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TO THE IMPERIAL CHARTISTS.
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C^arttiSt $nttXli&e\xce.
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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To The Imperial Chartists.
TO THE IMPERIAL CHARTISTS .
Mt oeae Fbiksds , —Little time as I now hare to Bjsdf , I ti "" j nevertheless , that you will expect some notice / from me of » letter , and an Editorial notice upon it , . which appeased in the British Statesman of last week . I shall at onoe giro a brief usiratiTB of &cte ooanected with the whole affair ; a nd from the manner in which those facts shall be handled , yon will find that virtue requires not the zid of declamation to support it , and that it is only the conscious hypocrite who is obliged to substitute bad language for lack of facts . Now , just listen .
I armed at Manchester at six o ' clock in the morning of the 16 ih of August , for the purpose , as I understood , of attending a meetiag to be held in Mr . Scaolefield ' s yard , and a tea-party in Carpenters ' Hail . I understood , from the papers , that an intended procession had been abandoned . Upon my arrival , I instantly drove to Mr . Scbolefield ' s , and learned from him that the authorities had forbidden ell meetings , no matter how called , and no matter for "what purpose held ; and that the Monument Committee , under the tircumstances , had unanimously resolved to forego the meeting , prudently resobiDgto afford no occasion for a collision between the military and the people . They Beemed to remember that the blood shed on a former 16 th of August , has not jet been atoaei for ! .
When I found that the meeting was not to take place , I went to bed , having travelled all night-A Conference "was to have met on the following < 3 ay , the 17 th ; but it appeared that the delegates had proceeded to business on the 16 ih . At two o ' clock , a message was sent for me to attend the delegate meeting . I instantly started for the place and the carriage was followed by a vast multitude . I arrived , and the crowd began to increase rapidly , vrhereQpon the landlady gave us notice that we must disperse and leave the house . An adjournment was moved , to nine o'clock on Wednesday morning .
Up to this point no business had been done ; and the delegates said they regretted having sent for me at all , as my presence was not necessary . I thought it better that we should lose no time , bat that we should look out for another place of meeting , and proceed to business at once . I procured another place the same afternoon , which I believe no other person could have accomplished , and set to work to inform the delegates , who were ignorant of my success . In the mean time I saw Mr . Hargraves , and desired him to start from the Carpenters ' , Hall in a cab for me the moment the ceremony of drinking tea had concluded .
The delegates arrived at eight . Of course , 1 don t know any of them , as it appears that Sir Charles Shaw has a desire to learn their names . / tea * one We sat from eight to twelre in calm discussion , but no course was decided upon . When Mr . Hargraves arrived , it was unanimously resolved , very much against my will , that neither I nor any other delegate should absent himself for the purpose of attending the Carpenters' Hall meeting ; and a message was sent to the Rev . Mr . Scholefield to request him to make that communication to the meeting at Carpenters' HalL which he did .
On Wednesday we met again ; forty very excellent men . We sat all day . There were two resolutions and one address passed , and that was all the business done . I seconded the address , which was carried by a great majority . I proposed one of the resolutions , which was carried unanimously . / dretc up the address , tho only address that was passed by the delegates : and carious to say , the Northern Scar was the only paper in England that psblished any one of the acts of the Conference ; and it published every one of them .
I never saw so good a feeling pervade any meeting of the people ' s leaders : never in my life . ' all w&s union and harmony . At the close of our proceedings , and after the Chairman had vacated the chair , some one asked , —Tom Styles , of Snook ' s Tovm , I think , —whether or no the placard that professed to come from the Executive should appear in the Star ? I said " yes , as an advertisement ; and I will pay for it . " At ten o ' clock I walked down to Mr . Heywood ' s , He was out . I remained till he returned ; and the first word he said was , ** Wellj Sir , the poor devil that printed the placard purporting to emanate from the Executive , has been seized
and hi 3 press , and type _ jjre , all taken . w The devil they are , " saidf !^ " then I suppose if it is published in the Northern Star , the Leeds JustioeB would glory in following the bold example set them by their Manchester brethren . " H , / of God sake , " said Mr . Heyicood , " don't pub-Jith it ; for , so sure as you do , so sure will every particle of your machinery be seized , as they would say t vrns a great injustice to pounce upon a poor man ¦ and let the rich go free . " I said , *• But I promised , and ordered its publication . " " Well , then , you must be mad , " said he . I instantly eat down , and mentioned the circumstance to the Editor , and
recommended him BOt to publish the said document ; thinking its appearance in the last itohbbb of the Star would be but a sorry compliment to the people , and a poor tribute to my understanding after the warning . I returned to Mr . ScholeSeld ' s , where I slept , with an intention of returning home by the half-pist three o'clock train on Thursday morning , and was called at half-past two for that purpose , by the Rev . Mr . Scholefield . When he called me , I said , " Well , Mr . Scholtfield , I have made np idj mind to be the last of the delegates in Manchester . Damn the warrants ' they have none ; and I will go ont of Manchester in open day . " Accordingly I reicaiaed till half-past cine and started for London .
And now I may observe , that my conduct , from Erst to last , gave unmixed satisfaction to every one of the forty Delegates . I think all will admit that fact . I was to have lectured at Oldham on the night 3 of Wednesday and Thursday ; but the Delegate from Oldham assured me that I should not be eipectei ; and if I had been , I would not have gone . I vras to have been at a tea-party at Bury on Saturday ; but the Delegate from that town told me it had been put off . I would not have gone there either , under the then existing circumstances .
My business in Manchester wa 3 done when the Conference broke up ; and yet one would suppose that the " Old Chart ist" imagined that I was to lire there . But 0 ! what a disadvantage I labour under , when engaged in a . controversy in which loyalty to my party prevents me from referring to the danger from which I saved them !! while the chief object of my revBer evidently appears to be to set" the Government upon the scent of prey to be run down . Would that prudence would allow me to disclose all ! But no even malice shall not induce me * o commit any man . I would rather bear unmerited censure .
Sow , then , you have a plain narrative before you of all the matters connected with my visit to Manchester ; and I now pray your attention to the letter of the Statesman ' s Old Chartis :. " Here it is : — " 10 IHE E 0 ITOS OF THE BRITISH STATESMAN . " These are times to try rnens" souls . " " Sm , —1 am so sick at heart at the position -we now cccupy as Chartists—I feel myself unmanned , degraded , &cd iu-uk so low , that henceforth my name shall not , at least for some time to come , appear in connexion with the cause of Chartism . The people—the faithful confidicg people—have been deluded , deceived , and abandoned by their leaders : they have been drawn out
from their employment with a view of achieving the -grand object of their wishes , and with the understanding that a bold and decisive effort would be made by the Executive to obtain the Coarter . We are told that largos O'Connor , instead of being at the tea-party at the Carpenter ' s Hall , was engaged with the Executive on business of national importance . We relied upon tt&t , ard waited anxiously for tie great and important * m of what they had be « n engaged upon . We saw the Pkeard containing the result of their labours , an ad-&ea from tie Executive Council ( oniigned by-tbe-byj , n&ff&ine us that the machinery to prepared for a
Pitd national straggle , and that Id eight dsys . I canto t contain the indignation I feel at the thought * of * ea declaration . Great Britain would be in oommo-^ on . 1 inquired Into the details , bat I tu told on all ides Pe&rguj O'Connor bad raa away to London , for «** ot being arrested , leaving Leach to do the ilzn-€ trous part of pabliahiug tbete placards , which , In my opinion , « u a wanton sacrinoa of Leach by O'Connor , fie ( O'Connor ) was THE ma * the people looked to for * a « ample of courage and brwery , but he ian away , « ad ttea M'Donall , then Campbell , —in fact , all the UadfciB left the complete machinery * and arranj ? ettetts , like » self odor , to flo tie work . The
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people are thoroughly diBgosUd with the conduct of O'Connor , and also at the Executive , the paid servants of the Chartists , running away in the moment of danger . When we got rid of our old leaders of the first Convention , we expected we had room for honester and bolder men , but we have been deceived ; where now shall we find leaders ii whom the people can repose confidence ? I am glad to sea the part you took in yeur last' Statesman . " You ware np to the mark ! ' Bat let and one read the wishy-washy , trisby-traaby , apology of Feargus O'Connor to the ? Imperial Chartists' of Satardaylast , and the miserable'subterfuges of hia editor , Mr . Hill , in attempting to inn
away from the Movement , and throw all the onus or blame upon the Corn Law League . Such articles at such a crisis , -were treason to the people ' s cause ; and above all , the non-inasition of the Executive address was treachery of the basest description , and this from the principle oracle of Chartism is too bad . I have just been told tkat the ' Northern Star' was kicked about the Chartist room in Manchester , and that Feargua O'Connor's portrait and the Star" was publicly burned in Oldham . This shows that other people beside myself , are smarting under the conduct of O Connor and the Star . I pity Leach , for be has been seduced by the flattery of O'Connor that he has fallen into the trap , whilst his more canning coadjutors , M'Doa&U and
Campbell , have seen through the trick , and absconded in time . I appeal to your superior judgment , if this Address of the Execntive had been boldly signed , and O'Connor surrounded by hia staff , the Executive , had remained In the centre of the Movement , should we not have been in a better position than we are now ? And bow , by the late treachery and desertion , are we cot placed In a most dastardly position 1 I tell you once for all , though I am a poor man , Leach shall have every assistance in my power , but I utterly discard from my mind all idea of M'Djuall , Campbell , and O'Connor , for their cowardly desertion of the people ' s cause . "An Old Chartist . 11 Manchester , Aug . 2 lst , 1842 . "
Now , the most curious part of this rigmarole is the audacity of the writer , wbo , althoagh he is afraid to signhis own name , yet complains of the placard not being signed ! But , however , it is an curious fact , that there is not , from the beginning even to tho end , one single sentence or word of truth in this precious epistle ! This idiot would associate me with 3 placard with which I had no more to do than the man in the moon ] It was I who advised Dr . iTDouall to ' keep out of the way , as I learned officious fellows , like the " Old Chartist , "
had sought to implicate him with the ' extraobdinast "dcc ' cment . " I did it , because I thought that a man in gaol could be of very little service to his party . u I left Leach ( o do the dangerous part of having the placards printed . " Fool ! I wrote , moved , and printed , the only placard of which I knew anything ! ! I did not bear of the arrest of Leach till after my arrival in London ; and as soon as I did hear of it , I instantly wrote to Mr . Hey wood desiring him to furnish any atnount necessary for Leach's defence upon my aoconnt . Did the Old Chartist , '' or his backer , do anything like that ?
I am ready to believe that the " Old Chartist" is disgusted with my conduct , because my conduct has tended to expose such humbugs and to save my party from being a prey in such hand 3 . So much for tbe " Old Chartist , " and it is more than . such a fool deserves . Will he favour the public with his name *—Now for the Editorial remark of Mt . James Bronterre O'Brien : — " We agree with ' An Old Cbartiat , ' whose letter we insert , that tha Executive ought to have signed their names to the address , if they were the authors of it . We agree with him also , that Mr . O'Conaor has acted a treacherous and cowardly part in this matter , as he always does in times of danger . Bat we see no harm in M'Doaall , Campbell , or anybody else , keeping out of the way of tbe police aa long as they can . "
Now , then , what do jou think of that piece of ill concealed vindictiveness t O'Connor was a coward for doing , —what ? just that which M'Douall and Campbell were quite right in doing ! I I Why , you poor wretched'self'tor mentor , I never in my life felt myself chargeable with cowardice , except upon one occasion ; and that was , when rou refused to be " my friexd , " assigmsg as a bbasou that you were kot a FIGHTING man" f ! Is he a coward , who has been four times on the ground , within twelve yards of a loaded pistol , and has received three apologies , and has been once fired at without returning it 1 Wa 3 I a coward , when in thB midst
of . War horses , sabres , guns , and bayonets , I fought my way often on the ground in advocating the cause of Repeal . at the Irish elections 1 Did I prove a coward at Huddersfield , when danger presented itself ? Was I a coward when alone among the Birmingham would-be-assassins ? Wa 3 I a coward when I foaght my way at Manchester ? Was I a coward when I risked my life to defend my party at Nottingham ! No ! but I am too brave to seek a a name for courage at the expence of my party . I did think I should be allowed to apply all my spare time to the management of that organ which has now fallen into my hands for the defence of the people's cause : and lest slander nay make that that another sroand for complaint , I must set
myself , right in the outset . I have not undertaken that for profit . I devote nine hours a day , and erery day , to it , and travel twelve miles each day : and my reward , as far as money goe 3 , is the privilege of spending £ 1 10 s . a wetk , in the way of expences ! Now , I would ask , whether my time , or that of the creature who damns every thing he has a hand in , and feels sore that others should be able to remedy tbe evil he commits , is most profitably spent ? Never did any mortal endeavour to help the cause of the people , that some obstacle was not thrown in hia way by paltry politicians , who look upon agitation as bad , unless they have the cream of it ! I would have gladly seen the Statesman going along with us ; but ita recent kicks and jump 3 bear ample testimony that its hour is fast approaching !
Next week , a 3 I have been pushed to it , I may probably state the manifold act 3 of treachery which I have committed against Mr . James Bronterre O'Brien ! and if the world does not stare , then te munificence and kindnes ^ , an act of every day ' s
occurrence . But , my friends , let the p ^ ray things , who emain secure in days of danger , and , m the calm , rave from behind their fastness , rave on ! I shall still be found doing my duty to that cause by which I have so long stood , and so often saved from the snare 3 of our enemies . Never was there a more dastardly attempt to ferret out evidence for the Manchester authorities , than the publication of the letter alluded to ; and , my life to a halfpenny , either O'Brien himself ¦ wrote it , or it wa 3 written by one of the people ' s deadliest enemies ! I demand his nams . Your faithful friend , Feaegus O'Co . vnob .
The papers annonnce another retirement : the ; Marquis of Westminster give 3 up hi 3 racing stud , and retires from the turf . j ^ The election of a candidate for South Hampshire , in the room of Mr . John Fleming , took place ; in Southampton Guildhall , on Tuesday . Lord Chas . j Wellesley , ( a Tory , ) was the only candidate proposed , and he was of oourse elected . F — _—
Tee Cokkissioneks of the new Model Prison at , Pen wnville have appointed Mr . it . Hoskins , governor , j at a salary of £ 400 per annum , and the Reverend ; Mr . Ralph , chaplain , at a salary of £ 300 . j Eloquence . —The following sublime peroration ; was recently delivered before a court of justice in J the interior of Pennsylvania : — " Your honours sit ' high upon the atornable Beat of justice , like the American eagle perched upon the Asiatic rock of Gibraltar , while the eternal streams of justice , like the cadaverous clods of the valley , now meandering at your feet . "
Adv-icks frok Constantinople of tha 7 th instant confirm the general impression that the quarrel of j Persia with lhe Porte is on the eve of adjustment , j Sir Stratford Canning had obtained redress for dis-. orders committed by Albanians in tho Ionian Islands . A Turkish flotilla will unite with the English ships on that station to capture marauders .
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STATE OF THE COUNTRY . „ , , ^^ bTls ' tqn . ' r AUGUST , THIBTIEtH . Since the commencement of the strike this town has been remarkably quiet ; yet , notwithstanding the peaceable disposition of the colliers , our sapient magistrates seemed to be apprehensive of an outbreak , and filled with fearful forbodings , on last Friday morning , they assembled in solemn conclave to deliberate on the course to be pursued to maintain tranqaUity in these eventful and alarming times . Their fears , however , were Boon increased , and most alarmingly too , for whilst they sat in council a fearful alarm was produced amongst them , by the appearance of about fifty colliers , who came from an adjacent village , proceeding to prevent some men from working in a pit belonging to one
of their high mightinesses . The colliers , however , were saved the trouble , as the work had ceased before their arrival . The men would have departed peaceably , but a special constable , desirous of acquiring henoor , bomed cf Mb ability to put the cowardly colliers to flight : and that he did , and in good stile too , foraa soon as he was recognized as an official , a plain hint was given him , and off he run with speed , the colliers giving chase , which drew forth bursts of laughter from the people , who bad gathered pretty numerous during the ahort time the affair lasted . His speoialsbip was captured and rather-roughly handled . The worthy magistrate , on hearing the news , proceeded to Wolv « rhampton , and returned at the head of a detachment of dragoons , followed by a large posae of BpeciaUdbant , doubtless , on deeds of noble daring ; buf alas * thei (
valourous hopes were disappointed . When they arrived at the scene of the dreadful outbreak , not a single individual could be seen , save some women and children , who followed them to view their spendid campaign . They remained some ; few minutes gazing at the ¦ Yeomanry Cavalry , who wen drawn up in battle array at a short distance . After viewing the late field of chase they returned amidst the cheers and laughter of the spectators . I heard that the officer severely reprimanded the magistrate for what he called an unnecessary interference , and thought the demands of the men were jast and ought to be complied witb . This is the general opinion of all tbe well informed here . Although the masters are trying to decoy tho men to work , by promising them protection , but no rise of wages , tbe colliers remain inflexible .
The utmost tracqnillltyprevailfl . The men generally preserve a steady , cool , determination , and from their wwe conduct we must conclude that it Is useless for tn ^ masters ever to expect a surrender of the Bit-Btonians . The exertions of Mr . L ? nncy have tended materially to strengthen the tarn-outs in their determination , as alsa disposing them to tbe preservation of the peace . His exhortations have had good effect , and has gained him the r&sptct and admiration , not only of the Chartists , but of the chief part of the middle class , who attribute the peaceable condition of the town to Mr . Linney's untiring labour .
WOLVEKHAMPTOIT . TUESDAY , FOUR O ' CLOCK .. Up to the present time all continues quiet A feverish excitement certainly prevails , especially among the middle classes and the shopkeepers ; all things are hastening fast to a stand . The colliers are still out ; and I assure you , notwithstanding the base means that are used , and the lying reports tkat are spread to mislead toe public , there is no more likelihood of their going to work than there ma a month ago . The colliers of Wolverbsmpton and its adjacent localities are determined , let them suffer
what they may , never to descend a pit until they get their demand , namely , four shillings per day , for eight hours' labour , Ac . Hence we have bad no outbreak , no violence , no disturbance . Too much praise cannot be given to them for their orderly , manly , and peaceable demeanour , while they and their families are Buffering the greatest privations . Tbe rubbish collected from out the bank pits U being hawked about the town for cool , ftnd selling at on enormous price . The furnaces are nearly all oat , and in one fortnight more , all the principal maBn&cteries will be unable to carry on for tbe want of coal , whereby thousands will be thrown oat of employ .
We have got a detachment of tbe 3 rd Dragoons , and two Companies of the 34 th Regiment of Foot , besides some pieces of Artillery , a strong polloo tattt , and lots of special constables , and yeomanry cavalry . Such is our present condition . Myself and Candy are marked men . Linney is well , and up to this morning , bas hitherto escaped , - though there are warrants out against him . Mr . Arthur O'Neil , of Birmingham , and Mr . Froggate , from Bilston , with another last night , passed through the town under & military escort composed of thirty Dragoons , on their way to Stafford Oaol , being committed from Dudley .
MANCHESTER . ( From our own Reporter . ) On Friday morning , the day on which Mz . James Leach and Mr . Charles Turner were again to be brought up for examination , betwixt eight and nine o ' clock , a well dressed man cilled upon the Rev . James Scholeflfcld , and said he wished to have a few words with him . Mr . Scholefield , being engaged at the time with his patients , be went with him into a separate room , when tbe well-dressed gentleman above alluded to said be was requested to present Sir Charles Shaw ' s compliments ( although he did not produce his card ) , and wished Mr . Scholefield to furnish him with a list of all the person ' s names who were in his house on Tuesday and Wednesday , the 16 th and 17 th of August , in last week but one . Mr . Scbolefleld immediately
asked the name of the person to whom he was then speaking . " Irvin is my name" was the reply—( one of the heads of the police force of this town . ) Mr . S . instantly rose , and said , " Then walk out of my house . " And he at once obeyed . Mr . S . having on a previous day of tho same week been informed that the same person had been making inquiries at Mr . Brown ' s Temperance Hotel , " as to when he ( Mr . Scholefield ) was there last , with whom , and what about , " he told the official a 3 he was leaving the house , that when he wanted any information as to where he went , and oh what business , to call on Mr . S . himself , and he would tell him , and thus for the future save him ( the policeman ; a great deal of trouble He seemed , after this rebuke , to be very glad to get out of the house without any further ceremony .
When he was making inquiries at the Temperance Hotel , he wanted to know how many nights Dr . M'Douall had slept there ? whether Feargus O Connor ever came there ? To which Mr . Brown replied that Mr . O'Connor did not come to the Temperance Hotel . He then wanted to know the name of a maa whom he ( the policeman ) described as having sore eyes . Mr . Brown knew nothing , of course .
NORWICH . A preliminary meeting was called at five o ' clock on Monday morning , August 22 nd ., In the Market-place , to choose a deputation to wait upon the mayor , requesting him to call a meeting to memorialise Har Majesty upon the state of the country , which he refused . to do . Another meeting was held in the evening to hear the answer to the deputation , when it was resolved to call a meeting on the following evening , at half-past seven s ' clock , npon our own responsibility , which meeting was attended by 5 , 000 or 6 , 000 orderly and attentive persons , and the [ Mowing resolutions and memorial was adopted : — 1 st— "That this meeting highly censures tbe conduct of the Anti Corn Law League , in goading on the people of the Northern Districts to acts of violence and desperation , by reducing their wages in order to fulfil tbe prophecy given t j the Government by their Delegates ;**
2 nd— "That this meeting is fully satisfied that the House of Commons as at present constituted , cannot estimate the wants and wishes of the various classes of society , but that 3 House elected under the principles of the People's Charter , would remove the distress , and consequent dissatisfaction now existing . " 3 ra— " That a memorial , founded on the above resolutions , be Bent to the Home Secretary for presentation to Her Majesty . " ¦ 4 th—That the foregoing resolutions and memorial be sent to the Northern Star , British Statesman , and Sun newspapers , for insertion , "
TO THE QUEEN ' S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY . The Memorial of the . Inhabitants of the City of Harwich in Public Meeting assembled , Humbvx Sheweth—That your Memorialists view with deep re § ret the disturbances now going on in many part * of Great Britain , owing to self-interested persona having reduced the wages of the hardworking sons of toil , for the purpose of urging them to commit bteaohes of the peace , thereby fulfilling the prophecies given to you * Majesty ' B Ministers by the Delegates of the Anti Corn Law League .
Your memorialists , fully conscious that the House of Commons , as at present constituted , cannot possibly estimate the wants and wishes of the various classes of your Majesty ' s subjects , do therefor © humWy , but earnestly , submit to your Majesty tbe necessity of calling to your councils such mea as will introduce to Parliament the document called the People ' s Charter , thereby enabling all classes in your Majesty ' s dominions to be equally and justly represented ; which ' / our memorialists feel satisaed , would in future prevent suchlike disgraceful proceedings as they have-with pain-witnessed of late . And your M . morialists , Will eyer pray , &c .
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OLDHAM . FRIDAY MORNING . Mr . Warwick , at the Temperance Hotel , Yorkshirestreet , near the Albion Inn , was taken into custody ; it is reported for having a placaid exhibited at his door , wbieh came from Birmingham . Most of the mills in this town have resumed work this morning ; some that were working ahort time previous to the strike have commenced on full time , and it is expected that all will be at work in a few days .
At tees , near Oldham , a number of boys having colieeied themselves together on an elevated plot of ground ia the village , playing and shouting , a cry was raised that the aob was coming . This created such an alarm in the miads of the " respectables , " that one of them immediately rode off for the military , and in a ( tew minutes returned with about forty specials , headed by Mr . Wild , the superintendent of police , and Mr . Mellor , magistrate , fourteen horse and about forty-five foot soldiers , wending their way to the place of action ; bat , happily , when they got there , there was no use for them . Mr . Yardley will be brought up for examination at the New Bailey , to-morrow , at twelve o ' clock .
NOTTINGHAM . SATURDAY , AUG . TWENTY-SEVENTH . A considerable number of persons were assembled about tbe County Hall at twelve o ' clock , as it was understood that those who were taken prisoners by the police and soldiers would be examined ; and about hair past twelve , the magistrates arrived ; shortly after which Mr . Brown , solicitor , applied on behalf of tbe prisoners for their examination to take place , which was complied with . After their other business was disposed of , the court was ordered to be cleared of all except witnesses , who consisisted of policemen and constables , and others connected with the proceedings , when I took my place by the side of another reporter , and the following converaation ensued : — Are you a reporter ? Yes .
For what paper ? , Northern Star and British Statesman . This information appeared to have a very unpleasant effect upon them , and a short consultation was held , when one ef the magistrates asked Do you reside in Nottingham ? Yea . What is yonr name ? Morrison . By the Clerk—What ! R . T . Morrison ? Yes ; R . T . Morrison . Be then informed their Worships of some offences which I had committed against them , by my letters in the public prints ; but , after some further consultation , one of the magistrates observed— " It is an open court , and I Ao not see that we can do anything in it . "
By tha bye , their conduct displayed a moat exemplary spirit for tbe dispensers of justice in an open court ! Seventeen prisoners were then brought to the bar . The Presiding Magistrate asked Mr . Brown whether he should be satisfied with one witness to each case , aa they should remand them . The several informations , accusing them of riotously assembling , to the great terror of her Majesty ' s subjects , dec , were then read over , and each aworn to by some one of the police present ' Mr . Brown thought there was no evidence to warrant these proceedings , as there had not been any acts of violence committed ; and if it was an offenco to walk together La numbers , did not those who yesterday went to tbe Castle in such numbers , commit tbe same offence ? Presiding Magistrate—They did not attempt any intimidation to workpeople .
Mr . Brown—And there has not been any evidence adduced to shew that the prisoners offered intimidation ; they merely requested . Presiding Magistrate—They bad no right to request , as that is an offence . They were then told that a selection of those who had taken the most active part had been made , and the prisoners before him were those that had been so selected ; and that they would be remanded until a communication was received from the Secretary of State , to know what further proceedings would be instituted against them . Fifteen raoie prisoners were then brought to the bar , and told that as there were many much stronger cases , they would be dismissed on entering into their own recognizances of £ 5 each to keep tb . 6 peace for twelve months , which they were allowed to do without payment of fees , and discharged .
LOUGHBOROUGH . All is peaceable here , and the people have again resumed their work . The villages around here are mnch the same ; notwithstanding all this the police and specials are still on what they term duty , and I assure you they are sorely grieved that they could not try their apprentice hands at blood-letting . Thanks to tha good sense of the workies , they have been disappointed . ' Since my last , several have been committed for begging . I cannot omit stating the case , of two persons ; one a Cnartist , for begging , three months and hardlabeur ; the other , no Chartist , for stealing peas , one month . Such is Loughborough justice . To-morrow will be pay day . I am credibly informed that it will take not less than £ 3 , 000 to settle the bill of the peacebludgeons .
LE 1 TH . On Wednesday , there was a large meeting held on the Links , at which not less than 3 , 500 were present . Mr . John Clarke , a working man , in the chair . The following resolutions were unanimously adopted : — 1 . " That it is the opinion of this meeting , that the present alarming distress of this country has originated in the want of a full , fair , and free representation of the people in Parliament , and until class-legiBlation , and all other nunopolies are abolished , and labour , the property of the people , is entirely protected , there can be no confidence , security , or the smallest semblance of permanent prosperity in these kingdoms . "
2 . " That notwithstanding we consider class-legislation as the primary cause of our existing distresses , we have marked , with indignation , tbe system pursued by the Anti-Corn Law League , to aggravate those distresses by keeping out of employment a large proportion of the manufacturing population , in order to coerce the Government by the appearance of distress ; and failing in this , by having recourse to the dangerous experiment of reducing tbe wages of their operatives , thereby forcing them to a cessation of labour for tbe
Bake of self-protection , against unmerited and unjustifiable degradation ; and this meeting , sympathising deeply with their suffering brethren in tbe disturbed districts , do hereby promise to assist to the utmost of their power in lessening their privations , and enable them to maintain tbe struggle , If still persisted in ; and in the words of tbe National Conference , we would implore every man loving justice , and having a shilling at his command , to advance it upon the good understanding that free labour , ere long , will repay the loan . "
3 . " That this meeting enters its solemn protest against the self-constituted authorities of this country , for their employment of an unconstitutional military furcd , and an equally unconstitutional constabulary force to coerce aud overawe tue people in Staffordshire , Lancashire , Irjndon , and other parts of . the country , which has been productive of great disturbance , attended by the Ions of life , and the destruction of property . " Messrs . M'Creve , Tankard , Campbell , and Murray addressed tha meeting , and were loudly cheered . As it grew late , an adjournment was made to the Chartist Hall , which was soon crowded to suffocation , and the universal feeling was to help the turn-outs as far as our means would permit . Many seemed to think that the
proper moment was oorae to strike for the Charter ; but we once more protest against tbe Chartists b&ing made the cat ' s-paw of Secretary Graham and his friends of the Anti-Cjrn Law League . The difference between these gentlemen is entirely of an amicable nature ; both are agreed as to the propriety of fleecing labour ; the only thing to be adjusted between them is , which is to have the greatest share of the wool . Two well-boiled lobsters , in the skape of officers , from B « irshill's barracks , were present during the whole proceedings in plain clothes ; and their myrmidons were in readiness in their barracks , and our city bludgeon men were patioling our peaceful town in disguise . No disturbance , however , took place , and they must reserve the- " fleshing of their maiden swords for a better opportunity .-
Resolution adopted by a Committee meeting' of the Leith Charter Association , 24 th August ;—" That it is the opinion of this meeting that the six centres of Scotland be recommended to direct their constituents to eleot delegates by public meeting , to a general Scottish Convention , for the purpose of considering tbe best means of obtaining the People ' s Charter , and also to consider the resolution of the West Midland district , and the strikes and commotions in various parts of the empire ; so that we may act with union and strengthen the hands of our brethren in this holy cause . And this Committee further recommends that the . said Convention meet in Whitehall Chapol , Edinburgh , on Monday , the 5 th of September , and that all communications be made on or before the 3 rd of September , to Mr . Thomas Blackle , Secretary to the Edinburgh or South Midland District , at Mr . Drummond ' s , bookseller , High-street , Edinburgh . N . B . It is particularly recommended that all places send a delegate , if possible , or otherwise their opinions and instructions by letter . "
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GLASGOW . All has been bustle and anxiety amongst the authorities during the last ten days , in consequent of a rumour that delegates were here from England , endeavouring to get the trades of Glasgow to strike . Th 9 UKsln was . sounded by the Post ot Saturday , the 20 th ult , re-echoed by his brother , the Chroaids , of the following Monday . Yet , notwithstanding the utmost endeavours on the part of these twin journals to discover those delegates , and ascertain the real purport of their visit , not one could be found to convey to the anxious inquirer anything regarding the strangers , who , having satisfied themselves with the state of feeling in Glasgow , took their departure for tha North early last week .
A public meeting was held on Saturday , Mr . Proudfoot in the chair , to memorialise the Queen , to call Parliament together , to enact measaies for the ensuring the permanent tranquility of the eoaafcry . The speakers weie Messrs . Gillespie , Kidd , M'Ewan , Colqubous , Moir , and others . The following resolutions were adopted : — " That this meeting , being impressed with the present most alarming state of the country , do memorialise her Majesty to call the Parliament immediately together , with the view of enacting such measures as may be deemed best calculated to ensure its permanent tranquility . "
" That it is the deliberate opinion of this meeting , that the distracted , state ot the oountry , and the wutaspread disaffection of the people , originates In , and U wholly caused by claw-made laws , and the continued disregard of the petitions of the people by the legislature ; in proof whereof we refer more particularly to the numerous petitions that have been presented of late years , complaining of the restrictions imposed on the commercial intercourse of the country , aud last , though not least , of the total disregard paid to the Great National Petition , presented during the present
year , and signed by nearly three millions and a half of persons ; that while we complain loudly of this neg-]/ 5 ct , and attribute to it very much of the distress , and the whole of the discontent which now prevails throughout the country , we have heard with unfeigned and heartfelt regret cf the outrages that have been committed by a despairing and exasperated people in various parts ; that for ourselves we emphatically declare that nothing short of a complete change in the constitution of the House of Commona will give us contentment , nor , us we conscientiously believe , restore permanent tranquillity to the country . "
" That while this meeting is of opinion that classlegislation is the cause of all our present national calamities , it is no less decidedly of opinion , that the only remedy that can be provided to restore the peace and prosperity of the country , and give lasting contentment to the gruat body of the people , ia by immediately making the People ' s Charter the law of the land , which embraces adult male Suffrage , Vote by Ballot , Annual Parliaments , No Property Qualification for Members of Parliament , Wages for Attendance , and Equal Electoral Districts ; and this meeting is of opinion that this change cannot be effected so long as the present Ministers are maintained in office . "
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LONDON . —Mr . R . K . Philp lectured at the Star Coffee House , Golden-Jane , to the United City Boot and Shoemakers , upon tiie People ' s Charter , and how to obtain it . After which , 2 s . 8 id . waa collected for the wives aud families of thepolitical viotims . Several professional gentlemen having kindly offered their services , it was resolved , that a . concert shoaid be held at the Star , on Tuesday evening , September 5 tb ., the profits to be given to the general victim fund . Admission three-pence . Metropolitan Delegatje Meeting . —Mr . Squires in the chair . Credentials were received from Mr . James Morgan , from the hatters ^ meeting at the Brown Bear ; 103 . were received from Marylebone , for the Deptford Committee ; Mr . Lucas reported
from the Committee for getting up public meeting ? , a committee consisting of Messrs . Lucas , Lang with , Dowling , Knight , Walkerdino , Beadon , and Davoo , with power to add to their number were organised to assist in bringing out the Trades of London ; Messrs . Beadon and Knight were appointed , in conjunction with Mr . Campbell , to wait on the weavers to induce them to co-operate in gaining the Charter . A recommendation was given to the localities regarding the number of delegates to be sent to the Conference , their rate of payment , &o . An address to the femaloe was ordered to be inserted in the Northern Star , and Chartist Circular . Measures were adopted in reference to the Chartist prisoners , and the meeting adjourned until the ensuing Thursday
evening . Brompion . —At the usual weekly meeting , on Tuesday evening , Mr . Ford in the chair , after the transaction of local business , Messrs . Wheeler and Matthews were deputed to confer with the sub-Secretaries of the Chelsea , Westminster , and Hammeremith localities , regarding the propriety of their uniting to send two delegates to the ensuing Conference . Shoemakers , Stab Coffee House , Golden Lane . —Mr . Philp leotured here on Sunday evening , and was highly applauded . At the close of the lecture , Mr . Philp was nominated from that locality as a fit person to represent them in the Birmingham Conference .
Teetotallers , Britannia Coffee House , Waterloo Road . —Mr . Fergudoo lectured to a good audience on Monday evening last . Steps were taken in reference to sending a delegate to the Conference . Crown and Anchor , Waterloo Town . —A public meeting of weavers tvas held here on Monday evening . Mr . Campbell , and several delegates from various trades , addressed the assembly , and a unanimous feeling was exhibited in favour of the People's Charter . CUMNOCE .-A social meeting of Chartists was holden in the Campbell's Large Room , on the evening of the 2 ( uh instant , excellent speeches were delivered by Messrs . Johu Miller ana others . Some good songs were sung , and a genuine spirit of patriotic enthusiasm manifested .
STOCKTON-ON-TE * . S . —Mr . Peter Rigby addressed a large audience on Sunday , at Tnornabv Green . He spoke for nearly two hours to the entire satisfaction of the peopie ; after which , Mr . Dawson wound up by aunouncing that on . Sunday , or Sunday week , a meeting would bo held at the same place , when ( weather permitting ) Messrs . Williams , Chappie , and other friends would be present . Due notice will be given as to which Sunday it will be . ANDERSTON . —A meeting of tho Anderston Charter Association was held last night in the Christian . Chattist Church , West College-Street , when after some , other preliminary business haa
been gone through , Mr . Peter Bonar brought forward a copy of the British Statesman , and after commenting on the scurrilous language of an anonymous scribbler ia that paper towards Feargus O'Connor , moved a vote of confidence in Feargus O'Connor and tho Northern Star . This motion was carried unanimously amidst loud cheers . After some conversation concerning the Evening Star and the propriety of having it amongst us , it was agreed that the committee should maae arrangements for tho purpose of getting it . The Secretary was then ordered to sena reporte of our meetings to tue Star for publication .
tEiCSiTSB .--Another arrest has been mads in Leicester—On Sunday last , Mr . Win . Jones , 01 Liverpool , delivered an impressive address in the Pasture , to a numerous audience , which look great effect upon tha minds of the persons present . At the close , he read a letter from Mr . Cooper , which draw tears from tho eyes of most preseut . Another meeting was held at six o ' clock in the evening , which was addressed by Mr . Thomason , from the Vale of Leven ; afterwards , Mr . Jones delivered one of the most eloquent addresses it was ever my lot to hear , severely handling the Government ana police force . There were about 8 , 000 persons present ; : all yrmt off well till eleven o ' olock , when Mr . Jones was seized at Mr . Cooper ' s , by a body of ten police , and dragged to prison . They charged him with using
inflammatory language , whioh tended to excite the people to commit a breach of the peace . Nest morning he was brought before the borough magistrates , at the Guildhall , when after a lengthy examination , he was committed to take bis trial at the assizes ; but as it was a bailable offence they ordered him to find bail , himself in £ 100 , and two sureties in £ 50 each . Bail waa immediately offered by Mr . Crow , Chartist breakfast-powder manufacturer , and Mr . Deacon , of Brunswick-street , glovemanufacturer . Policemen were sent to inquire into the bail , and Messrs . Crow and Deacon were ordered to come before the Town Clerk next morning . They did bo , and were refused without any reason being assigned ; steps hare been taken to compel the magistrates , either to show reason or take the bail .
IiEAMINGTON . —The Chartists of Warwick and Leamington held their usual weekly meeting , and entered ihto arrangements for . liberally , supporting their incarcerated friends and their families . They passed a special resolution to pay five shillings per week to George White , so long as he , remains at Warwick Gaol . They also intend to sepa a delegate to the . National Conference .
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;^^ WV # ^^> . x / . ., ' < y ^^^ & ^ &h Grsbnock . —Public meetings have been holdett J J every night for the last fortnight among the trades ^ /^ L ^/ x , The people are in high spirits , and the cau 3 e looka ^* cheeringly . A great meeting was held on the 2 ° th of whjob . we hava received a report , but too late for insertion . . South Shields . —Mr . Beesley addressed an enthusiastic meeting of 10 . 000 or 12 , 060 persons on Tuesday . The spirit ol'Chartism is rising here , and we need but a few vigorous lectures to bring us up to the mark I
Dublin . —the cause here wears an encouraging aspect . At the usual meetiag of the Uaivtrial S ffrage Society , on Sunday evening last , the attendance was very fall ; several strangers were present . Five new members tvere admitted . Some excellent speeches were made , and a general good spirit manifested . BAHBtmv . —This town , a fow days ago , way visited by Mr . William Jone 3 , of Liverpool , and although his lectures were not numerously attended , owing to other lecturers and Batty ' s Circus being in the towu . Those who did attend gave it as their opinion i that this style of reasoning is calculated t » ealighten the understanding and to instruct the mind more than all tho logic of a philosopher- — every sentence teeming with knowledge . His presence here , at some future opportunity , will be esteemed a favour ; when , no doubt , we 3 haU have a good audience .
TON BRIDGE ( Kenti —The anniversary of the formation of the Association in this place was held at the large room , Chequers Inn , on Monday last , Mr . Payne in the chair . It was a most spirited and enthusiastic meeting . Some excellent speeches were delivered by Mr . Snelling , the Secretary , Mr . Elliott , Leigh , and otherat and were loudly applauded . Some moat excellent patriotic songs having been collected from the Charter newspaper and Circular , and adapted to music , ¦ were sang witUgreat effect by Messrs . Payne , Pu ^ h , Goddard , and others . Since the formation of the Association , the members have subscribed above £ 50 , nearly the whole of which has been spent in tho good causa ; and we have the satisfaction of knowing has been the means of giving a tone to public feeling ia this part , for there is no other town scarcely in th » country that cm boast of so large and so efficient a Society is this . We 'wish them success , and God speed to « ra in their efforts to obtain their rights .
MOTTaAm MOOR . —We have received the following , which , if true , certainly demands the most serious " and anxious investigation . It appears that the Chartists of this place had thought proper to holri a teaparty , at which a person of the name of Wild , a labourer in the cause of democracy in that locality , was present During tbe repast a constable , with three or four others , went to the New Cross Inn , where the festival was being held , with a warrant for the appreheusion of Will , on a charge of n-ing 5 nfljmiii . itory language . They entered the room , and immediately cemmeuced flourishing their cutlasses In a violent and threatening manner . Mr . Wild inquired whether they intended to murder him on the spot , as he was ready to go with theai without oSvring any resistance . They then
took him into custody . Mrs . Wild , and also her sister , clung to him , upon which the moat brutal epithetswere employed by the constables , one of whom actually stabbed Mrs . W . beneath the breast , aud which might have terminated fatally , but for the resistance offered by the bone in her stays . Another of the party fired a pistol , which only just raisaed , doing fatal mischief . A person Bomaway connected with the party , who made himself busy , but his indentions being not rightly understood , the man assuming the command fired hia pistol , which took effect at tha back of the neck , and the man instantly fell . Tue
constables then mode off , leaving the prisoners . The villain was , however , pursued by order of a magistrate , and baing buckled down , was taken imo custody . Wild waa # rec » ptured very early on taia morning , and was , when the account left , still in durance . Mrs . Wild is far advanced in pregnancy ; and when his father made application to the Board of Guardians for some relief for her , they refused to give her anything . Hia eldest daughter was also dangerously ill at the time he was dragged to prison , and she haa since died . We leave the people ( supposing this statement to ba true , and we have no means of ascertaining whtthtr it be so or not ) to make their own comments .
MANCHESTER . Carpenters' Hall , —On Sunday last , two lectures were delivered in tbe above Hall . Mr . Littler officiated in the afternoon , and Mr , Dixon in the evening . Tha lecture in the afternoon was well attended , and the lecturer very ablyexposad the abominable system which has 1 educed an industrious people to starvation , and then stifles their complaints by the bludgeons of policemen and the bayonets of the soldiery . Mr . Littler csnclnded by calling upon his bearers to continue tfea agitation for the Charter peacefully , yet determinedly , neither swerviog to the right bind or the left , and victory would ultimately crown their united tffjrts .
In the evening , the Hall was crowded to excess . Mr . John Murray was called upon to preside , who , after a few preliminary remarks , introduced Mr . Dixon , who addressed the assembled thousands upon tho preseut state of affairs , and cautioned the people againat spies and infoxmeiB . He then made some allusions to tbe notorious scoundrel who resides-not one hundred miles from Arundel-atreet , Francis-street This fellow deposed to Leach having addressed the meeting in the Carpenters ' Hall , while it was well known to all penons who
attended on that occasion that Leach was not there at all . ( Loud cries of " he was uot . " ) Mr . Dixon then pressed upon the Chartists an » l the people generally , the necessity of rttMkring all the support in their power iio those who may become the victims of tyrannical power , and concluded by calling upon them to abstain as much as possible from all exciseable articles , and thus cripple the Government , by stopping tbe supplies necessary for carrying on the crusade against the rights and liberties of the people . Mr . Dixon retired amidst loud cheers .
Mr . D . Ross waa loudly called for ,- who , after a few observations by the Chairman , came forward and addressed the immense assemblage in a strain of the moat impassioned eloquence , which completely rivetted the attention of hia hearers ; but as it is impossible to do anything like justice to this truly magnificent specimen 0 / oratory ; suffice it to say , that it must have been heard to have been appreciated . Mr . P . M . Brophy then rose , and , after asking permission of the Chairman ^ read a letter from the British Statesman , of the 27 th inst , Bigned " An Old Chartist , " together with the Editorial remarks , which drew forth from the crowded audience one spontaneous burst of indignation against the sneaking coward , who has bean acting the . part of a concealed , as well as cold-blooded , assassin ; and , amid loud cries of "damn tbe Statesman , burn it , burn it , " the following resolution was proposed by Mr . P . M . Brophy : —
" That it is the opinion of this meeting that the letter which appears in the Statesman of Saturday the 27 th inst ., and signed " Aa Old Chartist , " is a gross libel on the character of Faargus O'Connor and the Chartists of Manchester , and manifestedly injurious to tho whole Chartist cause ; and that a letter be wrote calling upoa the Editor to give up the name of the individual styling himself' * An Old Chartist , " together with an explanation of the editorial remarks in the same paper relative to the charges of treachery and cowardice against Feargus O'Conuor , Esq . "
This was seconded by Mr . D Robs , in a very energetic speech , in which he took occasion to contrast the conduct manifested by Mr . O Connor with that of uia base ttaducers , and ' ahewing up the malignant feelings by which they are actuated . He then made somo remarks upon the-disiuteresttdnesa evinced by Mr . OCoDuor throughout his whole political career , and concluded by making a powerful appeal to the Chartists of Manchester , not to all 4 w themselves to be driven from their peaceable agitation for the Chatter , by the
tyranny of mea ia power , or by the base and contemptible calumnies so uubluahingly heaped upon the character of o « o of the greatest patriots toat ever lived in any age or any nation . Mr . Ross waa repeatedly interrupted by the loud plaudits of the vast assembly , thereby furnishing another proof that O'Connor still lives in the affections of the people of Manchester , while hia base , sneaking , and cowardly calumniators are only &t objects for the scorn and conte / npt of every honest man . The resolution was very ably supported by Mr . C Doyle and carried unanimously .
Mr . Thomas Railton moved the following resolution : — " That Mr D . R 03 S do write in the name of this meeting to the EJitor of its British Statesman concerning this matter , to request him t ) give his answer in the Statesman of next Saturday ; and further , that these rflsolutions be sent to the Nwtlusrn Star and British Statesman for insertion . " The resolution being seconded from tha body of tha Hall , was carried nem . con . After the thanks of the meeting had been voted to the Chairman , the vast assemblage dispersed in a peaceful and orderly manner . New Bailey , Tuesday afternooD ^ four o ' clock .
Mr . James Leach has at length been liberated after every possible impediment bad been , throws in the way of his ball by the wanton neglect of the officers that ought to have seen after- them . Mr . Leach's bail was tendered on Friday evening last , and yet strange to say , he has had to remain in the New Biiley until this day ( Tuesday ) and the only answer to this unwarrantable conduct , was tha want of time on tha part of the o&ser , to go aaA examine the bail's validity . Mr . Turner and Mr . HnUWnson war « liberated at the same time .
Messrs . Tinker and Se&oa were again brought up for examination , when thers , was no-evidence against them but Mr . Beawick . This , i * tbe fourth time that they have been brought up and so evidence against thorn , and bavabeen in prison a fortnight , a thing unprecedented in Courts of JEuatioa in this country . Our readers will naturally conclude that Messrs . Tinker and Seddoa were dismissed ; as there was no evidence ; such , however , was Hot the case i They are to find bail , themselves in £ ioe each , and two sureties of £ 50 each , to appsar aga ' m this day fortnight .
Mr . Yardley from Oldham , bad not been brought tip whenweiqft at four o ' clock ; they were waiting tha arrival of one of the Oldham Magistrates to be present at the examination . NElYS p \ pjp j * f ^ S ifii iip ^ i ^^ MJPM HUS ^ taiiiwiw
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YOL . Y . NO . 251 . SATURDAY , SEPTEMBER 3 , 1842 . PMCE ,, ^" , ^^ % " "
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AND LEEDS GENERAL ADVERTISER .
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Sept. 3, 1842, page unpag, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1177/page/1/
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