The Statesman.
London, England, 1818-12-28 00:00:00

WESTMLIC

ONTRENECESSIT'YoF PR,OVU) ING 'roil rills rate light, that Mr. OwEn states the origin and
RKI NG CLASSES. nature of the misery now prevailing among the work-
men : and as a just and natural corollary, from it
he deduces the propriety and policy of making a
permanent provision for the indigent multitude. lie
does not, like Mr. M ALTIIUB, propose to check po-
pulation by previewing marriage and propagation :
nor does he, like diher projectors, suggest the tape-
diencrof emigration, or distant colonization. His
plan embraces domestic improvement, not foreign
speculation ; it clings to the beloved homes and
hearths, and hazards not perilous and remote adven-
tures ; 'it allures to the cheerful circles of conjugal
felicity and innocent and youthful progeny, end not
to the cheerless wilderness of celibacy, seclusion, and
profligate dissipation ; and it tends to concentrate
and combine labour with recreation, industry with
insirection, and the improvement of all the social,
intellectual, and domestic virtues, with the most se-
vere and patient application to the strict and diligent
ve4formaace of every duty and avocation.
b ,sf•-• I.YCURGUS.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE STATESMAN.

Stu,—ln endeavouring to draw the attention of
the Public towards Mr. OWEN'S Plan, it will be first
expedient and necessary to divest it of the dark
cloud of prejudice and misconception, that bus
bein artfully thrown around it by jealous end
bigoted individuals, and to survey it by the
pure light of reason and truth. The grand ob-
jection, that has been started against it Is—that
it is the visioniry plan of-an individual, that it is ins* -
'practicable end absurd, that the attempt to carry it
into execution would be attended with enormous ex-
pence, and that it pre-supposes a degree of possible
perfection in the multitude, that clashes with
the ordinary experience of mankind. This is
the kind of language that is uniformly. heilk
by the indolent end indifferent on every seed-I
occasion; and by the lukewarm and callous,who Weser
**tend their cares beyond themselves, beyond thelei
town perseiral concerns, or the gratification of their
paltry passions, or their still more paltry vanity.—
lfsach had been the feelingwand. sentiments of the
safieertd-iegislatore..et antiquity, they would never.
bare achieved those arseidersitrtegielat ion and
cal experiment, which excited the admiration 'veal
of a MOSTE,QUIcU, and made him declare, that tba
• lawgivers of the free States of antiquity soared abet. ,
the human species, and that they justified the smuts,.
•• ed divinity, to which., by a Itioo4 fiction, they referred
the origin and inspiration of their plans and institu-
tions. No rational undertaking is impracticable to
man. LYCuRGuS did not find it impracticable to make
all ranks of Spartans take their meals iti public, and
in common together; nor did he conceive it impossi-
ble to introduce a code of the most rigid military le-
gislation, repulsive to the natural feelings and senti-
ments of mankind ; and, by a sort of divine intuition,
to preserve it inviolate for several centuries. He was
not deterred by prejudice and misconception from
from persevering in his original plan ; the conception
and execution of which appeared so strange to the
shrewd and philosophic Booz, that he declared, that
iif it had not been authenticated by the concurring
testimony of historians, end the experience of past
times, it might be reasonably deemed a dream of
romance, or the wild fiction of a vkicruary poet. In
the same way, SOLON was not deterred by opposi.
• tion and prejudice, nor even by open force and
userpetion. The aws of Deaco, that were written
in blood, and were, no doubt, justified on the usual.
score of necessity, did not prevent him from intro•
during a more rational, liberal, and humane system.
NuMA, in spite of oppositiou, could tame a rude and
lawless band of robbers, renegadoes, and male-
factors, end compel them to submit to the soft
collar of morality and religion. •—lts more
modern times, the idea of impracticability dtd not
stagger LoTtlea, when, by his unassisted voice, be
shook the throne of superstition, that bad been ce-
mented by hang crescription, by the ignorance of
:wok intl. ease shiskets, jeelooties, and rowiesoling in.
.--4itirrests of Princes and Potentates. So far experisoce
Batt proved, what an active, persevering, and ever-
, getic individual can accomplish: it proves, tha t he
can mould mankind like potters' clay, and fashion
them into an endless variety of forms, aspects, and
combinations of character and coussitution. Indeed,
the protracted esperience of the world has made it
clear and manifest, that moral and political calcula-
tions, grounded on the data of human nature, are as
systematic, rigid, and demonstrable, as the lines and
diagrams of geometricians: and that no system of law,
or constitution of government, has ever existed, that
could not have been proved a priori, fully suscepti-
ble and productive of all the moral and political re-
sults which experience afterwards felt and witnessed
during the actual operation of those systems.
But the systems were called for by theaspects and cir-
cumstances of the times, in which they were brought
into being sod action. The happy planets that pre-
sided over the destinies of men, were then in con-
junction. It was not the desire of change, but the
necessity of reformation, that introduced improve-
ment. It was not without reason, that the ancients
observed the heavens previous to any grand mea-
sure, exploit, or innovation. But it will not
be denied, that the aspect of our own times
I. most gloomy and portentous; that the most nu-
merous and efficient class is distressed and disaffected;
and that uncommon and energetic measures must
be resorted to, to eradicate the growing evil, and
• substitute some well.digested plan of amendment in
its place. Our political atmosphere is highly charged
with inflammatory matter; it cannot be ascertained
when or where the storm will first burst; nor can
we discern, amidst our modern lights and sages, a
political FRANKLIN—eny safe and unerring con-
ductor that will divert the storm from our homes and
friends. Mr. OWEN, in his statements, frequently
alludes to the wonderful effects produced by the ap-
plication of Science to our manufactures, and the
prodlgiens extent to which the arts end different
fabrics had•been carried by the substitution of ma-
chinery its the place of manual and personal labour.
But while the various objects of lumen ingenuity
were actively progressive towards perfection, the
poor artizan himself remained stationary ; he was
held in less estimation thau the inert matter which
his creative hands moulded into grace and elegance,
and was considered merely as a machine of inferior
value and effect. This course of deterioration di.
verged with au equal degree of acceleration, so as to
keep pace with the progress of the improvement con-
ferred en the raw material, by machinery and art.
Hence the necessity arises which Mr. Owes; clearly
demonstrates, and the removal of which he strongly
inculcates—the necessity of providing for the Work-
ing Classes, of making a provision for them commen.
surate with the decay and deterioration of mere per..
sonal labour. But to promote this benevolent pur-
pose and to counteract this rPvulsion.end relapse, the
machinery of the mind is requisite; moral machinery
• must be set to work to supply the defects and dis-
tresses generated by the introduction and use of phy.
'mica' machinery. It is in this most clear and accu.

r

BRIGHTON, Disc. 26.
•
The 901 b Regiment of Foot bait bitopied the bar.
racks in the room of OP 35th.

The corn dealers ofmthis neighbourhood are not
agreed about the changolof the market day from S.
turday to the Tuesday, at Lewes. In the mean lime,
however, the inhabitants are benefited by the ilk.
union, as they have I supply of articles two days
lastesd of one.

Colvin, the poacher on Mr. Fuller's
manor, has bean committed to take his tri4l at
Horsham.

Died, at his brother's house, St. Thomas's-square,
Cliffe, Lewes, Mr: Francis Itoscorla. late of the 83d
Regiment of Foot,. after 11 'ears' service at the
Cape, where he contracted a debility that terminated
his existence. - :•• • .
Last Thursday, William Hobson was committed
to the !loose of Correction at Lewes, charged with
stealing two pieces of cloth, the property of John
Foord and Wiliiam Attree, coach•makers, of this
town.
A headhorough belonging to the parish of Albourne,
who had suffered one of two poachers that had been
given into his custody to escape, was fined 20s.
for neglect of duly.
The theatrical amusements in this town, like those.
of the Races a few years back, are likely to be in
abeyance. •

NAVAL INTELLIGENCE.

FORENSIC EPltill AM.
Thefracas 'taixt the Cntft• and the famed Mr. PLATT
Has excited the a it of the Law—
The Conner has ousted the latter, " that's tlat,"
Bet still in this case seems a flaw ;
For the Plaintiff, iu utter derision of pelf,
Appears, in his haste, to base non-suited hinpelf.

TIIE STATESMAN

In the Report of a 'Speech made by Mr. Hon-
nonsi to the Paashilattets of the outward of *St.
Gaiorge, it.the:Guu 'tavern, Pimlico, en Monday,
the Slit inst. there Mete certain omissions which ma-
Aerially affected thy geaersl'sense and terror of what
fell from the lips of that Gentleman. The following
is a statement of that putt which was omitted :
After some preliminary remarks Mr. IL conti-
nued as follows : —•" Atibe commencement of the pre.
sent struggle, there was an apprehension entertained
that the Friends of Freedom might go disconcerted
to the fieM. Had Lord John Russell been my com-
petitOr.for the honour of your free suffrages, I should
at least ha.ve felt one consolation in the event of my
success, that I should not have forced into retire-
ment an amiable, an honourable, and an accom-
plished young man, for 1t Lordship is already in
Parliament, and whether Member for Westminster,
or for any other place, lie will, I trust, as he has
already done, increase the claims of the House of
Itusbell to the attachment of the People. His Lord.

ship was :ciselg (I use not the word invidiously)
withdrawn, anti whether he himself had any concern
with his proposed 'inclination, which I do not pre.
some to deride, friends respected the nomination
at the Crown awl Anchor. A rumour of another
Candidate has also ati.en, and has also subsided,
and the name .far'tpsestion has been (so I am given in
understand) withdrawn, if that can be said to he
withdrawn, whith way, in fart, never proposed. I
j,;(lepil, have been under no small entl.srrass-
meta to feel myself in opposition to a name su dear
to the People of Fegland, for assuredly, Gentle.
men, whilst liberty stsall continue to have any claims
in your eyes, the name of Whitbread will be held in
vPiteratiOn and esteem. At the stale time, Gentle.
men, I think it my day distinctly to state, that had
either of the Geotlemett just named, or any other
similar Candidate, been offered to your choice, I
should still have persevered—for the event
,of the
nomination, and the circumstances which have met '
My notice since that period, have given me the flat.
testing conviction, that the choice of the People ofl
Westminster, t distintt from that of any set of men,
has already, and, will, at the Poll, confirm the
choke of the first Politic Meeting which introduced
me to the Electors.
"'The pretrial, it shnold seem, on which some per-
tons were unwilling to coincide with that choice, was
my' presumed opinions on Reform. Indeed there ap.
peered just at the moment of the rumour* of a
seeond Candidate, a sort or Advertisement for a RA-
TIONAL RETORillitt to represent ‘Vestminster. The
imputation wis &Gifts he misunderstond;,itid titotigb
It was.rettor ailislh one, it proclaimed the persou of
your' choice, ant by conseqoence yourselves, tutus.
flostAiiN the oiiiaien held as to Heft); m. • But, Geo-
denten, we shall not allow' ourselves to hare less
reason than our neighbours. is it irrational when we
have found out the evil and thesource of it to direct all
our effrirts to stop the source, and instead of cutting
off the smaller biattehes, proceed At once to dryup the
1,013,1TA1N Of thiiPOIsONDOO STREAM? Is it irrational
when the metes . ear grievant"s errar
wittfin oar reach, o thtitktirose means shotila not he
attained at two, or three, or four, separate efforts
I
but at once. For this I rake to be the true difference
bet*een RADICAL, and what is called MODERATE
Reform: suppose i traveller on a journey—he
comes opts a river that obstructs his progress—
he is preparing to s-ross it at one vigorous jump—
an insidious friend warns him that it is a wide leap,
and he had better jump the river at twice. This
counsel, I should imagine, would plunge oar tra-
veller into the middle of the river and drown him
outright. No. Gentlemen! I should hope that by
retreating a little upon our fitto steps, and then run-
ning manfully forward we shall clear the obstacle
with ease and with speed at once. Gentlemen, I
look upon myself as a MoDruaTr. REFORMER; hut
and those who agree with me, may easily differ
from others about that which in this subject may be
fairly called sionyttArrori. We must contend that
we see nothing IMMODERATE its our principles, or its
the means by which we would reduce them to prac-
tice, and we think ourselves just as much within the
bounds prescribed by sense and reason, as do those
who arrogate to themselves alone this amiable quality
—moderation.
" Our comforts, however, all Reformers may de-
rive from the language held by the enemies of all.—
Our respectable Ministers take care to tell us—you,
Gentlemen ! are for this Reform—you others are
for that—you for a third, and so on; but we will
simplify the matter with you, and plumply tell you
we will give you none at all:
4. Thanks then to these excellent personages, who
contrive that all Reformers shall have, at least, one
point of union in their opposition to the declared up.
holders and admirers of the present ROTTEN AND -slut
BOROCIGII SYsTEIII. •
" It was partly in allusion to this point of seiner
that, in the address I did myself the honour to write
to the Electors, I used the expression, • The Re.
formers are united.' Amongst these Reformers, I
certainly meant to class those who had appeared at
the Public Meeting as friends to my Lord John
Russell, and bad stated they should acquiesce in the
nomination made by the majority. Indeed, I em happy
at being able to quote the authority of your worthy Re.
presentative on the subject.—Sir Francis Burdett, in
addressing the Reformers of Liverpool, has told
them he had reason to believe that the party denomi-
'voted Whigs would, at no distant, period, profess
themselves Parliamentary Reformers to the extent of
Triennial Parliaments sod the Suffrage of ell House-
holders. This, if it should happen, will be a gain,
•it will be a considerable gain, and with such a pro.
spect of support from those who would instantly be-
come a powerful body of nets, the People may en-
tertain better hopes of the accomplishment of their
great object. Considering that there appears no like-
lihood of any of the causes of disunion in our pre.
sent contest before alluded to, it is then to he pre.
sumed that we shall have the co-operation of all the
Parliamentary Reformers in Westminster."
Mr. 11. then entered into various topics relative to
the Election, which our lialits will not admit our in-
serting r.
at present.

DEAL, DEC. 27.—Arrived and sailed for the Itivicpt
the Centurion, Meade, from Calcutta ; Hombiy.4
Merchant, Clarkson, from BeMbay ; Meanwell,
Morgan, from Alesandriia;. Sicilian, Roston, fru%
Fermins ; and Commodore Barry, from New Or.
leans.—Came down from the. Meer and sailed, the
Layton, Morgan, for Ceylon and Calcutta ; and
Jessie, Freeman, for Cork and Jsmaicn,
FacstouTit, Dec. 25.—Arrived the Doke of Marl-
borough packet, with a' Mail, from Lisbon, in 13
days; Shadcomh, Kocher, from London, for the,
Cape of Good Hope ; and some other outward-bound
vessels.
CORK, Dac. 23,—Yesterday arrived his Majesty's
ship Cyrus. To-day Arrived fonr transports, from
Portsmouth, with•part of the 25th, 39th, and 91st
Regiments on board.
WHITBY, Dec. 26.—The schooner GorgaffCastle,
Allan, was run foul of yesterday between Flambro'
Head and Scarborough, by the Fortune, of Ar-
broath : the former sunk—crew saved by the latter,
which vessel is said to he much damaged, and is now
in our Roads and will COMP into harbour nest title.
Ilmtwtor, Dec. 27.—The Jonge Eheardins, Mul-
der, from Antwerp to London, was stranded on the
Kentish Knick on Friday last—crew saved by a
collier •brig) and arrived here.

Rear-Admiral the lion. Sir HENRY BLACKWOOD,
Bart. is appointed to succeed Sir RICHARD KING,
Commander-in-Chief in the East Indies. Mr. BAL-
MAC HETI' to be Secretary.
Captain C. B. STRONG is appointed to the Mtn.,
giana, fitting at Chatham for the coast of Africa.
Sir JOHN and Lady llosEYwoon distributed on
Monday last, lifty score pounds of fine beef, and
five guineas worth of bread, to the surrounding poor
of their estate In Kent.
On Saturday morning last, a burglary of an ex-
tensive nature was discovered to have been committed
in the house of Mr. William Mackay, of No. 44.
Church-road, St..George's.—Mr. Mackay, who had
been to enjoy his Chrittmas with the whole of his
family on Friday, at a friend's house, remained there
till an early hoar on Saturday morning, when, on
their return home, they found that their street-door
had been forced open by a crow-bar. Mr. Mackay
instantly alarmed the watchmen, who came, and they
entered the house, when the villains unfortunately
escaped the back way, with their extensive booty.—
On further enquiry it was found, that all the doors,
1 drawers, &c., were forced open, and property to a
great amount stolen.
Coati {:Zoom/CE, Dec.2ll.—Tbe prices of Grain rennin
nominally rts on Monday last.
Wheat (nglish) .... 70 78 Grey Peas.. , 63 66
E
New ditto
Ditto (Foreign) .... 79 82 Old do ...
Rae 50 56 Tickdo. ...
e • • 63 66
Barley 6O 681 Oats
New — Fine d 0...... .
Malt
White Peas 46 51 • Feed do.
New ditto. — Fine Flour 6O 65
Ditto Boilers .........63 66 Seconds......
SMITHFIELD MARKF.T, DEc. 28.
To sink the Offal, per stone of 81h..
Beef —. 44. 0.1. to bs. OA. I Head of Cattle this day I
Almon . 56. iii. t., 6,. 46. Beasts .
..3 03. to 1 989.0
Veal .... 7.. 0.1. Sheep and Lambs ..... 14050
Pori( ....54. 0.1. to 7s. (ht. Calve, llO
Lasun....o3. o.a. to Or. OA. Pies 9.20
HAY-MARKET.
nay
Clover
Straw