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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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PABISH OF ST . MARYLEBONE . DfTEBFERENCE BY TEE POOR LAW COMMISSIONERS TO PREVENT OBT-DOOR RELIEF . Oa TuBsday , a general meeting of the directors and gBariian * of tie -poor of the pariah o St loarylebone took place at the workhouse in the New-road , to cona 4 er the ptoprUty of confirming or nok confiriLint ; a a minute passed on the previous Friday of a resolution to be seat to the Poor Law Commissioners declaratory of » determination of that board to resist any attempt on the part of the Cammiwinnew to interfere in any nj with the administration of parochial relief in the parish of St Marylebone . ilr . Culley having been appointed to the chair , called upon air- Iheme , tha secretary , to read the communication from the Poor Law Conmisaioners , which ¦ was u follows : — " PoorLaw CommiBsion-office , " Somerset-house , Aug . 28 . *
" Sir , —I am directed by the Poor Law Commissioners to inform you , that they hare under their consideration the case of Thomas Phillips and his family , as detailed in a letter of the 29 th of July , from the Bicsster Board of Guardians ( of which a copy was transmitted to Use directors and guardians of the poor of Marylebone ) and hi the letter of the Marylebone directors and guardians of the 13 th inst ; and the Poor Law Commiasioners feel bound to point out to the directors and guardians , that the coarse which they adopted in reference to Thomas Phillips and his t&milywas illegal and otherwise Improper . The facts
of the case appear to be as follows : —On or previous U the 16 th of last May , Thomas Phillips applied for relief in Marylebone parish , and as it seemed to result from his statement that Bicester King ' s End was his place of settlement , a letter was written on the subject to the Bicester Board of Guardians , vrho returned an answer , ' That Bicester Kind ' s End would not be willing to accept Thomas Phillips and his family without orders of removal , as they were not at all satisfied about his settlement , and that no relief granted by the Marylebone authorities could be repaid by the Bicester Union .
" Subsequently , oa the 5 th of July last Thomas Phillips applied to Mr . Collet , one of the inspectors cf the oat-door poor of St Msrylebone , for relief , which ¦ was administered to him casually . On his examination being taken , his settlement was ascertaiued to be Bicester King ' s Xnd , to which pariah it was proposed he should be removed under orders . He alleged that if be could only get to Bveester , where he had friends and connexions , he was sure of obtaining employ , and should stand hi no further need of parochial relief . His waggon fare was paid by order of the directors and guardians ; not , it is alleged , with a view of irregularly passing him to the place of his settlement , for the purpose of becoming chargeable , but with a view to enable him to migrate fron a place where he could obtain no employ , to one where , through the medium of his connexions , he alleged he was sure of obtaining it , and by which ha could prevent himself and family from being further pauperize ! .
" On . this statement of facts the Poor Law Commissioners desire to point out , in the first place , that the relief afforded in this case having been advanced with a view of enabling ths pauper and hii family to travel to s # me oiber place , teems to have been illegally given . It was not merely a relief of ths present necessity cf the pauper , but mosey was placed into his hands for the purpose of travelling—an object which is not within any of the provisions of the Poor Laws , except Iq pursuance of an order made by justices in the regular form .
" The Poor Law Commissioners likewise desire to observe , that this motf e of relief is otherwise » psn to serious objections . When a sum of money for travelling is Intrusted to an individual in the situation of Themu Phillips , he has it in his power to misapply 19 by expending the greater part of it in liquor , and than throwing himself for support on some other parish , so that the tendency of this mode of relief is to afford facilities for vagrancy . " The above observations apply generally to any case is which money for travelling expenses is granted to any pauper , even although the effect of it , in some peculiar cases , might not be to make a pauper chargeable to any other parish ; bat in the instance now under consideration the Poor Law Commissioners cannot refrain from pointing out that the directors and guardians of Marylebcne acted unfairly in supplying Thomas
Phillips and his family with money to proceed to the parish of Bieester King * s-end , when the Bicester Boa . d of Guardians had so expressly stated that the pariah was not satisfied about his settlement , and when the obvious tendency of supplying him with money to go there was to make him chargeable to it For although it seems that Thomas Phillips had alleged that if he could oaly get to Bicester he waa sure of obtaining employment , the Poor Law Commissioners do not collect that the directors and goardiaxs of Marylebens took any steps to ascertain whether bis statement was true or probable ; and the Poer Law Commissioners think that no reliance ought to have been placed on the unsupported statement of the pauper himself ; and the effect of the course followed by the directors and guardian * baa been to make Thomas Phillip * and his family chargeable to the parish ef Bkester King ' s xnd .
" The Poor Law Commissioners , in condition , desire to remark , that if boards of guardians generally were to act on the same principle as was adopted by the directors and guardians in the present instance , the effect would often be to depriTe parishes of the protection now tfforded them by the law of removals . For although the Poor Law Commissioners do not dispute that the directors and guardians acted honajide in giving credence to the apparently unsupported and ( as the event proved ) untrue statement of the pauper , that he was sure of finding employment at Bicester ; yet they cannot disguise from themselves , that if such evidence were generally acted . upon in a similar manner , it would be possible in numerous instances to evade altogether the law respecting removals , and parishes might be able clandestinely to shift the burden of maintaining paupers upon distant parishes from which paupers , from amy particular reason , might be desirous of receiving relief . " I have the honour to be , Sir ,
" Your most obedient servant , " W . G . LUMLY , Awr > tant Secretary . " The Clerk to the Directors and Guardians of St . Marytebons . " Mr . Tbdbsb then read the report of a committee appointed by the beard to draw up a resolutions hi answer to the foregoing communication , which was as follows : — " That the communication of the Poor Law ComrnisrionerB be acknowledged , and that they be informed that this board having dealt with the ease of Thomas Phillips and tanHy , with a view to their moral advantage , and that upon reconsidering all the circumstances as detailed , this board differs with the Commissioners as to the illegality or impropriety of the course pursued ; independently of which , from experience , numerous instances could be adduced whereby a timely administration of casual relief , deserving families have been preserved from protracted pauperism .
" TheBoard further take occasion to observe , that any interference with their decisions by the Poor Law Commissioners is uncalled for , and calculated' to subvert their independence . " ( Laud cries of " Hear ,
bear . " ) The Ch ^ ib . he . x having put this resolution for confirmation , Mi . W . Etke said , he should move that this resolution be non-confirmed . He did so oa the ground that Sie Poor Law Commissioners , finding the Board bad committed an illegal act ( cries of " No , no , ") bad , in a very courteous and proper manner , communicated with them , in order to set them right (
Laughter . ) Mr . Pkbst would second the non-eonfirmation . IS was clear that the board , in the case of Thomas PhillipB and hisfamily , had acted hi defiance of all law . ( "Oh , oh !**) They bad no right to remove any pauper without an order cf removal , by which he might become chargeable to another parish . He thought the Commisaionsra , possessing the power ti « y did , had acted most courteonary to the board in calling their attention to the subject } and the Board , instead of sanding such an impertinant answer , was bound to act with equal ourtesy . . . .
Mr . Bcshill must express his ntter astonishment that Mr . Perry should second the motion for non-confirmation ,, seeing that be was one of the committee of three who had drawn up the resolution just read—( cries cf " Hen . " ) Mr . Perry agreed in the general principle of the answer which had been drawn up to the eommuaicatisn of the Poor law Cemmiasionera . It was not considered necessary to go into all the details of the ease f or the information of the gentlemen of Somerset-house , and that answer which had been drawn up was quite sufficient to indicate to them the spirit of that board— ( hear , hear . ) x , __ motion
Mr Razhbokk was well aware that the would indicate to the Poor Law Commissioners the spirit of the board , but it would not refute the declaration which the Commissioners had ** * that the course the board bad adopted mi an illegal one—( cnes of " Oh , oh , * ' ) It mattered not whether Marylebone was a Poor Law Union or not , there was a certain law for the relief of the poor affecting cextaincases which applied to all th" ****^ and which the Poor La * Commissioners had declared that board bad infringed . Sine * Un decision « f Lord Denman with regard to the ° Pe ** fo * ° * the New Poet Law generally , he thought the board OMbfcnot , if thej wished to preserve their indepen-« See , do anything to provoke the Poor Law Commis . aioaezs to tend an assistant commissioner to take his seat at that board—( loud laughter . ) Gentlemen would not pwtead to say that they would have the power or ib jS ^ s ^ S ^ at we tronld eject ourselves—( cries
of " Hear , hear . ") Mr . RaShbohb would put it to the board if they were to s * opi such a coarse of resistance to the Poor Law SS , in what a state the administration of JS ^ oTllw in the parish would be . " ™** £ perfectly ata standstill , and the poorwould £ starving --T Oh , oh . " ) He implored tie board , tf they bad any wish to preserre their independence , to treat theeoanonieatioa of to Poor Law C « nunJju 4 oBerB respectfully m ~ J \ mnshtes . \
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Mr . Soden said , it was really laughable to expect to maintain the independence of the board by succumbing to the dictation of the Poor Law Commissioners . ( Loud cries of Heat-0 The course proposed by the movers of the non-confirmation was just the very one to help the three kings of Somerset-house in their attempt to get tha thin edge » f their wedge into Marylebone , which they were seeking to do at every opportunity—( hear , bear . ) Was it not sufficient for them to carry out their most inhuman laws and orders in their own onion , but they . must attempt to intiodnce them into , parishes over which they had no control ?—( hear . hear ) . Because that Board had acted in the case of Phillips with the projrar feelings of humanity , and had useJ their endeavours to prevent the reduction of a distressed family to
a permanent state of pauperism , the Poor Law Commissioners forsooth declare the act of the board Illegal and improper—( hear ) . What right had they to interfere in any way with the adminis t ration of out-door relief by that board ?—( hear , hear ) . What hud the bnard really done ? Instead of pauperizing Phillips and his Tamily for twenty-one days in the workhouse , which would have co « t the parish the sum of £ 6 , they had committed the monstrous crime of paying 86 s . to pass him to a place where he had no doubt * f getting employment himself , and his wife and children a resp ^ ctahle asylum amongst her friends—( hear ) . The latter had really been done , but this proceeding did not please the Poor Law Commissioners . They did net do that in the unions under their control , but they did that which » as infinitely worse—( bear )—they delighted in pauperising families and getting them into union houses The poor creatures and their families are induced to
make their way int « the manufacturing districts , not wivh 36 s . to assist them in their progress , but without a single farthing in their pockets , and they were forced to beg to alleviate the pangs of starvation—( hear , hear ) . Thesa were the men who dared to call that board to account for committing an act of humanity —( hear ) . He was sure that the course they had pursued met with the support of the rate-payers , and he cared not bow soon the Poor Law Commissioners tried their strength , for it was high time it should be known whether they had the power to interfere with an independent board—I bear , hear ) . Let the board assert its independence , and if the Poor Law Commissioners ventured to interfere by walking in , let the Board as a body walk out—( hear , hear ) . He should be happy to see this , for he believed that the Poor Law Commissioners by their arbitrary conduct woold soon less even the favour of the few members of the board who now supported them—( hear , hear ) .
Mr . Gbaxgb said , they were either an independent board , or they were under the controul of the Poor Law Commissioners . If tbe board allowed the letter , he dictatorial letter of those gentry , to pass without remonstrance , it would appear that the latter was the case . ( Hear , hear . ) The object was to aim a blow at the system of out-door relief . ( Hear . ) If the system ef out-door relief were abolished , to that workhouse , large as it was , three more acres of land must be added ( Hear . ) The Rsv . Mr . ScoBELn thought the board were not called upon to argne the legality or illegality of the
course which had been pursued with the Poor Law Commissioners . The question he thought was , had they the right to interfere with the board in the manner they had done ? He would he one of the last tt throw aw * y a jot of the independence of that board , but he locked upon the Poor Law Commissioners as a superior authority , and as such they had merely infermed the Board that the course they had pursued was illegal . {•• Oh , oh ! " ) He thought that at all events the iRtte ? portion of the resolution , declaring the interference of the CommiEaioners uncalled for , might be omitted .
Mr . Pottes considered that tbe course proposed by those who moved the rejection of the answer to the Poor Law Commissioners was , to call upon the Board to kiss the hand that held the scourge . ( Hear . ) The Poor Law Commissioners told them they had acted illesnUy . He-would deny the asssrtion , as if so , they , the Poor Law Commissioners , themselves were acting illegally by making paupers emigrate hit * over populated districts . ( Hear . ) He would maintain that the act of the Board ia this Instance was not only legal but strictly moral ( Hear . )
Mr . Anderson said , there was a wilful misreprese-tation of this case by the Poor Law Commissioners , Phillips had not the money placed at his own disposal , bn : tis waggon expenses were paid by the officer of the board . It was infinitely better that the man's wife and three children should have an asylum amongst her own frie-ad 8 than that the course suggested by the Poor Law Commissioners should be carried out—( Hear , heat ) Mi . Gibson was delighted that the Board would not
conFent to pauperiza whole families or anfier them to stsrve as tb « Poor Law Commissioners did . He could only say , that in every such case that came before the rota , when it came to his turn to sit there , he Kbeuld act in precisely the same manner as bad been done in the case of Phillips , in defiance of any order of t&e Poor Law Commissioners to the contrary . — ( Hear , bear . ) Mr . Eyrb having replied , The question was pat from the Chair , and the noncocfinnation declared to be negatived .
A division was demanded , when there appeared—For the confirmation of the resolution ... 21 For the non-confirmation 4 Majority declaring the interference of the Poor Law Commissioners uncalled for , aad tending to subvert the independence of the board .. —17 The announcement of the nnmbers was received with cheers , and the board broke up .
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LAWS AGAINST POLITICAL SOCIETIES WHICH MAY BE CONSIDERED AS ON THE POINT OF BEIKG REYITED . ( From the English Chartist Circular . ) Political societies are regulated and controlled by two acts of Parliaments , namely , 39 Gso . 3 , cap . 79 , passed in July , 1799 ; and 57 Geo . 3 , cap . 12 , passed in March , 1817 . The act 39 Geo . 3 , is "An Act for the more effectual Suppression of Societies established for geditioES and treasonable Purposes , and for better preventing seditions and treasonable Practices . " 11 It enacts that every society ( political ) shall ba itemed an unlawful combination and confederacy in any of the cases following : — . 1 . " If any member take any oath or test , subscribe any declaration or engagement not required by law . "
O ft T / ( tin ¦* # !»¦ A » S %# MM ** MWtAVwVAWJ * ttA VamI hajvhmI 2 . " If the names of any members be kept secret from the society at large . " . 3 . "If it have any committee oi select body , the members of which are not known to the society at br ? e to be members of such committes er select body . " i . " If it have any President , Treasurer , Secretary , Delegate , or other officers , whose election shall not be kno'Rn to the society at large . " o . "If any of the nnmes of the committee , select body , President , Treasurer , and other officer , be not entered Li a book or books open to the inspection of all the members . " This act specialty named the " London Corresponding Society , " as one of the societies to be put down . This society had no secret proceedings , and might therefore have continued in existence under another name : but it
had " Divisions , " or branches , and held intercourse with other societies as thus connected , hi various parts of the country . Its purpose was to obtain ADnual Parliaments , Universal Suffrage , and Ballot It was therefore to be ex ' -inguiahed by law , and for this purpose was added—6 . " Any society composed of different divisions or branches , or of different parts , acting in any manner separately or diatict from each other , or of which any part shall have any distinct President , Secretary , Treasurer , Delegate or other Officer , elected or appointed by or for such part , or to act in any office for such part . " Having declared the cases in which political societies shall be deemed unlawful combinations and confederacies , it farther enacU ,
7 . " That every member of every such society , and every person who shall directly or indirectly maintain correspondence or intercourse with any such society , or itith any division , branch , committee , or other select body , president , treasurer , secretary , delegate , or other officer or member thereof as such ; or who shall , by contribution of money or otherwise , aid , abet , or support Buch society , or any member thereof as such , shall incur certain penalties . " The penalties are of two kinds , viz . 1 . " " By summary prccesa or information before one Justice of the Peace , ou conviction , a fine of twenty pounds , or three months imprisonment in the common gaoL "
2 . " By indictment , on conviction , transportation for seven years . " It will be seen that this Act prohibited , 1 . All societies kaving oaths of any kind , or any te&t or declaration , or engagement—whieh the law does not direct to be taken or subscribed . 2 . ' All societies having branches or divisions , or parts . 3 . All deputations to or from such societies . 4 . All contributions of money or other assistance of any kind . 5 . All eonespoBdenoe with any each societies or any member thereof aa stub . Tbia Act had—first—no relation to separate and distinct societies which bad no secret proceeding ! . 2 . It did not prohibit tbe appointment of delegates , &cby suehaocietiei .
, ... 3 . it did not prohibit correspondence between or with such societies . Thus the law remained until 1817 . It had become convenient to the Castleretgh Administration to promote and encourage riots and conspiracies , and Castlei , Olivers , Edwards , and others , were employed in consequence . Prosecutions became common ; mtn were transported , hanged , and dismembered ; green bags , secret committees , contrived attacks upon the Prince Regent , reports to both Houses of Parliament were reported to in aid .
These contrivances frightened Lnd stultified thenation as it was intended they should , and gave the tbea adminktation tho power to introduce the Act of 1817 ,
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which , be it remembered , was at first supported by the WhigB , and , to the moment of its enactment , was opposed more in form than in reality by them . The result of these proceedings was the Act 57 Gee . III . c , IP . It enacts that every society ( political ) shall be comprehended under the provisions of 39 Gto . S , before recited . The enactments are in the following words , namely , 1 . " Every society or club that shall elect , nominate , or employ , any committee , delegate , representative , or missionary , to meet , confer , or communicate with any other society or club , or with any committee or delegate , or induce or persuade any other person to become a member thereof , shall b « liable to the penalties of the 39 Geo . Ill , cap 79 , "—namely , fine , imprisonment , and transportation for seven years .
2 . " Every person who shall become a member of any such society or club , or shall act as a member thereto —every psraen who shall directly or indirectly maintain correspondence or intercourse with any such society ox c ub , or with any committee , delegate , representative , or missionary , or with any officer or member thereof as such , shall be liable to the same penalties and punishments . " 3 . " Every p : won who shall by contribution of money or otherwise aid , abet , or support any such society or club , or any officer or member thereof as euch , shall be liable to tbe same penalties and punishment . " Such is the Jaw . It has , however , no relation to public meetings , or the appointment of delegates at such meetings . It relates solely to societies or clubs ; and , therefore , whatever could be done before the 39 Geo . 3 , by public meetings , can be done now .
Every administration for a century past has , when * ever it suited any purpose , employed spies to get up societies , clubs , && , to indnca the commission of illegal acts , and then to imprison , transport , and put to death , those among the offenders who were most obnoxious . What has been done , it may be concluded , may be done again .
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A BRUTE IN OFFICE . On Friday , a poor woman named Catherine FUIis , with three children , one of them an infant in arms , applied to Mr . Henry , at Lambeth-street , for bis assistance under the following circumstances .- —The applicant , who was labouring under serious indisposition , slated , that about twelve months ago , in consequence of the desertion of her husband , she was compelled to apply to the parish « f Whitechapel for relief , and was taken into the workhouse . Her two children were removed to the Spitalfields house , which formed a part of the union , and she herBelf , with her infant , was placed in the receiving ward , which is underground , and kept there from that time to the present . The dampness of the place and the want of proper air bad such an effect upon her that she felt her health gradually declining , and she had latterly become so excessively ill that the infant at her breast was affected , and she
begged that some assistance might be afforded her to wean her child , but this was refused to her . She also begged of the parish doctor , Mr . Foster , to have her removed to the sick ward , where she would have the benefit of pnre air , but he paid no attention whatever to her request . She farther begged of both the doctor and Mrs . Mursell , the matron » f the bouse , to be allowed a little tea or something to drink , as she could not take water-gruel . Mrs . Mursell said Bbe censidered water-gruel quite good enough for her , and that sbe would not get eo good in Ireland ( the applicant being an Irishwoman ) . The applicant further said , that finding her health get daily worse , and feeling confident that if she remained much longer in the bouse , her death must be tbe consequence , she made up her mind to leave it , and , on mentioning her intention , she was obliged to take her two children with her out of the Spitaloeids workhouse .
In repiy to the question of Mr . Henry , the poor woman said the father of her infant was her second husband , and on Englishman . Mr . Henry perceiving the poor woman was really so ill that it was with some difficulty she could speak , desired Saunders , one of the summoning officers , to go to Whitechapel workhouse , and direct the attendance of Mursell , the master . In about an hour he made his appearance , and , upon being informed of the nature of the application and complaint of the female , he at onoe commenced an attack upon her about her lazy habits while in the workhouse , and hex not doing any work . Mr . Henry , to Mursell . —Do you think she is in a fit state to work now ? Any one must see that she is very ill , and , whatever may have be « n her conduot heretofore , this is not a proper time to abuse her for what she may have been guilty of . She is evidently very ill , and requires some extraordinary care .
Mursell . —Tbe fact , Sir , is , that she ia a very troublesome person , and 1 understand from the doctor that she has had the modesty to ask for tea , porter , arrowroot , and even port wine . Mr . Henry . —Well , suppose she did ask for tbeae things ; there can be no doubt of her extreme Illness , and I suppose the parochial medical attendant has the power of ordering these things iu cases of illness Ilka hers . Mursell—Oh , yes , your worship . It ifl the doctor ' s business to order it , and be has not ordered anything for this woman . Mr . Henry—Bat I suppose yon have some discretionary power as master of the workhouse f For instance , in cases of Illness , have you not tbe power to order tea to the afflicted pauper ? . Mnrsell—Oh yes . Sir , plenty of it , and this woman was allowed plenty of milk .
Applicant—Yea , I got a little milk , but what was the use of that when there was ne fire allowed in the ward , and I could not wean a child with cold silk . Morsell—Well , it was the doctor ' s business to attend to you , and be has dono sa ; but the fact is , you are a very troublesome person . Mr . Henry—Mr . Mursell , persons in your situation ought to act kindly to those poor persons . Depend upon it , by treating them with kindness you will acquire much more than by hawh treatment Tod should also make some allowance for persons in a state of illness like the applicant , and not take offence at what they may utter while labouring under affliction of body and mind .
The applicaut said , all sbe wanted was to be moved to the sick ward , and to be allowed tea or something else to drink besides water-gruel , which Mrs . Mursell bad told her was quite good enough for her , and better than sbe could get in her own country . Mursell here laughed aloud , upon which Mr . Henry told him such conduct was anything but decorous , and that he ( Mr . Henry ) did not sae anything in the matter to laugh at . Tae poor woman wbb very ill , and he must say there was some ground fur her complaint , Mr . Mursell begged pardon , but said he could not help laughing at such a charge made against one vrho waa the kindest woman in existence ! Mr . Hen » y observed , he had not the power , by law , to compel Mursell or the parish officers to treat the poor woman as she required , bnt be would ask it as a personal favour to himself thatBuch should be done .
The poor woman poured forth a thousand blessings on his worship , and was told to go back to the house again . Murseli , when about to leave the court , said , be was sorry bis time should have been bo taken up ; upon which Mr . Henry expressed some surprise at such conduct , telling him if he bad not attended he should have written to the Poor Law Commissioners on the subject .
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THE LATB STORM . —LOSS OF LIVE 3 OFF THE COAST . From tha various accounts received from different parts of tbe kingdom we regret to state that the storm which visited the metropolis on Wednesday nighfc , and the hurricane of the following day , have been felt throughout the kingdom , particularly along the coast , and have been attended with the loss of a vast deal of property , besides human life . During the whole of Wednesday and Thursday ths wind blow a gale from the W . S . W . to S . W ., which did considerable damage amongst the shipping on the Eastern oast , several having their whole suits of sails , riggia ? , anchors , and cables carried away , and were obliged to put back in the Yarmouth Roads , Margate , and Harwich , being unable from the damage sustained to proceed on their destination . Off Melford , on Thursday , Captain Roes , of the Fair Hope , of Aberavon , passed a smock on shore in Ramsey Sound , and a schooner on the recks of Skotner Ialaud , both deserted ; and also the mast and part of the hull of a smack , N E . of the North Bishop , which is supposed to have foundered , and the crew perished .
So violent was tbe gale that the Phoenix coasting vessel , belonging to Cotton ' s-wharf , while off Folkestone , lost one of her men of the name of John Button . The poor fellow was reefing the mainsail , when be was blown over and lost , the mate nearly experiencing the same fate , he being washed overboard , and saved with considerable difficulty . Between the night of the 8 th and the morning of tbe 9 th the Halcyon , loaded with salt , fron Glocester , was wrecked on the west end of tho Gore Sands , and the whole of the crew , supposed to be nine in number , met with a watery grave . In the course of the day two of tbe bodies were picked up on Blenheim Strand .
On the Welsh coast the loss of life has been considerable . The Milford packet lost a man of the same of Williams , a native of St . David ' s , Pembrokeshire , when tbe vessel was about four miles west of the Smalls . In consequence of the terrific violence of the gale , the poor fellow was blown from the crosstrees , and although several spars and ropes were thrown oat , these exertions were ineffectual . From the state of the sea , arising from the fury of the gale , it waa found impossible to lower the boat ; withina faw minuteB after the accident the poor fellow disappeared . Off Cardiff , theDeEsteralng , bound from Amsterdam , had a seaman washed overboard ; and at Madoc , the following melancholy event occurred :-In tke morning of the 8 fch a boat left the port , containing three young lads , amongst them was the son of Mr . Rees Jones , for the purpose ef
mackerel fishing , in which the party were very successful , bavirg , in the course of two hours , loaded their boat On returning with the boat a sadden tqaall arose , which caught tbe boat and turned her over . Assistance immediately put off , but only two of the youths were saved—> the son of Mr . Jones met a watery grave ; the other two were completely exhausted when rescued from their . perilous situation . Along the Scotch coast the same calamitous results took place , a number of vessels were damaged ; and at Br . de a large vessel laden with grain was wrecked near Sharp ' s Nose , and with one exception the whole of the crew were lost ; the poor fellow who was washed ashare was in so exhausted a condition as to be unable at the time to give any information as to the name of the vessel or number of the crew .
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PERSECUTION OF MR . JOHN DUNCAN . ' AN APPEAL TO THE PEOPLE OF BRITAIN . Broth ebs amd Sisters—We adopt this method of appealing to your sympathies , and love of justice , and fixing your attention upon a most important case , in the bap * that your desire to protect tho innocant and defend the good , will operate so strongly upon your minds that you will be induced , from the purest motives , to sacrifice self-comforts in order to save a friend . Many of you are already aware of the fact , that that man and patriot , John Duncan , bas been arrested by the authorities of Dundee ; that be has been confined eleven days in gaol ere he was permitted to gat out upon bail . He Is charged with offences which we not only believe , bat from a thorough knowledge of all the c jcamstances , are prepared to prove that he is altogether and entirely innocent of .
At tbe three meetings of tbe unemployed , held on tbe Magdalen Green , at which Mr . Duuean spoke—we maintain that he novar condescended to appeal to tke passions of mankind , but addressed himself altogether to the intellectual faculties of the people ; he advised them to crucify every passion , and to let reason and mind only role . By arguments plain , but pointed , he reprobated all wars and tumults— tangbt tbe duties of the ruled as well as cf the rulers—showed the majesty and power of the law—the rights of property—the saoredness of human life—vindicated tbe character of the Dundee magistrates from charges made against them . He advised the people to consult the proper authorities as to the legality of any step , before they ventured to take that step t and by all tho tender ties of children and parents , and the holy and sacred spirit of tbe Christian religion , he appealed to all to be wise , prudent , cautious , sober , temperate , while energetically persevering for the attainment of their rights .
Brothers and Sisters , —We assure you the above is tbe true and real spirit which breathed in all Mr . Duncan said at these meetings ; and it is acknowledged by all , except ¦ —— ¦ , that be acted a wise and a prudent part at these meetings . The spirit and disposition ot the people themselves is oleaily proved from the fact , that after all the noise that has been made about riets and such like , we are not aware of a single pane of glass having being broken by them in Dundee . We have facts which we could detail , that would prove that the success attending Sir . Duncan ' s labours as a Christian teacher la at the bottom ot much of his persecution . These we will make known at tbe proper time . Brothers and Bisters , —Shall the innocent be loft undefended—shall the shepherd be torn from his flockshall our church doors be bolted—shall oar Christian union be broken up—shall the voice of him who has
proved himself a practical Christian be made muteshall bis person be confined in the cold and lonely cellshall virtue and truth be treated like felony and crime , and we be heedless ?—No ! it shall not be ; we love him as we love ourselves , and shall prove it by our works . We shall do our duty . Friends and countrymen , we claim your assistance t « provide fur him the most eminent Counsel at the Soottish bar . Scotland now makes her first appeal . Englishmen , Irishmen , Welshmen , listen to her coll , lend us your aid , contribute your mites , that we may be able to bring forward a powerful array of witnesses and able council , to prove tbe real character , and secure the Ubetty of our common friend , John Duncan .
A few weeks will bring round the day of trialhasten then—send your communications and contributions to Robert Lindsay , secretary , Jackson ' s Land , Sconringburn ; » r , to Robert Kidd , No . 7 , Wellgate , Dundee , treasurer . Signed in Jname of the Christian Chartist Congregation , Robert Kidd , Isaac Peterkin , Robert Linsxy , &c .
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trifling breach of < Uiic \ pline—for every littia irregularity in tbe routine of their pnppet- tie . What ought to prove still , more galling to a generous spirit , they ar « bought and sold by ; tb « ir officers qr , drivew like a gang of negroes ; and it matters not what merit a mau possess even in that abominable calling , nor what the length of bis services , be constantly sees youcger and less able men preferred over bis head , just as birth , interest , . or flsttery happens to promote them . Men who can enter such a way of life , who can submit W all its debasing requisitions , Its degrading duttoi , are just the men , out of a desperate spite against human nature itself , to do Bach things as these men , theso murd » rom machines are set to do ; bat all the bad passions of our
nature are fostered in them , are Incited by method and rewards to fit them for such Seadishness . It coulri not else be that we should hear of these men firing at their brethren , whom they ought rather to soothe—to auo » oour , firing at them by the command of those who inflict the miseries which drive the people to maoness —miseries which they themselves once knew , enco felt , and were refusad redress , relief : firing at them not constrainedly , bat willingly , and afterwards boasting of it , evan exceeding the bloody instructions which they have been taught . Why , if they were men , they Kould rather tarn and execute those orders on the monsters who can isaue them—who alose deserve to fiufft : i by them .
Soldiers have generally been complimented with one virtue in the absence or at the expence of all others— - with bravery—but what bravery is there in men going armed and accoutred on horseback—confident with impunity and concert—against an unarmed , a defenceless , « naked erowd on foot , fainting with famine ? Sorely the bravery is on the opposite side—the bravery is on the side of tbe poor starving bat p . tient men , women , and children who boldly face tbe gallant warriors that attack them . The fact is , it is never courage , it is invariably cowardice that prompts these attacks and can be no other . Certain timid olU men called magistrates , hear balloes and are alarmed— they get panic-struck—they lose all presence of mind—thty send for soldiers , the riot act is read , and under cover
of that the soldiers fire ; for cowardice is always cruel —it dare not trust 'taelf—it dare not trnst others the timid ,-the terrified are always suspicious and vindictive . But all men nre net alike—some even among the sou Tien revolt against tha riaty assigned them—sicken at itthey refuse to fire upon their unarmed , unoffending fellow-countrymen . One hundred and fifty , it is paid , grounded their arms , and they are to be punished for their humanity—for their true bravery—they have ben lodged , heavily ironed in the Tower , and will probably be shot fur refusing to shoot their own sisters and brothers ; th « ir own fathers and mothers , whoa- sole crime was the madness of despair . But tbe people will houour these cleiaeat men—the people I trust wili save them .
These soldiers have shewn themselves worthy of a better lot—pity it is that their freeborn lirubs hould ever have been cased In tbe hellish livery of tyrantsthat they should ever have worn tbe tinselled snnt ; uinary garb of war—that they should efer have suff red tbe image of God in their persons to be strapped , buckled , fcdizaned , and thus btfoooletl . In ancient Rome the soldier who saved a cittonfe life was rewarded ' . rtth a crown—these saved by sparing tbe lives « f many citi-B ± ns—let them be crowned with glory—may they be crowned immortally .
But the police hare no such scruples of consciencethey feet no such compunctious visttings—they iiave said , and I heard many of them avow it , that if the soldiers refuse to flro on the people , we'll smash their beads for them . The police are paid by the middle classes , and Ibis may make the difference in their strtimeata , for the seldlen probably remembered that they are kept in idleness by the labour cf tho working classes , and could they shoot those who bad worked to f « ed and clothe them , and would still bave been working bad not oppression made them mad ? But for that oppression , this blood would not have been shed —the Isle would not have been frightened from its propriety" —and while that oppression continues , who can ensore the country from & recurrence of these horrors—from a constant recurrence of them , or tbe more fearful horrors of assassination and incendi arism ? of
Before we ^ uit this part oar subject , It may not be amiss to state what are tae real duties of solaienr and police . Soldiers should be raised for the protection of tbe people , not for their reduction—to shed the blood not of their countrymen , but of their country's foes—they are to preserva as from foreign invasion and domestic tyranny , to fight in defence of liberty—not on behalf of tyranny , for then they cease to be soldiers , they become mercenaries , cutthroats . They are properly tbe servants of the state , not of tbe Queen , or of
Government—they are supported by the people , although our cunning tyrants have constituted themselves their paymasters , and thus make it appear that tbe pay comtB out of their pockets , when in reality it comes from the pockets of the people . British aeldiers formerly knew their duty better—they knew their duty wall , and did it , too , when in the reign of James the Second they sided with the people , against that bigotted king , aad forced him to abdicate the throneaye , expelled the tyrannical race of Stuarts for ever , even as the Tar quins were expelled from Rome .
As for tbe police—no one would object to the men if they kept witain their proper Ixmndfl—if they contented themselves with being the guards of life and property , but w uau they provoke the people to break the peace , in order that they may have a pretext for breaking theii beads and bringing them before the bench for committal to prison , that they may show their leal and obtain preferment—they clearly overstep the legitimate line oi their duty and are themselves the crimiBdb , deserving of the severest punishment . So far from doini , ' injustice , they should see that none . is done—so far from interfering with the people when peaceably met to discuss their grievances , they should see that none else interfere with them , and should always guard those liberties which , alas , they too of ten violate .
Blood has been shed—blood that calls I will not say for more blood , but for tears . For who were the victims—what was the crime—why did they rise—wherefore did they i riot ? They rose that they might not be entirely pressed to earth—ground to dust They were provoked to it—forced to it . Once risen they took the f # od which they could not earn—they committed some outrages—some acts of vengeance not indiscriminateacts of retaliation , of retribution . Far less outrages were committed by the men on their masters , tban the musters had previously committed on the men ; for the people are always more ready to forgive than to punish , and are seldom vindictive , often goodhumoured . — Though they bad taken the law in their own hands , they exercised' their irresistible power witb justice ,
with mercy . Will the middle-class juries be so forgiving ? will the judge on his judgment-seat be so merciful ? Wili be in cold blood be so sparing as they in hot blood were ? I am afraid not The men struck for liberty , and Government can least forgive a strike for freedom . Tke civil authorities will finish the work begun by the military . The blood that has besn shed will not be deemed sufficient to atone for the offences of ths people ; there will be imprisonments and transportations . Oh . should not our hearts bleed for those who have bled ? It is our duty to consider their cases seriously , solemnly . Tbe most worthy bave fallen —the warmest-hearted , the bravest , tbe foremost have been marked—were singled out and shot—shot through
the brains , through tho bowels , through the heart , through the liver , through the lungs—horribly shot I The poor fellows writhing in the agonies o ? death are borne , home . What an increase to tbe Efflictions of a pining family already overwhelmed by misery ! They went oat for bread for a brokenspirited wife and squalid children , and are brought back to them wounded , bleeding , expiring!— -their blood flows and cannot be stanched . They die , cursing the demons who had shot them , while their bereaved and destitute families mourn , but the legislators , whose class-laws—the millowners , whose selfish love of lucre caused this pretty work / should be there to witness it It they weie , would they not be touuhed witb pity ?
" Yes , as rocks are ; For when the widow's cries assails their eara And undone orphans wash witb tears their thresholds , They only think what 'tis to be Styled Honourable , and 'tis a powerful charm Makes them insensible to remorse or the Least touch of pity . " Now what were the crimes of those poor people tbus suddenly 3 ent to an untimely grave , wrr . pped in a bloody shrond ? They were tffactionate to their wives , whom they wished to make more comfortable ; th&y loved their children , and wished for tbe mean 3 of educating them and setting them forward virtuously iu tho world ; they wished for a faruished horns with a stored cupboard ; to ba decently clothed , to iive respectably ; and for these good wishes , for being good fathers , good husbands , good citizona , they were rmhliissly shotvio
an end was put to their wants , to their miseries , by a - lent , adreadful death . Will Government provide for their widows and orphans—Government that barbarously deprived them of their national protectors ? Ik would be well for the soldiers to know that not one of the victims thus shot for wishing to have wages that he could live by , but would have assisted those soldiers bad they been in similar distress ; would have givea them alms bad they been disbanded and sent abont the country a-begging , after balng crippled or disabled in tbe service of Government j a parallel case . It would b » well for Prince George , of the blood royal , who thirsted t » dye bis sword in their blood , to know that soy one of them would bate been too fooHshljr loyal had be wanted their services . See what crimes it costs to support injustice ! These are its results , and these results will happen again and again , until the accursed system is reformed by tbe People's Charter . ¦ -
_ . Wbat allegiance is due to a Government who , after reducing s people to this pass , ends them thus horribly f Society is dissolved by it Say that the interests of tbe aristocracy require these bloody sacriflees f Ob , surely the interests of humanity should take precedency over every other Interest Perish tbe aristocracy , -it Its splendours can be maintained only by shedding the blood of the unfortunate and the miserable—which they call justifiable homicide I ( To be concluded in our next . ) ^ fc
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On honday moraine the body of a Trall-drcand woman , with several rings on her fingers , was ta ' tea oat of the river , off Caokold ' a Point , Botherhiihe , and conveyed to the dead-houBe .
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EXTENSIVE FIKE AT LIVERPOOL . The promptitude , energy , and fearless activity of our admirably orgauizsd police force have made fires of an extensive and destructive character of but rare occurrence in this town for several years past On Monday evening , however , a fire took place near the Prince ' s Dock which for a long time baffled all their skill , energy , and courage , and occasioned , we are sorry to say , the destruction of a large amount of valuable property . The flro In question took place at a large bonded warehouse situate in Gallon-street , Dundee-street , and Glasgow-street , aid is , we believe , the property of Sir John Tobin . It is called Tobin ' s bonded warehouse , No . 212 . The front , or gable end , which looks to the west of the warehouse , is in a narrow , street called , we believe , Glasgow-street The south side of tbe warehouse is in a rather broad street , now called Galtonstreet , but better known by its former name of Robert-Btreet North . Tha north side of the warehouse is in a
narrow street called Dundee-street , on the opposite aide of vjhlch is a long range of lofty warehouses . On the eastern end , the warehouse adjains private dwelling-houses . The upper stories of this extensive warebouse were filled with cotton , coffee , sugar , rice , && The vaults , we believe , are stored with materials of a still more inflammable character , such as palm oil , turpentine , and rum . The warehouse , we understand , was dosed at the usual hour , four o ' clock , and all was then safe , as ususL In little more than an hour after , or about twenty minutes past five o ' clock , smoke was observed to issue from the door ef the jigger loft , and very speedily tbe flames became observable , and spread with remarkable rapidity . Information of this was promptly communicated to tbe nearest police station , and at halfp&st five , Mr . Whitty , Sup erintendent Leverett , and
other officers were on the spot Engine * quickly followed , and though the fire had then gained considerable head , it might probably have been subdued before It had penetrated to the story underneath , had there been an abundant and ready supply of water . But this was not obtainable . In the course of time , however , the watermen arrived , plugs were opened , water carts , and the huge tank belonging to the fire police , drawn by seven horses , wer e put into requisition , and a plentiful supply of fresh and salt water was obtained . The tank and carts drew their supply fI 6 m tbe dock , tbe tide being nearly out , and the basin almost empty . Three engines were also placed at the dock , to furnish a supply for the working engines , of which there were , including one or two belonging to insurance companies , no less than fourteen or fifteen at work within an hour or so after tbe commencement ot the fire .
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Mr Hewitt , Mr . Whitty . and the men under their command exerted themselves with all the daring » nd akillfor which they have become celebrated , in order to arrest the progress of the destructive element ; but it nevertheless . gradually descended Into the lewer apartments , and began to assume a terrifle , though magnificent aspect Men were briefly employed in emptying tae stores to those rooms to which the flames had not penetrated , and good deal of cotton and other articles were gat out , and deposited in an adjoining street Whilst engaged in thia work , some of the bricks forming the arch of the uppermost doorway fell down upon one of the poor and toiling labourers , who was crashed toi the earth , apparently lifeless . He was quickly taken up by some of his companions , and , though severely braised and crushed about the lower pait of the body , his head escaped with a slight contusion , and he is , we believenot fatally injured .
, The roef of the warehoase fell In about half-past eight o ' clock , and from that time the prospect of saving the lower part of the building seemed almost hopeless . The fire police , however , mounted on tall ladders to the upper doors and windows , and directed tbe boae of tbe ¦ varieua engines to those parts where tho conflagration wax the fiercest The vast mass of water thus steadily directed upon the blszing pile seemed at one time ( about ten o ' clock ) to be slowly obtaining the mastery overthe fiery element , and a confident eapectatlon was entertained that it would be prevonted from progressing below the third or fourth story . At one time the moss of flame emitted from the glowing pile extended nearly across Galtonstreet , and some fear was entertained for the safety of one or two of the houses on the southern side of the street . A rsport , in fact -was circulated that one house had actually taken flre ; but this was not correct The
sheet or wane of flame speedily became contracted in volume , and all fear of the aouthwa side of Galtonstreet was at an end . The inhabitants of the houses on the north side of Galten-streefc , adjoining the burning warehouse , naturally became soon alarmed / and removed tbe whole of their effects . In the midst of the awful and solemnly Imposing scene , a circumstance of an almost ludicrous character took place . A considerable quantity of the half coneumed coffee was ejected Into the street ; the heated water thrown back from the glowing walls of the finning interior , poured into the channels , and , carrying with it the wasted coffee and quantities of melted sugar formed a beverage which some portion of the vast crowd of spectators were eagerly employed in scooping up In the hollow of their hands , and drinking . — Liverpool Times .
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A SHIP OF FIRE—PERILOUS SITUATION . ( From the Liverpool Albion ) The following extract from the log-book of the ship R 3 nown , Captain Hosken , on her passage from Sydney , New South Wales , to this pott , with a cargo ef wool , gives an account of the breaking out of a fire in the bold , from the spontaneous combustion , it is supposed , of the wool ; of the perilous situation of the crew and tbe passengers ; and of the skilful and persevering manner in which the parties on board subdued the flames , thereby saving the vessel and her cargo , as well as their own lives . The narrative is highly interesting : — "June 24 . —At eight o ' clock , a . m ., moved the spara on the larboard side , and in so doing perceived a curious smell . At nine o ' clock , a . m ., remarked the same kind of smell ia the cabin . Overhauled all the ship , but discovered nothing . At noon , a similar smell . Latitude obtained 25 28 S ., long . 38 43 .
" 25 th . At half-past twelve o ' clock , p . m ., cleared the sail-cabin , store-room , and everything out of the berths , and in so doing found tb . 8 sme ! l prooeeded from the hold , between the bulk-heads of the cabin and quarter-deck . The smell increased , having every symptom of the wool being on fire . Pressed tbe people to work to get part of the provisions on deck , all the spirits , oil , rope , ito . ; closed all down , and matte all as air-tight as possible , and kept the ahip before the wind for Rio . Pumps duly attended to , and all possible sail set to advantage . Cleared away the longboat and pinnace , got the tackle rovo , and all ready for gettinf the boats out Latitude 24 , 20 , long , — .
" 20 th—At 12 o ' clock , p . m ., commenced moderate breeze and cloudy , all sail set to advantage , standing towards the laad . At four o'clock p . m ., smoke was observed coming through the break of the second deck , and smelling like the smoke of wool . At six o ' clock p . m ., tho smell increasing very much , and every symptom of tbe ship being on fire , the captain ordered the longboat and pinnace to be hoisted overboard , with masts and sails , and sent the most useless of the passengers in them . The boats being ready , were put astern of the ship , with a cask of water , borne provisions and spirits , two chronometers , and what was required for navigating the boats to land . At this time the brass of the sky-light and wood of the companion appeared red-hot . Covered the coats
of the masts , skylights and companion with blankets and sails which were constantly kept Vfct At half past eleven P . M ., fire was discovered bursting through the starboard side , a little before the main chains ; water was thrown in to stop the flames . The boats were now ordered alongside the ship for the remainder of the passengers , and somo of the crew sent into them , except two of the passengers , who txtrted themselves in a most able manner for the safety of the ship , namely . Dr . Hampton , R . N ., and Mr . Joseph Lane , the captain having determined to remain by the ship , in hopes of saving her and cargo , kcepirjg the mate and seven of the crew on board , who were employed pouring water tato the holes made by the fire , at the same time constantly keeping the companion , skylights ,
and coats of tbe masts and deck wet At midnight , light brcezss and . fine weather : towing the boats astern with passengers , the flre still increasing from midnight to four o ' oiopk a . m ., when the craw that were in the boats were ordered to come on board to relieve those that had been working all night At delight , being in sight of land , the Captain determined to break into the ship , by cutting away the covering board where the flre appeared to be most rapid . Got some caeks of water filled on d&cfc . At six o ' clock am ., all ready , and the ship ' s company all en the spot , also Dr . Hampton and Mr . Joseph Lane to assist , commenced cutting away with the broad adza , and pouring water into the hold . At eight o ' clock am . the fire appeared to be abated , and tbe half-deck batches were broken open to find the extent of the flre .. The batches being broken
open , water was thrown down as fast as possible . Cleared away tbe half-deck , and found nearly all the sails were burnt and the snip's stores and provisions all spoiled by tke fire . At nine o ' clock a . m ., the fire appeared to be extinguished . A sail in sight In shore : sent away by Mr . Lane and five men in the ship ' s gig to provide a passage for some of the passengers , tbe ladles having appeared to suffer much from alarm and being in the boats all night At eleven o ' clock a . m ., returned * and reported the vessel was bsund to Rio , and that the captain would take about six passengers . Captain Hosken then put on board Mr . and Mrs . Bradley , Mrs . Rose , Mr . Garrott , Mr . Perry , and two sailors . At noon tbe captain returned to tbe ship , hoisted up thepinnance andgia , towing the longboat astern of the ship . Pumps dulyjattended to .
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' —¦ ¦ ¦¦ ™ ¦ ¦¦¦ ii " inii — ™*^^^^ r ^^ r ^^^^^^^ SM ^^^^ ZSBfcSS ^ M " 27 tb > At twelve o ' clock , p . m ., commenced ligut winds and pleasant weather ; made all possible sail , plying to windward . At "four o ' clock , Her Majesty ' s brig Fantome spoke the captain , kindly offered us assistance , and sent a boat aboard , with one lieutenant and surgeon to inspect the state of the ship , and there'were no symptoms of the fire to be saen . The Fantome ' s boat left the snip . At eight o ' clock light winds and clear weather ; no appearance of fire ; employed throwing water over the burnt part of tbe ship . Midnight , ditto weather ; threw mere water over the ship . At four o ' clock & . » ., a moderate bree » from W . S . W . running along the land ; set all studding-sails . At noon no appearance of flre .
" 28 th . Lat observed 23 30 , long . 28 , commenced with a fine breeze and pleasant weather . At three o ' clock , p . m . found the wool to be on flre in the bold in tbe same place as before . All hands were immediately ordered to pour water on the fire , and to take the burning wool on deck . At four o ' clock p . m . there was no fire to be seen but some of the wool was still very hot . At eight o ' clock light wind and cloudy ! no appearance of nre ; set a watch In the hold to watch for the fire breaking out again . At daylight saw the entrance to R ' . o harbour , bearing N . E by E . At noon appearance of fire . Lat . 23 9 S ., at four o ' clock p . m ., anchored in tbe harbour of Rio de Janeiro . "
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THE LATE STRIKE , ITS CAUSES AND EFFECTS . BEING THE SUBSTANCE OF A LECTURE DELIVERED IN LONDON BY JOHN WATKINS . PAST II . "He that will not work shall net eat , "says the Scripture , but man has reversed this ordinance of God . Our Lords and Dukes toil not , neither do they spin , and yet Solomon in all his glory w&b not arrayed like one o these . The working men who dig—who weave—are nnftid , tmclothed , and could not be worse off ware they indeed the Idle and disorderly persons that Government , to serve a factious purpose , says they are . While thore is bread enough and to spare , tbey ought not to perish with hunger .
It was neble of the turn-outs to elevate their Strike from a Strike for wages to a strike for freedom . Had they succeeded in their object , posterity would have bailed them as tbe saviours of their country . That Strike was tantamount to a declaration of war against the Government , and who will say that such a war would not be just—is not necessary ? When any foreign power injures or insults this country it is the duty of Government to demand redress or apology , and if refused to declare war . Government did so with respect to the Emperor of China , who , in bis fatherly care for his people , having caused a quantity of poison which certain English merchants had sent to Mis Empire for eale , to be destroyed , thereby to prevent the destruction of his subjects by it , compensation was
demanded by the British Government , which being refused by tho Chinese , was was straightway declared against them , and the British troops are now ravaging their country with flre and sword , doing the work which the poison was prevented from doing . Surely , if our Government deems such a war justifiable , -well may tha people , who have time after time petitioned for redress in vain , who have been answered only by additional oppression and insult , well may they thick themselves justified in proclaiming war against tyranny nnd monopoly . Such a war is more than just , it is glorious . But in declaring war it ia not only necessary that we have a just cause , but also that we have the means of carrying it on to a successful Issue ; else , instead of-exterminating tyrants , we shall but
give them fresh scope and greater power . The Chutist Executive appointed to direct the movements of the people do rig ^ t in encouraging a spirit of freedom , but they did wrong in encouraging a strike at this particular time when prudence saw no likelihood of its success . For let us just look at the result of their advice—they muflt , have known that a people off work are off wages—when off wages they are off food , and how can tbey obtain it except by force ; this brings them into collision witb the military , and not baying the means of defence , much less of attack , tbey are slaughtered at ease , while all the « M ! e their injudicious advisers are ensconced behind their own unsigned and irresponsible document , leading not , acting not , sharing not
Toe people were out , without leaders and without previsions . What had Government prsvided fox them —Government that bad driven them to the distress and desperation had provided for their destruction , by sabres and carbines , bludgeons , pistols , and bayonets , and , more than all , by artillery to sweep them from off the face of the earth in numbers together . At sight of tbe villancus tools of tyranny—the human butchers sent to slaughter them , tbe people utter a volley of execrations—tbey cannot contain their indignationthey cast stones—the riot act is rea- *—the soldiers are ordered to fire , aa order which they gladly obeymany of the peepie are wounded—they drop—they expire—the re&t disperse to avoid a similar fate .
And who are the soldiers , —what manner of men are they , —what are they mode off Tbe majority of them are from the people ; they were once in similar distressed circumstances , and regarded it as a dire alternative that they must either become the viotima or the tools of their oppressors . Men ef a rightly-constituted mind would not bave hesitated s moment in their choice ; or if they did list into the army they would still remember they were ertce working men ; they would remember the brethren they bad left , and they would never suffer themselves te become the willing instruments of the tyrants who bad cursed them with the necessity of such a Btate ; they would never willingly identify themselves with those whom they had been accustomed to regard with scorn , nor do the very deeds which they bad once abhoned others for doing .
But every pains is taken to flfc them for tbe bloody uses for which they are designed ; tbey are separated from their fellow men—distinguished by their dresstrained in arts of butchery—taught to regard brutality as their duty—the will of their commanders Lhowever revolting to justice ) as law , which , If disobeyed , will subject them te the severest punishment ; in short , they are transformed from men to monsters , and become homicides , fratricides , and even parricides at the bidding of their officers . Now , no consideration on earth ought to induce men to engage in a line of life that requires these things to be done ; and what is the paltry consideration which Induces these men?—a shilling per day—mere subsistence—the fare of a wild beast , and the dress of a showman ! And they are liable to have their flesh flogged off their bones for every
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THE NORTHERN STAR . 7
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Sept. 17, 1842, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse2.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1179/page/7/
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