On this page
- Departments (2)
-
Text (7)
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Clwttst Jnteiltttence*
-
TG THE WORKING CLASSES.
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
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.
-
-
Transcript
-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
Untitled Article
Mr dear Friends . If yon could see one in every ten of the letters that I now receive from the middle and higher classes , lauding the Land scheme to the skies , your only astonishment would be that such a project had not been long since thought of . During the whole of this week , I have been busily engaged in purchasing horse-dung for Herringsgate , Roman cement for the cottages at Lowbands , and working horses , so
that those who are to occupy the allotm : nt « at Herringsgate will understand that the fact of their being fortunate in obtaining early locations has not made us unmindful of their future comforts . Now that is the great value of our institution , that it is universal , and that its directors have an equal interest m the comforts of those who have paid their money and those who have not paid it , whereas , in all other societies , where a fey well-paid individuals are sustained by a bubble , they look only to those who have vet to be fleeced .
On Wednesday I went to Herringsgate , and there found the three refractory families against whom I vowed vengeance last week , and the way'I took the Tengeance was by advancing them £ 10 , not out of the funds of the Association but out of my own pocket . There was a wool-comber , a weaver and a chair-maker , and I wish the Whistler had seen the deli ght with which they were cultivating their own spots . Of course they were not very comfortable at first , the place and the occupation being strange to them , and the weather being anything but favourable , but when I asked them if they wished to go back again , they said they would rather Starve there . I shonld mention that this relaxation
in our savage decree of last week was as much the act of my brother directors as myself , while it should be also understood that never again will we allow either our roles or the resolutions of the Conference to be violated . I have bought nearly a thousand tons of the best London horse dung , and 1250 bushels of Roman cement , and I arn ^ aow about contracting for a supply of seeds of all descriptions , in order to get the several allotments ready for the occupants . Now , I woald ask the Whistler and his master what
landlord or cotton lord will build houses and offices , and put out manure , and superintend the agricultural operations for his tenants , without further hope of reward than that of seeing them happy , and in receipt of ( he produce of his and their own labour . I can really afford to write good-humouredly and philosophically upon this subject now , because it has taken such a hold of the mind of millions , that ' believe it would be a dangerous experiment upon the part of the strongest government to resist it . What Minister in the world can feel equal pride in the service that he renders to his master or mistress
in the collection of taxation , to the pleasure that I experienced in reading the letter from our friend at Chatham , enclosing a hundred pounds as a nest egg for the Bank . Here it is : — Caroline-place , Ordoance-p ] . ic . - > , Chatham , 16 th Feb . 1847 , Sib , —As oar woalj-be good friends have laid oat a voyage to America for Mr . O'Connor , and no doubt but they wish him a speedy one alto , and as Ur . O'Connor has become so poor by purchasing so much land , I , as a humble member , come forward with a mite to assist in our cause mung from blistered hands , and the boor-shop cheated out of it , and will chance its being whistled off to AaieripB .
Sis—l'iease to place one hundred pounds , as per order on 21 , Lombard-street , to my nime in th » [ Deposit Department of the Land and Labour Bank , with the required notice ef withdrawal . Your obedient tenant , John West . To the Directors of Land Company . P . 5 . —Please to answer the receipt of this by return of post . And here ' smv answer : —
IIy dear good friend , —Permit me , on the part of millions , to thank you from my soul for an act of confidence which will inspire thousands with the same feelings , and me with more energy and resolution . Oh ! sir , if I could but get a fen of your class and means to assht me in my great national , —nay universal—undertaking , I believe from my soul that in less than two years from this date , the history of o ' . dcn iimsi down to the present moment would be looked upon as ficiion aad romance . It is strange that many who know me but from the evil report of evil disposed persons , should haye minds sufficiently strong to trust me ; while the opposition that I have received from capitalists , who , by my plan , might secure eight per cent , and comfort for their monies ,
impresses me with the greatest horror of the system which enables them to make cent , per cent , by traffic in blood ; aad , consequently , satisfies them with four per cent , upon the surplus realised in the blood market . On Wednesday I received your hundred pounds , and on Thursday I directed the purchase of Exchequer Bilfe to that amount , together with the remainder deposited by persons depositing smaller amounts ; and you may rely u ;> on it , that no power on earth shall induce me to speculate other-vise with your money than in the purchase of land , which will return £ 5 per cent . Thanking you for your coble example . I remain , Your most faithful friend
and Banker , Fearccs O'Cox . nor . Now , mr friends , I give you another instance of the manner in which our project inspires all at home and abroad with hope and consolation . Uerc is a letter from a fragal and honest working man , an Englishman earning his bread in France . He writes tUus : — Calais , Febraarv lG ; h , 1 S 17 .
Dear Sir , —Seeing the glorious news in last Saturday ' s Star , I shall here give my little assistance bj placing £ , !•) in the Hank of Deposit , and wishing we may get hold of the 1 . 700 acrei ai ' quick as possible . I have a little further assistance in store yet . William Beamweli ,. Here ' s my answer to him : — My de ; ir Bramwell , May God bless you , and induce others of your order to seek redemption from slavery by the saaie means . I have purchased Exchequer Bills with the fruit of your blisters , and will be answerable for your interest and principle . Ever your faithful friend , Feargi-s O'Connor .
Now , my friend ? , in this moment of calm and cod reHection , only picture to yourselves what a nation Inland w .. u ! J be if Daniel O'Connell had expended the thousands and hundreds of thousands subscribed byliis confidingcounlryin . cn , in the purchase of Land for the Irish people , instead of in the prostration of Irish mind as a marketable commodity for the Saxon political market . I < Jarc say that it does sometimes strike you that I have made something like a standup Bshtajains-. this man , and all otherdeludors for tha kvt . fourteen yean ; and I dare sav vou ' do marvel that while ifcey are one " aid all floundering in their o * n filth , that those WU o have 0 Lowed me in my MADNESS are readin- a
lesson of wisdom to the world ; but while > ou ° ean partially ima gine my feelings , do not suppose that they are unmixed with anxiety , for , be assured , that the magnitude of our project not only pres ^ J tttilr upon my time , but also upon my feelin « What so lovely , what so gratifyiD 2 , wlnt 50 chJrin * . as to be trusted and confided in by millions ? And whit reward-so great as the desire and intention to serve them ? If you hare read my farming work , you will Eee that I prophecsed in 1 ( 540 , that tie term " dung" would become a fashionable term in the House of Commons , and that sooner or later a minister « f agriculture should be added to the Cabinet . I told yoa that we should lose some of
our useless colonies and that the Ios 3 would be * benefit , that the Cl . urch would be pressed h \ . the landlords would be oppressed and
Untitled Article
that the Cotton Lords would be deceived . Not long since I ventured to hint at the propriet y of stinting war horses , that peaceful people should be saved from starvation . I further ventured to suggest the propriety of a property war tax in time of peace , and that MUST BE HIS NEXT MEASURE . I suggested that government should take stock of every man ' s store , to the end that none should dio or suffer , and that be will alss be compelled to do , as famine has but yet limped in comparison with the rapid strides the monster will make , and if you will read the next number of the Labourer ih 9 f . in a n ^ ll »• i * t i «
you will find a suggestion by which , without one farthing additional tax , or a single injustice , the Chancellor of the Exchequer may raise the enormous sum of forty millions ; and this , by merely trenching upon an ideal privilege to be conferred upon those who shall live in the year 1839 . 1860 . Now , my friends , none of those shabby schemes and devices , those " MOCKERIES , DELUSIONS , AND SNARES , " need be resorted to , if the Land plan was universally adopted ; if statesmen would be bald and ja « t , instead of cringing and artful , there are yet deposits in the earth , if equitably diatribnted ,
to save us from foreign insult ; domestic tyranny from suffering famine and even want ; and to this they must come at last , for , if I am not obstructed , I -will emancipate the nation , and if I am obstructed , my hottest words in 1839-40 , will be as frown icicles compared to my burning denunciation of those who •! iall oppose a system that breathes peace , and promises contentment . I believe in my soul that an attempt to resist our Land plan now would lead to a revolution ; it has taken deep root in every man ' s mind , and so convinced am I of the necessity for its promulgation , that I
shall abandon my intention of remaining out of Parliament , and shall try upon the first opportunity to make myself acceptable to a constituency who shall consider the principles of the Land and the Charter sufficiently matured for NIGUTI DISCUSSIONS in the House of Commons . It is my intention to devote a very large portion of the April number of the " Labourer , " if not the entire of it , to a simple , full , and complete developerant , illustration , and explanation of the Land plan , and the Bank to aid it . I find It impossible to embraoe so large a subject in the space that my editors
condescend to allow me in the " Northern Star , " and 1 am particularly anxiou 3 that the whole subject shonld be placed before you in a single number of the magazine . I am in treaty for a place for the Bank , and , until the Conference meets , with the consent of my brother directors , I mean to constitute myself the sole and responsible banker , and even when the Conference does meet , I shall prefer the alternative of imposing exclusive responsibility upon myself to being trammelled by any check , hindrance , or controul , save | that which legitimately belongs , and must belong , to the directing body . Indeed
the great strength of our movement consists in the fact of its being managed by humble working men . For the present , all monies sent for the Bank will be acknowleged in one bulk sum , and for this simple reason , because so dreadful is the power of oppression , that many poor men would not wish to have their circaniBtances divulged ; but , however , all who wish to have their deposits acknowleged ' , will be satisfied by the receipt of a quarterly account rendered to each , net in a general balance slieet , but by private letter , while I will also take care to establish some free -masonry by
which any error of the week may be corrected in the next week ; —for instance , the non-receipt of money . Now this can be done by a very few persons uniting in any one town , who wish for a weekly return , and the expense would be —say one penny per week , divided between twenty , not a large tax imposed for satisfaction . In short , my whole time is devoted to the proper details for the system , and you may att sleep securely in your beds , haunted by no worso foreboding , let the worst come to the worst , than the return of your money with interest . Your faithful Friend , Banker , and Bailiff , FlAHGCS O'Co . fNOB .
Untitled Article
REPEAL OF TFIE RATE-PAYINP , CLAUSES OF THE REFORM ACT .
GREAT PUBLIC MEETING IN THE METROPOLIS . On Wednesday evening a crowded meetine wa » held at the Crown and Anchqr Tavern , Strand for the purooseflf petitioning the Legislature to repeal the obnoxious vexatious , and oppressive clause * of the Reform and Registration Acts . " so unjust in principle unsound in policy , and hostile to the spirit of tint reform which national profession demand * , and government undertook to concede . There were ecver al friends of the popular cause present ; amonsit ethers , Mr . Thomas Waktey . M . P . ; Mr Thonvw Dunenmbe . M . P . ; Gen . Sir De Lucy Evans M ? ' Mr . Charles Cochrane ; Mr . Feargus O'Connor ! Mr . Lawrence Hey worth ; Mr . E . Junes ; Captain Ilmishtun , R . N . ; — De Cnway , E « q and the officers of the National Charter Assertion
Mr . liunus Wmw , M . P ., wa 9 called to the chair anrd loud and prolonged applause . Havinbriefly acknowledged thehish and distinguished coniplitnent conferred upon him , he proceeded to st-tc tint , accompanied by his honourable colleague Mr Duncombe , and Sir De Lacy Evans , they had just come from a place called the House of Commons where they bad participated in gaining that evenine a splendid victory . He was sure it would gladden the ' hearts of all whom he had the privilege of addressing when he announced that the second readin" of the Ten Hours' Bill had been carried by a majority of 10 B . ( Loud cheers . ) He trusted that tho spirit which animated them in receiving this cheerinr intelligence would pervade the people throughout the entire length and breadth ot the land , because if they , in the exercise of their unquestioned maiestv
ana might , resolved that the Bill should become law they would see it enacted in the course of a few weeks . ( Cheers . ) Labour had too long been the slave of capital , but the great attention of late paid to the social condition of the industrial classes was befjinnm ^ to bare its due effect , and laws happily were being enacted for the protection of the suffering classes of this country . ( Hear . ) It was become the imperative duty of the people to follow up the v : ctory they had achieved , and not to suffer , from their own inertness or indifference , trickery , mnncsuvrins . ' , treachery , and deceit , to foil their previous efforts and disappoint the besthopei of . hose who naturally felt solicitous for the welfare and well being of the great mass of the community , who devoted their
energy m upholding the manufacturing character of Great Britain , ( Hear , hear . ) The special .. hje < : t for which they had assembled was to assist theWlin-Ministers in carry ins : out the princi ple of their own act . The Reform Bill , as they were nil aw « re received the sanction of the legislature in 1 S » 2 , and hv some accident a clog was placed , through provisions of that measure , on the elective franchise , which hail the effect of depriving hundreds of thousand * ot their votes , and , under the present laws re » uhUing the franchise , greater restricfions and limitations were placed on the constituencies then had originally been contemplated by the Refo . ni Act , partial and unjust as was that measure . He was informed that the present movement hat ! originated with the non-electors , who ceneroush
came to the aid of those empowered to register Thiproceeding was highly to their credit . Under tinprevisions of the Reform Act , there were various persons qualified to register ; the franchise cerUinli was not by any means so extestive 88 they COulil wish or as was necesaary to insure a pure and patnot . 0 House of Commons , but the priv ^ egeco " , wl rt - r » , ll 0 ldln < ' - h 0 ust 3 of a Jenain Tahu . ^ nn . i ? ' ' -T y rest » cte <» I * rendering twelve | g ¥ SS ; s that all rates and taxes due on the nrccedin * Gib 0 April should be paid before the 20 th o . July . or tbatsuch non-paymentshould disqualif y the temporary defaulter trom establishing his claim to the
Untitled Article
f ranchise . Now , that provisionhad the effect of depriving not only some of the richest men in the kingdom of their votes , but it disfranchised numbers of the middle classes , and those engaged in laborious and industrial pursuits . The county voters had no such clog imposed 011 them . Now , he should wish to have this exemption explained , and be asked was it reasonable or just , that such a restriction as he had described should be imposed on the £ 10 householders , when the county voters were left altogether free from its operation . ( Hear , hear . ) His Hon . Colleague had again and again brought this question before the house , but he was not supported out of doors as he ought to have baen . He ( Mr . Wakley ) venturedtos < ay , that if the exertions of his f ¦• »» . ¦ . ¦* . t . t it . _ _ tf^—L , tfj _
hon . Colleague had been seconded by the people , in a spirit and determination equal to that which prompted Mr . Duncombe , those oppressive and unjust clauses would not have disgraced the statutebook . In conclusion , the chairman recommended that the questien of abolishing the restrictionsshould be generally agitated ; and ' as they were indefensible in every point of view , and pressed with undeserved severity on a class of the community entitled to every consideration , and the greatest possible amount of protection , he had not a doubt on his mind that their total repeal would be achieved by the aid of independent meralers of the House of Commons , and the pressure of public opinion on the Government-( Cheers . ) Mr . Smllwood , the secretary , read several letters received in reply to invitations from the committee
to attend the demonstration . Lord John * Russell simply declined , without assigning any reason ; Sir Benjamin Hall , M . P . ; Mr . W . Williams , M . P . ; Dr . Bowring , M . P . ; Mr . George Thompson ; Lord Robert Grosvenor , M . P ., Sir William * Moleswortli , M . P . ; Mr . W . S . O'Brien , M . P . ; Captain Pechell , M . P . ; Mr . C . Lushington , Mr . Sharman Crawford , &c , excused themselves in consequence of previous engagements , but promising to give their cordial support to the movement , and to exert themselves to carry out the object of the promoters . Colonel Thompson inclosed £ 5 to assist in defraying the expenses ot the meeting . The members for East Surrey , Tower Hamlets , and the borough of Lambeth , had sent no answer to the invitations forwarded to them .
Mr . Thomas Clark moved the first resolution . "That it is the opinion of this meeting , that the Rate and Tax-paying clauses in the Reform and Registration Acts : > re vexatious , unnecessary , and oppressive , and opposed to the progressive spirit of the age , and that they should be repealed forthwith . " Mr . Clark , who on rising bad been greeted with great applause , said that in his opinion those clauses were not only unjust and oppressive , but the Roform Act itself was so . A different spirit , however , characterised the age is which that Act was passed from that which now happily existed , and , thank God , they had lived to hear Lord John Russell declare that finality was at an end . In his opinion , if . these oppressive provisions , which they were assembled to protest against , were repealed , the constituencies would be more than doubled . ( Applause . )
Mr . Charles Cociiraxk briefly seconded the resolution , and in doing so gave expression to . a confident hope that the repeal of those unjust clause * in the Reform Act , so deservedly condemned , would be tffected at no distant period , if the people made the Whig Ministers feel tint they were determined on no longer enduring such undeserved oppression . ( Cheers . ) General De Lact Evani said that some of the Gentlemen who had written to them that evening , stated that they had 14 years ago voted against the rate paying clauses of the Reform Act . He also had the honour ot voting against these clauses thirteen years ago . ( Hear , hear . ) It was said that these clauses were to have bona fide rate payers electors ; but hia
belief was thit the real object of the proposers of the Reform Bill in framing those clauses , was to clog the elective franchise by every possible means . He was not one of those who thought that the Roform Bill had done no good . On the contrary , he believed it had effected much good ; but atill it might be made more useful for the people . A » to the rate-paying clauses , he thought it right to say that he brought forward a bill to change the date of tho rate-paying c ause 3 from April to October , thus giving nino months additional advantage to the electors in respect to the payment of rates . His hon . friend Mr . Duncombe called this " tinkering . " ( Hear , and laughter . ) Well , it might be so ; but he thought that tinkering diil good sometimes . ( Uear . ) Injustice
to Lord John Ilmsell , it was ri'lit he should state that that noble lord hud , when Home Secretary , carried a bill through the Commons , changing tho date of the rate paying clause from April to October , hut the bill was" hurked" in that pluce , which > ascalled by some persons " the House of Incurables . ' " Another effort was made by him ( General Evans ) to carry his bill on this subject through the House of Commons , and in this be was supported by Lord John Russell , but Sir J . Graham succeeded in inducing the house to reject the bill , becauso the right hon . baronet suggested that if these rate paying clauses were struck out of the Reform Act , it would begetting the sharp end of the wedge of democracy into the eleetive franchise . ( Hear , hear . ) The gallant member then
proceeded to show the injustice of the rate paying clauses , and said that he had called for returns to prove this fact . These returns showed that in the wealthy parishes of St . James , St . George , and St . Martin , in the city of Westminster , no less a number than 1 . 455 bona fide ratepayers had been deprived of their right of being on the registry , because they had not paid their rates on the day mentioned in the rate paying clauses of the Reform Act . ( Hear , hear . ) It was shown that only one out of the 1 , 455 rate payers in question had not , paid his rates . ( Hear , hear . ) It was al . s » stated that in the parish of Marylebonc 1 , 200 ratepayers had been deprived ot thoir right to vote in
consequence of the operation of the rate paying clauses oi the Reform Act . This fact proveil the ineffectiveness of those clauses to illustrate the solvency i . f the electors . ( Hear . ) The hon . and g ; iilant gentleman then proceeded to complain of the conduct of the parish iifliccrs in not returning persons who were entitled to be on the registry , and quoted instances to show that the parish oflieera had wilfully neglected to do their duty in this respect . He should support his hon . friend ' s motion . ( Cheers . ) He congratulated them on the modesty of their present imminent , and trusted they would succeed in obtaining their object . ( Applause . )
Mr . F . O'CuXNon then rose and was received with great cheering . While , he said , he admitted that part of the gallant general ' s observations in relercnco to the modesty of the meeting , he denied the assumption , that because they were modest , they wens therefore insensible to the injustice and the iniquity of the Reform Act . ( Hear , hear . ) No , they would never cease unt 1 they had completely reformed the Reform Act itself . In cowing forward on the present occasion to j ; et rid of the rate paying clauses « f the Reform Act , they were only going to assist t ' uo more liberal portion of the representatives of the people from the unjust operation of the clauses in question . He called the party of which Lord George Bcntinck and Lord Stanley were tho heaJ , the Loyal Royal Lundcrab
aristocracy . ( Laughter . ) Now this class would tako advantage of the rate paying clauses to turn out the present government ; so that in coming forward on the present occasion they were only assisting Lord John Russell himself . J ' or they might depend upon it that at the next elections the royal landcrabs —( a laugh)—would make a set to get rid of bim through the medium cf these rate paving clauses . Ho ( Mr . F . O'Connor ) hoped to bo able to go up at the head of 800 electors to opposo these " landcrabs , " and to defeat them in the county of Worcester . ( Hear , hear . ) Y « s , he expected to be able to wrest thai county from these gentlemen , because he , and those by whom lie would besnppoited , would represent the
property of tho people in the county to which he had referred . ( Hear , hear . ) Who was the Minister now ? No one . The diseased putatoe was the Minister . ( A ! au » h ) Well then , lot them , while they come forward to get vid of the rate paying clauses , give an assurance to the government and the country that they would never ce : wj their a » itation until they had obtained the People ' s Charter . ( Cheers . ) He could not conclude liis obaei vatiims without saying that he had recently purchased 500 acres for £ 20 , 000 for the people . ( Loud cheers . ) He was also in treaty for the purchase of 1 , 700 acres for the people—but doing this was , after all , only " tinkering" compared with the People ' s Charter . ( Great cheering . )
After a few observations from Mr . Hansorae , the resolution was put to tho meeting and agreed to . Mr . M'Guath then proposed" That the following petition be adopted by this meeting , signed by the Chairman , and forwarded to T . S . Danconibe . P . M ., for presentation to the Commons House of Parliament . " To tfce Honourable the Commons of Great Britain and Ireland in Parliament assembled . The Petition of the inhabitants of Sheweth :
1 hat , as the object of all laws should be the attainment of justice by the most simploand definite means , and finding irom experience that those legislative enactments called the " Reform" and " Registration" Acts are deficient in this important particular , cot being understood by the people at large , nor even thoso authorised to expound them , your petitioners pi ay of your honourable house to take this branch of the law under your immediate aEd atten-
Untitled Article
consideration , in order to effect acareful revision and improvement of the same . Your petitioners think it requisite , that the law in this important particular should be rendered clear and comprehensive , since legal authorities have arrived at conflicting opinions , and that , which should be the decision of an incorruptible statute , is left to the caprice or judgment of a subordinate functionary . Believing that , under the present laws regulating the 1 franchise , greater restrictions and limitations are contempt ? ° ' « enc'e » than were originall y a ° 7 K by the Reform Acfc - PRrtial and unjust ofvonrl , ^ m a u > your PetUwners further pray tE ^ A ? t ? rnble ^ ouse t 0 M P that portion of the si id Act commonly called the rate-payiiur clauses as nmustin principle , unsound itvSSu S ^ Si to the 1 spirit of that reform which Snal proeS sion demand * , and government undertook Kt . . _
And your petitioners , Ac , 4 c . Mr . Ebnbst Jonis , who was received with much applause said he hoped the buwj ; of popular feeline honourable raemberi on thatjplafform had witnessed , would give them a better idea of popular feeling than they conld obtain in the house ; if this feeling was elicited by the desire to obtain even so trivial an amendment in the vexatieus clauses of that most vexatious act , miscalled " Reform ; " he left them to judge how intense the feelings of the people must l for th true wfwm-their Charter ! ' ( Loud cheer « . )^ The speaker then proceeded to show the inconsistency of no act bated on the property qualU ficationv which deprived of the vote those living in furnished lodtfings , an intelligent , wealthy and numerous class , consisting largely of professional men ; an inconsistency further proved by the exemption of county voters from
the rate-paying clauses , lie wished to know the reasons of that exemptionthey would obtain an answer that applied to most legislative enactments of the country—there was no reason m them at all ! ( Laughter . ) These clauses turned the property qualification of the Act into a tax-paying qualification . The speaker then illustrated the unconstitutional power they gave to parish omcers , and to the revising barrister , of preventinu men of democratic principles from exercising their right to the vote . To mend the Reform Act thoroughly was hopeless . It reminded him of an anecdote of the poet P . ipe , who was a very small deformed man , and had a habit of saying— "God mend me ! God mend me ! " A beggar , hearing him one day , replied— "God mend youl He had better make a new one altogether . " The beggar ' s advice applies to the Reform Act . The best way of mend , ing that is to make a new one altogether . ( Loud cheers . )
Mr . Dufj t supported the motion . The petition was then unanimously adopted . Mr . Du . ncombe , M . P ., then came forward , and was received with enthusiastic cheering , He commenced his observations by admitting , in reference to an assertion made by the last speaker , that the last year a Parliament had to live was the best for the people , for they had then a chance of getting what they desired . ( Hear , hear . ) It was acting on this assumption that he was induced to bringforward his motion for a total repeal of the rate-paying clauses of the Reform Act . ( Hear . ) And here he might state , that it he were successful in getting rid of these clauses , he would not even then be satisfied , until he succeeded in altering materially the Reform
Act . ( Hear . ) T « n years ago he proposed in a short Bill the repeal ofthe rate-pay ing clauses in question , lie succeeded in bringing in this bill . Ilisobjectioni to the clauses acre two-fold . He looked upon them as bcin « unconstitutional in principle , and vexatious in operation . ( Hear . ) They were unconstitutional , because , according to the principle of the British Constitution , representation preceded taxation . Here taxation preceded representation . That they were vexatious in operation had been established by every gentlemen wlio preceded him . They gave a power to the parish collector to interfere with the rights of the electors . That was a power which no tax collector ought to possess . The 1 , 200 voters that wero disfranchised in Marylebone , were so disfranchised , be . cause the tax-collector had not called upon them . ( Hear , hem , hear . ) Now , it was his intentionand
, that of his honourable friend , near him , to try and deprive the tax-collector of the power which he possessed in this respect . ( Hear . hear . ) He should like tu know what course the Government intended to take on the question . lie should not be content to have his bill ' admitted in the first instance , and then see it strangled on the second roading . If , then , the Government would not support him , he trusted the people of England would see under what circumstances the Whigs were disposed to stand by their finality doctrine . ( Hear , hear . ) He also trusted that the electors would mark the division on the motion , and if they voted for any man who opposed his propo-ition , then lie would say that they were unworth y of possessing the elective franchise . ( Hear , hear . ) Mr . Doilk , in an effective speech , which was lomlly cheered , moved the third resolution : —
"That a deputation consisting of Joseph Hume , Ksq ., M . P ., Charles Cochrane , Esq ., Ernest Jones , E-q ., Messrs . Philip M'Grath , C . E . Wagstaff , J . Savage , J . Shaw . George Rogers , J . Scwell , T . M . Wheeler , and Edmund Stallwood , be appointed to wait on Lord John Russell , to impress on Her Majestv ' s Government the necessity of an immediate repeal of the Rate and Tax-paying clauaea in the Reform and Registration Acts . " Mr . Giussby seconded the resolution . Mr . Lawrence IIki-worth , who was loudly cheered , said he had not come there to make a speech ; however , he thought this was a step in the ri » lit direction , lie thought it would be a great eood if every man possessed equal political privileges , lie was happy to find their putitioa placed in such able hands as those of the honourable member for
Finsbury- ( Loud cheers . ) They had heard much talk of education , he thought meetings of this kind were well calculated to conler the right species ot education . Whilst travelling per rail to London he met . 1 Gorman traveller , from Bavaria , who told him they had a clause in their Constitution , to the effect that no man should bsa member of their house while he was engaged in a lawsuit ; so that when they don ' t want a man there they commenced a suit against him ; aud the rate-paying clauses were similar in spirit . He agreed with some of the speakers who hnd preceded him , that it would be well to repeal the Reform Act , and that the franchise should be conferred on all . ( Loud cheers . ) lie waa sure it waa only necessary to call meetings like tills to convince all of the great benefits which would be derived from such a course . ( Great applause . ) The motion was carried by acclamation .
Mr . Wakley having left the chair , aud Mr . Duncombe , M . P . having taken it , Mr . Fearocs O'Connor proposed , in a very complimentary speech , a vote of thanks to Mr . Wakley , their chairman , not merely tor his services this evening , but for the great service rendered to the people in general . ( Cheers . ) Mr . Charles Cochrane seconded the motion which was carried with three times three hearty cheers . Mr . Wakley acknowledged the compliment . Three cheers were then given for Mr . Duncombe , three for the Land and the Charter , three for Mr . O'Connor , and tke meeting dissolved . The following gentlemen contributed the following suras towards defraying the expences ot the meeting : — £ s . d . Colonel Thompson . . . 5 0 0 T . Wakley , M . P 5 0 0 T . S . Duncombe , M . P . . . 5 0 0 Charles Cochrane , Esq . . . 2 2 0 Sir De Lacy Evans , M . P . . 110
Untitled Article
Dlt . M'DOUALL IN THE I'OTTERIEsZaccording to appointment , Dr . M'D . mall delivered two lectures in the Christian B-ethrcn ' s Meeting Koom , Market-street , Hanley . on Wednesday and Thursday , I- eb the 10 th and 11 th instant . Mr . II . Foster was called to the chair . Dr . M'Douall , on rising , was received withgreat applause , and proceeded to show with great eloquence and av guinentthe advantages derivable from the J \ ationai Land Company . Ho pointed out the miseuievous tendency of co-operation , when rendered subservient to tho accomplishment of evil purposes , in proof of which , he rclei rod to the Bank of England ; and showed that it originally , as well as nt present , waa conducted upon the
co-operativeprinciple . Anil in exact proportion as its shareholders increased , its operations extended , its power and influence strengthened ; until it acquired its present asce ndent position in the administration of the affairs of thU country ; for now it regulates commerce , holds in awe princes and statesmen , and rules the destinies of this extensivo empire . The Dr . also cited the East India Company , as another example of the evil employment of tho co-operative principle . He then proceeded to show that co-op « ration , directed in its proper course , would become an angel of goodness and mercy , and this ho amply demonstrated in a very able and convincing manner in reference to the National Land Company . He showed that every allottee upon the land , would not only add to the increase of production , but would be a consumer of . tUe
Untitled Article
Su t ? . « ^ L - bour J a L ' The ^ "r »^ et would be created , and by this means the toiling classes , n general , would be placed in a position to demand an equitable remuneration for their industry The Dr . next went on to show the advantages that would accrue from the People ' s Savings' Bank and concluded a lecture of full two hours duration having been listened to with the greatest attention ' frequently interrupted by bursts of applause . ' Tiiubsdat Night ' s Mhbtino . —The chair was taken by the same worthy individual who occupied it on the preceding evening . Dr . M'Douall lectured on " Home Colonization versus Emigration . " TheDr ., after recapitulating a few of the advantages of the
National Land Company , proceeded to show its great superiority over any system of emigration . An Emigration Society he ( the Dr . ) understood had been established in the Potteries ; that proposed to emigrate to Wisconsin , a settlement in the back woods of North America . The Dr . then described the lawless , solitary , and uncivilized condition of that settlement , the rude and barbarous manner in which they would be obliged to cultivate the soil , —its unadapted condition to operative Potters—the many incoveniences they would inevitably be subjected to—the unavoidable dearness of many necessary comforts of life , &c . Having shown the disadvantages of emigration , he
proceeded to contrast them with the advantages of Home Colonization . He showed the advantageous situation of our estates , in being near populated towns . The easy and rapid transit of our productions to market—the quick sale of those prodaitiona , thero being a demand for them in the market , ' and consequently a quick return of good currentcoin , besides which , they would mix with a civilized people—and command the protection of the law . The worthy Dr . did ample justice to his subject , but was unable to continue his lecture more than an hour and twenty minutes on account of hi- indisposition . The Dr . resumed his seat amid much applause .
We have every reason to expect the best results from the Dr . ' s visit to the Potteries . TOWER HAMLETS—At the Globe and Friends , Morgan-street , Commercial Road , East , Mr . Ford in the chair , Mr . Philip M'Grath delivered a very instructive address here , on Sunday evening . A discussion followed between Messrs . Drake , Shaw , Knowles , Ford , < fcc , after which Mr . Drake expressed himself so satisfied with the explanations siven that , although ho had previously opposed the Land project , and always held the opinion that it must end in disappointment , he desired now to take out his card of membership , and immediately handed over to Mr . M'Grath the money in full for a twoacre allotment . Thanks to the lecturer and chairman closed the proceedings .
PUBLIC MEETING AT LEICESTER . Agrceibly to the notification in the Star , the Chartists of this place held their public meeting on Monday evening last , in the Town Hall , which the Mayor had courteously granted for the occasion , for the adoption of a petition to the House of Commons to repeal the Rate Paying clauses in the Reform Bill . On the motion of Mr . Langham , seconded by Mr . Grey , Mr . Joseph White was unanimously called to the chair .
The Chairman briefly addressed the meeting , explaining the object sought to be obtained , and pointing out some of the evils of the present Whig law , and then called upon Mr . Smart to address the assembly . Mr . Smart commenced by observing that he was apprehensive that many of those present were not luftiriently aware of the extensive misnhief of the clauses in question , and to what lengths they went to destroy the exercise of the franchise amongst that great and important class of borough and town residents , the Ten Pound Renters ; and to give an idea of what they were capable of doing , he quoted the declaration of Sir B . Hall , that in one parish alone in London their enactment had disfranchised more than S . 000 electors , and in Leicester they had
operated in perhaps a larger proportionate degree . He then- detailed the history of the humbug Reform Bill , and pointed out the manner in which the Whigs , alarmed at the probable effects of their own measure in the extension of popular rights , hail joined willingly with the Tories , to emasculate thoso priviliges , which they had basely and hypocritically pretended to grant to the dupes , whom they hail deluded to assist them in obtaining power and wealth . He then urged them to support the Petition , not that he expected their wishes would be complied with , but as their own duty , and to convince the most credulous of Whig advocates , that the miserable faction , wore now , as they ever had been , and ever would be , more inveterate enemies to the extension of popular rights than the Tories . lie concluded a lengthened address amidst much cheoi injr .
The Chairman bavins ; read the Petition , and Mr . Smart having moved its adoption , called upon Mr . Buckby to second it , which he did in an able address . The Petition was unanimously carried . Mr . Green then moved— " That the Petition be signed by the Chairman on the behalf of the meeting , and sent to T . S . Duncombe , Esq ., for presentation to the Commons , " which was seconded by Mr . Langham , and unanimously carried . Mr . Smart then moved , and Mr . Buckby seconded , a vote of thanks to the Mayor , for the use of the Hall , which was also unanimously carried . A vote of thanks was moved to the Chairman ior his services in the chair , to which he mado a suitable replv , and the meeting broke up .
PUBLIC MEETING AT BRIGHTON . A public meeting was held at tho Artichoke Inn , William-street , on Monday evening , February 15 th , 1847 , to take into consideration the propriety of petitioning Parliament for a repeal of the Rate-paying clauses of the Reform Act . Mr . Stevens was unanimously called on to preside . After having opened the business of the meeting by making a lew preliminary remarks , ho called upon Mr . Giles to propose the first resolution . Mr . Giles , in a very lucid manner , moved the following motion . " That it is tlie opinion the Rate-paying provisoes of the Reform Act render , in ) a great measure that Bill nugatory ; inasmuch as it deprives many persona of ' the Elective Franchise . This meeting , theretore , resolves to petition Parliament to abrogate the said clauses . "
Mr . r lower having 111 an energetic maimer seconded tliu motion , it was carried unanimously . Adopted . Mr . John Page proposed in a brief and pithy manner , the adoption of the petition , which has appeared in the Star , which being seconded by Mr . Fiest , a long discussion aroso , when Mr . Wright proposed some slight alteration in the last paragraph , which being seconded by Mr . Osbourne , was put from the chair , when only six hands were held up . Tho Petition as it originally stood was then put and carried unanimously , —Mr . Wright voting with the rest . Mr . Capol proposed , and Mr . Mills seconded"Thattlift Chairmanisign the Petition on behalf of the meeting . " Carried .
Mr . lloppey proposed , and Mr . Page seconded the next resolution , viz . — "That Captain Pechell present the said Petition in the Commons House of Parliament ; and Lord Alfred Harvey be requested to support the prayer thereof , " which was also carried . Mr . Giles proposed , and Mr . Bourne seconded the following resolution— " That a Committee of five persons be appointed , ( with power to add to their number ) , to obtain signatures to a petition for the same object , to bo signed by the electors of this b ( rough , and that the following peraons form such committee , namely , Mr . Flower , Mr . Tullett . Mr . Mitchell , Mr . Page , and Mr . Feist , " Carried unanimously . A vote of thanks having been given to the Chairman for his able and impartial conduct , and the Chairman having replied , the meeting dissolved .
BOROUGH OF GREENWICH . A public meeting consisting of electors and non . electors , was held at the Walter ' s Arms , Churchstreet , Deptford , on Wednesday evening last , to petition the Legislature to repeal the Rate and Tax-paying clauses in the Reform and Registration Acts . Mr . Joseph Morgan wa 9 unanimousl y called to the chair , and briefly and eloquently opened the proceedings , —when a petition to the Commons was proposed and seconded , and after an eloquent address from Mr . Henry Ross , was unanimously adopted and ordered to bo signed and transmitted to Mr ' Bernard for presentation . Admiral Dundas , thu other member for the borough , will be requested to support its prayer .
SOUTH LONDON CHARTIST HALL - Mr Doylo lectured to a spirited audience on Sunday evening , February tho 14 th , taking for his subject the recent discussion between Archer Gurnev . Esq . and Mr . llvomas Clark , and gave a graphic descnp ' tion , and some amusing illustrations of tho discussion . Ho was much applauded thoroughout . LIMEHOUSE . -BRUNSWICK HALL .-Mr . Thomas Clark lectured to a very numerous and attentive audience on the subject of the Land and the Labour Bank :
He was much applauded throughout , and at the close , the company received a considerable acquisition of strength ;
Untitled Article
^ & . M < k > uv MANCIIESTER .-Dr . M'Douall lectured at tho People s Institute , which was crowded . At mean , pointed time the Dr . had not arrived . v The Chairman therefore , after Mr . O'Connor's l « tter m the Star was read to the meeting , introduced Mr . John Sutton , who stated he had received letters from Mr . Bright and Mr . Mark Philips , who ' both promised their aid and support in favour of s >' Mr . Duncombo ' d motion for the repeal of the Rate- IS paying clauses . \ Mr . Dixon then addressed the meeting . Us \ briefly alluded to the advantages the country would n derive from a repeal of the Rate-paying clause , as li « vo said it would enfranchise about 40 thousand of tho \ 1 non-electors . J The Manchester Packer then came forward , and \ 2 addressed the meeting with force and effect until ^\ afier eight o ' clock , when the Dr . arrived , who had \ been dcUiKed b > an accident on the Liverpool Rail , way . The Charter and the Land were briefly , yet v powerfully hand'ed by the De . He wa 3 greatly ap « \ \ plauded . X ^ l
THE GENERAL REGISTRATION AND CENT&AL ELECTION COMMITTEE held its meeting at the Assembly Rooms , 83 , Dean-street , Soho , on Tuesday eveninj :, Feb . 10 th , Mr . Ernest Jones in the chair , when letters were read from Halifax , holding out the most sanguine hopes , that should a Chartist candidate be brought forward at the General election , that he would ba returned , and from Oldham , stating that there was every prospect ofthe return of Mr ; Halliday , on the retirement of General Johnson . A letter was also read from tha City of London Chartists containing some valuable lu 8 gestions , but , in consequence of the pressure of the Crown and Anchor business , the discussion on their merits was postponed until the next meeting of the committee . The remainder of the arrangements for the Crown and Anchor meeting having been completed , the committee adjourned until Tuesday evening next .
THE SOUTH LONDON CHARTIST HALL - 1 he benefit concert , on behalf of this Hall , came off on Monday evening , Feb . loili , and was well attended , Mr . Mathias presided , and was well supported by the Wbitehorn family , Messrs . Doyle , Robbins , Read , Jeffry , Pearcey , Stallwood , Mrs . Konham , and Miss Cummins ; the entertainments afforded tho highest satisfaction and the most hilarious amusement , from the numbers attending it cannot fail to prove a benefit to the institution . We understand that a concert h about to be held in the Hall weekly , to which the aid of the Patriotic muse will be largely invoked .
PUBLIC MEETING AT LEEDS . The public meeting to adopt the petition for the Charter was held on Tuesday last , in the Court House , with the Mayor m the chair . The lar £ « Court was filled even to the doors . The Mayor in openin ; the meeting , expressed his pleasure in meeting his fellow-townsmen , and although he did not jo the full length with the originators ofthe meeting , he held it to be . his duty to furnish every opportunity within his power for the purpose of discussing great national and local measures . Discussion would lead to truth . He thought , however , that the Suffrage niisiht be extended , but how | tar , he was not able to say at present , lie then proceeded to call the attention ofthe meeting to the business to be brought forward , and hoped every gentleman would have a lair hearing .
Mr . Councillor Homer moved the first resolution ma very neat and impre-sive speech , which told well on the meeting , lie said he was a Chartist , and had been one for aome time , ami longed to see the day when the six points would be carried out . Mr . Councillor Brook seconded the resolution , and commented at length upon the evils of Class-legislation . He pointed to the state of Ireland , and asked if the present distressed state of that country would have existed if the people had been properly represented ? And concluded b y calling on the working men to combine together in one national parly , and their freedom would be gained . The resolution was carried unanimouslv .
Mr . M'Jntosh moved the second ivsul ' ution in a clever and humourous speech . He took up the word " expedient " . Parties said it was not expedient to grant the suffrajie . He slid when this was asked , th « y should be asked , —to whom would it not be expedient , and it would be found out to be those who now possessed pouer—it would not be expedient with them , but to the j , -reat bulk of the people it would be expedient , because it was doing that which was right . Mr . John Shaw seconded it with an earnest and forcible speech , lie called on the people to be tentperatu in their habits , to put aside drunkeuHess , and agitate for their poltical rights . Carried unanimously . Mr . James Harris moved the adoption of the Petition , embracing the six points of the Charter ; and made some very pertinent remirks respecting the present qualification tor members of Parliament .
Mr . Roger Pre .-tou , seconded , ai . d it was carried with great applause . Mr . Thomas Clarkson moved : — " That the Petition bo signed by the Chairman , on behalf of the meeting , and sent to Mr . Duncombe tor presentation . Air . Thomas Harper seconded the resolution which was carried . Mr . Joseph Hewitt moved a petition , for the repeal wf the Rate Paying Clauses of ius Reform Act . Mr . Win . Johnson seconded the petition , which Was carried . The Mayor then made a few remarks oa the speeches , lie could not a ^ ree with all that hnd been said , he wa « , however , highly gratified with the proceeding !' .
A voteof thankson the motion of Mr . Brook , was given to the Miyor for calling , aud presiding over tho meeting , with loud and long continued cheerins . This meeting hns infused new life into the Chartist body , and struck their opponents with astonishment at the Mayor takins , ' the chair—some of them are horror-struck with the giant strides which Chartism is making in this town . TO THE PEOPLE . I have been so much liarrassed by travailing , that I conld not find time to address you sooner , or report progress . I am extremely glad , however , to state that the old spirit seems reviving again , and former enthusiasm taking the le : id once more . This is tho time for renewed agitation . Our enemies are divided , and no party seems to ba in existence save ourselves . Even nations , ns well as factions , seem , divided . When rulers are weakmed by disunion , tha people become strung . Combine , then , nowr—cooperate and make a common effort to secure the Charter and the Land . These should be thu rallying cries . The petition ought to be , and 1 have no
hesitation in saying will be , more numerously signed than before . The discussion that will be raised oa its merits will do immense- service to tho cause of denocracy . It will prove that we have been slumbering , not suffocated , and arouse thu democrats of all nations . Mr . O'Connor said truly in the last Convention tliat the iiisci . ssiim on tlie t ' . irmcr petition did an immense service on the Continent . Besides , we are in proper time , for thu approichinu' dissolution , of Parliament is in our iavour , and the fear of meeting a hostile people will influence the votes of many members . Up , then , brethren , to your duty . Sign the petition sheets , aud prove that you havo not tor gotten your rights , nor relinquished your claims upon the legislature .
Mr . O'Connor and myself had a most cheering meeting at Cheltenham . It was enthusiastic in tho extreme . At Pershore I had a bumper . A number o £ farmers were present , and kighly approved of tha Chartis t Land scheme . At Birmingham I had also a very fair meeting . AtBil 8 ' . on and Lnngton the same . Hut the two meetings in the Potteries exceeded the others , t had occasion there to caution the people against emigration to the lawless district « f Dodsie county , Wisconsin America . Mr . Evans , tlie leader of the foreign dodge , challenged me to three ni » hts' discussion on the question of home versus foreign colonisation . I \ tII 1 accommodate the gentleman as soon as possible .
The Manchester meeting was a tremendous affair , but 1 was detained ei » ht hours on the mil , and c . ime in late . Mr . Dixon and Mr . Diekenson ably supplied my place for two hours . At Uacup , tlw meetixg was said to ho as cood as when Mr . O'Connor was tiiure . At Halifax , the meeting was viry cood , but 1 wa 3 totally exhausted vhen I reached it , having had to tramp through tho mud and rain from Baciri . This reminds me of one point that ought to be undorstood . The localities , according to the resolution of tlie Executive , arc to pay my travelling expenses . This is a point often neglected , and proves injurious lo tho cause in many ways , for a lecturer mav be left
without money to go on , or ho may be so completely knocked up as not to bo able to lecture at ail . For the purpose of diminishing expenses , and likewise to disarm the enemies of Clurtism , I propose abstaining from all Miperlluitics , such as intoxicating drinks , whilst employed by the Executive . A jjuod deal of recrimination has arisen on the latter point , and for the purpose of crushing any hostile feeliiu-, aa the sacrilicc is but a trifle . I « 'e no reason why I shouYd not or cannot make it . I believe I will proceetl as i ' ar na Newcastle from Hull , and 1 hope those pLiMft which may di-sive my sui'viwts , will » t once communicate with Mr . Boyle , so tlu . t : i timely notice niav be sent forth in the columns of the Sorth *
cm Star . As 1 am late in forwarding this letter , I must r . ow conclu-U ) it with the earnest and heartfelt wishes of a sanguine mind for tho welfare of thu woikiug classes , and the speedy ai ' -liioranent of tho People ' s Ckntter . 1 remain , Friends , Your devoted friend ami advocate , P . M . M'Dou . ui .. Halifax , February 17 th . 1317 .
Clwttst Jnteiltttence*
Clwttst Jnteiltttence *
Tg The Working Classes.
TG THE WORKING CLASSES .
Untitled Article
ygjIjfo ^ W jg ~ ~ ^ J ^ W wU v ( f ^ jy ^ jvijv ^ i i ^ gffini ; , AND NATIONAL TRADES' JOURNAL .
Untitled Article
V X tive OL . . NO . 487- LONDON , SATURDAY , FEBRUARY 20 , 1847 ^^^^ r ^ -- = — i * riye Shil » "g » and WixH ^ . c per Qqaiter *!___ i ¦ - - ^ ¦ — - _ _ . ¦ " *
-
-
Citation
-
Northern Star (1837-1852), Feb. 20, 1847, page unpag, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse2.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1406/page/1/
-