On this page
-
Text (8)
-
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
JHB DEMOCRATS OF SHEFFIELD TO THE POLISH TinrTT . Ttp IN ENGULND . Brothxas zx ths Cause of Umvbbjal Liberty , —With feelings of sympathy and admiration , ve b » re pernaed ao address purporting to be from a ortion of 70 m body , resides ! at Portaea , in which you remind as of the service ! and wacriflcw of you country { or the safety of Europe , and the bate ingratitude of those Governments , -who , tared from the scourge of the jforthem Autocrat by the torrents of blood shed by you , v&o have survived tbe storm of war , and by youi compatriots -who sleep in their gory graves , hare basely allowed the destruction of the independence of that juiion , that , by its immense sacrifice * and god-like jjeroum , has twice prevented the annihilatioH of dviliBtioa and freedom Is the West ; first , under the walls of Vienna , when tbe Crescent waned before the Crass , jod Bsrepe wa * saved from tbe barbarism of tbe Turk ; gecood , on Qte bank * of tbe Vistula , when Warsaw ' s berok legions saved Paris from the sword of the
Mus-TTe hare denounced the base ingratitude of certain QoTsrsmests : we than sot shrink from saying what Governments—we mesa the GoTernments of England ggd" France . Qt tbe Preach Ckrrernaient it is not our proTince to ipe&k : ^ e leaTe tbe perfidious Monarch of the Barri cades to the vesgeaaee and execration of the generous 20 BS of Gsu ] , confident , as we are , that the tri-colour fljf of Kbertj will yet be what it was in 1793—the terror of tyrant * , the beaeon-Hght for the oppressed of mil nations struggling to be free .
1 % is with oux own Government ire have to do . We more yoa , Brothers , that tbe sympathies of the Englijb people iu 1830 were with yon ia your holy struggle . Ton bad the good wishes—you had the prayers of the people far your triumph and sucoecs ; but you needed njore , you needed the assistance of our right arms , ^ jfts ! you kne w not that the people of England , Of Trtiase boasted freedom yoa had , doubtless , in you own ha d , heard so much , were but Blares themselres : not tlsTei fe > one blood-stained military tyrant , like the people of Poland , but slaves to a host of plundering aristocrats , stock-jobbers , capitalists , itete-prieste , pensioners , and court-parasites , who keep the toiling classes in political bondage , that they may deprive them of the produce of their industry , and plunder them of the troitao ! their toil .
Yon denounce the treaty of the 14 th of July . We noite with y » u in execrating that treaty , by which England was insanely and wickedly bound to support the design * of Russia upon Turkey . You do the people of England bat justice in supposing that the national feelings of this country were not represented in that treaty ; if the silence of the English people surprised you , we can explain that silence . True , they were appealed to by certain parties , who told them a certain Minister was a traitor , and had sold his country to Russia ! What said the people ? "
Palmerston may be a traitor , bat wh&t then > Are not aQ his coronetted compeers traitors too ?—have not the aristocracy , one and all , sold us to slavery ? We detest the Busafra despot , but we have no power to prevent an alliance of our irresponsible rulers with aim ; we will not have our attention diverted from the obtainmsnt of our Charter . " Thus reasoned—thus said the people ; in our opinion , the people reasoned wisely , and acted well is relaxing to take part in any movement that had not for its object their own ftnfranr . hUftnent .
Brothers , believing , as we do , that " he who oppresses one nation is the declared enemy of all , " we cannot but bold in abhorrence the blood-stained tyrant of the North . But , alas ! we have no power to prevent as alliance with him , on the part of our governors ; they are to the people irresponsible ; over them tbe enslaved T ri » irm » have no eantronL Brothers , we are united to obtain those rights which we believe are the common heritage of men , without distinction of country or class . The Chartists of England have been painted in the blackest colours by the wretched tools of aristocracy , who sell themselves , znisd and soul , to prop up the present Uttering despotism . By them we have been denounced as " anarchists , " men who sought only rapine and spoliation , and the reducing of society to one chaos Of confufiien , tint we might profit by disorder .
We indignantly repel the charges brought against us . Our object is the putting an end to that legalised system of rapine , by which the idler is made rich , and tbe wealth-producer made poor : our demand is to have accorded to ns the rights of manhood , and to be placed npoa a political level with out fellow-men , la there ought that is unworthy in such objects ? Is there ought tt&t is unjust in such demand ? No , brothers , no ' . we feel assured that , having yourselves battled for liberty , your hearts are with us in our struggle—a struggle for the liberties of Englishmen—for the rights of the human
•• For cur freedom and yours" is tbe motto of English democrats , as well as Polish patriots . In contending for our Charter , we contend for the power to protect ourselves—and the power to extend the arm of fraternity to eTery ether people . Let the democratic banner once wave triumphal t over the blood-stained flag of despotism , and . Englishmen , having won their own freedom , will not be slow to diffuse the blessings cf liberty among the nations of tbe earth . You speak of your countrymen , the " gentlemen emigrants , " as having failed to do their duty . Aristocrats are the same all the world over . We question much , whether your revolution would have failed , notwithstanding the Eon-rappert of England and France , bad the chiefs of the revolution proclaimed not only war with . Hessian , tyranny , bat war also with Polish inequality .
The independence of Poland and the equal rights of her children inscribed on your banners , will in your next struggle ensare you the triumph , and the victory . Tou speak of the treachery of leaders , —tbe curses of posterity blast their memories , and blight their names — may the faie of the traitor Tobbihofski be the file of all , who like him , sell freedom and a nation for a tyrant ' s gold . Brothers , from our hearts we rtjoiee that yon have determined to this day celebrate the glorious 29 th of > -&Tfcmber ; in person we cannot be with you , but in spirit "we are . We Ido are met this hour to celtbrate a cay so deax to the lovers of liberty , bo hateful to the oppressors of nations .
Brothers , our fathers were tinght by interested knaves acd juggling state-priests to regard as their natural enemies , all mea not born on British ground ; we turn With disgust from so loathsome a doctrise . We believe all men to be ferothers , and all the nations of the earth to be tut one family ; ¦ we extend the hand of fraternal Iots to all men , regardless of colour , clime , or creed ; and ncrw before G-od and the human race -we pledge you our sympathy and brotherly aid . You say well , that the hoar of your battles is again come . Eternal justice forbid that Poland should sink into the grave of annbilaticn , and her name be blotted from the book of nations , -flriihout another struggle on the part of her
children—aye , rather every Pole perish , sword in hand , beneath the spear of tbe Barbarian—every fort of Poland ' s soil be given to desolation , rather than submission to a bloody despotism be hopelessly endured . But , brothers , we have fervent hope , that the undying spirit of liberty , rallying your dispersed legions rouad tbe -white eagle of your father-land , will lead jou onward t * "Factory and the restoration of your country ' s independence . What though Barbarian hordes again oppose yon , anQ torrents of gore again are shed ? * The patriot may fall on the red field of strife and see not tfcs realization of bis hopes , but liberty is immortal , and a brave people were never yet subdued . Poland Dins :, 'will regain her independence and freedom .
" All ills have bounds , plague , whirlwind , fire and nocd , Etcd power csn spill fcu ; bounded seas of blood ; Sat 3 = caring net Trhat Freedom ' s cost may be , Msy , late or Boon , but must at last be free ; 5 or Wdy-killing tyrants , —cannot kill Thr public soul , —the hereditary will , Which downward as from sire to son it goes , By shifting bosoHis more intensely glows , it ? htiT-ioom is tie heart , and slaughtered men Fittt fiercer in their orphans o ' ei again . " Assuring yon of the undying sympathy of the democrats of England , -we are , noble and gallant patriots , in hatred to tyrants , and love to you , Tours in fraternity , The D £ mocsais of Sheffield . ?^ . A / yAAAA ^^^^ MJijJvJjJj-jj-j
Untitled Article
DEWSBURY . At the » eeting here on Thursday ni&ht week , the following address was read , and was omitted in our last , for want of room : —
TO FEARGUS O'COXXOB , £ SQRespectxd Sis ., —Permit us , the inhabitants of DtWibtry and its surrounding villages , in common with * he whole of the wealth-producing pcrtion of the community , to express , though feebly , our unbounded joy , that jOttr const : tntion and spirit have enabltd yon to fcriirmph over tiie disease and horrors of "Whig BOlItMy confinement , and that yon have oome to the glorious face of day , like a giant refreshed with new ¦ wi ne , prepared to tell despotism to its teeth , " thus didst thoa , and thus thy reign shall end ; " prepared » tell it , that the measure of its -wickedness is full to
overflowing ; prepared to tell it that it has rooted to the end of endurance in the blood sad groans of suffering humanity ; prepared to tell it that your woe-? orn fitters curse not loud but deep ; that the heartburning sigh &f job famint-stricken , half-naked mother , as she wildly clasps her offspring , dying from hunger , to bermiikless bosom ; prepared to tell it that all these , piaddtned at the protracted injury and insult , proclaim in notes of tkunder , that unless justice be done , and that speedily , to suffering humanity , a day of fearful ^ nbntion is , like time and death , silently , but with « j ghrfuliy rapid strides , certain to overtake them .
We cannot , Sir , in the compass of an address of this kind , pretend to enter into , or point ont all the actions ; which have adorned your career , and which have en- deared you to the hearts of all those who love mankind to this and every other country . But permit us to allude for a moment to the state in which we if ere . * benyon Came araongsi us . We have had the splen- fiW talents of a Cobbett , a Cartwright , a Hunt , and a ! test cf others for twenty years ; we have seen tbe bill , we whole , bill , and nothing but the bill , become the i «» of the land ; we have seen the middle classes be- ; tome the law makers , and , as a natural consequence , ¦ ' Te . bave ^ aeen the , enacting of dead body bills , Irish )
Untitled Article
SAYINGS AND DOINGS IN THE NORTH . During the abstraction of the inhabitants of the coast towns , by thft fisheries acd harvest , agitation naturally verged southward , till merged in the demonstrations of the patriot chief . " Apart , however , from them , though full of anticipation , " the good men and true" of Falkirk 'welcomed the self-devoted missionary of other scenes to deliver a leetare . Three good andienefs , on the first day of the week , listened to a scriptural vindication of the equality of human nature , the proper exercise of Christian sympathy towards the prisoners , captives , and the destitute , and the identification of practical Christianity with the pervading principle of Chartism , manifesting the most intense interest . The lecture on the second day made apower / nJ impression , and elicited enthusiastic applause . Pressing solicitations for future intercourse Kb nil not be forgotten .
The men of Alloa , though in the greatest bustle of preparation for their sp . 'endiJ display , also provided for a lecture , donbtless from the laudable consideration of contributing their quota towards expences of travelling , 4 c-, and therefore it deserves record . Stirling received an address at a convivial meeting on the Saturday evening , on the due importance of working men assuming their proper position , in the present distracted state of our common country ; on the next evening , the personal responsibility involved in national association , was laid before
them , and certainly net in vain . On Monday , the neighbouring villagers cf Cambro-baron , made announcement , and gathered a portion to hear a lecture on the stats and prospects of trade . Owing to tbe breaking up of a large establishment recently , a flourishiag association as been torn asunder , but if the wanderers retain their principles faithfully as those they have left behind , it will be but the wider dissemination of the good seed , to result in the moTe luxuriant harvest . A survivor of the persecution , that -victimised Hardy and Bairii , tti-J cherishes here the principles that perilled his life with their ? .
At the Yfhyns of Melton , close on the celebrated field of Bruce , and having near , once a sacred edifice , a revolutionary stable , then a magazine of " Prince Charley" after the battle of Falkirk , blown up , a standing memorial , whose ruins are still , on tbac account , more strikingly indicative if national mutations , there had we a good gathering of impoverisheu nailors and Etrcggling weavers , "who rejoiced by a lecture , to witness on the political horison , the beaming emanations of the f erthcoming Charter of a people ' s rights ; and were urgently pressing for a second favour . Engagement however , at Bannockburn precluding , that was the next Bcene of labour ; where adventurous usurpation and fearful submission , alike derogatory to moral woittl , presented a clot on human character , threatening to
extinguish the very being of man . " Importunate , unwearied exertion rallied a very tolerable assembly in a spacious hall , resulting doubtless ia the pretty general conviction of the aadience , that they had souls of tfaeii own . Two or three friends from Melton Dtnny , where & better , at least a brighter spirit exists , accompanied the lecturer , who had been arranging with them , several miles to return also , although they were to hear him at their own home . A gathering took place to listen to an expesition of Chartism and its necessity ; as also to pass the National Petition for numerous signatures . If every neigubournocxl possessed tbe intelligence , » al , energy , and moral standing , an the score of total abstinence of the Chartists of Denny , the speedy triumph of tbe cause would be soon effected .
The cold and sterile north still presenting attraction to the glewing breast of the missionary , he judged the period arrived to retrace his steps . Wishing also to partake in some demonstration , as a duty to a privilege , a recollection of former struggles awakened a lively interest for that of Aberdeen , conscious that the overwhelming triumph Chartism over moral force fallacy , whether ot Lovett , 01 Brewster , Owen , or both combined , would be some gratification for the past , he hastened forward . On his w » y a letter was put into his handB at Forfai , and by his means forwarded to O'Connor at Dundee , of the value of which he was faUy aware , yet little did he expect the ample reward which
a exposure so signally secured . After & day or two s fcst he urged onward to Peterhead . There the evil enius of Brewsterism had engendered strife , and was ibouring hard to produce distraction . Surely tbe arpies of Government are sufficiently alert with the is * , snares , and traps of the law , without beundiug on j tbe prey by moral force mania ! He besongnt tbe riends to oust" the bone of contention , " wita common onsent ; and after allaying considerable prejudices by d address to the total abstainers , left them with hopes rvived for the progress of genuine simple Chartism , he next stage New Pitoligo , we had one leetare on bstinence , another on the nature and means of effectig tbe Charter ; a procession with paraphernalia of
Untitled Article
music , banners , rods , and lictors , notwithstanding a sharp drixsly zaio together with a ball commemorating O"CotiHor'r Hbenttas , and also » sermon awaklsg sttrpriat , gratification and inquiry . The succeeding pest was designed to be Conniston , and rumbling heedless ob , he came to his journey ' s end . No , instead of that to ohooae between a five or seven miles further tramp , and * Scotch cross road , whea ancle deep with snow , the shades of evening presents no powerful charm to lore a rtrfcngw . Tbe odds wen In favour of seven to Branff . Emblematic * oeae t a slippery , weary way , the wind a burricaae , pitiless , pelting sleet , lightning flashing , thunder tolling , and bitter , biting frost ; but the Charter la prospect , he braved the storm . Lo ! a gig lowly asosnded tbe hill behind , and having gained the summit , tbe driver courteously offered a vacant seat CoavenaUon turned on tbe severity of tbe weather , scarcity , and the miserable destitution of the weaving population . " They are done up 1 " was an observation
alike common-place in matter and tone . " What can they do ? where shall they go to ameliorate their condition ? " was interjected . " True , they most remain as they are ; to remove they would be homeless and unsheltered . " The nonchalance with which these remarks were nttered seemed quite a * " nothing when yoa ' re used to it . " 0 2 the bitter train of determined reflection they inspired ! Here was a man , prompted by tbe kindly feeling , who observed , " Now , Sir , this ia Banff ; your ride has cost me nothing , while it has eased you three mile *; you are welcome , good night ! '' yet none tbe less self-satisfied is unresisting ease , amid the tarvation , wretchedness , and misery surrounding O , that he were " alone is his glory . " " Shame , where is thy blush ?"—humanity , where bast thon hid thyself ? Banff , low , wretched , apathetic ; no place of meeting , and little disposition to encounter taunting reflection and persecuting prejudice . When will human forms be men t
Portsoy , a young journeyman , whose manly , open face does credit to an honest heart , greeted the labourer with the salutation , " Yes , we'll have a meeting , if possible , though at my own expenoe . " A meeting we had , and he bore the brunt , as he was likely to do it , nobly . " 0 , " said he , " it ia capital put out to interest , which will amply repay the investment . ' * A cheer for Mann ! Callen , Chartism dressed op by ignorance and interest / as a bugbear to frighten boobies . Nevertheless tbe Star finds its way , and from tbence to Durnesa , letting fall its light on Andersonian deeds .
Inverness , swarming with Corn Law crotchets , a bait was put out , but the fish were shy , not so inch as a dash with a tail 1 Repotting a meeting of these gentry , some short time since , the local press lauded the intelligence and order of the good town ' s workmen , which was only interrupted by an operative from tbe south . Lo what a change comes o ' er the spirit of the dream , this self-same person recently figures as Mr . Henry Burrell , receiving the complimentary feast of a number of working men employed under vigilance , honoured with the presence and encoaiunis of the mastar builders , and eulogised by this same press , fot urbanity to men , justice to employers , 'assiduity and great skill displayed in the erection of a considerable public edifice . What a contrast to the course , vulgar , outrageous satrap of the Bew St Stephens—and this Mr . not A . but B . is still a firm , uncompromising Chartist , ever ready to , lend an able aid in the great works which aims at the rood of his fellow men .
We had also an address on abstinence , two sermons , and a closing lecture on the principles and protections of the Charter , awakening an interest which may be hoped to go en and prosper . Net withstanding party opposition , fair weather , an indomitable , yet prudent missionary , with the National Petition , and the northern region will add its multitudes to swell tbe tide of a nation ' s voice for heavenborn liberty , earth ' s blessing , rational freedom . ' Faithfully , Thos . Daviks . Zones . December 3 d . 1841 .
Untitled Article
HORRIBLE TREATMENT OF THE POOR IN THE SEVENOAKd UNION WORKHOUSE . In some recent papers we made some remarks on certain act ? which had been perpetrated within the precincts of the above establishment , and which were brought to light by Mr . Booth and the Earl of Stanhope . His Lordship , it will be recollected , stated that certain reports had coma within his own knowledge , and he had reason to believe that they were true , considering the quarter whence they came .
In the first place , it appeared that tbe children in the Union Workhouse had not been properly washed from the month of May to the month ef November . In consequence of this neglect of cleanliness , itch ensued , and prevailed to a very great extent . On the 25 th of December last , five women were confined In two beds in the same room , not receiving anything like the attention due t « women in their circumstances . On the 30 th of January , 1841 , a report made to the Board of Guardians stated that " the women in the lying-in room had not that attendance which , under general circumstances , the poor obtain in their ewn cottages . "
Oa the 22 nd of April last a report to the Board of Guardians stated that 75 boys were sleeping in 16 beds , 86 girls in 19 beds , making 161 children In 35 feeds . Then there were 57 men in 31 beds , and 40 women in 20 beds . On the 29 th of April last , a period designated by Dr . D'Oyley as la * t winter , a report to the Board of Guardians Btatedthat there were 78 boys and 94 girls in tbe bouse , and that of these all the boys had enlarged glands at the back of the neck , and 42 of them had also swellings in the front and around tbe neck . Of the girls 81 were afflicted with swellings of the glands in the back of the neck , and S 3 with them both in tbe back and front of the neck .
This detail of atrocities was made by the Noble Earl himself at a meeting at Sundridge , and an investigation into the matter being decided upon , the Poor law Commissioners sent down Mr . Assistant Commi 88 iontr Taffnell , to institute an inquiry . It was , thereupon , offered to substantiate tbe Earl of Sta hope ' s statement , and to prove even more fact ? than his Lordship himself adduced , either by means of a written communication , or by procuring the attendance of a female , wbo had held the situation of nurse in the establishment , but who , sickening at the amount of disease among tbe boys and girls , and tbe treatment experienced by the lying-in women , quitted the workhouse in disgust . This person ( Mrs . Middleton ) , is a most respectable woman . She sometime ago attended a lady in ber confinement , and subsequently engaged herself as nurse in the Union , and on her leaving it , wrote . "» long letter for publication , bnt which , for prudential reasons was not inserted in the paper to which it was sent . —Mrs . Mlddleton was sent for
from Canterbury , and she has m every material part , substantiated the Earl of Stanhope ' s summary of disease and ill treatment We shall now state tbe facU proved as to the lying-in women . In January last , there were two lying-in rooms only in the workhouse ; one of tkem 7 feet long , and 10 feet D inches wide , the other about 9 fett square . In each of these rooms were two beds , each of them 4 feet C inches wide , and 6 feet long . In each bed there were at one time two women at the least , either expecting labour , or recently delivered . The state in which they lay , and the treatment which they received , may be understood from two cases—those of Fanny Giles and Rebecca Bi ^ ntlL Fanny Giles was placed in the same bed with Sarah Watson on the 15 th of December ; on the 16 th , she-was conSned , being at the time alone in
the bed , but two women being in the other bed with their children . The next night , within ten hours of her confinement , she was removed , to make way for a new comer , into the bed already occupied by those two women and tttir children ; thus making faree women and two children at the same time in one bed . From Sunday , the 13 th of December , till a whole week after ber confinement , she could not obtain clean linen of any kind , though she frequently applied for it . Shortly afterwards she was removed to the other lying-in room ; and while there , on the 25 th of December , a woman named Harriet Harborcr was actually confined while in the bed with her . The next day Giles was again removed into the casual ward , and was thera compelled to Bleep in the same bed with a woman who bad a loathsome contagious disease " of a very bad character . "
Rebecca Bigneil and Mary Collins were put into the delivery bed together about the same time shortly before the 18 th of December . Collins was delivered on that day , in the daytime , Bigneil not being then in bed . Collins remained in the same bed till the following day , and was only removed just before Bignell ' s labour , which then took place . At this time there were seven women in the two lying-in rooms , and only one nurse to attend them , who was unfit for the duty , and did not properly perform it . Bigneil waa seized with puerperal fever , and underwent medical treatment successively for the first few days , so as to be apparently out of danger , and the medical officer thinks it probable that she would have recovered , if she had been properly nursed . She was neglected , however , and she died . All these facts were proTed by the evidence of Fanny Giles and two of the medical officers of the union , Mr . Adams * nd his assistant , Mr . Jackson .
We abstain from going into the disgusting details about the filthy state in which these poor women and others ia a similar situation were suffered to remain . Some had no change of linen for a week , others none for a fortnight ! one stated that she left the house covered with vermin . No visiting Committee ever came round , so that there was no opportunity of complaining ; and indeed complaint would have been of little use , as the vuardiaus proved , by the way in which they received a charge afterwards made against the Mistress by Margaret Middleton , one of the nurses .
We now proceed to describe tbe manner in which the inmates of this workhouse , and especially the children , were and are lodged . There are two boys' rooms , attics ; the ODe 15 feet by 27 , and the other 15 feet by 29 ; and two girls' rooms , 15 feet by 29 each . Mrs . MiddletoB , an experienced nurse , who was engaged in February , npon the recommendation of Mr . Adams , tbe medical officer , states that " in March last there were 91 boys in one room ; and in the girls' room there were 86 odd . There were sixteen beds and a half in the boys' two rooms . They lay 15 children in two beds , f eet to feet , and 18 children in three beds ; the remainder o f the feeds had four each . The ages of the children »* ried from five to twelve years . The beds were four fe six inches wide , and the two in which eo many ch j ldren were placed were tied together , so as to form ne bed . "
Untitled Article
Ia the letter sent by Mm Middleton , she sayB , — " It was truly heart-nndinc to see ao many motherless an * fatherless children ; they had the ltehj thdr heads were covered with yemin j and their feet wer » actually half rotten . The food of these children was very coarse ; tot breakfast theyhad dry bread and skffley ; for supper , bread and butter ( the smallest scrap of butter was used ) and a drink of water .. The manner the childrea « Jept was sufficient to breed all manner of diseases ; they were huddled together six and sevea la a bed , and during the ten weeks I was ia the Union , I
never saw a woman with a clean chemise , "ot a man with a clean shirt . I repeatedly saw the old women go into tbe hall , and where those who bad good eyes used to pick the vermin from their aged co-paupen . The lying-in room was beastly beyond description , and the smell arising from tb » filth horrible . On one occasion a woman named OmOen , whose children had the itch , asked for some bread to make toast and water , and there being a scarcity of mags in the Union , the Master actually gave her a brown chamber utensil to make it in .
Mrs . Middleton , it appears , left tbe Union with » most exemplary character , which was given to her in writing by the Board . On the 22 nd of April , Mr . Adams reported to the Board that there were then 86 boys in 18 beds , 75 girls in 16 beds , 57 mea in 31 beds , and 40 women in 20 beds . On the very day of the inquiry , after Mr . TofneU had taken a number of stranger * and others over the workhouse , and after these vlstten had been told that they had seen every apartment , Mr . Booth , the vestryclerk of Snndridge , received information that there were two rooms which had not been visited ; and ob proceeding to these , twenty boys ( apparently diseased ) were discovered in one of them ( a loft 13 feet by 14 ) huddled tooetker in Jive beds—Are boys each in two beds .
six boys in one bed , and two boys each in two more . In February all the children in the house , of both sexes ( except two or three infants ) had the itah ; about a dozen had bad feet and chilblains , with tbe bones of their toes protruding , in consequence of neglect Oa the 20 th of April Mr . Adams reported to the Board that there where then in the house 78 boys and 94 girls and infant children ; that all the 78 boys had enlargement of the neck , and 42 bad likewise goitres ; that of tbe girls and infants , 91 bad enlarged glands at the back of the neck , and 63 also goitres . In this horrible way has the health of the children of the poor , in one of the richest and most flourishing agricultural counties in England , been sacrificed to the maintenance of the prohibitory order ef the Poor Law Commissioners .
In December , 1838 , there were 162 boys and girls in 35 beds . In 1839 there were 325 inmates , taking adults with children , at one time in the workhouse . In March , 1840 , there were 298 inmates in one week . In February last there were at one time 347 persons . On Saturday last there were 315 inmates ; an increase of 62 having taken place within ten days , aftar the master had reported to tbe Board of Guardians that the bousj was full ; the Board deliberately continuing , under these circumstances , to enforce the workhouse test There are now seven boys sleeping in one bed , five in another , and sixty-one boys in sixteen beds , distributed into fours and threes ; each bed being only four feet six inches wide . Mr . Love has been a member of the Board of Guardians ever since the formation of the Sevenoaks Union , and Chairman for several years . Listen now to his own account of the way in which he has performed his duties : —
By Mr . Burgess . —How was it , that being Chairroan of this Board , you did not become acquainted with the state of the house with regard to the children until tbe 22 nd of April last ? That was the first time it had been officially reported to the Board to be in too crowded a state . Mr . Burgess—That is no answer to my question . How come you for five years to be ignorant of the state of tbe bouse ? Because it had not been brought officially before the Board as a matter of complaint . Why did you not make yourself acquainted with it ? I considered the duties of my office as Chairman , and my almost invariable attendance as such , a sufficient reason why I should not take upon myself to visit the house , as other Guardians did . Might yon not have obtainea that information without visiting ?
Yes , if I had asked the master or medical officer for an official report la not the weekly return-book laid before you , 80 that you may see the Dumber « f inmates without asking a question ? That I almost invariably inspect ; It gives me evidence , of the numbers , but none of tbe crowded state of the house . I cannot ascertain from that how many are in the different wards or in the different beds in the wards . An increase of children might take place , and a decrease of able-bodied , which would not be discovered from the book .
Mr . Love ' s evidence sufficiently shows that the paupers have been scandalously neglected . As Chairman of the Guardians it was his duty to ascertain whether the poor were well fed , well clothed and well boused ; and his failing to have done so exhibits a lamentable want of feeling . We shall here drop the subject for the present ; but we are nevertheless proud that we have been partly instrumental in exposing us gross acts of ill treatment and injustice towards a mass of unprotected human beings as were ever brought to light . What decision the Poor Law Commissioners may come to on the subject , we
are at a loss to imagine , involving as it does tbe working of th « damnable Poor Law Bill . It 1 b , however , scarcely credible that such things can have happened without reprobation ia ¦ workhouse of which the Marquis Camden and Colonel H . Austin lately constituted the visiting Committee , and which has been frequently visited by the R- > v . Dr . D'Oyley . Had it not been for the public spirit of Mr . Booth , the | Vestry Clerk of Sundridge , ( whose conduct , in spite of what Br . D Oyley designates his " bumble situation , " oontrasifs Hi eat favourably with that of his superiors ) those enormities would never have been dragged to light
One curse of the Poor Law scheme is evidently the largeness of the Unions ; and tbe poor will never be dealt with fairly till the system is entirely broken up . There is , perhaps , not a Guardian of the Sevenoaks Union who , qaestioned apart as to the sufferings endared by the children and the females of his own parish , is not heartily grieved at thorn , and ashamed tbat be did not detect and prevent them . He knows the rate-payers of his own parish did not wish , in order to save a few shillings a piece , to coop their less fortunate neighbours in such a hell as this Sevenoaks Bastile .
If the children of bis parish had been apart from the rest , be would not have dared to suffer them to bo ao grossly misused ; bis better feelings would have compelled him to interpose . No , it is the Union systemthe want of individual responsibility . It is the feeling that whatever is done is the act of the whole Board , that is the source of all the negligence and cruelty and oppression ; and there is no remedy but a general dissolution of all Unions , and the relieving the able-bodiod poor at their own homes , provided the paupers attend at the poor-house during the day , to labour in a parish garden or at a farm .
Untitled Article
Socialism was called a dreamy thing . Mr . Parry allowed as tiw . jgredit of « atatUabing Infant schools and having institutfeus , similar to " the Mechanics ' . Are these dreamy things-f If thtyare , they appear to me to be more sobstastial than the realities of Chartism . Mr . Parry objects to na because we appeal to the benevolence of those who may have it 1 b their power to assist us . We do not appeal to them as a class bnt as individuals ; and are not the Chartists continually appealing to their benevolence ? Are yon hot , at yonr public meetings , ice ., continually begging and praying of them
to grant yon your rights . With regard ito the applica tions we make , we are a Httie like the Spanish beggar , who , when asked why be did not go to . work , being a strong hale man , he told them he asked them for their charity and nofcforthelr advice . Yoa may go on appealing to thece claase * for yonr rights , year after year , but their Interest ia opposed to yours , and they will never grant them . Yoa have a House of Commons opposed to yon ; a House of Peers opposed to you , and the public press against yoa ; the Times even calling yoa incorrigible scoundrels .
Mr . Parbt . — Mr . Jones states that I compared the Social to Mechanics - institutions , and said they were inferior to the meanest mechanics'institution in the poorest town in the kingdom . Inferior in point of wealth , and I might almost say for nsefulneis , to most of the trade societies in the kingdom . These do what they profess , but Socialism , professing everything , acoomplishes bnt little . I am sorry to hear Mr . Jones again refer to the Times journal . What does any respectable person care for the Times 1 We langh at its statements ; we care no mere for it than for the squeaking of a pig . When the brawling Times filled its columns with vituperations of the Socialists , did the Chartists value its reasonings ? It was childish and puerile to refer to such a venal and ruffianly paper . Mr .
Jone « says the Boose of Peers is also against as . Snail we quail because the peers are opposed tons ; because the Times abases us ? Mr . Jones says they act in accordance with law . We also act in accordance with law . Their whole system is founded npon an act ot Parliament . Can then be a more sandy foundation ? If ever you attain to the influence you expect , and I think you will not , what Is to hinder Parliament from repealing the Acts of Georga and William on which your Communities an founded ? If ever yon get wealthy or powerful enough to be obnoxious to those in power , that instant , if the people are not in possession of political power , will yoa be annihilated . I appealed to all history in proof ef the advantage of political power ; Mr . Jones , to a few isolated Shaker communities in
America , where be informs na that wealth is created to an enormous extent Mr . Jones says he will adopt what is good in these communities , and reject what is bad . They adopt the principle of celibacy ; bow does Mr . Jones know that this is not the very principle which enabled them to succeed . Mr . Parry then read extracts from Miss Martineau ' s work , in which she states that they are scarcely allowed to speak to strangers—that it was with difflonlty she met with the rites of hospitality —that they are allowed to speak no language but Garman—that a young girl taking a fancy te have a ride in the country instead of attending worship , was severely reprimanded ; and were these the principles they would holdup for the adoption of the most intelligent and civilized people in the world ? Only bring men to the
state of apathy and mental degradation in which they are found in these communites , and perhaps they might succeed in making them profitable speculations ; but once admit of freedom in religion and other opinions , and they would immediately fail , as Mr . Owen's did at New Harmony . When Mr . Owen took Now Harmony , it was fenced all round to keep out the pigs of the neighbouring forest Mr . Owen immediately removed the fence , and the pigs speedily came in and destroyed all the beautiful gardens the Rappites had created . One of the great vices of tbe Socialists is , they think there are no pigs in the moral world—tbat we are all amiable lap-dogs . Mr . Jonea states that if Tytherly succeeded , the example would speedily spread throughout tbe country . I find there are fifteen Shaker and
one Rapplte community in America , which have been established between fifty and sixty years ; why has not their example been followed ? is there any difference between human nature in America and in England ? The Socialists believe they have only to lay down their laws , get Tidd Pratt to sign them , and all will be prosperous . They think naught of the discordant principles which animate mankind . All will vanish before the force of their paternal government . Look at the awazicg power vested in the Central Board . True , they are elected by the people ; but they are still more under the controul of Congress . They have power to separate children from parent ; they have tbe management of the schools , of all public amusement . If you
dance , you must dance under the controul of the Central Board . Tbeir ' s is a system of pure despotism—that worst of governments , a paternal one . A father may do what he likes with his children , may beat thara , may turn them out of doors : he has nearly as much controul over them as a man over his wife . I do not object to this ia parents ; but I do in society . The Governments of Austria and Russia are of this description . The ruler is called the father of his people , and ¦ why ? Because he can do what he likes with his subjects . This is the system which Mr . Owen proposes and the Socialists admire ; bat I an certain they will never succeed in getting any large number of individuals to submit to this irresponsible power .
Ma . Jones—Mr . Parry has said , that our Social Institutions in no way differ from Mechanics' Institutions , except being on a smaller scale . There is this one great difference—wa admit discussion on religious anil political subjects—they do not . I do not approve of the language of the Times , but I quoted it to show the division amongst you . There is the Times abasing the Dispatch , the Dispatch abusing the Times ; Mr . Parry , a Chartist leader , and the Northern Star abusing the Times . I say they are all venal—they are all acting for party motiveB , and not seeking truth , all alike , whether Tory or Chartist ; the Times is not more venal than any other , the Northern Star included . ( Hisses and cheers for the Star . ) It has just been stated that tho Northern Star is the only paper which
advocates tbe rights of the people ; I do not object to any paper , but depend upon it , so long as you support any paper in the manner you have to-night , so long will you have a venal press . I speak not as an enemy to the Northern Star , but while you denounce one paper and cheer another , they will always have inducements to act with venality . Mr . Parry ' s prime object is , that any Parliament can repeal the law on which our communities are founded . We know that nothing is certain ; a comet might come within the sphere of our attraction , and with its tail , whisk as out of existence ; but would such a liberal body as the Chartists stand by and see such an infringement of liberty as to have that law repealed ? You have the idea of certain reform floating in your imagination , and if you are to stand
upon privileges , you may never realize them . Mr . Pnrry has shown you the imperfectioaa of tbe American communities , but are we compelled to adopt tbeir faults because they huve one bright feature wrapped round with tho dirty bandages of religious fanaticism , are we forced to adopt the whole ? Mr . Parry says , are we prepared to adopt tbeir system of celibacy ? I say decidedly not ; but he does not tell you that they are annually receiving into their community widows , with large families , adopting orphan and other children , and that they so train these that crime is unknown amongst them . Mr . Parry asks why their example has not been followed in America . I tell him because of their fanaticism . Tytherly has only been building two or three years ; you have been agitating these fifty y « ars ,
and have not got a . single stone laid . If Mr . Parry has any plan to propose for immediate relief , in God ' s name let us adopt it , while we are building our communities . Mr . Parry a says we think too well of human nature—that we > ? e there are no pigs in the Moral World . The fauit is hitherto been that man has been represented in too bad a ligbt . We believe man to be a more decent animal than is generally supposed . Fault is found with the powers of our Central Board ; we are to dance , &c , by orders of the Central Board , To this there can be but little objection , provided they are good hands ata set of quadrilles . With respect to paternal government , Mr . Parry fergets that , having the power to beget our parents , instead of them chastising us , we shall be enabled to chastise thorn .
Mr . Parry—I did not insinuate tbat the people of America were too ignorant to adopt communities , I said they were too wise to Hsten to tbe secret voices of the Rappites and Shakers wooing them to its blessings . I feel . surprised at Mr . Jones comparing Acts of Parliament with tbe appearance of a comet an Act of Parliament may be repealed In two or three , or perhaps twenty years , but comets act in accordance with the ail-wise laws of nature ; tbeir precise time , appearance , &c , may be accurately calculated npoa . Surely Mr . Jones will not compare the stolidity of a British Parliament to the eternal progress of tbe laws which regulate the universe . Mr . Jones has said all our newspapers are venal ; of course , always excepting the New Moral World , of course the lustre of its purity has never been
tainted . What does Mr . Jones mean by Tenality I do not consider that paper to be venal , be it Whig or Tory , which without change has consistently advocated its pr nciples . The Northern Star bus never swerved from hs principles , be they true or false ; it had ever remained trae tc the interests of the people . If Mr . Jones challenged it with venality , he must prove when it was bought or sold ; nntil he could do this the A orthern Star at least was free from the charge . Mr . Jones was eternally ringing in their ears the violence of the Chartists ; yon wonld suppose tbat the Socialists were mild , amiable philosophers ; men who would not hurt a worm ; and that the Chartists were a set of violent ru / Bana . Only thisk ot the Socialists , in number about 4 , 000 , taunting tbe Chartists , who with those professing the same principles in Ireland , numbered
four millions , with being advocates of physical iforee , because , goaded by physical waat , they bad occasionally risen in their might , as men , and demanded their birthright ; because they would not sit tamely under tbe iron rod of- oppression ; and because of this the press must calumniate and abuse them , and the Socialists re-echo the cry . I throw back the assertion , that the working classes are violent , into the teeth of their calumniators . Are not the Chartists following the constitutional mode of petitioning , of uniting , to coneentrate public opinion . The Socialists being generally in better circumstances , may afford to wait for reform ; may afford to subscribe tbeir £ 58 ; but the masses are in actual want ; it is a question in which the crime is greatest , the man that steals from want , or the legislature , which creates the want If tbe Socialists possessed the vast physical power of
Untitled Article
the Chartists , they might talk of physical force , bat at present it wool * be utterly ridiculous ; why twe policemen might take the whole party l The glory of the Chartists is , that having the power to adopt violent measaes , they hare wisely and nobly abstained from exerting that power . This raises them higher ia my estimation than any other body in the state . But another objection of the Socialist * is oar ignorance . If the Chartists wonld petition for Social Communities , their ignorance would immediately disappear . Because tbe Socialists an a little more aristocratie and possess a little more wealth , this feeling of arrogance is exaibitod . The very fact that the Chartists can appreciate the merits of the Charter ia a proof of their intelligence . I admire Intelligence ; I should wish to see all
educated , bat so long a * a man has an arm to work , so long as he Is aot idiot , it nutters not whether be can write or read , be is entitled to a vote . I call upon yoa , working men , to go on in yonr agitation , and by getting Universal Suffrage yoa will speedily get universal education . This was exemplified in the conduct of a female in America ; she end « av « ured to educate her slaves , bnk the brand of slavery rankled la their hearts , and she could not succeed . The blessings of education will preve in vain , unless yon attain to the moral dignity of freedom . This noble woman felt this , she emancipated her slayes and in the words of an homely saying , they then took kindly to education ; bat Mr . Jones says how will yoa get the Charter ? Will the Houses of
Parliament reform themselves ? The force of public opinion in France , compelled their hereditary House of of Peers to abolish itself , and public opinion will gain us the Charter , not if it is expressed in the mild , quiet , amiable , social method ; bat public opinion backed by a million of men , possessed of anas and sinews , and who know ho * to me them 1 It is useless always to crave in a peaceful , humble , legal manner . History shows that every reform therein mentioned has only been gained when they dared not any longer to withhold it . How were the dissenters emancipated . ' —how was the Catholic Emancipation BUI carried . ? Did not the iron Duke . » Ute that ho dared no longer to refuse it ? and the time will shortly come when he dare not refuse the Charter . How waa
the Reform Bill carried ? The people met day after day , sent petition after petition ; the mea of Birmingham roused themselves , and the Government , quailed before them . It was now the cant phrase to call the men of Birmingham selfish , because , being deceived by the-middle , classes , they would no longer join in their half measures—because they were determined to abolish all monopolies . Mr . Jones says that argument and reason were the weapons we should employ . This might be true with human beings , bnt aot with a House of Peers . Did they stand firm in their imbecile power when Earl Grey had authority to create a new batch of them ? No , they very considerately walked , or rather sneaked , oat of the House , until Earl Grey found " himself in a majority , through the desertion of these craven Peers . And this will prove equally true with respect to the Charter ; they will quail , as
they have ever hitherto done , before the power of a mighty people . I do not expect that this discussion wiii make many converts to either side ; but it will show to the country , and the middle classes in particular , tbat large and intelligent bodies of their fellowmen are daily meeting to discuss the means by which to promote their political and social happiness . It will show to them the folly and danger of much longer standing aloof from a struggle tbat is almost divine , that will elevate man out of tbe dust , that will infuse into his body almost a living soul ; and , sooner or later , in proportion as you remain faithful to the caase , in proportion as you unite , man aad woman , in the cause , ( for why should one half of the human race be excluded ?) the Universal Suffrage bark will ride triumphant o ' er the storm , in spite of every party and of every passion which may be arrayed against it
Mr . Jones—When I spoke of the venality of the preks , I excluded no paper . I believe they have all exaggerated in favour of their own party . I have no doubt the New Moral World itself occasionally has done the same thing- I had no wish to depreciate any of the papers . Mr . Parry accases me of cbargiBg yon with ignorance and violence . I only adopted yoar own language . Have you not a moral and a physical foroe party ? Are not Frost , Williams , and Jones transported ? Is not this positive proof that you have been guilty of violence ? I do not charge the whole mass with being violent ; I believe you all desire the public good ; but when I see men going astray , I deem it to be my duty to step forward and give them a warning voice . Mr . Parry spoke
lightly of ns as a party , and said two policemen would take tiie whole . I believe one might do it , for we should all go without . It is not correct that the Socialists think the Chartists ignorant ; but we think them imprudent . I admit tbe truth of yoar Charter ; I admire your principles ; I signed your petition ere I entered on this discussion ; but I think our principles best Who are the class that press most heavily upon you ? Is it the Lords ? is it the Commons ? Partly so ; bnt it is those who bold in their power those mighty iron machines which have brought yon to misery and degradation . These the Charter passes entirely over- I speak to you as working men . la not machinery the great cause of your distress ? In whose hands is the machinery ? Why in the hands of yonr employers ,
who are regardless of yoar interests , if it interfere with their profits . A fair dsy'a wages for a fair day's work , appears to be the height of the ambition of a Chartist Though Tytherly is but ia its Infancy , yet I trust it will soon give bright hopes of the world ' s regeneration . We do not depend upon a majority to effect eur object Mr . Parry has appealed to history , bat in the two great instances he haa given you , viz . Catholic emancipation and the Reform Bill , yon bad the middle classes aad many of the upper classes with yoa , elements of which yon are now deficient . To gain the Irish Emancipation Bill every inflnence was exerted , but does not misery taint that unhappy land ? Beware bow yoa play with the feelings of the people ; let them not again be miserably deluded with false hopes . For centuries have the working classes been struggling for reform , and in what better position are you now ? You have Frost and his companions slumbering sixteen thousand miles off , to the lullabies of a distant ocean :
bubble after bubble baa bnrst " Hope deferred maketh the heart sick . " In your political harangues you have promised to yoar followers a perfect millenium . Every class ia opposed to yon ; your groans will never reich the Government , nntil yoa have the cr > operation of the niiddle-elass ; but this is almost impracticable . I know that if yoa were united yon could despise both Whig and Tory , and I have no doubt bnt , some day or other , yoar principles will be carried into effect , but I fear the time is distant I do not blame tho working classes as violent mea . I wonder that , in the midst of bo much suffering , and so much excitement , they have remained so patient . Tbe principles on both sides are true . Chartism is good ; bnt , in my opinion , not so good as Socialism . We have no interest in being divided . In my time I have assisted in every measure of reform ; but I consider that Socialism being independent of King , Lords , or Commons , is most calculated to spread happiness amongst the membeis of the human family . 1 Great applause . )
The Chairman then called for a show of hands , and it was so-eqtialthat not being aWo to decide , another show was called for , when The Moderator , being appealed to , gave it as his opinion , that the numbers were equal . Mr . Parrv then came forward and announced that bis share of the proceeds should be devoted to those gallant men now on strike , the masons . ( Great cheering . ) Mr- Jones should devote bis proceeds , according to a previous arrangement , to that which would prevent all strikes , the Tjtherly Community . The Chairman and Moderator then thanked the meeting for tbe considerate and gentlemanly manner in which they had acted , and the meeting dissolved .
The discussion throughout was excellently managed by both disputants . The attendance of Chartists was not so numerous as might have been anticipated , but this was owing partly to the charge for admission , and it also being held at so late a period in the week . Mr . Parry also was not known to the great majority of the Chartist body , but henceforth be will deservedly be held in high estimation . ' The proQts , it appears , are £ 10 , when rent of Hall and all the expences are paid .
Untitled Article
We learn that Sir Robert Peel has sent agents to the Continent for the purpose of collecting datailed information relative to tho average rates of wages , the prices of food , and ether circumstances bearing on the condition of the humbler classes . Sir Waiteb ScoTr ' s Novels—What would Sir Walter Scott have said if he had seen his immortal Novels on Bale at a few pence each week 1 We think " this is popularity" would have escaped him . His family have done wisely , in these times of Jack Saeppards , to bring healthy reading to every one ' s fireside ; and we certainly have it in the powerfully drawn characters of the Waverley Novels .
The Weather . —Much damage was done in the metropolis , and the surrounding country , by the late stormy weather . On Monday night week , a ntm shop-front in Church-street , Borough , was blown into the street . Many stacks of chimnies have been thrown down , bnt with no fatal results . The low lands on the Surrey side of the river have been Hooded . The river itself was violently agitated . A boat with two boys was upaet on the river between Wandswortk and Putney , and one © f the boyBVfas drowned . Three men wore overturned in a boat off Rotherhithe bnt were all saved . Near Greenwich , a man . was blown from the yard-arm of a coasting *
vessel , but he sustained no injury beyond a wettiag . On Tuesday morning , near Deptford , as a barge laden with Russian deals was coming up the river , a great quantity of the timber was blown off into the water : a workman jumped out of the barge into a small boat , and was picking op the pieces of timber , which he bad previously gathered together with an oar , when a heavy swell of the water upset the boat , and the man was drowned . During the sight of Monday , a hundred barges , laden with coal , got loose from their moorings on the river , and sank On Wednesday afternoon , the tide rose to a great and unusual height , and caused a considerable destruction of property .
Untitled Article
__ _ THE NORTHERN STAR . ^ 7
Untitled Article
TO THE OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL CHARTER ASSOCIATION OF GREAT BRITAIN . Brethren—We the auditors of the accounts of < rf the Executive beg to call your particular attention to the balance sheet which is published in to day ' s Star . You collectively agreed to el « ct an Executive body and pay them for their services ; now , brothers , unless the association performs ita duty to that body , they cannot expect very great progress to be ma 4 e in the glorious cause we are engaged in . You will not fail to perceive that several localities have not paid for their cards ( which by the bye ought to be a ready-money transaction ) aad consequently have not sent a farthing in the shape of contributions to enable the Executive to prosecute their labours . We beg to be understood
that we do not attach aay blame to , or find fault with those districts which have but recently enrolled themsehres in the National Charter AaaociaUon ; but there are others from which we expected better things ; we sincerely hope those localities that are in arreari with ¦ the Executive , will make arrangements for liquidating their debts immediately ; we do hope the officers and members ef the associatioB will make it a point of duty to aesd the moiety required by the plan of organisation to the Executive above all and before all other claims . You mutt see plainly , unless this i » done , that that talented body will have to straggle continually against the stream , to the great injury of our sacred cause . As the Executive have accomplished so great an amount of good with the limited funds you have placed at tbeir disposal daring the last four or five months , what may we not expect from them if prcperly suppeited ?
Brethren , our enemies are watching for the sign of a break up in our great aad glorious organisation ; they well know that oar chief and greatest difficulty , is a want of funds ; let as disappoint them—let us strictly abide by the plan of organisation , and we shall soon create such a feeling in the publio mind as will carry all before it , and finally cause our beloved Charter to become the law of these realms . Hoping that you will receive these few remark * in the spirit in which they are given . Brother Chartists , We BUbicribe ourselves , Yours , in tbe cause of democracy , William Robson , 1 , ... JoHMiiMBD , ' | Auditors . London , Nov . 30 th , 1841 .
Untitled Article
union bills , and English and Irish poor law amendment biils ; we had Been these , aad a hoat of often , which were to make England the admiration of the world ; and yet oar destiny became every day »> re fearful ; from being the well-fed , weD-clad Englishmen , we have become worse than slave *; for we had more than the slave * toil , bat leu than slave ' s reward . But , Sir , notwithstanding all this , notwithstanding we were " without form and void , " yet we bad within us all the elements which were necessary for oar freedom and greatness . Ton , Sir , have collected those elements —you , Sir , have given those dry bones form , aad have taught us to stand erect and ask ourselves why it is that all those who produce nothiag should saffer nothing , and why it is tbat we who produce all , should suffer all ?
Before yon came amongst ns , Sir , we were the constant prey of one or other of the factions . Every one with hi * lo here . ' and lo there ! was able to divert as from the one great cause of all our individual and national degradation . But now , Sir , what is our situation ? We are acknowledged by oar opponents to be the most numerous , most intelligent , and most inflaential party in th « stats . Yon have taught as to expose the now wornout fallacies of the Corn Lsw Leagse . You have taught ai to dissect and refute the cabalistic jargon of tbe MaHhusiaa political economists . You have taught us that man was created for other and higher purposes than to be the serf of a class ; and , though last , sot least , you have taogbt us to detect tbe heart of a foe , although that foe pretend to hold out the right hand of fellowship , and be clothed in the garb of a friend .
Bat perhaps , Sir , the greatest of all your achievements ii the cause of Buffering humanity was the establishment of tbe Northern Star . Yes , Sir , the Star has caused de » pot } 8 m to quail to ita iamost soal , aad it hai often « worn by its God" that it " should be no more ;" but the Star , Anteus-like , has returned from each blow with increased vigour ; and we hail its establishment and continuance as the sure and certain pledge of man ' s emancipation ; as the " day-star" of freedom te the world , and as a happy presage of the moral aad physical happiness to which man ' s high destiny vet urges him .
Go on , then , noble Sir , is the cause yon have so long continued in . Swear with us this night that you will never cease your exertions , but with life , to cause every man to have a voice in the making of the laws by which be has to be governed . And that yoa may live to see tbe righteous cause secure , and that you may long contribute to its success , by your splendid talenti and vast experience , is the dally prayer of this great assembly . And when time shall have silvered o ' er you honoured head , and have taken you to " that bourne from whence no traveller returns , " may our children ' s children , as the big manly tear steals down their furrowed cheeks , point with exultation and regret at the place containing the mortal remains of the man who has caused England to be in reality the " envy of surrounding nations , and the admiration of tbe world . "
Untitled Article
SOCIALISM v . CHARTISM . The adjourned discussion between Mr . Parry and Mr . Lloyd Jonea , on the comparative merits of Cuartism and Socialism , waa resumed on Friday evening last . The place was again crowded with a highly respectable audience . Mr . Parry commenced by recapitula'ing his arguments of the previous evening . The Socialists were contending for the establishment of a community of 1 , 000 Mies , which , by properly cultivating and arranging , they can bring to the acme of perfection , and thereby stud the land with Universal Communities . I contended for Universal Suffrage , its benefits being immediate and not prospective , it being a grand national universal measure , and not a local question of pounds ,
shillings , and pence . Mr . Jones relied chiefly upon the superiority of Socialism , from its btlng independent of any extraneous assistance , it eared not for the House of Commons—no , nor yet for tbat venerable body , the House of Peers . Let us examine a little into this . Mr . Jones told us , last night , that they did not look for assistance to any class , but to the benevolent of all classes ; is this independence ? They request loans trmm parties willing to lem ) , promising regular payment of interest Now , it in quite impossible tbat the poor can lend money ; they cannot purchase food . These loans , then , mast como from the richer classes of society : how , then , can they be independent 1 The rich do not want to subscribe to get into community ;
they can get anywhere . They have also a printed form of bequest , by which parties may leave their property for community purposes . I do not like this principle of appealing to benevolence : I demand right in preference to benevolence—I demand that tbe poor man shall be placed upon an equality with the rich man . Benevolence is one of the worst principles which can be laid down by any ' form of Government ; and if carried to a large extent it becomes a positive nuisance . Chartism demands that all shall be placed on an equality in the eye of the law—that all should bo at liberty to use their unfettered txerdons to procure a comfortable existence . I call npon you , if you prefer right to benevolence , to dtcideia favour of Chartism .
Mr . Jon ks —I informed you last night that I objected to Chartism , because you had no defined plan ; you have certain things floating in your imagination which you may or may not put into practice . Mr . Parry ridicules the confidence and presumption with which we put forth our plans , I admit we are confident in tbe success ot our plans , bat we do not e&U upon the public to adopt them without examination . We do not enforce them with angry feelings ; we do not dispute about moral o * physical force to carry them out ; we call not for general adoption , bnt general enquiry . Mr . Parry alluded last evening to my mention of the S partans . I condemn their vices as much as Mr . Parry ; bnt is that
any reason I Bhoald not adopt what is good ? Mr . Parry also charges as with looking entirely to the stomach and neglecting the mind . Is not his allusion to oar singing , oar grammar , and other classes , an ample refutation of this ? Mr . Parry says , we may get a few to carry out reforms in the quiet manner which we desire , bat that it is impossible tog-. t the balk of the people . I defy him to prove any good done by violence . I defy him to prove any lasting good produced by great excitements . Look at the French revolution for instance . I allow that with an ignorant mind , it is impossible to bear suffering patiently , bat in sn intelligent man , this same suffering will produce a spirit of calmness and patience .
-
-
Citation
-
Northern Star (1837-1852), Dec. 11, 1841, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct732/page/7/
-