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THE NORTHERN STAR. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1841.
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Bo 3^at»er0 antr Corr^pomr^,
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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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Loiroov . DISPATCH , BRIDE LANE-MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE THE GBARGE BROUGHT BY MR- BENiiOW AGAINST DR . MTWTJALL . Mv . Brow * was called to the ? *» £ , and it was airs « od that Messrf . BettDow » ad M'DouaU should be sm wwed a quarter of an hour alternately , to state and replj to the charge % and that , i / possible , the proe ^ ediiyts should be confined to oho hour . M . ' . Bwbow then handed in , in writing , to the Oiairmaa . the following charge : —__ . _ .. .
"I present thai Peter Murray M'Dosall , hie of Chester Castle , being a recognised leader of the Charnsts—that the said P « ter Murray M'Douall , late > i-C ., used his influence to excite discontent in the minds of the persecuted Chartists ; and did urge them , by persuasion and representations of terror to a brtaeh of faith with their brethren ; and , in violation of the sacred cause « f jartioe and freedom , traitorously advised each Ckarcists to plead guilty to certain fake alleged charges , to the disgrace and great scandal of all Rood mso , and the evil example of others against the sacred cause of justice &nd freedom . "
The Chaibjus inquired whether this was the whole cf the charge or charges be had to bring against Dr . M'DoujU , to which Mr . Bknbow gave an evasive answer , but nltimstely said thai the charge he had handed m contarced all that he had to advance against Dr . M'Douall—rh r . t he had none other . Mr . Ccffay inqairad whether-he vras prepared , by documents or evidence , to support the charge . Mr . Bbkbow—I call upon Dr . M'Douali to say
whether he is guilty or not . I have not the whole of my documents with me , but when I had them and the witnesses , Dr . M'Donall was non eat inventus . I need no witness ; I call upon the Doctor to answer By charge ofcadvising John Broadbent , of Ash ton , John Wright , Ariahage , Peeling , Eas i er , of Siockport , Barnett , Stubbs , Savage , "Weavers of Mace ! " 3-£ eld , Roberts , of Liverpool , Deegan , of St&lybri ;! £ *? , and Rawson , of Bury , to plead guilvy of the crimes of which a Tile Government accused them ; there urs others whom hs likewise advised .
The Chairjcas here asked fer the whole of the names to be stated . Mr . Bsnbov—I cannot at this moment think of others , but these are sufficient for my purpose . Dr . M'Docall said it was a strange course for him to be called upon to plead guilty to this charge , when no evidence had been adduced . Of these men , whom fce was charged wjp advising to plead gully , one was Arid , a nd thre e , were in America , Tho only |« rt of the charge which was correct was regard-Ing the man SaTSge ; And how singular that Mr . Benbow had forgotten Robinson and Lowe , who were associated with him in the same indictment . I acknowledge advising these three men to plead jrniliv . I gave them & public document to give to the
men of MaecksEeld upon theuielBase , s'&ucg my lessons for bo doing . To these reasons tuo men of Macelesfield never objected ; if they have * ot done so , how is it that Mr . Benbow has taken so much trouble in the matter ! I advised these men to plead guilty , because they had already suffered b ; x or seven months' imprisonmeut for want of bail , in the Email Bum of £ 25 . I wi 3 preparing their brief far the Assizes when a message came from the prosecutors , that they would be released if they would plead guilty , accompanied with a threat that if they cid not they would be more harshly treated , which , in the case of Weaver , who would not plead -guilty , was carried into effect . His bail vras doubled , and he w& 3 Bent to hard
labour in the neighbouring workhouse . I stand on the case of these three men ; I never advised others . To tkese men I gave a public document , which , any one can procure by writing to Hacdesield . I saw that they were starving on skilly , that they could not get bail—that being unknown no sympathy was shown for them ; that only 26 s . was « olleou . d for then while in prison . I saw they could do so good to the cause , and much injury to themselves by remaining in prison . I did not plead guilty myself , lf ; l adfiaed—if I excited men to acts which led to their imprisonment , I had ought to be the sufferer . I deny the right of any working Baa to safer through me—if I can consistenly prevent it . It was no disgrace to them in accepting
ibis compromise . They did sot euccomb ; the offer came from the prosecutor—they were not shackled with any bail or recognzinees—they are men who are now * active in the cause ; raea waom I respect . It wag eight months after my imprisonment , when they came out ; tb . 3 exoitement was then gone by . If I wasplacad in the same eircnnuianees , I would % ci w precisely * similar manner ; with , respect to flie oiher names , Mr . D : egan acknowledges that Mr . O'Connor advised him and others to plead guilty . Why does notMr . Benbow also accuse him * Is n iecanse I am , ths weaker party . Essler was going Jo * be Barried . and from the first determined to plead guilty . " " RawBon also did bo , and came back from America to answer a charge of felony that had
bean prefteredagainst i ' . m . Mr . Bktbjw—He bad ~ fwgotten to ment'on Itofcias ^ n . sjid . L ^ wpj- bui these were not all he had ad-¦ v iseti j Cu ' r ' prison was like s . ~ leveeTvith per : ouB coming to visit , " » d ask the doctor ' s advice , and who , i > y ins peraiksifrn , pleaded suBtv . 'Essler pleaded jrutfty , lmtbafcre the doe" or persuaded him to plead guitay , they were at dasgrers drawn ; but when he came * to that detersiiaation , they were the best of friend * . Tbe doctor lest him bia slippers , and -thought he could rtnt do wo much for him . I only saention this to show tbe feeling which existed . I refer you vo vhe-noble answer made by Weavers to the Judge on his trial . " Mr Lord , the seven mt : \ who Etood in the dock with me have been cbuxged with
being wicked aud atrocions characters , they have pleaded fruity ; they may b « so , but I am not guilty , " sad the jud ^ e complimented him for his conduct . The Doctor and I were oa the best of terms until he advised these men to plead guilty . He has asked why I did net charg : Feargu 3 O'Connor , who was also guHty of the same condnct . It was my determinaion " not to be drawn info alluding to Mr . O'Connor ; bat does it exonerate tfee Doctor , because another has acted the same ! Is the crime improved because another follows it 1 The following is an extra : fraia a letter written by Fe&rgua O'C onnor , a ; iLe time the physical force men were fijjuring in London . Mr . Benbiowthaa read from his written documents an . cxtraci from the Northern &Lar of April lu . b . 1841 . He meaat to ibsta ^ u from 'tis EKbjeci , unless driven into it . Can a man be hoDe ? t whooonnivea at dishonesty in others , who gives advice which he will not act on himself ! &uch
tonduct was infamous . Mr . Benbow then dilatea on the infamy of perjury , giTing an extract from St . ChryNstOiU , stating that the man who committed perjory was guilty of a greater crune than he who committed murder . Long before his trial , Dr . M'Douall had stated that he ( Mr . Benbow ) w . ald be harshly treated , wonlf 1 . meet with rev . re punishment . How could he bs aware of : jis , unless he was a tool in the hand 3 of the vfl'Si faction that « ver disgraced a country * I Te = pacud , I henofred Dr . M'Douall for hi 3 conduct , previous to h . s giving that adrice , but ever since then I opposed hiic , which bej oi a sourness between me a' ; his friends . ¦ Robinson and Lowe wer = good hones-: Ken ; mer of superior aUainiaerte to the generelity of working men , and I believe they , and all tbe other prisoners , woald have got off with clean kauds wjihou : pleading guil -. } -. How could Di . M'Douail know \ kv iitej would be discharged , unless he had some compromise with their prosecutors ' .
Dr . M'Douall . —I will noi detain you by referring to what muBt be plain to you—the motives wnich prompted my adfice to these sen . I was one of t ; . a earliest victim 3 in the cause ; I defended- myself on that occr . ion , and you saw but hitte in my conduct that might tempt yea to accuse me of either treachery or cowardice . I got the information that these mv .. would be discharged if they pleaded guiltj , from Mr . Clarkson , of Bradford , who was employed Oil the Wba'f of raost of the ChartiBt prisoners ; he acquired the information from Mr . JerviF , Member cf Parliament for Chester . If Lowe and BobiD =-:-. were good men , : uid of such superior abilities , is it not strange thas they shc-ld be so readily satisfied with my ' raitorousa ^ ice * Previooe to givic » them
this adv . ee , I had written to Feargus O'Connor . that they might be allowed to have a portion of the money raised fer a Defence Fund ; it appears that Mr . BeBbjw was jealous of my levee as he calls h . Many persons just before and during the assizs ? , were admitted to the prison , and m » ny of them called , upon me in regard to Mr . Benbow ' s punishment . I do not recollect B&yiug I ' sat he woula be £ 3 verely punished , but I know that from hia being known to the Gn > reraaent in ancient times , it was Biy impression that he would be so . Dr . Magiun told me I should hare two or three years imprisonment . I met him the other day and told " him he was wron ^ in kis judgment ; lie informed me I aad only to thank my-Belf that I got off eo well . I migfli with © qua ] reason csU him a government too ) . 1 have ever done my doty both in prison and oat of prison . I
advised these men to ple-d guilty . I would do so again under similar circumstances . Mr . Benbow said he meant to abstain from speaking of O'Connor . "Why , then , had he prepared a ease against him in his written document T I was first to be attacked , a * the weaker party , and Feargus OXonnoT was V > fee « hot at through me ; but if I am a bott ; o be shot » t , I kno w , while i do my duty , I shall have the anppoft of the public , of that public who have pltced Me ia the high position I have the honour to hold , acd if Mr . Benbow thinks that I am the weaker party , he will be mistaken—he will find that while I continue to perform my duty I shall meet a nation ' s support . Why did not Mr . Benbow bring this charge immediate ! v ou his release from prison ? Why delay it ! It was then moved ,
*• Tuit both , parties haviug b «* a heard , the Comzaittee do decide . " Mr . Bk ^ bow . —I have not yet been able to go into the whole of my evidence in support of the charge . Mr . Beobow was then allowed three-quarters of an hour , or longer if necessery , that he might have a foil opportunity of provint his case .
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Mr . Benbow occupied tho tune in a reiteration of his former statements , and Btated that he had seen the same charge brought against the Doctor by Mitchell and Davis , in the Stoekport and other papers ; thai he haa attended on the Manchester Council * on his release from prison , aad nrged them to investigate the snbject , an > i had stayed ei ^ ht weeks in Manchester at great inconvenience to himself , thinking they would do so ; they wished him to state it at a public meeting , b u t t hi s he de c lin e d , t hinkin g the Council oonld best investigate . From the commencement I reasoned with him against this advice , and told him that instead of advising men to plead guilty and get released , we should lure endeavoared to fill to excess the jails with victims , that government might see the folly and wickedness of their condnct , and be compelled to change it . Ever since the Doctor had persisted in refusing his advice he
had not exchanged a word with him . He eould not eves ait in the same room with him , not even w ith friends . I told him emphatically I had done with him . I also charge him wits writing letters to people in London and the country , prejudicing them against me . ( Mr . Benbow being aeked for names , said a Mr . Hogg , of London , had received one . ) I have not seen the letter , but it stated that it would be well to get up a demonstration for O'Connor or for O'Brien , bnt Benbow was nit , I am willing to meet the Doctor at any public meeting . I wish to have the names of this Committee . I wish you to do justice to me and injustice to no one , bnt act as men in the sight of God and your country . Dr . M'Douall , ia as eloquent address replied to Mr . Benbow , and said he felt convinced they woald return an honest verdict , one which would exonerate him from even the suspicion of being a traitor .
Mr . Goodfkllow then moved the following resolution , " That the charge of being a traitor broaght bv Mr . Benbow against Dr . M'Douall , is , frost the evidence befere us , frivilous and unfounded . " Mr . Knight seconded the resolution . Mr . Watts agreed with the resolution that the charge was unfounded and frivoloas , yet Mr . Benbovf was an old veteran iu the cause , active before many of us were born ; he should therefore , to endeavour to allay resentments , move as an amendment , " Thit no charge impugning the charaoter of Dr . M'Douall has been proved by the evidence that Mr . Benbow has adduced ; but that Mr . Benbow has acted under the influence of mistaken motives . "
A little discussion ensued on the propriety of amalenrcating the two , bnt the -original resolution vr « a finally carried , and the whole of tha nine Committee men—namely , Messrs . Martin , Goodfeiiow , Knight , Drake , Wilkinson , Rogers , Cuflay , Watts , and Brown , having appended their names to it , handed it to Dr . M'Douall . The investigation was carried on in a calm , deliberate mauiier , which did great credit to the men who conducted it ; and we tru 3 t the affair is for ever set at rest .
The Northern Star. Saturday, November 27, 1841.
THE NORTHERN STAR . SATURDAY , NOVEMBER 27 , 1841 .
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OBJECTIONS TO THE NATIONAL PETITION MET AND REPLIED TO BY THE EXECUTIVE . We displace , with much p l ea su r e and sati s f a cti o n , an article which we had written on the objections of some of our Scottish brethren to some points of the Nation *! Petition for the following temperate , wellreaeosed , and conclusive document , issued by the Executive and received by us on the day of going to press : — " TO OUB BEETHBKN , THE WOEKIMO MKM OP SCOTLAND .
" Brother Chartists , —We , the Executive Committee of the National Charter Association , have read the Report of a public meeting held in Glasgow , on Monday , the 8 ' . h of November , in which a resolution to the following effect was carried bv a majority ; viz . * That the inhabitant * of Glasgow oppose the introduction of such questions as Repeal of the Union , and Repeal of the English Poor-Law Amendment Act , into the Scottish Petition Tor Universal Suffrage , and the other Five Points of the People's Charter . '
" We do not presume to interfere with the powers of the Central Committee of Scotland , and far less with the just prerogative of the people of Glasgow . We simpiy address those who voted on that occasion , and the people of Scotland generally , to explain away any cauce of difference , and reason upon the justice of the po ? n on we have adopted . " It is our sincere and ardent hope that the lamentable effects of division ma ; be averted between two nations struggint ; in the same cause during the mo * t momentous crisis of Chartism . Brethren , wo are the servants of a powerfnl association ; our first duty is to act according to tbe will of the majority of its members , and we feel jastly proud that our exertions hitherto have secured the respect , confidence , and support of our constituents .
" We doubt uot but your adopted Council have acted from tbe same motives , and that their exertions have been rewarded iu a similar manner , aad v . is because we believe so , that we look - with considerable apprehension upon the slightest difference which may arise between the leading Councils of two great people , hitherto united ; and still we fervently hope to be one in mind , in measures , and in Chartism . " We should have been rejoiced , had the leaders of the movement in Scotland favoured us with their advice , and accepted of ours in return . We
conceive that every shadow of difference would have vanisced , and this address been entirely useless . We address you now in the name of the English people , who have , without a dissentient voice , adopted , and are now signing , the National Petition , prepared by the Execu : ive council , which has likewise been adopted by several important meetings in Scotland . Let our reasons be maturely weighed , and may our Scottish brethren give their decision , no 5 for the sake cf England and Ireland , bnt for the sake of that cause of justice , which recognizes no distinction between men , and permits no prejudice to exist between nations of oppressed and insulted
bondsmen . " Brethren , those who have differed with us are men cf acknowledged talent , men whose rectitude or ' conduc ; has excited the admiration of their English frieiids ; and we imagine that acal ia the cause has originated their watchfulness , le ? t any aquation should ariee , short of that which has gloriously existed for the People '^ Charier alone . We respect such j-jstifiablej- ^ aioiiiy oi' purpose ; but we stand second to none in steadily pursuing tho one grand object of our agitation , and in battling wiih factious opponents ana cunning designers of halt' measures , calculated to delude and divide the people .
" Our Excellent friends . Ross , Thompson , and Cnilen , we suppose to have mistaken the objects and aims of the National Petition , and to have acted under the supposition , that other questions wore to ba agitated besides tne People ' s Charter ; we do not complain of an oiposi ; : oii . which & brief explanation , we feel confident , will rectiiy and remove . " The National Petition is divided into three parts . Firstly , we describe and pn > Te the Government of the country to be in the hands of an irresponsible clast , in other word * , we begin with the cause of misery , mi ;< goven > m < . ut . p . nd tJavtry . Secondly , we proceed to point out tau i-. FFhcrs , and enumerate , ^ aion ^ t Hian y other rri ? va ? 'ccs , the Now Poor Law and the lri = h Ufiion . We have even mentioned monopolies of every kind , = o as to anticipate objections . Thirdly , vv pi- ; ton for , and demand the only remedy , whicn is theP . r-r / ie ' s Charter .
" it is , there'V-ro , qni ; e clear that the relation of grievanres is a mere preamble , or pleading , before the petition ; and we distinctly declare that those signing the pbtition arc not pledged to an agitation for the removal cr any one evill but solely to tho adoption of the People ' s Charter , a 8 the grand remedy for alt . The last clause of the petition explain * thisfuiiy . We there say as follows : — ' Your petitioner ? , therefore , exercising their just constitutional mat , demand ihat your HonouraoleHouBe , to remedy tho many sross and manifest , evils of which
you ? petitioners complain , 6 o immediately , "without alteratiou , deduction , or addition , pass into law tbe document entitled the People ' s Charter , &c &c . ' " The great question , in our op nion , is as follows : —Is the relation or grievances mthe petition just ? Every Chartist will answer—Yes . Thea no Charti «; can rofuse to asknowlfriire it by his signature ; especially when that act do %$ not bind trim to agitate { qt or give precedence to those separate questions , whilst tho great one of Universal Suffrage is unsettled .
" The petitioner pleads his case , first , to make it stronger , and concludes with his demand tor political power , to remedy now and protect for the future . We will suppose tha * . Scoilaatl objeots to the grievances of England and Ireland being mentioned in the preamble of our petition . If it bo so , then that measure which is oppressive to labour in England , must be a question of interest and sympathy in Scotland , and vice verta . Wcerever labour ' s wrongs and burdens are augmented , labour ' s rights must be violated , and we have jet . to learn tiist the selfish spirit of oppression his ever bound the English , the
Scottish , ana the lri-h heart to their own narrpw interests , when the crius of suffering brethren came beseechiDg aid from afar . Perish such unworthy distinctions between the bister kingdoms ! and let labour a ; least reserve to ittelf atnicst its degradation &nd its rain that holy aua eacred sympathy which has ever been exchanged between the oppressed of all nations , that exmobhug feeling which the rirh may envy butn ^ ver inmate , that exalted spirit of jnstioe which seeking an immortality of its own , rises f- ; perior to the selfish pursuits of classes and the eiTace feuds of nations .
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" Brethren , we must avoid the fatal error of two petitions and two Conventions ; our cause is common and ou * measure * should be the same . There eannot be one Chartism for Scotland , and another for England . We cannot have England , Ireland , * nd Wales , pursuing one course , andlSootland another , without placing ourselves wilfully in the power of the enemy , and inviting them to crush us in succession . This is not a time for difference , but a time for action ; and if individual quarrels have brought injury , weakness , and ridicule upon our cause , how much more must national ones distract the attention of our supporters , and strengthen and encourage our enemies !
" Brethren , we must strive to create and preserve that confidence in each other which will secure mutual co-operation on all questions affeoting the rights of industry ; and we cannot deny to Ireland that cordial support which we are so anxious to receive from her . Neither can England and Scotland consistently differ upon the Poor-Law question , after the continued union which has existed during the past , whether the question was ' the Charter or the Corn Laws , the Glasgow Cotton Spinners or the Dorchester Labourers , whether it affected the patriots Gerrald or Moore , or the more recent victims , Frost , Williams , and Jones . The latter case we could not avoid enumerating in the list of remarkable injuries Inflicted , and we are confident there is not a ChartiBt in Scotland who would withhold his name , because that oppressive case was recorded in the list of grievances now being endured . .
*• Brethren , we have been actuated by the beat of motives , and whilst we in the spirit of troth declared our detestation of all oppressive laws , we wer e n o t thereby bound to adopt the crotchets of enthusiasts , or look for a panacea in the repeal of the Poor Law , the Corn Laws , or the abrogation of the Unfon with Ireland ; at the same time we saw no reason which could condemn the mention of our sufferings in a petition for justice . We feel satisfied that there is wisdom in stating reasons why we should have the
Lharter , and no argument can be more effootu&l than an accredited list of atrocious enactments , disgraceful alike to human nature , as they are destructive to human kind . Wa urge our grievances in publie meetings , in lectures , and in the press , why not in a National Petition I Do we admit at one time what we dear at another ? or are we afraid to acknowledge that oar intention is to abolish oi * amend all enactments grievous to humanity or oppressive to labour ? ' ¦¦ -... . ..
" Brethren , we have embarked in a just cause ; out stake is a large « n « , and tro shall never cease to urge its importance upon the public mind , justly conceiving the greater the priza the greater exertion will be required to possess it . "Let it be understood , that we urge no man to agitate for repeal of the Poor Laws ; for the abolition of any one monopoly or injustice ; we are bound to the great question of questions—Universal Suffrage . Our measures point forward , not backward . Brethren , let us have your support , calculate safely on ours in return ; and in conclusion , let it be firmly impressed upon your minds , that our sole
objeots in drawing np the Petition , h av e be e n to direct public attention to the cause of our national misery , embarrassments , and -political bondage ; to enumerate grievances which have excited the greatest sympathy , and deserved the most unwearied attention , and to rear , above all , the glorious andendaring principle of the People's Charter . The standard ot cur cause is where it was , undiminished in its . supreme importance and unshorn of its national interest . Brethren , we shall keep it there : aid us then , as you haye done , und l et union , peace , and energy characterize our united and inseparable exertions in the great cause of England , Scotland , Ireland , and Wales . " Your brethren in Chartism ,
U P . M . M'pOUALL , H R . K . Philp , "James Lkach , " Moegan Williams , M John Caupbkll , Sec . " We tfust that the reading of this document will remove every shadow of a shade of difference of opinion , not only from the minds of our Scottish friends , who regret the introduction of those particular grievances , the English Poor Law , and the
Irish Union , but also from those of other parties who have written us expressing their regret that more prominency was not given to thoso subjects in the Petition . The Executive have no easy task j the anxiety and care attendant on the mighty interests of the masses demand more wisdom , energy , and prudence than are commonly to be met with ; they exhibit an amount of talent and patriotism equal to their work , and with such a head the movement must progress if the people do their own work and beware ol falling oat by the way .
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liah labourer and the Irish peasant gtowt more hope-Tees . ir , tni « year , there are 8 , 000 , 000 of tbe Irish , with not enoofh even o * foots to eat , la ten yean more the nombtt wDl be tscr « aaed . If at this moment tarratlo& ataiei to . < th * . fMfeoC . mOSlcM « t EngUab nttwu , where k the hope of fetter tines r For jam * tiey have been hoping for wiorm . ¦ Ia allowing tbe Tories to gain the awendanoy , they tried the Terjr lwt experiment No tampoxlsinf policy , will n ^ re them longer . . ;¦ ..... . '¦ '' . /; : ^ .: "¦ ; I , - - ' - " " . " . ' ^ " -. rr ; . . . ; - . . - :... ; " . ¦¦ " Toe da y ( bat tie people of England rite up and with
tneii own strong baadfl take thti right * they eaa never peacefully attain , " ^ t &y shall we think batter of humanity * Endurance ot wrong Is no virtue . He who 8 nb | nits totraud lait * acoaworr . Han has no right to be wronged . A matt evil may be endured , as the only means of attaining a great good , ai for the sake of a coin weinay submit to an openaon , % at then the ev £ l becomes a portion of the gddd ; ; 'atlsnnjotttothep « opIe « fEograid , thede » e » ndantB of oar common ' anceaton , to suppose-that ; ten years more ess pa » without a revolution . ' Heaven grant that itmaybeabloodleMone . " >
It would indeed , as our transatlantic friend says , b » an insult to the people , to their tsenBC of feeling , and their discernment of moral right and duty , to suppose that another ten years could pass without seeing attend of the system of iniquity which has brought us into this condition . The revolution must oome—it will come : and we have all confidence in the long suffering which has so far stayed the arm of vengeance that it will be bloodless . Tha people are not now t o be led i n th e wak e of the "base , bloody , and brutal" panderers to outrage and arson for the
support of party . The tocsin has been sounded more thaa once by the villanous Whig press ; but it has met with no response . T ^ be y have hoi s t e d th « -standard of " bread or blood ! " They have cried " korrah for the barricades V and would now " egg on " t he i n c end i ary t o a c a r e er o f madness , pointing ont Buckingham Palace and the British Museum as . proper objeots for bis destructive agencyj and all for the last desperate hope that out of the wreck some plank or cask may be seized hold of , on which the drowning rate of Whiggery may float again upon the surface of the troubled waters . , Their demoniacal devices will be frustrated . The people
will not be thus befooled . They will pursue unhesitatingly and inoessantly the one object—the Charter of their rights ; they will meet , expose , and tramp le upon , all the syren sophistries of faction ; they will concentrate their energies , u n i t e th e ir e fforts , an d make known their moral might . Tyranny and all its manifold ramifications of oppressive legislation and social injustice , shall be made quietly , speedil y , and permanently to give place to justice and its consequent equality and prosperity , by a moral and enlightened people who hare learned wisdom from the harshest but the most efficient of all teachersbitter experience .
We never remomber to have seen faction so fairly at its wit ' s end as it seems now to be . All that rampant malice and ruling hatred could effect , has been tried and found wanting of the required force to beat down tbe rising intelligence of the people . Cunning now takes its place ; and while the Sun , the Globe , the Chronicle and all the crew of dastards seek artfully to urge the starving people to violence under the banner of a big loaf ; their
agents and co-partners try an opposite diversion , by labouring to resuscitate the cry ot phytkul and moral force ; and so divide onr forces . The one experiment is just as futile as the other ; the Chartists of 1841 have left both schools far behind them . We fancy , from a report given elsewhere of Mr . Bbewstkb's "last struggle ** in his own town , that he haa found the truth of this observation to his no small chagrin .
New accessions to bur moral powers are every day made , and despite the undeniable aggregate of suffering which now exists , w e look f o rw a rd with much confidence to the advent of liberty , in the establishment of jnst principles of legislation , aB a sure remedy , whose operation on the body politic shall be permanently , if not suddenly , reviving , and shall bring back the wonted healthy and powerful developement of character in " Old England—the land of the brave and the free . " , \ r * ii > ' * i ¦ ii i n § i * ¦ ^^^^^ fc ^ i ¦ i' i i I * " * t ¦ ¦
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THE LAND I THE LAND ! I THE LAND !!! As mankind become more enlightened to know their real interests , they will esteem the value of agriculture ; they will find it is their natural—their destined occupation . —Mental Recreations , Article B . We have often been astonished at the indifference with whieh all matters relating to agriculture , and tbe land , are received amongst tbe population of our manufacturing towns . This indifference , no doubt , is in great part owing to the studious efforts of the anti-Cora Law League , whose constant effort and aim it ia to draw the attention of the people from that most vital subject the capability of the soil , of giving employment to the surplus population created by machinery .
Any one would suppose from the utter want of knowledge and contempt of data displayed by the manufacturers , and their lecturing agents , iu their crusade against agriculture , that they had never Been a green field or an aere of wheat in their lives . How often , and how persevering !? it is asserted that" England can never , under any circumstances , grow enough corn for her own consumption . "—that she must always remain an importing country , and " that corn can be produced cheaper and better on the continent than here . " These snd many other like statements have been published by every Whig paper—repeated by every spouting anti-Corn Law lecturer , and enlarged upon at every
hole-and-corner demonstration , until some people have actually begun to look upon them as ascertained facts ! Mr . O'Connor ' s letters have done much towards exposing the falseness and hollowness of these fallacies , but a great deal yet remains to be done ; a vast amount of prejudice has yet to be removed . One of the chief points urged by the advocates of a repeal of the Cora Laws , is " the impossibility of tbe limited soil of this country producing enough food for an increasing p 9 pulation . " They refer us to the yearly importations of foreign grain ( averaging from one million to fifteen hundred thousand quarters ) and ask "if there are not strong proofs of the impracticability of England ' s growing enough corn for her own
consumption ? ' Now , with all due deference to these gentlemen , we must beg leave to inform them that they prove no such thing . Our not having hitherto produced enouth wheat for our own consumption , does not prove that we cannot do so ; but that there is something deficient in our system of cultivation . It is well known tbat for years past the principal part of the land has been gradually getting into the hands of the lar&e proprietors ; these think it their interest to let the land in as large portions as possible ; these large farms are often taken by persons without the requisite capital , and consequently are very seldom half cultivated . { To show the present condition of agriculture ia England , and what it might be under a proper system , we will here give an extract from a well-known pimphlet , * reviewed ia Tait's October number . -.
—" Of the £ 6 v « nty-auc millions of statute acres ia the United kingdom , there are about twunly-six millions remaining ia waste and sheep walks . Of the other fifty millions there are about thirty-two millions In natural grass , and only eighteen millions ia tillage ; that is to say , little more than one acre in tillage to two acres in grass ; or . in other words , that in every three acres only one is cultivated . We know , in a general way , that in the populous puts of Germany , the proportion of grassland to the arable is about one acre in seveu or eight acres . We know also , in a general way , that in the populous parts of Italy , the proportion of grass-land to the arable is about one acre in
eretf twelve or fourteen acre * . In France , statistics have bean more studied , and we know from the official cadastre , or modern Doomsday Book , that the proportion of land cultivated , by the plough , spade , or hoe , ia seven acres in eight , leaving only one acre in natural grass . The Duke of Buckingham estimates the products of Led , in Ullage , at five-fold what the same land wouM yield iu grass . His Grace , unwilling to overstate big argument , haa , in fact , understated it ; for five-fold , six-fold , or more , might be stated on lands' of superior quality . Much meadow land , if broken up ,
would yield , with less expense of culture than a poor soil , thirty bushels of wheat per acre ; on other products , of proportionate value , whether in either corn , la poise , in roots , or in artificial grasses , such as clover , Unseed , and others . This supposes about four thousand pounds of bread from the ploughed acre , agalntt somewhere about , or less , than two hundred pounds of meat , or its equivalent , in cheese , butter , fce . from th « same acre in grass . But we will adhere , for tbe present , to the admitted estimate of a four-fold proportion , the amount will then stand as follows : In £ ngiaad , thirtj awe * of grw » land Jproduce tnirty-
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t wp-parteijand eighteen , aaw in tillage , estimated to yield fourfold , produce s * renty-two parts j in all , one hundred and four parts from fifty asm . In France , om acre of grau Jand prodoo ^^ wt , ;•» £ « ewo acresia ^ tB& ^ r ifc&ated to yi » ld- < 0 Tii- «^ ar > w « SJp * , ]^ tbaVia to aay , one hundred and eigtrtyfoae parts from f ^ JMwfc *; . . ¦¦¦; ¦ ¦ - , ;; ¦ . ; . / 7 ; ' .. ¦;; ' : ' " % ' < u- ? ¦ : To prove that thl » writer baa not overitatod the relative proportionif graaa to arable land in tola eoun toy , we tfVe : a . fe ^ fiHrm -stattsties ;/ which'hw * been received from practical ^ i ^ r ieultaitiatt it SSet ^ xt part * « f the country : — '¦ : , ;¦¦; ¦ ¦ . •¦ .. ¦ : ¦ - . . - . ¦' •¦ '¦ ¦ ¦ .- '
¦ . ¦ , \; .. ¦ : .. ;• : ¦ : . FIEBT . . -- ; , ¦¦' .: ' ¦ .: ¦¦ ¦ . ' In a farm of WO acres , Bufeley . Staffordshire , the relative proportion of wheat , 4 c& stood thtis—; , - " Wheat , . : ... ¦¦' « ,, ¦• .. «¦ ¦•• ' « . ... 24 * cr « t Barley and oaU ... ... ... ... 30 . Turnips , cabbage-, and potatoes 15 ; , TBll 0 W t « a ••• ••• •• # •* H Xtt jnUM «•• . ••• «•• *•• ••• 130 200 Thiaia the general average in this and . jbhe neighbouring eonntiea . . - _ '¦ ; - ' •' ¦ ¦ - ¦ ; '¦ 8 BCOIfl > . ; ' ' : ' <¦ ¦ /[ ' ¦ ' ] ' ¦¦ A farm of ISO acres , Ballam-hi-Wertby , Lancaahire . Wheat ........ ...... ... 13 awes . Oata an 4 beans ... ... ... ... 36 ' Turnip * and potatoes ... ... ... 14 $ - */ , > aitow ' : ¦ ,.. — ... ...... ... 15 Pasture ... ... ... ...... ... . 63 £ Olorerteeds ......... is . : ' ¦¦ ¦ '; . ¦ 160 : ; , ' 1 HIBD . ,. ; . )
A farm rf 91 acrea , Lythamt Lanmrtitfft . ' Wheat ... ... ... ... 10 acres . Oats and Barley ... ...... ... 20 , Turni ps and Peas ...... ... ... S Fallow .. ;¦ .. ;! .. . w / v .. ... 0 Grass ' ....... ... ... ... . ... 34 Clover seeds ...... ... 19 . -- . ' -C ^ ' . ' . ; v .. . n ; \ Tbe tenants of these farms gained jrUwa ^ at the last Lytham agrienltural : meeting , so they may be taken as very Mr speoimeni of the farms in Lancashire ^
POUETH . A small farm of 23 acres , Syleham , Suffolk . Wheat ... ... 6 acres . Fallow ... „ . 3 Barley ... ... ... 5 Clover ... 3 Beans and Peas 5 . Grau ... ... 1 Total 93 From these statistics ( and many others of the same kind , which it would take up too much space to insert ) it appears that , in many tuts , one half of the kmdfarmtd is left entirely out ofsuUtoaiion , and that as the farm increases in size so does , the quantity of wheat ffrown diminish . It the farm of 200 acres , in Staffordshire was divided into farms of 20 acres eacli , the land would produce 56 acres of wheat instead of 24 , or more than double ; tbe farm , of 160 , acrea in Lancashire wottld b * Tv 43 acres instead-of 13 , ot time times as much . This statement supposes that the present system of cropping and faHpwinj ( Wascontinued ; under an improved system the land might be made to produoe sixfold and sevenfold what it dots at present' ' v , -: ;• . .. - -. :. ¦¦
To prove that the system adopted in England is bad , and that a much better one might be carried out , we close this article with two or three extracts from Chambers ' * Tour in Belgium . The extracts are rather long , bnt their importance will , make amends for the space occupied . After portraying the manner , customs , dec . of the inhabitants of Belgium , Mr . Chambers goes on thus to describe the state of agriculture in that country . "It has been ascertained by minute statistical inquiry that the agricultural population of Belgium are at thl * moment among the most contented , virtuous , and generally-comfortable peasantry in the woriS . The farms are for the most part of a small size , jnst sufficient to pay a moderate rent , and support
a family in a humble but decent manner . The greater part of the inhabitants are renters and cultivators of land to the extent of five or six acres each family ; and this with a cottage and garden , is quite enough to render them comfortable . They are all Roman Catholics , and are exceedingly devout Their piety , however , doesnot render them gloomy and morose ; they have fifteen holidays throughout the year exclusive of Sundays ; and these they partly devote to darcing , and cut door amusements . Tbe food of this cheerful , industrious , and religions people is of a very simple kind . It consists of coffee with bread early in the morning ; bread , butter , cheese , at nine o ' clock ; potatoes with lard at noon ; in the evening , a salad with bread ; and sometimes a little beer . "
Conversing with M . le Coiapte Arrevebend , on the state of crime in Belgium , Tir . Chambers was informed bj that gentleman , " That he had resided fir eleven yean in a village called Guesbeck , in the province of Brabant , containing three hundred and sixty-four inhabitants , and that daring the whole of that period neither a crime nor a culpable indiscretiou bod been committed . " Mr . Chambers here goes on to quote from the report of GeoTga Nioholls , Esq ., the parliamentary commissioner sent out by the Whigs to inquire into the condition of the labouring population of Belgium : — "Mr . Nicholls , in his third report to the House of Commons , says : —
" The extensive manufactures which at no very remote period flourished in Belgium , appear to have congregated a numerous population of artisans in and around the great towns . As the scene of manufacturing iriduatr ? changed , this population was deprived of its nisans . of its handicraft employment , and was comptiled to resort to the cultivation of the soil for subsistence . This BeeniB to have been the chief , though net the so > . origin of the system of the small farms , -which sttti prevail , and which are cultivated by the holder and hia family , generally without other assistance . The farms in Belgium very rarely exceed one hundre .-i ncres .
" The number containing fifty acres is not great ; those of thirty and twenty acres are more numerous ; bat the number of holdings from five to ten and twenty acres ia very considerable , especially those of smaller extent ; and to these I chiefly confined my inquiries . The farms of from five to ten acres , which abound in many parts of Belgium , closely resemble the small holdings In Ireland ; but the small Irish cultivator exists in a state of miserable privation of the common comforts and conveniences of a civilised life , while the Belgian farmer enjoys a large portion of those comforts . The houses of the small cultivators in Belgium , are generally substantially built , and in good repair ;
they have commonly a sleeping-room in the attic , and c l oset s , fer bads connected with the lover Apartment , which is convenient in bIzj ; a smll cellarage for the dairy , and store for the grain , as well as an oven , and an outhouse for the potatoes , with a roomy cattle-stall , piggery , and poultry loft . The house generally contains decent furniture , the bedding sufficient in quantity ; and , although the scrupulous neatness Of the Butch , may not be everywhere observable , an air of comfort , aud propriety petvadea the whole establishment The premises were kept in neat and compact order , and the family were decently clad , none of them were ragged or slovenly , even when their dress consisted of the coarsest materials . The diet consists , to a great extent , of rye-bread and milk , the dinner being usually composed of potatoes and onions , with the
addition of some pounded ham er slices of bacon . The quantity of new wheaten bread consumed , did not appear to be considerable . In the greater part of the flat country of Belgium , the soil is light and sandy and easily worked , bat Us productive powers are certainly inferior to the general suUt of Ireland , and the climate does not appear to be superior . To the soil and climate , therefore , the Belgian does not owe hia saperority in comfort and position over the Irish cultivator . The difference is rather to be found in the system '«? cultivation pursued by the small farmers of Belgium , and in the habits of econamy aud forethought of the people . " The cultivation ot the small forma in Belgfam differs from the Irish—1 st , in the quantity of stall-fed stock which ii kept , and by which a supply of manure is reffU ' larly secured ;
" 24—Jn iht slrid atterdion paid to the collecting of manure , which is most skilfully managed ; " 3 rt—By the adoption qf a system of rotation of five , six , or seven successive crops , even in the smallest farms which is in striking contrast with the plan of cropping and fallowing the land prevalent in Ireland . "In the farms of six acres we found no plough , horse , or cart { the only agricultural implement besides the spade , fork , and wheelbarrow , which we observed
, was a light wooden barrow , which rakht be dragged by the hand . Tbe farmer had no assistance besides that of his wife and children , excepting sometimes in harvest , when we found he occasionally obtained the assistance of a neighbour , or mred a labourer at a franc a day . The whole of the laud is dug with thespad « , aad trenched very deepbutaatiw . soil is light , the labour of digging is not great .
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- The stock in the small farms which we exwnbw consisted of a couple of cows , a calf or two , oneortih pigs , sometime * a goat or two , and some poultry . *! cows are altogether staillrfed , on str * tr , turnips , ^* rye , vetches , carrotsi ' potatoes , aud a kind of sonp m 2 by boiling ' upngtfltocfe $ Mg , ta » ns , bran , cut hayTTf into one mess , and which , being given warm , is said ? be very wholesome , ' a *» t 6 ' promote Urt seerettot ! milk . Ins « medlstricUtb « grtfiM ( ofta « brewerieiJ distilleries are xu » 4 ft *; tirt ' cattle . < JTo PQBWoii o , THE FiRM IS iittOWKD TO BE PiLLOff , but fit divided into six or . seven small plots ^ . on each if ioM ^ system of rotation i * adopted ,, and ih ) G ,: wilh the 0 % ! manure , the ppixrs of the sofl . are maintained tmuhatZ in a state of constant activity . "' '" ' v - -. ^ -
" The order of succession in the crops ia various , w we pbasjrradj in the several tarm * which we visiju plots appropriated to potatoes , wheat , barley , cW flax , rye , carrots , turnips or parsnips , vetches and J for faawdtal * ossas green food for cattle . Tbe Q grown is heckled . and spun by the farmer ' s wife , chk during the' wlntjer , and we were told that three we * labonr at ' the loom enabled them to weave into clotti the thread thus prepared ^ : - " " The weavers' are generally a distinct dan from i , small faruiers . though f tko labourers chiefly supported w the k » m commonly / oecnp } ed ; oiWoa acre ofUtnd , « v times more , their labour upon theJand alienating m their toorkaithatam
, : i . " It was most gratifying to observe the comfort 4 played in the whole economy of tbe households of tih small cultivators , sod the respectability In which th lived . A s far as I could learn , there was bo tender to the eub-divisioa of the small holdings , l hea ^ J none under fire acres held by the class of p «^ fanners , and six , seven , or eight acres is the more «» , mon ate ? , the eommon rent of l £ nd Is 20 s . an acre , j a Sick Club ' or Benefit Society were established **» these people , so as to enable them , by mutual asmrW to provide for ttwessnalty of aickBess ,, there wot ^ BE tlTTLEXB * T TO WlStt FOR OB AMEND IN THfi ] SOCIAI . CdNOTXIOIf . *» ¦¦' . ' ¦ .
Bo ends Mr . Nicholas report . It proves moat dti dedly that the system of small farming is not t ^ practicable , but adtantagbops ; and when cond *^ on proper principles , has a great influence on the moo , and condition of the people .
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O ' BBIBN PBESS FUND , LBBDS . £ . 8 . 4 Rcseired of Mr . Hobson , treasurer of the Demonfttation Committee , being part of ths proeedsof . the Soiree sivea to O'Connor ... « i » Received from the Chartists of Horbury , per Mr . Hick ... ° 6
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* Action of the Corn Laws reviewed on the ptioj . pies of a sooud jvolHical economy , and of Conam Sense . By the . author of letters on << The Tint » , « which , more than twenty years' tdnce , so mainly cctft bated to awaken public attention to the autj « t London : —Saunders and Otley , 1 ^ 41 .
Bo 3^At»Er0 Antr Corr^Pomr^,
Bo 3 ^ at » er 0 antr Corr ^ pomr ^ ,
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The Nationai . Pbiition . —Our pullUher , Mr . ffoj . son , has prihledthe National Petition for l&Q , on a iteMt sheet , for the purpose of being etta . sively d i stributed amongst those from whom sigrn . lures are asked , that they may know for whatth q are signing . ' He is ready to supply them U fe Associations and- to individuals at thefollovm charges . —100 copies forjk ' i 1 , 000 for 15 * . p £ tition sheets , of , good strong paper , ruled in fair columns , and holding twonundred names when
filled , may also be had , price 2 d . each , The Petition and sheets may also be hi from Mr . Cleave , London : and Mr . Bq > wood , Manchester . But in all cases the mmq must be sent in adyancc ^ -the price being so In as to preclude credit . fgr Messrs . Paion and Love , of Glasgow , appriu us that they have made arrangements with Mr . Hottonfpr the tupptyofwr ScotekyrunditAih sheets and petitions . Those m Scotland , toty rtquire them , will do well to make early appUeatm to these gentlemen .
¦ . . . . . .. ; ,.. / : TO AGENTS . ^ The Pabcsls of Medals aw , ;<« f . Ppbtritb .-During the next few weeks we shall have to tend parcels nearly to all parts of England and Scotland . In each case . we shqll ejideavour to tend by the cheapest mope _ of conveyance ; and thai be obliged ( a any vgent who tour pcinl oirf tht best and cheapest mode of reaching him . Wt beg to call attention to this , that there may he no ¦ complaint afterwards . Those who williuptr ience any convenience from having Petilmt . or
Sheets , or Poor . Man's Almanack , orMr . Q Cmnor ' s Pamphlet , or any other of our Publisher * ! Publications inclosed intheirparcels , had ' fetter apprize him of the sattie iai time . In alt frith cases , however , he desires us to state that nomj must hi ; sentibiththeorder . The price ofAt petitions and sheets are kndwn ; and the aRwance upon the other goods io vendort , is 25 per" cent , therefore they eon easily calewit what the amount will be ; and in all cases gooit to the tunount of eosh received will be sent .
Johh Thomson , Pastob op thb Christian Chakisi ChBbCH at Grebjtock . —Hit letter shall appear in our next . Birmingham . —Hamptox Ward Chartists . —Wt received no report from them last week . O'Brien ' s Press Fund , Hcddersfiexd— We at requested to state ihat the proceeds of tie O'Brien Festival , at Huddersfield , mt £ 21 19 s . 2 d ., from which the expencesimg deducted , leave in hand a balance of £ 7 \ Js . w-, which was handed over to Mr . O'Brien and hit Press Fund Committee . Brighton O'Brisn Press Committee . —Those persons having collecting books for the O'Brien Press Fund , are requested to deliver them to the committee on Wednesday evening next , with such monies as they may have collected , preparatory to the books being audited , and the
amount collected transmitted to Feargus 0 Connor , Esq ., the general treasurer . O'Brien Press Fund . —Mr . S . Marling , of Brighton , acknowledges the receipt of four sHUingt from Arnold , nearNottingham , anils , id . frm Calverlon , near Arnold , for the CBrkn Prest , per Mr . Wm . Emmerson , Thk Poets must really give us a little respite ; <" have loads of their obliging communications onlooked at , Jamiis Collier . —We cannot i nsert the strange rfo > y he has sent us of a silk-agent and a female worker . If the circumstances be as he stales , vt advise him to send the letter to the employer of the filthy wretch , who is clearly unfit for ha situation . Christopher Wood . —We have no room . An Artiz * n . —His very long letter "To the Britith Youth" would occupy far too much of ovr
space . Wm . Wildgoose . —The Chartists of Moitram mull remember that we have only 48 columns for tM whole empire . Fbmale Signatures to the National Petition- — In reply to many letters upon this subject , ve advise female signatures to be kept on disUnet sheets . Mr . R . Nicholls , Bradford , Wilts . —We caniut find space for his letter to the Cornish men . He speaks highly of their spirit and intelligence * ' ™ concurs in the general outcry for a missionary * Messrs . James B . O'Bhiew and Henry ViwcEffro « requested to communicate immediately twft
Duncan Nico ' son , 37 , East North-street , Aberdeen . Chimney Bribebt . —J letter from Northwich state * that an overbearing Tory , whose chimney reatM annoyance to some of his neighbours , protMM one of them to build it higher if he would voU for the Tory parly . The vote was given to VK Tories on the faith of this promise , but the'CM * - ney has not been raised , O't correspond ™ wishes for our opinion as to whether ( his was _ a case of bribery . We should say yes : and adwt him te prosecute If he succeed the Tory witlM punished for bribery , as he ought to be . l jj * fail , he will be punished for accepting the wtMj
as he ought to be- . ^ Duffield . — We cannot insert the attack '"• policeman sent us . However true it mayot tft fact , it is a gross libel in law . ¦ v In Charles Dayies , Siockport , apologizes to his ^*^ friends for disappointing them on the 8 th «•« . Sickness teas Che cause of hti doing so . . W . Pedley wishes to impress upon the Chcrlut bWgeneral ' yjhe necessity of supporting the Eset ^ tive . He says , and very properly , tM to & * this it is only necessary thai the rules oj w National Charter Association should be carrua
out in every locality . , ^ York Female Chartists . —Mr . Stallwood tetuu w the foliowinq note : - Sir , -The ladtet £ York do not think you arequiteso gullantvs y ^ should be , seeing that you neither inserted tnar communication , or announced the reception oj ^ last week . —Truly yours , Eumuud Stall ™* * We hurt * not to what communication thxt * ' * refer . We have received none ; nor eanwe l ^ that any such communication has been reeewea at thit office at all . r . Thady Caffebky , Ballaohadbrrime , w- « Mayo , Ireland , begs to acknowledge the reeem of some Stare , on one of which were the mUtm U W . B . Darlington . " , „ , Crakbbrh . —In the notice of Mr . PouelTs " *** " } at this place , inserted inourlast , the num 0 e ^ u the audience was accidentally printed H *«
instead of 1200 . . . Im 1 Ebbattjm .- /» Mr . Harness letter , given m ourta »* for " Ashby Poor-house ? read - Ashover Poorhouse . "
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O UR PRE S ENT S TATE A ND PR OS PE C T S , Nev e r wi t h i n t he p eriod of m a n 's recollection was the social condition of the people of this country so deplorable as now . Nor do we see tbe least prospect of amendment so long as the demented holders of a position , which already trembles under them , continue to keep their footing on tbo people ' s necks . We have become objects of contempt for our immediate neighbours , and of compassion for our sons and brothers across the Atlantic . Our heart sickened as we read the following truthful , feeling paragraphs from an American paper : —
ENGLISH LIBERT ! . rt Tha last papers from England , held up the curtain of a scene of horror , such as the annals of the world , fall as they are with crime and mhery , can scarcely parallel . While the table of expenses of the English Sovereign are given at 300 , 000 dollars a-year . it is stated that in one manufacturing district there are 100 , 000 of that Queen ' s subjects without work , in a stata eveiy hour verging nearer starvation , witkout tho
remotest prospect ot relief . By day and by nignt this tenible tale has been ringing in our ears—this picture . of horror has been constantly before ua . We have seen the madness of tbe father , tbe despair of tbe mother , and the pale , beseeching faces of mourning babes . The sun shines en them from the azure heavens , the gentle rains fall round them , and they live upon the beautiful earth , denied the privilege of toil , with nothing before them but the prospect of a horrifcio death .
" Here , in one district , within the compass of a few miles , is a population larger by thousands taan that of Ntw York city , which has been Hinting by slow but certain degrees , lower and lower , till human woe and wretchedness seem to have fonnd it 3 lowest , depth , and there ^ ieshumanity ^ elp ' . ess . hopeless—the grave yawning alike for the old and the young—all enduring ' a common fate , and that the most awful that ever scourged the world . " Cau anything be done ? Onr commiseration
avails not—our alms could not reach them , and if they could it would bsj but b prolongation of misery . What if we remonstrate ? Will the haughty axi 8 tocrata who now govern Engliind and aspire to the supremacy of the world listen to remonstrance ? They , on whose ears the groans of millions of the down-trodden fall idly as tbe whirling of tbe autumn leaves—they ) whom the moans of women and children , famishing for bread , cannot soften—will they thus listen to the faintly whispered reproof that comes across the Atlantic ?
" Tbe thousands of priests who , by a huge establishment , fleece the natisn of a tithe of its productions —tbe thousands of the rich and titled who hold in their uuclenchiog grasp the wealth—witb tbe law and the sword for their protection , will they let go their hold , er # ivu up one of the privileges which their lawless bandit ancestors seiasd and they claim and defend , —will they rescue poverty from starvation ? " When the negro slave is sick , he is nursed—when
old and infirm , be is fe * and sheltered ; infancy is cared for , age protected . . If there is famine , tbe master kills bis cattle , sells his property to feed his slaves . In England the white slave labours longer and harder for a poorer living than tbe negro , and when provisons are dear , and his work not wanted , he is left to starve . This Englasd sends her Thompsons to declaim on tbe sin aud curse of negro slavery . In tbe eyes ot the Almighty the southern slaveholder is less guilty than the English capitalist .
" What of liberty has the English artisan to boast ? He has not even tbe liberty to labour , the liberty to eat the bread of toiL England is no country ef liberty . The slave who Bets bis foet upon her shore Is free—to starve . Does he ask bread , ho is told to earn it . When he asks for labour , there is none ia be had . it he attempt to kill game in the forest , or catch flah In the stream , he is sent to jail . England is a country of privilege . The nobility , the clergy , all who compose the great machinery of her government , have privileges
—privileges to oppress , to monopolise , to crush , to starve . In all tbe tyranny of privilege England abounds . Io all the freedom of democracy and equal rights it is Wanting . It is governed , taxed , pillaged by privileged classes . Millions toil from infancy to acehundreds of thousands live in want aad starvation , that their sovereign may enjoy a thousand costly luxuries . A world ' s wealth is hoarded around London . We can form no adequate idea of the grandeur that Is concentrated upon the few . God looks down calmly from above and sees tbe many starving .
'' Can this be always ? Will generation after generation pass into eternity , after a life « f horrible destitution here , leaving wealth and privilega still in the enjoyment of the few , and toil and want still the lot of the many ; or will tbe spark of humanity , not quite stamped out , revive , and brains and muscles assert the rights they were intended to protect and enjoy ? Will all the brawny artisuu of England cringe under the awful power of parse and sword for ever ? There ia no hope of reform . Wealth does not relax iu grasppower does not give up its privileges , and when did either care for right ? Every day the case of the Bag-
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4 THE NORTBE&N STAR . .. . ^ ^ - - 11 ' ' - ¦ * ~ . i ¦ ..- ¦ ¦ ¦ - . . ¦¦¦ ¦ -- ¦ . . . . - . — . t j . ... . . ~ ^
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Nov. 27, 1841, page 4, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct870/page/4/
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