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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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ITBETINGS IN FATOTFB OF THB TEN HOURS' BILL AND AGAIXST THE ATROCIOUS MAS- i TEES A 2 O > SERVANTS' BILL . . ! Heetixg at Stockpoxt . —On Thursday nsght a | "very large public meeting vfas held in the spacious Egaestrian Circn 3 , grabritiously given for the purpose , ] in order to consider the propriety pi petitioning Par- liament in favour of the Ten Hours'Bill , between 3 , 000 and 4 , 000 were present j ISi . Wobslbt , a respectable tradesman in the town , 4 ook the chair , and stated , that for twenty-six years he had agitated in favour of the limitation of factory labour to ten hours a-day . He-alBO informed the meeting that the rector -would have taken the chair if he had cot ieen otherwise unavoidably engaged ; and many of the other clergymen ef the town were favourable to the cause . He-explained to thr meeting that , inconsequence xa 24 r . Oastler haying to attend another meeting twelve miles distant , he ihould call oa him to speak first , before any of the resolutions weTS moved . -
Mr . OaStixb ., *» ho "war -welcomed "with repeated theerg , saiJ : —Hy errand amongst you , as it has been srfiongsfc yonr brethren fa the ' different inannfacturag towns of Torkshlre asi Lancashire which I hare had the honour of visiting -within the last twelve days , is , to « ak yos "whether yon have been konestly and fairly represented in the House of Commons -when it "was Baidthat 70 a are rot in favour of th » Ten Hours Bill ? —icheers , and lota cries of " If o . " *) I come here , then , and I prefer asking yon the question in the outset , in order-that it nay not be said beraafter that I have duped yoa in any way on this important qneatfon . f ssiyou at once , as you are coolly and deliberately assembled , —Are you the operatives cf Stockport , ¦ desirous that the Tea Hours * Bill Bhould pass?—flood cheers ) . has
Bat it ia said that your answer to that ^ uestioa beet . fjuided by delusion—thatyoa have bsea toldit wonldn i lower yora irxges ; no w , if it should lower yoar -wages , do yon wish still to have it enacted?—iloud cheers , Kid tries -of " YeSjjes . ' *) Let that response tra home on the Trlcgs of the press to the Hoose of'Gommons , and Etop &e month of evary false representative of tha peorfe "who dares to ay that the faetery operative ia noVis favour of the Ten Hours' Bill—i cheers ) . Before I proceed to taii about the Ten Hsurs * Bill 1 have a little matter of business in Stoctport . This is Mr , Oobdeirt Iwreagh , is it not ?—(" Tes , yes" / . Is he her * tonight?— {"? To , no " > I am sorry for it—( cheers ) . Don't think that I came here to excite party feelings ; not I , indeed 5 but I have a personal matter to settle
with Mr . Gobden , and I did hope , -when he knew I -shonld be here , in his own borough , and having grossly -fttiimrmnteJ me in the Honsa of Commons , he would hare taken this opportunity of proving his charge . — - { " He cannot" ) I grant , ^ m the occasion alluded to , jie did not mention cay name , bat ha most irjvio'ionsly Blinded to me in * manner whieh nobody could misunderstand , -when be said that there was an " incendiary exciting the ¦ workicg classes to destroy mathin&ry . '' 3 "bat wasTfhat he said in EllU 3 ion to me ; and I did tope that that gentleman , " who expresses eo much fei-Tency of desire to do good in his day and
generation—3 did expect that vile -calumniator of one vrhose mtentionB and purposes are , at all events , as honest as his own , would have had fee manliness , when he knew I should have to appear among his constituents , to eome here and before my face charge ms -with that crime ¦ which he most invidioasly insinuated against me in the House of Commons—( cheers ) . I can tell yon , genUejnaD , that whenever he does come here , if itbeyonr wish , I will be present to meet him—( cheers ) . Mr . Oastltr then entered into the general question speaking at considerable length . At the conclusion he was greeted "with three times three tremendous cheers , and immediately retired to attend the meeting at Oldham .
Mr . TsoitiS CXibk , an operative , proceeded to move the first resolution , -which expressed the deepest disappointment at the conduct of the Government in rnnniBjr counter to the rotes of the House of Commons , after that House had decidedin favour of the Tea Eonra * BlH -, and concluded by enumerating and thanking those Slembera of Parliament especially who by their speeches on the late occasion supported Lord Ashley . Mr . dark said that he should have bad mncb pleaEoro ia adding the names of Mr . Cobden and Mr . Marslandi gentlemen who sat as Members fcr Stockport ; but he ventured to say that those gentlemen did Bofc represent them . < Lond cheers . ) If " cheap J » read"ljad been tie question about which they were met , no doubt Mr . Cobden would have been there ; but of
it being only ^ one common humanity—( cheers )—lie did not come among them . They had a right , however , to ask why " iheir" Members , upon a question of such vital ~ importance to the working , classes , had not Stood forward to advocate their rights ? ( Loud cheers . ) Mr . Claris then adverted , in indignant terms , to tha speech which Lord Brougham had lately delivered in the House of Lords in consequence of the recent majorities in the Housa of Commons in favour of the Ten Hours * Bill , and ended by saying that the I ? oble Lord , as he had latterly conducted himself , was only fit for a lasa £ c asylum . ( Lond cheering . } After a reference to the operation of those meetings , namely , that they were free and open ones , and nsl like the laeetiEgs which Mr . Cobden frequented , Mr . Claxk cob eluded by moving the first resolution .
Joseph Casieb , an operative weaver , cam * forward to second the resolution . Th « House of Commons tad twice said that the factory day ahonld be one of twelve hours , including time for meals and refreshment — -Urns sanctioning tb » principle for which they had bo long contended , that ten hours per day should be tb » extent for factory labour for women and children ; and after this condemnation of the inhuman system to ¦ which the preceding speakers had eo powerfully adverted , they were to be deprivtd of the benefit of those majorities by ths despotic interferente of the Government Against that course be , for one , protested . The people would not , he trusted , submit to be" thus
lobbed of ad vantages , which -at such a cost of labour tad been won , and to which they -were constitutionally entitled , by the trickery of any Government It is now ( said the speaker ) for you to Bay wbether the Government shall , in contradiction of the votes of thai House , ¦ work women and young persons two hours a daymor * tkan the House of Commons saya it is right they should be-worked—doud cheers ) . If they had their rights they would rot merely have a ten but a eight hours bill , and with less work they would have more wages . That tru bia opinion . There was now a downward tendency , 'which the passing of that measure would cieck . Such , at least , was bis belief— ( loud chears ) .
Ths Chaixxas then distinctly demanded whether ssy one had an amendment to move J There being no answer , he -was proceeding to put the resolution , When Mr .-J . Leach wbs called for . He addressed the meeting at considerable length in s very able manner , and showed himself to be familiar with the commercial bearings of the question , and the connexion it had with wages . He maintained rh&t the master ? , as a J > ody , would be benefited . Humane and honourable masters needed protection as wellss the operativu . In iEnstration of this te referred to a curious document which had b * en signed by thirty-five . woollen masters in the year 1 * 19 , Those masters saw the absolute necessity of legislative protection on their
own account "What he wanted to Bee was a better distribution of labour —( loud cbecs ) , A 3 og " a life would be better than the life the factory operative led ; for a dog , if he occasionally experienced hunger , led a life of ease ; but the life of tha factory operative was in too many instances a life of hunger and hard -work—( loud cheers ) . He then alluded to Mr . Cobden , and Insisted that he was sot in troth the member for the Ixaronghj and that he was only returned by the long purses ; he held that he ( Mr- Cobden } had no right to misrepresent the majority of his constituents—( loud cheers ) . Adverting to ths Government , he insisted that it wss their duty to go with the people , baeked , as they were , by the House of Commons ; or resignpona cheers ) .
Ths first resolution was then pat , and was agreed Eo jmanimoEsly , amidst lond cheers . Mr . THoaus Webb , and operaSre , briefly moved the second resolution ; and it vras seconded by Mr . GEesshavt , also an operative . Ih « third resolution "was moved by Mr . JaMss -JI 7 TCHEI . I ., an optrative spinner , and seconded by Mr . Sxephes Clabk , formerly a spinner , but now-a piecer to a self-acting mule . " The petition "was then proposed and alopted unanimously . . K
Votes of thanks -were tbea passed uraniHioaEly to Mr . Oastler for his labours in the cause ; to the Mayor of Stoekport , Mr . C . Howard , for calling the meeting ; to Mr . J . Newton , one of the magistrates of the borough and county , for kindly granting the use of the Circus ; and lastly , to the Chairman , wbo was instrncted to write to Mr . Cobden and Mr . Msraland to sopport the prayer of the petition "when presented to I * arJiarjseDfc - UsezIko at OiMLUt . —Tha same evening { Thursday ) one of the most spirit-stirring meetings that have been held in this town for many yean was held at the Town-hall , to petition Parliament for an efficient Tan Hours'Factory BilL The meeting was convened by the
bead constables , in compliance with a requisition , presented to them by a Knmbsr of the most influential inhabitants and tradesmen of fl » district ^ who have long been convinced of-the propriety of legialatsve Interference in the hours of labour in the cotton factories TbeaaeetiBg was appointed to take plue at seven o ' clock , Mtlosg btfore that time th » doors of . .-the Town-ball were-feesleged by hundreds cf tha inieUIg « n $ operative of-the district who w « rt anxious to give « xpressien to aak-ftElmgB-npoa the conduct of the Gowrnment with xwsrenee to the Tea Hours' Bin . Tie nah into Quo room vstizemesdOBS , hundreds not being able to obtain ¦ rtmitfOTcg , aad Mr . IUMot 1 UP .. te «» borough , " on TOO * 4 ha tomb , -m * ( retted with 4 bk loata *
jpiMdtt&- Bt-wu soaoofukd far tbt ptis ^ Ml aUtgWMCTOf KM ^ ltlgMfc' - : - - ¦ fit Jossu + Mzlxz , of fte emlnwt firm of MUd * . Trsrifj and Mih » , w erilaa ta thu t * i ** r K » pegged , finprooeedinfa ia ^ an ^ xeaient i ^ dress , in the eoorse ¦ of wbicfa h « pointed out the boiefita which would result from s xet fnetion of ib » horn of labour , and eougratu . lated ih « Deetto ^ npoo tie rapid progress ¦ . which this questlen had iecenUy owda in the pnbHc mind . He pail a hjgh , tribute , to tfce dergy of : tte Ghsrch of jj * rihn ! i fay the nftn M * T in which they bad jnpported tbe&gbta ' ollatxmi , and Bpobfiaed lor &a absence of
teller . Mr / J > jw ^ tto JjCTmr ^ nt of t ^ paf ^ ctmrch . HLj . OiBtlei wju then attending a meeUog at ^ toekport nponihi t tot qaeiUoD , and he read a letter frv ^ w Mr .
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Charles Hindley , M . P . for Ashton , who was in London , regretting his inability to attend the meeting . ^ Ir . HALtiDATi a millowner , after an e : ^ cellent address , in the course of which he pointed - ' jqx the evils ¦ which had resulted from long working in' Actories , and exposed the sophistries of the Free 7 ' . rade PoUticai Economists with refertnee to the Ten F jours' Bill diminishing the manufactures of the count jj hy one-sixth , moved the followins resolution : — " Beselved , 1 . ToAt this meeting ia of opinion that the present long hours of labour in is stories are injurious to the health , detrimental to the j morals , and prevent the cultivation and development of the mental faculties of those employed therein . " 3 It P . L 0 B . D seconded the res station , which , having been put , ts-as carried with accl- iwati&n . Mr . W . Tat LOB . next rose , sad , after an excellent speech , moved the next n jsolution , which was as follows : —
< c Eesolved , 2 . That this iceeting is also of opinion that the evils complained of inHhe preceding resolution will never be effecto ally remedied until a Bill has been passed by the legi iMure restricting the moving power in factories to ten hours a day . ** Mr . J . Milke second , ed the resolution , which passed ; and a petition embody ing the principles laid down in the resolutions wpj s / jopted . Mr . J . Field - £ > , " AJ . P ., then same forward , and was received with immanse chesring . He said he saw a great many xruiligcnt faces in the room , but as it bad been said in . other quarters that the test of intelligence 'was the corAinuation of twelve hours labour In factories , he wished 'to ask that numerous assembly whether they considered themselves possessed of intellijencs or not 7
—( Yes . ) Mr . Gibson , the member for Manchester , had stated in his place in tke House of Commons that the factory masters and intelligent factory operatives of Manchester were opposed to any further restrictions than twelve hours labour in one day . He also believed that Mr . Cobden had sent down a massage to a friend of Ms in Lancashire t » assemblo together one hundred of the most intelligent operatives of Stockport , to ascertain whether they were or were not in favomr of a Ten Hoars * Bill . The one hundred men were assembled , and out of that number there were ninety who expressed their determination to persevere in the attempt to obtain a Ten Hours' Bill from the Legislature—( hear , bear ) . He tMr . Pielden ) thought that , after that expression of
opinion on the part of tha operatives to Mr . Cobden , that hon . gentlemen might , with great propriety , have supported the Ten Houra' BilL Bnt Mr . Cobden did not vote at all on the questioa . He ( Mr . F . ) wished to ask that assembly whother they were in favour of the Ten Hours * Bill being pasted in tbs shortest possible period of time by tba legislature of the country ? j Cries of " Yes . " ) He called upon those who were in favour of that to hold up their hands . [ Here the whole mass of the meeting simultaneously exhibited a perfect forest of handa ] Then there could ke no mistake about the men of Oldham , who were aa intelligsnt a class aa could be found in England . Mr . Fidden concluded an admirable speech amidst loud chee * s .
The Rev . Mr . BiRT , a Baptist Minister , briefly addressed the meeting . A voice from the £ oor announced the arrival of Mr . O-istler . His arrival was hailed with a tremendous burst < sf cheering . It this now eleven o ' clock , and Mr . Oastler immediately proceeded to address the meeting ; he said : —My friends , I kave just left an immense assemblage of thousands ef tha people at Stockport—met thtre calmly to deliberate npon this factory question , and from them I have received an answer which I warrant me you soon will give . My first business on my mission through the manufacturing districts , to wbieh I have bean driven by the taunts and threats of those in power—my first business is Vo know if those members of Parliament who have
repre-S 3 iit » d to the Government , and to the Legislature , that the working classes in the manufacturing districts are opposed to the Ten Hours' BUI , have stated the truth ? I shall , therefore , before I proceed farther , ask you , men of Oidham , are yoa , or are yon not , in favour of a Ten Houra * Bill ? Answer me like men—* ' Yes" or " No . "— tLond cries of " Y « a , yes , we are . ") But if it should happen—as some persons say it will happenthat wages wiU be lower if the Ten Hours' Bill be granted—tell me , notwithstanding that , would you have ihs Ten Houis' Bill ?—I" Yes , yes , else we should not be here . " ) Mr . Fielden , you new hear tae voice of ycur constituents . I am glad that yoa are thus strengthened : you will be able to give a contradiction to those M P . ' s - "ho have dared to misrepresent the people . I wonder how it is that we , who are only seeking by constitutional means to obtain this bill , should be called a disorderly set , going from town to tows kicking up disturbances , and setting the
employ tr and employed st variance with each other . I wonder how it is that in the wisest assembly of people in the world , though on this point many are not bo wise as the peopla wko send them—I wonder wby it is that sometimes , even fey a Minister of the Crown , we should be denounced as inocudiariw ? Is it because men in office will not give themselves the trouble to inquire ; and is it because certain people , who conceive that they have an interest in deceiving them , misrepresent all we ssy , ana thus pervert the truth . I rtjoice that the taunts of the Ministry and the misrepresentations of their adherents have provoked me upon this occasion to call upon the inhabitants of every manufacturing to wo , and as much as possible to visit them myself , in order that I may know that I h * ve not been deceived , and that the Government have been duped by your traducers . I find that in every town there is an unanimous feeling that the Ten Hours * Bill is not only desirable , but absslutely necessary .
Sir OasQw , af : tr speaking at some length , concluded an excellent speech amidst loud cheers . When he bad retired , ilr . Hobson , of Leeds , addressed the assembly in a short but effective speech , which was loudly cheered . On bis retirement , a petition against the " Masters and Servants' Bill" was read to the meeting , proposed , and unanimously adopted . At about halfput twelve o ' clock , the meeting broke up , having lasted &v * and a half houra . 51 EETISG mi BL-iCKucax . —On Friday evening a public metting was held on the ten hours factory question in the theatre of this town , that building having been selected &s the Biost commodious that could be
procured . The streets and avenues leading to the theatre were much thronged , ieng before the proceedings commenced ; and , had the building been capable of containing three or four times the number it did , no doubt it would have been filled . Among those gentlemen who had promised to attend , were Mr . Hornby , Mr . Kenworthy , Mr . W . Alston , Mr . T . B , Turner , Mr . J . Forrest , and several other most respectable master manufacturers in th » town . Ia the absfenee of the Rev . T . B . Wh&eler , -who hud been expected to take the chair .
The Hev . T . K . DiCKlssoN , Incumben * of Salesbury , in the parish of Blackburn , was called on to preside . On taking the chair , he said it was with much pleasure he stood before them as chairman of that meeting , convened , as it was , for the promotion of an object which had ever been dear to his heart As a minister of the Church of England , he was well acquainted with the melancholy condition of the operatives in factories . He had visited them in their sickness—he had seen their wants—be knew their wishes—and he believed the Ten Hours' Bill would not only be received by them as an inestimable boon , but it would go far to remove their social misery , to increase their domestic comforts , and give them an opportunity , -which they did not now enjoy , of improving their mental , moral , and religious condition—( cheers ) .
Mr . W . Ke » wob . tht , a master manufacturer { partner -with Mr . Hornby , one of the Members for the borough ) , said , he had been called npon by tke operatives of Blackburn to propose the first resolution ; it was one of vital importance to themselves , and of some consideration to their masters ; one which he was anxious to support , bnt to which he was sorry to Bay that be could sot do justice . It afforded him some consolation to know that he was addressing the working classes , from whose ranks he had sprung , and whose society he must ever esteem from the remembrance of the many obligations he owed to them , —a class of individuals whose interest was identified with his own , that of the large concern with which he was connected , and whose ardueus duties he coold well
appreciate both from daily observation and the recolleetion of his early life , when it was his lot to labour as they now did . It -was admitted on all hands that the demand of the operatives was most reasonable and just , on the Bcore of humanity ; but they-were told that they were not to consider humanity in this vital question . Indeed J if steam-engines and machinery were to expel every feeling of humanity , the next generation must be in an awful state . ( Cheers . ) The practicability , then , of the measure was the question . Government had been told that wages would be reduced 25 per cent , and goods would be so much dearer that they would not be able to sell them in a foreign market Both these statements could sot be trse . They were enough , when boldly announced , to stagger the House of Commons and the public ; but they were false , and designed merely to frustrate the object of the
measure . The speaker went into calculations proving the truth of his position , and the falsehood of that of the opponents of the measure . He continned , Some people advocated the principle of no lestriction npon factory labour . He remembered the horrors of that system . When he was a " piecer" in the cottonmill , many a time had he tied his legs together on going to bed that he might not be too late for his work in the morning j iandthus was he kept in a state * of complete watchfulness daring many a long nfghtjjcheers ) .- Those were bygone days with him ; but ha knew that there were many anxious parents In that assembly who were kept in a similar state of watchful new ioseearetbe early rising of their children ; and , wfeafcererno ' Teitrictlon" might be ia theory , it ^ na daUj proved to be mort baneful in practice —[ loud cheew . ) HeJui beta ealled apon to ftpport a mechanics ' Instlt * tto « » hkb ir » j intended to be formed In that town ; to
but , althoogb be wair r ^ ady smbscribe towards its «* hibHtfiTnfnty he bad gnat fear * for iti mceeas . They might rest mtisfled that neither mechanics' institutions , philosophical societies , school * , museums , dot gymnasiums , could be rendered useful to the working man , until he had time to avail himself of the advantages ¦ wh ich they -wise calculated to confer- ^( cheer 8 } . He was glad to i * enabled to congratulate them that there wm a favourable opinion towards their objects entertalked amongst the master manufacturers of Blackburn ; knthe wa «* ony he " could not ' speak to ' favourably of the Preston masters , who , it was understood , were almost frightened brio fits "ffbea they heard of Lord
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Ashley ' s majority . One * f-them-being a-railway director , deemed It necessary to despatch a special train of •¦ l ong-timers" to waft upon Sir J . tjraham but as the deputation did . notxbnalst of pra ^ tfeal men , it might be easily conceived that their report carried v ? ith it Httle weight this was another application of steam power to an-evil purpose . He- concluded by moving the following resolution : ^~ "That thfa meeting believes that what Js commonly understood as the Ten Hours' Bill , meaning theraby the limitation of factory labour to twelve hours a-day , with proper allowance for meals , is a just and reasonable demand on the part of the operatives , and this meeting isreBolved to support Lord Ashley by every upright and honourable means in his endeavour to abridge the hours of labour , and ia mest deeply grieved that Government should refuse te give his proposition of eleven houra a-day a trial for two years . "
The resolution having been seconded by Matthew Rigby , an operative , The Chairman introduced Mr . Oastler , as a man whom , he was proud to say , he had known moBfe intimately , even from his infancy , as a benefactor of hia species , wh&ss fame was in every part of England aa a friend of the working classes , the advocate of 1 > he poor and the defenceless factory children —( load cheers ) . Mr . Oastler proceeded to address the meeting at great length . In the course of his speech he put it to the meeting whether they were for the Ten Hours' Bill , under all circumstances . They knew ( said Mr . Oastler ) the question had now arrived at that stage when it would be impossible for any Government to resist
it—( cheers ) . It would therefore be much better for their opponents to cease their enmity and come quietly and dispassionately among them , to settle the question as friends , rattier than as enemies—( cheers ) . They were resolved to have the Ten Hours' Bill ; and if Sir Robert Peel was determined to risk bis place on the question they were resolved taat out he should go —( loud cheers ) . It was this question that raised him to power ; and if he turned his back on his wet nurse , why they must turn him out of the nursery—that was all—( laughter ) . He had come there on a very short errand . It had been stated by certain members in the House of Commons that the -working people of the factory districts were not in favour of the Tan Hours' Bill . He wished them to think , to be deliberate , and to answer not hesitatingly , but distinctly and decidedly , were tbey or were
they not for tha Ten Hours' Bill ?—( long-continued cheering , and a cry , " We want an eight hours ' Bill . " ) They must recollect that aneight hours' bill was not before the House . The question , ho repeated , was , were they in favour of a Ten Houra' Bill?—( loud and unanimous cheering ) . He would put another question to them . It was said that the adoption of the Ten Hours' Bill wonld lower wages . He' would not Boy what was his opinion on that point—( cheers , and cri « s of " It will raise wages" ); but supposing it should reduce wages , were they , the men of Blackburn , for the Ten Hours' Bill . '—( loud cheers , and cries of " We are . " ) If there were any Millowner in that assembly he must admit the question bad been fairly put , and unreservedly answered—( cheers ) . Mr . Oastler concluded a lengthy speech , amidst loud and continued cheerJne .
Mr , J . B . Lasgley ., surgeon , moved the second resolution . Mr . JOHN Tohlinson , an operative , seconded the resolution , and stated a striking fact as bearing upon the twelve hour system . It was but the other day that an overlooker rusaed into the room into which he was working in the la « t hour of the the factory day , announcing that something bad happened . On going to see what was the matter , ha found that a married woman advanced in pregnancy , was bleeding profusely in consequecca of a blood vessel in one of her legs bursting . He assisted in carrying this poor woman home , and he could not help thinking that if she hart not stood tho last hour of the twelve , that accident ¦ wou ld not have occurred—( loud cheers ) . Mr . Samuel KYDD moved the third resolution , which was seconded by Mr . Fielden , a shopkeeper , and supported by Mr . Jowett .
The Rev . Mr . Shabples , one of the ministers of St Peter ' s , Blackburn , took part among the movers and seconders of the remaining resolutions of thanks to Mr . Kenworihy , Mr . Oastler , Mr . Jowett , and the chairman , and the meeting , conducted throughout ; with the utmost decorum and unanimity , then dispersed . Ureat Meeting at Asuion—Satuhdat . —The factory operatives of this town , the centre of a very populous manufacturing district , met this afternoon to consider of the propriety of petitioning the House of Commons for a Ten Hours' Bill . Xhe people bad assembled in an immense moss fron 8 , 000 to 10 , 000 in the Market-place , expecting the arrival of Mr . Oastler , at five o'clock . It was seven o'clock ,
however , before that gentleman made hia appearance in Aebton , when he communicated to the Short Time Committee his utter inability to address tVe people out of doors ; and thia beiDg notified to the crowd , it was resolved that as many of them aa could should repair to the Cbarleetown Chapel , a building capable of containing about 1 . 500 . Mr . Oastler , however , being anxious to say a ft > w words to satisfy those who could not be accommodated within the walls , repaired to the Market-place , where , he was most cordially welcomed by the assembled crowd , and after speaking a few minutes proceeded to the chapel , which was crammed with operatives , men , women , and children , who greeted Mr . Oostler's arrival there with the utmost enthusiasm .
James Tat lob , an operative took the chair , and introduced Mr . Oastler . Mr . Oastler , in addressing the meeting said , he bad come oat of prison with bis purpose more used and his determination mote strong than before , that he would never cease endeavouring to impress on the public mind the necessity of that act of justice which , for the last fourteen years , it had been the chief business of his life to obtain . He had just parted with a large and numerously assembly of the people of Ashton in the Marketplace . ThouBnndfl upon thousands , he was told , had been waiting there for hours , expecting to see their old friend , and he Should havs been delighted to address them ; but imprisonment had left him weaker than It fonnd him , and the labours of the last fortnight had
well nigh exhausted that little strength which some week ' s residence on the wolds of Yorkshire had given him . He was , therefore , obliged simply to show himself , and to ask them a question , which he was now about to ask that meeting ; for it was the verdict of the working classes in the factory districts that he was travelling from town to town to take . He asked them in the Mark « t-p ? aco , " Are you for the Ten Houra' Bill ?" and they replied tbey were . O ! how he was delighted at thejuveniie sound of a large assembled mass of youDg children behind him shouting , "Ay , we are "—( a laugh ) . He then asked them , " If wages are lowered by the Ten Hours' Bill , are you still wishful to obtain it ?" Their answer was , " Yes . " He now asked the men of Asbton Bgain to be calm and deliberate , for whatever
answer they gave would be recorded in the House of Commons , —Are yen , or are you not , for the Ten Hours ' Factory Bill ?—( loud cries of "Yes , yes ") . You are : but then , luppose that it should reduce your wages , what then ? What say you ?—( An unanimous shout , "We want the Ten Houra' Bill . " ) Then , the business for which be had come was done , and now for a bit of plea-Bure . Mr . Oastler continued to speak at great length , relating In the course of his speech the following curious anecdote of the Premier . He did not like to allude to private family affifrs—nothing would urge him te do bo but " a great state necessity . " Sir Robert Peel had daughters ; tbey might have been factory operatives .
He would tell them an anecdote . The late Michael T . Sadler was once dining with Sir Robert Peel , and in ths course of the afternoon , while walking about the dining room , bis eye was attracted by a picture , which greatly admiring , he ask « d Sir Robert Peel whose portrait it was ? " Don't you know ? " said Sir Robert j " it is Miss Peel , my eldest daughter . " Upon which Mr . Sadler clasped bis bands and exclaimed , " O thank God she was not brought up a factory girL "—( cheers ) . Sir Robeit Peel , instead of being thankful for that mercy , was offended with Mr . Sadler for thus expressing the benevolent feelings of his heart : and to that circumstance Mr . Sadler himself declared he believed Sir Robert Peel ' s rude behaviour to him in
arter-life was to be attributed . " For" said Mr . Sadler , " whenever I rise . in the House of Commons to speak on the factory system , Sir Robert always rises and haughtily walks out of the house . " He did not like alluding to those things , bnt if "state necessity" required that the poor women and poor youths of England should bear the burden of the state , and be crushed to death in order to lay a foundation for England ' s glory , the Prime Minister muBt be contented , if at a public meeting , and he hoped through the public press , he gave the reason why that-Minister opposed the Ten Hours ' Factory Bill , and thus poured contempt ; oa the wisdom of his sire . Mr . Oastler then gave an account of his progress through the manufacturing districts , and of tfce unanimous opinion of the working classes recorded
in avour of the Ten Hours' BiU . He thought he had now performed hia duty . ( Cheers . ) He was not fond of wfeat was commonly called " agitation . " He would ten times rather have remained at Wold Newton-hall , but the working men had been misrepresented ia the House of Commons ; and , on the strength of that misrepresentation , the Government had audaciously declared that they would stand or fall by their Twelve Hours' Factory BilL The agitation of thiB question would not cease . Although it was necessary for him to go to London , the agitation would be continued by the working men fa the factory districts ; and if , after all , it was required , he would have a West Riding and South
a Lancashire meeting—when they would aee whether any Prfm 6 Minister would , upon an acknowledged unjust principle already ^ wjectad by the House of Commons , attempt to assert hia power in defiance of that load voice frem the people , booked as it was on Sir R . Peel ' * own ahewiag , by the irord c « CW . He woald ranch ratter cpnvinoe Six R . Peel than aee him driven from oBce j but , if ke was resolved sot to listen to tin-Voice of the aasembled thousands irhom he ( Mr . Oastier ) had addressed daring the . last fortafeht , and thoat who weald raise their voices in the next week or two , out he would go . ( Mr . Oastier then retired amldBi the loudest cheers and demoasbtaiions of the strongest affection from the people . )
Mr . GE 0 B . GB Johhs © n moved the first resolutloa — ' ! Thati in jfchftop ' mion of tbir meeting ,, the proceedings of the Government , In opposing the humane proposition of Lord Ashley , is alike factious and uncon-Btitutiooalj Md . la deserving the condemnation of er $ iy
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lover of his kind ; and that aa Executive Government thai will not make humanity and justice tbe basis of all law , is unworthy the confidence of tha labouring population of Great Britain and Ireland . " Mr . W . AlTliEN eecondedibe motion . The resolution was put , and carried unanimously . Mr , R . PM . UKO , an operative weaver , moved the second resolution ; which was seconded , by Mr , T . Cook , and carried unanimously : — "That In the opinion of this meeting ten hours per day labour in mills is as much as nature can bear ; and that we pledge ourselves individually and collectively to support Lord Ashley , and others who support him , in their endeavours to get placed upon the statute book of Great Britain au efficient Ten Bouts ' BUI , and never to rest satisfied until such measure of justice be granted to the men , women , and children in the manufacturing districts . "
Mr . Samuel howarxh , an operative cotton spinner , acoved the adoption ef a petition to Parliament , founded on the resolutions . ) The petition was seconded by &n operative in the body of the meeting . It was put to the meeting , and carried unanimously . Thanks were then voted Lord Ashley , Mr . Onsttor , and other friends , and to tho Chairman . After which the meeting separated about half-past nice o ' clock .
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they t&mely , basely submit to such aa horrible infliction , and resumed his seat amid much applause . Mr . James rose to second the resolution , and said it might be very well for him or any one else to sit still who had good and humane masters who would not take advantage of this monstrous measure ; but there were masters of another description whoj would dalight in the tortures it Inflicted , and it was their duty to guard against it , and repel this aecuraed measure . It waa his opinion that any one who neglected to oppose this hideous measure was not a man ^ but a eoward . ( Immense cheering . ) By this bill I perceive a master ia not compelled to incur the odium of prosecuting ; be can do it second hand by means of } bis clicker . ( Hear , hear . ) He jcould not think it Tightjthat such power should be placed in
tbe hands of one magistrate . What waa misbehaviour ? was it a mere look ? Its meaning appeara to be any thing tbey please ; but we will not be made worse than Russian serfs . ( Loud chaera . ) Mr . Hauley said , I stand forward on Jtwo grounds which I will state—the first is to thank the committee for so nobly taking this step , and bringing the subject before the trade ; and , secondly , because I do not like to give a silent vote on such an important question . ( Cheers . ) Where Messrs . Palmer , Mills , and Knight , the introducers of this measure , came from I know sot ; and where they go to I care as little . ( Laughter and cheers . ) A master or mistress , if they thought you weie going to tako a tramp , could send you , under this bill , to tbe treadmill for two niontba Tor misbehaviour . ( Hear , hear . )
Some had said nothing better was to be expected from tbe present Parliament ; be never bad any expectation , but aa one who cared nothing or feared nothing cither from master , mistress , aristocracy , or any one else , but was in principle perfectly independent , he would toll them , until we had a hand ia electing thos 3 who made the laws , wa never should have a better —( immense and prolonged cheering ) . Wotk , work quietly on to clsthe the feet of tho aristocracy , and you will be deemed devotedly loyal . Yea , but you would nevertheless be contented slaves —( cheers ) . I thick from what I have said ysu may glean my opinion . Much noiae baa been made respecting Kapa . it , Free Trade , &c , but the manjwho would give Ui&t best of all protection , tbe fraactiise , ia the man for me—( great che « r-
ing ) . The resolution was earned unanimously . Mr . Jeffrey rose to move tha second resolution : — " That this meeting is of opinion that the Bill now before tbe House of Commons is intended to rob labour of the last remnant of liberty , and subject the working classes of this empire to : the entire mercy of their masters . " He said , as you have bad a fair outline ot tbe Bill laid before you , I havoj no doubt you fully accord with the justice of the resolution . Sir J . Graham once introduced a BiU ; It met with almost universal opposition from without . Ha was compelled to discard the measure . Follow up . your opposition to this Bill in a similar manner , land depend upon it a like fate aw at » it— (« b £ e »} i 1 h : s Mil had not been asked for .
He did nob know any House that possessed so many brainleaa foola—except the Upper House—aa did the House of Coiumotia—( choersw Yet those men , who scarce knew how to conduct themselves , dared to legislate for working men . It was farcical ; nay worse , perfectly contemptible . Oaly get before a magistrate under this Bill , and he tolls you , I have no alternative ; I must send you to prison ; ' and to prison you all deserve to go if-you aUow this Bill to pass —( loud chejrs ) . Mr . Duacotubo was their only friend in that House . This country boasted of its libsrty ; but should thia BiU become Jaw , it would be reduced to tho lowest depth of slavery , and universal barbarism wiil bo the result . Lat there not a atone remain uaturned
until this ab .-ruination bo thrown out . Unite , persevere , and victory is yours —( hear , hear , and cheers ) . Mr . J . Stewart said—He was no orator , but thoughtevery man should come forth aud oppose thia Bill . He thought it alike unjust and uncalled-for—( hear , bear ) . Tne masters frequently entered into " verbal contracts , " frequently telfiDg Jpa to come in for work in the morning , then to call again in the middle of ths day , and then in tho evening . Now , he thought justice demanded that there should be a clause punishing masters for a breach of tkese " verbal contracts "—( great cheering ) . This agitation would not be without its goad effects . He coriially supported the motion . The resolution was then . put and carried unanimously . Mr , S . Stewart then road the petition . Mr . 3 , Warner , in
moviug its adoption , said the unanimity which pervaded the meeting yas highly pleasing . The checking such a measure was of paramount ioipsrtance—( hear , hear ) . There waa one clause which had not been mentioned—that of empowering magistrates to summon witnesses . Now , a shopmnte might not be willing to Convict his fellow-abopruates ; but for such unwillingness a month's imprisonment awaited him . He thought the wording of the petition was well calculated to attract the attention of tho Houso , if anything would—( cheers ) . Mr . Franklin in seconding its adoption , said he did so because he knew of ho better way of making tbair sentiments known . Messrs . Mills , Palmer , and Knight , might want a pair of boota done in hurry ; well , if they were not done , it would be " misbehaviour , " although it
might be the result of fatigue caused by excessive labour or illness , and tha treadmill awaited them . A fine under the old ; law was a Is . ; but upder this , damages was £ 10 , which with costs would amount to £ 12 10 s ., which was tantamount to half a year's average wag « s—( hear , hear ) 4-and must lead to the ruin of not only the man but his family—( hear , hear ) . Tbe petition waa unanimously adopted . Mr . T . James then rose to move the 4 th reaolutijn aa follows : — " That Messrs . Clark and Stewart bo ; deputed to wait upon J . T . Leader , E .-q . and th » Hon . Capt Roua , Members for Westminster , to request them to present ani support the prayer of the petition . " Mr . Duncouibo waa a most strenuous friend of the people , and he thought it waa our duty to obtain supporters for ) him ; and further by waiting on
Messrs . Leader and Rt / uso , they would ba showing them the oppressive and tyrannical nature of the , bill , and their abhorrence of it—icbeeis . ) Mr . T . Eflge seconded the motion , and huitl it had been dinned into Cfoptain Roua ' s ears that journeymen shoemakers were spendthrifts , and it ! would g * va them an opportunity of disabusing him and clearing themselves ef this atrocious calumny—( cheers ) . The resolution waa carried unanimously . Mr . jP . Hanley bad a raaolution bo wished to submit , ami which he was sure would meet with their entire andj full approbation : it was , " That the ihanks of the trade are eminently due and hereby given to T . S Buncombe , E . q , M . P ., for hia unwearied exertions in our behalf Mr . T . James seconded the motion , which was eloquently supported by a shopmate
in the side gallery , and put to tbe meeting , when every hand was uplifted , amid aaclamatiooa of applause Mr . Parkes then moved " That a vote- of thanka ba givan to Mr . Stall wood , the reporter of the Northern Star , for bia attendance this evening , and his assiduity to the tradea' interest in general ; also to the Northern Star for its able advocacy of the rights of labour . ' ? Mr . Parkes said Mr . Stillwood was a Cbattiat , ' and also the reporter for a Chartist newspaper—( cheers)—and passed some high compliments on Mr . S . and the A ' orthent Slar , as did also Mr . W . Smith , who seconded the motion . Xhe motion veas then put and carried , amid universal applause . Mr . Staliwood brit fly acknowledged the compliment . A vote of tfcacks was then awarded to the Chairman and this highly interesting meeting peaceably dispersed .
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Ad-walton . —A public meeting was held on Adr walton Moor , April 22 ad , 2844 , at eleven o ' clock in the forenoon , when Mr . Joseph Lonjjstaff was unanimously called to the chair . The Chairman spoke at considerable length on the necessity of the Miners being united to remove their present distress and griovances . Mr . Harris moved the first resolution : — " That it is tho opinion of this meeting that nothing will better the iposition of the Miners , except the shortening of the hours ot labour . " Mr . Harris stated thafc in Lancashire there were 600 men
employed now that were idle in the streets four months ago , and this had been- accomplished by restricting the hours of labour . ] Mr . Rustforth seconded the resolution , which was carried unanimously . Mr . Toft moved the second resolution : — Thafc all Collieries that have not yet furnished their masters with a statement of the required advancedo so immediately . " Mr . Shepherd seconded the motion , which was carried unanimously . | Mr . Rushforth mo red the third resolution- * - " That we pledge ourselves to stand by our brother Miners , and support them in every possible manner . " Mr . Harris seconded the motion , which was carried unanimously . A vote of thanks was given to the Chairman , and the meeting then broke up . i
Mr . John Autt haa visited the following places : on Wednesday the 10 th , Hurat Brook , near Ashtonunder-Lyne ; Friday , the 12 th , at Hill Colliery , near Oldham ; Saturday the 13 , Bratley Bridge , near Oldham ; Monday 15 , White Hart Inn , Flowery Field , Cheshire ; Tuesday , 16 , "White Swan Inn ; Hyde , Cheshire ; Wednesday 17 , Harst Brook , Odd Fellows Arm 3 , near i Ashton-under-Lyne , and on Thursday 18 tb , at Stayley Bridge . Mr . Aut ? will be at his appointment at Whitehaven , on or about the 30 th instant . The Howling Colmebs return their Bincere thanks for the following sums received , —Holling , 4 s j Clifton , 4 s : Battel . Daya Holes , 2 s 6 d .
Nottinghamshire uno Derbyshire . —We are informed that moat of the Nottinghamshire , and several of the Derbyshire collieries are doing very little work , as great numbers of the colliers firmly continue in the Union . Of the collieries in the neighbourhood of Derby , we hear Shipley has resumed work—the colliers having -withdrawn from the Union—that Dtnby is working pretty well , and at KUborne there haa been no strike or stoppage whatever . At Marchay very little ia doing ; Morley Park somewhat unsettled ; and at West
Hallum going on well , having no men in theTJnlon . We understand there has been » large meeting of the influential coal-masters in the eonntiei ef Derby , Nottingham , tnd Leicester , with thoee connected with the North Midland Railways , at which it was determined not to employ any colliers in the Union , and to put it down previous to entertaining the quesUoa of any regulation in wages or prices of coals . Meetings of the colliers continue to be held in several parts of the county , but nothing has taken place during the past week worthy of public record . — 'Nottingham Review .
¦ '¦ ¦¦¦ ¦ CA . 1 . VBRTON . —A . meeting has been held -here , when Mr . Smith and Mr . Dura again addressed the meeting , and the public liberally j contributed the sum of 16 s . towards the support of the Miners .
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Mr . Wiixiam Hakkis has addressed meetings at the following places ;— -Methley , on the l « th , afr Eothwell , on the 11 th and 12 th , at Wakefield , in ft * Griffin Inn , on the 13 th , at Alverth « rpe , on the ISth ^ at Carr Gate on the 16 th , at Lee Fair on the > 7 th » at Hunslet Carr , near Leeds , on the 18 th of April . A public meeting near Wakefield , on Friday t he J 9 £ h iost ., Mr : Hudson in the chair . Mr . Williara Harris addressed the meeting in a very excellent speech . Tho meeting was very numerously attended . Hcbeab , kear Rotherham . — -A pnblio meeting was held at Hubear on the 22 nd inst ., Mr . Wiilmm . Eving in the chair . Mr . George Wood , from Barnsley , addressed ihe meeting . Messrs . Gaahin and , Wildgoose also addressed the meeting . About 1 , 000 persons attended .
Stainbro' near BabnsLey . —A tale has been propagated , that the Stainbro' miners have obtained 1 their price and started work again . This is false . We are still out . and more determined than ever , to obtain that justice we demand . We likewise deny the statement that is in the Zeedt Times of Saturday last , that we wore earning from 4 s 6 d to 5 s pec day , instead of which , our wages have been but from 2 s to 2 s 6 d . Stamped Letter Paper . —Active preparations are making in the General Post-office for the
universal distribution of the stamped letter paper . 16 has been rumoured that the order for its issue , giren some time ago , waa withdrawn . Wo are enabled upon authority to contradict the rumour , no such iatentiou ever having been entertained by the Government . The proposition ra to have a fair trial . Tha issue has not , at present taken place , although tha sheets are quite ready for distribution , and tho sola cause of the delay is , that the Inspector of Stamp 3 is waiting for preparations in the Post-office , which , it is expected , will be completed in about a week from the present date . —Globe .
North Derbyshire . —The following sums have been received , for which we return our grateful acknowledgements : —From a Miner 16 s ; a Friend 5 s ; a Friend 2 s 6 d jafow friends 9 s ; a Friend IO 3 ; a Friend 2 s 6 d ; from Sheffield , Robin Hood Lodge £ 6 3 * Ui < t ; a gift from the Intake Lodge £ 1 IO 3 Eckington Sickle Grinders 10 s ; from DroDfield Lod ^ e £ 1 5 s ; from the Old Ship Lodge £ 3 10 s ; from a friend at Brantoii 7 s 2 d ; Waterhouse Factory 3 ? 5 d ; a Friend I 83 6 id ; a publican , Chesterfield £ 1 2 i 6 d , coHecttocs ia Chesterfield £ 1 2 s ; Spittle Factory 3 s 11 Ad .
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Frtm the Ltndon Gazette of Friday , April 19 . BANKRUPTS . John Batfcye , of 8 , Courtney Terrace , Kingsland , linendraper— Matthew Waller , of P « rcy-street , Tettenham Court Road , aud Birninghnm , patent electro plater—J « hu Carpenter , of Rotbwall , Northsmptonihire , surgeon—James Joseph Iron Syer , of 29 , Bridge-street , Blackfriars , City , undertaker—Joseph Todi , of Hartfield , Sussex , dealar—Richard Allinson , of Whitehaven .
Cumberland , ironmonger—Wm . Payne , of Newcastleupon-Tyne , builder—James Slack , of Halrae , Lancashire , fliUring machine manufacturer— George Rothery , of Wakefleld , currier—James Dowle , of Chopatow , Monmouthshire , wins-merchant—John Atkins , of Aston , Warwickshire , beer-house ketper—James Dlmsnt and John Grimes , of Bristol , plasterers—James Mallalieu , of Sc » werby , Yorkshire , cotton-spinner—John Buckley Lord and Michael Cogblau , now or late of Meltham , Yorkshire , woollen cloth manufacturers .
BIVI » ENDS DECLARE * . John Morant Hervey , of Thames Foundry , Brick Lane , Old-street , iron-founder , secoud dividend of Is . in the pound , payable at 12 , Abchurih Lane , City , on April 24 , an < i two following Wednesdays . Thomas Redshaw , of Bouroe , Lincolnshire , saddler * Irst dividend of 4 s . In the pound , payable at 7 , Waterloo-street . Birmingham , on Tuesday next , and any aub « sequent Tuesday . Frederick Patera , of Manchester , wiae-merchant , first dividend of Is 63 . in the pouud , payable at 72 , Georgestreet , Manchester , on April 23 , and every following Tuesday . William Read , of K ^ ng-street , Covent Garden , engraver , first dividend of 2 s . in the pound , payable at 1 , Sambrook CoUTt , Baoinghall-street , on April 24 , or any subsequent Wednesday .
Andrew Jopp , of Cornhill , ship-broker , first dividend ot 23 . in tbe pound , payable at 18 , Aldermanbury , anj Saturday . Ewen Mackintosh , of the Haymarkefc , army accoutrement maker , final dividend of 4 | -1 . in the pound , payable at 18 , Aldermanbury , aay Saturday . George Henry Busb , of Edguware Road , upholsterer , first dividand of 3 a . 4 d . in the pound , payable at 18 , A Idermanbury , any Saturday . Richard Mitchell , of Leicester , hosier , first dividend of 18 s . in the pound , payable at 7 , Waterloo-street , Birmingham , any Thursday . Samuel Wilson Suffield , ot Birmingham , druggist , first dividend of 7 £ < i . in tha pound , payable at 7 , Waterloestreet , Birmingham , any Thursday .
John Ogilvy Palmer , of Liverpool , second dividend of 5-1 . in th « pound , payable at 31 , Baainghall-street , London , any Wednesday . Joseph Taylor , of Middlesborough , Y > rkBhire , coslfitter , fourth divideud of 2 s . 6 d . in the pound , payable at 57 , Grey-stroet , Newcastle-upsn-lyne , any Saturday . Henry Featherstonhaugh , late of Bishopwearmouth , coal-fitter , first and final dividend » f 2 s . 7 ^ 1 . in tha pound , payable at 57 , Grey-street , Newcastle--ipon-Tyne , aDy Saturday . William Henderson , of Monkwearmouth'shore , Darham , tinner , first and . final dividend of 2 |< 1 . in the pound , payable at 57 , Grey-street , Newcastle-upon-Tyne > any Saturday .
William Frederick Mills , of Hart-street , Mark Isne , and 120 , High Holborn , merchant , first dividend of 7 s . 6 K In the pound , payable at 12 , Abchurch Lane , City , April 24 , and two following Wednesdays .
DIVIDENDS TO BE DECLARED IX THE CODNTRT . Robert Waddington , of Boston , Yorkshire , grocer . May 16 , at eleven , it the Court of Bankruptcy , Leeds . Mos « s Raphael and Aaron Nathan , of Kingaton-upon-Hull , silversmiths . May 16 , at eleven , at the Court of Bankruptcy , Leeds . William Whiting Robinson , ef Bsverley , Yorkshire ^ linen-draper , May 16 , at eleven , at tha Court of Bankruptcy , Leeds . Enos Metcalf , of Mlddlesborongh , Yorkshire , currier , May 16 , at eleven , at the Court of Bankruptcy , Leeds . George K * owles , of Halifax , Yorkshire , corn-dealer , May 14 , at eleven , at the Court of Bankruptcy , Leeds . Joseph Robert Atkinson , at Caistor , Lincolnshire , wine-merchant , May I * , at eleven , at the Court ef Bankruptcy , leeda . John Etock , of Leads , linen-draper , May 16 ^ at eleven , at tho Court of Bankruptcy , Leeds . John Green and William
Green , of Watherby , ' Yorkshire , timber-merchants , MaJ 14 , at eleven , at the Court of Bankruptcy , Leeds . Thos . Cheetham , sen ., of Stockporfc ,. ' Chtsbir ' e , surgeon , Majp 14 , at eleven , at the Court of Bankruptcy , Manchester . William Caton , of Preston , Lancashire , ironmonger , May 14 , at twelve , at the Court of Bankruptcy , Manchester . Edward Poore , of Bampton , Devonshire , drurgist , May 15 , at twelve , at the Court of Bankruptcy , Exeter . John Goss , of TJtvonport , draper , May 14 , atone , at the Court of Bankruptcy , Exeter . Job Jimes Balman , of Newcaatle-upOn-Tyne , oil-merchant » May 10 , at one , at the Court of Bankruptcy , Newcastleupon-Tync . J . Divison , of Marfcon , Yorkshire , and Nowcastle-upon-Tyne , earthenware-manufacturor , May 10 , at eleven , at the Court of Bankruptcy , Newcastle * upon-Tyne .
certificates to b e granted , unless cause be shows to the contrary on the day of meeting . Thomas Gates James , of River-sttaet , Myddletoa Square , builder , May 10 . William Bourne , of Colemanatreat , Gity , and Regent-street , woollen-draper , May 10 . Edward Payne Best , of Crutched Friara , and Gwenwicb , Kent , Wine-merchant , May 10 . John Aldred , of Nottingham , wholesale stationer , May 13—Thos . Greening , of Worcester , chemist . May 11—James Thomson , of Fenton Park , Staffordshire , iron-manufacturer . May 28 . George Thomson , of Fenton Park , Staffordshire , Uoumanufacturer , May 28 . certificates to be granted by the Court of Review , unless cause bo shown to the contrary , oa or before May 10 .
John Rsaveley , of Hammond ' s Wharf , Qaeenhithe , City , commission agent . Henry Southgate , of 22 , Flest-Btreet , City , auctioneer . John Ballard , of Maidatone , Kent , brczier . Hewitt Fyah Turner , of Myddletonstreet , Cletkenwell , painted bafza manufacturer . Thos . Sanders , of Ramsgate , Ktnt , shoemaker , Wm . Fuller , of Cotton-street , Poplar , coal-merohaht . Samuel Billington , of Bitkenhead , Cheshire , woollen-draper . Caleb Williamson , bf 17 , Regent-street , hosier . Thomas Wbyley Wrigkt , of Nottingham , dyer . G-aorge Hackleton Crowther , of Warrington , Lancashire , stationer . Hannah Maria Newton , of New Mill , Yorkshire , vie * ualler .
PARTKKRSHIP 5 DISSOLVED . Catherine Coney and Margaret Chambers , of Southport , Lancashire , lodging-housa keepees—George M'lntyre , Robert M'Intyre , and James Dawson , of Salford , Lancashire , engravers ( so far as regards Jas . Dawson )—Joseph Sutcliffe and Jesso White , of Bradford , Yorkshire , worsted atun ^ manufacture ™—Joseph Abbey and Thomas Bradley , of Huddwsfield , tallow chandlers-Uriah Davenport , Jonathan Grindrod , and Thomas - Patrick , of Liverpool , engineers—David Roberts an 4 Thomas Peulaon , of Manchester , printers :.
&He Coht'w Illouemcttt
&he CoHt'W illouemcttt
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• — . » mi From ( he Gazette tf Tuetiay , April 23 . BAKKftUVTS . WUHam Anitfa ; builder , BeU-strwt , Big *** Rotf —Edward Graham , » uslc-saller , D » ver . atree ^ Piccadilly—Harry ChannaU , coat-merthtat , Southampton—William Read and Enos Page , aUp-haUdera , Ip » wi *—Frederick HeigWngton Ward , tallow-chandler , Arbour Terrace , C 5 omm « rclai Road , lilddleiex—George 3 me « - ton , horse dealer , Stratford ; EBsex—James Bags" * King , merchant , Newgate-street , CityT-Wi lllani . Brojwv ' auctioneer , Rickmanaworth , Hertfordshire—Abraham ¦* Batty , innkeeper , BirkenBhaw , Yoitahlre-Bichwa Jackson , machine-m&ker , Xeeds—WilUam Lloyd , Wine * merchant , Liverpool—Samuel Brothers , carrier , « e « « cisfcle-ander-Lyme , .
Isanftruptg, &C.
iSanftruptg , &c .
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London Boot and Shoemakers . —A petition from tbe journeymen boot and shoemakers , and women , variously employed in tbe business , of London , and its vicinity , has been adopted by that body of operatives against tbe atrocious Masters and Servants' Bill . The petition is an honour to the trade . We regret that its length prevents Ua insertion in our columns .
London Engineers and Machinists—At a meeting of the London Engineera and Machinists on tho 18 th , held at the Old Ball , Old Bailey , resolutions were carried unanimously condemnatory of the Masters and Servants' Bill ; also the adoption of the pstttion recommended by tbe Star . Tha petition was ordered to be sent to T . S . Duncombe , Esq . fov presentation . CaltoN , Glasgow . —A very excellent memorial addressed to Lord Ashley , baa been adopted by the factoryworkers of Messrs . Dunlopand Sons , Betting forth the evils of the factory system , and urging bis Lordship to perse re re in his efforts to obtain the enactment of a ten fours' bill . —[ We cannot spare room for the memorial . Ed . N . SA
MossLEY . —A public meeting waa held here on Friday evening , April 19 , which was addressed by Messrs . Jones and Parkes , when th « following resolutlon . was passed unanimously : —" That this moating registers its detestation of the infamous attempt now made in the House of Commons to crush the few remaining vestiges of British liberty , by seeking to enact the atrocious Masters and -Servants' Bill , which would suable one Justice of tha Peace to eend a man to the treadmill for two months for what the masters of that man might daem a misbehaviour ; and furthermore , this meeting is of opinion that nothing can protect the working classes from the injustice of their oppressors only the possession of the elective power as provide J for in tbe document called the People ' s Charter . "
Briguton . —A public meeting was held at the Cap of Liberty , Portland-street , Brighton , on Tuesday evening , April 16 th , which was very numerously attended , Mr . Giles in tho chair , when the following resolutions were unanimously adopted : —Propoied by Mr . Virgo , seconded by Mr . Page , " That this meeting , after diligent researches , have discovered from unquestionable authority , that tbe present system of employment of women and children in factories , is attended with the worst consequences , and strongly calls for promotion . " Proposed by Mr . Page , seconded by Mr . Mitchell , "That it is tke opinion of this meeting that the employment of females and children beyond ten hours per day ia altogether destructive of health , morals , and religion ; we , therefore , earnestly hope that tlie House of Commons
will confirm their thrice repeated vote , by passing the Ten Hours' clauses of the Factory Bill . " Proposed by Mr . Davey , seconded by Mr . Tulett , " That a petition founded on the foregoing resolutions , be presented to Parliament by Thotuas S . Duncombo , Esq ., M . P ., and that Lord Hrtrrey , and Captain Pechell be requested to support the prayer thereof . " Proposed by . Mi . T . Page , seconded by Mr . Fluxman , sen ., " That it is tbe opinion of this meeting , that tbe Bill now pending , in the House of Commons , entitled tbo Master and Servant * 'Regulation , Bill" , is alike dangerous and unconstitutional , inasmuch as It leaves the employed at the tyrannical power of the employer ) who can , before any one magistrate in any part of the kingdom , although all the circumstances occurred in another and distant part of the
kingdom , imprison for two months wrta hatrt labour , any sueh Bervunt , workman , artificer , or other person , for the v ;\ ruo and indefinite offence of misbehaviour , and that the said Bill requires no other witness but the said master , employer , or his agent ; this meeting , therefore , resolves to petition against tho said Bill , and all other attempts to deprive the British subject of his oniy safeguard—the trial by jury . " Proposed by Mr . Flower , seconded by Mr . Virgo , " That a petition founded on tbe foregoing resolution , be presented to the House by Captain Pechell , and Lord Harvey be reqaested to support tbe prayer thereof , and that Thos . S . Duncombe be informed of tha same by letter , and
thanked for exposing the said Bill , and bis past patriotic exertions in the people cause . " Proposed by Mr , Flower , seconded by Mr , Woodward , " That it is further tbe opinion of this meeting , that whatever Acts of Parliament may be passed , no permanent protection can accrue to labour until tbe People ' s Charter is enacted as the law of these realms . " On tb « motion of Mr . Woodwaid , seconded by Mr . Burton , the following gentlemen Were appointed a Committee to wait upon the trades ( if necessary ) to oppsae the Master and Servants' Bill , viz : —Messrs . Virgo , Giles , and Fiowtrs . A vote of thanks was given to the Chairman , and tbo meeting broke up .: —( Received too late for publication in our ) last . } '
Basnsby Park , —At a meeting of this locality tbe following resolution was passed unanimously : — " That tbls meeting is of opinion that the Bill now under tbe consideration of Parliament for the purpose of regulating Masters and Servauts , Is unjust , cruel , and oppressive , and ought to be resisted by the ptople ' s representatives : and we further resolve to petition , for the purpose of impressing upon Messrs . Wakley and Dancombe their duty . Trow bridge . — We had a spirited meeting bere last week against the Masters and Servants' Bill . The meeting was numerously attended . A resolution was past condemnatory of tbe Bill ; and a petition wa 3 adopted , and ia now lying in different part of the town for signatures .
FobSar . —On Tuesday evening the 16 th instant , an adjourned public meeting of the inhabitants was held in the Mason ' s Hall , to consider the propriety of petitioning Parliament against tbe Masters aud Servants ' Bill now pending before the House of Commons : but no ona seemed to know anything of such a Bill until the Chairman read that part of the Star of tbe 6 th of April , headed " Extracts of a pamphlet published by W . P . Roberts to tho Olivers , explanatory of the Bill , with the petition at tbt > close - , " ' when it was unanimously agreed to petition , and the petition signed by the Chairman , to be entrusted to Joseph Hume , M . P . for presentation , which was agreed to unanimously .
Grea : x Meeting of xuk Western Division of Journeymen Boot and Shoe Makers , to Petition against tue Masters and servants ' Bill . —A meeting , consisting solely of man ' s men of the above division , convened by the Clerk of the Union , at tbo request of the trade committee , was bolden on Monday ^ April 22 ad , ia the National Hall , High Holborn . At eevea o ' clock Mr . Bonner was un&nimouBly called to the Chair . The Chairman said this meeting was convened to diseuss one of tbe most nefarious Bills ever brought before Parliament . If there should be any difference of opinion , he trusted it would be expressed mildly . Unanimity was of all things desirable . The measure
that would be brought under th « ir notice was calculated to carry us back to tbe days of Baron and Serf ; in faot , we should , in the event ef this Bill passing , be in a woiae condition than were the working classes in tbe days of the Normans ; for here , most probably , tbe master would be at one and the same time , master , accuser , and judge—( bear , hear ) . It was our duty at all events , to ' prevent any downward progress , and , on the coutrsiy , make our condition aa much better as possible . Let but this measure pass and any man with a large family would have no alternative but submission to tbe vilest tyranny ; therefore it was au imperative duty on our part to resist it to the utmost—( loud cheers ) . Mr . W . Clark rose to move the first resolution , as
follows . — " That this meeting holds the Masters and Servants' Bill , recently introduced into the House of Commons , as unjust in principle , tyrannical in practice , and a direct violation of Britons' bo&Bt—Trial by Jury . " Shopmates ( said the speaker ) , I cordially agree with the resolution , that this Bill subverts Trial by Jury . Thus ,. If a man do not get his work in in time , on tbe evidence of one interested witness before one interested magistrate , he is liable to be sent to tbo treadmill for two months . Mr . Clark here read Mr . W . P . Robert ' s opinion of the BilL Bills were frequently disguised by being called by a wrong natfie . It was the case with this one ; it was named a Miwte * and Servants' Bill , while all the advantages was on the side of the masters ; its object was stated to I'e the more easy obtalnment of wages , while it was dieted to ttw taking aw » y the little liberty we posses- Wd-fcheersj , The Mil was Introduced under false «*>«* . W * : **« asked for it ; it
wm foisted on us ; , \ nd immediately it got in Committe « these clauses d ^ tractive of a& and . e-wry semblance of liberty was inteodnced-the&V hear ) . We sometimes ( saidMr . O bawtp « tand : ont for wdges ; but let thto bill become to w , and who w « nld d * re come oat then f where would uHey get men j » ha would take ¦ nouSmielvesthe wrful v *<^ bUttT <> f W Bt ^ ei ? o&t It was undottbtedl . TMonslwgb . t on Trades ' Unions . They were « omettn . ^» called . des ^ ictlTes ; bnt in 1832 theyhftd an oppo ^^™ £ *™ f ;* & ** all ^ the miMblaf , allthe bloodshe * - *^' *« g * - "ft instigated * y the masters ; baf ahould this bill pass , of all such opportanitie . ¦*" ¦ ¦*« should be deprived , BBd fa lieu be sent two m onths to the wheel or aolitaryconlnement—( cheers )* ; De . < tructlves indeed I Are , ve not theisonserverej .. of property ? ' If a man spoil etuffot material has ; : be not tomikeIt' * ood ? - ^( I . oud cheers . ) Then why introduce such an t atrocious measure , so uncalled for , flo unjust ?—( Cht ^ r ing . ) Mr . Clark then read the fourth clause , and a Wfidjwoaid
Untitled Article
, g THE NORTHERN STAB . J April 27 ^ 1844 .
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), April 27, 1844, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1261/page/6/
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