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THE tfORTHEEJV STAE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1843.
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in NOTTINGHAM—.An adjourned meeting of Framework-knitters, was held at the Shoulder of.^ __ a. - _ ^_ T^ _ ._L -._- j._ - ~- . _. - _ -/* j.L_ __ A^ff J
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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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COAI ^ MIXERS XOOET OUT—BREAKERS ~~~ AHEAD ^ Jib . Editor , —Ton will oblige me by j ? jvine publicity to tha tallowing tipssure of s deep laid pJot of the ? ' Coal JHfiilS , " for His purpose of breatisg up the Miner / a Movement , and jprejndici's the public mlcd against that useful bod ; ol mtc . Bj so doing you will oblige , Yours , faithfully . William Dixo > . Manchester , Ko » . 2 Sifl . 2843 .
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10 -THIt COAX MISERS A > D THE PUBLIC GENERALLY . FELLOW C 0 U 5 TB"S 5 lE ? i , —My ofcjeet in obtrndhjg tfilB ltttei upon yonr notice is , that it contains facts Vith which yon outfit to be acquainted . You are aware that the Coal Miners of this cennty have united themselves with their brethren of If orthumberland , Dnrham , Cumberland , Yorkshire , StafferdBbire , CThesbire , D = rbyabire , Shropshire , Scotland , aad Wales , for the purpose of shertening the hours of l&bonr , and getting an advance of -wages . As Boon as the agitation commenced the Cool Kings and their satellites got up a cry tuat the Miners were about to Btrike for an ^ flvsnee of "WSges , and thai they could not give niDie to their workpeople without raising the price of coals ib the mariet . They Qierefore adrsseed the coals abent lOd . per ion , and ja » de the pnblic believe that the working Miner va » in the receipt of the "whole of the benefits &f such advance .
In Manchester , If a person gets into confersaticn ¦ witli a fiaend , and the ecI ject turns upon the Miners ' movement , they invsriaOlj sa 5— "Why , the CusJ Miners must now be in the receipt of good wages , f . i coal has been advanced a great oeai ; and if we ssi the reason , the answer iB—0 , the coal misers have had tfceir * ages advanced , it is them that get the benefit , a ^ d , p&or things , tbey deserve it But tbe trnth must be told , and the public be undeceiTtd in" this matter ; and I will now give them a real statement of the facts as they Are , and leave them to jnd . se who it Is that ia benefited by the advanced price of coal In iha first place the " eoal kings" have aavaneed tke price at the pit ten-pei ce per ton -, ox one halfpenny per hundred weighs . Out of thiB the Coal Miner gets , and I have taken the highest note of advance , twopbneabalfpenny . Consequently the coal proprittor is patting into Ma pocktta seTenpence-halfpenny per ton , in addition to the profit that he vu receiving l > c / ore
time . But thia is not all ; there is tnotber party steps in for a sha » » before the csal gets into the hsnda of WOB COESUHZfcT , 1 jneaB the Xfitall cos ! merchant . This geEtieaum gives to Ujo »« oooi iin ^ a" fcapeocc per ton or an advance ; bat he sav&ccss coals to tbe consumer one penny per inndred weight , or ont > shilling Sid eightpence per ton . The public will see ^ by this , * rho are the parties who are receiving the benefits Eriling from the adraocsd price of coal . We are tuld by one of the inspired penmen : " That the labourer shall be the first partaier of the fruits ; " but is this the case with the p * or cool Miner ? JSo , quite the reverse . The consumer pays an addition of one shilling and eightpence ppr tea for his coal , out of which the poor slave , who ventures his life in procuring item , gets twopence-halfpenny , the " coal king" aevenpencebalfpenny , and the retril merchant tenpence' Ifow I must torn to the ili&era themselves , -tnd warn them of the attempts about to be made to break up their Union .
Brethren , the time bM come that all men of auy experience in the vsrioui struggles that the working classes have had with their oppressors knew would come . S # long as yonr movemtat was powerless , and you were centent with kxTkinj about your grievances , the masters took little notice of you . But the moment your organization began to look formidable and you began to act as Well as talk , then they began to plot and conspire how they were to break ywu up and spread cenfusion in yonr ranks . " To be forewarned 3 » to TjeforeannEa . " 1 therefore embrace this opportunity of putting you c-n your guard , in order that you may be prepared when they open their baiteries upon you . I have by a sort of necromancy or legerdemain got hold of the following printed circular ; a copy of which has besn Bent to every coal master in the county of Lancaster : —
I COPT . ) ** Sit , —At a very laxj ^ e meeting of operati ve Goal Uinen , holdsn on Monday last , at SsBelgroTe , -wtrieb tesnlted is a demand of advanced wages equal to Eix shillings and upwards per day , and a determination to get only a limited quantity of coals , to produce ftboofc two shillings per day . " These two drcomataneee united require the serious attention of the Goal Proprietor * , and demand froa them a prompt , firm , and united course of proceeding . And I am instructed hereby to request the favour of your attendance at a general meeting , to be held on Tuesday aext , the SSth inrta . Tit ,, at , two o'clock in tbe afternoon , prompt , at tie Albion Hotel , Piccadilly . Mancheeter , far tbe pnrpose of raking the same into ftonsiderafion . " I am , Sir , " Your obedient servant , " Manchester 2 ? ov . 22 , lSiS . "
, These , Miners , -what tfcink you of that specimen of Cod S . iag . falsehood ? C ^ n yoc longer doubt tbeir fieteHninadon to keep yon ia slavery ? Surely not . Bat before I go further , I will take ft second peep at tiiis monstrously lying document , and refute tbe false statements it contains . Tbe masters who got up this scandalous and lyin ? circular knew that they were slaaderiBg the Coal Misers of Lancashire , when they stated that at the' meeting held at H » a ? 3 grove a demand for an advance ' of wages was made equal , to six shillings per day . 2 * o such determination was coma to at that meeting . Tha Coal Miners demand four shillings per day , and that for eight hsars" work ; which would enable them to earn twenty shillings per wwk , as in mining operations
Saturday and Monday only make a day betwixt them . And is twenty shillings per week : too u-nch for a man ¦ who ventures his life iaflse tovreia of fch » eortil , ia Older lO-PIOCMB in Article which contributes » o mate-Tiaily to the comfort oi his fellow-men ? But it is not the demand of 43 . or 6 a . per dsy tiut the Co ^^ nga are afraid of . The fact is , the Miners have begun to ¦ work as weQ as talk about the matter : they have shortened their hours of labour ; and by so doing they have kept the production , if anything , rather btlaw the consumption ; and by this means tb » poor " Kirgs " bare been obliged to part with their * toeks te supply the wants of their customers . This it is that hai fr inTmc . fi them ; they have found out that you hav = a power , and that you are beginning to know bow to use it- They di&ad the ahortning of the hours
of labour ten times more than any advance of wage One of those fine fellows , that ' l know , was bo anxioi for his men to work , that if they werked eleven dai pea fortnight lie gave tiifcm threepence per day txtr and if twelve days , fivepence per day . One mornir an explosion took pl&ce , and one of the men was va m burned . Tfce men brought him out of the pit , au of coarse Troikai none that cay , f * r ¦ wticb tbey lc « \^ t > iT pgtTft * ; and Hie ¦ wr 6 t < 2 ili 3 ti the heartlessEess to ss to his men , could you sot have throws him on oae Bit nntll you had done yonr work and then brought hi np ! This tyrant kn&w tbe value of over-prodsetio He knew that if he could only sd his men , by ai means , to produce him a s " . ock ' & foic hand , that th < he would have them under his thumb , and he could < as he liked with them .
Brethren , the time has arrived when yon must prompt ^ firm , and united . Ihe masters are determis to hnrrry yen to a crisis . They held their meeti this day , in the Albion Inn , buv it was a clew me ing . No getting to know tLeir determination . 1 hired spy , in the shape of a p-jiiceman , is sent to th meeting to watch the proceesiE ^ s . and demand a co of aDj resolutions passed , O , no ! this was a meeti ef the masters J - paring hsA lo do T&h these gentry bsTms t J tbi Biat 2 sm acquainted -with come of ihsiiz tactics ; a although -I am neither a prophet , uur the » on-of 03
I venture to predict that thty -will endeavour to : dnce a few colliers to strike in various parts of t country for some csase or oth * r , and by that mes endeavour to brsik you up with txpsnea . I ha given you warning ! Look out ! Watehthem ; Youcan : posably do better than coutinne to work short tim keep the msrkets baieiy supplied , and you havs cirnnce . In tQia ia your saeng'Ji and ffieir weakns These must be ao more such jobs as tiie Gumberla one . Proceed with ycur organizaiioii a ? quick as p aibfe , and prepare for tite worst . Be firm , be sob and be steady .
You may ask my advice as to how you are to i if tbe masters should attempt to force you to a stril I wiU give it jon in a few -Bores . You see what 1 been done in Cumberland , and onght therefore to 1 wi * re « id not split tipoa the same rock . If Ui&y atoi Qfitermiiffi upon iaaking the men in various parts of t country sign abemnmbie tests , the men wou > d p : bably turn out Tjub woulo just be what theywai and the . master * of such collieries -would be provided tbe othEr mastera , bt > a as to the supplying of his c tomers with coal and protecting him from injury making up any loss occasionta by his worts ttandi By this means you might have 800 of 1000 men up y ^ anda ^^ f eo ^ ty , which would be v . xy serio X > efe 3 t would be fatal . Sere is my plan . ' a-jdif I
"XxngP bring it on , upon than be the blame . ttsy attempt ihii , tfeere must be no partial atrik your watchword must be that of your Comishbrethi - 05 B ASD AXL . " New , then , follow up your t sent plan of keeping the market bare -, and If t should attempt to coerce yon , stsibje at oucb , c A 2 TD ali , TXOM THI IiAJiDS ESD TO Ji O-GSOATS , AJfD rOUBXEES DATS TFILL SEr ihk QtTESiios !! I 'wish to be distinctly underBt in t > i « mattex . 1 am opposed to stilkes , if They be avoided . Bnt if the masters are hot-headed etc t » drive yon to the desperate alternative , the end justify the means ; and may God protect the tuffs poor fiom the cruelties of the oppressors , is earnest prayer of , The Miners ' . FrienS ,
And Public ' s obeditnt servant , Wh . Dixos JUnciieiter , tfef . 29 % JUS .
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BBAl > roRl > . —Mb . R . Oastixb . —On Monday evecing , the friends of Mr . Oastler , heid a meeting in the Tempt-rance Hall , according to the arrangements of the Oasikr Liberation Central Committee , On the platform were W . B . Perrand , Esq ,, M . P , tbe ReT . 31 r . Mor « an , B . D ., Rev . J . L . Ftost , M . A . Rev . Mr . Sherwood , Rev . Mr . Cooper , Mr . William Walker , of the firm of Wood and Wa 3 ker , of Bradford , T&th&m , Esq ., of Haddersfield , Mr . T . Brook , Dewsbnry , Mr . L . Pitkethly , Hnddersfield , J . Pollard , Esq ., ( magistrate ) , Mr . Balme , Mr . Milner , Mr . Auty , of Bradford , Charles Walker , Esq ., and many otfcer gentlemen , Jay and clerical . Mr . William Walker was called to the chair . Several resolutions were imanircously adopted by the
meeting with great app ' anBe . The substance of which are as foIIowB : — " That a general subscription be raised amongst all grades of our countrymen and countrywomen , for the express purpose of procuring the liberation of Mr . Oastler , and enabling him to prosecute his philanthropic labours . " * " That booksellerB , and others , be rt quested to receive subscriptions in aid of the liberation . Fund ; and that they and all other pereons wishful to forward the proposed object be requested to communicate their names and address to Mr . Pitkethly , BnXton road , HaddeKfield , who as secretary will furuish them with books for the purpose ; and persons employed iu the various manufactories and workshops be requested to assist in the accomplishment of this
object . At the close of the meeting Beveral eums of money were subscribed . Mr . Charles Walker , £ 10 , many other gentlemen £ 5 and £ 1 eaeh . Mr . Auty , £ \ for himself and 41 for his wife ; the Woolcombfcr .- m . the employ of Messrs . Wood and Walker , £ 2 2 s . 6 d . A vote of thanks wae moved to the clergy , and carried unanimously . The thanks of the meeting were carried by acclamation to tho chairman . Three eheera were proposed for the " Good Oid King f and Jondly responded to , by all parties . Jfarythicg was wanting to coBvinoe the oppressors of the poor of the respect in which Mr . Oastler is held in Bradford , this meeting must pnt to flight all doubts on ihesobj ^ ct , as Tories , "Whigs , and Chartists ,
all joined vrith one accord to support the Liberation Fund , to the utmost ext « nl of ; beir power . The Poor Law ( or Bastile ) Bill was most ably exposed by Mr . Auty . The whole of the gentlemen on the platform addressed the meeting . Mr . Smyth and Mr . iiydd also spoke on behalf of the Factory Chikren , and in support of the Liberation Fnnd . Subscription Books are now ia the hands of a number or working men z and u is hoped that ere Christmas is ushered in , that Mr , Oastler will be atEberty . The iscrory hands are nobly doing their duty on this occasion ; a spirit of emulation seems to pervade all ranks , truly proving tbe affection the working-men invariably feds for the friend of the oppressed : no matter what his political or religious oreed may be .
Etz ' ^ eb's Machines . —The friendB and believers in the practicability of Mr . Etalert Plan of Machinery lor the regeneration cf the world , and for superceding human labour , met on Sunday last , at the Cross Keys , Wraj-street , Bradford , when a number of persons enrolled their names and formed a society for the pnrpose of instituting a full enquiry into the above theory , with a view to its being put into practice . The following resolutions were passed , namely , u That the members of this society are of opinion that Mr . Etzler's views are quite practicable ; arid if men do not fairly examine , they ought not to judge rashly of than , ( nor throw obstacles in lie in j of others reducing them to practice ^ by the circulation of their old and wornoui notions of things . " The members will meet every Sunday evening at bix o'clock , at the Cross . Keys , Wray-street . —John DawsojA , Churman ; John Greenwood , Secretary .
The Tfortheejv Stae Saturday, December 3, 1843.
THE tfORTHEEJV STAE SATURDAY , DECEMBER 3 , 1843 .
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THE QUEEN AT NOTTINGHAM . As our most gracious Qaeen is to arrive at the Nottingham Station on Monday next , on her way to the Duke of Rotund ' s ; and , as it is all important , that she should be put in possession of vae real condition of her loving subjects , whe will not be allowed to occupy the platform , and are too poor to pay for a seat in the gallery , we understand they have resolved upon welcoming her with a silent view of her working subjects : and that while they will abstain from any , thesligb test mark of disrespect , they
trust that that knowledge which will not be communicated to the Royal ear , will carry conviction to the Royal eye . The men will shew their wives and children upon the auspicious occasion ; and we have to request that "heit Majesty ' s managers will pray that her Majesty may be graciously pleased to put down the glass of the Royal carriage whan passing the Town Common-side , in order that her Majesty may see and judge of the real condition of her loyal and loving subjects , who trust that they will be blessed and gratified with something more than a view of the blind that abuts out poverty from Royal
inspection . We are not averse to her Majesty travelling where sha pleases , and seeing what she pleases ; as long as we have not to pay for it . But while she traveb at our expense , we require to see and be seen , to see , in order that we may have tke worth ot our money—and to be seen in order that her Majesty may know the source from whence her Exchequer is filled . On tuch occasions her Majesty may perhaps hear a cheer for her Ministers ; or what is more likely , the national bind of well-tuned voices ebavutitts tbe Isational Anthem ,
Spread the Charter through tbe land
SMALL CAUSES LEAD TO GREAT ETENTS . While tha destitution of the working classes of this country should enlist the sympathy of tbe rieh and the support of the press , we find that estate bestowing more space upon small matters wholly unconnected with the interest of the working classes , and the 4 aily journals content with a mere passing glance at national poverty , or with the publication of assurances that general distress iB a
consequtnee of national vice and immorality . Meantime we learn that nearly every state in Europe is agitated io it 3 centre , in oonseqnence of the visit of the Duke of Bobdeavx to this country ; and , furthermore , in accounting for the distress now xsging in the stocking-making districts , we are gravely informed by the trade correspondent of the London press that it is a consequence of the Qusen wearing long petticoats !
There is a Etory told of a Spanish Princess , once upon her travels , being presented with a specimen of glovea and silk stockings , in a town celebrated for the manufacture of those articles . The gloves were first presented , and vreie graciously received by her Mini 3 terj but his modesty , was so far put to the blush upon the presentation of the stockings » that he exclaimed with passionate vehemence , flinging them on tbe ground , " A SPANISH Pbwcess has K 0 legs ! ' In their turn , the impoverished stockingers may exclaim , " O for an English Queen with legs ! " However the anecdote may serve as msiter / or laughter , it must be a Bubject of dtep
regret to every sane man , to every thinking man , to every honest man , that the visit of the grandson of a depo&sd tyraat , and the length of the Queen ' s petticoats , should lead to the anticipation of foreign convulsion and domestic suffering , When , in the name of common sense , shall we arrive at a period when crowned heads and aspiring youths will be allowed to prosecute their travel lika ordinary individuals 1 We find the passage of her Majesty through this impoverished land chronicled with a disgusting minuteness : but the swallowers np o wealth have taken eare to present the fair side of ibe picture only to the Royal eye .
If the Queen of England had any power , she would be allowed to see both sides of the picture-However , » 3 her keepers have resolved upon exhibiting her with blinkers , we rejoice to learn , from a communication from Nottingham , where the longpetticoat fashion has created bo much poverty , that there , at all events , the sufferers have resolved npon presentiag her with the true condition of her loving subjects . Talk of " cordial reception , " and " enthusiastic loyalty" indeed , such as that displayed at railroad stations , the property of the Tien , and undei
the controul © f the Government ; would the Directors or tbe police allow naked pauperism to occupy any portion of their ptemi 3 e 8 l No . ThoBe exhibitions are for Iniing Majesty into a belief of the popularity of her Ministers . Will they venture to bring her to Manchester , to Leeds , to Oldbam , tc Hnddergfield , to Bradford , or to Halifax , there tc witness the improvement of trade , " and the eondition of those whose labour furnishes her with all th < comforts « f lift 1 Ko ; her route is through th « ranks of the rich , the opulent , and the privileged
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and therefore the satisfied and uncomplaining . The eye , and especially the eye of the disconsolate working man , must look jealously upon the gliding pomp of Majesty , which say a , Behold my greatness ! it should satisfy yoa with your own littleness . " But the days are fast approaching when those senseless pageants most pass away , and when the journeys of First Magistrates will be undertaken for general benefit , rather than for individual gratification . That will not be , however , until the people ' s representatives have a tight hold of the people ' s purseBlrings ; and then Royal joumeya will be estimated according to their general value .
THE QUEEN'S BENCH . —FOURTH COUNT . In consequence of an announcement which appeared some time back in tbe London papers , to the effect that , on the 28 : h , Lord Dkkman would give judgment in cases still pending , Mr . Robebts , the zealous and energetic Attobnbt- General of Jbe Chartists , attended on that day at the sitting of the Court , having travelled all night for the purpose . Lord Dbnman not having made any reference to the case of the men implicated in the fourth count , we surely have the strongest right to conclude , that
the whole proceedings are at an end , and will not be again revived . And , if bo , the several parties charged with grave offences at Lancaster , will have gained that signal triumph , not more over the Government than over the Free Traders who originated the Revolution , and then directed the Government in selecting for vengeance those who refused to be their willing tools . We trust that notwithstanding the continuous denunciation of the
English Chartists for their illegal conduct , that our Irish brethren , with all the advantages of a heavy purse , " respectability , " and a large portion of the press , will be able to boast of as great a triumph and establish for themselves that peaceful character which they deny to the English Chartists . Too ranch credit cannot be awarded to Mr . ROBERTS for the ablo manner in which he has brought this momentous trial to a close ; and our friends over whom the verdict was held " in terrorem" should
rejoice that they will now be in a better situation to aid in the good work of Re-orgaaiaatioa . We may now fondly anticipate such a resuscitation of Chartism as will ensure a full , free , and fair representation of the whole people in the forthcoming Convention , while it will also furnish them with more materials from which to select the officers required to work the national machinery . The shackles being now taken off some of our best men , the cause will go on improving , until success crowns our united exertions .
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RECONCILIATION . Ix is with no ordinary pleasure that we direct the attention of our readers to tbe report of the discussion , which took place on Monday last , between our friends at Nottingham ; and from the manner in which the proceedings were conducted , all who read must eome to the conclusion that misunderstanding \ rather than desire to create dissension , led to the apparent differences which have so happily terminated . And while we are thus ready to do every
justice to other parties , we claim for ourselves the same measure of justice at their hands . Without attempting to rub the Bore , or re-open the subject ] we think that we have a ri ^ ht to say ( hat , in the opinion we ventured to give , we were actuated by the best and most laudable motives ; while the happy result of the meeting between Mr . O'Connor and our Nottingham friends goes far to establish the fact , that we acted wisely by withholding from the publio ear matters which merely required a mutuaj explanation to ensure satisfaction .
It haB been held prudent , as manifested in several votes of different Conventions , that local disputes should be locally diecueeed and settled in those localities where they originate . There the causes of complaint are first seen ; there proceedings are matured \ there preliminaries are arranged ; there discuBBion takes place ; and the verdict there passed should be satisfactory to other localities where dis-Bension has originated out of any portion or distortion of the original dispute . When we trace the several disputes that have arisen in our ranks to their real source , we almost invariably discover that th ey have not originated with the Chartist body , but with dissatisfied 'individuals , who are allowed to faa the most insignificant charges into grave
accusations . We sta ^ e these things here more especially for the purpose of justifying our , hereafter non-interference in , or notice of , local or sectional disputes . We have now lying before us correspondence of a most mean character , which , from the similitude , we must suppose to be stereotyped , and transmitted to the various localities , containing not so much charges , as threats of vengeance , against Mr . O'Connob . But while we highly appreciate the motive of those parties who have thought it their duty to put him upon his guard , upon the principle that to be forewarned is to be forearmed , we shall abstain from making the Northern Star a vehicle for even its Proprietor ' s defence , feeling assured that the accused will at all times find his safety to consist in the purity of his actions .
Our brave , unflinohing , and warm-hearted friends of Sunderland , and the North , have our thanks for the candid manner in which they have dealt with Mr . O'Connor , by transmitting a correspondence which now lies before us . Without any further notice from us , he will find amplo satisfaction iu their short bui conclusive reply . The -working clasees -will find enough to do iD combating open enemies aud professing friends , without being led into party and sectional squabbles
for tbe mere graV'fication of disappointed and ambi ^ tious individuals . We are aware , that while an unfounded disagreement existed in Nottingham , artful and maiieious " tricksters" have been at work , sedulously endeavouring to make the dissatisfaction of Nottingham a rag ng plague to be , spread throughout the laud . We rejoice to find , , however , that the good sense of our friends there ! has stopped the fever , destroyed the infection , and thus prevented the spread of sickuess through the i Chartist body .
This example vfiJl doubtless be imitated wherever 1 its stern principles are to be sternly maintained , and ; to the working men themselves , who anticipate benefit from the accomplishment of their principles , we look as the physicians to arrest the progressof tbat contagious malady intended for their destruction . We-shall not further venture to expatiate upon the subject , but leave with the people the ' . chastisement which the promoters of disunion are sure to receive at their bauds , when their machinations are discovered . i _
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WHY DID CHARTISTS SEEK TO AID THI REPEALERS ? RADICALISM IN FORMER TIMES . Oca readers will remember our friendly expostu lations with the conductors of the Dublin Tf ' oi Id ii reference to certain advice they courteously tenders ub regarding the Repeal movement , and the stat ef Chanism . In our remark ? , we gave the Worl credit for-the best intentions ; and honestly ex pressed eur admiration of its political character am general policy ; and we rejoice to gay that th observations of our contemporary , in reply to on remarks , have given us no cause to retract th favourable opinions we before expressed .
In the World , of November 18 th , appeared ih Editor ' s answer to our article . We had intende to have rejoined last week ; but press of malfc < prevented as . As the World has very candidly allowed us i speak for ourselves , by quoting into its pages tt most important portions of our article ; it in on ! right that we should , as we do most willingly , retur the compliment . The World says : —
" We never have been fond of controversy with coj temporaries ; indeed , we endeavonr to avoid it , feeiin ; except upon rare occasions , it leads to nothing but waste of time and space which might be much belt employed . Tbe gladiatorial displays of Dublin new
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papers , for instance , are not calculated to inspire a taste for the joys of such contests , where personal abuse IB but tOO Often substituted for sound argument Whose ambition is aroused by witnessing the proprietor of the Evening Pofi pouring forth his scandalous phial upon the head of the proprietor of the Evening Packet , which the latter is sure ijto promptly acknowledge and payback with compound interest ? Such strife is productive of no beneficial results ; it advances no good principles , snd seldom even serves the cause of faction .
I , however , tarn with pleasure to the Noifiern Star , in wbieh we find a lengthy article in reply to some observations made by ourselves , couched in a tone and conceived in a spirit the reverse of what we have been deprecating . We are greatly obliged to the Northern Stcir lot the kind spirit in which it has received our remarks , which were well intended , and feel not a little flattered by the compliments paid to ourselves . We will now , in justice to the Star , Mow it to speak for itself . "
. We too , can say in all sincerity , that we have no taste for the sortof " controversy" described so truly by the World ; otherwise we have temptations enough to embark in " gladiatorial displays" every week that passes . For though " Chartism is d « ad" ( f ) the Northern Star ( much to the mortification of the factions ) is still alive and likely t o be so while the principles of Democracy exist ; and when will the " die" 1 and as we have said , not a week passes but we have some snarling our at oar heels . And * tis because we believe that " such etrife" is rarely " productive of beneficial results" that we
engage in it as little as possible . ' Occasionally we let our contemporaries know that we can " argufio " as well as they ; and then , when they have got the drubbing they have provoked , they say : " 0 what a blackguard ! We never thought the Noi'thcm Star would have laid us sprawling in the mud ! Bless us how ungentlemanly ! We must decline any fur ? ther contest" ! Such is the way we have been treated by parties who are unceasing in their endeavours to make us " show fight , " and then shrink from the battle . The Editor of the World we are happy to say , appears to be a very different character .
Admiring , as we do , the spirit in which th © above extract has been penned , we would have thought it all-sufficient to have quoted it into our pages , but for two or three errors into which our contemporary bas fallen , and which the World we are sure will not be o £ anded with us for correcting . The World quotes fully our defence of Mr . O'Connor ' s atiempt to join the Repeal Association . We repeat the conclusion of the argument : —
*• True , Mr . O'Connor—aye and others of the Chartist leaders who joined the Repeal body—had entertained fueliDgs of hostility towards Mr . O'Conneil ; feelings engendered by his repeated betrayals of the principles of liberty , ( which we can prove it need DQj , and his disgusting libels of the working classes of this country ; but when they thought they saw him inclined to act honestly for once , when they thought he was really in earnest in his agitation for the Repeal , they
generously smothered their feelings of resentment , — honour to them * . —and made sacrifice of their own wrongs on the ft ! tar of the common good . Should Mr . O'Connor be reproached for so aeting ? It might have been more in accordance with the loftier ideas of patriotism , seemingly entertained by tbe World , that Mr . O'Connor should have sacrificed his duties aa a public man to bis resentments aa a private man ; but we are not of tbe same opinion .- '
On this the World remarks : — " Tbe Star must admit that this is very clumsy special pleading . Tbe Repeal Association is a body which owes its existence to Mr . O'Connell , and is known to be completely under his control , and it would Beem to ub that . Mr . O'Connor , in seeking to K > ecome a member , gave a practical contradiction to many of the charges he had been in the habit of putting forth . In wishing to identify himself with the Association he either sought to embarrass Mr . O'ConrJeli , or place kimself under his command . Now , for the Star or Mr . O'Connor to tell us that be was anxious to surve one whom he bad described as politically corrupt , merely tbat he might advance the interests of bis country , is what we should not have expected . "
We must plead " Not Guilty" to this eharga of " special pleading , " "clumsily , " or otherwise . Thank God , we are ( as the Duke says ) " not learned in : the law . " * ' Clumsily" we may argue . We pretend not to be the CoBBs-nof the Press ; but whatever be our deficiencies , we are not conscious of any " special pleading" in stating out case , whatever that may be . The best answer we can give to the foregoing , is to request the World to read our observations in the preceding article over again . " But when they ( Mr . 0 'Cojwoe and the Chartists ) thought they saw him ( Mr . O'Connbll ) INCLINED TO ACT HONESTLV . FOP . ONCS " , Vf HEN THSTf
THOUGHT HE WAS BEAIXT IN EARNEST IN HIS A « Itation fob the Repjeal , they generously smothered their feelings , " 4 4 " * N ° what " special pleading" is there here ! To us it appears to be all " plain sailing . " We , Mr . O'Connor , and the Chartists generally , may have been very foolish in supposing that Mr . O'Comell covld be honest , even for once ; it may have been very " clumsy " in us to have entertained such a hope ; wo may not have had aa many-opportunities »* i the World has , for coming to the conclusion that tbe Repeal
Movement at the Corn Exchange was all hum ; and that " the best thing tbat Sir Robert Peel could do , " to put it down , was " to send a batch of the ' Young Ireland' lawyerlings to mangle law in the Colonies , and appoint a score or two of other Patriots , ready to die for fatherland , to lucrative situations in the Customs , Excise , aud Constabulary Force" ; we may have mis-judged of , and misconceived , the whole matter ; but even if so , and if events ultimately prove that we were wrong , O'Connell , and not us , will bo tho sufferer .
As to Mr . O'Connor ' s motives in joining the Repeal Association , we have already stated them , so far as we know them ; and we believe we ha- ? e done so correctly . It may be that , without vrishing to ' embarass" Mr . G'Connell , he had au idea of helping to keep his countrymen steady to his professed purpose : aud that ho stood iu ueed of some such help , Mr . O'Con . nell ' s conduct daily testifies . A few weeks ajjo , Mr . O'Connell assured his hearers that Jiepcul should be obtained within six months , if they obs&ved perfect peace , or his head siioutD be upon the block ! Last Friday , in an
address to the Irish people , ho tells them that " if they remain quiet , iti another twelve months REPEAL WILL BE AT HAND" ! First the Irish people were told that this was the Repeal year ; next that by April , Repeal Should be had , Or Mr . O'Connell ' s head should be forfeited ; and now that if they willonb obey his " commands , " in another twelve months Repeal will be , —not obtained ^ — but AT HAND ! Does the World call this " special pleading" ? We do , at any rate ; and very " clumsy " pleading , too . Let O'Connell look to it . He may carry his Repual pitohor to the well of delusion onco too often !
The TJ orld quotes " with pleasure" the concluding portion of our article , which our readers may remember was a defence of Chartism as it w , compared with what it was "forty years ago . " In reply , the World says : — " Tbe SHr denies that forty years ago the principles of the Charter -were either well understood or effectually advocated . This is atrangu ; for we had thought representation coextensive with taxation , was a theory of the British Constitution ; It is acknowledged by the
Star that forty years ago the Richmond , the Foxts , and the Greys , spouted Universal Suffrage , notwithstanding they afterwards threw the measure overboard . Were such men likely to bring forward such a question in JParliani&nt unless they knew they were powerfully sustained out of doors ? They were incited to activity through party motives--but then , Universal Suffrage was enibl ; zoned upon the banner they unfurled . We have not space to-day to puvsue the argument , bnfc ahall be happy to do so on another occasion , if oar able contemp « raty be not aliteadj » ati 8 ned . "
True , Representation co-extensive with Taxation " has been the " theory" of that thing called the " British Constitution " : but the theory is one thing ; tho practice haB been another . When the monster Harry , and . the she-tiger Elizabeth , summoned Parliaments at their will to register their edicts for the despoiling of the Church and the poor , and the enacting of "Act-of-Pariiament creeds , " where was this boasted theory then * When Chomwell's gang cursed the country with the " Excise "; when a "junta" of Whig aristocrats and London merchants , calling themselves a fl National Convention" (!) gave the Crown to Dutch William , and , —presumptuous idiots , —bound themselves and their posterity to ac-
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knowledge and obey the sovereignty of William and Mart and their heirs FOR EVER , where was the theory then ? jWhen the Septennial Act was passed , authorizing tho enacters and their successors to sit for seven years , instead of one ; and when war was made by a corrupt Legislature upon the people of America for asserting tho principle that Taxation without Representation is tyranny , " where was the theory then 1 ! Now , it was just these invasions , and setting at nought of this theory , that had tendered the mass of the people ignorant ] of the principles of the Charter ,
" forty years jago . " We did not acknowledge tha "forty years ago the Richmonds , the Foxes , and the Gbevs spouted Universal Suffrage . " Our words were that these parties "had some years before" that period so spouted , "'Tis sixty years since , " or thereabouts , that the ehoy-hoys affected to advocate these principles . At the subsequent period of" forty years ago , " these worthies were silent as "dumb dogs" upon the subject . True , when the question was brought forward by these mea , they undoubtedly were sustained by a party out of doors ; . but not suoh a party as exists now . The World ha , s not
forgotten the " kicking out" of the Whigs ; and tha Whigs gay " the Chartists pid it all" ! " Forty years" since Birmingham had not a Chartist Mayor , as Dr . Pbiestlet knew to his cost ; nor were' the Corporations of such places as Leeds , Sheffield , Nottingham , Leicester , and Northampton composed to a great extent , as they are now , of avowed Chartists , or men professing the same principles under another name . " Forty years since" the factious were not , as now , glad to go cap in hand to the Chartists to solicit the support of the
longreviled , but now courted , because growing , Democracy . But we are but repeating what the World ha not refuted ; and we are pure that so ardent a lovor of freedom as the World will rather bs rejoiojad than otherwise , to find itself cor " rectod , and convinced , that so far from The World stauding still , it has slowly but surely , progressed ; and that every day 13 hastening the downfal Of that system which has been the bane of this , and the " seven-centurv ^ -earse of the sister country . " If
our able contemporary be not already satisfied , " we shall at a future day , be happy to resume the subject . With such a controversalist as the World , we shall be happy to break a lance at any time , when the interests of the public , and not personal or party vanity , demand it . As to the issue of suoh contests we care little . 5 It matters not whether we succeed in correcting the World , or the World succeeds in correcting us , so that information be imparted to the people , and truth be triumphant !
THE OASTLER FUND . LIBERTY TO THE CAPTIVE . It is with heartfelt pleasure that we refer to tha general aad earjnest movement , now being made to effect the liberation of one of the best men this land bas in it , —^ the truly great and good Richard Oastles . i His long incarceration in a prison for debt has been a national disgrace . It is indeed high time that the stain was wiped out .
Our readers ( will not need reminding , that we have ever set forth his many claims to publio support , and continually called upon all classes to perform their duty toward him who has served them , by not only procuring his release , but also placing him in a situation , when out of captivity , far above want , or even the fear of it . It is , therefore , with much gratification that we witness the matter , at last , taken I up with becoming spirit , and every indication given that the long-desired object will be fully accomplished .
Richard Oastles has been useful . He has done much to ameliorate the condition of suffering humanity . He has been an important wheel in the complicated machine of human progression . He has contributed much | to tbe " onward" march of hind . He has done society service ; and society has now a duty to perform towards him , \ thich , we trust , will be faithfully discharged .
Richard Oastler , in what he has done , has been honest . He has had no interested ends to serve . Self , with him , has been no consideration . He was convinced ; and ; he spoke . He felt ; and ha acted . He did not considerately weigh the pro ' s aud the con ' a on Mb own interests ; but he threw himself into the gap , bodily , —ready for tho sacrifice , if sacrifice was needed . The immolation was demanded ! The " pound of flesh , '" was insisted on . The Bond" was exacted ; and the penalty has surely been paid !
It is the firm conviction on the minds of alt parties , of Oastler ' s sterling integrity and truthfulness of purpose , that has obtained for him the high moral standing in the land which the present movement proves him * o hold ; and the fact that men of all oreeds , and of all politics , can , for tho time being , sink their several differences , and unite to do honour to moral worth , puts one in love with human nature itself , thus &hown to be loving , and sound , ' and heart ? at bottom , when fairly appealed to , and occaaious arise which thrust aside the factitionsness and conventionalisms of society .
Yes ! iu this case men of all parties do unite ; the political friend , aud the political opponent ; tbe churchman and ) the dissenter ; the workman and the employer ; the master and the Bervant . Att take their stand on the common ground of humanity , and tender the warm-hearted hand of fellowship and aid to suffering uprightness . The mo Yemeni is indeed general . Meetings : have already been holden a 4 Huddersfield , Bradford , and Bingley . lieed 3 , as we announced last week , is preparing . Tho meeting in that town is to be on Monday next . In all probability , it will be in the
Court House ; ibut at the time of our present writing this ia not definitely settled , aa the Mayor , who has the granting of { t > nag jj een out of town , and could not be seen . It will , however , be holden , either in that building , or inthelargoroom of the Commercial Buildings . The' platform , on that occasion , will , as we are given to ) understand , be occupied by men of all parties ; thej Tory , the Whig , the Whig-Radical , the Radicil , and the Chartist . There will ' also be men there of no ; political party ; bat all will join in sympathising ¦ with th © wrongs , and in rendering
needful aid , to an injured man . We expect on that occasion to See the Peer , tho Clergyman , tho Christian | Minister , the Alderman , the Councillor , the Burgess , &vd the poliucallyproscribed , meet together for once , and , unitedly , do a good deed . Many , very many parties , well known to be politically opposed to Mr . Oastler , have already signified their intention to be present , and to take part in , the procef dings ; and we need scarcely add that , wi . hout doubt , those who agree with Mr . Oastler , either amongst hi 3 Tory or Chartist friends , will bo present also .
Connected with this movement in Leeds , there is one circumstance that haB gratified the immediate actiDg friends of Mr . Oastlep in no small degree . With pleasure do we accede to the request contained in the following note , and give publicity to the letter that accompanies it . The tribute therein so generously paid to the integrity of a political foe , is indeed honourable to the heart of the iwriter . The ease between the
two men , was Hot an every day one . The " war of words , " and sometimes of actions too , has ( been bitter and almost unceasing . Still all natural kindliness could not be smothered in political contest ; and Mr . Baines has shewn that he possessed strength of mind sufficient to throw paltry revenge to the winds , and aot tho part of one man towards another in time of need . The conduct he bas pur * sued is highly creditable to him , as the following will abundantly prove : —
To the Editor of the Northern Star . SlB , —Yob will greatly oblige tbe Leeds Operative Committee for promoting Oastlku's Libert y Fund , if you will insert the following communication in yoni next journal . They seek for its publication , not only as a tribute to tbe high moral standing of Mr . Oastler , as evidenced in the aidthns freely and generously tendered him by a political opponent , but also for the justification of Mr . Baines , whose explanations , ought to be known to prevent misconception .
We aitt , Sir , yours respectfully , : John Hotton , Chairman I Wm . Rider , Secretary Leeds . Nov . 20 ; 1843 .
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" Leeds , 27 Nov . 1843 , " Gentlemen—In compliance wiib , the solicitations of a deputation from the Committee tor promoting a subscription to effect the liberation of Mr . Oastler from the confinement under which he bas so long suffered , and to make some provision for his fature wants , I wish to cast into the ' Subscriptions' my contribution of Five Pounds which they conceive mav have an influence beyond the mere amount of that subscription . " In taking this step I wish to guard myself against any misconstruction ; you will therefore allow mo to say that my views are as much opposed aa they ever
have been to Mr . Oastler's upon the political and economical subjects on vfhich we have hitherto differed , " You must permit me also to add , from recent allusions tbat have been made to my acquaintance with Mr . Oastler ' s late excellent father , that , though I had a great respect for that gentleman , and had tha pleasure to enjoy his friendship for many years , I n ° ver received from him ( as Mr . Oastler seemed at one time to suppose * any obligations , or aBy assistance towards my * establishment in business *? and tha 1 ; in uniting with his son ' s frienda in serving him in his present exigency , I am wholly uninfluenced by any considerations of that nature .
• With my beat wishes for the speedy attainment of your humane object , " lam , gentlemen , " Very faithfully yours , ewd . Baines . " To tbe Committee for promoting Mr . Oastler ' s Subscription . " It is , Indeed , refreshing to find that the burning contests of party do not entirely obliterate human feeling . They have done , and still do , much mischief in the world : but such instances as the one now recorded , go far to show us the utter folly of continuing them ; and give a foretaste of the kindly feeling , true consideration , and even happiness that might universally exist , and of which this world ia capable , could we but learn common sense enough to baar and forbear with one another .
The reference to " recent allusions" concerning Mr . Baines and Mr . Oastleb ' s father , in the last paragraph of Mr . Baines ' s letter , we aro somewhat concerned with . That " recent allusion" was made by us . It was reported in last week's Star . Concerning the matter , we are glad to be set right . We deem it necessary however , just to observej that in making such " allusion" we were not without authority . Mr . Baines knows that the statement has been often made ; and by those too , whom it might be presumed , had reason for what they said . It has , up to this period , been uncoatradicted . Now , however , we have Mr . Baines ' s negation to the statement ; and for having made the " recent allusion" which ha 9 drawn forth Mr . Baines ' s explanation , Mr . Hobson thus publicly expresses his regret if it has caused Mr . Baines the least
annoyance . Turning from Yorkshire to Lancashire , we find a similar spirit , in connection with the " Liberty Fund , " existing , there . From Manchester we have the following : — M Within the last week the Central Committee of Lancashire , Cheshire , and Derbyshire , for raising a fund for the liberal ion of Mr . Oastler , have held several meetings , and made the necessary arrangements for appealing to the public on behalf of that truly honest aad patriotic man . In a few days a public meeting will be called for this purpose in tbe largest place tbat can be procured in Manchester . At a meeting of the Central Committee , held at the Old Swan Inn last night , Mr . Thomas Daniel in the chair , an address to the working people and their friends was unanimously adopted . "
A copy of that address we have been favoured with . We regret that we cannot find room for it . It is a fair and candid setting-forth of Mr . Oastxer ' s case ; and will , we trust , have tha effect of rousing » p tho entire Factory Population of th © Great Cotton District to " come to the rescue " - ^| t ; : their fbiend and unswerving advocate . ^ Liverpool ia also on the move , lifoy , London , the wen ; the social excrescesce ; the sink of corruption itself , feels ealled upon to take part in affording freedom to the captive patriot .
Halifax is arranging for a meeting also . Barnsley holds one on Wednesday next . Sheffield and Wakefield will speedily follow ; and we trust that the example so numerously set will not be lost on other places , but that every town and village in the manufacturing districts will emulate it . The Central Committee meet every Monday at the Railway Hotel , Brighouse , at three o ' clock . To that committee , tbe arrangements for public meetings should be communicated ; as by that course being pursued , the committee may be able to secure for them the services of influential gentlemen who have plaoed themselves at their disposal for this business . The committee also invite the attendance
and co-operation of all friends . The last meeting was attended by W . B . Ferrand , Etq ,, M . P , Joshua Pollard , Esq ., J . P ., Jonathan Scholefield , Esq ., Wii . Cooke , Esq ., T . R . TATHAM , Esq ., T . S . Brooke , Esq ., J . Thornton , Esq ., Mr . L . Pitkethlet , Mr , John Leech , and Mr . J . O'Rourk . e . In conclusion , we call upon the Factobt Workers of England , TO DO THEIR DUTY on this occasion I Mr . OaSTLEK has done more than his towards you . You have benefitted , directly and palpably , from his labours . Whatever amelioration in the working of the stern , iron , realities of the Factory System may have taken place , —and much in that way has been done , —to Oastler you are indebted for it . You owe him a mighxt debt in return . We now want you to pay
it ! We know that he has your grateful and hearty thanks ; but in his hour of need do let him have some little of your cash . He did not spare his cash in your service . He was , when he began to work for you , in as happy a position as man could possibly wish to be * He lived in a most lovely spot . He had an income of £ 500 a-year , or just upon £ 10 a-week . He was revered and beloved by all around him . If happiness ever fonnd anlabiding place on this earthj surely it was on Aw hearts . He heard of your wrongs . The tale suuk into his heart . He satisfied himself that what he had been told wastruo : and then he boldly came to the rescue . Money or comfort was with him , no question . He spent his all . Nay , the very debt for which he has been cooped up within the walls of a prison for now three years and a half was incurred to obtain protection for
suffering infancy . It was to prevent your children from being worked to death , that Oastler becama a " debtor : " you are therefore " debtors" to him : you ought to PAY Bin !! Every Factory worker is bound , by all tho ties of humanity , to contribute to this " Libertypurchasing Fund . " Let us trust that all will bo consider it I Let but the Factory Workers give twopence each , and the work
is done ! Only twopence each I ! Who ifl there , that knowa anything of what the Factory system was , and what it is , but will spare thai small sum , to rescue their friend from prison-confinement 1 Let the Factory Workers only do thatt and Oastler will be placed in a position to do them far more eseential service than any he has rendered yet , great as that has been . Then , FAtftoBT Workers , TO THE RESCUE !!
In Nottingham—.An Adjourned Meeting Of Framework-Knitters, Was Held At The Shoulder Of.^ __ A. - _ ^_ T^ _ ._L -._- J._ - ~- . _. - _ -/* J.L_ __ A^Ff J
in NOTTINGHAM— . An adjourned meeting of Framework-knitters , was held at the Shoulder of . ^ __ a . - _ ^_ T ^ _ . _ L -. _ - j . _ - ~ - . _ . - _ - /* j . L _ __ A ^ ff J
syiunoa £ > ar&er-gaie , pursuance or cne n «*«» given last week , but owing to a public meeting tabnl place , it was but thinly attended . The following resolution was passed unanimously— - " That seeing the downward course of the Framework-knitting trade occasioned by a spurious , and thereby asuperabundant quantity of goods , it ia the opinion of tha meeting , that until a general union be formed of tn 3 men , and legislative protection afforded to the m , there is but little hope of ameliorating the conditiOH of the operatives ; we therefore recommend for tl » purpose , that branch unions , in accordance with-Uj Miners' olan . be forthwith formed : aud when so , w ** — ^ ^
a general meeting of delegates be called to form general code of laws for their guidance ; and shoal * tho assistance of the central committee , on *» petition business be required by any of Bach brftPS unions , by giving them notice their case wll ™ punctually attended to : that whereas it *•! agreed on Monday , the 20 th inst ., at a geD ^*| meeting of all branches of framework-knitters , «»• a levy of one penny per frame be forwarded to w » Central Committee to defray the out-standing aews , but as that resolution has not been generally wb plied with , it is requested that such supscn pt /< w «" for thwith forwarded to the CentralCdmmitteeat w ° Shoulder of Muttoi , Barker-gate , Nottingham . G , Woodward , Chairman to the Committee .
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Therk have beea several fires during * to *^ Lt Liverpool , but , fortunately , thsy have aU been g « under without much damage having been done .
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4 ; y _ TH . E NORTHERN STAR . , „_„
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Dec. 2, 1843, page 4, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct830/page/4/
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