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«nvri5RRE ON THE SOCIAL POWER OF BRONTEi"Jf E "MIDI)LE CLA3SES>
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MR. E. BROWN, BIRMINGHAM.
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rBnfiD a letter to » friend in Edinburgh . ) 1 Lancaster Castle , March 18 th , 1841 . „„ okaE M , —I have just received your long _?• to « S « letter of the 15 th , but before I notice the *¦* ^ T ^ allow me tojesome my former subject that * "S $ « nr nnoerstaad one aaothet a » to to * obstacle * ** tare to combat , and which most be OTercome before **« ufc » Te have the slightest chance of bang able to ** remedy for the evils we complain oL ^ rJi in nJ 71 " * , ih * / enormous as is the usurped ] zTa . the middle classes through the organisati on i ieuu wujwiwu ivu
~ " GJTOTmnent , sw ^ uiug u * » * ^ wer they bold in virtue of the testing org&nua-^ d . society : —in other "words , that their social **_ , ? , fer greater than even tkelr governmental **** Indeed , the latter is bat a consequence of the T ^ lL though in this , as in many other cases , tfce * Sf I ja go fearfully aggravated the cause as to be 5 ^ itE for it ; and , in truth , viewing aeeUty as f ^* . uotr in Britain , we may -well be excused for jJ 5 « B » -which is cause and which effect ; seeing that S ^ HttTsarts of powtr operate upon each other with "V ^ Ts asnatw reciprocity that every increase of the f !! £ l natretislolloved by fin increase o ! the govern- * * ^ l pow erI and eTery increase of the governmental ^ T ^ n ^ panAing increaBe of the social . By the social « r d . the middle c&Bses 1 nivaa , of course , the P ° *~ they can bring to bear on the Body Politic by * ° _ . pf tfieir -Wealth , position , and function * as mem-SJ ^ f V > ei «? ty . Th" zf ** 1 ** of po * er they had already ** T .-. ~ i to an enormous extent , before the passing of indeed out natural
& . RaSorm Act ; ( wnicn , , was a '"' Ljjggjca of that power , ) but , having obtained a fast r !^ L 6 f coTemmental power through that act , tliey L ^ Tiued the power so acqnired to augment tb eir Z * L pover . as they had before nsed tie social to ZfZ &t'th e geTernmentaL Witness the relaxation of Srfjjau 7 ii ws ; the Minions New Poor Law Act ; the utseniacon of the funded debt ; and the numerous i ^ vm AcS they hare got passed , in virtue of which ^ Z fciTj turned the public highways into private iffn-t * . attd already invested more than sixty millions ^ aSSj-it' -with a prospect of sooner or later getting f- ^ rS * . tm tt » whole , besides other advantages , Z ^ ftHH , is the Corporation "Reform" Act ; the act elljS . < whk& makes Bank of England notes a legal r ^ feTbT country bankers , ) and divers other acts of
zZZ ~* iii £ i minor importance , such as tbe act for fSJagppen the trade with India , &c I might cite iBtbe » , » d various other acts , every one of which « L jnjssded , and does actually tend , to augment the « a » i power of the middle classes . But the truth is , _ r friend , that every governmental measure passed CjaBilar stfspices o ! our reformed" Parliament has an todency ; and so it it is neidkss to specify parted measures . Do yon just take a glance at the -jncnal statutes of the last nine years , and mari . their miame classes
iajtkni upon tee interest or tfle , r ou Jilted one act giving them a more complete monopoly rfths Mtrepaper press than they ever had beforejoeiiia gitiDg tbtm cheap posta ^—sno * . her extending ftei prsrer over the effects of poor debtors—another gaKiur then : ilj sammary process ) to recover small tfvs by instalments , and , in default of payment , to tansan for every instalment—another giving increased jjsiade to tieir usarious practises , by extending to all Ifflj * bat was before iiaiiied to bills not exceeding ftree Escths date;—another tnabiiEg country bankers jo pTe them increastd " facilities " ( that is , to uiscv-unt B 3 e freelj aad cheaply for them ;—by beitg prorated fusil cish psymen ' s on demand—other acts opening up t o than - 'ireth Sel-is and pastures new " for the
lucrafcn iETestiB € Et of their capital ; " that is to Bay , BiKiiig them to convert stagnant pools of fictitious TOidi— ( for sach i » tbe tree character o ! their rsg-Baej , aal scrip , and " M : csmty" capital )—intoper-¦ bjI KrcaEB of real and solid wealth . Of this rfr . T-. 'tj-T aaii t endency ire all parharceutary acts -whicb EEpoTfci companies to maie railways , canals , bridges , a : xha public w ^ -rks ; a 3 well as those wbich enable psrsbes to Eiortsa ^ e the poor ' s rates , or which augment 6 s piblicdebt eiier by authorisiBg new leacs , or the hadicE of exchequer tills . Tie object of all sueh acts it , to eraris the r" ; cb middle classes to practise usury cb i isijer sale , acd in a nsora sevure way , than they C&r * ise could . By enabling them to derive
intenuiab ; -e aaiisides from definite capiU . 1 cw&uo they ttiu jrssrrr the cspital entire , or mayhap augment its tin- , in tfcestoci market , the law puts tLem on 3 a tcaalftx / tic ? infli the lords of the soiL Whi ' e on this seb ) e . i it ; eg rprTiark , that bere we tave tha true origi . i of c- ^ EidoEal dsbt , and of all tfce naticcai debts that erst in the ¦ srorid . These debts were not caused . as BBpletons iaagme' by extrivagar . t wars or profligate nhi ? tas ; bat were invested for the purpose of ealSingmoney capitalists to derive the same advantajssfroiE ifcsir money that tbe lords of tbe so : l do tan real estate ; and the wars ware got up to furnish jnaexs for b « rowiHf , so that , instead of tbe debt bei | tie eoaseqnense of wars , royal txiTavatance , &c tbss were bat consequences rf a predi- « pDsit . ion U > have
the itbts , which would have been orated equally « h 3 Bt tfce wan as with them . It was the capitalists " iskres tint there should be national debts ; and it is atajs ; he mterest of aristocratic governments to borb * ; rsrfy because they have all ^ he spending of the Bfflsr while they have none of it to pay , ( they leave fee people to do thai , i &nd partly because the establish-So ! 0 ; a money aristocracy vras necessary to the proteetkm of the landed aristocracy ^ who would , long ago , ten te : their usurped dominion over tte soil , but for fi » rid of tbe fuadlords , and otter descriptions of BEros , who , being as notorious robbers as the I&Dd-Jartj aemselves , are equally interested in prosciibiEg tot SBTeresgoty of the people . If you doubt this ver-&zl of the natter look at the fact that the debts of
« wt tthtr European State , as well as our own , have faeea-4 mce the general peace of 1815 . See France U ta moment augmentiug htr debt uiider the pr&-teace of public woiks" —see the States of America JttinfBp "internal improvements" for the like parpoa—see the Americin Whig papers lamenting that tee it not a General cr United States DeVt . as well as bOJfeVjfor each irdependext State . If all this dc * s Mst&fr you , then take up Blackstone and M'Culloch '; RBTprt of onr modern politictl economists , ac « l you tSl fsd itst they , oae and all , consider a national ** tj bs s Rational blessing , ( provided it be not too «•?* ; thsiis , provided the interest of it can be wrung fess the people withsc : the ilsk of reunion or a blow % sad Uat they all attribute no small share of Eng-¦ f * " nnrrralied prosperity as a nalion" to htr ^ d cebt and tbe *• good faith" she has always werr ^ i towards the " public creuitor . " Credat • Kesjiie ^ j . '
Bat I b 3 vs stayed from my snbject In referring to f t * iegiiiitioc of the last nine years , I only triaLed to •»¦» ibii t > w middle classes hare employed the gavtrn-* trta . power conferred on them by the Reform Act to « 8 £ « their soeal power , at the expence of the social * rferts of the peovle ; just u they ha-t before em-P ^ m , sad cio Ki ; i employ , their social to increase «» governmental power at tbe expeace of the political ^ a of the said people . All the acts above alluded ¦ »* e » cireet tendency to increase the middle-class
«« wealth , and hu power over the labourer ; » . e . to ^ . l » i » social power -, and , in proportion as this ^ r amass yo u will find Mm employing it to £ jat ku governmental power , both in and out of ^ KiKrt . Erery increase of his wealth < wruna , ae fc ^? A baif-5 tarTed labourer , ) wUl bring with it ^« Q danger to the possessor , and , consequently , r ~ M Bsce * ' ty for coercion acts , spies , and armed « KBsria to protect it Hence the new Rural Police ; r ** ' -& £ yt * KT annnenlatiiin nf nar rni ' rittrr fnrp& tie
^ & d euiiDd for 18 , 0 c * additional troc-ps for Uiifi ^« ytar , lJ 4 i . The Brijhdun Gazeiic , upon wtosc - ^ iry I sa » Ujjj Idct , informs as that the marines ' ^ to be increased , and more ships put in com-^*» i . Aid think not , my friend , that these aug-_^» ia of th e public fore * , are owins to the wailike j ^ - ° * - nr coatinential neigabonrs , or xns . de far the -prote wioaof " our colonial possessions , " " naval . ™« y , ' 4 c Lying Whig and Tory papers nay ^• « u version of it , but the true version is a mUi-^^ aaiionon ihe p ^ rt of out upper and wtidile-^ nttTiio taj , down the democracy of Great Britain ; '" . Sssttiiar cause are owing the late angio entatione ^^** l » JaDd and marine foices of mest of the con-^ 1 states . For , be assured , that the same demor «* psit w hich is it work here to overthrow -. *^* OCT ! Vtie ^ T 1 ^ H ^ TT * 1 r 1 r > B io ni ^ n * t T » -,. » V C « 17 M 1 V . MA
feaw iV- lttI ^ ' U * ^ fact ^ 0 Ter Eur 0 P > * ° OTcr ' ^ ^ Hr irinocratic inrtimtions . Indeed , I imotr kJc * f eafaci as regards Fr&Qce and Germany , and I ajaotiat toe prineip-esof Cliartism are txien-$ 1 too » a in Spiin , luly , and other Enropeaa j- ^ Some of the best aad most enlightened ^ J ^ * ad social Bcformers I bsve ever ^ 'ere Spaniards and Poles ; some of * 6 B ~^^ I ^ dai £ " ^ adon . In fact , nothing but a r ~* Jfr « pean war can prevent a breaking up of ^^"^^ -social organiation of society tbr » ugbjj ^ - ^ Ff ; and , as the anti-social and aristocratic , P » aa * made greater ravages in Enjlasd than £ a Jr f ^ e greatest fcfforts will be made by tbe " ssmT * cipitaiiats of this conntry , not only to ^ f ? wit wa r , " but to make it more Woody and £ e-Vt £ 7 ° 7 former war , in order , if possible , to q * - ceoocraey of Europe in the carcase . la ^^ t and bhrspshiie , at this moment , the landlords t ^ io ^ eases * ° every farmtr , who wiil not
en-*?»» f % to tte d 3 a 8 1 * ce ol the middle class farmeri , 1 ^ eat too ready 1 am told ) to enter into the * « £ » r lBnndal ^ ews . A pretty state of society fcwl r * « ia England , when every farmer , or ^ tJ * ' ¦ ^* * * y n 1111 . a 110 " "" t * Bonrbcn •^ Jwlf , 1116 ™ ^ of tfae kingdom , to act ^ . " ^ NaafeoB-iiien at the beck ol the middle **» s » d f T T ~ ^^^ P « f «« I right , in making up e ^ » w America . Great numbers , I am toid , are ^ J *? 7 mwiih from the neighbourhood of !* VBkm ! f ^ Md Br * ° 'd . My informant is a *» 2 & ^ i ""Roike , who calletl here yesterday , wixh > 8 « Jr ^ ? " - to P * y bi « " scboolmasttr" a fare-A small Iegt « y has just fallen to him
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i j . ~ - ^ fcifie ^ i' " M Wel ^ M 0 JU o 1 " . " because , though * * t lhi •» U nomi ? aKy less now than at tbe cloee ^* efon ! . m Ieality Igreater , owing to the depre-^ 5 ta , t CBrreac 7 . and tbe general fall in prices ^» a » t cpon this and other causes .
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through hi * wife , and , like a prudent man , he Is about to take it with him to the other side of the Atlantic , well knowing that if he remains here , it would soon get into the hands of landlords , usurers , lawyers , and tax-aaters . I was grieved to see one of my old disciples thus obliged to leave his native land in quest of the right of free existence , but I could not , and , of course , did not , blame him , under the circumstances . A man , having a wife and family dependent upon him , is morally beund to d o the best he can for them , consistent with maintaining bis principles and his honour ; and , therefore , so far from blaming my countryman and disciple , 0 Rorke , for betakiDg himself to the land of Democracy , I highly approve of his conduct ; though , "I eonftss , J * hoeJd not do so , if I « w Ms brother
ChartiBts , or rather the working people of England generally , taking proper sttpa to put an end to the despotism that is destroying the country , and driving so many of them to exile . That being , unfortunately , not tbe caw , I think that ORorke , and all who act a similar part , are doing precisely what they ought to do , under present circumstances . While on this subject , lttme mention that since I -wrote you last , I had a visit from another Manchester man—one of those included in last year * batch of indictments , got np by the Wbig authorities of that town . This poor fellow haa not been able to get a stroke of work for the last three years , owing to his being a " marked man ! " One OTaseer in a mill had , by chance , employed him , but just as he was going to bis -work , is steps the
cottonlord , and , walking right op to him , says , Tour name is so and so ? " " Yes . " "You come from Manchester »» " Yxsa . " " Oh ! that vrill do ; we don't want you here ; jomoay go . '" So there w » s an end to that jtfb . This poor fellow has latterly depended wholly on the labour of his wife for subsistence . I leave you to conceive what must be his feelings when his ' wife leaves him—an ablt-bsdied man—behind htr in bed , to be off at six o'clock in the morning to the accursed factory ; to earn some seven shillings a week for his and her subsistence ! T&Ik of iiuprisonuieut , indeed ! Why , solitary coLflnement is a luxury in comparison with such damnable degradation as this . The man ¦ who would tciljidly live oa the labour of his wife , is a heartless villain , and the man who would not , but
must eithwr do so or starve , ( as is this poor fellow ' s ease ) that man is more punished by society , for no crime at all , than society has a rigkt to puui&li any man for any crime—not exempting murder itedf . Now , this punishment is inflicttd by the social power of the linddle cla&scs ; and , as these clas&es possess a aimilar power orer almost every otbtr member of the race of labeurers , I find mjt * lf brought back once more by this digression , to the original purpose of this letter , which was to sh * w that the social power of the middle cli&ses is even greater than tkeir governmental power , and that , constqucDtly , it is vain for as to expect any real political or social reform in this country , unless we can put aa end to the usurpation of the middle classes .
I have s ^ id that by social power the middle classes , I mean , of course , the powtr they can bring to bear upon the body politic , by means of their wealth , position , and functions , as members of society . This power they hold to a great extent , independently of nets of Parliament ; and is , 1 asstrt , greater tbsn their governuitintai power ; that is , greater than any power tbey possess , through the organizition of tbe ( Sovernmtnt ; and , it wonlii be infinitely greater , if they chose to txercisa it on the side of humanity , and the peiple . To convince any one of this , I would just a ^ k tb e fc-llowicg questions : — . 1 st Dees the artisan or labourer receive a farthing of wa § es , save through the middle c ! ass « i ? And , if he do « s not , have tot these classes something vtry like a uower ot iife or death over the artisan or labourer ?
2 nd . C ^ n the landlord receive a farthing of rent , save tarough the middle classes ? Fur , were all the fara . ers to combine against him , what remedy has he , or could he have ? He could have noue , for not a labourer in the kingdom , would raisa a hand in support of the landlord's claim . 3 rd . Dm not the government receive almost all the taxes through the middle classes ] It does ; and if the middle classes were to combine against the payment of " t ^ xes , not one labourer or artisan in the kingdom would rais « an arm to assist tbe government in collecting them ; and as for the soldiers and police they always go with the purse-holderg .
Htre , then , is a powtr of stopping the government at once ; nay , of annihilating it wittout striking a blow ; and this power , mind , is possessed by the middle classes , independently of their representatives in the House ef Commons . Though they had not a single representative in that House , they Would still , as the direct payers of almost all the taxes , have the povier of cutting <> ff the supplies . This power the working classes havt ; cot , even to the AmaJiest t-xrect . They , poor suulSj cannot ivfub * to pay taxes without refusing vo eat and drink ; foz &s the great bulk of our taxation is indirect , or mixed up with the prices of the commodities we daily consume , we cannot escape pajiDg the tax without making war upon our five senses , and punishing ourselves even more than -we
are punished by the tax . But it is quite a different case "with the . middle classes . They pay dirtcLy to the government , what -we pay only indirectly through them . The hop-grower , the soap-boiler , the tallowchandler , the maltiter , the brewer , the distiller , the tanner , the importing merchant , &c , tfc * se are the lads that can pat a stopper upon taxation whenever they like . ~ Sotr suppoi ' : ng they dig like . Supposing that they were to give notice to the working classes to-morrow , that ofter the first of next month ( April ) they would pay no more duties ou spirits , malt , hops , tobaceo , brandies , wines , leather , soap , &c- ; suppose , I say , tfeey were to issue this notice , at the same time apprising the workiiig classes that their object was two-fold : oce , to enable them to get everything for half tbe money they pay now ; the other , to induce tbe government , by the moral power of " passive
resistance , " to make Universal Suffrage the fundamental law of the land . Suppose , again , the above section of the middle classes to issue such notice , and all tbe ot ^ ier sections of the middle classes to issue a manifesto approving of tbe same , and inviting all loyal fufyects to use tbtir influence with tbe Crown and Parliament , to induce them to join in the new " Ho ! y Alliance . "Suppose , further , the middle clasies , at the same time , t o suspend the payment of King ' s taxes , which are direct , and the great bulk of which is obtained from them . Jast . I say , suppose all this ; land , mind , it is all as easy for tbe middle classes to dc—and a vast deal easier—aa to become cavalry men , act as special cor-siables , measure out cheese and skilly to unfortunate paupers , ie . ) ,- and -what , ask , would become of-the exchtquer ? Would not the aristocracy and tbe government have to surrender without a blow on either side ?
You see , then , my friend , that our destinies are altogether ! at present ; in the hands of the middle classes . With goytmmental power or tcilhout it tbey have it always in iheir power to obtain justice for us whenever they like ; and more than justice tbe wurking classoa have never asked . Indeed , they would be content with less ; for the most tiiorouihgoing of us have never asked more than security for the future , though we are equally -well entitled to indrmnilyjor the past . Seeing , then , that the middie classes have politically as 1 iuve before shown ) and sociaUy the power to
redreis au our wrongs , and seeing that , inttead of doiag so they have used tand still ubc ) both their social and political power t * jendtr our position more and more helpieis atsd degraded every year ; what otber inference can we draw from their conduct than tBat they are our most implacable enemits ? And what other resolve ought the oppressed classes to come to than a resolve to band themselves together as one niaa against tbe common oppressor , and never to relax their efforts until toey have hnmb ' ed his p » wer in the dust and raised up the fabric of their o-vrn independence on its ruins .
" But a portion of tbe middle classes , " you say , are friendly to the working classes , and why not unite with them ? My answer to this , as well as to other paints of your letter , I must reserve till a future communication , and meanwhile beg to remind you of -what I said on a former occasion , vis . that if there be a portion of the middle classes really friendly to us , they will unite witk « , instead of asking us to nnite with them . We want nothing but what is just and righteous . We want to invade no man's rights—no man ' s property—no nun ' s peace or liberty . "We want only equal justice and equal protection from tbe law with our oppressors , so that we may
henceforward have the free and unshackled use of our bodily and mental faculties , to provide for our own maintenance , and to obtain such rank , position , and bcDbcrs in society as our private and publie worth xuay entitle us to in tbe eyes » f our felJow citizens . If tbe portion of the middle classes -which you eay is friendly to as , has only these , or the like , objects in view , they can have no rational objection to unite with us . If they have other and different objectsif they have objects in view hostile to ours—or objects wuicfa they dare not avow , 1 must , in that ease , conclude that they ais . not friendly— and th * t , consequently , eur business is to unite against , and not vftA them . Yours , he , Jamxs B . O'BHiEJt .
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BANBURT . —On Sunday , the 4 th instant , three sermons were preached in the Lecture Room , Banbury , bv Mr . Collins , from Birmingham . Scores were obliged to go away for want of room . —Mr . C . lectured on Political Economy , in the Theatre , on the Monday evening , and was well received . The cause : s gaining grouDd in this place ; many who have , stood » Joof are cow beginning to have their eyes opened .
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WORCESTER .. —At a meeting of the Chartists held on the 12 th inst ., it waa resolved , " That we look with suspicion on the leaders of the Christian Chartist Church of Birmingham , &c , believing they are striving to promote their own individual interest and middle class approbation , who have always proved themselves tfle bitterest enemies of the working classes ; we are determined noi to give any countenance or rapport to that party aa they do not belong to the National Charter Association . " " That we hereby protest against Mr . Collins being elected a Delegate to the Petition Convention , for tne reasons above . "
BRADFORD .-The Chartists of Wapping held their usual weekly meeting on Monday evening , at the house of Mr . R . CorrodiiB , North Tavern , Northstreet . Several Bums were collected for tne Convention , and patition sheets delivered out for signature . All is activity and zeal in WappiDg ; a deputation from Idle received sheets for signature and promised to have them filled spedily . The meeting adjourned to Monday next at seven o ' clock . LODOhborough . - At a public meeting held at the Charter Hotel , on the 22 nd March , Mr . Joba Skevington was eieoted as a fit person to be delegated to the Petition Convention about to meet in London . *
TOT- ^ ESS . —At a meeting of Delegates for the Counties of Devon and Cornwall , held here on Sunday last , for the purpose of appointing aleoturet fijr the above counties , the following resolutions were unanimously adopted : — " That this meeting canaidera it highly desirable that a lecturer should be appointed for the counties of Devon and Cornwall . " " That this meeting considers Mr . Henry Viaoeut to be a fit and proper person to be appointed as lecturer , and that a communication should be opened
with him on that subject . " " That Mr . John Horswili , one of the Delegates for Plymouth , bo appointed to communicate vrith Mr . Vincent respecting the terms , &c , and to state the result to the other Delegates . " That in tho event of Mr . Vincent ' s being xinable to comply with the request , that each Delegate do write to Feargus O Connor , Esq ., statiDg the weekly sum the counties could devote towards tha payment of a lecturer , and to request him to use his iuflueuco to procure an efficient person .
WHITE ABBEY .-The Chartists of White Abbey met on Sunday , at their meetiDg room . The letter of H . Burnet to Feargu 3 O'Connor was read , which called forth severe animadversions , and a resolution passed to institute an inquiry regarding the meeting of the 24 th instant , empowering Mr . Riley to demaud an explanation . Petition sheets are rapidly fiLing , which looks well for the Charter . KtAXHlKGBATX . —The Chartists of this placo have changed their time of meeting from Monday to Sunday , at ten o ' clock in the momiug . SAWLEY — Mr . Bairstow delivered a lecture last Saturday evening . DERBY . —On Sunday evening last , an immense body of the working aud middle classes assembled in the Market-place , to hear Mr . Bairstow , who addressed thtm for upwards of aa hour . The cause is going on right gloriously .
WARWICK . —On Tuesday , the 6 th inst ., Mr . Collins , _ of Birmingham , gave a lecture , at the theatre in this place , to a large audience , the subject being "The intimate connection between Chartism and Christianity . " The Mayor was applied to for tbe nse of the Court House , by requisition , signed by upwards of fifty inhabitant householders , but refused the nse of it . NOTTINGHAM . —On Sunday last , a chapel was opened at Arnold , four miles from Nottingham , when sermons were preached in the afternoon by Mr . Barratt , of Nottingham , and at night by Mr . Harrison , of Caiverton , to full congregations of Chartists . Oa Monday week , we gave the base Whigs another specimen of the power of the workiug classes , by returning twenty-three pledged men as Guardians of the Poor for this Union ,
twentyfour being the number required . The candidate highest on the list of the late Gu . ardia . us , who were for building a new bastile ia this place , had only 408 votes ; while the lowest candidate named by the Chartists , as opposed to the new baitile , had 1 , 263 , thus giving a majority of 857 for the lowest candidate named by tho ChartiBts . Mr . H . Vincent gave us a lecture in the Chapel on Monday night , to a highly gratified and overflowing audience . The ladies of Nottingham havo kindly presented Mrs , Vincent with a cap , some gloves , and other articles of the manufactures of this place , as a small token of their respect towards her . We elected Mr . James Sweet , of Goose Gate , as onr delegate to the London Convention , at a public meeting held on the 22 Hd of March last , in the Chartist Chapel of this place .
IPSWICH . —We hare received a letter from the Cbariists of thi « place , stating that a meeting of the trades had been held ; when resolutions had been agreed Jo , pledging the trades tOfiupport the journeymea tailors of Sunder land in their resistance to their tyrannical oppressors . It was also stated that their attention had been first called to the subject by the paragraph in tbe Star . On Good Friday a meeting in favour of the Charter was held , when a resolution to tlat effect wa 3 passed , and addresses were delivered by Messrs Macpherson and B * oling .
PONTYPOOL .-The last of the Whig victims made hi 3 appearance here on Thursday , the 8 th of April , from the dunteon of Oakham ; the people of this neighbourhood nave been expecting him for sometime , and nothing could exceed the joy manifested by his friends ( he has no enemies but what are sorely ashamed to be thought so ) at his return iug amongst them again ; even Fletcher , the principal evidence against him , runs to Mrs . Shellatd , and proffers the utmost friendship by offering himself as Mr . Shellard ' s bail . The magistrates , on this occasion , got a few handbills stuck about tho town , staling that it was intended to have & procession which was likely to disturb the public peace , and commanded all officers of the peace to prevent any breach of the peace , and to bring the offenders to justice .
HALIFAX . —On Sunday evening last , Mr . Arran delivered a soul-stirring address , in the Chartist Room , back of Waterhouse-street , to a numerous and attentive audience . ZffIDGrL £ Y . —Mr . Arran preached at this place on the afternoon of Sunday last , and gave great satisfaction to his hearers . Chartism is assuming a very healthy appearance here , which promises to vie with any other village in the great and glorious cause of universal liberty . BRIGHTON . —At a meeting of Chartists , held at the Cap of Liberty , on the 7 th instant , resolutions were unanimously passed " That Mr . Flowers do send the sum of £ 1 to Mrs . O'Brien ; " " That 5 s . be forwarded to the Frost Restoration Fund ; " and " That a petition be got up for the liberation of Mr . Hethermeton . "
ifclCESTER .. —The Easter meetbgs have been delightful ones , and have tended to augmeut our strength . Since the new plan of organization was adopted , our local society has been re-organized , and , in the formation of rules , an especial regard has been had to providing against discord by the spread of Teetotalism , or other principles among us . Warned by O'Connor , care has been taken by the committee to present such a body of ru ' es to the society as should secure its unity , and yet give perfect liberty for the stated separate meetiug of the cifferent sections of it . Tweiit \ -Eix more have taken the Chartist Teetotal pledge , during the week . T . R . Smait was nominated , on Monday last , as our candidate to serve on the Executive Committee .
STRATHAVEN . —The National Petition has been unanimously adopted at a public meeting , held in the West Relief Church , on the 8 th instant . A soiree took place in tho evening , when , after a substantial repast , the meeting was addressed by Messrs . Moir and McCartney , from Lesmahagow . The addresses were replete with Bound reasoning , and were of a most effective charaoter . SALFORD . —Mr Clarke , of Manchester , delivered an excellently impressive lecture on Sunday evening . On Monday evening , being Easter , there was a free ball in the Chartist Association Room , corner of Great George ' s-street , within two doora of the Mechanics' Institution ; a dancing class is held on every Wednesday and Saturday evening , at seven
0 clock . On Tuesday evening & lecture was delivered in tbe Repeal of the Union Reading Room , by a Mr . Robertson , on the Corn Laws . The leoturer admitted discussion , being the first of that party who admitted discussion . The lecture -occupied three quarters of an hour ; at the conclusion of . the lecture Mr . Campbell replied for a quarter of an hour . He was followed by one of their best men , namely , Mr . Finujgan , and a spirited discussion ensued , in which Beveral speakers took part . The discussion will be resumed on next Wednesday evening , at eight o ' clock , when Mr . Campbell intends challenging any of them on the question . Let but the Corn Law Repealers bnt continue to admit discussion , * nd tbe principles of democracy &hall soon send their views to tho " tombot all the CapuJets . "
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wndon . -City of Westminster . —The weekly meetings of . ihe Chartists of the City of Westminster are removed from the Paviour ' s Arms , Johnsonetreet , to the Charter Coffee House , 32 , Strutton Ground , Westminster , every Wednesday evening . BfiRraoNOSET . —At ft meeting of the Chaitiata in this locality , at their New Room , Horn's Tavern , Crucifix-lane , on Tuesday evening , the 13 ih inst , Mr . T . Wall delivered a talented lecture on the Charter . The lecturer was solicited to continue his lecture on next Tuesday evening , the 20 t , h . Four new members joined .
NORTHAMPTON . —At a meeting of the Northampton Working Men's Association , held at their Meeting Room , Castle-street , a circular received by the Secretary , from William Lovett , and signed by that gentleman and others , was read , and a discustion took place , at the conclusion of which the following resolution was unanimously carried : — "That the circular bo returned by to-morrow evening ' s post , and that the Secretary write to the effect that we consider the National Charter Association quite sufficient to carry out the objects mentioned iu the circular , and that the establishing of another Association will act in junously to the cauae , " : v .
KSWCASTLS . ^ The National PetitionJb ' getting well on for signatures . We are determined to exceed our last number , 100 , 000 . The sheets lie for signatures , at Mr . Thos . Horn's , Market-street ; Mr . Thos . Grey ' s , tobacconist , Grey-3 lxeet ; Mr . J . D . Edgar ' s , Nun-street ; Mr . Loirery ' fl . Nun-strect ; Mr . Crothor ' s , Shakapeare-street ; Mr . William Graham ' s , Nag ' s Head , Groat-market ; Messrs . Byrne & Co / s , booksellers ; and Mr . J . Blakey ' B , Side ; Messrs . D . France & Co . ' s , Foot of Butcher Bank j Mr . R / ohard Ayre ' s , Bridge-end ; Mr . Wm . Cook's , Blue Bell ; Mrs . White ' s , Cannon-street ; Mr . Kirk's , Oakwell-gate ; Mr . Palmer ' s , Oakwellgate ; Mr . Blagburn ' s , High-street ; and Mr . Martin ' s , Barn-close , in Gateshead . Mr . Deegan has been elected as the representative of Northumberland to the Convention .
MEETiNG . ^ -Tho Chartists of Newcastle and Ousebtirn held their weekly meeting , on Tuesday night , in the Chartists ' room , Chancellor ' s Head-yard . Mr . Hall having been called upon to preside , the Secretary read the minutes of tho previous meeting , likewise the rules to be observed at all general meetings of the amalgamated Chartists , which Messrs . Hail , Starkey , and Sinclair were appointed to draw out . Having been put from the chair , they were adopted unanimously . A lengthy discussion was then entered into respecting the projected Reading Room . Mr . Sinclair reported the result of tho interview which the deputation had with Mr . Gray , wben Mr . Bruce moved and Mr . Quin seconded , " That Mr . Sinclair bo appointed to draw out the copy of a circular , to solicit donations from any person who may be considered friendly to tho mental improvement of the working classes , for the projoctcd Reading Room in Newcastle . " Carried .
OUSEBTJRN . —According to the recommendation of the Delegates assembled in Manchester , on the 27 th Feb ., a penny subscription was entered into for the wives and families of the incarcerated Chartists , which will be left open for a week or two , to give our friends hern an opportunity of biibscribing for this charitable purpose . Any one that ia wishful to give any thing , by attending at the School Room , on Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings , can do so , as proper persons are appointed for that purpose . —There appears to be a general
movement among the trades of Newcastle in favour of the Charter ; the shoe-makers have already bfgun to form themselves into the Charter Association , and numbers upwards of fifty ; and we hear tell of other trades beginning to follow their example . May God speed the work I The men here would like Dr . M'Diniall to be put in nomination as a member of the Permanent Executive Council . We enter our protest against John CoJlins being sent as a member to the Petition Convention , or any other man that is not a member of the National Charter Association of Great Britain .
BIRMINGHAM . Fuost , etc . Restohation Committee . — -This Committee held their usual weekly meeting on Tuesday evening last , Mr . Lynell in the chair . Messrs . Dally and Trueman were nominated as members of the Committee . The report of the Glasgow meeting for the election of a delegate to the Petition Convention was read to the meeting , ' when it was resolved to request Mr . Cullen to present the memorials to her Majesty , in conjunction with Messrs . Pitkethly and Williams . Letters were read from the following places : —Ashtoa-undw-Lyne , containing £ 1 33 . lOd ; Wigan , 5 a . ; Stafford , 5 i . ; Nottingham , 10 s . ; Monmouth , 53 . ; Liverpool , 5 s . ; Brighton , 5 * . ; North West district of Glasgow , £ 1 Us . 6 d . ; Trowbridge , IO 3 . ; aud W . D . Saull . of London , 10 s . A letter was read from Markitich , requiring information concerning the mode in which money should be remitted .
The Committee request all their members to attend on Tuesday evening next , as business of great importance will be brought forward . All collectors and persons desirous of assisting are likewise invited to attend at the Chartiet Meeting Room , Freeman-street . RBDDJTCH . —Mr . Wm , Dean Taylor addressed a numerous meeting of the Chartists of this placo on Monday evening last . Tho worthy lecturer was loudly aud deservedly cheered ; and at the conclusion , several enrolled their names aa members of the National Charter Association .
SHEFFIELD . —At a meeting of the Sheffield Chartists , the following resolutions were passed with acclamation : — That it is the opinion of this meeting , that the attempt now being made by Messrs . Lovett and otherp , to cause a division amongst the frienria and supporters of the Charter , is unjustifiable , unnecessary * impolitic , and unwise : and therefore it entirely disapproves and condemns the whole proceeding ; and wiJl do all it can to support and make permanent the present organisation of tho people . ' The resolution was moved by Mr . Ottley and seconded by Mr . Parkes . " That the above resolution be sent to the Northern Star for insertion . " " That Mr . Parkes be our delegate to Dewsbury on the 18 ; h inst . " STOCKTON-ON-tees . —Mr . J . Williams , from Sunderland , delivered two lectures hero on Easter Monday , to an attentive and highly delighted audience .
ROCHDALE . —The females favourable to the People ' s Charter sat dowrrto tea on Easter Tuesday , tho 13 th inst ., in the Radical Room , School-lano , when upwards of one hundred partook of an excellent repast , got up in the best order , and well calculated to reflect credit upon the fair managers , and on the company . BttDioBY HILfc . —Every exertion is making here to strengthen the Convention , by signatures to the petition . All hands are at work . SCWDERfcANP . —On Sunday afternoon last , Mr . Deegan lectured at the Life-boat House . The audience was very numerous , and , judging from their past success , there is every reason to nope that these open-air meetings will be productive of much good .
ASHTON . — On Friday evening , April 9 th , in accordance with announcement by placard , a public discussion took place in tbe Charlestown Chapel , between J 4 t . Campbell , the Socialist Missionary , and Mr . Leech , the Cbartist Lecturer for South Lancashire , on the relative merits of the doctrines of Socialism and Chartism , in removing the evils that afflict society . \ lr . Campbell opened tbe discussion , by asserting that Socialism is a panacea for all complaints that afflict the body politic , and that eociety must be trained by Socialism before it Will eiijoy happiness and comfort . Mr . Leech commenced by showing that Socialism is impracticable with the House of Commons as at present
constituted—that it is erroneous in not holding the responsibility of man . He contended that responsibility was not acted upon , nor ever had been , properly speaking . The responsibility , as now acted upon , was a one-sided thing—one that squinted horribly ^ -tbe people having no power over tbe law makers . Mr . Campbell said , that Mr . Leach meant answerability , and when driven from that , he laid it was accountability from which lie was driven to preventabllity , and then was compelled to admit the fact , that without responsibility no society coald be governed , which was fully illustrated by the members of the Socialist Congress being chosen on the principle of Universal Suffrage and Vote by Ballot . ,
Tea Party to Celebrate the Release of timothy hlggins , john broadbent , and the REV . J . B . Stephens . —Pursuant to announcement by placard , the above tea party was held on Monday evening , in the Chariest own Meeting Room ; Mr . James Mitchell , Mr . CharletDavlea , Mr . John Wright , and Mr . Isaac Armitage . were invited as guests . The arrangements were such as gave general satisfaction , and reflected great credit upon the females . Tea being over , Mr . T . Higglns rosa amid lornt cheers and clapping of Lands . He said , Mr . Chairman , Ladles , and Gentlemen , it was with no small gratification to bim that he had once more the opportunity of addressing them . He ¦ was sorry to see the apathy of the people of Asbton . There was the same tyranny and oppression practised npon them , aa there were previous to their incarceration . He contended that the people must not depend upon Strangers or foreigners to do their work , but must do it themselves , M they iriahto get their emancipa-
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tion . ( Cheers . ) The bodily sufferinga white ia prison were nothing to the suffering of the taind at seeing the cause for which they had been incarcerated , neglected , and tbe people divided among themselves . He again warned bis bearers against being deluded by men wlio wish to thrust themselves npon them , declaring what they had undergone for the sake of the cause , in order to create sympathy . They must not depend upon the middle class to do their work for them , nor those wen who go about with black coats npon their backs as though they were Independent gentlemen , and when their debts were paid , had Hot five shillings to spare . He said that we might aa soon expect to aee or ask the moon for sunshine and the sun for frost , as to ask the present Government for a radress of their grievances . He thought the man who made and
produced everything good and valuable in society ought to enjoy them . He never believed that God ever commandt < l or ordered such a stateof things to exist . Mr . Higgins then commented upon the different plans which have been put forward for the organisation of the people . One plan was agreed upon one day , and the next they were meeting to discuss whether , what was done tbe day before was legal or not , some base scoundrel comes in before it can be finally put in operation and frustrates their designs . Mr . Higgins condemned the document put out by Levett and CollinB , and said these individuals _ w «« e acting in this > w » y because th » people would not let them have the disposal of their monies . This document he called humbug and nonsense , and again said that the people of Aahton must do their own work or ^ tkey would be cheated ; some body must
maJse a begimmg ; some plan must bo adopted , and he for his part knew no plan half & good , half so likely to bring things about as giving the people political power , whether it was called tbe Charter or anything else . The people ought to have the bread , clothes , houses , blankets , and all other necessaries , and , if they Were all like him they should have them . ( Cheers . ) Cheering and eloquent speeches were then made by Messrs . Mitchell , Davies , Armitage , Wright , Broadbent , and others , which our space forbids the reporting . Mr . Stephens Baid , he would give his compliments through the press , if they would allow him , to the Poor Law Commissioners , and tell them they may bring the Poor Law into Ashton as soon as they like ; and he would likewise send bis compliments to them , if he could be reported that the bastile would receive no harm . The
men of England , from one end to the other , begin to see that it is now gone too far j that they will not go for a redress of ono single measure , but that they are determined to have a general reckoning . ( Hear and cheers . ) Ho had told the Government , that had it not been a wet night at Newport , the people would have been successful Had it not been a wet night , he would sot have been talking to them , Newport would have been taken , and the news would have run like wild flro . Mr . S . said the people were preparing their minds for the worst , for they had come to tho conclusion that no tinkering can mend the kettle . He said that very few working people had signed the petition against the New Poor Law . It was signed by the respectable men and the clergy of the Established Church . Mr . Stephens spoke very highly of Mr . Eielden , M . P .- He
considered him the only honest man in the House . Mr . Stephens , in conclusion , said , that the preceding speakers were his friends , though they were Chartists . He did not wish them either to be Stephenites , O'Connorites , or any other ites , but Englishmen . He then concluded a long and humorous apeech , by exhorting the people to hammer away . Mr . John Wright spoko in favour of the late plan of organization . He knew nothing could be done "Without unity and a proper understanding on the part of the people , therefore , ho would recommend the people t # join tLe Charter Association , and obtain political power . Mr . Wright made a sensible speech in favour of the present organization for the Suffrage , and was repeatedly applauded . A vote of thanks was given to the Stockport friends and the chairman , and the meeting broke up at a late hour .
DEWSBURTT . —A public meeting has been lately held in Dewabury to appoint Surveyors of the Highways for the ensuing year , and to examine the accounts of the Board of Surveyors for the past year , when several very heavy and bjectionable payments being found in the accounts , a Committee was appointed to attend the Special Sessions at Wakefield , on Monday last , the 11 th of April , to appeal against their being allowed ; but the magistrates decided upon allowing all the charges with the exception of £ U Us . 9 $ d expended by the Board at their various . meetings for eating and drinking . For taking apart at the public meeting on this question , a poor man , a rate-payer , of tho name of Joshua Joy , has been refused any more work by his Whig master , Mr . John " France , carwet-manafacturer . So much for Whig liberality !
MANCHESTER . —The Manchester Local Committee for the relief of Messrs . O'Brien , Benbow , and Barker have received since the last notice tho following sums : —Tib-street box , £ 1 15 s . 6 J . ; Tibstreet dancing party , 19 , 3 . 7 d . ; Patricroff , 53 . ' , New Garrat block printers , por Robert Mahon , 1 ( K ; Salford box , 5 a . 3 d . ; from a friend to the cause per Mrs . Richardson , 6 d . ; and 2 s . for Mrs . O'Brien ; and 2 j . for the support of the lecturer . Tho committee hope that many other middle class men will go and do likewise , and shew to their order that they do in reality sympathise with the suffering families .
Meeting . —The following resolutions were unanimously passed at a numerous meeting held on Sunday evening last : —1 st . *• That in the opinion of this meet-Ing , the attempt now being made by Messrs . Lovett , Collins , Httherington , Cleave , Rogers , and Mitchell , to form a new National Association , instead of joining the present already powerful Association , is as mean , base , and traitorous an attempt to divide the energies of the people , and paralyze their ercoits to make the Charter the Jaw of the land , as our most insidious and inveterate enemies , with all their powers of invention , could have duvised . We therefore embrace the present opportunity of publicly debouncing it , in order that
our more unsuspecting brethren ruay not be deluded by its speci * us pretences , and do most earnestly request them to examine the letter preceding the address , in which they will find that the first move of the party is secretly , aud without our knowledge , to win over our most talented and powerful advocates , in order that they may be enabled to Bell us in a mass , and keep up a continual agitation ( profitable to a few parties ) , Without , accomplishing the object tbey pretend to aim at " 2 nd . " That this meeting most cordially agrees with the proposition made by the people of Glasgow , that the Convention do meet on the 3 rd of May , instead of the day previously proposed . "
Manchester West ( Hardman street ) . —Mr . James Cartledge , of Manchester , delivered a very eloquent and impressive lecture to the cordwainers and tailors who meet at No 53 , Hardman-street , on the evils of a standing army in time of peace . The lecturer was warmly applauded throughout . Lectures are delivered every Sunday evening tit the above room , also a discussion every Tuesday evening . The Liberation of the Rev . w . V . Jacksots from Lancaster Castle . —At the beginning of last week , tbe above gentleman wrote to hia friends at Manchester , stating that an order for bis liberation hart arrived at Lancaster from the Home Office , on condition ot bail being given , according to tbe sentence passed upon him at his trial . His friends lost no time
in procuring bail , which waa accepted , aud the Rev . Gentleman was liberated on Thuhsdfty morning ; he arrived in Manchester iu the afternoon of the same «! ay , and immediately placards were issued , announcing that he would preach on Sunday last , in the morning and afternoon , at Prown-street Chartist Boom , and in the evening at the Hall of Science . The services were well attended , and great enthusiasm was manifested by the people generally . So much for Whig imprisonment putting down Chiwtism ! We are glad to say that Mr . Jackson looks remarkabl y well , i > nd that he fearlessly asserts that imprisonment has only more fully confirmed him in tbe principles « f Chartism , because those principles are the principles of justice and equity .
CHOUX . TON AND HTJLTflCE . —Mr . Charles Conner delivered a very able lecture here on Suuday evening last He was listened to with great attention , and at tbe close , the following resolution was moved by Mr . Yarwood , seconded by Mr . Carlow , and carried unanimously—" That this meeting views with extreme regret the course that Messrs . Lovett , Collins , Cleave , Hetheriogton , Rogers , and Mitchell , are pursuing ; yet , with all due respect to the gentlemen and their plan , we will not leave the present plan of organisation that was agreed to by our delegates , and follow the plan of a few men , who act without the will of the people . " Mb . Voile addressed the people of Brown-street , and Mr . Lewis , of Oldham , addressed the people of
Tib-street , on Sunday evening . BTOCBPOKT . At the usual meeting held in the Association Room , on Sunday evening , Mr . C . Bowman in the chair , Mr . Ftnton , ot Ashton , delivered a long and interesting address on the Church and its abuses . At the close of hi * address , Mr . Thomas Clark said he felt sorry , indeed , that it should be bl » painful duty to move such a resolution as the following one : — " That we . th « CharttetB of atockport , in public meeting assembled , take this opportunity to disown any connexion with any of the aix ' moral gentlemen" whose names are attached to the address to Leading Chartiata' which appears in the Star of the iota of April ; and , farther , that we shall consider any man who joins this clique as an enemy to the working jniilions of this country . " Mr . Joseph Carter seconded the motion in a neat atod appropriate speech . The motion was then po \ and carried unanimously .
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0 . * \/ s ? . / % ? £ ** A . : / } s 0 i ^ i £ i ¦^ # LMs&l , ! . ^^^^ - ^ fc £ ^ ' ¦ - ¦ ^ j £ % ¦ - ; COXHOE . —A good meeting was ' held at thi « 'C / J place on Tuesday evening , which was addressed by / *** J * lq > Mr . Edward Lawson , and Mr . Deegan ; at the close ot % which several shares were taken in the Joint Stock Provision Shop intended to fee- established in the cit » of Durham .
BARNSLET—The Chartists of Barnsley held thek weekly meeting on Monday , the 12 th instant When the usual business was gone throngh , the new scheme , or the secret move , was discussed , and after a cairn debate on the subject , the following resolution was onaniinoujdy carried : —" That -we , the . Chartists of Barnsley , are satisfied with the present National Charter Association , and that we feel both sorry and indignant that any men calling themselves patriots should be found base enough to attempt to destroy one of the beat plaua for organising the people that baa ever yet appeared , which plan , if carried out with that spirit that ought to actuate men determined to recover their just tights , will do certain to obtain the People ' s Charter . . We also feel grateful to . the editor of the Northern Star lot his able exposure ot the tool and secret move .
STROUDWADER . —The room lately occupied as aVchvpel by the Ranters has ben opened for Chartist purposes . Meetings are held weekly , » n Monday eveninus , at a ^ ven o ' clock . At a meeting halden on the 12 th , variou » resolutions , including on © of thanks to the Ediior of the Northern Sldr , were unanimously adopted . CARDJPP . —At a meeting of tbe Chartists of this town , it was the unanimous opinion that Mr . Morgan Williams is a fit person to sit in the Petition Convention ; and they will contribute their utmost towards the expence . ¦ UBYVfOOX ) , —Mr . Leech lectured here on Thursday night week .
KEASXNGTON . —Mr . Stallwood lectured at the United Temperance Coffee-house , Lower Georgestreet , Chelsea ; Several dott- mfembers were enrolled ; £ \ 17 fl . waa appropriated to the political victims in the Keasington and Chelsea district . Tne cause proceeds well . ¦ GLASGOW . —At a public meeting of the North West District of Glasgow , held on Friday , it was resolved—" Thatthe Glasgow ChaitasU again record their determination never to cease agitating until' the Charter become law ; that a subscription be entered into to defray the expences of a delegate to the Convention , and of getting up the National Petition . " Resolutions were ably spoken to by Mr . Abrum Duncan , to whom thauks were voted . Subscription-sheets were ordered .
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Mr . Editor , —By inserting the following in your Star of Saturday next , you will oblige the undersigned . Mrs . E . Bbotvn's , Support Fund , Birmikgham . We the undersigned members of the above committee , feel it to be our duty to make the following protest public , viz : — That the leaders or preachers of the Christian Church meeting in Newhall street , Birmingham , have acted moat uufair , unmanly , and uncrmstianlike , and calculated to injure the funds , aud consequently the family of Mr . E . Brown , by affixing his name to the " Secret Move" party , aud we feel confident that &uch signature must have been obtained by party statement , misrepresentation , Sea ., &c .
We strongly call into question the sincerity of that man who would swell his ovrn lists at the expence of any Chartist victim , who cannot possibly kuow anything of the present existing circumstances oat of his prison , and must give his name through the party statement and recommendation of the person making 3 r . cn application . From the trifing amount that has come in lately , and from verbal statements made , we are assured that the best of Brown ' s collectors are , at this time , against the " Secret Move" party , and we further state , so satisfied are some of them of the intentions or the Becret party , that they have signified their intentions of abstaining from meeting with us so long aS we meet in our present committee room . This , we trust , they fwill not persevere in , after we state our reasons for changing oar committee room , which reasons , we hope , will recall some of our Chartist friends to their former duty .
It is well known we rented and paid for the room we occupied in Moer-dtreet . The Newhall-street party offered their school-room gratuitously ; no reasonable objection at that time was seen , and consequently theiroffer was accepted . We do hope that the good Chartists , who have so nobly done their duty eince Mr . Brown ' s incarceration , will not desert him for party sake . No ; let it not be said , that you who have kept from starvation , the seven small children of that innocent victim , E . Brown—let it not be Baid , a ^ aiu we repeat , that you forsook his helpless family on the eve of hia liberation . Bally to the committee . The time will soon arrive when Mr . Brown will be out to answer for himself , arid whatever may be his future actions , let it not be said that tbe Birmingham Chartists forgot their duty to a brother victim .
We wish to be understood as having no party motive in this protest ; we stand as part of Mr . Brown ' s Committee , and we feel confident that the name of Mr . B . being affixed to the " New Movement , " will , without the least doubt , injure him in this town . For his family alone , and for their interest , we feel it to be our duty to make this publio announcement . In conclusion , we do assert that without the members of Mrs . Brown's Support Fund Committee do attend . our funds must fall short . We know of monies we have lost since meeting in NewhaJlstrcet , in consequence of not being able to form a quorom , part of our . committee being engaged in the lecture up stairs , and the other part staying away altogether .
Again we most sincerely call upon all good Chartists to make one more bold effort to raise a fund , not only to maintain his family , but to give him a little start on his liberation ; the time is but short now , and we assert it to be the duty of all those who took part with him in hia agitation , to assist his family during his incarceration ; therefore , rally to the committee ; and , if y « u are Christian or Chartist , bo oa the side of humanity—recollecting that Mr . Brown ' s incarceration was for his advocating the rights of the people . We remain ,
In the cause of Democracy , ( Signed ; Samuel Davies , late Secretary to the Radical Association . ' George Richardson . Charles Bettam . David Potts , Seoretary to Brown ' s Committee . P . S . In the original , each kas signed hia name which Mr . White shall see , and havo it , if required * The above is a correet copy .
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TO THE EPITOE OF THE NOKTHEIUJ STAB . 30 , Harwood-street , Caraden Town , 9 th April , 1841 . Dear Sib , —I have received the address yon have forwarded to me . I must , however , decline appending my name to the . same , as I cannot subscribe to some of the principles contained therein . For instance , that contained in the first paragraph , as it seems by implication to deny their righta . to those who may be supposed not sufficiently educated to make a good use of them , which will at once give a handle to the enemies of the cause , and encourage them to persist in their denial of the people's rights . I totally dissent from the idea that these rights are to be based upon any thing but their- birth-right qualification as men . Indirectly this would raise us a knowledge
qualification , or a moral qualification , neither , of which ara legitimate bases of sound constitutional liberties , as they are in many instances merely relative and referable to the arbitnry standards ot other men ' s opinions . As well might we deny the right of national government to what are called savage tribes , under tbe plea that that they are . too ignorant and self-willed to exercise such functions to their own advantage . To look back to History . What is the origin of the Roman State ? A number of robbers , the outcasts of other states , congregated together and laid ^ the foundation of an Elective Monarchy , which being based upon the people . at last won for the people their rights , while it developed tbe moral virtues of fortitude , patience , perseverance , and temperance , not as the cause , but the consequence . ¦ " ¦ . '
With respect to another paragraph which casts blame upon the meetings of the people ; considering the circumstances , I am not disposed to visit them with any harsh censure . I never remember attending any meetings of the people which were not orderly conducted , which is more than can be said for the meetings of the other classes ; for exampH , that called in connection with the Sheriffs of \ London , -where Messrs . Hume and Warburton , &c , took so active a part—th& first and only time—I happened to be present when tho Blot Act was read . I do not understand what is meant by the alltufea to the people "aping tho proceedings of a tinselled and corrupt aristocracy , " as I do not reecllect any display beyond what was fairly admissible ; for exampla . the triumphal procession on the e » try of Mr . Colllna . into Birmingham .
. Taking this view of tbe address as a whole , and observing the secondary position which tbe Charter occupies under the equivocal title of a " National Asso ciation of the United Kingdom , for promoting the Political and Social Improvement of the People , " I feel I would not be justified in becoming a member of the pro * posed Association . "
I am , dear Sir , Touts , kc , WlLLIA . lt VlLtlERS SANB . BT . To Mr Lovett , 183 . Tottenh * s Coart Road .
«Nvri5rre On The Social Power Of Brontei"Jf E "Midi)Le Cla3ses≫
« nvri 5 RRE ON THE SOCIAL POWER OF BRONTEi"Jf " MIDI ) LE CLA 3 SES >
Mr. E. Brown, Birmingham.
MR . E . BROWN , BIRMINGHAM .
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AND LEEDS GENERAL ADVERTISER .
Untitled Article
V . UL . IV . JNO . 179 . SATURDAY . APRIL 17 1841 ™ c > poowims mih . ™ . ! , „ J > j-vjx » Five ShllilngB pet Qnarter .
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), April 17, 1841, page unpag, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct851/page/1/
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