The Statesman.
London, England, 1822-06-03 00:00:00

T 11l STATESMAN

BRITISH 4.V!) FOREIGN PHIL.INTHROPI
S(W'IRTY.
Saturday the first General Meeting of the Ed
tisk and Petrel en Philsralanpie Satiety, inr th• per
maisent relirf of the labonrine rissa•s, 41.4% held at
Froesess.tn's Hell. Great Quern street. The attend-

time, though not very crooded, WAS highly respectable.
Several ladies graced the meeting with their presence.
At one o'clock the Ksrl of Blessington, Lord Tor-
rington, Sir Win. de Cr...pigmy, Mr. Coke of Norfolk,
Mr. W. William.. Al. P, Mr. Maxwell, M. P., Mr.
Owen of Loners, S.r T. Lethbridge, and I other
gentlemen entered the room. Lord Ton ington was
called to the Chair.
The Earl of a:anal:qr. rns opened the business of
the day, by stating, that as Ofir of the members of the
ereemittee, the duty had devolved upon him of reading
t►e Report.
The Report commenced with an allusion to the
meetiag of the 15th 51.1 y, from which the committee

emanated. It then went on to state, that since the

meeting alluded to, the circumstances which more im-
peratively call for the experiment of associating the
lower orders in a way to meet their necessities, have
lost none of their afflicting forst.. Our Irish brethren
are at this moment enduring the complicated horrors
of want, disease, and immorality : the duration of
the agricultural distress in this part of the kingdom,
and the ever recurring difficulties of the manufactur-
ing classes. are equally inns rative of the unnatural
state in which the country now finds itself; and
p he extraordinary and alarming anomaly, of a
population subject to the severest privations, in the
midst of abundance, and actively engaged maculae-

taring districts, whete tl.e most iedustrioas and ex-
cellent workmen are unable to mairtain their families.
The committee will refrain from dilating further upon
inch an accumulation of suffering, and the moral evils
which are the inevitable result : but they beg leave to
oh that, to step forward to the relief of these use-
ful members of society—to furnish employment to the
healthy, and relieve the wants of the necessitous—to
aid the recovery of the sick, and to improve the mo-
rality of all—are the important and ostensible du-
ties to which the endeavours of the society are
devoted.

The report then goes on to state the obligations
which the committee owe to Mr. Owen, of Lanark.
for his liberal communications to them upon the sub-
ject of his arrangements, hut they add that they
•' do not embrace the whole of this gentleman's
propositions." They then set forth the inducements
for embarking in their plan ;-let, The security
which it offers to landlords for the payment of rent.
2Jly, Its tendency to diminish the poor rates. 3dly,
Its possessing the means of furnishing the most va-
luable productions with the least possible labour,
and yet so regulating the supply and demand, as that
the producer and v 01.301141,- will be equally benefited.
4th, That the Writs and education promoted will
offer the best security against the ordinary evils of
society. The formation of working communities upon
the principle of Mr. Owen's plan, is then strongly
recommended upon the estates of the land owners,
soil the maxim that " the powers of a community are
increased by combination and skilful direction" is fur.
cibly urged.
_ _

'rho Earl of I..b.tsFING roN then moved that this Re-
port he adopted.
• •

Mr. MAX a ELL, M. P. for Renfrewshire, seconded
this motion, and avowed himself to be one of those
who thought that the calamities of vice and misery
which betel such large portions of the community,
might, in a great degree. be obviated, by the spplica
elm of a better system of management to the exirtiag
condition of society. The greater part of the wet kin;:
classes were now enduring great and bitter privations.
Many societies were established fur their relief, and
contributions bestowed through a variety of channels;
there were societies for the reformation of criminals,
f.,r the improvement of prison discipline; and he ad-
ulated the valve of such associations; but, at the
same time, be was one of those who was not satisfied
Kith mere remedial measures, he wished for prevention
—(applause); he wished to see whether the bide-
causes of such evils did not exist in the present
condition of society, and whether it might not be
averted by a better classification upon the principles
laid down, and so ably carried into effect by :ir. Owen.
in vain could palliatives be applied to the present
evils which now afflicted large portions of the com-
munity; while men were in a state of (saline, and ad-,
Bering to a system which, perhaps, would constantly
expose them to a recurrence of such misery, little would
be effected by ordinary measures of education and dis-
cipline. Of what use was it to go to the gaol, and
tell the wretched culprit that lie had fallen there
through the want of education and good habits, when,
if he got out the next day, he bad to encounter the
same want of either asylum or encouragement.—(Dear,i
hear.)-1 better system would afford such a man ■
mart for his industry. To attain such was their ob-
ject, and Mr. Owen had sbewn its practicability. Tbs
Honourable Mewber pronounced a warm culogium
upon the manner iu which the Lanark establishment
was now conducted, and the beneficial condition of so-
ciety which had arisen around it. lie recommended
the more general diffusion of such an example to the
country at large, to restore the moral tune of feeling
of the people, and obliterate the stains of pauperism.
Sir Way. Dv. CR6III.I.:NV also bore the highest testi•
mouy to Mr. Owen, and the establishineuts at New
Lanark. which he (Sir Wm.) had had the gratification
of visiting, and which made him a convert to the prin-
ciples spun which its benevolent proprietor haul acted.

As to the allusioa4 sometimes made to Mr. Owen on
the score of religion, all he could 34y was this, that at
New Lanark all had their Bibles, and he never sa,c
snore real or fervent devotion, than at the ;Haim,
places of worship fr-quented by these rople. There
may be partial objections to Mr. 03eu's details; but
why not select what was really and avowedly good,
and thus gradually get rid of the terrible scourge et
the poor's rate.—(Applause.)
Mr. GAL C bore his testimony in favour of the prin-
ciples which governed Mr. Owen's plan, and quoted
the list of subscriptions in favour of the establishment
of the present society. Among them were 50001.
from Mr. Owen, of Lanark; $OOO/. from Mr. Ilenry
Jones, of Devon; 500111. from Mr. Morrison, and se-
veral other smaller donations, amounting in the aggre-
gate to a very large sum. 15.0001. had, he said, been
already subscribed from Edinburgh, Manchester, Li-
verpool, and Birminghain..444(ApCsuse.)

Sir THOMAS LITIIIIIRIDGP. said that he had fully consi
dered the plan of this Society, and although be was
aware it had to encounter a variety of opposing cir-
comstaaces before it could expect to receive general
adoption, still he thought experience justified the
attempt to give it a wider diffusion. To compare
small thinzs with great, he remembered when the pro-
posers of gas lights, now so uni Ily adopted, were
treated as visionary speculators, and he bad no doubt
the result of the present plan would prove equally il-
lustrative of the principles upon which it was regu•
I.ud. Ile lamented deeply the existing state of a gri.
elltural distreke, and the very severe pressure which
exclusively affected the landed interest; and it WU,
therefote, that be approved both in its theory and
practice, of a plan which had a tendency to mitigate
such an evil. He concluded by moving the appoint.
went of provisional officers to this society.
Dr PINCK %RD seconded this motion. and defended
Mr. Oven from any imputation of indifference to reli-
gions instruction in the application of his principles.
—On the mmtrary, all Mr. Owen contended for was
general toleration, and that each should pursue his
ow•n particular religious faith without interference,—
(applause)—and so it was practised at New Lanark.

111 r. Owe:: tame forward, and was received with
great applause. He disclaimed deserving the compli-
ments paid to him by his friends, and said that he had
only ilone Lis duty, is giving a practical direction to
the principles which his owe experience had dictated,
for the amelioration of the condition of society. Be-
ing early engaged in manufactures, be bad soon per-
ceived that the unrivalled progress which Great Bri-
tain was then making, must eventually undergo a re-
vulsion, according to the mode in which the system of
society was conducted, and what be foresaw had un-
fortunately been realised in the present overwhelming
distress which was endured by the labouring,classes
of society. In the midst of the greatest abundance
I from nature, Ireland wasnow suffering under the bit-
terest distress. There mast be something egregiously
wrong in such a system, which turns what ought to
be the source of a country's prosperity into its great-
est disadvantage. He was anxious to probe the real
cause of this evil, and see if a remedy could not be de-
%used to prevent its recurrence. Many had attempted
to explore its causes, but in vain bad be sought the
recommendation of any adequate remedy from their
labour'. The first enquiry ought to be, for the pur-
pose of ascertaining the real intrinsic resources of the
country, and if they were, as at present managed, suffi-
cient to meet the exigencies of the people. It was ascer-
tained by a calculation made within his memory, that
the labour of three millions of active tnen constituted
the whole wealth of Great Britain. The whole popu-
lation was at the time estimated at fifteen millions, cad
one-fifth was ascertained to he the active contributing
proportion of labour. So that according to that es-
timate one man was capable of producing enough for
the wants of five. Since that period, however, the
greatest alteration had been effected in society, which
could be traced in the history of the world. By ma-
chinery, by other improvements, one man could in ma-
nufactures, contribute at'the rate mot of five, but of
three or four hundred fold ; but the general average
increase of production. as applied to the whole corn
munity, was 50 fold compared to the previous period.
Five labourers could now with the help of a plough
cultivate 100 acres of light soil, enough to contribute
-upport to 200 individuals at the ordinary average of
feeding. Notwithstanding all these improvements,
there was something so bad in the system of society,
that the labouring cl were in most instances ina
deqtrately paid, and in too many almost starting.—
Ought society to sit quiet in such a revulsion, or
ought they not rather probe the details of the plan
under which the labour of the country was adminis-
tered, in the hope of securing a fair supply fur all ;
and in serving the labouring classes, securing the
better enj ryurent of the higher. Ile knew that there
was much of charity devoted to the ameliorating the
condition of the people, but he saw little of plain jus-
tice.—(Hear.) The people did not want to live by
charity ; it was a mockery to insinuate that they had
any dependance upon it; they would do far better for
themselves if their industry had fair play, and was
better directed.—(Hear.) The worthy gentleman then
enforced the superior efficacy of his plan of working
by communities, its more certain security of supply,
at a cheaper rate, and a more economical distribution
of labour. It had been said, that his plan would
lower the state of society, and work evil rather than
good. If the early culture of good habits in the
young mind tended to produce evil, then he avowed
himself the author of that evil ? If carrying for-
ward their early instructions, and nurturing them in
manhood to successful industry, and the application
of useful knowledge to the attainment of individual
independence, he to promote evil, then he was an evil
doer—(Hoer, hear.) If devising and lecturing the
means of a regular, healthy, and beneficial system of
employment for the labouring classes, be to injure so-
ciety. then he was the author of that injury.—(Cheers )
In conclusion, Mr. Owen remarked upon the impolict
of that system which went to crush the industry of
artisans at home, and to punish them fur attempting
to earn a subsistence abroad ; and pointed out how his
plan would remedy the evil and abolish pauperism.
He then proposed the appointment of Treasurers.
Mr. Tories paid some handsome compliments to
Mr. ltaen, and highly approved of the present expe-
riment (tor it was only such) to ameliorate the ccuJi-
tion of society. All concurred in the excellent Coln.
fort and order which reigned at New Lanark, and
that it had intim neighbour hood alrolished the scour ;e
of pauvrism. No better proof of the iomlerahle and
incurable evil of the latter could be found ta.43 the
r .jection last night of Mr. Scarletes bill to remedy the
Poor Laws, on the ground that the principle was so had
no remedy could be devised to mend it, without a total
revision of the supetstructure. In Poor's rate above
ten millions sterling was annually raised, two millions
of which were spent in the turmoil of parochial liti•
gation. This was reason enough to induce the trial
of any fair experiment, and he was also desire's of it
in opposition to the cold, selfish, and unfeeli.rg theories
of political economists, who were for letting things
find their level, without practical effort; whose maxim
was always Colbert's "laissez faire." Ile (Mr.
l'ooke) said " No; let us makeup effort, and see if we
cannot, by one common exertion, ameliorate the condi-
tion of our fellow creatures."—(Hear.) In 1:011C111
,ion he remarked, that the late lamented fluke of Kent,
who was ever foremost in strugglieg to improve the con

dd.,' of hiafellow creatures, was engaged shortly hefts.
his death in considering this subject in a Committee
which was then in being fur the purpose.—(Applause.),
lie then proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Owen,
which was seconded by M r. Crooks, sad acknowledged
by the gentleman upon whom the thanks were con-
ferred.

A gentleman in t..e body of the ball defend ed he
political economists from Mr: Tooke's attack, and said
the terms the latter bad need could apply to Tor-
pid or Adam Sn.ith, to Malthus or Ricardo.
Thanks were then voted to the noble Chairman, and
the meeting adjourned at half-past four o'clock.

CHESTER COUNTY MEETING.

(tßn■ THE Iffolt4lN6 CHRONICLI

On Monday last there was a meeting of the county
of Chester, called by the High Sheriff, in conformity
with a requisition, signed by 185' ialtabitants of that
County. 'fhe meeting consisted, it is said, of from
fifteen hundred to two thousand persons, chiefly of
the most respectable of the Yeomanry and Tenantry.
It would seem, from the proceedings of the meeting.
that great dissatisfaction was expressed, because few
of the great Landholders attended. " Their absence,"
said Colonel Dodd, ' may, however, be easily account-
ed for, because, from attending such a meeting as this,
and from the sending up so manly and energetic a pe-
tition as the one now proposed, me titles or offices of
'emolument are to be expected from Ministers, who have
these good things at their disposal.'
The petition adopted by the meeting midair.' much
that we cannot approved of, being, as we think, com-
pletely at variance with sound principles. AU classes
are interested is pushing economy and retrenchment
to the very utmost, and in a Reform of the House of
Commons; and resolutions having these objects in
view will receive the assent of all but those who have
an interest in the continuance of profligacy and cor-
ruption. But the Chester petition not merely eulo-
gises the British Corn Law system, but draws certain
concltpions from our former Legislation, which cannot
be ton much reprobated. The petition sets out witli
stating—
" That parliament has, by a long series of legislation,
fully recognised the policy of encouraging Agriculture,
as the priwirary source of national prosperity ; and that
these kingdoms have accordingly, until of late years,
greatly increased in wealth, power, and population.
" That independently of such being the generally ac-
knowledged and self evident policy of this and every
great country, numerous Acts of Parliament have beets
passed during the last war, ' For the inclosure of Waste
Lands," For the better encouragement of Agriculture,'
and 'For the further security against scarcity in
future.

" That a national guarantee, as sound and as legiti-
mate as that afforded to the Fundliolder for the payment
of his interest, was by these Acts granted to the owners
and occupiers of land, (or the protection of the immense
capital invested in the cultivation of the poorer soil.
" That notwithstanding these securities, the capital so
invested is now, and has for some lime past, been utterly
unproductive, and is menaced with speedy and final de-
struction ; and that these poorer soils, which are now
cultivated at a loss, constitute a large proportion of his
Majesty's dominions."
They afterwards couple propositions in favour of
Retrenchment with the alternative of • repeal of Mr.
Peel's (Sill:—

" That it is the decided opinion of your Petitioners,
Mat ally remedy, to be tilieient, mast proceed epon the
principle of lowering the proportion which taxation
bears to the price 0/produce, whether by a modification
oldie Bill of 1819, conbuority called Mr. Peel's Bill, or
kya great reduction of the establishment and totes of
the country. And they have therefore seen, with great
dissatisfaction, that useless places and oppressive taxes
have been continued, owing to the overwhelming and
unconstitutional interference in the House of Commons,
of a numerous phalanx of Ministerial placemen.
" That, however severely your Petitioners feel the in-
justice of compelling them to discharge their obligations
to a different currrucy, from that in which they were
contracted, they consider themselves hound to protest
against the still greater injustice of keeping up unne-
cessary estaLlishineuts in ewes of such general poverty
and distress; of inaiutaining the salaries of offices, with-
out correspondent reduction, and of continuing any
longer a single place or office not absolutely requisite
to the existence of the Monarchy."
We repeat it, that passing Resolutions of this de-
scription, only arms one part of the population against
another, and plays the game of the partisans of cor-
ruptions. Mr. Wilbraham, indeed, made a number of
excellent observations on the extravagance of our es-
tablishments, and the tiegemity for further redaction.
—" When 1 see, be said, " the distress that univer•
sally pervades the Agriculturists, wheo I see Farmers
totally ruined, and landlords much distressed, can I
honestly say that a reduction of three and a half per
cent. on the Civil List (for I think that is the whole
that has been effected), is a sacrifice commensurate
with the exigency of the times? When I see a mili-
tary and neral establishment, after deducting the live
millions of which we have beard so much, as the dead
weight entailed upon us, in consequence of the war,
and which I should be the last person to infringe
upon, above double that which was thought sufficient
in the year 1792 ; when 1 recollect, that that esta-
blishment of 1792, was formed by the late Mr. Pttt, a
man of nu small authority perhaps amongst souse
Gentlemen here, one year before the French war, and
three years after the r.ontuencenteut of the French Re-
volution; and when I see the same extravagance in
every other department of Government, can I help ear
ing that there remain resources its economy and
retrenchment to which Alin!sters have nut yet bad re-
course? When our fortunes are reduced througlsmt
the kingdom, in many counties certainly one ball, but
not to exaggerate, 1 will call it one-thir.l, is it not rea
suitable to require a corresponding reduction in the
salaries in ev,ry of ? If we are anat.).
to 1114:sr such a request, as to the efficient officers of
tinverurnetit, how much more are we juatified in demand.
ing the total soiipression of all those Pcnsions (no'
given fur real service to the State.) and tilos, ,
siuecure places, which, as far at heat as applie I to
members of the House of Commons, are inconsistent
with the letter as well as with the principles of the
Constitution. If the Parliament fairly represented the
sentiment of the people,it the House of Commons
fairly re-echoed the feelings of four-fifths of the pops-
lotion of this kingdom, such a state of 'Mugs would
not have lasted far one Session. 'f hese pensions hays
lately been defended as • y to p -e the influ-
ence of the Crown. I deny that they add one ray to the
splendour of Royalty. They are the engines of Mi
nisterial power. They are the means which a 31ini,
ter makes use of to convert the voice of the represent

11lire/ of the people apinut 6lcir ow• resistible
Can a stronger instenec of 111itisteriel pew•r
Iwought forward than that mentioned in the petiti
that had it not been for the votes of 61 placensec in
the House of Commons, that tax upon salt, whit!, is
universally esteemed so odious, would bare already
bees suppressed."
We wish ►se could best ,w the same unqual:fied so•
probation en the speck of Mr. Davenport, the mover
of the petition. He very properly observed, that
" they were :hen liberally subscribing in Cheshire, 14
send back to Ireland that corn which the Iri•b toes,
selves grew, wh►t they wasted, and we did not; b,t
which they were too poor to consume." But doer be
thick that '• if the manufacturers are (as he sap')
now selling their goods at an unusually low p•e
which creates a sort of adventitious demand for thew"
the situation of the agriculturist would be benefited
by annihilating this trolls sad eiguienting the eoz.
her of paupers from the rauls of the industrious
semen ?"

0• We hare reeeired N. Belzoni', hiaieno,al
treatment im experienced at the Ope-a Howe 04 llusrsda,
evening fait, bet haring atisclerstiod OW UN nu-Missile:
Aar Leen Judi:Wed upon Use inekeet, we waive theinsertim
of his Letter.

piticg op STOCKS, AT OND O'CLOCK. rat DAY.
Rao! Medi— . ..... 239 . lo4la Stott.
3pr Ct. Rod 79 I Ditto /Wads -Its. --c. I, ~
1 psw Ct. Coos 791 9 I Nadi Sea Stock.'
3I per Cost
4 pet Coots .04111 lis.Bilt2O i.l. .
1. I, pleb es.
Nits Fours. ' 10199.
$ port:mit I --Mtg. I i.e.:13.21i pet.
LougAno joi 1546 ________stia3 26.5.. pm p•
Imp. S pet
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