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النشر الإلكتروني
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OR THE

CHANGE

FROM ERROR & MISERY,

[Institution of the Industrious Classes, Gray's-Inn Road.]

TO TRUTH AND HAPPINESS.

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IF WE CANNOT YET RECONCILE ALL OPINIONS, LET US NOW ENDEAVOUR TO UNITE ALL HEARTS."

VOL. I.-No. 7.]

EDITED BY ROBERT OWEN.--SATURDAY, MAY 12, 1832.

PROGRESS OF LIBERAL OPINIONS IN BOTH HEMISPHERES. Continued from page 6. We shall preface our farther extracts from the Calcutta Paper, promised in a former number, by quoting a passage from the "Free Inquirer," of New York. They will serve curiously enough as a commentary upon each other.

" OUR NEIGHBOURS RELIGION." "No man can distinguish his own faults and follies half so clearly as he can those of his neighbours. And what is true of men is true of nations also. National prejudices are no less strong than personal. It is not easy to appreciate their strength and their number, until we visit other countries, and institute extensive comparisons.

"Of all national prejudices, those of religion are probably the most powerful. The follies which the child of three years is taught to regard as holy, often still cling to the man of thirty. Even when reason denounces them, memory pleads their cause. They are associated, perhaps, with our earliest, most joyous recollections. They are hallowed, it may be, by having dropped from the lips of a loved parent or a lost friend. Worthless, nay even perceived to be worthless, in themselves, they are tolerated, if not cherished, for the sake of the incidental accompaniments, among which we first knew them.

"Hence the extreme difficulty of justly judging our own religion. Reason has to combat, not the propositions of the mind alone, but the predelictions of the heart. Even when the judgment is convinced, the feelings hold out; and we retain a tenderness towards the grossest fables, because the days when we learnt them were the happy days of our youth, and those who taught them were our best and earliest

friends.

"Connected with any other religion but our own,

we have no such associations. Hence the millions that imbibe the religion of their country, for one that is converted, in adult age, to some foreign superstition. And here is the explanation of such admissions as that lately made by the Missionaries of Calcutta, that after a painful trial of six years, their proselytes do not exceed four.' Unaided by the easy credulity of infancy, and the magic power of early association, religion is comparatively impotent. Its absurdities are too clearly seen to obtain credence.

"We cannot convince ourselves more practically of this than by selecting some foreign religion as a specimen. The blindest among us can see, that it is but a convenient bandage to enable the one, or the few, to hold the millions in slavery. The dullest among us can perceive, that it has not even common sense or probability, much less infallible wisdom, to

recommend it. The examination, therefore, of a foreign religion is highly useful. It is one of the most important lessons that history can teach us." Thus we learn, that after a painful trial of six years, made by Christian Missionaries in Calcutta, We think the their proselytes do not exceed, four. reason is pretty evident. Besides, the difficulty of overcoming the early prejudices of the Hindoos, th arguments advanced by the Missionaries could not have carried with them self-evident marks of Truth. For to withdraw the mind from long established opinions, it is necessary to present to it others which shall powerfully appeal to the feelings, and the judgment, and the truth of which, is so apparent, that the mind, however it may desire it, can neither gainsay nor resist them. Had this been done, it is not likely that men expressing themselves as the writers of the Calcutta Enquirer do, would have remained long without the pale of the new religion thus offered to them. In proof of the unprejudiced to their white brethren, we select the following state of mind of this party which would do honour passage from their paper:

"We propose to let the Enquirer be devoted particularly to the propagation of truth and the subduing of error and prejudices. It may be asked what is the truth we mean to propagate? Our reply is, that we, for the present, mean to avoid positively recommending any religious doctrine to our countrymen whatever we have satisfactorily discovered to be error we will teach them to reject; what we may hereafter feel as truth we will spare no pains to induce them to adopt. We may occasionally notify what the orthodox papers say in defence of Hindooism; if there be any thing like an argument, we will discuss it. The habits and customs of the natives must be rectified by being taken advantage of; we may, if we find occasion, devote a page of our paper to this end. We may thus be able to eradicate error and prejudice from Hindoo minds. We will also, in the mean time, be employed in an enquiry after Truth; and if, by the time the Hindoo mind will be free from prejudice and capable of appreciating truth, we make any progress in our investigation, we will, in spite of the greatest persecution, and the most difficult oppositions, be at the service

of the Hindoos."

We verily believe there is not a Journal in Europe which would declare itself so impartially. If individuals would but leave the door open, as these Hindoos have done, for the entrance of Truth, she

out.

[ONE PENNY.

would not be so rare a guest with mankind as we usually find her. But riches and honours rise up as an impenetrable barrier, and conceal from view the pearl of great price" which remains neglected withWhen will the bulk of mankind discover it to be their highest interest not to deceive themselves in word, deed, or thought, but fearlessly to examine, to decide, and to act? Never until journalists shall do their duty by holding faithfully up to the mirror be. Glance over the pages of the most celebrated of public opinion what society is and what it should and influential in our own country, and we find that the subject is skimmed over, but never probed. Let such writers learn of the Hindoo, and be, at all Truth. This is surely not too much to require of events, earnest and unprejudiced enquirers after them. We turn, for a moment, to the consideration of a political opinion of our Calcutta editor, which is no less indicative of his progress in true knowledge than his liberality on other subjects. He says:-affection the people entertain for it. The moment "The stability of Government depends upon the popular feelings are against it we begin to date its ****. The stronger the attachments of the subject are to government the more firmly is the king seated on the throne."

This sentiment has been uttered a thousand times, but it must be repeated until it reach the hearts and understandings of those to whom it relates. From the pen of a subjugated Hindoo it comes with singular force, and ought to bring misgivings and conviction to every administration in Europe. The stability of government we are told depends upon the affection the people entertain for it. Now it is morally impossible that they should entertain true affection unless their wants are fully supplied, their rights as men fully recognized, aud their minds fully informed. Is this the case in any part of the United Kingdom? No. The inference is obvious. To effect all this, or to" loose caste" for ever, is the alternative which the present position of affairs now offers to the British Government.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE CRISIS.

I am a poor man, Mr. Owen, and hitherto have which I first reflected on the comparative misery of been a most discontented one. From the hour in my own fate, with that of the rich and great, I have been dissatisfied,-I have felt myself as a mere cypher amidst the more noble figures in the world's arithmetic-the one's, and two's, and three's, &c. of human society-men born in happier circumstances than myself, my masters and employers, and I have grown Loth sullen and untractable; envious of their comforts, unmindful of my own. I have fretted at t'e bit and bridle, have disdained the curb, and have

TO CORRESPONDENTS. at different hours of the same Sunday, proclaimWe have received Mr. Judkin's letter. As a verbal ing to their hearers what each believes to be communication on the subject is preferable to any true and highly important for others to believe other, he may easily obtain all the information he and to act upon. Localized man is always surwishes, by calling at our Institution any day be-prised at any occurrence which happens out of the sphere of the limited ideas contained within the locality which bounds his range of thought, and thus it is, that some of the daily papers express so much wonder at an occurrence that would not surprise any one whose localities had not been clouded by early prejudices.

tween ten and six o'clock.

Mr. Wilmot's letter is come to hand.

THE CRISIS.

INSTITUTION OF THE INDUSTRIOUS CLASSES.

LONDON, SATURDAY, MAY 12.

longed inwardly to throw my rider to the ground and trample him beneath my feet, for he has seldom or never felt for my situation, or pitied my abject state of servitude. I know not what has kept me honest, but I have had fearful workings in my nature to be otherwise, for I possessed no gratitude to God, no love to man. When the painted and gorgeous carriage of the higher orders has whirled by me at the corner of the street, dashing the dirt of its wheels in the face of poor weary man, proud even in his adversity, I will own to you, that I have cursed its possessor in my heart, with a double loathing at the thought of my own wretched home, my coarse and scanty meal, my mean and stained apparel. Oh, Sir! did the great ones of the earth but know, what passes in the poor man's breast, the heart burnings he endures, the longings he is obliged to quench, surely they would not good him on to crime and desperation by their sinful neglect, and cruel insults; for the very display of Wealth is as an insult to the wretch, who has not a single shilling in his pocket, THIS gentleman has been put out of the Scotch and I have felt it so. This state of being that I have attempted to describe to you, one of utter self-abase-church, in Regent Square, because his opinion, ment and the rankling of a chafed spirit, is, I verily upon speculative matters of religion gradually believe, Sir, the Parent of every crime the poor man so easily falls into; he walks abroad degraded in his became different from the old orthodox notions own eyes, and he sinks daily in the scale of human of the Church of Scotland, and, in consequence, society, whilst his evil passions rise in proportion, until he falls lower than the brutes, for they grow the smaller and weaker party were ejected by not depraved and demon like, but keep the steady the larger and more powerful, although the latter is an insignificant body compared with Christians generally, and more especially with the whole of the religious world.

course nature has allotted them.

I come now to speak of the change my whole being has undergone since I have heard you, most respected Sir, advocate the poor man's cause, and teach him the heart-reviving lesson, to RESPECT HIMSELF. As I gradually rose in my own self esteem, as a member of one common community, hatred for

more fortunate individuals than myself has died away, and all my angry murmurings and discontent, have given place to social feelings, and the hope of better times. As I walked from the doors of the Institution on the days of Congress there, a noble pride swelled within me, for I had heard from the mouths of some of the labourers and neglected classes, arguments and sentiments that would have done honour to both Houses of Parliament. I said within myself, and I also am of this order of society; I am no drone to eat the honey of the hive, and contribute nothing to its store." I feel my own im

portance, and that I am equally a man with him who turns his head haughtily away, with contemp tuous frowns, as I civilly make way for him, and who thinks himself my superior because he wears a finer coat than mine-chance ushered him into the world in the castle of a nobleman, whilst I, (as unconscious as himself) first drew my breath in the hovel of a labourer. I should like, Šir, to give you my unvarnished notions, one of these days, on your late Congress, but I will take up no longer portion "Crisis" at present, so I humbly take my leave of you, Mr. Owen, with my truest esteem, the sincerest condolence for your domestic loss, and my gratitude of a lightened heart.

of your

Islington, May 6, 1832.

H. D.

PUBLIC PROCEEDINGS AT THE INSTITUTION.

MR. IRVING, HIS DISCIPLES, AND FOLLOWERS.

Mr. Irving, and those who adhered to his interpretation of religion, were compelled to preach in the streets or desist altogether. Under these circumstances, he and his friends, applied to us, to know whether we would give them the accommodation which they required. Having known Mr. Irving many years, and also some of his followers, and believing both to be truly conscientious in their opinions and proceedings, and knowing they were not more in error than their sectarian opponents, we did not hesitate at once to give them the accommodation which they required. To us it would have appeared unkind and uncharitable to have refused their request. They are as harmless religious enthusiasts as any other religious enthusiasts of which we have any knowledge. It is true we have not heard the unknown tongues in the Scotch Church, but those we have heard in many other churches & chapels appear to us as unintelligible, and as impossible to interpret as any sound that could be uttered by any of Mr. Irving's flock. Besides we seek truth not in any mere name or sound, but as it exists in nature, knowing that this is the only truth which can permanently benefit the human race; and we have no fear of error overcoming truth when both are fairly placed before the human mind.

For these reasons we have willingly permitted Christian sects, to find shelter within our extenthis sect of Christians, while persecuted by other sive premises as long as they are willing to pay

On Thursday evening the 3rd instant, the discussion on "Human responsibility," resumed by particular request, was continued. The a reasonable rent for this accommodation; and we meeting was numerous, and terminated in an adjournment of the discussion, till the evening making converts to their opinions as the other shall allow them to have as fair a chance of of the 10th instant. In the morning of Sunday sects have, Believing however, as we do, that last, Mr. Owen addressed a numerous audience, the principles which we advocate are, the truth on "the Education to be given in the Institution; and in the evening, The Rev. Thomas without mystery, or mixture of error; we fear Macconnell, lectured " on the liberality of the no power of sect or party in opposition to this principles of Mr. Owen's system of Society," as truth, expecting rather that the most intelligent illustrated, in our large lecture room being let among all sects and parties, will speedily perto the Rev. Edward Irving and his followers.ceive this truth, and perceiving will be conThe audience on this occasion, composed of both strained to adopt and acknowledge it. sexes, filled the large lecture room and the bal

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conies outside.

Edward Irving and Robert Owen are found, Thus is the mystery solved-why the Rev.

In the trust deed of the Scotch Church, Regent Square, it is provided, that the minister preach according to the Creed of the National Church of Scotland. In all cases of dispute on this point, the Presbytery of London are the judges. In the present instance they have decided against Mr. Irving, and he is therefore expelled, in reality, by the trust deed.

THE CO-OPERATIVE CONGRESS.

We have given in our two former numbers (to conclude in the present number of the Crisis) a general account of the proceedings of the delegates to this Congress-a body of men destined the human race than all preceding associations. some day to effect more permanent benefit to They are the men who will take the lead in giving an example of the practical measures to their efforts to produce the greatest good to all. be adopted to teach men the art of uniting all They will exhibit to the astonished world the easy methods by which all the evils arising from poverty, or the fear of being in want of any of the necessaries and beneficial luxuries of life, may be avoided and for ever prevented. They will open a straight forward path to the attainment of real knowledge, or the acquisition of truth upon all subjects involving the will and happiness of man. They will thus overcome the bane of the human race-ignorance—and all the bad passions and injurious feelings which ignorance alone has engendered; and they will ascertain from facts, which their experience will soon confirm, that man, at his birth, possesses the germ of great and varied excellence, and that a wise culture, in accordance with the acknowledged laws of his nature, is alone required to mature all these valuable qualities, and to form the adult man into a being of superior order to the past or present race of men. It is true, that many of these delegates are plain, simple men, unsophisticated by the ways of the world, but they are honest in their desire to ameliorate the condition of their fellow-workmen, and they are ready to make any sacrifice to effect this good work, and to follow those who have had more experience, and whom they think are equally honest in their intentions of doing good. For a short time they will be puzzled to know whom to follow, or exactly what course to pursue, but a little calm reflection and steady observation, after committing a road, and when once they shall have fairly enfew errors, will speedily discover to them the true tered upon it, there will be no further obstacle to their progress, which may be reasonably exsuccessful. pected to be as rapid as it will be seen to be

LAWYERS. According to the Asiatic Researches, a very curious mode of trying the title of land is disputed spot, in which the plaintiff's and defendant's practised in Hindostan :-Two holes are dug in the lawyer put one of their legs, and remain there until one of them is tired, or complains of being stung by the insects, in which case his client is defeated. In puts his foot into it. this country, it is the client and not the lawyer, who

REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL

OPERATIVE SOCIETY,

CO-ried man has a cottage to himself-he can either
have his food cooked in the public kitchen, or dressed
in his own house-the bachelors and spinsters sleep

Mr. MOLONY, a member of this Society, made the following Report to the Co-operative Congress, on Wednesday, April 25th, which we give verbatim on account of its great interest.

Established by Mr. Vandeleur, in the County of in dormitories. The Society have begged me to say
that they are much in want of a good co-operator
Clare, Ireland.
who understands the woollen manufactory; there is
a twenty-horse-power mill erected, now running to
waste, which was formerly employed in the linen
manufactory, which he might have, as also the labour
of the women and children, at 5d. per day: it is a
wool country, and most of the women understand
the hand-spinning the wages are paid by labour-
tickets, and there is a public store where they can
purchase all the necessaries, and some of the luxuries
of life. Such a Society I cannot imagine will ever
fail, for, by giving an interest to the labourer, you
give security to the landlord. I think if any internal
commotion should take place in Ireland, the Vanda-
leur co-operators will remain undisturbed-for who
would be rash enough to face 100 armed men who
are determined to fight for the protection of their
own property. Every man's mind is perfectly at
case he has not, as he had under the old system,
poverty continually staring him in the face-he
knows, as long as he conducts himself well, it can
never occur, and that, in case of death, his wife and
family are provided for-he is also aware that, as
his children grow up, they are educated in sound
principles of morality, without, as they had in the
old system, continual examples to the contrary be-
fore them-he knows, in case of their leaving the
society, that they will have been brought up with a
knowledge of agriculture, as well as a trade; and I
cannot imagine Society ever being in that state, that
such an individual can ever be without getting em-
ployment.

He stated that Mr. Vandeleur had some years ago formed an idea of establishing a Society on Mr. Owen's plan, as soon as he should have enough land out of lease for such purpose--that he would not have begun as early as he had done if it had not been for the circumstances of last year, (during the disturbances in that part of Ireland), of the shooting his steward, and threatening the destruction of him and his family; he therefore was compelled to begin a year and a half earlier than he intended to have done. On the partial subsiding of these disturbances, Mr. Vandeleur called the labourers and mechanics together, who at that time were employed on the land, and told them it was his intention to form a co-operative society on his land (which amounts to about 600 acres English) on Mr. Owen's principles; and he gave those persons who were then in his employ the choice of coming into such society or not, as they pleased. After explaining the system to them, about twenty agreed to give it a trial, but only one or two out of the whole considering that it would permanently succeed. At first the working classes, generally speaking, were against it, from the circumstance of their not thoroughly understanding the benefit that eventually must result to them: they

have however now been at work six months, and, if they wanted any new members, they would have a As there are, hundred applications for admittance.

I imagine, some landed proprietors here, I should wish to remove from their minds any idea they may have formed of the non-practicability of such society, though I must confess a great deal depends on the perseverance, tact, and knowledge of the formation of character of the individuals engaged in its commencement; for, with regard to the Irish working classes, no person will succeed who does not use mild persuasive measures. They are a people, in my estimation, with whom no other remedy will accomplish any permanent good. Mr. Vandeleur does not take rent in money for his land-but the society are bound to furnish so many loads of wheat, barley, oats, fat cattle, pigs, &c., according to an average he took from farming the land seven years himself. All that they, by their ingenuity or labour, can produce over that quantity belongs to the society; the cattle, farming implements, &c., they took to at a valuation. Mr. Vandeleur has provisions, &c., supplied to his house at a fixed price. Their affairs are under the arrangement of a committee, who sit every evening after work; it is composed of nine persons, three for agriculture, three for trade and mechanics, Mr. Craig the Secretary, Mr. Vandeleur the President, and the Treasurer. They then appoint each individual to his employment for the next day; every thing being done by numbers as soon as the slate is completed, it is hung in

4

the lecture room for the information of the members.

Any new member, wishing to come in, must be proposed and seconded by a member-come into the society for a week, receiving nothing but his food, at the end of which time he is balloted for, a majority deciding-he must also be approved of by the President.

The Secretary and President deliver a lecture to them three times a week, the accounts are publicly audited once, and they have two dances. Since the formation of the society, there has been no case of

drunkenness, quarrel, or even any immorality been

known-the introduction of spirituous liquors is entirely forbidden-they have an infant school, and the youths are educated by the Secretary, Mr. Craig, each youth is taught a trade, besides a thorough knowledge of agriculture-there is also a sick fund, to which every member contributes one halfpenny a week-but they have as yet had but little occasiou for the aid of even medicine or doctors. Every mar

PAUPERISM IN CORK.

"At a meeting of the Cork Board of Health the appalling fact was mentioned, that there were in that city, under the head of distressed poor, no fewer than fifty-nine thousand, whilst under that of destitute there were over twenty-two thousand persons."Morning Herald.

self, in the exercise of a controuling power, which he
is taught to believe he possesses, he becomes afraid and
ashamed of many things which he has thought, felt,
said, and done, and of which, if he has this power,
Hence, there is an
he really ought to be ashamel.
interior world created, in which indistinct whispers
only are heard, and imperfeet hints only are given,
amidst the interminable darkness which perpetually
broods over this secluded region, every crevice of
which is carefully stopped, and the entrance to
which is jealously guarded by unslumbering fear and
timid shame, without whose permission there can be
neither egress nor ingress, to any person or thing.

Secrets are such kind of food to many minds, as have eaten it, ferments, distends its receptacle, growing clover is to hungry cattle; which, after they swells them to that degree, that if timely aid is not procured, they burst. And well would it be if timely aid could be procured for some persons, who, after they have eagerly devoured the secrets of another, cannot contain themselves, but communicate, without consideration, what they have devoured with avidity.

Under the present artificial and now tottering state of society, confidence is almost universally invited, and almost as universally dishonored. The Confessor, who is sole:nnly sworn to secrecy, and whose ear is a kind of a common moral sewer, divulges the secrets of confession. Gavin, in his "Master Key to Popery" informs us, that when the Priests meet, each contributes his quota of confessional secrets to the general stock, for the information, amusement, and edification of his brethren. The Court of Rome, in her political negociations, has made great use of secrets obtained in this manner. Medical men disclose the secrets of patients-Lawyers those of their clients-Servants those of their masters--Children those of their parents-Husbands those of their wives-and wives those of their husbands. I had recently disclosed to me, though I am no confessor, by the friend of a married lady, some secrets, which had been communicated to him by this married lady, and which I should never have supposed any wife would have communicated to any other individual whatsoever. But this was done like every thing else Who, with the common feelings of humanity' of the kind, in confidence; and marked private. An can read the foregoing statement without an in- individual in a low tone of voice, and with a grave voluntary shudder of horror that more than one-half face tells you (aside.) that he has something to comof the population of a commercial city should be municate to you, but that you must not mention it paupers-that one-fifth should be in a state of desti-again for the world. He promised certainly not to tution-and not ask, by what unaccountable infatua- tell any body, but he will tell you, (i. e. making you' tion those persons can be possessed who have the out to be nobody,) and you promise not to tell any power, yet will not remove the cause of so much body, and you go and tell some body else; and he Each man thinks that misery and wretchedness? If this state of society tells another, and so forth. arose from any sterility of nature, or out of any un- another will keep the promise, which he himself has controlable event, we might bear the intelligence violated; and strange to tell, expects the practice of with fortitude and resignation; but, when we know truth to grow out of the example of falsehood! Some that there are five millions of uncultivated acres of think also, that if the prohibition against disclosure land in Ireland, which would not only give employ-should not be regarded, it will furnish them with a ment and food to the unemployed and hungry, but defence, if they are called to give an account of also restore happiness to millions of human beings, themselves for making the disclosure. Thus it is the heart sickens at the apathy that is shown by man that secrets get out, and then they gradually lose to the sufferings of his fellow-man. their original character and become publicities: they sometimes also gather as they pass from one to another, like snow balls, gather as they are rolled along. Some assume almost all the shapes of Proteus, and all the colors of the Cameleon, and become at length so completely metamorphosed as ultimately to retain few of their original features. It is said by philosophers that our bodies are entirely changed in fifteen years; so that although we retain our personal identity, is not the same body; but reports change so extensively and so speedily, as sometimes to be no longer the same in fifteen days.

[This suffering from poverty in Ireland is wholly unnecessary; we will, in our future numbers, give the full detail of measures which will prove the ease with which all the Irish labourers may be immediately employed on land in Ireland most beneficially for the landlord and themselves.]-ED.

ON SECRETS.

ALL secrets originate in, and are nourished by, an
artificial and insincere state of society. If all per-
sons were natural, fear and shame would have no
existence, and consequently the whole species of se-
crets which are inseparably identified with one, or

the other, or both of them, would gradually become

man,

extinct. For what has nature made in any one
that he should be ashamed or afraid of its being
known to any other man made by the same nature?
Under such circumstances, for any man to be
ashamed or afraid, would be to be afraid
ashamed of his nature, which is impossible. But
being made artificial by education, which teaches
him that he thinks, and chooses, and acts for him-

or

When I was in Lancashire I heard a shrewd man

say to another " Can you keep a secret?""yes," replied the other," and so can I," replied the first;

and made no communication to him. It immediately struck me, that as long as we have secrets to keep, and it is probable we shall have more or less, as long as the present old state of society exists, the surest way to keep them, is the same as the most certain method of keeping the bird in the cage, which is, keeping the cage door constantly closed.

I have often thought it illustrative of the benefi

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COMMUNITY.

The Congress of the Delegates of the Co-operative Societies of Great Britain and Ireland, assembled in London, holding their meetings in the Institution of the Industrious Classes for removing Ignorance and Poverty, have, after the most minute deliberation, resolved to commence a new state of society, founded on the following great principles;

1st. "That the character, under Divine Providence, is formed for each individual.

2nd. "That it is the interest of society, that the physical, intellectual, and moral character of every child should be well formed.

3rd. "That it is in the power of society to well or ill-form the character of every child not possessing organic disease.

4th. "That the Individual Competitive System is calculated to produce in the mass of the people poverty, crime, and wretchedness; and to perpetuate ignorance and disunion among the human race, and that the experience of the world, up to the present day, demonstrates this truth.

5th. "That the Social Co-operative System is eminently calculated to remove the cause of all these evils, by uniting mankind in properly devised arrangements, to re-form the human character from evil to good, by producing abundance; by making well directed industry honourable; and, by uniting the

exertions of all for the benefit of each.

Mr. Thompson, of Cork, Mr. Bromley, of Euston Square, and Mr. Hamilton, of Scotland, were deputed to look out for land for the purposes of a community. Mr. Hall offered for the purpose 420 acres of land at 22s. 6d. per acre, tithe free, on an unexpired lease of seventeen years, at Havering in Essex, adjoining eleven hundred acres eligible for the same purposes, equally free of tithe. Mr. Bromley, Mr. Thompson, and Mr. Vines, were deputed to visit the land, and report thereon. It was decided that 301. each for men and women, 31. 15s. for children under four years, 71. for those between four and eight, and 151. for those between eight and fourteen years, should be paid, to entitle the parties to the advantages of community for life.

Mr. ÖWEN said, that children above twelve ought to be allowed to choose whether they would or would not go into community.

Mr. PARE said, that those who had not funds, might bring goods equal at least in value, into community. This proposition, after some discussion, was carried.

The Congress adjourned till 9 o'clock on Monday. MONDAY.

The Congress met at seven. Mr. Willis, delegate from Wallingford, in Berkshire, was called to the chair.

further in the matter at present. The Committee were then instructed to look out for other parcels of land. After some other business had been dispatched, it was unanimously resolved-" That the cordial thanks of this Congress are eminently due, and are hereby given to Robert Owen, Esq. the Governor of the Institution, William Bromley, Esq. the proprietor of the building, as well as to the members of the Council for the very liberal and handsome manner in which the Congress has been accommodated with the use of these premises during their sitings." The next Congress will be held at Liverpool, in October.

CHINESE WISDOM.

Although we are not in the habit of allowing the Chinese the exclusive wisdom they arrogate to themselves, and occasionally we smile at their (tous) ridiculous ceremonies, and mandates; yet sometimes maxims emanate from them, which it would be well for the rulers of the civilized world to take example by; and, as it is our business to collect wisdom from whatever source it may flow, as also to use our best exertions to disseminate it, we cannot do better than call upon the "powers that be," to digest well the following saying of the Emperor Kaou-Tsoo-" That the monarch depends upon the nation at large, the nation depends upon the labouring classes-to extort from the people, in order to present to the monarch, is like cutting flesh from one's body to fill the stomach; the stomach may be filled, but the body will die; the monarch may be enriched, but the country will perish; I always consider the matter thus, and dare not indulge myself."

ADVERTISEMENTS.

Several Advertisements are unavoidably postponed.

THE THIRD GREAT
SOCIAL FESTIVAL

OF THE

ASSOCIATION OF THE INDUSTRIOUS CLASSES, For diffusing the most Useful Knowledge, and creating general good Feeling amongst all Parties, will be held at the INSTITUTION for REMOVING IGNORANCE and POMay 14, 1832. ROBERT OWEN, Governor. VERTY, Gray's-Inn Road, near King's Cross, on Monday,

PROGRAMME.-PART I.

Overture, Full Band-Glee, Foresters, &c.-Song, Light as Thistle Down-Duet, Minute Gun-Song, Bloom's on the Rye-Glee, Life's a Bumper-Song. The Merry Mountain Horn-Fantanzia on the Violin, by Master Cooper, pupil of Signor Spagnioletti-Glee, Hail, &c.-Song, The Mement of Victory.

PART II.

BRITISH COLLEGE OF HEALTH, NEW ROAD, KING'S-CROSS, LONDON.

MR. MORISON, the President, and Mr.

MOAT, the Vice President, in conjunction with all College of Health, being now fully borne out with the conthe Honorary Members, and Country Agents of the British viction, approbation, and indubitable proofs of upwards of 200,000 individuals (who have been thrown aside by the Faculty, and out of the Hospitals, as incurable) having been restored to sound health by the "Universal Medicines;" with all this iucontrovertible mass of evidence in support of the Hygeian Theory and Practice, which chalenges the controversy of the whole body of Medicists under the old system to subvert, they, the heads of the College, hesitate not to declare, in the face of the Faculty, that this new light must completely change the whole course of the Materia Medica, and introduce a new era in the science of

physic: that, in fact, mankind will be taught in future, a new and certain mode of investigating the nature and cause of Diseases in general, and possess a certain and harmless doctor. In confirmation of what is here asserted, the Heads mode of cure, making every individual his own efficient series of new cases, from individuals giving their names, of the College mean to insert, in this paper, a continued residences, and dates of time of cure, all of which have been voluntarily given, and ascertainable as to the facts, by inquiry.

takes leave to return thanks to Mr. Morrison, for the great "Sarah Squires, of Franks Fields, Broxbourne, Herts, benefit she has received from taking a course of the Uni versal Medicine, at the cost of 128. 3d. which has renovated her constitution, and restored her to health, after an illness of forty-two years standing, during which time she has been afflicted with an asthmatic complaint, attended with violent

spitting of blood, so as frequently to confine her to her room for five and six weeks at a time, and to completely baffle all medical aid, she having been discharged from the Ipswich Dispensary after being a patient in that Institution for the space of four months.

"May 25th, 1831.'"

The "Vegetable Universal Medicines" are to be had at the College, New-Road, King's-Cross, London; at the Surrey Branch, 96, Great Surrey street, Blackfriars; at at Mr. Field's, 16, Air-street, Quadrant; Mr. Chappell's, Royal Exchange; Mr. Walker's, Lamb's Conduit passage, Red-Lion square; Mr. J. Loft's, 10, Mile-end-road: Mr. Bennett's, Covent Garden-market; Mr. Haydon's, Fleur-delis-court, Norton Falgate; Mr. Haslett's, 147, Ratcliffe Highway; Messrs. Norbury's, Brentford; Mrs. Stepping's, Clare-market; Messrs. Salmon's Little Bell-alley; Miss Varrall's, 24, Lucas-street, Commercial-road; Mrs. Beech, 148, Sloane-street, Chelsea; Mr. Chapple, Royal Library, Pall-mall; Mrs. Clements, 12, Bridge-street, Southwark; Mr. Wallis, 3, Borough-road, near the Obelisk; Mr. Kirtiam, 4, Bolinbroke-row, Walworth; Mr. Pain, 64, Jermynstreet; Mr. Wood, Hairdresser, Richmond; Mr. Meyer, 3, May's-buildings, Blackheath; Mr. Griffiths, Wood-wharf, Greenwich; Mr. Benjamin Pitt, 1, Cornwall-road, Lambeth; Mr. J. Dobson, 35, Craven-street, Strand; Mr. Oliver, Bridge-street, Vauxhall; Mr. J. Monk, Bexley-heath; Mr. T. Stokes, 12, St. Ronan's, Dartford; Mr. Cowell, 22, Terrace, Pimlico; Mr. Parfitt, 96, Edgware-road; Miss C. Atkinson, 19, Trinity Grounds, Deptford; and at our Agent's, in every principal town in Great Britain, the Islands of Guernsey and Malta, and throughout the whole of the United States of America.

THE NEW PATENT BEAVER HATS.

Overture, Full Band-Italian Song, Rossini-Catch,
Would you Know-Song, My Lute-Glee, Aldiborontiphos- THESE HATS, being manufactured of the
cophornio-Song, Bonnie Laddie-Introduczione and Air,

O Dolce Concerto-A Duetto on the Pianoforte, Mr. Stevens and a Young Lady, his pupil, with full Band accompani ment-Glee, My Father Land-Song, the Anchor's Weigh'd Glee, the Chough and Crow-Finale, Organ Concerto,

Stevens.

Mr. Stevens will Preside at the Organ and Pinaforte. Master of the Ceremonies, Mr. T. Goddard.

A Short Addrses will be delivered by the Governor, explanatory of the Progress of the Co-operative Social System, as developed at the late Congress.

Tickets of Admission at 38. each, Visitors and Members, half-price, may be had at the Institution, and of Messrs. Allsop, 280, Regent Street; Brooks, 421, Oxford Street; Corss, 49, Shoreditch; Dempsey, 10, Bouverie-street, Fleetstreet; Franks, corner of Redcross-street; Haskins, 79, sham-street, Westminster; Hooper, 30, Great Ormond-street; Hopkins, Tobacconist, opposite Gower-street, New-road; Macpherson, 9, Cirencester-place; Savage, Baker, 14, Great

Regent-street: Nicholls, 57, Regent-street; Styles, 37, Mar

Titchfield-street, Marylebone; Clements, Norfolk Coffeehouse, Marylebone-lane; Borongh, 16, Chichester-place, Gray's-inn-road; Savage, 213, Tottenham-court-road; Noble,

most choice Materials, are more durable, light, and lasting in their colour, than any hitherto invented; they are made water-proof, by a process of stiffening with elastic gums, before they are dyed, and will be found the most elegant Beaver Hats that have ever been offered to the Public. They are sanctioned by the King's Royal Letters Patent, granted to ROBERT FRANKS & Co. Manufacturers and Patentees, and Sold at 21s. and 24s., at 140, Regent-street; 62, Redcross-street, London; 6, St. Andrewstreet, Edinburgh; and 97, Rue Richelieu, Paris.

MILLINERY, DRESSES, AND CORSETS.

LADIES, desiring Novelties in good taste, are

invited to visit the Establishment, 280, Regent-street, where they will find every Article at a low price, and made of the best materials.

FRENCH and ENGLISH CORSETS, of UNRIVALLED excellence, at VERY low prices.

Ladies who may address Mrs. Allsop, from the Country or the Colonies, may rely upon having FULL JUSTICE done to their Commissions.

To those Ladies who have not yet visited the Establishment it may not be unnecessary to state, that its reputa

It was resolved, on the motion of Mr. Pare, that: Tobacconist, 84, Bermondsey-street; Wilmer's Library, Sey- tion rests upon its character for good taste, very moderate

such members of Congress as were now willing to enter into community, do pay a deposit of three pounds each into the hands of Messrs. Grote, and Co. bankers, London, to the account of Messrs. Austin, Dempsey, and French, the trustees appointed by Congress.

Mr. Bromley, of Euston Square, brought up the report of the Committee appointed to visit the land at Havering in Essex, the particulars of which we stated in our report of Saturday's proceedings; after the reading of this report, the Congress unanimously decided, that it would be inexpedient to proceed

mour-street, Euston-square.

N.B. One Ticket will admit Two young Persons under Sixteen years of age.

Tea, Coffee, and other Refreshments will be supplied at moderate Charges, in the two principal promenade Galleries. The Doors will be opened at half-past Five, and the Amusements terminate between Twelve and One o'clock.

Just published, price 3d.

AN ADDRESS to the DISCIPLES of

ROBERT OWEN, on the importance and necessity of speedily establishing a Bond of Union of mutual Inte rests, for gradually carrying into operation the new Science of Society. By W. CAMERON, an Operative.

Published by J. Brooks, 421, Oxford-street; and to be had of all Booksellers and Co-operative Societies.

charges, and the honourable and liberal spirit in which it is conducted.

No. 280, REGENT STREET, Three Doors from Oxford Street.

Printed for, and published by, the Association of the Intelligent and well-disposed of the Industrious Classes for Removing Ignorance and Poverty, by Education and Employment, at their Institution, Gray's-Inn Road, King's Cross, New Road. Published also by Strange, Paternoster-Row; Berger, Holywell Street; Richardson, Holborn; and Purkiss, Wardour Street; and may be had of all Newsmen.

William Dent, Printer, Burton Street, Burton Crescent.

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OR THE

FROM ERROR & MISERY,

[Institution of the Industrious Classes, Gray's-Inn Road.]

CHANGE

TO TRUTH AND HAPPINESS.

VOL. 1. NO. 8.]

"IF WE CANNOT YET RECONCILE ALL OPINIONS, LET US NOW ENDEAVOUR TO UNITE ALL HEARTS.'

EDITED

GENERAL SOCIAL FESTIVAL.

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attempts. He then stated the advantages of acquiring the habit of meeting our fellow men, in order to act with them on the principles of pure charity and kindness, instead of meeting to criticise or satirise each other's dress, manner, language and persons.

Thus he added, will the incalculable advantages of a state of society founded on the self-evident fact, that no man forms his own character, so palpably perceived in the new infant association, over the old supposition, on which all the past societies of the world have been founded, viz.—

that man does by some unknown means or other form himself to be what he is; and that human laws, customs and institutions should be established on such a false and sandy foundation."

The company then distributed themselves according to their inclination in the spacious apartments. The musical and vocal performances were good-the dancing seemed to be enjoyed by nearly all, till a late hour-great good humour generally prevailed-each retired perfectly satisfied with the manner in which the evening was spent. Among the company present, we noticed some members of the House of Commons, and several artists and literary characters.

MISSIONARY FAILURES.

BY ROBERT OWEN.-SATURDAY, MAY 19, 1832. PUBLIC MEETINGS. laws by which his own nature is regulated, sees at once the hidden source of all these evils, which Ar a season like the present, when the people are neither the governors nor the governed yet running in all directions, exclaiming, "what must know. He perceives that man is attempted to be we do to be saved?"-calling public meetings-governed in opposition to the laws of nature-that prasing various resolutions, and making prepara- all the institutions of society are in opposition to tions for the future, they present an affecting those laws, and that this is the source of all the spectacle to the philosopher. From the eminence troubles under which humanity is now bleeding, of truth on which he stands, where the region breathless, and exhausted. He proposes "a NEW is calm and the sunshine perpetual, he hears the SYSTEM of SOCIETY," founded on those laws, in thunder roll beneath his feet, and sees the storms which the people are not to waste time in useless in which the multitude are wrapt, sweeping along petitions, but to take their own affairs into their the plain. He beholds numbers smarting under own hands; and, as the true Messiah, his system evils, of which they know not the real original stretches forth her arms, and kindly says to suffering cause, cursing others, who are writhing under mortals, "Come unto me all ye that labor and are these evils also, as the authors of these calamities heavy laden, and I will give you rest." -speaking at public meetings without ever having thought, or without having been trained INSTITUTION, GRAY'S INN ROAD, from infancy to think correctly, in our opinion, on May 15, 1832. any subject-exciting the feelings and passions of others by the fervour and copiousness of their long Laraugues, in the midst of which, if there were a fight, many would run to witness it-denouncing certain public individuals, and lauding others to the skies; and then, when the speeches of the orators are concluded, the proper number of cheers and groans are given, and the patience of the audience (a considerable portion of whom, though they hold up their hands in support of resolutions, cannot hear what those resolutions are) is exhausted, all retire, some to the publichouse, and others to their own, perfectly satisfied with themselves, cordially detesting their rulers, and anxiously looking for a report of their speeches and resolutions in the next day's papers, in which you see that opposing sentiments have been cheered by the same people. Then comes the morning press, rising in the greatness of its strength, nighty to stimulate and prompt to cater, which seems to guide public opinion because it follows it; under whose strong and extensive sweep, the weak minds of the multitude bend like standing corn bends while a powerful wind sweeps over the field. Information is spread-contagion is communicated-and confusion is increased. The provinces follow in the train of the metro polis, and the zeal of countrymen vies with that of citizens. Business is suspended. The innocent and unconscious sheep part with their skins, that upon its dried texture the humble petition of man to his fellow man, of whom in private he speaks with contempt, yet to whom in public he presents a respectful and humble petition, may be orderly and permanently recorded; and when these petitions have been formally read by those to whom they are respectfully addressed, they are laid upon or under the table, sometimes amidst dissension and disturbance, arising out of a discussion raised upon them; at others, they are interred in peace, not in sure and certain hope of a glorious resurrection, but with an earnest wish that they may be seen no more. The philosopher, who understands the

San of the morning rise! approach you here!
Come-but molest not yon defenceless urn;
Look on this spot-a nation's sepulchre!
Abode of gods, whose shrines no longer burn.
'I'was Jove's-tis Mahomet's-and other creeds
will rise with other years till man shall learn
Vainly his incense soars, his victim bleeds;
Poor child of Doubt and Death, whose hope is built on

reeds."-BYRON.

THE following communication appears to us to be very important at the present moment, as Missionary Societies are now holding their annual meetings in the metropolis, and publishing the reports of their successes to the world.

AMONG the numerous public meetings which
have been held last week, we have to notice one of
a character totally different from all others; one
in which the parties look to the middle and the
end of their proceedings, as well as to their com
mencement. We allude to the public meeting
held at the Institution in Gray's Inn Road, on
Monday evening. These Meetings, held the first
Monday in every month, are called "Festivals for
the diffusion of the most useful knowledge, and the
promotion of better feelings among all classes."
They are called Festivals, because they are open
to all classes for the enjoyment of variety of
rational pleasures, in rooms perhaps more spacious
and better lit than any in the metropolis, and
capable of accommodating at one time a greater
number of visitors. Superadded to these advan-
tages, a new system for relieving society from
its present ignorance, and poverty, and vice, and
all their unavoidable miseries, is gradually de-
veloped by the Governor of the Institution-a OTAHBITE.-The following is an extract from a
system which, he asserts, must very shortly super-letter very recently received from Elijah Armi-
sede all the present contradictory notions and tage, who went as a missionary from this town
counteracting practices of society, and entirely about ten years ago. The accuracy of the account
chauge the views and proceedings of the popula- may be fully relied on, from his perfect knowledge
tion and governments of all countries. Upon the of the people, and his well-known fidelity. It is
present occasion, after the company had been dated Eismeo, South Seas, Nov. 10, 1831:-" With
gratified with the vocal and instrumental music of respect to myself, and the work in which I am en-
many amateurs, and previous to the commence-gaged, I know not how to give you a just descrip-
ment of dancing, the Governor delivered an tion of the character of the people among whom I
Address, which was well received by a numerous labour. You have heard a great deal from the
audience.
Magazines, &c., which I think the individuals who
wrote them should be ashamed of, unless they
were quite ignorant of matters bere. After it was
discovered that certain plants, growing in abun
dance here, would produce spirits, the inhabitants
eagerly made them, and drank to excess. In order
to prevent serious political and other conse-
quences, a law was made that any person making
wine or spirits should be banished, and his goods

He proceeded first to explain the objects of these Festivals-he stated, it was to bring various parties together, that they might acquire some knowledge of the principles on which the new state of society is founded; and also that they may have an opportunity of trying to put the principles into practice, and of observing in what manner others succeed in making similar

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