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Jemocratit J«S)««tsr PUBLIC MEETINGS, &0.
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to inculcate a faith in right principles where wrong have so long prevailed . Yet all this must he done , and more hefore co-operation "becomes a fact , and political freedom a reality . What materials have we to hegin with ? Scattered throughout the country are some co-operative commercial establishments instituted , without much regard to system , for the simple ohject of enahling the
consumers of commodities to supply themselves at the hest markets and the cheapest prices with the necessaries of life . Passing through some provincial towns the stranger may read with curiosity over a low hrowed door , " Co-operative Store ; " and upon enquiry he finds that a few working men have handed themselves together , cluhhed their shillings and pence , transformed
themselves into small capitalists , and hecome their own buyers , and the savers of the profits upon their own consumption . A humble means this to change the world ' s aspect , hut then these same stores are increasing in number and prospering , and they will become yet more numerous and prosperous . Widely spread they will form for the industrial classes the basis of a system of distribution , and distribution is a great part of the business of the world . All these small establishments
will need to be brought together , with relation to some centre , which shall supply the same place as that now occupied by the wholesale dealer , and that is being effected , to some extent at least , by means of the Central Co-operative Agency in Charlotte-street , Fitzroy-square . Let this plan spread , and , small as it now seems , it will be powerful to effect great changes both in practice and opinion . It will weaken the
spirit of competition . It will . check the moral degradation which the struggles of ordinary trade so often produce . It will discourage the commercial frauds of adulteration and deception . It will give men a habit , of calling things what they are , instead of passing them off for what they are not . It will breed
up a spirit of carefulness and forethought . It will induce in the people habits of business , and it will make association for the attainment of common objects familiar . We have not yet counted the mere money saving , although , in an age when money is the great motive power , that is an important consideration .
Association for distribution is the simplest and easiest form of combination , and therefore it has been in this country the first and the most widely adopted . It requires the least capital , faith , effort , and self-denial 5 its advantages lie nearest the surface ; but there are also other establishments , few and more widely scattered , though still upon the whole prosperous and increasing , where men unite for production . The formation and
carrying on of these is more difficult . When almost all manufacturing operations are performed by means of minute division of labour and expensive machinery , the power of the capitalist is great , and that of the working man proportionately small . The money to start a small store would not go far to establish a factory .
The ability to buy the necessaries of life is more common than that which is required to go into the world ' s market and purchase raw material , and again to dispose profitably of the worked-up fabric . The faith requisite to invest a pound to be received back week by week in goods , is much more easily found than that which would induce men to invest their all in a
speculation , and give up weekly wages for the chances of commerce . Yet the thing may be done—is done , for here and there are such associations , and prospering , and every successful attempt must stimulate others to better their condition . In this branch , too , of association organization is wanting to give unity to the operations of co-operators , and to enable them to find markets , and in this work the same persons who established the Central Agency are also engaged . Here then we have the present bases of our future
co-operative system—production on the one hand , and distribution on the other—not a system yet , but waiting to be made one , and growing while it waits . We must help in the work , and we can help by acting as a means of communication between co-operative bodies , by giving currency to , and defending the opinions they and we hold , by disseminating such intelligence as they
mayneed , by acting for them upon public opinion , by watchfor ' and prompting legislative , action , and by pointing out such improvements as the experience or the reflection of all may suggest . No great movement can be made without the help of that powerful lever , the press ; and we hope , by devoting ourselves to co-operative interests , to become worthy helpers in the great change which is silently preparing ..
Next week we shall consider a third branch of cooperation to which it is necessary that the attention of co-operators should be immediately directed .
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MR . SLANEY AND THE WOBKING CLASSES .
To the Editor of the Star of Freedom . Sir , —In looking over the list of the elected to serve in the next Parliament , we regret to observe that the name of Mr . Slaney is not to be found therein . As to the cause of the retirement of ' Mr . Slaney we arc entirely ignorant ; as to his usefulness we are thoroughly convinced . Shrewsbury was honoured in sending to Parliament a representative whose voice called occasional attention to the condition of the producing classes , and brought under the notice of the Parliament and the Country a class of facts which both are much
too prone to overlook . The decay of agricultural villages , the disproportionate employment of Work-people , in agricultural pursuits , the increase of mortality among the humbler classes , the increase of summary convictions , the causes and cost of crime , and the want of due provision for the destitute , the aged , and the infirm form a class of subjects to which Parliament is not inclined to listen . Such were the questions with which Mr . Slaney was probably more familiar than any other member of the late House of Commons , and on which he occasionally instructed the parliament , the press , and the country .
It was to us no matter of astonishment that Mr . Slaney had , when addressing the House of Commons , to complain of " inattention" on the part of an unwilling auditory ; and that many members considered him a " bore . " Such was a natural result . A House of Commons , consisting of members "who represented every interest but that of Labour , was not likely to court an inquiry into the condition of those on whose
industry all depended , and for whose degradation all were responsible . The true value of Mr . Stanley , as a member of Parliament , consisted in the fact that he possessed the ability , the knowledge , and the courage to do what no other member of Parliament attempted , namely , to enforce a consideration of the condition of the Producing Classes , apart from political partizanship , on the notice of the Legislature . Had the late House of Commons contained one hundred such men as Mr .
Slaney , or if the next House of Commons would probably contain so many , the loss of Mr . Slaney would be comparatively trifling ; but under existing circumstances , to loose the only man whose efforts were of the most desirable kind , and whose exertions were all devoted for the welfare of the most neglected portion of the community , whose knowledge of their actual condition was far from superficial , is indeed a loss to be deplored .
All the party questions of the day can command the attention of the Parliament . Talk of the Franchise , the Ballot , the Church , Maynooth , Protection , Free Trade , Papists , steam-boats , railways , ships , commerce , colonies , cotton , corn , curry , Cardinal Wiseman , Dr . Pusey , or Mr . Bennett ; have at your back any one of the political factions , from the " D . D . " ( or doubly doubtful ) ministry , to the " Irish Brigade , " or the " Oxford University , " and a hearing is at your service . Let
any one of the leaders of faction rise in the House of Commons attention is at once granted . But for that question which lays at the root of all , and for which all parties are only valuable in , so far as they arc subservient thereto , and on which all rest—the condition of the labouring portion of the community—there is no willing hearing , no adjourned debate , no calm consideration . A fact to be acknowledged , and so far as possible amended .
We are quite aware of the frequent allusions made to the " condition of the Working Classes , " in the debates of Parliament . Such allusions are all made for party purposes , for faction , not for country—for " ins" and " outs , " not with a view to the advancement of the oppressed , and the neglected , and the laborious ; they serve only to illustrate the importance of such inquiries as Mr . Slaney was remarkable for proposing , and the ignorance or the dishonesty of those members of Parliament who made the general question the burthen of their song , and refused to grant to it a separate inquiry apart from party purposes .
There is not anything new in the treatment wmch Mr . Slaney experienced in the House of Commons . The late Michael Thomas Sadler was better informed , regarding , and more anxious for the Amelioration of the condition of the working classes than any other man of his time . Previous to the passing of the Reform Act , Mr . Sadler , under the influence of the late Duke of Newcastle , represented the borough of
Newark . On every question of a political and partizan character , Mr . Sadler ( when he would speak on such subjects , which was seldom ) commanded attention and applause , but on all the cardinal questions on which depended a nation ' s greatness , and in which Mr . Sadler was deeply versed , and in all he suggested thereon thoroughly sincere ; he , like Mr Slaney , was noted " a bore . " We could cite other though less prominent examples of the same tendency .
If we turn to society generally , and especially that portion of it known as " the working classes , " there we find the failing we have commented upon in parliament , in its fullness . The middle classes rarely get beyond a cry against taxation , or a demand for financial reform , on the principles of taxation or the means by which financial reform may be advantageously brought about , with but few exceptions they are but indifferently informed . The working men ( always excepting a few very honest and earnest members of their body ) are either
ignorant or apathetic , perhaps both ; many cases they are not conscious of their own debasement : they will travel a mile or spend a shilling under the promise of seeing a juggler put a man into a quart bottle . At an election , they will shout loud , long , and l tily at the bidding of an unscrupulous demagogue , or the beck of a political charlatan , but they are much too negligent of all that relates to their own advancement . They
prefer wholesale promises to clearly defined practical measures and , as a necessary consequence , are never without flatterers and deceivers , and make but trifling progressin practical reform . The measure suggested by Mr . Slaney may not have been commensurate with the evils he exposed ; but they were one and all eminently practical , and recommended with earnestness and sincerity . If Mr . Slaney be not a great statesman he is one who has worked in the right vein , and in parliament he re- ; i i ; i ¦
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quired but support and time to enable him to do much that must be done , or results will follow for which mere party-men rich in property but shallow in brain , are not prepared . Our country is at present undergoing a revolution , the end of which will depend upon the calibre , the foresight , and the patriotism of her rulers . Population floods , our gold floods in , science and machinery progress ; but no provision is made for those whose only property labour is displaced thereby . The old landmarks of the world's commerce arc beiiW
changed . Belgium , Prussia , Germany , and America , arc each becoming our rivals in manufacture . We have opened our ports to the world ' s produce , and boast that we defy competition . Irish priests force elections , and threaten eternal damnation as the penalty of disobedience . Jealousy and hatred between the English and the Irish are on the increase , originating ; not only from religious , but from social causes . Our cities grow to unnatural proportions , and the population of our rural districts decrease . On every side there is change .
Great and important constructive measures are required . "Who will suggest and introduce them to the nojtice of Parliament ? We know not ; the future will unfold . In losing Mr . Slaney we have lost .-the only man who , in the last parliament was a capable and sincere witness of our social , condition . If the late member for Shrewsbury was not a good captain , he was an attentive sailor , carefully throwing the lead ,, and warning us of danger . ••«¦ - »• * . ' ; " ' ^ < : GRACCHUS
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^ The Swobd tbexed into the Sickle . —So great is the scarcity of hands in West Sussex , owing to emigration and other causes , that the farmers , unable to procure the means of housing their crops , have applied to the Commanding officer of the Scots Fusilier Guards , who , on condition that his men did not compete with agricultural labourers , but only supplied their places where vacant , consented to allow his men to wield the - sickle instead of the sword .
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" STAB OF FREEDOM" COMMITTEE .
On Tuesday evening a meeting of the Committee for the advancement of the Star of Freedom took place , Mr . James Grassby in the chair . The Secretary reported that he had received very encouraging letters from Bradford and other places . The placards and hand-bills ordered to be ' printed and distributed by the Committee had been disposed of . A further supply was ordered . Mr . Newton thought it necessary that in the various portions of the metropolis some confidential persons should be engaged to act as sub-publishers , , b y being supplied with copies to keep by them in the event 01 the agents of particular districts having a greater demand than they expected , as in his neighbourhood considerable inconvenience arose through the news-agents not having more than usual on Sunday last , and thus many friends who intended to adopt the journal were disappointed . * He suggested the formation of local committees in the metropolis and elsewhere , to assist the Central Committee in the distribution of placards , &c . Mr . W . Davis supported the propositions of Mr . Newton , and thought it only needed a little exertion among the friends of the " Star of Freedom" to make that journal a successful champion of Labour ' s Rights . He had no doubt that in a very few days a strong and active committee would be formed in the Tower Hamlets . After some observations from Mr . Delaforce and other friends , several sums of money were handed in to forward the objects of the Committee and the Committee adjourned till Tuesday evening next , at eight o ' clock , when all the members arc requested to attend . Persons desirous of co-operating with the committee , are requested to address to the Secretary , Walter Cooper , 4 , Brunswick Row , Queen Square , Bloomsbury , London . * [ To prevent disappointment , all friends who feel a desire to support us are requested to give their orders in advance to the news-agents in their districts . —Ed . ]
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Tower Hamlets . — On Wednesday evening a Local Committee , to aid the Star of Freedom ' Central Committee , was formed at the London Hospital Tavern . Twenty-seven persons put down their names to act on the Committee . Mr- vV . Davis presided , and the most resolute determination to push the paper was expressed by all present . NOTTINGHAM .-The Secular Hall . Sunday morning , after an article from the Star of Freedom had been read , Mr . Broom lectured on Socialism , He said-it is superior to any theological system , because it is in accordance with facts . Facts we should study , not waste our time in trying to study dogmas ; we cannot afford to neglect either our minds or our bodies . Socialism tells you how to educate the individual ; how to wisely and justly regulate the whole of human society . He referred to the opinions of Epicurus , Upictetus , the Essenes , and Therapente , of Egypt , Socialism , he said , would produce and conserve property for the benefit ( all ; unlike competition , which benefited a few , but beggared and degraded the many . In the evening he discoursed on 1 neology . In the Market Place he lectured on Co-operation , which he divided into three parts—local , general , and national . One would improve the family , the other society , and the last would teach nations to co-operate to protect each other , and to assist states , like Italy and Hungary .
POLITICAL REFUGEE COMMITTEE . TO THE SUBSCRIBERS TO THE REFUGEE FUND . Friends , —From the report of thefirst quarterly meeting of the Refugee Committee , in last Saturday ' s « Star of Freedom , " , you will have learned that the total of monies received during the quarter , amounted to £ 20 0 s . 3 d ., and the expenditure to 19 lls . Id ., that having been disbursed in paying for printing and postage , affording some trifling aid to applicants for assistance , and furnishing the necessary means to enable a few refugees to proceed to places in the country where their friends had found them employment . The balance in hand ¦ amounted to £ 13 9 s . 2 d . ; Messrs . Holyoake , Arnott , and myself , were appointed to divide the said balance among the several claimants . Carl Schapper , on the part of the Germans , declined taking any " share of the balance , but intimated that there were three worthy exiles who were deserving of such aid as the committee could afford to give them . The sum of £ 1 10 s . was handed to Mr . Schapper for the purpose he had iudicated .
Jemocratit J«S)««Tsr Public Meetings, &0.
Jemocratit J « S )«« tsr PUBLIC MEETINGS , & 0 .
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6 THE STAB OF FBEEDOM . August 21 , 1852 .
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Aug. 21, 1852, page 10, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse2.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1692/page/10/
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