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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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C Continued from our sixth page . ) apart , in beauteons valleya , It ras attended with great expence to organise these districts , jet they had done what was practicable . Within tfca last nine months Edinburgh had . spent from , £ 40 to , £ 50 in spreading ttieir principles in this district . - He was also elected for aportien of Fife . Tqib portion of his district consisted of sm ^ i towns from 15 to 12 , 680 inhabitants . ! Ihe majority of these -were very poor , chiefly existing npon 7 i . a week . They were well organised ; and upon the least notice two-thirds of them wonld attend any public meeting . Tneir Btrength "was TreH tested by the manner in which they had met the Corn taw party , notwithstanding the amount ef money they hare expended , and the talented lecturers they engaged , they were always able triumphantly to carry their
opinions in favour of the Charter . In Scotland this was even & greater triumph than in England , for in Scotland they had been trained from their cradle in JIalthusian notions of political economy : they were , the majority of them , readers of theEdinburgh Retiew , and had always been taugkt to think highly of free trade ; yet these men , wretchedly poor as they were , told their employers that they were willing to endure poverty a little longer rather than abate one iota of their political rights . In this part of the country they had been fought by the anti-Corn Law gentlemen in a wily manner ; they had always allowed the justness of the Charter , but bad desired that it should be kept in abeyance until they had got a repeal of the Corn Laws . Their . strength might be ascertained by comparing
them" with that of other parties ; as compared with the Corn law party , they were all-powerful . The Non-Intrusion question was ene deeply interesting to the Scottish people ; yet , as compared with this question , they also were aD-powerfuL He confessed that there was some justness in the remarks respecting the imperfectien of our organisation , bnt this was more apparent \ hm real . They would never be able to get the mass of people to act methodically , and yet , though they might be but weak in organized numbers , jet -when a struggle came , they ¦ w ere all-powerful in Edinburgh ; though they b * d only 600 or 700 members , yet if a meeting was called to oppose the Corn Law party they were sure to hare jbetween 2000 er 3060 persons present to support them . Even Sharman Crawford and the eloquent Babington Macaulay , on the hostingB at tbe day of the last election , out of the vast assemblage present only bad about 2000 hands held up for Mm . They generally got a
great portion of the subscriptions frem classes of persons who were not organizsd members . "When they appealed to the public the funds were generally forthcoming . He was instructed by his constituents to bring forward a resolution for the purpose of bringing about a perfect union between England and Scotland . With regard to divisions they had none . They had a few party bickerings . The same cause which produced division in England had reached , in a small degree to Scotland . He had himsfif been blamed for signing Stnrge ' a declaration , and a deputation had waited upon him requesting him to withdraw it ; but he informed them that he acted according to the dictates of his mind ; he had acted honestly and he would rather cat off his hand than retract his signature . Acting in this firm manner they speedily , without any disagreement , / understood eacb other . He thought they could allow others to differ with tbem , and still maintain firmly their own opinions , without any disagreeable feelings being excited .
Mr . Thomason , delegate from the Tale ef Leven , his district was small in amount of population , but not small in spirit ; this was evinced fee the support they Bent to the Convention . Dumbarton was once a place , the very name of which was synonomous with Toryism , every thing connected with Radicalism had ever been scouted from this town ; here they had succeeded with difficulty in raising an association , but now they hod many members , and were beginning to go a-head ; the middle classes , though not joining them , had arranged themselves under the banners cf Joseph Stage ; this was a sign of progression . In the Yale of Leven the working classes were employed in th e printing works , and for many years they had enjoyed a state of prosperity , tut they had now felt the effect cl the same cause which
tad prostrated other branches of national industry from one factory alone they had subscribed upwards of £ 30 to the first Convention , and though they could not now contribute largely in pecuniary matters , y « t the same spirit existed , they enteitained tbe same flevetion of feeli-g to the cause . Iftmug the last winter they were involved in terrible destitution ; they had made many attempts to bring the attention of the authorities to this subject , bnt in-vain , until he got up several large meetings , and they passed resolutions that if the authorities did not adopt some method , they must organs * themselves in masses , and take food where they conld obtain it This frightened the heritors of the parish , and a committee was appointed , the result of whose labours brought out the following facts : —
That i persona were employed at 73 d . pei day , 2 do . at 7 10 do . at 3 | do . 6 ,., 61 12 S ... li ... 11 ... # J 31 ... Si ... 5 ... 6 * 151 ... 2 i 21 ... 51 65 ... 2 | .. . 11 ... o | 235 ... 2 13 ... 5 126 ... 1 % ... 14 ... 4 | 15 ... l | ... 10 ... ii 55 ... 1 11 ... 4 | 31 ... Of ... SI ... 4 28 ... 0 | ... 23 ... 3 | 9 ... oj 25 ... 3 A 65 ... 0
59 ... 3 Could amore disastrous state of aSairs than this exist ? It was almost incredible to believe that under men circumstances human nature could have been sustained , and it was sometimes a matter ef even mystery to the parties themselves . The introduction of machinery into tbe printworks had nearly superseded manual labour . A printer with the ai £ of a block conld put one colour into ten pieces in a day ; by the aid of machinery they could put three colours in and throw off osebsndzsd sod fifty pieces in a day ; and they found those ip « - «* " ?« trho were the loudest in their cry for cheap kread were those who were the greatest tyrants in their establishments ; they sow scarcely employed
any one save , women and children . But notwithstanding this distress , their numbers were now as large as ever they were . In Alexandria , Bonnell , and Bromford , there were only three middle-class men who refused to ogn the National Petition . They bad procured 1400 rignataresinKirkintulloch ; tiaey weie not so bad off there as in the vale of Lev en . Campsie was distinguished for having a i > eealiarly warm-hearted body of Chartistsnot able to do nmch in a pecuniary point , but an excellent feeling prevailed . His constituents desired him to state t > i » t they were desirous for a more perfect nnion with the Chartists of England , that they might act with more energy and vigour . He had received a letter frem Greenoek , stating that they had obtained 8690 signatures to the National Petition .
2 Or . iloii , delegate from Glasgow , said that intbs te-srn , for a long period , neither Whig nor Tory , nor both combined , dare to meet the Chartists in public meetings . They attended every meeting , and there advocated the principles of the Charter ; neither threats , nor cajolery , nor tareats of physical force , ever made them s'warve from boldly advancing their elaims to representation . He conld not say much about their organisation , but in public opinion they were allpowerfuL Eis brother delegate from Dumbarton had s ^ ted that in his district a change for the better had t&ken place among the middle classes . He had seen no symptoms cf a change in the middle classes of Glasgow ; some few of them have signed Mr . Stage ' s memorial , bur . they advanced no further ; they did not take interest enough in it to elect a delegate to Birmingham . The trading class cf that town were mere Whigs ;
they would never join with the "working men until necessity compelled them ; they would never act cerdially with the Chartists until , as a party , ¦ they were annihilated , and then we- Bhould have nothing to thank them for . But still we were willing to receive them ; but while they contitnsd to abuse us ; so long must we reject their co-operation ; be was not fond ot dealing in hard names , but at times he had been compelled to d » so in BeH-defence . With regard to division they had none ; they bid some little difference of opinion respecting the best modes of action ; tut they were determined to ba , Te the "whole Charter , and to have its name as well , for they were proud of it He could only Bay that Chartism was in a very prosperous state ; that everything was perfectly satisfactory , and nothing that his constituents could do to gain the whole Charter in the shortest Ep&ee of time would be ltft untried .
3 Ir . Campbell , delegate for Cambridge , Suffolk , and Korfdlk . —He had ntver been in this district ; but still he knew that tiey were progressing . Fifteen months ago there was only one association in the three counties ; now they had extended it to seven places . At Northwich' they had s good association ; from Bury St . Edmonds ibey would have a good petition ; from Lynn , 1 , 700 signatures ; tois -sras a place they never had any beft'ie this petition ; in Harwich and in Cambridge they Lad good associations , and they were rapidly spreading over the whole of the three counties .
Mr . 2 I'X > onall then reported the result of the interview with Mr . Sharman Crawford . Ihej waited upon him in tbe House of Common *; and , after staying upwards cf two hours , they procured an interview , 3 nd Mr . Crawford Etated that he had been detained fcy a division in the House respecting flogging in the army . When the deputation stated their wish that b& would postpone bis mction natal af ter the presentation of the National Petition , he observed 4 hat be c * uld not give an answer until he had communicated with the parties who entrusted it to bis care . We stated that our object was to avoid coming into collision with any party . He then informed us that be "would communicate with , them on Monday , but on Sunday we received tks following letter ;—3 i , York Terrace , Regent ' s Park , April 16 , 1842 .
SIB , —A deputation from the Chartist Convention waited on me last night at Bie Bouse of Commons , to request that I wonld postpone my motion till Tuesday , the 3 rd of May , on which day the National Petition is to be presented , ana a motion made by Mr . Duncombo to hear the parties at the bar . Being exceedingly texicus to accommodate tbe wishes of your body , as well * & these with wbem I have been more particularly in csifcfcXioB in bringing forward thin question , I told them 1 - would consider whether I eo&te postpone the EoSee , % d give them an aasirer on if poday ,
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On returning home , I referred to a printed copy of the petition which was accidentally in my possession . It is headed " The National Petition , " and is I presume the petition alluded to . I exceedingly regret to say I cannot concur in or approve the general tone of this petition , and the allegations it seta forth are in some cases such as I am not prepared to support Yonr demand of a repeal of the Irish Union I cannot concur in , because , although I have supported the principle of a legislative body in Ireland for local pnrposes , I think an Imperial Legislature is necessary for Imperial purposes ; bnt the entertaining this proposition must indefinitely suspend the xliscpBSion on one of tbe vital points of your Charter , namely , the equal distribution of Eleetorial Districts , —before that distribution could be settled , the question whether the Irish Union should be repealed or not must
first be Betued . I will not agree to any distribution of llectorial Districts which does not include Ireland in a fair proportion . The other points introduced in the pet ition are so numerous , neither space nor time permit me to go through them . Some of them I cannot say I can assent to witheut a more clear explanation of their meaning . Bnt I deprecate the policy of mixing up such a variety of subjects in one petition . ' It is impossible they could be discussed with any effect or utility in tMs combined form—and such a combination must be highly injurious to the fair consideration of these great points of Parliamentary reform , which it is my object honestly to advocate . I also otgect te the form in which your prayer at the end is set fortb . You claim that the Charter Bhould be passed into a law without alteration , deduction , or addition .
Whilst I agree with you in desiring to suitun the integrity of the great princijles of the Charter—yet I am perfectly satisfied that alterations and additions in your registration details would be absolutely necessary to fit it to all the different portions of the United Kingdom . There never was any document yet prepared by man , which could not bs improved . Therefore 1 feel that the prayer when carried to this extent is unreasonable and is therefore iojariccs to its succes ? . But independently of those specific points I object to the tone of the petition . The" 4 th , 5 th , and 6 th paragraphs when taken together , are evidently indicative of the principle of action , which was so deeply injurious to youi cause , namely , the pbysical-foroe system . I cannot join myself with any movement bnt that which is founded on moral xnvxr .
Under these circumstances , I conceive it mnch better that your petition should not be presented till after my motion , because , if presented before it I must state my objections to it If presented on a future day , the member presenting it may raise the question on its specific prayer , ( namely to be heard at the bar ) , which is entirely different in form from the motion I intend to make . You will see it detailed in the Parliamentary vetes circulated this morning . I shall bring it on upon the day appointed , Thursday , tbe 2 lst April . I trust my observations will give ne offence to your body . I mean none . I think every true friend to the people ought te speak honestly and plainly when he thinks them wrong . Allow me to subscribe myself , Youi obedt , W . SHAR . CRAWFORD .
To the St ? creiary of the Convention of the Working Classes . Mr . O'Connor commented upon the statements contained in the letter . Mr . Crawford , though one of the most ^ honest , waa also one of the most obstinate of men . If this motion wa 3 not postponed , it would place them in an awkward dilemma , inasmuch as on the presentation of their petition , all its arguments would have been anticipated . It was the opinion of Mr . Buncombe that if Mr . Shaman Crawford brought on his motion previous to their petition , many members who usually vottd on that side the question would refrain from voting , and reserve themselves for their petition . It would appear to be the intention of the party for whom Mr . Crawford waa acting to offer every opposition which laid in their power to the National Petition . If this was to be the cass , they must take means to reserve their strength in the House of Commons until the Petition was presented .
Mr . Roberts did not think that Mr . Crawford would oppose tbe motion for a deputation from the working ciass to be heard at the bar of the House , he only expressed bis objections to the petition ; he hoped they would not act in any hostile manner . Mr . Crawford had fixed the day for his motion previous to the deputation waiting upon him , he did not think even if there was two divisons in the House that it would is jure the people ' s cause , but if fcy sound argument they eould prove that this would be the result , then it would be their duty to correspond with Mr . Sturge ' s committee on the subject Dr . M 1 > onall moved , " That Sfearman Crawford ' ^ letter being public propeity addressed to the Convention , Bhould be published and their secretary authorised to correspond with Mr . Sturge ' s committee sitting at Birmingham . "
Mr . M'Pherson seconded the motion . The man that would set up his own private feelings without respect to the petition , against the wishes of three or fonr millions of Mb fellow beings , was not worthy of their confidence . Mr . Lowery stated , that being present at the Conference at Birmingham , he was well aware that Sharman Crawford was acting as the organ of the committee Ihe motion was then put and carried . ( Continued in our 8 th page , )
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Tamboffert . —Whenever any statement is doubted in Lancashire , it is g igniEcantlv called " Tamboffery . " Improvement in OjiMBrsES . —A patent has been recently obtained by Mr . Warburton , for a novel sort of omnibus . The model has been shown to many persons it the residence of the patentee , in Upper Baker-street , London . The improvements on the old style of carriages are these : —the draught is lightened by the height of the front and hind wheels being equal . The carriage can be turned in & shorter space than a common omnibus , by the froat wheels having a space high enough to ran nnder the body of tbe carriage , there being-no straight perch to prevent them . There ia a division between the front and back parts of the body of the
omnibus , and the front part is so constructed , that by means of moreable pannels it may be divided into two or three separate parts , so that a passenger who wishes to be entirely alone may ^ be accommodated as Bnugly as if in a cab or private carriage . To the front division there is aside door with a step contrived to afford immediate ingress or egress from or to the pavement without the annoyance efmnd and dirt . There is also an external portion resembling - the coupe of a French diligence , by which outside passengers can enjoy the fresh air and be protected from the rain . The patentee affirms the weight of the whole and the draught will be lessened considerably below that of ihe lumbering , clumsy conveyances , in which the public are now jpacked like coal sacks , and jolted through the streets and avenues of the town .
Extbaobdinaby Performance of Divine Worship . —On Sunday morning divine service was performed at the Institution of the Refuge for the Adult Destitute Deaf and Dumb , in Bartlett ' s-buildingg , Holborn . The congregation was composed chiefly of deaf and dumb persons , and this is the first attempt at instructing in scriptural doctrines by public worship that class of tbe suffering commnnity labouring under the deprivation of the senses of hearing and speaking ever made . The service was conducted in the following manner , and presented a most interesting scene : —Mt . Rosser , a deaf and dumb gentleman , performed , if it may be so termed , selections from the morning service , which was done by making signs with Ms fingers , and the rapidity with which
he did it Tvas wonderful . The Lord ' s prayer was delivered entirely by pantomimical gestures , and-was a beautiful specimen of expressive silence . After the morning serrice Mr . J . G . Simpson delivered a short but eloquent discourse from the 35 : h chapter ot Isaiah , and it was conveyed to his audience through the medium of signs , as he slowly proceeded , by Miss Janet Crouch , a remarkably intelligent little girl , only eight years of age , who , although neither deaf nor . dnmh , is as conversant with the signs as the eldest of the adult deaf and dumb members of the institution . The rapidity of the child's motions by which she conveyed the discourse delivered by Mr . Simpson was astonishing . At the conclusion
of the discourse the deaf and dumb were asked by the same medium of signs whether they perfectly understood what had been delivered , to which they assented . The singular spectacle of the Holy Scriptures being expounded by signs was altogether of a most impressive nature . The serrice will be continned for the present at the institution in Bartlett ' sbuildings every Sunday morning . It i 3 in contemplation to have a regular place of worship in connection with this society for the deaf and dumb portion of the community , of whom it is estimated there are in London alone several thousands , who will thus be enabled to participate in the benefits of the publishing of the < Jospel , from which , they have up to this time been debarred .
SXTFFOCATIOS OF SEVEN VALUABLE HOBSBS . —On Fr iday evening , between ten and eleven o ' clock , as a person was passing by the stabling of Mr . Goring , an extensive carcass and contracting butcher , at Siaines , he observed smoke issuing through the crevices of the shutters and doors . He immediately gave an alarm of fire , and upon the doors being opened the whole of the interior was found to be so thickly filled with dense smoke , which proceeded from a heap of half-consumed hay and straw in one corner , that it was some minutes before any one wonld venture in . from the fear of beiBg suffocated
Water was soon procured , and the fire from the ignited and smouldering straw speedily quenched . The seven horses , however , which had been left for the night upwards of two hours before , were found lying in their stalls dead from suffocation . Every means were speedily resorted to in the hope of restoring them , but they were totally ineffectual . It is supposed that a spark must have fallen from the candle of the last person who was id the stable , and thus have eaused the ignition of the straw and the unfortunate loss of Mr , Goring .
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WATKINS'S LEGACY TO THE CHARTISTS . LECTURE I . ( Concluded from our last . ) " It is good to be zealously affected in a good cause . " Who are they that have been zsalonsly affected in a good cause ? See how zealously affected Moses was He might have lived like a prince , in a palace , the favourite of Pharoah , but he was zealous even Unto slaying ! and when he saw an Egyptian smite an Hebrew he slew the Egyptian ^ though he had to fly for it and become a shepherd in a strange land . While he kept his father-in-law ' s Bheep bis soul yearned to deliver Ms countrymen from bondage , and he returned to them ¦ with that purpose . ' He was more concerned at witnessing their slavery than they at feeling it In vain he streve to rouse them . He saw that the only chance was to strike the hard heart of Pharoah with fear . He succeeded in freeing them and in keeping them free , though in a wilderness .
See low zealously affected the ancient judges and prophets were who endnred all manner of evil for the sake of good . Maik in particular Judas Maccabeus , who rescued the Jews from tue slavery of the Syrians ; and the Apostles and Martyrs whe ended lives of privation , hardship , and pain in the most horrible and terrifying deaths—who perished gloriously ! But see ! O , see ! how zealously affjeted Jesus Christ was . Though forsaken by all , he forsook not the cause , and died for what ae had lived . Leaving sacred history , and reverting to profane , look at Marathon , Salamis , and ThermopyJas , where l : f * fought for liberty , to conquer or die . This was in ancient Greece , which was afterwards subdued by Rome—Rome which affords so many examples of patriotism . Take for instance the example of the first Brutus , who would have brooked 1 The eternal devil to reign in Rome As eas'ly as a king ;•'
and of the laai , who made " The dagger ' s edge surpass The coBq ' ror's sword in bearing fame away . " Then there is Virginias , who . slew his daugeter to preserve her from pollution , and put an end to the tyranny of the Decemvirs ; Cato , who would not survive liberty , but whose spirit animating Brutus revenged his fate by the death of Cscsar . To come to the middle ages—but these were chiefly under the debasing dominion of superstition which prevented heroism , or at least perverted it . But we have Rienzi , " last of Romans , redeemer of dark centuries of Bhame ; " Massaniello , the fisherman of Naples ; Cfustavus Vasa , of Sweden ; Jean of Arc , whom we may almost claim as a man ; Pedilla , ef Spain ; Tell , of
Switzerland ; Robert Bruce , who like Leonidas , of Greece , and Alfred the Great , tuough all w > re * * kitiga l fought for liberty ; Wallace too , and the unconquerable Scots ; Wat the Tyler , and John Cade , Esq . who gained England for the people , bnt lost it and their lives by treachery the moment after . We now arrive at modern times , the most memorable , for in them we see England a commonwealth—the people not nominally free , nor nominally sovereign , but with reign , alas , too brief . Hampden , Russell , Sidney , are names no time nor tyranny can blight ; but greatest of all , and the last I shall mention is not Wellington , but Washington J All the « e may be styed Chartist heroes—all strove for liberty—all were zealously affected in a good C 3 U 86 , and
great as those namea are , we could parallel them from our own movement—for we have men who have toiled as much and suffered as much . O , let them not toil and suffer in vain ! the thought of that would be more grievous to them than all . Shall we not sacrifice a little when they have sacrificed so much for us and for our cause . We have but to sacrifice our vices , our follies , and the indolence and apathy which they occasion will fall with them , and the maw will arise . Some affect the cause , but net zealously , and some assume it as a disguise , but they who carry it ; they alone wDl prove taemselves worthy cf it , worthy to rank with the Cartwrighfa , the Cobbetfs , the Muir ' s , the Emmett ' s , the Paine's , Rousseau ' s , &c .
I come now to consider lastly what constitutes a good cause , and here the very name seems enough , but names do not always agree with natures , nor can we prove a cause good by our zeal in its behalf ; for we may be equally zealous in a bad one , as is proved by our opponents . Good trees bring forth good fruit , and the good conduct of its advocatss goe 3 far to prove the goodness of the cause . It were but a waste cf words to attempt to prove the Chartist cause a good one , because that is generally admitted ; our wont enemies do not deny that—even while employed in villifying us , they give credit to the cause—all that they allege against it is , that it is impracticable . It may seem so to them , but we do not find it so , nor would they , were
they like-minded with us . Surely good is alway practicable , though we are more prone to evil , and find it better rewarded in this wicked world . God made us good , and meant us to be good , and to do good ; he did not make that impracticable which he meant us to do . He d * es not require an impossibility of us . Our cause is bis cause ¦ > we that are engaged in it are serving him . We seek the recovery of those rights whicSl God gave as , and which man deprived us of . We lost them foolishly , wickedly , and do not deserve God ' s help to find them again , but if we help ourselves , he will help us . Our cause is the cause of humanity , it is the cause of the oppressed , aye and of the oppressor too , for it is not good neither to suffer nor to inflict evIL It is the cause of British infanta
that die m tbe Tain attempt to draw nourishment from thetr mothers' famine-dried breasts—it is the cause of BritiBb mothers that die in the vain effort to bring forth in sorrow what was conceived in sin , or briDg forth wfeile driven about the streets , from workhouse to workhouse , whose doors are shut against nature itself ; it is the cause of British parents who must look on their crying children as a curse rather than a blessing ; of tbe husband that must stand idly by and see his wife work man ' s work for childhood ' s wages ; and of the wife that must curse tbe hour when she was wed ; it is the cause of the lover whose very love forbids the banns of marriage ; of tbe son that must see his aged parents taken to the bastile to be entombed alive till they are made ready for a pauper's grave ; of the
danghter that to escape starvation must beg or steal , or sell her very soul and body ; tf little boys and girls that slave in mines , in mills , in factories ; it is the cause of slaves and wretches of all kinds , of all who hunger and thirst and are naked homeless and in misery—it is tb © canse of the millions wbo ha-ro not where to lay their beads—of those who 1 b in the streets with the muts and unheeded appeal—11 1 am starving !"—written on the stenes that is their only bed or resting-place—who are full of sores—the effects of cold and hunger—who are devoured while yet alive—who die piecemeal , living skeletons , the spectres of the system . ' It waa the cause of the poor blind girl , who died in darkness , destitute , desolateher father could procure no work , no food . He would
not complain—perhaps he felt the uselessness of it —perhaps he was toe proud . O ! these are most pitiable cases 1 and they occur in this Christian country daily . She died , and her body was found rotting in the helpless arms of those who had given her life , but could not save her from the most miserable of all deaths—who themselves were dying in despair . The mother had lost her wits , and three children were sitting in a corner , stupidly staring at the decaying oorpse of their sister . The spectacle ot their own fate was before their eyea—aU must soon have died , and then tbe dead alone would have been left to bury their dead ! O , friends and fellow-men , shall we not swear that these things shall be seen and heard of no more ? I call on ye , in the names of the sufferers ,
on behalf of yourselves—on my own behalf , for I suffer with sympathy . God calls on us—answer him ye people— vow ! swear ! Shall those nearer to us than our own flesh and blood—dearer than our ewn heartsshall they , too , suffer?—suffer that our heartless oppressors may rejoice ? Shall we leave our wives and our little ones to the tender mercies of a selfish age—cf a system that now reigns in terror—of a Government that has made a Whig world of it—hardening the hearts of the rejoicing rich—breaking those of the suffering poor . What ! would we not save life?—shall not human beings be zealously affected in the cause of human nature?—the cause of our country—of mankind ? We have no natural affection in us it we do not strive always , The very birds and beasts will risk
their lives in defence of their young—the savage bear will die for its cubs—the timid hen will attack the kite . O nature ! O instinct ! are ye to be found in bears and wolves alone and dares man still call himself man—call bimBelf a father ? Slaves arise !—be up and doing !—talk no more—join us—we are working for drewning cmtures and shall we be told not to stretch forth our hands—not to open our mouths—but to wait and see whetherprovidence will save them—wheiherthey will be able to save themselves—whether those who threw them in will pull them out Shall we be told , to stand idly by and see them perish , because should we attempt to rescue them the tyrants may throw us in too ? or shall it be S 3 id to us , " Wait until you are properly educated before you Interfere with these things" ? Shall we
not rather peril life , and limb , and liberty in this cause ? We shall , if we have a heart to feel—a heart to love , and in that heart courage to make our love known . O ! should it not fire our blood to witness these things—should not our blood rise and swell our veins—should we not resolve to die in blood rather than live tame , silent spectators of the baibaiity of tyrants and the sufferings of alaTes ? Let us shew that when humanity and justice are outraged , our feelings are outraged ; let us be determined that the violence of the rich and powerful shall net be spent upon tbe peor and weafc , but shall recoil upon their own heads . We have permitted them to proceed ; they have gone on so far unchecked that now they regard not man , and defy
God himself . Go 3 has said , " The poor shall not cease from off the land "; but they say they ahaH cease , we will 8 tarve them off . They would stop the great fount of nature itself ; they forbid the water of life to flow . But God will come and miserably destroy these wicked mtn , and give their heritage to the rightful owners—the people . The disease of the BUte has been so long neglected , that it has grown to be almost past cure ; but while there is life there is hope . The people are now giving signs of life ; the dry bones will live—they will arise and beeome the army of the living God . The heavy mass of elainbeiing waters ia being agitated ; a bra 16 from the north blows on it ; a storm is coming , then woe to the little cock . *
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boats that defied the sea ; then sail on—the might of the millions will atise ; i hear it nqw—the preluding murmur of the elements—the sound of mauy waters ;—and God la in the wind—he rides on the whirlwind- * HE DIEECTS THE STORM ! John Watkins . Battersea , near London .
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TO THE WORKING PEOPLE . ( From ( he English Chartist Circular . ) My . dear Friends , —In my last letter I placed before you , in familiar and easily comprehended lan-« na e , the indirect effect which machinery has upon every classandtradeiii the community , from the uionarch i who is not beyond its Wightiug influence , to the beggar , who is not below its reach-, J , a ™ Jery haPPy to inform you that my letters in the little Lharttst Circular have received the approbation of a vast number ot persons heretofore opposed to ub at least , so I am extensively informed by many approving correspondents , some of whom express a strong desire that as many aa possible should be sent to Ireland . My appeal to the readers of the Circular then is , that they will—that is , those who can spare them—send back their papers , when done with , to Mr . John Cleave , 1 , Snoe Lane , Fleet-street , that ^ he may transmit them to my ceuntrymen , yonr Irish brethren .
Now , my friends , allow me to shew you the evil tendency and bad effect which machinery has upon the character of man . Man is born with propensities which may either be nurtured into virtues or thwarted into vices , according to the training . Generally speaking , the Government of a country should be chargeable with , and answerable for , any vice which had assunied the alarming nature of a national characteristic . Tbu ? , if a nation is full of thieves , ai England was from the period that the p ' undering adulterous Harry the Eighth robbed the people ^ till Elizabeth , from necessity , was compelled to dole out a poor substitute for their owntheir rightful , but their lost property , the national vice was chargeable upon the plundering'King and his royal pandei 8 , and not upon the plundered and impoverished
people . Sd if a needy Chancellor of a needy faction Bhal reduce the tax on gilij or any other intoxicating spirit , to the minimum standard of the people ' s capability to procure It , and should filthy gin palaees , pouring forth their Govetnmentrmaae maniacs , fret the eye and sore the heart at every corner of every street , the crime is the Ministers * and riot the nation ' s . It is quite within the range of ministerial icflucHce to destroy the crime of theft , immorality , and drunkenness , in a single B 68 sioa of Parliament ; and therefore I am justified in attributing their existence to misrule rather than to ' Character , propensity , habit , or even desire . Thus I trace to hiisrule all the evil propensities which shall rendeT the national character disgraceful , odious , insignificant , or contemptible . This I have
done in detail , by exhibiting the effect which a particular law or a particular tax may have upon any one of the passions . But alas , how much more destructive and injurious must be the result of misrule when we come to take a wholesale view of its influence upon th » general character of man ? ^ r ^ oVernment may starve a man , whose strong mfnd raiy be riroof against the temptations of the gin palace ; ' A government may , by the operation of the income or paf other inquisitorial tax , render the truth-loving pdrUbn of the community less scrupulous about veracityVb"t while it thus touches but in one point , a general and wholesale debasing sjstem , assails the whole character of man , leaving no point proof against the continuous and undermining assaults . Such , then , I contend ia the effect which the
syEtdOi of machinery has upon the whoJe character of man . Now I will take one of the system-made destroyers of his country ' s fame and name , and in pity let us see whither or not hla influence , his disregard of human life , his ipower over the life , the liberty , and property of his operative slave , i ? . inany wis 8 lesa ; or less tyrannically used , than the power and the use made of it by the black slave owners , as a class . When negro slavery did exist , there was firstly , a strong controlling power in public opinion ; and secondly , in the interest which the owner had in his property being kept in the most valuable state . If he killed his slave , he lOBt so much property . If he overworked his slave , he felt the same injury as if a post-master overworked his
horse ; and thus public oyinion and self interest , two most powerful correctives of bad passions and evil propensities , were ties upon his lust and controllers of his actions . Now has not the manufacturer by steam a power of life and limb , of liberty and property ? and is his use of thai power Jess ciuel , tyrannical , and Oppressive , than was tbe use made of it by the black slave owner ? and does public opinion operate as a corrective upon the exercise of that power equally as upon the black slave owner ? and has he as great an interest , or any interest at all , in the condition of a worn-out slave , whose place is easily supplied , and without We cost ot purchase , by some other competing system-made pauper ? What says the Jew , when j threatened with the loss of property ? Hesays— '
" Nay , take my life and all , pardon not that : Yen take my hoase > when you do take the prop That doth sustain my house ; you take my life , When you do take the means whereby i live " I now ask you to contrast your condition with that of the negro slave ; and I ask you , have your masters as great an interest in your health , your lives , your comforts , and yonr entire condition , as tha black slave owner had in the well-being of bis stock of human flesh ? Has he an interest in your sobriety , your morality , your freedom , or your independence ? No ; he has a clear and direct interest in the destruction of your every comfort , and in the annihilation of every trace of character and nationality . He lives upon your beggared honour , while your degradation is his richest
merchandise . To him vice is a general agent , drunkenness a labour auctioneer , and poverty a recruiting sergeant You are meret attendants upon your steam-producing master , and while at duty you must be sober ; Mere you cannot be immoral , atld beyond that period he looks not . Well now , what position do I take up ? This : —that if the rising generation of system-made tyrants on the one band , and system-made slaves upon the other , shall be born and nurtured in the belief and conviction that their respective offices , duties , and dependencies , are part and parcel of the institutions of the country ; that tuey have been borne and submitted to by fathers , and are consequently no new imposition upon their sons , we leave to future generations the task of contending against common law , ^ sanctioned by'custom , instead of contending ourselves , on behalf of the present and generations yet to come , against a system struggling for recognition , and which may be destroyed
by our united exertions . A manufacturer of twenty-five years of age , who never knew what the independence of labour meant , who was born and reared in the lap of the present system , feels deep astbni&hment at the presumption of his slaves when they question bis uncontrolled right of masiterdom . And only let us slumber until time shall have nurtured and matured for us a whole generation Of steam vipera , and then arrest their progress and destroy their influence who can ? I regret that the smallness of the space allotted to me in this valuable Httle paper precludes the possibility of entering more at large upon my subject . I have shown you the indirect effect of machinery upon all classes of the community , both in point of physical comfort and formation of general character ; and uow I will briefly lay before you the direct effect which the unrestricted use of machinery lias upon the working classes . ; , >
Shortly , then , it opens a fictitious , unsettled , and unwholesome market for labour , leaving to the employer complete and entire controut over wages and employment . As machinery becomes improved , manual labour is dispense d with , and the dismissed constitute a surplus population of unemployed syttem-made paupers , which makes a reserve for the masters te fall back upon , as a means of reducing the price of labour . It makes character valueless . By the application of fictitious money , it overruns tha world with produca , and makes labeor a drug . It enticss the agricultural labcurer , under false pretences , from the natural . and wholesome market , and locates him in an unhealthy atmosphere , where human beings herd together like swine . It destroys tbe value of real capital in the market , and is capable of affecting every trade , busines and interest , though apparently wholly unconnected with its ramifications . It creates a class of tyrants and a class of slaves . Its vast connection with banks , and
allthe monied interests of the country , gives to it an unjust , injurious , anomalous , and direct influence over the government oi the country . The advantage it has over the landed interest is this : its forces are on the spot , and easily congregated together by placard or ring of bell , to be marshalled and presented as puWic opinion to overawe the House of Commons , while the agricultural force is thinly dispersed over the face of the country , and cannot be collected for the expression of public opinion . The forces of the masters have hitherto been under their controul and at their disposal , but now , thank Goa . we have taken the soldiers from the ofBcers , and have marshalled all under the glorious banners of Chartism , and under which I hope and trust we shall fight the good fight of justice against injustice , of right against might , of knowledge against bigotry and intolerance . Let no miirendeT be out . motto , and virtue our goal , and then we will accomplish what all governments have hitherto failed to effect * namely , to develope the virtues and suppress the vices of our fellow
men . . . . . ;¦ ¦ ; ¦ .. ¦ : ¦ '¦ ' ¦/ ¦ ¦ - ¦ Ever yoar , faithful Friend , " '• FBABG 17 S O'GONNOK .
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n ^^ AVwvvvv ^ v ^ V' / 'VVsrAN - Malta , April 5— . William Cuming , a seaman of the Cambridge , after a trial which occupied nearly two days , has been declared , b y sentence of & court * martial assembled on board the Impregnable on ihe 31 st ult . and 1 st inst ., guilty of tho murder of a bey belonging to the Cambridge , while the vessel ivas lying at Gibralter , and sentenced to be hung on board of his ship . The prisoner made no defence , and the case was made out by letters under his own handwriting to the deceased ' s mother , communicating his intention of taking the boy ' s life , with a view of saving him from , falling into vice and sin , which his situation in life subjected him to . The prisoner appears to bave committed the act in a moment of religious frenzy ; but having Bhovfn DO previous or subsequent symptoms of mental derangement , the Court could not do otherwise than pronounce , tbe sentence of the law under the articles of war .
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A VOICE FROM YORK CASTLE . TO THK EDIT 9 R OF THE NORTHERN STAR . Sib ,, — -By giving insertion to the following letter in the Northern Star this week , you will much oblige the friends of Samuel Holberry , from whom the following copy has been received ; and I would urge on the friends of humanity to bestir themselves in his behalf j and let us tfy if we cauilot get him released from the dungflon ' a grasp . I would particularly request of our friends in Brighton to instantly ^ et up a memorial in his behalf ; and Mr Morling will oblige me by letting me bave a letter from him . Hoping you will find a small space for insertion , you will oblige , Fours , respectfully , William Mahtin .
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TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN STAR . Sib , —Allow me , through t&e medium of your paper , to offer to the Chartists ft few remarks , which , if acted upon , will form a fund for the support of onr Convention , Executive Council , and the paying of lecturers for the propagation of our principles . . ' V ' In laying my views before the publie , I do not expect to please all , nor to . offer my scheme as a perfect one , ' but I do say that it ia a safe ene ; and as it regards the working classes , who are to be the life and soul of it , they will sustain no injury by its operations , although they will be called upon to carry it out
The plan : is this ; let every association throughout the kingdom appoint men to visit - a shopkeeper or a provision warehouse , ( but let ; bim be a Chartist ) , and ask bim whether he will , if the Chartists as a body come to his shop and purchase their commodities allow them a certain per centage on all they bay ; and if bo , name the sum , and inform Mm of your object in making such a request ; and if such an one can be found , then let the Chartists , to a man , unanimously agree to trade with tbat person * and they will find , in a few weeks , they will have several pounds at their command , without risking anything or injuring them in any shape , and yet be supplied with an article equal in all respects to one bought elsewhere , and under different circumstances .
This , Sir , in ray opinion would be one cf the principal means to bring over the shopocracy to our principles , inasmuch as it might be extended to every branch of trade by similar means . I am aware that some will object to the plan , because the shopkeeptr will be benentted : I grant it . But is be not benefltted now , and yet an enemy to our principles . But on this score the society will have the greatest benefit , and nobody will be injured , except the shopkeeper , and he not so much as those who are now struggling for their political freedom . In fine , does not the tradesman live out of the working class , and pocket all the profitB ? But in this case we should share them , and at the same time it would be the means of lightening the burdens from the shoulders of tbe working millions , and place them on the backs of those who are better able to bear them .
This , Sir , in my estimation , is the only way to achieve our object . If they will not help us one way , we ought to make them do it another . Co-operative Societies , if carried out , would be Bibre effectual than the plan I prepose ; but , as many difficulties lay in the way , such aa a capital to commence with , and confidence in parties to manage it , < kc , all these are obstacles which must be met and overcome , before such a society could be made to work ; but ia this instance we nave nothing to do but make the application . Commence operations , and : the first week we are savers of a few pounds , without any effort or ottllay on onr part . Now , suppose every sub-society in the kingdom , numbering 100 members , were to lay out weekly five shillings . This wonld amount to twenty-flye pounds , and , if the shopkeeper had agreed to give eightpenco in
the pound upon all he sold in t !; ia way , it would amount to 16 s- 8 d . per week , a sum sufficient ,. ! judge , for every society for their extras , &c . But in some instances , one shilling , or five per cent , might be obtained , and this would be £ 1 53 . Now , apply this tb the entire body , which , supposing they were only 25 , 000 , averaging five shillings weekly , at five per cent , this would realise £ 625 , which sum vrould pay three hundred lecturers , at thirty shillings per week , and then leave £ 175 for the support of the : Executive Council and National C * nvention : and again , I repeat without injuring or burdeaing the Chartists ia any shape . Tour's , truly , In the cause of Chartism , An Unflinching Chartist . Leicester , April 18 , 1842 .
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accepted . " : The number oat we understand is increased tonine . ' . - ' . " ' ' . ¦ ¦ , ¦' :. ¦' ¦'¦ ' " - ¦¦ ' ' \ : - \ . . •¦/ : ¦¦¦' ., The above is a brief , and so far as our knowledge extends , a faithful statement of onr present position , A true development of our circumstances at the end of the thirtieth week of the most try ing and the most severe contest of Right v- Might on record ; and we cannot help repeating " the only one that lias ewr taken place in which pounds , shillings , and pence bave not been tSe ^ principal matters in dispute . " Our conduct in connection therewifchi has been open to the scrutiny of all who have thonght fit to enquire respecting it ' . ; and finding the support we were wont to receive " lags by the way , " we make bold to ask , wherefa have we offended ?"— -whether our conduct has been of a deserving kind or otherwise ?
We are by no means disposed to egot ; z 3 . We , however , happen to know , and do feel disposed to state , that those -most prolific in denouncing th 6 ; workingclasses bs ignorant , vicious , reckless , and brutal— " Incapable of self-government "—are not a little chagrined at our having , despite the trying circumstances under which we have been placed , so demeaned ourselves as not to commit a single breach of the peace , notwithstanding policemen and spies being placed in every possible direction where there was a probability they would come ia-collision with us . In fine , we are
unaware of having done anything disreputable either to the society of which we aTe members , or to those who at the commencement of our strike so soul-stimngly espoused our cause , and eo universally applauded onr proceedings ' , and who , for a long period , so kindly and ad liberally rendered us their pecuniary aid . If we have Iff 6 undone that which we ought to have done , or done that which we ought not to have done , there are , at least , * two reasons why we should know it—why indeed it should be known to all connected with trade societies : ^ :. '' .. ¦ . ' . : - ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦¦¦ ¦'¦ : ' - ¦'¦ . :: ¦ '" . ' / : ¦ ' : ' ¦
1 st . That we now on strike may immediately endtavonr to extricate ourselves from the position into which we have erroneously fallen . 2 nd . That those who : hereafter enter the list with their oppressors may escape the dilemma . We have been , led to make these observations from the fact that we and our families are daily becoming inore destitute , and which , if we have not ofFended—¦ " ¦ if we have not done that which we ought to have doneV' - ^ should not be suffered to exist We believe our conduct , during the strike , in which we are yet engaged , does not merit
;' That tbe word of promiseto our ear Should be broken to our hope . " We have been , and yet continue , true and faithful to each other ., Let the members of our own society ; and others of our own trade > in connection with those other friends that "for a long time did render us their pecuniary support , manifest , in a : mauner not to be misimderstood , their attachment and devotion to the cause in which we are struggling— -the interest they ( at least should ) feel in in its successful issue .: let ; this be done , and , with the works of Grisselland Peto ( especially those of the Monument and Woolwich : Dockyard ) on tbe verge of idleness-foe . ' wan ' t-bf atone , and wita the men at the quarries \ ' < true to a man , " the strike will be brought to a more auspicious termination than many may now anticipate . ' ...:. '
..-Under all circumstances , however ,: we seie no alternative but that of pressing forward- —to fall back Would iuetitably be utter luin , and" Rather than this , come fate into the list . " With the aid of those , unto whom we now appeal , which , if given , it were well it were given < juicklyv our operations would be comparatively easy ;; if denied , although " knee-deep , " in misery and privation—never having broken faith—we will not betray the cause in which we are -engaged , but will continue , as well aa our means will permit ; to battle with the common enemy
until that 'justijte shall be conceded nnto us ; which all have admitted we were justifiable in demanding . We ask you at once to reflect on the foregoing , arid with thanks , hearty and siacera > to all our friends and supporters , and with confidence and hope that an early supply cf the " sinews of war" will be for * nished us ,. We beg to subscribe ourselves , Gratefully yours , The Masons on Strike , Thomas Shobtt , Sec . April 13 tb , 1842 .
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Two Thirstt Souts . —A witness on hia cross examination at the Quarter Sessions , oa . Wednesday s wore he took 40 tumblers of punch the night before , and that a boon companion bolted no less than 601 "Sure a pair werei never seen so justly formed to meet" after ^^ dinner \—Tipperary Paper . v Savings' Banks in the Ar 3 iy . —Tne Secretary afc war , Sir Henry Hardinge , has detertQined to establish savings' banks throughoKt the army , andan aci of Parliament for that purpose will be brought in shortly by the gallant general .
Bribery at Sodbory . — -It is in contemplatioa among the electors of Sudbury / in the event of the borough being disenfranchised , to call a meeting to petition Parliament for compensation for the . oss whioh they . will sustain by a deprivatioH of that which they bave been always taught to consider as a prescriptive right . —namely the privilege of selling their elective franchise to the highest bidder . —Globe Revising Barristers . —It appears by a return moved for Mr . R . Wason , of the names of barristers appointed to revise lists of voters , their time employed , fees and ' expences received , &c , that in 1835 » they received £ 32 , 079 ; in 1836 , £ 26 , 871 : ia 1837 , £ ai , 222 ; in 1838 , £ 30 , 537 ; in 1840 , ^ £ 28 980 ; and ia 1841 , £ 30 , 357 . ¦ '
Smpggling at Dover .- —On Sunday '¦ last , Crump ' s coach , hence to Ramsgate , was stopped just out of the town by two vigilant officers of the customs , who iniormed the : driver they suspected he had charge of contraband goods . On searching tho coach a lar ^ e basket was found , containing eighteen bottles of Eaude Cologne , several bladders of foreign spirits , a small quantity of tobacco , tea , &c . A pas * enger inside the coach , a Frenchman , nofc quite au fait as a smuggler on this side-of the Channel , claimed the basket , in consequence of which he was had back to the Custom-house and was held under surveillance by the officers , and next day committed for the penalties .- —Kent Herald .
_ A French Grbenacrb . — -There is now laying in the prison , of Orleans an individual sentenced tW the guillotine for a murder , attended with circamstances of as great and singular atrocity as that ascribed to Daniel Good . The individul , in question , whose name i 3 Le Blanc , is a retired lieutenant of the chassieurs , and his victim was Mademoiselle Jule Delcroix , who for some time lived with him as his mistress . She was missed suddenly , when he represented that she had returned to her parent ?! at Dijon , but it afterwards appeared , that having
murdered her , he at first baried the body , covering it over with quicklime , in order to consume it . This not having the desired effect j in order to escape detection , ho exhumed the body , which he burnt A sm&il portion of the skull which was left aaconsumed sufficed , however , to point out the atrocious deed , and the person of the victim . He was apprehended after a lapse of six months , during whicb time he managed to elude the officers of justice , and at the last court d' assiza at new Orleans , received the sentence which he now awaits .
Lord MoRKtTH . —The Richmond Enquirer ( American paper ) thus speaks of Lord Morpeth ;—•* Lord Morpeth arrived in Richmond on Saturdayevening , and left it on last evening in the car for the south . He is proceediig to Cbarlestoni and further south * and perhaps some of the West India islands . He may return to Virginia iu the course of the summer , and visit our springs and view our mountain scenery . But as ho is spoken of as a candidate for Dublin in the House of Commons , his sojourn in ihe United States may be cut short by the necessity of his returning home . (!) Lord Morpeth is ona of the most liberai statesmen and popular and rising politicians in the British empire . He has a strong partiality for tho AmericaHs , and expresses the sincerest desira to preeerve the harmony between the two countries . He is struck with the great scale © a which
everything ia constructed iu America— -with the immense extent of Our country—the extraordinary volume of ourriver 8 , &o . He prohounces the Potomac to be the noblest river he has ever seen , and he has visited a great part of Europe Franco ,: Russia , &o . . ' ..-. He is travelli » g in the United States , on our railroada and steam- boats , in the simplest style , without any species of state , without eyea a servant . In hia manners he is equally unassuming , He affects n » airs , and appears only like ai plain , anpretending » but polished gentleman of good sense—taking X deep interest in all that he secB , speakiDg of oar couHtry with great liberality , and never boasting of his oyirn . Hia Lordship arrived at Chaxlestoa on Wednesday week . [ His Lordship is not teanted in Dublin now ; he ; may consequently stay to gammon the Americans at convenience . ]
Troops por India . —On Saturday morning , the ship Columbus , of 467 tons register , Captain Short » chartered by the East India Company , on government account , sailed from the West India Docks , for Bombay , Madras , and Calcutta , She carries out 22 Q troops for India . SeversA other ships , also chartered by tho Ea « t India Company on government accoant , are to sail in the course oj ? this week for the pnrpoae of a 7 engin $ \\ & hiitcteries in A ^ baniatan , ¦ •¦ - \ v : / . - - . : ¦ : ¦ . ¦¦ - ¦ . :: ; .: ¦ :
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' THE NORTfiERl STIR . 7
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Ybrfc Caatle , AptU 15 th , 1812 . Dear Martin , —I received your letter of April 3 rd , and had intended auswering it sooner , bat I have been very unwell ; 1 fiiid my constitution ia gone , and that without an alteration I shall soon be in my grave . I do , Sir , find myself going by inches . I a&w Mr . Shepherd ; last week from Northallerton , and he told me that I waa looking full as bad as I did when I left Northallerton . I can assure you , Sir , that I am very f ^ r from being aa I ought to be . I am attacked with such violent pains in my legs , and also in my limbs , that 1 can get n © rest at nights . I hope you Will excuse my not answering sooner , as it is not because i would not , but the reason is , I could not . Remember me to Mr . Goodlad and all friends , and accept of my kind respects to yourself . And I remain , Youra , sincerely , Samuel Hoibeket ,
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Friends , I see , by reading the foregoing letter , that without the country tabes immediate steps for bis release , be will be Claytonised . I am sure the individual must be suffering greatly as thelettei ianot vriUen by him , but by the schoolmaster . Any friends having any communication , or having any donation , however small , for Holberry , will be thankfully received , and duly ackhfiWledged , by forwarding them to WiUiam Martin , cate of Mr . B . Goodlad , Cowley's Yard , Chesterfield . : ¦'¦ ¦¦
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THE STONE MASONS ON STRIKE , FROM THE NEW IIOVSES OF PARLIAMENT , AND NEISOK ' S ; MONUMENT , LONDON , AND THE WOOLWICK POCKY ABD , To the Public and ihe Trades of Great Britain and Ireland . tl Who is here bo base , that wculdbe a bondman ? If any , speak ; for him have I offended . " " Men at some time are masters of their fate ; The fault - .- * ' * * is not in our stars , But in ourselves , tbat we are underling ? . "
JVLIVS C-ESAR , Brethren ^—Exercised by our opponents to the utmost possible extent , aa thaV power has been which ignorance Is too prone , and poverty too frequently compelled to cpneede to capital and privilege , it has not pet ituueiiced " a aplif in our ranks , or generated the slightest diversity of opinion amongst us . In proportion to our reduced numbers , we entertain the B . ime unity of spirit and linanimity ; bf . purpose as when thirty Weeks ago we withdrew from our employ ^ meht—not again to return until HE who occasioned our suffering should be removed .
In reporting on the progress of our strike during the past fortnight- we have to state that at the Houses of Parliament a little progress is percoivabJe—a few stones have been fixed ) but those are chiefly coats of arms , and cen 8 equettly prepared by the rougbers and carvers in the employ of John Thomas , —The labour of fisiDg them only being under the control or eupcrintendeuc © of George Allen . The Monument < of inhumanity and disgrace to Crrissell and Peto ) presents a still and death-likd appearance . Concerning the column , the saying respecting Solomon ' s temple is strictly applicable : " The sound of a ( Mason ' B ) hammer is not to be heard . " We have , however , just been informed that eight roiigh stones have arrived from the quarries , and that a selection of the best hands in the employ of Grissell and Peto , are to commence dressing them . ^ The number now out from these works and the Houses are fifty . From Woolwich we ate thus informed : —
"There is no material change since I last wrote . I have not heard ot any more being discharged ; still there might have been , as they generally go away on the sly ' moreover , there is seldom a week passes without some of them being before the magistratefi . On the 26 tb ultimo , there were four of them fined one pound each for abusing one of their own colour . "— -Number on the funds here thirty-three . ^ We have just received intelligence from Woolwich that fpurteen more of the " black diamonds" were dismissed on Saturday night the Oth inst . —that very few remain , and that the most of them are walking the streets for want of stone . From Plymonth we are informed that the obtaining of otQer employment has reduced their number on the funds to seven . From Dartmoor our delegate write thns : — .
Our funds being lew ia the only thing that makes them stand out now—they know it , and think they will sUrve us into submission . Eight have gone off the funds since Satnruay , ( 3 rd inst . ) and more will leave next week . : The- privation these men and their families are enduring in defence of the rights of their fellows is , so far as my knowledge extends , without a parallel in the history of strikes ; and with their present prospects , it would grieve them sore , and be mueh against their disposition to return to work . " The namy ber noyrout at Dartmoor we undeTatand , to be tweatyr five . . : ' " .. . . . . .. - .: ' . ' ¦ ¦' ' . ¦ ; : ; . . - ¦ ¦ ' ; ¦ . .- ¦¦ ¦ Ftom Penryn our delegate writes as follows ' : ~
' -.- ' " I never had the ^ hammer ¦ woreem my life than I have it now . If you cannot send us money Hosking vriil beat us : if you can , we shall beat Hosking . I have walked twenty miles this day to stop three blacks without aiiy meney in my pocket . Hosking bas added three blacks to his number , which if I had had a little money I could Have prevented . G . and IV have employed another contractor in London to get from sixty to a hundred stones here for them fron > . another stone merchant . I bave seen tlie drawicga aent down , and know it ia for Woolwich , ana tkrefere tfce . order is not
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N . B . Our opponents , through their agents , with a view to deprive us of pecuniary aid / having industriously circulated that we had abandoned the contest , we beg thus publicly no stato that such assertions are absolutely false—that it is our determination to prosecute it by every lawful means at our disposal to a successful issue , and for which purpose ,: we solicit the continuance of that support , the friends of humanity and justice tava hitherto so kindly and so liberally bestowed upon us . ' Thomas Shortt , Secretary of Masons . 6 , Agnes-street , Waterloo-road , Lamb « th , London .
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), April 23, 1842, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct751/page/7/
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