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THE NORTHERN STAR. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1841. (SATCB.DA.T BEISG CHRISTMAS DAT.)
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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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THE Al > DRBSS OF THE DfeLBGiTES OF SOUTH UlNCAS KIHE T < y THEIR CONSTITUENTS , AND TSE CSABTISTS TH&OVQHQTJT THE U ? fIXBJ > KINGDOM . * ellow-labonrers in the cause of truth , jastioe , and political emancipation , —We , the delegates assembled in Brown-street Chartist Boom , Dec . 19 th , 1841 , beg to lay before you onr vie-ra on the line of conduct to be pursued by yen and us at this most imporUnt crisia ; and to train you against the cunningly-devised schemes intended to entrap jou , as pat forth by a body of men belonging to the Com law League , -whose object is , if possible , to gain your confidence , assistance , and support to a half measure , Instead of a fall meed of justice A mere clsp-trsp , instead cf what we are entitled to by
reason , Christianity , and the laws of God , as fully exemplified in the 'whole creation of nature , which abundantly proves that those -who are wining to labour ought to be supplied with goed clothing , food , and shelter . The step they are now " taking is for toe parpose of promoting their owa selfish and faction * interest and not from any desire to gain your rights and liberties Coming forward , as they ' , with new faces , profe » B > ng unbounded sympathy and good feeling for the starting millions , whom , ve btlieTe , have been asmneh , lf not more , the means of bringing to such a deplorable condition thaa any other party in existence , by their greedy , eraspias , aud grinding .-propensities ; by _ their
overapeculation , competition , improvements in . machinery , ' reduction of wages , taking money out of circuUt ' . on , { glutting the foreign market , and destroying the best , market , namely , home consumption , by preventing th- a people from purchasing hats , food , shoes , stocking j , fnrniture . and other necessaries . Yet they come forwa r < i pretending thai they wish to benefit the poor , f otaocth , by their AelEiWe cry of cheap food , pie e ty of employment , and high wages , whilst they b >> - ? e , in many tnffarwwa , taken more from the wagatv at tbeir workmen at a single reduction tb&n would prc ? iie them with bread for six weeks . Who , then , are the parties woo hxTa made dear bread ? The cotton-J . orda —members of the League .
We argw that the working classes bare hithert / . been crucified between two kinds * f thieves—the Ian dlerds and the cotton-lords—the Whigs and tee TorieJ j ; and that before they can . be penaanettj benefit * i d , they must be recognised by tke law ; they must ha « e a power which will fortify themselves against the eneroactenents of both , a&d thus set both , at dt / Hanee ; a power which win better regulate the distribntioBof their own produce ; sotb * t whils * the gnu iariesTaid warehouses are crammed with , tood and rair cent , those who labour are starvzag , and those who df > not labour enjoy themselves npon the choice and thu fat of the
We wish , i * tteu addressing yae , t © ln'rite your particular attentiea te a " new mere , " wt ich originaled a few weeks ase . after a meeting of the League , ia this town , relative to the ^ uesUon of the suffrage . The par . tk * eoaneeted witt this new xbotb , ha-ving for tbe bat two years trieiikBost erery eefeeme imaginable to gain yoor eo-opexs&OB- ; and because , judging from their actions , we considered Jheiru » ttv « were of an erelusdTe andselith osicre , and wpald not bear the seniSny ad test of fair discussion , -we ally met them , and exposed their fallacious statements ; and the result to them was , so Car as gaining our confidence and support , at making eacTBrts to their pro-Com Law policy hnmbog . a faihire and disappointment .
We hs-re givea them , at all their meetings where we : could get a chance , dates , facts , sticl figures , and at every j honestly comvened meeting where we bare tad achance « f laying our arguaaats before the public ; at every meeting where we hare bees allowed fair , equal , and . free diseusaioB , when the meeting lias not been : packed , nor sarronnded by the blue police , to inUmi- ; < iate , we have ben able to carry a resolution for the Charter by a large majority against their cry for a large loaf . What has be * n the cause of oar opposition ! Was it because we did not want , and were hostile to j cbe * p food ? Because we admired tbe conduct of the landlords , farourahle to the Tories , and did not wish for free trade and high wages ? No . But because we took a retrospective view of the past , and found that an
extension of trade had been accompanied with a decrease of wages , and we concluded that no measure that night be passed would benefit the working classes so long as the jrivileged class had the power of taming erery thing -resulting therefrom to their own adTantsge , so long as one man having a thcusand people under his employ had tbe power of taking ten shillings by way of redaction , from their wages , and they not in a position to bold him accountable , and on the contrary , if the working man only took one single ounce of stinking cotton from the mill , he was liable to be sent to prison for a month . And looting st the tyranny practised by the most influential and leading men of the League , and believing that such characters were not sincere in their intentions , and every act proved and
confirmed us in such belief , having many times fairly tried them as to how far they were favourable to liberty * t various public meetings . They came forward with resolutions cunningly worded , to , if possible , escape detection ; and we at Manchester , and in other parts of the kingdom , have only taken the liberty to write Universal Saffrage upon it , before we would vote for it , and behold , . to o&r jurtonUhment , , jo en who wanted to be Chartists in principle wanted , to withdraw it , so that the simple act of . putting Universal Suffrage apon ii has completely spoiled it in their estimation . What amount of confidence , then , could we place in soch a party ? We had likewise -an eye to th . e rapid improvements thai were taking place in . machinery , which-would deprive the working man from reaping
any benefit from an extension of trade , and to use the words of one of the leaders of the League , " There was , " said be , " ' machinery tqusl to one hundred and fifty millions of operatives now lying dormant , which could be tec-ught into requisition at any moment ; besides , on a moderate calculation ,. there were two hundred . millions not yet brought into the market . " We compared the great weight of taxation we have to pay in comparison to tboae Continental nations against which we have commercially to eompete . We saw there was no guarantee , that if s bad Law of any kind was repealed -one day , that the same parties , as the House of Commons is at present constituted , could put it on again the next , if it suited them . We could , from accounts from other nations , see how they were progressing in
machinery , " and we concluded that the statement of the League relative to foreigners ceasing manufacturing was absurd , and that is was foolishness on onr part , ¦ whilst we kad land which ought to be cu . 't ' vatsd , to be dependant on the people of Rassia , Prussia , and the barniog sands of Afriea for a breakfast ; and that it was monstrous to hold out the ridiculous and delusive hopes that in Russia , where there is a population of 52 . , 000 , France 32 , 090 , 000 , Prussia and Austria each 22 000 . 000 , and the mailer stages o ! Germany 25 , 000 , 000—total , 173 , 000 , 000—would leave manufacturing , and go to the plough tail , to grow corn for a population of 27 , 000 , 090 . What sort of stomachs must they fancy tbe people of Great Britain to have ? Sorely
this -would be mJEder . t to cause cur brethren of the distin ; parts of the world to conclude that vre were notiinjj more « r less than a race of gluttcns—a complete insult Tbe foregoing are , then , amongsta few cf the reasons , in addition to onr belief that there is no hope of relief but in the land , why we deter mined to go for a full measure of justice , which would protect us alike aeainrt the avarice , tyranny , and eneroaehinfci . t ? of the landlord , cotton lord , Whig and Tory , and tvery other factions party . ' man , or set cf saen , -will blame us for our conduct , because tre have agitated for equality , willing to five the Bame to others as we claimed for ourselves . The Piague , as a last at' . empt , have now come forward , under another ecvfcr , in a new face . " A change has come o ' er the spirit of their dream . " They , alter all the opposition which
¦ thty have from time to time shown to our movem-nt , by tfceir plara , press , and speech's , would have yon to btrlkve ( good , kind , patriotic souls !) that they were ail at once converted to the question of the Sulfrzg =, -which they eSne as complete , bnt wiici we consider -K ^ ne , inat&aite , and unqualified , and show their dishonesty by cesiring to blind ns as to their real m » tiv < rs ; beciuse , if they meant by that term not to go bc far as TTniveiral S-jffrare , as proptrly de 5 red in th « Charter , as a test ef union , then they call npon you to mtke a compromise— consequently unworthy of our acd your support . And , if tbty mean Vj tbe term to go further than we mean iB our Charter , why of course , they only * hew their hypocrisy and cajolery by not earning at once to our jfindard , having never proved it any oUstr but just as / , reasonable .
In order to nnits the middle and the working classes fortte agitation cf free trade and the suffrage , mating the litter always a secondary measure , the members of the Leajue appointed paities to draw np a declaration . At tiiis meeting there were deputies from all parts of the Kingdom , and in the resjlution they ware
ncani-. This important document has taken ( according to the words of the party vho drew up the same ) , severs ! weeks most serious co&siuer&tioa , before it was brought before the public , and we are constrained to say , that it has again shewn their cloven foot . It re&Uy put us in mind of the fable of the mnwmhin in labour which breugbt forth" a mouse . And for yuur information ano amusement , Te here treat you with 6 copy of this most important ,-this serioaily considered , this very elaborate declaration , and if oar remarks are not quit * bo pleasing as the "Plague" could wish , ' ire beg them to remember thai tiey emanate frdn working men , therefore will deserve their pity for our mUiortune -init ^ ad of eensure ' for our ignorance . We tsk » it from a thick and thin supporter of . the League , " i- e . the tlcatchetfer Times ot last Bttxu&aj , hearing the signature of Mr . Sturge , of . Birmingham . JEiubyonr ej ** ,, then , rnsd read the following wonderful production £ > f thes « great feeiosophert , ^ and would-be leaders of the people : —
11 Deeply Impressed % fta thewnvicticw of tbe evils arising frotB « i * 5 s-T 5 igislatIoo ,- -sad c < tSa suffering thereby it fo aed ; gpoa ~ ggf isdustrioas feflCw-Bubjects ; the undewlgned zfeta -that ' a large msjort ^ of ti » people " 'of this " ' cocatrf- are unjustly excluded frolB ^ iffli' fair , ftfl , ^ nd frt « fererefse -of the elective fiwienlte , 4 o which they are' entitled " by the great prin ^ Efte »« f C 9 ai 3 tiaD equity , &Ed alr > by the British Con « it&tidn j forao mihj&t ot Eag . aaa can Be eonitrained to pay- any ftl ^ s or tax > es , even for the defence of the realm , or tbe support of the Qo «? ernment , but such as aw imposed by . hi ^ 'ewtt •< soms « ft J -i » - btt 9 f Ui Tept « sitoUTe 8 la ParliiaenW "
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There , then . Is a 17 ) pj of what you will be called upon to give np the Chat / ^ p to agitate for . ' As they have gi f en the subject their serious considera tion , -we coneeiTo that is quite as much as it deserves at all events , it r ^ ll take bat UUJe efibct mpon . * ii , u delegates ; and so farasoRrjadgmoitgoeBof the Chartists generally ,, we are led to co&dcde they will tr «* fc it aecording to i ' f ^ merits . It is lame , short , M 4 ^ oe 8 not come op to themuk ; to say noth' jug of yj 6 shuffling and unmeaning mvner they speak of u ^ euffrage . We would ask them ^ rhat they mean forns to do with Mho other points of the Chsxter , ' which are highly-essential -to make evea tfaat ™ ? SI « aeneficial to the great mass df society , namely , the Ball' ity Anmal Parliaments , no Property Qualification , P ayrceat of Members of Parliament , and equal Elector al District * '
• ff you , the working men of Soatb Lancashire andftrf Qseat Britaia , willing to compromise your principles for ^ r jcb declaration , after the great struggle you h » Te mid' t , the persecution and proeecntion you have b * en mbj , ected to , the support you tave given to the tiro 9 ° f rve&tioBS , and carried ony our cause against all oppo sit ion , feidding : defiance ( beoaose armed and siimol » ' iod by troth tuad justice ) to police spies , u . « gistsates , Judges , Juries , and having ton f fom you five , hundred of your virtuous leaders , « ii « have braved the storm , and In every instance have cotne oat better men , so fax as determination « u
concerned , tttantbey were when , first incarcerated ? For our part , we will not , and so far as you are concerned , judging fr « m your former conduct , we think we hear you < rj-aloud , "hear , hear , and aman . " They must come te the Charter before we will have anything to do wisfatbem ^ bo f&r , then , we wish to inform the League , that their last move , if they anticipate gaining tbe cooperation of the Chartists , will prove a decided failure We ue very dubious of the consistency and intentions of men , who , but a short time ago , because they could set saeet xa in fair discussion , resorted to the baseminded means of hiring a number of deluded men to blsdgeon xa into submission .
We wish to put you on your £ uard against falsa Etateraents put forward by the leading members of the League In order to lead yon astray , statements which appear st -first sight plausible , but when , examined , they torn oat , to be like all the rest of their absurdities ; we Bltasde in particular to Mr . C « bden , who has been figuring away in the Midland counties , and where he appeass to have found a mare ' s fiest , which because believed a something , by tbe . Editor © f thB Mtatchetier Tie ** , has been paraded as a leader . Tbw girt of the argument put forth by these men is , thai the Com Laws alsse hav « been the sole cause of » b ^ depression of trade amongst the stocking-knitters , of Leicester , fiinckley , Ac . fas . He feela , and appean to feel confident in this position , because there have been no new machinery broaght into requisition , nor say improvements introduced for the purpose of superseding manual labour . A child would , with a Uttie study , be able to give an answer , tending to the confatition of this iwwly-diacovered theory .
We would ask these gentlemen whether ttie tens of thousands who have been mad * surplus population in the manufacturing districts <** n wear aa many stockings as they could wb » n fully employed ; whether they could wear as many hats , shoes , a&d coat * , as formerly , aad whether even those who are employed , having had their , wages reduced , can purchase the same articles as tbey could before ? And . when they answer this quettkm we shall have another to ask . . What hu bees the number of stockings imported iBto this country from Saxony ? the tendency of which has been to cause a competition with the knitters of Leicester and Hinckley .
We cannot give Mr . Cobden credit for his boasted patriotism , having closely watched him for some time . At many of our meetings , he many times said be was a * good a Chartist as the best of us ; but , before h # could join us , we mu * t throw one of our best advocates—one of our most disinterested leaden overboard , namely , Fesrgus 0 Connor , Esq . We wish t » inform Cobdea that we admire that gentleman , O'Connor , because of his consistency , and we discard him , Cobdes . and his measures , for bit inconsistency . When a number of men belonging the late election committee , at Hancbester , waited upon Mr . Cobden to ascertain whether . be would stand as s > cmtHdato for this town ; he , by way of answer , told them he would not serve amongst such a set , even if elected . He said they talked about things which bis grandmotHer did *
In a short time after , this same gentleman went to Stockport , and personally canvassed the electors for their votes , and when questioned at the nomination , although he had declared repeatedly that he was a Chartist only dx miles from tbe spot ; be- said that be would not vote for Universal Suffrage , nor Annual Parliaments , and hoped they would not Kt him down as a five-point man under soy circumstances He at the same time said that if ever the lifting up of bis finger wou \ d bring FroCt , WittUma , aad Jonea back , he would not do that much I Are we , then , to take this man into oar ranks , aad discard Feargas O'Connor , who has done more for those suffering patriots , than any other man in tbe Kiagdom ? Mr . Gdbden cautioned the working rlniwm against men , who would mix the question of free trade with every other . . Thus showing that if they could obtain % repeal , we might go to the devil for any further indulgence .
We bow , by way of conclusion , wish to eaotion yon ag * in&t the Com Law Repealers , who boast of obtaining 40 , 000 signatures to a memorial to the Queen , who have taken it into the factories aad Sunday schools , and ue now representing it as the National Petition . Many hare signed this memorial tinder the idea that it was the Chartist National Petition . They have had recourse to that artifice , because they , the ladies who have carried them from bouse to bouse , although treated with personal respect , the object they had in view was indignantly spumed . We hope and
trust you will march forward in your glorious agitation forth * Charter . Admit of no compromise ; and , as your determined conduct has moved them one peg , by a perseverance in tbe same line of conduct , you will compel them to more another and another , until they come " the whole hog , bristles and alL" We pledge oursslves to those undying principles contained in the Charter , and call upon you to rouse from the routine of your former energies ; and , ere long , we shall , by out united efforts , be able to wring from a tyrannical Government our sacred rights .
We remain , fellow Countrymen , On behalf of tbe delegates , Your ' s , faithfully , James Caetledge , Wk . Gbocoti . Universal Suffrage , and no Surrender ! [ The Committee request the Editors of the P'indica ior , Chartist Circular , and CommmvceaUhsman , to copy the address from the Star-1
The Northern Star. Friday, December 24, 1841. (Satcb.Da.T Beisg Christmas Dat.)
THE NORTHERN STAR . FRIDAY , DECEMBER 24 , 1841 . ( SATCB . DA . T BEISG CHRISTMAS DAT . )
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WAGES OF LABOUR , AND "EXTENSION "
OF COMMERCE . Oub . article of last week on this Eubject has , we are glad to say , been received by the ¦ work ing people in the manner we wished . We have communications from all quarters , informing us that parties are already actively at work in compiling the tables of wages for the period named , and which we asked for as most necessary for the grounding of an opinion as to whethar another " extension" of our commerce was desirable . This is as it shonid be . We have had plenty of assertion upon assertion from all parties , npon the
subject of wages and its relative amount at diffetent periods : it iB time we had facts which none can gainsay : and if those who are most interested in the fullest investigation of this question will but second our efforts , it shall be placed beyond the power of any theorising political economist to palm his guesses upon the public as to the real condition of the working people , and the effect of our present anomalous and murderous system of applying machinery . We will know , and the world shall know , what the real effects of our Commercial policy have been upon the producers of wealth :
and then all will be able to say whether we ought farther to " extend" it , or not ! Again , therefore , do we earnestly call upon the several Trades to furnish us with the facts . Let us have the tables cf wage 3 asked for ; and then we shall see how the matter really stands ! Meanwhile , we beg to call the most serious attention of all parties to some statements given in another part of our paper , under the head " Slate of the Country ; " the major- portion of which have bees culled from the report of a meetings esignated ; in the' Mo rning Chronicle , under the head ' ' ,
MCOR 2 f LAWS ASO - COttMERCIA / L REFORM , " aa a " Great . Meeting at Manchester oh ( he state of the Cotton Trade" This meeting ia reported ta have been " composed of Deputies from the various towns comprised within the ^ reat Cotton District . '' How these deputies were appointed , or whom they represented , we are not informed ; but from a list of the principal deputies who attended , which _ i * given , we are sure that the "great" cotton lords of tha great cotton district were represented ! thoogh we don't , ty try mtans ftei io sure ttat Tom an
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Dick and Harry had had any share either in the appointment of these gre ^ t deputies , or that of the lesser ones who may be « xeluded from the list . No matter 1 here we have the mastxbs themselves , in full conclave , giving forth Btatements as to ^* the condition of the population' of the district , " both employer tad operative ; tbe past and present state of wages ; the numbers of unemployed ; and the extent of pauperism" It is therefore important that we should knovf who were present at- this meeting ; for the statements we allude to are given
by them ; not by some rascally Chartist , " or "infidel Socialist ; " they are the evidence of the "^ wa / " masters enga ^ sd in the , ** great" oo ^ fon trade , as to the effects of their own blessed com * mewiai « ystesi upon themselves sad th * operatives employed by them . It is important , therefore , that the names of those who Jhua testify should , be reootded , thai we may b , e able to find , them another day ; foe th * testimony they give will have to b p ofien , fesrv often ; referred to . ^ Tfc * t there iriay W no mistake about the matter , we insert the list ia foil , just m given in the Chronicle : — ¦ ¦
" The attendance of deputies was large , including—Richard Cobden , Esq ., M . P ., Joseph Brotherton , Eeq , M . P ., Mr . B -btrt Hyde Gteg , Mr . John Brooks , Mr . T . Bazley , jnn ., Mr . W . R Callender , Mr . George Wilson , Mr . William Evans , Mr . Samuel I ^ ees , Mr . William Bawton , Mr . James Kershaw , Mr . John Rawsthorne , Mr . William Lockett , Mr . William Resley , and Mr . A . Prentice , for Manchester and Salford ; , Mr . Robert Benson , Jan ., Droylsden ; Mr . Charles Jackson , Leigh ; Mr . Timothy Wharmby and . Mr . Oswald Moseley , Haaelgro ' ve ; Mr . Thomas Thornber and Mr . William Ecroyd , Colne ; Mr . John Rylaada and Mr . John 4 Uen Warrington ; Mr . John Bright , Rochdale ; , Mr . Wm . Nelstrop ( mayor ) , Mr . HolUns , Mr . Henry Coppock 1
( town clerk ) , Mr . Charles Hudson , Mr . Sefton , and Mr . Wilkinson , and the Rcyds . ijeBsrs . Smith and Waddlngton , Stockpoit ; Mr . Edmund Ashworth , Mr . Henry Ashworth , Mr . J . C . Darbiabire , and Mr . Thomaa TbptaasoD , Bolton ; Mr . Joseph Spencer , Mr . George SoUtham , Mr . Alfred Reyner , and Mr . George Hlgginbottom , Asbtoa ; Mr . Joanna Brooks , Mr . Bmdtey , and Mr-. Pass , Mossley ; Mr . Robert Platt , Mr . John Ch&ttham . and Mr . William Bayley , - BtatybrMge ; Mr . J . H . Roberta , Boml # y ; Mr . H . Fletcher , Darwen' ; Mr . William HoUiweU , and Mr . John Barker ; Tody morden ; Mr . HollcxUy . 'Oldhum ; Mr . Nicholson , Lees , < 5 tc T . Thomely , Esq . M . P ., was present daring the meeting . ' *
Well , then j what do these , parties say is the " oondition of the operative" ! for it is in reference to him , that wb shall examine and apply their statements . The " great" cotton masters have organs who will take care that their " condition" is fully made known , if it should happen that the working of their own system hat turned the screw so as to pinch where it is not wanted ; bat M the operative , " thoogh bo kindly taken into the account by these " ¦ great" deputies just now , has not many organsrin which his condition or his wrongs will be set forth . We shall , therefore , confine ourselves mainly to what was said as to Aw " condition , and the past and present state of wages . "
What do these masters say , then ! What is their testim ony \ They were met to promote the cause of the " extension of Commerce . " Their meeting was but another move , another shift , to bring the anti-Corn Law agitation into notice ; another attempt to promote the spread of " Free Trade principles . " What , th » n , do they say ! Their testimony is important . Many of them have been engaged in our " great ' Cotton trade for a considerable period ; they have had opportunities of observing the actual workings of the system they are engaged in . They have had to do with our great" Cotton trade , when it waa not great ; " they have lived to see it " extended " orer and over again ; they know what the effectB of each " extension" have been . These are the parties , then , whose testimony we should seek . What , then , did they say !
It most he remembered that they were met to promote another "extension . " It will , therefore , be expected by every one that tbey set to work and demomtrated that every former " extension" had been of benefit to both employer and employed . They , no doubt , shewed beyond the power of contradiction , that the profits of the "great" cotton master , and the wages of the Operative had both been increased by each successive " extension , " and in proportion to the extent of the " extension . " No
doubt they did this ; for thtB is the very firBt thing that ought to hava been done , to make the people in love with the project of another " extension . " What , then , did they say I Oar readers will read the entire artiole we have before named for themselves . We shall , however , here give one or two specimens of the kind of testimony given by these " great" masters , as to the effects of their present commercial system npon the wages of " tho operative . "
"A red net ton of the wages of the factory hands of Hyde , to the amount ef 12 per cent , baa taken place in the last two years . All the manufacturers nave been obliged to work their machinery with fewer bands , and have discharged every person with whom they could possibly dispense . Many workpeople who had built cottages have been obliged ta sell them . " " The decrease in the wages of cotton hands at Mossley , during the last ten years is 25 per cent The decrease in-the wages of woollen hands Cor the Bame time is 45 per cent . There are a many families in the deepest distress . Shopkeepers and tradesmen of all kinds cry out most bitterly ; complaints are universally prevalent , and prospects for the future exceedingly dark and gloomy . "
" The cotton weavers employed at Leigh , have had their wages reduced about SO to 25 per cent , since 1836 , and they now receive 5 s . for weaving a description of cloth fot which 30 s . were regularly paid in 1816 . An able-bodied and clever workman does not earn more than 5 s . per week in this branch . " " The handloom weavers of Wigan have been reduced since . tbe year 1835 , from 7 s , to 5 s . per piece . The cotton spinners' rate of wages has not varied much for the last six years , except among reelera and mule spinners , whose wagea have been reduced one-fifth . The power loom weavers have been reduced In a similar proportion to the mule spinners and reelers . "
" The colliers in Wigan and the neighbourhood , in the year 1835 , got 6 s . 8 d . for getting three tons of coals . In the present year 1841 , they gtt 7 s . for sotting seven tons sixteen cwt . of coals , and there is now more difficulty in getting the coals than there was in 1835 , owing to the depth of tbe pits , and tbe accumulation of water and innimabie gas . " . " The people , although in great distress , . and i n too many instances , positively starving to death , appeared to enjoy momentary consolation from the very fact of persons being appointed to inquire into and sympathise with their sufferings . "
" The wages of spinners at Preston have been reduced this year about ten per cent , with a probability of a still greater reduction . The wages » f the weaver fell twenty-five per cent , during the present year . Some manufacturers have closed , and many ethers are reguiarly reducing tbe number of their hands . Weavers are wandering about and willing to take work at any price . Every body ' s spirits are down ; the shopkeepers are complaining bitterly , and the small farms in the neighbourhood , owing to bad seasons and heavy taxes , are fast sinking into ruin . "
" There are 1 , 177 individuals at Oswaldtwistle , constituting 243 families , whose average earnings per week is 3 ^ 4 . No account was taken of any family where the earnings amounted to or exceeded 2 s . per week for each individual , and a great number were just over that limit The general destitution is great In some cases the visitors found only one bed for ten persons , without a particle of covering , and iu many instances , four , five , a&d s ) x ~ had to occupy one bed , with nothing to throw over them . A great many whose earnings are more than 2 s . are almost entirely destitute of beds and tUfchiag . " " Since 1886 , the redaction in wages at GHossop has been on spinning 25 per cent , on card-room bands 12 per cent , on power 4 oom weaving \ k per cent . " ¦¦ " - ¦ - . '• -. :. ¦ ¦ ¦ ' : ;•¦
" Desirous of eliciting every information . connected with the manner In which the " working people live both by night and by day , it was found ' that 1 , 1 M persons slept three in a bed ( If ' such JJ > could be called ) , 712 four in a bed , ' 200 five , 156 siy , and 66 " seven and « ignt in a bedVwhile a very takny ' p ^ ' creatfcnres' ^ eie met with whoTisa neither bettor tedding , nor anything but the bare floor to lie ' Sown upon when ; nature ' be . earns exhausted . ' Nineteen-twiritletha of the * inaterlaW termed . ' beds' aha" 'bedding * ' xannoi -property fo ' sald
to have clairir to such 1 » b' terms , bettg nothing-faidre , in the majority of casks , taanjbld Trtafaw , cbifff , ihav&jgs ; or some other such like materials ; held together hy coarse wrappering ; ' without either blankets , ' sheets , or coverings of any'loud , and in many instances where there- was covering . it was only a piece of coarse calico pieces .. Some had sold , and others pawned all they cojild spare , even ' to their "beds and bedding , to procure food for themselves and famishing children . However nnnfeforal it may appear , it is nevertheless true , that ia some dwellings old age , yoatb > and infancy , six , sevtn .
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and eight in number , of both , sexes , an obliged to huddle indlscriminatelytogetHerlrionebed . forwantofmeansto provide better accommodation . Saveralhuadrerfs of fami . lies , both parents and children , have no change of clothes of any description , the linen of both men , women , aatt children , has to fce washed on the Saturday night , the parties tuning ' .. to remain entteeJy dertitote until it is dried . Hundreds also complain of their in » b 1 JHy to attend their respective places of worship on thfl Sabbath day , fer want of decent clothes to appear in ; while many , after relating the appalling difficulties under
which they laboured , wished " The Almighty micht terminate their sufferings before morning ; " In several bouses , daring oar Visit ta the aftemdin , the children were crfiag most piteously , and in reply to a question fox theto so doingv it was stated they were crying for bread , not having tested any kind of food that day , S * o » of ih » dw « Uiogti contained scatoely anything bat ^ the bare walla ; ' In many of this deecriptioD , there being no seats or any kind of fQraitnre , we were obliged to write standing with oar books apon oar knees . "
What I , and is this the sort of testimony , that Messrs . Cobdbm , Bbooks , Gkegg , and Abhworxh gfve as to the condition of those wh » have been in their employ ! ' Is this the "Wraditfon of , ^ he operative . ' ? ena / 5 « ged ia our ^ r * ai <^ ttM 1 » a < le 1 Js this the end of our former " extensions" of com- > meroe f Is there any reason here why we shonid have more extension" ! Have they not revealed too much 1 Is not their testimony sufficient to make us halt i our course , ani ask " where are we going to 1 " Have not these " great ' masters proved thenuelves " great" fools to ask the operative to aid
them in farther " extending" that system which has already reduced Aim to starvatien , misery , and death t Could there by possibility have been stronger evidence given by any party that tee : have already gene too fiir , than these " great" wiseacres have adduced to induce ns to allow them to go farther ? Really we have had enough of " extended commerce" if this be the end I It did not use to be so ! There were times wb en the working men of Lancashire 'were not in the condition their •* great " masters now describe them . They were not always without beds and linen and furniture ! What is it
that has taken the beds ! What is it that has taken the linen ? Who is it that has gotten the furniture ? Where is the eight days' clock , and the good bedstead , and the feather bed , and the linen sheets , and the quilted coverlett , and the ^ meal-kist" ! Where are they gone to ! Who has taken them ! Where is the pig , the bacon , the potatoes , and the beer 1 Where are they gone to ; for gone they are t 'Hie " great" masters of the " great" ootton : district describe their workmen as being so destitute of every thing like food or furniture , that they found them in many instances" wishing the Almighty might
terminate their sufferings before morning ! " Again we ask , where is the foodgone toT Why do the dwellings of working men " contain scarcely anything but the , bare walls" ? How is this ! Whereitthefood , and clothing , and furniture gone to 9 We want this question answering I It must be answered ' . Time was when this state of things did not exist . When was that I Was it before we had " great" masters in our "great" Cotton trade , or since ! Who has gotten that which formerly made the workman ' s cottage comfortable and happy ! Has it disappeared since our commerce was extended ! " Was he as
badly off , or worse , than his master now describee him to be , before we had th « steam-engine , or selfacting mule , or power-loom ! Has improved machinery aad " extended" commerce bettered his lot Has every new improvement , and every economical" process , and every extension" of commerce , given him greater command over the necessaries and comforts of life ! These are questions which the " great" masters should have answered , when they were asking the working men to help them to H extend" the system which has produced the Btate of things they describe as existing ! They are
questions , too , which must be answered I We must know why the workman ' s cottage has been stripped , and where the things are gone to ! We most know whether the fact that we have a Gorr and a Marshall in Leeds , worth their millions , is sufficient compensation for the destitute condition of the operative , who onoe had plenty I We must know whether the fact that Mr . R . H , Gnso is the "largest" cotton spinner in England , aad that he has large " concerns" in Belgium and Germany , atones for the condition of
those who work his machinery I We must know whether the score of M large" masters , who have risen up in a short time from nothing , to be worth more than would purchase up the aristocracy of England , is a good exchange for the happy homes and well-provisioned larders of onr working men ! We must know how many M meal-kists" there are in Marshall ' s " Boating" and " fixed" capital ! We must know where the beds ore . and the beef , and the bacon , and the beer ! Who has them 1 The working man has not . They are gone from
him . An adroit attempt was made by these assembled Deputies to enlist the shopkeepers on the side of an " extended" commerce , by pretending to sympathise with them for their want of custom , and consequent difficulties . With this class the " great " masters will be likely to succeed : for in the first place , they have not " suoked-the-hammer" so long nor so often as the working man has ; nor have they ever yet , unfortunately , been ready or willing to make common cause with him from whose
wellrequited industry they live ; but have , on the contrary almost invariably taken part against him , and joined the " great" masters in sinking him in the seals of comfort and being . With the shopkeepers , we rept at , the " great" masters will be likely to succeed . Tbe nostrums will be swallowed , and an " extended " commerce asked for by those who have been brought to ruin by the " extensions" we have already had I It matters not to this class of the community , that the operation of the manufacturing system has been to leave the workman without wages , and consequently the till without pennies ; it matters not that
the custom of the cabinet-maker , and the grocer ' , and the draper , and the provision dealer , has declined just in proportion as the wages of labour have been Iesseued , and both in the same proportion that commerce has been " extended ; " it matters not or these things ; their olase prejudices , which cannot bear to look upon a working man as a "fellow" mortal , will prevent them joining those with whose comfort and well-being their interests are inseparably bound up . Spaniel-like to those " above them" in the scale of society , they will continue to lick the hand that smites them , and press destruction to their bosom !
Shopkeepers are without custom . How could it be otherwise ! Where are the wages ! They are gone ! and custom has followedthem \ What dolts the shopkeepers have been ! They would not open their eyes to the fact , that when they reduced the working men to a state of starvation , they cut their owa throats ! Who are tbe customers of tne shopkeeper ; or , rather , voho teerti The " great" masters ! Not a bit of it 1 but the poor despised , put-upon , reduced working men ! Whose pence filled the till ; and whose pence is now wanted 1 The working men's ! O ! ye of little foresight , what fools ye have been ! Just look ; here ! Take this one fact , and then wonder no longer that you are without custom !
The number of persons engaged in actual labour , in the production of wealth , has , been stated to be somewhere about 5 , 000 , 000 . We will take it at that
amount . ' If these 5 , 000 , 000 labourers received wages on an average , amounting to 80 s . each per week , the ( amount , of money that would circulate throngh ; theSr'hands yearly would be ^ Q , 000 , 000 l " . ~ But if they only received on an average ten 'Shillings per week each , tho amount circulating yearly would only be £ 130 , 000 , 000 1 Where do the wages of the labourer go to , when he gets thorn ? Into the till of the shopkeepers A working man does not hoard up money . He buys food , and clothing , and furniture with it , when he gets it . A reduction of 7 » Y wages , therefore , is so mnch abstracted from the shopkeeping class ! And who gats ] it ? Thosejwho jump from their { clogs to
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iheir carriages ! . Those who make , or rather get , millions of money in about twenty years 1 These are the parties who devour tha comforts of the cottage aud the business of the shopkeeper I And then they employ their capital Jn French railroads , or Belgic factories , or in Foreign " Stock" of some description or- other ; and the shopkeepers help them to do this , and will be ready to aid them farther ! Will it be always thus f Will this © lass never open their eyes to their true position ! Will they ever continue to kiss the rod ! Let them look here ! and see the value of our foreign trade ( to " extend " which so much fuss is made ) , as compared with that hohb Tai » a which they have > hdpeS the " great" masters to destroy . ' ^ [ , '
The real value , of the whole of : British manBfactured produce exported from the United Kingdom fortheyoar ending Jan . Sth , 1841 , was ' £ 51 ^ 06 , 4001 For this wo reoeived payment in all sorts of things ; a portion of money , but a great portion of it in things of no real value or earthly use . . A reduction of the wages of labour genersdly , of ten shillings per man per week , would amount to £ 130 , 000 , 000 per year . Have not the wages of bur labourers been reduced , since " extensions" of commerce began to be made , more than ten saillijigs per man !
If the average of wages fifty years ago , were 80 s . per week , ( a low amount , ) is the average now lps ! If this reduction has taken place , we have saerificed ^ , £ 260 , 000 , 000 yearly to secure a yearly foreign trade of £ 51 , 406 , 430 ! I ! a great portion of which is worth less than nothing !! I ! 1 - The loss has been experienced , first by the labourer , and then by the shopkeeper ! Another " extension" of commerce , that will absorb every iota of wages and profit left , must be desirable !^ ¦'" .: _ ' ' / - ¦' . . ¦ . OrERAiivKi and Shopkeepers l what say you !
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NATIONAL EMIGRATION . Wb make np apology for again introducing this subject to the notice and consideration of our readers . Its vast importance demands that there should be no mistake about it ; and we hold it as our duty so to develope it in all its bearings as that let the Government plan of transportation' assume what shape it may those moat interested may be prepared to meet and defeat it .
We do not deny that a case mayoccur when it may be necessary as well aa desirable that "the hive should swarm . " We are perfectly aware that the land is limited ; we also know that a given quantity of food is necessary for a gives nnmberof mouths , and that , of course , if months multiply faster than food can be provided , the surplus must emigrate or starve . We engage to show , by and by , that this is not at present the condition of this country , nor is it likely to be for many years after our present state tinkers are buried and forgotten .
Before we do this , we will suppose , or tha sake of argument , that thiB is the case , —that the hive mast swarm or the bees perish , —and we will inquire what , under such circumstances , emigration ought to be . Emigration to be really effective mast be voluntary , extensive , and well organised . To make this clear , let us contrast it with the thing called emigration , as it has been practised for many years past ; and which , in reality , ib not emigration , bnt transportation and gambling speculation . Those who have left this country to seek a settlement in our
distant colonies have chiefly consisted of two classes ; speculators who invested a certain amount of capital in colonial land , intending thereby to realise ample fortunes by monopoly and indirect taxation ; and parties , wretchedly poor , Beat out for the most part by parochial authorities or by the Government at the nation ' s expenoe , who , whatever might have been their expectations , soon found themselves reduced to the condition of serfs or bondsmen . Doubtless many families possessing small capitals have left this country , but the larger portion of these have gone to the United States . The rolling tide
of emigration into our own colonies has consisted chiefly of those who bad no property , and who , therefore , were entirely dependant upon their own industry for support in the land of their exile . These , it is clear , were actuated by no voluntary motive : they went because they were compelled to go . Thus , then , the first necessary ingredient is wanted . Let us look at the second . We say em ' , gratioa to be effectual must be extensive ; that is , it must be a consecutive band of men , women and children , married and single , having in view one object , and directing their course to one
locality as tbe point of settlement . This spirit of unity , this combination of purpose , forms no part of our present system of what is called emigration . We admit that the system has been diffusive , but that very fact has ' prevented it from becoming extensive , in the sense in which we here use the word . All has been individualism und disjunction ; scarcely have two families emigrated with the same purposes and designs ; and the reason of this is that the third ingredient necessary to successful
emigration has not been even thought of . So far from judicious organization having been the order of the day , there has been no organization at all . The tide has rolled on without let or hindrance ; every man has done that whioh was right in bis own eyes ; no calculations as to supply and demand have been made ; and the consequence is just what might have been anticipated ; the poor creatures have fled from oppression aud distress at home to encounter still worse oppression , and still greater distress abroad .
Let us contrast this modern abortion with emigration in ancient times . The Phoenicians and the ancient North Men , understood the science of colonization perfectly ; and they were the only people who ever did understand it so as to' carry out its principles into actual and succesful practice . Among them the voluntary principle was the ruling spriogof action . They moved forth ; not at the bidding of class legislation or when reduced to starvation point by the insane and foolish social arrangement of their kind ; but , feeling themselves press'd for room , they collected their means together , and
marched in compact phalanx to conquer and subdue a territory for themselves , in some distant and , according to their views of the matter , more desirable region . Here then were two ingredients of the essential pre-rcquisites for successful emigration ; independence of action and extensive combination . Nor was the third wanting . The necessity for organisation was duly felt and nndeviatingly acted upon . The capitalist took with him his capital and his arms , and such a number of retainers , together with their amilies and what property they had , as were sufficient for laying the foundation of that new Social
Community , which was the Bummit of their hopes , Those ancient migratory tribes never moved without bearing with them ample means for securing their success . One remarkable feature in those ancient colonies was the entire absence t > f monopoly , in the ordinary acceptation of the term . Genuine liberty was unknown ; but a commonality of interests supplied its place . The capitalist—that is to say , the daring bandit ( fer such were all the capitalists of the time ) , shared with his followers the fatigues , dangers , and privations of the enterprise ; and the humbler marauders , Who followed him , shared in the triumph
and Success . r We are aware that these tands of anoiefat emigrant * were , for the most part , "bands of darfngrand anseropuloas robbers and cut-throats ; that most of them preferred war to industry ; that they ? w ^ re ' wildi ' . '' savage , and determined ; tkat the art * of ' peace were unknown to andsu&practiaed by theip ' j'but as rapine and confuBion , ihad they become universal , would havVdefeated their own' ends , some of the ^ aeeful pursuits . must be ^ opled * , to secure existence ; and henoe those tribes were ) ever ready to move forward to a land more fertile and better cultivated than their own . : We .. have not referred to those proceedings of ages long gone by for the purpose of advocating a ,
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literal imitation of them in the nineteenth century ; we know that oar whole oolonial system is a close copy of the ancient system as to ail its vices , without one feature of its redeeming qualities ; what we want to impress on the mindaof onr readers is the fact that in these early migrations the various hordes aoted conjointly , and not individually ; and that they neglected none of the means necessary to secure their object . They fixed their eye upon a spot which they deemed desirable , and they resolyed io obtain it . It mi ght be that it was already appropriated , bat arms and
bravery might subdue the natives and give their possessions info the hands of the invaders ; arma and bravery therefore were never , lacking in aa emigrating expidttion . But the men who had crossed the ocean in search of a distant home , and had cutthroats by iboassjids in order to s « ctire it , were too M no > J »/' . too bright ,, honourable" toattend to matters of trade and industry ; and thus an inferior race of " bondsmen became necessary to provide for ¦ $ * ; wants ¦ of th « blood-stained conquerors ; and hence were always ,
to"' Bome extent ^ snatched " from the jaws of death to be manacled with the chains of slavery ; and slavery was ever an ingredient in the ancient states . But , to preserve the state from perishing in its new home , civij government , or rather military government with civil fauctions , was absolutely necessary . Hence the capitalists , or chiefs , were absolute but not despotic They might role , bat , as a condition , they must provide ; to have left tho people in want would have been virtually to abandon their right to rule . From all this it is plain that the ancient system of emigration secured to
those who engaged in it ample provision , agaius want and a due protection for life and property Now , let it be earefally observed that in every system Of colonization the spirit which animated the Phoenicians and the northern tribes must rule or its failure—its otter and entire failure— -is certain and inevitable . -The manner of ita developement , however , in the present age , must be essentially different from that which prevailed in times of old . Like the Chartists , the emigrant's motto must be—, * ' God is onr guide ; no sword we draw ; We kindle not wars battle Ares . "
Their object must be t « obey the Divine command ; and , taking to themselves yet unappropriated portions of the earth " subdue them" to their will , ; and on plains rendered fertile by their own industiry •* increase arid multiply . " To this end , it is clear that the emigrants must be organised . They should be formed previous to their leaving their native shores into joint stock companies of at least one hundreds couples with children and dependants forming a society of not less than one . thousand souls , with rights guaranteed and privileges secured . Each of these tribes would form the
nucleus of a future state ; and it should be , and must be provided with all the requisites for its comfort , prosperity , and permanency . To each of these collective joint stock companies should land be appropriated in shares proportionate to the number of adult emigrants to be their property and that of their successors living in the colony for ever . This would secure the independence of the colonists , who , after the first year , should have tbe election of their own governor and officers , and the entire control of their internal affairs and the most free and unrestricted rights of trade and oommeroe with the mother country . One of the most essential requisites to the success of these infant colonies
is capital—not accumulated but diffused throughout the whole mass . And this must be sapplied in ample measure by the parent state ; the Government being the agent . All sums advanced for this object should be by way of loan : not a penny should be . given without a provision made for its repayment ; and all the loans should , after the first year , become chargeable with interest at five per cent ., and be repaid by moderate instalments , as the colony became prosperous through- united and profitable industry . Every shareholder would of coarse , have the right to sell his property after a given time ; subject to the condition of the purchaser becoming a resident ; no absenteeism should be allowed on any account . ¦ ¦
. This is what emigration should be when necessary next week we shall try t show that , if this country were rightly governed , no suoh thing would be needed for ages to come .
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JOINT MEETING OF CHARTISTS AND CORN-LAW REPEALERS , AT BATH . Elsewhere we give a report of a large meeting at Bath , which seems justly to have excited mach attention . It seems that the Chartists and Corn Law Repealers of that city have coalesced , and thrown iuto ono stock their grievances .- We rejoice mod cordially to see this . It is evidence of onward progress . The Liberals" are on their last legs when they require Chartist cratches . Let the-people but beware . Let them not forget 1830-1-2 . Let them keep their own place , and this Bath meeting may be the initiative of a nearer approximation to a oordial union with the middle classes than
wub by many hoped for . But be cautious . Be wary . Do not let us be again cajoled into thinking that we have got then to help us for universal justice , when , in reality , they have got us to help them for class crotchets , without rendering a quid pro quo . We confess that , though this Bath meeting affords ns matter of gratulation , we don't see ' jnuch to admire in it . We hope the Petition founded on the joint resolutions of the meeting will be full and strong for the Charter as a first and most necessary measure . Our reporter h » s not informed us how the Petition is to be signedwhether by the
, Chairman ' on behalf , " or individually ; we hope the latter way . The manner in which this petition is expressed and signed will shew whether Mohammed has oome to the mountain , or tho mountain has gone to Mohammed . If it represent the repeal of the Corn Laws as the primary , and the Charter merely as a secondary , object , the Chartists of Bath have been "done . " If it be well and properly got np , and the repeal-mongers hesitate to sign it , the sure inference is—that their attempted purpose was to entrap and not to assist the people . In either case , from that moment the connection becomes an unhallowed and mischievous one , and ahouldbe instantly dissolved . .
* We have written on the matter as one of mere expediency , without reference to our own opinions on the Corn Law question . Some of our Chartist friends may and do differ from our opinion on that point ; but there can be no difference on the necessity of the people ' s keeping their eyes wide open . Tne Whigs are like pigs with soapad tails ; they are hard to hold when caught . The tenor of the speeches of the Liberals leads us to view this meeting . aB a stratagem of the Repeal-mongers to steal a march upon the people , who they knew would not permit them to have a meeting , to themselves . We shall be glad to find our opinion incorrect ; but let the people , at all events , look out .
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A MERRY CHRISTMAS . Aptee the appalling revelations of the " great " Cotton Lords above alluded to , with squalid misery , and want , and wretchedness abounding through the whole land of " Merry England , " who can sit down to bid ** goOd-morrow" to hw friends , and pass coolly round " the compliments of the season . ^ We cannot . Our feelings and our religion alike forbid us to mock , misery or fawn on vice . We are hot fearful of any mah ' smistakingusfor votaries ! of ** rueful superstition , " but we are nowconstrainedto eschew merriment , and most recommend , in place of it amendment . To the rich oppressor we say , M Repent , ere it be too late , and the reward of . yoor unrighteousness have visited you . " To the
poor oppressed wesay , ^ Aronse freint * rp « apd inaotmty . Cast aside you * diftreacesj lay hftnd , one and all , on the- axe which your Bnfftrwgs have ^ aharpened ; lay it at © flc « tethe xm , of , the ^ foul tree , and let oorraption fall beforeyoa io . be no more-plantedi" < Then eball right be done , and jpeaoe ebtain , add plenty be . diffused ; and old England shall again become , " merry' Englarid » " and tbe grateful consciousness that the precepts of oar great God and guide are made the law of social life shall oause / the widow ' s heart to sing , and the face of the labourer to be brightened as he hails tuo future celebrations of his advent aa the " merry Christmas , " which , as ft w comes but c f ! i C 6 * L year » " ifl anticipated with delight by old and youDg ,
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4 . THJ ^ OBTHBRJf ^ STARV
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Dec. 24, 1841, page 4, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct734/page/4/
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