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TO THS FORKING CLASSES . Mr De * b Fjueots , —On Saturday last the Northern fctr entened npon the ninth year of its existence , tews completed 417 numbers—a fact , the realisat ion of which vras not anticipated either by those to uiose monopoly and injustice it has been a constant annoyance and consistent opponent , or by those of whose rights it has been the unflinching andunpur-^ jjasea Ue adToeate . It has , during that per iod , esta-Huhed for itself a character , and for you a position , to which the historian or the journalist of the present Mr wiB n 0 * " * ^ daim , or your title . However ,
**"" " ¦ ffehavelivedandlovtd together , " an are best acquainted with our own secrets , it will not be oat of place , if I should briefly run over the cast , considering what has been done , and what , without snch an organ , might have been done , and take a prospective glance at the future , and what we have a rig ht to expect , shall be accomplished . ¦ ffhenthe Northern Starves first established the i . ress of the factions assigned to it but a short existence , asd , therefore , made copious use of the infor mation it communicated , extracting whole columns
« s the most interesting news of the day . When , however , they saw its rapid progress , and a rapid j ise In public estimation , they also saw the danger o chronicling that popular power of which it was the weekly mirror . For thi 3 reason the press of the country has for seven and a half years entered into a conspiracy sot to notice anything that appeared in jhe Northern Star , and to this , fact , more than to any ether , we are to ascribe that total , enable , and dangerous ignorance manifested by the higher orders , of all matters concerning your welfare , " and connected Trith your movement-.
The press was , and is , jealous of the Northern Star , because it never has allowed patchwork patriots to court sectional popularity for individual aggrandisemenfe- « r party elevation . It has taken the bold stand—the distinctive line . In the outset it proclaimed the necessity of making one party of the whole class of wealth-producers , bo as in due time they may be enabled to fight the battle against the idle consumers . Through it I have endeavoured to marshal non-elective influence against electoral power . Very early in its infancy I threw aside all those political badges which distinguish the respec
tive parties , and , for the first time in the history of politics , I divided society into the two classes of rich oppressors and the poor oppressed . The very many new and fascinating juggles that have been presented to the public eye , whether by individuals or parties , lhave invariably met in the outset with the cry of Union , democracy , and no compromise . I have sacrifeed friends the most dear , and acquaintances the most valued , rather than bndge one inch from this jny stern purpose . There is no vexation , insult , opprobrium , oppression , or injustice , to which man could be exposed , that I have not endured , in consequence of my strict adherence to principle .
Every attempt thai the most wicked could devise , er the most cunning could execute , has been resorted loin the most underhand way to destroy the efficiency and to insure the death of the Northern Star . Open foes and professing friends have united for this one common object , and yet the Star lives , and sHAiilive despite their hellish machinations . The subjects that have been discussed since the Star jirst made its appearance have been , most of them , of a new character , and many of them of gigantic importance . In meeting those new doctrines I have ever wielded the pen myself , and I now , ? with pride and confidence , appeal to the sequel as proof that the conversion of many journals and the acquiesence of the
whole people has stamped approval upon the coursel nave taken . Through the most bustling and dangerous times the Star has nerer shrunk from the avowal of its adopted principles , while I have ever stood in the foremost ranks of danger . There are times when popular excitement may madden enthusiastic minds into uncontrolable action , but if we contrast our present position with those means to -which faction has been obliged to resort for oht humiliation , I think vre may reasonably come io the conclusion , notwithstanding our trials , our sufferings , sad onr losses , that there has been a nresiding and ¦ protective spirit ^ watching over the genius of Chartism .
How often have I asked you to compare the pa 3 t with the present , by considering what yon were and ¦ what you are . You were weak , powerless , and unconnected : you are strong , powerful , and united , if not in action , atleast in thought—and that is the first great step . How pftea have I told you that there were three distinct ' stages in popular agitation —the creation of apublic opinion ; the concentration of the public mind ; and the direction of that public mind . How often have I fold yon fliat the existence of three political parties was incompatible with the
existence of peace , law ,. and order ; and how often lave I told yon that my policy was to destroy one of those political parties , so that thereby we may reduce the strugg le to thebattle of right against might . TFhen by that policy , so much denounced by shortaghted fools , we had destroyed "Whiggery for everthe peoplebegan to recognise its justice . I asserted , in 1841 , thatthe effectof the breaking up of the "Whig Government mast result in the coalition of Russell and Peel , and that then the battle would be reduced to its proper character . -
The arrangements which are now being made prove &e trnfli of my prediction , while for the past it requires butlitfleforesighttocondude that the Whigs , deserted by their most popular leader , will have no alternative but once more to fall back upon popular support . Upon the other hand , those Whig leaders would now find the moving power in a very different temper and position to what they found it when they last -H 5 ed it for the accomplishment of their own bkfobm . It is only when this straggle , which is fast approaching , takes place , that justice can be done to enr policy , our bravery , our strength , and our resolution . We but require the countenance and support
of even such a minority as disbanded , distracted , and disappointed Whiggery would give us , to carry our principles entire and without compromise . In such a eontest we would consent to no exchange of popnlar strength for Parliamentary support , upono&er cenditions than that our own Duncombeshouldbe the acknowledgedleaderof the popularParliamentary force . We would have no more Irish beggars , placemen , pensioners , paupers , country slayers , and country sellers . We would fight the unitedbattie of England and Ireland against the combined force of Toryism Kojal , loyal Repealism , and Irish Patronageism , at one and the same time .
There are , I confess , those short-sighted politicians who ask in what , after your long straggle , is your increased power manifest ? To that I answer that in England no party , except the ruling party , ha 3 other than obstructive power , and that obstructive power which has been the basis and the gem of our policy is possessed by us to a greater extent than by any other party . The Whigs are out of office and have no power . The League , the Complete Suffragists , and deserters of all shades , are our bitter opponents , and yet our strength renders their power a . nonentity .
It is not now , however , that the proper character can be assigned to the improved position we have achieved since Chartism was last arrested—that power can be only tested when the first opportunity occurs for displaying the strength of the respective parties . That opportunity will be furnished when ever a general election takes place , and then it will be discovered , that while all other sections of the movement party have perished , that Chartism only slumbered , and had gained new strength and vigour in the season of calm and inactivity .
If TrehavebatUei our way gloriously against the persecution of both Whigs and Tories during the hot season of excitement and agitation , vre have proved ourselves patriots and philosophers by living through the calm . There is a philosophy in idleness , and while upon the one hand it would be madness to push popular excitementbeyondthecapability ofthe popular mind to bear it , so , upon the other hand , wouldit iave been apostacy , treachery , and treason , to have abandoned a principle which required neither excitement nor agitation to prove its value and its worth . 3 n this consists our strength ; we havenot only lived , fatweiave fcepioOTprinriples alive , and onr charac ters uncontaminated through the gloomy season , and now as the period for activity arrives , we are ready once more IP buckle o * ihe armour of agitation .
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Another portion of my policy , and one which has subjected me to all the tortures that " a jury class could impose , has been to destroy all reliance upon middle class support—that is a middle class consisting of the owners of an artificial producing power , the deadliest enemy of manual labour . My . constant cry has been , rely upon yourselves , asd vpos vouhselves alose , and while this advice , together with our pro-Tory policy and obstructive movement has been reprobated by O'Connell , Cobden , Sturge , and the Whigs , we nevertheless find that ' . one and all have been compelled to admit its prudence by adopting
its practice . Thirteen years come the 4 th ot February next , is a long period for a stranger to have preserved the confidence of so justly a suspicious people as the English ; and yet amid all the bustle , the changes , and agitation of that long period , I have done it . With the whole force of every party opposed tome , the austerity of open foes , and the ambition of pretended friends , the utmost that faction or candour could-lay to my charge has been vanity , shortsightedness , or inconsistency . Vain I confess I am . Every day's fulfilment of my predictions prove that I havenot been shortsighted , . whfle your confidence tolls me that I have not been inconsistent .
No party but that of the whole people could have successfully withstood the many assaults to which we have been exposed . Government persecution , unaided and alone , the power of capital single-handed , the authority of itfCal justices , the prejudices of the jury class , the conceded right of judgment to the police , the treacherous and culpable abandonment of their order by the aristocracy of labour , the subserviency of the press , and above all , the desertion from our ranks of the swarms of locusts who preyed upon us , and pismires whostung us , would any one of them have been sufficient to crush any sectional movement , while as a . national body we have defied the united powers of all . Such for the last eight years has been the Dolicy of the Star . Such has been the course
that I have undeviatingly pursued , and while the one shall stand through , all the perishing blasts oi time as the record of your courage , your patriotism , and your power , the other will , I trust , establish for me a monument more proud and lasting than all the honours that traitors can confer upon usurpers . I cannot conclude this address without proudly observing that cruelty and injustice has produced from our ranks the greatest liviog poet of the age , while persecution has given birth to orators from your owh class whose eloquence is unsurpassed by ancient or modern demagogues . Reminding you then of our motto , our strength is in our union , our power in our voice , and onr success in our perseverance , let us once more raise the rallying shout , " ONWARD
AJfD WE CONQUER , BACKWARD AND WE FALL . " THE PEOPLES' CHARTER , ANB JfO SURRENDER . Ever your faithful friend , And unpurchaseable servant , Fbabges O'Coxnor .
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THE LAND . 10 TBE "WOEKING CLASSES . " Mx Dbah Fhjexds , —Doubtless the great exertions that are now being made to realise the foitd anticipations of our association as speedily as possible , have given you as much pleasure as they have giv-a me . No philanthropist—no patriot—no honest man can look without pleasure and satisfaction at the receipts of the two past weeks for the emancipation of the labouring classes . No man can read the simple , but eloquent letter of Nicholas Canning , without coming to the conclusion that the good seed of redemption
has been sown in the most barren grounds .: As a matter of course , the early prospect of an extensive commencement which now presents itself will require increased attention . and great induetryupon the part ef the managers and of the shareholders You lost all the benefit that would otherwise have arisenfrom Reform , because you did not know how to use the measure in its infancy ; and if you had got the Charter while you were in the same state of ignorance , its framers would have bo frittered away its principles by the mystification of cumbrous details , as to have left you but the mere shadow of the bill .
As with politics , so with all other sciences , and especially so with the science of agriculture . Before people enter upon practical operations they should instruct themselves , as far as their means will allow , in acquiring knowledge upon the subject . To effect this desirable object , then , I would earnestly urge upon the several branches the necessity o f holding class meetings every Sunday night , and oftener , if possible , for the purpose of mutual instruction upon agricultural questions . I would recommend that a very short address , in very simple language , and without one unnecessary word king used , of about half an hour ' s length , should he delivered in the first
instance , by a person selected upon the previous Sunday for that office ; and as soon as that individual is selected , pride will , no doubt , induce him to make himself master of the particular subject to be discussed , while the same motive will induce others to instruct themselves , in order that they may criticise and comment upon his lecture . As soon as the lecture is concluded , which should be altogether free from any attempt at eloquence , or long words , a chairman should then be appointed , and a conversational discussion should commence , and should last
for two hours , at least ; and a rule should be passed , in order to save time , that the chairman should decide upon all points of order , without any discussion arising upon his decision . This I take to be the A B C of agriculture ; and , while those steeped in old follies are engaged at agricultural dinners and nonsense talking , I do not think that the working classes can be better employed than in learning the ABC and the grammar of agriculture . If this plan is generally acted upon , the following will be the results : —
Firstly , their knowledge of a science for the propagation of which they are called upon to pay their monies will furnish the most wholesome check upon those officers who are called upon to apply their resources . Secondly , it will enable them to judge justly , as to whether or not the transition from an artificial to anaturallife will be beneficial orinjurious to them . Thirdly , it will prepare them , when their day of location comes , to commence operations with all the advantages that can be derived from reading ,
thought and reflection . Fourthly , it will make those who may be thrown together as neighbours , more friendly and more useful one to another . Fifthly , independently of the great value of co-operation for the purpose " of purchase , it will teach them the value of the two great principles of individual possession and co-operation of labour . And sixthly , andabove all , as far as I am concerned , it will protect me , the father of the Plan , against all the penalties of failure , arising from ignorance .
Yon will see , from the short address of the Directors , that they have , in compliance with numerous representations from distant parts , postponed the day of holding the Conference from Monday the 1 st of December to Monday the 8 th of December . This was considered indispensable for securing a fair representation of those several districts which must unite for the purposes of representation , and by its adoption all possibility of surprise or injustice is
removed . Now , even up to that period , I think it very desirable that the shareholders should meet as often as they possibly can for the purpose of diseussing the several propositions that they shall counsel their delegate either to propose , or support , or oppose in Conference . That this Land Plan is now making rapid and extensive progress in the highest quarters may be gathered from the following extract which I select from the leading article of the Times ' fif Wednesday last . The writer , after deprecating the several
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modes recommended by the famine-mongers for the mitigation of distress arising from the failure of potatoes in Ireland , and / after a very just censure of an Act of Parliamentfor promoting certain improvementain that country , suggested the following remedy Itisnotaifficult to suggest a / remedy . ' Lel-theiL'Orks be undertaken by Government at once ' , and sifficient security be taken for the future repayment bftheexpenee . Do not wait for the slow and cautious movements of individuate . ! guided and governed , of course ; toy ' selfish view ' s ; The letters of our Commissioner have more than sufficiently proveS liow noble a field those very districts oflreland most menaced by famine present for such enterprise . H it'be objected that the consent and co-operation of indi-. vidualsis necessary , and that to proceed -without theK being first obtained might be to incur useless expense , the answer is made by denying the probability . Let the experiment be tried—success i » certain . Let the Government but begin to move , no obstacles will he found in their path . . . ¦ .. - ¦ ¦ . ¦ ¦ . '¦ _ ¦
-. Of all the suggestions for the present relief of Ireland , the employment of her population in publie workB of permanent utilitj seems the least , objectionable , as it is by far the most obvious and simple . The millions of unclaimed acres wluch now tie in unprofitable and unwholesome swamp , furnish not only ah object for . the labour of the present generation , but u teeming granary for the support of thousands yet unborn . The officers of the ' Ordnance department might bejess ; U « efullj ,. employed than in jaaJiiiig surrejs f , or . the drainage of these marshy ' Their high" ihafacter for-practical science furnishes a guarantee for the efficient performance of the ' work , and their employment entails no expense . Co-operating with the Board- , of . ] Works , who are the commissioners under the act we have alluded to , they may be made instrumental in carrying out its objects without contravening its . particular provisions—advancing before , not interfering with , its cumbrous machinery .
But whatever be done , there is need of haste . Not the nervous haste of fear , urged _ by impending danger , but the quick decision of manly energy . It is well for Mr . O'Connell aud his faction to exclaim , with an ostentation of magnanimity , that Ireland requires no aid from England ; that give her but her just rights and she is suffi . cient to herself . Such bravadoes may sound well within the walls of Conciliation-hall , but they will surely be drowned by the indignant cries of a starving peasantry . Ireland must have aid from England—speedy and effectual aid . "Whether it be presented in the shape of charity , or in the form we have suggested , in some way or other it must be afforded .
Now , my friends , those who have spent time , which might have been otherwise profitably employed , in cavilling at my several plans , should bear in mind that what the Times of the 12 th of November , 1845 . recommends , I recommended on the 7 th of August , 1841 ; and , indeed , the words " one night ' s mildew making the stoutest statesman quail , " "farthing sliding scale , " dread shower statesmen , " are so pertinent and applicable to our present state , and my viewgofthatday were so completely in unison with those of the Times of the present day upon mis
subject , that I cannot possibly do better than give you entire the following extract , from my fifth letter to the Irish Landlords . Indeed , those who possess those letters would do well to read them carefully , and then ask themselves if I have not prophesied the coming of these very times , and if I have not been four years and three months in advance of the " Thunderer" in my predictions and recommendations . Read them , and see if the Times Commissioner has as yet stated one fact that I have not stated four years before , and see whether he has yet stated one-twentieth part of what I then developed . Now , here follows the
extract whole and entire : — My lords and Gentlemen , I hove now shown you , and I thinit plainly , that the reclaiming system , while it would certainly increase our producing powers , and pay the capitalist a good per centage , would not , however , be the proper field for ascertaining the real value of a working farmer ' s labour ; and as that is my object , and in order that a difference as to means should not lead to a split upon the principle , let us see if , by agreement upon proper details , we may not even yet agree upon this reclaiming system . la the consideration of this subject , I open a great national question well worthy the attention of statesmen who would yet reclaim their country , and make her what she ought to be . ., "J ' .-S . V
The term . " reclaiming , " of course applies to the practice of bringing barren and heretofore uncultivated soil into cultivation , and the procesu requires capital . The question le ,- now a « JuuUle . ODject can bo achieved of opening afree-market for labour ; and reclaiming waste land at the same time ; tiff'Lam ' not for reclaiming any tiling that will not recUim ' myclknts also . Waste land , U it is to be thus reclaimed , must be made a proper field for the exercise of free labour . :: '' Jly Lords and Gentlew £ n ; . it is a sad and melancholy fact , that the philanthropist cannot discuss the simple question of-digging or ! ploughing--the ground without finding himself hemmed in and hampered on all sides by the mysterious science of politics ; a science at a perfect knowledge of which no man can arrive , while the
knowledge of to-day may be ignorance to-morrow ; a science whimsically worked into practice by the most opposing principles—those of "Whiggery to-day and of Toryism tomorrow ; a science which makes the greatest statesman and boW € st tyrant in office quailbe / ore a single nigfit ' s mtWeto , and break before "the wind that sheds the com" , while he refuses to lend to a simple system which would make man independent of all casualties save those with which God in his wisdom , thoiujht proper to visit Mm ; a science which makes man' * happiness , nay his very life , and tke peace of thecountry , and the very existence of society to depend upon the rule of farthings . Ah ! my Lords and Gentlemen , the wild hypothesis of the metaphysician , or the complicated and unravellable assertions of the theorist , provided they are wrapped up in class-legislation dresses , pass current in
the world of letters as wisdom and philosophy ; while the simplest assertion of the philanthropist , if it tend to the elevation of the poor man , is set down as infidelity and heresy . However , as the rays of knowledge begin to shine through my prison bars , and as they are sure to spread their benign influence abroad over the whole face of the earth , I am nothing daunted ; and shall , therefore , despite the political-economist , the farthing-sliding-scaU patriot , and the dread-slower statesman , proceed at once to my purpose , which is to apply details to your principle oi reclaiming waste land . Ofthatlandyou have in Great Britain and Ireland more than fifteen millions of acres capable of reclamation , /( at all events can scarcely be
called your own , and is therefore out of the Newcastle principle of doing what you please with it . By its proper appropriation , you not only do not Buffer damage , but , on the contrary , I propose to do for you what you cannot do for yourselves , to make it valuable . I estimate that land at a rent of ls . 4 d . per acre . I calculate that each acre in the bntset , taking the tenant ' s house and stock , and means ef subsistence , till the land is brought to bear , into account , would require somewhere about £ 7 . per acre , or a capital of about £ 100 for every fifteen acres . The fifteenmillion acres allotted in farms of fifteen acres to one million heads of families , would thuB reqmirea capital of one hundred millions of pounds sterling to aid theworkine communities in their work of reclamation .
The value of those fifteen millions of acres , at twenty years' purchase , at a rent of Is . Id . per acre , would cost Government £ 120 , 000 , 000 . Now what I propose is , that Government shall purchase the lands from you , say at that rate , and then under proper official management , at the head of which shouldlea Cabinet . Minister , to be called Hie Minister of Agriculture , lease those lands at Is . 4 d . per acre , in lots of fifteen acres , with a capital of £ 100 advanced to each tenant , subjecting the tenant to a rent of £ 5 per annum for the land , and the interest of £ 100 at four per cent ., that is £ 1 for land and £ i for interest .
This sum of £ 120 , 000 , 0001 propose to consolidate into one national fund , which shall 6 tand at a mortgage upon the fifteen millions of acres , and over which the Parliament alone shall have control ; and that it should not be a _ transferable stock , or a stock allowed to be made the medium of exchange , barter , or tra £ 5 c in the Jew ' s temple ; but that tbe Government shall merely be agent lor the fund-holder and fund-payer—receiving from the one and paving to the other . I propose that after the first eleven years the tenant shall yearly , pay ten pounds in liquidation of Ins debt ; thereby liquidating the whole amount at the end of the next ten years , er within the twenty-first year of his tenancy ; at the close of which period—twenty-one years —I propose that the tenant shall pay no more than the original chief rent of Is . 4 d . per acre , aud all local laxes ; or a pound per annum for his holding for ever and
ever , and amen—until some future generation , in its wisaom , shall see the State necessity of maMng the lien occupietsthemselves being parties—pay something more as their quota of any national requirement . Sow , those who are in love with a national debt as a bond of union , have it herein the flesh and the spirit ; those who so loudly" call out for the cultivation of our waste lands have here the only chance by which their desire , which is improvement and the bettering of the poor man ' s condition , can be simultaneously effected ; thoBe who " fear that population presses too hardl y upon the means of Eubsistence" have here the means of obviating that disaster ; those of the school of political economy have here the practical illustration of one of their darling principled—that " when circumstances close up one channel of speculation and industry , other circumstances open another channel ;" those who would gladly find a resting place for the " surplus population , " made such by the substitution of arti-
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ficial for natural labour , have here ; the'harbour open for them' £ thbse '; who / would add to our" now . as they say , " t 9 ? . s < ianiy surface ' pfvMwtproducing'land , " have here an extension offered to"them ; while / although I would much prefer ttib more imp ' rdVDd ' field for'the establiBhment of a free . labour standard . of value ;! have no objection , pro-$ 5 ??!?^ $ ' * ^ e means , 'to . allow . niy ' client to work out his Own-lBalvatiori ^ n ^ e ^ more-barren field . ¦ ¦ ' ¦ ' - "¦¦ ^•' Hwe - we-h ' aye-ame ' aMsyrimmeaUately providing for sevenKmillions of people vand in less than ten years of Pj ? vidini ? ' 'for-fifteen millipns of people : and at the exl piratioh-of twenty-one years / the ' original farms of fifteen acres each would be capable of being subdivided for the families , into farms of five ares each , if necessary . Thus would our present waste landB , iftio England , Ireland / and Scotland ,, of themselves support on the spot ^ twenty-one millions in affluence , comfort , and splendour , at the end of twenty-one years and for ever .
¦ The laws to efi ' ect' this purpose need not occupy more than a folio sheet- while the difference between Threeand-a-half per Cent ., at which Government could easily raise the money , and four per cent , cheerfully paid by the labourer , would more than cover all the expenses of adding a new and necessary department to the state machinery . But it is too visioraey ! ' tis fcoMPHCATEn ! BECAUSE THE INTEREST OF THE POOE MAN IB CONCEBNED ; while if two hundred millions of pounds were reqniredfor a speculation to build a floating-bridge across the Atlantic , or to make a tunnel from 'Dover tf > Calais ; if the subjugation of labour , or the importation of foreign troops , was the object , evtry angle in a fascinating drawing by some happy draftman wmM , Uimnned , and all FOOLISH objections overruled by ¦ 'Bagim , ''" IHogenes , "' <' a Wor ^^^^ cola ;" . and "the wind would be raised" ia spite of all perils by land and water . ¦ : ¦
. Now , would you not suppose that that was written for the present day ? That I did not change upon this subject , from 1841 to 1843 , 1 furnish yon with the following proof : it is an extract from page 23 of my farming work , under the head
•¦ .: " WASIE LANDS . "I never have contended for the bringing in , as it is called , and the cultivation of waste lands as a means of affording relief to the working classes . This is a branch of agriculture well worthy the consideration of these who would expend capital in the hopeofafair , nay , of a very large return . But inasmuch as it requires an amount of money-capital beyond the reach of the working classes , as far as their interest is concerned I leave it out of the question as a means of bettering them , until such time as an amount of money sufficiently large to assign to each enough ' to carry on the necessary operations shall be raised ly a Government loan , and appropriated for that purpose . " ! Are not these prophetic extracts from the writings of the wild theorist , and .
.-.. . Your faithful servant , Peahous O'Connor . "' P . S . Courtesy to several who have written private letters to me npon the subject of the Land , which I cannot , consistently with my officelas director , answer , render 3 it necessary that all such correspondents should receive , this notice as my reply . It would be very unfair that any preconceived notions of mine should induce them to place themselves in a situation that would give them an advantage over
their brother shareholders . I may , however , state f or general information , that the sooner the shares are paid u ? the sooner will the subscribers be located upon the Land . I havenot given a p rivate opinion to any one , nor shall I do so , and while I shall bring my mind wholly unprejudiced to bear upon the general , subject , I will nevertheless endeavour in Conference to urge the adoption of such measures as I consider , necessary for tbe protection , success ,, and satisfaction of the association generally . F . O'O .
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v ^ v V ' , ' FRANCE . - ' "¦ ' ¦ 'i / Theiqueation . as to the changes in the French Ministry , in consequence of the retirement of Marshal Soult from the office of Minister o f -War , is at length set at rest . The Mmiteur of Tuesday , publishes severalroyal decrees on the subject , the first of which wleasoB Marshal Soult from his duties as War Minister ^ but retaining his services as President-of the Council . The second appoints Lieut .-General Moline de St . Ton Minister of War : a third appoints theBaronMartineaudes ChenexTJnder-Secretaryof State of the War Department ; a fourth raises General
Mohne de St . Yon to the dignity of the peerage ; and a fifth appoints General Baron Gazan Director of the personnel and military operations of the Ministry of War , " in place of General -Moline de St . Yon , and Major-Gencral Count De la Rue Director of the Affairs of -Algeria , in place of M . Vauchelle , who has given in his resignation . ..- ¦ .-. The Joimidl des Debdts publishes accounts from Constantinople of the 23 d ult ., announcing that ' the difference winch had arisen between the Tbrte and the Ambassador of France on . the occasion of the murder of Father Charles in Syria , had been adjusted , and that the Divan had fully acquiesced hi the demands of Baron de Bourqueney , . . .
BELGIUM . Brussels , Tuesday , Nov . 11 . —This afternoon the Belgian Chambers were opened with the usual solemnity . The Queen arrived at the Chamber of Representatives first , and was followed by the young Princes . 'In about ten minutes after his Majesty arrived , amidst . the enthusiastic cheers of the assemblage . . ¦ . ¦ ; ¦¦¦ . -.- . , ¦ . ¦ ¦ . The " speech" will be found in full in one of our editorial articles . .
SPAIN . The Madrid Gazette publishes a royal ordinance convoking the Cortes on the 15 th of December next . Some extraordinary changes , which General Narvacz is at present making in the army , attract a good deal of notice , and are the cause of uneasiness in some guarters . The whole of thegaw-lson of Madrid , which from being so long stationed in the capital is supposed to be under the influence of the Court , is to be completely changed , and other regiments are to garrison the place , who are supposed to be more amicabl y , disposed towards the Dictator . Thecolonels of several regiments have been removed , and those
created by Narvaez placed in their stead . The Madrid papers do not hesitate to attribute these changes to the intrigues going on at Court between Christina and Narvaez , which have alarmed the latter , and induced him to take steps towards placing the army in such a condition that he might , iu case of necessity , depend upon its devotion to his cause . They even go so far as to declare thaVsaould an attempt be made to remove Narvaez from power , he is determined not to resign his dictatorship without a struggle , in which he will call in the assistance of the soldiery—a determination which , if carried into effect , will plunge the whole kingdom once more in blood .
The Journal des Lebats has the following from Valencia , in Spain : — " In the evening of the 3 rd a sergeant and twenty-five privates of the Giorna Regiment , in the barracks at San Francisco , broke into mutiny , attacked the guard , and wounded the commanderand two other officers . Having got out , and been joined by some of the citizens , proceeded to assail the barracks of El Pilar ; but being repulsed , and . finding their plan defeated , they fled and concealed themselves ; but eighteen of them and some citizens have been found and arrested . In two hours after the revolt tranquillity was restored to . the town . General Roncali has , hoWever , declared it to be in a state of siege , and established a general court-martial . "
SWITZERLAND . The State Gazette of Lucerne , of the 1 st inst ., contains the following : — " Last evening , S . Muller , of Mecnenzain , confessed that he had assassinated M . Leu , with a fowling-piece , in which he had placed a carbine bullet . He told where he had hid this" weapon , which was found where he pointed out . lie acknowledged , besides , that he had twice watched M . Leu for the purpose of shooting him . This confession agrees with the result of the official investigation . He declares also that he did not act through a spirit of vengeance , but from being promised a sum of m n ev ' ° y M « Lei ' 3 political enemies . Dr . CassimerPfyffer was arrested immediatelv . bv omW nf
Judge d Instruction , other arrests have also taken place , and great agitation reigns in the town . .. Later accounts state that , besides Dr . Pfyffer several other persons have been arrested as accomplices , as haying a gmlty knowledge of the assassination of M . Leu . In consequence of this event , an extraordinary meeting of the Grand Council of Lucerne was called for the 3 d ot the present month , at which the judges appointed to . mquire into the assassination of M . Leu made a report ot the results of their inquiries . The council appointed a committee , consisting of nine members , all oi whom are declared partisans of the government , to examine into the propositions made
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by the jiMts ^ instruction , relative to the case of Dr . Pfyffer . ¦ The arrest of Dr . Pfyffer has created an immense sensation here . He is one of the most influential and respected members of the Liberal party , to which his ancestors as well as himself have been always attached . He has himself occupied : the highest offices inthe magistracy and in the confederation , having been president of the Court of Appeal , and several times elected one of the deputies of his canton . - Being a member of the Grand Council ) his person is , in ordinaiy circumstances , free from arrest . No member of the Grand Council can be
arrested ' even , tor crimes , without the authority of the body of which he is a member , and in this case that authority was given without diffculty by a majority blindly devoted to the government , and always ready to do its behests . No one here , however , seriouslv believes in the guilt of Dr . Pfyffer . His only crime is his liberal opinions , and for that he ia paying the penalty of the accusation now hanging over his head . So great is the feeling of the inhabitants here in favour of Dr . Pfj-ffer that the government launder the apprehension of a rescue , and it has doubled the garrison to prevent any attempt at » movement .
It appears that Muller has been subjected to . the torture to extort from him his charges against Dr . Pfyffer ! About three months ago Muller was arrested and accused of being privy to ' the murder of Leu , because he had received a sum of money from Zurich by the post . For two months Muller had no story . to ' tell ; and no evidence was brought against him ; but it seems that , in theduhgeons of Lucerne , Muller has been , according to the modes of procedure Mowed in the middle ages , subjected to torture . And the result has been , that he has murmured an affirmative to every question that his inquisitors and torturors asked of him . He has admitted his own guilt , and accused the most respectable Liberals and all the opponents of the present Jesuit Government , of having suborned him . The object is obtained in the pretext to cast all these into prison , perhaps to condemn them .
The Jesuits were solemnly installed in the ancient convent of the Cordelliers at Lucerne on the 1 st , and as if to celebrate their triumph , torture is revived , and innocent men dragged to prison . Surely , their triumph will not be for long .
UNITED STATES . Liverpool , Sunday . Eyehiso . — The packet-ship , Oxford , Captain Rathbone , arrived in the Mersey from New York this afternoon , bringing advices of the 10 th ult . Politically they are unimportant , and commercially they are , of course , equally so . It is stated that the Mormons have agreed to emigrate from Illinois in the course of the coming spring , probably to California ,
ALGERIA . .. - . . " The news from Algeria states that Abd-el-K&der has carried away several of the disaffected tribes from the territory of Algeria , and . established them in the Morocco territory , where , according to the French accounts , they are preparing to make war in favour o / Abd-el-Kader against the Emperor of Morocco . There seems to-ere no doubt-thht-Abd-cl . Kader is endeavouring to ga ^ lier together as many of his old subjects as will follow him , for the purpose of founding a sort of wandering sovereignty within the Morocco frontier . General Lamoriciere was still acting on the defensive , and was waiting for the arrival of Marshal Bugeaud before advancing upon the enemy . '
Later News . —Letters have been received in Pans which state that five tribes have revolted in Morocco , and openly espoused the cause of Abd-el-Kader . On the other hand Marshal Bugeaud is acting with a severity and a determination that throw into the shade all his previous doings . The razzias , the wholesale devastation , spoliation , and , it is supposed , extermination , he is performing and contemplates , will appal the : stoutest heart . With the means he possesses , and which will be immensely increased , it is hardly possible that he can fail to impose French rule once more in Algeria .
HORRIBLE CATASTROPHES IN CHINA . The New Brunswicker , a Canadian paper , of the 25 th of September , on the authority of accounts from Canton , to the 5 th of June , arrived at New ' York . by the ship Rainbow , states ^ that on Sunday , May 25 th , a fiie broke out in the theatre at Canton , by which 1 , 25 ? persons , including 52 actors , lost their lives , being burned to death or killed by the falling building and materials ; and 2 , 100 persons were wounded . On the day following the fire , 30 more persons were killed by the fall of a ruined wall . A similar accident happened at the same theatre about thirty years ago .
The authority cited ia the Friend of China , of the 31 st ofMay .. The same paper adds , on hearsay , that the number of lives lost would be upwards of 2 , 000 ; and adds the following brief description of a still more horrible calamity— - " Information of a worse calamity than the loss of 1 , 400 or 2 , 000 lives , by fire , has reached us from China . We hear of a great earthquake in the province oi Honan . Accounts have been received at Canton : of a great earthquake , which had demolished about 10 , 000 houses , and killed upwards of 4 , 000 inhabitants . Ilonanis situated about the ceiitre'bf China ' . We have information of this fact without any explanation or detail whatever . "
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, . ITALIAN DESPOTISM . Clara Novello has been the prima dorma for the last half of the carnival , Rome and Genoa hail both engaged her for the season , and hence when each claimed her there was a collision . The two Governments took it up , and finally it was referred to the Pope . It was a matter of some consequence to hie Holiness where the sweet singer should open her mouth for the season . In his magnanimity he decided that she should stay at Rome . The managers , however , compromised the matter by each city having her half the time . She had formerly been exceedingly popular here , but contrary to the will of the chief bass singer and the leader of the orchestra , she attempted , at her first appearance , an air unsuited to her voice , and which she was told she could not perform . Of course she foiled , and was slightly hissed .- Her English blood mounted at so unequivocal a demonstration of
their opinion of her singing , and , Dido-like , honing haughtily to the crowd , she turned her back on tbe audience and walked off the stage . The tenor and the bass both stopped—rthe orchestra—indeed all stopped , except the hissings which waxed louder every moment . She was immediately taken to her rooms by the police of the city , and for three daji the gens-d'arcnes stood night and day . at her door , keeping the fair singer a prisoner for her misconduct . This is a fair illustration of this Government . Even an opera singer cannot pout without having the gens- d ' armes after her . On the promise of goad behaviour , she was released from confinement , and again appeared on the stage , where the good-natured , muBic-loving Italians hailed her appearance with deafening cheers , and repaid their want of gallantry with excess of applause . Poor Clara Novello is not the first who has
suffered from the tyranny of this military despotism . The ; other day I went to see the first painter of Genoa . He is a young man , modest , amiable , and courteous—so much so , that I became immediately deeply interested in him . His name is Isola . He , too , had fallen once under the ban of the Government . Like all geniuses , he loves liberty , and the first great historical piece he painted , and on which he designed to base his claim to be ranked amongst the first artists of his country , was a representation of the last great struggle Genoa made for freedom . He showed me the design : in the foreground with his horse fallen under him , struggled' the foreign governor that had been imposed on the people , while the excited multitude were raining stones and missiles on him , and trampling him under foot . Farther back , and elevated on the canvass , stood the Marquis of Splnola , cheering on the people , one hand grasping the sword , the other waving aloft the flag of freedom . Excited men were running hither and thither , through crowded streets , and all the bustle and hurry of a heavy fight were thrown upon the
canvass . It was a spirited sketch , and one almost seemed to hear the battle-cry of freemen , anS the shotit ef victory . Such a picture immediately made a noise in Genoa , where yet slumber the elements of a republic . It was finished and admired by all , and treasured by the painter . But one day , while Isola was sitting before it , contemplating his work , and thinking what corrections might be made , his door was burst open , and two gens . d ' armes stood before him . Seizing the picture before his eyes , they marched him off behind it , to answer for the crime of having painted hi 8 country battling for her rights . The painting was locked up in a room of the Government , where it has ever since remained . Isola waB carried between two genB-d ' armes a hundred and twenty miles , to Turin , and thrown into prison . He ' yfas finally released , but his picture remains under lock and key . The Government , however , has in its magnanimity condescended to permit the artist to sell it to any one who will carry it out of the country , —Letters from . Italy ,
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Death Caused by a Fish-bon-e . —On Friday Mr . Wakley , M . P ., held an inquest at the King's Arms , Frederick-street , Regent's Park , on the body of Mary Ann Powell , aged fifty . The deceased was at breakf ast , when the bone of a fish stuck in her throat , arid brought on a violent fit of coughing , which terminated by blood flowing copiously from her- nostrils and mouth . A surgeon was sent for , who pronounced her to have broken a blood-vessej , and , being unable to stay the bleeding , deceased expired in half an hour , perfectly sensible , and only articulated , " Pray for me . " —Verdict , Natural death from the bursting oi a blood-Yesse ] , , . .
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AsaocunoNOF tbbUmtbd Tiurjs . —The ^ Central Committee held a meeting ai the-Tradcs ' -office , 30 , Hyde-street , Blobmsbuiy , f on Monday , November 10 th , T . S , DHncoinbe ^ Esq ; i M ^ P ., inthecliair . A great number of fetters ' were iead . friendly to _ tne Association ,. amongst : others one from ¦ theseeretary of the operative Carpet Weavers of . Kidderminster ,, bearing the official adhesion ofVthat body to the Associated Trades , and stating that 1 , 240 of their members' had already paid the necessary contributions , and that as-soon as the whole , was collected the amount should be forwarded to the central committee . Letters , containing their jgfliciaj adhesion , was also read from the Hydrauttc Pressers , Warehousemen , Packew , Makeri- ' upaSd Callendevers of Manchester ; of
, also from the- ' - 'HoKe' ^ ail-Bi akers Worcester , the FrameworkVlcMitterspf Loughborough , and tho Carpenters and Joiners of Bristol . - The Carpenter ^ and Joiners of Leeds also fb ' rwar . deda request' to be supplied with-the rules and every information , as they are about ' to , hold a meeting in that town on the . 17 th iiistaiit , " to consider the propriety of joining the Association . At the , conclusion of the business of the Central ; Committee , jthie Central ' Committee and Board of Directors held a joint , meeting , according to a previous arrangement made for tbat purpose ,. at which the , president ( T ., S . Duncombe , Esq ., M . P . ) expressed his great pleasure to find both Associations making such sure and rapid , progress , and thought he could not find a better opportunity than the present , vlferi they had assembled to consider their present
position and future prospects , fo announce his determination of becoming a shareholder to the extent of one . hjandred shares in the Association for the ' Employment of Labour . He need scarce add the ., great interest lie felt in the continued success of both Associations , and thought it was only necessary that the Central . Committee and Board of Directors should work harmonioualy _ together to secure the full and entire success of both Associations . A report of the PJ ° 9 S ?< UP £ S and projects of both Associations , of a cheering and promising nature , ; having . been submitted to the meeting , and some instructions , of a general nature having been agreed to , as regards the lecturer , the-meeting broke up highly satisfied , with the good understanding that prevailed between the two Associations , and the bright prospects of §« Cccss .
. . . The Misers op Buston io thr iKHABiTASW op Bjistoh and its subsovndiso Districts . —Gentlemen , and Fellow Workmen *—It is with much pain that we have to make ihis short appeal to you , but we can . assure you-sheer necessity has compelled us to do so ; we feel confident that you , the inhabitants of Bilston , are no strangers to our manifold grievances as a body of Miners . While our trade was low wesuffered our wrongs with patience , but now our mas « ters have a great demand in the market , for both . coal and iron , and yet they are not content , but still seem determined to carry out what they , the masters , call a custom—that is , if we do not submit to their usages , however opposed to laiv or justice , we , " the weaker portion of men , must suffer a length of imprisonment in Stafford Gaol ; but we feel confident in
your respect for us , as a body of Miners , that you will at this time hel us , if we will help ourselves ' , which we feel determined to do . . Gentlemen ,- we have already two of our fellow slaves lying in Stafford Gaol , simply because one would not submit to the tyranny of the butties , who was told to go up the pit and never come down there any more ; the other man gave notice for an advance of wages , to which his master would not consent , he therefore sought work elsewhere , and for this they were brought before the magistrates and ordered to go back or suffer fourteen days , hard labour in Stafford Gaol ; we therefore hope the . discerning public will assist the committee with the required fund to bring the case before the Queen ' s Bench . We hope the tradesmen generally Will help us , as we : iJl liave one ewimon grievance . The committee will send out parties to recuive whaL r ,.-iro , vyUiinB ,. . to . . Eive .. -O" »~ iim . ^ E&oii
cfcileetinaparty will be furnished by ihe eou . uiT" v •; . ;?] . u , £ S and cards , printed with red ink . We are ,. yours respectfully , The Mixers' Committee . —Bilston , Octobe * . 27 tli ,, 1845 . —Subscriptions will be thankfully received at . Mr . ' J . Linney ' s , White Horse , and . at Mr . II . Howe's , Sampson and Lion , Green-croft . . The Bilston Victim Fusd Committee of the Miners' Association , acknowledge the following siims received up to the 2 nd inst .: —No . 1 Lodge , Bilston , £ 1 9 s . ; . No . 2 , do ., 6 s . . CJd . ; by James Blakeway , £ 1 18 s . Gd . ; Robert Johnson , 18 s .. 8 d . ; Richard Asbury , £ 1 3 s . 9 Jd . ; No . 1 . Lodge , Wolverhampton , £ 1 ; No . I , Wednesfield-heath , 18 s .. 6 d . ;; No . 1 , Darlaston , £ i Is . 4 d . ; William Northa !] , ¦ VYeririesbury , 10 s . 5 Jd . j Thomns Whitehouse , do ., 3 s . 4 d . ; " Ezekiel ftiley , Wplverhampton , 8 s . 9 d . ~ -T . Hammersley , Secretary ! . ¦¦ ¦>
The Wigan- Mineiis held the third Anniversary of theiv union at the house of Mr . John Marsh , the Queen Ann Inn , Dean Church ; Nov . 7 th , when about'two hundred of the hardy sons of the mine sat down to a good substantial dinner of -ro ^ st beef and plum pudding . When the cloth wos ' removed , Mr . Henry Deunet , Mr . Robert Harsh , and Mr . Charles Parkinson , Agents of the Miners' Association shortly addressed the company After which , singing and dancing commenced and was continued till a late hour , . Boi . ton Mtnebs . —On Friday , . November 7 tV , about five hundred of the hardy sons of the mine met at the house of Mr . Thomas Telford , the Fleece Inn , and svt Mr . John
Lever ' s , near the Bull and Wharf , to celebrate the third anniversary of their union . After regaling themselves with good roost beef and plum pudding , W . P . Roberts , Esq ., the Miners' Attorney-General , was called on to preside over the ¦ meeting . Thfi chairman opened , the . meeting in his usual eloquent ; and impressive manner . He dwelt chiefly on tluTbenefits tha £ the ' working classes , and particularly the Miners , derived from being united together for the protection of labour and the protection of the law . The meeting was afterwards addressed by Messrs . Finall , Dennett , and Parkinson . Singing and dancing afterwards csomeuced , and continued till about eleven o'clock , when , each retired well satisfied .
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Tbe Cabinet Councils . —The continued meetings and adjournments of the Cabinet naturally led to the inference that some measures were about to be taken relative to the importation of corn . The departure of several Ministers from town , and the non-appearance of any Order in . Gouncil , naturally warrant the conclusion that nothing wil be done at present . We say " at present ; " for we believe- that no sane man throughout the kingdom imagines it possible for us to go on in the coudition in which we now are f or many weeks together . The aspect of the country forbids such a supposition . It is on this account that we feel great disappointment at the dilatory conduct , of Ministers—a disappointment which is by no means confined to ourselves , but is participated in by all who regard the prospects of the country with interest or with apprehension . The emergency is pressing . Corn is becoming dearer . The wheat which was in
our granaries is transported to Holland and Belgium ; The harvests of Europe are in the main deficient . Prices will increase on the Continent as with us ; Famine threatens Ireland ; scarcity is already apprehended in Scotland . Yet the Minister delays to adopt that course which is at once safe , and prompt . He will linger on a few weeks longer , until the prices of provisions rise , - popular Impatience is aroused , and a general panic prevails . lie will then issue an order , which will . have the . effect of draining the bullion of the Bank , to outbid foreign hunger , and glut foreign speculation . Such are the results of a fluctuating—such could not have been the results of a fixed —< luty [ Bnt by his devotion to the former he has driven us to the verge - of—no duties at all . ' Whatever comes of it , the Premier has only himself te thank for the consequences of a pertinacity " which must ruin his ewn reputation and destroy the hopes of his agricultural supporters . ' —Times .
Thb Potatoe Failure . —Latest News . —Ireland . —Dublin , Nov . 6 . —Although some of the reports received to-day are much less desponding , and one or two are very favourable , there is , I tear , no real ground for believing that the disease has been checked to any material extent . Where the operation of the blight is so capricious , it is almost a matter of course that there should be conflicting accounts ; but it is beyond all doubt that the disease ia spreading over the whole country , and destroying , to a vast extent , the staple food of millions of our people . This is a fearful state of things to contemplate , and requires the prompt intervention of the Executive , to avert the calamities of famine and pestilence . The weather is again unfavourable for the digging out of potatoes . It has been raining all day , and there seems little prospect of a change for the better .
France . —The Reform states , that— " Provisions are every day becoming dearer in Paris . Potatoes are now double the price they were a month since . The price of other vegetables rises in the same proportion . Poor families are already beginning to feel severely the effects of the bad harvest . If this rise in the price of provisions increases in the same proportion for only one month , xhe necessaries of life will become beyond the reach of the indigent '' The Late Suicide is Jersey . —The investigation of the circumstances attending the melancholy suicide oi Miss Bond was brought to a close on Monday . After a variety of evidence had been offered .
for which we have no room , the jury retired to deliberate , and on their return delivered the following verdict : — " Wo are of opinion that Miss Emily Bond caused her own death by hanging , whilst labouring under temporary insanity , and , from the evidence before as-it appears she was naturally a weak-minded person ; and we cannot but strongly censure the con duct of the editor of the Jersey ^ Timcs for having written and inserted in that paper , on the 24 th of October , last , a-paragraph entitled "A Cruel Love Hoax "—a hoax having evidently been played off upon , the said . Miss Bond by some person or persons' unknown . —Jersey Times . ; " - -
-: ¦ Fatal Accident . —On Saturday night , awidowiady named Sculthorpe , occupying apartments at No " 26 Brand-street , Dorset-square , was itfthe act of cross ! ing | the end ofAew-street , in the above neighbourhood when she was knocked down by a cart EdmSS Mr . Harasworth , winemerchant , No ; 8 , St ; Se . 5 street , the wheels of which passed over her SI SMTJftiW 14 carrie * - ^ ^ *
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__ Y 0 L VIII NO . 418 . LONDON / SATURDAY , J |) PMBE& 15 ; * 1845 , , giyc ag ^ gggg ^ ¦/•
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Nov. 15, 1845, page unpag, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse2.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1341/page/1/
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