On this page
-
Text (8)
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
-
-
Transcript
-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
Untitled Article
- ~ - THE DEMOCRATS OF SHEFFIELD TO THE POLISH EXILES IN EN 0 LAND . BBOTHEBS 15 THB CiXSE OP UKIVBESAX Llbebtt , —With feelings of sympathy and admiration , Ve bave permed an address purporting to be from a portion of your body , resident ai Portaea , in which 70 a remind at of the services and sacrifices of your coontry fat th » safety of Europe , and the base ingrstitade of those Goveznmenta , who , saved , from the scourge of the Northern Autocrat by the torrents of blood shed by you , ? bo have survived the storm of 'war , and by your compatriots who sleep in their gory graves , hsTe basely allowed the destruction of the independence of that nation , that , by its iramptmei sacrifices and god-like heroism , has twioe prevented the annihilation of cm . jisation and freedom in the West ; first , Tinder the walls of Yienna , when the Crescent waned before the Cross , sad Europe was saved from the barbarism of the Turk ; jeeond , on the banks of the Vistula , when Warsaw ' s feeroie legions saved Paris from the sword of the Mus
eoTiie . TVe hare denounced the base ingratitude of certain Governments : we shall not shrink from saying what GoTemmenti— we mean the Governments of England ^ nd France . Of the French Government it is not onr province to jpe&k : we leave the perfidious Monarch of the Barricades to the vengeance and execration of tie generous sons of ( Hul , confident , as we ar e , that the tri-colour flag of libertj will yet be what it was in 1793—the terror of tyrants , the beacon-light far the oppressed of « I 1 nation * straggling to be free .
It is with out own Government we have to do . We asure you , Brothers , that the sympathies of the English people in 1830 were with you in yonr holy struggle . You had the good wishes—you bad the prayers of the people for your triumph and success ; bnt yon needed more , you needed the . assistance of our right arms . Alas ! you knew not that the people of England , of ¦ whose boasted freedom yon had , doubtless , in your own land , heard so much , were but slaves themselves : not slaves to one blood-stained military tyrant , like the people of Poland ; but slaves to a host of plundering sriitscr&ts , stock-jobbers , capitalists , fctate-prieste , pensioners , and court-parasites , who keep the toiling classes in political bondage , that they may deprive them of the produce ot their industry , ao £ plunder them of the fruits of their toiL
Yon denounce the treaty of the 14 th of July . We unite with yen in execrating that treaty , by which England was insanely and wickedly bound to support the designs of Russia upon Turkey . Yon do the people of England but justice in supposing that the national feelings of thin country were not represented in that treaty ; if the silence of the 'RngH » ft people surprised you , we can explain that silence . True , they were appealed to by certain parties , whs told them a certain Minister was a traitor , and had sold his country to Russia ! What said the people ? " Palmerston may be a traitor , but what then ? Are not all his coronetted compeers traitors too ?—have not the aristocracy , one and all , sold us to slavery ? We detest toe Russian despot , but we have no power to prevent an alliance of our irresponsible rulers with him ; we will not have our attention diverted from tha obtain .
mentof our Charter . Thus reasoned—thus said the people ; in our opinion , the people reasoned wisely , and acted veil in refusing to tate part in any movement that had not for its object their own enfranchisement Brothers , believing , as we do , that "he who oppresses one nation is the declared enemy of all , " we cannot but hold in abhorrence the blood-stained tyrant of theKorth . But , alas ! we have no power to prevent an allisnce with him , on the part of our governors ; they are to the people irrftspaasible ; over them the enslaved millions have no eeotrou } .
Brothers , we are united to obtain those rights which we believe are the common heritage of men , without distinction of country or class . The Chartists of England have been painted in the blackest colours by the wretched tools of aristocracy , who sell themselves , mind and soul , to prop up the present Uttering despotism . By them we have been denounced as " anarchists , ' * men who sought only rapine and spoliation , and the reducing of society to one chaos of confusion , that we might profit by disorder .
We indignantly repel the charges brought against us . Our object is the putting an end to that legalised ' system of rapine , by which the idler is made rich , and the wealth-producer made poor : our demand is to have accorded to us the rights of manhood , and to be placed upon a political level with our fellow-men . Is there ought that is unworthy hi such objects ? Is there ought that is unjust in such demand ? No , brothers , no : we feel assured that , having yourselves battled for liberty , yonr hearts are with ns in our strangle—a struggle for the liberties of "RngiiriiTnan—for the rights of the human
" For our freedom and yours" is the motto of English democrats , as well as Polish patriots . In contending for our Charter , we contend for the power to protect ourselves—and the power to extend , the arm of fraternity to every other people . Let the democratic '• banner once wave triumphant over the blood-stained flag of despctism , and Englishmen , having won their - own freedom , will not be alow to diffuse the blessings of liberty among the nations of the earth . 1 Yon speak of your countrymen , the " gentlemen ! emigrants , " as having failed to do their duty . Aristo- ; ersts are the same all the world over . We question j
much , whether your revolution would have failed , not- withstanding the non-ruppert of England and France , ! had the chiefs of the revolution proclaimed not only I war with Russian tyranny , but war also with Polish inequality . j The independence of Poland and the eqnal rights j of her children inscribed on your banners , will in your next straggle ensure you the triumph , and the victory . You speak of tae treachery of leaders , —tee curses of 1 poiterity blast their memories , and blight their names ! — may the fate of the traitor Tobhihofaki be the ! fate of all , who like him , sell freedom and a nation for a tyrant's gold , ' .
Brothers , from our hearts we rejoice that you have ' determined to this day celefrate the glorious 29 th of ; November ; in person we cannot be with you , but in i spirit we are . We too are met this hour to celtbrate a-j day bo dear to the lovers of liberty , so hateful to the , oppressors of nations . ; Brothers , our fathers were tmght Ijj interested knaves i and juggling state-priests to regard as their natural ' , enemies , all men not born on British ground ; we turn i with disgust from so loEthsome a doctrine . We believe i all men to be ¦ brothers , and all the nations of the earth to ' be but one family ; we extend the hand of fraternal love 1 to all men , regardless of colour , clime , or creed ; and j now before God and the human race we pledge yon our i sympathy and brotherly aid . You say well , that the : hour of your battles is again come . Eternal justice
forbid thai Poland should sink into the grave of annbj- : lation , and her name be blotted from the book of nations , without mother struggle on the part of her ; children—aye , nther every Pole perish , sword in hand , beneath the spear of the Barbarian—every fort of Poland ' s soil be given to desolation , rather than sub- j mission to a bloody despotism be hopelessly endured , ; Bui , brothers , we have fervent hope , that the undjing I spirit of liberty , rallying jour dispersed legions rouad the white eagle of your father-land , will lead you ; onward t » victory and the restoration of your country ' s . ' independence . What though Barbarian hordes again j oppoBe you , and torrents of gore again are shed 1 The j patriot may fall on the red field of strife and see not \ the realization of his hopes , but liberty is immortal , ; and a brave people were never yet subdued . Poland ¦ must , will regain her independence and freedom . ;
" AD ills have bounds , plague , whirlwind , fire and flood , Even power can spill but bounded seas of blood ; : Stttss caring net what Freedom's cost may be , : May , late or soon , but must at last be free ; : For body-killing tyrants , —cannot kill ; The pnblic soul , —the hereditary will , ! Which downward as from sire to son it goes , : By shifting bososus moie intensely glows , . ' Its heir-loom is the heart , and slaughtered men j Fight fiercer in their orphans o'er again . " ' Assuring you of th « undying sympathy of the demo- . crate of Englacd , we are , noble and gallant patriots , in hatred to tyrants , and love to yon , Yours in fraternity , ; The Democrats op Sheffield . \
Untitled Article
DEWSBURY . I At the zceeting here on Thursday night week , tbe fol- ! lottin g address ttss read , and was omitted in our last , for want of room : — I TO FEARGU 5 O'COlfNOB , ESQ . I Respectid Sir , —Permit us , the inhabitants of ; DtTrsbury and its surrounding villages , in common } "with the whole oF the wealth-prodncing portion of the ' community , to express , though feebly , our unbounded ' joy , that your constitution and spirit have enabled you to trinniph ever the disease and horrors of Whig : solitary confinement , and that you have come to the j glorious face of day , like a giant refreshed with new j wine , prepared to tell despotism to its teeth , " thu * j didst th . cn , and thus thy reign shall end ; " prtpared i to tell it , that the measure of its wickedness is full to '
overflowing- ; prepared to-teH ifc that it has rooted to i the end of esdurance in tfee blood and groa . is of suffering humanity ; prepared to tell it that your woe-, * orn fathers curse not loud' but deep ; that the fceartbursting sigh efyon famme-gtriekeo , naif-naked mother , as she wildly diipe her offirpriaft dyiny from hunger , toj hermilklesa boMim s prepared , to tell Jt that all these , ! niaddened at the protracted injury andinsult , proclaim J in notes of thunder , that unless justice "be done , and 4 that speedily , to suffering humanity , a day of fearful ; retribution is , like time and death , silent )/ , but with ' frightfully rapid strides , certain to overtake them . j
We cannot , Sir , in tke compass of an address of this kiod-, pretend to enter into , or point out all the actions ' which have adorned your career , and which have endeared you to the hearts of all those who love mankind , in this ana every other eenntry , Bnt permit ns to ( allude for a moment to the state in which -we were ; ¦ w hen you . came amongst us . We have had the splen- j did . talents of a Cobbttt , a Cartwright , a Hunt , and a j tost cf others for twenty years ; we have seen the bill , j the whole , bill , and nothing tut the biil , become the \ law of the land ; -we have seen the middle classes be-, come the law makers , and , as a natural consequence , '¦ * e _ have iseen the . cns . ct . Bg of dead body bills , Irish .
Untitled Article
union bills , and English and Irish poor law amendment bi . ls ; we had seen these , and a host of others , which were to make England the admiration of the world ; and yet our destiny became every day mm fearful ; from being the well-fed , waU- « ted RngltAmai ^ ^ have become worse than slaves ; for we had more than the slave's toil , bat less than slave * reward . But , Sir , notwithstanding all this , notwithstanding we were " without form and void , " yet we had within us all the elements which were necessary for oar freedom and greatness . Yon , Sir , hare collected those elements —you , Sir , have given those dry bones form , and have taught us to stand erect and ask ourselves why it is that all those who produce nothing should snfiex nothing , and why it is that we who produce all , should suffer all ?
Before you came amongst us , Sir , we were the constant prey of one or other of the factions . Every one with hit lo here ! and lo there 2 was able to divert us from the one great cause of all our individual and national degradation . But now , Sir , what is our situation ? We are acknowledged by our opponents to be the most numerous , most intelligent , and most influential party in the state . You have taught us to expose the now wornout fallacies of the Corn Law League . Yon have tanght us to dissect and refute the cabalistic jargon of the Malttrasian political economists . You have taught as that man was created for other and higher purposes than to be the serf of a class ; and , though last , not least , you have taught ns to detect the heart of a foe , although that foe pretend to hold out the right hand of fellowship , and be clothed in the garb of a friend .
But perhaps , Sir , the greatest of all your achievements in the cause of suffering humanity was the establishment of the Northern Star . Yes , Sir , the Star has caused despotism to quail to its inmost soul , and it has often •¦ sworn by its God" that it " should be no more ;" but the Star , An teas-like , has retained from each blow with increased vigour ; and we hail its establishment and continuance as the sure and certain pledge of man ' s emancipation ; as the " day-star" of freedom to the world , and as a happy presage of the moral and physical happiness to which man ' s high destiny yet urges him .
Go on , then , noble Six , in the cause you have bo long continued in . Swear ¦ with us this night that you will never cease your exertions , but with life , to cause every man to have a voice in the making of the laws by which he has to be governed . And that yon may live to see the righteous cause secure , and that you may long contribute to its success , by your splendid talents and vast experience , is the daily prayer of this great assembly . And when time shall have silvered o ' er your honoured head , and have taken you to " that bourne from whence no traveller returns , ' may our children ' s children , as the big manly tear steals down their furrowed cheeks , point with exultation and regret at the i > lace containing the mortal remains of the man who has caused England to be in reality the " envy of surrounding nations , and the admiration of the world . "
Untitled Article
TO THE OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL CHARTER ASSOCIATION OF GREAT BRITAIN . BB . KTHRES , —We the auditors of the accounts of of the Executive beg to call your particular attention to the balance sheet wkich is published in to day ' s Star . You collectively agreed to elect an Executive body and pay them for their services ; now , brothers , unless the association performs its duty to that body , they cannot expect very great progress to be male in the glorious cause we are engaged in . You will not fail to perceive that several localities have not paid for their cards ; which by the bye ought to be a ready-money transaction ) and consequently have not sent a farthing in the shape of contributions to enable the Executive to prosecute their labours . We beg to be understood that we do not attach any blame to , or find fault with those districts which have bat recently enrolled
themselves in the National Charter Association ; but there ars others from which we expected better things ; we sincerely hope those localities that are in arrears with the Executive , will make arrangements for liquidating their debta immediately ; ire do hope tbe officers aad members ef the association will make it a point of duty to send the moiety required by the plan of organisation to the Executive above all and before all other claims . You mutt see plainly , unless this is done , that that talented body will have to struggle continually against the stream , to the great injury of our Bacred cause . As the Executive have accomplished so great an amount of good with the limited funds you have placed at their disposal during the last four or five months , ¦ what may we Dot expect from them if prcperly suppoitad ?
Brethren , our enemies are watching for the sign of a break up in our great and glorious organisation ; they well know that our chief and greatest difficulty , is a want of funds ; let us disappoint them—let ns strictly abide by the plan of organisation , and we shall suon create such a feeling in the public mind as will carry all before it , and finally cause our beloved Charter to become the law of these realms . Hoping that you wil ] receive these few remarks in the spirit in which they are given . Brother Chartists , We subscribe ourselves , Tours , in the cause of democracy , WlLLUM ROBSOJi , ) . ... _ Johs Matkabd , } Audltors - London , Nov . 30 th , 1841 .
Untitled Article
SAYINGS AND DOINGS IN THE NORTH . During the abstraction of the inhabitants of the coast towns , by the fisheries and harvest , agitation naturally verged southward , till merged in the demonstrations of " the patriot chief , " Apart , however , from them , though full of anticipation , " the good men and true" of Falkirk welcomed the self-deroted missionary of other scenes to deliver a lecture . Three good andiences , on the first day of the week , listened to a scriptural vindication of the equality of human nature , the proper exercise of Christian sympathy towards the prisoners , captives , and the destitute , and the identification of practical Christianity with the pervading principle of Chartism , manifesting the most intense interest . The lecture on the second day madeapowerful impression , and elicited enthusiastic applause . Pressing solicitations for future Intercourse shall not be forgotten .
The men of Alloa , though in the greatest bustle of preparation for tbeir splendid display , also provided for a lecture , doubtiess from the laudable consideration of contributing tbeir quota towards expences of travelling , &c , and therefore it deserves record . Stirling received an address at a convivial meeting on the Saturday evening , on the due importance of working men assuming their proper position , in the present distracted state of our common country ; on the next evening , the personal responsibility involved in national association , was laid before
them , and certainly not in vain . On Monday , the neighbouring villagers ofC&mbro-baron , made announcement , and gathered a portion to hear a lecture on the stata and prospects of trade . Owing to the breaking up of a large establishment recently , a flourishing association as been torn asunder , but if the ¦ wanderers retain their principles faithfully as those they have left behind , it will be bnt the wider dissemination of the good seed , to result in the more luxuriant harvest . A snrriTor ail the persecution , that victimised Hardy and Baird , tt \ U cherishes here the principles that perilled his life with theirs .
At the Wbyns of Melton , close on the celebrated field of Brace , and having near , once a sacred edifice , a revolntionary stable , then a magazine of Prince Charley" after the battle of Falkirk , blown up , a * tinding memorial , whose ruins are still , on that account , more strikingly indicative cf national mutations , there had we a good gathering of impoverished nailors and straggling weavers , who rejoiced by a lecture , to witness on tbe political borison , the beaming emanations of the fertBcoming Charter of a people ' s rights ; and were urgently pressing for a second favour . Engagement however , at Bannockburn precluding , that was the next scene of lahonr ; where adventurous usurpation and fearful submission , alike derogatory to moral woitb , presented a dot on human character , threatening to
extinguish the very being of ""» " - Importunate , unwearied exertion rallied a very talerable assembly in a spacious hall , resulting doubtless in the pretty general conviction of the audience , that they bad souls of tneir own . Two or three friends from Melton Denny , where a better , at least a brighter spirit exists , accompanied the lecturer , who had been arranging with them , several miles to return also , although they were to hear him at their own home . A gathering took place to listen to an exposition of Chartism and its necessity ; as also to pass the National Petition for numerous signatures . If every neighbourhood possessed the intelligence , zeal , energy , and moral standing , an the score of total abstinence of the Chartist * of Denny , the speedy triuwph of the cause would l > e soon effected .
The cold and sterile north still presenting attraction to the gJewiDg breast of tbe missionary , be judged the period arrived to retrace his steps . Wishing also to partake in some demonstration , as a duty to a privilege , a recollection of former struggles awakened a lively interest for that ' of Aberdeen , conscious that the overwhelming triumph Chartism over moral foree fallacy , whether ot Lovett , or Brewiter , Owen , or both combined , would be some gratification for the past , he hastened forward . On his way a letter was put into
his hands at Forfar , and by his means forwarded to O'Connor at Dundee , of the value of which he was fully aware , yet little did he expect the ample reward which its exposure so signally Btcuied . After & day or two ' s rest he urged onward to Peterhead . There the evil genius of Brfewsterisn . had engendered strife , and was labouring bard to produce distraction . Surely the barpies of Government are sufficiently alert with the gins , snares , and traps of the law , without hounding on to the prey by moral force mania ! He besonght the friends to oust " the bone of contention , " with common
consent ; and after allaying considerable prejudices by an address to the total abstainers , left them wifh hopes revivtd for the progress of genuine simple Chartism . The next stage New PiUligo , we had one lecture on abstinence , another on tbe nature and means of effecting the Charter ; a procession with paraphernalia of
Untitled Article
music , banners , rods , and Iictors , notwithstanding a sharp drtaly rain ; together with ball commemorating O'Connor ' s liberation , and also a sermon awaking surprise , gratification and Inquiry . The succeeding pest was designed to be Conniston , and rumbling heedless on , became to his journey ' s end . No , Instead of that to choose between a five or seven miles further tramp , and a Scotch cross road , when ancle deep with enow , the shades of evening presents no powerful charm to lore a stranger . Tbe odds were in favour of seven to Branff . Emblematic scene ( a slippery , weary way , the wind a hurricane , pitiless , pelting sleet , lightning flashing , thunder rolling , and bitter , biting frost ; but the Charter in prospect , be braved the storm . Lo ! a gig slowly ascended the hill behind , and having gained the summit , the driver courteously offered a vacant seat Conversation turned on the severity ef tbe weather , scarcity , and the miserable destitution of the weaving population . " They are done up I" was an observation
alike common-place in matter and tone . " What can they do ? where shall they go to ameliorate their' condition ? - was interjected . " Trne , they must remain as they are ; to remove they would be homeless and unsheltered . " The nonchalance with which these remarks were uttered seemed quite as " nothing when you're used to it . " O . ' the bitter train of determined reflection they inspired ! Here was » man , prompted by the kindly feeling , who observed , "Now , Sir , this Is Banff ; your ride has cost me nothing , while it has eased yon three miles ; you are welcome , good night ! " yet none the less seir-satisfled in unresisting ease , amid the starvation , wretchedness , and misery surrounding O , that he were ' alone in his glory . ** ¦ " Shame , where is thy blush ? " —humanity , where hast thou hid thyself i Banff , low , wretched , apathetic ; no place of meeting , and little disposition to encounter taunting reflection and persecuting prejudice . When will human forms be men ?
Portsoy , a young journeyman , whose manly , open face does credit to an honest heart , greeted the labourer with the salntatlon , " Yes , we'll have a meeting , if possible , though at my own expence . " A meeting we had , and he bore the brunt , as he was likely to do it , nobly . " O , " said he , " it is capital put out to interest , which will amply repay the investment" A cheer for Mann ! Cullen , Chartism dressed np by ignorance and interest , as a bugbear to frighten boobies . Nevertheless tbe Star finds its way , and from thence to Durness , letting fall its light on Andersonian deeds .
Inverness , swarming with Corn Law crotchets , a bait was put out , but the fish were shy , not so nach as a dash with a tail I Repotting a meeting of these gentry , some shoit time since , the local press lauded the intelligence and order of the good town ' s workmen , which was only interrupted by an operative from the south . Lo what a change comes o ' er the spirit of the dream , this self-same person recently figures as Mr . Henry Burrell , receiving the complimentary feast of a number of working men employed under vigilance , honoured with the presence and enconiums of the master builders , and enlogised by this same press , for urbanity to men , justice to employers , assiduity and great skill displayed in the erection of a considerable public edifice . What a contrast to the course , vulgar , outrageous satrap of the new St . Stephens—and this Mr . not A . but B . is still a firm , uncompromising Chartist , ever ready to lend an able aid in the great works which aims at the good of his fellow men .
We had also an address on abstinence , two sermons , and a closing lecture on the principles and protections of the Charter , awakening an interest which may be hoped to go « n and prosper . Notwithstanding party opposition , fair weather , an indomitable , ytt prudent missionary , with the National Petition , and the northern region will add its multitudes to swell th « tide of a nation ' s voice for heavenborn liberty , earth ' s blessing , rational freedom ! Faithfully , Thos . Davies . Zones . December 3 d . 1841 .
Untitled Article
HORRIBLE TREATMENT OF THE POOR IN THE SEVENOAK 3 UNION WORKHOUSE . In some recent papers we made some remarks on certain act ) which had been perpetrated within the precincts of the above establishment , and which ware brought to light by Mr . Booth and the Earl of Stanhope . His Lordship , it will be recollected , stated that certain reports had coma within his own knowledge , and he had reason to believe that they were true , considering tbe quarter whence they came .
In the fint place , it appeared that the children in the Union Workhouse had net been properly washed from the month of May to tbe month ef November . In consequence of this neglect of cleanliness , itch ensued , and prevailed to a very peat extent On the 25 th of December last , five women were confined in two beds in the same room , not receiving anything like the attention due t » women in their circumstances . On the 30 th of January , 1841 , a report made to the Board of Guardians stated that " the women in the lying-in room had not that attendance which , under general circumstances , the poor obtain in their » wn ccttiges . "
On tbe 22 nd of April last a report to the Board of Guardians stated that 75 boys were sleeping in 16 beds , 86 girls in 19 beds , making 161 children in 35 beds . Then there were 57 men in 31 beta , and 40 women in 20 beds . On the 29 th of April last , a period designated by Dr . D'Oyley aa latt winter , a report to the Board of Guardians stated that there were 78 boys and 94 girls is the boose , and that of these all tbe boys had enlarged glands at the back of the neck , and 42 of them had also swellings in the front and around the neck . Of the girls 91 were afflicted with swellings of the glands in the back of the neck , and 63 with them both in the back and front of the neck .
This detail of atrocities was made by the Noble Ear himself at a meeting at Sundridge , and an investigation into the matter being decided upon , the Poor Law Commissioners sent down Mr . Assistant Commissioner Tuffnell , to institute an inquiry . It was , thereupon , offered to substantiate the Earl of Stanhope ' s statement , and to prove even more facts than his Lordship himself adduced , either by means of a written communication , or by procuring the attendance of a female , who had held the situation of nurse in the establishment , but who , sickening at the amount of disease among the boys and girls , and the treatment experienced by the lying-in women , quitted the workhouse in disgust This person ( Mrs . Middleton ) , is a most respectable woman . She sometime ago attended
a lady in her confinement , and subsequently engaged herself as nurse in the Union , and on her leaving it , wrote a long letter for publieation , but which , for prudential reasons was not inserted in the paper to which it was sent—Mrs . Middleton was sent for from Canterbury , and she has in every material part , substantiated the Earl of Stanhope ' s Bummary of disease and ill treatment . We shall now state the facts proved as to the lying-in women . In January last , there were two lying-in rooms only in the workhouse ; one of tkem 7 feet long , and 10 feet 9 inches wide , the other about 0 tett square . In each of these rooms were two beds , each of them 4 feet 6 inches wide , and S feet long . In each bed there weie at one time two women at the least , either expecting labour , or recently delivered . The state in which they lay , and the treatment which they received , may be understood from two cases—those of Fanny Giles and Rebecca Bitnell . Fanny Giles was placed in the same
bed with Sarah Watson on the 15 th of December ; on the 16 th , she was conSned , being at the time alone in the bed , but two women being in the other bed with their children . The next night , within ten hours of her confinement , she was removed , to make way for a new comer , into the bed already ocenpied by those two women and their children ; thus making three women and two children at the same time in one bed . From Sunday , the 13 th of December , till a whole week after her confinement , she could not obtiln clean linen of any kind , though she frequently applied fur it . Shortly afterwards she was removed to tbe other lying-in room ; and while there , on the 25 th of December , a woman named Harriet Harborer was actually eonflned while in the bed with her . The next day Giles was again removed into the casual ward , and was there compelled to sleep in the same bed with a woman who had a loathsome contagious disease " of a very bad character . "
Rebecca BIgnell and Mary Collins were put into the delivery bed together about the same time shortly before the 18 th of December . CoJlins was delivered on that day , in the daytime , Bignell not being then in bed . Collins remained in the same bed till the following day , and was only removed just before Bignell ' s labour , which then took place . At this time there were seven women in the two lying-in rooms , and only one nurse to attend them , who was unfit for the duty , and did not properly perform it Bignel ) was seized with puerperal fever , and underwent medical treatment successively for the first few days , so as to be apparently out of danger , and tbe medical officer thinks it probable that she would have recovered , if she had been properly nursed . She was neglected , however , and she died . All these facts were proved by the evidence of Fanny Giles and two of the medical officers of the union , Mr . Adams « nd his assistant , Mr . Jackson .
We abstain from going into the disgusting details about the filthy state in which these poor women and others in & similar situation were Buffered to remain . Some had no change of linen for s week , others none for a fortnight ? one stated that she left the bouBe covered with vermin . No visiting Committee ever came round , so that there was no opportunity of complaining ; and indeed complaint would have been : of little use , as the Goardiaas proved , by the way , in which they received a charge afterwards made against the Mistress by Margaret Middleton , one of the nurses . - .-..- .
We now proceed to describe the manner in which the inmate * of this workhouse , and especially the children , ' were and are lodged . There , are two boys' rooms ,, attics ; the one 15 feet by 27 * and the other 15 feet by 29 ; and two girla' rooms , 15 feet by 29 each . Mrs . Middleton , an experienced nurse , who ' was engaged in Fobruary , upon tbe recbmmendatl 6 n of Mr . Adams , the medical officer , states that V in March last there were 91 boys in one room ; and in the girls' room there were 80 odd . There were sixteen beds and a half in the boys' two rooms . They lay 15 children in two beds , f eet to feet , and 18 children in three beds ; the remainder o ^ the teds had four each . The ages of tbe children > z ried from five to twelve years . The beds were four fe six inches wide , and the two in which so many ch j ldren were placed were tied together , so as to form . ne bed . "
Untitled Article
In the letter sent by Mrs . Middleton , she says , — " It was truly heart-rending to lee so many motherless and faiherleas children ; they had the itch ; their heads were covered with vermin ; and their feet were actually half rotten . The food of these children was very coarse ; fee breakfast they had dry bread and skill&y ; for supper , bread and butter ( the « mallert scrap of butter was Used ) and a drink of water . The manner the children slept was sufficient to breed all manner of diseases ; they were huddled together six and seven In a bed , and during the ten weeks I was in the Union , I
never saw a woman with a clean chemise , or a man with a clean shirt . I repeatedly saw the old women go into the hall , and where those who had good eyes used to pick the vermin from their aged co-paupers . The lying-in room was beastly beyond description , and tbe smell arising from tha filth horrible . On one occasion a woman named Omden , whose children had the itch , asked for some bread to make toast and water , and there being a scarcity of mugs in the Union , tbe Master actually gave her a brown chamber utensil to make it in .
Mrs . Middleton , it appears , left the Union with a most exemplary character , which was given to her in writing by the Board . On the 22 nd of April , Mr . Adams reported to the Boart that there were then 86 boys in 19 beds , 75 girl * in 16 bedB , 57 men in 31 beds , and 40 women in 20 beds . On the very day of the inquiry , after Mr . Tufnell had taken a number of strangers and others over the workhouse , and after these visitors had been told that they had seen erery apartment , Mr . Booth , the vestry clerk of Snndridge , received information that there were two rooms which bad not been visited ; and on proceeding to these , twenty boys ( apparently diseased ) were discovered in one of them ( a loft 13 feet by 14 ) huddled together in jive beds—five boys each in two beds ,
six boys in one bed , and two boy 8 each in two more . In February all the children in the house , of both sexes ( except two or three infants ) had the itch ; about a dozen had bad feet and chilblains , with the bones of their toes protruding , in consequence of neglect On the 20 th of April Mr . Adams reported to the Board that there where then in the house 78 boys and 94 girls and infant children ; that all the 78 boys had enlargement of the neck , and 42 had likewise goitres ; that of the girls and infants , 91 had enlarged glands at the back of the neck , and 63 also goitres . In this horrible way has the health of the children of the poor , in one of the richest and most flourishing agricultural counties in England , been sacrificed to the maintenance of the pro * hibitory order ef the Poor Law Commissioners .
In December , 1838 , there were 162 boys and girls in 35 beds . In 1839 there were 325 inmates , taking adults with children , at one time in the workhouse . In March , 1840 , there were 298 inmates in one week . In February last there were at one time 347 persons . On Saturday last there were 315 Inmates ; an increase of 62 having taken place within ten days , after the master had reported to the Board of Guardians that the housi was full ; the Board deliberately continuing , under these circumstances , to enforce the workhouse test There are now seven boys sleeping in one bed , five in another , and sixty-one boys in sixteen beds , distributed into fours and threes ; each bed being only four feet six inches wide . Mr . Love has been a member of the Board of Guardians ever since the formation of the Sevenoaks Union , and Chairman for several years . Listen now to his own account of the way in which he has performed his duties : —
By Mr . Burgess . —How was it , that being Chairman of this Board , yon did not become acquainted with the state of tbe house with regard to the children until the 22 nd of April last ? That was the first time it had been officially reported to the Board to be in too crowded a state . Mr . Burgess—That is no answer to my question . How came yon for five years to be ignorant of the state of the house ? Because it had not been brought officially before tbe Board as a matter of complaint . Why did you not make yourself acquainted with it ? I considered the duties of my office as Chairman , and my almost Invariable attendance as such , a sufficient reason why I should not take upon myself to visit the house , as other Guardians did . Might you not have obtainea that information without visiting ?
Yes , if I had asked the master or medical officer for an official report Is not the weekly return-book laid before you , so that you may see the number of inmates without asking a question ? That I almost invariably inspect ; it gives me evidence of the numbers , but none of the crowded state of the house . I cannot ascertain from that how many are in the different wards or in the different beds in the wards . An increase of children might take place , and a decrease of able-bodied , which would not be discovered from tbe book .
Mr . Love ' s evidence sufficiently shows that the panpers have been scandalously neglected . As Chairman of the Guardians it was his duty to ascertain whether tue poor were well fed , well clothed and well housed ; and his failing to have done so exhibits a lamentable want of feeling . We shall here drop the subject for the present ; but we are nevertheless proud that we have been partly instrumental in exposing as gross acts of ill treatment and injustice towards a mass of unprotected human beingB as were ever brought to light What decision the Poor Law Commissioners may come to on tbe subjact , we
are at a loss to imagine , involving as it does the working of th « damnable Poor Law BUI . It is , howoyer , scarcely credible that such things can have happened without reprobation in a workhouse of which the Marquis Camden and Colonel H . Austin lately con&titutsd the visiting Committee , and which has been frequently visitad by the R- > v . Dr . D'Oyley . Had it not been for the public spirit of Mr . Booth , the j Vestry Clerk of Sundridge , ( whose conduct , in spite of what Dr . D'Oyley designates his " humble situation , " contrasts meat favourably with that of bis superiors ) those enormities would never have been dragged to
light-One curse of the Poor Law scheme is evidently the largeness of the Unions ; and the poor will never be dealt with fairly till the system la entirely broken np . There is , perhaps , not a Guardian of the Sevenoaks Union who , questioned apart as to the sufferings endured by the children and the females of his own parish , is not heartily grieved at them , and ashamed that he did not detect and prevent them . He knows the rate-payers of his own parish did not wish , in order to save a few shillings a piece , to coop their less fortunate neighbours in such a hell as this Seveneaks Bastile .
If the children of his parish had been apart from the rest , he would not have dared to suffer them to be so grossly misused ; his better feelings would have compelled him to interpose . No , it is the Union systemthe want of individual responsibility . It is the feeling that whatever is done is the act of tbe whole Board , that is the source of all the negligence and cruelty and oppression ; and there is no remedy but a general dissolution of all Unions , and the relieving the able-bodiod poor at their own homes , provided the paupers attend at the poor-house during the day , to labour in a parish garden or at a farm .
Untitled Article
SOCIALISM v . CHARTISM . The adjourned discussion between Mr . Parry and Mr . Lloyd Jones , on the comparative merits of Chartism and Socialism , was resumed on Friday evening last . The place was again crowded with a highly respectable audience . Mr . Parky commenced by recapitulating his arguments of the previous evening . The Socialists were contending for the establishment of a community of 1 , 000 acres , which , by properly cultivating and arranging , they can bring to the acme of perfection , and thereby stud the land with Universal Communities . I contended for Universal Suffrage , its benefits being immediate and net prospective , it being a grand national universal measure , and not a local question of pounds ,
shillings , and pence . Mr . Jones relied chiefly upon the superiority of Socialism , from its being independent of any extraneous assistance ; it cared not for the House of Commons—no , nor yet for that venerable body , the House of Peers . Let us examine a little into this . Mr Jones told us , last night , that they , did not look for assistance , to any class , but to tha benevolent of all classes ; is this independence ? They request loans from parties willing to lend , promising regular payment of interest Now , it is quite impossible that tbe poor can lend money ; they cannot purchase food . These loans , then , must come from the richer classes of society : how , then , can they be independent ? The rich do not want to subscribe to get into community ;
they can get anywhere . They have also a printed form of bequest , by which parties may leave their property for community purposes . I do not like this principla of appealing to benevolence : I demand right in preference to benevolence—I demand that , the poor man shall be placed upon an equality with the rich man . Benevolence is one of the worst principles which can be laid down by any form of Government ; and if carried to a large extent it becomes a positive nuisance . Chartism demands that all shall be placed on an equality in the eye of the Jaw—that all should , be at liberty to use their unfettered exertions to procure a comfortable existence . I call upon you , if you prefer right to benor yolehce , to decide in favour of Chartism . ' . ... , ¦
Mr . Jo N £ S—Unformed you lost night that I objected to Chartism , because you had no defined plan ; you have certain , things floating in your imagination which you . mayor may , not put into practice . Mr , ' Parry ridicules J he confidence ; and preanjaption wfth whic ^ . . we put forth our pjans , " I , admit we are confident Jn the sjnecess of ] d ^ ir plans ,, but we . do not eall upon the public to adopt' theni without examination . We dp Jriot enforce thfem with , angry feelinga ; we do not dUpu ^ rMwot moral or physical force to carry them out ; we call not for , general adoption , but general enquiry . Mr , Parry alluded . last evening to my mention , of the' Spartans . I . condemn their vices as much a » Mr ; Parry ; but is that
any reason I should , not adopt what is good ? Mr . Parry also charges us with looking entirely to the stomach and neglecting the mind . Is riot his allusion to our ringing , our grammar , and other classes , an ample refutation of this ? Mr . Parry saya , we may gtt a few to carry out reforms in the quiet manner which we desire , bat that it is impossible to get / the' bulk of the peopta . I defy him to prove any good done by . violence , I defy him to prove any lasting good produced by great excitements . Look at the French revolution for instance . I allow that with an ignorant mind , it i » impossible to bear suffering patiently , but in an intelligent man , this same suffering will produce a spirit of calmness and patience .
Untitled Article
Socialism was called a dreamy thing . Mr . Parry allowed us the credit of establishing infant schools , and having institutions similar to the Mechanic * ' . Are these dream ; things ? If they are , they appear to me to be more substantial than the realities of Chartism . Mr . Parry objects to us because we appeal to the benevolence of those who may have itin their power to assist us . We do not appeal to them as a class bat as individuals ; and are not the Chartists continually appealing to their benevolence ? Are yon not , at your public meetings , fee ., continually begging and praying ef them
to grant yon your rights . With regard to the applications we make , we are a little like the Spanish beggar , who , when asked why he did not go to work , being a strong bale man , he told them he asked them for their charity and not for tbeir advice . Ton may go on appealing to these classes for yonr rights , year after year , but their interest is opposed to yours , and they will never grant them . You have a House of Commons opposed to yon ; a House of Peers opposed to you , and the public pressagainst yon ; the Time * eren calling you incorrigible scoundrels .
Mr . Passr . —Mr . Jones states that I compared the Social to Mechanics' Institutions , and said they were inferior to the meanest mechanics' institution in the poorest ' town In the kingdom . Inferior in point of wealth , and I might almost say for usefulness , to most of the trade societies in the kingdom . These do what they profess , but Socialism , professing everything , accomplishes but little . I am sorry to hear Mr . Jones again refer to the Times journal . What does any respectable person care for the Times ? We langh at its Statements ; we care no m » re for it than for the squeaking of a pig . When the brawling Times filled It 3 columns with vituperations of the Socialists , did the Chartists value its reasonings ? It was childish and puerile to refer to such a venal and ruffianly paper . Mr .
Jones says the House of Peers is also against us . Shall we quail because the peers are opposed to us ; because the Times abuses us ? Mr . Jones says they act in accordance with law . We also act in accordance with law . Their whole system is founded upon an act of Parliament . Can there be a more sandy foundation ? If ever you attain to the influence you expect , and I think you will not , what is to hinder Parliament from repealing the Acts of George and William on which your Communities are founded ? If ever you get wealthy er powerful enough to be obnoxious to those in power , that instant , If the people are not in possession of polltical power , will yon be annihilated . I appealed to all history in proof of the advantage of political power ; Mr . Jones , to a few isolated Shaker communities in
America , where he informs us that wealth Is created to an enormous extent Mr . Jones says he will adopt what is good in these communities , and reject what is bad . They adopt the principle of celibacy ; bow does Mr . Jones know that this is not the very principle which enabled them to succeed . Mr . Parry then read extracts from Miss Martineau ' s work , in which she states that they are scarcely allowed to speak to strangers—that it was with difficulty she met with the rites of hospitality —that they are allowed to speak no language but German—that a young girl taking a fancy te have a ride in the country Instead of attending worship , was severely reprimanded ; and were these the principles they would hold up for the adoption of the most intelligent and civilized people in the world ? Only bring men to the
state of apathy and mental degradation in which they are found in these commnnltes , and perhaps they might succeed in making them profitable speculations ; bat once admit of freedom in religion and other opinions , and they would immediately fall , as Mr . Owen's did at New Harmony . When Mr . Owen took New Harmony , it was fenced all round to keep out tbe pigs of the neighbouring forest Mr . Owen immediately removed tbe fence , and the pigs speedily came in and destroyed all the beautiful gardens the Rappltea had created . One of the great vices of the Socialists is , they think there are no pigs in the moral world—that we are all amiable lap-dogs . Mr . Jones states that if Tytherly succeeded , the example would speedily spread throughout the country . I find there are fifteen Shaker and
one Rappite community in America , which have been established between fifty and sixty years ; why has not their example been followed ? is there any difference between human nature in America and in England ? The Socialists believe they have only to lay down their laws , get Xidd Pratt to sign them , and all will be prosperous . They think naught of the discordant principles which animate mankind . All will vanish before the force of their paternal government Look at the amazing power vested in the Central Board . True , they are elected by the people ; bnt they are still more under the controul of Congress . They have power to separate children from parent ; they have the management of the schools , of all public amusement . If you
dance , you must dance under the controul of the Central Board . Their ' s is a system of pure despotism—that worst of governments , a paternal one . A father may do what he likes with his children , may beat them , may turn them out of doors : he has nearly as much controul over them as a man over his wife . I do not object to this in parents ; but I do in society . The Governments of Austria and Russia are of this description . The ruler is called the father of bis people , and why ? Because he can do what he likes with his subjects . This is the system which Mr . Owen proposes and the Socialists admire ; but I am certain they will never succeed in getting any large number of individuals to submit to this irresponsible power .
MR . Jones—Mr . Parry has said , that our Social Institutions in no way differ from Mechanics' Institutions , except being on a smaller scale . There Is this one great difference—we admit discussion on religious and political subjects—they do not I do not approve of the language of the Tunes , but I quoted it to show the division amongst you . There is the Times abusing the Dispatch , tbe Dispatch abusing the Times ; Mr . Parry , a Chartist leader , and the Northern Star abusing the Times . I say they are all venal—they are all acting for party motives , and not seeking truth , all alike , whether Tory or Chartist ; the Times is not more venal than any other , the Northern Star included . ( Hisses and cheers for the Star , ) It has just been Stated that the Northern Star la the only paper which
advocates the rights of tbe people ; I do not object to any paper , but depend upon it , so long as you support any paper in the manner you have to-night , so long will you hare a venal press . I speak not as an enemy to the Northern Star , but while you denounce one paper and cheer another , they will always have inducements to act with venality . Mr . Parry ' s prime object is , that any Parliament can repeal the law on which our communities are founded . We know that nothing is certain ; a comet might come within the sphere of our attraction , and with its tail , whisk us out of existence ; but would such a liberal body as the Chartists stand by and see such an infringement of liberty as to have that law repealed ? You have the idea of certain reform floating in your imagination , and if yon are to stand
npon privileges , yen may never re<za them . Mr . Parry has shown you the imperfections of the American communities , but are we compelled to adopt their faults because they have one bright feature wrapped round with the dirty bandages of religions fanaticism , are we forced to adopt the whole ? Mr . Parry Bays , are we prepared to adopt their system of celibacy ? I say decidedly not ; but he does not tell you that they are annually receiving into their community widows , with large families , adopting orphan and other children , and that they so train these that crime is unknown amongst them . " Mr . Parry asks why their example has not been followed in America . I tell him because of their fanaticism . Tytherly has enly been building two or three years ; you hava been agitating these fifty years ,
and have not got a single stone laid . If Mr . Parry has any plan to propose for immediate relief , in God ' s name let us adopt it , while we are building our communities . Mr . Parry also says we think too well of human nature—that we believe there are no pigs in tbe Moral World . The fault bas hitherto been that man has been represented In too bad a light . We believe man to be a more decent animal than is generally supposed . Fault is found with the powers of our Central Board ; we are to dance , fee ., by orders of tbe Central Board . To this there can be but little objection , provided they are good hands at a set of quadrilles . With respect to paternal government , Mr . Parry fergets that , having the power to beget our parents , instead of them chastising us , we Bhall be enabled to chastise thorn .
Mr . Parry—I did not insinuate that the people of America were too ignorant to adopt communities , I said they were too wise to listen to the secret voices of the Rappites and Shakers wooing them to its blessings . I feel surprised at Mr . Jones comparing Acts of Parliament with-the appearance of a comet an Act of Parliament may be repealed in two or three , or perhaps twenty years , bnt comets act in accordance with the all-wise laws of nature ; their precise time , appearance , Ate ., may be accurately calculated upon . Surely Mr . Jones will not compare the stolidity of a British Parliament to the eternal progress of the laws which regulate tbe universe . Mr . Jones has said all our newspapers are ; venal ; of course , always excepting the New Moral World , of course the lustre of its purity has never been
tainted . What does Mr . Jones mean by venality ? I do not consider that paper to be venair be it Whig or Tory , which without change has consistently advocated its principles . The Northern Star has never swerved from ita principles , toe they true or false ; it had ever remained true : to the interests of the people . If Mr . Jones challenged it with venality , he most prove when it was bought or sold ; until he cpuli ^ dq this the Nor-( hern Star at least was free from the ^ charge ., Mr . Jones was eternally ringing in their ears ^ he violence of the Cbartiata ; yojl ' woidd ' suppose Jbtf fitte ^ o ^ alists were mild , amiable philosophers ;• men who wpuW not hurt a worm ¦ and that tbe C&artiita were a / set of vlol&iitj ruffans . , Only think of the SodaHats , in number . abouj ; 4 , 000 , jaunting the Chartists , who with those professing the ' same principles In Ireland , numbered
four millions , with , being adtocates , of physical force , because ; goaded by physical want , they had occasionally risen in tbpir might , as men , and demanded their birthright ; because they would not sit tamely undfir the iron rod of oppression '; and because of this the ' press must calumniate and abuse them , ' and the Socialists re-echo the cry . I throw back the assertion , that the working classes are violent , into the teeth of their calumniators . Are hot the Chartists following the constitutional mode of petitioning , of uniting , to concentrate public opinion . The Socialists being generally in better circumstances , may afford to wait for reform ; may afford to subscribe their £ 50 ; but the masses are in actual wont ; it is a question in which the crime is greatest , the man that steals from want , or the legislature , which creates the want If the Socialists possessed the vast physical power of
Untitled Article
the Chartists , they might talk of physical force , bat at present it would be utterly tkUculooa ; why tiro policemen might take the whole party f . The glory of the Chartists is , that having the power to adopt violent raeasues , they have wisely and nobly abstained from exerting that power . This raises them higher la my estimation than any other body in the state . Bnt another objection ef the Socialists is our ignorance If the Chartists would petition for Sedal Communities , their ignorance would immediately disappear . Because the Socialists are a little more aristocratic and possess a little more wealth , this feeling of arrogance is exhibited . The very fact that the Chartists can appreciate the merits of the Charter is a preof of their intelligence : I admire intelligence ; I should wi « h to see all
educated , but so long as a man has an arm to work , so long as he is not idiot , it matters not whether he can write or mad , he is entitled to a vote . I call npon you , working men , to go on in yonr agitation , and by getting Universal Suffrage . you will speedily get universal education . This was exemplified in the conduct of a female in America ; she endeavoured to educate her slaves , bat the brand of slavery rankled in their hearts , and she could not succeed . The blessings of education will preve In vain , unless you attain to the moral dignity of freedom . This noble woman felt this , she emancipated her slaves , and in the words of an homely saying , they then took kindly to education ; but "Mr . Jones says how will you get th * Charter ? Will the Houses of
Parliament reform themselves ? The force of public opinion in France , compelled their hereditary House of of Peers to abolish itself , and public opinion will gain us the Charter , not if it is expressed in the mild , quiet , amiable , social method ; but public epinion backed by a million of men , possessed of arms and sinews , and who know how to use them ! It is useless always to crave In a peaceful , humble , legal manner . History shows that every reform therein men * tioned has only been gained when they dared not any longer to withhold it . How were the dissenters emancipated ?—how Was the Catholic Emancipation Bill carried ? Bid not the Iron Duke state that he dared no longer to refuse it ? and the time will shortly come when he dare not refuse the Charter . How -was
the Reform Bill carried ? The people met day after day , sent petition after petition ; the men of Burningbam roused themselves , and the Government quailed before them . It was now the cant phrase to call the men of Birmingham selfish , because , being deceived by tbe middle classes , they would no longer join in their half measures—because they were determined to abolish all monopolies . Mr . Jones says that argument and reason were the weapons we should employ . This might ; be true with human beings , but not with a House of Peers . Did they stand firm in their imbecile power when Earl Grey had authority to create a new batch of them ? No , they very considerately walked , or rather sneaked , out of the House , until Earl Grey found himself in a majority , through the desertion of these craven Peers . And this will prove equally true with respect to the Charter ; they will quail , as
they have ever hitherto done , before the power of a mighty people . I do not expect that this discussion will make many converts to either side ; but it will show to tbe country , and the middle classes In particular , that large and intelligent bodies of their fellowmen are daily meeting to discuss the means by which to promote their political and social happiness . It will show to them the folly and danger of much longer standing aloof from a struggle that is almost divine , that will elevate man out of tbe dust , that will infuse into his body almost a living soul- ; and , sooner or later , in proportion as you remain faithful to the cause , in proportion as you unite , man and woman , in the cause , ( for why should one half of the human race be excluded ?} the Universal Suffrage bark will ride triumphant o ' er the storm , in spite of every party and of every passion which may be arrayed against it
Mr . Jones—When I spoke of the venality of the prehS , I excluded no paper . I believe they bave aH exaggerated in favour of their own party . I bave no doubt the New Moral World itself occasionally has done the same thing . I had no wish to depreciate any of the papers . Mr . Parry accuses me of charging you with ignorance and violence . I only adopted your own language . Have you not a moral and a physical force party ? Are not Frost , Williams , and Jones transported ? Is not this positive proof that you have bees guilty of violence ? I do not charge the whole mass with being violent ; I believe you all desire the public good ; but when I see men going astray , I deem it to be my duty to step forward and give them a warning voice . Mr . Parry spoke
lightly of us as a party , and said two policemen would take tbe whole . I believe one might do it , for we should all go without It is not correct that the Socialists think the Chartists Ignorant ; but we think them imprudent I admit the truth of your Charter ; I admire your principles ; I signed your petition ere I entered on this discussion ; but I think our principles best Who are the class that press most heavily upon you ? Is it tbe Lords ? is it the Commons ? Partly so ; but it is those who bold in their power those mighty iron machines which have brought yon to misery and degradation . These the Charter passes entirely over . I speak to you as working men . Is not machinery the great cause of your distress ? In whose hands is the machinery ? Why in the hands of your employers ,
who are regardless of your interests , if it interfere with their profits . A fair day ' s wages for a fair day's work , appears to be the height of tbe ambition of a Chartist Though Tytherly is bnt in its infancy , yet I trust it will soon give bright hopes of the world ' s regeneration . We do not depend upon a majority to effect « ur object Mr . Parry has appealed to history , but in the two'great instances he has given you , viz . Catholic emancipation and the Reform Bill , you had the middle classes and many ot the upper classes with yon , elements of which yon are now deficient To gain the Irish Emancipation Bill every influence was exerted , but does not misery taint that unhappy land ? Beware how you play with the feelings of the people ; let them not again be miserably deluded with false hopes . - For centuries have the working classes been struggling for reform , and in what better position are you now ? Yon have Frost and his 6 ompanions slumbering sixteen thousand miles off , to the lullabies of a distant ocean ;
bubble after bubble has burst . " Hope deferred maketh the heart sick . " In your political harangues yon have promised to your followers a perfect mllleninm . Every class is opposed to you ; your groans will never reach the Government , until you have tbe co operation of the middle-class ; but this is almoatlmpracticable . I know that if you were united yon could despise both Whig and Tory , and I have no doubt but , some day or other , your principles will be carried into effect , but I fear the time is distant I do not blame the working classes as violent men . I wonder that , in the midst of so much suffering , and so much excitement , they have remained so patienfc . The principles on both aides are true . Chartism is good ; but , in my opinion , not so good as Socialism . We have no interest in being divided . In my time I bave assisted In every measure of reform ; but I consider that Socialism being independent of King , Lords , or Commons , is most calculated to spread happiness amongst the members of the human family . ( Great applause . )
The Chairman then called fora show of hands , and it was so equal that not being atfle to decide , another show was called for , when The Moderator , being appealed to , gave it as his opinion , that the numbers , were equal . Mr . Parry then came forward and announced that bis share of the proceeds should be devoted to those gallant men now on strike , the masons . ( Great cheering . ) Mr-Jones should devote his proceeds , according to a previous arrangement , to that which would prevent all strikes , the Tytherly Community . The Chairman and Moderator then thanked the meeting tor the considerate and gentlemanly manner in which they had acted , and the meeting dissolved . *
The discussion throughout was excellently managed by both disputants . The attendance of Chartists was not so numerous as might have been anticipated , but this was owing partly to the charge fox- ' admiaatoB f and it also being held at so late a period In tbe week . Mr . Parry also was not known to tbe great majority of the Chartist bodyr but henoeforth he will deservedly be held in high estimation . The profits , it appears , are £ 10 , when rent of Hall and all the expences are paid .
Untitled Article
We learn that Sir Robert Peel has sent agents to the Continent for the purpose of collecting detailed information relative to the average rates of wages , the prices of food , and ether circumstances bearing on the condition of the humbler classes . Sir WiLTEB Scon ' s Novels . —What would Sir Walter Scott have said if he had seen his immortal Novels on sale at a few pence each week ? We think " this is popularity" would have escaped , him . His family have done wisely , in these times of Jack Sheppards , to bring healthy reading to everyone ' s fireside ; and we certainly have it in the powerfully drawn characters of the Wavarley Novels .
Thb Weathbr . —Mnch damage was done in the metropolis , and the surrounding country , by the late stormy weather . On Monday night week , a new shop-front in CHurch-stteet , Borough , was blown into the street . Many stacks of cbimnies bave been thrown down , but vni'fe no fatal results . The low lands on the Surrey side of the river have been flooded . The riyer / itself was violently agitated . A boat with two boVs was upset on the "j fiter between Wandsworlh'anafytne ^/ . and / bne / df'Uie ^ iibylwas drowned . Three men were overturned in a bpat off Rdtherhithe , but were all saved . N « ar Greenwich , a man was blown from the yard-arm of a
coaStingvessel , but he Bustainfed ho injury beyond a tfeltiag . On Tuesday morning , near Deptford , as a barge laden with Russian deals was coming up the river , a great quantity of the timber was blown off into the water : a workman jumped ' out of the 'barge into a small boat , and was picking up the pieces of timber , which he had previously gathered together with an oar , when a heavy BwelJi of the water ttps ^ t the boat , and the man Was drownedV During the night of Monday , a hundred barge * , laden % Hn isoal , got loose from their moorings on the river , and sank . On Wednesday afternoon , the tide rose to a great and unusual heigit , and caused a considerable destruction of property .
Untitled Article
THE NORTHERN STAR . ... '¦¦ ¦ ¦' . . - 7
-
-
Citation
-
Northern Star (1837-1852), Dec. 11, 1841, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse2.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct872/page/7/
-