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LET US OBGANiZE!
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WAY TO BO SO EFFECTUALLY . The general cry for u an efficient Plan efOrt / aidsslitm : is one of the most hopeful " signs of the ernes . " It bespeaks a general desire on the part of ihe . working classes so to applj the power thai TJaioS can give , ihat it may eventuate in xeal good to the oppressed many . They are unwilling that their exertions Ehonld he longer frittered away on isolated and deiaehed portions of the system which bends fiiem iaio the dnst ? and they long for an opportunity to direct ibeir concentrated energies to the full overthrow of ihe entire system itself , and ihp esiablislunent in 5 t 3 stead of the reign of trnth and righteousness . Hence ihe demand for an ep-; ficiej » t i * iau of Organization . "
. Baliflhase desirable rffects are to accroe from Organization , that Organization must be efficient . It must he one that will collect together the * czbtered and individnal unite of the working classes , and -unite them firml y and sect / rely in one in- ¦ vi ncible whole . 'Jo be ihns efficient and ihns Bectxre , it mxislJ > e tciihin ihe law . This 13 the first and permanent requisite , U this be wanting , all tffinaicg is at an end ; and to talk ofsECciiiTT nnder such oirctaaBtances , would be tricked mockery . Let H 3 hzve an Organization within the law , ar jj ¦ we can apply ib&Tinitea strength of the confederat ed body to a successful overthrow of faction : let us be ¦ withoni the Jaw . and the moment ihat our stren jth becomes formidable or even annoying , faction ivill employ ; ihe po"wers of ibelsw to "remove the j
intagonisS from the field . TKb faction ba 3 al ways hitherto done j this faction w 31 always contir ite to do , so 3 oBg as the -people ptrmit it , by placing themselves "within its legal grasp . All political" Z 7 hicks' * of the masses bare hitherto failed , from thi i cause . It is high time we learned ; wisdom bj exp- jrieuce ; and endeavoured so to organize as to se sure the bentfitof the Xiw ' s esotectios , instead of being , as hitherto , iharecipients of the " uws tes geakcs" ! There ia one particular connected with the Poli-Heal OrganizMion of a people against 1 he acts or -existence of its government , deserving o / the most serious attention . Hitherto iv has been : passed over , Tnthont even notice : and this passing- oYer has led to the disruption , sad breaking-np of all poliiical sxaetis . It is ths jktesest op
gove&n-3 IEXIS IHAI Ali SUCH COSSdATIOr £ SHOULD BB -without the pxle of ike iiw ; a id tbey invariably wink at their existence , and eve a jn some eases indirectly acknowledge them ¦; until the time arrives Triien the power acquired by their -means is to be < 3 : rtcted for the « ccom _ plis ^ ment of the intended object . THEN do Governments step in , and with the law in one * sand , aai 6 the key of the # aoi in the other , mate short -work of it i and thus -rid the mselves of trooblesoBie customers . The p ^ i cy of ^ GoTernaBnttoirinlr al the existence of an illegal-poKtical society -when it is weak , —when it can < do ioharm , —has led many to calculate on a conticsance-of such' tefer&don , and to conclade that 5 i was needless to step ike least ont of the way to proeere tbe . feU protection x » f the law . Experience
ias fenreres , woefefij taught ihe folly of all such c& \ calauonsand expectations . Governments always lave , and always -toD , uae the powers they possess to-pToieet&uar ovrn authority and to punish those ¦ nrb o'wanld asail or deprive them of it . Tb esptct thej /* Fould do > otherwise is to proclaim a man a natural-born fooiL The people , when opposed to a government ,-and-especiall y when professedly associated -for tfaat purpose ,, employ aJJ die power they posses for the accomplishment of their objtxjt Govennnect ia " patting 4 own" snch opposition , ¦ when it presents itself m an illegal form , does no mere . Ihe eiH is in the people placing themselves in the bands of thosa whose interest it is to crush thexr-effbrts for ptTenanemal reform . "W e muss try siohj to avoid that evil .
To ETold that evil we must Organize in accordance -wife the Iaw 3 tow in being to pboteci all associations « siabiislifed for Mntnal Benefit , who , choose to avail themsslTes of that protection , by complying irith 4 he law ' s if qniremeats . This we can easily do . To do it , -will inrolye no sacrifice of principle \ "will entail to trouble ; will run us to no additional expense .: "but it will save us from &o infinity of Jweer sn&ilouble-dealing ; inasmnch as it "will render nnseeessaTj all the efforts we have hitherto had unceasingly to make to evade the law \ such dForts biTins akvay s ended in the discovery that we had broken ihe law at ihe Tery time , we were congratuluipg OBrselres on a -very clerer evasion of it !
Several-outlines and suggestions for a plan of Organiaition have been placed before the country . A few weeks ago-we gave many of such Euggesaonsin one long -article ; and intimated that we should , at a furore time , pnblishsome suggestions of onr own . Indeed , « n several occasions , we hare spoken of x ms in coBTEe of conccc-ion , Xo accomplish ths perfect , and safe , and secure , —because iegaV-Grsasization- of the people . That tus we hate sott to rwanrLSATE . At the expense of much . thought , xnoeh time , and xaach labour , is has been perfected ; and we bate now to present it to the Chartist body , as one emiaently calculated to accomplish the object all sogeaetaUy desire .
Before we insert the Plan itself we shaSl here gWe a letter from "the Rst * " WTiHam Hill ^ sens by him lor : obt last pablication , but received at such a late hour . as precluded die possibility of its being then inserted , j Tbailettcnefers mainly tt ) the question of Organization 4 therefore this is the most fitting place for it . j "With tbe- ? iews and reasons of Mr . Hiii , we , in the ; main , most heartily coincide . Indeed , for a long , period iberelas been , on this subject , a-perfect oneness of feeiing between the present conductor of the Iteribern&ar and Mr , Bin . ConverEatioD 8 , * coasult&' ^ riii 1 , and coEnsellings together , bave-often been j bad respecting it . At that time it was the doty of i ± ba presentrcondoctor to co-operate with olr . H 11 . L 1 in ths " gewing-np of the Star ; and in ihat capa- j city several of ibe arfides jespectiiig the proposed j ? lan-of Organization that haTe appeared from time ; to time , setting forth the advantages that to might
obtain , and the ease with wbich ihej might be compassed ; BeTeral of the articles "woica then appeared in the Star , were from the same pen that now writes this . -We mention this to show that the o , nesik > n-of © tganiz 2 . t 3 on is Dota new one to the present coridccior of ihe Star . Par from It . Per aconsidejable period his ati * nUon has been directed to the subjtci ; and he has Icug seen that the time wonld arrive when ibe improTed opinion of the masses ¦ wo uld resalt in the establishment of a rLAMfttence XFFicttKT andSAFE , because plain , dear , defined , and legnL Wuh Una introduction , necessary to enable the reader to know of the entirety of feeiing in the main , © b tbissnbject betweenJMr . Hiil and ourselves , we bow gire ids letter j bespeaking for it the calm coBKderaiion and earnest' atti Biion of every mm who dear . es to see the onus of Chartism gathered together , and bound up as a powerful and energetic whole i—
IO THE PEOPLE . M 7 DEAE . PKEESDS , —I TRite this pn board the fteam gerjrf ea x&yage . from Dundee to EiiEbnrgh . Ton will , 1 know , wjolce to tear ttat my torn ha « done more already for me iian my hopes Jotked to , ii the "way cf itinTigoisSins my waned phyaca 2 energies . Tfee fcraeujgair -of these BJonntains , ccnpled with the partial rest which I have taken , has done mnch for me . J amzcneh better j sud hope to he at > Ie soon to bring into onr commonitock of labour more Etrength of body , asd more consequent vigour ano detezminatioa of mind , tTntn 1 h 2 Te had for years $ one by . 1 baTe passed already through XeUh , Edinburgh , Aberdeen , Montross , Arbroatb , and Dnndee . I suppose that therespectiTe ^ secretaries TtiU have toH you ail about the meetings in esch place . I shall not , therefore , tste- np sp 3 ce "srith the trumpeting of my own fame . Soffits it that I find the Scotch ,
" All that siy lancy paintefl theni ** ^ a cool , thinking , ai £ mmina . ting , reasoning people , v ? bo ¦ will look before they leap , * n 3 thick "before they speak Tie -warm hand of iriendBhip greeted me in every j-teee , ana I found the temper of the people so st&UA \ oTb-y own , tliat I tm xauch at home with tbem . I fina the movement to be here , as in England , Tery apalhttic in its char&eter . " Alwl you ino-sr the cause too welL " It haB noi yet " recovered feom its exhaustion .
Tbat ail unripp-d the fonnt&ai of her life Onr coaatry Eeemed as iE a &a ^ j ^ Of siRwn ana s-. npor BQ 8 -s-o ^ £ Ter Ue . r « or ooce recal htr -wonted eaergifis , Bot lie . gci-= ceiit , jet us ^ aieUy Htr fateirpeeting . " The ^^ it of the people ens not departed bom q ^ = r . a 5 j ^ j&is * i ?^ s Z . ^ lSlT&'ttzLtfrz
Scottuh brethren or -npon yon , my EogUah ^ , ^ 1 xodi . to -whom I now mere specially address my « eit -We most be&n to te-edlleet onr powers . We must _ prepare oaredves cot jnew-ly to demonstrate <« r power ingrest dlgJltyB of jBeetingB 2 nd petJUons . « sdi prd-< st * eion 8 , bat te nse it for a Euccessfnl e » ifctersotion of the we'J-cTdered and ikflfolly arranged forces of corruption And , is order to this , we must bo orgaaaad . Tne first this ^ fco is looked to is * ntai jm Orgsnizstioii a > shall enable tbe xrbole people , at any given time , whhin a rtasom > ble priod . to know Ibe minds of e » eh other npon any cirec flotstion throughout the whole
empire . -The -wast of snch £ 2 Organ : action is the Tocfc on TThieh ve have hithtno * rKt- We have never been ©* ? 3 ni » e 3 . "We havea'Vsj * Sited In sectional dividons , iy whlchourstreDgth has O 5--E lort in tliemodecf its application . We mnst hsve desa with this . We mnet lave an © rganTiition ; Fcrh an " *» se iis can be universally sdojrtEA .- *~~ It % iuet be cocn -ce ops as may De nfdy acl *^ -c > i ; - > Fhb Et ftar of iirternTtion ftoni the l ^ gal jower , or of perrerEicn by tho rnEn'H !? and the jselfivb , of our" own party . To form inch an OrpzniZiUcn &a thlaia most « ibv , if ihe pfcerle be r . o \ *> i-i ! inste ; tut 5 t ^ wai 3 x < pure ~ them to make mutual csVimisiiS } on
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matters viiicli are of no vital importance ; aud to agrea to act harm jniously , though , in come matterfl tbey may differ in apinioD . The plan of Or laciBanon which "we ha ^ e already bad in partial operaf ^ on has proved a failure ; and I am not surprised at it ; for , thoDgb I do think that it never h&d a fair cha- jco given to it , there vras Kueh cf the elements of ' failure in tfee plan itself . It was necessarily 20 lax ar jq -vagne in its general provisions and so ind 6 termi-nat » j in its details ; it left so much to be supplied by the tf jutant vigilance of tee people themselves , separate ' £ om the written document ; it was , in fact , or sheer necessity , so full of fence and finesse that the j straight A > rward blunt honesty of tie nnguarded people was co- itJnnally running Its head against some poBt 01
' \ ] j I . other . Thus , it was continually violated j was never in fact b' .-ought into effective operation in any one place that L know of . We had a name to live ; while , as a ¦ nati * jnal society , we were dead . T here is no hope for us bat from Organization ; and i th < je is no usa in any Or ^ ac . Zition , which is not , at I tb a same time , so perfectly clear as te be at once ap-1 P fchensible , -without explanation by everybody soper-| f ectly simple and comprehensive as to be fitted alike to ] ihe circomEtaraes of every locality—so perfectly efficient ' ss that it sball give the opportunity of free , and almost I instantaneous , communication of the "whole body with its several parts , so tfcat the whole energies of the 1 whole people may be brought to bear on any given J I point , without besitatfos or delay . ¦
A national Organization -which did not possess all these qualities vfoald be useless to us ; wfeile any plan of Oresn : zition , even though it had all these qualities , if it wanted the not less important one of conformity to l&w , -wwild . be much ¦ worse thaa useless to us . The difficulty is to form a plan which Bhall be at once perfectly national , perfectly tfiicJent , perfectly simple , and perfectly legaL Any plan of national Organizitiou ¦ which does not embrace all these points of commendation is unworthy of our notice . Among the many good thinga which O'Connell has said , I remember one saying of his , that " ths next best thing to being right yourself is to put your enemy completely in the wrong . " I fully accord -with tbi 8 doctrine ; and hence I have ever been most auxiona
that the operations of the people should be conducted peacefully and legally . I know that , if their moral strength was bnt marshalled , and their numbers 01-ganizfsd , they are invincible and irreslstibje . Tbey are able thus to -carry any measure of a wholesome and sanatory tendency , "wilhont violating ary of those forms and appearances cf l * w vtith "which the harpies have fenced round the carcase of corruption , in the btpe of feasting nndisturbed thereon . There is no power in any state successfully to resist the righteous demands of a people "who are united in purpose and opinion , and organized so as to enable them to express their opinion , and to prosecnte their purpose as one man . Of this the factions are most perftctiy aware ; and bencs their Iriebest dr = a < i has ever been
the OrgznteaUcB of the -people , and their greatest care to provide against its existence . And hence , from ths time vrhen the Honse of Commons ¦ was first Bought to be emancipated from the direct contronl of the Crown , and placed in its dus position as an independent branch of the Legislature , and as the index of the people ' s mind , for a period of about 250 years , an incessant struggle has been going en between those-who "wonld organiz ; and those who would destroy the expression of the people ' s "will for good . The Jynx-eyed jealousy of faction has "watched ^ every movement ; and having in its own hands the power of lawmaking , haa met every organised movement with new and more tight restrictions , till it was thought that effectual provision had been made against the possibility of any National Organ : zation existing , otlier than snch as might accord "with the designs and purposes of the domiimnt class . The ia"WB now in force , in reference to political societies and National Organizition , are
comprised in two most sweeping and comprehensive statutes , the 33 « Gk » . 1 IL chap . 79 , passed in July . 1799 , and . ihe 57 Geo . III . c . 19 , passed in March . 1817 ; and so well are the meshes of these two insidious and infamous stBtuteB spread out , that it -was doubtless deemed to be impossible for any " National" Organ-zition to eBcape them . By the united force of these acts , every society the members of which , or any members whereof shall , either Teibally , or in "writing , subscribe , or assent to , any "test or declaration , not required by lav ? , is an nnlawfnl combination and confederation . See the carefnloess "with which villainy has dra-wn the net-strings ? Not content "with prohibiting such oaths , testa , or declarations as wight be against the law , the vords not rrqvirtd by law extend tae prohibition to all ro- 'untarp declarations ef "whatever character ; even a declared determination , by the members of any society , to uphold the law , might by this clause be construed as illegal . ' . '
By the Acts before named , every Society composed of deferent branches or divisions , activg IN aky MaKUEB sepai alt ) y or distinctly from each tfher . or of which any part shall hax « any distinct President , Secretary , Treaswtr , Delegate , or oiher ojjker , ob a > 'T person aclvnQ as such , elected or appointed by or fyr such part , ortoact ij » am office for such part , shall be deemed and hidden to be an unlawful combination and confederacy . Ifow , these provisions render it totally impossible for us to h&ve any system of purely political National Organization hi ore efficient than the one we had , v ? hich has proved , on trial , to be an utter failure ; while the penal clauses of these la"ws are rach as axe by no means to be trifled -with ; znJ show us that it "would be
utter madness to connect ourartves "with apy Orga ization -whereby "we should be sniject to them . Having declares the casts in which Societies thtll be detmed ** unlawful combinations and confederacies , '" these Acfs provide : —¦•** Thai any member of any such society , and trery person uho shall , directly or indirectly , tnainlain correspondence or intercourse , trilh any such society , or triih any division , branch , committee , or other select body , president , treasurer , secretary , delegate or other officer , or member thereof as such ; or tcfto shall by contribution < f money or otherwise , aid , abet- or support men society , or any menibef thereof , as such , shall incur certain penalties . " The penalties are of two kinds . " 1 . By summary process on information before ONE Justice of the Peace ; on conviction , a fine of twenty pounds , er three months ' imprisonment in the common gaol . 2 . BY
IHDICTWEN-T ; ON CONTICTION , TRANSPOBTATION FOR SET £ N TEAKS . " This -will shew us at once that this business is sot to be trifled "with . We must not have an Organization which is not perfectly legal ; there is no use in onr having one "which is sot . perfectly efficient ; and the jguestion is—Row are "we to compass both ? I EtUi maintain the opition "which I have always holden , that it is impossible to do so otherwise than by taking advastage of some one or other of the forms and names incidental to sosae cue or other of the special exemption * provided by the lav * itself .
Charitable Societies and jleKgioue Societies of all kinds ere specially txempted from the operation of the acts I have referred to ; and , as I believe the Christian religion to inculcate all the doctrines of tmth End righteousness , as -well social and political as p ^ rsonal ; as , in fact , I hold politics to be part and pisreel of Christianity and insepaiable therefrom—being tnixed up -with , springing out of , and sustaining all its principles and doctrines , I would be glad to see , for the first time since the age of the Apostles , a true Caii olic and Christian church , acknowledging in all the f 1 illness of their ecmprfeh 6 nsiv « import the precepts of that religion , which being hitherto talked « f , but neither understood nor practised , has been , and is now being , made the most fearfully * ffective test that ever tyranny employed for the destruction of man ' s liberty and of all clear recognition of the principles of moral right .
3 bold the principle 3 of Chmtinn to be Religious principles , and every Chartist Society to be eonsi-qaenUy a Religious society ; and I vrould gladly see them so declare themselves , and leave to tbe vile herd of despots the option of openly and manifestly trampling on their own kirs , or of crashing along with Gtsrtissa ., Methodism in all its "various shapes , and all the other isms of " dissent" in all its varieties of aspect But a very large portion of the English Chartists haVe declared against this opinion . I regret this ; I wish tbe people had been prepared to tafee "what I think -would be Use best course ; but I am not therefore the ass to be obstinate in my own conceitedness cf purpose , and seek to browbeat every body else IbIo it 1 am content to bave my opinions estimated by tbe people , and to take for
them just as much iiflnence as they are thought worthy of . Still therefore , retaining my own opinion as to the best course of action , I now recommend to yon that which I think to be tbe next beet and the un . ' y one opfcn to you ; acd that is to organize yourselves into one immense national benefit society , embracing all the true democrats of England , Scotland , and Walts , and Inland in one bond of brotherhood . This may be done through the medium of aa Organization -with a Laud Fund attached , to which land Fund each member may or may not contribnts , as he may feel disposed . This "Will eiat-le all to usa their o"wn judgment on the Land scheme . It "will force no one to give in his adhesion to that prpject unless he feel so disposed . Every one
belonging to the O . 'gairzition must pay to ihe general fund ; and tbe general fnad will bs for pnrely political and agitating p : \ Tpofces ; white thvs separate Land Fnud , to -svbicn every mm miy pay or not as he pleases , will Siva us a title to enrolment under the Benefit Societies * Act . ; and thus give us the protection of the law instead of making us obnoxious to ttft la- « p . We shall then escape all the fangs of the Acts of Parliament I have before adverted to . We may make Oat Organ ' zition as efficient as we please ; we may have branches , districts , wards , classes , and every othfci sub-division that may be necessary , and these ™* 7 all legally and safely correspond -with each other ; » d thus m * y all the nsea Ma purposes of a National Organmtion be secured to us ,
ThusAsJl wepat our enemies " completely in the »» ng , by feneiag ourselves round with the provisions £ S" 2 « £ ^ Ol ?** ' " ^ "ilghHu , but of legal , A ^ J ^ 8 "" thss 8 nP ° « K > lr « wn ihewiug . Our ¦ SEE ? , SSfSSTS ** *;«¦*»• <*¦¦» «* sssSlgaSK
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anoihfc * next week . 1 ask no preteefcuce for mine above others , beyond what you may think due to its merits . But I do implore you to adopt some plan , and act on it universally . Without union , you are powerless for good ; -without Organ zition , your union cannot be manifest j therefore I say , Organize , Organize , Organize I .
Your faithful friend and servant , William Hill . Tuesday , Aug . 15 . 1843 . We have before expresses a general coincidence of opinion with Mr . Hill on this matter ; the only difference ; between us being as to the desirability of presenting Chartism in a re / igiovs aspect . In this we certainly disagree with Mr . Hill , and agree with the people : but as the point is rif > hifullv fore-gone by Mr . Bill , in deference to the unequivocal feeling of the great body of English Chartists , it is pot worth while further to allude to it . The mention of it &t all is to prevent tho possibility of pur general expression of agreement in opinion with the object and scope of the above letter being taken to refer to this point amongst the rest .
At the close of his letter Mr . Hill intimates the probability of his sending a plan of Organizition for publication this week . At the tinm of our present writing * it has not come to hand . OUR PLAN however is in type ; and shall be immediately placed before the reader . We had it ready . for publication last week , had time and space permitted us to give it : time to accompany itiwith the requisite explanation and commentary ; and space for the whole . Here , then , tbe Plan is . We present it as a whole ; devised to enable ua to have the advantage of legal protecticn , and making provision for a plain , simple , understandable , efficient Ortauizition of the
people in Classes , Branches , and Districts ; with an Annual Convention of Delegates , for legislative purposes ; and with a General Executive Committee for the execution of the geueral plan emb > died in the Laws and Corisntution of the Society , and for tbe carrying out of the measures of practice determined on by the Annual Convention . For ihis schetno of 0 r ^ ani 2 ition we bespeak earnest investigation ; desiring each one to withhold all opinion , for or against , until "be has read the whole , with the commentary that follows ; and weighed well tho rcasona adduced in favour of its adoption . First , then , for the plan itself : —
CONSTITUTION AND LAWS OF THE NATIONAL CHARTER ASSOCIATION , ESTABLISHED FOR THF . MUTUAL BENEFIT OF ITS MEMBERS . ( Enrolled under the Acts , 10 . Geo . IV . c . 56 , and 4 and 5 William IV . c 40 . J
CHAPTER L—BASIS . SECTION I . —OBJECTS . 1 . The objects of this Association are to effect , peaceably and by reason alone , a change for the better in the condition of its Members , aud of all classes of society , by inducing the body politics to act upon those principles of seu-governsiekt , wbicb , when applied to practice with the nquisito knowledge , will ensure health , permanent prosperity , intelligence , union and happiness to all , by teaching bow to pioduce and distribute , in tbe wisest and muse tquitubie manner , the best kinds ef -wealth most abundantly ; and to govern most : btntflcislly , without force or fraud , by the removal of tbe causes which produce evil , and the substitution of those wbicb produce good .
SECTION 11 . —MEANS . 2 . These ot-jecta aio to be attained by the following means : — First—By creating a new public opinion in favour of this change in the condttion of man , through tbe medium of public meetings , lectures , missionaries , discussions , petitions to Parliament , tracts , cheap publications , and Ihe Newspaper Press ; all these means being so employed as to bring thu objects of this Association prominently btforu tbe public , and the reasons thut may be urged why the the principles on which this society is be&ed ou ^ hto to be applied to general practice ; and thus inducu all to join as members of this Association , to procure for themselves tho manifold Benefits that wcukl accure from its principles being generally adopUd ,
and tbe objects suught for achieved . Second—By raising from time to time , by subscriptions among the members , or by volunlaiy contributions ; or bequests , or loans , various stacks or funds , for the mutual assistance , maintenance , and education of tbe members , their wiTes , and children , or nominees , la Infancy , advanced ago , sickness , or other natural state or contingency ; also funds for defraying the incidental expenses of the iociety . Third—By applying tucb Btocks or funds for the purchase or rectal of land , wbereon to employ tbe labour of the members in tbe production of food and clothing , under such arrangements as shall secure Plenty to these so employed , and Benefit to ail the rest .
SECTION III . —PRINCIPLES . 3 . The fundamental principles of this society are : — First—The end of a . l Government ought to be tbe happiness of the govsrned ; and to attain this end , without injustice to any , it is necessary to tu >> ject those v bo bave tbe power of making the laws to a ¦ wholesome and itrict responsibility to those whose duty it is to obey them when made . Second—That tbis responsibility can be best enforced through the instrumentality of a body emanating from , and immediately sulyect to , the whole people ; thus completely representing their feelings and their interests .
Third—That this representation to be just , muBt be equal ; and to be full and complete , most include the SvffraQt of all who have arrived at the age of majority , and are liable to be called upon to bear arms in defence of tbe common country . Fourth—That to prevent cabal and party intrigue against tbe interests of tbe represented , it is necessary that the representatives ahould , annually , resign their trust into tbo hands of those for whom tbey bave acted , that they may receive the reward due to their faithfulness or negligence , either in continued confidence , or in rejection in favour of some more wortby object . Fifth—That the represented ought to be protected
in tbe exercise of their r ights of franchise , tbai their suffrage may be an expression of tbeir own freily-formed and hemtst opinion , nnd not swayed by the power of wealth or station acting upon dependency ; and this protection can be best 8 ffi > rded by a general adoption of the plan of private voting , under such arrangements as shall secure tbe election from all chance of fraud or deceit Sixth—Tbat ability , talent , moral character and general fitness , ought alone to be the test or qualification ( arjd : not a mere possession of property ) , necessary tp entitle a citizen to net as a representative of his " fellow citizeDB ; and as no xnan , much less a body of men , have any right to expect services without remuneration , whenever any mtiubtr of ' the body politic is called upon to
devote hia energies and talents for the ¦ weal of tbe people , be ought to be maintained at tbe expence of those whom he is serving , E ' eventh—That the first duty of tbe people is to employ a sufficient amount of its labour in tbe tilling , \ f the soil which it may occupy , so as to produce , if it be at all possible , within Iteelf 8 siifficioncy of all the first necessaries of life : and that , after each member of the body politic has been supplied vrith hohe PflODDCE up to the point of temperate enjoyt ^ tfX , the surplus wealth , if any , is alone available as an article of legitimate commerce , to give to c their people in exchange for Iuxnries and delicacies :. ' the equitable standard of value in each case being the actual amount of labour expended upon the ar " acle , added to the eost of raw material , when measm'ed by the same standard .
CHAP . II . —MEMBERSHIP . KLIGIBILT , AND ? CAEDS OP MEMBERSHIP—4 Every person sball fee eligible to become a member of th ? s Association , by ente- ^ i ng his name on its books ; he thereby txpreisirig his R . ire . ement ^ ith its principles and objects , and his detera ination t « abide by its laws . Cards denoting membership i hall be given to each individual member when he joins f and all cards shall be renewed every three months . 5 . Right of J ~ oting—Memte . u of the society snail have the piivilege of speaking and yetiDg on any business of the society relating to Ifce general funds and general purposes , such as the election of officers , &c ; the members payitg to the Special Fun ~ d ( Jo be hereafter provided tor ) shall alone have , the decision of matters connected with that fund . No member , . inder any circnmstaDces shall be entitled to mora than one vote .
6 . Suspension . —The privilege of members shall be snspendeii by the non-payment of subscriptions for three months , nnless satifactory . reasons can be ^ iven to the managers of the branch for sucfc non-payment r such suspension beisg devoted by the withholding of the quarterly renewal card , until tbe arrears are paid up , or tae manaters ate satisfied with the i . ^ ason adduced for such non-payment ; 7 . Dismissal . —Members may be dismissed from the society by tbe managers of their branch for any aggravated offence against the principles or law * ot the society ; the dismissed member may appeal against such dismissal to a general meeting of the Branch , or to * h e District Board , whose decision shall be final .
CHAPTER IIL-ORGANIZ ATION . SECTION I . DIVISIONS . 8 . This Association , shall consist of tbe members joined together in accordasoe with the preceding provisions , forming altogether » National Association hating Branches ; and shall be governed as follows , ¦ ri * . ;— ¦; An annual Convention , and General Executive Committee ; District Conncili ; Branch Boards ; and Classes .
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they shall be immediately communicated to the District Secretary , so that an alphabet cal list of the whole nominated in the district may be made out , and sent t » each branch by the District Secretary , with the least posaible delay . The election for the number wanted shall take place at a Special Meeting of the members in each branch , holden jfor that purpose between tbe 21 st and 31 st days of March , in eacb year , and of which meeting a full week ' s notice shall be given . * Tbe names of the persons nominated shall be put to the vote from tbe list in the order in which tbey stand , by tbe President or Chairman ; and the number
proclaimed In each case , pro and con , registered by tbe Branch Secretary . A return , attested by the signatures of the President anjd Secretary shall be prepared at the meeting , and transmited by the next post to the District Secretary ; ( who shall , from such returns , declare on whom the election has fallen , and communicate snch declaration to the General Secretary , and also to the Secretary of each branch in the District , within three days after the day of meeting for election . The returns from each branch shall be duly filed and preserved by tbe District Secretary , amongst the papers of the Association .
25 . Annual Session , —An annual session of the Convention shall be holden on the first Monday in the third week of the month of April in each year ; and shall continue its sittings so long as is requisite for the transaction of business to be brought before it ; and it may adjourn , from [ time to time , within the twelve months after its first ! meeting . 26 . Powers of Convention . —Tbe Convention sball bave power to make and revise the lawB of tbe society ; to consider upon , ami report as to the progress of the principles of the society , and the efficiency of the means
employed to extend a . knowledge of them , and induce tbeir enforcement ia practice ; to consult and devise new means for addressing the public mind , so as to operate upon it in favour of tl . e change in condition sought to be effected | by the society , that want may be unknown , and PLENTY everywhere abound , with a SECURITY by the law for its full enjoyment ; to appoint the sent of Government ; to elect ths General Executive Committee , tbe General Treasurer , and tbe Trustees of the Society ; to appoijht paid ameers , and fix the amount of salary ; and generally to transact snch business as may come before it .
27 . Qualifications of Delegates . —Wo person shall be eligible to nit as a delegate , who has not been a member of a branch at least six months , if the branch has been that time in existence ; nor shall any one be eligible who ianot a ] regular Bubscriber to the funds ot tbe society , nnd clear ; on the books . 28 . Ex-officio Members- —Members of the General Executive Committee and the trustees of tbe society inay sit and speak injConvention , though not elected to represent any district ; but in such case they shall not
e . 29 . Tenure of Office . —The delegates shall be elected to serve in Convention for twelve mouths ; or until tbe next general election . ) 30 . Removal of Delegates . —It any delegate should become so situated , j by absence from th 6 district , or otherwise , as not to he in a fit position , in . the estimation of the district , to continue its delegate , the district may declare the officljjacant . 31 . Facanciesl- ^ Oa the death , resignation , or removal by the district of any deleeate , tbe president and secretary of the district for which such delegate was elected , shall certify the same to tbe General Executive Committee , who sball forthwith isstw their precept for tbe election of some other member to aupply the vacancy .-
32 . Votes of Officers — No lecturer or other salaried officer , elected as a ' delegate to Convention , by . rany district , shall vote ion questions personally afigfijing themselves . ' ^ PRlF-33 . Place of Meeting . —The annual or special sessions of Convention , shall fee held at Leeds , Manchester , Birmingham , Westminster , Edinburgh , Glasgow , or such other place op the enrolment of these laws may authorise , and as may be determined on by the annual Convention , or by the General Executive Committee .
Section v . —general executive committee . 34 . Appointment—The General Executive power shall be vested ia a Central Committee of Directors , to be chosen annually by Convention , from lists of nominations from tbe different branches of the Association , made at special meetings for the purposa , in the eecond week of March In esch year ; such nominations to be sent to tbe Oeaeral Secretary forth with , that a general list of the whole may be in the bonds of tbe members before tho special meeting for the election of Delegates to Convention . 35 . Officers —The Central Committee sball consist of a president , trcaBurer , j general secretary , and two otber members . Three persons shall also be annually appointed or confirmed ] by the Convention as the trustees of the Society , who jshall be ex-officio members of the Board . Two competent persons shall also be appointed annually by Convention , as General Auditors .
36 . Qualification—Every member of the General Executive Committee , shall be a regular subscriber to the funds of the Society . 1 37 . Powers and Duties—The General Executive Committee shall direct and control the general proceedings of the Society , for and in tbe name of the Society ; they ehall ece that the laws are obeyed , and that the various orders of the Convention are carried into effect j they shall receive all applications for Charters , and grant them where expedient ; they shall appoint general missionaries , and leeturprs . j when applied to by the district councils , and certified of their fitness . They shall publiBh such tracts and other works as they may consider calculated to promotes the objects of the society ; they shall summon the annual or special sessions cf Convention an provided by the laws ; and generally they shall take tbe most efficient means in their power to prornoto the dissemination of the principles , and their application to practice . j
CHAPTER IV .-SPECIAL AND GENERAL DUTIEii OF OFFICERS .
SECTION I—PRESIDENTS 38 . Duties . —The president of tbo society shall take the chair during the sittings of the Convention ; and be shall preside at the meetings of tho General Executive Committee at which he may be present . The Presidents > hall only have a cnstii'g vote . The President of the society shall be the ncttve superintending officer of the Eoo ' e'y . The Presidents of the district councils shall preside at the meetings of such councils , The Presidents of each Branch Board pball preside at the meetings of the branch or of the board at which he is present . Eacb chairman shall j superintend the business of tho Branch or Board of which be is chairman , and regularly authenticate the minutes , as entered and confirmed in the minute book .
3 S . Casual Chairman . —If at the honr at which the business of any meeting should coiutuence tbe chairman should be absent , the directors , managers , or members present at such meeting respectively shall elect a chair * man for the occasion .
SECTION n—SECRETARIES . 40 . General Duties-j-The secretary of each board , council , or committee , Bhall perform the following duties : j * ( 1 . ) He sball attend at all meetings of the board , council , or committee , of which he is secretary . ( 2 . ) Hu shall record I correctly the names of tbe members there present , and keep tbe minutes of the " proceedings in a book provided for that purpose . ( 3 . ) He shall keep all the accounts , documents , and papers of the beard , council , or committee , in
such form , manner , and place , and for such use , as tho laws require , or board may appoint . ( 4 . ) He shall also receive , in the first place , all monies payable ! to the board , council , or committee , of which he is secretary , and pay over the same to the treasurer , after defraying such f xpbncea as may ] be directed . ( 5 . ) He shall , under the directions of the board , council , or committee , conduct its correspondence , and transact all business committed to him by the laws ]
41 . Resignation of General Secretary—U the general secretary should wish ] to resign , he shall give tbe General Executive Committee three months' notice , or pay a sum equal to the three months ' salary . If bis services jshould be dispensed with , tba like notice sball be given , or the like amount of money be paid . j 42 Dismissal—Should any secretary neglect his duty , or conduct himself in 3 manner likely to be injurious , to the interests of the society , the board , council , or committee for which he officiates may remove him from his situation , and supply the vacancy , until another secretary be duly appointed .
SECTION III . —TREASURERS . 43 . Duties—The treasnrer of each board , council , or CQHMinUfre , sball have 5 the charge of all subscriptions and other monies paid to the secretary ; and he shall pay all monies authorised by the resolutions of the board , council , or committee , on an order sgned by not less than two of it 3 members ; and ^ his books sball be a check on the secretary of the board , council , or committee . A duplicate , or abstract thereof , kept by the secretary , and authenticated by the treasurer , shall be laid before each council o . ' committee meeting . He shall balance hia accounts quarterly , and [ supply the secretary with an abstract thereof ; and sball , if required , attend the meetings of tbe board , council , or committee . He shall also pay over the various funds aa provided under the heads Of " Funds" and " Returns . "
SECTION IV . —TRUSTEES . 44 Duties . —Tbe trustees of the society for the time being , may , by the direction of the General Executive Committee , purchase lotld , buildings , implements , and other things which may jbe required for the purposes of the society . They may also buy , sell oat , or transfer Btock when and , as directed by the General Executive Committee . The trustees shall , when required , execute S > declaration of trnst of all the stock , funds , or propertystanding and 'being ia jtbeir names belonging to the society . J 45 . NegUd—If any trustee of the society , at any time for a period of fourteen days , neglect any of the duties required of him , tbe directors may suspend such trustee , and appoint another in his place . SECTION T . — -AUDITORS
46 . Potoers— Every audit * shall have access , at any time , for the purpose of inspection , to all the books , papers , deeds , ami documents whatsoever , necessary to the due performance of his dutUs , Any general auditor , in the execution off his duties , may call for the production of tbe books and papers of any branch or district . i
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47 . Duties of General Auditors— -Tne general accounts of the society shall be audited at least quarterly , by the auditors of the accounts of the General Executive Committee-SECTION VI—RESPONSIBILITY OF OFFICERS . 48 . Limitation . — -No trustee , treasurer , or other officer of the society , shall be liable to make good any deficiency which may arise in the funds of the society , unless such persons shall bave respectively declared by writing under tbeir hands , deposited and registered in like manner with tbe laws of the society , thst they are willing so to be answerable ; and every such officer , or the whole of them collectively , may limit such responsibility to the sum specified in such instrument or writ * ing .. But every such officer shall be personally responsible for alt monies or other effects actually received by him on account of . or to and for the use of the society . ( 10 Geo IV . c . 56 . s . 22 . )
49 . Priority of Claims—Any monies or effects be * longing to the society , er any deeds or securities relating to the same a . d coming into the possession of any officer ef tho society , may be recovered before any other debts are paid or satisfied , on the death ot bankruptcy , Sea ., of such officer ( 4 and 5 Will . IV . 0 . 40 , s . 12 ) .
SECTION . VII . —OFFICES . 50 . Vacancies—Every vacancy in any office , unless otherwise provided for , shall be filled up by the body in whom is vested the or i ginal appointment But in the meantime th ^ vacancy may be filled up by the other members of the [ committee or board until the general body shall appoint . 51 . Re-eligibility—Oa the termination of the tenure of any office , the retiring member may be re-elected .
CHAPTER V .-BUSINE 3 S . SECTION I . —MEETINGS . 52 . General Executive Committee Heelings . —The Gsneral Executive Committee shall meet weekly , or oftener if necessary , at such time ss they shall appoint , at the general office of the Society in huch place aa the enrolment of these laws may authorise , and as the Convention may determine . 53 . District Council Meetings . —Each District Council shall meet monthly , or ofteDer if necessary , at such place «« tney shall appoint 54 . Branch Board Meetings . —The Board of each branch shall meet weekly , or oftener if necessary , at such time as they shall appoint .
6 d General Meetings , —Every branch shall hold meetings as often as expedient for the purpose of conversation , hearing lectures or discussions , or otherwise extending the general principles , and promoting good feeling , intelligence , and morality . Meetings for business stall be constituted of those who hold cards of membership for the current quaiier . None else shall be allowed to take part in them , or vote either for the electian of delegate to Convention , District Council , or Branch Board ; or any matter affecting tbe Association . 56 . Notices . —No business , xxcept of tbe most urgent nature , to be determined by the meeting , shall be considered at a general meeting , without at Ieaat seven days' notice ; and at quarterly meetings do business shall be transacted implying expense or other responsibility tu absent members , unless at least ten days ' notice thereof has been given . Snch notices shall be made to the Secretary in writing , and hung up in the meeting room of the branch .
5 f . Adjourned Meetings—Meetings held according to adjournment shall be devoted exclusively to the business for which the meeting wu adjourned .
SECTION . II ELECTIONS . 58 . Votes . —At elections of officers , and delegates to Convention , the votes shall be taken , by a show of hands , unless a ballot be demanded ; and when a ballot is demanded , the votes shall ba taken by the use of voting papers , where more than one person ia to be elected ; or by the use of balls where that is more convenient . 59 . Scrutineers—Two members sball be appointed as scrutineers , to receive the votes , and report the result 60 . Time—An heur shall be fixed , after which no vote shall be reeeived ; and every election shall be finished by the meeting then assembled , and without adjournment .
SECTION III . —QUORUMS . 61 . Quorum of Boards—Three of the members shall be a quorum cf each Board ; but such quorum shall be unanimous in all its resolutions , unless there be present a majority of tbe members of the Board . SECTION IV . —CORRESPONDENCE . 62 . By Secretaries . —All official correspondence shall be conducted through and by the agency of tha several secretaries ; and no letter or document shall be considered genuine , unless expressed as signed by order and on behalf of the body by whom it is authorized .
CHAPTER VI . —DISSEMINATION OF THE PRINCIPLES . 63 . Lecturers . —The public promulgation of the principles and objects of the society shall be more particularly confided to salaried lecturers and district missionaries . The amount of salary shall be determined by each district . 64 . Examination . —Ho individual shall be appointed to the 1 ffice of lecturer or district missionary , unless he is a member of the society , and until be has been examined as to his qualification by the District Council . He sbail produce testimonials of good character . He shall answer general questions ; aad he shall satisfy the examiners that be possesses the requisite oratertal powers for lecturing and debating ; and the District Council shall certify as to his fitness to the General Executive Committee , who shall then make the appointment .
65 . Certificate . —Each lecturer a » d district missionary shall , upon his appointment , receive a certificate of snch appointment from the General Executive Committee ; and upon any such lecturer or missionary resigning his situation , or being dismissed therefrom , he shall deliver back such certificate : such appointment , withdrawal , or dismissal , to be published in the organ of the socieiy , signed by toe officers who usually sign official documents . No one bnt those bearing such certificate , or appointed by the District Council » b a local lecturer , shall be allowed to lecture in any branch , or be recognized as lecturers of the society .
66 . Dismissal . —Any lecturer or district missionary shall be deprived of his office for neglect of duty , ox such discharge of it as would injure the cause which he was appointed to promote ; or on account of mental or moral incapacity . Such dismissal to be by the General Executive Committee on application from a District Couuci J or Branch Board , and satisfaction given that tho case calls for such an exercise of power . 67 . Local Lecturers . —The District Council may appoint , after examination , parties to the station of local lecturers , who , along with the district lecturer , sball ba under the conlroul of the District Council .
CHAPTER VII . —FUNDS . SECTION I . —GENERAL EXPENCES . 68 General Fund—A . fund for defraying the general expences of the Society , such aa salaries of General Secretary , and other general officers , salaries of lecturera or missionaries , rents of Halls , or places of public meetings , &c , &c ., shall be raised as follows : — First—By each member paying two-pence for hia card of membership when he first enrols his name on the Society ' s books ; and one penny every . time it is renewed , which shall be every three months . Second—By each member contributing weekly to such fund the sum of one penny , either direct to the branch secretary , or through the class-leader , or . weekly visitor , as maybe determined on by ths branch itself . Third—By donations and contributions from friends :
and by collections at the general meeting for lectures , discussions , conversations , or entertainments . 69 . Appropriation of General Fund—Tha sums or money received by eacb Branch Secretary for cards of membership Bhall be monthly remitted to the General Secretary for the use of the General Executive Cemmittee . The General Executive Committee shall also be entitled to , and receive , one fourth of the member's weekly subscriptions , which shall be remitte / i monthly to the General Secretary , by the Branch Secretary . The other ifi / fi « -four ! hs of the penny , weekly subscription , along with t ^ e donations , contributions aad collectionB . shallbe lodged v'ith the Branch Treasurer , to be nsed by the Branch B oavda for local expences , and for the satisfying of the levies of tbe District Council for missionary and lecturing purposae ; which levies shall always be at ths rate of a certain « wn P « r member throughout the district ; and when laid , Bhall be paid by the Branch Treasurer , to tho District Treasurer , or to his order .
SECTION II—SPECUt , FUND FOR THE EMPLOTMEffr OF TUE MEMBERS ON THE LAND . 70—Land Fund—A fu . id for the purchase or rental of laud , and for tbe erection c f suitable buildings , shall be raised by subscription , at the 'ate of sixpence ( or threepence ) per week from such mehibars as may be able and willing to contribute to 8 uch fii ! :. " * - 71 . Fines . —Every contributor i ' o the land fund neglecting to pay the weekly contribu tf ens to that fund shall be fined for such neglect at tbe i * ollowing rates : — Foi one month , one halfpenny ; „ two months , one penny ; „ three months , fourpeuce ;
„ four mouths , eightpence ; „ five mouths , one shilling ; ,, six mouths , one aud s . xpeiica ; aad ,, each subsequent month , one shilling . And any contributor continuing such neglect until the fines incurred thereby are equal to the amount of all tbe monies actually paid by him to tha laud fund , such contributor shall thereupon be dismissed , and such monies shall be applied in discharge of the fines so incurred . But the directors or local managers may remit any of the said fines npon satisfactory evidence being given them of sickness or other sufficient occasion for such negrleot .
73 . Appropriation of Firm . —All sum arising ftbm the payment of fines under the above rule shall form part of the land fund . ¦ 73 . Chech Card . —Every member shall be provided with a check card , on which all contributions to the land fund shall be entered at the time of his paying the same , and this card shall be a sufficient voucher for all sums so paid , until they reach the sum of one pound , when a certificate , or scrip , shall be given him , agree * able to the following form : — ( Continued in our seventh page . )
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g THE NORTHERN STAR I -
Let Us Obganize!
LET US OBGANiZE !
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SECTION VI . — OftGAM-ZATION OF BRANCHES . 9 . Formation of Brunches . —Persona desirous of farming a branch of this society , shall forward to the general Executive Committee an application for a charter , signed by at least tea names , and in accordance with the following form : — We the undmipned inhabitants of in the county of , having been made acquainted with the objects , principles , and laws of the "NatiiWl Charter Association for Mutual Benefit , " and being desirous of promoting Ike oljects of that society , and willing to abide by the rules which are now promulgated ' , or wbich may he froth timu to time enacted , in accordance with the con-titution of the society , aud in accordance with the laws protecting Benefit Societies , do hereby' request that a Charter may be granted to ua to open a branch of the society iu abovementioned .
Nume of street Name fin full ) . Age Trade . or place of ahode . On the receipt of such application , thu General Executive : Committee shall institute inquiries as to the knowledge and general fitness of such persons for promoting the general objects of the society ; and upon satisfaction as to these p . - ; rtieu ) a ; s . a charter authorizing ihe applicants to open a Branch of the National Charter Association for Mutual Benefit , shall be issued , and to remain a Branch of tbe said Association , so long as they labour to promote its interests , and advance its objects , by a strict adherence to its laws and constitution , and a due performance of the duties of membership . For such Charter the sum of — shall be paid to the General Es-cutlve Committee .
10 . Constitution of Branches . —Eicb branch shall consist of the persons to whom a Charter has been granted , and of I the persons enrolled under it . so long as tbey continue to comply with the laws of the Association : but ncglactof tho laws , or noncinfornuty thereto , sha \ l EuHject j any branch ao offending to forfeiture of its Chatter , at the discretion of the General Executive Committee . Against such decision the branch may appeal . to , the Annual Conference , at its nixt session , whose decision shall be final . SfaouM tbat decision be in accordance with the decision of the Executive Committee , tbe monies in hand , belonging such branch , shall be returned .
11 . Duties of Branches . —Each branch sball carry into effect the rules as to tbe admission , suspension , or dismissal of members ; the collection and application of funds ; . ; the obtaining and management of places for public meetings , and for meeting ? of 6 tw members and theii families , for bnsicts . s , instruction , and entertain ' iuent ; arid generally t <> co-operate to carry out the objects of the Association . 12 . Government of Branches . —The Board , or Committee of Management of each branch shall consist of seven members ; namely , a president , secretary , treasurer , and four others who ehall be appointed by the members ef tbe branch .
13 . Election , and Tenure of Office . —Three members of such BoaJaiyBha !! resign office each quarter in rotation ; the « HBbers elected by the fewest votes going out at the-entpbf the first quarter ; and afterwards the three next longest in office . All the members to be tliRible to re-election . The dominations shall be made at least two weeks before the day of election ; and tha « l » ction shall take place at ; a general meeting of the brench . held within seven days of the 1 st of tho respective months of March , June , September , and December , in each year . The persons tten elected shall enter upon office on ib . o 1 st day of tbe following month .
14 . Duties of Branch Boards— The duties of the Branch Boards shall consist of general supervision of the business of tbe branch ; entering into arrangements for thu due possession of a place of public meeting , where desin . ble ; and for the due occupation of such place of meeting for lectures , discussions , discourses , meetings for members , and oil other parposes not unlawful or it 1 consistent with the objects of the Association . They shall also arrange for the enforcement of the rules of tbe Association , by providing means for the due collection of tbe subscriptions of the members , either by the Branch Secretary weekly sitting at nn appointed time and place to receive them ; or by Visitors appointed to wait weekly upon tbe members
: it their own homes to collect them ; or by Class . Leaders , whenever it is deemed expedient by the members of any branch to form themselves into classes ; and the branch boards shall generally listen to , and curry out , the suggestions and instructions of the membc-rs of tbe braucb , when such instructions do not palpably infringe on the general laws and rules of the body . 1 . 5 . Classes . —Whenever the members of any branch determine that it might conduce to the welfare and advantage of the Branch to be divided into Classes , che Brooch Board have hereby the power to constitute them of as many members as may be determined on , according to locality . Each Class , when constituted , shall choose for itself a Leader , subject to the confirmation of the Branch Board . The duties of the Leader
will be to arrange for conversational meetings with bis class , at a place of meeting moat convenient ; to hold friendly diacuBaions relative to the principles and objects of the Association ; to read the tracts , and author zad documents and reports of the general body ; to collect the subscriptions of the members , and Weekly band them over to the Branch Secretary ; and generally to infuse a Bpirit of kindness and foibi-arance amongst tbe members . 16 . Appoinllncnt of Auditors . —At the time of each election lor memoirs of thy Branch Board , two Auditors shall also bo appointed ^ t 0 «"< "niain in office till their successors are appointed . They shall be
nominated aad appointed just in like manner no the Branch Boardmeu . Their duty shall bo to look over the accounts of tbe banch as often as they please ; but never leas than twice a quarter ; and , at tbe end of the quarter , report to the general meeting of members tbe condition in which they find the books at that time . They nre not to confine their attention to a mere adding up of the accounts ; but satisfy themselves as to the correctness of each item , by calling for explanation and vouchers whenever there is tbe least doubt . It will also be their dutar to report immediately to the branch , whenever they otscover nuy , the slightest defalcation ; or a departure from the strictest rules of business and order . <
SECTION III—ON ORGANIZATION OF DISTRICTS . 17 . Formation of Districts . — Great Britain shall be divided into districts , comprising a union of branches for district purposes , conformable to arrangements -which inay from time to time he made by tba Annual Convention , and subject to such revisions by the General Executive Committee , as local or temporary circumstances may call for , The s'E . ) of the district shall be governed by the necessities of each case , regard being first had to the ability of tbe confederated branches to maintain and employ a dieWct lecturer .
18 . Disirict Councils . —Each district shall be governed by a District Council , consisting of one member from each branch , elected by that branch to serve for one quarter ; and one member from each branch , as district delegate , to be elected every ' month . The nomination and election of the Quartuvly District Counctlrnen shall take place at tbe same time , and iu the same manner , as the nomination and election of the Branch Board ; tbe election of tbe monthly delegate at the usual weekly meeting of the branch , after a week ' s previous nomination .
19 . Place of Meeting . —The District Board , so constituted , shall meet either in a fixed place regularly ; or move from place to place , ta shall be deemed most advantageous by the majority of branches comprising the district . ' 20 . District Officers . —In addition to the District Board , so constituted , the branches in the district shall also apppint a District Secretary and a District Treasurer . Nominations for these twe officers may be made by any branch , three weeks previously to the
election of Branch Boards and District Councilmen ; such nomination to be immediately communicated to tbe secretary of each other branch throughout the district The votes of each branch shall be taken for each candidate ; and those who bave the majority of votes , when the declaration is made by the Branch Secretaries at tbe first District Council meeting after such voting , shall be deemed to be elected . Tbe District Secretary and Treasurer shall attend the District Meetings , and shall be at liberty to speak thereat , but not tb vote .
21 . Disirict Auditors . —Ths District Council , at tbeir first meeting in every quarter , shall appoint two auditors from ainonest the members of the Association , not District Conneilmen ; and these auditors are required to perform similar duties , and are hereby invested with tbe nocesaary power over the accounts of the District Council , as the branch auditors have over the accounts of the branch . 22 . 1 Dudes of the District Council—Tha District Council shall make arrangenieats for the district lecturer to lecture in eacb locality of the district , accord - ing to their beat judgment ; they shall examine as to the fitness of any lecturer in their district applying to become general lecturer for the society , and certify
their opinion to the Executive ; Committee : they sball examines appoint , and suspend voluntary or local lecturerB ; see that their labours are suitably directed ; draw up regular plans for local lecturing ; assist in superintending tbe arrangements for places of meeting in tbe several branches ; or make the necessary arrangements for taking and occupying a place on behalf of the whole , district , where it is determined to bave only one place ( of public meeting in the district , that operations may be concentrated . They shall also review and finally determine all matters of complaint appealed from any branch in the district ; see to the general efficiency of the branches ; and generally , cooperate to carry out the objects of the society .
8 ECTI 0 K IV —> i . XNVAL CONTENTION * 28 . Constitution . —The legislative powers of this Association shall be vested in an Annual Convention cV DELEGATES from the several districts of t&e A 83 Ocia'tion . The scale of representation being one " ^ legate for OJVeryjfive hundred memburs . 24 . Modeof Nomination and Election—Every branch in th ® district shall have the power to nominate t ^ e number of Delegates required for their district , at ameeting of the members holden specially for that parpose between tbe Slat day of January and tbe 7 ihdayof February in each jfear . When th ^ aominations are made .
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Aug. 26, 1843, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct944/page/6/
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