose , attached to which were two wooden bearers or poles , thirty feet long ; on the fnmt of the frame was painted in large figures 3 . 317 , 702 j this being the number of signatures the petition contained ; and under this was written in large characters , ' the Charter ¦¦; " the back of the frame had inscribed on it the word " Liberty / ' and also the number of signatures ; the aides were ornamented with
the Six Points of the Charter . The weicht of the petition was immense ; its length Was ascertained to be six miles and fifty yards ; the bearers , consisting of men from the various trades of the metropolis , having arrived , the giant was lifted on high , and the bearers commenced slowly wending their way towards Lincoln 8 Inn-fields , preceded by Dr . MvDouaU and Mr . Kuffy Ridley on horseback , as marshals ; and numerous flags and haulers , followed by the members of the Convention , three abruast , heade > l by Feargus O'Connor , Esq ., Mr . Moir . and Mr . M'Pherson ; following the Convention were numerous delegates from Manchester , Cheltenham , Reading , Brighton , Nottin ? ham , Northami . tOD , and many other places . The arrival of the petition and Convention at Lincoln ' s Inn Fields was greeted with
triumphant cheering , and after making the circuit of the place , this monster petition was deposited on mother earth much to the ease of the bearers , who , though thirty in number , were compelled to be relieved several times during this short distance . Among the bearers ^ ere several of the masons who had the honour of carrjing the last petition ; also , a Scotchman in the national garb of his country . Owing to the immense assemblage in thjs place , it was a work of some titue to arrange the procession in marching order ; but tbearrangementshad been well conducted ; the niarshalmen , twentyfour of whom were on horseback were well acquainted with the duties , and about half-past one o ' clock they commenced moving towards the place of their destination amid the most deafening shouts of applause .
The route taken by the procession to the House of Commons , was down Queen-street , Holborn , Museumstreet , Russell-street , Tottenham Court Road , Oxfordstreet , Regent-street , Waterloo Place , Pall Mall , Cha ring Cross , and Parliament-street ; all of which were crowded with spectators , windows , house-tops , and every portion of the buildings being put in requiaitioii . Waggons , carts , &tr . were stationed in places along the line for their accommodation , and much profit derived by their proprietors ; In . many places the procession was greeted with inimense cheering from the assembled multitude , and with waving of handkerchiefs , < V . c from the windows and hou 3 e-tqpu . Omnibuses and cabs sported the tricolour j and all seemed to be aware of the respect due to such a demonstration of the party of the people .
The balconies of the various club-houses in Pall Mall and its neighbourhood were crowded with Members of Parliament and other persons of distinction ; and on passing these places the cheering was truly deafening , and reverberated along the Whole line , which extended upwards of a mile and a half in length , and was allowed by all parties to be larger and more splendid than the procession of the Trades ' Unionists for the release of the Dorchester labourers . Of the numbers present , it would be impossible to form any calculation , suffice it to say that the Times , Tory paper , gives us 50 , 006 , and wo may fairly cilculate upon ten limes the numbers , an opponent gives us ; indeed towards Pall Mall arid Parliament-street , the whole was one dense mass of human beings . The
procession reached to the House of Commons , previous to a portion of it leaving Oxford-street . At the House of Commons , the pressure was so tremendous , that it was scarcely' possible for the marshals to clear a road for the petition to be conveyed to the House . The policemen were busy with their staves ; but taking their conduct as a whole during the day they acted well , no party attempting to / offer the least obstruetion . When the petition reached the lobby of the House , they found that the bulk of the petition was so great that the frame was compelled to be broke , and the petition partially unrolled ere it could be admitted . In the course of this operation , a few of the . windows were broken ; but eventually , the prayer of the nation was laid before the bar of the House .
Mr . F . O'Connor and other members actively assisted in the Uuty of forcing the petition into the House , and were loudly cheered by those around the doors of the House . This -was taken up by the line of procession , and the whole line speedily became one vast echo of triumphant cheering . To avoid confusion , the great bulk of the procession after a few mom * nts pause , passed over Westminster Bridge , and continued their route up York Road , whore ten minutes rest was allowed for the banner men and others to obtain refreshment , and though the heat was intense and the dust very inconvenient , yet to the honour of the men of London he it said , that not a Binjjle instance of
drunkenness occurrtd during the whole route . If it had been a procession of teetotallers they could not have acted in a more sober or orderly manner ; indeed their conduct on this day will show that the foul charge of ignorance , violence , &c , so often brought against them is a base and ; ind calumnious falsehooil . From York Road the procession proceeded up Stamford-street , across Blackfri irs-bri ( Ige . where thouch the numbers were considerably lessened still the appearances was very imposing , ( be banners and fl igs being brought into closer contact . The line of route was then up Farrjngdon-street , Hoiborn-hiH , Holoorn , Smithflfeld , John-street Road , Pentonville . to White Conuuit House .
Toe following was the order of procession from Lmcoln ' s-inn-fields : ^ Ten Marshalmen on horseback , wearing Executive scarfs . Brass band . Splendid banner- — Motto— "The suffdringa of the people shall be redressed . " Councilmen of the Western Division , four abreast , wearing Executive scarfs , oud carrying red wands . Delegates from Yarmouth , bearing splendid banner—On one aide , ' Yarmouth Universal Suffrage Association . " Reverse— "May every lover of his country unite until we obtain our right ? . " The following were a few of the other flags , with their mottos : — j
Universal Suffrage , and no surrender . Universal Suffrage , Vote by Ballot , &c . Cap of liberty . " We have set onr lives upon a cast ; we will abide the bszwd of a < Jie . " The Six Points of the Charter . Cap of liberty , and bundle of rods . " We demand our rights . " Universal Suffrage . " We demand our rights . " ! Brass band . " He that oppresses the peor shall perish from the
land . " " The abolition of close corportions . " Two splendid Union Jacks . Splendid Welsh tii-eoloureii flag"We are determined to have the Chatter . " Excellent painting , representing the card o £ the Association . Portrait of Henry Hunt . " United we stand , divided we fall . " " Thou Bhalt neither vex the stranger , nor the poor . ' Large bluck banner , showing the enormous expenditure of money on the Bishops , & 0 « Body of carpenters . i . i
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¦ . : :: . ~ . ¦ - . ¦ . ¦ ¦¦ Flag— . - -V _ . . - . Motto— "United Carpenters ' Associationj " And various other trade devices . ¦ : ' ..: . ' ¦ . ¦ ¦ . - . .. . —/ Band . ; . : ' ' ' :. ¦¦ ¦ Stonemasons ' Scotch banner . Large tri-coloured ^ flag . Body of Stonemasons , with variotw trade emblems . Flag— " i ) r , M'DoaalJ , the tyrants dread arid the friend of toe poor . " Large black Sag with tbe following inscription : " Question , ' What man is that when you ask him for bread will give you a stone ?' Answer , ? The parson 6 ? the Church of England , " * ' . ¦ , ' . ¦ : . ' " ; - ; -. /' Band .... . ' ; - ' ' . : Large tricoloured Flag . Motto , " Finsbury locality . " A large banner with portraits of the Welsh victims . " Dr . M'DouaU , thefriend of the factory children . "
*• United we stand , divided we fall . " " Our birthrights—we are determined to have them . Lictors With cap of liberty . " Truth and Justice will prevail . " Finsbury banner , tricolour . Followed by marshals on horseback . Band .
THE GRAND PETITION , Supported by the extra bearers on each side . Band of Grenadier Guards . Xho members of the Convention three abreast . Country Delegates three abreast . Band . Green flig . Motto—National Charter Association Reading . Beautiful banner representing the Manchester massacre , arid on the reverse"Murderdemands justice . "
On passing the United Service Club House , this banner was displayed to the members of the club at the balcony , and some trifling excitement , was manifested . This banner attracted universal attention , and many hundreds were heard to express their sentiments of abhorrence and resentment at that brutal transaction . Large tricoloured flag , — "The People ' s Charter , equal rights and eqaallawe . " " Freedom of the Press . " Green Flag—Reverse— " Cheltenham Association . " " Dr . M'Douall . the Tyrant ' s Foe . " "Universal Suffrage . ' " Our Rights , we are determined to have them . " " Universal Suffrage and no Surrender . " " Feargus O'Connor , the People ' s Friend . " " Love mercy and truth , and defend the rights of the
Poor . " Calverton National Charter Association . '' " Feargos O'Connor , the Tyrant's Foe , " Reverse—• ' They have set up kings but not by me . God is our king him will we obey . " " Silk Weavers , Tower Hamlets , " " Justice before Charity . " " The Charter and no Surrender . " Triceioured Flag . Salford Association—Brick Line Association . " Universal Suffrage . " Salaries of the Bishops in full detail . Salford large tri-colour . Large white banner , preceding the bagpipesplayers in full national costume .
Ladies' Shoemakers , Tricoloured Flag . " Six Points of the Charter . " " Freedom of the Press . " " Charter . " Cap of Libeity . w We know our Rights and will have- them . " Henry Hunt cheeriig from the clouds Feargus O'Connor . , ?• Charter and no Surrender . " Large banner . Portraits of Frost , Williams , and Jones . Afld some hundreds of other flags of which it Is impos-Bible to .-give any account . In fact such a numerous imd imposing quantity of banners ( thanks to our c < h * B&y friends ) was never before seen in the Metropolis ' .
The following are the accounts furnished by the Times and the Morning Chronicle of the " National " procession ;— ( From the Times . ) Yesterday was what may be termed a grand demonstration of the strength of the political body called Chartist ? . According to the instructions issued to the various divisions and sections , the Chartist party began to assemble in the Waterloo-road , Bermondsey , Deptford , Croydon , Bethnal-green , Shoredltch , Finsbury , Marylebone , Somerstpwn , Pancraa , and numerous other places , at various hours , varying from seven to eleven o ' clock , so as to enable them to be in proper order in Lincolii ' s-inn-fields , where the different bodies were to
assemble and form themselves by twelve o ' clock . Accordingly , the neighbourhood of the place of assemblage began to present a very bustling appearance as early as tun o ' clock , and the multitude continued to increase up to the time the procession began to move , about half-past one o'clock , at which hour the number of persons who were drawn to the place could not have been less than 20 , 000 personB ; the greater part were , however , merely spectators , for the numbers of persons who actually formed in procession were , according to the returns made to the Commissioners of Police , I 960 , and a fraction above , females inc uded . The numbers were ascertained by . persons belonging to the police being placed in different parts with orders to count . The number of banners and flags was 70 ; there were six bands of
music , and three Scotch pipers , and three caps of liberty surmounting the Motor's rods . As Boon as the processian was formed the movement commenced by four persons on horseback , bearing wands mounted with tricoloured ribands , the riders , as well as the rest , wearing a tricoloured roBette and a tricoloured » ilk scarf . They were followed by a purple silk banner , with the inscription , "The sovereignty of the People / ' followed by others bearing suoh as " Tho Charter , " ' Universal Charter , " No Surrender , " " Liberty , " and . ' Free Press . " One of the flags from the inscription of " More pigs and less parsons , " with "Universal suffrage , " occasioned a vast deal of amusement . The first and second divisions having passed along Little Queenstreet and Holbarri , were followed by the division to
whose care was entrusted the petition , which was placed upon , a framework of wood : it weighed about two cwt ., and was carried by 33 men , the woodwork being ornamented with " The Charter—the People ' s right ; " and the whale body then moved forward at a slow rate , but in a most peaceable and orderly manner , along Holborn , Tottenhara-court-road , New-road , down Langham-place , Regent-street , and then in a direct line to the House of Commons , which place they reached about half-past three o ' clock . Long before their arrival both sides of Parliament 6 treet and the open space before the House of Commons , as well as those points which commanded a view of the procession , were
crowded to excess ; so that at -the . •¦ time the petition arrived tbe number of persons assembled could not have been less than 50 , 000 . Across Palace-yard a strong body of police , under the directions of Superintendents May and Grinsell , were placed so as to afford a free passage for the members of the two Houses of Parliament , while to prevent any more inconvenience than was necessary , the procession filed off towards Westminster-bridge . The leader having informed Mr . Superintendent May that they only required the delegates and those who carried the petition to be admitted , an avenue was immediately formed by the police .
The windows of tbe House of Commons , looking into the open space , were filled with Members , the most prominent being tba Hon . Member for Finsbury ( Mr . T . Duncqmbe ) , who having agreed to present the leviathan petition was loudly cheered . The petition Was then carried to the Members ' entrance , but from the height and bulk it got jambed in the doorway , much to tho annoyance of several Members , who were prevented from entering the Honse . The Hon . Member for Montrose I Mr . J . Hume , who happened to come down at the time , upon seeing the petition jambed in the doorway , suggested that it should be taken round to the other door , but a dilemma again presented itself—the petition was immovable . It was at length suggested that the framework should be removed ; this , in . a few minutes , was broken away , and the petition carried into the House . :
Owing to the excellent arrangements' ^ police , not tbe slightest accident occurred , whtio the only instance of disapprobation expressed by the mob was at some barristers , who bad placed themselves sA the window . over the private entrance to the Court of Queen ' s Bench . ;
( From the Morning Chrmwe . ) Yesterday being the day appointed for the presentation of " The National Petition , " the Chartists assembled in large bodies in different quarters of the town at an early hour . Soon -after nine o ' clock , the streets leading to Lincoln's-inn-flelds were thronged with members of the various Associations of the ' me- ; , tropolis and elsewhere , all wending their way towards the place of rendezvous—vfz , tha- square cf Lincoln ' sinn-fields , The time appointed for the formation of the procession was one o ' clock , and by that time the square was densely crowded . The windows of the housea in . the vicinity were occupied by specr tators , principally ladies . The members of the National Convention arrived in the Square at one o ' clock ; those who were recognized by the assembled multitude were greetod with loud chesting .
The members of the Convention were preceded by the monster petition , borne on the shoulders of thirty-three able-bodied men , selected from the different trades in the metropolis . It was carried on a kind of portable stage or platform , which had been constructed for the purpose , and was covered with ribbons , and otherwise decorated . Oh tb . 8 front was placed a placard , displayingthe number of signatures which it contained , and from whicSi it appeared that the number was 3 , 317 , 702 . The procession was formed soon after one o'clock , the petition being placed in front . After the petition cam . a a Jorge and ample black fl : » g , bearing the inscripti ' jn , " Murder demands Justice . lOth August , 1819 . " On the other side the flag was a representation of the Manchester niaBsacre . Next to this flag were severa staves , bearing on each a representation of the Cap of . Liberty . Then came several flags , bearing each chtt inscription , " United we stand , divided we fall . " The
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first band followed these flaas . Next to the band was ' a . flag inscribed " We . require justice before charity—the People ' s Charter , * nd no surrender .- ! " and on the other side of it were these words , " Every man is born fr « e , and God has given man equal rights and liberties ; and may it please God to give man knowledge to assert those rights , and let no tyrannical' faction withhold them from the people . ' * Then followed the flags belonging to the Hoddersfield and Kettering Association ^ together with those from the association at the Tower Hamlets . Following these was another band , in the midst of which wag
a flag inscribed , "O'Connor , the tried champien of the people . " The appearance of this flag was hailed with a leud burst of cheeriDg from the persons assembled in : Lincotn'S-inn-SQ . uare to view the procession as it passed . Immediately following this flag was one bearing the quotation from Exodus , " Whosoever sheddeth man ' s blood by man shall his blood be shed . ' * Several other fhi ? s followed , and by two o ' clock the procession bad left the square . It proceeded np Great Queen-street , Drury-lane , up Holborn , to Oxford-street , and arrived at the House of Commons at a quarter past three . " ' ¦ ¦ ' ¦ ¦ ' ¦ ' ¦ " ¦ ' ' ' :. ' - ¦' : - /¦ ¦ .. " ¦ ¦ - "¦
Everything was conducted in the most peaceable and orderly manner . Not the slightest confusion prevailed from the time of the assembling of the multitude in the morning to that of its departure with the procession . A large body of the polioe , under Superintendent Sandrock , were in attendance , but they were not required to act in any way .
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BRADPORD > -Masons' Arms Club Houses , — The members of this Association have unanimously adopted a resolution to abide by Feargus O 'Connor , the six points , and the name of the Charter . MANCHESTER . —DELEGATE MEETING . —The South Lancashire Dehgate meeting was held in the BrOwn-fltreiet . Association Room , on Sunday ; Mr . Guthrie in the chair . The delagates . present were ^—Messrs . James Hoyle , Salford ; Henry Gillmore , Bolton ; John Leach . Rochdale ; William Griffin , Mosley ; David Whittakerj Newton Heath ; Henry Warren , FailBworth "; , Henry Waters , Miles Platting ; John Key , Hollinwood ; Charles Bowman , Droylsden and Openshaw ; William Guthrie , E « 2 les ;; James Cartledge , Warrington ; William Stephenson , Stalybridge ; Thomas Lawless , Oldbam ; Robert Beaumont , Waterhead Mills !; . David Jordan , Hulme ; John Nuttle , Manchester . The Secretary read the minutes of the last meeting , which were confirmed . A fter receiving
notices of motions , the meeting adjourned until halfpast one o ' clock , when Mr . Cartlenge gave an account of his mission to the North Lancashire delegate meeting . Mr . Griffin moved , and Mr . Bowman seconded , "That , having heard the report of Mr . Cartledge , respecting his mission to the North Lancashire delegate meeting , the delegates are perfectly satisfied withthe feeling manifested on the subject of unity and good understanding between the Chartists of Sbuth and North Lancashire . "—Carried . Moved by Mr . Griffin , and seconded by Mr . Davis , "That ten shillings , the amount of Mr , Cartledge ' s txpencfes , be paid . " Moved by Mr . Cartledge , and seconded by Mr . Bowman , " That the explanation received froni Robert Kemp PWIp , regarding his signing the Sturge Declaration , is satisfactory to this meeting , and that the correspondence betwixt Mf .. Cartlwlge and Mr . Philp be sent to the NorPiern Star for insertion . The following is the correspondence : — -
" 34 , Lomas-street , Bank Top , Manchester , . March ¦ 3 . 0 th , 1842 . " Dear Philp , —At the South Lancashire Delegate Mettmg , on Sunday last , it was unanimously resolved that I should write to you , requesting an explanation of the policy ' pursued by you in signing the 'Complete Suffrage Declaration . ' " This they . think is due to them , as a portion of the Natiopal Charter Association , as it appears contrary to the general line of policy pursued by the Chartists , and is diametrically opposed to that they have found it necessary to pursue in Lancashire .
"This they think is due to you as a member of the Executive Committee , for they have no inclination to condemn you unheard , though I must inform you that you have caused great disapprobation : and very great dissatisfaction in this part of the country ; for we cannot CunsfcEt to any compromise with the party who on every occasion hire bluiigedh-men to force ua to submit to their views of refoim . Your pirtner Wiil remember how he was treated in the Carpenters' Hall when here , which will j ustify ns in watching with jealousy every movement of these commercial schemers . "I am , dear Sir , . ¦ - " Yours , respectfully , " James Cartledgb . •' ¦ To Robert Kemp Philp . " " 1 , Shoe Lane , Fleet street , London , "April 27 th . 1842 .
"My Dear Cartledge , —Beheve me the on \ j cause of the delay of my answer to your official note , asking an explanation' of my conduct , in reference to the 'complete suffrage' movement , has been the pressure of public and private duties . " 1 thank the South Lancashire delegates for their just conduct in asking rny defence against a particular accusation , before they pronounced their judgment . Tfleir conduct has , however , been . an exception to the rule , tor in most places trom which condemnation has proceeded , no investigation has been made , but uneqnivocal denunciation has been sent forth , based upon the moat false and malicious representations of my conduct " In explanation , I now declare that I have never from my first connexion with Chartism , contemplated or advised the abandonment of < me > principle of the Charter , or even the name , by wliich bur pursuit fa designated .
" I glory in the name of Chaitist , and whether in company of friends or foes , Iproudly acknowledge what I am . ' ' ¦'"' ¦/ . - .- . - . ¦'¦ ' . ... , ' ¦ ¦ •• " i signed the 'declaration' because it involved no compromise of . principle , and that by so doinj I might be able to assist in sending Chartists to the Conference , to defend and advocate our cause , and endeavour to secure its triumph . " To a great extent my efforts Were snccessful , two Cnartista were sent for Bath , and aided by good and true men from other places , the Six Points were unanimously adopted . The Conference was resolved upon to consider of the Charter as a whole ; now when this is about to take , place I shall act as I did before , in order to secure the adoption of the Charter in substance , detail and name ;
" O'Connor has has now expressed his intention to act in this way with , regard to the next Conference , yet it is for this precisely that I have been denounced . My opinion is that we must abide by our organisation , be true to ourselves and our CMue , and we cannot fail to triumph . Many evils result from violently denouncing our enemies , - but when a tide of hasty and unmerited denunciation is poured out upon our friends , a serious injury is done " to the movement . In the course of our agitation we shall have frequent occasions to differ in opinion ; we must hold ourselves prepared for this , but
if we candenm with bitttrhess of feeiing and rail at and denounce those who think upon some objects dfffdrent from ourselves , we never shall succeed , and despotism will ride rampant over a divided and quarrelling people . I cannot no at ; greater- ' length at present ; read my letters in the rindicato-r , the resolutions from Bath in the Star , &c . &c ., and . lookat the results ; view the previous illtreatment I have , received . Bslieve me sincsraly and truly devoted to the people ' s cause , and that misrepresentatibn ; abuse , flittery , nor temptation shall never corrupt the democratic heart of
•• Robert Kemp Philp . " The circular from the Convention , requiring further aid » was read to th ' e delegates . Mr . Curt ' iettee mnVfcd , and Mr . Gillniord seconded , the following resolution : — •« That we send five pounds to the Conventiea , v ' z ., three pounds for o \ ir representative , ami two pounds towards the experices of taat body in carrying out the duties imposed upon it'V Agreed to . Moved by Mr . Bowman , and seeoBjied by Mr . Railton— " That the committee have power-to give two pi uarts laore to the Convention Bhould . \ % be required . " Agreed to . Mr . Leach moved ., and ¦' M * . Caitledae seconded—" That no
delegate bring forward a motion for the levying money on the meinbera of the diffiient localities without giving notice to the delegate meeting previoua . " Agreed to Mr . Cartledge moved , and Mr . Nu ' . tle seconded , the following resolution . — ' This meeting having the greatest confidence in the integrity and ability of Feargna 0 'Cona . ir , Eq .. the ' --. Rev . Win . Hill , and tbe people ' s paper ,. the Northern Slur , pledge themselves , t > stand by them so- long asthsy fearlessly aad ably advocate the rights of the working classes , and hereby call upon the people to support the Charter , same and all , at every public meeting called . for political purposes . " Moved by Mr . Railtori , and stconded by Mr . Bowaian— " That we the delegates of South Lancashire , in delegate meeting assembled , do resominend to the various iooalities ' to give no countenance or
support to- any man or men who do . not belong to the National Chattel ? Association , for by supporting Buch indiviiluals ia only calculated to breed discord and confusion in our racks . " Mr . Waters moved and Mr . Nuttle seconded , " That in coasequenca of Mr . Joseph Linney having neglected his appointments , and thereby caused disappointments whicb have proved injurious to the cause , this meeting therefore autnorj * e the Secretary to get some one to fulfill his place the remaindtr of the plan . " — Moved by Mr . Lawless and seconded by Mr * Cartledge , " That no locality be
allowed to take away any lectnrer from hia engagement without the consent of the locality by which he had been engaged . "—Mr . Hoylo moved and Mr . Kailton secendedi " That we . the delegatea of South Lancashire , dd he eby tenflar a votJ of our confidence to the Convention n&w sitting in London . " Carried unanimously . A vote of thanks was Riven to the Chairman , and the meeting separated until that day nionih . From the accounts of the- delegates from different parts of the country there appears to ba an increase of numbers to the Association and a fixed deterinraauon to- press , forward .-until ' the working classes ary in possession of their just TitfU ; their-wottQ W , " ? he whole Charter ana no surrender ! " .
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CIRCULAR OF THE OPERATIVE STONEMASONS . " Sydney , New South Wales , October 28 th , 1842 . " At a meeting of delegates cf all the trades , held at the Crown anrl Anchor Tavern , George-street , Sydney , on the 21 st of October , 1841 , it was unanimously agreed that emigrants bad been deluded to this colony by the bounty agents holding out such prospects to them so as to cause many to emigrate here who are now in a state of gTeavdistress , mere particularly in other trades than in our own ..
" There were not less than thirty out of employ , during " the last sis months , out cf five hundred masons . Oar trade is not so brisk at present , owing to the Government public works being done by prison labour , which was formerly done by Government emigrants . Bat since emigrants have come out in bounty ships , they have not = been employed in Government works , but the day after their arrival they are left to perish in tbe streets with their wives and families . " We , therefore , beg of you of the Trades' Union to -petition some Member of Parliament , to cause emigrants to come out in Government ships , as on their arrival they are employed by Government , and provided
with houses to live in until they obtain other employment .. Beware of bounty emigration , for it is only a delusion . Employment is Bcaree , bouse rents high ; and provisions dear , as you will see by the following statement Our wages are from eight to nine shillings per day , for competent workmen , with precarious employment There is no surety of work more ihan a week at a time , as the work here is so very uncertain . Conpled as they are with yery stringe ' n' ; laws between workmen and tbeir employers , and" entirely different to what is enforced in Great Britain and Ireland , as we have an aristocracy here who make laws to suit their own private ends to the detriment of the working man .
We bave'here sent you a plain statement of the state of the colony which we hope you will take into your serious consideration , and then juage for yourselves whether to remain at home or emigrate to this country , bearing in mind that you have to labour for eight months in tha year uncer a vertical sun , with the following deduction from ytrar wages , if you have employment ,-viz , house rents for a man and his wife , ten shillings per week ; fire-wood , candles , and provisions wUl average -two pounds per we * k . Single men must pay at tbe rate of one pound ten shillings p « week ; this- must be furnished weekly , inclusive of clothes , tools . &c &c
" Dear brothers , we leave you to judge the state of the poor labouring man who only gets at the rate of four shillings per day , when he has employment , what must be his condition vith the high rats ot living . We will continue to hold & monthly correspondence with you in future : should things get better , you will be made acquainted from time to time . " We wish" you to circulate this statement amongst the working classes of Great Britain and Ireland , to prevent the sad occurrences we have already witnessed . We wish you to be particular in our correspondence with you only in this circular , as for the future we Bball have
a stamp , so that you will know it is from oar society , as the masters- sre in the habit ol not only writing , but getting printed circu : ara sent from this colony to Great Britain and Ireland , with false statements both of the colony , trade , provisions , house rents , Ice , which has caused many deluded emigrants to end their days in want on oxtx shores , who might have seen better days in their native land . " I remain , yours , " William Goodall , Secretary . " Society of Operative Stonemasons , Mr . Baker ' s , Crown and Anchor , George-street , Sydney . " " To Thomas Siort , Secretay of English Society of Masons . "
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T H E ttORTHERN STAB . 7
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Northern Star (1837-1852), May 7, 1842, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct597/page/7/
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