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THE NORTHERN STAR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1842.
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8TaJttealwf wfo G&ift^tntft
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BXRXaXN-GBLani CONFEBENCE .
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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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TO THE CHARTISTS OF GREAT BRITAIN . _ Mt Friends , —I am one of those who think that * an accuser should come into court with clean haads . " I think that we should exhibit consistency in ooi character and in oar conduct . Straggling with and for each other , for common rights , against a caramon enemy , no other virtue ib so necessary and important to , ns as that consistency of character , which may give the lie to the most plausible and most frequently reiterated objection of thai common enemy to onr righteons demand . The objection is , that we are unfitted for the
exercise of our rights ; that to invest the people with the immunities of freemen , and to give them a due Toiee in governmental matters , would be to establish a despotism more terrible than any that has yet been known . The only way , Bnccessfnlly to answer this , is to exhibit , in all onr own conduct , and in the management of our own affairs-, a close attention to the sacred principles of justice which we advocate ; showing thereby that we are Chartists sot merely in name , but in character ; that ire revere the just requirements of oar Charter , and practise them bo far as we have opportunity . It ill
becomes men to find faalt with that in others which they themselves practise . Now yon had never a better opportunity of proving how much of genuine Chartism enters into the composition of yonr character than is just now afforded yon . The opportunity is a painful one , no doubt ; it . is one that erery true lover of the cause will deplore ; but it is still one that ought not to be passed by ; and that cannot be passed by without stultifying ourselves and inflicting an injury opon oar cause still more serious than that which it has already suffered from ; he occurrence of the facts on t of which it arises .
Ab Charticts , yon have an Organization which for Chartist purposes ib tour coksutuxioiy ; yon have officers whose duty it is to Bee to the enforcement of that cossrrnmojt in all its principles and details ; those officers are appointed by , and responsible to , tou ; and if they violate the trust reposed in them the remedy is in your hands . Now the head and front of your just complaining , on the score of
political grievances , is that public servants have the power to trample underfoot the avowed principles of the constitution , and yon have no remedy . This complaint may be takes to be valid or factions , just as you give proof of your disposition to remedy the grievance if the power were in your hands ; and nothing exhibits this disposition bo strongly as your own manner of conducting the affairs of your own association and its movements .
If in these yon evince a disposition to permit reckless disregard and defiance of all the principles of your constitution to pass , without stamping it with censure ; if , haying elected men to office , you leave them to do therein just what they please , without looking to its justice or its injustice ; if you permit the sanction of yonr name and authority to acts by which every principle of right and of common justice is disregarded and defied ; you afford to yonr enemies a ; very forcible confirmation cf their only feasible argument against the concession of your rights .
For these reasons , and for these reasons onlybecause I love justice under all circumstancesbecause I would not wink at that in our own body which I denounce in others ; I have thought it my duty to call yonr atk-r ^ nn to certain gros 3 and flagrant violations of our constitution by our own officers . Toe duty was a very painful and a very unpleasant one ; but I saw it to be a dnty , and therefore I did it . I never yet shrank from , duty , because it might happen to be more pl . asant or more profitable to evade it : I trust I never shall . I nerer yet slunk from my post , because it had become difficult or dangerous to maintain it : I trust I never shall .
For the performance of my disagreeable-duty in commenting honestly and boldly , giving toy reasons for everything I said , upon the public documents of the Executive Committee , I have been loaded with every species of abuse and vituperation by all the respective members of the Executive ,, save Sir . Williams . Not one of my allegations baa been met ; not one of my arguments has been answered ; but I have been abused , vilified , and slandered . Counter accusations of the most malignant character have been got up . The most atrocious falsehoods have been asserted about my being concerned in divers plots and conspiracies . I have demanded the proofs : no proofs have been offered ; but the parties have
travelled from place to place , repeating the statements , as though they ware true . Thus ha 3 the real question , of whether the Executive have or have not abused the confidence of the people , been kept , to a eertain extent , out of sight ; and you hare to that same extent suffered yourselves to be amused with denunciation of me , instead of looking to your own affairs . This 13 not right : it is not fair . After the proofs of the " plots" and " conspiracies " in which I am alleged to have been concerned , had been demanded , it was not right in any Chartist aadience to listen to a repetition of the statement , nnifl those proafs had been furnished . " Fair play is a Jewel ; " and I hare as much right to it as any other man .
IP THE ALLEGATIONS AGAISST ME CAS BE PBOVED , z . tx tttt ^ t Bs FOOTED . And then the questior stands just where it did . Call me " assassin , ' " villain , ' " rogue , " "traitor , " and every othei choice name which has been applied to me ; anc what then * Does that prove that the Executive hav < not violated the principles of our constitution , and o Chartism ; that they have not neglected the one singli duty they were appointed to perform ; that the ] have not mal % ppropri&ted the hard-earned pence o the poor people committed to their care : that the ; have not manifested a contempt of Chartist princi
pie by disregarding the remonstrances and respectf enquiries of their constituents 1 These are the mi ters to be answered ; and they will not be answer by mere abuse of me ; and if you permit abuse of i to be substituted for an answer to them , or if y permit them to pass onansivered , yon forfeit the co asteney of jovx own character , as a public bodj and you give your enemies thereby a pretest for t argument that your outcry against their violatio of the sacred principles of justice , and their mala propriationB of the people's funds , is mere factious a ; unprincipled clamour .
The question is one of national interest and Hniversal import . The sacred principles of our Chi ter are involved in it . It is the affair of the wh < people ; and it is the people ' s duty to see to its & tlement . In the hope of averting public observation from t real question , and from the real magnitude and i portance of that question , it has been represented * private quarrel between me and the Executv arising out of some pique , or personal conadei tion . Not a shadow of a reason has been assign for this representation ; and yet the members of 1 Executive bare been seconded in it by some perse
in different parts- of the country . - . Whas reast these persons may have for their share of t disreputable business , they perhaps , best kno I know , at all events , that a determined eff is made to help the Executive to fasi the enquiry upon me as a personal quarrel . 1 complaints and investigations which have be made by muy of the Chartist body in differ * parts of the kingdom for months baclr are inj niously kept out of sight , and the whole mat is represented as a dispute between me and I Executive ; and not * matter between the Execut and the whole Chartist body .
Some members of the Executive , not cont < with venting their abuse at me through the colnn of my own paper , hare bounced" and " swagger * not a little abont "dragging me before a pul meeting " -r * bont K walking barefoot" for the p pose of doing so—about "following me to the ga of Hell **—and such like rubbiahly bombast . T may * take , " when delivered , in my absence , to people , while their blood is jnst warm from a o » ded speech—fraught } perhaps with Kisrepresei
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tion and falsehood—and while , they are thus prevented from reflecting fairly on all sides of the matter . It may serve , under such circumstances , to bring down a clap ; and , perhaps , { in some minds , to excite a prejudice against me . But the reflecting and discriminating will estimate U &t its true worth . They will know that it is intended merely to dose their eyea to the fact , that though ample opportunity has been given for every allegation against the Executive to be answered , they have not answered one of them .
These blusterers about public meetings and about my " facing them man to man before the people , " &c . know that they have here a great advantage over me ; they know that I am peculiarly situate ; they know that my health is delicate and very uncertain —that I can never calculate upon being well from one day to another ; they know that my physical strength is unequal to great public exertion ; they
know that my ordinary duties are so many and laborious , that any addition to them is a very ssrious inconvenience ; and hence they think themselves perfectly safe in daring me to " come out before the people . " They think that I shall not meet them in discussion . They commit a small mistake here . I shall not suffer them thus to escape . They have no right to force me into this position . The people had no right to permit them to do so .
I deny the right of either the Executive , or any body else , to represent the inquiry now going on into the conduct of the Executive as a quarrel between me and them . It is no such thing . In the Northern Star I have merely , as a journalist , given honest comments upon facts and documents . I had a right to do this ; and no man had a right to complain of it . I ask nobody to take my opinions for more than they are worth , and I have as much right to express my opinions as any other man . I have
done more than most journalists would have done in giving free admission to coarse and scurrilous vituperation in reply . I have given the free use of my own columns to the Executive , not only as a body , but to every member singly , in reply to every thing I said . They have osod them for that purpose . They have said and written in the Northern Star , both collectively and individually , whatever they liked . What more do they want ! What more have they a right to I I have already given them much more liberty for defence
I than they were at all entitled to ; because my | observations on their conduct were general and ; directed against the body ; while I have given free ; room to them to reply in both capacities ; both ae a ' body and as individuals . And I deny the right of ¦ ¦ any man , or set of men , to expect me after that to , waste time in public discussion with them . : But to leave no room for escape ; and lest it may be said that I am valiant only in the Star , and that I fear discussion , I am quite ready to meet either Mr . Leach or any other member of the Executive , as an authorised representative of that body , at any mutually convenient time and place ; and then and there , as a member and councillor of the National Charter Association , to make good my charge
AGAINST THB EXECUTIVE CF HAVING VIOLATED TBS PLAN OF OBGAMZATION WH 1 CS THET WEES APPOINTED TO EXFOBCB , AND OF HAYING THEREIN MANIFESTED A DISREGARD OF CHARTIST PRINCIPLE AND OF XORAL AND POLITICAL HONISTT . I make the charge against&them now ; as a body . I have proved it in the Northern Star ; » nd I am ready to prove it before a publio meeting ; stipulating orly for a free , open , and fair discussion before the people—a clear stage and no favour . Fair play is all I aBk . If Mr .
Leach be prepared to meet me upon that question , having authority from the other members of the Executive to appear as the champion of the body , and to defend the acts of the body , he will find me quite ready . I will meet any other member of the Executive , or any other man in England , on the same conditions . But mind ; I deal with the Executive , as a body ; not with Mr . Leach as an individual . I have brought no charge against individuals ; and my time is a little too valuable to be wasted in individual efuabbles . Who
does not see that after the discussion with Mr . Leach , Mr . Bairstow might put in a similar claim for his share of the defence ; and that I must then begin again for M'Douall , and so on for the whole ; and that then , when every one had had his " go , ' *~ lhe Executive , as a body , might disclaim all the ibdiridnal disputation , and begin de novo . This might very well suit the brawlers , because it would sicken and nauseate all decent men of the broil . For that reason I shall not be party to it . I deny the right of the Executive , or any of them , to claim from me any
other opportunity of defence than that they have already had . I repeat that even that has been made more ample than they had any right to . Bat if public discussion of the matter will gratify them—and they talk loudly about it—I am quite ready . Let them appoint their man ; no matter to me whom : Leach , M ' Douall , Bairstow , Campbell—or even any volunteer , in whose powers of eloquence and tact they may have more confidence than in-their own ; I am ready for any man , let him be but duly authorized , the arrangements fairly made , and the discussion fairly and openly conducted .
Whenever either or ant op them mat be beady authorised to appear for the executive , he has os 1 t to apprise me . i will then name a flw friends , and the executive shall name
A LIKE NUJIBEB . BT WHOM ALL THE PRELIMINARIES FOR THE DISCUSSION SHALL BE AGREED ON J and I fancy I am quite able to give them enough of it . If the M bouncing" of M'Douall and of Leach have been authorized by the Executive , they will take this as the acceptance of their challenge ; if it have been only individual " bounce , " I have something else to do than to notice it .
And now mind ; let us have no misunderstandings and no shirking nor shuffling . I have been forced into this position , very unfairly , and very much against my inclination ; I am not now to be forced out of it again . If the Executive mean discussion , I am their man ; and whether they mean it or not I do . I have been challenged ; and I accept the challenge . As the challenged , I have a right to fix the place of meeting ; and I fix it at Manchester , where the Execntive will surely have every advantage ; where Mr . Leach , if he be their champion , .-will be at home and have no expence in travelling ; where the Executive should b « best known and have most influence : where Chartism
has a stronger hold on the population than in any other town in England ; where they have had the full opportunity during all this time of making a party for themselves by telling their own talo their own way , with none to contradict them ; where Mr . Leach has bad full swing at me in my absence , to vent whatever fabrications and perversions he pleased , in private circles or publio meetings , ad libitum ; at Manchester ; in the very midst of hiB own friends , disciples and admirers ; where the people have at their own command a spacious building in which they have been so long used to be delighted wiatigi eloquence , and to hear his denunciations of me , Pun quite ready to meet Mr . James Leach , or any other champion of the Executive , and there prove ^ -
lst . That the Exective have neglected the duties of their office . 2 nd . That they have violated the organisation they were appointed to enforce . ' 3 rdly . That they have done so wilfoxlt , after repeated camion and remonstrance . 4 thly . Teat they have wrongfully appropriatea the monies of the Association to their own use and benefit . othly . That they have both manifested in their own conduct , and countenanced in that of others , a disregard of Chartist principle .
I offer to prove all these things against them in Manchester—their own town ; where their sittings have been holden ; where their popularity as lee turers is greatest ; and where , as an Executive th ^ y should bo best known . I ask only "
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dear stage and no favour "; that one full week's notice , in the Northern Star , and by whatever other means the Executive may please , shall be given of the meeting ; that it shall be holden in either the Hall of Science , or Carpenter ' s Hall ; that free admission be given to the people ; that no effort at " packing" shall be made , but that the meeting be fair , free , and . open . I will pay one half the rent of the room , if held in the Hall of Science , ( if held in Carpenters' Hall , I presume there will be no rent ) , and my own travelling and personal charges out of my own pocket ; I will
advertise the meeting in the Northern Star at my own cost ; the other half of the room rent ( if in the Hall of Science ) , their own travelling , if any , and personal expences , and whatever other mode of advertising they choose to adopt , tobe defrayed by them —also out of their own pockets ; not touching , the people ' s funds for it . The meeting to be at some time mutually convenient for attendance . All other matters relating to the discussion to be settled , without either their interference or mine , by a committee of five friends on each side to be named for the purpose .
Now ; is this fair ! I repeat that they have no right to expect this . My meeting them in discus-Bion at all is a pure work of supererogation . But notwithstanding that , as they talk much about itand as they would fain have it believed that they attach muoh importance to it , there ' s the chance for them . Let them appoint their man ; ( I care not who it may be ;) let him tell me when he is ready and I will instantly name my friends , and the arrangement shall be made . After this . matter is settled , let them bring their counter accusations if they dare . I am ready to answer in like manner to ANY CHARGES which they , or any of them , or any man in England , may be disposed to bring against me .
A public meeting is the Justice Hall for me " : and to that tribunal I dare the whole pack of yelpers , whenever they have the manliness to put their charges into a tangible shape , as I have done , and come fairly out" I ! And now , my friendB , as far as the Northern Star is concerned , this matter is for the present at least done with . Save what may be necessary to this meet-, ing , if ever it take place , I will not insert another word upon it , pro , or con . from any quarter ;
anless two communications which I expect in reference to a dirty rascally trick played by a Mr . Frazer should happen to be too late for this week ' s paper : if they be , I Bhall probably give them next week . Earnestly desiring to see consistency of character among Chartists ; and to see our movement purged of the ranting , mouthing locusts , wbo have done it muoh harm , I am , my Friends , Your ' s , faithfully , William Hill . Northern Star office , Leeds , Deo . 20 , 1842 .
The Northern Star Saturday, December 31, 1842.
THE NORTHERN STAR SATURDAY , DECEMBER 31 , 1842 .
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THE CONFERENCE . Our readers will perceive that we have not as yet got in the whole report of the proceedings of this most important body . In a further Edition we hope to give the whole . We have given up to last night—( that is Wednesday night *) And by reference to the report , they will see that our anticipations of the intentions and purposes of the Sturge
party , as far as any real union with the working men was concerned , have been fully realized . We fancy the result of the debate on Mr . Lotett ' s amendment will do much to remove the film from honest eyes ; and to show them the real value of their middle class friends . We have at present no time nor space for comment , bnt shall . return to the important matters of this Conference at another time . Meanwhile let our readers read and think .
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CHRISTMAS . In times past this season of the year was characterised by joy and gladness throughout the length and breadth of the land . The winter's gloom was enlivened by good substantial fare and heart-elating merriment . The peasant as well as the prince—the plebian as well as the monarch , could then enjoy the Bweets of life . Youth then sported it 3 playfulness and its vigour , and age gazed smilingly on the scene . Warm and substantial clothing , a good fire , a clean
hearth , and plenty on the festive board , were visible on every hand ; but alas ! how changed is the scene . Instead of joy we behold sadness depicted on the countenance of the once athletio and hardy labourer—the prospect of the skilful artizxn is overspread with gloom—want has become the inmate of the cot , embittering the cup of life—youth , nay even toothless in fancy , is the victim of the monster ; and ags is dejected , drowned in ^ sorrow and veiled in melancholy . The young and the aged are clad in rags ; the hovels are scenes of wretchedness ; in grief they i
" Hover o ' er the pigmy fire ;" while the most worthless garbage constitutes their food , and of this but a scanty portion falls to the lot of many . Bat such is not the case with the drones . They roll through the streets in their gilded carriages ; are attired in the most costly raiment ; are filled to repletion with all the luxuries that they can desire . " Their eyes stand out with fatness , " and in the height of their pride , they look with contempt on the poor by whose labour they acquire all their grandeur .
Why is this strange anomaly ? Why are the bees perishing while the drones enjoy the fruit of their industry J Because all power is given into the hands of these devourers instead of being possessed by the rightful owners . That power will never be regained until the only Efficient axe—the Charterba applied , by the united strength of the people , to that Upas tree , class legislation . Then , but not till then , may we hope to see olden days or the joys thereof , return . Then we may and shall have " a
reerry Christmas and a happy new yean" We have heard many wish each other the fruition of this blessing , but we tell them they must work as well as wish . The only avenue to a "merry Christmas and a happy new yew" is the Charter—it is the sword , the only sword , the six pointed sword , whereby the fell monster tyranny can be slain . Up , then . On to the conquest , and oar wishes will bo realized to all—" A MERRY CHRISTMAS AJ . D A HAPPY NEW YEAR . "
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THE LAW versus THE POOR . We have frequsntly had occasion to direct the attention of our readers to the mass of corruptisn with which the administration of justice in this country is fraught . Scarcely a day passes without furnishing facts proving the declension whioh has crept into courts of law , and calling aloud for a reform of the manifold abuses which obtain therein . The bench is now converted into a market standthe whim and caprice of an ignorant class of individuals , miscalled " Justices , " is laid down as law ; the grossest partiality is exhibited ; the rich
delinquent generally escaping with little or no punishment , while the whole weight of a petty tyrant ' s wrath is poured out upon the poor offender . It appears to be a settled opinion among our modern Dracoes , that wealth and virtue are inseparably connected , aad that poverty and crime are indivisible . But this position—however much cherished and acted upon by officials of various grades , from my Lord Abikger down to that fagend of the system dubbed a policeman—is untenable , we having continually before our eyes virtue clothed in rags , and vice arrayed in purple and fine linen .
But as our object is not to dilate upon the virtues of the poor or the vices of the rich , we shall at once call the attention of the public to the gross -injustice and tyranny itflicted , a fetr days ago , on a poor fatherless boy , by one of the Metropolitan Stipendiary Magistrates , named Greenwood , who carries on business in tha police , court , Clerkenwc 1 ! , aad wh
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is also one of the '' great | unpaid" of the West Riding of the county of York . The boy , whose name i s Williams , was brought before the magistrate forbieolioiting a lady coming out of her house in EuBton-square to purchase prints . He said his mother , a widow , had given him fivepence , with which he had purchased seven of them ; and that the offer of sale wan not a pretext for begging was admitted by the ' magistrate himself , who was astonished they could be sold so cheap . " The prisoner" begged of his worship not to punish him , as he Bold the prints for the support of a widowed mother . He had done no harm , and hoped his worship would not punish him . His worship , however , did punish him , by sending him to the H « use of Correction for fourteen days !
Who the : lady ' in question may be We know not ; did we , her name should not be kept from the public , however much it might offend : her superlatively delicate feelings . This woman , or "lady , " as she is termed , cannot be the mother of childrenshe must be devoid of every scintilla of those grace ? which oughtfever to adorn "God ' s first best gift to man , " otherwise her whole soul would have revolted at the idea of a child—a widow ' s son of eleven years of age , being taken before a magistrate and , consigned to " durance vile , " merely for soliciting her to purchase a few prints . Such
a woman—the walking scandal of her sexought to be hooted through the streets on her every appearance in public , and her company ought to be shunned by all having respect for their character . It might be of service to this " lady , " were she to have a little instruction in the school of adversity ; then she might learn how to conduct herself towards those who seek an honest livelihood , and who would scorn , like her , to . ; , live in splendour and idleness , without returning to society an equivalent for that which they received . The conduct of Grebnwood , the magistrate , is also reprehensible in the highest degree . He admits the offer of sale of the printsjwas . *• not a pretext for
begging , " yet he sentences the poor boy to fourteen days ' imprisonment in the House of Correction . The widow who gives her son hermite—five-pence—perhaps her all , for the purpose of laying out in the purchase of a few prints , in order thereby to obtain a morsel of bread , is doomed to see that son , the comfort of her age , torn from her and immured in a prison , not for the commission of any crime , but because it offended the dignity of the spawn of some aristocrat whose ancestors probably figured behind the counter , or perhaps vended matches ; if the latter , it might have reminded her ^ ladyship of her origin , when the boy solicited her to purchase one of his prints , which insult the pride of her ladyship could not allow to paBS with impunity .
Had Greenwood done his duty he would have savnrely reprimanded the woman , and Riven her to understand that the time of the Court must be better employed than in attending to such nonsense as that ; and that hers would be better employed in learning how to behave herself towards her fellpw-creaturee * He would also have instructed the policeman to employ his time to better advantage than in obeying the wishes and pandering to the pride of such an execrable wretch as her ladyship ; and instead of the boy being torn from his widowed mother and committed tojprieon , he would have commended him for his honest endeavour to obtain a morsel of food for
himself and his bereaved parent . But such was not the case . The boy was treated as a felon—he was sent to herd among felons ; and should that boy , upon whose oharacter no stain appears , contract vicious ' habits by being compelled to mingle with the worst of characters , all the consequences thereof may be laid at the door of the despicable woman who was instrumental in his arrest , and that of the magistrate who so unjustly sentenced him to imprisonment , and who ought to be immediately removed from the bench .
It would be well if both magistrates and policemen would give themselves a little more trouble than they generally do , and not , as is frequently the case , seek to manufacture . crime and punish the innocent to suit the whim of every fool who may think his or her pride offended by being accosted in like manner as the Euston-Equare , " / aofy . " The duty of magistrates is to make themselves acquainted with the law , as far as practicable , and . administer it with impartiality ; and not , as they often do , to substitute their own caprice for the law , and punish the unoffending for merely being poor and defenceless ^ .
With regard to the police—we tell them , in the words of a contemporary , when adverting to the subject which has called forth these remarks , that "The public will not tolerate this eternal interference of the police with every thing that is going on . Their object is to prevent and discover crime , and to preserve order by day and night . Whether these pioper duties are adequately discharged we will not now inquire ; but of one thing there can be ne doubt , and that is , their constant interference with matters that do not come within their line of duty . It is much easier , no doubt , to watch little boys selling prints , Jtban to make themselves acquainted with the duties for which they are especially appointed . "
If the law be enveloped in so much ambiguity that the magistrates , &c , are left to do as they list in all cases brought before then ) , then it shows the absolute necessity of a thorough change of system , without which the poor will ever be the yi ctims of the middle and upper classes , who have just about the same amount of sympathy for the labouring portion of the community , as the wolf has for the lamb , or the cat for the mouse .
That something is radically wrong in the system under which such injustice as that we allude to can be perpetrated with impunity , is beyond all dispute , and that the administration of the . law is vested in persons altogether unfit to discharge the duties of their office is equally evident ; and vie may rest assured , that until the axe be laid to the root of the tree , and class legislation completely annihilated , such cases of monstrous cruelty as that inflicted upon
the boy Williams , may be repeated , as the Greenwoods are not only a numerous race , but are located in the provinces as well as in the metropolis , as will be seen from , an article in another column where a young man of the name of War Clemenf , residing near Bolton-le-Moors , wa 3 dragged from his bed at two o ' clock in the morning , and taken to the police office , on the groundless charge of " assisting in the engraynig of a plate to counterfeit the Halifax and HuddorBfield Bank . " From
Bolton he was removed to the look-up in Manchester , where he remained until the 14 th instant , being arrested on the morning of the 11 th ; he was then removed to Halifax , where he was confined until the 19 th , on which day he was brought before the Magistrates , who on enquiring his name immediately liberated him . Now , had the proper inquiry been made by the authorities , as was their duty , previous to the arrest of this young man , they would have found that it was an absolute impossibility for
him to have committed the offence alleged against him , as he is scarcely qualified wen to write his own name . But to make suoh necessary enquiry would be a duty too onerous for the well paid officials ; they find it much easier to lay hold of the first that comes within their reach , regardless of their innocence or guilt ; and for such negligence and uncalled-for interference on the part of the authorities , the innocent are doomed to unjust incarceration and have disgrace imprinted upon their character ? .
What remuneration will this young man obtain for this injustice—for this lose of time and character ? None whatever . The shield of protection will be held over his persecutors , and the youth must pocket all the loss and odium , because he is poor . But we . trnst that the people will persevere in their efforts to destroy the parent evil—clase legislation—that such acts of injustice may no longer disgrace a country said to be "the envy op surrounding na , TIOKSj A-NJ > TUB ADJURATION OF THE WOBLD" ' ' '
4 "' . ^ The Nobtierk S Ti^
4 " ' . ^ THE NOBTIERK S Ti ^
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A . B « - an OPERATivi . —We have said scores of times that toe cannot answer legal guestions : he must consult a lawyer . ¦ . A Fbiend to Justice , Fauubk . —We declme , in justice to a numerous parly , lo insert the remarks contained in his letter . He voilt perceive that we have noticed the delivery of the lecture i that is allweodndo . S . Goat , NoiwicH .--7 % « list sent by Mr . Cleave went through the whole impression on the 17 th , consequently the £ 2 sent by the NorwichChartists would be there noticed . A PouTiCAif Mabtyb . —His communication was received ; but it must stand over for further ¦¦ ¦ ¦ perusal . '¦'"¦ ' y ¦ :. ' . ¦ . ... ¦ ¦; . ¦ . " ' - ; ¦ ; : ¦ ¦
S . J ., Bsisioh . —The subjict on which he rente ? is done with so far as we are concerned . J . B . Thom son , Shndebland . —W « cannot insert his letter : he gives very bad advice . A Fife Chartist . — We do not think the publication of his letter would at all alter the conduct of the individuals of whom he complains . Mb . Wm . Cotton , 38 , Ludgate-hill , Birmingham , delegate to the National Conference at Birming ' ham for Kilmarnpck and Barrhead , will ' feel obliged if his constituents will communicate their addresses to him as soon as possible . Henry Hodgson —We do not think gratuitous vxiuperation and assumption any answer Jo alleged -: ¦ facts . ¦¦ ' ' .: ' ¦ ¦ ¦ . ¦ ' ¦ ¦ "''' ¦ ¦ ' ¦ ' : ¦• ' ¦ . .. ' ' \ . - ¦ : . Joseph Rayner , Hou-inwood . — -Fw .
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James Sinclair , Qateshead . —Yes , December 8 th , per Pickford's . A . H ., Dunfermline . —As soon as the account-is nettled , the Plates * iil be sent . If the Person who has called upon Mr . Cleave for a Plate will send his name he will oblige , as the money cannot be credited till we knew who sends it . The Plate has most likely been sent to London since he called . He can have * uotber for the spoiled one . We can speak more positive on receipt of the name .
W . D ., Kegworth—Portrait of Hunt 4 d ., and postage ; of Frost 7 ^ d . and . postage . The postage of the two will be 4 d ., making la . 3 jd . in the ' whole . J . M ., Kilm aenock—Is the evil remedied this week ? They are sent by an earlier mail . Jabez Burns , Dundee , had better , in future , send bis cash tor Evening Stars direct to Mr . Hobson : it cannot In future be received as it has been hitherto . Murgatboyd , Delph . —Apply to A . Heywood . J . Goody . —Three months .
FOR THE NATIONAL DEFENCE FOND . ' . 7 . ¦ . .: - - . :. ¦ ¦¦ ¦/ ¦ . . ' ;¦ . . ¦ ; ' ' ¦ . - £ . b . -d From Tewkbury , per W . Haynea ... ... 1 0 0 ^» John WiathalJ ... ... ... 0 0 2 « . a few Chartists at Edinburgh .. ... 0 6 8 _ P . A ., Hnll ... ... ... ... o 0 6 „ Carrington , near Nottingham , per Richard Hankin ... ... ... 0 5 0
FOR THB EIECUTIVK . From two whole-hog Chartists , Melkflham Forest ... ... .. ... 0 5 0 FOB MBS . ELLIS . From David Williams , mason , late of P © ntypool ... ... ... ... 0 10 FOB THE CHARTIST DELEGATES TO THE BIRMINGHAM CONFERENCE . - From an Old Radical ... ... ... 0 0 6
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( Continued from our first page . ) ference . He was received with load and prolonged cheering . Mr . O'Connor . introduced Mr . Patrick O'Higgins , from Dublin , who was received with a similar mark of feeling . . ' The Chaibman opened the bnslnerfby calling upon the secretary to read two letters , —one received from Shaman Crawford , Esq ., M . P ., and the other from Daniel O'Connell , Esq ., M . P . The letter from the former gentleman was'ba follows : — " Craufordaburn , Deo . 24 th , 1842 . '
" Dear Friend , —I send by my son , who ia the beater of this , a parcel containing 200 copies of my ' defence of the rights of the working classes / which I have taken leave to address to you , and to the Council of the Birmingham Complete Suffrage Union , in the hope you will receive it a * a proof : of ray earnest desire to forward that cause which you and the Complete Suffrage Union are so honourably endeavouring to promote . "In the observations contained in this publication , I have been desirous to ; shield the people from the unjust imputations cast upon their conduct , ¦ whilst at the same time , I do not withhold ray acknowledgment of the erroia -which have been committed . I
have endeavoured to tafce a fair review of the principles on which the claims of the working classes are fomnded , and of the objeetiens with which their claims are met , and to impress the principle that all political institutions ( as well as all human institutions of every description ) should be viewed , —not as being capable of perfection , —not as being divested of all possibility of evil , —but as respects the balance of probable good and evil , which may be reasonably expected to result from them ; but above all it has been my desire to inculcate moderation of conduct , and obliteration of all part unkindly feelings , which have existed between the working and middle classes , who are now both suffering the effects of bad legislation , and thus produce that combined agitation for the remedy of this evil , ¦ which can alone be effective in creating that moral power necessary for Its removal .
" As I have already said , I make my son the bearer of this communication . I do this aa a mark of my respect to you and your conduct , and of my anxious wish for tfae success - of the important meeting , about to take place at your call . He is fully acquainted with my views , and will be capable of giving you any information you might wish far , with reference to the particular nature of ear Irteh elections , laws , or regulations , which , in many respects , differ from the institutions of England and Scotland . The Council of the Complete Suffrage Union of Edinburgh were so kind as to propose to put uiy name in nomination as one of the delegates for that city to your congress ; but I requested of them to abstain from their kind intention , becauae was of opinion it would be more eligible to select persons as delegates wbo were not members of Parliament , for the reasons contained in the extract , which I enclose von , from my reply to that body .
"I trust it is unnecessary for me to add , that as a Member of the House of Commons , I shall feel it both my duty and my inclination to co-operate in whatever means shall be deemed most eligible for bringing before that House those measures which are required for carrying out the principles of your association . 11 Believe me , dear Friend , ¦ " Yours sincerely , . ¦ ¦ . ¦ Wm . Sharman Crawford . "To Joseph Starge , President of the Birmingham , . " Complete Suffrage Association . " The following ia the extract of a letter addressed by Mr . Crawford , to Mr . Kobert Noel , secretary to the Complete Suffrage Asaociation , of Edinburgh , and alluded to in the above : —
"I feel that it would be my duty to compl y with any wish expressed by those who have already shown me such marks of kindness , but I am inclined to think it would not be eligible to elect Members of Parliament as your delegates , especially those members whom you will look to as the chief supporters of your cause in the House of Commoas . I think it would not be prudent for them to act in both capacities . Your delegates are to declare the opinions of the people to the members of that house , acd I conceive it would be more proper for them to learn the opinions of the people from other persons appointed for that purpose , than to be med e themselves the instruments in the connection of such communication . I conceive they would have a greater moral power in the House ef Commons ^ in the course they should adopt , by not having
previously been the framers of the measures which the Convention shall recommend . I am of opinion that it is more desirable that a Member of Parliament should not commit himself on any of the points of detail ( meaning thereby the election regulations ) till he has time fully to be aware of the arguments and determinations of the meeting of delegates , because It would be very unfavourablo to the impression he might wish to make in Parliament , if it could be alleged that he was acting in obsdience to the will of the delegates contrary to any opinion previously expressed as a member of that body . * * My object is to stand in the best possible position to be of use in giving my assistance in Parliament to the advancement of the great cause we are mutually engaged in , and I think my efforts mi ght be impeded were I to be previously committed in the capacity of a delegate . " ¦ / ° - ¦ *
. "DarrynaneAbbey , Dec . 22 , 1842 . ^ "Mr respected FBIEND ,.-Yourletter , requirin / r to know whettierl could attend in Birmingham \ t the meeting of thedeleffrtes for carrying « ut the principles of the Complete Suffrage Association , has beenfoUowed by the draught of abillfor that purpose , which draught reached me only this morning . . "WithreBpect to the first point—namely , myattendance at the Conference , I have on the f ulleet consideration determined not to go there . Do n » t imagine however , that this refusal results from any wanHi
aeai tn vtut cause of Universal Buffrage . No snob thing . I am iboroughly convinced that every man of legal age who does not forfeit his right by crime or idiocy , hsaby the principle of the British constitution , a distinct inextinguishable right to vote for a representative in the Commons House of Parliament . lam convinced that such a right on the part of every male adult is to the full as complete as the right of any member of the House of Peer . 3 to the privilege of the peerage , or as the right of our gracious Qzeen to the throne . The only difference is in practice . The two latter are in full vigour , and perhaps ; somewhat superfluously ao- whilst the former-the suffrage right-ia ourtailed , and w-
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• tricted , and mutilated ; thus creating , where all should be freemen , a distinct and separate slave elaw , who , by iniqottona lawti and more Iniquitous practice * , bavt ' been robbed of their natural birthright , and are own . tially slaves . « " I am the friend ef the slave class in every cUme and country , -but more especially In the British dont nions . . : .: ¦; ¦ ¦ ¦ : " ' ¦ . ' ¦; ;¦ ' :. . . ¦ ' ¦ '¦ ' ¦ ••' ¦ . - " I am also the most decided advocate for the voting byballot , —the best , If not the only mode , of preventing corrupt and criminal practices at elections . "I also concur in the other points pro claimed by the Complete Soffrage As . < iociation ; and that concur , rence , however , is created by my : sacrificing my owja opinion of a preference of triennial to annual ParnV ments to mj ^ sincere desire of-producing nnsritmity of exertion amongst all the friends of a real , substantiaL and radical reform of Parliament . . '
"The reason why I am thus distinct in once more stating my poli tical creed is , because I can answer foe it that the overwhelming majority of the people of Ireland go with me upon these points , and that they trill co-operate with their English brother reformers in all legal and peaceable means , —bat in no other , —for obtaining a fair , free , and complete ; representation of the people in Parliament « The great reason why I do not consent to attend the meeting at Birmingham is , because I have convinced myself that I ought rather to be a spectator of , than an actor in , your approaching exertions ^ I have been personally ao hostile to that class called ' physical force Chartists '—I nave been so unjustly , ami indeed ao absurdly calumniated—( loud laughter ) by their writers , that I have brought myself to balieve , though perhaps
without sufficient foundation , that any effjrts I could make for conciliation , and to produce harmony , might be defeated , and that my presence might tend to diminish the prospect of concord and cooperation , which are so necessary , for the success of your just demands . Besides , it is to be apprehended that there are too many other causes of strife and ? contention between the more ardent and violent of the Chartist party and the more placid and mild portion of the Complete Sufiraga Association . If I could throw oil upon the troubled waters , so as that the ark of British liberty , might float in tranquil grandeur on the political wave , I should at once , and at any sacriflse . And if , after the meeting has been organized , you should be o opinion that my attendance could be of any possible use to the great cause , I will , witn the rapidity of steam , place myself amongst you . :
"I do most anxiously desire that the spirit of peace , harmony , conciliation , and concord may reign ia the Convention ; that yon may thus have the means and opportunity of considering and adopting the best modes of insuring success . My entire conviction is , that without co-operation between the middle and what ia caled the lower , that is , the poorer , or working class , you cannot possibly succeed , and perhaps you ought not Whether yon ought or not , the concur rence of the middle classes i » , in my judgment , most essentially necessary towards obtaining the right of suffrage for the operative classes .: Recent events have proved to demonstration the essential importance of the middle classes in any straggle for the amelioration of political institutions . I know it was the
cooperation of the middle classes that enabled the people of Ireland to achieve Catholic Emancipation . I know that it was the co-operation of the middle classes that enabled the people of England to obtain the fist step in the march of Parliamentary Reform . I see before my eyes at the present moment the irresistibte progress of the middle , class towards the total abolition of all taxes upon human food . How anxiously , therefore , do I desire to see a combination between the middle and operative classes for the attainment of Radical Reform . If that combination takes place , the aristocratic classes , who have hitherto trampled upon the people , will be scattered like chaff before the wind ; and the honest and just principles of democratic liberty will pervade , ameliorate , and ennobta all the institutions of the State .
" Let me , then , conjure all the friends of peaceable and rational liberty to use every possible exertion to conciliate , to combine , and to consoli late the operative and middle classes . If that can be done , the materials of complete and immaculate ouccesa are in your hands —a success unstained by violence or crime—a saccess deserving the praise of good men—a succesa deserving 1 hope , the approbation of the Grand Judge of all . " The meeting at Birmingham is s glorious opportunity for working out ^ these purposes . That opportunity may be thrown away . It may be soiled , stained ,, and destroyed , ' but the spirit that will work among the best part of the members of the Conference will survive , and even at the worst it will afford an opportunity of separating the chaff from the good seed . Bat let a * not anticipate our evils , which may be merely imaginary ; and let me trust and hope that any discordant elements may soon evaporate , leaving nothing behind but kindly feelings and cordial dispositions to unanimity in the service of our country , : ¦ '' - '''; ¦¦ : :. ; '"¦'¦¦ .
• 'It may be said by way of discouragement that the present Administration , over which the Duke of Wellington and Sir Robert Peel preside , composed ot men Btrongly inimical to reform , there is no chance of their , acceding to any measure approaching to Universal Suffraga There are , however , two facts csnnected with the leaders of the Administration wbioh show that they are inspired with a more pliable digposition . "The first of those facts is , that the Dake of Wellington and Sir R . Peel were selected by Cteorge IV . as the leaders of an Administration framed for the express purpose of continuing the laws by which the " dtholioa were excluded from the constitution '; yet that very Administration , with those identical leaders , totally repealed those excluding laws . :
" The second fact is , that the landlord class io England have forced into power , in despite ot the Queen , the same Duke of Wellington and Sir R . Peel for the express and proclaimed purpose of preserving in full vigour the Corn Xaws ; yet there are most unequivocal evidences already exhibited to the publie that tbil same Dnke of Wellington and this same Sir R . Peel will totally repeal those same Com Laws . " These are most encouraging facts . They demonstrate that unless some feud , some violence , some selfish dissensions rain our present prospecta , there exiaU every probabiiity , at no remote period , of vindicating and establishing the rights of the people at large . . . . : ¦ ' ¦ . : . - ' -. ¦ ' . ¦ : V . ' :: ; - / ¦ ¦
" With respect to the draught of the , act of Parliament , I will return it , suggesting some alterationi which I believe will be improvements . But in any event , it will be difficult to amalgamate the case of Ireland with that of England and Scotland . There are two objections to the inclusion of Ireland in the same bill with that of Great Britain . There ate not in Ireland , aa in England , any parish overseen , noc any parish schoolmasters , as in Scotland , though there are schools in almost every parish . The expression ' parish schoolmaster' would , in Ireland be either too vague , or infer , as matter of law , a schoolmaster employed by the protestant clergyman . Ot these there are bnt a few , and still fewer" to whom it would be safe to trust any political duty with reference to the elective franchise . ¦• ¦ . '•¦¦ ' . ¦ ¦ ' - ¦ . ¦ ,.. ¦ ¦' ¦¦ : . ¦ ¦ - ¦ ' ••
"The second objection arises from matter of substance . The millions in Ireland who are anxious for universal suffrage are much more solicitens for tbe restoration of tbe Irish Parliament They are convinced that in the present atate of the property and population of Ireland , a local Legislature ia essentially necessary for the peace and prosperity of the country . Ia this opinion I am bound to say I mofct thoroughly and entirely concur . We Irish are not tbe less disposed to aid tbe British people in working out the right of suffrage for every male adult—complete suffrage being the only honest basis unon which * either our Parliament or yours should be founded . ''I have the honour to be , &c ., " With sincere regard and respect , "Tour faithfoil friend and servant , ¦ "DANIEt O'CONNEIi . " To Joseph Sturge , Birmingham . "
Mr . O'Connor moved that the minutes ef the morning ' s meeting should be confirmed . Mr , Hobson seconded the motion , which was agreed lopro forma . , ' , ' The Conference next proceeded to elect the Committee before alluded to . Twenty-six names were proposed . The following nine had the largest number of votes , and were consequently declared duly elected : — Mr . Joshua Hobson , Mr . J . H . Parry , Rev . Wm . Hill , Mr . John Celquhoun , Mr . Gk White , Rev . T . Swana , Mr . Roberts , Mr . James Tickers , and Mr . John Humphreys . ¦ . ¦ ' . ¦ ; " . ' .- : ' . ¦ " ¦'¦¦ ¦ ' ¦ -.:, - ' The Secrexart called nppn Mr . W . Beggs , of N ( fr tiogham , to introducs the business of the Conference . Previous to this being done , Mr . Parrt moved the following business regulations i^— ¦' ¦ ' ¦ ¦ . . ' .- ' ¦ ¦ . -. ¦ - . 1 . That the Conference meet twiee every day , from nine o ' clock to one , and from three o clock till eight .
2 . That the Chairman of the Conference shall aw ) be Chairman of any Committee of the whole body . 3 . That the Chairman shall be allowed to take part in the discussion as a member of the Conferenoe , _ sm shall have a easticg vote ia case of an equal divisioO i in addition to his vote as a delegate . 4 . That all documents issuing front the . Cooferenw shall be signed by the Chairman . . 5 . That all documents , or letters , addressed to to * Conference , or the Chairman , be referred to the Ex * cutive Committee . .-6 . That aH amendments and propoaitions arising ons cf business under discussion besobmitted to theJChsir * maa , and in writing . ' j . 7 . That all speakers be limited to fifteen nunnW each , except when in committee , and then tb WJ minutes each , unless in extraordinary cases , to M notified by the Chairman . .
8 . That no member shall speak twice on the «*»• subject , clause , or matter immediately under disc * fitou , either in the Conference or Committee , except » explanation , or the opener , by way of conclusion » reply . ¦ ¦ ..- /¦ '¦ . ¦ ¦ ¦• ¦ ¦ ¦/• . ¦ ¦ ¦¦ ¦ ¦ . ' ¦ v '; ' ' ;• ' ¦• . On the motion of Mr . O'Connor , the tune propose * to be allowed to each speaker was reduced to . «• miuutes , and it was also agreed that the sirtiu | 5 or ^» Canference should be from nine in the morniag tul t »* and from four till seven . A protoacted discussion ensued as to the time at : which the Committee for decw ing the disputed electionsVshouId ait , bos of so ™" could answer no useful trarpose ' to- . enter . 'into "" - . femotion was subsequentlfmade for an adjoummer « w
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Dec. 31, 1842, page 4, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct784/page/4/
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