On this page
-
Text (10)
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
-
-
Transcript
-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
Untitled Article
UH . R . J . RICHARDSON AND THE MAN-*^ CHESTER COMMITTEE . The following letter from Mr . Richardson reached " ^ by the afternoon post , on Thursday list , just before foifl * to press : — TO THE XDITOB OF THE KOKTHRBS STAB . Sib —When I l » st wrote to you , I did not think jj-tiurf Radical would have presnmed to say , that tS ^ ng the p Uon sad simple troth was libelling the Zafo ef Lancashire—tha * it in any way was qnesfausg thmr honesty . Neither did I think that there ns one word of falsehood in my " case , " much less fid I think , that the men who nave appended their -ijaes to a pretended refutation of my claims could j ^ re oone so . Sir , I hare do desire to be the subject of a paper -w r * ° th * t would delight our
enegjeg ; bnt truth must come forth : and 1 was go Beffhat brief in stating my case before , which perjaps has been the eaase of the personal attack jnide spQn me by the Manchester Committee . In tile £ r place 1 deny every line of the letter which appgued ia yoar last in answer toaj case , and pro-£ ! nBee it to be fall of malignity and falsehoodjot ip by a party who hare for two years and a half lersaed ' me with every species of petty malice . Bat jaffcets . I complained formally to Mr . Bel ] , of Salford , the Secretary of the Liberation Demonstration C emmittee , of the debts owing to the Advertiser ( gce , and Mr . Bell promised me , in a letter sent js Kirkdale gaol ( which I have in my possession , ) { kit the debts onght to be looked after , and that sojaetking should be done in the matter when I
gjneoui ofgaoL Well , I came oat ; for a month so loing was done ; I made another appeal to the 5 &feoDal Association in Tib-street , and a committee ( of whom Linney was not one ) was appointed to examine into the accounts ; I waited apon that cornsuttee , and gave them bills , amounting , I believe , to £ 19 odd . Mr . Chamberlain got these bills , but the committee could not be got together to examine { tec . Wheeler and Chamberlain know these facts . At last an effort was made , and a few of them came , jad without examing the bills at all , agreed to hand then over to the County Delegate Meeting , in Hsr ch , I believe it was . I attended that delegate meeting , and explained the whole affair , when the AsleE&tes took up the question , and resolved to do
ill in their power to see the debt honestly liquidated ; asd further , I offered to attend , and give a lecture or lectures in . any of the surrounding townB , for the purpose of assisting the delegates in raising the money . Mr . Davies was appointed treasurer . Taese proceedings were advertised in the Star of the week following . 1 waited a whole month , and nothing was done either by the Manchester ** pro « r » committee or the county deltgates . Well ; I -raited upon the delegates at their next monthly oeeting , and it appeared that the delegates had len Hsnccester on the understanding that I wa £ to hare written to each town ; but the resolution in the Slar thowed they were wrong . However , it was agreed vat the Tariou 3 delegates should write to
me—Drojlsden acd Oldham did so . I attended there isd lectured atDroylsden once , and Oldham twice . > " o other town haying written to me , I got np a j hoarse of lectures in the Tib-street Boom , which I ae National Association Committee gave me thfi j gratuitous use of ; but the lectures were not well isended—in fact , did not pay the expences . I was jo disgusted with the coolness of the Manchester ' Committee , and the county delegates , that I resob-ed ! Jo try my fortune elsewhere ; and I came to Scot- ; bed , wua a Tiew of raising , if possible , a trifle mougsi strangers ; seeing cle&rlj that a prophet ; lath no honour in his own country . Let any man ! is Manchester deny a word of the above facts , if he : an . >* ow , as to the details . O , Sir , I am sick !
ihnos : to death that men can be found so base as J gorrel about trifles , and stoop to wound a man ' s j henour and repuution , who has served them faith- ' fcCj and hocoorabJy , and ruined himself , in their j aase . The amount of the whole debt is only £ 16 16 s . Si How scrupulously exact . I say it was £ 19 ; but wheiher or not , why were not these matters rec-Efed -when 1 was in Manchester ! Why , because tier were too careless about a poor fellow suffering in their cause ; the greatest fault amongst the Charasa . When pressed into a comer they were compelled to stir themselves to get oat of danger . When 1 made out my case , I saw I had stirred them op ; aeir honour was wounded . I sent word to Wheeler » let zee see the result of the investigation of the
iceonnis by this " proper" Committee , before thej satf them to the press . But no . Wheeler told Mrs . . Biebzrdson that as I did noi let ikem see my letter before I seat it to the Star , the ? would not let me iee theirs . Petty malignity ! Will Wheeler dare » tell . the country that be aud the Committee did sot know , months before , the whele of my case ! However , they admit £ 16 . Now , as to £ 5 5 s . paid kr printing 1 , 000 reports of the IfemonBiration , being a prirate speculation , I decy it—distinctly knj it I produced a similar report of the Binninghm meeting to the Committee in Newall ' s Buildjags , and it wis agreed that , if the Adt&rtiser Jolks irould print them cheap , no doabt they would go cf amongst the trades and Associations . I ordered
than , and I haTe to pay for them . Now , as to the L 5 C 0 cards , that were sold at 6 d . each , which I find written in such a manner as to convey to your readers laidea that I had sold the cards . That , they dare bo ; say ; but they know as well as I do isfco sold the few that were sold , and -who go ; the money , and who got the books , which thej Koaciomly ask for—all of them know that I waited tpon John " Q oin , of Manchester , many a time for the principal part of those books , which Qoin had pTen up to Bomebody else—I belicre , but 1 will not « certain , to Batterworth and Leech . Why ask me where are the minutes of the Union ! They know I was at the ConTeation from February to July , taring which time the Association had undergone
great changes ; but , for my part , I had nothing to < k > , one way or other , with the books ; I was the j fro ! who ordered , at the bidding ot the committees ,, md who now has to pay for them . Then why j daHenge me to produce the books , minutes , trea- j strers , stewards , &X . ! What haTe I to do with I &em . ETery one most see that I hare nothing to i do bat to pay the piper ; and every honest man will ] see that the challenge is a mere subterfuge to es- ape paying an honest debt . The debt Lj owin ^ . j Tae simple quesuon is , asi I to pay it , or am I not 1 i Kow , Sir , to the last pan of their letter , — " The reading of Mr . Rjebardsoirs letter might lead j people to believe that he was nujnstly treated j bj the workise men of Manchester , for his
semces in the Convention , and that he made great aerifices by atiendiug that bodv . The answer to « kat is , that he RECEIVED ' fivs Pooi ) s per Veix ^ besides trarelling expences ; and as to his K' ^ dbg Palace-Yard Meeting at his own expence , e is utterlj false . " Tiliacy caucot parallel such a fcais of irjustice . I received £ 5 per week ! I only Wight to haTe done so , accordiDg to agreement before Iweatcp . I was in the Convention from the first * eeiis February w the first week : n Jnly , twentysx weeks , and ail 1 received was £ 31 to pay travelcag esperces and everything else . Let them make that into "I received ' five peunds a week " if they «*• I cause down from London at their " request t ' o ^ eo < i a meeriDg a ; Bany ' s Q rcas , for which 1 was itenrards indicted , ana served nine moriths in
pris * B i « a tbey tell me 1 made no sacrifices ! And ** at is more , 1 was never paid for attending that fc-setmg , when O'BrieD , M * Douall , and Rawgon Jztz . haadsomely . I got the residue , which I paid 3 p ° tbe CoDvention on behalf of the people of ~ "jeaes « r , and frcm that time , twenty-third Asm t « Jaly following , I never received * -aniung piece . Almost every man in Ma-i-Wester knows well thai I was bad 3 y treaied . » j ,-nieij ij-eale ( j by those who were in power is . .- * acbesier . 1 conld have forgiven almost anything , ^ Euch a wicke d assertion a 3 s&j ' mg 1 was not j ^ -i treated . Linney and Wheeler have often said ***»; aad now when I am far away , they say the ^ erse .
" Thii is the unkindest cut ot all '" -i _ to the Palace Yard meeting , a mere trifle was ^ scted , which was nothing to what ordinary exrtets were attending the journey . But what i = j r * ) I KeBt to Birmingham Great Meeting with £ jr p 2 S O'Connor , and no man ^ -aTe me a fraction ; ^¦ " ¦ fcen Joha Frost was in im minen t danger ol ^ r ? ra t w pieces by the " base , b ; oody , and brutal ^^ i I - svas elected bv a lar ^ e mee : ing , to * * a petition to the Qie ' en in his -behalf . Will r ^ P' i : aney and Co . say who pa ; & my expences £ ^ adoa , if not , I will tell t ) * em that the J ^ aras ts of Ma ^ ches-. er , I mean Mes = r s . Linney atd '' " ^/ oo ; coiiect aoney for it . No ; . ¥ u « erwonh 7 Oi ? ^ - Ea ^ -n colle cted fifteen shilti . vffs , which ^ -ssTed iro m iLr . Barr ow , te pay my ei'pencts to ^¦ " v Wfenl l <> London at iny own expence v , ' , K ? & los . ) , presented the petition of t he peo-• ZaL ciea « r 5 which , along with other . , £ uc-^^ m ' w aiag poor ' ttttjed Frost from the J ~~!« ia s knife , and to this dav never received one fr om of
£ *^§ more people Mancheit . er te Gefrayiug my expen ds ; and , withaU , u ^ v £ * ^ to be tola by Messrs . Linney add Co ., tha . J" Eo- been bad . y used ! Is not such condu-1 ^ z !?' Hcken a man , and make him rorn with ^^ irca advocating a c ause iha t i = cursed by fcoJ ^ f . ^* ' practises , ludetd it is . The public 52 v ^^ ^ any an honest and warm hearted Radi-^ o ^ . I ? Eacr ^ c-ed by petty mea , whose ambition > , ' ? * , « a to any act of ' meancess—to destroy ire
1 ^ : ** ° respected by tie honest and inteUinJ J ^ ^ classes . I shall write no more whatn 7 - ' Z- tta - = *? ; } believe in my coDscience , tbat * T £ s .- ! WAewr ' ltt € n ishouestly delivered from tod i ~ n " ej are ** cis > ^ Q nothing but facts iPDj . ¦ f rest my hope upon the public , who wiij i noi ~ % ? - my case ' a-d gne me their assistance . I fcd- " "' . T ^ y more ' or J cou ] a " a tele UE * S -Pri- i Uii T i Vnii aT 0 ^ recrimination , as it begets * HU ? nh T - mj ca 5 e With Ihe P ufcIic - What " * 4 t ;« . C -sc t ^ " e : ' k ° "" ° ^ e ° f Thomas th th * ' j - rreasurer 5 a £ Manchester , and let not % ^ . " j trfr - ' w ' s debt , but Heywoc-d ' s ctbt , axe w ^ *?« i ^ Paid : tiat has always bcec et
, , ^ stert v :., ^ * \ hs P sb ] ic wiU « c that I had no { rrr > -H"ir ' rC ' T : e ' ST ~ ltat I wished : o paim no ^ fc on £ » Wv the pe ° P Caterer . I believe I f : " ^ ho to remain so . ioajOUT ? , R . J . RTCEABDSQ . N .
Untitled Article
MR . B . J . RICHARDSON AND THE MANCHESTER COMMITTEE . TO THE EDITOR OF TBE 5 OKTHEEN STAB . SIR , —We perceive that Mr . Richardson ( throufh the medium of the Dundee Chronicle ) has issued a rejoinder to » ur former letter , in -which we come in lor no « mall ¦ hare of odium and vulgar abuse . Whether , however , the elegant epithets of Mr . Richardson are more applicable to us or to himself , we shall leave the public to decide , after their perusal of both rides of the question . He first complain * that our leply to hiB statements is full of malign *^ and falsehood , got up by a party who
have for two yean and a n&lf punned him with every species of petty malice . To whicb we reply , that if selling from aefenteen to twenty Northern Stars per week in one district , besides a great number of Black Books , and other periodicals , picture frames , dec . for Mr . Richardson , without any deductions , together with four shillings per week from the Manchester local fund , independent of what be received from tbe National Tietini Fund , and ^ tier aources . If doing these things be evidence of malignity and petty malice , we must e ' en plead euiliy to the charge .
As to Mr . Bell ' s letter ( in which Mr . Richardson gays he promised him something should be done , && ) he wrote it on his own respond bility without being fully acquainted with the circumstances of the case and when remonstrated with , excused himself by saying be feared it might create division . The "proper " committee of which Mr . Richardson speaks so sarcastically , -welL knew that the debt was not owing by the South Lancashire Chartists , but by Mr . Richardson ; but knowing also that he was involved in difficulties , they sympathised with him . and allowed him the use of their room free of expence , in order to assist him in raising the , money . Another instance this we presume of their petty malignity .
As Mr . Richardson seems to « ieer very complacently at the honour and honesty of the Manchester proper committee , it may not be out of place to give the country a sample or tw « of the honour and honesty of this most honest and honourable gentleman himself . He tells the public that his lectures were badly attended , but does not assign any reasons for it Let us see if we can furnish him with one or two . He will no donbt recoiled ihat tb » first ot hia lectures was to be on the " Repeal of the Union , " and that tbe town was placarded and notice given on the Sunday evening in the Room ; ( the lecture w&s to take place the night folJowing ;) that he left word on Monday , that he had to goto Dublin , and consequently tbe Committee and the people were left to bear their disappointment as they best might But what will the public think when informed , that instead of going to Dublin , this most honest and tonouraole gentleman to « ri to Liverpool , to give evidence against bis brother Chartist ,
Christopher Bean , if he had bees brought to trial ,- and on being asked , on his return , if it was true tbat be had been subpeeaaed cywtssf him , he replied , " No , I went to assist him ! " the fact being , that Bibby , the Inspector of Police , whom he directed where to find Dean and apprehend him , had subpoenaed him with a sovereign th « Saturday pre-rious , to go to Liverpool . AGAINST Mr . Dean , and part of his " fee" was paid to him at Liverpool , and the remainder on hia return to Manchester , at Mr . Hertford , the prosecuting attorney ' s-office , Til for six day's attendance , the sum of . £ 6 6 s ., which this most honest and honourable gentleman charged for his honest services in the cause of the people . Most people will , no doubt , think this a tolerably good reason why his lectures were badly attended ; and also that an honest gentleman , who receives such liberal remuneration for his most honourable services has but small occasion to palm upon the public his own private debts .
Now for a few remarks upon the subject of » ' ma lignity and falsehood , " for which this honourable and truthful gentleman professes such an aversion . This lover of truth then had the audacity to declare , in the presence of parties who are prepared to prove the fact , th&t James Bronterre O'Brien ( to whose intellecual acquirements and zealous labours we are indebted for many invaluable works and writings , ) was not possessed of two single ideas ; and that instead of his being the author of the Life of Robespierre , he actually stole it from a Frenchman , and palmed it upon the public as an original work ef his own . Mr . Richardson
when in Lancaster Castle , memorahsed the Government to remove him from thence to Kirkdale House of Corrtction , the restrictions in the former place being prejudicial to his health ; but when ( during the sittings of the Petition Convention ) the people memoralised the GoTenrnjeot for the release of Mr . O'Brien , this lover of all that is honourable actually wrote to Mr . Duncombe , stating that Mr . O'Brien was as comfortable as if he were in a palace ; that tbe prisoners there were much better off than when tbey were at large ; and he bad Uie modesty to append Mt . Butterworth'S name to bis letter , as a witness of the facts without his consent .
Mr . Sichardson speaks of having pressed the " proper" committee into a corner ; to which we reply , that if Mr . R . does not feel the want of tlbow room , we have littte reason to complain . With regard to our admission of a debt of £ 16 , we refer the country to our former letter , where tbey will see on which side the balance stands . As to tbe reports alluded to , he ordered them : let him say who got the money f « r them , as we know nothing aboat it ; but we believe they were sold , and if so , the xsoney ought to t > e accounted for . Mr . Kic&ardfon puts to us the same question we
asked of him in our former letter , as to who received the money for the cards , who has got the books ? fee . O * r answer is , spply to Messrs . Richardson , Cottrel , Wiilis , Cobbett , and Co . And as to Mr . B . saying Out he applied to Quin and Butterworth for them , it is a mere eubterfege , as th « jy had no connection With the association at the time , and consequently could not be in possession ef the books . As to the minutes of the Union , Messrs . Richardson and Co ., ought to produce them , as Mr . R . was connected with them from September to February ( before he went to the Conrentionj daring which time the debt was contracted .
As to his assertion about mbterfege to escape paying hosest debts , we think we have sufficiently shown by whom tbe debt is owing ; and as it is customary for honest men to pay their debts , we hope Mr . Richardson will not incur the charge of dishonesty by refusing to bay hia He tk ' eu asserts that he served in tbe Convention for twenty-six weeks , without receiving more than £ 31 : the fact being that he received £ 5 per week during tbe whole period of his services , with tie exception of three weeks , when he was employed on a mission from the Convention , for winch he received £ 24 , as vt reference to the balaLce sheet will proTe .
His next assertion is , that he came dotcn from London at oar request te attend a meeting in Batty's Circus , for which he was not paid , whilst O'Brien , M'Douall , and Rowson were , The fact is , be was in town on some private business before tne letter requesting his attendance was put into the post-office . How , then , could he expect his expenses to be paid ? Mr . O'Brien bring sent for , of course had his expenses paid . Mr . Rowson , from Bury , was paid also ; but M'Douall never received a farthing . For attending the Palace Yard meeting iir . Richardson received £ 5 , according to agreement , — £ 3 on his departure , and £ 2 on his return .
He next asserts that he attended the Birmingham meeting without being paid ; bnt he forgets to mention who sen , t him thtie . The Manchester people never &ent him ; how then should he expect they would pay his expences . He was also elected at a large meeting to take & petition to the Queen on behalf of Frost , Williams , and Jones . This electo . s took place AT HIS OWN REQUEST ! he slaitd thai he teas going to London , on some private business , and would take diMrvz of the petition . We have now replied to Mr . Richardson's assertions ami falsehoods , and leave him to his reflections , and the country to decide between us . Y ? e Lave also rtlated a few instances of his most honourable conduct in that cause ¦ which he professes to regret should be cursed t < j such dishonest practices , and as Byron says , —
They eertes all are entertaining facts , And most essential to our btro ' s story ; But then they don't contribute greatly to his glory . Mr . Richardson asserts tbat villany cannot parallel the injustice of cut formtr letter ; to which we reply , that if he cannot find one in tbe above true relation of facts , - we can have no hope of directing bis researches with success . We remain , Sir , Tour's truly , Joseph Li . \~ et , Chairman . JjlHES Wood , Secretary . Pavl Faibclovgh . Samuel Chamberlain . EE > B . Y KtlTAlA . James Wheeler . James Harbison . James Leech . Thomas Davies . Geoege Mitchell .
Robert grat . [ We are of opinion ihat the people have now had ; ute enough of this very edifying correspondence . Mr . , ; L -bartsun avows his intention to write no more—and ¦ z . is glad of : t , as it affords us the right to say , that , ; our' eolames at Hz ± l , nobody else shall > "oLhiBg is iore « . sJculated to damage the cause than tquabbleslikfe lest ; i . ii ( 3 we invariably exclaim on seeing them , " a lagiSe on foth j-ccr houses . ""—Ed . ]
Untitled Article
- ¦ ^ . . . , . , ~ ^ , ?> " h : ch is she "Wobst I—When the late Lord Hive -was a I vy , and once walking with a schooizl ' . uvr cLrou ^ h iVayion market , the two la-is stopped o " icok at a but * 'her kiiiiiig a calf . "Dear rce , Jobbv , " tay = the y ~ ^ » " 1 would not be a butcher for 11 the ' worid . " " Way . I shciud not much like it , " . aid Ci ; ve * " its a cii 7 , beggarly business ; but I'd ' plax ^ J < ieal rather be a , luicher than a calf . " : CitTJMf to Biio ) FiM . UES . —A fpecies of fraud ¦ s carrKa on id London to a " £ « at ex : ent by a set of : MVv . s rell-lcg sp&rrows aboi ' * the- Eetropoiis , dex-i er ^ sir . - . cnritd , ? o as jo m . Ze ^ -p resemble bul- j Lr . rh- / . for whick tley oik lie . ^( kra te price of a j rcvni a r ' . cce . I
Untitled Article
TO FEARGUS O'CONNOR , ESQ , Sib ., —We tie delegates representing the various Chartist Aatociations located in the metropolis of Great Britain take this opportunity of soliciting yoar presence at a banquet , to be given for tbe purpose of the wing our respect and gratitude to yon as tbe defender of equal laws , b * contained in the People ' s Charter . Sir , we have ftdtit our duty to adopt this course , as the only means of discovering our contempt for thoae base men who have been endeavouring to rob yon of the reputation which has been earned bv so many sacrifices , knowing that the persecution you * re about to be released from , arose oat of your fervent attachment to the standard of liberty that baa been raised , nursed , and protected by yoar determined love for the principle of Universal Suffrage ; but . Sir , we feel much pleasure in
having even this opportunity of making this poor atonement to you , feeling satisfied that your past condnct will be a sufficient guarantee for a continuance of that line of policy and honour that has won for yon the affections of a grateful people , and who , in spite of misrepresentations of an hireling press and pretended friends , still look up to yon as their pilot to tbe good ship Charter , knowing that when once again you shall have been restored to liberty—that your discerning mind will guard us against the breakers , corruption , wickedness , and treachery , which threaten to drive our goodly vessel from her coarse , unless they are discovered to our crew ; but , Sir , hitherto an allwlse Providence has been oar captain and guide , for He has enabled as to stand against the machinations of evil designing men , for satisBed that we are right in
struggling for political equality , we have been able to withstand the whirlwind of persecution , and the dreadful storms and hurricanes that have assailed the political hemisphere ; and , Sir , when w « have had cause to . attack the enemy , we have kept up a fire that has paralysed the Tories , shielded by the battery of corruption ; neither have we spared our friends , if they have dared to strike from the ni&st head , the standard of the National Charter Association , bearing is mind the necessity of Universal Suffrage and no surrender . On behalf of the delegates , Yours , &c John Fbssell . No . 13 , Northampton-row , Rosamond-street , Clerkenwtll . To Feargus O'Connor , E&q .
P . S . —Dear Sir , —You will much oblige , by returning an answer to this note , stating when it will be convenient for you to come to London , and whether you would we should get up a dinner , or meet you and O'Brien by a public procession and meeting . Trusting you are in good health and spirits , 1 remain , Yours , &c . John Fvssell . 13 , Northampton-row , Rosamond-street , ClerkenweU .
Untitled Article
MORE OF WAKEFIELD HELL . TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN STAR . Six , —Having met with one that has lately arrived from the place of torment at Wakefleld , we got into conversation about the cruelties the inmates have to indure . Amongst other things he told me that during his imprisonment two of the prisoners died . I asked him if he knew them . He said , no , only by name and number ; he said one of them was " One ef these Chartist chaps , " and they called him Bmanual Hutt , or Hunt , or some such name . I have since looked over the list of prisoners and I found " Emanual Hutton , comber , eighteen months imprisonment , for a riot at Dewgbury . '" I have no doubt , bat this is the person he alludes to . According to what I can learn he must haye died about the middle of May .
I f this be correct , I trust our Dewsbury friends will see further about it aud publish all the particulars . By inserting the above you will much oblige , Yours , In the cause of freedom , G . Clakkson . Sheffield , August Sth , mi .
Untitled Article
SHOEMAKERS' CHARTER UNION , TO THE EDITOB OF THE NORTHERS STAH . SIR , —At a meeting of the Incarcerated Chartist Victim Fond subscribers ( a few flint shoemakers ) , at the Boll and Bell , Ropersakers ' -street , Moorfields , on Sunday last , August 1 st , the following resolutions were unanimously passed : — " That seven shillings be voted in assisting the providing a printing press for that stanch advocate of freedom , Bronterre O'Brien . " That ten shillings be voted to Feargus O'Connor , as treasurer to the Fund for the Persecuted Irish . " " That ten shillings be sent to the General Victim Fund . "
A deputation from the Stonemason ' s Society , Craven ' s Head , Drnry Lane , ha-ring attended this meeting , to get their co-operation and assistance to wait , by deputation , on the seven divisions of the Eastern Division of Boot and Shoemakers , this meeting being a portion of that body , for the purpose of bringing them over as a body to join the Charter Association , or of getting as many as they could from each division , and me « t separate from the society , and form a shoemakers' Chartist asso ciation , when this meeting agreed to give all the assistance in their power ; and the usual monthly meeting being the next evening , would be present to give their vote in favour of it .
The deputation having expressed satisfaction for the reception and support tiiey had met -with , and thanks having been voted to tbe chairman , the meeting separated , to meet again the xtext Sunday evening , to meet the deputation again , and devise the best means of establishing a shoemaker ' s Charter association . W . Holliday , Secretary . London , August 8 , 1841 . P . S . The seven shillings voted for O'Brien ' s printing press , as above , can be bad by tbe parties concerned by applying to me when they think fit , W . Holliday , 3 , Aloor-square , Moor-lane , Cripplegate , City of London .
Untitled Article
WARMINSTER WORKHOUSE . MORE DISGRACEFUL RUMOURS . Gar readers of course remember the former story of atrocions cruelty to a child in this Union , for publishing which , though it was never disproved , we were prosecuted in the person of Mr . O'Connor . Whether their success on that occasion has fc iren to the Warminster Poor Law lieges , an idea that they may safely do as they like , we do not undertake to say—but strange rumours are abroad , which we can tell them the fear of another prosecution shall not induce us to " burke . " We have received the following letter , and we think it due , not less to the " Guardians o ( the Poor at Warminster , " than to the public , and the Warminster paupers , to publish it : —
TO THE EDITOB Of THE NORTHERN STAR . Sir , —Thtre lias t * en & rumour afloat in this town of another es £ c o ! starvation in the Union Hostile , and I have been trj ing to find out the truth of the story , aud to do bo I called on tbe mother , who came down from London to see the ! ast remains of her son , and to have the case looked into , but the poor woman is very poor and aged and don't know how soon she will be obliged to come to the same terrestrial hell , and therefore she ia afraid to t . s . j bnt little about it , but the following is the tale she told me , which made iuy blood run cold : — The deceased was a young man who bad been ill for more than two ytars past , and he has been in one or two hospitals in London , ar .-d from thence to Bath hospital , and there ect a little better , but not cured ; and about
a fortnight before he died , he was brought to this Whig paradise , ind put to hard labour ; but tbe poor fellow complained rtry much and said he could not do tbe work , and for this offence his food was stopped , which caused the poor fellow to make his escape , and at nightfall he was found in the wild fields adjacent to Salisbury Plain , by a policeman , who took great care of him and put him in the cell * for that night , and in tbe morning to the Bastile again , to pump water and turn bone dust , which is tbe same that he did tbe day that be died . And the cisagreeableness of the work combined with tbe complaint that he laboured under caused such an internal fever and thirst that he drank a great quantity of bacon liquor , and it was supposed by some that that acc&l&ted his death . He was taken with
Violent pain at eight o ' cloek in the evening , and cried out for the doctor . Bat there was no doctor for him , poor fellow ! He was locked up in a room in the greatest agony with another pauper , until eleven o'clock , and then the doctor was sent for , and in justice to him be came immediately , but he died in a few minutes after his arrival . At twtnty minutes past eleven he died , and to prove that he was not got rid of by unfair means , the doctor opened feis stomach , and there found half a tea cupful of potatoes and cheese ; so that was satisfac tory to the saints tbat be -was not starved to death , but how the worldly-minded portion of the community will take it , I mnst leave , and inform you of the conduct of that monster Marchant , the governor , towards the poor mother of the above victim . The mother came , and of course could not help weeping and crying for her son , bnt tbat great fat monsser , Marchant , told her she
ought to be glad that he was dead , tor it -was a misery to tee him about , Now if be was so ill that it was a a misery for that monster to see him about , why put him to bard labour ? O , not to prolong liis life , of course , for had that been the kind governor ' s design , he ¦ would have treated him different to what he did . I thici he gives us good reason to think that he wanted to get rid of him as soon as he could . There was no coroner s inquest held over the body ; no , they want to keep those things from public view . This Mr . Marchant is the same fat mon » ier tbat Mr . F . O'Connor held up to public gaze at the time of bis trial for libel . Mr . Marchant is about fwo stones heavier now than he was then , and co wonder , when other stomachs go so empty . If you will insert the above in your invaluable paper and the tyrant ' s dread , yea will much oblige A constant Subscriber ,
And a hater of oppression , Joseph George Cburct-Etreet , VTaimiusUr , A ^ r . 7-. h , isn .
Untitled Article
We do not joncb for the ftcts in this letter , for we know nothing of the writer j but we think the WaraiMter Guardians ought to know that each rumours are afloat . If the statements be untrue , they have two courses open for disproving them—a court ° t n < i ° , "" J ootomnsof the Northern Star , which sh » " &e { " * lr open to them for reply . Ut them take which they like .
Untitled Article
W FEARGUS O'CONNOR , ESQ . Bbspecte © Sib , —We the nndemamed iadlviduals are all men , ( Irishmen , and consequently can have no claim for parish relief , though we are residents of ten , twenty , and some thirty years In Manchester , ) of large families , whose sufferings are unparalelled in the history of commerce . ' Look at the broken-hearted father , Bnironndedby his hungjj wife and starring children , whose cries would pierce the most callous heart Oh , Sir , behold the pride of Britain ' s greatness , with her artizans clothed in rags , whose miserable appearance is sufficient to convince the most unrtfleeting mind that something is surely wrong , and that the old Taunting boast of Englishmen should be changed to the tune of Britons shall be for ever slaves . Slaves must we say , yes , Sir ; for we consider , in the first place , the very essence of liberty is In a full belly , and he who is ¦ without it is a slave of the very lowest degree , though be be a free-born Englishman and lives in the precincts of the palace .
What matters it to a hungry man , whether they be Whigs , Tories , or Radicals , who rule , so long as he and his family are starving . We haye tried every where and tried in vain . The new Whig Poor Law has dried up all the resources whicb has been heretofore our only stay , from the fact of out appealing to the guardians of tbe poor for relief for a few weeks , until things would take their proper place again . Was our appeal responded to ? Yes , Sir , with a recommendation to break stones and a pass to Ireland . Such , Sir , is the way we are treated in the most
Christian country in the world , and such is the cause of appealing to you on this occasion , as we can only Snd a few real pbUantrophists who can feel for another's woes ; and though we are thus compelled to solicit the charity of u man who is suffering persecution for justice Bake . The day , we hope , is not far distant when a grateful people will know how to appreciate your love of liberty ; and the handloom-weavers of Manchester , has reserved for themselves for your former kindness their meed of thanks , until you appear amongst them unshackelled and free .
We remain , Sir , Your obedient servants , John Ryan , is , old Mount-street . Patrick Flinn , 17 , ditto . Michael Hayes , 25 , ditto . John Barb . ? , 23 , ditto . John White , 12 , ditto . James Flinn , 33 , ditto . James Collins , 14 , Ludgato-hill . Patrick Rtan , 7 , Silver-street Matthew O'Brien , 14 , Back Ashley-street Thos . Kelly , 15 , Old Mount-street Davjd Nangle , ditto . John O'Brien , ditto . Twos . Patterson , 19 , ditto . Thos . Bakrt , 22 , ditto . Joseph Starr , 15 , ditto . Edward Field , 23 , Ludgate-hill . Timothy Field , 32 , ditto . Patrick White , 6 , Silver-street
Peter Power , late Secretary to the handloom-weavere , 16 , Old Mount-street , St George ' s road , Manchester To F . O'Connor , Esq ., York Castle . Manchester , August 2 nd , 1841 .
Untitled Article
REGISTER ! REGISTER !! REGISTER !!! TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN STAB . Londen , 9 th August , 1841 . Si a , —I am not altogether insensible to the annoyance that the newspaper press endure from troublesome correspondents . Now , however , that the cry has gone forth by Whigs , Tories , and Chartists , " Register I" 1 cannot resist tbe temptation to forward you the result of some experience in the Registration Courts at Westminster . Permit me , however , to observe that the defeat sustained by the present Ministers is their just reward . The sacrifices made by the people to support them when expelled , and afterwards triumphantly to carry them back into office , are much greater than the public are generally aware of . The subsequent cruelty inflicted
upon all those who afterwards continued in the honest path of progressive improvement is too well known . Now that the Whig days are numbered , violence and slander is to them as nothing . When they were in tbe ascendancy , and possessed an overwhelming majority , they were warned that the ( Chandos clause would produce its present results . The reply was , it is intended the landed interest should predominate . Sir De Lacy Evans , when in Parliament , sought to obtain an alteration in the tax-paying clauses , by putting the period back six months . The answer to this was the Reform Act is final . After the Whig ' s return to office , Lord John Russell did then propose this identical bat trifling alteration . The attempt then failed : it was too late .
My opinion is the Ballot would , in a great measure , cure those evils , and however much you extend the Suffrage , without it I do not think that much will be accomplished . Upon this so much difference honestly exists that I do not do more than offer it as an opinion . I have been led into these remarks by the very nature of the subject , and it may happen , nothing that is not already known may be contained in tbat which is to follow . In either case , allow me most respectfully to solicit your indulgence , and to offer the best apology 1 am able , ( namely , the desire to extend the franebise . ) for having occupied your time improperly . All ptrsons who have in the slightest degree observed the operation of the laws of thin kingdom are aware of the glorious uncertainty of its decisions . So it is with the franchise .
The highest legal authorities have decided that for the purpose of a burglary being cemtnitted , a single room was a house . The Reform Act for tbe purpose of voting for representations says this is not so ; bnt even this set contradicts itself . It may be afked what then is a house ? The Reform Act being that with whicb have to do , allows houses to be constituted thus ; Firstly , a bouse , in the common acceptation of the word—ono vote . A house with shop and private entrance—two votes . A house with shop , private entrance , and doors or flap , opening into a cellar from the street—three votes .
This can again be multiplied by more than one person being inserted in tbe original agreement for taking of the premises , provided the value is sufficient to give each £ 10 yearly interest thereon . The interpretation of the word occupier is perfectly misunderstood . For instance , it is not required that a person should reside in the cellar ; but he can deposit goods , even lumber therein , and call it a warehouse , or a shop , if he sells any article out of it This will be occupation . Thus one claim for the house . Another claims for the house with private entrance . Another claims for the shop , without either the house or private entrance . Another claims for the cellar , as a shop , or warehouse , but must enter from the street , it matters not by what means . In all these , as in every other cases , the value must be ten pounds by tbe year .
Again , it is not the amount that is paid by the value to the occupier . Also , the payment of rent forms no part of the consideration if it is not paid at all , or if it is paid weekly , monthly , or yearly ; it is value , tbat the person who claims has to do with . Lodgers—in single rooms are entitled , if of the value of ten pounds , or four shillings weekly , provided there iB no STREET DOOR . Again , siDgie rooms used as workshops , such as a tailor , weaver , shoemaker , ta little hitch exists in this about obeying , but I would advice all to claim ) , some will get on . Houses—in courts and such like places , where the landlord pajs the taxes , every occupier is entitled if ol ten pounds value . Cellars—used as workshops , ( by that class of persons called odd workers . )
Stables—will also confer the franchise , and so will the loft over them , provided you enter by steps from the outside , and of sufficient value—ten pounds , or four shillings weekly . , I am trespassing , and will not attempt te carry this further , though it is capable of being extended . With your permission , however , allow me to advise that every person who considers himself in the most remote degree entitled to the franchise to send in his claim , more especially should this continue daily , as hardly any one of those who are now claiming will be in a situation to vote until next November twelve months . It is advisable to tender any amount of poor rate that may be due at the time of claiming . Shillings are not payable nntil tbe name is inserted in the list by the Revising Barrister , and highly questionable—if af . er the first time it could be again enforced—at all events , the right having been once admitted , it has been decided that the overseer cannot legally omit to insert any person .
With regard to the paying of taxes—the Reform Act requires the payment of the poor rates and window tax . Collectors usually demand Beveral taxes together , such as window tax , land tax , sewera rates , poor rate , county rate , police rate , and several other rates and taxes , but in order to obtain the franchise the lender of poor-rate and window tax only , though the collector may refuse to take the amount so divided , it will not disfranchise .
Untitled Article
Therefore let all claim to be rated ( to prove the claim is sufficient ) examine the lists , and if the name is not inserted , claim to have it insetted . Look after the Banister ' s Courts , fer non-attendance disposes of the case , appearance most bo given either in person or by an authorised agent for that purpose . By attention and exertion tbe Reform Act can be made useful The subject is important—but I feel bow deeply I have ( if you have taken the trouble to bear with me ) trespassed upon your time . One who feels intebested in every man exercising hi 8 opinion in tub choice of Representatives .
Untitled Article
BALANCE SHEET OF THE MANCHESTER
PETITION COMMITTEE . EXPEK 8 ES . £ 8 . d . Tib-street room ... 3 12 8 j Brown-street 0 12 6 Salford ... .... 0 17 1 Chorlton and Halme 0 4 1 Tailors and Shoemakers ... ... Oil 8 Clitheroe ... 0 9 0 Pilkington 0 2 8 Middleton 0 3 0 Stalybridge 0 14 Shaw 0 2 6 Oldham 0 13 4 Opcnshaw and Droylsden ... 0 6 0
Davy Hulme ., 0 2 0 HickeVyby Cartlidge ... ... 6 8 10 From Ketheriugton and Lee ' sshop 0 3 3 Cartledge's book .. 0 6 2 $ Smith ' s book , by Gresty 0 1 10 Swiro'a do . do . 0 17 Yarwood ' s do . do 0 4 1 % Gibson ' s do . do . 0 3 6 Roach ' s do . do . 0 4 3 Roberts ' * shop , by Wilkinson ... 0 4 1 P .. C .... 0 2 0 Gresty ' sbook 0 2 3
A friend , by Chamberlain 0 10 0 Jones , Mr . ... 0 0 3 Woraal . Mr 0 9 6 Murphy ' s book 0 3 1 James Renshaw 0 0 6 Sheets sold to friends at a distance 0 2 7 Richardson ' s box and eight sheets Bold ... 0 0 UJ James Wroe ... , 0 3 0 Collected by Johnson and Harrison 10 0 Females , Brown-street 0 5 0 Mr . Booth 0 0 6 Mr . Watson ... 0 0 6
Total Income 12 6 8 Total Expenditure 11 0 3 Treasurer ' s Balance in hand X 1 6 5 Moved by Mr . Fildes , and seconded by Mr . Pollin , "That the Balance be paid to Dr . M'Douall , for travelling expences . " Carried unanimously . "Moved by Mr . Davis , and seconded by Mr . Gresty , " That the above Balance-sheet be published in the Northern Slar . " Carried unanimously .
EXPENDITURE . £ 8 . d . Books and paper 0 1 7 h Sent to Convention 2 10 0 Postage and paper 0 2 2 £ To printing 50 bills 0 3 6 To 15 quires of petition sheets 1 11 0 To 150 neads for petition sheets 0 7 6 To 50 slips for meeting 0 3 6 To posting the same 0 2 0 To candles 0 0 9 $ To Thomas Fildes , for wages 12 6 To pens and ink , for signing petition ... 0 0 11 To Salford member ' s wages 0 4 0 To Harrison and Johnson , for two days ' wages ... ... 0 10 0 To Dr . M'Douall's expences in going to
London 1 10 6 To Fowles and Wood , for wages ... 0 16 3 To Richard Wood , for receiving signatures 1 13 llj | Total Expenditure ... £ 11 0 3 Moved by Mr . Pullin , and seconded by Mr . Holt , " Tbat the best tbanks of this Committee be given to all parties who have so liberally subscribed towards the expence of the National Petition Convention . " John Poixin , Sec . Thomas Fildes 1 A „ j ; iam Robert Holt } ' tol-s .
^ ^^^^> . ^ s >^^« Ji ^^^ fc ^^^^^^« - ^^^^ w
BIE 1 VIIN-GHAOT . IMPORTANT DELEGATE MEETING . A meeting of delegates from the various towns in Warwick and Worcestershire , took place in tbe Chartist meeting room , Freeman-street , on Monday last . The following are the places which sent delegates , and letters approving of the object for which the meeting had been called , namely—* To investigate the cause of the late differences that existed between the Pastors of the Christian Chartist Church and the National Charter Association , and the reasons why they opposed the same , also to provide a proper lecturer for the district , and devise a proper method for his punctual payment . "
Birmingham , George White . Kidderminster , Edward Cbarlton and William Ellary . Stourbridge , John Chance . Bilston , Mr . Moseley . Coventry , Mr . Knight . Worcester , by letter . Warwick , do . do . Wolverhampton , do . do . Wednesbury , do . do . Walsall , do . do . Bromsgrove , do . do . Staffordshire Potteries , do . do . Daventry , de . do .
A large number of persons , male and female , attended for the purpose of witnessing the proctedinga , and , at halt-past one , Mr . Chance , of SUmrbridge , was unanimously appointed chairman , and Mr . George White , secretary . The Chairman returned thanks for the mark of esteem they had shewu to him , and called on the Secretary to read the correspondence which he baa received . Mr . White said that previous to the reading of the letters , he hoped he might be allowed to express
hiB regret that the other townB had not sent delegates instead of letters , when such important business was to be brought forward . He then read letters from the places above-mentioned , and hoped that a full and fair investigation would take place as to the real cause of the difference which existed in Birmingham , bo that the blame might be placed on the parties who deserved it ; after which he hoped to see the various towns in the district working cordially together . He concluded by suggesting the propriety of first proceeding to the business connected with ike appointment of a lecturer .
Mr . Chahlton thought that it would be better to proceed at once to an investigation of the cause of the difference that existed between the Chartist Church and the National Charter Association , which was agreed to . Mr . George White then proceeded to state the facts which had transpired between the Christian Chartists and the National Charter Association since he had been an inhabitant of Birmingham . When he first arrived in the town , he found that there weie a number of men who were members of the National Charter Association , of which be also was a member . He found that there was also another body professing to be Chartists , who met at Newbailatreel , under the denomination of Christian
Chanists . He therefore waited on both parties , in order to induce them to act together . The members of the National Charter Association expressed their willingness to act with the other , and complained of the conduot of John Collins . He did not feel disposed to give credence to all that had been stated with regard to Mr . Coiiins , being at the time on friendly terms with him . He afterwards waited on Messrs . Collins , Hill , and other members of the Church party , and wished them to become members of the National Charter Association . They staled that they understood a delegate meeting was about to be held in Manchester , for the purpose of removing their objections as to its legality , after which they should liave no objection to unite .
Previous to tne delegate meeting , he received a oircular from the Executive , at Manchester , desiring that a delegate should be sent from Birmingham , and suggesting the propriety of sending Mr . Collins , as he was one of the persons who objected to its legality . He attended at Newhall-sireet , with the circular , and hoped that it might have been tho means of effecting a union . The persons present seemed willing that a union should take place ; but Messrs . Collins and O'Neil refused to have anything to do with it . After the decision of the delegates had been published in the . Star , together with the opinion of the Editor * that the association was strictly legal , he again waited on them and suggested the propriety of calling a meeting of the Chartists , in order that a reconciliation should take Dlaco . Thev raised two objeotionB : first , that the
Council of the National Charter Association had not been elected at a public meeting , and also that it would depend on which party called the meeting , whether it was well attended or not . He then proposed to them that the Council should resign their places , to which measure the Council gave their oonsent , and proffered to call the meeting on his own responsibility , and that a Provisional Committee might be chosen at the meeting on behalf of the Cbartistd of BirminRham . They refused to consent to it ; and did not give a reason why they did so . Seeing that they desired division rather than union , he determined to call a meeting himself , and got a number of placards printed calling upon the Chartists to assemble at Holloway-Hoad , for the express purpose of investigating the plan of organization agreed upon by the delegates who had
Untitled Article
assembled at Manchester , with a view to the adoption ot the same . The meeting was well attended . The first resolution , in favour of the People ' s Charter , " was unanimously agreed to . He ( Mr . White ) then read the roles and objects of the National Charter Association as amended at the delegate meeting which had been held for the purpose at Manchester , and moved a resolution m approval of the same . Mr . Arthur O'Neil and John Collins opposed the resolution , and moved , aa . an amendment , "That a committee should be appointed to enquire into the legality of the National Charter Association . " The Chairman took the sense of the meeting , and declared the resolution to be carried . Mr . O'Neil wished the Question to bo out again , after
which the Chairman declared it to be again carried in favour of the Association . They then called for a division , when three-fourths of the meeting divided in favour of the resolution . Messrs . O'Neil and Collins then left the meeting , attended by theirfriends . They afterwards formed a committee to correspond with Mr . Roebuck with , regard to the legality of the Association . Previous to the late election , a public meeting was called for the purpose of choosing a non-electors' committee , to conduct the business of the election on behalf of the ChartiBts . Forty mem were chosen , and their meetings were held weekly , but neither O'Ncil or Collins " ever attended . The committee subsequently determined to put him in nomination for the Borough of Birmingham : and
in order that no division should exist ou the day of nomination , entered into an arrangement with the Christian Chartists , allowing them to nominate who they thought proper . They afterwards bad placards posted , calling on the Chartists to attend at the Town Hall , and vote for White and Collins . On the day Of nomination placards , signed "Arthur O ' Neil , were posted through the town , informing the public that John Collins would be nominated , bnt not in connection with any other person—thus endeavouring to cause a split . Mr . Collins was not nominated , although he sat in the organ gallery , amongst the Whig party , and tried to hinder Mr . Followes from seconding him , so that if Mr . Colling had his will . no Chartist would have been brought
forward . At the time that he was proposed , a Whig , who sat near Mr . Collins , a ? ked him who or what White was 1 Mr . Collins replied by making an 0 on a slip of paper , signifying , of course , that he considered him nothing . He could bring the person forward who witnessed that proceeding . At the late anti-Corn-Law meeting , at Duddeston-row , Mr . O'Neil ha ^ moved an amendment to his resolution , Mr . O'Neil at the same time declaring that there was no such thing as a National Charter Association , because they had not received above £ 70 in a half year , and that the people of Scotland disapproved of it—he being then acting as a delegate from the Central Committee of Scotland . Mr . Collins seconded his amendment . He ( Mr . White )
thereupon asked Mr . O'Neil if he could show a proper cause why the Chartists of Birmingham should not join the Association , and receiving no reply , he challenged them to meet him on the following evening to discuss the question ; this they also declined . He had attended at several times for the purpose of bringing about a union with them ; but it was long since fully established in his mind tbat they wished to do all the injury in their power . The Secretary of the Charter Association had given them due notice of that meeting , and he would leave it to Arthur O'Neil and John Collins to come forward and defend their conduct , if they were capable of doing so . For ' his-part , he never intended to mention the names of such men after that day . His only wish was , that the country might be aware of their conduct , and decide for themselves . He was glad to have it in his power to state in the presence of so
many of the members of the National Charter Association and the parties from a distance , that their Association in Birmingham was getting on prosperonsly , and that their unmbers were rapidly augmenting ; they had now surmounted every obstacle , and should take no further notice of the Christian Chartists of Birmingham ; but publish their conduot to the country . Some people had talked much of the division which existed in Birmingham ; for hi 3 part , he did not think there was any ; for there was but one Chartist Association in the town , and he considered no man a real Chartist who did not belong to it . He concluded by hoping , that the investigation might have the effect of producing a § ood feeling throughout the district , and hoped lat the parties whom he brought the' charges against would come forward . and defend themselves , and show cause why they opposed a union of the people inr the National Charter Association .
Mr . Edward Browne rose and said that if the Chairman would permit him , he should wish to ask Mr . White a few questions . Leave being granted , he asked Mr , White whether he had not refused to leave out the National Charter Association in hia resolution at Duddeston Row anti-Corn Law meeting , when requested' to do so by the Christian Chartists ? Mr . G . White answered that he had refused to do so . Mr . Charlton should wish , if possible , to arrive at the latent cause of the difference , as the division in Birmingham had done eerious injury to the Chartist cause in Kidderminster . In that town they had a body of highly intelligent men belonging to the Chartist Association , and when their opponents could
no longer oppose their principles , they cast the Birmingham differences in their teeth . He feared very much that they should not be able to arrive at the real cause . He should have wished to see the parties against whom the charges had been made present , in order that tbey might come to a proper decision . A long discussion for and against then took place , the parties who were in attendance , both members of the Christian Chartist Church , and the National Charter Association , being allowed to take part . It was ultimately agreed that a deputation should be appointed to wait on Mr . John Collins and Mr . Arthur O'Neil , requiring their attendance at themeeting . Mr . Hill , sen ., and Mr . Crefiswell were then appointed as a deputation , and the meeting adjourned to five o ' clock .
When the delegates assembled at five 0 clock , the Chairman called upon the deputation to deliver their report . Mr . Cresswell stated that they had waited on Messrs . Collins and O'Neil , and that they refused to attend . Mr . Him . ( a member of the Chartist Council ) corroborated Mr . Cresswell ' s statement . Mr . Knight then addresed the meeting . He had hoped that Messrs . O'Neil and Collins would have attended that meeting at the request of the delegates assembled , and was sorry to be under the necessity of condemning their conduct ; he thought they
justly merited the censure of the meeting . Mr . Mosslky entirely agreed in the sentiments of Mr . Knight , and thought that as Messrs . O'Neil and Collins had opposed the National Charter Association , they ought to hare attended and stated their reasons for doing so . Mr . Charltun could hardly give an opinion on . the matter . He had no doubt that the decision of that meeting would be productive of results in Kidderminster which he could not at present foresee , as the members there held various opinions on the question .
Mr . Ellary held similar opinions witfl those of Mr . Charlton . Mr . White entered into a recapitulation of his former statements , and declared his intention to move a resolution on the facts which he had brought under their consideration , and to prove still further the unaccountable conduct of Arthur O'Neil , he produced the Northern Star for August , 1840 , from which it appeared that Mr . O'Neil had actually seconded a resolution approving of the National Charter Association , and pledging himself to support it . He-thought that every person present would be fully satisfied that a full and fair opportunity had been given to the accused parties , and as no defence was offered ^ but an absolute denial gives , to the deputation , he considered it bis duty to propose the following resolution : —
Resolved— ' That in the opinion of the delegates assembled , the conduct of John Collins and Arthur O'Neil is highly reprehensible , by t . U «\ r opposition to the National Charter Association , without being able to show a proper cause for the same . We also deolare that the Birmingham National Charter Association have done their duty , and have extended their principles as far as they possibly could , and as John Collins and Arthur O'Neil have refused to come forward and defend their conduct , when requested to do so by a deputation from this meeting , we must come to the conclusion that they are unworthy of the confidence of the Chartists of Great Britain . ' Mr . Knight seconded the resolution . Bethought that if either Mr . Collins or O'Neil could show a proper reason why they differed from the Association hey ought to show the grounds of their objection , he considered their conduct as an insult to the assembled delegates .
Mr . Moselet supported the resolution , and spoke in strong terms against the conduct of Messrs . Collins and O'Neil . The Chairman asked if any person wished to move an amendment , and after pausing for a short time , no person seeming inclined to speak , the resolution was put to the vote , and declared to be carried . — Messrs . Charlton and Etlary voted against the resolution . . - . ¦ - . The Chairman then brought forward the remaining business connected with'a lecturer , and requested
the delegates present to state tho position of the place they represented . Mr . Chaklton stated , that he was authorised to agree in the appointment of a lecturer for one month , aud that they would pay their share of the expencs . Mr . Em-ahy hoped that a clever person would be appeiated , who could enter into the question of Chartism , so as to give . satisfaction to his constituents , as they already had a number of highly intelligent working men who well understood tne principles of the Charter . -
Untitled Article
THE NORTHERN STAR . 7
-
-
Citation
-
Northern Star (1837-1852), Aug. 14, 1841, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct718/page/7/
-