Star.
London, England, 1817-08-22 00:00:00

thus most effectually parries every assault of disease,
when unaccompanied by his fell companion, death t
and, when death attacks him, he submits to a con-
queror whom he knew from childhood was irresistible,
and whom for of moment he never feared ! He is
gone ! The survivors lose an intelligent, a sincere,
and a truly-valued friend; a beloved child; they feel
their loss, and human nature ever must regret it;—
but the survivors were not unprepared, or unprovid.
ed, for this natural event. They have, it is true, lost
one endeared and beloved object; and endeared and
beloved in proportion as it was intelligent and excel-
lent; but they have consolation in the certain know-
ledge, that within their own immediate circle, within
an easy and pleasant walk of five minutes, they have
many, many others remaining ; and around them on
all sides, As far as the eye can reach, or imagination
extend, thousands on thousands, in strict, intimate,
and close union, are ready and willing to offer them ,
aid and consolation. No orphan left without protec-
tors ; no insult or oppression can take place, nor any
evil result whatever, beyond the loss of one endeared
friend or object from among thousands who remain,
dear to us as ourselves. Here may it be truly said,
0 death, where is thy sting ? 0 grave, where is
thy victory?"
It may now be asked, ' If the new arrangements
'proposed really possess all the advantages that have
been stated, why have they not been adopted in
universal practice, during all the ages which have
passed ?"
Why should so many c?untless millions of oer fel-
-1 low-creatures, through each successive geseration,
have been the victims of ignorance, of superstition,
lot mental degradation, and of wretchedness?
My friends, a more important gar:iron has never
yet been put to the sons of men. Who can answer it ?
who dart answer it, but with his life in his hand; a
ready and willing victim to truth, and to the eman-
cipation of the world, from its long bondage of dis
union, error, crime, and misery ? Behold that vic-
tim I On this day, in this hour, even now, shall
those bonds be burst asunder, never more to re-unite
while the world shall last. What the consequences
of this daring deed shall be to myself. I am as indil•
ferent about, as whether it shall rain or be fair to-
morrow. Whatever may be the consequences, I
will now perform my duty to you, aad to die world;
and should it be the last act of my life, I shall be
well content, and know that I have lived for an im-
portant purpose. Then my friends, I tell you, that
hitherto you have been prevented.from even knowing
what happiness really is. solely in consequence of the
errors. gross errors, that have been combined with
the fundamental notions of every religion that has
hitherto been taught to men. And, in consequence,
they have made man•the most inconsistent, and the
most miserable being in existence. By the errors of
these systems, •he has been made a weak, imbecile
animal ; a furious bigot and fanatic ; or a miserable
hypocrite; and should these qualities be carried, not
only into the projected village., but into Parake itself;
a Paradise would me longer it found.
In all the religions which have been hitherto forced
un the minds of men ; deep, dangerous, and la-.
mentable principles of disunion, division, and sepa•
ration, have been fast entwined with all their funda-
mental notions; and the certain consequences have
been, all the due offeets which religions isoksweities
have, through all the past periods of the world, in-
flicted with such unrelenting stern severity, or mad
and furious zeal

therefore, my friends. you should carry with
you, into these proposed villages of intended unity
and unlimited mutual co-operation, one single particle
of religious intolerance, or sectarian feelings of dlvi.
won and separation—maniacs only would go there to
look for harmony and happiness ; or elsrahiee, as
long as such insane errors shall be found to exist

I am not going to ask impossibilities from you—l
know what you can do. and I know also what you
MR ROI do. Consider again on what grounds each
man ; • ha, full

less real Ige nature know that
I cannot think otherwise—that it is not in my power,
of myself, to change the thoughts and ideas which
appear to me to be true. Ignorance, bigotry, and
superstition, may again, as they have so often done
before, attempt to force belief against conviction
—and thus carry the correct-minded, conscientious
victim to the stake; or make a human being wretch-
edly insincere. 'l'herefore, unless the world is now
prepared to dismiss all its erroneous religion, notions,
and to feel the justice and necessity of publicly ac-
knowledging the most unlimited religious Ireedoen. it
will be futile to erect villages of union sad mutual
co-operation ; for it will be vain to look on this earth
for inhabitants to occupy them, who can understand
how to live in the bond of peace and unity ; or who
can love their neighbour as tltemselves • whether be
is Jew or Gentile= Mahminea or Paine s
ilte;
or Christian ; any religion that creates one put
of feeling short of this, is fake, and must prove a
.curse to the whole human race

And now, my friends, for such I will consider you
to the last moment of my existence, although each
of you were now armed for my immediate destruc-
tion—such, my friends, and no other, is the change
that must take place in your hearts and minds, and
all your cunduct, before you can enter into these
abodes of peace and harmony; you must be attired
id proper garments before you can partake of all the
comforts and blessings with which they will abound.
Such are my thoughts and conclusions, and I know
that you will hereafter ponder them well in your
minds, and truth will prevail
When you shall be thus prepared, if life be spared
to me, I will be, ready to accompany you, and to as-
sist with all my power in every particular step that
may be necessary to secure your immediate happi-
ness and future well being.
Now, my friends, I am content that you call me
lan infidel: that you esteem me the most worthless
land wicked .of all the human beings who have yet
been born : still, however, even this will not make
what I say one jut less true.
No name can make falsehood truth. How can
any name whatever make truth more true? Of what
use, then, can names be, except to give a false cab-
dity to gross error I
Nu one here is implicated in the slightest degree in

these sentiments. Ido not wish to pledge any one
beyond the most severs scrutiny and investigation,
only to approve of what may appear practically be.
neficial, and to reject all that may be proved wrong
in principle, or any ways injurious in practice.
The interest of those who govern has ever appeared
to be, and under the present systems ever will appear
to be, opposed to the interest of those whom they go.
van. Law and taxation, as these are now necessa-
rily administered, are evils of the greatest magnitude;
they are a curse to every part of society; but while
man remains individualized they must continue, and
both must unavoidably still increase in magnitude of
evil. Under the system proposed, both these scourges
of society will gradually diminish; and the diminu-
tion will be in exact proportion as men are made ra-
tional, moral, and intelligent. Each village will ul-
timately be governed by a committee of all its own
members, from forty to fifty years of age; or
should this number be too numerous, it may be corn-
posed of all from forty-five to fifty years of age; which
would form a permanent, experienced, local govern-
ment, never opposed to, but always in closest union,
with each individual governed. This Committee,
through its oldest member, might communicate di
rect with the Government, and the utmost harmony
be thus establisbed.between the executive, the legis-
lature, and the people. No change whatever in our
national institutions need take place for many years,
except among the working classes; nor at any pe-
riod, until the benefits of the arrangements proposed
shall become fully evident to all parties. Every great
national change hitherto proposed, has rendered it
necessary to sacrifice the interests of some p.trties, by
which only, the proposers imagined, the welfare of the
others could be attained. But, my friends, the im
provement I new advocate will remove many evils
from all, and not introduce one to any. The change
contemplated has no tendency, even in the slightest
degree, to remove those who enjoy any supposed ad-
vantages in eminent stations to which they leave at.
tained. No one will envy those privileges, whatever
they may be, and every hair of their heads will be
securely guarded by the rapidly-improving condition
of the great mass of the people. This gradual and
well•prepared change now advocated has no tendency
whatever to drag down from their stations those
whom a course of events far far beyond their controul
has placed there. It has solely for its object to raise
from abject poverty, misery, and degradation, those
whom similar circumstances have now sunk to the
very depths of wretchedness. If the principles for
which I contend be true, then there can be no per-
manent and beneficial change in human society that
does not enable every one among the working classes
to produce his owo subsistence, improve his bodily
and mental powers, and secure to him the natural
comforts of life; and which by his own labour, pro-
perly directed, will be found very easily attainable.
I hastily notice these particulars, in order that you
may understand that a mere change of saffertrs, whether
de from out part of a class to antlser,frons one entire class
to another—or from one nation to another—is no rowdy for
She Feat and Increasing evils asiieh the world nem snfferr.
But this is the dilemma to which the systems that
have hitherto regulated the conduct of men has re-
duced them ; and while these principles shall be acted
upon, a choir% of severe evils only lies before them.
Every intelligent mind will comprehend, that w give
the British population now, in its present state, greater
freedom than the constitution has heretofore admitted,
would put to hazard the safety of the State. The con-
tending and selfish passions of mankind, irritated,
goaded and aggravated by the hitherto unperceived
operation of the new and irresistible power of mecha-
nism—if let loose before ameliorating circumuances
could be introduced, would expose all that is value.
ble in the country to certain destruction. But not a
moment should be lost in applying the proper reme-
dies to relieve the country, at the present alarming
crisis. The plan proposed will effectually accom-
plisb this object, in a mariner most advantageous to
each, and not injurious to any. The objections made
against it proceed from a gross misconception cf each
of its parts separately, and a total want of knowledge
of its effects when combined. The poor will not be
required to go into these •illages appropriated for
them when they can do better, or to remain in them
one hour longer than they wish.
But I have no idea that these villages will be oc-
copied by the present poor only,' for they will be
found to afford the most desirable arrangements for
all the present surplus working population who can-
not procure a comfortable support in the present si-
tuations. I will, as I promised at the last meeting,
give directions for a model to be made, and draw up
the regulations necessary for the government and
management of these villages, on the principles that
have been stated, and on which alone they can be
successfully conducted.

t In the mean time, however, it is highly necessary
I for the well being of society, that the whole of this
important subject should be immediately submitted
to a Committee, composed of the most intelligent,
I scientific, and practically experienced individuals the
country affords. A few of the most prominent names,
from among all ranks and parties are selected—not 'I
that many others equally entitled to this high trust
might not be still named; but as it is proposed that
power be given to the Committee to increase the num-
ber, they may be afterwards added.
I will not now offer to the consideration and adop-
tion of this meeting the Resolutions which were read
to the last. but not proceeded on to a vote on them.
The discussions in a Committee will best prepare
them for further consideration on a future day.
He concluded by moving for the appointment of a
Committee to report Ca the merits of the plan.
In the delivery of his speech, Mr. Owia's observa-
tions in favour of liberty of conscience, and of the
abuses of all existing religious establishments, were
received with the loudest cheers.
Mr. ?ALMCR next presented himself (or the purpose
of seconding the Resolutions proposed by Mr. Owen.
Mr. J. Rt.rr rose to order. The Meeting was an
adjourned one, and therefore was to be considered a
continuation of the former Meeting. He, therefore,
submitted to the Chair, that the business could not
commence ds noon—(hedr)—but must be first put in
possession of the Resolutions of the former Meeting.
The CIiAtRUAX said, undoubtedly this was an ad-
journment of a former Meeting, but it was not ne-
cessary to renew the discussion on Resolutions that
were passed
Mr. WAITIDIAN concurred in the opinion that the
passed Resolutions of the list day ought not to be

wilt discussed, but there were other Resolutions not
then disposed of ; which it was now the tiUt, nt the
Meeting to renew the consideration
Mr. HONE—As it was a quest'. nro Ord. r, .v
that the Resoltrions of the former Mee•ii shott A lie
first read.

Mr. Rowettorr observed, that as he h.a,i de
:tour, both snit xneet dly and unworthily to fid the
Chair at the last Meeting, he was perk ses hes• en,.
bled to submit a t.•i. statement of th preceed•nn •s
they passed. C. main lieselutions were read i Mr.
Owen to the Meeting. As was his duty, as Chaiini,n,
he subsequently proceeded to put each reriaim to its
decision. Four of these Resolutions were pe.sed
That discussion, therefore, it could n• t h nee s< ry
to renew. Tin re remained then of th
Mr. Owen, sonic others, wl idi ni the h•
appeared too abstract for decision in
Meeting. That those slisiusd he st itie•ra en he si,g.
gested. N.O other motion Was made t, •e c'WV them,
none, therefore, save that of withd.a.• ..• • m, Vas
pet from the Chair. No renewal arty d•sentsi
on them now could be necessary, is Mr. 0 I. • im.
self had repressed a wish n•n to submit 0 e c • side-
retion of them at present to a pu'lic meeti n ; :id
it would, therefore, be contrary to ail rho sue es of
public deliberation, as it wild incoties •se witlt
gocd sense and common sense in aut. • tt. r f resort
to introduce a discussion upon them. Fur aft
diary purpossa est expl toning tile viost of Mr. 0- r,
they were before the ryes of evrry an in r. out
(being inserted in the pointed papers de livered t ech
individual as lie entered). Ile, had been citculati d
through the country thr-iiqh the medium of the pub.
lic press, and b: tare ih it time lied been reed by
thousands. What ether end coalti r.e r. free,cr :o
them now have, but to misapply t e ime • ti.e
eting from more valuable eurposes r: • on
tor reeding the form r Resoluttesses as then put cord
negatived by a cornide r eble ej arty.
Mr. PA [MLR. resumed. 'Though ht presented hint.
self to that tesnectable Medina for tf e puriene of se.
conding the mow n of Mr. Owen, he begged oat to
be considered as the atift,Catt 4.f Mr. Oweit's system.
The Resolution which the Meeting had then to con-
slate, was the propriety of noniMating a Comm nee,
to be selected in the manner most likely to produce
a cool, candid, and ictelligem 'etermi anon on the
merits of that sy stem —(Ther heat) And he thought
he might be allowed to assume, that when he related
to the public ex, rtions of Mr. Owen, to the neweeried
diligence with which that Gentleman devoted him.
self to his benevolent pursui,, at the sa:ririce of time
and labenr, and expense Mid sCudv, ti at such a man
under such recemmendatient, and unli such claims
en public attention, might at least hr ~flawed to pro.
pose a Resolutien, havieg le r its object o'-t:; ng fur-
ther, than that tie scheme, of the justice a..J tt,rfttl•
ness of which, he (Illr.o wen) was see Wily et...mem:et),
might undergo a f sir and impartial ex
(Hear, hear).—ln since of the leach, g leo c•plas of
that system, he did not befit ye tisere could be a dis-
sentient opinion. As a peneral principle nii r:
could deny that the best meaneof ext, udi, tall those
blessing; which were intended by the CIILA 14a, to
be enjoyed by his Creature, was to Masse 'lumen
knowledge, to improve moral conduct, and secure
the means of producing all those convenience's and
supports necessary to human existence. Another
principle to which he could Oresee no possible objec-
tion, was, that on the mind and manners of the to. ure
generation would most certainly depend the enjoy-
ment of that freedom, to the preservation of which
he believed no man was more attached than Mr.
Owen. We would all agree, that well regulated
public opinion was the fs untein of tiuble
and that as laws were mouldeu by the ma'am of a
nation, on the tone and character of the people them-
selves would mainly depend whether the laws were
mild, wise, and beneficial. In fact that Was public
virtue, which being grafted on private virtue, was
best sustained by public opinion. In these leading
principles, most men were inclined to acquiesce, but
Mr. Owen has fully declared, that he can realize his
virus into a practical and experimental system.—
Without professing fully to understand the details of
that system, he had a right to give Tor. Oe an credit
that he would not throw away his valuable time on
an unimportant object, and therefore he simply rose
as the official organ of the Gentleman who wished to
have the scheme ineestigated, to second the Resolu-
tion for the nomination of a Committee, to whose
impartial examination this plan might be submitted.
Major Tonarts said, that in rising to propose an
Amendment to the Resolution of Mr. Owen, he
begged to renew his declarations of not being me-
tutted by any hostile feeling to that Gentleman. It
WAS impossible not to entertain for such a man the
strongest feelings of kindness and respect. When
we saw an individual, after a life of unweatied toil,
unchecked by difficulty, and regardless of health and
expense, persevering in the course he conceived the
most beneficial, it was impossible not to feel ad-
miration and regard. It was a spectacle at which,
without any overstrained hyperbole, Angels :night
look with delight. He might indeed apply to him
what was so justly said of the Philanthropic Howard,
The Spirits of the Good who bend front high,
Upon this scene of earth a partial eye;
When first arrayed fn Virtue's purest robe,
They saw our Howard traversing the globe,
Mistook a Mortal for an Angel guest,
And asked what Seraph step the earth impressed !
But though no man in that assembly was more dis.
posed to respect the motives of Mr. Owen, lie must
not compliment his system at the expense of sincerity.
In the struggle between his feelings and his convic-
tion, he felt the difficulty of measuring his langnayee
It was hard to deny him praise as a benevolent ma
but it was still as difficult not to consider his plot P.-
the proposal of a projecting politician. Since f:'t
days of Plato, speculetists have offered themselves
the consideration of the world with systems of else
progressive perfectibility of the human mint'. Nor
Wallace first announced this project to the moiler:'
world, but the obstacle arising out of the ratio it
which population increased, forced him to abandc's
the delusion. Condorcet ape!ied Lis talents to
propagation of a similar doctrine, and finding t
principle of population as the objection most opprbed
to his system, he suggested the power of counteract-
ing it by means not deceit oua to comment upan in 4
meeting composed (a number of Ledies being in
room) as the present. Mr. Godwin, the advocate et
that system, also Wes so pressed by the ohjectitni
arising out of the tendency to a redundant poptel•
non, proposed that the blegistrates.thoulJ ]sieve o,c

man in existence has a lull right to the-enjoyment tg
tor
the most unlimited liberty of conscience. I a not
,your relikou nor of any religio‘e4 in
are" worm -I
—to me they all appear united wi Nth
es, 7.Tur verymuchEgro, 1
to r ame inking thus ? those who pos-
sess any real knowledge of human nature know that