THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A CHARTIST.*

A CHARTIST novel! And why not? We have novels to illustrate the magnificence of the well-born. Why should fiction not vindicate the pre-eminence of the lowly Nobility finds its panegyrist in three volumes octavo. Democracy is more than modest in preferring its claims to consideration in two. Mr. Samuel Warren exhibits his model aristocrat practising on velvet every virtue under Heaven. Who can begrudge a humbler pen the happiness of delineating Adam before his fall in the shape of a pattern tailor on his board? Romance is now your only teacher. Tractarianism condescends to accept her aid; Exeter-hall is not above it. Statesmen with eloquence enough to thrill a Legislature are grateful for her pleasant offices, and theories as crude and bitter as apples in June are swallowed with relish, made palatable and sweet by her magic touch. Why were pills first wrapped in tin-foil, but that mortals love to be improved and instructed, whilst taking pains only to be gratified and amused?

But let there be fair dealing! We will not allow the Chartist or any other man to portray the evil passions of humanity, to lay bare the ineradicable selfishness of an impure condition, and then most illogically to charge

* Alton Locke, Tailor and Poet: An Autobiography. In two volumes Chapman and Hall. London. 1850.

ONSLAUGHT UPON SOCIETY.

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political institutions with the vices that would be in full play to-morrow were all such institutions extinguished

that are, in truth, in visible and melancholy operation throughout the world at this moment under all forms of Government and in all stages of civilization. Because the whole family of man have lost sight of the commandment and example of God, we cannot permit a blind and general onslaught to be made upon legislative enactments which seek, as far as they are able, to regulate the imperfect mass and to reconcile conflicting inte rests and desires. If Chartism complain that the minority have wrested power from the majority, and are using their ill-gotten gain to oppress, and not to help, the whole community, let proofs of the allegation be given. If liberty to the meanest be denied, let instances be noted; if the path of advancement be impeded, show us the clogs that stand in the way. If "society" have the ability to elevate the physical, moral, and spiritual character of the needy, who cannot help themselves, and fail to exercise its blessed strength, expose the high neglect of duty, and without loss of time correct it. But beware of confounding the shortcomings of a nation's governors with the faults and crimes of the governed! Chartists demand the education of the people; they do not stand alone in the request. All classes join in the righteous clamour, and the universal demand constitutes the healthiest indication of the time. But whose fault is it that education is not at work throughout the kingdom? Who is to blame that the poor are given over, in the midst of luxury and wealth, to brutal ignorance and crime? Do not raise your finger and point to this or that Administration. The poor would

long since have ascertained their duties towards God and man, have been won from darkness to light, had charity, and not bigotry, possessed the public mind— had people been more intent upon the deliverance of the unenlightened than upon chaining all down to their own peculiar prejudices and acquired views.

Let the Chartist, we say, be reasonable in his statement, and we are ready to listen to it. Let him distinctly prove the miscarriages of society and of the laws. -and both have much to answer for-and he shall have our aid to set things right. We will read his pamphlet, his speech, his sermon, or his novel, and take to heart every syllable that bears upon his case. With

this laudable wish, we sat down to the perusal of the volumes before us; we rise from that perusal indignant and disappointed. Alton Locke is the composition of any one but a Chartist. The favourite author of the writer, whoever he be, is Thomas Carlyle, and his production is precisely what Thomas Carlyle would call a "wind-bag" and "a sham." We are free to confess that great power, strong feeling, and masculine language are visible throughout the work, but in allowing so much we have stated all that can be admitted in the way of commendation. Alton Locke is not the labour of a working man with a smattering of learning, but of a scholar with an inkling of Chartism. Not another word need be said to prove its utter worthlessness as a handbook for our guidance. The unreality of the tale is fearful. It displays Chartism contemplated by an enthusiast from some country nook, not the flesh and blood business with which the 10th of April brought us into bodily acquaintance. Had all Chartists as few

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MR. LOCKE'S GRIEVANCES.

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troubles as Alton Locke, notwithstanding his querulous conceit and never-failing impertinence, they would positively be the chosen of the earth, the most enviable of happy men. We have taken especial pains to discover the grievances which Mr. Locke can lay at the door of society," against which he rails from the beginning to the end of his book, and, with the exception of the complaint which he prefers very properly against an unnatural employer for compelling him to work too long in an unhealthy atmosphere, we can find him in no relation of life in which he does not figure under happier auspices than attend the career of the majority of our acquaintance. Alton Locke entertains an opinion not peculiar to himself, that it is much more agreeable to be born with a silver fork in your hand than with no such implement at all. We agree with the ingenuous tailor. So will every man who has to work for his daily bread, and to improve his position by the vigilance of his spirit and the energy of his limbs. But which of us dreams of upbraiding universal nature because inequality is her abiding law? Society can no more level distinctions than it can smooth the surface of the globe. We may whine through our threescore years and ten, or grumble through them, or bawl or fret; but the fact remains. We may do more. We may on the 10th of April, 1851, become a nation of Chartists, not of special constables, and in our vocation destroy the Monarchy, uproot the Church, annihilate the Peerage; but having done all, the race will still be to the swift, the place of power for the strong. Alton Locke is filled with amazement that men will consent to become

butlers-"not for love but money." Why should

he be? Mr. Locke is both tailor and poet. Does he imagine that Stultz's coats are so many pledges of affection, and that Alfred Tennyson has no annual settlement with his publisher? Mr. Locke insists upon the right of every labouring man to the intellectual culture and the refined society enjoyed by any other citizen. We are all to be aristocrats and scholars, for "the superior passionate artisan nature" is growing daily more impatient of restraint. Working women are to be bedizened in my lady's fine dresses: for "how many lovely and lovable faces there are among the working classes, which, if they had but the advantages which ladies possess, might create delight, respect, chivalrous worship in the beholder ?" Such are a few of the recommendations propounded to practical Englishmen by this would-be Chartist on behalf of his so-called fellow workmen. We had thought and hoped that honest Chartism seeks to reconcile opposing classes. Alton Locke will settle all our differences by thoroughly confounding them.

We

We beg the reader's serious attention to the following brief account of Mr. Locke's history. The poetical tailor is introduced to us as a type of his class. look at him, and behold the working man of the present era. We have therefore only to note his career from his cradle to the grave in order to make ourselves acquainted with the hardships, the persecutions, the oppressions to which labour is subject in unrighteous England. The two volumes constitute an incessant invective against the institutions and well-to-do people of the country; and of course the treatment received by Mr. Locke during his progress through life will justify the powerful