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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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UNIYEBSAL BEOTHEBHOOD , XETTEB . XXT . TO THB EDITOR OP THK KOHIHBES STAB . Sib , —The receipt of jour paper to-day has induced jne to select for consideration , as the next remedy that fcja been proposed for the removal of what baa been found oppressive , that of the Chartists . To those who have Twitched the progress of the agi . t » kion for the Charter , it must T » evident that , &s 3 political movement , it is one of the mest important ever undertaken by the people of any country . Differing so entirely as I do -with the bads of indi--tiflnal and personal rights on -which it standsin
com-, mon with every other political institution at present existing , I jmay perhaps he allowed a greater freedom -in offering those remarks which occur tome , inasmuch as they will he knows to emanate sot from any desireor Intention to take part in the mevement ; bnt that I may , if psssible , lender that assistance by way of suggestion , which it is the common dnty of every individual in society to giTe to his fellow-men at all times ; and which is now *> much more imperiously demanded , at a period when it must be allowed by all , that we are in the midst of the most extraordinary events that ever occurred is any age * or in any country .
That a body of people who hare , when an emergency required it , registered themselves to the number -of three millions of persons , shall calmly agree , without tbe slightest dissension er confusion , to organiz 3 them-¦ aelTes binder the laws of the conntry , for the objects , by peaceful and legal means alone , of 1 st Bettering the condition of man , by removing the cause * which have produced moral and social degra--iliUon ; 2 nd . Providing fer the unemployed , and to giro mean * of sappert to those who are desirous of locating « pon the land is an event of no ordinary nature ; and one that will be looked to most anxiously fer its results by - all ranks , classes , sects , and parties , sot only in this -country , imt throughout the « vil 5 B ? d world . When those persons further take as their principles : —
ljsi Thai it is necessary to . subject those who have ihe power of Tn * Y ^ the laws , to a strict responsibility to those who an required to obey them when made . 2 nd . That this nsponsibllity can be best enforced through the instrumentality of a body emanating from , and subject to , the whole people . Srd , That this representation must include tbe suffrage ef all moles who have arrived at the age of twentyone . 4 th . That the trust shall he confided to the representative for one year only . 5 th . That the represented shall be protected in the exercise of his right to private voting . 6 th . That the caolcejof the electors alone is a sufficient test for qualification . 7 th . That the elected shall receive payment for their services .
8 th , That there he equal electsrial distort *; they take a stand or position from which nothing that has hitherto appeared in the political world can possibly dislodge them . Thtre is , however , one word contained in these principles on which I must make a few remarks ; sot with any Tiew of faultfinding at the course taken ; for I have so doubt hut the policy , or otherwise , has been well considered by those who have drawn up the Constitstiou and Laws ; but it is worthy or our meat serious consideration , that it has been deemed necessary to put the word "males" in the third clause 3 ^** a of " persons . *
Reflection on the nature and constitution of man or society sust tend to convince all ol us that our race will never be far progressed in tbe true path until the civil distinctions of sex , as well as all other distinctions , are abolished . The reformer -who can leave one half of the human race to draw down and weaken the other , by remaining either in ignorance or subjection , so as to be deprived of what are considered the JusS rights of humanity , will find , in an age like the present , that be has not that generous confidence In the true state of the public mind that is necessary to allow fiirn to bring all
Cis power into the field . I know it may he urged , and perhaps truly , that women are sot yet in a state fit for the exercise of these rights ; and it would tend to bring the present movement into confusion to admit them ; but kt this be the greater stimulus to us individually and collectively , immediately to set ourselves to the task of making women fit to he our companions , associates , and advisers is everything we undertake : for we may depend on it that we are acting contrary to those immutable laws which gevern the universe , if we ever expect to elevate the condition of man , and in our attempt leave woman unnoticed or unattended to .
This Biatter appears to me so vitally important , that I cannot refrain dwelling upon it at some length . We all know that women are , by the laws of our being , in possession of great power over every action we perform ; and if their faculties are not cultivated to the highest extent , morally , intellectually , and physically , we shall is vain look for that superior degree of « ri « ft » wr » -which , in the eloquent language of the address of the Conference , is sow shown to be so easily attainable . A body so numerous and intelligent as the Ctnrtiats are , with such objects and principles before the world , cannot &H to obtain what they seek , provided their Organization and Executive are equal to the other portions of the machinery .
With regard to the Organisation , your readers will all know that it is not on that principle which I consider the best : bnt I must freely own that it ia far in ad"vanee of what any one had a right to expect would have been obtained in so short a time ; and it shows aa advance in the right direction so rapid as will not fail to strike awe and trembling into the minds of those who have hitherto laughed at the efforts of the multitude ; and they will , in their turn , begin to examine the jiHwmer in which they can best prepare for cbangts which only a short time since they would have thought it tnadnwa to have supposed would happen , at the least in their generation .
Let the Organization which is now framed be honestly and efficiently carried into operation , and cordially supported by every member of the Association , and it will be found fully adequate for every purpose that will be r quired to remodel society : for whenever truth and Justice shall have been found really to have erected a conjoint standard , every thing will so rapidly flock around it , that all the elements for providing every thing necessary lor human redemption , will be readily supplied by those who possets them . In all movements that have hitherto occupied the public attention , too much stress appears to me to have been paid to tbe procuring of funds , to attain that object in the readiest manner . Those who have not money , fancy that those who possess it cannot be induced to part with it in any manner ; whereas nothing is , in fact , more erroneous . A lair per cebtage and
good security , will always command capital , whatever may be the object to which it may be applied ; and at the present period , when the state of the money market is , as it is described to be in the extract you have made from Mr . Alsop " s Circular , to feu an adequate supply of capital , is to express a doubt of the intelligence or integrity of those to whom any busisessaatter is to be entrusted ; or to fear that the capital so employed cannot be used so as to provide sufficient remuneration to pay for its use . In addition to the money to be obtained from capitalists , and as a more immediately available nsource , you will have a * your command the subscriptions and donations of the members asd friends of the Association ; and if the Executive can do their business in that unity , that will be ulti-BiaUly arrived at , these two sources will render them entirely independent of the necessity of applying to aoy other .
I have sot heard who are the Executive , nor am 1 aware whether one has yet been formed ; for I have purposely avoided looking Into the details , that I may not unconsciously be biassed by any personal consideration in my remarks : but whoever they are , I would deeii * to speak in that universal spirit -which J hope will soon actuate us all in the great duties which are saw evidently being prepared for us , and through which I hope wa shall all soon be fitted for the tasks we have to perform . Priends , you have taken upon you duties of the highest importance for the welfare of our common country ; and the eyes of all classes in every civilizjd country will be upon you to see tie manner in which you perform them . Allow me to urge upon you in tbe
strongest and most emphatic manner , the necessity of your Burning to your task with that love for all men as your brethren that shall make yon lay aside all arrogance and self-conceit , that may he is your minds . Let us all remember , that the talents we may respectively have bad committed to our care are the creation of one power which is entirely incomprehensible to us ; and that through this power alone are we daily and hoarty suttaiBed and preserved . Let us remember that this power has abundantly provided us the elements of support for all its creature * , air , water , land , labour and skill , and that our fathers and brother * have already by the use of those elements provided a large capital ; Ibat those things although sow held conventionally by Individuals , can of right belong to no created being * and that you have taken upsn you to commence a very considerable alteration in the hitherto established
conventions of this country . Pursue your business with that Seal and energy which is necessary to ensure success in this spirit , and yon will not long be wanting every element that is necessary for your work . If you can become the willing instruments of tbe Great Power that all mut of necessity acknowledge , and can submit yonrsdvesto act in strict accordance with its immutable and eternal laws , depend on it that 70 UT efforts Trill be ttownsd with success ; but on the other hand , if the imperfection of your natures shall daw you aside into ^ ? &ths of ptraonal selfishness , ambition , orany other laws flat may lead to party , partial , or sectarian "salts , you will be unnrpported by tout fellow-men , » a a h £ xm will Inevitably result , whatevermay be for * time the apparent proapecU is your favour . Above * " t&kgi would J urge opon you to avoid internal distension or division in your coBBcflB , for if those occur 7 « ur days-will now be few indeed .
Besidetthese remadni to the Executive 1 maj per-™ N _ b * excused for offering » Jew to the General Ef'oetary having had some experience in such an office TrhOst filling it ia the Bational Society . t ) n the performance of the duties of your office will aepend very matwially the progress of tbe present owveaaat ; and they will require all the talenti you "V ?» Mi howerar vart . Tb » to * great MispioU
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taken will be to secure an efficient registration of all the members ; for unless this be done you will have no compact mode of distinguishing between those who aid you and those who do not . By this step alene can yon always have before you for the use ef the Executive , the relative claims which the various members have upon the society for the regularity and attention which they have given to its objects . The next is to secure with regularity and promptitude the collection of those funds which each member agrees to contribute ; and injustice to all this should be enforced by each during the time he remains a member . The third
point I would suggest , is the value of the greatest regularity in publishing the accounts of the society ; and that this be done in the most plain and simple manner , exhibiting both the receipt and expenditure in such a form that all may understand them ; and the fourth is the value that arises from the correspondence to your office bsing replied to regularly . For this latter purpose the columns of the Northern Star will afford much valuable assistance . There are of course an immense number of other matters that require your careful attention , and i hope you will have the suggestions of all who wish well to humanity ; for your situation is one on ' which much depends . -
To the Chartist body generally I would say , friends , I do hope the day has sow arrived when personal dissension win cease in your ranks . Remember each of yon that provided good can be effected , it is " of little importance who shall be the agent for the purpose ; Rifsrring to the jealousies exciting among his disciples , a Reformer to whom we are sow taught to refer with veneration , but one who in bis own day was persecuted unto death , said : " he that would be great among you , let him be your servant : " and it is not
unlikely that such advice if practically acted upon , would b&highly serviceable in the present day . Your weakness has hitherto arisen from a struggle for prece dence which will be sure to be awarded to you even , tually if you are found fit for it ; for yon may all depend that there is work enongh-to be dose to occupy the undivided energies of every member of the present and many succeeding generations , before man will be at all satisfied with the position in which he is placed , either with regard to his moral , intellectual ; or physical wellbeing .
Your Conference have put forth a talented address to the industrious classes of the United Kingdom , to which they will of necessity respond , as soon as full confidence is reposed in the Executive ; but there is one passage in it to which I must call attention , as it appears to me to contain a serious error . The address states , " We have only the fatal obstacle of usjuBt and usurped Groveminterposing between us , nature ' s munificence , and tha enjoyment of those blessings which the greatest efforts of national ingenuity have so magnificienfly accomplished . " This paragraph appears to me to overlook the entire cause of the eviL It cannot be in the
Government solely ; for this is a thing of our own ; Conventional creation , and if we were all good ; and wise , we should make a corresponding government to-morrow . The evil is in ourselves ; and we must search deeply in our own hearts for a portion of the remedy ; the other portion must be supplied by altering the conditions or circumstances in which all are placed ; and our daily increasing experience will be sure to point out to us the manner in which this can be done , more especially if we can set about it with that universal love to which I so often revert , as I know it is in reality the only thing wanting .
We may depend on it that the Government of this country is , at tbe present moment , toomnoh intimidated by tbe aspect of foreign affairs to desire to be estranged from the people at home . Could they see how to accomplish what all desire , they would be ready to make the attempt ; but they have been trained and educated in a manner that leaves them unfit to guide the helm of affairs in a crisis like the present . We have , however , no reason to despair ; there is a power directing and controlling all these events for our good , in a manner which , although for the present mysterious and incomprehensible , is not the less sure in its operations . Pursue , as you have lately done , your onwud course calmly and confidently ; be assured that the universal laws are becoming daily better understood , and the rder in which we approach thtmmust regulate the degree of happiness we obtain .
I am , Sir , your obedient Servant , William Gal ? is Concordiom , Ham Common , Surrey . 8 ept 18 , 1843 . .
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TO THE CHARTISTS OF NOTTINGHAM AND SOUTH DERBY . Brother Democrats . —I now resume the pen in order to give you a brief account of my labours since I wrote my last letter . On Monday the 4 th of September , I delivered a third lecture in Derby Market-place , upon one of the remedies propounded by a certain party in this country , commonly called free traders . I bad an excellent meeting , and spoke an hour and a quarter , during which time I endeavoured to lay bare the many faH » f ip ^ which have been spouted forth by the persons employed to agitate the public mind in favour of a repeal of the Corn Laws , and a further extension of trade—not only those employed by the league , and paid out of the hard earned panee of the poer and much oppressed factory operatives , but belched out by the league itself .
On Sunday the 10 th instant , I attended three camp meetings which were held on Greasley Common , a place justly ctlebratei by the Chartists of the neighbourhood , in consequence of Mr . John West being tried at Derby for a sermon which he preached on the above named Common ; the which sermon was set forth in the indictment as seditious , but as you all know , my friends , was not substantiated by evidence . Mr . West was therefore honourably acquitted . The first meeting took place about eleven o ' clock , a . m . Mr . Harrison opened the business by giving out a hymn . He then stated the objects for which they were called together ; and called upon Mr . Dnrman to address them . Mr . Dorman made a very effective speech which told well upon his bearers . Wbea he had finished , the people s&cg another hymn , and immediately separated for dinner .
At two o ' clock in tbe afternoon , the second meeting took place , and the same preliminaries gone through . Mr . Harrison then introduced Mr . Viekers , who preached an excellent democratic sermoB . Your humble servant also addressed the people upon the character and conduct of the Christian Ministers throughout this country . I endeavoured to do justice to their reverences . The people then withdrew to take tea , and assembled again by mx o ' clock , when Messrs . Harrison and Dorman delivered- two very spirited discourses , after which the people returned to their
homes , highly delighted with the day ' s proceedings . The people of Greasley are principally engaged in making pots , er earthenware , and getting coaL I am sorry to say , like all other places , they are oppressed , -and ground down by those who have power over them , particularly the colliers . One of the masters gave orders to his overlookers and pitmen that they must sot attend the Chartist camp meetings , and that if such orders were disobeyed , if any mas west to the meetings , and he found it out , he would instantly discbarge him from his employment . And yet , my friends , this master is a Christian , at least , a professing
one . On Monday , tbe 11 th , Mr . Harrison and myself proceeded to Bnrton-npon-Trent , and arrived there about four in the afternoon . Oa our arrival , we learned that the aulheritieB bad given orders to the constable to stop our meeting in the Market Place . I immediately went to the constable . As soon as he saw me , he said : " Are you the person who is to lecture bare ? " " Yes . " " Then I am authorised to prevent you . " " By whose authority ,. pray ? " " By tbe authority of the Mayor . " I then asked if the Market Place was private property ? He answered that it belonged the Matquis of Anglesey . In tbe course of a few minutes , the people
assembled : and I informed them that the meeting was sot allowed to be held there , bnt that 1 would proceed to the water side , a distance of about two hundred yards , and address them . They followed , and we bad a splendid meeting . My friend Harrison acted as chairman , and opened tbe business is as excellent speech ; after which I spoke as hour to tbe people , but was during the time frequently interrupted by tbe constable ' s son—a young man whose " bump ' of ignora ce was immensely developed , and , 1 assure you , I did not forget to tell him so . The people of Burton are much oppressed and tyrannised over by their employers , tome of whom threatened the poor fellows with instant dismissal , if they dared to attend the
meetinz . On Tusday night , I delivered a lecture in Tutbary to a numerals meeting , on elass legislation . The peeple were very attentive to the discourse . There are a few sterling Chartists in the above village whose hearts are warmly attached to th »> sacred cause of political freedom . Tbe great bulk of the labourers are in a state of peverty , being miserably paid for their labour . On Wednesday night , I delivered another lecture in Darby Market-place , upon the Corn Laws , and bad a goodly muster of workies . The cause in Derby w beginning to revive . On Thnrsday night , I addressed the people of Ilkeston
in the open air , upon the evil effects of class legislation . Tha meeting was an excellent one , and a very eathusiastie feeling in favour of democratic principles was manifested by my hearers . The land in and about Ilkeston belongs to the Duke of Rutland . Many have gardens attached to their houses , « r cottages , as they are termed ; the rent averages twenty shillings a year for a cottage and one-fifth of an acre of land .- Of eo * r » e the parties who hold or live in the cottages have built them themselves , so that the pound a year charged is to pay tbe ground rent . 01 I would that thousands of the poo ? fellows in Lancashire had their , gardens to grow vegetables in the same manner as the men of llkestoo .
Oa Saturday , I lectured to the people of Borrowaah . The meeting wai not numerals , being the first held there for Chartist purposes for many montki ; another reason assigned for the thinness of th « numbers was , that the people had been often disappointed by tbe lecturers who promised to attend , bnt failed in performing such Tmmilse . 1 would advise xny brother agitator * , above an other things , to be punctual to their engagements . On Sunday morning last , the following resolution was proposed by Mr . B . T . Morrison in theDe » oe » tie Chapel , and seconded by Mr . Wall : " That « adopt the Pla » of Orgauisition as agreed upon at Birmingham , and will exert ourselves to carry it into effect as * oon u its tnrebaeat is procured . "
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Brother Democrats , the Plan is now before you j examine it carefully , and if you believe that it is calculated to forward tbe great and glorious principles of human liberty , act up to it Carry out as far as lies in your power its every clause , and then you have the consolation to say , that if it failed it was not through your neglect . I remain , as usual , Your fellow labourer in the vineyard of Chartism , Christopher Dottle . Nottingham , Sept . 17 th , 1843 .
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m NEWS FROM NEW ZEALAND . The following interesting extracts are from letters just received from Mr . George Binns , late of Sunderland : — Port Nelson , Feb . 10 th , 1843 . " What would I not give to wander " Where my old companions dwell . "'—Bayley . " You will all be anxious to know how I progressed towards my adopted country . We sailed from the West India Docks on the 1 st of August , 1842 , and arrived in the Downs a day or two after . We were about a-week in the Channel , encountering adverse winds one day , and a gentle and favourable breeza . the next , when the broad Atlantic opened to pur view , and left behind us tbe dim and distant outlines of my fatherland . Home
with all its enchantments rushed upon my mind , and as each trace of England faded from my view , the warm and guishing tear that unbidden rose , in vain gave calmness to my troubled breast . My doom is fixed . New Zealand must ; be worse , if once again I tread my native shores . To think abont return were madness ; and to weep over what we cannot now avert were folly . Courage ! weak heart ! said I , though it be the courage of despair ; for it were better to receive the stroke of fate with noble bearing , than to shrink and cower beneath its falling blow . We got a distant view of the coast of France in sailing through the Channel ; but on passing outside the Bay of Biscay , along the coast of Spain and Portugal , we did not see a speck of land . The weather was delightfully mild , the skies were clear ,
and the waters comparatively stiU ; but not still enough to keep away the nauseous filthy sense of squally seasickness . The wont feature of a sea-voyage tb Ibarring sickness ) the dull monotony , boundless as ocean's self that prevails aruund yotf . Nothing interesting to the mind , unless it be the few phenomena presented like ' angels' visits to the eye of the naturalist . Here we see a troop of porpoises , perhaps four or five feet long , leaping two or three feet above the waterVlevel , and posting through tbe mighty ocean like couriers bent on some hasty mission of importance . They come very near the vessel , and are easily caught by the harpoon . We caught several , and moat delicious food they are . Sometimes we saw sharks , grampusses , and whales . Within the tropics swarms of flying fish were glittering ,
with their transparent wings , in the burning sun . In doubling the . Cape of Good Hope we encountered some severe weather , sometimes going at sine knots an hoot , under bare poles , with seas that threatened to bury the old Bombay for ever . In the Indian ocean we were all alarmed by the bursting of a thunder-bolt on the deck of the vessel , which came down tbe mainmast , burnt tbe sails , and would have set the ship on fire , but for a torrent of rain , which providentially extinguished it at the moment The explosion was terrific Two men were brought into the cabin nearly dead , but ultimately recovered . I was just falling to sleep at tbe time , and when 1 heard that the men were struck by tbe electric fluid , I was on deck in an inBtant , discharging my duty in assisting to carry them to their berths , an *
administering reitoratives . We arrived in sight of New Zealand , after traversing 20 , 000 miles of water in about five months , and were landed ( after heaving too for the sight ) in Tasman ' s Gulph . The country is very mountainous . With almost a tropic sun scorching us , we have mountains covered with everl&sting snow . Immense forests of trees , some ISO feet high , extend for miles over mountains and valleys ; and tbe climate is delightfully pleasant , with skies clearer than in England , and the winter milder . Tbe natives are a fine race of people , but in danger of corruption from the influence of a pseudo civiliaition . Tall , stately looking people , they carry on a traffic with our colony , and trade in potatoes , onions , melons , fish , &c , all of which they catch , rear , or grow themselves . They are not very
nice about their dress . Sometimes you will see one with a coat without his trousers , or wearing a bat without any shirt ; sometimes one shoe en , sometimes one stocking only . They are remarkably peaceable , fcave a place of worship here , are honest , and always refuse intoxicating drink . They respect people who treat them well , and would break their hearts to see us leave their land . They respect people in authority , and call our Governor ' Wideawake ! ' This is now the 20 ih of January , 1843 , and I have waited till the present time for employment The Company bad no vacancies , though I got a promise from the Captain for the first In the meantime a gentleman here , Mr . Ross , a storekeeper , kindly offered to build a store and stock it if I would go into partnership with a friend of bis , a Mr .
Campbell , of Edinburgh . I have accepted the offer , and we will start is a few weeks as butchers , bakers , and general storekeepers . I have paid , while here , 10 s . a-week for a room , exclusive of board . I realised 30 per cent by the goods I bronght out , after paying expenses of sale . I am very comfortable , considering the distance from my native land . Mr . Rom has taken a liking to me , why , I cannot tell : it was not for my money , as my" pockets were completely empty ; but , I suppose , he has traced some lines of caodenr and honesty in my looks" * * » it is now midsummer , and ever Bince I landed our rainy days have sot averaged more than one in ten . We are not troubled with stormy winds at this time , and eves gentle brazss are scarce . " * * * " Capital is wanted in
New Zealand—labour is too abundant proportionately to the capital—numbers of men are compelled to work on the roads , and wages aie falling , as the number of such men are rapidly increasing , and unless firming capitalists are multiplied , the resources of the colony may be soon drained . The celony has participated Id the depression at home . The wages of tbe Company's men now are 14 s . per week , and only one-half their loimer rations ; whilst mutton is selling at Is . per lb ., ork 8 d ., and the ; four pound loaf Is . 2 d . Laboui must be limited unless more capital is sent Still tbe Company ' s labourers are better off than many is England : their condition would be materially improved were more capital embarked in agriculture . The attention of the Company will doubtless be directed to this matter . Tbe excess of labourers , compared with the demand fer them , though it makes their labour cheap ,
and is apparentiyi therefore , a benefit to the agriculturists and employers of labour , is nevertheless Sound to be a serious practical injury . Under such circumstances the labourers may produce but cannot consume ; and without the latter the former must stop . Experience , however , will seon correct our youthful errors as a colony . We have . energy and enterpriza , hope and strength , an uncultivated country and a splendid climate ; our wants are few ; our living simple and rational ; we are not borne down by state debts and heavy taxes : we will therefore surmount existing difficulties . Our course is onward . I am in good health and excellent spirits considering that I am an exile from my friends and conntry . My food is milk and bread twice a-day , and I dine on pantakes or pudding . I abstain from flesh meat , and am growing fat on this fare , and water beverage . '' " George Binns . "
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THE OPPRESSIONS OF THE "COAL KINGS . " TO THB EDITOR OF THE MORTHERN STAR . Respected Sir , —Knowing your willingness at all times to take up the cause of the oppressed against the oppressor , I take the liberty of soliciting a place in your invaluable journal for tbe insertion ef the enclosed address , -which has been extensively circulated in Wigan and the neighbourhood , by the " Coal Kings " and their tools , whereby the public have been led astray as to the cause of the coal miner ' s grievances . At the same time a base attempt has been made to get the coal miners to mix up their question with that of defunct Whiggery . . By inserting the address , and my rap'y * you will greatly oblige yours in the cause of suffering humanity , The Coal Miner ' s friend and the Public ' s Obedient servant , William Dixon . Manchester , Sept . 18 th , 1843 .
ASCRESS TO COLLIERS . As you are about to convene a meeting of the Coal Miners in Lancashire , to consider your present distressed condition , and to adopt snoh plans as may tend to inprove your circumstances , permit one who is a well wiener to you and your families to suggest a hint to your leaders and to yourselves in general You appear to forget , or wilfully keep out of view the main source of your misery—a depressed and ruined trade . You know , or at least your leaders well know from what quarter this ruin of trade , especially
the foreign trade , proceeds . A very great majority of your class of suffering operatives was determined by bludgeons , as far as your assistance could go , to place tbe individuals in power who have stopped the current of demand for your labour . They have Imposed a duty which precludes a foreign trade ; and yet , with a strange infatuation of conduct and reasoning , you support the men who have done It , and throw the odium of this depression upon the masters , who could not , without bringing themselves into your situation , and thus destroying both parties , carry on their business with a higher rate of wages .
Nose but the most obdurate can witness with apa thy the distresses and privations to which jous class sre at this time reduced . Though we are compelled to admit that much of this is attributable to a wasteful as d wanton expenditure of your hard earnings ; yet ^ t is well known from undoubted fact * that the moat trduBtrious among you cannot obtaia a comfortable subrjatesce for your families in tbe present state of the coal trade . But let ae advise you to look fairly at thf j Butter in all its bearings . Da not suppose that Masters can , by a tort of magic , conjure money to satisfy a heavy wages list t or raise the produce of your la >> onr to tbe top of th % ground without a market , and without a suitable
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remuneration to themselves to keep the v « ry establishmenur wnlch support you in a coarse of successful operation . Your leaders harangue you on the rapacity and tyranny of coal proprietors as the only cause of your distress j Dut a little sober reflection must convince you thatyoar prosperity is Interwoven with that of your employers . It is a meat irrational and absurd expectation on your part to suppose that they can sink a large capital—Have their means-of sale fettered or entirely cut off , and yet pay the same rate of wages which a flourishing and extensive trade would command . You therefore , with a singular inconsistency , arraign the very parties at the very bat of your judgment , who in a certain sen&e are your fellow sufforera . and exonerate those who have contributed to lay this embargo on your prosperity and comfort .
Your meeting together for the purpose of considering your situation and prospects is perfectly right and proper . None can justly condemn iti But your principal attention ought to be directed to the spring of your grievances . Without this , yon may adopt a thousand expedients , and your remedies will only be superficial in their character and temporary in their duration : resembling a wound slightly healed , but still rankling itt all its virulence beneath . Let your leaders be consistent with their professed sympathy for the poor . Let them not be continually descanting on your sufferings , whilst they are lending all their energies to the support ef the syntem which is withering by its pestilential influence Uxb best prosptcts of both employers and employed . :
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Btones . " And whilst he jis harror-strit'ken at a few of the miners having the audacity to use xfaeit tiuacheons on the polling booth , wtlen the decision was given in favour of the Conservative candidates—( a few of the coal miners were guilty of tbe unpardonable crime of beating with their truncaeoas on the booth something like the tune ef the " Rigue ' s March !")—has he forgot that the faction to which i he belongs have inundated the country with " bludgeon men , " and that they carried out their " bludgeoning" propensities even to the sacrifice of human life atithat election ?
In the third paragraph of this address the author commences ia the first sentence with a vast amount of sympathy for tbe " distressed condition" of the miners ; and in the next , tel ! s us that their miseries are attributable to a wasteful and wanton expenditure of their wages . He then goes on to aay , the moat industrious amongst them cannot obtain a comfortable subsistence in the present state of the coal trade . I would t > 9 much obliged to him if he would reconcile these contradlctiens in his next . I regret as much as our Anonymous Author can do tbe existence of intemperance amongst tbe colliera . But , thank God ! there is a change coming over the minds of the forking ' people ; and I trust the time is not far distant when they will be as sober and intelligent as they are useful to society . Then I am
convinced that it will then be out of the power of tbe " coal kiiigs" to deprive I them of their just rights , bb they have done for the last twenty years . But this sympathizing gentleman cannot bat be cogn ' zint of the fact that the coal masters themselves have been the determined patrons of Intemperance amongst their workmen . In fact , if a man Bhoald stop from his work for a day , the best excuse he can make is to say fee was drunk over sight : and this would be considered a sufficient apology for tbe master . How different if he dared to say he had been to a meeting to consider what plans would be the best to adopt in order to improve the moral and social condition of himself and fellow workmen t The consequence of such an avowal would bo his immediate discharge from his employment He is also aware , if he knows anything of tbe doings of the coal masters in the neighbourhood of Wigan , that several of the masters , notwithstanding they have good
and convenient offices at j the werks where they could pay the men ( as they o « ght to do ) , send their hands to a public house , and there keep them waiting for hours before paying them the scanty pittance coming to them in the shape of wages , pan it be wondered at , taking all the circumstance ? of his lot into consideration , if he should spend the whole of his earnings before he leaves the house that tbe master was the means of bringing him into . Nay , I have iknown many minors who had such a dread of this temptation that they have sent their wives to draw their Jwagea ; and often have I seen these poor females standing round the door of a public house , betwixt ten and elevcno'clock on a cold winter ' s night , waiting for the wages which waa to provide them food for the sabbath and ( the following week ., Therefore it -would ba well for our author and those in whose behalf he writes , " to cast the beam out of their own eyes before they presume to pluck the mote out of their brother's . " i
We are next treated with a vindication of the " Coal Kings" and a precious rigmarole about the prosperity of the miners being interwoven with that of employers , the staking of capital , * c . &c . I would be glad if he would prove , to the satisfaction of the miners and a thinking public , that our prosperity and that of our employers is reciprocal . Experience tells us that just in proportion as the coal \ owners have been storing up wealth , in the same ratio have their workmen sunk in poverty , wretchedness , and misery . One of those men that has " sunk so much capital" was a hand-loom weaver : he is still living , and is sow a large coal master . He has also accumulated landed possessions . I would ask the simple question , from whence did this gent , get his capital to sink ? Many a poor collier can answer the question . I will give tbe public a speci men of this gent ' s sympathy for those whose labour have made him what he is .
Some few years ago an explosion of fire-damp took place in one of his pits ^ whereby eeveial of his men were severely burned . It is a common practice in cases of this kind to give the ; men that are burned , buttermilk mixed with boiled oil to drink , in order to kill the flre in the mouth and throat The poor people had eupplyed one of the poor fellows , who waa burnt , with all the mill : they had ; when this was done , one of them took a cau and went to the master ' s to beg some for him : bnt what was j the master ' s reply?—( I hope the public will mark it wjbII )— " We hive some buttermilk , but we sell it—we do not give it away 1 " This was the return the poor miner got for braving the jaws of death , in order that j this man might accumulate wealth , and become what be is . Another of tboBe men
who [ have suffered so much by " sinking their capital , " was ,, a very few ytara ago , a journeyman ' sawyer ; and now behold he baa got a large colliery , keeps his gig , and considers himself of some consequence , and is a veiy tyrant Tbe next we shall mention was a brewer's clerk . This person seeing that the coal trade waa ' one that made gentlemen very rapidly , contrived to get two pits which were ] finished abont the year 1837 or 1838 . One night having got as much drink as made him talkative , he said to a few of his workmen " never mind , lads , when tbe pits are done I have got an odd £ 50 , 000 , and that will put a hole down somewhere else . " He has been aa good as his word , and commenced another large colliery . Another gentleman , who twtnty years ago would have considered himself
rich if he had bad a thirty pound note in bis pocket is now one of tbe largest coal masters in the Wigan district , having coal works in every part ot the neighbourhood , and has [ got a handle to his name in the shape of an Etq ., a carriage to ride in , and livery servants to attend him . Now we would atk with these facts before them , what is the conclusion the public must come to , especially when they see that year after year the wasting miners have been sicking deepeer and deeper in misery , wretchedness and want ? On the other hand the masters have been rising in affluence and wealth , and accumulating princely fortunes for their children . Can they come to the conclusion of our author , that the prosperity of the ceal miners is and has been interwoven with that of their employers ? Certainly not .
The last paragraph of this address ia scarcely worth notice . I will therefore pass it ever as briefly as possible . The author of it , however , tells us we have a perfect right to meet : bit our meeting will be of no avail unless we go to the source of our evils . I am of the same opinion ; but differ from him as to what is tbe " source . " I know he and his party could wish us to mix np our question with their " crotchets , " as witness the doings of the Staffordshire coal and iron masters both in the past and present year . " You have a perfect right to meet" What a change has come over the spirit of their dream ! How wonderfully kind they have become , since their friends , the Whigs , were sent to the bleak side ef the treasury
bench . How different this , whan compared with their doings when in the zenith of their power . The working classes well remember what their actions were then ; and consequently know jwell bow to appreciate the value of their hollow pretensions now . " You have a perfect right to meet" How very kind . But we have not forgot the transportation of the " Dorchester labourers , " and the " Glasgow cotton-spinners . " I therefore take this opportunity of telling this " Scribbler , " and through him the " Anti-Corn Law League , " that the miners will have nothing to do with any other question but that of the Miners' Union . Therefore such feelers as the one he ! has thrown out are useless , and will not answer the purpose .
I will now take leave of this Anonymous gentleman and his address . I assert that nine-tenths of the deaths which happen in the mines , from " suffocation by black damp , or carbonic acid gas , " or froji explosions of "fire damp , " are attributable [ to the cupidity of the coal masters . In fact , nine-tenths of tbe deaths that occur are neither more nor less ] than sacrifices offered up at the shrine of the god , Geld . In conclusion , I challenge the author of this address , or bis employers , to dispute the truth of the statements I have made , at any time or place , before an open meeting of the public . \ On behalf of the Miners , I am the Miner's Friend , and tbe Public's obedient Servant , } W « . DIXOJ . Manchester , Sept . 18 th , 1843 .
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THE MINERS OF CUMBERLAND TO THE MINERS OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND . ; Friends and Brethren , —We have been now a mouth without work , in defence of our common cause . Oar masters knowing of pur depressed circumstances , occasioned by the many reductions which they have made in our wages , united ; themselves in a bond of one hundred pounds , to eacbj and all refuse employment to any man belonging to tbe union . They issued a paper binding us not to belong to the union , which we must either sign or cease to work . We choose the latter alternative , and are Ww wholly depending upon your sympathy for support Will you allow tbe meaef Cumberland to be in battle array against you , as we most be , if our tyfaaoical employers force us into compliance ? We trust not , brethren . Your own interests demand that we should be aided . 1
We have received the ! following sums , —Wineate £ \ Q ; RaiDton , £ 6 2 s ; East Cramlington , £ 5 3 a . 64 ; Cassop , ~ g 5- New Durham , £ 4 ; Heaton , £% 18 s ; Leaton Dalivel , £ 2 9 s ; Ravenswortfa , £ l 13 s ; Hebburn , £ 1 8 s . 6 d ; Coxlodge , £ 1 5 s . 74 ; Whitley , £ 1 3 / . 8 d ; Walker , £ 1 j ! Walldrege Fell , £ l ; ShinclifiV , £ 1 7 sS Oakwellgate , 17 s ; Wylam , 16 s . 9 d ; West Stanley , 14 s . 10 jd ; South Pelow , fit ; Morpetb 10 s . These are the sums we j have received this we « k tor ' the support of 1 , 600 men . Be up and doing a little longer , and the victor ; is ours . Onward , aud we conquer ; backward , and we falL I john Mjldise , Beeietary . ¦¦
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Dean Church—On Saturday last Mr . Swallow lectured to the colliers in tbe employ of Mr . Hulton , magistrate . The large room at the Queen Anne , was crowded , a great number being unable to obtain admission . An adjeurnment took place to the open air , where Mr . Swallow addresed th « meeting at great length and was loudly cheered . The organization of the colliers Is going on briskly here . Six weeks since not one was in the Union , now there is 125 enrolled . A large addition to the present numbers ia expected tbe ntxt pay day , which ia bat owe a month at ( bis colliery .
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Hamburgh , Sept . 11 . —The disturbances at the Millerin Gate were renewed the evening before yesterday ; the interference of the military , as on the preceding evening , soon restored tranquillity . The tumult was the most violent outside of that gate , where a detachment of dragoons received orders to use their arms , and several persons were wounded . A considerable number of the rioters have been arrested . Yesterday evening the necessary precautions were taken by the military to prevent a repetition of the tumults , and accordingly , though a great number of persons were assembled under the gate , no , disturbances took placa .
Death of Voltaire ' s Gardener—Matthew Dailledouzo , the gardener at the Chateau of Ferney , who had been in the service of Voltaire , has just died at a very advanced age . He possessed a number of relfos of the witty Frenchman , and was an admirable cicerone to strangers visiting the Chateau—Galignani ' s Messenger . Naples—The whole of the San Germano and Ceprano road , situated on the Neapolitan territory , is infested by a numerous baud of brigands , moat of them mounted on good horses , and all of them well
armed . All the way from Capua carabineers were echelonnes on the road , but they were unable to check the brigandage , and had been more than once compelled to flee before the banditti . At the head of the band are three oonyicks who have escaped from the galleys . Russia .. —We learn from St . Petersburg , August 31 , that oa the proposition of the Senate , the Emperor has issued a ukase establishing a uniform postage throughout Russia and tbe Grand Duchy of Finland , no matter what the distance may be ; so that henceforward the tax on letters will vary in charge only according to their weight .
African Expedition . —Private letters from Jiddah , on the Bed Sea , mention that an Englishman , Mr . Mansfield P » rkynp , late of Trinity College , Cambridge , is making preparations to ascend the White Nile , penetrate the Galla country , and strike across the continent to the Niger ! Our correspondent says , Mr . Parkyns is a highly spirited young man , and has been some time travelling in Asia Minor . Col . Stoddari and Capt . Connollt . —A l etter from Constantinople states , that" the impression is every day gaining ground , at this place , that the report of the murder of Colonel Stoddart and Captain Conolly , at Bokhara , is altogether unfounded in tact . AD the Hajjis who pass through Constantinople , oa their way to Mecca , agree in contradicting this story , and state that , though incarcerated , these gentlemen are skill alive . "
The Rights of Despots , v . the Rights of Man . —Political incarcerations have taken place in several provinces of Austria , Italian as well as German . The persons imprisoned are belonging , or suspected of belonging , to the sect of the Communists . The members of this sect are daily increasing throughout Germany , Switzerland , Tyrol , and the different States of Italy . Ascent op Mont Blanc—AJetter from Chamouny states thai the ascent of Mont Blanc was made a short time since in a most rapid and successful manner , by Dr . E . Ordinaire , of Besan ^ on , and M . E . Tairraz , of Charmouny , and a party of thirteen
persons . They left the Prieure at noon of the 23 rd j at half-past six in the evening arrived at the rooks of the grand mulcts , which they again quitted the following day at half-past two in the morning . They were seen ascending by the old road exposed to the avalanches , and wherethe three guides of Dr . Hamel were swallowed np in 1820 . At half-past ten M . Ordinaire , who was in advance of the other travellers with two of his guides , arrived at the summit , where the rest of the party shortly afterwards joined them . At a qaarter past eleven they commenced their descent by tbe new road , and at seven in the evening arrived at Chamouny .
Re ' ugious Persecution . —Dr . Kalley , a Scotch physician , in the island of Madeira , has been thrown into prison for attempting to . eonvert the natives to Protestantism , by preaching to such of them as ohose to attend on his sermons , in his own house , and in the Portuguese language . This imprisonment is very naturally deaounced by Dr . Kalley ' s friends as an arbitrary and tyrannical proceeding ; bnt still it is very doubtful whether that gentleman was not violating the laws ef Portugal , which barely tolerate the profession of the Protestant religion .
State of Spain . —The- public diligence from Granada to Madrid was stopped and robbed oa the night of the 1 st inst ., near Puerto Lapiehe . Viscount Bejija and two > daughters and twelve other passengers were inside . They were compelled to alight , and remain with their faces to the ground for upwards of three hours , and were completely stripped , and all thei * baggage and 1 , 500 dollars in money carried ofiL In consequence of the great efforts made by the first magistrate of Puerto Lapiche , Beven of the robbers were apprehended , with part of tbe effects in their possession , within a few hours of the robbery .
A Discover * cm x Lakse River in Africa . — Lieotenaat Ctoistopher , of the Indian navy , who was despatched from Aden upon a survey of the coast of Africa , by Captain Haines , has succeeded in discovering a splendid river to the northward of the river Jabj which he entered and traced for one hundred and thirty miles . As he advanced , he found it increase in width and depth , and , according to the report of the natives ( a civil and obliging race ) it , continued to do to for the next four hundred miles . The river is described to be from two to three hundred feet wide , and sixty feet deep ; a clear meandering stream , with banks ina highstata of . cultivation , yielding all kinds of grain , which are abundant and cheap . Lieutenant Christopher has named his discovery the " Haines Hirer . " " \ ' — . . ¦'
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LiTKBPOox . r-Au inquest was h « ld on Saturday before the Borough Coroneron the body of a w > y » six years of age , named While running after a Dook , aooidentally were lying upon the have been most negligently in consequence of whieh the around , and in their wm % t which injuries adjourned until yesterday deodft&d of £ 3 upon tbe
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THE COLLIERS' ANSWER . Fellow Countrymen , —In replying to the above address to the cos miners which has been extensively circulated amongstl you , I am actuated by no other motive than that of doing my dutyto myself and fellowworkmen ; and , at the same time , to set the public rl * ht as to the . statements whith it contains and the grievances of which we , as a body , have to complain . I will proceed to examine this wonderful production ; and in doing so I have the vanity to think that having had betwixt twenty and thirty years experience as a miner , I shall be able to expose the false assumptions of its author to the satisfaction of a discerning public '
In the second paragraph of our Anonymous Author ' s address , he endeavours to make the public believe that previous to the present Administration coming into office , the Coal Kings were conducting their business in such an honest and praiseworthy manner , as to leave os , tbe coal miners , no justifiable cause of complaint ; and , consequently , that our grievances are of recent date , having bad no existence before the passing of the New Tariff . I will take a review of the doings of the " Coal Kings , " from the year 1831 to 1810 , during which time trade Increased to a greater extent than in any previous nine years of our history ; and , be it remembered , that this was before the existence of the present duty upon exported coals . And if I can shew by facts and figures that , year after year , there was an actual reduction in wages , what becomes of the' arguments of this Anonymous Scribbler , that all our evils have bad their origin inland are attributable to , such duty f
As my limits will not allow me to insert the doings of every coal-master in the Wigan district , I will take one as a sample of the rest . This gentleman is one of those canting , feeling , sympathising individuals , who are for ever bawling for a " big loaf" for tbe poor operatives ; and , consequently , our Anonymous Author cannot say that I have , taken one of the greatest tyrants In the district for my specimen . In 1831 the miners were paid 6 s . 8 d . fot twenty tubs , each containing three cwt . of coals . In 1835 , notwithstanding it is generally understood that twenty constitutes a score , tbe coal-master insisted on having twenty-four from the workmen , but only allowed for twenty . By this means , be pocketed st the least , onesixteenth from the miner more than in 1831 . This is not all ; each tub was Increased from three cwt to four and a half cwts .: this , too . in time of good trade . The four
additional tubs , at the prices of 1831 , would be equal to 18 . 4 d . ; and , farther , the tubs being one-third larger , would be for the twenty tubs , to say nothing of the six hundred weight belonging to the four extra tubs , would make 2 s . 2 id . more , being a tetal of 3 s . 6 £ d ., which , added to the 6 s . 8 d ., would be 10 s . 2 ^ d . fer tbe twenty-four tubs , four and a naif cwts . each , according to tbe prices of 1831 .. But what is the fact ? Why , that instead of 10 s . 2 Jd ., the men only received 7 s ., in 1835 , for the same amount of : labour that they received 10 s . Sd . fpr in 1831 ; or a reduction of 3 s . 2 ^ 1 per score in the short space of fonr years ! 1 and this , too , with an extending trade , and before the passing of the new Tariff . But tbe reductions did not stop here . The tubs , being in good health , increased amazingly : the consequence of which waa , a further reduction of one-fourth in the short space of two years—namely , from tbe year 1835
to 1837 . I earnestly request the reader to carefully examine this part of the subject , and I feel convinced that he will agree with me that there is no class of men who have been more cruelly treated by their employers than tbe coal miners . I will now endeavour to lay this part of my subject before tbe public in so plain and eimple a manner that ' it cannot be misunderstood . In 1835 a miner cutting two yards in a face-end , seven feet wide , could send-np from twenty-three to twenty-four tubs of coal , and hU slack . But such was the increase of measure arising from the tubs being continually enlarged , that in 2837 , for the same amount of cutting in the same mine , the same length and depth , he conld only send from seventeen to eighteen tubs of coal , and bis slack . This the public will see was equal to a reduction in the wages ot the poor enslaved miner of one-fourth of bis entire earnings .
This manner of filching from the miner , the coal master considered himself perfectly justified In pursuing . Bnt ot the same time thought it very wrong to allow tbe consumer to be a participator in the benefits of such robbery . Previous to this the coals were sold by the tub at the pit . The worthy in question bad the sagacity to perceive that notwithstanding he had the benefit of all that went by water , they being sold by the pan , there was still the consumer in the home market , who was getting the increased measure for the same amount of money . To prevent this , be erected a weighing machine , and sold his coals by weight , and consequently pocketed the whale of the advantages arising from the continual enlargement of measure which the miner was compelled to send .
The next , stratagem adopted to take away our earnings was as follows . In order to make ( as the employer said ) the inen be more attentive to their work , ns be was in great want of coal , sixpence per score must be paid in the shape of bounty . If a man sent so many scores per week , be most > have the seven shillings ; but if he failed to de bo , nomatter what was the cause , be must only be paid 6 s . 6 d . per score . The " coal king" bad a double object in view by this : namely , to reduce wages , and get a stock of coals before band , so that he wonld be enabled to tyrannize over the men with impunity . Unfortunately , fee succeeded ; fer the bounty was fixed at such a standard , it was next to impossible for a man to get as many coals as would entitle him to it ; and , being unwilling to lose from
Is . 6 . 1 . to 2 a . in the week , be was obliged to work almost night and day . Having accomplished his end , the master turned round upon the men , and said , " Trade is very bad ; I have no demand for coal ; I must , therefore , take off the bounty ; but mind this is not a reduction ; it is only the bounty that I gave you when I wanted coal . " Notwithstanding the fact that it was part of the seven shillings originally paid fir the , score ; and by this means be only gave 6 s . 6 d . for the 8 am e amount of labour in 1837 I to say nothing of one fourth of an incre ; ise in the size of the tubs ) , that cost 10 ? . 2 jd . in 1831 . The next step was giving
out wider riddles . The standard width of the old riddles was an inch and one eighth , or 19 wires across , the new riddles were an inch and a half wide , or only sixteen wires across , for which he charged the men 3 s . 6 d ., although many of them had riddles that would have lasted them for twelvemonths . This was equal to a reduction of sixpence per ucore , inasmuch as the minura are only paid threebalfpence per tub for their slack . This was followed by a reduction of threepence per yard , or fourpence halfpenny per day . AH these reductions actually toek place when trade was good , and before the law was . ' in existence about which the author of the address makes bo much noise .
But I am forgetting myself . It is time that I returned to the tubs again , which contlBned to increase in size until they stuck fast in the conducting rods going down the pit There , however , was only two ways of getting out of this difficulty : and that was either to make them less , or widen the conductors ; and I need scarcely say that the latter was adopted by the conscientious Coat King of " cheap bread ''! notoriety . The coneeque . ee was , that the taking tree was taken up , and the 1 pit mouth made wider , and each conductor removed two inches . This was iu 1839 . The tubs were now allowed to grow a little more , until the pit which was thirty feet in circumference was too small , and bad to ba widened in several places where they caught against the sides . I will now endeavour to show the
public the real condition of the miners in 1840 , and then leave them to judge if tbe ground taken by this Anonymous Lcribbler be tenable or not . In 1835 , the two yards in the face end made twenty-three or twenty-four tubs of coal . In 1837 , only seventeen or eighteen ; and in 1840 , the same amount of labour in the same pit , and the same mine would not make more than from fourteen to fifteen tubs . I ask , with these facts before them , can the public come to any other conclusion than this , that the meat prolific sonic * of the miners' degradation has been the avarice and cupidity of tbeir employers , wh * have taken every opportunity in their power to render their condition more and more wretched until they have brought them to tha lowest ebb of human suffering . :
In replying to this address I have no desire to en ^ into party politics . But I cannot pass over , without a word or two , tbe reference which the writer ot it raakei to tbe last Wigan election , and the miners arming in the capacity of bludgeon men . I d * not tf . eny that there were miners in that capacity on tha ' occasion , This Anonymous gentleman knows well tb ere are coal masters belonging to both the Whig and . Tory faction ! in the neighbourhood" . He is also awpje that they are in the . bablt , at the time of an elec ' . ion , of marching their men into thetown , under the ir * pective banners oi their " pet candidates . " But I would advise him for tbe future to remember the old adage of " those who live in glaat-bousea inorja beware of throwing
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AMERICAN AFFAIRS . New York , Ava 31 . There is a warm contest under weigh , in the ranks of the Looofoco party , as to the manner in which the delegates to the presidential convention shall be chosen . These conventions are to be composed of as many members as constitute the House of Representative in Congress , each state to send as many delegates to tbe convention as it sends representatives to Congress . Now , the exciting question in the democratic ranks is—how shall these delegates be chosen ? Shall it bo in each state by congressional districts ? Or shall each state elect the whole number to which it is enentitled on the same ticket .
Tbe great mass of the friends of Mr . Van Buren arc opposed to the project of selecting the delegates by Congressional districts ; while , so far as 1 am informed , the supporters of all the Other candidates are decidedly for the direct system- ¦ It is now certain that both branches of the Legislature of Tennessee are Whig , and consequently that two Whig senators will be chosen to represent that state in the Senate of the United States . There is also one vacancy from Illinois in the United States Senate . This will be filled by a Locofoco . The Senate will then stand , until 1845 ( supposing none to die or resign ) , twenty-eight Whig , and twenty-four Locofoco or Democratic . This result renders any material change in tha
tariff , in the next session of Congress , more uncertain than was anticipated . From the New York papers we learn that the agitation for the constitutional reform of the state is going on as warmly as ever . At the Tabernacle a meeting was recently held in pursuance of a call for a mass Convention there , made by the Reforming party . The Mayor of New York city presided at the meeting , and declared his adhesion to the object of the Association . The great patronage at present entrusted to the Executive was , he said , one of his chief reasons for advocating a reform . As the Constitution at present stands , the Governor of New York is empowered to appoint 1 , 446 officers scattered through every town . This extensive patronage gives ,
it would appear , a most overwhelming influence to the Executive , which is felt but not seen , being secretly applied through the instrumentality of the dependants , and their still more numerous subordinates . But the evil , it is urged , does not stop at the vast power which is given to the Executive ; it also conduces to the filling up of offices with inefficient persons / It is impossible for the Governor really to have a personal knowledge and experience of all the individuals whom he is to appoint j and therefore he is obliged to depend much on the advice of others , whose recommendations will generally be found interested . Other peculiarities of the present state of the Executive and of the Legislature were mentioned as standing in especial need of reform .
For the last week , we have experienced some anxiety lest the yellow fever should make its appearance among us . A vessel from the West Indies , loaded with salt , having sick on board , was allowed by the health officer to pass the city and go up the North River fifty or sixty miles . The country people became alarmed , and the contagion extended with the rapidity of lightning to the city of New York—not the contagion of fever , but the contagion of fear . All , however , is now tranquil , it having been ascertained that the yellow fever on board the West India vessel was not yellow fever . Such is the official report of Dr . Vaoho , resident physician of this city , sent by the Board of Health to the place where the vessel lies , to examine as to the character cf the disease .
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, ¦ THE NORTHERN STAR ^ j __!_ ¦
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, John Hugh Dean , who . butterfly at th « Brunswick touched a pile of deala wnicn quay , and # M rK » placed j WtipwJff 0 ^?^ tb » wbp ^ pil ^ tUiBOi «^ faUbrok > hUttagh , and iex > - he d % : m » -nfeMgfiW > , wjani : && ^ WJ gfcTO - \> ti « S £ K / > > . ' ^ 3 % ed John Hugh Dean , who , butterfly at th « Brunswick iched a pile of deala which quay , and yiic > . ajsew to ntly placed ^ &rbR 5 » i ^* ef » h the wb ^ p il ^ tumbWjg ir fall brojg'hiatbiKh , and left , i he dieto ; £ fce ? wqMlk ^ te 1 day , w ^ iihe . ^ uij ^ e V ^ . etimb | h / > > ¦ , ¦ - # - ¦ ' ^^ % ^ MW
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Sept. 23, 1843, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct948/page/7/
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