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March 6, 1852- m THE NORTHERN STAR. 7
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ffoxtiwx Sntelhgeiw
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FRANCE. T! The trial of the twelve so-ca...
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SCEUE IN THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPR...
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NATIONAL EEFORM ASSOCIATION. CONFERENCE ...
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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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March 6, 1852- M The Northern Star. 7
March 6 , 1852- m THE NORTHERN STAR . 7
Ffoxtiwx Sntelhgeiw
ffoxtiwx Sntelhgeiw
France. T! The Trial Of The Twelve So-Ca...
FRANCE . T ! The trial of the twelve so-called Franco German conspiiWoiators is concluded . . T They all denied having conspired in any way against Vraf ranee " , and indeed no evidence intelligible to an English rnpanprebeusion was produced to warrant the name given to Ihethe vlot They admitted that they had concerted plans for ^ hiwhat they called the regeneration of Garmany . One of thethem , Ch ' erval , defended himself in a long speech . He iwoavowed himself to be a communist , but repudiated any jconconnexion with Ledru Rollin or Mazzini , who he said were llerderoocrats , and as such the enemies of communism . The "oncamrounist committee existed openly in London , and he iiarhad thought that he might act in France as he had done in
EnEnaland . His principles might be ridiculous , hut if so tiheihey would fall by ihemselves . They would not be extinguiguished by imprisonment . If be had been born an aristoccis ciat , he should have wished for a republic as in Poland . If Hie he bad been born a ' Imrgeoise' he should have been a ( GiGirondin . But be was born a working man and a G rnniman , and , therefore , he was a communist . One of the tfitltitber prisoners said that he was a communist , but that he sababhorred the principle of an equal division of property . IB ] By communism he merely understood the amelioration of so society . Three of the prisoners were acquitted . The tot others were found guilty . Cherval was sentenced lo eight ] j ( years , aud the remainder to terms varying from six months ' ( Co Co eight years' imprisonment .
The 'Univers' contains an article upon the state of S Switzerland , to which I invite your attention . This ardent oi ohampion of the Sonderbund chides the tardy nephew of 5 Napoleon for passing in the energetic career inaugurated on II December 2 , and stopping to bandy notes with the unii righteous federal cooncsl , after the lukewarm fashion of tJ those political Ltodiceans , MM . Thiers and Guizof , instead a of repeating the cannonades of the boulevards in the v ; valleys of the Helvetic republic . Good hard knocks are tl the only arguments that can be understood by the Swiss r , radicals . Catholic Fribourg , which the Emperor placed at t ! the head of the confederation , groans , trampled by the r rabble rout heretics . The curate of the great parish of ^ Fippens , for treading in the pious steps of Monsunor
I Franzoni , and refusing the sacraments to a dyin ? catholic , b anless be recanted his oath to the schismatic constitution i imposed by the radicals , has been turned out of his parish I by the government for this courageous performance of his i dirty . Such martyrdom calls for vengeance . Ln that zeal Ions son of the church , Louis Napoleon , leave tbe dilatory i ambages of diplomacy , and strike . Let him cut with his i aword the knot of the federal constitution , and restore the i cantonal independence which was recognised by his uncle i as the most solid base for the existence of the Swiss confei deration . Such is the substance and spirit of this article , t conceived in the true vein of the church militant . I must ; net forget to add that in the course of it the fact leaks out i that the French government has addressed notes to the ' Federal Council , insisting upon the necessit y of a change : in the constitution .
Political circles have been occupied with a telenraphic despatch from England , giving the outline of Lord Derby's political programme . But no declaration of a pacific policy can suffice to mitigate the distrust which is inspired by a Tory c- » binet . On the other hand , the pledge to exercise strict surveillance over the refugees is regarded rather as an advance addressed to Austria than to France , and an attempt to mollify the insolent arrogance of Prince Schwar-¦ senberg . The rivalry which has subsisted forsome time between M . D . Persuny aud M . D . Maupasseems unabated ; hut theinfluence of the former over thePresident has beengreatly abated by his hesitation and scruples in the face of public opinion ,, and the
Minister of Police is decidedly in the ascendant . Louis Napoleon seems more and more to shut himself , as far as the hottlepolilitpie is concerned , into the narrow circle of ibis second Fouche and his head myrmid = ns , the inspectorsgeneral . Notwithstanding the announcement of the departure of the latter functionaries for their provincial destinations , it is noted that several , and particularly M . Berard , the inspector-general at Lyons , still remain in Paris , and are continually at the Elysee . The importance of M . Berard ' s post having been greatly increased by the capital of the Rhone becoming the pivoi of the projected operations against Switzerland , the assiduous presence of this gentleman at head quarters indicates the activity with which such desuns are pursued .
A number of political prisoners were brought out of the Montpellier prison on Feb . 26 th , and escorted by a numerous body to the Cette Railway . They are to be embarked on board the Dauphin , together with others from Bezeirs , Pezenas , and St . Pierre , for transportation to Algeria . On the 27 th nit . 350 convicts were shipped at Rochefort for Brest , of whom 230 are to remain in hulks , and the remaining 120 to he transported to Cayenne . The * Presse' publishes Colonel Gurnard ' s letter , contradicting the report of his liberation , which the
'Constitutionnel declined to publish . The only point in it is the assertion of the colonel that pardons are onl y g ranted to those who ask for them , and that he has never asked anything of the government of December 2 nd . Seven prisoners at Moissac ( Tarn and Garonne } have also written to the ' Presse' to deny the truth of a statement in the circular of M . Belmontel , the government candidate in that department , to the effect that the President had pardoned the political prisoners of the district at his instance . They say that they are still within prison bars , and that they have authorised no one to bargain for their liberation .
The independent papers of the provinces , which have been struck with ruin by the clause of the law on the press which deprives them of judicial advertisements , are fast dying out . The ' Glaneur , ' of Amiens , and the'Impartial' and ' Messager , of Rouen , are announced as extinct . A woman , named Carre , has just been convicted of an offence rarely committed by females , Ihough common enough amongst men—the illegal wearing of tbe Cross of the Legion of Honour , for which she has been sent to prison for three mouths . M . Croce Spinelli the well-known Republican jeweller , has been sentenced to banishment , and ordered to quit Paris .
The papers on Saturday last contained addresses from a dozen different prefects , declaring that all opposition candidates and their supporters would be considered as' enemies ' of Louis Napoleon . Now , Louis Napoleon's summary method of dealing with his enemies is so well known , that people don't care about placing themselves in that category for the sake of sitting in an Assembly where they would exercise no power , and where few suppose that either honour or distinction is to be gained . The following is a good specimen of the government electoral circulars . It is from tbe sub-prefect of Montmedy , to the mayors of his arrondissement : — 'I shall regard the number of votes as the most sure thermometer which can indicate to me the degree of your influence in the commune . Prince Napoleon , I
repsai , wishes the election to be free : therefore electoral meetings , fit only to exercise a bad pressure upon people's minds , are formally prohibited . Tbe reign of clubs is passed . I ' , then , in spite of your warnings , any should b > formed , you will dissolve them at once , and let me know without delay . " On Monday morning the mayors , finding that great numbers of electors had neglected to apply for cards , spared them the trouble by vending to their lodgings the . necessary authorisation to vote . They have also distributed to the electors a circular , urging them to the poll , lest their abstention should be cahunniously interpretrd by certain parties . It is said that circulars have been addressed from the several ministries to all their employe $ , menacing them with dismissal in case of abstention . The following gentlemen
have been elected deputies for the Seine : —Delalain , De-? inck , Cavaignac , Lepelteiier , Konigswaier' Veron . In the two other circunucriptions Carnot and Perrct obtained the majority . The election of Cavaignac for the 3 . d district is a fact of immense significance . The district includes , in fact , tbe most important section of the capital in a commercial point of view . . It embraces the portion of the 2 nd arrondissement containing the Bourse , the 3 rd and 4 th arrondissements , aud a par t of the 5 ih . By referring to a map of Paris it will be seen that this space is bounded by the Rue Vivienne on tbe one side , St . Denis on the other , the boulevards on the north , and the quais on the south . We know not better how to describe than by this local definition all the commercial importance of this quarter , which of
contains so many flourishing streets of shops , with hotels ibe financial aristocracv . On the other band Carnot has obtained the majority in the fourth district , although he has fallen short by a few hundreds of half of the expressed votes , which is necessary for immediate election- If the district which has chosen Cavaignac represents the shopping and nsonied interest of the capital , that in which Carnot has gained the day represents the workmen . The latter includes the populous district of St . Denis , St . Martin , and the Temple , and those faubourg * which have furnished the sinews of revolt in so many terrible insurrections . Iu the 5 th district M . Goudchaux treads close upon the heels of M . P ^ rret , and in the second election to he held next Sunday week , no doubt both these ' members of the provisional government will he returned .
It is announced that out of forty-sevea elections in tbe departments known to be complete , all are in favour of government candidates .
GERMANY . AUSTRIA . —Viessa , February 24 . —The news of Lord John Russell ' s resignation reached Vienna on the 22 nd ult . Tbe favourite theme of the papers is of course Lord Derby , and we are furnished with some very curious details respecting the Protectionist chief . One newspaper tells its readers that' Sari Derby is son of thelate minister Stanley . ' Another says that * Stanley having been just appointed paid a Ua 6 he at Constantinople , ' there was at first some difficulty , & .. The « Llojd' contents itself wiih stating , in a quiet mat ter-of-fact way , that Lord Derby « belongs to one of
France. T! The Trial Of The Twelve So-Ca...
the few ancient families in England who were in existence during the Wars of the Roses . ' This is naturally , according to Austrian opinions , the best of all qualifications for governing England . Of his political opinions , therefore , they say nothing . England has at last learned to respect herself : she has given the reins of power into the hands of a nobleman who can mate with the Howards , Cecils , Talhots , and Cavendishes ; ' and , perhaps , if she goes on in tbe same way , Austria may some day or other hold out one or two fingers of tbe hand of reconciliation ; that is , of course , however , only in a good humoured patronising way , which
is all we can expect ; for what are the Wars of tbe Roses to those of Radebot , son of Kauzeline , whose descendant , Werner , built the castle of Hapsburg on an ' eminence above Windisch , ' and became the founder of the present Austrian dynasty ? What waa the first Stanley to the first Schwarzenberg , who may have broken heads side by side with Duke Ethico and feasted with Guntram the Rich ? There is no beating about the bush in Vienna ; this is the way the Austrians reason on political questions , and they would pity you profane people in England if you were to laugh at them .
The Prince de Ligne , sent here by the King of tbe Belgians on a special mission relative to the Orleans robbery , was received by the Emperor in a private audience . The papers say that his presence here is not connected with any political object whatever , but that he has been simply despatched to assure tbe Emperor of the respect and good feelings of theKing . It is reported that General Haynau is gone mad . He has certainly been acting very strangely during these last few months . WURTEMBERG—The second chamber of Wurtemberg adopted in its sittings of the 26 th ult ., the report of its committee tending to declare the fundamental rights proclaimed by the Frankfort National Assembly of legal force in the kingdom , and imprescriptible except by constitutional means .
ITALY . LOMBARDY . —A letter from Milan , of the 23 rd ult ., says , that the municipality had received orders to increase the accommodation for cavalry on the Piazza d'Armi , and also to erect more stables outside the town . It had also been directed to point out the localities which , under certain circumstances , mi ? ht he conveniently occupied by troops . The same letter says that the Archbishop of Milan has refused to give up the church of Si . Anthony to the Jesuits , and expressed some doubts to the government as to tbe expediency of allowing that body to organise establishments at Milan . A Milan letter in the ' Opinions' of Turin of the 25 th ult . shows that the Austrian authorities have commenced
towards English travellers that system ef petty annoyance which was threatened in the note of Prince Schwarzenberg to Count Buol-Schauenstein . The letter states that the police had received orders to exercise the strictest surveillance over English travellers . It was with great difficulty tbe latter could obtain passports , and , with rare exceptions , they were not to be permitted to sojourn more than twenty - four hours in Lomhrdy . PIEDMONT . —In its sittings of the 23 rd , the Senate of Turin passed the hill for an electric telegraph connecting Turin , Genoa , Alessandria , Casale , Vercslli , and Novara . When the bill on the modifications to be introduced in tbe
laws on the press , as far as regards foreign potentates , was taken into consideration , Robert d'Azeglio and Alberto della Marmora both spoke against the extreme liberty allowed to the press in Piedmont , and called for further restrictions . M . Deforesta , Minister of Grace and Justice , defended tbe principle of the liberty of the press , as did also Senator Selopis , who was minister at the time tbe decree on the press was issued by Charles Albert , and who countersigned it . Tbe discussion was adjourned to the following day , when the bill was passed by 49 votes to 3 . The bill on Public Safety was then adopted without amendments by 46 votes to 2 .
The ' Piedmontese Gazette of the 25 th announces that the Professorship of Civil Law has been conferred upon Dr . Nuytz , who was anathematised by the Court of Some some months ago . ROME . —A letter from Rome states that , on the 19 th nit ., the police discovered fifteen explosive shells , capable of containing a pound of gunpowder each , and three daggers , in the house of a person named Luigi Jacopini . The daggers had evidently been buried somewhere , for they were rusty , and bad particles of fresh earth sticking to them . The shells were intended to be thrown that very evening in the Corso at several persons , said to be obnoxious to the republican party , among whom was Colonel Nardoni . Two persons , of the name of Bizzarri and Tazi , have been arrested as accomplices .
SPAIN . All readers of modern Spanish history are aware that on the 2 nd of May , 1808—a day ever memorable for the tigerlike cruelty with which Murat suppressed the outbreak in Madrid against the authority of the French usurper—a Spanish artillery officer , named Velarde , greatly distinguished himself . Although the members of that family have experienced the protection of the government , yet no reward of importance has ever been given to them to mark the gratitude of Spanish patriotism . Now , however , the
Minister has bethought himself , and the brother of the Spanish patriot has been named Count of Velarde and Viscount of the second of May . As it is reported in Madrid that Napoleon has been threatening Belgium and Switzerland , many believe that this nomination at such a juncture , coupled with the ostentatious way in which a board of artillery officers have been sent to Mahon , is meant as a broad hint that Spain is not to be deceived and bullied by the nephew as she was formerly by his uncle . At any rate a countship given after so many years without any explanation in the public official journals is something worthy of attention .
BELGIUM . In the Chamber of Representatives of Belgium on Thursday , M . Osy gave notice that he would the next day question the Government , in a socret sitting , on < a political , financial , and warlike' subject . The Ministers demanded that he should make the interpellations at once This , after some discussion , he consented to do . The public were thereupon excluded , and the Chamber remained in secret sitting for two hours . It adopted a resolution to tbe effect that , ' in consequence of the reassuring explanations given by the Cabinet , ' the public sitting should be resumed and the order of the day be proceeded to .
SWITZERLAND . The ' Revue de Geneve' of the 25 th has the following upon the attitude of tbe Federal Council with reference to the claims of France : — ' The various statements which we have hitherto made public with respect to the demands of France , are in general exact ; that is to say , the French government in its note positively required o f Switzerland the expulsion of such refugees as she should name . This note was drawn up in terms anything hut affable ; it , however , was confined to the subject of the refugees , and contained nothing concerning the press . It is also true that Austria made verbal representations with regard to the refugees , and
upon the duty of Switzerland to avoid generally anything which inight give umbrage to the neighbouring states . These observations were made with a certain harshness of expression , but there was no mention made of an occupation of Tess ' m . Finally , a conversation has taken place with the representative of England . The British minister recommended the Swiss government to satisfy any complaints which might , ' on examination , appear to be well founded , but not to make promises of concessions incompatible with the honour and rights of the country , nor to give way to unjust demands . The Federal Council has replied to the French government firmly , and with reason . It declares that Switzerland will fulfil all its international
duties , and will answer that no refugees shall undertake anything again : t the tranquillity of surrounding states ; that it protests against the pretension of placing the nation under the orders of any foreign cabinet , and rejects it as inadmissible . We do not know that any answer to this note has arrived at Berne , but if the formation of a mobile column at Lyons , has any connexion with such an answer , it is clear that the latter will not be of a satisfactory character . The formation of such a column may naturally give rise to apprehensions . The departments around Lyons are calm , and were so throughout the late events ; no interior consideration exists for the formation of this corps by special order , and it is difficult to believe that it is not intended for external purposes . It is also to be remembered
that when similar attempts have before been made against Switzerland , tbe mode of proceeding has been of an analogous character . At the present moment Holland , Belgium , England , and Prussia , appear to be preparing for circumstances which may arise , and for an end which is evidently the same . It may be that we shall assist at the reconstruction of the great Protestant league , provoked by the exaggeration of the Catholic spirit which , like that of the French government at this time , did so much damage to Louis XIV . It is , then , very probable that a war against Switzerland or Belgium will be the signal of a coalition which may , perhaps , number among ; : its members Austria , now holding aloof in prudent reserve ; and , what would be yet more singular , Russia , which admits the coup d ' etat , but not its consequences , if these are to change the limits
of France . Another French note , it is said , on the same subject , has been sent . It is presented in the character of an ultimatum . France insists . anew upon designating refugees for expulsion , and in strong language calls upon the federal government to reflect on the consequences which resistance may entail .
UNITED STATES . We have our usual advices from the United States . They state that on the 14 th ult . John Fiecna Crampton , Esq . i presented to the President of the United States , the letter
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of recall of Sir Henry L . Bulwer , and his own credentials as envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of her Brittannic Majesty to this government . Kossuth was at Cincinnati on the 14 th ult . ; he addressed the Hungarian Fund Association that evening , at Smith and Nixon ' s Hall . One thousand persons were present and many offered high prices for admission , but the numbers were limited . He made no set speech , but promised to do so the following week , when it was expected " he would address all the friends of Hungary ,, at the Hamilton Railroad depot .
The * Herald * says : — 'We are sorry to hear that the German population of Mobile took occa sion to publicly insult Chevalier Hulsemann , the Austrian charge , on his recent passage through that city , e » route to Havannah . However unpopular a foreign representative may make himself our citizens should never so far forget their own dignity and self-respect as lo personally insult him . The disgrace brought upon the whole country by the proceedings of a few lawless rioters against the Spanish consul at New Orleans should not have been so soon forgolteu . '
The California news is by no means as cheering as usual . The democratic candidate has been elected by only 270 majority . Governor Bigler complains of the arrival of foreign convicts , sent out from Europe ; animadverts upon the heavy postage paid on communications between California and tbe Atlantic States , and the neglect of the Fedfiral government to provide lighthouses , buoys , & c „ for the coast . He thinks the mineral lands should always remain free as at present , and that any successful proposition to sell or lease them by the government would he calculated to rear up monopolies . He is apprehensive that the Indians of California , estimated at 200 , 000 in number , will always be troublesome , and suggests their removal beyond the limits of the states as the best policy .
A man named J . Q . Adams , was shot at Sacramento City on the 12 th January , by a Mrs . Bond , whose daughter had br . en seduced by him . He had been arrested by the police for abducting the girl from her home , when the mother , a woman of unusual intellect and strength of purpose , proceeded to the station house , and having obtained an entrance , on the request to speak a few words with the prisoner , found him sitting in the ante-room in company with an officer . Approaching him , she asked if he intended to marry her daughter , and receiving an unsatisfactory response , drew a pistol and discharged it , the ball entering his right side near the tenth rib , and lodging probably in the abdomen . Adams died on the following day , having in the meantime married his victim , whom he acknowledged to have seduced under a promise of marriage .
A fatal encounter had occurred at Perry ' s camp on the Calaveras , thirty miles from Stockton . The difficulty occurred in a Mexican house ,. \ vhere a fandango was in progress , when two Americans , nam ^ d Alexander M'Dowell and James Plymatl , went to the bar , in order to take a drink . Finding some of the Mexicans in their way , the two Americans requested them to stand aside , that they might get their liquor . One of the Mexicans took offence , and , leaving the house , soon returned with a sword or machete , wiih which he commenced a most desperate attack upon the Americans , neither of whom were armed , and who he forced to retreat to the door . The moment MDowell and Plymall reached the open air , the lights were blown out , followed immediately by the report of a istolthe
p , contents of which took effect in the back of M'Dowell , on the left side , and glancing upwards , lodged in the left Jireast . He lived until nine o ' clock next morning , when he expired . Plymall was also severely wounded . On the next day the Americans becoming thoroughly aroused to vengeance , made search for the Mex i cans , and after a severe encounter succeeded in capturing ihe two who were supposed to be guilty of the assault made the night before . During the latter fight , one of the Americans was slightly cut with a knife , but immediately drawing a revolver , discharged it with such precision , that the contents were lodged in the thigh of one of the Mexicans , severely wounding him , Immediately the Mexicans were tried by the people , ' convicted , and bung .
Colonel Fremont ' s title to the Mariposa tract of country bad been resisted .
TURKEY . The German journals publish letters from Constantinople dated February 14 th , stating that the ascendancy of Rischid Pacha augments with every day . A violent opposition to the new Income Tax has broken -out , and in some places payment has been refused . The government is resolved to overcome this resistance , and will have recourse to ' energetic' measures in case of need . Serious conflicts have taken place at Beyrout between the united Greeks .
PERSIA . The ' Prussian Motiiteur' publishes a telegraphic despatch , dated Trebiz ' . nd , February 8 th , stating that the recently dismissed Grand Vizier of Persia , Mirza-Taghi-Khan , had been put to death by order of tbe Shah . He was taken to a bath , where several of his veins were opened , and he was suffered lo bleed to death . The government then seized his immense treasures .
INDIA . We learn from Bombay , under date of the 3 rd of Feb ., that a second Burmese war had commenced . The new Viceroy arrived at Rangoon on the 4 th of January . He had refused to receive any deputations from the British Comman er , had forbidden communication between the shores and the vessels , insulted the British flag , and erected batteries and stockades below the town to prevent the departure of any of the vessels lying there . The Commodore proclaimed a blockade of the mouths of the Irrawaddy . On the 9 th the Viceroy wrote lo the Commodore to allow the passage of the river , or he would set fire , to the batteries mentioned . The steamers Fox and Hermes were attacked by the batteries in passing . They replied to the fire , destroyed the fortifications , and killed nearly 300 persons .
Sceue In The United States House Of Repr...
SCEUE IN THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES . In the House of Ropresentatives , on the 11 th ult ., an amusing but disgraceful scene occurred between two of the members—Messrs . Stanly and Giddings . The former having charged tbe latter with uttering a falsehood , the following conversation ensued : — Mr . Staklt . —It is usual for one who has no regard for the decencies of life to relieve himself from responsibility by pronouncing statements false , and it is characteristic of the man who snc : \ ked away from this house , and took his pay for work which he did not do . Mr . Giddings —When the gentleman descends to low vulgarity I cannot follow him . 1 protest against Doughfaces prompting tho gentleman from South Carolina .
Mr . Staslt . —It is the business of a scavenger to have anything to do with him , and I will have to wash my hands after handling him ; but the thins ; has to bo done , as he bus thrust himself on us a kind of censor . It is a small business for me . and I don ' t know how [ can descend any lower than to take hold of the hon . member for Ohio . i Crv of " Good . " ) V ' Mr . Giddings . —Will you hear me ? Mr . Stanly . —Xobody wants to hear you , but I will indulge you . Mr . Giddixcs . —The gentleman is barking vr , the wrong tree . Mr . Stasia-. —The galled jado winces again . Mr . Giddings . —The gentleman shan' t crack the overseer ' s lash to put me down .
Mr . Stanlt . —1 hope that tho gentleman will not gnash his teeth so hard ; he might hurt himself . Who is here playing the overseer over white men—who but he , who is throwing his filthy gall and assailing everybody as Northern Whig Doughfaces , and what he calls the vile slaveholders ? He is the only man who acts in that way . We don't raise the overseer's lash over our slaves in North Carolina . If that member was in the southern country , nobody would own him as a black man with a white skin —( laughter)—but ho would be suffered to run wild as a free negro , and in the course of three weeks he would be brought up to the whipping post and lashed , for stealing or slandering his neighbours . ( L-iughter . ) If I say that be is a gentleman , I tell a falsehood . The Speaker ( to Mr . Stanly , )—Wilt tho gentleman suspend for a moment ?
Mr . Stasly . —Wo ought to suspend that follow ( pointing to Mr . Giddings ) by the neck . ( Laughter . ) Mr . Giddings . —The gentleman from North Carolina re . minds mo of the boy who turned round > o fast that tho hind part of his breeches was on both sides . ( Laughter . ) The gentleman says that I was at Norristown , too ; but where was he and the members of tho House ? Why , drinking their grog . ( Laughter . ) Mr . Stanly . —I charge the official reporters not to let his ( Mr . Giddings ' s ) felonious hand touch one word of what I say , for w . eknow how he on a former occasion misrepresented my colleague from the Orange district , and his own colleague from the Chillicothc district , having altered his own speech after he got to his room with his coloured friends . ( Laughter . ) He talks about my associates ; but has anybody ever seen him in private decent company ? Free negroes may gall to see him . Ho does not let his right
hand know what his left doeth . He alludes to my absence ; but I have not set myself up as a standard . I don't say I ' m always in tho house , as I ought to be . He says wo were here drinking our grog during Christmas times . Where was he ? In Philadelphia , drinking beer and eating oysters with free negroes . ( Laughter . ) Whioh was best off ? Judge ye . ( Laughter . ) He thinks he was better off than we were . ( Mr . Stanly paused , and looking towards Mr . Preston Ring , who was standing near Mr . Giddings , remarked , raising his voice to a higher pitch , " Help him out ; he needs a little more poison . " Voices , " Ha . ha Good ! Ha , ha ! " ) I quit this subject in disgust . I find that I have been in a dissecting-room , cutting up a dead dog . I will treat him as an insane man , who was never taught the decencies of life , proprieties of conduct , whose associations show that he never mingled with gentlemen . Let him rave on till doomsday .
National Eeform Association. Conference ...
NATIONAL EEFORM ASSOCIATION . CONFERENCE IN ST . MARTIN'S HALL . On Tuesday morning a meeting of delegates from tho branch societies of the National Reform Association , and also from other political reform associations , was held in St . Martin ' s Hall , Long-acre . On the platform were Mr . Hume , M . P ., Mr . Ileyworth , M . P ., Sir J . W . ilmslcy , M . P ., Mr . G . Thompson , M . P ., Mr . Ton-ens M'Cullagh , M . P ., Sir C . Napier , Mr . W . J . Fox , & c ¦ Sir J . Walmsley proceeded to address them at considerable length . He observed that , as Lord John Russell ' s Reform " Bill was no longer a government measure , the great object of tho Conference would be to devise those measures by which a future administration would bo compiled to prant to the people of the united kingdom a full
and equal ' representation in the House of Commons . ( Hear , hear . ) After listening to tha statement of the late Prime Minister on the 0 th of February , he had declared that the measure was totally unworthy of the House of Commons , of being called a Reform Bill , and of the political antecedents of Lord John Russell . ( Cheers . ) It was no Reform Bill , for it made no provision for the independent exercise of the right of voting . By the omission of the ballot it brought upon it tbe condemnation so emphatically pronounced by the irreat employers of labour at a late conference in Manchester , who declared " that any extension of the franchise , unaccompanied by the secrecy and security of tho Ballot , would be a mere mockery . " It was no Reform Bill , for it would not bestow the right to vote upon more than 500 , 000 of the at present unenfranchised classes , or
upon one in eight of the millions who were unjustly debarred the right of electing those to whom were committed the disposal of their property , their liberty , and their lives . Such a measure carried upon tho face of it tho appearance of an insult rather than of a boon . It was no Reform Bill , for if , to some extent , it widened the area of . sixty-six existing boroughs , it left otherwise untouched the anomalies , inequalities / and corruptions of tho existing system . It did not repeal tho Septennial Act , but left members to . the influence durin" that period—to the deteriorating associations -of tho House of Commons . Such being tho character of the bill brought in by Lord John Russell , he must . congratulate them on the fact that it no longer existed to impede their efforts to obtain a measure more consistent with the just demands of the le and the interests of the country
peop at large . The hon . member went on to define what the association asked , and what they did not ask for . It had been most erroneously supposed that by the claiming to berated to the relief of the poor was meant the actual payment of rates as a condition of voting . Such was not the case . All the association meant was , that the existing parochial machinery should be maintained , as the best adapted for the purpose of local regristration , under local supervision and self-government ; hut the right to be upon the register and to vote should be wholly independent and irrespective of the payment of rates . ( Cheers . ) They would most strenuously oppose all attempts to insert a ratepaying clause in any future Reform Bill , believing such a clause to be a fruitful source of oppression , chicanery , and traud , nnil liM-. ln hfittftr than a penal enactment , visiting upon
honest men the penalty of disfranchisement for the nonprepayment of a due which the parochial authorities had ample power to enforce . ( Cheers . ) Tho association had had , to be sure , to contend with difficulties . Tho council were convinced that a large number of persons belonging to the middle classes ( persons themselves in possession of the franchise ) were sincerely desirous of extending to the working classes their political rights . ' 1 'hey , however , complained , and with much justice , that tho working classes had not , during recent years , manifested that enthusiasm and energy in their own cause which were essential to the success of any exertions which others might put forth on their behalf . ( Cheers . ) They pointed to the lahours and enthusiasm of the people in 1831 and 1832 , in the conflict for tho overthrow of the boroughmongcring
system , and to their later struggles and sacrifices for the establishment of the People ' s Charter , and contrasted these with the apparent unconcern of the working classes at tho present time . Every friend of reform must deeply regret this state of tilings , and earnestly desire to see the intelligent and powerful body of tho industrial community awakened to a sense of tho importance of working out their own political emancipation . Others were prepared to co-operate with them ; but , if the great object was to bo accomplished , it must be by the efforts of the unr-nfkn chised themselves , aided and supported by their friends who already possessed the suffrage . lie acknowledged the readiness with which large numbers of the producing classes , had united with the association while holding more advanced opinions , and the valuable aid of Christian
ministers , who had perceived the intimate connexion between the improvement of the social and civil condition of tho people , and their own success in the discharge of the sacred duties which devolved upon them . ( Hear , hear . ) The advent of a Protectionist party to power would doubtless revive the spirit which .-inimatcd the peoplo during the struggle for the repeal of tho Corn Laws . No one could witness the manifestation of that spirit with more satisfaction than himself , but he should deeply regret to see the energies of the nation directed exclusively to the maintenance of the principles of Free Trade , instead of being directed to such a change in the system of representation as would permanently exclude from power all monopolists , whether commercial , ecclesiastical , or political . Had tho signal victory over the monopolists of the people's bread
been followed by an immediate assault upon the monopolists of the people ' s franchise the year 1 S 52 would not have seen Lord Derby in power ; but a government acting in harmony with the people , through a reformed and regenerated House of Commons . For himself , he would not unite in a general agitation upon exclusively Freo Trade principles , " and would counsel his countrymen , who wanted not only cheap bread but cheap government , and a constant and effectual control over the national purse , to embrace the present favourable opportunity of securing the perpetual blessings of Freo Trade , and a general amelioration of existing burdens by means of a radical change in the representation . ( Loud cheers . ) In conclusion , the
hon . gentleman expressed his belief that their proceeuings would be characterised by courtesy , moderation , and a spirit of liberality towards all who addressed the meeting , and added , that henceforth the pecuniary responsibility must . be divided between those who were labouring for the people and the people themselves . It would be for them to determine whether they would renew their confidence in the Council and Executive of the association , and , if so , then to devise the means of placing such resources of sympathy and funds at their disposal as would enable them to prosecute successfully the great work which had been committed to their hands . ( Cheers . )
Sir Joshua Walmsley then proposed Mr . J . Hume to the chair , which was seconded by Mr . G . Thompson , and carried by acclamation . " Mr . It . Hey wood , M . P ., and , J . Walters , Esq ,., of Newastle , woro then nominated as vice-presidents . Mr . Le Blond proposed that Mr . G . Thompson , M . P ., should act as Secretary , which was also carried . Mr . Bkzer inquired , as many had attended only as deputations , and they were now called upon to vote for various officers , whether they had the right to do so . The Chairman stated that the present was merely preliminary business , but it was his opinion that all who attended , either as deputations or otherwise , would , in tho course of Ihe proceedings , be entitled to a vote . The Ghawman then stated that tho uext step would be the appointment of a Business Committee , Mr . Ernest Jones asked , whether any delegate having a resolution to propose must submit it to the Business Committee .
The CnAinnuN stated it was necessary , in order to keep tho business within the hounds of respectability , that resolutions should be submitted to tho Council ; but , in his opinion , any delegate could put any resolution to the meeting , even if rejected iiy the Business Committee . Some funher discussion took place on tho subject . A Delegate from Bedford wished tho decision to be left to the meeting . He considered it was useless attending the Conference , unless he could propose any resolution without the intervention of a Committee . Mr . G . Thompson , M . P ., had had experience of public meetings on both sides of the Atlantic , and believed it was a recognised custom to appoint a Business Committee for regulating resolutions , and tho manner in which they should he proposed . If any person should feel himself aggrieved by the decisions of tho committee , he had tho right to appeal to the meeting . ( Hear . ) Mr . J . Shaw made a statement relative to obstruction given to some of tho deputations attending .
The Chairman explained relative thereto , and road the circular convening tho Conference , giving an outline of the motion that for some year * ho had been in tho habit of making in the House of Commons on the Reform question . Ho concluded by stating that any persons ^ complying with tbe forms laid down by the circular were eligiblo to take their seats . This ho believed applied to Messrs . Jones , Shaw , and others . Mr . Dick proposed Brontcrre O'Brien to serve on tho Business Committee , but that gentleman not being present was declared not eligible . Mr . Lb Blond proposed , and Mr . Salisbury seconded , tho nomination of Mr . Lattimore , as a representative of the agricultural interest . —Agreed to . On the proposition that Mr . Minll be nominated , some interruption took place , when
Mr . G . Thompson explained that no person could he nominated on the committed who was not a member of the National lleforni Association . Delegates had been invited from all the various reform Associations , and would have an opportunity of explaining their views , but no one could sit on a committee , or vote , who was not possessed of the card of the association . Mr . Dick claimed to speak as the delegate of the Finsbury Manhood Suffrage Association , lie had carried a manhood suffrage motion at the Store-street meeting against a clique ; but he was not a member of the National Reform Association , because-he did not think it honest . ( Loud cries of " Order , " hisses , and " Turn him out . " ) The Chairman called the speaker to order , i Not having a card he had only a permissive power to speak , and he ( the chairman ) could not permit any person- ' to stigmatise the . National Association as dishonest . ' ( Cheers . ) Mr . Dick was finally prevailed upon to resume his seat , and tho election of Mr . Miall was carried unanimously .
Mr . Clark moved the appointment of Mr . Holyoake , and Mr . Thompson , on seconding " the motion ,. repeated his announcement that no person could take any part in the business of the Conference without previously producing his card . Mr . Gissixo , of Bedford , moved ' that persons of all parties should be represented on the Committee . . . ,, ,
National Eeform Association. Conference ...
Mr . E . Jo . vns seconded the resolution , which was declared to be informal . Messrs . Serlo , Birch , Latimer , Miall , Holyoake , Jackson , ami Gregory Foster , were elected as a Business Committee . Considerable opposition was offered to Mr . Holyoake . Mr . Miall stated that he could only accept the honour conferred upon him on one condition . Ho came there , to advocate the views now entertained by the Parliamentary Iluformers . If tho Conference was convened to smile tho principles on which a new Heform Bill should he founded , he must doclinc either to act as a member of the commit tee , or as a delegate . He believed no better measure could be adopted as a " compromise than that of the Association . The Committee then retired to arrange the order of business .
The Ciiairjiax made a speech in tho interval , inwhich ho said that he had for fortv-one Years advocated in public life the principles of ttofonn " , and was the first man in the house who had over called himself a Itadical Reformer . He was not lor revolutionary Reform , but for tho removal of all the abuses which had grown up jn tIl 0 counjo of years against tho rights of Englishmen . Ho was not surprised to see dinerences of opinion in tho meeting for it was only among despots opinion was not divided , but he asked them , as rational men , should they throw obstacles in the way of Reform , if they could not get all they waiitai at once ? ( Hear , hear ) He had no hesitation in saving that he was one who had assisted in drawing up the Charter , and that ho concurred m all its principles , ( near . ) But there were other men who did not wish to go so farand all he should
, do would he to attempt by fact and argument to convince them he was right . Was he , because he could not eot everything he wished , to throw obstacles in tho wavof beneficial progress ? ( Bear , hoar . ) They lived in a country where the majority must ultimately rule ; they were in tho majority , and any man who interrupted those proceedings could hardly be called a friend to his country . ne would therefore tell Mr . Jones and the other Chartists present that twelve years before they had by their condu-t stayed the progress of Reform . ( Hear , hear . ) There we re men . in their association of all calibres of undorstMidinsr , weak and strong , bold and timid , although a : l were actuated by the same wish for the welfare of their country , and the plan which should unite all their efforts was , in his opinion , the best that could he devised . ( Hoar , hear . ) It would not Go
to drive the coach faster than the horses would carry it , but endeavour to pave tho way to ulterior Reforms by accepting the present compromise , for it was nothing more . In accepting it , he did not abate ono jot of his opinion . " , but ho said . " Bide your time . " They had now an administration tha' declared against all Heform , and was that a time for Reformers to refuse everything ? ( Hear , hear . ) Every step they took was one in the direction of tbe Charier , and there was no reason why Ihey should not go on harmoniously . He hoped that those who took a different view would allow the majority in this , as in other oases , to direct their proceedings , while he promised that each should have an opportunity of expressing his opinion . The question now was , how they should meet tho common enemy * Chartist as he was—and ho had never shirked the name— - ( cheers)—ho saw they could not obtain the Charter now , but the time was coming when men must have their full rights , and , by progressive steps , reach to full liberty .
( Chi-ers . ) The Rev . Mr . Burnkt ( Dissonter ) observed , that Lord Derby would care very little for such meetings if he heard of the disorder that prevailed in them . The sure way to make the strength of Reformers folt was by unity and Cooperation . It was said that Lord Derby was in power , — that was the phrase . He denied it . Lord Derby was merely in place —( cheers and laughter)—ami if he ever was ia power it would be the fault of tho Reformers . ( Interruption from the Finsbury delegate , followed by indignantcries from the meeting . ) Thoy might lot the man haik sometimes . ( Great laughter . ) What the association wanted was , that every sane man —( laughter at the interrupt ?! s )—unconvicted of crime , and with a home within the limits of the empire , should have a vote ; but the vote would ho of little use without the ballot . Until the people were fully represented they would find the house of Stanley and the house of Russell , and all the great houses , —ono out and the other in , —wheeling and waltzing about as if thoy were tho only men in the kingdom fit for " office . ( Cheers . )
Mr . Miall read the report of the business committee , which set forth that the object of the Conference was to organise an agitation for a bill commensurate with tho wants of the people in parliamentary representation , and that the association had met with the support of tho working classes . Mr . Vauries , who stated that he was a Chartist and a Parliamentary Reformer , objected to the constitution of the association . ( Cheer . i . ) There were no working people in it , and it did not represent the feelings of the working classes . ( Cheers . ) Did they attend their meetings , or had they supported the association ? He denied it . ( Cheers . ) lie wished real Chartists , like Mr . J . Huino and Sir J . Walmsley , would always stand by their principles ; but , for bis own part , he did not see what great good it would
do the people if the Financial lleformers were in power . The people would not ho in power , but rhe manufacturing capitalists : and , as to that , he believed many of the aristocracy had more chivalry , love of country , and fine generous feeling about them , than most of your mercantile classes , ( Loud cheers . ) Mr . Fox , . M . P ., then addressed the meeting . Re agreed with most of the sentiments of the last speaker , though ho could not agree with all his deductions . Ho had ever felt confidence in tho decisions of the people . He had attended large meetings both in Manchester and in other large towns , to which he had been invited by the
Chartists—( cries of " no" )—and he always found the people with , them . If working men were not with them , where were they ? They were told that the Chartists kept alnof ; he was a Chartist . But to be a Chartist did not imply that ft man should oppose their proceedings . As a Chartist , looking at the state of tho c-iuntry , he could not see that he had so good a chance of succeeding as by joining the Pat liamentary Association . Three years hack they had agreed to a standard , and to that standard they meant to adhere . The speaker then dwelt upon the Reiorm Bill of the late Ministiy . They should , in the present crisis , teach Co operation to thoir representatives , and to do this tht-v must themselves co-operate in thought and action .
Mr . J . Dawson said he was a thorough-paced Chartist . At the late meeting in Birmingham , he had given notice to their Chairman that a resolution would be moved in favour of Universal Suffrage . He had moved it himself , and he need not say that it was carried by an immense majority . Since then he had moved a mild resoluten , on the occasion of the death of the late ministers , and had himself been defeated by a motion for _ Universal Suffrage . Ho regretted that the present Association seemed to ondeavour to drive as nuur the ougo of a principle aa possible , and yet by some sleight of hand , actually kept from getting it . Though those were his feelings , he ' regretted that anything like intolerance or interruption should bo displayed If he could not get all he wanted , he would endeavour to work with others to get a portion of it . He agreed with Mr . Yarian , to give no support to enthrone a mere manufacturing interest in the Legislature . He was not for turning the wooI > ack into a cotton bag . There were questions relative to working men in which masters and manufacturers were not the most , liberal judges . ( Cheers . )
Torens M'Cullagh , M . P . for Dutidalk , stated that he had , in common with some other Irish members , invariably voted for Mr . Hume ' s measure . He thought ihat it was more important that Uiey should have good legislation than any particular class of men in power . As an Irishman , ho must be allowed to say that one class of men seemed inclined to . make them go faster than they could . Such men , however honest , were the greatest friends of the Earl of Derby , by the division they were causing among tho ranks of reformers . The delegates were then called on to state the condition of political feeling in their localities , and accoidingly Mr . Geesin , of Bedford , stated that tho people there were generally in favour of reform , lie repudiated Chartism ; he w .-is aloval subject . The Rev . ' Mr . Dean denied that the Chartists were not loyal subjects .
Mr . Dion represented the Manhood Suffrage Association of Finsbury . He regr . tted that they did not adopt that pri ' ncipleas thuirmotto . Iftliey had done so they-would not have been compelled to deplore the apathy of the people . Tho Whigs had never consulted tiio interests of the people , but had on ail occasions persecuted and prosecuted them . It mattered not to working men whether Derby or Russell were in power . Either were opposed to the interest , of the people . Ho would oppose every system of sh » m reform , and could not agree to judge favourably of tir . c Whigs , because after six years of had conduct they now advocated liberal measure ' s as the only means by which they could effect a return to power . 'Ihe speaker then went into an analysis of the representative system of the borough he represented , both parliamentary and parochial . Mr . Le Blond , on tho part of tho Chartists of Bradford ,
repudiated any sympathy with the sentiments of the last speaker , who certainly did not represent the intelligent Chartists in this country . He had never seen Mr . Dick at a public meeting whereat he did not interrupt over * thing , and he could assure him that such were not the tactics by which they would obtain Heform . ( Hear , hear . ) Bradford was a borough in which some , alteration was loudly called for , as the population was 110 , 001 ) while the electors were only . 2 , 100 . ( "Shame" ) Tho Chartists of that town had followed tho practice of reporting pn > grt = ss monthly to the National Reform Association in London , and had also sent up periodical contribution !' , a practice wlr ' ch in Irs opinion ought to be generally followed . He undorsto d that tha association meant to expldn that portion ot the
programme relative to the payment of rates ; by so doing they would meet the wishes of his constituents . Ti ; oy woro also in favour of Annual Parliaments and the Payment of Members ; but tbev were willing to go with the .-oci < ty for whatever it might ' be practicable to obtain . He thought the time was past wi en men should live upon the t-xi-rtions which they or their party had mnde in past times . JJverynew institution produced new men ; and because a hotl y of men called themselves the Executive Committee of tho Parliamentary , or any other Association , it was no reason why they should he obeyed or followed , unless they acted according to the wish of the majority of the bod y . There was as much danger to bo anticipated ' ' from the power of irealth as from the power of aristocracy . [ Chi ers . )
Mr . Hume explained that the Association never contemplated the payment of rates as a criterion for voting . It was altogether a mistake . The Rev . R . Parsons , of Stroud , said he was a Chartist , and had been so horn the first ; he was also a loyal sul . jvct . Ho cared not who was at the head of the people—whether King , Queen , or President- *© long as they ruled according to tho laws . ¦ He had ever acted with the working men . His congregation consisted of working men . He had been their teacher twenty-five years , though he could at any time hare trebled his income by a removal In Siroud tho work-
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), March 6, 1852, page 3, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_06031852/page/3/
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