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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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~" " "" " ^ l £ EDITOR OF TBB . fOBTHEBN STAB . t . baste I take the liberty to intimate that S ^ TZ . jddrea of the proposed Charter Associa-I ^*\! 5 tecS reliance on the good faith tod stanch ** VrfMess * Lovett , Collin * , Cleave , Hetbex ^?\ -a YinoeEt ; all individn&bj , I ooaeeiTed , pert ^ ZZo MB of a traitorous design on the grand ^ Jffl oHwr rights and interests , the " People ' s p j ^ E » { J **?^ abject , Sir , my sole ambition ia to promote 01 « tffit rf my ability , the success of this real is * ( 1 ^ , this glorious record of the people's de-) f ** i ?)^ te be free . Mf motto is—" Universal IS ^^ tire and unqualified" ; and less than this , j&PL pprei shape or designation , will I refuse to * j ' —Mflp . _• i . J 11 * Hvi « a i-v # f Kfi Ti ^ ftWCf of f ^ hfewtiwvt
' * ljtlir £ > ag h tne medium of the Northern Star I ** ftoai Tee * to week , with the highest atisfaetion r ** fjj [ fcL not only on account of my fellow-slaves ^ iaSrm en at large , but , indiTidually , I am prond «* *!! « tee sentiment of gratitude which I feel to fc ^ vfioUor and to yourself f « r the unparalleled ) & L- ; oTiich you bareadvanced the only journal <^ ffepeople can properly designate as their own . i ^ vfjf ^ jr * 5 : iir I hare beeen a subscriber from ^ ll ^ iseanent ; and I hare always been , and shall ^? T to be , &n indefatigable promoter of its cireS ~* Zlt borne and abroad . ^^ L . eome to Lon don for a short period , I shall ^ vLportanky of acquiring accurate intelligence 5 *!* g | tbe ne-w association . With the import of its * jHZj : eordally agree . * S * sr . Osborne , of Xnneaton , I say there has u » BBtn of passionate invective and abuse ; and , k * Tjjj , k » much of tfce violent and Tnlgar denunj i
1 ^ 7 ' . v .. BT 1 rmnra rvvMLRirmitnv pmnlnTfiH iti . > .. jud the language occacionally empleyed in P ^ L of the SorJiern ~ Slar ( especially in the attacks ti *?? ftfir ajaias : Mr . O'Connell ) has been low and jfrLsb the extreme . "T ^ jj 1 sincerely regret ; and on this subject I , i ~ ;> s » tthe old Association may learn something of ~ * tf one . In signing the address of the latter I L ^ sd that I was siiaply constituting myself a ** 5 jr f » Charter Association ; because in TiWirmngjlstTB failed in the attempt which I made to -affiia * ' Twrj ttni fti > h in the parties whom , in so unj ^ jw % spirit , yon hold up to the denunciation aad jSfc , if not to the absolute execration of the people ^ g _ t » B mf " , I at present belieTe , never existed . f ^ att of the rights of the people they hare always Zj apufailT forward ; and it is by their acts , and ^ iee « d * nee with the hasty condemnation of their j ^ gjjd enemies , that I am prepared to judge
jgs pnjected Association cannot , without injury kjgdd one , be established and maintained ; or if , jastJoa of accepting an ioia less than the full ^ pt d Universal or Charter Suffrage shall be « sife « the originators of the former , I « h * . u ^ ttbwtasion , withdraw my name from the list of jf&aii , whom I shall then esteem the virtual and jjgsiaed enemies of the people ' s regeneration and IfSSOGJion sot , Sir , constitute myself a judge of another jpi qoii&c&iion for the franchise . VTho am I that jjxii exclude from th ^ t invaluable right and pri vita ma the meanest of my fellow-snbjects ? jb I * ifl not intrude longer on your time ; and » 5 jE 3 jidd , after the example of Mr . O'Connor , Xffai Sa&a ^ e and no Surrender . I am . , Yours respectfully , J . B . Smith , of Leamington . $ 3 g 1 Anni Inn , Holborn-bridge , London , Xita » 7 , April-5 th , 1 S 4 L
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j ) IHl EDITOR OF THE KOETHEB . S STAB . S ^—BjTing seen an address sent t « Peter Layton fcfclirreSt inviting some of the leading Chartists of ta pa to sign it without delay , and Bend it back by nn d po&t , leaving no time for consideration , ga&Bp&l hoping all was right It was sent bad btLrrett , as requested , and he considered there faatreJamss than was required , and he therefore at losmd time , stating that the names of two pernrgiidbeEumcient . Accordingly the names of two jero Tee sent , bat on looting over the Northern £ s if tbe following week , we found that both these Baa we omitted , and the name of Peter Layton pes the list , in lieu of either of the names sent . 5 fT , Sr , I feel truly thankful that my name did tailor in the Star , but here is the query , why Tiiiws there ? Was it because I stated in thehearinftf Kreral , that if I found anything wreng I would bxRH&mgat all to do with the concern ?
Jft . l believe tkat ilr . Lovett has been made j ^ ainad wiih this asse nion , and henca there would teBbopesof my having anything to do with it , if I ks j ^ wis no ; ri ^ ht Now , Sir , I am decidedly of BfBB that ill is net right , for I find this " New Ms »* is hailed by the Whig papers as very excellent , ati * middle class Radicals , as they call themselves , asp ^ y stlighted with it , though we cannot get them Stir me single inch with us for the Charter . kgiL , I -want to know how the arch-traitor Dan , ¦ etoiacw all about the " Xew Move , " before the ¦ s ^ ms tbb m ade acquainted with it . ' >* , I ask * «« . Lorett and Collins if they are by no means « Bs « d wiih Dan , why not come out and meet him isaar ; and tell him they are not his tools , nor ever " £ be ; more especially , when he declares they &xe Jasdttidedly for Household Suffrage ? Surely this fcls Ttry sirong of the old fox .
Ai > St , I wish to give every man his due , I beg « U Kate that ilr . Ciliins gave a lecture in the ¦ fie , B&nbury , and there showed himself the deterad advoaU for rnirersal Suffrage , &c He also » eh « three sermons in the Chartist lecture room , ifc bctb great satisfaction , and preaching h" consal frsry Sunday since ; but on account of the divis berreen the Chartist Church in Birmingham , iths XiSonal Association , the Chartists of this a Yflno ; attend ; therefore 1 expect preaching will aecmtimsd . Now , as regards the ignorance of the tas , my opinion is they are not so dark as they are sated be- We know we are slaves , and the sot part of the produce of our labour goes to suptroyslty . icd pensioned lords and ladies , with a t > a of idle bishops , and the state church with ^ ttej are connected , all of which swallow some-« i * bcK nine millions of the hird earned money of
• J * ° P * ¦ We Inow that , until we have a voic « in « g the laws by whick we are to be governed , wc tbesliTes ; therefore , 1 am for ¥ niTersal Suffrage * M rarreDdfcr . * toiosepeat halls and expensive libraries , they J « » 11 very good , but as some years must elapse * s these halls cm be built , and those expensive fas an be estabiished , whit is to become of the £ 2 ? thousands the while ? It may be all very well Ja ne •» v i ^ of ^ money collected , may consider ^ KTriees worth t wo or three pounds p ± r week . It }»» Bright with them ; but wha : is the cry of the £ a ? thousands ? Why , " It is no go ; we won't 4 tuSm > t-f ~ us the Charter : and all the blessings j SsrurecmtaiiLg ; and then we shall be able to obtain ^ U ed nation which is needful to proiaute our best T ^ uEiulishnjen and as Christians . ^ nuertins the above in the Northern S : ar . you will asp , Sir , Tonrs , most respectfully , Vl Ed-waB-d Hvghes . * 7 J April 26 ih , 1 S 41 .
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^ 22 CALTEORPE STREET MEETING . ' M £ DIIOB OP IH £ 50 B . THEE . X ST ^ S . \ J ^ -ia » letter to the electors of Nottingham , j S * the m to vote for Walter , the Tory , written ) ratten * , and published by that gentleman , as j ^ Vin connection with his letter in yonr last , ) j ^ ** $ ed that the meeting held in Calthorpe-street , I ) J **^ OEce , " for the purpose of considering the J ^ v of caUaig a National Convention "—and in . RlBaj Bp- { -yQjjjj meeting I bad the honour i ij * Prominent part—was concocted by the WTiigs , ¦ ^* _ Pfirpose of entrapping the people . I am aware ; ^^ arge was made , alxw , dt , even at that time , l ^ wshase gentlemen who have recently signed j V ***« moTe" circular ; but . though many years \ 4 kn #
1 * ^ IXOStU- tVfio ID > £ _« . « * . «™ V : n n- ^ M > imJ » W F ' \ t& ; - m iixe firet tangible opportunity I : WvT ^ } ° Publicly for the reasons which I ^ 3 ^ Viacea t and othtrs , who make such a I ^« c . to come to that conclusion . fe ^ ff ^ g allndtd to , Sir , was openly discussed j , TV *» - ¦• etkj ; it itm weU sad dnly advertised , i ty ^^ f notice ; and , we have the opinion of ; V ^ rl 0 Don nell himself , that its obket was cer- j iL \^ vaxmsiitviionid . True , a " proclamation , " , „ o » order of the Secretary of St * te , " thongh not j j ^* as uraed against the meeting ; but I happen "V . v ! a ^ ° 'er Tno 8 ° t tip quite as good-looking an '; 5 * = a posted over the " originals ; " aye , even on \ £ tr , ^ Wbath-fiads Bast ile , Indeed , I mystli S ™™ , tin conjunction with another of the com-- PT toe \" a * iATi » i T ^ ift ^ . « &v . ¦ rrrM . v : _ .. rti « ti »^ B
V to t ?^ oatl ET * as , ( now General Sir De Lacy ^ oearirJr * P ? 1 * inviting him to preside on \ j 2 ?^* - at gentleman | CoL Erans ) expressed , Khrtu !! . oWi 6 - by compl y " * , only that , i j ^* " « en engaged in his first canvass for the re- } ^^\^ v ^' itmh > ' ' he feired tt ^ ouldpre- ; \* T fZ , ^ e electors , were he to preside over a ^\* & a purpose as that avowed . tj ^™ « the atrocious and sanguinary conduct of \ £ Z } J * f on that occasion , thai is another matter , \ cfV Takt * ed Jor ; I shall merely say , in the V » j , , rVe ^ mabie friend of mine ( now deceased ) \ L _ shelved- hy the pigeon-liveied
expediencym- afteryen D 3 y anoothly gUds , £ -1 ! ? ""* ^ mingly Eubsicl , " ^^'^ tb gi ^ tic stride , 5 ^ , fe-aU , unawares - o * » a the blood-fed sons of pride ibid Tn « > ¥ * thsbhi 8 h * pberes ; ^^ , j ^ blood ^ ^^^ And orphans' tears . "
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On the subject of spies , I wonld that my humble warning might be attended to by every youth , { for the I' old birds" are not so likely to be netted with " chaff , ") in these plutocrat-ridden dominions . Let none trust even his own brolher , unless he see him earn his bread or K . XOW , beyond possibility of doiibt , that he comes by hit living houesUy . This is not & mere generality ; for , alas ! I feel a deep and bitter necessi ty for the caution , founded on considerable experience , and an analysis of men and measures , at least as complete as my contemporaries . Bui I am now only addressing Mr . Vincent , throngh your columns , as to the Calthorpe-street job ; I shall be happy to see the matter set before the public in its true colours . Your ' a , truly , R . E . Lee .
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TO THE EDITtK 01 THB NORTHERN STAR . Deax Sir , — On Tuesday last , a poor weaver came to Hits to inform- me that he had taken in two cuts , and that his master wanted to rob hini of nearly half of what he should have received for weaving them . I advised him to wait upon his master again next morning , snd-h » ve a ? i interview with him , and try to settle the matter amicably , if possible . He did so , 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 G « o . IV ., chap . 96 , sec . 15 , any one is empowered to do so . He did so . I then went to the magistrate , and appliedjor a summons , according to the above Act . I was ordered into aji adjoining room , where I was told I could get it When Mr . Bounce , the clerk , had made
it out , he demanded a shilling for expences . I then referred him to the 3 » th section of the Act , which stated that twopence only waa the charge , aad 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 asked 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 w . « doomed to be robbed again ; for when the " blue devil" got it , he would not serve it without sixpence : yet the same section of the above Act says that fourpence , and no more , should be taken . I offered to serve it myself He told me it must be served by a constable ; so that at this stage I was robbed of twopence more .
If you will insert the absve in the defender of the people's rishts and labour , the Star , You will greatly oblige , A Constant Reader . Harpurhey , May 3 rd , 18 * 1 . P . S . If any one , perhaps Mr . Hume , M . P ., the staunch supporter of the above Act , would answer me , throngh your paper , what use Acts of Parliament for bestowing justice cheap to the poor are . while tht clerks refuse to allow U , I would feel greatly obliged . D . Y .
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TO THE EDITdR OP THE KORTHERN 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 Bame , in order that justice may be done to Mr . Golding . I have known Mr . € r . for a long time , and I , as well as many others , cannot believe that Mr . G . is a spy ; and being anxious that the various charges existing against him shonld 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 purpose of fairly trying the accused , and hearing his defence , which I have Mr . G . " s sanction to say he is ready to
Yours sincerely , Fraxcis Wilbt . Pestalozzian Academy , Whitfield-street , lLate 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 PRE 3 EXT PROSPECT OF THE CHARTIST MOVEMENT . TO THE " EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN STAR . Sir , —The above is the heading to a letter inserted in the Dundee Chronicle of Friday last , signed " A Democrat , '" which , I trust , he will allow me to borrow without ^ as * iiing me hereafter with the charge of plagiarism , particularly , as I shall not visit his lucubration with any severe animad version . His thoughts are « f a very puerile description , and evince only a slight 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 Birmingham their tine portion of praise , I must diss » nt from the degma of " A Democrat , ' inferring , as I do , that he alludes to the present generation of 'Brummagem' Radicals . Did it originate with Munta , with Attwood , with Dcaglas , with Salt , with Hadley , with Pearce , with Collins , or with any of their coadjutors ? Xo , no , Mr . Democrat , it did not ; the demand for Universal Suffrage is of much older date than is the wheel-about career of those fi-xible peliticians . Let tha "Democrat" consult the men of Birmingham ,
and , I am persuaded , they will not only decline the honour he would confer upon them , but they will tell him that they lighted their torch at tha flambeau of such by-gone patriots as Bsntham , Cartwritht , or Cobbttt , &c-, and Cobbett would inform him that he lighted his fbrnbeau at that eternal luminary , Thomas Paine , and that noble of nature would refer him to other men of other times . In fact , the origin of the demand belongs not to this generation ; our fathers , and oar fathers' fathers demanded that right , and they tanght us to contend for it likewise .
He also says—" From the Working Men ' s Association of London emanated tbe People's Charter . " D _> ea he mean the name or the principles ? If the former , ' . hey are welcome to all the praise as nomenclators , liut if t " he latter , I deny it in toio : the principles are rot only much older than the " Working Man ' s Atsociaiion , " 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 " WorkivQ Men's Association" in italics is , because it is a misnomer ; it was- composed , NOT of the veritable blistered hands of the metropolis , but of such soft-fisted gentry as Hetherington , Lovett , and Co ., -whose very souls abhor tbe idea of work : the Devil himself could not persuade these men to work in the legitimate sense of the term . ? C o , no ; they have a greater ztst for profit gathered from the counter , than for any realiy honest and useful braneb of productive industry .
" A Democrat" eulogises the " new move , " for which , no doubt , the " working men" will feel very grateful , as they are much in need of a pander , no matter from whence he comes , or whatever coanoinun he may
assume . Leaving " A Democrat" to the full fruition of all the ineffable pleasures attendant upon the contemplation of the ' ¦ new mtive , " I proceed to congratulate the Chartists of the United Queendom on their present glorious and soul-elating prospect Omitting , for the present , all " unpalatable" terms , such as knaves , traitors , apostates , unprincipled villains , fcc fcc-j I say that every artific * which ingenuity could devise , has been put in motion to impede the progress of our sacred cause ; sivwed opponents and pretended friends have conspired to sow the seeds of dissension and strife among us—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 , zealons adyocate , Feargus O'Connor . The concoctors and supporters of the " new move" know that O Connor has won an imperishable fame—thpy know he is beloved by the people , and her . ee their every epistle is fraught with scurrility and malevolence , directed personally against him . This is a fjet ; and . with all their craft , they have not been able to conceal it They thought this our vulnerable point ; but they have discovered their mistake . Instead of wounding our cause , through . O'Connor , they have inflicted & mortal wound upon themselves—their " 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 havehatched the cockatrice egg , and , to conceal i their iniquity , they bave woven the spider ' s web . They j would fain worm themselves into favour again by talking abent having aeied " conscientiously , honestly , "; &c . ; but" they have been too incautious in their pro- j eeedings ; they have discountenanced the only real t Chartist Associations ; thty have levelled their anathe- ¦ mm against the only real organ of the people ; and they j have slandered the best advocate of tbe rights of the i people . These axe facts substantiated by every sen- j tence that has hitherto emanated from the scheming clique . . " It is known that the most venal , time-serving , and j prostituted portion of the press has devoted columns in pfaiie of the " sensible , " and " honest , " and " rightthinking" patriots , who stand at the head of the " new move ; " and we also know that tke 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 war-whoop , " Get rid of Feargus , " and we know that the little knot of schemers have pointed all their artillery against ' him and the Slur , in compliance with the command of i their General ; but the General and his men have bten j worsted in every skirmish , and O'Connor has come off more than conqueror . The silly fellows affect to despise 0 Connell , in the true thimble-rig fashion . He standB at the table , shoves the thimbles , handles the pea , cries " try your luck , " " twenty to one one on the new move , " &nd so forth , ytt to carry on tfce cheat his confederates say " He ' s
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not one of us . " They tell us that O'CormclPs prafse 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 , then , on a parity of reasoning , how is it that the " new movers " don't , at once , link themsetves to the car of Whiggery , since he has designated them " base , bloody , and brutal ?"'—an irrefragable proof , according to the logic of tbe new short , that they are paragons of political perfection . The fellowt certainly go about their btuness in a very clumsy and inconsiderate manner , and I am glad of it , since it not only exhibits to our view the whole of thefr machinery , but shortens the duration of the campaign , and facilitates our triumph .
Now , is our prospect blasted ? No . Is our progress retarded ? No . Is the priza for which -we contend rendered more difficult of acquisition ? No . Oar 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 Bill , and nothing but BilL" They are not to be tosied 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 the people to attain , and having attained it , it only requires watchfulness and perseverance to cansummate our object
It is an immense advantage to oar cause that the dead weights have fallen off , and we must take care not to hang them on again . The Corn Law Leaguers were our opponents—they were defeated . The " new movement" gentry were insidious foes in our camp , and under our own colours ; they have deserted , because not deified and served with sacrifices and oblations in quantum suficit—these too are defeated and justly despised . The ruling faction are in inextricable difficultiestheir opposition to our progress is ineffective , and they bave become too imbecile to help themselves even in their own den ; therefore our prospect is more enlivening than- heretofore , and out triumph more certain .
The Chartists , generally , have done nobly—they have been tried—weighed in the balance and not found wanting . Their conduct , in meeting and withstanding the jugglery of Lovett and Co ., will no doubt be handed down to posterity as a proof « f the inarch 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 Whiggism , and every other ism opposed to Biblicism . Allow me , as an individual Chartist , to return my thanks to Mr . Watkins for the proper application of his sledgehammer . Also to Mr . Martin , for his upright conduct in Convention . He did well to protest against the admission of Collins amongst them , and each and every member ought to shun tbe eompany of the " Paster . " What effrontery to intrude himself into that assembly ! O , shame , where is thy blush ? Yours , truly , Wm . Rides . Leeds , MaylOtb , 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 the ruin of tbe 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 , tbe partisans of faction , and exist entirely on pnblic 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 powerlesB , their objict frustrated , the tares seperated from the wheat , and our cause gloriously "progressing , permit me to suggest that henceforth the conquered foe be pursuad no further—let them be left in their retreat , covered with the ignominy and disgrace they hav « brought upon themselves , and treated with silent contempt W . R .
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TO THE EDITOR OP THE NOBTHEBN 8 TAB . Sir , —Although I am not among the repentant , short-sighted , and snivelling sinners , who graced your pages on Saturday last , I trust your liberality will allow rue to appear in your next paper , justifying my own character from the aspersions cast upon it , as one of the persons composing the list of ninety . I Lope I may be allowed to have rny say about " the combination and the split , " for if I am not allowed to do so , I may b « set down as one " of the half dozen or less" of tha list of the " secret move , " on whom it is assumed " little confidence can be placed even by the new novers 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 « f the body of new London rat-catcuers—( sublime and beautiful !)
Before I proceed in my remarks , I would refer you to the resolutions , and particularly to the one notictd below , of various bodies calling themselves Chartists , and reasonable and liberal men , too , no doubt , which appeared in last week's Star—but if such be their liberality , 1 would say " save me from friends ; " if such be the fruits ef Chart'st Associations , I should be ready to exclaim , from Mich " good Lord deliver me . " The following appears as the resolution of the Salford Association . — " T > . at it is the opinion of this meeting that the efforts of those persons—Lovett , Collins , Hetherington , Cleave , Tincent , and others—is nothing better than a base attempt —[ read the heading of this letter]—of a band of Malthusians to divide the peopie , and it is our opinion that these men are supported by other individuals , holding loftier situations , who , in our opinion , have bribed [ very modest charge , merely on assumption ] the aforesaid individuals ; and , to avoid
those , we are determined to adhere to tbe 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 the heading , and ponder over the concluding passage . Is this the feeling which should prompt men complaining of tyranny ? of those claiming equal moral ami political freedom to all members of the community ? Mind ! brcmse it is the opinion , without proof or foundation , ' The Chartists ( that is themselves only I should hope , for the Chartists as a body would n <> t so far dissn-ace theuiselves , > are also determined that , for the future , neither an English Chartist Circular , or anything else , f-liall be purchased from any of that party . " 0 tyranny , tyranny ! thou 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 milk of human kindness ; go to the wild beast ' s den , and learn brotherly affection : !
I Lave from the fiist introduction of the National Charter Association had my scruples ; I have objected to a portion of the means propcs ; d for carrying out the oljtcts ; I have questioned the legality , and f have considered some part of the p ! an as highly injudicious . The necessity and importance of a pystem of organisation was manifest to all ; therefore tbe plan of tbe " old move" wns submitted and examined at a meeting ns : embled for the purpose in this town , and the whole body of persons agrepd to the objections , and dtsired me to write to head quarters for explanation . 1 did so ; but no notice was taken of my application . If the
meeting had not done so , and adapted the plan , 1 should not , because my opinion led me to think differently , have attempted to force it upon them ; I should not have been so illiberal , that , because I ciuld not act with them , either to cease my advocacy of the Chatter , or to call themrforls for thinking differently to mo ; and it is quite certain I should not myself have been charged as a conspirator , or on the introduction of any other scheme , as good , or better , been charged with " treason , treachery , or villany . " The factions resort to such language as this—it does not become working men to follow such examples .
The plan of the " New Move" tbe Secret Move" ( you have a choice of terniB Mr . Editor ) 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 judicious ! y devised scheme , and highly praiseworthy to the compilers . " It is not a question with me whether it had precedence or not ; I believe it had , with the plan of the National Charter Association . I have a right to take it up as being far more important and extensive , not with the 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 a 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 should be rejected , unless at the same time we were called upon to surrender any portion of our demand .
These of the " Old Move" may contend if they please , alone for the Charter , and there can be no objection to their doing so , but it is certainly inexcusable in their tcisdom to set about bullying us who are are as much in earntst as themselves for tbe same object , because vre 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 proper education cannot be cajcied out on an extensive scale under the present sectarian , impoverishing and partial system ; but that is no reason , when the desire for national education is manifested , that the beautiful expression of " National Jackass " should be introduced as a fair reply .
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Though tfcero are tens of thousands in this country who bave no time for mental improvement , there are thousands who have time and not the inclination , and an equal number anxious and -willing who have not the necessary conveniences and opportunity . Why object to the establishment of such means ? Why assail and browbeat those , who though inclined to do more than yourselves , do not , nor hav « they the least desire to prevent you from proceeding in your own w » y . I am one of those persons * ho irould not give up one tittle of the demand in the Chatter 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 attainmenta of individual ' and general enlightenment , or because they move in higher circles . Nothing is more grating to my ear than the abusive epithets poured forth against what are called the " shopocracy , " the ? ' middle-class slave drivers , " < fec && , when it is well known that there are am > ng the middle elass 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 rauks . 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 against any set of men than that against those of the " new move , " as it is termed . Because Fonblanque , O'Connell , Ward , and other such turncoats and drivellers , have praised the plan of the " 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 . f How very generous . ' How very politic , at such an important period , and how truly consistent with the principles prefeBsed ! The object of all good Chartists should be to make converts and to win friends . Not to pander , to cringe , or to surrender principle , but threugh the force of facts , and consistency of conduct , to force the respect of men . All men are not " villains" or " traitors" who cannot see as far , or who cannot act as 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 ? And have they really become " renegades , " and " gone over totheWhigs ? " No such thing ; but because O'Connell had made a speech , wherein ho stated that " Collins , and LQVett , 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 as the list of ninety , are to be set down as traitors , and " enemies of the people . " This is the evidence , made
up with afewfacte which sometimeorother . afewsecrets , which for some reason or other must 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 of 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 the proof , that " aconspiracy has been formed as deep ai ever was hatched in hell . "
My motto is Universal Suffrage . I will not be a party in the demand for instalments , because I am perfectly satisfied that nothing less than a full representa tion of the people , will secure to the whole people good government ; but as the Whigs , if they were honest , have it in their power te give instalments , I would not fight with them for granting such Whiggish boons ; but I will never cease fighting tbe 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 . Hollis . Cheltenham , April 25 tb , 1841 .
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But you will perhaps ask , if these are my views and sentimeuts , why bolt from the " trap ? " and I will tell yon candidly it is because I conceive that the indiscretion which has attended its promulgation , particularly as respects Mr . Lovett ' s having published unauthotlsedly 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 oat futile . That such an attempt would tend to spread jealousy and dissension among the working classes , or at least among that portion of them who do not conceive it to be possible to advocate two such mighty objects at one and the same time , and further , that any failure attending the present Association would be laid to the charge of the new one .
If Mr . Lovett and his friends have acted indiscreetly in any of their proceedings , no one more than myself regrets it : if I was convinced that they had acted treacherously , none would more condemn and despise them ; but I am not yet bo convinced . You may , Sir , ask , is not Mr . O'Connell ' a assertion sufficient evidence on the subject f and I say to my mind it is not I have 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 tbe alert , to find tbe 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 nsserted that Lovett and bis 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'Conneil 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 that my reasons will be fully set forth in the letter which I have 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 the principles contained in tbe Charterprepared to prove that it is utterly impossible for any man , or body of men , to improve to any considerable extent the condition of our common country , until the people are fully , equally , and universally represented in the Commons' House ; and , further , that every extension of the suffrage , so long as a slave class is permitted to remain , is only a greater injury and insult co .-nmitted 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 bod;—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 he says that he will place the names of eightyseven of bis men against eighty-seven of those who are 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'Connorism , Lovettiim , or any other ism , but Chartism . I have sympathised deeply with Mr . O'Connor iu the cruelties and 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 ef ameliorating the condition of his species , or any portion thereof , whether he may call himself Whig , Tory , or Radical , but I tie myself to the chariot whefil « nf 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 : that established , and I am convinced that the best if not the 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 menial or physical energies to carry them out , I would myself vote for him ; and if he do not , I trust , without being charged with 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 , I am certain , will never consent to become , like too many of his poor devoted countrymen , the mere tools of 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 them that the 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 had I would be the first to deny the assertion . But I wish not for comparative morality , I ask not what is the morality of other classes , or even that of my neighbour ' s family . I know that the more moral I can make my own , the 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 firmne 3 s of the industrious classes of the present generation . " Virtue is bold ana 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 , Uppei North-street , Brighton , April 26 th , 1841 .
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TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN STAR . Sir , —Have the kindness t » favour the friends of Feargus O'Connor , Esq . with a Bpace in the Star of this week , for the annexed address and resolutions , 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 be is placed , that their circumstances will enable them to do , to encourage him in the Herculean labour he has undertakes to perform . I remain , Yours , fee . 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 last , txpo ' siug the foolishness of some leading characters or the O'Connell school , attempting to betray you and your cause by an unholy alliance with some of what was supposed to be the accredited leaders of the people , ( they having suffered in the cause , ) it waa unanimously determined upon , that an address should be sent to tbe Star , expressive of the confidence of those present , who were members , and other friends of the Radical Association , that meet at the Labour and Health , . Southifate , in this town , every Saturday evening . Mr . R . Tetley , was unanimously deputed to draw up the samtj , and send it for insertion in the next Star , as a mark of esteem for their suffering benefactor .
Sir , we admit the system to which you are opposed naturally tends to promote immorality and vice in the world , and has brought the different classes of society into all but opeu hostility towards each other . Certain pevsuns have already armed themselves for self defence , copying after the example set and taught by their enemies , knowing that , by parity of reason , whatever will justify one set of men in the us « of arms , may , with t qual propriety , under certain circumstances , be taken up by others ; yet you have ever advised that moral force principles ought to take the lead , and he , who by virtuous resolutions arms himself to the cocflict ,
bacumes doubly armed . We are amongst that class who have become your debtors from tbe pecuniary sacrifices you bave had to make on our behalf , and the personal exertions employed in the defence of that cause wo profess to honour and esteem . You have furnished us with sufficient evidence whereby we ean 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 worst enemies to the blush , if they dared to come out with , one railing accusation against you . Your straightforward , undeviatlng course , to establish the principles of free representation , entitle you to the support and 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 ' B causa , in tbe case of the Dorchester Labourers , the Glasgow Cotton Spinners , und that more recent and melancholy event , the Nowport tragedy ; all of which are strong proofs of your untiring z ? al in the promotion of that great national reform you are seeking to bring about . Amongst the diversified ' . " ismt" of the day , which distract the country , we almost find you alone , as a public character , uutainted 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 make him a useful and important member of society—the right of having a voice in governing the affaire which rule the destinies of the people .
We regret , and fondly hope we may be deceived , with respect to recent circumstances , said to have taken place in reference to public characters who have figured in the political world as the patriots of the day , and the frieuds of the people , and do hope that the name of Collins , Lovett , &c , will not be found in the company of those who parley with the people's rights , in order the better to establish their own , by sacrificing at the shrine of mammon what ought , in justice , to be given to the poor for self defence , namely , tbe right of suffrage .
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We adraire ' your tmUeviating policy throughout the whole of your political career , nnir . Suynced by rank , station , or power , of any description , neither yielding to expediency on the'one hand , nor charmed by modern philosophy on the other ; bo as to induce you to hoodwink the more ignorant of your species , in order to get at a name amongst the " educated classes" of being A clever man . In short , to withdraw the oonfldeno * we think you entitled to at present , yon will ha ? e t « unsay all that you hava erer written or spoken , adopt tbe Maltbugian doctrine of over population , the free trade principle * which give to property more righta than to that or labour , and reserve , as a reward for the industrious poor , a place in the modern ; bastilea , where liberty , aooiability , and good feeling are destroyed , by the scanty allowance , and separation , whicb takes place between man and wife in them . We remain , Most sincerely yours , &c , Signed on behalf of the meeting , Robert Tktlei . 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 of . R . T .
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TO THE UNITED CHARTISTS OF GREAT BRITAIN .
Brothers , —Having been nominated as a candidate for a seas in the Executive Council , at tbe requtst of numerous members of the "National Charter Association , I beg thus publicly to make known my viewB respecting the 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 causing the People's Charter to become the law of the land . The first and 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 and 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 tbe Executive to superintend the business affairs of the association ; to attend to the mone tary 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 of the association in a proper knowledge of their duties , and the requirements from them , until all the parts of the organisation are harmoniously blended and set in motion . It will then be for them , to the fullest extent of the means supplied by tbe 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 be based , and showing ike 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 proceedings as these cannot fail to carry with them social improvement ; . and without entering into calculations of tbe amount of money required for tbg purposes of this organization , and thereby placing their object beyond tbe reach of tbe people , imparting to them the idea that the scheme is Malthusian or visionary , or only to drag pence : from their pockets to b « applied to idle purposes ,, incalculable good will be effected ; and suth the mighty results , if the Executive is active and zealous , . , that a glorious , moral , and political revolution will speedily ensue , to gladden the heart of every lover of his kindred .
These are briefly my views of the duties of tbe Executive , and the manner'in , which they should proceed when elected . Of course th ; . re are many matters of detail which cannot here be entered upon . But if , in the fundamental principles , the members of the National Charter Association agree with myself , I skall be happy to serve them to the best of my ability . I am , brother Chartists , * . Tour devoted friend , R . K . Philp . 1 , Chandos-Buildings , Batb , May 3 , 1841 .
P . S . I have jusi seen a letter , by Mr . Hetherington , in the Odd Fellow , in . which he says the National Charter is an O'Connor 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 Association , 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 tbe 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 publie been given
fully to understand the manner in which it will proceed . It is , therefore , important that the election of the Executive should come off according to appointment , and the chosen representatives proceed at onee to their duties , that all ground for misrepresentation may be removed . The Executive will not , in my ( pinion , be a permanently sitting body . Qnarterly or ether meetings , will be sufficient for the transaction of business ; bnt those members of the Executive who are agreeable may be employed ns' jnissionaries throughout tht year for -which they are appointed , this is the compensation alluded to in the plaa of organization for loss of employment , or in consequence af performing the requisite duties . In my own case , however , this permanent employment would not be required . R . K . P .
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Strange Occurrence . — On Sunday last , during the aiternoon 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 maB , entering into business , earnestly solicits the prayers of this congregation . "—Dundee Advertiser . Ghent , May 5 . —On Monday last the Nestor of all the prisoners in Europe died in the prison of Ghent . Pierre Joseph Soete was condemned in 1773 to be broke on the wheel , for having murdered a young girl . He was then seventeen years of age .
A petition being presented to tho Empress Maria Theresa , his punishment was commuted into imprisonment for life . * In 1814 he was set at liberty by Count Bichr . Iiff , Hetman of the Cossacks , whose head quarters were in this city ; but being destitute of tho means of subsistence , of relations , and friends , after thirty-six years' captivity , he solicited , as a favour , to be suffered to return to the same prison which had been so long his abode . The request was granted , and h « remained in the Rasphuis twentyseven years more ( in all sixty-three years ) , and died on Monday , at the age of eighty years .
Child Deoppinq . — On Saturday evening , no fewer than three infants were left at different parts of Iki ^ hton 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 in his hand , which he said was for Mr . Martin , but " there was noihing to pay . " The servant girl went to call her mistress , and on her return the basket was in the passage , but the boy had left . On opining tha parcel , they found a beautiful boy , about six weeks old , wrapped in flannel , and very nicely clothed . The infant was immediately taken to the Towu-h&ll by a policeman , and from thence to the workhouse , where it is doing well . . Two others were brought into the poor-house the same night , whioh bad been Wfc at doors in the western road . —Aylesbury Newt .
The Rev , T . D . Gbego in Custody . —The Rev . 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 witb / 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 then lodged against him by Mr . Duffy , the magistrate alluded to . and Mr . Gregg remains in custody , having refused to give bail .
A Black Affair . —A chimney sweeper ' s boy named Richardson , of Knaresbrough , was last week committed for trial at tho next West Riding Sessions , on a charge of stealing a quantity of soot , from another of the " fraternity" named Watgon , who being also a boy , and haying no friendB 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 need filtime . "
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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 tbe polar star of our agitation , and have resolved , by all just and peaceful mean * , to cause it to become the law of our country . " Believing it to bave truth fer its basis , and the happiness of all for its end , we conctive that it needs not the violence of pasiion , the bitterness of party spirit , nor the arms of aggressive warfare ,. for its support • its principles need only to be unfolded to be appreciated , and , being appreciated by the majority , will be established in peace . "— Extract from Address " to tha Political ar , d Social Reformers . "—( " New move . " )
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THE WONDROUS " SECRET MOVE . " " G » od name in man or woman dear , my lord , Is the immediate jewel of the bouI ; Who steals my purse , steals trash ; 'tis something , nothing ! 'Twas mine , 'tis his , and has been slave to thousands ; But he that filches from me my good name , Robs me of that which not enriches him , But makes me poor indeed . "
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TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN STAR . Sir , —Another 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 escape from both ihe " traps . " But I shall , Sir , in forcing my way out of the trammels of both of them , require , as un act of common honesty at your hands , an opportunity of replying to some considerable extent , to tbe vituperation which I conceive to have been unmeritedly thrown on myself , and on many others , equally with myself undeserving of it I shall endeavour , as briefly as possible , to show how I became mixed up with the wondrous affair—my opinion on nil that relates to it—and why I have now determined to withdraw my name both from the plot and the counterplot
I beg , then , at the commencement to say . Sir , that as resptcts the persons whose names were in tbe first instance attached to the circular , I know them not personally . I never , to my knowledge , saw but one of them , nor ever had the slightest communication with either of theai , previous to the general distribution of that document through the country . I did not myself receive a copy of it tlirootly fiom its promulgates , nor had I any reason to suppose that such a plan was in embryo , excepting that a Koutleinaii 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 mukiug preparations for the attempt . Well , Sir , when tho timu arrived , a friend who bad received a copy called on me with the same . I said the time is short , but let us sit down and
peruse it We did so ; when J said however much I may approve of the object , if practicable , there are certain parts of tbe circular which I should much regret to see become a public document ; and as suggestions are requested , I will mytelf write to Mr . Lovett , and give him my ideas on the subject . I did write to him , and particularly requested to recai bis attention to those parts which went , in the first place , to denounce certain classes of society , instead of showing how beneficial his plan might ultimately became to all classts if properly carried out—at thu paine time instructing the working classes to depend on none bat themselves to carry it out ; and secondly , to the absurdity of denouncing public demonstration ?) which—whether right or wrong in tho abstract—are to a great extent necessary , under certain eircumstances , to carry out any great public object
I forwarded my views to Mr . L , and provious 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 bad too much of personality . They requested my signature , and having every reason to suppose that that document would be properly , revised before it was made public , I unhesitatingly placed my name thereon , and I have no reason to suppose that such revision would not have taken place had good faith been kept by those wbo revised them , and their various suggestions been forwarded as required : if seme persons thought improvements could be made , and others thought it impolitic at tbe time to publish it , each , in my opinion , ought to have sent his suggestions as required ; and I do not now believe that , had such been tue cai 8 , the suggestions would not have been properly attended to .
But no . Sir , some of them were sent to the Editor of the Northern Star , vrith strong denunciations against the parties who had promulgated , or who might have the temerity to append their signatures thereto . This I consider injustice—injustice on the part of those who forwarded them , and injustice on your paTt in publishing that which waa in an unfinished state , merely sent round to collect suggestions for iaiproveinont ; and I consider it equally unjust on the part of Mr . Lovett to kave forwarded to you for publication the names of these persons who bad appended them to it in its crude and undigested state , without having previously asked them whether they had any o \ jection to their names so appearing .
This , Sir , brings me to the consideration ef the practicability of the object itself , and the propriety or impropriety of attempting it , whilst there was anothtr National Association in existence . And I confess that much as you may sneer at the immensity of the gum 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 instiuctors of the working classes would endeavour to convince them of its utility , and of the possibility of their carryit out do 1
ing . Nor conceive that the object had any thing whatever to do with the Association previously in existence : in fact , I conceive that I am borne but iu both my views by the Editor of the Northern Star , for he is even now publishing some ' excellent essays on «« TRADE ' S HALLS , " which are nearly a counterpart to tbe views and objects of these terrible conspirators ; nor do I recollect that he has even recommended to us to wait till the Charter shall be established , before we attempt another business of such migkty importance ; nor has he in his' wisdom informed us bow or when these beautiful structures are , as in fairy land , to spring up without the exertions and contributions of the working classes . -
Untitled Article
'' ¦ - ____ . THE NORTHERN STAR . jM
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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-ncseproduct855/page/7/
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