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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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SO THX EDITOR 07 THK HOKXEEHK BIAS . Sis , —1 "wote * totter to J ' eargns O'Connor . Btq , dtted 8 th of August , which unexpectedly appeared in ttx Siarot Slxt of Aogmrt , wd is preceded by awall paragraph , is which you . a ; " -m . lave peat pkanne iajmWishiBg the foliovisg letter to He O Connor , which simp ]? state * ia what manner the Chartists were cheated by Sir H . Heetirood , and the manner in which be foi their support . " I have often been interrogated « a the subject , aad « rea blamed by some for baring ssid something whkfc eaased 70 a to the come to the poacliiskra above stated . I am at a loss myself to think boTf Bnci u infereooe could be drava from my letter , u the trhokeot It sppeared , It just simply states the sossner Sir Hedketh gained oar support , bat sot a
distant hint aboat being cheated . Indeed , IneTerinapned that ire woe cheated by that gentleman , aad Ms recent tote on Shaman Crawford ' s Amendment proves turn so fsr honest . I am innifnM to think that the hnmbag of promising the people certain things at elections , and performing contrary , will not be so frequent . H » Chartists hate learned the Whigs a lessoa at the jaAe contests that the days of humbug with them are at an end . The working elaaies of this oonntry stand in a different position than ever they did in the history of this eoasfey , thanks to tbe noble and peraerering spirit of 34 r . O'Connor and the Sorfhem Star for this position , TrMch if maintained mnst secure to us , and that soon , oar just and inalienable rights ; but this mnst entirely depend upon the people acting according to the adriee
of our brave champion now released from his dungeon : — " Above all , and before all , my dear friends , preserve snion . " How important this adrioe , how necessary , and indeed how ungrateful mnst we be that do not use ovx utmost exertions to preserre this union , when we look at the onparelleled zaal whi <_ i this good maa is now displaying in oor cause and entirely for oar welfare , it ought to arouse the energies and stimulate every good _____ with renewed Tigonr to sapport him , and cheer him on in the God-like course he is now pursuing " However some may slight demonstrations , nothing appears mote likely to arouse the people at the present crisis ; oar principles are carried home to thousands -who would nerer hare an opportunity of bearing them by pmidl in-doer meetings , aad though they say be attended with some inconTesience and a little sacrifice , no good was ever , or eTer can be aocompli&bed , without of
arrifi" ^ being mada . The Chartists Preston are steadily progressing ; oar meetings are well attended , and cor cumbers are increasing ; we shall hare ilr , O'Brien with us on the 26 th , when we hope that a fresh impulse will again be given to our cause . We alto expect to see the uncaged lion , and to hear his voice once more encouraging the Prestonians ingt&e cause ef liberty . It is to be hoped that tha Lovetites , Hetheringtos ' s , or any other may not divert the attention of the Chartists from the real objects in Tiew ; we must rally round O'Connor and our brave leaders . Let peace and good order attend all our futnre movements , but still show a determined front , then whatever faction be in power , they are safe ; no dungeon will again entomb tbem , the iron grasp of tyranny and oppression will lose its hold , they may then fearlessly brare every atorm , a&d put to silence any opposition .
You will much oblige me by the insertion 0 / the ibore , to show the people that I had no intention of eonTeying an idea that we were cheated by Sir H . Pleetwood , as time alone can only determine that point . I remain , Sir , Your most humble and pemrerisg fri « nd in the cause of liberty , Q . SWIKGLEHTTEST . Preston , SOthSepfc . ISil .
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— m ; MAGISTERIAL INJUSTICE . ' TO THE SDITOB OF THB N 0 HTHER 5 STAR . [ Sis , —I hope that you will giro insertion in your I paper to the following statement of facts , in a case j Ttich came before Messrs . Tottie and Grace , Magis- < bates for tie borough of Leeds , ia -which I was not onJy ill-used but robbed . I am an Irishman , and therefore , j I think , that justice has not been awarded to me . j The tacts are as follow : — I am a hatter , and rent a hooae in St . Peter "_ - $ qnare , : in Leeds , under Hr . Darcy , for which I pay £ 10 a year , » d all taxes , and I take in lodgers ; but reserve one 1
room for myself and family , to which the lodgers hare . no right of access , except by my cement On Wed-1 nesdiy , the 8 th of September instant , fifteen police- i men , &bont eight o ' clock in the morning , came to my ' house to search for three persons who had been begging la money to get to New Zealand . They not only took them , but all the other lodgers in my house , amounting : to nine , all of whom , except the three , tof whom I 1 knew nothing , ) were , after being detained in gaol two ; nights and dragged through the streets , through the ' interference of my attorney , discharged . '
I cannot be answerable f » r tbe acts of any persons who come to my lodgings ; but the officers , not content Tith taking them , came into my own priTate room . I Tis forcibly knocked down , my trousers loosed , and ay belt taken off my waist , and then handcuffed to a policeman , and dazing which time they were searching , the apartments ap stairs , and robbed my house of a ; hat and two silt handkerchiefs . I « u then dragged ' to prison as a common felon , and fined for an assault on the policeman ( although I neTer struck him at all ) £ 2 , I and costs Ss ., which I was obliged to pay . ; Oo my return home , I missed a new hat , and an old one was left in its place . ;
On the following day , I went to the Court House , and found the policeman , Robert Hartley , with my hat on i fcra head , which 1 immediately challenged . He left the ' Court House , aad I , my wife , and brother followed j him down to the steps , when I gave Mm in charge ; j aad Hartley got into another room , left tbe hat there , i and came out with a different one , as 1 can prove by , respectable witnesses . i On th « following day I applied again to the Magis- ' tr&tes , who said I most produce the hat , which I eonld i not do , as tbe policeman had stolen it from me . \ On a subsequent day , I made another application , i and brought witnesses to prore that they saw the j policeman Hartley go into the gaoler ' s room with my ! hat on his head , and come out witba different one ; and : I was then told by the Magistrate ' s Clerk that thej had no jurisdiction , but I must go to the Court of Bequests .
Thus stands the case : —1 was Be ' . zad by a policeman withoct a warrant ; my house was searched without a warrant , and nothing found ; I was dragged as a felon 2-roagb the streets ; and although I did not resist the search of the policeman , I was fined £ 2 Ss . for an assault ¦ which I neTer committed . Three cf my lodgers were confined , oue of them far one night , aad . wo for two nights in Leeds prison , on 1 charge of obtaining money under false prttences . "RTien the cases came on , an attorney attended en their behalf , and cot one tittle of eridence was produced against them , nor anything to impeach their rViem ^ + pr
I hare now kept a respectable lodging-house for some years , and my landlord , Mr . Darcy , who liTes fcfxi door , trill Touch for the truth of this statement . I wish to know whether this be either law or justice , tod whether , because 1 am an Irishman , I am not enti-$ 6 d % o the same justice as an Englishman ? I am , Sir , Year very obedient servant , JOH > " D ¥ M . AV £ Y . S '_ Peter ' s Square , Leeds , fept . 17 , liil .
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-0 THS iDITOS 0 ? THE S 03 THEB 5 STAS . Sis .. —Permit roe to contradict some statements which appeared in the Star of last week , from your Glasgow correspondent . In his report of Bridgeton iseeting , he there makes me to say , that tbe supporters cf Mr . O'Coanell were nothing better than sea , gulls , ero » i , atd sea mews . Xow , I nrver need these terms when speaking of &ajr Baa 01 party , much kss my countrymen . I did ay - » hea alluding to the heavy purse Mr . O'Conaell collects cf the starving pecple of Ireland , that tbflfi my tulortusate conn try men were many of them compelled ** eat sea -weed by the ocean's side , companions to the * 8 » gulls and cranes . Your correspondent's resolution s » id to be moved by me and seconded by himself , is entirfcjy out of joint , the real resolution is as follow : —
' That this meeting do sympathise wilh the pesple of Ireland in their distressed situation , and we pledge osrselves to assist them in repealing the legislative act cf union , acconipiiiied by the People ' s Charter . " There is nothing o £ republics , -what « Ter may be my news of a repouem form of government . I think it proper a the mean time to wajye them . The people ' s Charter and R * p * al of the Union are the OBly subjects Ry ^ t Trusting you wiU gi « I "will subscribe myself , Tour friend and brother Chartist , Co . v . McreaT .
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TO THE MEN OF ROCHDALE DIVES AND LA 2 ARTS . HS ! p 0 «™ THl * , 15 D ST . BVI . VG , RAGGED , Ls ll' PAtPES' ^ D WOBKJ . VG ME > - OF ESGritJ ; - ?? me t 0 direct Toar attention to a practical ^ osuauon of the parabla or DiTes and Lsziru ? , as it is s . -his moment presented to the country from the palace 2 *» ^ > TE 2 ?^ - Behold bere ^ Iuxur y > f « ^ a ^^" b ^ SL * 111 * yon tod * ou * tellies aw starred ; » cow 'he enjoymentsto which bowed
, procure yon are ZJ ~ ~ * P = ^» tion and misery ; aad while your *? es run down the delicious list of danties and deli-« oes , imagine for a moment the flavour of the savoury w $£ aowd tbe ^^ rf roJ ^ ty . a ^ then look at SL ^ Jf * " ° P for » * tale crust ; fancy the racy fe * tUT ? ^ q ^ ite fruiU , the sumptuous extraTagan-^ v Tf rapply of 'whicl 1 J ° u ^ taxed to the very to ^ 1 ^ k ^ *^ l earnings , stinted of your food SpS ^ de ^ f BDd trani P qp ° ? ** , tr ^^ i ^ iai encircle voar sovereisn . anrl nrton vnnr tte
fcTJ ^ * ° ^^ that Belfiihness of your rulers ^ ab ^ TJ u jast reward - lQ tb * statement I ito ^ v ^ ke ' ^^ d be b <* ae in mi » d that not » 7 ^ rT ^ f the ei Pa " itnr 6 ia occasioned by wear-V sp ^ rel , serraute' wage * , m-lhruUm , . -honu , or £ h * r ! wJL &Dy ° ^ ecia ^^ irouId net in eommon « classed with thejxwr man ' s necessaries , namely
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food , firing , and washing ; and a « w , considering the famisMng state of thousands , and teas of thousands of her Majesty ' s subjects , let us see how her majesty sympathises with their distresses , and to what extent their privations are shared by tbe csurt and its parasites . The items of the expenditure of ths Queem ' s Houwhold for 1840 , are stated as follows ; --. Bread , £ i 350 i butter , bacon , cheese , and eggs , £ 5 , 150 ; milk and cream , £ 1 , 5 * 0 ; batcher meat , £ 10 , 000 ; poultry , £ 4 , 250 ; flsh , £ 2 , 180 j grocery , £ 5 , 000 ; oilery , £ l , £ 5 t ; fruit aad confectionary , £ 1 , 988 ; -vegetable * , £ 520 ; wine , £ 5 , 250 ; iiqoure , fee ., £ 2 , 006 ate and beer , £ 3 , 00 »; wax candles , . £ 2 , 15 »; tallow candles , £ 750 ; lamps , £ 4 950 ; fuel , £ 6 , 980 ;
stationary ,, £ 870 ; turnery . £ 400 ; bravery , £ 950 ; china , glass , fee , £ 1 , 576 -, linen , £ 2 , 504 ; washing of table and other linen , £ 3 , 250 ; plate , £ 355 ¦ The sum total of these several items amounts for the . entire year's eating , drinking , and carousing , only to the sum of £ 69 , 765 < or , if we drridd the same by 52 , for the number ef weeks , we shall find that our most gracious Sovereign , and the self-denying creatures about her have actually been starving themselves upon the pitiful allowance of only £ 1 , 341 14 s . ? £ d a-week , and this during a whole twelvemonth i Why , they must ie all living skeletons by this time ! Now , u we hare seen the sad destitution of the Sovereign and her friends—as we hare ineontestible proof that the sufferings . of the starving millions aie sympathised with at
the rate of only thirteen hundred and forty pound's worth of eating , drinking , and digesting , per weeklet as see how a portion of those millions respond to the maternal example . Why , I find that Li one district of this highly favoured land , the insensible , selfwilled , " brute folk , " as old Bess called her Commons , have actually , during the very time their kind-hearted and considerate Sovereign has been suffering with her whole court , all the horrors of starvation , upon a miserable allowance of only thirteen hundred and forty pound's worth of food , &c , a week : —the people , I cay , instead of following her magnanimous example of self-denial have , in the district of Rochdale , for instance , been feasting and jollifying themselves to repletion upon sums enormously extravagant , and
reach-; ing to the incredible amount of even iico shillings and 1 twopence per bead per week !! The profligacy of the people is sorely enough to call down a visitation of i wrath upon their self-devoted and considerate rulers . j However , we will expose crime in all its deformity , ; and show up tbe thoughtless extravagance of tbe rej Tellers of Rochdale till we make the whole country blush for them , and induce their friends , the Tories , to give the screw another turn , that possibly they may ( find out where the boot pinches , and learn to be , moderate in their enjoyments . ! A certain great man , who , of course , would not : have haz&rded an assertion without grounds , declared : a very short time back , that there was " no distress in ths country . " That is , in all that extensive
tract of it that lies between Apsley House and Buckingham Palace . His Grace of Wellington was mistaken ; or perhaps ke bad not recently been familiar with the destitution of the Royal Household . But , however that may have been , he volunteered the assertion , and made us almost believe that the eaten and drinkers about ths palace were as happy as princes and as well off as the people who support them ; so , of course , there was no distress in ebe country—n » t anybut what says the country ? Let us take one instance out of the thousands that crowd upon us in answer : — Upon the publication of the Doke of Wellington's sentiments , a few public spirited individuals Kt about to ascertain the facts upon which they were grounded , and to inspect the actual condition of the people in their
respective neighbourhoods . They accompanied the enumerators for the census ; and tbe statement as to the condition and means of the people visited may be depended upon , aad taken as an exact specimen of the over-fed , over-clethed , over-happy labouring part of the community . The individual cases being fairly taken from door to door in the township of Rochdale , the nnmber of families visited consisted of 6 , 880 individuals , whose average income for rent , taxes , clothes , and provisions was ( whisper it not in the palace ) one shilling and eleven pence and a fraction a head per week I On an analysis of the particulars it was found that about 140 individual * were without any means of subsistence at all ! That of the rest there were 8 . d .
1 S 6 individuals living upon 0 6 a head per week . 291 do- do . 0 lo £ do . 588 do- do . 1 © " do . 1 S 55 . dc do . 1 6 do . 1500 do . do . 1 9 do . S 12 do . do . 2 2 do . Notwithstanding this extravagant scale of income , it appears that the poverty displayed to the visitors baffled description . Five-sixths of the whole number had scarcely a blanket to eover them ; eighty-five of the families were withont any ; forty-seven others had nothing but bags of chaff or bundles of shavings for their . beds ; and the haggard looks of all denoted that tb « y too well knew the pangs ot hunger and the inroads of disease . Of a truth , my Lord Duke , there cannot be any distress in the country !
Now let us see what might be done for the people If , instead of £ 1341 14 a . 7 \ A . beiDg absorbed weekly in the guzzling and guttling of the Royal Household , it was distributed in healthful streams , as the reward of labour , among the people . Well , then , we shall perceive that , divided into weekly portions , Of 2 Qs . each it would suffice for 1341 persons At ISs- it would maintain 1490 15 s . ... ... 1 T 98 12 s . ... ... 2236 108 . ... ... 26 S 3 Ss . ... ... 20 S 1 7 a . ... ... 3832 At 5 s . it would keep from starving ... 5367 3 s . 6 d . it would afford acrust to 7 tJ « 7 And at 2 s . 2 d . the Truyimnm of
income among the labouring poor of Kochda ! e , it would eke out the existence of . 12 . 3 S 5 ef her Majesty ' s faithful subject * . Twelve thousand , three hundred and eighty five beings , then might have life kept in them by the mere sum spent in the Palace of Queen Victoria for one week ' s stuffing ? and bo oh through the year . ' Good heaven how can people say there is distress in the country ?
But two shillings and twopence , or threepence threefirthings a-day is not a fair point to start from , because it is next door to starvation point ione of the peculiar enjoyments of the people , according to the Dnke . ) Let us go liberally to work and calculate upon 6 d . a-day as the minimum , and then we find , as above , that the Queen and her courtiers , her grooms and her lacquays , consume as much of the good things of providence in the shape of food , in one week , as wonld suffice for seven thousand six hundred and sixty seven gluttons , at sixpence a head per day !
Truth is not always acceptable in high places , and the House of Commons did well the other night to reject Mr . Fieldeu ' s amendment , upon the motion for going into committee cf supply . Why should the poor , self-denying sovereign , be plagued with ridiculous addresses about the sufferings of her people , when her hands are so full of eating and drinking ? Thirteen hundred pounds worth of betf and beer , is no joke to s-wallow in a week . '—and why should tke Ministry be annoyed , just as they step over the threshold of office , ¦ with a parcel of lachrymose tales abont a starving population ? * The business of the Ministry is to get money for the purposes of the Court , and to dine at the Palace as often as invited—( there are some good pickings at the royal table , you gormandisers of Rochdale . ')
What have the representatives of the people to do with the consideration of the state of the country ? Are they net " Members of this Henourible House ?"—they have done their duty to tbe country , by " taking the oaths and their seats , " and what can the country require of them further ? Ot a truth we are a very bad disposed , dissatisfied people -, ¦ we are very content to work the flesh off our bones , without a fair remuneration , that the splendour of a court may tz maintained out of theproper reward of our industry ; hut we are ungrateful enough to murmur if we are starved upon 2 s . 2 d . a week , when the Queen herself , poor thing , is not able to get more than thirteen hundred and forty-cne pounds fourteen shillings and sevenpence farthing a "week , to keep herself from starring also .
But there is no distress in the country—the " Hero of Waterloo" "who altogether , in pay , pensions , ann gratuities , has only received abont one million t ^ ro hundred and thirteen thousand three hundred and sixtyfive ponndB , out of the taxes wrung from the productive labour of tae the country , says there is bo distress , and we are bound to believe there is none , in his house at least ! and yet , when we conaider that the " illustrions Dnke" has had , through the whele of his slaughtering career , little more to live upon than a year and a halfs allowance to her Majesty the Queen . He certainly must be quite competent to know what the word '' distress" meaas when it comes before him at Apgley House .
Thaaks to the misgoreniment of the past , and the comfortable hope we have of the future ; I dare say we Bhall spend a very pleasant winter ; our fire will burn brightly—our tables ( mahogany 01 loo-tables ) will creak with the weight of the provisions that will pour upon us from all sides . In February , or some other monta , our national government will take our case into its consideration , and then , euch of us as have not died of starvation in tbe mean time , may lift up our hands and wonder how we have contrived to cheat the grave-digger so long 1
Should the period teally arrive when the state of the country is ever taken into consideration by Parliament , I deToutly hope the first thing it may do will be to double , triple , quadruple , the allowance for the guttling department of the royal household , fot had the men of England been true to their owa interests , the labouring millions , would this day have had fail bellies and contented homes . Fact , London , 2 lBt Sept . 1841 .
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^^^^ - ^——— ^ - ^^(^ F ^^^^ T ^ B ^^~^ — ^ — . — - — - — - ——— > THE MINISTRY . The House of Commons has assembled after its adjournment ta allow time for the re-elections , and Sir Robert Peel has re-entered it in the character of Prime Minister . Sir George Clerk promised for him , that as soon as ke retnrned he would make a statement as to tbe coarse which he should pursue ; and Sir Robert certainly made a speech on Thursday Bight , the one probably to which Sir George alluded . It coincides with tbe promise in point of time , and Sir Robert did not announce any further communication for tbe present ; so that it is only fair to assume , though one weuld not suppose it , that be has actually made his gtatemeat
The oracle hath spoken , and it bath said—nothing . The impression which the conqueror of Waterloo made upon a Parisian dame is said to have been , that he displayed " a great talent for silence . " Sir Robert exhibits a higher talent than his illustriou * eolteague , for be contrives to make speech perform the offioe of siienM , and to utter plenty of words which tell nothing . He fulfilled the promise which he made vicariously through Sir George Clerk , in characteristic style . He first introduced his statement a-propos of chimnies for the new Parliament building ; and upon that subject he was remarkably explicit TJ _ en he said that be should adopt the Whig Miscellaneous Estimates , which were to come on last night Next he explained tbe course which he
should take with election petitions—do nothing , and trust to the Election Committees to help him in doing so for the present Then with respect to the laws about to expire , he should continue them for the nonce ; and especially with respect to the PeorLaw—npon that he was very distinct—tbe House might prolong it by a general continuance BUI , or by an express enactment , so long as it gave Mm time to make up bis mind . Then he came to the deficiency in the revenue : be was careful to explain tkat there would be two classes of remedies ; one temporary—Mr . Goulburn would explain that ; and one permanent—be would explain that himself , next session . And , lastly , with respect to other permanent measures of importance , those too he would explain—next session .
So the sum of all that Sir Robert told tbe House was , what he should do with certain small Estimates on the very next evening , and that he should make arrangements to enable him to toll them nothing
more . Now there ia nothing in this procedure but what might have been expected ; for it is precisely in accordance with what Sir Robert Peel said that he should do on taking office , so long ago as the debate in May : he said that he should claim the confidence of the House , and ask for time to consider the measures to be adopted . There is therefore no new cause of complaint ; only the longer time Sir Robert takes for consideration , the better prepared must we expect him to be in February , when a strict account will be required of
his progress In oogitation . If there was any disappointment at Sir Robert's silence on Thursday , it was oecasioaed by Sir George Clerk , who had been instructed to make an announcement of Sir Robert whlok caused those who forgot the very peculiar nature of his expllcituesi to be disappointed ; and Sir Robert himself enhanced that disappointment by making a show as if he really were about to tell something . Lord John Russell was so tantalized that he could not bear it , and be threatened to make a speech on the posture of public affairs and Sir Robert ' s backwardness in dealing with them .
There is one hint lurking among the Premier ' s words , too vague as yet to found any opinion upon , which la s . ill n » t unwelcome . The Whigs , In dealing with " the deficiency , " admitted that they had bo scheme for reducing the expenditure—their only plan was to increase the revenue . Sir Robert Peel seems to perceive the possibility of doing both . Is a Tory Government going to begin the work of economy 7 It leoks like it : Colonel Peel plainly told his constituents at Huntingdon , that ' Lord Aberdeen is about to reduce the war expenditure , which Lord Palmenton did so much to augment Joseph Hume will turn "Tory ! " —Spectator .
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THE RECENT STRIKE OF MASOKS AT THE NEW HOUSES OF PARLIAlftiNT . In the dally journals of last week there appeared paragraph * , the substance of wnich was , that the masons employed on the works of the new Houses of Parliament hod struck in consequence ( as stated in tbe reports alluded to ) of the arbitrary conduct of their foreman , Mr . Allen , and tkat Vhey had resolved not again to resume their labour until the cause of their grievance was removed . The fact of works of so great on importance as those of the new Houses of Legislature being suspended , naturally caused & very considerable sensation , and as it is a matter of importance to tbe public that it should be properly informed of the real nature of the case , our reporter waited yesterday upon
the contractors , Messrs . Gnssell and Peto , and the former geBtleman very kindly furnished him with facts , the detail of which will put this affair in its proper light The masons employed up to Saturday night week numbered 222 , and the whole of them , principally provincial , belonc to the " Birmingham Union of Ma-ona . " This union was established for the purpose of protecting the labourer against the master . So far so good ; but union being strength , may be turned to other purposes than those it originally professes , and may , as in this instance , become a powerful instrument of intimidation . The men in a body have no fault whatever to find with their foremu-, and s » , we are informed , they have expressed themselves ; but a few , sixteen or seventeen , __»?• considered themselves
ill-used , and , to redress their wrongs , all must act up to tbe spirit of their compact , and strike . Two months since the contractors received a letter from the masons , requesting them to receive a deputation . The contractors consented and met the deputation , when a number of grievances were related . They , the deputation , prefaced their complaints by stating that Mr . Allen was an arbitrary man ; and , as an instance , he had refused to allow a mason to leave his work to bury his mother . This certainly was a very sfivere accusation to make against a man , and the contractors sifted it to the bottom . They had the foreman confronted with the men , and he then stated that a man did apply to him for permission to leave his work for a time that he might go down into
the country to bury his mother . The foreman was willing to grant him his request , but when he asked for three weeks' ab-ence , tho foreman said he cotild not keep bis bench empty that time , and , if he went , he mast take his chance of being employed on his return . This statement satisfied the deputation , and they agreed that the foreman had not been harsh . Another grievance , however , was raised ; and that was , the men could not have their beer where they liked—they were confined to two houses of the contractors' choosing . The contractors Baid they had chosen the houses nearest the works ; but to conciliate the men they would strike one off , and allow beer to come from the one at which they held their meeting-, the Pavior ' s Arms , Millbank . The denutetion expressed themselves satisfied , and
nothing again occurred to disturb tbe harmony that existed until a fortnight since . It is the custom in all public buildings to give portions of work to masons that occupy a certain time in completing , and if one man , from being a better ur quicker workman , completes his job before tbe time , he is called a " chaser , " and the united exertions of the men are put in force to expel him from the work , unless he consents to work at the speed laid down by the committee of masons . A mason finished a " headway" two days before he should have done according to his fellow-workmen's rule , and a meeting was held , at which he was fined five shillings . The man appealed to his foreman , Mr . Allen , and the latter mentioned the circumstance to the contractors , -who desired the foreman to
encourage tbe man , and support him against the body that oppressed him . Another meeting of the union was held , and it was resolved , that unless this man , who had only faithfully discharged his duty , was dismissed , they would Btrike . Upon a re-consideration , they thought that too weak a ground , and got up a charge against tbe foreman , which was to the effect that he wished them to do more work in one day than they were inclined to think a fair day ' s work ; and that , when they did not do this , he made use of intimidating language towards them , and after alluding to many what we consider cbiMish annoyances that they had suffered , the letter concluded by stating that , unless Mr . Allen was discharged , they would cease to work
from Saturday week . The contractors , having no fault to find with their foreman , iltterniined not to be influenced by this spirit of insubordination , and to maintain him iu his place—the result of which was the masons fetched away their tools on Tuesday last The contractors having seen a paragraph in the papers , in which it was stated that Lord Ashley bad consented to present a petition to the Commissioners of Woods and Forests on behalf of the masons , Mr . Grissell waited upon the Hon . the Commissioners , and ascertained that tbe statement was totally false , the Commissioners assuring Mr . Grissell that , had such a complaint been made , they Bhould either have referred the matter to Mm , or at the least , solicited his presence .
Yesterday the Commissioners of Woods and Forests sent a letter to the contractors , stating that whatever they , the contractors , might suggest , they , tbe Commissioners , would assist them in carrying out , aa far as lay in their power . Thus the affair remains at present—Observer , ta Whig official print . )
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Taxation akd Representation . —Previous to his descent upon England , William the Conqueror assembled a council of his nearest friends , to demand their advice and assistance . They all approved of the expedition , and promised to eerve William with their persons and goods . " But , " said they , " this is not all—you must ask assistance of the great body of the people of the country ; for it is but rignt that those who pay the expense should be called to consent to it . " Then William , say the chroniclers , convoked a great assembly of men of all classes in Normandy , laid before chem his project , and solicited their assistance—then left them that they might deliberate freely . We perceive by this that even so earl y aa the days of the Conqueror , people had hold of the notion that " taxation and representation should go together , •" or , to express it in the language of tbose day ., that " it is but right those why pay the expense ghould be called te consent to it . "
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, NSWPORT . —Mo-raotrosHiRE . —The committee wjPtf'B . WP * nd conducting a demonstration to wtmm that nofcle > f nature Feargus O'Connor , Sill . - ** iovni * Neirpor-, onThis way from Merthyr , airp acting : with great energy ; they axe womnflwell , and will leave nothing undone on their p *™* . From the favourable manner in which it has beeirt ^ cen up b y the working classes it to expected to be rae of the greatest displays erer witaesaedwthe Whi g * idden-town of Wewpbrt . The greatest enthusiasm an * joy pervades alrflo-t every breast at thefteughto of seeing the man they prize an * low .. There are a good many . books out reeenrin * BUbBcnphoBs . Mr . Benjamin Francismerchant
, , » one of the ; committee , and likewise treasurer . The commltUe hope that deputations and delegates will attend from various places , particularly from Pontypool , Caerleon , Cardiff , Kackwood , Abergagavenny , Usk , aad other districts ; if they can muster a few flags or banners they will be wanted for the occasion . Now , Monmouthshire , do yotr duty . Chartism is not dead , nerslumherinfr Come in yowr thousands to see the man who is destined to erush the tyrant and the oppresser . Dae notice will be given in the Star , when Mr . O'Connor can attend . All communications to be addressed to W . H . Cronin , street
George- Cottage , Newport , Monnwn . li 8 hi « . _ , ?? J Sr : Q Tharsday night , Sept . 16 , in Mr . Robert Cnchton ' s School-room , under the auspices of the Democratic Association , a Bocial entertainment was given , of a purely intellejotual character ; comprising political speeches , recitations , and staging , designed for promoting the moral , social , and political improvement of the people . A good deal of excitement has taken place in consequence of Mr . O'Connor ' s notice of visiting this place in his tour through Scotland ; and it is to be hoped that the friends of the people will give him a reception worthy of his services .
Nsw CuJorocK . —On Monday , tho 13 th instant , a meeting was held at Mansfield Coliery , near this « laoe , in the School-room , at which Mr . Duncan Robertson explained the principles of the Charter to an attentive audience . He concluded his address fey moving the propriety of joining in union for advancing the cause . Mr . O'Connor ' s visit to Old Cumnock , which is about fire or six miles distant , will stir up men ' s minds a good deal , to seethe propriety of doing something to free the masses from this worse than Egyptian bondage . COUfE . —On Monday evening , the 13 th inst ., Mr . Charles Connor delivered a very interesting lecture in the Chartist Lecture Room , to a crowded and attentive audience ; and on Wednesday evening , the 15 ; b , Mr . James Leach , from Manchester , delivered an excellent lecture in the same place , to a very full and attentive auditory .
LEICESTER . —The excitement goes on steadily and bravely . We have added fifteen to-day ( Monday ) and Saturday , in addition to forty-two last week , and sixty-two tbe week preceding . Mr . Bairstow and his blooming bride were entertained at a merry tea-party on Thursday last ; and at the close Mr . B . delivered a very pleasing address . Laat Sunday , Mr . Bairstow preached in the afternoon , and Mr . Cooper , in the evening . The Marketplace , on each occasion , presented an interesting appearance : the audience , at night , amounted to upwards of three thousand . Collections were made in aid of the fund for O'Brien ' s printing press ; and 42 were sent off to the treasurer , Mr . Ogden , Leeds , the next day : at the same time , a money order for £ ¦ 2 was dispatched to Mr . Campbell , the Secretary of the Executive . On Monday evening , Mr . Cooper delivered his concluding lecture on Geography , ia the Guildhall , the audience being a crowded one , as before .
CHESTERFIELD AND BRAMPTOI * . —At the weekly meeting of the Chartists on Monday evening last , it was unanimously resolved that a general meeting of the members do take place at the house of Mr . John Williams , Brick-house yard , Brampton , ( which tbe Chattiste have taken for their future meetings ) for the purpose of electing three members to serve on the general counoil , in the room of three resigned . KNARESBRO ' . —On Monday last , the Chartists here held their weekly meeting . The cause is going on prosperously ; numbers of new members were enrolled . We had a very full room to hear Mr . Dooker give a public lecture on the necessity ol agitating for nothing short of the Charter . WANOSWORTH . SuaRET . —Mr . Stall wood , lectured on Sunday evening , iu the Chartist Association-rooms , on tee Charter .
BLACKBURN . —We had a glorious meeting on Friday evening , when Mr . Leaou delivered an able lecture on Chartism . The lecturer gave general satisfaction . A vote of thanks was given to Mr . Leach , with three rounds of applau _ e . " Three cheers were . also given for our undaunted patriot , Feargus O'Connor ; after which the meeting separated , highly delighted with the proceedings of the evening . MIDDLEBBRO ' . —The cause of Chartism goes bravely on here ; since the liberation of our true and tried friend O'Connor , the cause has assumed a different aspect . The news of the people ' s instructor
being let at liberty has acted like magic , and caused all our old lukewarm members to be up and doing . Our meetings are now well attended , and all seem anxious to take a part in the great Btruggle for political freedom . We have had a very important discussion upon the Corn Laws . Several shopkeepers have joined us , and expressed their belief that the Charter is the only remedy for the evils we labour under . We are to have a delegate meeting hero next Sunday , on this subjeot , when delegates are expected from Yarm , Stockton , Darlington , Hartlepool , and various other p laces , when we shall be abl » to state to the various places the result of oar
delegations . OTJSEBTJRN . —The Chartists of this plaoe met as usual on Sunday morning last , in the Association Room , near Byker Bar . It was resolved , "That there bo a lecture delivered in this room every Tuesdav evening , to commence at seven o ' clock ; subject " for the lirst lecture , "The American and French Revolutions : the cause that produced the success of tho former , and jthe defeat of the latter . " The subscriptions are coming in well here to defray the expences of the demonstration to O'Connor and O'Brien . We would suggest the propriety of having a delegate meeting for Northumberland and Durham , in some central part between the two countries , that we may know the wants and feelings of our brother Chartists in the villages round about Newcastle .
SCOTLAND . —Dalkeith . —Mr . Lowery delivered a lecture in the Masons' Hall here , last Monday evening . The lecture gave great satisfaction . Chartism is in a healthy state here . Gore Bridge . —A meeting was held here in the open air on Tuesday last , to hear a lecture from the county lecturer , Mt . Lowery . The meeting was well attended , and has done much good . After the lecture a Charter Association was formed . Roslin . —Mr . Lowery lectured here on Wednesday last , in the open air . Lasswade . —Fkuit 3 of the System . —An extensive failure has taken place here during the last week by which a great number of persons have been thrown out of employment ; it is Mr . Brooks , paper manufacturer . It is said he has failed in at least £ 20 , 000 , and that there are not assets enough to pay Is . in the pound . Loan-head . —Ah Association is about to be formed
here . Montrose . —At the last week ' s meeting of the Montrose Chartists , a vote of thanks was moved and carried unanimously to the Rev . Father Ryan and Messrs . O'Higgins and Brophy , for their patriotic exertions in defence of the rights of the suffering millions , and defending the Charter against that arck traitor to his country , Dan O'Connell . We have also invited the tried friend of the psople , Mr . Feargus O ' Connor , to pay us a visit while en his tour through Scotland , knowing that he will do much good in this quarter .
KIDDERMINSTER . —Mr . Mason delivered a lecture here at the White Horse Inn , on Wednesday last , on the rights of labour . The lecture occupied an hour and a half in the delivery . A few more suoh lectures in this Tory ridden place , will put the extinguisher over Toryism . At the close of the lecture , it was unanimously resolved , " That a deputation be appointed to assist at the demonstration at Birmingham , in honour of the release of Feargus O'Connor , Esq ., from the fangs of a dastard Whig Government . NOTTINGHAM . —The Chartists held their usual weekly meeting in the Democratic Chapel on Monday evening : letters were read from Mr . D . Blair , of Belfast , Mr . Summitt , of Newark , and Mr . O'Connor ' s speech at the meeting of stonemasons , London . Several new members joined the Association .
WISBEACB , Cambridgeshire . —Some few weeks since , a meeting of the working classes was held in this town for the purpose of forming an Association ; the executive was applied to for oards , < feo . and a subsequent meeting was called , and an Association regularly organized . We are , it is true , but thirteen in number , but we are about getting up an address to the working men of Wisbeaoh and its neighbourhood , and training ourselves for a regular systematic agitation . We deem it our duty to make this brief statement , through the medium of the Northern Star , ia order that our brethren throughout the country may know that even in aristocratic Cambridgeshire the spirit of freedom lives and has its earnest breathings .
WARBINGTON . —The Cbarfcista here celebrated the release of Mr . O'Connor , on Monday evening fay a splendid tea party . The room was orewd ^ d to excess . After tea , Mr . J . Savory was called to the chair , and the evening was spent with the greatest bi ' arity . The toasts , of which several weregiven , were responded to in an excellent style and with great effect . The recitations of Mr . Lawless were admirable , but what crowned theentertulnment were the recitations and songs of Mr . Yates .
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NOMINATIONS FOB THE GENERAL COUNCIL . BOLTON . Mr . TTUlLara BiW . Mr . John SulHvaa . Mr . Henry Gilmore . Mr . William Booth . Mr . ThemasEntwlatle . Mr . Peter Ryan . Mr . James Whitehsad . Mr . Job * Burly , sub-Secretary . Mr . JohnThornton , Corresponding Seeretaiy ;
NOTTINGHAM . Mr . Wm . Russell . Mr . Joseph grater . Mr . Wm . Castor . ¦ - Mr . John Wall Mr . Thomas HaWst-L . Mr . John Wright Mr . Charles Oates . Mr . Thomas Stanford , sub-Secretary Mr . James Sweet . sab-Treasurer .
KEW LEMON . Mr . Alexander Byard . Mr . Thomas Smith . Mr . Jtbn Williamson . Mr . Henry Hetherlngton . Mr . Wm . Brown . Mr . J . G . Hanney . Mr . Georga Groves . Mr . Jacob Bostock , sub-Secretary Mr . Thoa , Smith , sub-Treamrar .
E . XCUMONB . Mr , George Abbott Mr-William Clarkaon . Mr . fteorge Swiatos . Mr . Josaa Mattsoa . Mr . Thomas Fryer . Mr . Robert Lawsoa . Mr . Thomas Heathcoate . Mr . John Eromison , sub-Treasnrei Mr . George Allison , sub-Secretary
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GLASGOW . —A lecture was delivered in Si ^ Ann ' s Church , on Monday night , oa the evils ot Monarchy , by Mr . Jack , to a wowded ^ aodience ^ tha lecturer did great justictijft his subject f he traoed monarchy from its origin downwards , Bhowiag the amount of iniserr which mankind in ail ages , countries , « nd cEmeff , h * tb suffered from its banefui effects , and proving that irtespensible power wa 3 the prolific source of almost every evil which th © great haman family had to complain of , and the absolute necessitv of ererr civilised nation throwing
off the unhallowed incubus before they could eitlur be happy , prosperous-, or independent . Mr . J * ck was much cheered throughout . Mr . Roy aad Mr . Malcolm followed , and contended that it was not the monarchy but the people that were to blame , as monarchy was a monster of their own creation . Mr ; Proudfoot read from the Bible Samuel's denunciation of kings , and proved from past history , how true his words had come to pass . A rote of thanks was then given to the lecturer , when the meeting
disBolved-A Meeting of thb Comhittbk for conducting the soiree to Fearpns O'Connor was held en Tuesday evening , wken the various speakers were appointed , and the different sentiments they were te speak upon agreed to . Mr . Cnllen was appointed Chairman , and Mr . Moir , vice-chairman of the soiree . The splendid Hall where this soiree fe to be held will be finished in a few days : the view from the galleries at each end ef the Hall is the most magnificent we ever beheld ; the eyes dazzle , and the mind is enraptured with the spacious H » U , the ajftendid building , and beautiful workmanship performed by workmen whom the base factions sneeringly tell us are unfit for the franchise . The tickets , which are one shilling and threepence each , are being rapidly parchased up . Demonstration Cokmitteb . —The Demonstration Committee met on Thursday night , Mr . Con Murray in the chair . The Committee entered into the necessary arrangements . Mr . Moir was appointed
chairman for the Green ; Messrs . Brown , Colquhonn , and M'Kay were appointed a committee to draw up an address to O'Connor , and the resolutions for the meeting on the Green . It was also suggested that they should hire * steam boat , and have it decorated out with flags and other insignia , with a band of music , and proceed early on Monday morning from the Broomilaw down the Clyde to Greeuock , and bring up Mr . O'Connor in triumph to Glasgow . Tbe Secretary was ordered to write to Mr . O'Connor requiring him , when he came to Greenock on the Sunday afternoon with the Belfast steamer , to go ashore and stop there all night , when he would bo brought Hp next morning in the manner above described . After some other minor business had been transacted , a vote of thanks was given to the Chairman , and the meeting dissolved .
ROTHERH .. Itt .-The Rptherham Chartists held their usual weekl y meeting in the Association room , on Monday evening , when the following persons were added to the Coancil : Thomas Leo , brickmaker , Thomas Goodlinston , labourer . Two new members were enrolled . It is particularly requested that all members will attend next Monday evening , as there is business of importance to transact .
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The B . zcisT Strikb ax thb Hocsb of Commons . —On Tuesday night a public meeting of the stonemasons , lately employed at the House of Commons , was held at the Craven ' s Head , Drury Lane , for the purpose of fully explaining the cause of their recent strike . Mr . Worthington was unanimously called to the chair . Several persons addressed the meeting ; one of whom stated that Allen had actually locked up a pump in Palaco Yard , to prevent the labourers from setting a can of water ; and it was subsequently moved , seconded ,. and carried unanimously , "That the masons recently employed at the House of Commons felt themselves justified in the steps they had taken relative to the strike . " A resolution was also carried to the effect that the masons of London not employed at the ' works acquiesced in the strike * Thanks were then given to the Chairman , aud th& meeting , consisting of upwards ef 200 persons , separated ,
KEPOBTED mf _ SI __ IOENCB IN BELA-HOTf TO THE LOSS of the Steambz Phksibent . —( From the Boston A lias of Aug . 30 . )—We fey before our readers the following reported account of the loss of this illfated vessel , as we receive it by our express .. Our readers are as capable as we are of judging of its accuracy , and will make all proper allowances for its improbability . — " The Loss of the President Steamer . — -The Philadelphia National Gazette of Saturday famishes an extract from the St . Thomas * iTimes , received from their Barbadoes correspondent , giving a letter said to have been found in a bottle picked up itr . lat . 53 SO , long . 47 33 , as follows : — On Iceberg , JMareh 17 , 1841 . —To whomsoever these presents shall come , these are addressed , not in the
hope of obtaining aid , but to apprise our ftiends of our awful and . inevitable fate . Wo , unhappy passengers and company of the President steamer , nad rough weather from the hour of our departure from New York . On the night of the 14 th instant it blew a hurricane , with hail and snow , and the look-out was unable to see a cable ' s length from the ship . At about seven p . m ., being then under close-reefed topsails , the ship encountered an island of ice ; so rapidly did she fill that we had barely time to escape to the ice before she went down . Many of the passengers barely saved their garments , among whom was the unfortunate Norns , who , being in delicate health , died on the second day , of cold and hunger . This is the only case of mortality as yet , but as the ice is breaking up fast , we none of us expect to survive more than two or three days longer , unless it should please the Lord extraordinarily to
have mercy . We have no fault to find with any one . Tho ship was strong and well found—the captain and crew skilful , prudent , and courageous . I should have mentioned before that our boats , with the excaption of the long boat , were all washed away the day preceding the disaster , and the bog-boai was stove by the concussion . Even had this not been tho case , no boat could have lived in such sea . Our hearts are dead within us . Captain Roberts and the Rev . Mr . Cookman are the only ones that endeavour to keep up the courage of the rest . I fear that thetono in which we join this gentleman in prayer indicates more the courage of despair than any other feeling . Nevertheless , God's will . not ours , be done . Yesterday we were so fortunate as to pick up the carcase of & small shark , which was dashed against our standing prison , by the violence of the waves . This , andafew bottlesof wine , have been oaronlysusteuance . My hand freezes , and I can write no more . "
Depending on One ' s Wits . —We have heard that a journeyman tailor , who left the neighbourhood of Derby on tramp at short time ago , played off the following no . very creditable trick . Being " hard up , " as the phrase goes , and rather fatigued , he rested hi 3 arms upon a gate leading to a corn-field , and was ruminating , when a body of Irishmen came up . Fancying from the tailor ' s manner , that he was the owner of the field , and in the act of looking at the crop to soe if it were ready for the hook , they at once asked for " the job . " The tailor hesitated for a moment , as if in deep thought , and then gave a ha'f negative . The hesitation of the tailor caused the
poor Irishmen to renew their entreaties , and at last the tailor said he had an objection to Irishmen , having employed some last year that did not do their work properly . Tiie reapers assured " his honour " that they woijld behave " d&ceatly , " and do the work as it ought to be : but his honour was not disposed to trust them , unless they would deposit a certain sum in his hands . The poor fellows raised several pound 3 , the fruits of their industry , which they placed in his honour ' s hands , received in return orders to commence cutting the wheat on the following morning . Wo are sorry to add , the tailor who practised the deception got clear away with his booty before the " mistake" was discovered . He may yes
receive his deserts . Failure of the Rural Policb . —We have this week good news to communicate . Our readers will remember that the question of a rural police in the West Riding was-some time ago placed in abeyance until the experiment of its introduction ia Lancashire had Iseen fairly tried . It has been tried now for a longer time . thau was necessary to ascertain its effect , and it has utterly failed . Oil Thursday week , at the adjourned annual session of the peace for tho county of Lancaster , held a . the Court-house , Preston , when upwards of one hundred magistrates were present in court , a resolution was adopted by a majority of seventy-two to twenty-eight , to the effect that it was inexpedient to continue for any longer period thau was compulsory , the existing
establishment oi county police . This nneonsfttutional force will therefore be disbanded as soon as possible . The reasons which induced such a large majority to vote for the dissolution of this pet force are worthy of attentive consideration , since they furnish us with a complete refutation of the Whig arguments in Yorkshire . Its grievons expencc , and its notorious inefficiency , coupled with the unpopularity which it continued to experience . Were the causes assigned by tho Lancashire magistrates for their votes against the continuance of the force . Between three hundred and four hundred petitions were presented against ; the force , signed by all olasses of ratepayers , and coming from all parts of the county , all bearing testimony to its enormous expence aud its ridiculous inefficiency . As » a preventive service ( in which light
the Whiga would force it on thia riding ) , we have it on the authority of several magistrates that tha Lancashire police was of no benefit whatsoever . " In Blackburn Hundred , " said Mr . Greene , " the force as a preventive service was quite useless f * whilst Mr . P . -Ainsworth said " the prevailing opinion in Bolton was , that the force was quite inoperative . The charges now levied oa four towcships were £ 300 , whereas before they did aot amount to £ 50 ; and he felt quite convinced th . * ' the detection of crime was not at all greater than . efcre the force was established . " From another <_ a&He * we learn that the fsxpence of maintaining this force in the rural districts has been of so seiiovs a nature , that the cost to the farmers , in many instances , has operated equal to a tax of 5 _ . so aero .
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A Ffrucrroirs Hi > t . —Corpulent persons desirous of regaining their shape should apply to some newspaper establishment for the office of collector . They will run their fat off long before their station becomes a sinecure . —American Paper .
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» IttACCLESriELD . —On Sunday evening Mr . Chandley lectured on the factory system , and in a very interesting and effecti ye address , laid bare the horrible enormities of the life-destroying system . BRIDGETON . —Another great meeting was held in the Chartist Hall there , on Wednesday night , Mr . Black in the chair , when Con . Murray was again called upon , who entered with feelisg and spirit into the wrongs of Ireland , and the unprincipled conduct of her paid patriots . He was followed by another countryman of his , who made a very sensible speech . Mr . Shufflebottom followed , and delivered a very excellent address , in which he showed the propriety of casting to tke winds all petty animosities or sectarian prejudices , and explained the principles of the Charter , point by point . Dennis McMillan defended
the principle of the Charter , and showed that it was impossible for his countrymen to obtain a Repeal of the Union without joining with the British people for the Charter . He was followed by Mr . Camertn , who , in his usual eloquent style , went over a number of the topics alluded toby the previous speakers , approving here and condemning there , according to bus views of the subjects alluded to . Mr . Nimmo , who was lately a Whig , but now appears , from the sentiments which he delivered , to have joined the Chartist movement , congratulated the Chartists upon the strong position which they had taken ap , and advised them to stand by the Charter , the whble Charter , and nothing else . The meeting dissolved at a late hour , after giving the usual round of cheering . Committee meetings in the vsrions districts are being held almost every night , making the necessary arrangements for the coming demonstration .
SELBY . —A North and East Riding delegate meeting was held at Selby on Sunday last , to take into consideration the practicability of forming a North and East Riding District of the National Charter Association , and for the purpose of electing a fit and proper person to become lecturer for the district . The following delegates handed in their credentials : —Mr . Edward Burley , York ; Mr . Padget , Hull ; Mr . Moody , Howden ; Mr . Sutherby , Selby ; and Mr . Jones , Leeds . Letters were also received from Scarborough , Market Weighton , and KDaresborough , approving of the objects of the meeting . Mr . Padget was called to th * chair , and Mr . Burley acted as Secretary . Mr . Burley briefly stated the objects of the meeting , when , after some
discussion , in which several friends took part , it was resolved that » North and East Riding District be immediately formed , and a lecturer ongaeed to agitate the same , to be paid 35 a . per week , he paying his owu expences . It was also resolved that Mr . Skevington , of Loughborough , be engaged as lecturer for one month , to commence on Monday , the 27 th of September . Mr . William Croft , of ^ Terk , wa ~ appointed Treasurer , and Mr . Barley the corresponding Secretary , for the district . Mr . Burley and Mr . Padget were appointed to draw up an address to the working classes of the North and East Riding , which was unanimously adopted . The following resolution was then agreed to : — " That we , the delegates assembled in Selby , representing the Chartists of York , Leeds , Selby , and various localities in the East Riding of the county of York , deem it our duty to impress upon the several
lecturers throughout the country the great necessity of their using their utmost exertions in raising funds for the support of the Executive Council , and thereby enable that body to carry out those great measures for which they were elected . " It was resolved that the next delegate meeting for the East and North Ridings should be held at York , on Sunday , October the 31 st . A vote of thanks having been passed to the Chairman and Secretary , the meeting broke up , each delegate determined to use every exertion to cement firmly that union which he had been a party in formiBg . The room was crowded the whole of the day with highly respectable persons , who seemed to take great interest in the proceedings . Much benefi . may accrue to our cause by spreading the principles in this district of ariatoctatio pomp . r l'be spirit oi inquiry is abroad ; let them stop its progress if they can . The following is the address agreed to by the delegates : —
To the Working Classes of the East and North Ridings of the Courtly of York , Fellow Countrymen , —We , the delegates from the various towns in tbe East and North Riding of tbe County of Yoik , assembled in Selby , to deliberate upon the best means of enlightening our fellow-men to a sense of tbose righto to which they are so justly entitled , deem it our duty to lay before you our views and objects upon this occasion , in order to rebut the ba 38 and scandalous assertions which have been made against our principles , by ignorant and designing men , and by a hireling press , whose interest it is to keep you in ignorance , that they may tbe more easily oppress and enslave you , taking from you those means which you ought to possess , to support and keep in comfort and contentment your wivea and families , in order that they may revel in luxury and extravagance .
Fellow Countrymen , —The present state of our country requites your most serious consideration ; we address you ia the plain and simple language of truth , which is tbe most powerful of all . We wish to convince you that we are not the vile characters which our opponents represent us to be , but that we are men who have felt tbe ycke of oppression , and are determined to inquire into the cause . * Our oppressors tell you there is no oppression—no distress , any farther than what divine providence has inflicted ; that God intended that there should be rich and poor , and that it is infidelity to attempt to alter that which he has ordained . This we deny .
Fellow Countrymen , —If we look on the one band we see men , women , and children , starving for want of food , whilBt , on the other hand , we see a pampered aristocracy , roiling in the midst of luxury and splendour . Did God ordain that one portion of society should be the slaves of another portion ? No . God ordained thct man should eat bread by the sweat of bis brow ; yet we find those who toil , sweat , and produc . all ; who erect the stately roan-ion , who cultivate the soil , who sow tha seed , and reap the harvest in proper
time , —in fact , the men who produce every thing which is calculated to make man happy in this world , arc actually hungering and starving to death , for the want of a sufficiency of those necessaries which , through their intelligence and industry , they have in abundant provided ; whilst we find those who toil not , monopolising and enjoying those blessings which God has £ 0 bounteously provided for all his creatures . This la infidelity ; and this system tbe Chartists of this country are determined to put down by all moral and constitutional means in their power .
We seek not to take another man ' s property , nor to destroy it ; but we seek to destroy the system that takes from us our only property—onr labour ; that system we find to emanate from class-legislation , and to destroy it , we are coavlneed that nothing will be m effectual as the establishing of tbe People ' s Charter aa the law of tha land . To afford you an opportunity of judging of the merits of those great and glorious principles , we have determined upon sending a lecturer amongst you , to explain them . It will be for you to ^ decide when you have heard them , which we doHNttpot but you will do , iu favour of them , with a dWBmination to do y . ur utmost to assist in carrying them out , by forming yourselves in bodies , and joining the National Charter Association .
The cause of liberty , your distressed countrymen who are now pent up in the cold bastile , and the noble leaders of the people who ate now Buffeting in the cheerless dungeon and on the foreign shore , sepO-atad from all they bold dear to them , demand your assistance to raise up your fallen country to that station amongst the nations of the earth , which the intelligence and industry of her people deserve . ,. . That y < ju may see the justness of our cause ;? and join with your fellow cotmtrymen , ia their cry for freedom , is tbe earnest prayer of Your Brothers in political bondage ,. Signed on behalf of the D-legatea , Edwabp BirftLEr , Secretary . Wm . Papgjbt , Chairman .
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Sept. 25, 1841, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct722/page/7/
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