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THE NORTHERN STAR. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1841.
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Respite and Pardon of Convicts. —Fbosi,
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&om ami <BfeueraI 3Eitteut3*n«.
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2To &eatt*?0 avto €ovvc&voxtijex\t
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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.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
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DELEGATE MEETING AT BIRMINGHAM . A meeting of delegates for the counties of Warwick and Worcester , was held at the Chartist Room , Freeman-street , on Sunday last , at which the following perbom tow present : — Walsill Mr . JohBGrifila . HBSKiBTTA-STREBT ... Mr . John Pate . Beomsgbotb Mr . Henry Prosser . Freeman-stkeet Mr . Biehard Thomson . Steelho ^ se Lank—Mr . Samuel Davis . Stocbbeidge ..... Mr . John Ghanee . Bilston Mr . John ^ 3 adley . "PTsdsesbubt .... Mr . Q A . Browning . Swallow-stsi : et ..... Mi . Joah . "Underbill . WOL ^ KRHAitPioN Mr . William Simms . Mr . John ChaSce was unanimously called to the Mr . Geobse White was appointed Secretary .
The Chairman opened the business in Mb usual clear and perspicuous manner . He congratulated the delegates present on the improred prospects of the ChartlBtcause inthii district : pointed out iha beneficial results of Mr . Mason ' s talented lectures , and the necessity of continuing him in the district where his Bervices were so much appreciated . He concluded by hoping the delegates would lay down an efficient plan for paying him properly . A long discussion then took place on the best mode oi properly providing for the lecturer , and causing each place to pay accordiBg to the number of members of the ^ National Chatter Association in each town . Messrs . White , Mason , Prosser , Simms , and others , % y& part
The Treasurer's book was then examined , from which it appeared that the following sums had been forwarded : — £ s . d . Birmingham ... 3 12 3 ^ Walsall 1 S 6 Bilrton ... ... 1 17 0 Stoarbridge l 10 0 DaTentry 0 10 0 Wednesbury 14 0 Stafford e 15 0 Bromsgreve ... ... 1 0 0 Kidderminster ... 1 0 0 Coventry ... ... 1 11 0 WolrerhainpttHi ... 1 15 6 Reddicb . 10 0 Nuneaton 0 11 0 Steelhoaae-lane ... 0 5 0
A discussion then took place as to the amount which each place was in arrear , and the necessity of mating each arrangements as would be calculated to give general satisfaction , ilr . BROV . mkg moved , " That each Delegate should make a return of the number of members enrolled in the towns they represented . " The motion was seconded by Mr . Pake aad agreed to . The Deleg&tes then gave in + * " > number of members enrolled , which was taken down by the Secretary , after which an estimate was made of the amount irhich each place should be required to advance / It was then unanimously agreed , after mature consideration : —
" That Mr . Mason be paid £ 2 per week , and be authorised to make out his own route , as the object of tbe Delegates was net so ranch to secure bis services exclosivly t : > the places which advanced his wages , as to enable him to attend where associations did not exist , in order to extend Chartist priBciples ; and also that the following should be the weekly Bum required from each place— a . d . Birmingham ... ... ... 11 6 BOston ... 5 0 Walsall 2 6 StoBrbridge 3 0 Wednesbury 2 0 BromsgroTe 2 o Kidderminster — ... ... 2 6 Corentry 3 0 WolTerhampton ... ... ... 2 6 Bed&tcfa 3 0 2 > Tuneat 3 n 2 0 D-vrirafcan 2 O £ 2 0 0 " It was then resolved that each place be called on to pay up their arrears to the Lecturer ' s Fund immediately , ca culating fourteen weeks from the commencement of Mr . Mason ' s services , as one foitnigtt ' s Subscriptions were required for his coach tare , 4 c , from jfewcastte . That all money orders should be directed to Mr . Frederick CorbtU , AJa ^ a-street , Chancery Buildings ; and letters of business to Mr . George Whits , 39 , BromagroTe-Btreet , Birmingham . The following resolution was moved by Mr . Pbosseb , Beconded by Mr . R . Thomson , and carried unanimously : — " That this delegats meeting disapproves of the atrocious and unmanly conduct of the Anti-Corn Law I / eague towards Mr . Gteerge White , and declare their determination to stand by any man who honestly discharges his duty to the people . "
The Chairman then directed their attention to the mode of procuring signatures ti the National Pet ' tion . He was determined to wait upon every shopkeeper in jstourbridge for the purpose of ascertaining their © pinions , and getting them to sign it . Mr . Cadist said tbs 7 bad resolved at Bilrton not only to solicit the signatures of the shopkeepers , but alBoto ask them to subscribe , to the support of the Convention , as Staffordshire would hare to supply £ 25 for that purpose . A long and interesting debate wts held on the mode oi procuring Bignxtaxes , electing a member to the Con-YenticaL , and raising funds for thai purpose ; after irhlch Mr . Richard Thompson moved "That each place in the district be requested to nominate a proper person to represent them in the forthcoming Convention , on the first week in December . " Mr . Prosser seconded the motion , which was unanimously agreed to .
On the motion of Mi . Grijtis it was unanimously agreed that the meeting be adjourned to Sunday , Dec 26 , at two o ' clock . The meeting then separated . AH parties requiring petition sheets , &c , must apply to Mi . George White , 39 , Bromszrove-street
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^ TO THE CHARTISTS OF GREAT BRITAIN AKD IRELAND . Haying assumed a position which has been acknowledged by the country , namely , that ol a Central Board , to act in concert with the local committees throughout the nation , in superintending the raising of funds by voluntary subscriptions , to aid cur indefatigable friend June * Bronterre O'Brien in procuring a printing press , we deem it our duty to speak of the public affairs , with which we are connected , of that gentleman , without apology for our interference , well aware that the sober Bense of all reflecting Chartists and-honest men \ rill applaud rather than deprecate oar conduct in such s TOStt 5 I .
Fellow-men , without doubt ,, thousands of you will haTe seen in the public papers , or heard from ethers , of statements injurious to the general character of Mr . O'Brien , and calumnious assertions destructive to bis moral reputation . With these det stable fabrications is our business at this time , and as conscientious Chartists We will address ourselres to you , fellow-men , as hansst men should , in a bare statement of facts , bo as to give you a full understanding o ! the whole matter ; and then ask from you a judgment upon , the actions of these anonjmoui scribblers and cowardly tile-bearers , ¦ who haTe , under cover , meafcingly attacked the poli-* - and moral character of one of nature ' s noblest sons -one who has been formerly persecuted by seeming fciends as well as open foes . He has come forth from \ ; repeated ordeal untouched , and he will also Itfnmpa orer the present miserable charges ot his Radical enemies , even the sune unchangeable patriot he has erer been , without superior in honesty of purpose , and few equals in intelligence and industry .
Mr . O'Brien has been charged by these tinnftlom 'ibellers with the selfish conduct of originating the Press Fund Committee of Lseds , and consequently of all the local committees throughout the country ; this Is tbe first serious charge made against Mr . O Orien ; this is the bead and front of his- offending ; and , men of Great Britain and Ireland , we seriously ask you , where is the mighty sin in such an appeal , even sup . posing it to be true ? Is it so great a crime in the TTHLh >> i «« m O'Brien , who has spent his all in the cause of democracy—who has brought his family to povertyfrimyiif to imprisonment—and impaired his constitution by working for you—by deroting his valuable f-f ipnfr . cq yoor behalf - Was it too much , in such a Baa , to xolielt assistance from you , to enable him to distribute knowledge among us , and support his T » mn j i No , it was not ; every honest man must indignantly answer no ; and yet this is the pitiful charge of those unhappy traducers of honest men ' s characters .
Bat , brothers , it is not true . The Press Fond Committee originated in I « eed * , by Chartists , by working men ; those founders of that Committee were tw « of out most active number * , Mr . Wm . Roberts , and Mr . Samuel Fletcher ; they deliberated upon the idea ; tbsr thought it practicable , and they corresponded with Mx . O'Brien , who was quite opposed to the proposition . He told them of his enemies—that he had always been peaecated—and those wbofenjaged in his ntorest would share the same fate—persecution and win . By letters , which the Committee received , Mr . O'Brien intimated bis intention of going to the United States of tmiola , a * he had no prospect of supporting hit family here , and aiding tbe cause of liberty fey residing in tttat part of the world .
The loss of such a man to our cause appeared in all its importance to tie originators of the Committee ; they redoubled their efforts , and , at a public meeting fifteen brother Chartist * volunteered to do all in their power to get op a press fund to assist our friend O'Brien . Thus was the Committee formed ; we have htga , sal bar * proceeded so far in our business ; sucttfl lias , in sone degree attended our exertion ; , ( . ' sspite these pettifogging enemies , we will be enabled tr > pre-¦ erft oar friend with a praes , and put it in his power apftBto ' tiefwd and advocate tbe rights of an umn , teiMUaedMopte .
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This is a short statement of the commencement of the Press Fund Committee . Mr . O'Brien bad nothing to do with it , and he has not even yet . Thus the committee deny these false reports , andean apon their authors , and those who have circulated fhw base insinuation * , to prove them if they cms ; give d » to for their assertions , or acknowledge their fault , like upright and honest men . The next infamous fabrication we approach with hesitation , but it does not proceed from any belief , on our parts , of its correctness ; quite the reverse . It arises from delicacy , as it regards the moral character of the same unpurchaseable patriot ; that unfeeling charge is , Mr . O'Brien is an intemperate man . Men have made this assertion and assisted its circulation , who from their standing in the Chartist ranks , we are ashamed to
mention in connection with such disgusting insinuations . This we can Bay from our personal knowledge of Mr . O'Brien ; we unhesitatingly contradict it While he resided in Lseda his moral behaviour was unimpeachable ; not the most fastidious oould say ought again * t him . Chartists of other places bear the same willing testimony , " > d against these Chartist-destroying persons take the testimony of Mr . O'Connor , who declared at a public meeting in Leeds , that through all the years he has been intimate with O'Brleu , and they were not few , he emphatically said , " he never knew him the worse for rtrong liquor . " Fellow-men , look at this , and can you pay one moment ' s attention to the falsehoods of these nameless traducers . Will yon liiten to them while O'Connor makes such a plain , open , honest statement , being witness to Mr . O'Brien ' s exemplary conduct .
Men of Great Britain and Ireland , we make these statements to eradicate false impressions from your minds . We do it injustice to an iojured man—we do H for the love of truth and detestation of anonymous falsehoods . In conclusion , let us call upon you to take the claims of O'Brien into consideration ; weigh them and come forward to assist us in our endeavour to give him a press . Observe the man ! Examine his past conduct ! Look at bis powerful writings , and yon must see
the usefulness of furnishing him with the means ef giving to the working men of this kingdom the reflections of his mighty mind . We place him and his case before you . Judge betwixt him and his accusers , and your reply , your honest convictions , will bi unanimous that he has been falsely accused , basely attacked , and that his traducers ought , if possible , to be exposed , so that the nation may see who are the unhappj beings , whose tempers are so restless , and their cry so maliciously bitter . Signed , on behalf of the Committee , William Bkook , Secretary .
The Northern Star. Saturday, December 4, 1841.
THE NORTHERN STAR . SATURDAY , DECEMBER 4 , 1841 .
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TO THE IMPERIAL CHARTISTS . Mt Dearly Beloved Friends , —I now proceed to a narrative of my past week ' s tour . Ob Monday night , at nine o ' clock , I left London . I arrived at Rochdale , at twelve on Tuesday , and was met by a splendidly arranged and very numerous procession at the Railway Station . When marshalled , we proceeded to the Butts , a place usually dedicated to public meetings . It is a very large square , and was crowded to excess , while all the avenuea leading to it , were also densely crammed . We passed good resolutions for the
Charter and the Petition , and bad some good speeches from working men . I spoke at / Treat length , and when the business was concluded , I very foolishly consented to be taken in procession in an open carriage , and borne through the town . I was warm after speaking , and the daj was very cold , so I got a very bad sore throat . In the evening , about 500 or 600 sat down to a very excellent soiree , and afterwards the theatre was opened , which in a few minutes was filled in every part . Mr . George Howe was again called to the chair : he had also presided over the out-door meeting . Several very excellent speeches were made .
Jame 3 Taylor , Joseph Linney , from Manchester , and Livesey spoke very powerfully upon the several subjects connected with the Charter . The petition sheets were on the table , and were being well signed . I attached my name , and being obliged to return to Manchester , I left cards of the Association with the Secretary , and have not heard the number of members enrolled here , but I understand many joined . It was , upon the whole , the grandest day
Rochdale has had in the cause . The demonstration was larger , as admitted by all , much larger than even any election demonstration ever witnessed ia the town ; and I never saw a finer or more determined spirit than was evinced from beginning to end of the proceedings . Oar only want was , the presence of Mr . Sharman Crawford , the brave and upright member for the borough , and who , I am sorry to say , was detained by severe illness , which confined him to bed .
Hetwood . —In consequence of au anxious desire upon the part of the men of Hey wood , I visited that town on Wednesday , at twelve o clock , in company with Mr . Livesey . We had their room crammed with Chartists ; and both Livesey and mjself spoke at great length . The people of Heywood are very forward and zealous , and promise to augment the National Petition in a fair proportion to their population .
Bolton . —On the Bame day , Wednesday , I arrived at Bo ! ton , and here Chartism had a jubilee . The Chartists , for the first time , had been allowed the privilege of meeting in the great Temperance Hall , a magnificent building , capable of holding more than 2000 , and which was crowded to suffocation . Those who had tickets for the Soiree were obliged to be accommodated at two sittings ; and when tea was over , the doors were thrown open at threepence admission to the body of the hall , and sixpence to the gallery . More than an hour before the time appointed for commencing business , the whole
place was inconveniently crowded . Mr . Wrenwick was called to the chair ; the several sentiments ¦ were "very ably spoken to by Mr . Hyslop , from -Wigan , Mr . D ; son , the people ' s representative chosen by 6 how of hands at the last general election ; Mr . Tickers , a young and able speaker , who has lately made his first appearance as an orator , and bids fair to attain a very prominent position in our ranks . The meeting was one of the most orderly and cheer ing I have ever attended ; but there is a circumstaiice connected with the Bolton agitation , which , apart from the subject of the Soiree , demauds separate
notice . Mr . Isaac Barrow , a very extensive timbermerchant , finding the condition to which the Chartist ranks was likely to be reduced , by the treacherous conduct of Warden and others , put on the annaux of agitation . He is a person of independent means , and haj , for the last two or three years , travelled about , at his own expense , expounding the holy principles of Chartism , and explaining their superiority over all other principles . He is a Member of the Town Council ; and although I had heard much of him , yet , as a burned child dreads the fire , I had a kind of natural dread of so
apparent a disinterested course , when pursued by one of his order . But what was my delight and astonishment upon hearing him speak , to discover eloquence , patriotism , and encouragement in his every sentence . With him there is no flinching , no expediency , no truckling . I never heard a man say so much in so few words , or one who appears to understand the subject of Chartism more thoroughly . After I had heard his short but pithy and Boul-stirring address , I no longer wondered at the increased spirit which now reigns throughout Bolton and the neighbourhood . The people love , honour , and esteem this man as they onght ; he attends every ene of their meetings , and devotes
his Sundays to visiting distant localities , to preach the gospel of civil rights , without mixing theological disputation with his political discourses . But for his timely enlistment , treachery would have ruined the cause at Bolton ; and I feel assured that myreaders will be glad to learn , that he iB wealthy , and in circumstances above the reach of oppression or " exclusive dealing . " After the meeting I proceeded to the work of enlistment , and enrolled not 100 , as erroneously stated in the Star of last week , but 164 new members , about seventy of them being Irishmen and women ! That is real service . So much for Bolton , which now has one of the largest Associations in the Kingdom . Stockpobt . —On Thursday , I proceed to Manchester , on ay way to Stookport ; aid , when ar-
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rived there , several anonymous letters awaited me all from pretended friends and foes , and all conveying the Fame intelligence , namely , that I was to be attacked by the Irian on my arrival at Stockport ; and that the bead bludgeoneera had gone from Manchester for the purpose of organization . About an hour before I started , three Irishmen called on me , and implored me not to go to Stockport , as there was & determination on the part of Finnigan and Co . to meet me at some of the Stations , in bodies of fours and sixes , and there to attack me .
I did go , however , and sent the Irish word of the very train by which I intended to start , and when I arrived at the Station I refused to go to the hotel by omnibus . I walked , in order to afford every facility for effectuating the manly purpose of my assailants ; but no person molested me . Finnigan and his party ware however upon the alert , and I gained a glorious triumph over him and his blind followers . They abandoned the physical force , but how did they meet me or rather disappoint me 1 Why , they issued large posters calling a Repeal meeting of all the Irish , fearing to allow my
gallant countrymen to hear my fair exposition of our country ' s woes and wrongs . Now , was not this a triumph ! They begin to find that wherever I catch a Padd y I make a convert to Chartism . In the evening , we had a very excellent soiree , in the only room which the poor people of Stockport can command , the Social Institution , capable of accommodating not more than about 300 at tea , and about 1 , 200 standing . The people here have been most brutally persecuted by their masters socially , and by the authorities politically . They are steeped in the very lowest
abyss of misery , by redaction after reduction upon wages , until at lengtk there is nothing to reduce-Good artisans and mechanics are sweeping the streets at 6 d . per day , —3 a . per week . The hall was filled an hour before the time of meeting , and one circumstance oonneoted with Stookport is well worthy of notice . They have established a Youth ' s Association , whioh numbers 250 members . I observed several young men sitting opposite me , very tastefully decorated with medals and green ribands , and one in particular , quite a child . I asked a person near him if that child had begun to think about
politics . " Aye , " was the answer , " that ' s our chap ; that ' s our leader ! " " Why , " said I , what do you mean I" " Why , that is our marshal and treasurer ; he has composed and written a splendid address , to be presented from our body to / ou to-night . I could scarcely believe my eyes . The subject of this narrative is Aaron Bentley , a child of about fifteen years of age . He is one of the handsomest children I ever saw , very small even for his years , but his figure is perfect . When be observed me to doubt his pretensions to office and distinction , he went for the address to show it to
me , and while absent , his corps of full grown men , told me that there was not his equal in Stockport . Ho has been treasurer to the Youths' Association from its commencement ; and to use their own words , " there never was a screw missing of their money . " I was literally astounded , both at the composition and writing of the address . It was a very beautiful document ; so much so that I loft it with him to be framed . My readers will be astonished to hear that this child is a four-loom weaver , and has fullgrown men under him as assistants . He read the address , upon presentation , in capital style . Well ,
we had a glorious display . One of my countrymen , Clarke , made an admirable speech : and just as I had concluded my harangue , a great beam , one of those supporting the floor , gave way with a tremendous crash , vrhich was succeeded by the most horrifying screams , the whole body of the meeting appeared to me to disappear . I thought some hundreds were either killed or grievously wounded : but , thank God , the floor had only sunk and not a soul was injured . Before the business began I had enrolled about fifty members , and should , but for the accident , have added at least one hundred more to the body .
I promised , however , to go again , determined not to leave my work half finished . I read several extracts from a most villainous work , written by Stephenson-Square Cobden , entitled , England , Ireland , and America , a production full of errors , ignorance , fallacies , and bad grammar , and teeming with bitter abuse of the Irish and the Catholic religion . From these extracts I traced much of the bad blood whioh this wretch has fomented between Protestant England and Catholic Ireland . It is a most blasphemous production , one which Bhould be read by every Irishman in the land ; but one which ,
although well known to Finnigan and the professed Catholics , is nevertheless studiously suppressed by the bludgeoneers who are canvassing for Catholic support for the " bloody Cobden . " I wish every Irishman to read this work , and then we shall be able to test their value for their country and their religion . Stookport will shortly be depopulated if the work of tyranny is not stayed . The Stockport masters are amongst the foremost of England ' s spoliators and tyrants . They have ruined the working classes , and are now destroying the shopkeepers . So much for Stockport .
Ashton . —On FrHay I visited Ashton , where I had heard of much disunion , but I was fortunate enough not to have seen it . We had the Charles town meeting room , capable of holding about 1 , 600 comfortably , but at twopence admission , the committee contrived to cram about 2 , 000 into it . "We had a splendid meeting . Dickson was there from Wigan , and spoke well , [ as did all the working men , — Aitken in particular ; and after a glorious night I found that I had left my friends £ 8 9 * . in pocket , after paying all expenoes , and collecting one pound for poor Wright , an oppressed Chartist . Wo enrolled sixty-two new members , and I left Ashton with a conviction on my mind that , in spite of all , Ashton was Ashton still . In fact , a more spirited mee ting could not be imagined .
Oldham . —On Saturday , I visited my Eaglish political birth-place , Oldham . I have a good right to love the men of Oldham , because from the month of June , 1835 , to the present moment , no w six and a half years , their kindness to me has been uniform and unbounded . The Committee Bent a carriage and four to Manchester for me , at five o ' clock , and with them I started at that hoar to Hollinwood , where we met an Oldham procession , well illuminated , with bands and banners . When I Bay an Oldham procession , I mean a congregation of the population of all the surrounding districts . When
we reached the town , it would be quite impossible to make any guess at the countless tens of thousands who were assembled to do honour to the principles of democracy . We were a long time making our way , or rather crashing through the streets , but at length we did arrive at the open space opposite the house of entertainment , and when all had jammed into one m&sa , the whole world appeared to be there . I spoke , but not at great length , as the night was cold ; but I satisfied my children , for Buch the people of Oldham , old and young , call themselves . We then
proceeded to the Soiree , but here we discovered a most miserable deficiency . Our room would not accommodate more than 300 at once , and we were drinking tea till long after ten o ' clock . That excellent gentleman and true patriot , Mr . James Hallidey , millowner , but not tyrant , was in the chair , and I found myself surrounded by the members of my old committe of 1835 ; a good proof that we have still hang together , in spite of all our enemies , and also a proof that we have the whole of the people with na . We had a spirited meeting ; but owing to the smallness
of the room , and to the fact of the party being all previously enrolled , we added no more than about twenty names to the Association , while , space permitting , we should have enrolled more than 500 . I was presented with a very splendid medal by the female Chartists of Oldham , and with a very beautiful scarf by the female Chartists of Waterhead Mill . The medal was rendered particularly
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valuable from the foot that in addition to the six points of the Charter on one side was added a Repeal of the Legislative Union . I had intended to have conolttded as far as Halifax of this week' s Yorkshire fconr , bat I learn that I have already obliged all Editorial Leader to be displaced for the insertion of as much as I have written ; and Yorkshire hare a letter to itself next week . In truth , as far as I have gone , it well merits it , inasmuch as there never were two such demonstrations as Bradford and Halifax .. For the present 1 shall only say of them , that after the proceedings I enrolled 201 new members .
Want of Bpace now compels me to stop , and I the less regret the want of Leader in this week ' s Star , as you are all leaders , and your minds appear to be made up upon the subjects on whioh the Editor had written , namely , the humbug of Emigration , and the necessity of a cautious watching of the League in their newly assumed form . We can now trust the people without weekly admonitions . I am just off for Dewsbury , where the people hare erected a pavilion capable of holding 4 , 000 persons ; and I am , my dear Friends , Your kind and sincere friend and servant , Frabgus O'Connor . Thursday , Deo . 2 d , Three O'Clook .
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TO AGENTS . The Paecels of Medals and of Portraits . — During the next few ¦ weeks vreshall have to Bend parcels nearly to all parts of England and Scotland . In each case we shall endeavour to send by the cheapest mode of conveyance , and shall be obliged to any agent who will point out the best and cheapest mode of reaching him . We beg to call attention to this , that there may be no complaint aftetwarda . Those who will experience any convenience from having Petitions , or Sheets , or
Poor Man ' s Almanack , oi Mr . O'Connor ' s Pamphlet , or any other of our Publisher ' s Publications inclosed in their parcels , had better apprise him of the same in time . In all such cases , however , he desires as to state that money must be sent with the order . The price of the petitions and sheets are known ; and the allowance upon the other goods to vendors , is 25 per cent , therefore they can easily calculate what the amount will be ; and ia all such cases goods to the amount of cash reoeived will be sent .
The National Petition . —Our publisher , Mr . Hobson , has printed the National Petition for 1842 , on a neat sheet , for the purpose of being extensively distributed amongst those from whom signatures are asked , that thep map know for what they are signing . He is ready to supply them to the Associations and to individuals at the following charges : —100 copies for 2 s ; 1 , 000 / or 15 s . Petition sheets , of good strong paper , ruled in four columns , and holding two hundred names when filled , may also be had , price 2 d . each .
The Petition and sheets may also be had from Mr . Cleave , London : and Mr . Heywood , Manchester . But in all cases the money must be sent in advance—the price being so low as to preclude credit . | S * Messrs . Paton and Love , of Glasgow , apprise us that they have made arrangements with Mr . Hobsonfor the supply of our Scotch friends with sheets and petitions . Those in Scotland , who require them , will do well to make early application to these gentlemen .
D . J ., Stockport . —We do not know how to advise for the best . The rascally lawyer ought certainly to be punished . Il is a clear case of fraud . We have handed the letter to Mr . O'Connor ? who will be better able to judge of the right mode of procedure than we are . Letters to the Executive must be directed to the secretary , Mr . John Campbell , 18 , Adderleystreet , Shaw ' s Brow , Manchester . The Female Chartist Committtee of the Borough op Tower Hamlets have sent us an address , for the insertion of which we have not room , calling strenuously upon their sister country women generally to bestir them in the cause of freedom , and to help forward the Charter agitation . L . P . Cook . —His verses are not suitable for our columns . A Journeyman Tailor . —We do not see his plan to be at all feasable , and have not space for his
communication , except as an advertisement . C . Westray , in a . letter insisting on the necessity of a general spread of knowledge among the people , says : —"" Let us then employ the time which intervenes between now and the meeting of Convention by the distribution of tracts , lecturing , and public meetings , and thoroughly arouse the whole people to back the Convention . Let us take every possible step to induce the long-suffering people of Ireland to join in the struggle for the Charier and Repeal . Let all class-leaders in the National Charter Association gather the Stars every week fiom such of their class as can spare them , and transmit them to the Dublin Universal Suffrage Association , who will make good use of
thenu Then , I am assured , will the scales of political ignorance fall from the eyes of Erin's sons , and their minds be enlightened with the holy and suo / tmc truths of Christianity . There is another maxim which we should consider likewise—• " Union is strength . " Without Union knowledge alone will avail us little . We should be but leaning on a broken reed . If we have not unanimity amongst ourselves , how can we expect to succeed against enemies who , however much they hate each other , would , when we made an effort to gain our rights , instantly combine for the purpose of crushing us . Let me implore the leaders of the people at this momentous crisis , to avoid personal bickerings , and let not
private pique or wounded pride operate to the injury of our cause , and that they will not follow the example of a clique , who have Jrom feelings of mortified vanity , lately withdrawn themtelves from our ranks and attempted to raise a faction of their own " Stars to Ireland . — We call attention to the following extract of a letter reoeived by a female Chartist in Barnsley , from her brother , reiident at Cashel , and transmitted to us for publication : — ** With respect to forming a Chartist Association in Cashel . The cause was progressing rapidly , but from some cause or other , all the papers that were heretofore sent to Cashel , were stopped all of a sudden , and no Stars come to Cashel
now , with the exception of three . The withdrawal of the papers from the persons that were in the habit of receiving them , has caused a great damp here ; some of them respectable persons , I am requested to mention these particulars to you in order that you may make inquiry why they have not spit as usual , and if it should be in accordance with the rules of the Chartist Associations , to be sent to those persons again . I receive the Star on Fridays regularly from you , but there was not a Star came to Cashel this three months , with the exception of the three that I have mentioned . The
undermentioned are the persons to whom the Stars were addressed , viz .: —Mr . John Nolan , Mr . Patrick Fogarty , and Wm . Hackett , Ladies ' Well-street , Cashel , Tipperary , Ireland ; Mr . Thomas Nolan , Friar-street , Cashel , Tipperary ; Mr . Daniel Duggan , Lister ' s-square , Cashel , Tipperary ; Mr . John Mills , Grange , care of Wm . Hackett , Ladies Well-street , Cashel , Tipperary ; Terence Creed , Whitesmith , Mainstreet , Cashel , Tipperary ; James Reynolds , Leataerselter , Main-street , Cashel , Tipperary ; John Byrns , Victualler , Thurlas , Tipperary : Michael Mahany , Esq ., Bukestown Mills , near Thurlas . ( Signed ) "John Kennedy . "
RoBERr Crvthers sends us a very angry note about the letter of" A Radical of tbe Old School , " in reference to Mr . R . J . Richardson , and the charge made against him , of having sold his brother Chartist , Dean . Mr . C . does not meet any one of the allegations contained in the letter of " A Radical of the Old School . " Mr . R . J . Richardson is doubtless quite competent to the defence of his own character . If the allegations referred to , but notoriginally made , by "A Radical of the Old School" be false , it is in the power of Mr . R . J . Richardson to prove them so , and the columns of the Northern Star are at his service for that purpose . They are not matters which any man can treat with contempt , and if Mr . R . J . Richardson fail to meet and answer them the public must of necessity conclude his
silence to be induced by a consciousness that they are true ; and \ f they be true toe quite agree with "A Radical of the Old School , " that no feeling of execration can be too strong , and no manifestation of that feeling too marked , for the deserts of such a man . We advise Mr . Cruthers , ihereforeito keep quiet , and leave Mr . Richardson to play his own cards ; doubtless he best knows what sort of a " hand" he has . We have several other communications in reference to the matters referred to by " A Radical of the Old School , " alt tending to place Mr . R . J . Richardson's character in a not very enviable point of view . We shall not insert them , because we think that until some reply has been made , enough has been said . No doubt that if Mr . Richardson can reply he will . If he do not , the people will know how to conclude .
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' The Masons' Strike" is much inferior to the usual productions of the author , Mb . Gkorgb Black . —We have much pleasure m acknowledging the receipt of a letter from , the Chartist of Arnold , testifying to the zeal and integrity of this person , whose intemperate language at Sheffield we censured m a recent mm' her of the Star / We see that Nottingham and New Basford have also borne honourable testimony to his integrity of principle . Wetrustthat he will in future be more guarded in htsexprer sions , and that the cause will yet derive much benefit from his patriotic zeal . Mr . Longhaip and several other CoBRESKmdentsif they intend their communications to be
, noticed , must write only en one side ef the paper We have much unnecessary trouble from the omission of this little attention on the part of our correspondents , which we have often solicited from them . Mb . Wheeler trill oblige us by not writing so , closely . H . Pbitchard . —If the letters to which he refers be well written , we shall be glad to insert them . But we cannot undertake to promise till tee have the means of estimating them . Scarbro ' . —Send the Sign of the Civil Publican . — The names of persons nominated for general Council , coming without their addresses , are not inserted . Erratum in our last . —We are very sorry to
perceive that a stupid oversight m the reader " has completely destroyed the sense of one part of the verses on Democracy . furnished by our excellent correspondent F . The word " Rattling , " in the seventh verse , should havebeen "Rotting . " James Collier has our thanks . Edward BuRley , of York , has received the following sums for the purpose of purchasing books , &c . for Holberry , viz .. —Is . Sd . from Mr . Mackering , Market Weighton , Is . from Mr . Campbell , York , and 6 d . from Mr . Corin , York . Any further sum will be thankfully received on behalf of the suffering patriot , and duly acknowledged .
Attercliffe , Nov . 29 th , 1841 . Sir , —Many of your- reader * are anxious to kaow what has becom > of Doctor Taylor , late M . p ., as his name has not appeared in the pages of the Star for a considerable time . Perhaps you can give us the necessary information . I am also desirous to know when Bronterre purposes to go on with the History of the French Revolution ? If this question meets his eye in the Star , he will n « doubt answer it , I am , Sir , Youra most respectfully , J . H . A .
[ In answer to this and many similar inquiries , we can only say that we know nothing of Dr . Taylor . We have heard that he is in Ireland , but do not know . —Ed ] T . M . Wheeler returns his thanks to those places who have done him the honour of nominating him for the ensuing Convention , but must decline standing on account of his position as a remunerated correspondent of the Northern Star . Middle-Class Honesty . —To the Editor of the Northern Stab . —Sir , —The excellent manner in which the Northern Star is conducted , the selection of its articles ^ and the vast amount of useful information found within its columns ,
must fill the mind of the general reader with awe and astonishment as to the abilities and sound judgment necessary in making the arrangements for bringing out each number in so complete and satisfactory a manner . With this tribute of respect , sincerely given , I venture to trouble you with a case of uncommon hardship counected with my trade , only this last week . In order that the matter of dispute may be fully understood , I beg to state that at the April of each year the pitmen of this locality are bound to a bond which sets forth the conditions to be observed by the parties thereunto subscribing in the working of the mine , and the prices to be paid for certain work to be done ; after which ,
> and in the same bond , there is a clauie ,-which , in effect , goes to say that at any time throughout the year , the master shall be at liberty to alter or change the mode of working at the same . Should that change be disadvantageous to the workmen , he is bound to advance price accordingly to the satisfaction of the men ; or , if they cannot agree , then , by another clause in the same bond , two viewers are to be called in , one by each party ; and , if they still disagree , the two viewers above referred to , have to call a third viewer to act as umpire , andlhemen , or masters , are bound to act according to the decision of the said umpire . Now , Sir , the master of St . Lawrence Colliery thought proper to alter the mode of working ,
which alteration would make , on the lowest calculation , a difference for the worse of about Is . 6 d . per score , and he , ( the master ) , would only pay 6 d . per score extra , thus lowering the wages of the workmen Is . per day . The men , as a matter of course , complained , and he told them he would give no more at present , but if they would keep to work , and made the coals so much better , that he could get 5 s . per chaldron extra , he might give them something more ; hut as this was only a conditional promise , and as he was a person who had deceived them before , they refused to comply , and would not work in the altered mode any longer , ( they had tried it one fortnight . ) This produced an alteration , and as
words ran high , he ( the master j threatened to discharge some of the most forward individuals , or , ij they would not take their discharge , to put them in prison for three months . One , at least , of them had been in prison before for laying one day of work on the glorious 12 th of August , I 8 o 9 , and not having a taste for it again , and not being willing to work by the new or altered mo . de without a corresponding advance of price , they took their discharge . But , marie the cunning of the respectable master . He wrote thai man ' s discharge in such a manner as to prevent him getting work from any other master in the trade . Here is * copy of the discharge . —* ' N . B . You are dischargedfrom this Colliery because you will not work according to the bond . " Now , few masters will hire a servant icho is not willing
to work according to agreement , ami he { the master ) intended nothing else , or he would not have staled that which was not true , for . il was not a refusal to work according to the bond ; they only declined working because an advance of price was not given commensurate with the additional labour which the new way of working entailed upon them . Sir , not being willing to trespass further on the columns of the People s paper , we will feel obliged if you can give insertion to the above , as we are dextrous of acquainting our fellow-workmen of the real facts of the case . The men ' s names are kept back for the present , as they have not all got work yet . Will the Friends of Freedom in England and Scotland send , if they can , some numbers of the Star of the 30 th of October , to P . M .
Brophy , No . 14 , North Anne-street , Dublin . Notice . —Mr . T . B . Smith , having made such arrangements as will enable him to devote ten days or a fortnight to lecturing on the National Petition , and other topics connected with the welfare oj the people , at the commencement of the New Year , requests that those places within ten miles of Leeds , which wish to avail themselves of his services , will communicate with him on or before the 25 lh of the present month , in order that no disappointment may take place . All letters pre-paid , and inclosing a post label , and addressed to Mr . T . B . Smith , 56 , Beckettstreet , Burmantofts , Leeds , shall receive immediate attention . Letters unpaid , or not inclosing a label , toil not be noticed .
Bristol Chartists again write to complain of being unreported in the Star . We again inform them that the fault is not with us . We are most anxious that the friends at Bristol , Bath , and the West generally , should favour us with much more intelligence of their proceedings than tee qet from them . We insert everything that comes from them , unless it be too late , but we very seldom get any report from them . They ask if Mr . Simeon be appointed correspondent for the Statin Bristol ? We know no one in Bristol personally , and can therefore , have no choice . We shall be most happy to receive , and
to pay all proper attention to , such intelligence as may be forwarded by any person in whom the friends have confidence ; and of which they can easily apprise us by a letter from the secretary . We received a letter from Mr . Simeon last week , informing us that he had been appointed by the friends to correspond with us , and ii , closing a notice of thsir proceedings that notice was inserted , and it is the only one we recollect to have had from him ; except his letter of this week in reference to Brown , ythe Anti-Corn-Law man , which came to hand after our notice of Brown ' s meetings was in type .
The Westmoreland Chartists are appealed to by the brethren in Kendal , to render all possible did in procuring signatures to the Petition . The Kendal Chartists desire to have the whole county canvassed , and they request each village to appoint proper persons to lake charge of the Petition sheets , and to communicate for that purpose with the secretary , Mr . JohnRobinson , KendaL [ By the bye , Mr . Robinson should have given his address more precisely . ] N . M . — We have no room . W . Martin . —The American Sunday School Song next week . . J . E . Sharps . —Thanks . John Weaver , Ryde , —We believe that Bronterre ' s Life of Robespierre has not been completed . Poe try—As usual , tee have shoals , thai we have « eftheriime nor inclination even to read .
Bradford—Any friends having any communications for the Northern Sta » , will much oblige the correspondent , Mr . Joteph Brook , by leaving them with Mr . Joseph Atdcrson , tailor , Bank-street , or Mr . ibbelsoH , bookseller , Bradford . . .
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Stockport Unemployed Operatives . —Having b $ c enquired of respecting the * um of ! s . given to our Correspondent , Mr . Griffin , for the benefit ofth Stockport starving men , but not acknowled ge in the Star , we wrote Mm m the subject . & some means it appears that our letter nissei reaching him for more than a week . Havku got it , at last , he writes us An reply that it voli paid on the same day that he got it , and sends , i % confirmation of his statement , a receipt signed bt James Mitchell . Mr . Griffin did not understand that it was to be inserted in the Star .
G . Thirkell complains of out hamng omitted l < m week to insert a vote of censure on Mr . Watkirn for his conduct on the O'Brien Committee , ani says that great dissatisfaction has been caused by the omission . We have no recollection ofhai ing received any notice of it till now ; and if w » had , we claim to use our own judgment as to tht insertion of such matters . E . P . Mead . —He pushes the bar , in his discussion with the Malthusian Bachelor , a little beyond < A , boundary of modesty . His communication wouli suit better the taste of the readers of son ** respectable" and "fashionable" paper than a the Northern Star . v W ., Birkenhead , —His lono report , wr itten oj both sides , and received , by Thursday ' s post , stosdj no chance of even being read this week .
Has Mr . Nathaniel Morling , of Brighton , « , ceived a letter from Mr , Wm . Martin , of Brcmp ton , dated 21 st November ? Mr . M . wishes to ant municate with-him rhe knows Ms address . Sheffield Polish Meeting . —Press of matia obliges us to reserve the address till nexlveek . Mb . Wm . Hogg can have a portrait of O'Brien h sending six Post Office stamps to this Office . FOB THE EXECUTIVE , FROM THE SALE OF ROQQ FINDER ' S SLACKING . S . d Wm . Brook , Leeds 0 5 Joseph Breok , Shelton 0 7 Wm . Grocett , Manchester 0 lo Thomas Bentley , Mill Bridge 0 3 George White , Birmingham 0 10 John Haria , Hull 0 e John Nickelaon , Hull ~ . 0 5
3 9 H . Hall for J . Ws . iqut .-Do not know his address , Will some of the Gloucester friends be kind enough send us the address of John Sidaway , of that pita W . H . CheLtehh-ah . —The Committee must order % transfer of the 10 * . J . W . Barnfield . —Send to the secretary , Mr . Camy bell , care of Mr . John Cleave , Shoe-lane , Fleet-strti , London . Cannot speak positively about the oQm affairs but think it-trill ' not be proceeded with .
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J . R . Hunt . Southampton . —Musi apply to the ag ^ in London , who suppplies him with the Northan Star . We sent as many portraits of F . O'Connor k London as there were subscribers , and if not de& vered the agent has them . Thos . Johnson . Lyme Hbgis . —His letter has Jm sent to Mr . John Cleave . J . Wakefieli > , Cjbencestkb . —Can have the booh he enquires for in the same parcel as Hobsorli Almanack and the Plates . FOR THE EXECUTIVE . a d . T . Breailey , Leeds 1 0 From tbe Chartist * of Canterbury , per J . W . Barnfleld ... 10 0 From T . Collier , Devizes 10 » OR THE O ' BRIEN PRESS FUND . S . 4 From W . H ., Cheltenham 10 0 FOR THE FORTHCOMING CONVENTION . 8 . d . From T . Collier , Devizes 1 0
Respite And Pardon Of Convicts. —Fbosi,
Respite and Pardon of Convicts . —Fbosi ,
Williams , anb Jones . —Her Majesty , wishing to show an act of royal clemency on the happy ocasion of the birth of a Royal Prince , has been pleased te notify to the Right Hon . Sir James Graham , the Secretary of State for the Home Department , that those convicts who have behaved themselves well shall have their punishment commuted ; and that those who seem deserving of such a mark of clemeney , and who are now lingering on board tin hulks at Deptford , Woolwich , Sheerness , Portsmouth , Pembroke , Cork , and other prisons , shall have their liberty granted to them . —London paper . ]
[ This is well . The exercise of clemency becomes the Sovereign ; peculiarly at this time ; nor will the people hesitate in their acceptance of an act of tardy justice , though it be dubbed by the niaa of mercy . The Glasgow Chartists have resohed to hold a meeting in the City Hall , on Monday next , to memorialize the Qaeen to include Fiwf , Williams , and Jones , in the number of political and other prisoners that may be pardoned ob the baptism of the Prince . Let the hint be instantly acted on by the whole Empire . Let like memorials go from every town and Tillage where there is a Chartist , and at oncb .-Ed . N . S . ]
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LSSX 6 H . —An Awful and Disthbssimo Ciicumstance . —Murder and Suicide the resuitof Destitution . —Ou Monday afternoon , about halfpast two o ' clock , considerable excitement was eatued in this town , by an alarm that was given , that a woman residing in the Smithey-street , had rest drowned her child in a washing mug , and hung Off * self . As I was at a house in tbe same street at the time , I immediately proceeded to the place , vnucn on reaching , I found the report but too true . On reaching the ^ teps of the cellar , occupied by the unfortunate woman , and in whioh the awful circus stance occurred , I was met by a man who the child in his arms auite dead , and on entering the
cellar , I found they bad just cut the mother down and lain her on the bed . Mr . Anderton , surgera , had just arrived ; he tried to let blood but none came , and he declared she was quite dead . As some of the neighbours knew she was in very bad circumstances , they began to look round the cellar to see if they could find any kind of food , and I went round with them , but could find none , not evena grain of salt ; nor any coals , and the fire oat ; no bed bnt one , and that a wretched one ; no bed-clothes , except an old rug and some old sacks to cover herself and four children . From some of her
acquaintances I learned that she was a very hard-work ing woman—that the children are illegitimate , and that their father would do nothing towards supporting them ; that on their pressing her to go to the town for relief , eho told them she had been some unw before , and that they threatened to put her in priKffl if she came any more . The name of the woman u Betty Thompson , she is upwards of thirty years " age , and the child about nine months old , bne dw sent the other three children off some errands , » ntt locked herself and the child up , and drawn t » curtains , before Bhe committed the dreadful act .-
Correspondent . LEEDS . —Free and Independent Oepbb or Ancient Greeks . —The Foundation , Arcopaff ^ No . 1 , of the above newly-establiahed and flowislung order celebrated their second anniversary , on Thursday , the 25 th ult ., at the house of Mr-Thompson , Shepherd ' s Inn , Bridge-street , Leeds , when upwards of fifty members , besides numeroas friends , sat down to an excellent dinner .
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Strike at Rhtnney Iron Works . — \ . ^ 1 derable degree of alarm was created in Mertnvr TydviJ , on Monday night last , by an express arming , requiring the presence of Wm . Thomas , W * ( a magistrate of the place , ) and the newly . ^ Sl lished police force . It appears that a general 8 tnw of the workmen had taken place , and that u » whole of the works had consequently stopp ** All sorts of rumours were in cireu 1 fW » ! that rioting had taken place , and «>« , " ! workmen were about to proceed to Mermji Tydvil , about three miles distant , to cause a stoppW of the Works there , and also to Tredegar m Nanbyglo in another direction with a like rotelM 0 " * As yet there ifl no truth in them , and upon due enquiry , find that everv thins iB auiet . bst every tmng
is at a stand . It is generally supposed ^ «>** . •" : strike has arisen from the great reduction wtoen naw lately been made in the workmen ' s wages . W «" reductions have been enormous , and coupled wnu the discharge of vast numbers , is creating a i * " * " " state of things in the densely and hitherto prosperously-peopled distriol . Many families aw » a state of the greatest destitution , without iooo . and many thousands of them very j " from their parishes . In the . full , »?« of railway speculation and prosperity 01 «" iron trade , there was not a . wflkgg of people to be had , and there was pleW of work for every one . But the reverse is w * rz at present , and the prospect for the enBUing wu «* is of the gloomiest kind . There u a . ^ ? Lk reduction aeain in almost the whole of tbe wor »
the pwiBb of Mertnyr . Whavwill be ^ 1116 ^^ poor workmen it is impossible to guess , oaw * anything take place between this and the eiw the week , I will not fail to write * gun . -Correr
pondent . Mr . Macnamara ' s Prize EssAt .-W e hf ^} favoured with a sight of Mr . Macnamara ^ newu published Prize Essay on Peace ; but havei have ^^ yet had time or opportunity to give it ™*' frf iis reading which is necessary to form a J " f ™ ° r b « , n merits . From the casual glances we nave yo » able to give at a few pages , the style *** £££ smooth and well connected . We promise ourseiT a rich treat in the readin g of tt .
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4 THE NORTHERN- . 8 TAR . _
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Dec. 4, 1841, page 4, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse2.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1138/page/4/
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