Current:

Northern Star (1837-1852), 28th January 1843, Edition 3 of 5, Page 4, Untitled Article

Page 4
Page 4
4 of 8

On this page

  • Departments (2)
    • THE NORTHERN STAR. SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 1843.
    • 2To Mesfoevg nvto ©omgjpoffijetvtg.
  • Text (15)
  • 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.

      Untitled Article

      TO THE CHABTISTS OF N 0 BTHU 21 BEKLASD JJS 3 ) DXTBHiJL Brothzb Chabtists—I -was elected your Treasurer f oi the l * ctoiert land , at the delegate meeting held at Newcastle , December 5 ± , -where a resolution to prssed , that as jsoou s » each locality transmitted fire shillings to me . ? & ** Beesley miio commaia his tour through the two counties . I ask yon has this been done ? lam sorry to say it has not There are only three localities that have acted up to that resolution , viz ., South Shields , Ousebum , sad the " Whole hog Chartist ferig&de" of Snnderland . TPhat are the C&artistsorthBcityefltaiiam doing , ( the orunnatora of the lecture Fund , ) the Chaitista of Newcastle , &c &C- ? Brother ChsitiEts , ^ raiting anxiouiy lor your response to the above , I am , yours truly , Johs Hall . Onseborn . Newcastle , Jan . 23 , 1843 .

      Untitled Article

      ^—~ HABM 02 ? T HALL . TO THB EDIXOB OF TUB JTOBTHERS S 1 AB . Sib , — The residents « r thia establishment have read -with much interest , the article in yonr paper of . the 21 st instant , headed , " The land ; the only means or salvation to the starving workers . " It gives them much pleasure to see that the attention of their Chartist brethren is not only called to this important subject ; but , that the efforts of the Socialists are brought fairly and prominently before the public eye for examination . It Trill be readily Been , by all parties in ths Btate , that the caltivatios of our own lands , for the nse of our own j > eople ; and a Bound practical education lor every per-* on in the country , are the grand leading remedies for the distress which every ¦ where exists j and the chief topic for consideration , ls , how is this to be accomplished practically , in the shortest possible time .

      You justly state that , bo single sect of men have had a tithe of the opposition t « contend -with that the Socialists have had . In Bpite ^> f all . they have secured to themselves an abundant dinner . " 2 f ot only is this true , but , that they are determined not to rest themselves satisfied , or to relax their exertions , until tiiey have procured an -equally abundant dinner for every one of their fellow beings ; and in addition to a mere supply of theirphysical ¦ wants , to afford them the opportunity rf developing to the highest point the mental and moral portions of their nature . We believe , however , that the manner in -which thia opposition has been overcome hitherto , has been by an adherence to certain dearly defined principles , which contain within themselves tee basis of unity ; and that the progress has been in propertion as these principles have become understood by the member ? .

      Ton say truly " that we are engaged In an experiment , 'which , in its issue , may advance or retard the cause of the poor very materially . " Of this we are all aware , and we are also -aware that our progress will depend upon the extent to which we can procure , and lightly apply , the means of introducing a science of society : for , whatever the public generally may think of our crotchets , or of our talking of extreme circumstances ; Socialism , or as we prefer calling it rationalism , is as truly a science w the mathematics , or any other .

      If the working classes can be induced to lend their aid to the development of this science , they may immediately command any just terms whieh they shall dictate to the other classes of ' society , and it will be a matter of great congratulation to aQ parties when this shall be tiie case . What has hitherto been done , has been done fey a -very limited Dumber of individuals , many of them most unfit for the tasks assigned them ; and all labouring tinder the greatest difficulties ; " but a itrong determined combination of the working classes -win be irresistible .

      Ton further state , " The -world will now watch us ! The public eye is opened upon us ; and if we are not careful , rancour will seits upon some falsa step of ours , and prevent public confidence in us . " That this wQl occur if -we deviate in the slightest manner from our principles , 1 , for one , am well aware ; But , if -we be true and consistent to thoBe principles which hive hitherto carried themselves abovs all opposition , from the emanation of the mind of a single individual who combined from them a rational system of society . to their present advanced position ; there is no fear to be Entertained for all the scrutiny , nor for all the rancour and falsehood , which the world has to

      Our system Is either founded entirely on truth , or it contains an-admixture of eiror , and in either case investigation win be alike beneficial ; for , what is true cannot be injnr-l by being exposed , and no parties can be more interested in discovering what is erroneous Is the system , than those who axe staking everything upon it <* Ton promise on some future occasion to enter into a friendly remonstrance with some of the Socialists on their " insane" and unaccountable policy towards the Chartists ; and I bust this remonstrance will not long be delayed . There has hitherto l ^ en too great an estrangement between two bodies having in view the same important objects , and this can only bs overcame by a clear -understanding rendering the subject intelligiblBto both parties .

      Whenever you remonstrate I shall have much pleasore is explaining how far we can coincide with the views you take ; and , if a closer union can be effected by the explanation , a proportionate good -must be the result ; for all that is now required is that the working classes shall ascertain in what manner they can best combine to effect the object desired . Tou say the Socialist ought to aid the Chartist is obtaining the power which *><* n procure the " salvation of the starving workers , by means of the land ; " but I trust to be enabled to point out , that the working classes have within themselves all the power and r'l the -means requisite for the most entire success ; and , all that they are deficient in , is the knowledge how to combine thoBs means in such a manner as to exhibit to the world a superior state of society ; and all must of necessity desire to adopt it .

      As ibs subject of Home Colonization , or the land question , is an all-important one , and win attract more attention ; and as-we arc here combining theory ted jjractice , and acquiring expsrience on a tolerably extensive scale , I shall have much pleasure in furnishing for your columns a series of letters explanatory of -what is contemplated by the Socialists in this experiment , and . the degree of progress they have hitherto made . In the meantime , I am desirous you should bear in mind that the objects of the Socialists s ~ e universal , and their practices public ; and any persons wBo desire to inspect their proceedings , frem whatever motive it may arise , -win . have every facility afforded them for doing so ; aQ that win be required cf them being an attention to those general regulations of society , which tend to promote the comfort and happiness of

      Trusting that you wm aot object to the rnserfaoa of this letter in jour paper , I am , sir , Tour obedient servant ) Willloi Gaxpis . Harmony Hall , near Stoekbridge , Hants , Jan . 23 , 1843 .

      Untitled Article

      TO IHB EDITOB Or THX K 0 BTHER 5 STAB . Bra , —Last sight I heard a better defence of Chartism than ever I heard in all my life before . I have heard a few of the big grnin , but Mr Thomas Savies , of Hawiek , has ontreached them alL His arguments are aD-powsrful His sentiments are abort , and dearly distinct The lectures delivered by him are so beautifully set in order , that his hearer ? can follow him with the most perfect ease . The above lecture was delivered in this locality ,

      where general satisfaction was manifested . The police -were sent to beax and Bee that all was right . Bnt these modem figures bad to go away as -they came , after hearing a full and masterly development of their own iimn oral character . The anti-Corn Law League are kicking up a shine in this locality .. There are men here who have had frcm three-quarters of a day to three days' work within the last three or four weeks , and yet their employers have deducted from their wages one shilling per slave to augment the £ 50 , 000 Plague agitation .

      At an anti-Cam Law tea party in Bolton , when sentlemea (?) were going round for an extra subscription , an ex-official gave one shilling in the name , of a handloom weaver ; upon which M £ M 1 , of Manchester , spoke very emphatically , stating that "If a four shillings per week hand-loom weaver hated monoponly so * nuch as to give one-fourth of his weekly income to astoov * uca monopoly , how mnch jnore { not Moore ) cnght they , as manufacturers , to do all they could to d&ct their God-iita o ^ , A ggatjeman who saw ^ last-meatiouea trick played told me of it himself , Tras one rf the Xeague up to the time , but aince which toe he has Mt the . Plague , beams , of its plaguy Z ^ TFV ** ttoa ° eoUon ***> toe mlUowner thought he would fay ih » free-offering- principle , and for that purpose he sent the lick-spittles through the steam-loom room * to make a collection , -when loi at their return , there was only Is . booked for the League , by the « free * consent

      of me Jumctrta asd iwdve daces 1 The gentleman wm so exasperated at the « free ofiering" disappointment that on the following pa / day he stopped ont j * S per slave H 12 ) , ana told them thatif they did not like it , they might have their khm rnp i- ^ go about their "business ; and that if they should show any countenance to the Charter , either by werd or deed , they should be o ! isebarged from hia employ . —{ Aahton-un * er-Lyn& )—Thei above , gentleman is so pious , that nil mill goes by the xame of "Ail Saints' Facioby . " While in one of the West Biding districts , the follow ing was given , to me as a fact , by the suffererer himself . Withib the last twelve months , his master returned him ( slave } twenty-six pieces , -worked by his son at the steam-loom , for -which he ( Blaster ) charged sin rtiffltngs - pet piece . While in Manchester-market the same quality and quantity of goods were sold at is . fid . per piece . When the slave asked his master why he thus extortioned Mm ? The master answered , ' We must have the Cam Lawa repealed , and get free trade ,

      and then times -win mend . " This gentleman takes an ac&re jar * is the religious \ 7 ) movement of the Metttodists . In another place , the ie&gae are rasing a

      Untitled Article

      Defence Fund , when necessary to be applied—( the Chartists mnst take the warning given them by Feargus lr « t week , for another game is at hand )—and every slave in certain mills are compelled to contribute towards the same , while at the same time Uie Raid slaves , are not allowed to contribute towai / is the Cbarti ' it Defence Funds , under pain of berhg turned cat of employ . By Heavens , Sir , if -we only -waVjb a little logger , we shall see the defeat of faction , Ond . the triumph of true democracy . While in MaiyiheBter , last week , I learned the following facts conn acted wit the bleaching department . In 1839 , twenty men could V . leach 2 , 00 » pieces per day , for which those twenty Jjjen received for wages £ 30 per week , while , in 18 i 2 , seven men could bleach 3 , 000 pieces per day , for - » * hkh those seven men receive as wages £ 10 per wef i .

      In 1829 , the pieces to be" bleached were only allowed to be twenty-eight yards long each , while , in 1842 , such pieces are to be to 'jte bleacher forty-four yards long . * There is in Manchester an establishment upon the above improvement , »' jiety-eight men employed , for which they iec 3 ive , > n ws-es , ; £ 14 O . The same number of men , in 1839 , got £ U 5 10 s . Let alone throwing out of employ 322 men , out of 420 men , for the performing of the above labour , besides dragging out of the money market £ 483 , out of every £ 630 jfewithout ever mentioning the extra , sixteen yards , upon every twenty-eight yards , being bleached for the lesser

      som . Tbs above labour , in 1839 , cost £ 1 , 350 in wages , while , in 1842 , it only cost £ 140 , tkrowing out of the moaey market £ 1 , 210 a week , besides 532 men out of every 630 men out of employ , to seek an existence out of the pauper list . The late William Cobbstt once said , '' No damned Paupery . " I wonder how soon the ahopocracy will learn sense ; never till it goes through their " gu * V By giving the above a place in yonr next number , you will much oblige an enemy to all humbug . PeiebRigbt , From Cborley . Staffordshire Potteries , Jan . 21 , 1843 .

      Untitled Article

      THE ROYAL VISIT TO IRELAND . Her * most gracious Majesty the Queen and her iUasinona Consort , the young gentleman who does Great Britain the honour to receive bis pay , have announced their intention of visiting the Metropolis of the Emerald Isle ; but for what purpose the deponents say not . On this , vre suppose we mnst Gvess , as the Yankies say . We opine that it is not

      for the purpose of alleviating the sufferings ot the two millions three hundred thousand poor victims of misrole , who are perishing in that ill-fated land , for want of the common necessaries of life . No , no ; the Q , acen and ** Axbkbt dear ! " know nothing of all these things . They wallow in profusion at the expense of an oppressed people , and they are too short sighted to see beyond the precints of the Palace .

      * Her Majesty , " say the organs of the Court , " desires her visit to be as pnblio as po 3 Bible "; which is tantamount to telling Midk and Norab to mount the chimney-tops and make the welkin ring in praise of the superlative condescension of the illustrious pair . Pouch and Judy wast to be seen , and to see if folly still holds dominion over the mindB of the Irish people . We trust that the sons of Erin will satisfy the admirers of monkeys , parrots , and dogs , that they

      are not the asses they would have them to be . We trust thf y will avail themselves of this opportunity to show those sporters of borrowed plumes the manifold . evils resulting from the extravagance of misrule ; and that they will also give them to understand that they are not the dolts to believe that empty pageantry and torn-foolery , —though conveyed to their shores in a bran new yacht , —will give them better food , better clothing , or more comfortable dwellings .

      Wealth , wrung from the bowels of poverty , may be displayed by Punch and Judy and their retinae , but the lot of the poor of Ireland will still be starvation . Sea-weed , icffaJj and " the infernal root , " must remain their dish until the system of misrule be annihilated . Flatterers may dilate on the beanty of the sovereign ; sycophants may talk of her amiable disposition ; but the one wonld be more enhanced in our estimation , and the other would be better exemplified by administering to the necessities of the poor than by exhibitions of consummate folly , intended , no donbt , to feed the unfortunate passion for display of a too-long infatuated people .

      The men of Ireland ought to tell the advisers of royalty that they want not raree-show but the comforts of life ; and that it would be far better for the nation if some women wonld learn to knit socks for their children and mend their own stockings , rather than go jaunting about at other people ' s expence ; and some men betake themselves to some honest occupation , rather than pooket other men's hard earnings for merely enlarging the brood of idlers , attending majesty ! when taking an airing and feeding royal whelp ? . Won't Ireland have a treat !!

      Untitled Article

      of the pious , whose object is the dissemination of t \ ie holy volume which , above all others , is heavier in its denunciations against those who ' grind the faces of the poor , ' and who profess to oast * them * selveB upon the continued blessing of Almighty God , ' we determined to make them acquainted with the circumstances in a Memorial ; in the hope that they were not aware of the grievous ruin they were inflicting , and in the hope that what we had heatd of their deliberate intention , to effect a reduction out of the wages of labour , was untrue . To this memorial , a copy of which accompanies this , —they returned for answer , that they felt the subject therein referred to waa one which they could not take up .

      M No portion of the funds of this Sooiety is * appropriated to achieve this reduction in price . Indeed , supposing the discount taken from the printer and the binder to be of equal per centage , thiB Society must obtain on the book we have particularised , the Ruby 24 mo . Bible , Roan , gilt edges , Is . 6 d ., even at this price , a small profit . " We Bnbmit that it is a contradiction in the conditions of this Society ' s existence , that the cheapness of this book should be obtained at the almost utter ruin of those ( male and female ) who are employed in its binding , while this Society reaps a profit by its sale .

      ** We are aware that wages are regulated by the laws of demand and supply—that where there is a permanent surplus of labour in any trade , wages will fall . Bat a surplus of labour has not produced this result in the present iustanoe . Worldly-minded men , who possess no zeal ( or religion , had not discovered that the distress produced by the present unprecedented want of employment , afforded them

      an opportunity of increasing their profits by a reduction in our wages . It has been reserved for the Committee of the British and Foreign Bible Society , whose professed object is the glory of God , to take advantage of this deep distress—men who , in their last report , p . xvii , ' would adopt the devout exclamation of Holy Writ , and say . Let the Lord be magnified who hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servants' !

      " The Society may thus monopolise the whole trade in Bibles and Testaments ; but will not the scoffer and the infidel triumphantly inquire— ' Do these men really believe in the divine inspiration of the Book they circulate ? Do they really believe that the Almighty has power to inflict the wrath denounced in it against those who aggravate the distresses of the poor V And with greater triumph exclaim , * Look to tbeir acts , and judge yo , they have oppressed the poor , in the very act of circulating the Book which denounces its heaviest curse upon them for what they have done . '" A postcript to this address of the oppressed operatives addB : —

      " In the above it will be seen we have only referred to two kinds of this S&oiety ' s work ; while it was being put into type , as if in mockery of the injury inflicted , and in contempt of those by whom it is sustained , a reduction has taken place , at our cost , upon the whole of the Society's work . It , is of course in the power of this Sooiety , by means of the great capital it possesses , to overwhelm us who possess nothing , —just in the same way as a rich oppressor devours the peor ; but surely the Lord

      will recompense their way . They hope to prosper ; but their hope is not in the Lord . They trust in their riches , and in their worldly wisdom ; they oppress the poor , while they profess to cast themselves upon the continued blessing of Almighty God , ' ( 2 nd resolution , 37 th meeting , Exeter-hall , May 5 , 1841 . ) But God bath said , * The hope of the hypocrite shall perish , whose hope shall be cut oft , and whose trust shall be a spider ' s web . — Job viii . U » "

      We repeat that upon this statement we do not trust ourselves to comment . We leave it to tell its own tale , only pointing the attention of the sieek haired Saints" to the following texts from their own book , which the poor men have very properly put at the head of their address : — " He that oppresaes the poor reproachath his Maker : but be that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor . "Pkovekbs , xiv . 3 L " Behold the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields , which is of you kept back by fraud , crieth : and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of S ^ boath . "James , v . 4 .

      " And I will come near to you to judgment ; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers , and c ^ ainst the adulterers , and against false swearers , and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages , the widow , and the fatherless , and that turn aside the Btranger from his right , and fear not me , saith the Lord of Hosts . "—Malachi , iii . 5 . " Woe-unto him that buildetb sis house by unrighteousness , and his chambers by wrong : that usetb his neighbour ' s service without wages , end givetb him not for his work . "—Jes . xxii . 13 .

      Untitled Article

      ANOTHER SAMPLE OF INJUSTICE . The many instances of refined tyranny and barefaced extortion which are almost daily communicated to us , are not only evidences of the extreme degeneracy of the human kind—ofihe inveterate hatred of man towards bis species , —and of the declension existing in our courts of law , but they are manifestly indicative of the speedy overthrow of the rotten system which has too long cursed our father-land . Our forefathers justly complained of the evils of misrule , but they were only flogged with whips—we are lashed with scorpions . Their prospects were gloomy , but we dwell in the midst of thick darkness —darkness that can be felt—that is felt , and cannot be dispelled , save by the energies of an united people determined to possess their rights .

      Arguments the most cogent and incontrovertible have been reiterated in the ears of the rulers of the land , but they have been as the deaf adder . Petitions have been laid at their feet repeatedly , praying them to adopt measures to stay the evils of which the people incessantly complain , and over whioh our legislators have , unquestionably , controul , yet they regarded not the prayers of the needy . Now , facts which none can veil—not even themselves—are staring them in the face at every turn , and they are

      compelled to acknowledge that something is wrong ; but instead of applying the only panacea—a radical reform in the tystem of Government—they think to amuse the people with their tricks of political jugglery , and thereby perpetuate the reign of despotism . But this ! cannot be . They have been weighed in the balance and found wanting . The hand-writing is upon the wall , too conspicuous and plain to be misunderstood , and it decrees that the reign of tyranny shall depart .

      Ye 3 , the petty tyrants , vested with brief authority must be humbled , as -well as tbeir masters whose deeds they ape ; for the change must be a radical one , extending through eveiy ramification of the system and to every corner of the land . Aye , even toMiddleton , near Manchester , and to Rochdale too , where actB of atrocity are perpetrated which are a disgrace to our couutiy and kind ; one of which we here subjoin : — " A poor widow woman named Ann Lees , having six children , residing in the township of Hopwood in the parish of Middleton , was taken into custody on the 18 th of January , under a warrant , and put into the lockups

      of the police station of Middleton , by order of the overseer , for owing six shillings for poor rates , together with costs , amounting to £ 13 s . 6 d , and was the day after taken to Lancaster . It appears that , previona to that , the overseer ' s father-in-law bad distrained her goods for rent The sum due he said was £ 3 0 s . 8 d ., and the charges were £ 2 11 b . lOd ; but it appears that after the goods were all sold they had £ l 17 s . Od . in hand after all costs were paid , though the goods did not sell at half their value . The overseer knowing that this money was in band , summoned her to Rochdale before

      the magistrates , and their worships asked her if she was willing to pay the rates ? She answered , I have nothing to pay with , when the magistrates told the overseer he must be paid out of the money that was over ; he therefora applied to the auctioneer for the money , but he would not or could not pay h'm , consequently be took out a warrant , as is before stated . The poor unfortunate woman has applied several times to the overseer for relief , but ha has as frequently refused to give her any , ' telling her rfv * mi ght go to the bastile . which she refused to da "

      Untitled Article

      With what feelings the reader will arise from the perusal of this horrible recital we will not say ; but for ourselves we cannot find words sufBoiently strong to convey our detestation of Each villauy . Those fiends in human form who have figured in this deed of infamy ought , for ever , to disown the name of men , and insult sooiety no longer by their presence . They are the wretches which the arm of the law should seize . But , though the principals in this atrocious act are doubtless punishable—firstly , for disposing of more of the widow's goods than paid the rent and other

      incidental expences , and , secondly , ( if this statement be correct , and we see no reason to dispute it , ) they are actionable for falsely imprisoning the poor woman ; yet ; still the piper would have to be paid , for justice cannot be obtained in this Christian land , except at a great and ruinous expence , and not then , in most cases , where a middle class jury occupies the box . In fact , justice cannot be obtained for the poor under the present system . Hence the necessity of laying the axe to the root of the tree , and sweeping the augean stable with the broom of Radical Reform .

      It will be but poor consolation to the agonised mind of the bereaved widow to be told that there is an insuperable barrier betwixt her and justice . However , so it is . The underlings of corruption may , under present circumstances , drag the poor from the bosom of their families , immure them in dungeons , and complete their ruia with , impunity j but they have well nigh reached the extent of their iniquity . Right mnst ultimately triumph over might , and the haughty tyrants kiss the dust . They have already overcharged their infernal machine , and must politically perish by its explosion , amid the joy of a too-long oppressed and insulted people .

      Untitled Article

      ORGANIZATION . We receive continually from all parts of the country application for advice and instruction as to how the Meads of the cause of good order and good government should proceed , under the anomalous circumstances in whioh they are now placed ; of a national organization without any recognised head or centre of operations . We see that the metropolitan delegates recommend the immediate election of the General Secretary , in order that the business of the Association—the preparation and issuing of cards , the enrollment of members , the

      correspondence , Ac . —may go on * We advise the people to be in no hurry . The conduct of the last Secretary should surely have given them enough of a dose to make them very careful in the matter of appointing a successor . The Secretary is the most important officer in the whole movement . He ought , in fact , to be tko very marrow of the movement . Bitter experience must , we presume , have shown tho people that a false step in the appointment of Executive officers , and especially of Secretary , may do more mischief than all our exertions can retrieve for a long period . Our

      Secretary must be a man of business habits , a man of comprehensive mind—a man of some information and intelligence—a man who understands the movement—a man who knows the bearings of the law upon political societies , who thoroughly understands our Organization , and who will have sensa and honesty and industry to " work" it . It is ¦ no easy task to " work" a national Organization , in the teeth of such Jaws as we have to contend with and steer clear of . We need for this purpose an educated , intelligent man , an industrious , persevering , and honest man . We do not want an

      ignorant ,, impudent , bully , who cannot return a civil answer to a respectful letter ; we do not want a fellow to spend his time in public houses , drinking and smoking and playing at cards , instead of minding the duties of bis office , and to occupy the chief part of what time he can spare from the public house in his own private business , while he pockets the people ' s money for doing their work , which is left undone ; we don't want a man to leave bis duties , and run up and down the country lecturing every time that he may want a fresh " drag" of money , more than his wages . We want a man

      who knows his work , aad can do his work ; who will be content with bis wages , and content to work for his wages—a man who will devote to the cause his whole time , energy , and talents , and whose time and talents are worth having . With such a secretary , our organisation could not fail to progress , and our cause to prosper . And unless the people can find euch an one they had far better hare none at all ; a vacant office is preferable to an inefficient or dishonest officer . But suoh a man must be searched for carefully . There must be no hurry in the selection . Thepeoplo must take time to think and to deliberate , before they decide .

      There is one fact to which we would point attention ; that no honourable , or even honest , man would be Secretary , under present circumstances ; because it would be to associate himself in office with two men who still , in defiance of every principle of democracy , impudently cling to the tenure and name of office , though covered with a load of obloquy and disgrace which would have- paralized and kept within doors any men having a grain of decency . The country have no right to expect that any decent and good man will allow himself to be brought in

      contact with the filth from which the character of these men stands uncleansed . No man who valued bis own reputation would for an instant act in any public capacity with either of them . It wants but a few weeks to the time when they must " go out " by the lapse of their term of office ; and the people should in the interim be looking out for honest men to supply their places , and making suoh amendments in the plan of Organization as may render less likely the recurrence of the mischiefs whioh have resulted from the jobbing and profligacy of the pre&eut men .

      Some parties seem to think that no steps can be taken in the matter of amending the organization , because we have in reality no Executive . And because Campbell won't give up the books and cards , it is thought that the enrollment of members can ' t go on . We think quite differently . For the enrollment , of members we advise every sub-secretary at once to provide a book for entering the names , trades , and residences of all the members of his own district . Let no regard be paid to the fact of card or no card , " but let the Society for all

      practical and immediate purposes be a local one for that town or place : ; every one being acknowledged as a member , whose name is on the Secretary ' s book and none else . Every newly enrolled member to pay his twopence and all these twopencea to go to the formation of a fund for the use cf a New Executive when appointed , and the weekly contributions to be applied to the furtherance of the cause in the immediate neighbourhood . No cards need be given ; but when a member removes to any other place , he should have a certificate from the sub-Secretary ia the following form .

      Hull , Jan . 27 th , 1843 . " I certify that John Smith is an enrolled member of the Chartist body . " Peter Truemam , sub-Secretary . " In any town where he presents this certificate , his name would be enrolled among the Chartists of that place , without any additional fee but the payment of the weekly penny . Thus our Association will become a multitude of distinct local societies , all governed by the same laws and acting on the same plan , and ready for amalgamation into one body as

      soon as the c onnecting link , a honest Executive , may be supplied . js £ j | fc We shall next week Bhowhow toe whole matter of considering and arranging , and amending , the Organization j may be effectually done by the people in their localities , and a general vote taken upon it , and recorded , without the intervention of the Executive or the expense of a delegate meeting . We shall also suggest such improwmenta in the plan ot Organization as we think it needs . Meantime we advise most strongly that the registration of members be immediately commenced by all the sub-

      Untitled Article

      Secretaries , each acting as Secretary for his district . This is necessary to be done , and to be done in the first place . ¦ ^

      Untitled Article

      THE CHALLENGE TO THE CORN-LAW LEAGUE ] BY MR . O'CONNOR . Tub industry of the League , in their efforts to " get rid of Feargcs" is most untiring ! As soon aa ever one project is defeated , or one "tool " exposed , another is hatched , and a fresh " tool " bought . ; They have found , however , that Feargus sticks like wax ! He is a most troublesome customer He will not " be got rid of" ! With a most provoking equanimity ] does he sustain every individual and repeated assault ; and with vigour uadiminished and determination impregnable as the hatred of his would-be destroyers , does he present himself again and again to their notice and vengeance .

      Inexact proportion to the efforts of the starvegut crew to get " rid of Feabgus , " should be the efforts and determination as of the people to sustaiu him in the warfare ia which he is engaged with the enemies of the labourer . By bo doing they sustain themselves and their orni cause . The battle he is fighting is not his . own ; it is the battle of the " i * oor Oppressed" jagainst the " Rich Oppbessoe" There is a way , just now , by which the people in their several localities can materially serve themselves , and strengthen the hands of Mr . O'Connor He has entered the field of controversy with the '

      League . To a full and fair discussion of the whole question between themselves and the people has he challenged them * I He has offered to meet them in nearly every considerable town in England and Scotland , and to submit his views , in opposition to theirs , to public decision , after a full examination and a due canvassing . He has stipulated that the meetings shall be open and public ; not close or packed . He has offered to bear one-half of the expence ; the League to bear the other half ; and he has enjoined other conditions necessary to secure " a fair stage , and no favour" for either party .

      With this challenge YOU , the working people , are fully acquainted . But the other classes to whom the Leaguers ; appeal know not of it . ClasB prejudice prevents their seeing the Northern Star ; and you may rest assured that the other portions of the press will take care not to let their readers know the fact that such a challenge has been given . On thia matier both Whig and Tory will act alike . The Tory is as much interested in

      putting down the labourer ' s opposition to Corn Law Repeal , as is the Whig himself , who , of all things on earth , affects a desire to obtain Repeal . Tory opposition to " Repeal" is a selfish class opposition ; the opposition of the labourers springs from principles whioh are as detrimental to the class interests of the Tories as ; to the class interests of the Whigs . There is -no sympathy between the 14 Landlord ' s Opposition" and the " Labourer ' s Opposition" to Corn Law Repeal !

      Under these circumstances it is the duty of the people to give effect to Mr . O'Connor's challenge It is their duty to let all classes know that it has been Pgiven ; and that , as yet , it stands unaccepted . It is their duty to let the League know , that the woild knows it is so unaccepted . It is their duty to thrust that challenge under the nose of every League-man who presumes to appeal to public opinion . It is thei r duty to force the League out into discussion , if it can by any means be accomplished ! These things can be best done , in our opinion , by the mode suggested by the Chartists of Huddersfield . They propose that Mr . O'Connor ' s challenge shall be publicly posted in ; every town and place in which the League are , or have been , making efforts to obtain . hold of the public mind .

      The suggestion is a good one . It is worthy of immediate adoption . If carried out with spirit and effect , all the world will know what to think of the men who shrink from discussion ; and they will also know what it is that prompts the desire and exertions to " get rid of Feargus . " To aid in the carrying out of this suggestion , our publisher , Mr . Hobson , has prepared the

      challenge in a large placard for posting ; and in a small handbill for distribution . These be is ready to supply at a rate barely covering paper and workmanship , even when a large number are taken . Ta him we beg to refer the Conncilmen of each locality ; and press upon them the necessity of immediate steps being taken in the matter . For about thirty shillings , a large district may be well supplied with the challenge in both shapes .

      By all means should the Manchester lads instantly bestir themselves . This next week the League gathers in their town : let their eyes be blessed with the " UNACCEPTED ( CHALLENGE" upon the walk of the town ^^ fbJch the shrinkers are met LeFthia be % 0 MW all cost I It will take the edge off their anticipated triumphs , and will lower their tone most wonderfully . The same means will' have the same effect in every other place , if they be but followed out . We must make this challenge TELL . If they accept it , —O ! then the triumph of Chartism is certain ! for truth and fair-dealing are sure to triumph over double-facednesa and . egregiouB error . If they will not accept it , the people must spit upon them , and drive them from the face of day !

      We mnst force them to an acceptance of this challenge , or to an avowal , by conduct , that they dare not ! In either case , the cwise of the people must triumph . With the peopl « , then , the matter rests . It must not rest long ! The first thing is to give publicity to the challenge . Let that be done instanter . Then in the event of its continued \ non-acceptance , we will prepare a pill for the League that shall work them well ! Our object is to get them out in discussion This we must accomplish ;| and , with the aid of the people , we will either do it , or SMASH UP THE LEAGUE , notwithstanding their £ 50 , 000 . To the first step in this business we earnestly call the people . i

      Untitled Article

      M UNION" WITH THE WHIGS . Whatever ia there in the wind now ? The Chronicle of Thursday is anticipating a speedy Union" of the Chartists with the Whigs : not to seonre the fulfilment of Chartist objects , but the ascendancy of Whig power , through the legislative adoption of Whig nost rums . ' ; Again , we ask , what can be in the wind ! The Chronicle says , " God grant the * union' may take place" ! to whioh we respond ** DevU doubt you" !

      Untitled Article

      For what are we to unite 1 To carry the Charter To reduce the overwhelming , crushing , weight of taxation ? To annihilate unmerited pensions and sinecures 1 To throw off the dead-weight ? To equitably adjust the Debt ? To deal honestl y with the Nation ' s property in the possession of the Church ? To look after the Crown Lands ! To render their revenues available to the people ' s purposes , in lieu of the Monarch ' s pay taken from the people ' s means I To disband the unconstitutional Standing Army in time of peace ! To revise the half-pay list , and reduce the number of unnecessary officers f

      To overhaul the Civil List and the Salaries of Jud ges and Ministers of State , with a view to render them something in accordance with the altered circumstances oi the times ? Are we to " unite" with the Whigs for these things ? Is it this the Chronicle means , when it ejaculates God grant the ' union' may take place" 1 Not a bit of a I Carry the Charter I No suoh thing ! Reduce taxation ? Horrible sacrilege ! He only contemplates another ** Extension of Commerce , " and a re-seating of the Whigs on the Treasury Beaches of Saihi Stephen ' s !

      It is pretty cool in the Chronicle to propose to the Chartists " union" for such a purpose as this , after the unequivocal answers the Whig parly have received , to all their manoeuvres and tricks to aceomplish such " union" ! For the last eighteea months have they constantly been trying to effect it ; and as constantly have they failed ! And why " unite" now 1 Is Whiggery less odious than it was ? Are Whig objects of [ more importance now

      than btfore 1 Is the nature of Whigs and Whi ggery altered fer the better \ Do they not HATE thb CHABTrSTS WITH THE SAME CNEXTINGUISHiBLB HATRED that they so unequivocally manifested when in PowEE ; and for which manifestation the Chartists drove them from office ? Why then " unite" now ? Because Whiggery is helpless Because Whiggery is down ! Beeaase it needs the Chartist crutch to enable it to hobble into life again !

      That crutch they will , of course , get ! afc least they hope so . " God grant we may , " piously ejaculate the Chronicle . We may just venture to ask WHEN % When the people forget injuries . When the people learn to prefer their deadly enemies to bosom friends When the people cease to think on stripes , and chains , and dungeons , and penal settlements , and scaffolds , with executioners ready to cut their advocates "into four quarters , to be disposed of as the Queen shall direct ! " When the people forget the woeful lessons that an experience of the

      ascendancy of Free Trade principles has taught them ! When the people cease to hate the horrible enactment passed to bring them " to live on a coarser sort of food . " When tho people become enamoured of the Rural Police , to force the starvation law down their starving throats ; and when they cease to recognize in the Whigs and Whiggery the essence of Malthusianism , which deuiea them the right to live in the land God has given them ! When these things come to pass , then may the Chronicle expect an " Union" of the Chartists with the Whigs for Whig purposes : but not till then !!!

      We advice him to save his wind . He will" need it to cool his porridge with , " before the Whig Stbikemess is disposed of !

      Untitled Article

      Huddeesfield . —John Chapman is Sub-Secretary for this district : his residence , Water-gate , Man " chester-sireet ; and to him all communications must be addressed . William Magee . —His communication is inserted . We are as well aware « s he is of the great hurt to a journal of typographical errors and careless printing , and do our best to avoid it : but he must know that these ars often the effect of bad marine script and careless writing . D . Abkll . —4 s . 6 d .

      Executive Votes of Confidence again . — We have a letter from James Leach acknowledging that he had no authority whatever from the Chartists of Newport , in the Isle of Wight , or any of them for the statement which he made at Birmingham during the Conference week , about a vole o / confidence in him and his colleagues , and afterwards suppressed by us . He says Campbell told him sot but he knows not what authority Campbell had for the statement . From a paragraph in our Chartist intelligence , it will be seen that the Brighton Chartists have by resolution in public meeting disclaimed all knowledge of the resoltttion which they at the same time were ffirmedto have passed and sent to us for publication . Will ' the country ever be satisfied with the honesty and truthfulness of these men ?/

      The " Plotting" and " Conspibacy' Letters . —< In reply to oir demand of when the letters were to be published , Mr . Leach says , " it will depend muoh upon circumstances , when or whether ever those letters will be published or not . " We quilt believe this , and we can tell Mr . Leach what the circumstances are . The circumstance which prevents their publication , is the little fact that they are not in existence , and that no such letters ever were in existence . John M . 'NAUGHTEN . ^ HFe ca not give him the information he wishes . James Webster , York . — We know all about the meeting . We know exactly how many were present . We know that our statement is correct }

      . and Mr . Webster has not impugned iL Thereto lulion was voted by eight persons , and no vm $ James Leeson . —His letter is forwarded . Charles Stead . —In the National Charter Associa tion there is no such distinction of offices as "Secretary" and " Corresponding Secretary ; " but every local and separate body of Chartists mag have what offices they please . The Marylebone Election op Delegates . —We do not conceive that any good can come of publishing the letter from several members of the Cammiltee , which we have received . We gavt Mr . Farrar ' s contradiction to the alleged facts and we do not think reasonable men can require more , especially as the matter is now over arti dene with .

      'J . Peafce . —Never mind the chattering fools . Let them lie till they are ho ¦ rse . W . H . Dyott begs to intimate to his English Chartist friends , that there has been a woeful absence of Stab- % A * lately in Ireland . In a political sensk Egyptian bondage , and Egyptian darkness tOOt prevail in Ireland . The rays of the Star could do much to dissipate the latter , and light Jor Irishmen , too poor to purchase , the true road to freedom . * Tbe address required by the South Wales delegates-Mr . J . H . Clarke £ 8 urveyor Ledbury , Hereford-. shire . tw ^ f Mk . J . Sweet , of Nottingham , is still agent for the Northern and Evening Stars ; he also begs to acknowledae the receint of id . from Bleak-hall

      Buildings , for Mrs . Ellis , and trusts that the men , of Nottingham , and its neighbourhood , will for ward their subscriptions without delay . The Chartists of Northumberland and Durham , arg respectfully informed by James Sinclair , that any communication to him after the 2 nd of February , should be directed to James Sinclair , News Agent , Chartist Depot , 25 , High-bridge , Newcastle . Bradford—Stabs to Ireland . —Mr . Joseph Ald tf son calls the attention of the Bradford Chartists to the fact , that very few Stars are now received by the Council for Ireland . We hope with hto that this remissness will be immediately remedied Manchester . —The clothes raffie next week . Mb .- Con Murray wishes us to slate that his friends corresponding wth him between this and

      the 4 th of February , may address to the care < 9 Mr . William Smith , 52 , New Market , Neiccastieupon-Tyne ; between the 4 th and \ 2 th , to Mr James Arthur , bookseller , Ricker-gate , Carlisle , after which fie goes into Scotland , , Thomas Davies . —An "Appeal to Patriotism ana Humanity" next week . S . C . S .- Upwards of 20 is above 20 . Count your . fingers . Suffering Hukanity . —Their communicalwns John Screaton , Laubley , Notts , and A Fbiend *> - are received , and shall have attention . Manchester Packer , —Next week . No&tbwich Chartists . —H& really cannot tell » Ay the 5 s . was not acknowledged in the balance ; the ? had better ask Sir John Campbell .

      J StlVEN , France . —Eleven shillings and Sevenpence halfpenny . F . Skillicobn . —We can send the Plates by post R * 6 d , or we can forward them to London , care oi Mr . Cleave . W . Thomas , MeRthyr Tydvil . —Apply toD . Morgan , Malt Mill Square , Bferthyr Tidvil , WU » receives the Stars regularly for sale . J . SkidmoRe . —The Plates are sent to Mr . Harney .

      Untitled Article

      FOB THE NATIONAL DEFEHCB FUND . £ . a * From Mauchline , per John Cunningham ... 0 15 jj -v . Hunalet , per Mr . Longbottom ... 0 10 0 « . Wm . Smith . New Pitslko , Aberdeen 0 4 2

      The Northern Star. Saturday, January 28, 1843.

      THE NORTHERN STAR . SATURDAY , JANUARY 28 , 1843 .

      Untitled Article

      BIBLE SOCIETY OPPRESSION . Of all the cants in this canting world , eave as from the combined cant of hypocrisy and oppression . When the powerful exert their power for the oppression of the weak in individual cases , our blood etirs ; when they do bo upon a scale of wholesale class depression , it rises ; when the sacred principles of justice and benevolence are openly defied from avowed selfish motives , we feel indignant ; bat

      when oppression puts on the face of sanctity and clothes itself in the warm garments of benevolence while it outrages the common feelings of humanity with heartlessness , we have no words to express our contemptuous loathing and abhorrence . Hence we do not trust ourselves to comment on the following simple statement of the journeymen bookbinders employed under the British and Foreign Bible Society : —

      " The Bbitish aud Fobeigh Bible Society is an Institution whose' sole object is to encourage a wider circulation of the Holy Scriptures , * in doing which its management professes , in the language of the 2 nd resolution of the 37 th Meeting , Exeter Hall , May 5 th , 1841 ; ' that they desire to cast themselves upon the continued divine blessing of Almighty God , as on that which can alone sustain them in their present prosperons course . * " About a month since the Committee of this Society thought proper to reduce the price of their Bibles and Testaments bound in sheep , and in roan , gilt edges , 10 which we refer .

      H As what applies to one Bort of Bible or Testament in this binding applies to the whole , we only particularise the rnby Bible , 24 mo ., roan , gilt edges ; they reduced the price of this Bible to Is . 6 d ., and as before stated , the price of all other Bibles and Testaments in this binding in the fame proportion , thereby underselling every other trade in the market . H To enable them to accomplish this , they did not , as might have been expected , apply any portion of the ample funds of their Society to that purpose , but BKDCCED THE PBICE OF ITS BIKDIKG for the WHOLE

      JUIOUHT OP THAT EEDUCHOS . " They entered into a calculation of the price of materials , and of the wages of the labour employed thereon , apportioning so much for materials and profit , and so much for wage 3 j and after ascertaining the wages paid to journeymen bootbinders in their trade , considered that these journeymen were paid too much for their labour , and that , therefore , the low price at which they required

      the work to be done might be easily made to pay the employer by a corresponding reduction in the wages of the men , and also of the women in their employment . A reduction , amounting to nearly one-half the wages formerly paid , was therefore made by the employers who bind for this Society , to whom remonstrance was useless , it being Boon found that the price they received wonld admit of no higher wages . " Scarcely believing this of the committee of a society which owes its existence to the benevolence

      2to Mesfoevg Nvto ©Omgjpoffijetvtg.

      2 To Mesfoevg nvto © omgjpoffijetvtg .

      Untitled Article

      MIDLLEjCLASS BENEVOLENCE ! We are informed , on the best possible authority , that a firm , whose establishment is not one hundred miles from Mabgate , in this town , and who work on material no less hard than iron , wish to be thought benevolent , and ! to have their names published as men who commisserate the starving oondition of the destitute poor . At present , we will not gratify the zest of those very benevolent gentlemen , by publishing their names —but , on a repetition of their disinterested ness , we may do so .

      We now merely state their method of * raising the wind . " One day , last week , they intimated the necessity of their men subscribing one shilling each in aid of the Public Soup Kitchen . This call the men did not feel disposed to respond to , for one very substantial reason—namely , that their wages had been recently reduced , and , consequently , they thought charity was required at home . However , on Saturday night last a paper was handed to the men , and , nolens'volcns , the shilling must be paid .

      This act needs no comment . It is quite in keeping with the class , and is a very genteel way of obtaining notoriety as a charitable and liberal firm . No doubt , the Bashaws of the establishment will lay all claim to the generous act . We have heard of aid being rendered , in this neighbourhood , by the same means , to the Missionary and Bible Societies . What purity of Christian principle !

      Untitled Article

      4 THE NORTHERN STAR .

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Jan. 28, 1843, page 4, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct635/page/4/