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Northern Star (1837-1852), 26th February 1842, Edition 4 of 4, Page 5

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  • Departments (2)
    • SUcal atttr <EfeneraI $ntelli%mce
    • J'HB^NGLISH CHARTIST Ci RCUL A.R.
  • Adverts (5)
  • Text (13)
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      Untitled Ad

      \ TlC O'CONNOR has given the Proprietor of the IVt above' Publication directions to state that he will commence a series of articles in the Circular , No . 57 , which will be published on Saturday , March 5 th . Thisitep is adopted in consequence ot" the frequent difficulty of Mr . O'C . 's communicating with the Star . ¦ ' . "¦'¦¦ V ' - " ' ' . "V : '¦ ¦'• ¦' - ' " ' . '¦ ¦' ¦¦ - London :: Cleave , Shoe-lane ; Hobson , Star Ofiice , Leeds ; Heywood , Manchester ; and all Agents in Town arid Country . r . ';' . ' -.

      Untitled Ad

      V ^ UJ ^ rwK » I LLU rPv ^ V * (^ RIMSHAW AND CO ., | / 10 , GOREE , PIAZZAS , LIVERPOOL . "TvESPATCH fineFirst-Class AMERICANSHIPS XJ of large Tonnage , for NEW YORK and NEW ORLEANS , in which Passengers can be accommodated with comfortable berths in the Cabin , second Cabin , and Steerage . Persons about to emigrate may " save themselves tho expence and delay of waiting in Liverpool , b y writing a Letter , addressed as above , which will be immediately answered , the exact day of sailing and the amopnt of Passage-money told them ; and by remitting one Pound each of the Passage-money to Liverpool , by a Post Ofiice order , berths will be secured , and it will not be necessary for them to be in Liverpool till the day before sailing .

      Untitled Ad

      jySTPUBLISHED , PRICE SIXPENCE EACH , /^ ELECTION of HYMNS and PSALMS , for ix the Use of the Working Men ' s Churches . Sold by John Cleave , No . 1 , Shoe Lano , Fleet Street , London . The Publishers of these Hymns and Psalffls have endeayoured to avoid all Sectarianism , and to ffiake such a Selection as seem to them calculated to unite all good men into one universal brotherhood , and to give offence to none . Should any pecuniary advantage be derived from the sale of this Book , it will be devoted to the proniotion of the mental and moral improvement of that class for whom the Publication itBelf is designed . ¦ : ' , ¦ ¦¦

      Untitled Ad

      With Seventeen Illustrations , by Leech , Crowquill , and George Cruiksha ^ ks . The March Number , PricejHalf'a-Crown , of ^ OTNTtEy'S MISCEIJiAinr . f i dNTENTS . —The Harmonious Owls . By the V Pilgrim in London . With an Illustration by George Cruikshank .--Valentine ' s Day . By Miss E . S . Carey .- ^ Richard Savage . A Romanco of Real Life . By Charles Whitehead . With an Illustration by Leech . —Old Green . By a Man about Town . With Illustration by Leech .--The Enthusiast at Shaksppare ' s Tomb . By H . Curling . With Illustrations * ; including Shakspeare ' s Sword , r and his bed . —Miss Doganose . With an illustration by

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      CHARTIST PILLS . ¥ - ? f ' - ¦"¦¦ ¦ - ' : ——¦ ' . ' ¦ : . ¦ . ¦ iMPORTANT TO THE AFFLICTED . MR , J . HOBSON , Northern Star Office , Leeds , having accepted the Wholesale and Retail Agenoy of those Pills , is authorised to give Twopence out of each Ls . l ^ d Box , to be divided between the Executive and the Families of the Imprisoned Chartists . ¦ '¦}¦¦ : : ¦¦ ¦ '' - '" : - - .: yVv . ¦ ¦ : .- ¦ The many Medicines lately offered to the public would have prevented the proprietor from advertising these Pills ( although , convinced of their efiioaey ) , did he not feel Jt his duty to give his suffering fellow Chartists an opportunity ( by their afiliction ) to forward the cause of Democracy , and assist the families of their incarcerated brethren . > To no one is health so important as to tho Working Man , when deprived of it his means of sub 3 istance are suspended and his sufferings aggiavated by reflections on his poverty , and the helplessness of his family . ¦ ¦ ' :

      Untitled Article

      The Sukkbt Cotoch . This body met sad fcransaeied & variety of local business last Sunday afternoon . Leicester . —At s meeting of the AH Saints ' Open Association of Leicester ChartiBt 3 , held Feb . loth , the following resolution was carried : — " That a school be opened on Sunday , the 27 th instM and every succeeding Sunday , front eix o ' clock till halfpast seTen in the evening , for the teaching of persons from ten years of age and upwards ; admission free * the school to be held at their room , All Saints' Open , Leicester . "—N . B . Any friends that feel a desire to assist us in oar laudable pursuit in sowing the seeds of knowledge in the minds of our feBow men by the presentation of books , they will be kindly received and acknowledged by us at our

      dwellings AM . Suots' Opes , Feb . 21 . —The meeting was well attended , and unanimoasly adopted the foliowin ] f resolntions :-l . "That -this meeting having Sard of the postponement of the Contention of the Industrious glasses by the Executive ( with the reasons assigned for the delay by that body ) beg to express their concurrence in the above step , and SIS the end sought to be attained by the delay will ^ realised" 5 ! " That at this tnne we deem it Sportot to adhere to the principles of the Charter the whole Charter , with the most unflinching tenacity , and to support , in preference to all others , IS tried le&derswho have conducted the agitation for years past , with so much credit to themto

      selves and advantage our common cause . " Mr . Markham , in moving the last resolution , said , the circumstances of the coantry , and the altered position of parties , rendered it aeeessary that we should it once avow our unchangeable determination to adhere to the principles we have long professed , as fee only remedy for the nation ' s good . The more so as varions parties are now in the field bidding high for our support , and praying for unanimity , to carry isolated measures , one of which embraces an extension of the franchise . He ( Mr . M . ) inclined to the opinion that any drawback on our part would be a signal for the enemy to advance , and certainly destructive of our brightest hopes . Ner conld he forget the long-tried opposition we had received from courted

      many of those who now us . He -was disposed to forgive , and not to accuse ; but the past Hhoold make alJ watchful and cautious in future . Again , another condition required was , that the old leaders should be given up—the men who had disputed every inch of ground with the enemy up the hill to the present moment . They had laboured , and fought , and suffered , and when tried they had not been fouod wanting ; and to give such leaders up for men who have all along opposed them—their plans and exertions , as visionary and destructive , would be to throw ourselves at once into the mouth of the lion and the paw of the bear . ( Loud cheers . ) Mr . Mansfield cordially seconded the motion . Mr . Bowman in supporting it , said ingratitude was the worst principle which could infest the human mind

      and such a return the beast never made for continued services and favours bestowed ; but to cast off onr veteran leaders , would be an act of base ingratitude , stamp us with deep infamy , and the next generation would justly treat us with contempt , and point at us with ttie finger of scorn . ( Cheers . ) Mr . Weston said circumstances had come to his knowledge , within the last few days , which satisfied his mind that a sincere desire for the extension of the franchise among the middle classes was limited to a Terr Email circle , and that a single false step at this time would bli g ht our hopes for years to come . 1 advise you , said Mr . W » , neither to diminish your demand for the whole Charter , nor for a moment think of giving ' upyonr leaders . Spurn the thought , and spurn as deceivers tho 3 e who make such proposals to you . ( Cheers . )

      Macclesfield District . —A delegate meeting assembled in the Association Rooms , Watercotes , on Sunday , the 20 th ; when delegates from the following places were present , namely , Macelesfield , Baziegrove , Wilmslow , Northwich , and New Mills ; letters were read from Stockport , Congleton , and Duckenfield , stating the forwardness of the petition , and their determination to make it as numerous as possible , and likewise the state of their fund 3 . Each delegate then gave in a statement of the progress they were making in their districts , which was most cheering , in particular Hazlegrove , which not only announced its forwardness with the petition , bnt tendered down the whole of their quota to the Convention funds . The delegates then proceeded , according to instructions from their constituents , to

      declare Mr . Christopher Doyle duly elected as the member for Cheshire , to serve in the forthcoming Convention , and ordered the county secretary to draw up his credentials and forward them to Mr . Doyle . A short address was then given by Sir . "West , the chairman , in which he explained the movements of the different parties who were trying to gull the people in accepting part 3 of the Charter , to forward their own base ana interested motives . At the conclusion of the address , the delegates all declared for themselves and their associations , that they would stand or fall by their principles , and the tried and approved leaders of the people , whom it seemed tie intention of different parties to get rid of , if possible . The meeting then adjourned to the week before the Convention sits .

      Lecttek . —Mr . West lectured with great effect , on the difference of the whole Charter , and only pieces of it , as is now endeavoured to be put forth By the league and other parties , who wish to strangle Chartism , and nsher forth their own spurious bant-Iing 3 to the world . Bab . nslet . —Neither the Whigs nor Tories dare meet the people in this town ; a requisition , calling a meeting for the relief of the unemployed , was posted on the walls on Satnrday , stating that a meeting would be holdeu in the Court-house , on Monday , at three o ' clock . At that time the people assembled , but the constable was ordered not to let them enter the door . Thus , even under the guise of charity , they seem conscious that their deeds are not fit to bear the light .

      Leptos . —3 fr . H . Candy delivered an excellent lecture on the principles of the Charter , our present position , and the necessity of firmness and union to attain it . His address occupied two hour 3 , and was heard with great attention by an overflowing audience . His leciures here has given satisfaction Many fresh members have beea enrolled . Our thanks are due to Mr . Sykes for the use of his large and spacious room , which is ever at our call when a lecturer visite us . Sheffield . —Political Institute . —On Sunday night , Mr . Richard Otley lectured to a crowded aadience , ' on the likeliest means of uniting the middle and working classes . The lecture gave great

      satisuiction , and was repeatedly cheered . On Monday night , the large room wa 3 again crowded by a respectable audience , to hear a discussion on the likeliest means of making the Charter the law of the Uad . At the conclusion , the following resolution was past unanimously : — " That it is the opinion of tins meeting , that in order to unite all classes upon a jast and equitable principle of good government , and having examined all the schemes laid before the country for the above purpose , declare it as their honest conviction , that none is so likely to guarantee to all classes of this country , permanent peace , prosperity , and happiness as the People's Charter . " The above resolution was proposed by Mr . M'Kerterick , seconded by Mr . Harrison , and supported by Mr . Gill .

      Untitled Article

      THE PEOPLE AND THEIR REPRESENTATIVES IN CONVENTION . 10 THE CHABTISTS OF GREAT BRITAIN . > It i » ZiE Fkiesds , —At DO period in the h ' story of the Charter agitation were the working men placed in sueh a proud position as they are at the present time . The Whigs , defeated by the Tories in the " cheap bread" and cheap labour scheme , are now bidding for tlie people : they have found out , from experience , what they have often been told by the working

      menthat the only -way to repeal the Corn Laws is net to reform , the House of Commons ; and to obtain that object they must first gain the assistance and cooperation of the "working classes . To effect this , meetings hsrg been held in most of the large towns in the manufacturing districts , at which meetings resolutions for a repeal of the Corn la-sra , an * extension of the suffrage t 3 every man of twenty-one years of age , ef sorted Busd , and untainted by crime , and the Ballot to protect him in the exercise ef it , have been submitted ; and in seme instances , as in Salford and Bradford , the Charter has been carried unanimously .

      The "Repealers of Bury determined not to be behind their friends in the naghboTrrins towns , got up a requisition to the constables , requesting them to call a public meeting for the purpose of petition ! Eg for a repeal of the Corn and provision Laws , a fMFTnjaKf . i of 2 d . inMers , tc . In compliance with the recpiifiition , the meeting "was called , sci took place on Thursday evening , the 17 th ultimo , in the "Working Man ' s Hall . I "was requested by the Chartists of Bury to attend and take part in the proceedings , as it was their intention to move the Charter as an amendment to the Repealtr ' s TJniTersal Suffrage reso l ution , but as the reqnsitionists had stated upon their bill that strangers "would not be allowed to speak , the Bury men had to do their own business , "which they did in despite of all the difficulties they had to contend With .

      _ The Working Man * Hall being too email , the meeting adjourned to the Square , and commenced business by eandle lijLt After a ¦ resolution callir . g upon the liberal members to stop the supplies had been passed , 3 > t Fletcher stood forward to propose a resolution for the repeal of the Corn and provision Laws , in which resolution was a demand for Universal Suffrage and the Ballot ; -The Doctor made a long speech , in the course of which be endeavoured to prove that his resolution embraced all that -was valuable in the Charter ; thai the other points "were Efre matters of detail ; nay , went so far as to say that the Chaiter as a whole was a ridiculous

      Untitled Article

      thing , and that lie never ad vacated it ; that the Executive were elecVed by about 1 , 500 persona ; that a few men . "wett abeut the counfay interrupting the business of meetings , and doing the cause more harm tiian they conld ever do it good . Some of this maybe true , fcut why did not the Doctor tell the men of Hej-wwd , Bury , and Batdifie , at th « time that he ¦ was pocketing their money , that he would not advocate the Charter . The Doctor had some six or seven reaso n * per week for n « t telling this ; had ho done bo he must not have Bat in the Convention as representa tive of ^ e Bury dhtrict No , no ; the men of Bury paid tke Doctor because they believed him to be a Chartist , aad an advocate of the Charter . If the Char ter , as a whole , is ridiculous , why did he not say bo Boon " , and by that means have given the Chutists of thk district an opportunity of sending one -who would have advocated the Charter ? for he knew well that he -was paid ( and better paid than most of the

      v ~ r !? Of that CoawaBoB ) by Chartists , who believed that he was a sincere advocate of their cause . Let tie Chartists look to this , and not be again deceived , by sending men to the forthcoming Convention who are not Chartists , as it appears they were by sending Dr . Fletcher . Let them send no man who does not openly avow himself a thoroughgoing CharHst , and one that has proved himself by bia actions to be what he professes to be ; for be assured that our enemies will do all in theirpower to cause a split in the ranks of the people , and there will be no better place than the Convention to effect that object By unanimity , a great deal of good may be effected by the delegates -whilst they are in London , but should dishonest men get amongst them , they -will neutralise the efforts of the good men , as was the case in the first Convention , of which Dr . Fletcher was a member . I therefore call apon the members cf the National Charter Association to vote for no man who is not prepared to go the whole hog , bristles and all . for the Charter .

      And remain , In the causa of democracy , Yours truly , Wm . Bell € rooden-lane , Heywood , near Rochdale , Feb . 21 st , 1841 .

      Untitled Article

      - . * . THE NATIONAL PETITION OF THE EXECUTIVE . TO " THE EDITSR OP THB NORTHERN STAU . Sir , —I deem it necessary , with your permission , to make some observations upon Dr . MVDoualTs fourth letter upon this subject . As the Doctor's remarks are rather of a rambling nature , I shall direct attention to the most relevant ; leaving many which do not bear upon the question unnoticed . After observing that it is the use and exercise of the Charter , which is to bring relief , the Doctor adds , — " I widely differ with Mr . Duncan , when he designates admitted and terrible grievances as mere opinions f and again , — " Mr . Duncan mistakes

      grievances for opinions . " The mistake lies with the Doctor himself . He confosnds existing facts with the view taken of these facts by the public ; and seems to think , because he considers certain things grievances , that all must view them in a similar light I The existence of the union with Ireland is not a matter of opinion ; and until the Doctor converts all friendly to the Charter to his opinions on the subject of Repeal , he has no right to mix up the one with the other ; and thereby deny many the opportunity of petitioning for the former , without compromising their present convictions regarding the latter .

      The Doctor fortner says : — " It is idle to tell me that I ought not , or I must not , allude to the New Poor Law , and the Union with Ireland , because certain persons do not like it . " I never denied ( nor am I aware that any other did ) the Doctor the right of expressing himself on all matters as freely as he chose . On the contrary , I expressly stated that any one of our party had such a right . But while I would allow him what I claim for myself , the widest scope as an individual , I deny that he , or any section of our body , has a right to introduce hi 3 own , or their own , peculiar views into a document intended for adoption by the whole Chartist body , inelnuing , as it does , maDy who dissent from these views .

      He quotes the following from my former letter . ' As Chartists , we hold a certain fixed opinion upon the constitution of the legislature , but no one particular opinion whatever upon any of the laws that ought . to be proposed by it . " On this he remarks , that to" such a standard he cannot subscribe , "because as he says , I not only object to the powers of the legislature , but likewise to the laws they have framed , and far from entertaining no opinion whatever upon one or two , I have the strongest opinion , " &c . Here the Doctor absolutely confounds the Chariists , as ab ody , with Peter Murray M'Douall ! 1 I asserted ,-the Chartists as such , have expressed no opinions on certain laws . The Doctor dissents from thi 3 , and why ! Because " he entertainstho strongest

      opinions , " &c . . Now , the Doctor must observe it by no means follows , although Tie has made up his mind in a certain way , that therefore every man willing to petition for the Charter has come to the same conclusion . The reverse is notoriously the case . Many would willingly subscribe a petition for the six points of the Charter , who do not agree with the sentiments put forth by the English Executive as to the Irish Repeal question . ' Such men must either refuse to sign the petition altogether , or put their Lands to sentiments they do not believe . Dees it relieve them from the dilemma ^ to be told by Dr . M'Douall that he " has the strongest opinion" on the subject ? This might lead them to think the Doctor conceited and arrogant , but would not be at all likely to make them

      look upon the Union with Ireland as a "terrible grievance , " if they thought differently before . It is no doubt desirable that the greatest possible unanimity should prevail among us as to the measures best calculated ( after the Charter Bhall have become law ) to bring prosperity and happiness to the nation ; and nothing would delight me more than to see steps taken for bringing about such an unanimity . But at present , there is uo disguising the fact , that a great difference of opinion exists on this subject . The very Petition in question is proof of this . I take it as representing the view 3 of its framers , and their opinion as to the magnitude of existing evils . I find the income of her - Majesty , of Prince Albert , of tho King of

      Hanover , oi the Archbishop of Canterbury &c , occupying a prominent place , and dwelt upon at lengxh . These are no doubt evils ; butin my humole opinion , ( and in that , of many others , ) tney are evi : s so comparatively insignificant as to be unworthy of a place in the complaints of a people , wrenged as we are . At the same time what many consider the real grievances , those that have blasted- th « happinesss of myriads , are left unnoticed ! I'do not say these ought to have been introduced , ( all important as I deem them , ) but their suppression , while others of infinitely smaller . moment are so blazsned , shews that much remains to bs done ere we can . as a body , possess the unanimity which is so desirable .

      I may be asked whether I would object to introducing any grievances into a National Petition 2 Provided they were universally allowed to be grievances , I should not ; but , at the same time , it appears ta me a petition is useful more as showing the extent to which the sentiments contained in it are held , than as , in itself , an argumentative document ; The proper way , in my humble opinion , would be thus : —let the people be made fully and thoroughly acquainted with the manner in which ihe present laws and institutions work to their ruin ; let it bo shown how other and different laws and instiiutions would remove the evils that afBict them , as well a 3 the absolute necessity , before tee change can be got , for a radical reform in the legislature . This done , they wonld , to a man , press forward to sign a petition for such refoim , whether the particular grievances were enumerated in it or not , But at present no such knowledge is possessed by

      the great mass . The enlighteners of the public mind are not agreed themselyes upon the greatest grievances , nor how to remedy them ; and carry on but a desultory and irregular mode of agitation . The measures which I , for instance , would consider necessary to the salvation of the country , Doctor M'Douall hardly ever alludes to ; while the chief topics with him , so far as I can gather , seem to me of comparatively small moment . Indeed , with the exception of Mr . O'Brien , none of the " leaders" ( so lax as I can see ) grapple with the whole system , but-simply nibble at corners , and these not the most important either . In such circumstances , I consider the introducing into a petition purposed to be national , grievances some of which are disputed and many comparatively insignificant ( Prince Albert ' s pension , &c ) to be unwise and objectionable in the extreme . So much for the originai merits of the petition . _ .. ....

      _ A word now as to the conduct of the Scotch delegates in "the deciding upon it : — Dr . M'Douall says , "I am bound to abide by the vote of the majority , and will attend to its decisions . " Thi 3 is quite proper , whes such decision is fairly ascertained and within legitimate limits ; bnt I deny that in the present case , it is either the one or the other . If the majority were to decide that , in order to gain over the Irish priests , and of course t those whose consciences they have in keeping , we were all to join the Holy Church , does the Doctor mean to say , that every man of us was forthwith

      to become the possessor of a crucifix , and to go to mass and confession 1 He might ; but I can tell him many equally good Chartists would not . Let the majority decide as to the course to be pursued , taking care that their decision does not interfere with the private opinions of members of our body on other subjects ; and then the minority will , I doubt noi , see the necessity for giving in . But ( since the Doctor has ur ^ ed me to it . ) I deny that a bare majority ever decided upon the petition in away to prevent others of our body from considering it . The petition was concocted by one or two individuals , and no proper means were taken to ascertain the

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      sentiments of the Chartist public concerning it . Even members of ihe National Charter Association might object to it , ( for though they have chosen the Executive because they have a general confidence in its members , it does not follow that they are to approve of all its acts , ) and , besides , the Doctor must remember that there were many more of the English Chartists unconnected with the Association than members of it . How much of their tacit aoquiesence in the Petition is owing to their feat of creating disunion , ( though they disapprove of it , ) the Doctor can , perhaps , say ; at all events , no fair opportunity was ever afforded to elicit their sentiments . To talk of a " majority" in such circumstances is preposterous . It is entirely contrary to the spirit of the

      Charter to call on men to pursue a certain line of conduct , when they were not consulted in determining what that line of conduct should be ; and , without speaking harshly , the Petition has been altogether got up in a manner I trust we Bhall never see repeated . This , ef course , is no objection to its merits , nor do I urge it as such ; but it is grounds sufficient , coupled with the address issued by the Central Committee against it on its appearance , why the people of Scotland should take it up for consideration , a ad decide as they might deem proper . I shonld have liked here to have ended my letter , but a remark made by Dr . M'D . demands notice . At the commencement , he says , " You , the working men are fully aware of the high opinion , / have

      entertained of his ( Mr . Duncan ' s ) services in the cause . " I confess , when I read this , I did not see why the opinion held of John Duncan by Doctor M'Douall , or of Dr . M'Douall by John Duncan , should be a matter of concern to the working men ; nor , at all events , what it had to do with the merits of the English Petition , but should have allowed it ( like many other small observations , of more consequence to the Doctor himself , than to any one else ) to remain unnoticed , had not the following more grave assertion followed , as a commentary on it . He says , " Mr . Duncan wilfully mistakes the majority fora faction , grievances for opinions , " &c . Now the Doctor must hayo known , if he knows anything that a " wilfull" mistake , is no miBtake at all , and that he has , in effect , charged me with knowingly

      and wilfully leading the publio mind astray . I need not , I believe , do more than repel the charge with indignation ; and I am certain that , however they may agree or disagree with my views ; those who know me will know it to be falsej and I trust those who do not know me , are , ( unlike the Doctor , ) either too liberal-minded to believe such a charge , merely because they differ with me in opinion , or too honest to propagate it if they do not believe it . The Doctor talks rather obscurely of men " throwing the mask from their faces , " " political traffic , " & . c . I will not say but there are both " masked faoes" and " political traffic" in Scotland ; but 1 fear when the day of unmasking arrives , a proportionate « hare -will be found south of the Tweed . Doe 3 the Doctor not think so ?

      I now conclude , and unless the Doctor , or some of his colleagues , succeed in throwing new iight on the subject , it is not likely I shall trouble ycu further concerning it . Yours , John Duncan . Dundee , Feb . 21 , 1842 .

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      CaXXfc&NDEB . —Upwards of forty of the brethren of the Callander districts belonging to the Doune Gardener ' s Lodge , with their sweethearts , held a temperance ball on Friday week . The Hall they met in was tastefully decorated with evergreens ; the chair was placed in a complete bower of laurels , intermingled with Christmas roses ; above the chair , and within the bower was a beautiful representation of Adam and Eve : that end of the hail fcad really a charming effect . The amusement consisted of dancing , appropriate addresses , songs , &c , and if blyth faces be an index of a merry and cheerful heart , the amusement gave general satisfacfaction . In the course of the evening , Mr . M'Nid , who acted as Secretary upon the occasion , was presented with a token of acknowledgment for the

      extra trouble he was at in getting up the ball , likewise the prompt and ready assistance that he gave upon former and similar occasions . In returning thanks , he addressed the audience in a warm , feeling , and appropriate manner ; but that which spread a moral oharm over the whole proceedings , was the contributing of a handsome donation to the poor of theparish ; this must be considered as the greatest feature of the evening ; it shows that in the very midst of their joy , they were not unmindful of the destitute , that not only they could rejoice with those that rejoice , but likewise they were ready to weep with those that weep . If the parusal of this paragraph will induce any associate body , or even a single individual , to follow the example of the Callander brother Gardener 3 , the end for which it was inserted in the publio press will be obtained .

      HUDDERSFIXIXiD . —A desire having arisen with maay persons of the working classes , to establish a library for the express purpose of supplying a want that has long been felt , viz ., intellectual advancement , a meeting was held Jast Monday night , the 21 st instant , when a number of persons signed their names as members ; several gave donations ; and the following was agreed to : — "That a library be formed , called the * Working Man's Library , ' and that the members shall meet oh Monday next , the 28 th inst ., in the Association room , Upperhead-row , " when it is expected that all who can make it convenient will attend ; the chair will be taken at eight o ' clock . The weekly subscription will commence on that night .

      BABHSLR ? . —Fatal Explosion . —On the 20 th inst ., a fire damp explosion took place in tho colliery of Mr . Hopwood , of this town . One of the men , and three young females , were burned to death . The names of the females are—Mary Day , 15 years of age , Ann Mallisson , 16 years , Maria Mallison , 15 years—the last two being sisters . Their father died about threo week 3 ago , and their poor moth r has been ill ever since . They belong to a parish near Sheffield , which is in union with that town ; and they have applied for relief to the overseer of Barnsley , and he refused to relieve them . The Rev . Mr . . Roberts , of St . Georgo ' s , had a communication with the overseer of their parish , and the matter was referred to the overseer of this town ; and , up to this time , he still refuses to give them relief .

      BRADFORD . —Daring Robbery . —On Snnday night last , or early on Monday morning , some daring villain or villains broke into the shop of Mr . Waddin gton , butcher , and stole therefrom the carcases of two sheep , with which they _ got clear off . The entrance had been effected with , skeleton keys or picklocks . No clue has been obtained which is likely to lead to their apprehension .

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      Pi . vder ' s Blacking . —The money due to the Exe cutive this week , from the sale of R . Pinder ' s black ing is as follows : — Mr . Haslem . Oldham 1 10 Mr . Kington , Shelton 1 7 Mr . Gale , Southampton 1 10

      5 3 Brelsfohd's Blacking . —Due to the Convention Fund from the sale of Wm . Brelsford ' s blacking , Burnley : — s . d . Mr . Geo . Haltin , Preston 1 3 Mr . Joseph Suteliffe , Burnley 0 3 Mr . John Shackleton , Ditto 0 IJ After the meeting of the Convention the threo halfpence out of each shilling , allowed to the Convention for tho sale of Wm . Brelsford's blacking , will be transferred to the Executive , and as the parties supplying the ingreaients , allows a discount , the said discount to go to the Victim Fund . All persons sending orders , must send a copy to the Executive .

      The new number for March of " Bentley ' s Miscel lany" is as ueual profusely illustrated by Crowquill , Cruikshank , and Leech , while the literary department is also fall of wit and humour , more even than we recollect in any one previous number . Among the numerous droll contributions we may mention " The Harmonious Owls , " by a well known " Pilgrim in London , '' with an Illustration by George Cruikshank ; " Miss Dogisnose , " with an Illustration by Leech ; " The Philosophy of Physic , " with numerous comic embellishments , by Alfred Crowquill ; " The Saddle , " a Wiltshire story , also illustrated , by Paul Pindar ; "Old Green , " Ofiley ' a " Regular Customer , " with a portrait by Leech ; kk Valentine ' s Day , " "Tommv Doddy , " and "The Barber of

      Northallerton . " The nnmber possesses interest , moreover , for readers of a more serious charaoter , among others , "The Enthusiast at Sbakspeare ' s Tomb , " with the Great Bard sitting with his friend by his own fire-side , and a " last year ' s pippin of his own graffin , '' his sword , and Ann Hathaway ' s bed , by way of Illustration ; "The Banquet Hall of Death ; " "Aunt Sarah ' s Ghost ; " and " English Country Life , " by Martingale , giving us one of the best pictures of a poacher ' s life , we recollect to have met with . We must not close this notice , however , without alluding to the interesting Romance ol " Richard Savage , " ( illustrated by Leech ) which

      proceeds in the same vigorous and spirited manner in which it commenced ; the scenes are painted , indeed , with a truth and nature wbjch will render this story worthy of a place among the best which have appeared since the novels of Sir Walter Scott . Tho account of Savage ' s introduction to Sir Richard Steel , and subsequent intimacy with the worthy knight , the interview of Savage with his daughter , Miss Wilfred , and the quarrel between Steel and Savage are eqaai in their way to anything we remember in modern fiction . Altogether , from whatever cause , Bontley ' s Miscellany" manifests increased spirit and resources , and will , if it were possible , become even more popular than ever .

      Untitled Article

      TO THE CHARTISTS ' Of- THE EAST AND NORTH RIDINGS OF YORKSHIRE . ADPBE 8 S OF THE DELEGATES ASSEMBLED AT SELBY , FEBRUARY 20 Tfi > 1842 / FjSLLOW C 0 UNTttYMEN > —Assembled for the purpose of devising the best means of forwarding the cause of truth and justice , it becomes our duty to address you at this most critical period . In so doing we are bound to record the great propesa which out cause is making in this district It is now but five months since the East and North Riding district was formed , embracing only

      six towns ; it is now our gratification to inform you that it at present embraces fourteen of the principal towns in the above Ridings . No eooner was the district formed than the' spirit of democracy seemed to animate the people , and with energy and determination moat creditable to themselves have succeeded in breaking down the various prejudices and establishing Associations where it was little expected , and the day is not far distant when the men of the East arid North Ridings will hold a most prominent ^ position in the cause of civil and religious liberty . , ' >• . ; . ;•' ¦ '¦;' -

      Brothers , you have hitherto been persuaded to trust all political matters to man holding higher stations in society than yourselves , that you had nothing to do with the laws but to obey them , nothing to do with tne taxes but to pay them , and in many instances you have been told you are not taxed at all ; whilst it is a fact not to ^ e controverted that near two-thirds of your earnings are taken from you to support the uresent system , and your having been tod confiding to those in authority over you , you havegiven them . authority to tax and bppresss you to that degree that whilst you ate constantly producing food and raiment in abundance , you and your families are compelled to go short of the commonest necessaries of life . This ought never to have been . This system ought no longer tp continue .

      Friends , the power is now in your own hands to improve your condition . If you allow the present opportunity to pass , you will bo the means of forging the chains of slavery , that have so long bound you to the chariot wheels of corruption , so strong as to leave no hopes of England ever again holding that high station amongst the nations of the eaith which ahe has so long maintained . If you wish to see your wives and children starving for want of food and yourselves driven to deeds of desperation and deatb , " inquire not into politics ; " but if you wish to seem happy and contented , inquire the reason they are not so , and you will find that class legislation is the chief and sole cause of your

      present condition , and that nothing less than the whole Charter becoming the law of the land will have the power of restoring you , to thatstation in society which your usefulness to society as producers demand . Friends , various means will be proposed to you by designing parties to improve your condition , but trust them not Remember you have been once deceived , by being too confiding . No movement got up by any party is sincere unless it will give you the power to improve your own condition , instead of trusting to others to do it for you . Join foe no naif measures . Countenance not the Corn Law Repealers , for they merely wish to remove an evil and still leave the cause of that evil in

      existence . ; ; : Remember , friends , that if the channel is polluted the stream cannot be pure ; them we would most earnestly impress you neither to turn to the right hand nor to the left , but proceed as you have hitherto done for that Charter , -which will give full , fair , and free representation to the whole people , and by so doing , you may defy the upholders of tyrannyj and restore universal peace throughout the land . Friends , the Convention elected by yonr suffrages will shortly assemble to take charge of the great National Petition . Rally round them and support their propositions with all your energy ; let each niaa endeavour to outvie the other , to obtain signatures , and millions will seal the doom of tyranny . -

      Let your exertions also be directed to the support of the Executive Council ; in them lies great power to Berve our cause—that power may be either advanced or destroyed , advanced by your confidence and support —destroyed by your apathy or neglect . In conclusion , we most earnestly exhort you to be united ; let not petty quarrels divide you . Our cause is too sacred to be injured by indiscretion ; our strength is in our union ; our enemies' strength lies in our disunion . Onward , and we conquer ; backward and we fall . ' .- . ¦ . I- ' - . . . ' . ¦; . ¦ . ¦ ¦ ¦ ' . . Signed on behalf of the Delegates , , Edward BuRLEY , District Secretary . York , February 22 nd , . 1842 .

      Untitled Article

      MRS . FROST . THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF THE NATIONAL CHARTER ASSOCIATION TO THE PEOPLE . Brother Chartists , —During our visit to Bristol , we conceived it to be our duty t ;> visit Mre . Frost , out cf respect to her husband , and from sympathy to herself and family . It came to our knowledge that she is still surrounded with difficulties , but of a less serious nature than these formerly explained to the public . We have conceived it necessary to appeal to the Chartists in behalf of a family which has suffered so mueb , and to whom so much of support and respect from the public is due . > Ve conceive it will be sufficient to state that some immediate assistance is required from our body , and whilst giving it , let us not forget all others who hsve unjustly suffered in the cause .

      we learned from our friends from Wales that Mrs . Williams and Mrs . Jones have been comparatively well Bupportedin their own localities , at least we have had no urgent complaint made to us , and therefore whilst we speak of them with all possible respect , we have not the advantage of knowing personally , as is the case of Mrs . Frost , the particular position they may be placed in , or whether like her they stand in immediateineed of assistance . ' If we are incorrectly informed , we Bhall rectify the mistake , but in the mean time , we recommend subscription lists to be opened for one month for Mrs . Frost , the amount to be transmitted weekly to the Treasurer of the Executive , by whom it will be forwarded to Mrs . Frost . We desire to remove ail her difficulties as speedily as possible , and with as liberal a hand as our united means will permit . .

      We are fully awarocf the many calls made upon the Association , and it is only in such cases we would apply to them . In this instance , the subscription sheets should be presented to all parties who are likely to subscribe , and it will be important for each locality to adopt any particular plan they may think proper . A balance sheet will be published at the end of the month . - "' . ' " . ¦ - ¦ , ' • ' ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ' . ' . ' ¦ ' -- ¦ - . ¦ ¦• • . ' . . ' ' ¦ .. ' . .-. Remember the heart of the exile will'be made lighter by the assurance that nia family are protected by a generous people . ' >

      Your faithful representatives , James Leach , P . M . M'Douall , Morgan Williams , R K . Philp , John Campbell .

      Untitled Article

      Halshaw Mook . —Mr . Isaac Barrow ^ Bolton , lectured in { his village , on Monday evening . After the lecture , we enrolled ten new members . Darlington . —Mr . Charles Connor lectured in the Social Institution , Park-street , on Tuesday week .

      Untitled Article

      HORRIBLE DEATH .-DEPLORABLE ^ ESXITIJTION . On Wednesday morning an inquest Was held at the Court House , Leeds , before John Blackburn , Esq ., on the body of Henry Harrison , a whitesmith , forty-nine years of age , who died on Monday night last , in a wretched dwelling in Back George ' s- ! street , in which place he had lived , or rather existed ; for two years ; latterly , for about twelvemonths , without any furniture , arid almost without food . His son , about nineteen years of age , has resided with him ; and though his wretched and filthy appearance at the inquest excited a thrill of horror , there was a degree of becoming behaviour and superior intelligence about fiim which excited

      a very strong feeling in his favour ; a subscription was entered into for him by the Jury , and some clothes were promised him by . the worthy Coroner , and shoes by Mr . ( SWrightv Briggate , one of the Jury , Mr . Brown , of the Prince of Wales eating-house , also , another of the jury , desired him to attend at his house enry day tor a basin of * soup . It is to be heped he will deserve these > favo \ ira , and be enabled to get into some employment . When the Jury proceeded to view the body , the scene which presented itself was disgusting in the extreme , although pains had beta taken to cleanse the wretched

      hole of some of its filth : to attempt tOj 4 edSribe it would be impossible . The body , when Jfst ^ visited , was laid upon ashes , with a block of wood toimpporfc the head ; There was not a particle of furniture ; the walls were black and filthy in the extreme ^ and the shutters had been kept constantly closed . The joints of the man's legs seemed in a state of putrefaction ; and altogether the appearance was calculated to inspire unmitigated horror . It may be as well to add , that , accordmg to the testimony adduced , it has been brought on in a largo measure by the voluntary act of the deceased himself . We subjoin the evidence : —

      Ellen Harrison , wifeof thsdeceaaed—The deceased was a whitesmith , aad was 49 years of age ; we have been , married twenty-five years ; I have hot lived with him for the last four years : he did not make a home for me . He comes from Barton-upon-Humber . I have not lived with him at all since he came to Leeds . We oimo from Hall here . ¦ I think it is about three weeks since I saw him ; he came to Where I am Hying , in Somerset-street . His son lived with hijBL The deceased Was a very sober man , but odd in his temper ; when he called at our

      house , his daughter wished to get him into the Infirmhry but he refused to go there , saying they would kill him . 1 saw him at eleven o'clock on Monday night , when he was dead . My son and daughter were thore ; we did not tell any of the neighbours , as we wished to get the dirt away before any person saw him ; there were two or three barrowfulls of dirt and ashes . In answer to a question from a Juryman , she said she had tvro daughters . We hare had" relief from the workhouse , and take in washing .

      Sarah Cookson—I live in George-street . My mother belongs the house where deceased lived ; I last saw him alive on Sunday week ; the son of deceased , Henry Harrison , came into our house about eight o'clock oa Tuesday morning ; he threw the key of the house on the table , and said his father had died about half-past eight o ' clock ou Monday night , and he had done with him . I went with some other females to the house , and found deceased laid on some boards and ashes . The deceased was rarely seen out ; I do not know how he has lived ; he always kept the door and shutters fastened ; he has lived in the house some time .

      Elizabeth Windill—I live in Back George-strebt , and washed the deceased after his death ; I saw no marks of violence ; his feet were tied together with a piece of small cord ; his limbs were in a state of putrefaction . The house was the most filthy I ever taw ; ho was laid with his head on a piece of wood , and his body and feetamong ashes . Henry Harrison , who presented a woeful picture , but who answered the questions put to him in a very intelligent manner , saicL /—The deceased is my father ; I lived with twain Ba . ck George-street . I was with him on Monday night when he died ; I had not been out all day ; he had not been out ; he could not walk ; he complained of weakness on Saturday , and said he wanted some support ; he told me to go to my brother , in Meadow-lane , and ask him to let

      him have some money ; my brother refused . The deceased had some bread on Saturday , which we received from the relief fund ; he had nothing to drink but water ; he had nothing to eat on either Sunday or Monday , except a potato . He drank a great deal of water . He has hot had any work for twelve months ; we have been very badly off , and have sold all We had : to get something to eat ; we have been half pined . I went and told my mother the same night ; she came down about eleven . I went with my mother and sister to clean the place on Tuesday morning . I afterwards left the key at the landlady ' s . My father had neither had a doctor nor any medicine . I have not slept in a bed for twelve months , nor have I had any soap , or a cloth to dry myself with if I washed mo . ¦

      • There being no further evidence , the jury returned a verdict that the deceased was found dead , without any marks of violence , but that there was no evidence to satisfy them of the cause of death . The jury , before separating , expressed a strong opinion on the filthy state or" the whole of Back George-street , as well as of tho peculiarly unwholesome situation of the building iii which the poor fellow had been domiciled . This property , wo understand , belongs to Mrs . Barnett , in Georger street . We think the attention of the Improvement Commissioners should be drawn to the Bubject .

      Untitled Article

      ' .. ¦ . ? ¦ ¦ , LEEDS . —A Son stabbed by his Fatheb . —An unpleasant affair occurred at Halton , in the parish of WbUkirk , near Leeds , on Wednesday night week , between an old man , a labourer , named Francis Hill , residing at that place ,, and his son William Hill , a collier , about twenty-seven years of age . It seems that the son went home about a quarter-past eleven o ' clock , the worse for liquor , and began quarrelling with his father , who was eating some bread and meat for supper , which he cut with a clasp-knife . The son struck at the father , and according to the statement of the mother , who unfortunately was tho only other

      person present , and who cannot be examined as a witness oil tho matter , he knocked him out of the chair upon the floor , and was about to repeat the assault , when the father , in self-defence j struck him with the knife he Was using on the side of the stomach , just below the base of the heart . The father was of course taken into custody , and on Thursday afternoon the son ' sexaminatioii was taken in his presence , belore John Wilson , Esq , of Seacroft Hall , one of the Riding Justices , by whom the old man was remanded to prison to await the event of the wound . On inquiry yesterday we learnt that the young man was doiug well .

      Another Serious Ci SB of Stabbing , —We regret to Bay that another lite has been placed in great danger , in this town , by the unmanly use of the knife . On Sunday evening , a quarrel , arising out of some family differences , took place at the house of Mrs . Bruuton , the Horse and Jockey , in Hunslet Lane , between two men named James Thompson and Thomas Clough , the former a son of the late Mr . Thompson , hackney coach proprieter , and tho latter now , it is afiirmed , the owner of the cpach formerly belonging to Mr . Thompson , and which , it

      is alleged , he purchased of Mrs . 1 ., who sold or transferred it in consequence of her son ' s conduct towards her . Quarrels have frequently occurred iii consequence , and on Sunday evening , from words they came to blows , when Thompson , unseen , drew a knife , which he plunged into the abdomen of his opponent , and caused a tremendous gash . He was instantly secured with the knife in . hia possession , and surgical aid was at once called to the sufferer , who yesterday , we learnt , was likely to do well . .. ¦ ¦ - ¦ ' :

      Juvenile Depravitv . —^ On . Saturday last , a very little girl , about fourteen years of age , whose parents reside in Ball ' s Yard , York-street , was charged with having stolen two tarpaulin cart covers and other property * The cart covers were produced in Court , and puzzled all who saw them to know how so diminitive a child could carry either of them away . It appeared from the evidence of Mr . John Almack , broker , Wharf-street , that on the Saturday previous the prisoner went to his warehouse , and after telling a pitiful tale of the distress and

      starvation of her mother ,, who she said was fining in the house , offered for sale a flat iron , which suo said her mother had sent her to sel ) . After asking her a few question ? , to all which she gave the most ready replies , he purchased the iron , and the same evening was somewhat surprised ^ at her reappearance with a cart cover , which she said her mother had also sent , as her father had not come home , and she wanted to bay some bread . Mr . Almack refused to buy the cover , but gave her four pence , and desired her to send her mother . He then mentioned the matter to

      the police , and it was discovered that the girl nad given a false account of her residence . Mr . Almack saw no more of her until Wednesday , when she made her appearance with another cart coyer , which she said her father had found ; She was of course given into custody , and then it turned out that the iron had been stolen from her mother , and that other thiuga which , she had sold at other places had also been stolen . George Jordan , a fruit salesman , 8 _ aid the cover first offered for sale belonged to him , and was stolen from under his cart in Yicar ' s ^ Croft , on Saturday evening , bis back having been turned not

      more than five minutes ; James Coleman , also a fruit salesman , owned the other cover , which was stolen from his cart in the Croft , on Tuesday evening . It also appeared that the prisoner had been previously punished . Mr . Clapiiam , who was on the bench , expressed his astonishment at the turpitude of character , and the amount of guilt exhibited by one so young , and committed her for trial , in hope that ; she wight become an inmate of a penitentiary . The prisoner exhibited the utmost " oarelessuesa and unconcern during the examination .

      Untitled Article

      THEvTRE .--Mr . Hooper , tb

      plav . It was the intention of the Committee , had the correctness of its report been disputed by the authorities to whom it was submitted , to hayo instituted a second inquiry into the condition of the unemployed ; but , as this has not been done , with the exception of Mr . Luccock ' s ridiculous tables , published in the Mercury , as to the Overseers * revised report , but which they totally repudiated , and of which he himself has since become ashamed ; and , as the Committee ' s report has been more than corroborated by the reports of the visitors of .. the Belief Committee , it is intended to bring the labours of the ( EnumerationCommitteei to a close . On Tuesday evening next , the delegates are requested to attend at the Committee Boom , in order to determine upon the appropriation of the funds remaining in the hands of the Treasurer , and upon other matters .

      Untitled Article

      _ ; THE NORTHERN STAR . ^ 2

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      Untitled Article

      TO THE MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL CHARTER ASSOCIATION , AND THE PEOPLE GENERALLY , IN THE COUNTIES OF SOMERSET , GLOUCESTER , AND WILTS . ' Friends , —You have been united in one electoral district , for the purpose of sending two representatives to the Convention . Without , reference to whoever the two individuals honoured with your choice may be , it is necessary you should prepare for the further requirements from you , viz , your proportion to the General Convention . By a little arrangement , and a proper understanding between the several towns in your district , the amount necessary may easily be raised . The Convention being only to sit three weeks , instead of one month , as at first proposed , your amount of contribution will be £ 30 instead of £ 36 .

      Permit mo therefore , in order to participate its collection , to submit t ' or your odnsideratipn the following proportions for the several towns in your district : — Cheltenham ... ... ... ... 4 5 0 * Bristol ... ... ... ... 4 5 0 Bath ... ... 4 5 0 Trowbridge ... ... 3 0 0 Salisbury ... ... 1 10 0 Bradford ... 1 10 0 Stroud ... ... ... ... 2 0 0

      Gloucester ... ... . 15 0 Kingswood ... ... ... ... 0 10 0 Frome ... ... ... ... 0 15 0 Westbury ... ... ... ... 1 5 0 Yeovil / 15 0 The Deverells ... I 5 0 Wottoa-under-Edge 0 15 0 Winchcomb . 0 10 0 Cirencester ... ... 0 15 0 Warminster .., ... 0 5 0

      29 5 0 This , it willbe seen , leaves a deficiency of 15 s . on the whole amount . But as there are many towns in the district , not included in the above enumeration , that would undoubtedly contribute something if appealed to through the press , there is no doubt the whole sum may be raised in due time , if proper steps are taken . In behalf of the cause , A Member of the National Chakteii Aesociation .

      * Collecting books should be sent out in all the towns ; many wouH subscribe who are not members , and at the meetings to elect representaiires , collections should be made .

      J'Hb^Nglish Chartist Ci Rcul A.R.

      J'HB ^ NGLISH CHARTIST Ci RCUL A . R .

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Feb. 26, 1842, page 5, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct743/page/5/