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GEEAT SHAM OE THE AGE. led that outside ...
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^jgE GEEAT SHAM OE THE AGE. - .-gpieaeat...
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« LET THERE BE LIGHT.' The Educational M...
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^BlMaMaM «mB^eW«mHMM MONIES RECEIVED Fob...
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DINNER TO THE HON. B. J. WALKER . AT MAR...
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THE FATAL COLLIERY EXPLOSION^EAlt SUEFFI...
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NATIONAL CHARTER AVIATION. Offices-U, So...
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Haniey and Shklton PoTTEBiKS.—At a meeti...
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NATIONAL LOA^ r SOCIETY. At the meeting ...
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— " •— «t s n^T~o!^ NATIONAL A80VVW-.: W...
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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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Geeat Sham Oe The Age. Led That Outside ...
December IS , 1851 . m ^ . L ... — - THS NOfifJfgBN STAR . _ 5
^Jge Geeat Sham Oe The Age. - .-Gpieaeat...
^ jgE GEEAT SHAM OE THE AGE . - .-gpieaeatatire sham is in worse odour V we imag ined it . However adverse to 2 f interest ° * the people at large , it was monly believed to be advantageous to the ^ tocratical and wealthy classes , who gained " "Titical predominance ia consequence of its ^ elusive and monopolizing char acter , It ^ o ' ears this is quite a mistake . The owner f a "fa n , il y borough" has laid bare the *** = :.- „„
secrets of snch a disagreeable appendage to a v n , ] y inheritance in the columns of the i TimC *; ' and if his own ex en enc 3 ia to he ? ten " as a samP le of tne sac ^> be and his \ * s are vevy much to be pitied . They suffer £ tbe curs . ? of close boroughs , small corrup t constituencies , aud greed y unscrupulous electioneering agents , quite as much , though in another way , as the unenfranchised and unrepresented masses .
The boroug h , is a constant drain upon their „ rses— an insatiable horse leech , whose cry is still ' g fre « ' Tn 0 ' free and independent ' lur nesses are not at their nod and beck , but that of the clever dealer in votes , -who has contrived to set himself up as dictator , and tvbo prescribes terms alike to the candidate who has to buy and the voter who has to sell the franchise . Improving upon this hint , Mr . Cobden , at Rochdale , gave , in a style of graphic vivacity , the p icture of Corpora ' s House of Parliament , aud tbe position occupied by tbe persons who are returned to it—not by the
people , but a few astute and selfish memberjnongers , who really bold the representation of the whole country iu their hands . St . Alfaan ' s is the type of the whole class . The fionre for which each borough may be bought varies of course ;; but there is an extensive list for sale , beg inning with Abingdon and ending ¦ with Yarmouth . If the simple candidate who purchases one of these delectable boroughs imagines the pull on his purse strings is ended when he has paid the head money agreed upon with the -wholesale dealer in votes , he is very much mistaken . 'The member' is expected to have his hand
constantly in his breeches pockets for something or other . He must subscribe to the Members Cup , to the Race Ball , to Charities of all descriptions , to every kind of job pretending to have a public character , that may be got up by the speculating busy bodies in the borough ; and every individual "who has voted for him , whenever he is pinched , applies to * the member , ' as if two things were settled first , that he has a right to assistance , and second , that * the member " ia possessed of the purse of Fortunatus .
All this sordid trafficking m votes is very lamentable in its effects , both on the buyers and sellers . It debases and demoralizes all the parties concerned . They lose sight of the object for which the vote was g iven to the represented , and the duties imposed upon the representative 5 the matter becomes on both sides a coarse , greedy , and base piece of huckstering , in which each tries to get the better of the other , and both at ihe expense of the country at large . The member who has bought a borough thus dearly will naturall y not scrup le to remunerate himself . Ho is of course at the disposal of the Ministerial whipper-in . A few extremel y wealth y men
may not be accessible to these gross pecuniary considerations , but tbe great majority must make merchandise of their position in some way or other . Thus the corruption extends upwards , and taints the whole system . Even the very wealthy are not free from the infection . If not directly , at least indirectly , they pursue selfish and personal objects ; and whether these are the attainment of a hig her step fn the peerage , a vacant ribbon or star , or the passing of some private bill tbat will immensely augment their wealth aud influence—the result is the same . Thepublic interests are sacrificed—the public voice disregarded tbe intelligence and the wauts of the people unrepresented .
It is in this demoralised and disgraceful condition of both voters and members also , that -we find the reason "why Ministries that have lost the confidence and respect not only of the nation at large , but even of the majority of Parliament , can prolong their tenure of office and coerce members into voting against their recorded op inions and strongest convictions . It is onl y necessary for the PaiME Misister to summon them to Downing-street , to get upon a chair , and tell them that if they vote so and so he will resign , in order to
frighten them into obedience to his commands . "What is it that gives him this monstrous and pernicious power ? Visions of the hustings , where they will be fleeced again as they were last time by the greedy " agents" with their hungry and thirsty legions , rise before the eyes of unhappy members . In fact it is a mere matter of calculation whether they will vote for the Minister , or pay two , three , or five thousand pounds—as the case may be—in
costs for a new election . Is it any wonder , that we have seen members in the present Parliament voting white one nig ht and black the next , in order to escape such a penalty as that ? In fact—as Mr . Cobden truly saia when the Minister proposes to a member the alternative— " either vote for me , or go to the hustings '—it is for all the world as though some one stood over him with a bludgeon demanding his money or his life
Now the practical question is , can such an infamous system as this be tolerated any longer « Why should it be ? Who benefits by ft Only a clique of insatiable harpies , who have contrived , by low craft and unprincipled cunning , to get a sufficient number of the mercenary voters of these small boroughs into their hands to enable them to turn the election , and who , like filthy reptiles , thnye in a hotbed of political foulness and corruption .
The intelli gence—the honesty of ihe whole country—the material interests of all parties would be incalculably promoted by the destruction , root and branch , of such a vicious incurable , and mischievous system . It is ot no nse for Lord John to try any petty tinkering with it . Like the Hig hlandman ' s gun , ii wants to be mended with a new stock , lock and barrel . Every honest man , of every party , must cry Fie o-n't ! ' Its offences are rank and smell to Heaven , and it is high time its rotten carcass was buried out of ight . We are happy to see that in various large towns there have been meetings on the
subject which indicate that the public mind is at last being reused to activity in this matter . A Metropolitan Demonstration is talked of b y the New Manchester League , and from some observations of Sir J . Waxmslej , and ilr . Thompson , at Leeds , as well as of the latter gentleman at a meeting in the Tower Hamlets , it would appear that they are now
better satisfied with the suffrage proposed by Mr . Bright than they were at the Oonie ^ lence . This satisfaction , however , it is but fair to add , is derived more from the verbal applanations of Messrs . Bright and Lobpejs , than from any alteration in the terms of the resolution ; bat if it has the effect of making the two bodies co-operate cordially together , it wiU be so much gained for the movement in
favour of representative reform . And Chartists I What are they doing ? "We have considered it proper not to interfere hitherto in the discussions that have been going on as to the composition of the new Executive ; but we have no hesitation in saying now , it is of the utmost importance , that iu the few weeks that will elapse between the present time and the re-assembling of Parliament , the Chartists throughout the country should make a vigorous and united effort to place their principles fairly before the « oantry . If this be done in aproper spirit , it will help , not impede , any other movement in favour of Parliamentary Reform . The know-
^Jge Geeat Sham Oe The Age. - .-Gpieaeat...
ledge , that outside of all mere expediencies however carefull y devised , there was a Tarn organised party who took their stand upon broad and undeniable principles of political justice would have a powerful effect both upon the Government and the middle classes . i-he decision on the question , even if it happened to fall below the requirements of the Oharter , would make acloser approach to their demands , aud necessitate a more direct acknowledgment of the Chartist body in the discussions on this most important question than if they remain divided , inactive , or obstructive . .
An efficient Executive , which would take ? n affirmative position , and not waste any of its time or energies in opposing other parties , backed for three months with liberal subsciin . honsby the Chartist bod y , could at this moment greatly advance the popular cause . The increased attention which the Press is giving the subject—the excitement and inquiry necessarily produced among all classes b y the events in France—and the growing conviction that our representative institutions are radically bad , and must be replaced by others more in accordance with the intelli gence and the spirit of the age—all unite to produce a favourable combination of circumstances for a
new Chartist agitation . But , in undertaking it , let those who may have its guidance remember the solemn responsibility they undertake . A nation ' s fate will be , to a great extent , in their hands , and it will be their duty to comprehend full y , the nature and extent of the momentous task they undertake . If they do this , and advocate the People ' s Charter in the dignified , temperate , but determined manner , which the justice , the reasonableness , and tbe universalit y of the principles contained in it demand from all its professed adherents , they will rescue it from undeserved obloquy , and compel the upper and middle classes to
respect Chartists and Chartism as an actual and influential element of popular opinion , which must be recognised , treated with , conciliated , aud allowed a fair share in popular power .
« Let There Be Light.' The Educational M...
« LET THERE BE LIGHT . ' The Educational Movement is rapidly assuming such a practical shape and bearing as to indicate tbe time for action approaches . The rival Manchester Schemes , however defective in other respects , have both of them the unquestionable merit of going to work in a business-like way , to meet a want which is all but universall y admitted . The exception is only to be found among a small clique of advocates of the voluntary system , who carry the principle of individualism to the verge of insanity , and who , rather than see their pet theory trenched upon , would be content to leave the masses to all the errors , vices , and
miseries arising out of the densest and darkest ignorance . With such crotchety and crazy people it is useless to argue , and fortunatel y also , it is needless , Their far fetched arguments and fine spun theories are instinctivel y felt b y the great bulk of the people to he inapplicable to the actual state of society . Voluntaryism in education may be the best and soundest princi ple—may be the only true method by which the masses of any country can be trained to grow up to the standard of perfect manhood . Abstra « U y this may be capable of being established beyond cavil or dispute , but the misfortune is , voluntaryism fails to do what it should do . It leaves large masses of the community to swelter in the midst of the most vicious and
demoralising influences which it has no power to counteract , and instead of aiding those who invoke combinative and public action for that purpose , it places itself in the way , and defends the evils it can only palliate , not wholly deny . The obstruction , however , is as feeble as it is worthless . The thin gathering , both morning and evening , at the Voluntary School Conference in London , this week , joined to the lamentations of the speakers over an empty exchequer , and the desertion of many of their old colleagues , point to the gratif ying conclusion that the party is powerless .
On the other hand , the activity and zeal exhibited by the Lancashire Educationalists is full of promise j and though the Peewieu declined to pledge himself on the subject to a recent deputation , it is obvious that when the question is next discussed in Parliament it will occupy a better position than it has ever done hitherto . Towards the production of this desirable result the measures graduall y adopted by successive Governments since the year 18 D 7 , have , no doubt , materially contributed . Education , publicly conducted , enlightens and liberalises even its opponents . Unconsciously ,
they come under influences to which they are hostile . They find that instruction must be met by instruction , and , in self defence , are compelled to become educators themselves . True that in many instances this is done in a one-sided manner , and with a view to counteract the power of a solid and unsectarian instruction . But knowledge is like light , it cannot be bottled or boxed np to suit the purposes of parties or sects : it will flow in throug h chinks and crannies , however sedulously they may be stopped up , and , once lig ht has been diffused , its consequences are beyond recall .
That is the position in which the question now stands in this country . So much has been done tbat we cannot stop where we are . We must go on ; and the simple question is , in what manner , and upon what scale ? That it must , b y combined and public action , is conceded by all except tho fanatics we have alluded to . Education has been logically p laced amon g those things which can be better done by public co-operative effort than by private isolated individual execution . The reason whv we have not heretofore acted upon that
understanding , has been that each sect claimed the power of educating the peop le according to its own fashion . That , too , has been nearly abandoned ; the Manchester and Salfoid School p lan is , in this respect , nearl y as unsectarian as the scheme of the National Public School Association . One makes attendance upon relig ious lessons optional , the other would close the secular public schools twice a week , in the afternoon , in order to give the children the opportunity of receiving religious
instruction from the ministers of the sect to which their parents respectively belong . It is , therefore , a question of degree , not principle , between them ; and thoug h our sympathies undoubtedly go heartily with the more comprehensive and effective plans of the National Society , yet we are not the less p leased to see the question of scrip ture teaching in connexion with secular instruction p laced upon the footing as it is by the other association , which numbers so many
clergyman , of all denominations , and has a bum q > at its head . All that can be expected in the present state of the public mind upon the question , ' is that the relig ious instruction of the pupils in the public schools shall not be compulsory , but that the parent shall have the power of deciding whether his children shall he present at or absent from , such lessons . On the other hand , it is clear that for the partisans of any notions
peculiar creed , or sectarian , to insist u .: on children attending , whose parents do not concur , is a violation of the great principle of religious liberty , which all parties in this country pretend to value so highly . As to the fear that such a system would be irreligious in its tendencies , we consider lttobe entirely unfounded . That it might breed np fewer sectarian bigots we . en W . eve but that the careful culture of the intellectual and moral faculties , should extmgmsh those Bentiaents of veneration for all that constitutes the
« Let There Be Light.' The Educational M...
essence of Religion which are instinctive in our natur e 1 , we cannot for onemomenfc imagine otprf V r r °° S secui % that no oveitant i-rehgions tuition will be permitteda thing we need not say in itself preposterous , ia the present state of public opinion-that is * Ju > T J ® ? irl asked b y fcho ' reug ' unw world . But they have no ri ght to insist that m deference to their whims and peculiar notions , hundreds of thousands-we might almost say millions-of the rising generation shall grow up info men and women totally ignorant of their own nature , of its relation to the external universe , of the duties they owe to society as eMs & u , and of the manner of performing their duties with benefit to the
community , and advantage to themselves . ne call this wholesale soul-murder . Every neglected untaught child , who is left to stagnate in the midst of ignorance and vice , to have his mental faculties indurated , his moral feelings perverted , and to be trained up a candidate for the prison , the hulks , or the scaffold , is a victim to tho system which thus preuooruB him to ignorance , infamy , and punishment . And , on the contrary , an ample and enlightened provision for the instruction of the people , by arrangements under popular central , can alone enable the Government and
the people of this country to mantain an honourable p osition among nations , or sustain the greatness of tho British Empire .
^Blmamam «Mb^Ew«Mhmm Monies Received Fob...
^ BlMaMaM « mB ^ eW « mHMM MONIES RECEIVED Fob thb Week Ending Thdbsday , December 12 th , 1851 . NATIONAL CHARTER FUND . Received by John Abnott . —Newcastle-upon-Tyne , per G . Grant 18 s-Wakeffleld , per W . Qladders Ss-Mr . J . A . btarkey s List 3 s Gd—Ashion . under Lyne , per J . Taylor l-5 s—itr . « J . Harney 4 s Gd . —Total £ 2 G . < , FOR DEBT DUE BY REFUGEES . Received by Jobs Aasoir . —l'ortsea , per 3 . Cooper Ds 2 d .
Dinner To The Hon. B. J. Walker . At Mar...
DINNER TO THE HON . B . J . WALKER . AT MARCHES I'ER . The Hon , R . J . Walker , for many years secretary to ttie Treasury at Washington , and well known in this country for having exerted himself successfully in the United States' government to obtain a reduction of the prohibitive tax upon our manufactures almost simultaneously with the repeal of our corn laws , was on Tuesday evening entertained at a public dinner at the Albion Hotel , Manchester , by the merchants aud leading commercial gentlemen of the town . Air . Basley , President of the Chamber of Commerce , presided ; and the Vice-President of the Commercial Association took the vice-chair .
The toast of the evening , that of " Our distinguished guest , " having been given , Mr . Walker delivered an eloquent speech iu favour of Free Trade policy , and said , I have heard , gentlemen , some talk made since I have been here about what you are pleased to call " Old John Bull . " But , gentlemen , I don't think that he is old —( hear , hear)—but rather in the vigour of youth and manhood . I believe that he has been growing younger for many years past . ( Hear , and laughter . ) I behere , gentlemen , that he ia much younger than he was in 1831 , prior to the passage of the Reform Bill . ( Hear , hear . ) I believe that he is younger than he was in 1844 , when you repealed the duty on cotton . 1 believe he is much younger that he was in 1840 , when you repealed your coin laws and
we reduced our tariff- —( hear , hear)—and , gentlemen , without intending to intermeddle ( for I have no right to do so ) in wh . it concerns your purely internal policy , I can only state , from some meetings I have seen in Manchester and elsewhere , that , Should it be my happy lot in some few years hence to return to England again , I believe I shall find what you call the " Old John" still younger , by a further extension of the rights of the suffrage to the industrious classes , and by their education . ( Hear , hear , and cheers . ) I believe that there ought to be , not merely in commerce , but in friendly feeling and in various other ways , a cordial union between England and America . ( Applause . )
I believe that theirs is a joint mission , not a separate one ; it is a joint mission to curry the blessings of Free Trade , of commerce , of civilisation , of civil and religious liberty , and of Christianity , under their joint flags , all over the world . Tlie lion , gentleman then alluded to tbe excellent education afforded to the industrial classes of America , and having delivered his views on " non-intervention , " concluded as follows I believe , gentlemen , that the events which have recently transpired in France are of a momentous magnitude to England , to the United States , and to the world . It is true , gentlemen , there may be a momentary repose of despotism—it is true that that man who has combined in himself the
character of a traitor , of an insurgent —( hear , hear )—and of a military usurper —( hear , hear)—may trample down for the moment the liberties of France . But , gentlemen , I propound this solemn question to Englishmen—if he does succeed , who can doubt that a government established by the army of Louis Napoleon—established in favour of a man whose hands are dripping with the warm life-blood of his countrymen , of every age , sex , or condition—that a government thus established will not become a military despotism—that Louis Napoleon will not become a mere pawn to be moved on the political chessboard by the iron finger of the Czar ? ( Hear , hear . ) And , g entlemen , is it for the interests ot England that she should have another military despotism on the continent of Europe , and
immediately on her own borders ? Is it her interestis it the interest of the constitutional government of England—that all the continent of Europe be covered by systems which are the very antipodes of her own ? Is it her interest that throughout that great Continent there shall be no governments but those that are found in armies and in camps ? Will it increase her commerce ? Will it render her more safe and secure from the assaults of despotic powers ? Will England be more safe when there is nothing but despotic governments throughout the whole continent of Europe ? IS is not for me to attempt to draw the veil which conceals the future . It is my fear , my apprehension—for I desire not to see any such results—that England will bo assailed by tho military despots of Europe Why ,
gentlemen this despotism of France , being created by the army of Fiance , must necessarily be a belligerent despotism . The army must have employment It is not to fight against the despotims of Europe . This act has already been sustained by the despotic power of Austria , and I have no doubt that you will find it sustained by the Russian Cz : ir , and by all the despotisms of the continent of Europe . Then , if the imperial army of France are to havo employment , may we not look back lo history ? Iu ISU 4 , had we not a somewhat parallel catastrophe , when the constitution of Franco was overthrown by Napoleon Bonaparte , and an imperial government was re-established in France , as I believe it soon will be in Franco again when the transparent veil shall be drawn aside ? . ( Hear , hear . ) What followed on the establishment of the imperial and military power in France in 1804 , may
it not follow in 1851 ? Sow , gentlemen , i hope these events may not follow . I hope that we shall have peace—peace with England—peace , if possible , with all mankind . ( Applause . ) There is no genuine Free Trader that can be otherwise than the friend of peace . ( Applause . ) And I -Jo say this that I do not believe that it is the interest of England to ally herself wits despots of the continent of Europe . ( Hear . ) And 1 say further , that if , upon her refusal to do so , she should be assailed hy tho .-e despotic powers—if , maintaining her own constitutiona l government , her own trial by jury , her own libertv of speech and of the press , she should require our aid—I speak what ! know to be the unanimous sentiment of my country , the entire American population , backed by their government , will come as one man , and fig ht the battle with if it be ( Immense cheering . )
you necessary . Several toasts were g iven , which were responded to by Mr . Bright , Mr . M . Gibson , and Mr . Cobden , after which the company sep arated .
The Fatal Colliery Explosion^Ealt Sueffi...
THE FATAL COLLIERY EXPLOSION ^ EAlt SUEFFIELD . -nOMMlTTAL OF THE MANAGER FOR MANSLAUGHTER .
SnEFFiELD . -An inquest was held on Wednesday on "L w of the bodies of John Ramsden Samuel Bacon ! and Charles Stones , who were k . led by an exnlosion in the ffoodthrope Colliery at the Intake oiitX" 1 «* . (^ circu . ns . ar . cea £ he found m our 6 th page . ) After the evidence of the colli ** , Mr ! Charts Morton , of Wakefield , ,, overnment » soector of coal m nes , stated from the general m-E ! o » 3 -bich be observed in this mine , but more especially regarding ventilation , there was not a sufficient amount of intelligence and mining uoU brought to bear upon it . He was sorry to be oT g ed to add that the present bottom-steward Oldtield , was not , in his judgment , ™&^»* m acquainted with either tne theory or practical ae tails of ventilation to enable him to conduct works L -. flnrv « eam « Uh safetv to those employed
therein . The Jury came to tho following verdict : - "The jury find « : verdict of Manslaughter against Joseph Oldfleld . We cannot , tottcve r , separate without expressing our owmon *»* * % JJg Rhodes ought to have employed a more enw .-nt and intelligent under-ground steward than Oldfield" Oilfield waa taken into custody , and will be tried at York Assizes , which owmmmo on Saturday .
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National Charter Aviation. Offices-U, So...
NATIONAL CHARTER AVIATION . Offices-U , Southampton . *^ , > ' ^' .. I he Executive Committee of this fclta held w 1 " UTdl weekI y meetin as above , > Wednesday evening last . Present Messrg , Arnott , Grassby , Hunt , Le Blond , and Milne . Messrs . Harney , Hol yoake , and Jones being in the country , were absent . Mr . O'Connor ™ also ab 3 euk through indisposition . John Milne was called to the chair . Correspont ience of an encouraging and progressive character was road . Tlie following letter has been received from Mr . Cr . Julian Harney , and which the Secre- i tary was instructed to insert in the report : — TO , ? , SECRETARYOP THE EXECUTIVE , U"TTKE OF THE XATIOKAL CHAR . TER ASSOCIATION .
Dear Sin—1 observe that by several "localities I have been nominated for re-election to tho Chartist Executive . I thank my friends for this renewed mark- of their confidence and approval of my public conduct . But , I beg to decline the nomination . Recent discussions in the press , and in certain metropolitan meetings , have induced this decision . Offing to my prolonged absence from London , my membership of the Executive has been merely nominal during some months past . This position , so unsatisfactory to the Association and to myself , must terminate . It is true that I am about to return to London : but , in all probability , my stay will be of very brief riei ti ° n ' a 3 Ihaveal ° g hat of engagements to fulfil , m the shape of meetings to address in the northern , midland , and western counties of England .
Even if constantly in London , I could not pledge myself to devote my entire time , day and nigiit , to the work of agitation . I must give no inconsiderable part of my time to other labour . Moreover , I have hot the p hysical ability to nlay the part of a political steam-engine . At the very least a man had need be like the celebrated Rentuckian— "half horse , half alligator , with a strong dash of thunder and lightning , " to got through the work some of our go-ahead friends look for at tho hands of an Executive Committee-man . It is suggested that to enable the members of the Executive to devote the whole of their time and attention to the movement , they should be paid for their services . Not disputing the utility of this proposition , I must say for myself that I could not consent to accept office as a salaried official of the Association .
Ceasing to be a member of the Executive , I shall not cease to do all that may be in my power to promote the success of the Association . Herewith you will receive payment for the renewal of my card for the ensuing twelve months . I regret that my circumstances will not allow roe to contribute more than the year ' s subscription , as set forth in the rules . Tfou know tbat when more fortunately situated , I did not hesitate to contribute not only up to my means , but beyond my means ; at least , beyond the point justice to myself aud family prescribed . Permit me a few more words .
I cordially approve of the resolutions of the Executivedecliningtoannulor tamper with therules of the late Association , as sanctioned by the late Conference . Any such change as that of substituting a paid , for an unpaid , Executive , must be tbe work of a delegation representing the Chartist party in its entirety . What is termed " anarchy " may be necessary for the overthrow of aristocratie ; il systems , but democratic institutions should be reformed in the manner prescribed by democratic laws and regulations . Let me add that , in my opinion , the next Chartist delegation will have to consider move than the question of a paid Executive ; will bave to consider the association as a whole . It is only too plain that the " National Charter Association" is stricken with decrepitude and impotency ; and I fear there ia but poor pros > pect of ever again supplying it with renewed youth and vitality .
I will hope that true and unflinching supporters of Chartist principles will bo elected to the Executive . ] f there are amongst the candidates men whose hearts are less with " the Charter than with other schemes of Reform , they should in honour and consistency retire from the nomination . The late bourgeois " Conference" at Manchester has more than justified all that I recently wrote in the " Leader" in opposition to the policy of temporising ; ffith the Moderate Reformers . The meanest understanding may now comprehend the game that hns been , and ttv . it is in course of being , played . The "little Charter" champions havo been allowed by their master ! ., the Manchester millocrats , to tvavovaa thft country , and by fine phrases secure
that popular toleration which was denied to the Anti-Corn Law Leaguers . Having done their work , the chiefs of the Parliamentary Reform Association arc told that they may consign their programme to the waste paper limbo , and accept , instead , the less liberal , less definite scheme of the Manchester cotton-lords . At this Messrs . Walms ' ey and Thompson " rise up , " and are forthwith hooted down , brow-beat and bullied into submission . Had the members for Bolton and East London been "bold enough to be honest and honest enough to be bold , " thev would have shaken tho dust of
Manchester from their feet , and inscribing "Universal Suffrage" on their banner—would have passedoverto the democracy . Instead , they are content to eat their leek , and exhibit themselves performing the pitiable part of vouching for the honesty and patriotism of Cobden and Co . The ' Parliamentary Reform" programme is superseded by the Manchester resolutions . These , in turn , will g ive way to something less liberal ! Lastly , Haines and Bri g ht will get up a " transaction , " on " the principle of give and take , " with the "Whig leaders ; and the farce of tho Reform Rill will be repeated .
To establish a system of representation that shall place in the House of Commons a preponderating majority of middle class men is the avowed , declared object of Cobden and Co . Will the plot succeed ? We shall see . I will thahk you to obtain the publication of this letter ( unmutilatcd , or not at all ) in thei ' ordinary channels of communication between tho Executive and the Chartist public . I remain , In the cause of democracy , yours fraternally , G , Julian Harney , P . S . —Julian H arney will address meetings in the Joiners ' s Hall , ifowcastle-on-Tyne , on the evenings of Sunday and Tuesday , December Hth and 16 th ; and in North Shields on the evenings of Monday and Wednesday , December loth aud lfth . G . J . H . will attend the annual festival of the Fraternal Democrats , December 30 th , at the Johnstreet Institution , London .
Financial and other business having been disposed of , the Committee adjourned to Wednesday evening , Dec . I 7 th . Communications have also been received from Messrs . R . Cooper , J . C . Ollerenshaw , Edmund Stallwood , aud Edward Swift , expressive of their "l-ateful acknowledgments in being nominated , hut declining to serve as members of the Executive Committee . From the following no statement either of objection or disqualification has been received : — Messrs . P . O'Connor , Ernest Jones , G . J . Holyoake , Thornton lluut , Robert Le Blond , John Arnott , James Grussby , Charles Frederick Kicholls , T . M . Wheeler , John Shaw , John James Bezer , H . T . Holyoake , A . J . Wood , George Haggis . J . B . Leno , Gerald Massey , J . B . O'Brien , Robert Oliver , A . E . Delaforce , J . M . Bryson , P . M . M'Douall , W . J . Linton , Arthur Trevelyan , and James Leach .
Lnstbuctioss Pon Votino . —Every member holding a card for the present year is entitled to vote for nine persons from the above list . " Where localities exist , it is requested that special meetings be called for the purpose of taking the votes , and all members are desired to write the names of the nine for whom they intend to vote , on a piece of paper , and place tho same in a ballot box , or other convenient receptacle . It is also requested chat scrutineers bo appointed to inspect the votes , who shall record the number of votes polled for each candidate , and the list having been duly attested by them and the Chairman , bo forwarded by the sub-secretary to the Office , addressed to John Arnott , on or before Tuesday , December the 30 tb , as all votes received after that date will be null and void . Members residing at a distance from localities can send their votes addressed to the General
Secretary as above , N . B . —Every member ia called on and expected to take part in the election . Sioned on behalf of the Committee , = John Absott , General Secretary .
Haniey And Shklton Pottebiks.—At A Meeti...
Haniey and Shklton PoTTEBiKS . —At a meeting held on Sunday ls . st , the following resolutions were adopted : — " That we nominate the following gentlemen to serve the Executive : —Messrs . Feargus O'Connor , E . Jones , G . J . Harney , T . Cooper , and T . SI . Wheeler . " " That we agreo in future to p . -i y the Executive for their services . " u That steps bo taken to publish throughout the districts , by placards , & e ., the visit of E . Jones , on Sunday , the Utb inst . PinsbOrt . —At this and the various other metropolian localities , an incvea * ed attendance of members has been risible during the past week . The chief subjects discussed , have been the recent events in France , and the election of members to compose thereof ntly established Metropolitan Delegate Council , and th « forthoominu Executive Committee . Strong hopes exist of a retival of that spirit of enthusiasm which once existed in the metropolis
Haniey And Shklton Pottebiks.—At A Meeti...
WnirEcirAPEr .. —A public merino » . 1 . " , ~ , the Ship , High-street , ^ ea 'f < g £ . LS £ &„ day evening , to hearalecture by My . Wh-cW »» h jecc- " The Present Movement i „ p fanct : ! f , h " ub " ing upon English Politics , and thedutyofthepS towards the promised Reform Bill of Lord J . Russell ' The lecturer depicted the origin and probable result of the attempt at military dictatorship bv Louis Xauo-\ cou aml Predicted his speedy downfall unless herestored w '"" French people the full liberty of forming a ewn * . * b . J 8 ed U P »« Universal Suffrage . He afao dwelt & l considerable length on the duty of the Chartist body J" England during the ensuing session of Parliament . Mr . J , Shaw occupied the chair . Mess * . C Wheeler , Cannon , Doxey , and Knowleg , alsoaddresseJ themeeting , Mr . iVliee / er was requested to resume the subject on the tnsuing Sunday evening . At r . hfi mr > mh * irs * metMinf * i ^!> A . Iin . < vni . _ ^ 11 mic
- « -- » ... , « v . c n piiiue , OM the motions of Messrs . Dockaey nod luiowlos , the Se « oretary was instructed to write to Mr . Arnott , Secretary to the Executive , complaining of the insult oftored to Mr . John Shaw , and to their locality , by a letter received from him . requesting to know whether Mr . Shaw was eligible to stand as a candidate lor the ensuing Executive . Thev hereby assure him and the country generally , that Mr . J . Shaw is perfectly eligible , and possesses the unabated conadenceof the Chartists of the Tower Hamlets .
STOCKTonx—The members met . 13 usual on Sunday last . lVIr . Gnrdy in tbe chair . The delegates of the last delegate meeting , gave in their report which was received with one cxceptioii ( namely , substituting the name of Mr . O'Connor for that of Mr . Arnott , as the three to form a new Executive . ) Thomas Clews and George Rhodes were appointed delegates to attend the * next meeting , to be held in atalybrulge , on December 21 . Ir . the evening Mr . J . u . Clarke , of Manchester , delivered a lecture , m winch he called on the meeting to remain true to the principles of the People ' s Charter . After a vote of thanks to the lecturer , the meeting separated . Thomas ClrwsSecretary .
, SIanciibstek . —A general members' meeting was held in the Ante-room of the People ' s Institute , Heyrod-street , ou Sunday last . Mr . W . Grocott in the chair . After the election of a new council , and other business of a local nature , the report of the delegates , from the late delegate meeting at Stockport , was unanimously agreed to , with the xception ol that portion of tbe business which approves of an " Executive Committee of three only , " as we approve of . 111 Executive of five . It wa ' s also agreed : —• "That Edward Hooson and John Knight represent this locality at tho next delegate meeting , to be held at Stalybridge , on Sunday , December st
21 , 1851 . ' In the evening a lecture was delivered in tho above hall , to a crowded audience , by E , Jones , Esq . His subject : "The approaching crisis , and tho duty of all true men . " Mr . Jones dwelt for some time upon the principle of cooperation , as at present reduced to practice . Showing the impossibility for the people ever to carry out co-operation , or protect their industry , without political power . Several questions were put to the lecturer , which was answered to the satisfaction of the meeting , Mr , W . P . Roberts and several other addressed the meeting ; after which a vote of thanks was given to the lecturer and chairman .
Gorgie Miixs ( Edinburgh ) . —At meeting held on Wednesday , December Sid—Mr . P . iU'Jveil in the chair—tbe advice given by E . Jones , Esq ., to the Chartists of Great Britain , through the columns of the "Northern Star , " was read and unanimousl y approved of ; and they earnestly recommend it to their brother chartists throughout the Kingdom . The following gentlemen were unanimously approved of for the Executive : —? . O'Conner , Esq ., M . P ., E Jones , Esq ., Mr . T . M . Wheeler . — James Chalmers , Secretary . Newcastle . —Mr . Harney delivered his first lee fcure here on the 2 nd inst . —Mr . James Watson in the chair . Subject : "Does the House of Commons , as at present constituted , conduce to the welfare of the people ? '' Mr . Harney , after proving
that the so-called house was a sham and a disgrace to Englishmen sat down , after having spoken upwards of two hours . Mr . Charlton proposed a vote of thanks to Mr . Harney for his long and faithful advocacy of the cause of democracy , seconded by-Mr . Grant , and adopted by the meeting unanimously . Mr . Harney lectured on Sunday evening in the Joiners' Hall—Mr . M'Leod in the chair . Subject : " Tho Reform of 18-52—the duties of the people . " Mr . Harney reviewed the late acts of the sham Yorkshire Convention , and showed the fallacy of those gentlemen advising tho people to agitate for nothing short of Manhood Suffrage . Air . Harney was listened to with deep attention by a large and respectable audience .
Stalbybbiikie , —At a meeting of members heldon the Meeting Room , Quarry-street , High-street , in Sunday last , it was resolved : — " That the Chartists of this locality having given in their opinions with respect to a paid Executive , are resolved not to take any part in tbe election until the question of a paid Executive , which is now before the various Chartist branches , be finally settled . " " That Messrs . Hodson and Bctts be elected delegates to represent this branch in the forthcoming delegate meeting , to be held in this meeting room , on Sundav , December 21 st . —W . Hill , Secrctarv :
Fisavnuv LlTRRARX A . VD SOlESTlt'W INSTITUTION , Leicester-place , Ray-street , Clevkcnwell . Mr . Batchelor in the chair . Mr . Wecdou moved" That the delegates to the Metropolitan Delegate Committee ( which will meet at the above Institution , on Sunday next , at three o ' clock ) be instructed to use their endeavours to realise the nomination of Sir . Cooper . " Seconded by Mr . Slason . Carried . Mr . Fennull moved , and Mr . Weedon seconded— " That this locality having duly inspected and discussed the qualifications of the
several parties nominated for tho Executive , in this week ' s ' Star , ' conceive that the following persons are tho most fit aud proper persons for the new Chartist Executive : —Messrs . Ernest Jones , G . Julian Harvey , Thornton Hunt , R . Le Blond , T . M . \ Vhee \ t-r , " Thomas Cooper , J . J . Bi-zer , J . B . Leno , and W . J . Linton . " After some remarks by Mr . Osborne , the motion was unanimously carried , It was also resolved that a dramatic and vocal entertainment should take place on Wednesday next . Unanimously carried . The meeting then adjourned . A . Fensell , Secretary .
Ashton-underLtcnh . —The first annual meeting of the Ashton Democratic Association was held ou Sunday last in the Associatiun-ruom . Mr . Scoit in the chair . —After the transaction of local business the members proceeded to . elect a new council and other officers . Mr . Morgan then slated the pro ccediftgi «( tha la & t Swith LsuoAaUivG dftkgUt meeting . The new council met on Tuesday evening , when ihe following was agreed to : — " That we recommend the members to invite ail persons to attend the lecture next Sunday evening , to ha delivered by Mr . Haughton , of Stockport . " " That we , ° the council , thank Mr . Morgan for bis offer . " "That the secretary be instructed to enter into communication with uldham and Drojrlesden . " " That John Taylor and Ralph Scott attend the next delegate meeting . " u That we agree to suppor the circulation of tracts in South Lancashire
district . " That an educational class be established in this Association aiter Christmas . "
National Loa^ R Society. At The Meeting ...
NATIONAL LOA ^ SOCIETY . At the meeting on Wednesday Evening , a long discussion took p lace relative to the future operations and prospects of the Society . The Secretary was instruc ted to write to all parties to whom lonns had been granted , demanding payments of their Arrears . A Special Meeting was also agreed to he holden at 26 , Golden Lane , on Wednesday evening .
Maternal Affection . —It transpired at the Newport police court last week , that an old Scotch woman , named Elizabeth Davidson , at the age of fifty-seven , bad travelled on foot the whole distance trom Dundee to Parkhurst , five hundred and seventy miles ( excepting only the steam passage from Southampton to Cowes ) , for the purpose of seeing her son , who was ordered for transportation . She managed , by existing on a pennyworth of potatoes and salt per day , and a gratuitous supp ly of spring water , to accomplish this tremendous lourney in the space of five weeks , and arrived at . Newport , worn out with fatigue and illness , without a single farthing in her pocket . Although
compelled , before reaching her destination , do dispose of several articles of warm clothing for the purpose of enabling her to procure decent _ resting-places for her weary bones during her journey to the island , she resolutely preserved for her child a copy of the New Testament and an edition of Johnson ' s Dictionary , he hud desired her to send him . Wo are glad to say that a handsome subscription was raised for her previous to her departure for Dundee . Southampton , Saturday , Dec . 6 . —Ths new inner dock , just completed by the Southampton Duck Company was opened for business this morning . Several vessels entered the dock , and amongst them a fine ship of 527 tons , launched to-day from
Messrs . Wigram and Son ' s building-yard at Northarn , near Southampton . She is named the Hampshire , and is intended for the East India trade . The opening of the dock has been delayed two days by the accidental unshipping of the gates on Saturday last , owing to the water having floated them off their hinges . This little mishap ( about which the most absurd rumours were circulated ) was easily rectified , the damage done being very small , and costing only £ 40 to repair . Aduirai , Houston Stewart ., the new candidate for Greenwich , is described as a tery liberal Whig , and well able to gWe information , in the House of Commons , connected with the navy .
— " •— «T S N^T~O!^ National A80vvw-.: W...
— " •— « t s n ^ T ~ o !^ NATIONAL A 80 VVW-.: W ? Tj ^; jED TRA-DES . T . S . Duncovibe , Esq ., ^ . P ., President , " HAT JUSTITIA . " "" inVSH , * "" ^ working classes , by Com / ™ tc « f , % 'te ftfi' ? " ^ . w k « l > « P t"e Rtneral tl'ing not to be L , ; w " llly bc , saia «"» ' « ' « ™» U he a at „ o " > oe pdni , hed , but to be welcomed and rejoiced STtUIiTAltLL . The terminati on o 7 " the Conspiracy case eaves the Central Committee with incroS leisure , a > d , it . , hoped , an unimpaired popularity , to extent ! and strengthen the
Association . The small additional levy which was required for the tenant struggle u , obtain ' a Book of prices for the Sadlevs of Walsall , has ejjahled the Committee to effect an important and flouble advantage to two sections of our Members . First , directly to the Walsall men , who are bene / iteil hy the new tariff of price 1 to the extent of twenty five per cent , ,-uid , indirectly , to the Sadlers of J 3 irniiti « ham , who are relieved of a constant source of annoyance and gradual inroad upon their Wildes . This satisfactory termination of the strike is no less gratif ying to the Central Committee than it must be to the Sadlers , and wc doubt not will be equally leasing to
p the Members of the Association , who have thus another powerful proof what great benefits it is in their power to confer upon their fellow working-men , at a comparatively insignificant sacrifice to themselves . This power for good must increase in a geometrical ratio with the increase of the Association , while the individual burthen , now so moderate , will he lessened in a corresponding degree . Mr . Winters , who has left London en io «( e for Westmoreland , has sent the most gratifying reports from Birmingham , Walsall , ' and Wolverhampton , at which places he has visited the various bodies in connexion with tho Association .
The confidence of the Members in the Association and its Executive appears considerably strengthened hy the iate important proceedings at Stafford and in the Court of Queen ' s Bench . The solemn decision which now legalises Trades' Combinations has removed the doubts of many , and confirmed the confidence of all ; and we think we may reasonably anticipate at an earl y date a considerable accession to our number , which is , indeed , all that is necessary to make the National Association one of the great facts of the age . Mr-Winters is proceeding into Westmoreland in
aid of a numerous bod y of Bobbin Turners , who are at present the victims of a combined action of their employers to force them to withdraw from their connexion with the National , or any other Trade Society . This fresh conspiracy against the acknowledged rights of labour is conducted with some little skill and ingenuity , and manifests itself iu a variety of different forms . The presumed leader—we suppose the wealthiest of tho clique—takes at least a b old position 'V the truo Porryan vein . He is
determined to discharge any man from his employment who dares exercise his constitutional right of combination , b y connecting himself with anything in the shape of a Trade Society . Another exercises his ri ght as an employer hy discharging sundry of his men for tho heinous offence of attending a lecture ; social and political information for working men hcing exceedingl y unpalatable to these lords of the lathe . Another of these gentlemen who was in tho habit of supplying a certain description of bobbins , to the first mentioned of these parties , discharges his hands
upon the alleged pretence that his orders had been countermanded by the former party , and thus with well feigued regret he is compelled to discharge them , having no other description of work for them , unless they consent to a small reduction in their wages ; and thus under one pretence or tho other , these enli ghtened gentlemen , have , between them conbined to throw the industrious population of the peaceful shores of Windermere into a state of confusion and discontent which they may perhaps have some difficulty in allaying , There never was a case where such a wanton
attack upon an industrious and well disposed body of men was more inexcusable or uncalled for , or where such a rabid hostility to the National Association eould have been less expected or deserved , as the following brief statement of facts will show . About the latter end of September tho Bobbin Turners of Stavely ( who were nut then eliinblo to tho support of the Association ) applied ' for tho advice and assistance of the Central Committee , in consequence of the introduction of an improved system of machinery for the manufacture of cotton bobbins , which they considered would have the
effect of throwing large numbers of them out of employment . To induce men so circumstanced to see the inutility of any resistance to this , their new competitor in the labour field , was a work of some delicacy and difficulty , and tho employers themselves anticipated nothing less than a strike . Tho manifest duty of the Committee was to dissuade the men from so rash and futile a measure , and Mr . Green was sent to Stavely to vender such advice and assistance as the case demanded . In tins delicate mission he was eminently successful ; and arranged the nflkir , as it was considered , to tho mutual satisfaction of masters and men , who were thus , by the mediatorial influence of the
Association , prevented from being brought into an antagonism which must have been disastrous to both parties . It 19 very difficult to account for this newly awakened hostility by tho employers , to an Association whose only inti-rreiencc between them and their hands had terminated so mutually satisfactory . But , whatever n-. ny be tho cause * , this is an aggression upon the rights of labour so entirely unprovoked and unwarrantable , that the Committee feel they would be highly censurable if they were not to invoke the aid and sympathies of the members of the Association , lo enable tho Stavely and Windermere Bobbin Turners to withstand this iniquitous aggression upon their constitutional freedom .
It would appear that conspiracies to impoverish . ; ind oppress are only reprehensible and punishable ) where working men * are the presumed culprits . That conduct which in working men would be de « nounccd as an intolerable dictation and a dangerous conspiracy against capita ! , and would doom the unfortUHate workmen to a gaol , is considered spirited aiid patriotic , vhi-ii practised by a junto of employers . We certainly do not intend to let these gentlemen have it all their own way . We are prepared , if our members will support us , to offer the iame determined and dogged opposition lo this new tyranny as we did so effectually in the . recent case at Wolverhampton . If there are more Richards in the field , there will be no lack of Iliuhnionda to cope with , aud conquer them .
It is not the unjust incarceration of half a dozen men for a few months , more or less , that will ever induce the working men of England to surrender their manhood , and bow tlit-ir necks to the yoke of the Satraps cf Capital . Such a conviction , and such a judgment , asthe la : e Stafford trials havo produced , y ields no victory to the prosecutors . Wlirn we contemplate the means by wh ' ch this questionable victory has been obtained , the immense sacrifices of conscience , honour , and character , offered up in the witness box , to the Twin Moloch ' s ,
Avarice and Pride , oh ! who would not say wiih Mr . Keating , when witnessing the disgraceful exhibition , in their evidence , and stung with Mr . Sergeant Allen ' s clever , but clearly paid for , philippics against the defendants , "I would not change places with them ? " No , we know right well that not a man of our impri ? orcd brethren lut feels happy and proud in his position , and sleeps sweetly and calmly , in the delightful consciousness of having performed their duty to themselves , their families , and their hllow workmen . Can the Messrs . Perry s say as much ?
The Central Committee pledge themselves to persist in the same undaunted poller , and never to permit any section of their members to be oppressed , bo long as they possess the confidence and support of the Association . We therefore reiterMe our demand for the rr . eans of rescuing the Stavely Bobbin Turners from the tender mercies of the Verrys of Westmoreland . Thb Central CoMMiTTK ^ gF ^ C ^ te *«! jjjiL Association ot UrfSftC * f » J >*» iv . ^' '"' *> A 250 , Tottenham-Qour t-road ^ k ^^ W \ .. ^ » M Importation of ?<> RmaH &&^ S 0 $ m & . & There were no less than ST ^^ tei ^^ tclie ' sW ^ 64 , 784 clocks imported » nt ^ l ^ yw ^ duri ^ tt » - first ten months of this ^ vM ^^ m ^ m f ^ her , when t aken m additio » p ^^ h ^ ManlBK daily manufactured in this clmn ^ ' ^^ p g ^ «*
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Dec. 13, 1851, page 5, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse2.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_13121851/page/5/
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