Star.
London, England, 1830-04-15 00:00:00

TO THE CONDUCTORS OF THE LONDON

WEEKLY PRESS.

Orturr.smErtr—The papers over which you preside are gene.
rally intended for the middle and working classes, and I am in.
formed they are extensively read by them ; it is, therefore, practi-
cable to make each of your publications a vehicle of great national
utility. For the present condition of this country, and the general
state of the civilised world, make it important that the industrious
classes should be all informed relative to their own interest, and to
the general interests of society. A great change in the condition of
all classes in this and in other countries is irresistibly forced forward
by the rapid progress of physical knowledge and intellectual ac.
quirements, adding daily Improvement upon improvement, for the
abridgement of human labour, with a speed and a power continually
accelerating.
The change which these new circumstances are preparing in every
country make it now desirable, for the Governments and the higher
classes generally, that no part of the population should be allowed
to remain longer in ignorance of the real state of public affairs. No
one who observes the course of events u they are advancing, day by
day, can longer doubt that the people of all states will have a great
influence in the future proceedings of Government. It is important,
therefore, that the people should now acquire a correct knowledge of
those principles and practices which can alone secure the general
peace and prosperity of any population. Being deeply impressed
with the importance of these views, and wishing, if possible, now to
put a stop to party feeling, and to direct the attention of all wbo re.
Bat to the investigation of subjects which involve the highest in-
terest of every human being, I have, after mature deliberation, de-
termined to make the attempt to give an entire new direction to the
public mind, that it may be trained to investigate the powers of
society, to ascertain whether all the elements requisite to found and
build up an entire new and greatly improved condition of human
existence, are not now at the control of the people of every civilised
state.

Foe this purpose I have made arrangements to come into direct
communication with the public in a manner the most likely to es.
tablish truth, and to have error refuted. On Monday next I bold a
public meeting, at which I will endeavour to give a full outline of
the great change in human affairs, for which, as it appears to be ad-
visable, all should prepare to lend their aid and to co.operate. And
I will subsequently, by lectures in various parts of the Metropolis,
enter into a more general explanation of the principles and practices
by which this momentous revolution, moral, political, agricultural,
and commercial, is to be effected, without disturbing the well-or.
derintof society during the progress of the change fVom a confused,
inconsistent, and wretched mode of conducting human affairs, to
the estealishment of a system of union and order which shall secure
the well-being, prosperity, and happiness of all descriptions of men.
It has ever been an object of deep interest with me to prepare the
public readily to admit the commencement 'ot this new state of ex.
istence wiliout disorder or evil to any, and to watch the times and
seasons when it may be introduced to Government and people. If
I am not much deceived, this eventful period has arrived ; all men
now expect some great change in public affairs. The lately aug-
mented improvements for the abridgement of human labour, and the
general progress of scientific knowledge, demand it. The pressure
of mechanical power against the means of existence, under the pre-
sent confiteting arrangements will, through wisdom or violence,
force it upon the world, and thus it becomes the interest of all that
it should not be longer delayed.
You, Gentlemen, may assist to promote this change of deep in.
terest to the human race, a change which no mortal power can now
prevent, or, perhaps, even retard.
Let your columns be applied to the investigation of these sub.
jects, which affect the very existence of a large portion of the indus.
trious classes, and the permanent welfare of all classes. Tieperform
my task in such a manner as to effect any real benefit for mankind,
I must, for a time at lea contend against all the errors of past ages,
u they have come down to the present day, and subject myself to
all the consequences which follow front opposing the now deep-
rooted prejudices and long established popular feelings.
To these consequences, whatever they may be, I shall eubmit
without murmur or complaint, feeling, as I do, the everlasting pod
which a steady adherence to facts and to truth may now obtain and
secure for all future generations.
Strong, however, as my convictions are upon these subjects, after
all the pains I have taken to let no error respecting them remain
upon my mind, I may be deceived ; I may have mistaken some of
the fundamental principles by which the whole change is to be at.
fectcd, or reasoned falsely font the premises which they establish.
If either of these results be true, all have an interest in making the
OM public, without delay. If any one of the fundamental princi.
plea which I advocate shall be proved to be opposed to one fact,
and, consequently not a principle which will be to accordence with
all facts, or, if my deductions from these principles can be proved
to be incorrect, I will immediately use every mans in my power to
correct the evil which anal must ever produce upon the public
mind. But, at present, I cannot di.covtr aught but consistency in
the principles with all known facts, and unlimited benefit in the
practices to which they lead.
I have, therefore, only to request your suript.rt, or opposition, as
the measures I propose may appear to I.U, after heir investigation,
to be founded in truth or in error, and •ti be advantageous or injuri.
ous in practice. t.OBT. OWEN.
49, Bford-square, April 10.