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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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TO THE MEN OF ENGLAND . Hen of England , wWefare plough Ytrr tb <» Lord * who lay ye low ? Wherefore iresre with toll and ewe TW ricti robej your trranU weir ? ¦ Wfcerffore feed , and clothe , ud save . Fwm dfce er » iie to tbe grare , Those nnyratefnl drones who ¦ sroald Drain yenr « re * t—n » y , drink yoor blood ? • • • Have re leisure , comfort , calm , Shelter , food , lore ' s jp-ntle balm ? Or » h « is it ve bay so dear With _ ' our paoa and with yonr fear ? The « e 4 ye tow , wither reap *; The wealth ve lind , ukslher Jiepps ; T £ > - robes j = e wears , another ¦ vrtira ; I ** » m * j- » fcrg ? , another bean . S- > w nie ? , —but let no tjrxnt reap ¥ iai wealth , —let no importer heap ; W «* -e r ^ beg , —let not the idle wear ; F « rge arots , —in your defence to bear . Percy Bysshe Shelley
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COWPER , versus TORY-WHIGGERY . ( From / Pinter : Monibig JValk . ) Wlien Babel was confounded , and £ be great Co % fod ' r » iy of projectors , wild and rain , Was cjtlit into direedty of tongues . Then , ii a ahepherd separate * bis flock , These to the upland , to tb . t Taller thoae Gwi drare ottrD-ier , and assura'd * their lot To all ih » nations . Ample irita the boon He ( fare them , in its distribmtion lair And equal ; and he bade them dwell in peace . Peace was a while their care : they plough'd and bow ' d And reap'd their plenty without grudge vt strife , Bet violence e » n never longer sleep , Thin hnma-a paaaioBs pleue . In e ^' ry heart Are sawn the spark * that kindle fiery war ; Occasion needs bat fan them , and the ; bUue .
WhfB * an was multiplied and spread abroad in triVcs and dajts . and had begun to e » H Tbfte tteaJuWg aid that Jange of hOU hi . on , i ae tasted s . rrets « f property Wfat Desire of more , and indtutry in some , T' imp-rare and cultivate their just demeans , Wwle oibpn coTet what they saw « o fair . Thv » war itf-gan on earth : these fought for « poil , Aad tb » e in seli-defenee . Savage at first Tb » onset , * nd irrejrnlar . At length Oae enuneatabove tie rest for strength , } V > r stratagesa , for courage , or for all , Wat * eho « en lt * der
Thenceforth they are his catlie : drodjj e * , born Tn bear hi * burthen * , drawing m kia gears , And swearing in his service ; his npnee Becomes the soul that tt" 1 * » tes th-m alL Be Crtias t . thousxnd or ten thousand lives , Spent in the purchase of renown foT him , An easy reck ' nir > g ; and they think the sime . Thus Viez » were first invented , and thus kings Wera burnished into h ? roes , and became The arbiters of this terraqueous swamp : Storks am Eg fr ^ g * , that hare both eroak'd and died . Stnrg- that » sch follr , as lifts bloated man To emin » cc > - fit enl ; lor a god , Should ever £ rivf j ont of human lips , EVa im th ^ cradl'd weakness of the world ! Sail stranger much , that when at l » azth minklcd
Had r »« liM rhe siaeiry firmness of their \ euth , And could discriminate and argue well Oa aubjecumore mvste / ious , ^ ttsy were yet Babe * in the causa of freedom , and shoal d fear And quake fce ' ore the gods tbemtrlve * had made . Bet abore ™ c * soie * ti 7 iBg » , that neither proof Of sad experience , nor examples set Br some whose patrif t yirtae ha * preTsB'd , -Cia even » s » , when they are crown mature In « rsdr > B , sod with philosophic deed * ¦ faarirucr , aerve t emancipate the rest ! - Sack dapes ajf men to castors , asl so prone To rev rt-oee what is anci- nt , aad can plead A couTet of lor . j obseronea foiitmse , Thst erem «« rvirDde . the worst of ills , Because if UTcrad down Eroat lire to * on , la kept and guarded xt a sacred thing .
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PRESENTATION OF A SPEAR TO MR . OASTLER . On "Wednesday evening -week , the Democrah ' p Atsociadon met in tbeir ls-rge room , at the Fox and Hsacds , Nottingham , for the parpese of presenting Mr . Oastler with ai address and a * pear . Mr . Johk Petbbs wa 3 unanimously called to the chair , who opened the proceedings " by a neat fpeeei , eulogize of Mr . Oasder ' s long-continned exertions en behalf of the oppressed factorj children , and of the working classes general ! " *" .
Mr . J . R . SlACDcrF , the Secretary , theH addressed the meeting , detailing the reasons which had induced the As ^ ocratien to offer thii token of re- "pecc * sd confidence to Mr . Oasrier . He then handed the address to Mr . Henry Marriott , to read it ; and and tke « pear to Mr . John Bsirhadge , who had made it-Mr . Hexet Mareiott then read an address . ¦ which our limits preclude us from giving ; duricg the reading cf -which Mr . J . Burbadge dt ' . iver « i tie spear to Mr . OasrJer , amidst the cheers of the
Mr . Oasti . eb . ihen shortly addressed the meeting . He said —This meeting reminds me of the times ion * ^ one by , when an English worting man was no ; afraid to handle his trusty - « pear , and when his employer did no ; tremble because hi * workman wa << well armed . Oar ancestors were wont to meet thrs armed , under the ghadow of their natire oaks , to d-. *? u ^* their national affairs , and , as a pltdge of confidence , they ¦ woild exchange their spears ; this was called a weapon-take . . After a few more obser-Tat ioaj , he said—I take this weapon of defence as a
piedge toat you will > ee to it , that every working man is sewn thu . « provided for defence , ( remembering always thai the * e arms are for defence alone , ) as you have nsw armed the " old King . " I vaiue this spear the more because of its homely wosimanthip ; it is , really , neithrr more nor less than an old English spear , sach as our forefathers wielded , before gsns , and pistol . * , and rockets were knowa . May the patriotic ardour of our ancestors return wi : h tke sigh * of their well-made trnsty spears . After a feV more remarks , Mr . Oastler handed to the Chaii . H 222 the following r « plj to the address .:
—Fellow Cotj > tBtmen , —I thank yen for the v-ry kind address which you have just presented to me . I regret that the weak stare of my health prevents my baring the happiness of receiving and answering your affectionate address , in the presence of the people in the Market-place . I should have rejoiced te kave bad sneh an opportunity of explaining to every sect and party the reasons wby you Democrats can appreciate the conduct of , and why you do n » t feel yourselves degraded in offering your meed of praise to , one who oiffera so widely from yourselves on many points . Under present circumstances , however , I must be content to answer your very kind and flattering address bv letter .
I cin assure yon that I place a much higher value on your confidence and esteem , than I should if it were poa ^ ille that they could be considered as an offering at the snrine of a party . I also v ^ lae your good opinien the more , because I understand that your association is composed of sober , industrious workingmen—aclia * wbicb has of late yearn been trested , by every legislative party , as though they were aliens from the constitution , and b » d leither part nor lot in the Commonwealth . It is because I beliere thit tht constitution i * Btrang enough to protect the wbele people , that 1 bzTe , f » r so many yearn , nnawed by the threats of aayiaetian , been demanding for the defenceless and oppressed a ? afe abiding place within the ark of the Constitution .
I Wlieve that tbe rights of the poor factory child , and of tbe artizan and abourer , are as sacred to the priaciples of the constitution of England , as are the rights of the monarch^— % i the head cannot say to tke feet , I have do need of you "—if protection be denied allegiance caaaot be constitutionally demanded . I believe that , before the Crown can have any a-. thority to levy taxes , or the landlord can have any ri ^ ht todemand reati , that every iudostrieus working man mast be well fed , well-dothed , and well-bou . « td , or £ 8 the apo'tli has it—" tbat the husbandman must be first partaker of the fraita . "
i believe that there is room enough , and thst the : e might be food in plexrty , for all the children in thU island , for God ias said ta all , " dwell in the l = ad and do good , and verily thou * halt be fed . " Hence , I beliejre that the present onpmteca ^ sy stem of labour—the present niggardly system of wage *—the excessive tyranny of the Uctotj system—and the immoral , cowardly , acd « rael New Po » r Law , together with tie Legislitiye plan of emigration , and the philosophic aode of ehild-naurder propounded by Marcus ( and iaceadtd to t * enforced » j tbe forthcomiDg Rural Palicc ) are one and all , neither more nor less than
blasphemy against the Highest , and treason a £ ain * t theerewn ; and , whilst I have boldly asserted and maintained the rights of the poor , I have also insisted on the rigbu oJ every other class . 1 ha- ? e learned my political , aa well as my religious creed , torn the Bible ; wherein the God of the poor has &SRht me to worship Him—to honour the king—to » Hj th » e who male under b-htf— " to render honour to who n honcnr is doe , and tribute to whom W > utej" — remembering always , that obedience jaurt ever be limited to" such laws only as are « aoordance with the re- 'ealed will o * God , , as His o jrn most holy word hasi , "in the Lord . ' "
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J am an ardent . dnr . rtr of tbe lustitutu-ns oi this country . I believe they were intended to secure tLe haj-. pinesw of all . I believe that they are ci ' culatwl to do so . I have ob-erved ttm every departure from them ha * enuiled mistrx upon the people . Hence , jou have never toun ' o me forward in proraoriBg new-fangled systems—or instnvipg to manufacture new Coustita ' tioon In «? ite of the frowns and tbe persecutions of tbe . aristocracy , I have as fearlessly maintained the nghu of the Church , tbe Crown , and the jeers , a * 1 have been uneompromiaiDg aati undaunted in my advocacy of the more sacrea right * of the poor . I can pity the ingratitude of an aridtcerat , as I can laogb at V , s thrtats .
I have reason to love ths p- ^ or—becaose they are grau-ful . Having unfll-cbirglj - maiutainfd fhefe T ) ews , tkrongh good report and through evil report , " scmetirees , for years together , in presence t > f tbe m ^ st violent and po * erft > Uppo * ition . I am at tat honoured with this flattering mark of your approbation . I receive it with the greater pride , becanst , neither en the part of the givers nor the receiver , is it tainted with the slightest abandonment of principle . I have , ever , ( without for one moment , attacking the right * of property , ) sought to establish the rights of industry , hy evt-ry mean * with which the const ' stu-ion his furnished me . I haTe not been afraid 10 adopt toe last ! All ethers have now failed . I have * een a
government of traitors laugh at the petitions of the people , when the petitioners were unarmed . I have , since then , most srriou-iy urged every member of your clas < , to follow the example of 'he . r icn , and . before they again petition , ) constitutionall y to arm themselves ! I am now certain that the rights of labeur will never be granted to a multitude of slaves ; I am positively sure that the \ « ill not long he refused to a ho * t of ' freeraen ! Be hot alarmed , my friends ; fool * , atd madmen , and traitors may prate About daDgerand preach
, about illegality ; b-at the law of England , aud the Copstitufoa of England , assert » th ^ t the difference bet-. Teen a slave and a freeman , i > tbe right to have arnai . " Jt is because you have oo long neglected luia right , tbat your tyrants have at last mistakm you for slave .- ! itemtEber tbe pitriotit fi--e « hiih wanped the hearts and nerved the arms . f your forefkTbenj ; eqaip your * rrves a . « they were equipped and thus prove to her Majesty that , altm-, ^ . lie , Mmistern may be tyrants anti traitotv , her subjectstier people , are loral aad free !
I accept this ? pear of homely manufacture from your trusty hand * , as a pledge from you , the work , ing men of . Nottingham , that you " will to longer croach in the attitude of slaves ; ' bur that , frem tai . , day forward , you will , one and ail , make it your husine ** tot quip yourselves like frremen , and that , having thu « felt tbat you have power to maintain and aeiend your own riahN , you will a ! -o be anxious and able to protect the rights of others . Belit-ve me , my friend * , u i * no use reasoning any longer aboot rights ; it is no use talking any louter abaufthem . Unarmed , it is no use petitioning any more ! . If you wi < h ! o > ee labour requited with cornfort and plenty—if toh would have those dark 8 pots , >» hifh Dow disfigure the face of otr once lorelv England—the Poor Law bsumle * , bv law levelled t ' o
the grouud— jf you would restore tae marriage a ^ d dome-iic viglits of tbtir helpless inmates—if you wouJd , iDdetd , " makcall tyrants trvmble , and aii oppressors quail , " by restoring to " your own order " the patriotic fire and zeal of your forefather ? , be advised" hy ose wbn has suffered much for the oppressed—by one wbo , if there be eau « e tor it , is ready to sacrifice still more for the injured and helpless . Take my advice , as my la « t lr-gacy to ir y btst friends arm ! arm ! arm !—ani lrarn to walk " erect with an air of liberty and freedom ; hold up yoar bead * , like men—throw back your shoulders , and l = t your , breasts be well expandtd . As you go tn and from your work , by twos or three- , or dozen * and scores , just as the ca-e may happen , walk thuupright , ani xtep in uni * on , so that none may incommode bis neighbour .
Perhaps some trembling "Whi g may ptamp and storm , and , like a rradman , rave and svrear , " thi ? . is foul treason , " snd assert " that it is illegal ' . " ' proclaim ng that , during the re gn of Wbiggery , no working m ± n shtll march erect upon his native soil —or till hLs wtll expanced lun ^ s with hw own native air "!
When you are all thus armed , and have all accustomed yourselves to the gait of freemen—march , rqcipped , one by one , to your market-pU-c- —and ther * -, under : he canopy of Heaven , sign , if rej"ft-d , your lysst p «« fion—praying God the wh : k—no fools mar laajjh at that ' . If , after all , the traitors should refuse fo listen , and jeer again at your petition—and vou require advice from me—then ask—and you g ' nali hive it ri ght vriliip ply . You taik about "the hour of fight P"' With whom ? 1 ask . "When you are armed , and walk erect , and petition only for your rights—what power vriil dare refuHr ? It traitors dare—with them you fikiht , — and in that fight treason will fall a-sjredly . Hethints there will be no trailer bold tLOugh to dare ail England to the field .
Tour present duty , however , is quite plain ar . d easy . Br ready , and be steady all . You allude to Universal Saffrage as beicg one of tbe means far obtaining justice . I never fear , oil any occa >\ ou , te give my opinion on any subj-ct which ! have studied . I -hope that I aball never copy the example of Mr . Daniel U'Connell , who has for . « " many Tears absolutely lived upon the cry for Universal Suffrage , pretending to be its most sincere advocate ! asd . by such pretence , gainini : tbe applause of tbe people , and pocketing maay thou-ands of pounds annuailv of ¦ their money ; but who , a « soon as there appeared to be , for the first time , a chance of obtaining it , airctd round upon his < 3 ope » , and JaughiDply declared , th&t Universal Suffrage was a shadow , and that it * verv name -wis non ? ensp ' .
In the * en » e in which I bt-lieve you understand Universal Suffrage , I do not support it . Simply , because I do not think that it would be Universal Justice . I disapprove of tyranBy under ever ) name , and in every form . I detest the present Suffrage , beeacse , by it , the richer classe * rule over , and consequently are tbe tyrants of the poorei ela . * . « fcx . In my opinion , Universal Suffrage would enable the poorer classes to rule over , End ,
consequently , to become the tyrants of the richer classes . I wculd that every claia were fairly , fully , and equally represented ; thus , in my opinion , would the -tyranny of acy class be entirely prevented . This view of the subject will not , I believe , meet your approbation . I am accountable fo : my own iudgmeDt . I have not learDt to surrender my reason to the keeping of others , nor yet to pretend to embrace a doctrine , in order that , by such fraud , I mi ^ ht deceive a multitude .
I perceive that you also allude to tbe Ba'lot , on which I have very little to say . Permit myself , nnd all those who wish to do so , to vote openly , 1 ke freemen ; and , if slavery must be continued in England , let tbe rert vote is the dark . Your allusion to the Delegates from BirmiflgbFm to the Convention , comppls me to offer a fiw remarks on another subject , upon which it is very probable teat our opinions may differ . Tie fear of thisshallnot deter me from frankly eomn . unicating to you my f ^ ntiments . May I request your vawvA and seriftm attention to my observations on this subject .
1 have always been of opinion , that the working men onght to manage their own affairs . I know tBat they have the ability to do so , and I have ever urged them not to permit others to interfere in that management . It may be vri « e that they should avail themselves of the advice and assi'tauce of other persons , but , it is iay opinion , that the sole management of their affairs snould always remain in their own hands . No stronger proof of the danger and folly of any other plan can , or need be given , than tbe great and influential Birmingham Union . Its CoudcU managed and arranged for tbe whole body . The body was composed of working mPE . The ConEC-i was not so . And what has been the resnlt ? Working men © f Nottingham , mark well tbe following facts : —
Ttie Birmingham Uraon , being composed of working men , obtained the confidence of all the working men of England . The Council of the Birminghatx Union , having th « management of the Union , were enabled to betray tbe whole of the working men of England ; hence the proud boast of the Council , "Birwisgham is England !" I do not say , that every member of the Coancil was dishonest ; th « conduct and the rewards of 8 omeT > rove that all were not trustworthy .
You remember when the Whigs wished to dtlude tbe whole people with tbe Reform Bill , how they then , corresponded with , and employed the Council of the Birmingham Union ( which Council managed the whole Unioa ) , and by their aid , enabled tht TPfhigs to delude the whole people of England , b ; simp ly changing the unconstitutional power oi the Tories into . the unconstitutional power of tht Whigs ; by merely chan . qin * the name of tyranny , and thus " by po julariziag iu name , to give it more power " to sti ^ . g ! In working that scheme ft-i
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me W ni g * , their tools in the Birmingoaui C'onncil " were instant iti season and out of season . " No language was then too violent , no act wag too treasonable then ! Arming and resisting the law wa » then their every day recommencation , and thus they succeeded in deceiving the people , by delivering them , bound hands and feet , iato the hands of the Whigs ! Since then , the Whigs have , by tbe aid of their tools in the Bitminghdtn Council , stifled the cry for Universal Suffrage in every part of England until last summer .
Then , because ministers had found tbat they were uuable to put down tbe strong union which ivas formed in Yorkshire aad Lancashire agaiBst the New poor Law ; which union was , at that time , measuring its steps southwards , and was bidding fair to ; ake up such a position as would have prevented any ministry from daring to prop j > e a renewal of that execrable law ; I aay , then , when minister * saw their darling measur « of tyranny about to fall brfore an indi gnant aud an united people , they once more aupiied to their old friend * and tools , in the Birmingham Council , to assist them again to belray and enslave the people of Engl&bd . * r The plan wai no wwner formed than wit into
execution . A cry was nised from the Birmingham Council , for " Universal Suffrage . " They , who bad slept for so many years , now burst their slumbers , and with all the freshness and ardour of yowtb , they pressed out into the provincea with Universal Suffrage on their lipj—but some of them had in their hearts— "Down with the Bgitation against the New Poor Law J" Believe me , and mark well what I say , Universal Suffrage " wa « not ir > all their thoughts . " The proofs of thit ) are manifrkl ; I will give you a few . I had never interfered with tbe Birmingham Union . I knew none of them ; but , I did know the working men of Yorkshire and Lancashire , and they knew me ; for we had toiled many jears together .
Waca tbe cry for the Charter was setup in Yorkshire and Lancashire , I did not interfere to oppose it . It ceruiBly interfered with the anti-New Poor Law agitation—I did not , howewr , complain . 1 quietly retired and made way for the Birmingham champions . I thus obtained a little rei « t . 1 was , hawever , immediately denounced by members ef the Birmingham Council and their organ , an a man unworthy of tne trust and confidence of the people —as a violent incendiary—a blood-thirety monster , and I know not what . Perhaps yo » will say , this Has not to be wondered at , seeing that I am a Tory , and they calltd themselves Radicals ; they might , however , have waited until I had entvred the Held to oppose them , before they had denounced me as i he worst of tht Tories—as the greatest enemy of tbe working men .
But thtre were three of us—Joseph Rayner Stephens , Feargun O'Conner , and myself , who kad determined to bury all our differences of epinien on other subjects , aud to j « in heart , head , and hand , in assisting the people to destroy the gaunt and powerful New Poor Law monster . We bad long b * en as thorns iu tbe aides of the Ministers ; su now , at their bidding , we were all three denounced , with one breath , by their tools iu the members © f tbe Birmingham Council . Proving , to a demonstration , that in the Birmingham Council there were agents employed by Government to silence the Northern crv agamst tbe New Poor Law .
H ad it mt been for those men , the New Poor Law would nt-wr have been renewed . To those men \ ou are indebted for the apprehension of jour friend , Srephenj " , whom I pray with you , that God may deliver from his remcrseless and relentless foes . 'J hvee men never wished to obtain Universal Suffrage ; they only used it as an engine to put do * n the Northern cry against the New Poor Law . Do you a « k my reasons for this charge ? Mark how still and quiet they have kept the people of Birmingham , since the Convention met ! How
different this from their conduet whvu they were the willing tools ot the Whigs , during the Keform mania . They rtally wi .-hed to obtain that Whig measure and succeeded . Mark , also , the tameBess of their language in Convention—how beautifully it contrasts with their violence in Council , coring the Reform agitation ! Mark , again , that , as soon as the Convention began to assume an important attilude , acd viben , backed by an united people , there seemed , tor the fir < t time , to be a chance \ hat Universal Suffrage might become the law of the laad ; at that very moment , these champions of tht people 1
—tbese armtrs and fighters for tbe Reform Bill . 'these Whig Ministerial teols ' . —these memrjera of the Birmingham Council ! withdrew from the Convention , and , in their parting address , they gave to their ma « ters a pretty intelligible bin : what to do with tbise hones : men who dared to remain at their post in the Convention . Surel y , one at least of these three was a hired traitor ; in charity , I hope the two were dupes . lliej will , if 1 mi « take not , under the influence and direction of the one , ( vi-hose dupes I believe they are . ) still continue their services to hiff masters the Ministers , by using all their influence , and by 1
trying evenmeans ( and they have many opportunities , ) to divide and distraut the working men of Birmingham , and thu . « , if possible , assist the Ministry to put down tbe clamour for Universal Suffrage , by causing a riot ind tumult in Birmingham . The working men of Birmingham will , I bopp , be able to protect tht-mielves from the influence , the secret undermining influence of those enenJes to their cause ; and that they will be able to take a farm and peaceful position , in defiance of the intrigues of their direst foes . A riot , an outbreak in Birmingham , would be a death blow to the true interes t * of the working meu of England .
I have to apologi-e for thus plainly stating my sentiments , and reminding you of so many faots , in reference ta the Birmingham Council and Delegates . If you had not alluded to the subject , I should not have mentirjDbd it . I have writterj , what I hare written , with a view to impress upon yonr mindo , and to enforce , by this awful instance of treachery , the absolute necessity of working men ahvays keeping th « management of their affairs in their own hands . If these remarks shall have tbe effect of leading you seriously to pondeT on that all important subject , 1 shall be thankful , and I fhall have obtained my object .
With reference ti myself , you observe , tbat you & > not fear that I shall " sacr fice the people , by deserting their cause in the hour of need , when mv services and advice are most required to meet and overthrow the common enemy of the human race ;" and . you say , " you cannot conclude without praying that I will never desert or relax in my endeavour to accompiish thfc complete overthrow of that syst . m which has so long degraded our common countrv ¦ "
and you aUo " offer up a prayer , that I may long continue to advocate the cause of liberty and the people . " In reply to these kind wishes of your ? , I ftsel bound to say a few words . It does not apptar to me , that I can render my country any other service . I have freely communicated all my thoughts . My argument * are before the people . I hare nothing new to add . If my advice is taken I know that prosperity and happiness will be the sure , the necessary consequence .
I cannot now , nor would I wish to force the people to adopt my plans . I have done for them what I conld . I have sacrificed health , the beHt of my years , my substance , nay , my home . What can I do more ? 1 must now , because necessity has no law , I must begin to provide , by my own exertions , for my household . My strength is far exhaHsted , but , tbank God , my head is clear—my abilities are still able , with the blewing of Almighty God , to provide all that is needful for
myself and those who are dependent on me . I am driven by necessity into private life . I shall there eften remember with pleasure the busy scenes of » agitation" in which I have taken a part ; and my prayers will evtr a « cend to my God and yours , tbat the seed which has been sown , may , in His good time , produce an absndant harvest of peace contentment , plenty , and pitty ; and , that the time * of the oppressors of His poor , may be shortened .
" You are not , " you assure me , and I believe it"You are not actuated by a spirit of revenge , or a desire te shed the blood of your fellow creatures . " No ! you are associated together , for the purpose of obtaining aud maintaining your own ri ghts—those who know the value of jastice to themselves- are ever the first to grant justice to others . My friends , in purting , permit me to give yon a watchword—Union ; be sore that that man isyour foe , who seeks to divide you . Be united—love as brethren —and the God of peaee will give you His blessing . I thank you for yonr kind attentions to me . I shall place your address , among many others , from your Northern brethren . The spear which you have entrusted to my keeping , shall nevtr disgrace your cause . And now , my friends , farewell .
RICHABB OASTLER . Nottingham , April l " th , 1839 . After a few toasts aud ipeeehes , the meeting quietly separated .
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rime . In Febrnary la ^ t , there was a meeting ol Un-enting Minister * , held prirafely , for the pnrpwe of in . luencing tbe election of Qnardians , to enforce the abominable Poor Law on the people . Sahaequentl y , there was a meeting held by the Bame uarfies , for the purpose of denouncing - Mr . Stephens as an incendiary , and all tboae who countenanced tint gentleman m incendiaries . Mr . Edward Chartton asked whether he ( Mr . A . > was authorised to give the nams of hu informant . Mr . Ayre replied that he was , should the information be demanded by the reverends in question . ( Hear , hear , hear . ) Mr . Gray said , that he believed it jwsible that the meeting to whieh Mr . A . referred might be d »
, other than a meetjftg held by those gentlemen to influence the appointment of Guardiana- that would resist the apiiointmra . !! of an Estabiisfew } Church Chaplain to officiate i » tbe workhouse . Mr . ' - ' Mason eaid , that their meeting to- influence the election of Guardians was a tacit acknowled gment » f the Poor -Law authorities , and at least an indirect msana of foisting that abominable anti-enristian law upon tke-helplew poor . Mr . Blafcey iaid , that if these Dissenting Minister * carried their object into efltct , they would be defeating the rates , &c . of the Peor Law Commwtfionm , whe in oH eases wished to irepoint E * tafei > Aed Church Chapfc » ns as most likely to as « et in carrying out all the- horrors of this
inhumaa- 'oode , Mr . Mason obserrsd , that it was of little practical importance to the victims , whether established or dissenting priests were appointed to mi Bister a $ the obrine of thia law » f devils . He , therefore , protested against any countenance that might be given to it , either aotiveljr or tacitly , directly or indirectly . There being no motion before the chair ,, tbe conversation was dropped , in order to make way for the election of oftce-bearer * . Dr . Hume was unanimousl y elected President for tbe ensuing three months . Mr . Charkon Elliot was elected Secretary , pro tow , till further arrangements . Mr . R . Ayre was unanimousl y re-elected Treasurer . A vote of thanks was passed bj acclamation to the retiring officers , in consideration of
of the efficient acd gratuitous discharge of their duties to the Unioa . Mr . Blakey acknowledged the compliment in brief and appropriate terms . Mr . Gray having vacated the chair , and Mr . Hume being called thereto-, a desultory conversation ensued as to the propriety of appointing a committee to draw up conditions upon which the Union would meet the middle classes in friendly di « cus * ion . The hour , however , being thwn late , and it being the opinion of some present that the overture should come formally from th * middle classes , before the Union entertained it ,, the subject was dropped for the precent , there not being time to enter into the question so fully as its importance demanded . The Council then adjourned . —Nurth-trn Liberator .
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HOUSE OF LORDS .-Thursday , April 18 . After several petitions had been presented , the Earl of RODEN , observing that some of the minist' -rs * who had been named on the Committee on the State of Ireland , had not yet attended the committe * -, wiahed to know whether it whs their intention to attend ? If it was not their intention , he thought it desirable that others ' -should be appointed . The ' -Marquis of LANSDOWNE complained ol theirregnlantyof i « uch qn » -tttionn ; but « at « dthatit was not his intention to attend the committee , and h ^ believed he roiitht say the same on the part of all his noble friends who had bee « appointed . The Earl of RODEN then feave notice that he would movis for tho sub . Mtitutien ol other noble lords as members of the
committee-Lord MELBOURNE moved that the amendment of the Commons lo the Ecclesiastical Appointments Suspension Bill should b « adapted . ; 1 ne Bishop of EX ETER objected to it as wholly at variance with the bill , and as having been introduced to enable the government to complete the appointment of Lord WriotheMy RnsseU , « fec TheDukeol WELLINGTON recommended that a separate bill should be introduced for that purpose . Atter some further discussion the consideration ol the question was postponed .
Friday April 19 . The Royal Assent was given , by commiwrion , to the Consolidated Fund Bill , the two Mntiriv Bills , and several-private Bills . Lord BROL'GH AM again called attention to the ordinance tor the estabhshm-nt of a free press in Malta , and after some sparring between his Lordshi p and the Marquis ot Noriuanby , a copy of th < - ordinance was onit-red to be laid before the House . Several petitions Were presented in favour of Mr . R . Hill ' s postage plan . Petitions were also presented against the New Poor Lav .
Lord ABINGER alluded to the system going on m Lancashire of arming the people , and said hf had reason to believe tbat the magistrates who took an active part in enforcing ther laws had some apprehension for their live * . He concluded by impressing on ihe Government the necessity of attending to thn subject . Lord MELBOURNE brought in a bill to ca-ry into effect the amendment of the Commons in the Ecclesiastical Appointments Suspension Bill . The Archbiirtiop of CANTERBURY brought in a bill to extend to Archbishops and Bishops the privilege enjoyed by the rest of the Clergy , relative to the rebuilding and repairing of their houses . Both bills were read a first time , after which the House adjourned .
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HOUSE OFCOMMONS .-. TAttMday , April 18 . There was a good deal of conversation on tbe private business of the House and the qualification of Members on Committees . It ended iu the adoption of a motion giving leave to tne Committee on the Great Western Railway Bill to make their report , notwithstanding an informality through noncompliance-with the orders . Several petition * were presented in favour Of Mr . Rowland Hill ' s plan of postage ; also for and against Ministers on the question of the Irish Government . Mr . LABOUCHERE stated , iu answer to Mr . Godson , that it was his intention to brunt forward the Jamaica Bill
this day if possible , and that he should not object to the hearing ot counsel . Ata later period of the evening , Lord J . RUSSELL stated that it would be impossible to proceed with tbe bill before Monday . Mr . BARRON complained of a breach of privilege iu the misrepresentation of what he had said respecting the ejectments served oa the tenants of a noble lord in the county of Waterford . The complaint called forth remarks frera different Members , but , as mostly happen ? in such cases , led to do result . The adjourned debate ou the state of Ireland was then resumed for the fourth time , Mr . M . J . O'Connell having opened the discussion .
Alter an extended debate , in which the following Members took part—Mr . J . Yourg , Sir Charles J ) ouylay , Mr . W . Roche , Mr . Plumtre , Mr . Ridington , Sir T . French , Mr . Hume , Dr . Lefroy , Lord Morpeth and Sir James Graham , the debate was ultimately adjourned until Friday , on the motion of Mr . 1 . Duncombe . The House adjourned at one o ' clock . Friday , April ' 19 . After some discussion on the second reading of the Newcastle-npon-Tyne and North Shields ( Tynemouth Extension ) Railway Bill , that measure was lost on a division , the Ayes being 70 Noes 107 Majority againstit ...... 37
Lord MORPET H , in anuwer to inquiry from Mr . Lncas , eaid that it would not be practicable to present the report of the resolution regarding railways in Ireland . Mr . LUCAS gave notice that whenever tbatreport was brought forward he should move a resolution upon it . Sir F . TR £ NCH gave notice that he shonldcall attention to the proposed plan of adopting the oxygen Bnde light , and to the danger to which it would expose the House itself , as well as Honourable Members . Lord J . RUSSELL stated , in answer to Sir R . Peel ' s inquiry , that on Monday he proposed to read the Jamaica Government BUI a second time—then to hear Counsel at the Bar , and to take tbe debate on the principle of the bill on the question of going into committee .
The fifth eight ' s debate was then opened by Mr . T . Doncombe . The debate extended to a very late hour . Mr . T . Duncombe was . followed by Sir C Style , Sir J . C . Hobhouse , Mr . Sergeant Jackson , Mr . Shei ) , Mr . Colqiihoun , Lord Stanley , Mr . O'Connell , Sir F . Burdett , and Lord John Russell , in reply . The calls for " divide" had frequentl y become very boisterous . The House eventually did divide . The numbers were , the House dividing on the amendm » nt , For tjuch amendment ...... 296 Againstit . 318 Majority in favour of Ministers 22
Considerable conversation then took place as to the putting of Mr . T . Duncombe's amendment , Lord JOHN RUSSELL representing that , in point of order , it could not be put until there had been a division on the original motion . Sir R . PEEL stated that he did not desire to press the House to another division . : : Mr . T . DUNCOMBE » aid , in juMice to the people of England , he shauld press his motion . Dr . LUSH 1 NGT 0 N warmly urged that however sealous ruigUtbethe Reformers present , it ¦ would bo
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injustice to them , and the cause espoused , to press a division on so important a resolution without anr means of pn-Yionsly discussing it , The House then divided on Mr . T . Duncotnbe ' * amendment . The nambers were—Forit ,., 81 Against it .. 299 Majority against the amendment - ^—218 The House then adjourned at a quarter after four o ' clock . . -fWSt ^^ UM ^^^ M ^ u ^^ -u ^ ---
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AN ADDRESS TO THE CLERGY OF ILL DEN OMINATIOftS .
STEPHENS AND LIBERTY . Bet . Sirs , —We hope you will not consider it fwcBumptiou in us , a few indiriduatu in an obscure mcoationin life , to- eall your attention tor a time to a sut . jfret in wbicb you are more jwrticalarly interefe-ietf tban any other portion of ber Majesty ' s hubjeeo . The major part of you have aodoubtj learned | °° g » g «> , that such a person a » J-o .-wpb Rayner Stephen * was preaching ,, in their primitive purity , the goldea gosneta of JeMs Christ , awd for so doing he haabeea dragged b y a common thief-catcher , before the magistracy ; be has by the or-dVw of a
corrupt and tyrannical Government be * a obliged t » procure the-. nut- exorbitaat bail ; and when the mo » t profligate have been told by the Lord Judges jot the land , wbat shall be the-penalty awarded for tfc-ir trarigresaioB * , when the most savage amongst cbe wicked ha"e been release * from the dreadful state of uncertainty with regard to their future fatehe has been held to bail to the xno > t extravagant ara ») Bnt ; in the roost unconstitutional maflcer the ? swo » d of justice ha » betm * .. held Wpe ' nded over hi » head , and h ^ has betn dail y , nay liouriy punished in ths person of his friends , by their dreadful anticipations of what m » v be his sentence .
Hey . Sirs ,-you are both numerous and powerful : your timely interference may be the means of preserving unimpaired the glorious privilege * for which this coantry * has so long been renowned ; . via r liberty of conscience . You know not what may be the next step taken to owthrow-your ^ veSj when , avowed Infidelity and unbluabing Atheism Mtalka rampant through the land . Will you , I ask , allow a servant of tbe living God to be immured in a common gaol ? or will you assist in fanning the name of religious dweord , until a . burning brand" is . again snatched from the fires of Smithtield , only to . be extinguished in the blood of ? our biavest citzens ? When -yon see Christ crucified in the person of one of his ministers , will you cry outgiveusBarabbas ?
On , Gentlenitjo , jou must be wholly ignorant of the real character of the man you ate permitting tobe persecuted . You boast of your uxedecessors r ihe primitive Reformers , ndsxtxxiiig sufficient courage and strength of mind to rebuke men in the most elevated stations' in society—y « u dwell with , delight oa the sermons and advicw ol Koox ,. Burner ,, iillotson . Swift ; and the immortal Wesley , "Whitfield , Watson , Clarke , and Heber , are ever present to your imaginations . You endeavour to . emulate cue virtues and follow the path they have pointed out , as the most likdy to lead you aDd enable you to lead others to the , ' regions of . eternal , bliss ; but do you reflect that in the days of those illustrious
personage * , the wicked , the hellish factory- system , with its innumerable miseries and soul-killing tendencies did not exist . The accursed New Poor Law had not frozen the hands and feet off the unfortunate man Withers . / Would any of these revered servants of the Most High have paused over in Hiltncf . the poverty and destitution of the best and most useful inhabitants of this once highly favoured land , while aristocratic rofnans were robbing , each other in the dellaof St . James ( by marking cards , ) of the lands our forefathers so bravdy fought to defend ? Ob , Gentlemen , had you but seen and heard our esteemed and persecuted pastor , deliver one of his beart-stirring discourses to an admiring
congregation—bad you seen him with his eye of fire , and beard the music of eloquence flow front his fearless and truth-telling tongue had you heard him reprove the wicked , strengthen the timid and the waveriog , commend the ^ ood , and aavise and admonish all , you would not be at all surprised tbat he was firmly seated in the hearts uf the people . Rev . Sirs , there is Hot an atiroal that partakes of the bounties of Divine Providence , that will not itand by their kind , and strive to protect their ovra order in the hour of" danger . "Will you then Bhevr les * sensibility than the savage in the wild , or the oeaat of the forest £ "Will you not obey the injunction of your Divine Master , and do as you would
be done by ? If you cannot do this , lay aside jour clerical habit le ^ t - the world call you wolves in . sheep ' s clothing , and say that ' twas only for the ttttce that you follo « ed the rlock . Dm you bat know , Sirs , how many people have bten . reclaimed by amending on tfie . Muistry of Mr . Stephens , your negligence would become matter ot surprise even to yourselves . There i * endless instanced here of the drunkard having , lorsaten hi « e « il ways—the vile and the worthless having become good members of society—the weeping mother and starving children having food and smiles , where formerly nothing coulc be seen but sorrow and starvation—the tyrant has become mild and just—tbe roguish trader
honest and equitable—the 1 ' roward child has become ibedient , and the careless servant attentive , in short the face of affairs has become wholly changed wherever the influence of that good and holy man nas extended ; yet , after all , he is persecuted by a Christian people , because he would sot pander to the vices of the wealthy , but like a true guide of the Christian church , endeavoured to uproot and eradicate sin and evil wherever it was discovered j but he is charged with meddling with politics ; yet , his practices have been such a » are justifiable on the part of every good man , and particularly every religious teacher . Let any man . take the Testament in hia hand , and look to the 25 th chapter of
Matthew , and he will find that tbe religion of Christ was such as to provide for the body as well as the soul , and when Mr . Stephens looked in the cadaverous faces of his follower ^ he considered he would be wanting in his duty , if he did notreprove those persons that caused such privations to exist amongst the most industrious race of people in the universe ; when be saw building added to building , villa to villa , acre to acre , and house to housewhen heaaw the employers of these wasted females and sickly children , clothed in purple and fine linen , and fare sumptuously every day—when he saw the wreck of "England ' s bold peasantry" forsaken by their natural protectors , . and bttrayed by the
legislature ; then he considered it time to raise his voice in behalf of the oppressed , and apply those portions of Scripture to their legitimate use that were evidently intended by the Great Founder of the Christian Church to strike terror into the hearts of the base , the depraved , and the licentious . Consult your own hearts , Rev . Si » and if you are not blinded by a selfish interest—by religious zeal , or the wilful misrepresentations of the corrupt enemi es of honour , honesty , and truth , you will moat assuredly conclude with us that , if ever there wa 3 a man that was really entitled to credit for good intentions—if ever there was a roan that endeavoured to follow the precepts of our Lord and Saviour , and reduce them to if
practice—ever there was a man deserving of public sympathy , public confidence , amd public support- ? -Joseph Bayner Stephens is that man . We call upon you then as the principal pillars of the church of God , as the advocates of truth and virtuous principle , aa Christians , as Britons , as men of honour , as fathers , friends , and citizen * , to raise your voices against this odious this wicked , this unjust persecution ; remember th « scandal , the sbamej the dishonour , that will be attached to you as a bod y of learned men , if you can find no better argument to convince one of your own members . of the Christian church that he had done wrong thaa bonds , bars , and prisons , it is evident lua principles are based oa the irrevocable
grounds of truth , otherwise some attempt would have been made ere now to expose their fallacy . When Dr . Dodd was about to be punished ( and deservedly ) for ab crimes , the whole of theclerev through out the land , with very little exception , petitioned for his reprieve , and we sincerely hope ynur aid will not ¦ "he found wanting now that one ot the most illustrious of your learned fraternity has brought down the thunders ef the oppressor on his head for simply rising superior to the prejudicea of the age , and excelling all bis compeers in virtue , knowledge , perseverance , and honesty . Away ' then ,-Rev . Sirs , with all selfishness ; if you want to make a man popular , persecute him ; if yeu wish to make a man respected , vilify him ; if you desire to make J . R . Stephens jour friend and sunnorter release
him ; but if you intend to eacrifeceyour worldly all , your hopes here and hereafter , ard make flowery smiling England one scene of devastation and carnage , persecute him . Hoping , Sirs , you willtake these affairs into jour most serious consideration , we remain Yours , most respectfully , Thb Committee . ... . , TvHwGiKg , Secretary Aahton-under-LyBe , April 1 S . M 89 ,
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. Salmon PisHiNG . r--Tre state of the w * f . r has been very unfavourable for the aa'mon fshirg since the commencement if the seas a . Tl ere u literall y no salmon taking ' s the Tay at prennt . — JEtlmbweh Cvurant ,
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SV ^ TJEJ OV FOl-ITjiCAt . PBBLIHtl . NBWCASTLE . -At a meeting of the Coacb Makers Branch of the Northern Political Union , held at the Ducrow Tun , Shakspeare-street , oe Saturday night , the 13 th instant , the followinu resolution * were unanimously passed : — " That tm * meeting is of opinion that the General Convention , now assembled in London , ought to receive the support of tbeir fellow countrymen in every pait of the -United Kingdom ; and that this ramiug confidently ^ hope tbat the Council of the Northern Political Union will send a deputation to Mwpeth , AInwick , Wooler , Berwick , and the intPrmJ ^ r . !
villages , in order that the funds of the Conversion may be streDgttaened-tfcei r power to do good mereaaed—and that the eiv eraiw of the Peoplu nr- » y see that the mdustrioua vtomta are really in earnesr . and determined never to erase their exertions till the Pwple s Charter become the law of the land . — Ibat this meeting , being fully aware that the great and arduous undertaking of agitating for wveraal liberty is greatly limited for want of tunds , earnestly eall upon their brother Uniowiata to adopt suck measares as seem best calculated to plaue suffioent funds at the disposal of the council tor that purjK » e ; at the same time this meeting iaof 6 pinion that cite fondd of the Union are greatly impaired for want of a prop-r organization more particularlin
, y the N « wea » tle branch , this meeting , therefore , begs respeettulty to recommend aa an improvement on the present H » de that th » Newcaitly branch be divided into sections , and , in addition-to the usual officers « a « b section to have collectors-, similar to the plan adopted , and acted upon with good effect , by the coach-makers ; this may be done either by the different trades forming themselves into breaches , or by dividing the town , each member to belong to the section which- includes his own locality . B ^ the adoption of this or any similar plan , this meeting is of opinion tbat the ( subscriptions would be nwre rffjuiarly paid , mote life and vigour infused into-the Union , and tbe- means of extending it * influence greatly increased . "
GaESNSiDK . —A public meeting was held , at Greenside , on Saturday evening , the 13 th April . Mr . John How den was unanimously called to t 4 m chair . Mr . Cockbwa , from Newcastle , proposed the following resolution in a very able speech : ^ - "That . tbiB meeting pledges itself to support the National Convention until Universal Suffrage becomes the law of the knd . Mr . J . A . Anderson , chemist , seconded the resolutian , which wa .- ) carriti unanimously . Fateieu ) anrShiney Row .-We understand that the patriots of tbesw . places have invited Mr . Ihomason to preach in b * half « f the Rev . J . ft . Stephens , on Sunday , ( to-morrow . )
: Nokth Shields . —A public meeting of tbe democrats of North Shields , wan held oa Tuesdav ev ^ ninjf r on tht . New Quay . Mr . Pratt , pipe-nmker , was in the chair . Ihe proceedings were orderly and determimd . Upward * of one thousand men were present , and the meeting did not disperse till conwdt-Tabl y after nightfall . \? e rejoice to find North Shields throwing off its apathy , andjoinit : L > heart and hand with its patriotic brothers on the south side of the water . Elderslib . —The people of Elderslie had a meeting in the school-house on Mondav lastMr .
, Thomas How in the chair . The meeting was addreefed by several gentlemen , and they received to double their contributions for the National Convention . The following resolution was passed : — ' Resolved , that we view with pride and exultation the conduct of our representatives in Convention assembled in London , and that we place lull confidence in their integrity , prudence , aud determination to carry out the poli . ieal regeneration of our beloved native land , and that we are determined to support them to the utmost extent of our power . " — True Scot * man .
Carlisle . —We understand that the Society of Amateur Players have kiudly offered a performance in the Car ! i « le Theatre , in aid of the fund * for the support of the Rev . J . R . Stephees . The piece is to be » William Tell ; or , theSwi « H Patriot . " Northern Political Union . —The Council met on Wednesday evening , Mr . ThomM Gray , pru dent , iu the chair . A large nurabur of councillors were returned from the new eleutions . Various * ums of rents were handed in . Mr . £ Charlton reported that they , bad an excellent meeting in Fatfield on Friday night . Dr . Hume , who had been on a jaL-sion to Blythattended alsoand
, , their labours were well rewarded by the enthusiasm displayed , and the numbers that joined the Union at the close of the proceeding * . Mr . Vernon , of Sunderland , also addreised the meeting with much energy and effect . Mr . Moody reported that he attended Dunstun on Tuesday , where he found an assembl y of several hundreds waiting . Mr . Devyr aud Mr . Ayre were also present , and all three addressed th « meeting with much effect . They were refused the Methodist Chaptl for the purpose of homing their meeting . The public-house , too , where all their meetings had previously been held was shut against them b y . the interference of a swaiiweii
brewer , to whom tbe place belonged . Ihe landlord , however , gave notice to quit , and was about to remove to other premises . He doubted not , tao , that the people would serve a notice upon tbe brewer ' s beer , and banish it out of every house they calltd in . Mr . Devyr reported that aspirited meeting was held at Elswick and Benwell on M onday Under the broad sky , as the Methodist Chapel had also been refused by certain underlings , who hold its management its trust for the people-people whom they thus exposed to the damps of twilight ' regardlet-s of its baneful influence upon the health ol men whose daily toil was at the mouth of the furnace . Mr . Hedley was in the chair , and He ( Mr . D . ) and Mr . Thomason addressed the meeting with much effect far upwards of an hour and a half at the conclusion of which a number of additional
names were enrolled in that branch of tbe Union The meeting was held on Monday and attended by Mews . Elliott and Charlton . The proceeding were most spirited ; many workmen who had junt arrived from Carlisle , entered the Union , and a determination was evinced to get rid of tyranny at the first convenience . The sum of 15 s . 6 d . was collected for the National Rent . Mr . Charlton reported that he attended a most numerous and important meeting in Blyth on Saturday evening . Between nine hundred and a thousand men ana women were present ; the most enthusiastic spirit was displayed , and the men of that neighbourhood were , he was glad to say , putting themselves into tbe fre « raan ' s attitude , by securing arms for the coming crisis . ( A pplause . ) Mr . Hume reported
tnat ne nau attended a most important meeting at Hartley , over which Mr . Wright , of Blyth , presided . The agitation was progressing with renewed vigour in these quarters . At the meeting in Blytb , the Comptroller of Customs was present , as well as a coosiderable number of the middle clawe * . He also attended a meeting atNtwbiggen , the first ever teld at that place . There he had , strange as it might appear , encountered opposition from a number of tbe Joiners Trades' Union ; the result proved , however , the great benefit resultiag from agitaiing and discussing the principles of truth . His friend , the trades' unionist , at the close of the proceedings embraced the cause of liberty , and it is not to be
deubted will henceforward be one of its most zealous and able advocates in that neighbourhood . Messrs . Thomai Hepburn and Embleton were appointed to attend a meeting in U » wortb , ou Monday evening , at six o ' clock . Messrs . Embleton , Kay , and Moody , were deputed to attend a public meeting at Birtley , ob Saturday evening , at seven o ' clock . Messrs . Mason and Thomuon were appointed to attend Spital Tongue ? , on Friday ( last night . ) The Secretary reported that he had written to the Convention for the grant of an additional £ 5 of the National Kent Fund in hand , for the purpose of agricultural agitation . He had ^ notyet teceived an answer . Mr . Embleton reported tbat he had attended at Seghill and Cramlington , where persecution ia got up to an enormous extent . He had
also attended at Hartley on Monday night , where , by giving a few halfpence to little boys , they got together a large and important meeting , which , before it separated , formed a reading room , and ordered ; the Radical journals . Mr . Mason , in pursuance « f notice , moved that the subscri ption * to the Union be a penny per week instead of a half penny , as at present . He said that it had always been his opinion tbat the subscriptions ought to be one penny per week ; experience now told them that the present amount of subscriptions should be advanced , as they were not able to send and pay public speakers to half the places that required them . He concluded by moving a resolution according to his views . Mr . Devyr moved at an amendment , tbat the subscriptions remain as they are , and that a more efficient system of collecting the funds be established . Thtre
were jn the Union nearly 7 , 000 members , and under an efficient system of collection , the income of the Unien would be £ 10 or £ 12 per week , a sum that they would hardly know what to do with . Mr . Mason would withdraw his motion . The amendment was then put into the shape of an original motion , and carried unanimously . Mr . James Ayre rose to lay before the Council a system ot persecution which hnd been batching in Newca « t ' e for some
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), April 27, 1839, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse2.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1054/page/7/
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