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THE NORTHERN STAR. SATURDAY, MAY 21, 1842.
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Ctjitrtigtt 3tntelltci;ettc*.
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Co 3S*aner0 arm CovvegpomttMiS*
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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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AN A 1 XDRES 3 FROM THE MALE AND FEMALE CEARTISTS OF BIRMINGHAM TO FEAEGUS O'CONNOR , ESQ . TO FEASGCS O ' CONNOB , SQ-, THS CHAMPION OP THE
TOILING MILLIONS . Honoured and noble-minded patriot , —At a time like this , when the ej es of the working classes of the whole British empire are fixed upon you ; as the eyes of the tempest-beaten sailor are fixed upon the beacon which directs Mm to a safe harbour—when those upon whom we have looked a 3 our best and ablest advocates hare deserted our ranks , and are now serving in ihe ranks of yonr calumniators and enemies—when money and talents of no mean order are larisbJy employed to cheat and delnde the workiag classes into a belief that you are unworthy of the confidence that they hare reposed in you—at-a time when your energetic mind has most need of support ,
these people haye conspired to rob you of the palm of merit which you have so nobly won and so just ; y deserve to wear—when the meretricious glare . of respectability , and the specious pretences of midaleclass hypocricy , are thrown out as lures to entrap our fellow white slaves , and to destroy , by disunion , the mighty movements they dread , and to lower and dishonour in onr estimation the msn who has boras with unflinching firmness the battle and the breeze of their fiercest peratcution—ihe man -whose talents excite their envy , and whose honesty has acted as a foil to expose their trickery ;—at such a time as this , Sir . we , the male and female members of the
National Charter Association , resident in the borough of Birmingham , deem it meet and right to set an example of grateful and faithful attachment to you , and by this public address , to shew that our firm confidence in year patriotism is unabated , and our opinion of your hoacur and honesty unchanged . Our love and friendship is noi diminished one iota towards you—the man of our choice ^ -the o . nly chief npbn whose giant energies we can firmly rely—the only individual whom we consider to bo eminently calculated to direct the energies of the sovereign people in the attainment of perfect emancipation from the shackles of class tyranny .
By yoar foresight , ta . ci , and wisdom—by your deep le ^ al knowledge—by your patriotic zoa ] , ever in active operation , we have been enabled to go on from victory to victory , and at length to obtain a glorious triumph over middle-ciass expediency , and compelled our persecutors to acknowledge the justice of those divine principles which wo have , under your suspiees . firmly maintained aud disseminated at all . hazards , " throngh evil and through good report ; yes , noble O'Connor , we owe our present proud position to you mainly , and rre will not forsake the victorious chief any more than we did the imprisoned vioiim of patriotism . Mangre all the enmity and scandal of jealous and ambhiou 3 upstarts , we , the men and women of Birmingham , pledge ourselves still to
fight tne moral battle of right against might , rader lie banner of the National Charter Association alone . Under this banner , you , Sir , and nearly SveLundred other brave patriots , have suffered the treatment of felons . Our persecutors now patronizo our ¦ prineipleSj and they must adopt . the name also ai : d become reconciled to our organizition and leaders . You shall not be robbed of your hard * won lanrels whilst the chartists of Birmingham have a heart to beat with gratitude , or a tongue to tell you how much they love , respect , and venerate the champion of their right 3 and liberties . May God preserve yon , honoured Sir , till all the people ' s enemies are put nLdcr their feet ; and when old time -shall leid you to your end , may goodnes 3 and you £ 11 up one monument .
This , Sir , is the sincere and heartfelt wisn of your brother and sisrer -Chartists , the nicnjbsrs of the National Charter Association , resident in i 3 irraiagham . Presented to Mr . O'Connor , at a public dinner , held at the Black Horse Inn , Erospect Row , Birmingham on the 17 th of May , 1842 .
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TO THE CHARTISTS OF GREAT BRITAIN . Bbotheb Dehoc&ats , —Now that the bustle attending the presentation of the National Petition is subsided ; now ! hat the thousands upon thousands of individuals have decided on adopting Chartist principles ; now that such j fact 3 ara plain to every sane man ; permit me to oSer what I consider a few plain , common-sense remarks . You have all heard how the petition Las been treated ; how it has been sneered at ; how it has bueu mccked at by our bitterest enemies ; and how it has been sinisteriy supported by our siam-friencs '; you liave beard how Roebuck said the petition- was drawn up by a cowardly demagogue ; you have
heard how Mr . O'Conned said he separated bimself from the petition in iolo ; you have heard how Maeaulay and Bob Peel spumed the demand of the miliioas ; and thus , in eon / equeucs of the prayer of the petition being so unfairly treated , thousandhave made their minds up not to petition again . Isow I wish to put a fair question to every man , — " . Did he expect better treatment from the misrepresentatives of the people i ' I can only fay for myself that I did not , so thstt on that score I was no " disappointed . But I will tell you how I have . been most agrei ably disappointed—by the _ proud display the Londoners made on the occasion ; the provinces owe a debt of gratitude to the Lendon men , for the noble manner in which they came out on the
day ef th « presentation of the Great National . - \ S ell , what are the result of the Petition ! So far , in my opinion , tbess aro the results : during the sitiings of the convention in London , each of its members Tras busily engaged in agitating the trades , and I may safely sffirm that more good has been effected in London towards the propagation of Chartism , than ever was done before ia the same space of time . Moreover Mr . Cleave sent copies of the petition to the Sun , Times , Advertiser , Herald , Chronicle , $ e . § e . It appeared in all the daily and weekly papers , ' xhere was not a single newspaper through the length and breath of the United Kingdom , that had not something to say on the National Petition . Thus wera oar principles laid befor ?
the whole public to a far greater extent than ever I expected or anticipated . We have been endeavouring to bring our opinions prominently before the public , and at last we have succeeded . Mark , my opinions as regard petitioning are , that I will petition , memorialise , remonstrate , or do any thing that can by any means bring our opinions before the country . Just look at us now and four years ago ; see the multitudes now * a 3 compared with then , thai openly avow and advocate our principles What were we then ! A despised , contemned party ; powerless as to numbers and disunited , because we did not know each other . What are we now ? As far as numbers , and intelligence , and patriotism arc concerned , the most powerful political parly in the state .
Why is such the fact ! Because we have , by fearless agitation , at every meeting brought our view 3 forward , and because our own organ , the Northern Star , has steered the Chanist ship through rough and smooth weather , amidst troubled waters , beset with Whig and Tory breaker ? , shoals , and quieksands , until now the Chartist body has one mind and one opinion on great first principles : mind you , I am no blind worshiper of the Sla : —it , like other papers , musi commk errors ; but I look at the good ii haa done the cause ; and I despise the man or se ^ of men who would detract from it 3 merits and usefulness . AI v ac-nec to the people 13 this—to support the pres 3 that advocates their ' cause—such press is to be found in the _ Star
the Welch Trumpet , edited by Morgan Williams , th-Commonireallhman , edited by T . Cooper and J . H . R . Bairstow , and the Chartist Circular . Tae Circular , from its chej ^ mess , ought to be widely circulated . — Every Chartist writing to any other person , OHght to enclose the Circular in his letter , and thus extend our principles in all directions . Four years ago we had only some half dozen Radical Associationsnow we have nearly 400 places united in the National Charter Association ; and I expect that there will b « 4 , 000 votes polled at the forth coming eleclion fox the Executive . Seehow North L ^ nc&shirebasboen agitated ; where , twelve months ago , there was ' one
association , there are cow ten in that district , owing to the exertions of Beesley and others ; see how Yorkshire is organised ; Tcdmordeu with its npwarda of 400 members , all good paying members ; tne Halifax , Hnddersfirld , Bradford , Bingley , and other districts , have done their duty nobly by fee Executive ; so has Lancashire . Observe wh ' at Dojle haa done ior Cheshire ; he has propagated Chartism in places in which it was never known before . Mason , Bairstow , West , Ridley , Staliwood , and scores of others have done tie same , but to shew you the more plainly how our principles have and are extending , in every part of the kingdom , read the following : —
" Coalbrook Dale , 8 th fifth month , 1842 . " Deab . Sir , —No doubt thou wilt be well pleased to hear the saccess that Chartism has met with here ; our cards are all sold , and I paid £ 1 23 . lOd . for cards we bad from thee , to brother Mogg » on 22 nd of April , which he promised to send to thee in d Post-ofiice order , and order us another hundred cards ; these eards . hehas not sent yet ; I * believe he has not received them . We have sold every card we had here , and are sadly in want of more . As we -could not disappoint them any longer , we actually sent a poor man to Wolveihampton last night , and he ha 3 returned this morning , bringing all the cards and publications he could get there . We' will likewise send some money to the 'Executive as
soon as we can , but when thou has heard how we get on , thou will see we have none to spare jast at present ; we eaa hardly help ourselves . We have now about 150 enrolled members ; things are going on prosperously . This morning , I understand there has been a very large meeeting to hear "the Slar res , d aa& other publications , and five or six shilling ' s worth oT circulars and other cheap publications vrero sold , which we have jus ; received from Wojverhaapton . ^ kifc the best has got to come ; three weeks ago Bjyselfand two friends took a vralk round Donningtoa Wood , Old Bask , and Oaken Gates , amongst the collie * i they wanted a lecturer , so we promised Mt ^ gok ^ Wednesday night following , in the Marketplace , "Oaken Gates , and set the crier on . We ex-
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pected to find 7 or 800 there , but when we got there they were obliged to go into the Bull Ring ; there were about 2800 persons present- J . Halford , a young man from the Dale , promised to lecture there last Monday . When he got there , there were about 4 , 000 waiting for him . The Charter haa takennothing else will go down there . The magistrates are alarmed , and are holding meetings to prepare themselves against an outbreak . I was in Shrewsbury last Thursday and Friday , and of course endeavoured to find out what standing it has got there .
I find they have been holding weekly meetings , and lecturing amongst themselves , bat have not attempted to start an Association . I have got them to promise to make a start . A young man , a shoemaker from Bilston , of the name of Moseley , has undertaken to be their Secretary , and to begin to enroll names . Last night , I promised to order some cards for them , which you will send as soon as possible , directed to John Batho , Robin Hood , near Old Factory , Shrewsbury . He will see that the money is sent to the Executive for them , and be kind enough to give them what direction you can .
"I have likewise written to Messrs . Mason and O'Connor . " We intend to have a grand demonstration on "Whitsun-Tuesday . They are coming from all parts , even from Wales . We expect from twenty to thirty thousand there ; and if Mr . O'Connor will come , I dare say there will be 100 , 000 persons present . It is like the centre of greatest attraction in Shropshire . Use thy influence to persuade him to come ; and Chartism , in one stroke , is-planted in every town in Shropshire . " I remain thine respectfully , "John Child . 11 To Mr . John Campbell , ' Corporation-street , Salford . "
^ Now , my friends , is not such news gratifying ? Much has been , much remains to be , done . Lincolnshire , Bedfordshire , Rutlandshire , Oxfordshire , Kent , Essex , Sussex , Surrey , Middlesex , Westmorland , Norfolk , Suffolk , Cambridge , the mountainous parts of Wales , and the Highlands of Scotland , must and shall be agitated . Let us , then , go on more determined than ever , until the citadel of corruption be thrown down by the battering-ram of troth , and the temple of liberty founded on its ruins , inside which will be admitted the whole family of man .
In conclusion , I must inform my constituents that I will visit the following places after the hurry of the elections for the Executive shall have been overnamely , Norwich , Ipswich , Lynn , Yarmouth , Harleston , Bury St . Edmund's , Wisbeach , and Cambridge , remaining one night in each place to address the people ; and the district muEt make arrangements where to begin , so as to make the route as convenient for me as possible . I remain , Your brother democrat , John Campbell . Corporation-street , Salford , May 16 th , 1842 .
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THE KIDNAPPING SYSTEM . HORRIBLE DESTITUTION OF THE OPERATIVES IN SYDNEY , NEW SOUTH WALES . Some time ago , we directed the attention of the readers of the Northern Sier to the subject of emigration generally , and pointed out to their especial notice the atrocious system of cruelty pursued towards our fellow-countrymen in the distant dependencies of the British Crown . We this week call attention to circulars from the Operative Stonemasons and the Boot and Shoemakers , of Sydney , New South . Wales , addressed to their brethren in
this country , and severally dated October 28 th , 1841 , and which appear in another cojumn . These circulars will enable our readers to perceive the state and condition of the working classes , who , by false hopes , and delusive promises have been induced to quit their " fatherland" for a settlement in whai has been " a colonial paradise . " Besides the circulars we this day publish , we have others now before us from the labonring classes—the house painters , the journeyman bakers , watch and clock makers , sawyers , and various other trades , varying in their details , but all embodying the most heart-rending statements of destitution and distress .
We see no reason to doubt the truth of the various allegations thus made ; they havo been drawn np in compliance with a resolution passed at a meeting of delegates from the trades at Sydney , and are surBciently varied to warrant us in coming to the conclusion that they are the plain statements of unvarnished truth . These documents have been sent to England for the purpose of publication , by placard , or otherwise , the trades of Sydney guaranteeing the expence ; and the object of them appears to be the warning of the
operatives at home against- the delusions practised by those infernal furies , in the shape of-Bounty Emigration agents , who are trying to kidnap the people of Ihis country into a state of bondage worce than death , for the purpose of increasing their illgotten gains by the nefarious traffic . These pitiless wretches appear to be well supported by the master rascals on the other side of the globe . The shoemakers , speaking of a man who had gone out to Sydney in order to better his condition , and who had been induced to do so by a statement sent to
England from the master boot and shoemakers , in October , 1840 , say , " On the arrival of Matthews , he applied for work to Mr . Slojia >* , who was at that time Secretary to the Society of Master Boot and Shoemakers , but was told by him thai he could not find work for the man assigned to him . Matthews told Sloman that he brought a statement of the Sydney wages with him . Sloman laughed , and told him that was one of the statements he had sant home , and that he had sent them to all the grindery shops he could think of in England ,
Ireland , and Scotland ! ' Thiscertamly needsno comment ; it is strong presumptive evidence of a wellarranged and weU-ui . dtrstood system of fraud and delusion concocted between the bounty agents at home and the blood-suckers in the colony ; the one seeking to enrich themselves by kidnapping the people hera and-dooming them to slavery , while the others are endeavouring to make themselves " respestabla" and " powerful" in the Colonies , by reduciLg the wages of the operative , and thus securing
to themselves a greater aggregate of profit . The means resorted to by these bounty agents to seduca their deluded victims , are promises of immediate aad censtant employment wiib . high wages . IV . presentationp , in fact , are put forth which induce the working man to believe that , in a few years he will be able to realise a fortune aud spend tho evening of his days in ease aud comfort . In all these respects , the poor emigrant finds himself miserably disappointed . He arrives ia the colony with his wife and
family , he seeks for employment , but can find none ; he offers to work at any price—the labour market is over-stocked , and the wages of all become reduced in coasequtnee . Thii is , however , the best side of the piciure ; in very many cases employment cannot be procured at all ; hundreds of emigrants on landing , fial themselves houseless and hopeless wanderers , at a distance of 16 , 000 miles from their native land , without a friend to sympathise with them , or a "heart to feel for their destitution aad distress .
Bad as the condition of the working classes in this country is , emigration evidently , under such circumstances , only makes bad worse ; and we beg our countrymen to pause , and ask themselves how they can endure to see their wives and children fainting beneath a burning sun , and dying for hunger nnpitied and ucaidedin a foreignland , before they venture to givethemselvesup without hope or remedy into the grasp of the oppressor ? We are told that land
is cheap , that it will amply repay the cost of cultivation , that wages are fc ' -gh , and employment easily obtained . Now how stands the fact ? The circulars of the trades are all dated October or November , and they ail agree that during the previous eix months many operatives in every branch have been unemployed ; that an inliux of emigrants ha 3 tended to reduce wages very considerably ; that every new importation increases ths general distress ; that no
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hopes , or very slender ones , are entertained of a change for the better , and that , in the midst of all , provisions aro excessively dear , rents most exorbitantly high , fuel and . clothing high in proportion , and vegetables not to be procured at any . price . There is some variety in the statements of prices , but nothing material . The highest wages will not amount to more than eight shillings per day , and the average rate of wages will not be more than thirty Bhillicgs per week . This would be reckoned tolerably good wages in England ; it is a ^ mere starvation pittance in New South Wales . In England , the occupant of a house at ten pounds per annum is
deemed respectable , at least according to the Whig estimate of respectability established by the Reform Bill ; in Sydney , the occupier of a eingle room not above nine feet square must pay a rental of eighteen pounds four shillings per annum , or seven shillings per week , and he must pay it weekly or go about his business ; for a cottage with two rooms , 15 ? . per week is charged ; fdrone with three rooms , £ 1 53 . ; and a house containing four rooms , we learn from the document before us , the nsual weekly rent is £ 1 15 s . To all this must be added the cost of fuel , food , and clothing , all which are from one to three hundred per cent , higher than they can be procured in this country .
Looking at these facts , it is plain that the working man , even when in constant employment , and receiving the highest rate of remuneration , will only be able to procure for himself and family the bare neces _ saries of life : comforts " , to say nothing of luxuries must be entirely out of the question . Nor has he the remotest chance of altering his circumstances , or of bettering his condition . But if suoh be the abject condition of the operatives when in full employment , and receiving the highest rate of wages , how deplorable must be their condition when deprived of employment for months together !
Owing to circumstances , into an examination of which we will not now enter , but the chief of which is unquestionably the bad , ambitious system of government which prevails in all our dependencies , the colonies are not able to provide work for tho existing population . In every branch of trade numbers were out of employment , wandering through the streets in idleness , ready to take work at any prico ; and thus , by lowering the rate of wages , bringing upon themselves and the whole working community accumulated and increasing distress . These things should be deeply pondered and well considered by the operatives at home who may be induced to look to New South . Wales as a land of ease and plenty . We are aware that the
country is as yet but thinly peopled : brought into proper cultivation , it might easily bo made to yield produce for at least five times the number of its present inhabitants . - The fault is not in the land , nor in the people : it is in tho system , and is inseparable from the system . It is Baid laud is cheap , and so it may be nomiually ; but cheap and dear are relative terms . Any article is cheap , whatever its ostensible price may bo , if those who want it possess ample means by which to secure . it ; and every article is dear , even though its actual price may not exoeed one penny , if the perscn wanting it be destitute of the means wherewith to purchase it . The working man in tho colonies has no such means ; and hence to become a landed proprietor is to him impossible .
Under a system like this how fearful must be the consequences of a continual influx of newcomers from the mother country . On the one hand is suspicion and distrust , and on tho other privation and want in their most appalling forms . Multitudes of human beings , who with high hopes and deluded expectations have left their native shores , find themselves , after the privations and hardships of a four or five months voyage , left , with every hope blighted , to perish by tho most crurl of death 3 as outcasts in a foreign and an inhospitable clime . And why , wo ask , is all this ? Is it for
the honour and interest of England ? Does this atrocious system of cold-blooded murder in the colonies tend to promote the comfort of the people or to secure the stability of the throne ? Not one of these ends is answered ; not an advantage is secured wliicU can in the remotest degree compensate the country for , ' all this guilt and wretchedness . What end then , we again afk , is answered by it ? It serves to build up despotism , to arm tyranny wiih additional powers , to destroy , without the odium of ciutder , the human machines
which have increased more rapidly than was consistent with the unhallowed designs of capital . Bad as we are we dare not openly butcher those of our operatives that wo fiud it inconvenient to keep ; tho plan , therefore is a system of kidnapping by bounty agents . The poor wretches are stowed like cattle into emigrant ships ; in some instances disease and fever consigns them to a watery grave ; or , at all evenlB , they aro sure tdbe pot rid of by want and starvation when arrived at the scene of their fearful destiny .
We have thought it right to direci the attention of our readers to this important subject , because it is with the people that the ultimata decision of the question relative to emigration rests . The transportation schem 9 will still be acted upon , and a system of wholesale murder perpetrated according to law , unless the people with one voice declare that such things shall no longer be . We have yet more facts in store . The West Indies and the prosecution of the same horrible slave , traffic in Irishmen well merits an exposure , and shall have it .
If the people must emigrate let them not seek the colonies ; let them look to the free 6 tates of North America ; bat we again repeat as we have often done before , that emigration is unnecessary . We haye ample resources at home for the whole of our population , were it five times greater than it is . and it is bad government alone which prevents their develepcment . Let the people ponder those things well . Let our march be onward !—oar watchward , union ! ! aud our determination be , never to quit the land of our birth until its capabilities have been fully drawn forth and found inadequate . Then it will be time to talk of emigration , but not till then .
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leip . If other than such men as are proof alike a . t&iii ^ the ; oallB ' of 4 Titer 6 st 1 \ Wd ; - n Te ^ eoiAbiliby , ' and will adhere always , and right forward to the old ship , though fifty new sprung butterflies should flatter in the breeze—if other than suoh men as are capable of being elevated without turning giddyif other than such men as , knowing the grave and responsibie character of their position , can bear friendly oritioisin , or eveii reproof , if necessary , without losing temper and hazarding our cause by petulance and overbearing—if other than reasonable , modest , clear-sighted , honest-hearted , but yet firmly determined men , be elected upon this Committee , the cause will have suffered great injury .
We have perfect confidence in the people ' s prudence / They are not now to be guided jyke children ^ They need little either of admonition or advice . No man can either long or far deceive them by fair seemius ; . We bid them only ' toexercise theit prudence and to determine not hastily upon whom to recommend for nomination ; and when the candidates are nominated , not to vote without deep and due consideration .
We abstain from recommending individuals ; because ( among other reasons ) if we did so , every / man who was not recommended , and yet thinks himself eligible , would consider himself "denounced , * ' and would proceed accordingly to denounce ns . Now , we have made up ourminda , that neither the spleen , nor the vanity , nor the ambition of individuals shall find in us a weapon wherewith to wound the cause . The people have tho whole race of public men before them ; they know who have been consistent in their adherence to Chartist principle and policy , and
who have not ; they know who have , through the whole movemeai , exhibited aa en en and forbearing temper , looking past all minor matters to the one great cause , and who , if any , have seemed to forgot all but their own greatness and importance v they know that a testy , quick , quarrelsome , short-sighted , headstrong , impatient , or violent man ia no man for them ; they know tha ? a man who runs after every " new move" that comes upon the carpet is no man for them . We have no fear ihat they will prove their wisdom by the discretion of their choice . ¦¦
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THE " COMMONS" HOUSE . We commend to our readeros the speech of Mr . Duncosibe on the Bribery Committee . It is refreshing to find one man among such a gang honest enough to make confession of the character of all . Not of course that any body is surprised at Mr . Di / ncombr ' s statements , since the character of the " Honourable" (!) House is pretty well and generally known ; but it is pleasing to find one among them honest enough to own it .
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A . Iv ., of Shrffield , writes in commendation of a plan for an attack upon the tax chest j proposed by Mr . A / oir , who has lately been lecturing in Sheffield . The plan is for every Chartist to take a sheet with the list of all exciseable articles at the head of it ; tlien let the individual waited vpon , if he approve of the plan , sign his name to those articles that he will abstain from : let one or twof millions of ' signatures be got ; let it be announced through the columns of the Chartist 1 press that evert / one that has signed the above will abstain for six months ; and then see what the effect will be . H . D . Gri * fiths . —7 % e matter of his communication may' be of considerable local interest ; but has
not enough of public interest for Our columns . Thomas Francis . —The resolution cannot be inserted . Jonathan Girson . — We have not room . C . M . Williams . — We know nothing of the letter to which she alludes—we think that it has not reached us . Northampton Chartists . ^— We can have nothing to do with local quarrels . J ,, Bristol . — We cannot answer ; but have sent his letter to Mr . O'Connor . Poor Law Bastilks , —A correspondent writes us , that about a month ago , a poor woman , upwards of sixty years of age ^ desired to Itavethe Mac' clesfield Union Poorhouse , of which she was an
inmate . She gave the governor , Mr . Romnsou , ' legal notice to that effect . Mr . Robinson , on learning the poor creature ' s desire to go away , told her she must give up her clothes , as they belonged to tlie parish ; and the wretched creature was actually stripped of all her clothing to her petticoat , and turned out of the house in this situation . If this be trite , it is a case of gross and shocking brutality . All letters and correspondence for the adult Chartists of Stockpbrt must , for the future , be directed to Thomas Clark , news-agent , Heatonlane , as he has removed from temperance Yard . . H . B . Marley and James Hoppev . —Their communications came too late for th is week . BUOJIPTON AND KNIGHTSBRIDaE CHARTISTS must
send their resolution to Mr . Stallwood , privately . Our Newcastle Correspondent must please only to 1 write on one side . Sheffi eld CiiAnTiSTSi—We have not room for the letter of Mr . Ward . Job Plant . —// ' he withes Feargus O'Connor to see his letter he mast send it to him : the Northern Star is no pom-office . . Will any Ciiarlht beverage manufacturer who wishes to forward the cause . communicate as soon as possible with , Mr . Crovkford , No . 3 , Clevdandslreet , Middlesex Hospital , London , who icisltes to become ageidfor London , and will give one penny in the shilling to ths Marylebone Association . All Communications for the National Charter Association of Birmingham are requested to be sent to E . P . Mead , No . 1 , Hatchet-street , Neuitoum
row . Glasgow . — The rtpnrt of the adjourned meeting in St . Ann ' s Church came too late for insertion .
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NEWCASTLE . —Mr . Abrain Duncan delivered his second lecture , in reply to the objections raised by the' House' against hearing us at the Bar , on last Thursday evening , Mr . Duncan was cheered throughout ins . whole address , which took about an hour and a hali' in delivery . After which , Mr . Sinclair moved the folio wing resolution , which Was eecpndcd by Mr . Fraser , aud carried unanimously . — " That this meeting is ( if possible ) more convinced than ever that nothing ehort of the whole Charter can remove the present . distress so > alarmingly felt by the industrious classes of thia country , and hereby pledge themselves to become members of
the National Charter Association forthwith , and by our united efforts procure those rights to which We are entitled by the laws of God and the dictate ? of common humasity . "—The adjourned delegate meeting of the 24 th ult . at Newcastle , was resumed to-day in the Banks of the Tyne Inn , South Shields , at one o'clock , as announced in last number of the Star . On the motion of Mr . Douglas , Mr . Stephen Binns was elected to preside , and Mr . Sinclair as secretary pro tern . The secretary read the minutes of last meeting , which were confirmed ; likewise the explanatory letter from Mr . O'Brien , which
was highly satisfactory ; and the other letter received from Mr . O'B . a 3 representative ot' this di < 5 trict in Convention . The secretary then read the plan proposed by Mr . Hall , of Ouseburn , for the better organization of tho counties of Durham and Northumberiaiid , which was adopted unanimously , namely , "Form of a proposed plan for the better organisation of the Chartists in the counties of Northumberland and Durham , 1 st . That a Committee of five be elected by the members of the National Charter Association residing in the counties of Durham and Noithuihbex ! au . d , to bo entitled
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the Northumberland and Durham Central - Committee ^ That they bold office for six months ; each locality , having resident Chartists , to be allowed to nominate one individual to perve in such Committee ; and that the five be elected from such persons nominated according to the plan of the National Executive Committees The Committee being empowered to elect their own office bearers . That the said Committee superintend the publication , of a cheap Monthly Marine , and that a regular plan of all lectures delivered in the two counties be inserted therein monthly . That ho lecturer ibe countenanced by the Chartist body , except each as can produce credentials from suoh Committee That the lecturers and sub-secretarie 3 furnish a
correct report of the progress of the cause to the Committee each month for insertion in the Magazine . That the committee meet once in every month , or oftener if necessary , and that all business of importance be communicated to the central secretary , prior to the regular sittings of the committee , in order to ensure a regular remittance to the Executive . That the committee keep a . book containing a correot list of the numbers of payable members in the district , and that they remit monthly to the Executive Committee one fourth of the contributions of such members as are enrolled in their books . That all cards of membership come through the same channel , and that a regular balance Bheet of all monies received
and paid by the committee be published in the Magazine quarterly . That the- proceeds ef the sale of the Magazine be appropriated to defray the necessary expences of agitating the two counties . That the Magazine be entitled , '' The Northumberland and I ) urham Democratic Magazine . " Price two-pence . Whereupon Mr . Douglas moved , and Mr . Waight man seconded , " That a provisional committee be now appointed to carry the plan into effect , and that the following gentlemen form , that committee :- —MessrB . Sinclair , Cockburn ,: Stephens , Binns , Hall and Cross . " Carried unanimously . The following resolutions were likewise ; agre * ed to unanimously , "Thatarrangements be immediately entered into to raise funds towards procuring a regular lecturer to this district , and that such fund
be under the controul of the provisional committee . " That the provisional committee now appointed be instructed to correspond with the meeting of delegates , at Darlington , on the 22 dd inet ., and submit the plan adopted to-day ; for their consideration . " " That Mr . Sinclair be apppointed treasurer for the lecture fund , and that he be instructed to enter into arrangements with Mr . Abram Duncan , or suoh other whole hog Chartist lecturer as may be agreed upon by the provisional committee . " "That a correct report of the proceedings here to-day be forwarded by the secretary to the Northern Star , requesting the editor to insert the same . " " That the ^ hanksv of this meeting be presented to our chairman and secretary , for the efficient manner in which they have done their duty this dayi
The Chartists of Newcastle held their weekly business meeting , on Monday evening , as usual , in the Chartists' Hall , Goat Inn , Cloth Market . Mr . Wm . Dees was unanimously called to the chair . The minutes of the prior meeting having been confirmed , Mr . Sinclair £ ave a report of the delegate meeting at Shields , ( of which the above is a copy , ) after which Mr . Cockburn , in a very able speech , in which he showed the offici 6 usnes 3 of the Anti-Corn Law League , in this district , in their attempts to attract the attention of the unwary oppressed from a substance to a mere shadow , moved the following-resolution , which was brieflv seconded , bv Mr . Sinclair
and carried unanimously : — - " That the Newcastle Charter Association , seeing the injurious tendency likely to accrue to tne cause of real liberty by the unprincipled sophistry of the avowed advocates Of the Anti-Corn Law League , in this locality , do hereby challenge Mr . Falvey to meet one of their members and discuss the subject with him upon equal terms , in any town or village , in the counties of Northumberland or Durham ; a week ' s previous notice of such discussion to bo given in due form , and that tho secretary bo instructed to correspond with Mr , Falvey , and make the necessary ai rangemeniB for that purpose . " After some private conversation the meeting dissolved .
AESHSEEM . Great Public Meeting . t-t—A public meeting of the inhabitants of this city was held i p the new Temperance Hall , George ' sl-street , on Friday evening last , for the purpose of adopting thenewplan of organization agreed to by the late Scottish Convention held in January last , and also to hear a report from Mr . James M'Pherson , of the manner in which he had discharged his duties as delegate _ for the city of Aberdeen iii the National Convention . Long before the time appointed for the commencement of business , the hall , capable of containing from twelve to thirteen hundred peoplej was crowded to excess . About a quarter past eight o'clock Mr . James M'Pherson , accompanied by the members of the Council , appeared on the platform and was
loudly cheered . On the motion of Mr . Rule , Mr . A M'Donald was called to the chair . Mr . Kendry moved the adoption of the plan of organization . Mr . David Wright seconded the adoption of the plan . The Chairman put it to the meeting , and it was carried unanimously . Mr . Waddle then rose and read tho names of those persons who had been selected by the Charter TJriion and other Associations in the North , as the Escutive Committee for the Northern District of Scotland , namely , Messrs . Duncan Nicolson , John Frazer , Archibald M'Donald , Alexander Kendry , Gecrge Ross , John Pullor , David Wright , James M'Pherson , and Johu Legg . Mr . W . said , as he knew all those persons to be sterling Chartists , and men in every respect qualined for the ofilce , he would move that those persons be appointed by this meeting . It was seconded by Mr . Large , and they wore unanimously appointed . The Chairman then
said he had tho pleasure now of introducing to the meeting that sterling advocate of the poor man ' s rights , Mr . James M'Pherson , who , on coming forward was received with tremendous bursts oi' cheering from all parts of the building . Mr . M'Pnersen delivered a long address , ; and detai . ed the proceedings of the Convention , and the manner in which the petition had been treated . Mr . Duncan Nicholson then moved a veto of thanks to Mr . Jas . M'Pherson , which was seconded by Mr . Wright , and earried by acclamation . Mr . Trap moved a vote of thanks to the Convention as a body , which w 3 seconded , aud carried amidst great cheering . A vote of thanks was also tendered to Messrs Duncombe and Leader , for their patriotic conduct in supporting the People ' s Petition , and , after a vote of thanks to our veteran Chairman , tho meeting broke up , highly delighted with the proceedings of the evening .
The usual Weekly Meeting of the Aberdeen Charter Union , was held in the Hall , 38 , George ' satreet , on Monday evening last , Mr . James M'Pherson in the chair : the minutes of the previous meetings having been read and confirmed , the Corresponding Secretary read a number of letters from various associations in the North , likewise one from Lord Lyndhurst , in answer to a petition which had been forwarded to the Queen by the inhabitants of this locality . After the transaction Of some business of less importance , the meeting broke up .. - : ¦ - . The Female Association met on Wednesday evening last , when Mr . David Wright delivored an excellent lecture on the state and condition of the people before the Reformation , compared with what it is at the present day . After tfco usual business had been transacted , and a voto of thanks to the lecturer , the meeting separated .
FAlKIJaK . —Ciurtissi . —The Rev . Mr . Bradshaw of Tillicoultryj delivered a lecture on Chartism , in Falkirk , on Monday , the 2 nd May , to a most respectable audience , Mr ; B . very ably defended the whole six points of the Charter , and combated the objections brought against it by its opponents , to the entire satisfaction of his audience . " 8 VNDBMI * AND . — -MoNKWEAasiotrrH — On Tuesday evening this place , which is situated on the north side of the Wear , was visited by Messrs . Chp . pple , Dobbie , and Taylor , of Sunderlahd , as a doputatiou from the Charter Association of the latter place . Although the general population ot this town may be regarded considerably behind their Sunderiand brethren in intelligence and public spirit , yet there are many intelligent men amongst th who
em , . -feel it their mission to open the eyes of the mentally blind , and bring " glad tidinga" to those who are in darkness and sorrow . And well have those regenerators begun their work—the meeting which has been held proves . The place of meeting was a large room attached to the Britannia , Thames-street , Monkwearmoutb . This room , which will contain about 300 persons , was completely crammed . Mr . Dobbie was called to the chair . After a suitable introductory address he called upou Messrs . Chappie and Taylor , to speak . Both these gentlemen acquitted themselves to their own credit , aud to the great satisfaction of the meeting . At tho oloae several entered their names as members of the Association , and it was determined to hold another meeting next Tuesday evening .
Pindkr ' s Blacking . —Due to the Executive this week , from the sale of R . Finder ' s blacking : — Mr . Hankin , Camngton ............ o ' 6 Cuthbert and Co ., Tillicoultry ... 1 8 Mrs . Smith , Nottingham 1 6 3 8
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. POLMONT , ( by Falkirk . ) -Shop-lifting . — Ihe shop of a grocer , in this village , was broken into on Sabbath morning , the 8 th current , and a quantity of goods , extracted . The plunder would h ave proved more exteasive had the depredators hot beenacared while choosing their stock . From the circumstance of a ham being removed from its station , the wise ones ave not slow in hinting that the same individuals are concerned in the robbery who have so unsparingly paid their nightly visits to the potato heaps of some of the lieges m this quarter , of late , as it is well known that " murphies and bacon" are a favourite dish . As the oase is in the hands of the proper authorities , it might bo premature to say more at present . :
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Fatal effects op Intoxication . —A quarrel ensued between a labourer and his wife on Sabbath morning , the 8 th instant , in Bathgate , which terminated fatally . As far as the circumstances are yet known to the public , it would appear that the drunken man , while aiming a blow at his unfortunate partner , by eome means or other the blow alighted on an infant , four months old , whidh the mother held in her arms , and which paused its death . The man and his wife , with a number of witnesses , have been examined by the authorities of Linlithgow , but , we have not as yet heard of the result . How long will our authorities denounce the recreation of a railway train running on Sabbath , and encourage , by their laxity , the selling of ardent spirits oh that day , . while murder and every other ciime , which disgraces human nature , emanate from the practice of open public houses on the Sabbath ? _ _
SUNDERIiAND—Strayed from Home . —On . Saturday week , a young man named Joseph Dodo * , belonging to Sunderiand , ( evidently under the in . fluence of insanity , ) rose from his bed about three in the morning , and having dressed himself ran out of the house followed by his mother , but unfortunately be sucoeededinnxaking his escape . Hig friends have b « en in search of him ever since , but have not got him yet . He has been discovered to have been at Ferry Hill , near Durham . Since then
he hasbeen seen near Boroughbridge , when he stated that he was going to Leeds . He stands 5 ft . 10 in . high ; was dressed in fustian jacket and trowser 3 , black waistcoat and neckerchief . He is of fair complexion ; h ' ad-. a prayer book in his hand , and appeared to be labouring under great religious excitement . Should this meet the eye of any who may have seen a person answering this description , they are most urgently requested to communicate particulars to his father , George Dodd , Nile-street , Bishopwearmouth , Sunderlaind . : i
Foot Race fob £ 5 asides—On Monday afternoon a foot race between two Knights of the Thimble , took place in Ryhope-lane , near Sunderiand . The competitors were John Keighley and John Watson , The distance was one hundred and ten yards . Keighley , who was the taller and more powerful man of the two , was backed at six to four ; but there was not much betting . They got off well together , but Keighley soon took the lead and came in a winner by about three yards . ; Forestry . — -On Whit-Monday the Court St . John Order of Ancient Foresters , held their annual meeting at Brother yKeighiU's , High-street , Bishopwearmouth . After the meeting a numerous company sat
down to dinner , Mr . W . Chappie , in the chair ; Mr . Metcalf occupied the yice-chair . There were the usual quantity of toasts and sentiments , but on this occasion they had more character than usual , and loyalty and patriotism were properly interwoven . The following are a sample of what was given : —The Queen , and may she bend bet ear to the united prayer of the millions . " " The people , the source of power ; may they speedily be enabled to eajoy that liberty and happiness of vrhich they hare been so unjustly deprived . " " May the benevolence of Forestry extend to every quarter of the Globe . "
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PUBLIC DINNER , AT HIGHBURY BARN . On Wait-Monday , tho grand annual dinner of the United Societies of Carpenters was held at Highbury-Barn , the profits- of which , and of the ball in ths evening , were to be devoted to the benevolent purpose of erecting alma / houses for their sged atid infirm brethren . TJpwards of three hundred sat down to a moat excellent dinner , got up in firat-rate style . The gallery was crowded with ladies , and an excellent military band added much to the hilarity of the scene . At the coaclusioa of the repast the company adjourned to the beauteous gardens attached to the house , and reassembled at four o ' cloci :, when Mr . Jeseph Butler , who had been previously elected , again presided over the assembly , and commenced by assuring them that though he had presided over larger meetings , he never felt more
deeply the" responsibility attached to the situation on previous dinners connected with these societies . The ? had confined their attention to social harmony , and to matters connected with the trade ; but , on this occasion they had still higher objects to bring liader their notice . The profits of the dinner were te be devoted to the purpose of raising a fund for the support of tile aged and infirm . ( Cheers . ) Ha would confidently appeal to both sexea / for support in carrying Out that great object . Waa it not a disgrace , that the aged and infirm ; members of their trade should be wandering through their streeta in poverty ; should be scouted and treated with contempt ? He was convinced that the yoaDg members of the trade would sympathise with them , and appreciate this effort to provide an asylum for them , not knowing how soon they might be reduced to a similar state . Another new feature in that
day ' s proceedings was , that while , on other occasions , they had confined , their attention to the mere surface of things , and bad not looked » to the cause of the evils and the distress which had existed , they had now seen the folly of this , they were determined to be misled no longer , but would take their affairs into their own hands , and see if they could not better their condition by havina ; the potot of legislation vested in . themselves . The first toast . to which their attention would ba directed was— " The working classes , and may they speedily obtain a just reward for their labour . " The steps taken by the working classes , within the last year , would , he believed , ultimately secure this object By adopting this toast they would show , to the world , he hoped , that , a 3 a trade they were at length
au ' ve to the importance of Iookinj ta their political conditlotu WaB not trade in a most depressed condition ? Did they receive a just reward for their labour ? They were well aware they did not , and unless they looked to the cause of this they would become more and more degraded—ibeir situation would daily become worse and worse . The next toast that ; wouldL be proposed went to remove the cause of the evils which oppressed them ; it struck at the root of bad legisliatisni which had created all thB misery and degradation which existed in the whole world . He knew not whether it might be palatable to the whole body , but he tbougto that it would This toast was—The Charterr The House of Commons had treated their petition with contumely and insult ; it had solemnly , declared that the working classes had no right to a share in the legislation of the country ; that they were to be regarded only as slaves and beasts of burden . Tke quebtion for them to consider was ,
would they any longer submit to this state of things ? It had been said by a , n exceilent authority , that for a nation to be free it was sufiicieht that she willed it ; they had not this freedom , and if they did not will it they were not deserving of it . The subject of the Charter being broached in this public manner would show it did not . emanate from a party , bat from the whole body . It would declare to the . world that the aristocracy had at length forced them to become politicians . As that worthy advocate of the Charter Dr . M'Douall was present fie should not say more upon the subject , and the other toaata also were In hands that would do justice to them . He was well aware that they would give a fair hearing to all persons who might address them , either for or against tfee toasts , and he also trusted that the toasts would give universal satisfaction , and that their liberal example would speedily be followed by other trades . ( Great cheering . )
Mr . Tappbell stated that he had the honour to b entrusted with the first toast , " The working classes of the United Kingdom of Gr 8 at Britain and Ireland , saay they speedily receive a just reward for their labour . " He need not go at length into the subject , whether they di . 1 receive a just reward for their labour . They had sufficient evidence to prove the contrary , but he trusted thai his trade would have sufficient spirit to stay the torrent of downward degradation into which they were certainly going ; that they would evince that power of intelligence , that moral courage which would enable th « m to achieve a reform greater than any other which had taken place in the world . Reforms , hitherto , bad not generally been for the benefit of the working classes , but for the upper ranks ef society ; To . achiey *
thia great measure of Reform they needed no physical force , a'l they required was union and determination , A mighty power lay in the possession of the trade so ^ cieties of Britain which had never yet been exercised as it ought upon these great national questions —( hear , bear ) . Ho trusted they would determine to make auc& use of passing events as to turn them to the benefli of the working population . It remained wita th 8 m to say whether they would go forward with the niighty ^ owet tbey possassedj concentrating the intelligence and tlia imiustry of their body to the reforms now in contemplatio ) . They had been told that they were not fit to exercise the power of legislation ; that if ihW had a share in tne making of the laws they would destroy property anl produce anarchy and confasion
throughout the land . What ; the men who ptoduce au the weilth-r-all the property in existence— 'destroy the fruit of their own labour ! It was a base calamoj —a foul libel upon the working man to assert each an opinion—( hear , heat ] . It was the base cumber "" ° ' the earth—it was those who took all from them and gave them nothing in ietum , that were tie destroyers of property . He felt bitterly indignant at hearing sucn assertions from men who must know thay w ' ere . falw . They knew too well the value of property to eonspiie for its destruction ; they had taken too much care and pains to produceft to be guilty of such insanity ; thej wanted to preserve property , to enact good laws , that
the produce of the earth might be more equitably distributed . All they desired to destroy was class legislation- { hear , hear ) . They wanted to attain their jas position in the Legislature ; and until this was effected , he could see no prospect of tiieb : condition being benefited . He had ever been the adrocate of trade societieS j yet they were far from being so formidable as they might be rendered . They saw one trade after another driven into the very eartb . It nude his very heart bleed to see men involved in poverty and wretchedneft ? , by causes wliich . they could not control : what was the cause that poverty and intelligence seemed to progress together ; that surrounded by the elements of wealth , they should b 8 involved in destitution ? Would they
allow this slate of things to continue ? Would they not press onward with the great body of their fellowworking men , until ..-theybad attained their political righta ? It was for them as a trade to answer this question , the celebrated Bentham said it was only by keeping taa ruling faw oneasy , that they could hope lor success . He hoped they would act upon that maxim
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We did mot receive Mr . O'Connor's reply to the Irish Universal Suffrage Association in time for insertion .
The Northern Star. Saturday, May 21, 1842.
THE NORTHERN STAR . SATURDAY , MAY 21 , 1842 .
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THE NEW EXECUTIVE . We call attention , m a most especial manner , to the letter of the Executive to the members of the National Charter Association throughout the empire Tho prudence of tho people and tbeir fitness for the discharge of the electoral duties of freemen will bo now tested , and we cannot doubt proved abundantly , by ths discreet exercise of their ri ^ ht in choosing men to guide and steer the vessel of Chartism at iha most critical period of its voyage .
Much of the future success or failure of tho efforts of the people aftsr right depends on the character of tho men chosen to this important office . Sound judgment , calmness and firmness of purpose , and the most unflinching integrity , should , in tho members of this body , be linked with untiring energy aud prudent zeal . Let every man , therefore , before nominatinga candidate , ponder well aud seriously upon his character , and consider that he is in a great measure confiding to that man ' s courage , honesty , and temper , the destinies of tho whole movement . Let none , then , be nominated for this office who are not well known , and whose
character for clear-sighted intelligence and stern honesty stands not " above suspicion . " Of all men in the world the Executive must be out-and-out men . They must be such as enjoy the entire confidence of the entire country—not merely of a section or of a cabal . They must be backbone Chartists ; wedded to the whole Charter ; wedded to the working men , the architects of their own fortunes , the saviours of themselves . No half-and-half man , no "new-move" progressive-advancement man , no " complete-suffrage" O'Connellite , no short-sighted simpleton ( however honest and sincere a Char'ist he may be ) with his eyes full of middle-class snuff is fit for nomination on-this committee . There never was a time when it vras raoTe necessary for the Cbarti 3 t body to look well before the
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Ctjitrtigtt 3 tntelltci ; ettc * .
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^ f \_ t ii i i i . l ii i i I i ¦ ( Tl' V . H V ^^^^ B ^^^^^ » --- — .-w . ~~— ^ SLAVERY . We purposed saying something on the awful revelations of the report of the " Childrena' Employment Commission , " given elsewhere . We have not room this week for it , but shall yet make some comparison between the amount of guilt " which may be reasonably deemed" to appertain respectively to the " infernal , " ^ iron-hearted , '' " bloody" planters of the West Indies , and the " respectable , " " benevolent , " '¦ "Christian ^ " " religious" owners of some of our mines and manufactories , as ( Well as of our eoloniallands .
Co 3s*Aner0 Arm Covvegpomttmis*
Co 3 S * aner 0 arm CovvegpomttMiS *
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. ^ _ ~ 4 »_ - Mr . Micklethwaite can receive his plate from Mr . Hey wood , by calling . W . Drtdsdale — AH right . James Arthur . —Yea . I ,. H . ' B . —Wie have not one copy at the office . Mr . Richard . uorgan , Newhnan . —The parcel was sent on April 23 rd , by Pickfords . FOR THE CONVENTION . s d t From a few fiiends in Falkland . 5 0
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¦ . i . - . - ' . 4 - TH NOBTHEBN STAR , ¦ ... . ' :, -.,.,.. ' ,. :.. ; . . , " , ' ¦ ¦ .. ; . , ' . ¦ - ^^ ^^ _^;
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), May 21, 1842, page 4, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct890/page/4/
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