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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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* - - ^ __ FD 1 T 0 S OF THK SOSTHESLU STAE . yO IB * * - " To tost * t&ke ae J * beTt 7 * ° "Jtimatfi that S ^ CllL address of the proposed Charter Associa-I * r infect reliance on the good Mth and stanch >* "" J rf Messrs Lovctt . Collins , Cleave , Hefcher-P ^ lnTria «^ J ^ individuals , I conceived , perjt ^ ^ ^ Me of a traitorous design on the grand * &Sofosr light * ud interests , the " People O ^ L in ldeet , Sir , my sole ambition u to promote 01 « teBt of my ability , the success of this real & S * S o * , tliis glorious record of the people * de-** ££ » to be free . My motto is—•• Universal J *^* Vgjti » and unqualified ; and less than this , i ^ - j jjjever shape or designation , will I refuse to i ^* ^ AeeriB g intelligence of the progress of Chartism J ^ T ttTOBgh tee medium of the Northern Star 1
if' ^ Ljji veek to week , with the highest satisfaction l *^ vfct , not only on account of my fellow-dares ^ fSmnai at lar ge , but , indmdoaUy ,. ! am proud ^¦ r Z ^ tte sentiment of gratitude which I feel to * ftfloesor and to yourself fer the unparalleled ^ Ll !« tfl Tfc icft yon have advanced the only journal * JJfL peop le can properly designate as their own . a * Strike ™ Star I hare beeen a subscriber from Jtn& soemezt ; and I have always bets ) , and shall ** £ Z ( ol > e , an indefatigable promoter of its cir-** Sj il BomB and abroad . * TL , cjHoe to London for a short period , I shall ^ -m artanity of acquiring accurate intelligence ** 5 « ibB new association . Witli tlie import of its SiT eoriially agree , f * yu . Oiborne , of yuneaton , I say there has ta , je 0 ^ ° * P ** * * 16 inTectiTe and abuse ; and , ^ . M , too much of the Tiolent and vulgar denun' . *! .. » b 4 the language occasionally employed in in uio muck
IT . 1 T 1 H tue-i » ' * " « ' « "" f te » i * cumj s ? £ * tte r s *" ^ * O'Connell ) has been low and ¦ cLfctfce extreme . ^^ j , i sincerely regret ; and on this subject I a ^ aataa old Association may learn something of j"Jir his . In signing the address of the latter I * jjBB g j ] 3 « I was simply constituting myself a 2 b sS * Cbarter Association ; because inLeaming-** i j ^ u failed in the attempt which 2 made to _ j £ «\ c 6 a . jjrti Kill faith in the parties whom , in so nn-• i ^ Ti spirit , you bold np to the denunciation and rf ^ jf not to the absolute execration of the people . ijaTbw men , I at present believe , never existed . \ &m ef the rights of the people they have always L ias& 3 y forward ; and it is by their acts , and jjiwadanee with the hasty condemnation of thtir jg ^ ed enemi es , that I am prepared to judge
jito pejeeted Association cannot , without injury fe * 1 one , be established and maintained ; or if , goba cf accepting an iota less than the full I ^ ct of Univers al or Charter Suffrage shall be jjjHtm tie originators of the former , I shall , £ ggbaita& ~ on , withdraw my name from the list of & £ alt , whom I shall then esteem the virtual and yw » ii enemies of the people ' s regeneration and ; to sot , Sir , constitute myself a judge of another ^^ tifirarimi for the franehiiae . Who am I that j ^ M odeds from th ~ t invaluable right and privijgrraibe meanest of my fellow-subjects ? jc 1 viU sot intrude longer on your time ; and £ «! j * dd , after the example of Mr . O'Connor , I jjebI Safcage md no Surrender . I am . Sir .
Tours respectfully , J . B . Smith , of Leamington pirt Ann inn , Holbom-bridge , London , laar . ipri ] i 6 Lii , ISiL
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BBB EDITO& OF THE KOB . THE&S STAB . SV-EiTicg * een an address sent to Peter Lay ton ifltLcTCa inviting some of the leading Chartists of Spin to sign it without delay , and send it back hy in d post , leaving no time for consideration , anl&ped hoping all was right . It was sent back ifclarcU , u requested , and he considered there v hr Barnes than was required , and he therefore ¦ I i *» ad time , stating that the names of two per-MinH be sufficient . Accordingly the names of two pass nro seat , bat on looking over the Northern fri iie following week , we found that both these us nte omitted , and the name of Peter Layton pcsflaliit , in Iku of either of the names sent 5 tT , Sr , I feel truly thankful that my name did ssttaar in the 5 tor , but here is the qu&ry , why wtjot there ? Was it because I stated in the hearb {< Kiml , that if I found anything wrong I would feaxOiBgat all to do with the concern ?
5 t * , I believe that Mr . Lovett has been made I iqaotei irith this assertion , and hence there would Ihniepetaf my having anything to do with it , if I IkatitiTis not right Now , Sir , I am decidedly of Iqcas that all is net right , for I find this " New lltar'iilailed by the Whig papers as very excellent , luttimiddle eiass Radicals , as they call themselves , ¦ Btig&ir feiighted with it , thongh w « . caaaoiget tttam ¦ liSf o » angle inch with us for the Charter . ¦ JgBE , I Taut to know how the arch-traitor Dan , ¦¦ ttokfic-r all about the " New ilo ? e , " before the
¦ W « » tre made acquainted with it ? JTow , I ask Bj ** LoTEtt and Collins if they are by bo means Bj ** d Titi Dan , why not come out and meet him Hb » a ; u > d tell him they are not his tools , nor ever ¦§ k ; more especially , when he declares they are Kfeccedly for Household Suffrage ? Surely this 1 * . 'aj stromg of the old fox ¦*> > Sr , 1 wish v > give every man his due , I beg ¦ « t » sfcte that Mr . Celling gave a lecture in the B ^* > Babary , and there showed himself the dtter-^ P ^ sdvoate for ITni versal Suffrage , &c He also B *** toee sermoris in the Chartist lecture room . great
^ P ^ S > v « satisfaction , sad preaching has con-¦^ rr ay Sunday since ; but on account of the divi-^ V Kt « een the Chartist Church in Birmingham , to KiSofcal Association , the Chartists of this y * fflaot attend ; therefore I expect preaching will ^ PwcSanied . Kow , « regards tiie ignorance of the ¦ m , aj opinion is ttsey are not so dari as they are ¦ aeeied be . We know we are slaves , and the ¦^* P » t of the produce of - labour goes to sup-^ F ^ 41 ^ , and pensioced lc .. nd ladies , with ft ¦*»<> f idle bishops , and fee state church with ¦ ^ to ; are connected , all of which swaUow some-¦ r * tine miliious of the hard earned moEey of ¦ J » P ' =. ' TTe know that , until we have a voice in ¦ ** « ks laws by wMck we are to be governed , we ¦ Jwssth ; therefore , I are for Universal Suffrage
¦ ^ aKw gr eat halb and expensive libra ries , they ¦ % « T TET ? sood ) tDt ** sonje year 3 mast eJa P ¦ ? ® 6 se hiJii cji be bnUt , and those expensive l * ^ ^ ^ iab-isfced , what is to become of the ^¦ pstioBssuds the while ? It may be all very well ¦ C ^ r ^ ' Of lilemone J collected , may consider M * &T * i Trortli two or three pounds per -week . It JLtL 1 ^ 1 with them ; but what is the cry of the «| S » OBSi 2 KU ? Why , » ix iB no go ; we won't jT ^ i ftTe us the Charter ( and all the " blessings Be ? wntains ) and then we shall be able to obtain ¦ j ^ ftae&Goi , which is needful to proaiote our best « JT * « Englishmen and &s Christians . Hk ^^ ^ above in the Northern Star , you will
m iir , Tuurs , most respectfully , ^_ , E 0-WAJLD HUGHES * ° y . April 25 A , U 4 i .
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I ^ CilTHORPE STREET MEETING . I l / ^ ED 1 T 0 : a 0 P TH : E SOKTHZBJi STAB . « L J * , * 56 tter to the electors of Nottingham , « £ « tteo to vote for Walter , the Tory , written ^ K ^ l ^ * ' P 1101130 ^ by tt&t gentleman , as ^ Ktttf ewmection ^ ith his letter in your last , ) ^¦ Cr" r * the meeting held in Calthorpe-street , ^ fc . ? ° « e . " for the purpose of considering the ^ Mt ^* aUils S a National Convention" —and in ^¦ ij ?~? 2 ? " of which meeting I had the honour ¦ k £ ***™«! t part—was concocted by the Whigs , ^ f ^ BJk Pvpose of eB trsDmnp thu TvpnTi ^ e . T nm nvniv
' ^ Wjk gj TS * was mule , aiitaide , even at that time , (^• l ^ " 0 * geBtlemen who have recently signed ^ fc ^ KmoTe" circular ; but , thcagh many years i ^ fcj *^ thia is the first tanstible opportunity 1 «? & v * ^ blic 3 y fo 1 " reasons which • "U * 1 VlEc ent and othtrs , wto make such a _ l ^ J ° ^^ ^ o that conclusion . fts s ^ v 1111 ^ ° 1 SLr > " * "" ° P ^ y discussed ^ FWjj ^*' . ^ 1 ) r 2 S "well and duly advertised , ^^ CW 1 rv Ctice ; * ^ ' yfe baTe tte opinion of ¦ * ir » Coaaen himself , that its obkd was cer-^ r « lfj- --- *» = ii ii uaseii , mat its oo'ea was
cer-»^ -fc > - ^ Xz tionaL True , a " proclamation , " ¦ W ^ irLr ^ the Secretary of State , " though not -i ^^ Tr *^ against the meeting ; but I happen ^ Tfc d *^* f " * ho 6 ° ' np quite as good-lookivg an ^ r t » of 7 ^ v 'TertIle " originals ; " aye , even on » C " U .. a bath-fields Bastile . Indeed , I myself ^ m * hth v con J nnct «» " ^ th another of the com - & $ 4 7 tr 1 Uonil rnion ot ^ e Working CTasses , ^ f ^ fc r > l 0 Iiel Evans , ( now General Sir De Lacy ^ r ^ r * l ^ se of inviting him to preside on SL ^ Otti f v Sentleman ( CoL Evans ) expressed ^ K ^ to oblige us by complying , only that , ^ g \ f .. " «» engaged in his first « lt ! Tju . « f < w th « rv .
« J = a ^\ estmiaster » b * . fe *« d »* would pre w ! if « r v ™ Sectors , were he to preside over * ¦ SXXI * Parpose M tbat "owei j ^ C ^ lBreT Ocioa 8 Uld «*» g ^ ary conduct of HjWioS ^ ttatoceasion , a < z < i » another matter , ^ Cmjs « rt Tied ^ or ' ih * u ^ e ^ y » t . the « '' ihS"i ! frieDd ot miDe iD 0 W ^«» Med ) V Tea b ? the pigeoc-livered expediency-8 He ^ 7 ear ^ anootbly glide , 1 ^ , . T . - * ^ wares , i Pro bl 0 ^ - "td ^ s of Pr 3 de ¦ H 5 Es ^ A » 4 wjiMa ' tsan . "
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Oa ^ the subject of spies , I would that my humble warning might be attended to by every j / oaift , ( for the " oW hirds" are not so likely to be netted with " chaff , ") in these plutocnt-ridden dominions . Lei none trust even his own irofher , unless he see Mm earn his bread , or know , beyond possibilit y of doubt , thai he eomes by hit living honestly . This is not a mere generality ; for , alas ! I feel % deep and bitter necessity for the caution , foundsd on considerable experience , and an analysis of men and measures , at least as complete &s my contemporaries . But I am *» u > only addressing Mr . Vincent , through yoor columns , as to the Calthorpe-street job ; I shall be happy to see the matter set before the public in its true colours . ' Tour ' s , truly , R . E . Lee .
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TO TH 5 EDITOB . OP THE NORTHERN STAB . Dea * Sib , —On Tuesday last , a poor weaver came to m « to inform me that he had taken in two cuts , and that his masler wanted to rob him of nearly half of what he should have received for weaving them . I advised him to wait upon his master again next morning , ' and have an interview with him , and try to settle th « matter amicably , if possible . He did bo , but to no purpose ; they could not agree . ^ I then told him if he would empower me to act for him , I would summon his master , which , by the 5 th of Geo . IV ., chap . 96 , sec 15 , any one ifl empowered to do so . He did so . I tben went to th « magistrate , and applied ior a summons , according to the above Act I was ordered into an adjoining room , where J waa told I could get it When Mr . Bounce , the clerk , had made
it ont , he demanded a shilling for expences . I then referred him to the 30 th section of the Act , which stated that twopence only was the charge , and no more allowed to be taken according to law . He then laid the summons by , and took no further notice of either me or the summons . I then held the Act in my hand , and Ssked him to look at it He refused , but said nothing . I asked him if I was not to have the summons without a shilling ? He said no . I was then compelled to pay a shilling for two pennyworth of law . I then took it to be signed , and here I wjis , doomed to be robbed again ; for when the "blue devil * got it , he would not Berve it without sixpence : yet the same section of the- above Act ears that fourpence , and no more , should be taken . I offered to serve it myself . He told me it must be served by a constable ; bo that at this stage I was robbed of twopence more .
If you will insert the ab « ve in the defender of the people ' s rights and labour , the Star , You will greatly oblige , A Constast Reader . Harpurhey , May 3 rd , IS 41 . P . S . If any one , perhaps Mr . Hume , M . P ., the staunch supporter of the above Act , would answer me , through your paper , what use Acts of Parliament for bestowing justice cheap to the poor are ^ . while the derka refuse to allow it , I would feel greatly obliged . D . Y .
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TO THE EDIT 8 B . OP THE NORTHERS STAR . SIR , —Having seen in the Northern Star of last Saturday an article headed " Golding again !* in which my name is prettily mentioned by the conceited booby who forwarded it to you , I beg to call your attention to the same , in order tliat justice may be done to Mr . Golding . I have known Mr . G . for a long time , and 1 , as well as many others , cannot believe that Mr . G . is a spy ; and being anxious that the various charges existing against him should be either substantiated or refuted , I beg leave to offer the " leaders" of the London Chartists the use of my premises ( capable of accommodating two or three hundred ) gratuitously , for the purpos » of fairly trying the aeeused , and hearing his defence , which I have Mr . G . ' s sanction to say he is ready to make . Yours sincerely , Francis Wilbt .
Pesta ! oztlan Academy , Wbitneld-stoeet , \ Late Tabernacle Sunday School , ) April 28 , 1841 . " Recollect poor Peddie . " P . S , Any letter addressed to me will be attended to immediately .
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THOUGHTS ON THE PRESENT PROSPECT
OF THE CHARTIST MOVEMENT . TO THJB EDITOB OF THE 50 BTHEIU * STAR . Sir , The above ig the hf adicg to a letter inserted in the Dundee Chronicle of Friday last , signed "A Democrat , " which , I trust , he will allow me to borrow without assailing me hereafter with the chafge of plagiarism , particularly , as I shall not visit his lucubration with any severe animadversion . His thoughts are ef a vtry puerile description , and evince only a alight acquaintance with political events , otherwise he would not have betrayed his consummate ignorance by saying—•• From the men of Birmingham proceeded the demand for Universal Suffrage "
, With every disposition to render to the men of BirnrfngbanT ^ Beir due pofHon of pr-dse , I muit dissant from the dogma of " A I > emocrat , '' inferring , as I do , that he alludes to the present generation of 'Brummagem' Radicals . Dili it originate with Muntz , with Attwood , with Douglas , with Salt , with Hadley , with Pearce , with Collins , or with any of their coadjutors ? No , no , Mr . Democrat , it did not ; the demand for Universal Suffrage is of much older date than is the wheel-about career of those fl .-xible peliticians . iet the " Democrat" consult the men of Birmingham ,
and , I am ' jSersnaded , they will r . ot only decline the honour he " would confer upon them , but they will tell him that they lighted thtir torch at the flambeau of such by-gone pauiots as Bentham , Caitwright , or Cobbttt , & £ , and Cobbett would inform him that he lighted Ms flimbeau at that eternal luminary , Thomas Paine , and that noble of nature would refer him to other men of other timss . In fact , the origin of the demand belongs not to this generation ; our fathers , and our fathers' father demanded tbat right , and they taught us to contend for it likewise .
He also says— "From the Working Men ' s Association of London emanated the People ' s Cu&rUr . " Does he mean the "name or the principles ? If the former , they are welcome to all the praise as nomenclators , Lut if the latter , I deny it in loto : the principles are not onJy much older than the " Working Man's Aisociation , " bnt they had more powerful , stedfast , and disinterested advocates , long anterior to the existence of the said Association . The reason why I have marked the words " Working Men ' Association" in italics is , because it is a misnomer ; it was composed , NOT of the veritable blistered handa of the metropolis , but of such soft-fisted gentry as Hethtrington , Lovttt , and Co ., whose 7 ery souls abhor the idea of -work : tie D&vii himielf could not persuade these men to work in the legitimate wnse of the term . No , no ; they have a greater Zrst for profit gathered from the counter , than for any really honest and usef ol bianeh of productive industry .
*• A Democrat "" eulvgises the " new move , " for whic : i , no doubt , tbe " woriiiig men" will feel very grateful , as they are much in nt&d of » pander , no snatter from whence he comes , or whatever cognomen he may assume . Leaving " A Democrat" to the full fruition of all the mtffable pleasures attendant upon tiie contemplation of the " new move , " I proceed to congratulate the CLartists of the Tinted Queendom on their present glorious and soul-elating prospect Omitting , fur the present , s . 11 " unpalatable" terms , such as knaves , traitors , apostates , unprincipled villains , ic . &c , I say that every artifice which ingenuity could devise , has been put in motion to imptde tiie progress of our sacred cause ; avowed opponents and pretended friends have conspired to sow the seeds of dissension and fctrife among ns—those who were honoured with almost interminable confidence by the
people , have turned against us , and , witkout even the shadow of a reason , have laboured to scatter our phalanx , and frustrate our object , by maligning the character , and misrepresenting the motives of our most zealous advocate , Feargus O'Connor . The concoctors and supporters of tb . 9 " new move" know that O'Connor has won an imperishable fame ^—they know he is heiovtd by the people , and hecce their erary epistle is fraught with scurrility and malevolence , directed personally against him . This is a fact ; and . with all their craft , they have not been able to concral it They thought this our vulnerable point ; but they have discovered their mistake . Instead of wounding our cause , through O'Connor , they have inflicted a mortal wound upon themselves—their " new move" is an abortion , and the framers of that execrable scheme have fallen into the pit which they themselves have dug and designed for others .
They have hatched the cockatrice egg , and , to conceal their iniquity , they Lave woven the spider ' s web . They would fain"worm themselves into favour again by talking about having acted " conscientiously , honestly , " &c . ; but they liave been too incautious in their proceedings ; they have discenntenanced the only real Chartist Associations ; they have levelled their anathemas against the only real organ of the people ; and they have slandered the best advocate of the rights of the people . Ihese are facts substantiated by every sentence that has hitherto emanated from the scheming dique . It is known that the most venal , time-serving , and prostituted portion of the press has devoted columns in praise of the " sensible , " and " honest , ' and " rightthinking" patriots , who stand at the head of the " new move ; " and we also know that the hacks would not allow a single stick of matter to be inserted'were it not intended , either directly or indirectly , to damage our
cause . We know that O'Connell sounded the w&i-wboop " Get rid of Feargua , " and we know tbat the little knot of schemers have pointed all their artillery against him and the -Star , in compliance with the command of their General ; bnt the General and his men have been worsted in eraj x ^ irmish , and O Connor has come ofl more than conqueror . The silly fellows affect to despise GConnell , in the true tbiintle-rig fashion . He stands at the table , shoves the thimbles , handles the pea , cries " try yonr luck , ' " twenty to tne one on the new move , " and so forth , vet to carry on the cheat his confederates tsj " He ' s
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riot one of ns . " They tell as that O"Conneirs praise of the game is tantamount to censure—he does it to destroy the play , which is a sufficient proof of its being a good one . Why , tben , on a parity of reasoning , bow is it that the " new movers " dont , at once , link themselves to the car of Whiggery , ainoe ha has designated them V base , bloody , and brutal ?"—an irrefragable proof , according to the logic ot the new shool , thai they are paragons of political pwfection . The fellow * certainly go about their busness in a very clumsy and inconsiderate manner , and I am glad of it , since it not only exhibits to our view the whole of their machinery , bnt shortens the duration of the campaign , and facilitates our triumph .
Now , is our prospect blasted ? No . Is our progress retarded ? No . I « the prize for which ire contend rendered more difficult of acquisition ? No . Our prospect is more cheering than ever . The excrescences are lopped off . The clogs are no longer attached to our wheels . The great body of the Chartists have , by their resolutions , proven , beyond all dispute , that they are men of principle , and are not to be trifled with , as in the days of " the Bill , the whole BUI , and nothing but BilL" They are not to be toa&ed to and fro with every wind of doctrine , but are now stedfast and immovable They are not vacillating , but , on the contrary , they are determined not to meddle with those who are given to change- This is a position which every sincere friend of his country has long desired tiie people to attain , and having attained it , it only requires watchfulness and perseverance to consummate our object .
It is an immense advantage to our cause that the dead weights hare fallen off , and we must take care not to hang them on again . The Cora Lztr Leaguers were oar opponents—they were defeated . The " new movement" gentry were insidious foes in our camp , and nndtr our own colours ; they have deserted , because not deified and served with sacrifices and oblations in quantum suffcit—iheta too are defeated and justly despised . The ruling faction are in inextricable difficultiestheir opposition to our progress is ineffective , and they have become too imbecile to help themselves even in their own den ; therefore out prospect iB more enlivening than heretofore , and our triumph more certain .
The Chartists , generally , have done nobly—they have been tried—weighed in the balance and not found wantr ing . Their conduct , in meeting ami withstanding the jugglery of Lovett and Co ., will no doubt be handed down to posterity as a proof « f the march of principle-It does in reality " form a new era in the history of Chartism / ' and one , too , which is the harbinger of the final overthrow of humbuggism , traitorism Wh 5 ggism , and every other ism opposed to publicise . Allow me , as an individual Chartist , to return my thanks to Mr . Watkins for tbe proper application of his sledge-hummer . Also to Mr . Martin , for his upright conduct in Convention . He did well to protest against tbe admission of Collins amongst them , and each and every member ought to shun the company of the " Past-r . " WLat effrontery to intrude himself Into that assembly ! O , shame , where is thy blush ? Yours , truly , Wm . Rider .
Leeds , May 10 th , 1841 . P . S—Sir , as the connection of O'Connell , Hume , Roebuck and Co ., with the " new move" is already proven beyond dispute , —as jobbing and ths ruin of the cause , has been manifestly the object of the promoters of the scheme—as slander , instead of argument , has been their only weapon—as their organs are , without exception , the partisans of faction , and exist entirely on public abuses ^—as the plan is repudiated by every consistent and sensible Chartist—as their puny efforts to injure our cause has been defeated , in short , as tbe enemy is powerless , their object frustrated , the tares seper&ted from the wheat , and our cause gloriously progressing , permit me to suggest that henceforth tbe conquered foe be purcuad no further ^—let them be left in their retreat , covered with the ignominy and disgrace they have brought upon themselves , and treated with silent contempt W . R .
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THE "NEW MOVE . " " Tracing most of our social grievances to class legislation ,-we have proposed a political reform upon tbe principles of the People ' s Charter : we have made it tiie polar star of our agitation , and have resolved , by all just and peaceful means , to cause it to become tbe law of our country . " Believing it to have truth for its basis , and the happiness of all for its end , we conceive that it needs not the violence of passion , tbe bitterness of party spirit , hot the aims of aggressive warfare , for its support : its principles need only to be unfolded to be appreciated , and , being appreciated by tbe majority , will be established in peace . " —Extract from Address "to the PolUical end Social Reformers . "—( ' New move . " )
TO THE EDITOB OF THE NORTHERN STAR . Sir , —Although I am not among the repentant , short-sighted , and snivelling sinners , who graced your pages on Saturday last , I trust your liberality wUl allow me to appear in your Dtxt paper , justifying my own character from the aspersions cast upon it , as one of the persons composing the list of ninety . I hope I may be allowed to have my say about " the combination and the split , " for if I am not allowed to do so , 1 may be set down as one " of tbe half dozen or less" of the list of the " secret move , " on whom it h assumed " little conndence can be placed even by the new movers themselves ; " as an accessory to the crimes " of the convicted thieves , traitors , and liars "—as one of the party of the " society of damn-nations , " one ef the body of new London rat-catchers —( sublime and beautiful . ' )
Before I proceed m my remarks , I would refer you to the resolutions , and particularly to the one noticed below , of various bodies calling themselves Chartists , and reasonable and liberal men , too , no doubt , which appeared in last week ' s Slur—but if such bo their liberality , 1 would say "save » e from friends ; " if such fee the fruits *< f Chart ' st Associations , I should be ready to exclaim , from such " goo * Lord deliver me . " The following appears as the resolution of the Salford Association : — " Tiat it is the opinion of this meeting that the efforts of those persons—Lovett , Collins , Hstherington , Cleave , Vincent , and others—is nothing better than a base attempt —[ read the heading of this letter]—of a band of jialthusians to divide the people , and it is oar opinion that these men are supported by other individuals , holding loftier situations , who , In our opinion , have bribed [» ery modest charge , merely on assumption ] the aforesaid individuals ; and , to avoiri
those , we are determined to adhere to the present plan of organisation , and to oppose whatever may tend to divide us , not resting in our agitation until our just rights are conceded to us . " Look again at tLe heading , and ponder over the concluding passage . Is this tbe feeling which should prompt men complaining uf tyranny ? of those claiming equal moral and political freedom to all members of tbe community ? Mind ! b > cause it is tbe opinion , without proof or foundation , " Tbe Chartists it ' uat is themselves only I should hope , for the Chartists as a body wonld not so far disgrace themselves , ) are also determined that , for the future , neither an Ewjlhh Chartist Circular , or anything else , shall be purchased from any ofthat party . " O tyranny , tyranny . ' them pervadest the breast of the highest , and findest a dwelling place in the most lowly ! . ' Go you to the school of the Sultan and possess yourselves of the jniik of human kindness ; go to the wild beast ' s den , and learn brotherly sffection !!
I have from the first introduction of the National Charter Association had my scruples ; I have objected to a portion of the means propussd fur carrying out tbe oVjtcU ; I have questioned the legality , and I have considered some part of the pian as bigLiy injudicious . The necessity and importance of a system of organisation was manifest to all ; therefore the piau of the " old move" was submitted and examined at a meeting as erubled for tbe purpose in this town , and the wholebody of persons agreed to the objections , anil desired me to write to bead quarters for explanation . I did so ; but no notice was taken of my application . If the
meeting had not done so , and adopted tbe plan , I should not , because my opinion led me to think differently , Lave attempted to force it upon them ; I should not have been so illiberal , that , because I cyuld not act with them , either to cease my advocacy of the Charter , or to call them fools for thinking differently to me ; and it is quite certain I should not myself have been charged as a conspirator , or on the introduction of any othtr scheme , as good , or better , been charged with " treason , treachery , or villuny . " The factious resort to such language a 3 this—it does not become working men to follow such examples .
Tbe plan of the " New Move" or tbe " Secret Move" iyou h . ive a choice of terras Mr . EJitor ) came under my notice in the shape of a pamphlet : it not only recommended itself , but it was hailed by thinking and good men who wrote on the subject , as " a clever and judiciously devised scheme , and highly praiseworthy to the compilers . " 11 is not a question with me whether it had precedence or not ; I believe it had , with the plan of the National Charter Association , 1 have a right to take it up as being far more important and extensive , not with tbe intention of frustrating other plans , but , as it embraces the carrying out one of the important essentials to good government—education , and of educating on it large and lofty scale ; and as others more moderately inclined in their political demands , able and willing to lend pecuniary and other aid might be induced to do so , I cannot see why such assistance ahonld . be rejected , unless at the same time we were called upon to surrender any portion of our demand .
Those of the " Old Move" may contend if they please , alorte for the Charter , and there can be no objection to their doing so , but it is certainly inexcusable in their wisdom to set about bullying us who are are as much in earnest as themselves for tbe same object , because we wish to do as much as possible beforehand in preparing the minds of individuals for the proper exercise of their right , when they are in possession of it . I know well that proptr education cannot be carriul out on on extensive * ca ! e under the present sectarian , impoverishing and partial system ; but that is no reason , when tbe desire fur national education is manifested , that the beautiful txpre&Mjn of " National Jackass " should be introduced as a fair reply .
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Thoflgh' there are tens of thousands in this country who have no tim « for mental improvement , there are thousands who have time and not the inclination , and an equal number anxioos and willing who have not the necessary conveniences and opportunity . Why object to tae establishment of such means ? Why assail and brow-beat those , who though inclined to do more than yourselves , do not , nor have they the least desire to prevent you from proceeding in your own way . ¦ ' ! -. ¦ ¦ ¦ - .. . ¦ I am one of those pewona who would not give np one tittle of the demand in the Charter suffrage ; but I am not so destitute of moral feeling as to condemn all who do not coincide ¦ with me in my opinion , or to call ill names , or denounce friends , because their inclination
leads them to higher attainments of individual and general enlightenment , or because they move in higher circlea Nothing is more grating to my ear than the abusive epithets poured forth against what are called the " sb-opo-arMsy , " the "middle-class slave drivers , ' &c . &c when it is well known that there are among the middle class thousands equally as ardent for Universal Suffrage as those who are deprived altogether of the suffrage , but that their circumstances render them dependent , their minds being as much enthralled as the harassed frames of the factory slaves . The principal object of the Chartist body should be to secure a unity of persons , and not to allow minor differences to break their ranks . The primary aim of all good men should be to make friends , and not to be constantly employed in creating strife and making enemies .
Never was there a more fallacious charge made agaiust any set of men than that against those of the " new move , " as it is termed . Because Foablanque , O'Connell , Ward , and other such turncoats and drivellers , have praised tbe plan ot tbe " new move , " we are bound , one and all , according to the liberality of some of our worthy citizens , to be set down as " traitors , " " Household Suffrage" men , and " enemies" to the working classes . How very generous ! How very politic , » t snch an important period , and how truly consistent with the principles professed ! The object of all good Chartists should be to make converts and to wiu friends . Not to pander , to cringe , or to surrender principle , but through the force of facts , and consistency of conduct , to force the respect of men . AU men are not "villains" or "traitors" who cannot sea as far , or who cannot act aa independently as others .
How , I would ask , is the charge of renegadism made out ? Has Collins or Lovett , or any other of the obnoxious ninety , denounced Universal Suffrage t And have they really become renegades , " and " gone over to the Whigs ? " No such thing ; but because O'ConneU had made a speech , wherein he stated that " CollicB , and Levett , and Cleave were three of the best men in the community , and that he understood they were about to form an association having for its object Household Suffrage , " that those men , as well aa the list of ninety , are to be set down aa traitors , and " enemies of the people . " This is the evidence , made
up with afewfacts which some time or other , a few secrets , which for aome reason or other moat not be divulged till some future period , on which , with the exception of something less than half a dozen of the list , eternal condemnation is passed . I have too high an opinion ol the persons introducing the " new move" to fancy for a moment , that they have , or will go over , either to O'Connell , or become parties to any selfish , or truckling scheme . The extract above alluded to , is the base of a long letter ; and the long yarn of a letter says , on such evidence , without tbe proof , that " aconspiracy has beeu formed as deep aa ever was hatched in hell . "
My motto iB Universal Suffrage . I will not be a party in the demand for instalments , because I am perfectly satisfied that nothing less than a full represeata tion of tbe people , will secure to the whole people good government ; but aa the Whigs , if they were honest , have it in their power to give instalments , I would not fight with them for granting such Whiggiah boons ; but I will never cease righting the Whigs , or whatever faction it may be which stands in the way of a full measure of justice . I am perfectly satisfied that such is the determination of those introducing the " new move ; " when 1 find the question of universal right in jeopardy , from false friends , or burked by party , I shall be one of the first to raise my voice against it , and to denounce the intentioned betrayers . W . Holus . Cheltenham , April 25 th , 1841 .
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TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN STAR . SIR , —Have the kindness t » favour the friends of Fcargus O'Connor , Esq . with a space in the Star of this week , for the annexed address and resolution ? , passed at the various places named and alluded to , as they are wishful to convey every mark of approval , in the trying situation in which he is placed , that their circumstances will enablo them to do , to encourage him in the Herculean labour ho has undertaken to perform . I remain , Yours , &c . Robert Tetley .
TO F . O'CONNOR , ESQ . Respected Patriot—The incarcerated victim FOR other Men's Offences . —After reading your excellent letter in the Star of Saturday list , exposing the fooliskness of some leading characters oi ' the O'Connell school , attempting to betray you and your cause by aa unholy alliance with some of what was supposed to be the accredited leaders of tbe people , ( they having suffered in the cause , ) it was unanimously determined upon , that an address should be sent to the Star , cxpreasive of the confidence of those present , who were members , and other friends of the Radical Association , that meet at the Labour and Health , t ? ou . tb . a ; iite , in this to- « n , every Saturday evening . Mr . R . Tetley , was unanimously deputed to draw up tbe same , and send it for insertion in the next Star , as a mark uf esteuni for their suffering benefactor .
Sir , we admit the system to which you are opposed naturally tends to promote immorality and vice in the wurld , and has brought the different classes of society into all but open hostility towards each other . Certain persons have already armed themselves for self defence , copying after the example set and taught by their enemies , knowing that , by parity of reasoD , whatever will justify one set of men in the use of arms , may , witb equal propriety , under certain circumstances , be taken up by others ; yet you have ever advised that moral force principles ought to take tbe lead , aud he , who by virtuous resolutions arms himseif to tbe conflict ,
becomes doubly armed . We are amongat that class who have become your debtors from the pecuniary sacrifices you have had to make on our behalf , and the personal exertions employed in the defence ol tbat cause we profess to honour and esteem . You ha . ve furnished ua with sufficient evidence whereby we can judge of your motives to action ; and your unceasing labours in the cause , when at liberty , and since your incarceration , ought to put your very worat enemies to the blush , if they dared , to come out with one railing accusation against you . ' Your straightforward , umlevhting course , to establish the principles of free representation , entitle you to the support aud confidence of every honest
man . We cheerfully accord to you that honest meed of praise due to your firmness , perseverance , and willing advocacy of the poor man ' s cause , in the case of the Dorchester Labourers , the Glasgow Cotton Spinners , and that more recent and melancholy event , the Newport tragedy ; all of which are strong proofs of your untiring zeal in the promotion of that great national reform you are seeking to bring about . Amongst tbe diversified " isms" of the day , which distract the country , we almost find you alone , as a public character , untainted by any of them , nebly pursuing your course amidst them all , not the least disconcerted , pressing the attainment of that pewer for individual man to possess , which alone can niuke biin a useful and important member of society—the right of having a voice in governing the affairs which rule the destinies of the people .
We regret , and fondly hope we may be deceived , with respect to recent circumstances , said to hava taken place in reference to public characters who have figured in the political World as the patriota of the day , and the friends of the people , and do hope that the name of Collins , Lovett , &c , wilt not be found in the company of tlisse who parley with the people ' s rights , in order the better to establish their Own , by saciifieirig at the shriue of mammon what ought , in justice , to be given to tbe poor for self defence , namely , inerigbtol buffirage .
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We admire your undeviating policy throughout the whole of yout political , career , m > in&nence . i by rack , station , or power , of any description , -neither yielding to expediency on the one hand , nor charmed by modern philosophy on the other ; so as to induce you to hood ' jrink the more ignorant of your species , in order to get at a name arnongst the " educated classes" of being a clever man . In short , to withdraw tbe confidence we think you entitled to at present , you will have to unsay all that you have ever written or spoken , adopt
the Malthusian doctrine of over population , the fre » trade principles which give to property more right * than to that of labour , and reserve , as a reward for the industrious poor , a place in the modem bastilea , where liberty , sociability , and good feeling are destroyed , by the scanty allowance , and separation , which takes place between man and wife in them . We remain , ; Most sincerely yours , < fcc , Signed on behalf of the meeting , Robert Tetlet .
Halifax , April 27 th . 1841 . P . S . The above address was read on Tuesday evening to the members of the Radical Association , at their weekly meeting , and unanimously approved ot . R . T .
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TO THE UNITED CHARTISTS OF GREAT BRITAIN . Brothers , —Having been nominated as a candidate for a seat in the Executive 'Council , at the request of numerous members of tbe National Charter Association , I beg thus publicly to make knows my views respecting tbe duties of the-Executive , and the steps they > should , in ray opinion , take when elected . The National Charter Association was formed for the purpose of cauaiug the People ' s Charter to become the law of the land . The first au 4 greatest duty of the Executive , therefore , will be , to see that in every movement of the people the spirit of that Charter is abided by , and to press forward , by all legal and peaceful means , ¦ unaltered and complete as it is at present stands , that great and glorious measure .
The next duty of the Executive will consist in creating public opinion in favour of the people's cause ; to struggle with aud remove the errors by which the people ' s eyes are blinded ; and whenever any attempts are . made for factious or party purposes , to delude the people and lead them away from the pursuit of their rights , itwillbefor the Executive to find means by which the enemy may be met and defeated . Another duty will be to collect and concentrate the energies of the Chartist body ; to establish unanimity of purpose and proceeding , and , by example , to inspire energy and activity into , the breast of every individual professing to desire to seethe Charter enacted .
It will be for the " Executive to superintend the business affairs of the association ; to attend to the monetary department ; to cause from time to time just and comprehensive tables of the income and expenditure of monies ; to allay dissensions , and settle disputes ; to ; aid and assist victims ; to watch narrowly the conduct , ¦ the professions , and actions of all who take an active part in the people ' s cause ; and fearlessly , unflinchingly , and honestly to discharge the important duties entrusted to them . The Executive , in my opinion , immediately upon their first assembling , should revise , enlarge , compute , and submit te the Chartists for approval , the Constitution of the Association , or the " Plan . " It should then proceed to instruct all the officers ot the association ia a proper knowledge of their duties , and the
requirements from them , until all the parts of the organization are harmoniously blended and set la motion . It will then be for them , to the fullest extent of tbe means supplied by the people , to secure the spread of Chartist principles , by the ' appointment of intelligent lecturers and the plentiful distribution of instructive political papers , simplifying and explaining the objects of government , and the principles upon which it should bo based , and showing the superiority of democratic over all other institutions . It will also be for the Executive , aided by the General Council , to secure in every city , town , or village , a place of meeting , where the pure truths of democracy may be taught , and the people ba instructed upon tbe means to be employed to rid themselves of oppression , and the sufferings resulting from it
Such procieedings as . these cannot fail to carry with them social improvement ; and without entering into calculations of the amount of money required for the purposes of this organization , and thereby placing their object beyond the reach of the people , imparting to thorn the idea that the scheme is Malthusian or visioaary , or only to drag pence from their pockets to bo applied to idle purposes , incalculable good will be effected ; and such the mighty results , if the Executive is active and zealous , that a glorious , moral , a » d political revolution wiil speedily ensue , to gladdeu the * heart of every lover of his kindred .
These are briefly-my vi-jws of tbe duties of the Executive , and the manner in which th * y should proceed when elected . Of course there are many matters of detail which cannot here be entered upon . But if , in the fundamental principles , the members of the Natienal Charter Association agree with myself , I shall be happy to serve them to tbe best of my ability . I am , brother Chartists , Your devoted friend , . R . K . Philp . 1 , Chandoa-Bnildings , Bath , May 3 , 1841 .
P . S . I have just seen a letter , by Mr . Hethetirtgton , in the Odd FeUovi ,, in which he says the National Charter is an O'Conuor Association , and " is always talking about the Charter , but doing very little towards ensuring its triumph . " As one of the delegates who assisted in the formation of the National Charter Associatian , I beg distinctly to say , that O Connor had nothing whatever to do with its establishment ; that a delegate meeting was called by the Chartists , and it is , therefore , in every sense , an association wholly formed , and supported by the Chartist body . I am ready to admit that the designs of this Association have not been made so public as it was necessary they should ; nor have the public been given
fully to understand the manner in which it will prceeed . It is , therefore , important that the election of tho Executive should come off according to appointment , and the chosen representatives proceed at oree to their duties , that all ground for misrepresentation may be removed . Tlie Executive will not , i ;» w-. opinion , be a permanently sitting body . Quarterly or other meetings , will be sufliuient for the transaction of business ; but those members of the Executive whe are agref able may be employed as missionaries throughout th-.-yow for which they are ' appointed , this is the compensation alluded to in the pl . in of organization for loss of employment , or in consequence » f performing the requisite duties . In iny own case , however , this permanent employment would not be required . R . K . P .
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Stkange Occurrence . — On Sunday last , during the afternoon service ,-as the preacher in one of the Established Churches was about to offer up prayers for the congregation , the precentor gave out the following notice : — " A young man , eiiirrin ^ into business , earnestly solicits the prayers of ihi 3 cor . gregatiou . " —Dundee Advertiser . Ghent , May 5 . —On Mouda . y last the Nestor of all the prisoners in Europe died iu the prison of Ghent . Pierre Joseph Soete was condemned in
1773 f ; o bo broke on the wheel , for having murdered a young girl . He was then seventeen years of age . A petition being presented to the Euipress Maria Theresa , his punishment was commuted imo imprisonment for life . In 1814 he . was set at liberty by Count Bichaliff , Hetman of tho Cossacks , wkose head quarters were in this city ; but being destitute of the moans of subsistence , of relatious , and friends , after thirty-six years' captivity , he solicited , as a favour , to be Buffered to return to the same prison which had been so long his abode . The request was granted , and he remained in the Rasphuis twentyseven years more ( in all sixty-three years ) , and died on Monday , at the age of eighty years .
Child Dropping . — On Saturday evening , no fewer than three infants -were left at different paria of Brighton by their unnatural parents . About a quarter past ten , a boy knocked at the house of Mr . Martin , a saddler . North-street , with a basket iu his hand , which he said was for Mr . Martin , but "there was nothing to pay . " The servant girl went to call her mistress , and on lier return the basket was in the ' passage , but the boy had left . On opening the parcel , they found a beautiful boy , about six weeks old , wrapped in flannel , and very nicely clothed . The infant was immediately taken to the Town-hall by a policeman , and from thence to the workhouse , where it is doing well . Two ofcherg were brought into the poor-house the same night , which had been left at doors in the weatera road . —Aylesbury News .
The Rev . T . D . Gregg in Custody . —The Rov . T . D . Gregg , of controversial notoriety , has been brought before the Dublin police magistrates for an assault and outrage at the George-street nunnery in that city . The Rev . polemic , it seems , having heard that a girl of respectable connections , formerly a Protestant , had entered the convent , proceeded thither with-her uncle and brother , and endeavoured to force the girl away , at the same time using very offensive terms to the nuns . The girl ' s mother , it appears , is living , and had offered no objections to the step she had taken . After an investigation , the magistrates ordered all the parties concerned to be bound in their recognizances to keep the peace ; but Mr . Gregg refused to , comply with this order , because he said he was convicted by a Popish ~ magistrate . Information was tben lodged against him by Mr . Duffy , tho magistrate alluded to , aad Mr . Gregg remains in custody , having refused to ' give bail .
A Black Affaie . —A chimney sweeper ' s boy named Richardson , of Knaresbrough , was last wees committed for trial at the next West Riding Sessions , ou a charge of stealing a quantity of soot , from another of the "fraternity" named Watson , who being also a boy , and haying no friends to be bound for his appearance against his " professional brother" at the sessions , he was also consigned to prison , so that he may be forthcoming at the ^ BMd * faltime . "
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THE WONDROUS " SECRET MOVE . " " Good name in man or woman dear , my lord , Is the immediate jewel of the houI ; Who steals my purse , steals trash ; tis something ; , nothing J Twas mine , 'tis his , and has beeu slave to thousands j But he that filches from me my good name , Robs me of that which not enriches him , But makes me poor indeed . "
TO TUB EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN STAB . Sir , —Anothe ^ rat escaping from the " trap" will probably be the exclamation of the Editor of the Northern Star , and truly you may . Sir , if you please , add thereto , one determined to tscapu from both the " traps . " But I shall , Sir , in forcing my way out of the trammels of both of tbem , require , as an act of common honesty at your hands , an opportunity of replying to some considerable extent , to the vituperation which I conceive to have been unmeritedly thrown on myself , and on many others , equally with myself undeserving of it . I ethall endeavour , us briefly as possible , to show how I became mixed up with the ¦ wondrous affair—my opinion on all that relates to it—and why I have now determined to withdraw my name both from the plot and the counterplot .
I beg , tben , at the commencement to say , Sir , tbat as respects tbe persons whose names were in' tbe first instaucu attached to the circular , I know them not personally . I never , to my knowledge , saw but one of tbem , nor ever had the slightest communication with either of them , previous to tbe general distribution of that document through , the count *;? . I did not myself receive a copy of it directly fiom its promulgatore , nor had I any reason to suppose that such a plan was in embryo , excepting tbat a gentleman whose name I give you in confidence , informed me some months previously that Mr . Lovett was so sanguine of being able to carry out his views and objects , that he was actually mating preparations for the attempt Well , Sir , when Ui <> time arrived , a friend who had received a copy eailed on me with the same . I said the time is short , but let us sit down and
peruse it . We did * o ; -when I bMd however much may approve of tbe object , if practicable , there are certain parts of the circular which I should much regret to see become a public document ; and as suggestions are requesttd , I will myself write to Mr . Lovett , and give him my id <; as ou the subject . I did write to him , and particularly requested to recal his attention to those parts which v / ent , in the first place , to denounce certain classes of society , instead of showing how bentticial his plan might ultimately became to all classes if properly carried out—at the sauie time instructing the working classes to depend on none but themselves to carry it out ; ami secondly , to the absurdity of denouncing public demonstrations which—whcither right or wrong in the abstract—are to a great extent necessary , under certain circumstances , to carry out any great public ohject .
I forwarded my views to Mr . L , and previous to receiving an answer from him , two friends called on me , whose names I again give you in confidence— not from anj wish for secresy , but because we have already had too much of personality . They requested my signature , and having every reason to suppose that that document xronld be properly revised before it was made public , I unhesitatingly placed my name thereon , and I bave no reason to suppose that such revision would not have taken place had good faith been kept by those who revised them , and their various suggtstioas . been forwarded as required : if some persons thought improvements could be made , and others thought it impolitic at the time to publish it , each , in my opinion , ought to have sent bis suggestions as required ; and I do not now believe that , bad such been the case , tbe suggestions would not have been properly attended to .
But no , Sir , some of them were sent to tbe Editor of the Northern Star , with strong denunciations against the parties who had promulgated , or who might bave the temerity to append their signatures thereto . This I consider injustice—injustice on the part of those who forwarded them , and injustice on your part in publishing that which was in an unfinished state , merely sent round to collect suggestions for improvement ; and I consider it equally unjust on tbe part of Mr . Lovett to fcave forwarded to you for publication the names of tbase persons who had appended ibem to it in ita crude and undigested atate , without having previously asktci them whtth « r they Lad any objection to their numes so appearing ^ <
This , Sir , brings ma to tbe consideration ef the practicability of the object itself , and the propriety or impropriety of attempting it , whilst there was another National Association in exbteuce . And I confess that much as you may sneer at the immensity of the sum requisite , I do not , when I look around me at the various railroads and other works which are by co-operation accomplished , and which would but the other day have be « n considered as so many impossibilities , —I do not , I say , consider the plan utterly impracticable , and particularly if those who profess to be the instructors of the working clasaes would endeavour to convince them of its utility , and of the possibility of their
carrying it out Nor do I conceive that the object had any thing whatever to do with tho Association previously in existence : in faut , I conceive that I am borne but in both my views by the Editor of the Nort / iern Stur , for he is even now publishing some excellent essays on ' Trades Halls , " which are nearly a counterpart to the views and objects of these terrible conspirators ; nor do I recollect that he has even recommended to ua to wait till the Charter shall be established , before we attempt another business of such mighty importance ; nor has he in hia wisdom informed ua how or when these beautiful atractores are , as in fairy land , to spring up without the exertions and contributions of tiie ¦ wotkiBg classes .
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But you will perhaps ask , if these are my views and sentiments , why bolt from the " trap ? " and I will tell you candidly it is because I co&ceive that the indiscretion which has attended its promulgation , particularly as respects Mr . Lovett ' s having published unauthorisedly the names which had been appended , the bad feeling and spirit of partisanship which have been exhibited against it , will render any present attempt to carry it ont futile . That such an attempt would tend to spread jealousy and dissension among the working classes , or at least ; among that portion of them whe do not conceive it to be possible to advocate two stfeh mighty objects at one and the same time , and further , that any failure attending tbe present Association would be laid to the charge of the new one .
If Mr . Lovett and his friends bave acted indiscreetly in any of their proceedings , no one more than myself regrets it : if I was convinced that they bad acted treacherously , none would more condemn and despise them ; but I am not yet so convinced . You may , Sir , ask , is not Mr . O'Connell'a assertion sufficient evidence on the subject t and I say to my mind it is net I havu shewn you that a gentleman , who has , I believe , never been suspected of being other than an honest advocate of the Charter , had previously acquainted me
with Mr . Lovett ' s intentions ; and where men are constantly on the alert to find the means whereby to spread dissension among the Chartists , it is not to me surprising that they should have become acquainted with the subject But , then , Mr . O'Connell asserted that Lovett and his friends were on the point of establishing an Association for the attainment of Household Suffrage , Triennial Parliaments , and the Ballot . True ; but it is the first time I ever saw it admitted by the Editor of the Northern Star , that the mere assertion of Mr . O'Connell was sufficient to blast the reputation of any man in
existence . But I have , for the reasons above stated , written to Mr . Lovett to have my name withdrawn from his document ; and I have , also , written to inform both of them tbat my reasons will bo fully set forth in the letter which I bave forwarded to you for publication , written to the sub-Secretary of the National Charter Association , desiring to bave my name erased from its books , because I find that I cannot continue to be a member of that Association without becoming , or seeming to become , a mere partisan .
I have , Sir , ever stood prepared , to defend and assist to carry out tbe principles contained in the Charterprepared to prove tbat it is utterly impossible for any man , or body of men , to improve to any considerable extent the condition of onr common country , until the people are fully , equally , and universally represented in the Commons' House ; and , farther , that every extension of the suffrage , bo long aa a slave class is permitted to remain , is only a greater injury and insult committed on the unenfranchised portion of society . It is true , Sir , I possess not the mental or physical powers of Mr . O'Connor , nor—however willing or able in mind or body—am I in a position to assist to the extent that he can do in the establishment of the Charter !; but I yield not to him in integrity and honesty of purpose .
But be says tbat he will place the names of eightyseven of his men against eighty-seven ot those who aid opposed to him . The fact is , in such a squabble , I do not mean to place my name in juxtaposition with any man's ; I know no O'Connorisin , Lovettism , or any other ism , but Chartism . I have sympathised deeply with Mr . O'Connor in tbe cruelties aud injuries which have been inflicted upon him ; I trust I have in my breast gratitude sufficient to acknowledge the exertions of any and every man who exerts himself with tbe intention of ameliorating tbe condition of his species , or any portion thereof , whether he may call himself Whig , Tory , or Radical , but I tie myself to the chariot wheels of no man .
Until the Charter be established , I consider it to be the duty of all persons—who , in perspective , see the advantages it will produce to society—to assist to their utmost it its establishment : tbat established , and I am convinced that the best if not tbe only means of bettering the condition of the people will be to elevate the mental , moral , and physical condition of the most abject among them ; and if Mr . O'Connor possesses more extended views than his compeers , or greater mental or physical energies to carry them out , I would myself vote for him ; and if he do not , I trust , without being charged witb ingratitude towards him , I should vote against him : and when I say I should do so , I believe I speak the sentiments of no inconsiderable portion of the working classes of Britain , who , 1 am certain , will never consent to become , like too many of his poor devoted countrymen , the mere tools ef any human being in existence .
Some of your correspondents , Sir , in denouncing those who have placed their name to Mr . Lovett ' s Circular , make it a ground of accusation against tbem tbat tbe industrious classes do not possess among themselves less morality than any other class of society . This I believe has not been asserted nor insinuated by Mr . L ., and if it bad I would be tho first to deny the assertion . But I wish not for comparative morality , I ask not what ib the morality of other classes , or even that of my neighbour ' s family . I know that tbe more moral I can make my own , tbe more I shall see them respected by the good of all classes , and the more happy beings will they themselves become : and I know that the future happiness or misery of the human race depends to a great extent on the virtue , honesty , and firmnesB of the industrious classes of the present generation . " Virtue is bold and goodness never fearfuL "
Having now , Sir , withdrawn myself from both Associations—parties , or " traps , " if you will have it so , I trust that , unassisted—single minded—single handed , I shall so conduct myself as to make my class , as far as I am concerned , generally respected ; and , however much some persons or parties may differ from me in politics , or even on the policy or impolicy of my present proceeding , none shall charge me with doing aught to disgrace myself , my class , or the sacred cause which I have at heart Trusting that the importance of the subject , and the manner in which I have been mixed up with it , will be a sufficient excuse for the length of my letter , I am , Sir , Your very obedient servant , John Sandy . 64 , Upper North-street , Brighton , April 26 tb , 1841 .
Untitled Article
THE NdHTHERJSf STAli . 7 ~^ Z- ^ : , : ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ " ¦ . ¦ . .
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), May 15, 1841, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse2.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct549/page/7/
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