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LANCASTER ASSIZES . CConRnu ^ dJi'Dza jiur ' second page . } ] iBMiion 3 here apply for nothing—( langhter ) . I jrjight have "written m the book as I shouid have ^ riitai in any ciaer ijook ^ bot ; not wjih the in--jastionof givingevidence ; JLeaeh-was ^ inhabitant of Bjde ; and I paid more ^ Uen taon to his speeches { ban those of any other party , because I knew jjjni better than any of the others , I inew that j ^ ach vra 3 a staunch advocate of - the Charter , and a ^ s-ennons opponent of the Anti-Corn Law League ] Ur . p'Gonnor—Then yon iave confined all the alterations yon have made in the hook to the Chstter ? The Attorney-General—Don't let it be said that ye nave made wholesale alterations . I observe in ^ e place there is the word " not" omitted . ] &r . Dnndas—There are seTeral other alterations audnoi of & Tery trifling nature .
Bj George Johnson , defendant—I am not aware £ h « many distraints have been made upon the inhabitants of Byde , during thelast eighteen months , -or what has been the increase in the number of paupers there . The Poor Law txnardians meet at 3 > £ > ekpo « , and not ai Hyde , and therefore , 1 know juttin g about tlie facia . Slotkpori is © u * of mj ^ Tison . By William Pilling , defendant—I don ' t know tist one factory labourer in Hyde , is now doing the work of three men * . 1 don ' t know what yon mean Vr the " coupling of jennies , " for I never was in a
fjcioij more than three times in my life . defendant—Tiien you don't know what yon o ught to know—{ Laughter . ) ¦ ¦• - ? se 31 r . Dund&s called ihe attention of : the Court to the alterations which appeared in the book of the Tmaess , and especially to one part of it where in speaking of one of the . speeches made by Leach , the wrds ** they should do as was done in the time of Jjng John , the people went to the King in a large kadj , and demanded : * Ifiagna Charta / ^ ndifwas granted ; and he ( Leach ) would recommend the people to keep out of work , and the Charter would soon become thelawof thesland , * ' wereaddedafier the general body of the report had been written .
The Attorney-General objected io the coarse of proceedings on the ground that his Learned Erienda geho appeared for some : of ihe defendants , were fnifiinjj upon a cross » exunis&tioxi of tb « part of ths book which had not been given in evidence . If thsj would consent to put the book before the Jury , is evidence , he should no ; object to the examination . . Mr- Dandas did not see that he was bound to offer ihe ~ b odk io eridence . The Judge said that Mr . Dnndas had a right to gbew , if ne coald , ihe insertion of any fraudulent rustier ia -the book , because that would go far id impugn the general accuracy oi the whole . It was then agreed that the book should be put in a = sTiaepee , and 3 Ir . Dondas proceeded with his ^ ross-tx&nunauon .
Tne winiess , on being called upon to explain the RssoB of the addition-to Leach ' s speech , said that he made & practice of Examining aS the speeches pre-Tious to aibmitting them to the Magistrates ; and he distiiscdy remembered that on looking at the cue made bj Leach , he made the addition pointed « a . Tae Judge—When you did make any additions , R-ers licv , 10 ihe best « f yonr btiief , in strict con-&nniiy with they trnih 2 " Rliirss—They were , my Lord .
ilr . O'Connor—1 find , on further looking at this B » i , that from the commencenjrst of the period at vhizh the wiaiess as Special H > gh Constable of Hyde , began 10 make his reports 10 the Magistrates , to the -tod of the transactions , of which be has be * n speaking , eo : 2 . single interiination occurred ; but ante then , they were numerous . The Judge— £ n > that is merely an observation . Mr . O'Connor—It wenldgofar . Biy Lord ^ o prove iiisi the entries in ihe book have been taken from xotes , which are no ; before the Court . The Attorney General here asked his Lordship HiseiLer he intended to take any { further witnesses to-day ! His Lordship replied tha » ha "would sit till seven o ' clock .
A conversation ensued between the Attorney-Ge nera ] a = d Sir . O'Connor , the result of vrhica was ihai Sir Prederick stated jo Mr Baron Rolfe , that hrhac been reqa ^ ied on the part of the defendants » ss& that tne Court might iben adjourn . His lordship hesitated , bat on being informed that the spplieanon was merely wiih reference to suiting the ee-nvenltnce of the first day , he consented to the ad-JOTnuseai , intimating that he should sit late the joSowiig day . Tae Court rose precisely at six o'clock !
THURSDAY—Seco > -d Dat . His Lordship look his seat at nine o ' clock , immefiztely on which Mr . O'Connor rose and said—My Lord , as seTeral sitnesses lave arrived smce yesterday , I beg to " IEEE'S HIT applicaiionfifltlhfcy maybe xeijnessed to IKire . I observe ! ae High * Hon . Secretary of State Icrine Home Department , Sir James Graham , on tteteach , and I make an exception in hi 3 ease . The Jadgc—Have the other defendants any w : * h ( hit Sir James Graham should retire from tha Ccarti Mr . O'Connor—1 can answfi for them , my Lord ; isaeatalL
The Auonuy-Gflneril—The penally loi-remajmng a Coart after a witness has been ordered to retire , Bpimishniest by ihe Court , and not exclnsion frcm ^ ling evide nce . Tne Judge—It is contempt of Court . Attorney-General—Jastso , my Lord . The following evidence wa 3 then proceeded with : Joseph Sadler—I am & police officer at b ' tockport . 1 ins at thai place on the litb of August last . 1 Ttmtmbu- between 20 , 000 and 30 , 000 persons coming fere . They came in the Direction of Ashton and Hyde . They were armed whh Wndgeons and sticks , ^ beu I first saw them , they were making a great Kase , bet nothing el » e at that time . 1 went to the CosriBonse , and ga ^ e i p formation to the ilagis-Inses . We had military in Stockpon ; part of them "Sob stationed at the Court House , part in the
Hirket-piaee , and some , of tne yeomanry in their ciskrenl qsaxters . Ihe sai&bex of it © latiltitnd © tidied alarm , and in consequence , tae shops "srere 6 ft ^ i The hands in tiw different niiils were tolled oei , and ihe works stopped . I went to the Union workhouse , with the aniuoruier . On getting Bare , I saw a nnmbsr of persons coming from ihe * ofkhGU = e , baring loaves of bread with them , We l * a » nnmber of prisoners ; Eome of tnem Trere taken a tbeTTorkhouse , and others ont = ide . Three or four ^ 015 applied at the lodge of the workhon = e , to toe an iBierriew with the ilagisirates . The name fone of them was John " Wright , and 1 understood 6 « J tail another Ltach . 1 saw him afterwards , | srn ! glhe interview with the Magistrates , bnt 1 wt remember eTer ^ eeing nim btfore . I believe sss&iDe was John Leach , and 1 heard that he came from Htqe . 1 do not know that 1 conld identify him
ilr . Dandas eV . jected to the question and answer . 5 ieinmes 3 believed that the name of the party was te ' bn Leach , bnt that did not at all identify him * Hire 5 ppctto a ? . y other transactions . lae Attorney-General contended -that there was ^ Saau to o before ihe Jutj to prove the identity « the defendant . He would call their atttention to « Ssf » Ct thai the celendaal -was well known in the reghbonroood ef Athlon and Hyde , and in the ^ srseof his speech , he admitted that he had been * Sioekport . sad tpat , he Lihe Atiorney-Gtneral ^ ^ o tobe scScient . Mr . Btmdaa submitted thit until they had existed the whole ef the John Leach ' s , of Hyde , « s Lears £ d friends on the opposite side had not ''ro&eea cue step 10 siow that this was the JohB J ^ naquati on
. . . , TieJncg E—The objection is not made by John *** & , bnt bj others . _ , ^ . O'Co nnor—But I beg to remind your Lord-* % tkai ifce witness rajs he does not think he ?* M identify ihe defendant again , and that , 1 think , a £ 5 K > a objection to the proof of identity , ^ e Jiidge-1 think there is sufficient proof to I ^ eed with the evidence . ^ , , ^^^ amation resumed—Leach saia that he had « & *« tie request of a public meeting , oa behalf of spEsouerswno were then in custi dv . ano rrquKied ^ ifta ^ strates thai tee prisoners might be released 5 ^*« infonn Ed by the Mayor ih 3 t the prisoners lH a tostodj on ^ charge of felony , and that they WBW oary be dL ^ . hnTP « d hv the oroper course of
**• Oueof she pariv said in the presence of Leach , ^ i sneh -B-23 the excitement , if the prisontrs were » ttfcaad , thtj could not answer for the conse-^ ^ . Tie prisoners were not rescued . There ¦*** * meeung at Stockport , the same day , on an ?™ aaee , - eaUed Peterloo-road . I should think ^ 10 , 000 to 15 , 000 persons would bo present . I £ «*« ti « speakers stood upon a tralL I was not ^ H -ewicgh to near them . The Riot Act was read « tee Market-place , between one and two o ' clockisPBYrtme aber whether this wa 3 before or afwr r *« tack oa the rnirVnimM . Fot several days the
?*»•*» in a disturbed state , particularly for ten i ? «** en dajs ai- ^^^ e 1 Olb ^ Daring ibis period , ^¦«» were stopped , bnt the shops weft open . ¦ J ° l JAr . Dnndas—Siockpori is seven njiles from 5 * f «« er , and fiTe from Hyde . I am not aware ^ teelliot Act wa 3 read after ihe 2 hh . » j . Mr . O ' Connor—Before I put any question to ^^^ a , lwiih him to be retained , because it "" 2 » e accessary to examine him afterwards . Jjiejndire r «> - * : ^ -i _ the
_ mass-1 have been at the head tf the police i ^^ for S 1 | en Jears . 1 remember nots jw ^ - iiad no cifficulty in getting evidence at S ^ - I kowaW ^ ffm . Griffin . 1 J ^^ ty ccm : Eg into the Conrt House to report , ^ aefetood that he was a reporter for the Northern W »; lirv aear any exciting language in the ftefJ " ^^ 1 ^ Te stated . 1 have not heard Q ai tK ?* " language used ;—** 1 do not bdieve W 72 ? " ^ eak ont unless ihey are abso-W Pn'ed of food . If jou are not prepared m **** i 3 i a * i v , i 2 be i ^ iac di-ta ^« i- « 5
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for themselves and their families , " I believe I have seen n in some newspaper , handed about by the people , but cannot remember whether it was before or after the attack on the workhouse . J don't £ now who the language was attributed to . I have seen the Bpeech alluded to , as having been made by the Mayor of Stockport , both in the newspapers , and in placards on the walla of Stockport . It was on the wall for several days . I did not pull down the placard , or wish it to be done . I don't remember seeing a placard headed " A warning voice , " with the following lines upon it : — Tnere b a cry tbronjfhont the land , A fearful cry and full of dread ! Woe to oppression ' s heartless band !
A starving people cry for " Bread . " That cry -was heard when guilty Trance On the dread brink of rnin stood ; Yet sound the viol , speed the dance ! Tisbut the hungry cry for food . ' I duxrgt ye , England * rulers / grant The juslice thai her sons demand ! Or , aroused , the demon potter of want Shall snatch the P 1 B . E aid tttfete !/ je BRAND . There were sd many placards that I can ' t remember ail . I saw one headed * ' Murdermurdermurder I "
, , lnere were a great number of violent and inflimmatory placards on the walls . The authorities did not order them to be taken down . I should think the tendencytfi them wonld be to excite a hungry people to acts of violence . There have been considerable reductions in wages in Stockport . I don ' t know by whom the placaras were put up . Some of them had the name of ihe printer affixed , and others had not . I recollect the names of Gadsby , Button and Lambert , as printers . I heard no speeches at the meetings ai btockport .
By Sir Frederick Poliock—I was not near enough to hear any language , and therefore , 1 can ' t say whether ifwa 3 exciting or not . 1 know Bradshaw ' s premises , at Stockport . The hands were turned out . Mi . Bradshaw stnt to the Town Hall , for assistance . 1 have seen a placaru similar to that now produced ( "Tae Executive Committee of the ^ atknal Chartist Association , to the People of EngSano" ) on the walls in Stockport . I can ' t remember the words but I am certain I read one similar . It was during the period of the disturbances . By Mr . Dnndas—I can't speai with certainty as to the time at which 1 faw it , or whether it was before the reading of the Riot Act . I only read it cursorily , but 1 cant retain the subject matter in my memory . It was an address 10 the Chartists , but I don * i know what about .
By Sir F . Pollock—1 am certain from the heading of it , and the general appearance , that 1 have read a similar placard . Thomas Barrinjiton , examined by the Attorney General—1 am the governor of Stockport workhouse . On Thursday , the Ihh of August , my attention was called to a crowd round the workhonse . 1 went to the lodge to fcee what was going on . I saw several thonsand persons . They had sticks and bludgeons . 1 then went into a yard , and I had not been there more than two or three minutes before an alarm was siv ^ n that iha people had bruken iuto the yard . Some thonsands entered tbe ht . Uie , and took possession of the place . They took all the food there was in the * house—upwardso ? 700 7 lb . loaves . They took money also , shattered several doors , and broke a number of windows , till at length the military came and drove them away .
By Mr . Dnndas—Kow , pray Mr . Bumble—( much laugnter )—1 beg pardon—iir . Barriagton , 1 didn ' t mean it . —Witness—I can ' t S 3 y whether the peopie knew that we had so much brrad in ihe house . J t happened to be pay day , and probably some money would be laid out for the paupers . By Mr .. O'Connor—T&ere was a great rush on the premises , and such as would be likely to cause damage . Tae number of . paupers ia the workhouse had increased at that time . The mob did not injure me personally , bnt 1 was in gnat doubt about it . I have not heard of great reductions in tbe wages of tbe working classes at Stockport . I can ' t say whether masters of workhouses are unpopular ia exciiing times . The Major of Stockpon was not with the people when they came .
Wil ! iain Moore , examined by the Attorney-General—I am a dresser of cation yam , at Marple , five miles from Stockport . in the month of August iast 1 was at work at Mr . Sheplty ' s mill . I remember a nnmbf-r of persons coming to the mill on Wednesday , tne 10 th of August . 1 went to my master , and we came on to the canal bridge . Tlb people said they wanted the men to be turned out . Mr . Shepley did turn them oat . The next day I paw a body of persons coming on the Waterloo-road , in Stockpon . They came a dtzen abreast , and had sticks in their hands . A meeting was held , and I believe the name of one of the speakers was Christopher Doyle , another Leach , and another Moorhouse . A resolution was pnt to the people , whether they should resume work , or csase nntiJ the Charter became the law of the land / Tbe latier was carried . I saw the person
who was called Leach there . Somebody said that two or three persons mast go to tbe workhouse , and see if they could get the pn .-onera released . I afterwards saw a number of persons coming , from the direction of the workhouse . The man called Leach , and Doyle , were linked together . Leach aduressed the meeting , saying that he had seen the Major and Magifctr&' . es ; ia&i they took him to a drawer , from which some money had been Kvkeu . He faid thev were very candid with mm . He asked them if they wonld release the prisoners . The Mayor replied , it would be contrary to law , but if the people would go away he might probably release them in half an hour . He adoed that the cavalry had been ordered out , andthey trembled like aspen leavea . I remember tne 15 th of Augnst . There was a meeting at Marple . Leach was there . I was too far off to hear wnat passed . The meeting occupied half an hour .
James Crompton , examined by Mr . Wortley—I am a police-constable at Marple . J remem ber a meeting at Hawk Green- Joseph Taylor was in the chair . 1 took notes of what he said while the meeting -wa 3 going on . He said , " friends and fellow workmen , —we are met here this morning , not t © discuss a questiou of w » se 3 , bnt to see whether yotf ^ re content to live Bl&ve ? , or whether you are wiliiB ^ to use « very exertion iu your "power to make the Chiner becoms the law of the land , that you may obtain au equal representation , and place yourself on an equal footing with your t 3 rannical masters . If you were to go to work tomorrow , yon wonld be a hundred times worse than resolve
yi u was before yon left work , but if yon will to work no more until the Charter become lbe law cf the land , you will make them glad to give you anything you want . " This wa 3 received with chetrs . He then introduced Mr . Cnrisiopher Doyle , of Manchester . He said , " Friends and fellow workmen , — we are not met here for any parry object , ' bat for a national object , —an cbjecj on which d ^ ppnds your slavery or Jreedom . " Aiter a great deal of abuse of tbe G&vern ' ment , he said , " Perhaps they would want to kn » w how they muit get the Charter s It wculd bs by working no more till tbe Charter became the law of tbe land , and yen that have money in banks or other places , must fetch h out , and Btop the supplies of Government , and then they will be gla . d to grant you anything M will
you may want . " He also said perhaps yon - want to know how you are to get meat . " He went on—** J ^ ord Kinuard saia in the House © f Lords , tee Other day , thai if he was in v&nt of food he vrould take it wbere he conld find it . Now . surely , your tyrannical masters can have no objection to telling von to do what Lord Kmnaird said ne would do . 1 iell yon if yon aie in want of food , and your roasters will not relive yon , take it where you can find it . He then proponed a resolution that the people should not work until the Charter became the law of the land The meeting were unanimous in favour of it . Doyle then said . " I see you are all Chartists , and there is a m ^ eticg of Chartist delegates at Manchester on tbe loth . You must elect a person to go tnere . "" He then proposed Taylor , the chairman . A show of handB was taken , and the election fell
upon Taylor . The latter said he felt proud tbat tney bad elected him as their representative . He said they must stick firm one to another , and work no more till the ' Charter became the law of the land , and he woald go to Manchester and . represent them there . The meeting was adjonrned to Possett-bndge . far So purpose of giving tbeir delegate his instrnclions . When the mob moved on , I saw that a great many x > f them were armed with blndgeons . iney were beaded by Taylor and Doyle . At the junction of the Peak Forest Canal , there were a number of > , «< . « twisririir . The mob took away the horEes , tieQ it
ihe boats tonne sides , and told the boatmen tnat they went further , they would sink tbe boats . There would be seven or eigDt . 1 didn ' t see Doyle do any S at the boats ; be was probably fifty yards m aorance . Tae mob went to the lock , and 1 went too . Tney threatened to throw me in if I mternpted 1 them . They then pulled out a bolt on which Sf door of the lock hung , and-threw rt across the caoaL They were probably twenty minutes m ac-Hags ? tftJ&ft t' % : p •« £ sto ^^ ssstf ^ KS a good deal of shouting , when they had got the d TtVMr Dnrham-I was not ordered to go to the
SS SSS Slil ^ sss SSfe s s ^ SSS resolution to 4 . dest " * , f St that 1 took down Chartist meeting , andI ^ fc ^^ TbeIe ^ hat ™ U ™ £ J $£ Z present , bnt I believe Tfere two other constuw v fa M sgfHr-
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By sergeant Murphy—I should be known to tbe paople at tbe meeting as btiug a . constable . Sjme ol them would sea me taking jha notes . I did it openiy . iNo molestation wiiaievt r was offered 10 me . By Mr . M Oubr « y—I know ihonatur * of an oaih . « hen I took the notes , I knew that 1 should be called to give evidence in a court of justice . I aa conscious that 1 havenot told all that passed at tbat meeting , but I have stated ; truly what 1 did take down . I could not rehearse ah that I left out of my
By Mr . O'Connor—I stod 4 four or five yards from the cart . 1 -wrote down eyery thing that occurred at the time , with the exception of the ohairman , which 1 wroie immediately afterwards . 1 have never been a short hand writer or reporter . 1 did not know that the meeting was composed of Chartists . 1 thought they were turn-outs . 1 am aware that a large reduction of wages was proposed at Stockport , but I don't know the amount . 1 did not hear any expressions of violence at the meeting , beyond a recommendation to the people to take food , and 1 thought that was rather Btrong . 1 do not know that ihe Mayor of Stockport recommended the people ^ 10 take food . 1 never heard him say BO . 1 don t live at Stpckpon . 1 have heard tho working classes complain that their wages were reduced below existence point . They complained also of the masters turning them out of work .
The note-book was here handed to his Lordship , at the Tequeat of Mr . O'Connor , for the purpose of hearing his opinion , whether an unpractised and unproJessioual person could take down a consecutive report of a speech in long hand ? The Learned Judge haying looked at the book , said that the question was rather one for the Jury ; and it was understood that they should have an opportunity of inspecting it before delivering their verdict . Witness re-examined by Mr . Woitley—I had a very favourable opportunity of taking notes . I was not jostled at all by the crowd .
His Lordship here interrupted the Learned Counsel for the purpose of saying , that when he came to vim up the case to the Jury , he should adopt th « same course as that pursued by Lord Chief Justice Tinaal , at Stafford , namely , to explain the general character of the indictment , and afterwards to point oat the comparative guilt of each defendant . He did not see how he could do justice to the defendants unless he adopted this course . Mr . Woriloyr-The Jmy may find them guilty on different counts . There are several in the indictment . The Judge—This is an indictment for a misdemeanour , and you must find them guilty of an offence arising out of the same transaction . Mr . Sergeant Murphy-It is quite clear that the course your Lordship has pointed out is the proper one , for 1 and some of my Learned Friends appear for defendants who are charged with different offences .
Abraham Long 3 on , examined by Sir G . Lewin—I am a police officer at Stockport . On the loth of August I was at a meeting on the Waterioo-road ; John Wright was in the chair . Immediately after the meeting broke up , 1 made notes of what had passed . I dii not write the nores myself , but I dictated them to an assistant . I read them over afterwards , and found them correct . A man named John Newton , not a defendant , spoke , after Wright had taken the chair . He proposed " that whoever introduced any Eubjeotnoc connected with that of wagts , should be pm down ; he told them they must get their wages , and if they could not , they must ask their masters why they could not give it them ; and if they told
them 11 was through the * top shop , ' they must ask their masters to go with them as commanders and sergeants , andfino them with bread and cheese on the road , and to go to the Duke of Wellington , and il that wouldn ' t do , to go to Buckingham Palace , and the House of Commons or Lordm , or whatever they had a mind to call them ^ and 10 demand from them to take ill restrictions tftV' The Chairman then got up , and said he would not go 10 London , and that they must take tbe responsibility upon themselves . James Ellison , not a defendant , moved au amendment that the question be left open , and let the meeting decide whether or not they would ask for their wages . I am not certain whether thig was all he said . Richard Pilling , one of the defendants , next spoke . He said , — " Fellow townsmen , ibr 1 may so call yon , having lived among you so long , and having been at so many meetings , and having been
in prison , 1 do sol know whether it would be safe for me to own it or not ; but I may avow that 1 have i . he honour to be the lather of the movement , and the sole cause of your being nere , ladies and gentlemen , at the present time ; for the masters of Ashton had thought proper to offer a reduction of twentyfive per cent , upon their wages . I then called upon the bellman to go round , and call a meeting . Wo there came to a resolution , swearing by the God of Heaven , that if a reduction took place , we would annihilate the j-y ^ tem , and cause the day of reckoning . I then addressed the meeting of 1 * 2 , 000 , afterwards anoihar at Sialybridge , of 10 , 001 ) , and at UukinBfild , of 5 , 000 . At every meeting , they came to a resolution to work no more till they had got the same wages as they had in February , 18 iO " He then said be had addressed a meeting at Roy ton , who came totihe same resolution . Ho then called a
meeting' at Oldham , but they were taken by surprise , and he had to come back with five other speakers . In consequence of that the people ot OJdham were not uui , but he was determined next morning to go and drub them out . He went accordingly , and mot them at eight o ' clock , where one of them attacked him , and he gave him a floorer . All their masters were then willing to give them their prices , but one of the Anti-Coru Law Leagne , of tne name of Bailey , of Stalybridge . In the course of tbe last three weets , he bad addressed 300 , 000 in different pam of Lancashire and Cheshire . They then went to Droyle 6 den , and the people there swore by the God of Heaven that they would not work any more until they got the prices ot 1840 .
Tbty iben came to Stockport , and caused all the mills to stop . They ( the meeting ) had not turned out ; it was the Asbton lads -who bad turned them ont , and if they went in again they would come over and give them a d—d good hidiDg . They then went to tee bastile , but he ( Pilling ) , did not think tbat risbt , but tbat winter tney might all become thieves , and then the soldiers and police would have to look after them , and that would eat up the system , as there were more ways of doin 3 that than one . If the Ashten lads had not been there , they would not have kaofva tbat there had been such a place . He went on to say that he had been in all parts of South Lancashire , and thit the two Tory members for Blackburn were engagod in working less cnt than
patent looms , at J ^ d . per other masters were giving in the neighbourhood , and stopped 9 i . per week ior every loom . On going to Todmorden , the "worthy member for Oldham was actually giving more wages for some kind 9 of work than was actually turned out for , and when the soldiers went to him to protect his factory , he told them be could do without them , as tbe arms of the people were ht 3 protection , and when that ceased , he hoped he should cease to iive . He iPillinfc ) then said there is that d—d rascal , Marshall , and that d—d bloodhonnd of a thief , Jem Bradshaw , both particular friends of his ; he loved them well and they knew it . The meeting mnst be sure to stick oat , and not to go to work , because if they did ; they might depend upon it the masters would crush them down , and then the Ashton lads -would come over again and
give them a d—d good hiding . _ And wonld they not deBtTVP iti The meeting called out , "Yes , my lad . " , They might call that intimidation , but he knew the j law of conspiracy , and nothing over good was got witbont some one suffering for it . He said they might put him within the prison walls , for he didn ' t care a d—n . He concluded by ' exhorting them to remain out of work . There was s another meeting at Peterloo on the 16 ih , to appoint j delegates , at which John Wright was elected . On ' the 17 th a further meeting took place . Wright ad- j dressed them , and said , " I have come "—Here the witness , after bungling for some time , in attempting ' to make either sense or any thing else of the manuscript , was ordered by the Judge to hand it over to j one of the officers of the Court , by whom it was j read .
During the time that tbe officer was reading the document , Mr . Dundas rose , arid said that this mode , of reading a speech was merely refreshing the me- mory of the witness . He complained that the witness had been staring about ihe Court instead of . attending to what was going on . ; Sir G . Lewin said tbat if his Learned Friend j wished , Longson should read the manuscript him- j self . Mr . Dondaa replied that he should be sorry to ; take up tbe time of the Court in such a manner , and 1 the officer proceeded with the 1 reading . The con- j tents of the speech were quite immaterial
Examination restuned—I remember attending a meeting , one at Carpenters' Hal ] , on the 15 ih-of September , and another at BoinberVbrow , on the 16 th . John Allison , a defendant , was there . H e recommended the men to-go to their work , and Ca rr did the same ; but Carter , not a defendant , & Aid they must have the Charter before they wen' » to work , aud that it did Hot matter if a few lives * were lost in the struggle . Two placards were read , at the meeting , one headed " Run for gold , " and 1 . nothet similar to the address of tbe Executive Cof jmittee The former was read , but with lespeo 1 , to the latter , the Attorney-General said he &hr , uld prefer offering the evidence to which he alluded in his opening address .
Cross-examined by Mr . BuEdas —?' Neither of the parties who wrote to my dictation 9 re here . We were about three quarters of an hor , in writing the speech of Pilling . I have attend ed several meetings , and dictated speeches to our own officers . The man who wrote PilliBg ' s speech , for me is Robert Swan . He is a Sheriff ' s officf f . He never wrote any for me before the late tv ni-out . I can carry a decentisb long speech in m * y memorj , but a good deal depends upon the sv ' oject . I think I could remember a speech of half an hour ' s length . The mutMiig 01 va « 16 ih ten ? jnaxed peaceably .
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By Mr . O'Connor—I beHera I could repeat Pilling s speech , as J -have it ri » w ; i now . I am no ' mu ^ h of a politician , but I read tire newspapers . I occasionally read the Manchester Guardian , i nover saw a report of PiJling's f ^ pbech in the paper When bwann and I were writing out the speech , ho occasionally refreshed my memory . I don't know the reason why he is not here . Tnese are our nates conjointly . When Pilline heard that the people bad aontj 10 the Stockpprt workhouse , he expressed his d sapprobatton . 1 can ' i remember whether Newton , a master masonwho was at the meetingsaid that
, , unless tbe torn Laws were repeated , they would turn London upside down . When he recommended them 10 zo to London , to the " lop shop , " tho meeting hissed , and a person called out ,, " Master , you are a tool of the Anti-Corn Law League . " 1 believe is 19 trne that the ..-meeting charged Newton with having been sent there by the manufacturers , to create a disturbance . 1 have not placed this in my journal . 1 was sent to the meeting to give a faithful report , and 1 did so as nrar as 1 can . 1 d ' idn ' t think about what was Baid to Newton at the time . 1 have never read the following resolution : —
" That this meeting being convinced that the Government baa no intention ef affording tffixtua ] relief for the acknowledged ^ dlBtreBses of the people , hereby avow tbe solemn determination never again to pasi , or to retain for twenty-four hours without exchanging for gold any Bank of England notes , until , by the total and immediate repeal of the Corn Laws , Parliament shews its willingness to commence a real redress of our grievances . " I remember seeing a placard on tbe walls at Stockport , headed " Murder , murder , murder , " but I cau't mention the mine of the printer . I can ' t say whether Gadsby's name was affixed to it or any otber . I can't remember whether Allison recommended the people to resort to legal and constitutional means to obtain the
Charter , but I tninlf he used the word peaceable . I am o « rtain that Pilling uaed the v » on \ * ' drub" and not dmm , when he talked of going to Oldham . I can ' t say whether Pilling , when he was speaking as to the consequences of persisting for the Charter , said "be ( M not care for fool or dick , " or he said he djd not care for " Hool * ' or "Dick , ' alluding to Mr . Holland Hoole , a magistrate , and to ilr . Cobdtn . I am aware tbat many angry public discusaions have taken place between tbe Chartists and the anti-Corn Law party , at Stockport , and that a very bad feeling exists between them . I don't know tbat the Chartists have upset Cora Law meetings , nt
Stockport , but they did once upset a meeting of the Bible Society . I can't recollect that Pilling ever told me that in consequence ot being turned oat « f work , he was in such distress , tbat be could not bury bis child . I don't remember ever seeing a placard on tbe walls of Stockport , to tbe effect that the Mayor ot Stockport had recommended the people to take food , if they were starving , and could not obtain any . Mr . Sergeant Murphy stated to his Lordship that Pilling bad wisbed to know whether he ( tb 6 Judge ) would allow a question to be asked of the witness , Longaon , whether , when speaking at tbe meeting alluded to , bo bud not confined "nis observations to a recommendation of tho wage question .
His Lordship informed Pilling that he might ask the question himself . Be accordingly did so , and saul , amidat great laughter , that hims « f and LoDgtson were old caurus on the factory and wage question . At tkis stage of the proceeding , tho Jury tetired fur a few minutes . On their return , Sir Frederick Pollock , addressing bis Lonlship , said , —I wish to call your Lordbbip ' s attention to tbe attendance here of Sir James ( ifahum , as a witness . It has been intimated to me by Mr . O'Connor , tbat be intends to call a witness of the name of Wilcox , und in tbat case there wil > be no necessity for tbe attendance of tho Hight Hon . Secretary . Mr . O Connor—Certjwnly not . Tbe Judge—Is there any other defendant who dots not appear by Counsel , who wishes to examine Sir J . uuts ( irtth . auv ? If no answer is retained , 1 ahull conclude tbat no person wishes to do so . it be
iJr . O Connor—I tri ^ st we have summoned Sir James Graham for no idle purpose , but having secured the wituuta who will answer our purpose , we have no wish to detain the R ght Hon . Secretaiy . Sir James Graham remained some time in the Court , making minutes of tba txauiiimiiou of some ot tbe witness , and retired in the course of tbe afternoon . John Rjbinson Scott examined by Mr . Hildyard— I am a policeman . On the 13 th of August , 1 attended a meeting at Koyton . The defendant , Augustus Frederick Taylor was there . A Cbairmun was appointed , and a person named Tboiuaa Ratcliffc uakaa whether Ibo meeting wob got up fur the purpose of discussing wages or politics . It w received with general hooting and
hisoing . A person named Hoylu spoke , ana s&id he was glad to see me there in my proper clovbing , for if I had cuiue as a spy , they would strip me and send me about my business . Tflia was said in the presence of Tavlor , tbe defendant The latter then got up , aud after speaking in a savage manner respecting the Government , he turned to me and said tbat it 1 was a principal in this ut . dertakiug , I should never rest till 1 was ut the top of the tree , fur they were determined to upset the villanoua eyatcru , and he added that be woald scale that d—tl infernal place ( meaning the gaol ) in less than a month . On tUe 16 tb Of August anotner meeting was held at tho same place , when Taylor was again present . He Baid that be could give Che meetic g no satisfaction , but said he hoped that something
would have been done that day , Aftei tb » iand accounts were read , a motion was proposed that Taylor should be sent as a delegate to Manchester . A coLlecwas made , amounting to rive shillings , which was handed over to Boolti , the secretary . Tae meeting was again adjourned to the following day . Tavlor was again present . Something was said about money-clubs and banks , and Booth advised the people to draw the money out of them . This was saia in the presence of Taylor . Booth said he did not know how things were standing , but they ought to go for the Charter . Hoy la then addressed the meeting , and s&iu that at a meeting of tbe delegates , at Manchester , there was a majority of 200 to 50 for tbe Charter . He then explained the d . ffcrent points in it , and taid what benefit it would
confer if they could send their friend Frederick Taylor to Parliament . He aaid the Magistrates had made the soldiers drunk , and sent them &f ccr tbe mob to fire upon them and butcher them up . Taylor then addressed tho meeting . He siid , " Ladits and Gentlemen , we have arrived at one of tbe most important subjects teat ever was undertaken . He said that a resolution had been passed at Manchester , on the previous Monday , in favour of the Charter , and that no doubt something serious would happen before long . He stated that the Magistrates of Manchester , and Mr . BtBwick , entered the Carpenters ' Hall , and told the persons assembled that tbe meeting was illegal , in constqutnee of the © ut- < loor pressure . The Chairman refused to break up the meeting , and the
Magistrates and police returned again , and would only allow them ten minutes to disperse . Fir&t one of them nibbled , and then another , but none of them would take bold . But I tell you that I took hold of the grand question , which was the Charter , and it was received with loud applause . We had then only five minutes to disperse , and we had : a considerable portion of the work to be dune to-day , and I consider that you hp » ve not a moment to Jose , so ttmt you who wish to have a hand in this undertaking must do something this morning , for the men must use tbe sword , and the women will know where U ) direct them . Taylor then said , as soon as the delegate from Birmingham came and brought lbe decision , he immediately ran to the trades to communicate the news , and no doubt they would come forward in thousands to join thai * ranks , and before this day vm 6 k there will not ; he one trade at werk . But I fearlessly tell you that I was the man who grappled the Charter yesterday at
Manchester , and I should like to witness a bloody revolution or revolutions , and the time was not far off . " On the following mernirjg , tbe 18 tb , there was another meeting ! Taylor was present He Baid he was very sorry to inform the meeting that Turner , who printed tbe placard which I brought home with me last night , has been taken . ( This , was tbe address of the " Executive Committee , " and bore the imprint of Chas . Turner . ) He added that Tamer ' s printing press and all his furniture had been taken , and whatever might be the event of this undertaking , be could not tell , but if the meeting thought th&j had the slightest chance , they would go forward . Bat he said it appeared to him that some of tbe peopie were getting tired , and wished to return to their labour . If they did , however , tbej wou d leave tim in a most dangerous poaUiOU , but he could oalj- " be pat ia prison , and should be one among the rebt- At tho conclusion , Taylor was again elected as a dels-gate .
ByM ? . O'Connor—I understood that when Taylor was spf aking of the people bein ^ tired , and wiBhing to return to taeir labour , he was speaking of the people of RoyV > n . Silvester Faraday , examined by Mr . F . Pollock—I am a policeman . I was at a meeting at Bacup . between ai - < e and ten o'clock on the morning of the 16 th cf & ugust There were about 2 , 000 persons present They ' were armed with Btickd and bludgeons . They entered Baoup from the Rochdale road . , I followed them , and saw what they did . They proceeded to tbe mills and stopped , them . They called upon the hands of the mills in a menacing way , to come out AH the mills in
Bacup were stopped on- that day . They afterwards divided into small parties of from three to twenty . They entered all houses that they found open , and demanded provisions from the inmates . There was a grocer of the name of Carter , and tae people crowded round the shop , and provisions were thrown out to th 6 m . Their conduct was violent , bnt tfaey offered no threats . 1 did not hear any tnreat at Carter ' s , but in other instances , I heard . the people themselves threaten to break open the d « ora of the houses , if provisions were net given to them . The state of the town was one of great violence and uproar , I first saw tho address of the " Executive Committee , " posted in Bacup , on Saturday , the 20 th of August
By Mi . M'Oabiay—I only read one ox two lines of tbe placard , but I satisfied myself that it is tke same . By air . O'Connor—I did not see any person that I knew individually , who Jwere shewing the pe < pie how to pull out the plugs . The rnillowners are not all dead , but 1 don't know that any of . them , are here to speak to the milis being stopped . By William Beesley , a defendant—I saw the placard in two different paita of the town . I do
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1 - - -T - - - 1 ¦ 1 n 1 r 1 iftu i *»» j , m not remember any provisions being found opon the prisoners at Bjcap , or at thfljpofieo office there . Williim B ntley t-xamtned by Mr . P Pollock—I am a policewian from K ^ ch'iaie I sawj tbe address of the Executive Committee posted on the 17 th of August , and the hands turned ont on tho ilth . The Queen ' a proclamation appeared on the 15 th . About the 20 tb the kands returned to work . I Jam « s Buckley examined by the Attorney-General—I iive at Stalybridge . On Sunday , jtbe 7 th of Aueust , 1 was at a meeting at Mottram Moor ; from 3 , 000 to 6 . 000 persons were present . Wilimm Moorhouse , not a defendant , was in the chair . Wjhen I got there , 1 found the people singing a hymn . 1 A resolution was
proposed that the people of Englanjd should give over working until they got a fair day ' s ] wage fora day ' s work , and the Charter became tbe lkw of the land . A . man represented to be John Leachi , of Hyde , spoke . Jokn Crossley and Win . Stephensort were there . All three supported the resolution . On the morning of Monday , the 8 th of August , I saw a great number of persons , some armed with sticks , jin the Streets at Stalybridse- Mote were without than had tnem . I followed them down to Messrs . Harrison ' s mill . They shouted and wauted to get the hands out Mr . Han isoon stopped hia mill . The mob then went to Messrs . Lee '* mill , and demanded admittance , but they could not get in . They broke a plank off the bottom of the gate , and effected an entrance , buti when they got in ,
the hands had been turned out at aaothei doot . They afterwards went to Duckenfleld , arid stopped all the milis on tbe road , between that plac ^ and Ashton . The mob feran . lished their sticks , and created great alarm . They then went to Hurst and stopped mills there . Above twenty were stopped . In the afternoon , I saw John Crossiey , in the Market-place , at Ashtou . I also saw William Aitkin , auoiber of the defendants . He " blacked" the mob most terribly for the way they had gone on . Piliing was there tooj and he proposed that the people of Ashton should go to Oldham , and the people of Stalybridge to Hyde , in order to stop the mills . This was agreed to . There are many hatters in the neighbourhood , and the mob stopped them from working , as they came to thej hat shops . They
said they must give over working until a fair day ' s wage for a fair day ' B work was obtained , and the Charter became the law . I saw John JDrossley . He saw some lads attempting * to break a gate , aud he ran to prevent them doing any damage . There did not appear to be any leaders at that time . From Denton the mob went to Hyde , and they called upon the hatters to fall in , and march with ibeiin . Some of them did so . and others refused . They afterwards divided themselves into lots , and went to different mills . At Hyde they went to Mr . James Ashton ' s factory , and turned the hands out . Before the party broke up they went to Glossop , but I did not go with them . On the
morning ot the 11 th there was a meeting atHaigh , ef a similar character , which was addressed by Fenton , Crossley and Mahon . Croasley saidjhe would not tell them where to go to , as they had behaved themselves so bidly the day before . He told them they weie to follow him . About seven o'clock the next morning , the 12 ih , another meeting was hel ^ at Stalybridge ; Crossley and Fsnton were there , arid advocated the wage question , but Woolfinden advised them to stick to the Charter . He spake very ill of shopkeepers , cotton masters , and the Government- ! I did not go any where with them that day . ^ buts the next morning there was another meeting . Mahon was there , and Crossley , Durham , and Fenton . Ii was stated ithat there was to
co a meeting that morning at Hyde , and that men were to be sent from Stalybridge to address the people on the wagu question . I waa at a meeting at Hyde after 'his . VVtn . Stephenson and Crossley Sw ^ re there , They wanted the people of Hyde to give up the agitation of the Charter . The people blackguarded them terribly , for coming with such a tale as that B > oth , the defendant , was one of the parties who did bo . I went back ' to Stalybrfrtgeafter tbe meeting was oyer . I found the people coming jn Lorn Gioasov to have a meeting at Stalybridge to discms whether it should be a , wage , question or a Chartist question ; it was to be what was i called a great meeting . It was determined that the Stalybridge people should not have anything to do with j the voting , because they would not haye anything to do i with the Charter . It was afterwards agreed that the
meeting should stand out for the Charter , aud I it broke up . John Wild was the chairman of the general meeting , at Stalybridge . Several persons were called , and at last Wild was fixed upon . He said be did not like to have anything to da with the business , but as they had called upon him , he would do his duty as far as he was able , ] by giving every speaker a fair and candid heariug . , Leach supported the Charter . Newton , Mahon , and ; Booth also took part for the Charter . Several persbns i-poke for the wage question , and among the number j > arham and j Fenton . All present , with the exception of two , voted for the Charter . I should think that from 8 . 000 to 10 , 000 persons were present Tnis was the last meeting I attendo ! I
By Mr . Dundas—I did not hold up my hand for the resolution . I am a married man aud have a family . In the month of August my Wife and children wei-e in the Workhouse , at tSacldleworth . This was in consequence of my being out of work . They are not tberu now , because I have got work . I am working at Mr . Kirk ' s factory , and have been in work far sis weeks . My wife and family left the Workhouse three or four months ago . 1 can't say whether I was in work or not when they returned . I was a special constable at the time , at Stalybridge . The reason ! why I did nob give that a-nawer before was , that I thought you would not think being & special constable working . I W > 8 a special constable for six weeks , and had 3 s . a day . I never was discharged from bei&g a special constable , because 1
had no regular engagement , I was ( ordered to give over because there was no demand ; for me . I was afterwards a watcher under the police of S ' . alybridge , at I 63 . a-week . This was in consequence of their being a watchman short for about three months . When 1 applied whether I was to have tt e situation permanent , the Commissioners at Stalybridge said that if they appointed me , they were afraid that the rate payers would not pay their rates , because I had sworn agaii si the Chartists . I will swear tbat I was not discharged by the Commissioners , for any other reason . / was told by some body to go to the meetings . ] I got paid for going ! ( Hisses from the body ot the Court ) I shall not tell you who sent me . 1 was told before I went
that it would be worth my while . I got five shillings . That is not all I got . I nave received £ 5 at different times , und I expect to receive more . ( Renewed hisseB . ) By Mr . Atherton . —The first information I gave wa 9 about a fortnight after the meeting of the 7 th . Before I gave tbafyinforrnation 1 had not seen the Queen ' s Proclamation offering a reward of £ b 0 . { The first time I saw it was in September . I am not certain whether I bad seen it before . I w&s examined by the Ashton Magistrates . I admitted having toid a woman named Susan Greenwood , mother of my first Wife , tbat I bad seen a lad break a gate at Messrs . J Lee's mill , and that I might as well have £ 50 as any body else . She asked whether I would go and swear against my neighbours ? I don't remember what answer I made to the
old woman . I acknowledge having been questioned as to what I knew about tbe Chartists , and I said that if it had not been for the speakers , there would have been a great deal more disturbance . I was not a turnout on the 7 th of August I bad nothing to turn out upon . I was three weeks and had j nothing to do . 1 scarcely know how I lived , i I had bread , but very little meat I got the ! H"Ur from a shop , at Stalybridge . I did not payi for it I have been living on credit When I went up and down to these meetings , I did not take any part in the
proceedings . I neither hissed nor shouted . I have taken notes , but I have bnrnt all tbe papers' ] had , When I was examined before the nmgistrates , In September , I could not be sure -whether Fenton was at the meeting on the 12 th of August . I examined the papers afterwards , and found that it was corrrect : The paper was burnt before I gave eivdeuce at Chester . I knew it might be wanted tot these aasiass , but I thought I could carry it all in n > y head . 1 was examined before the Grand Jury respecting these transactions , and I buiaed the papers afterwards . ¦ IHr
Gross-examined by Mr , O'Connor—When WEB the first instalment paid to you ? It happen might be about the 16 th or 17 th of August . &Might it be a fortnight before ? It might You say you got between £ i and £ 5 altogether ? Yes . j Are yon certain you did not get more !?—I am . On tbe 17 th of August , when you followed the meeting , before tbe millB were stopped , you say that the people were riotous and created great alarm iu the neigh bourhood . that they passed through ?
Did they alarm you ? Yes . How does it happen , than , that if you were so much alarmed , you followed the people ? I did not follow them . Tben you went t . efore tbern ?—( Laurhter . ) I attended their meetings ! Did you not follow them when Crossley prevented the the boys from doing damage to a hatter's premises ? Yes . j Upon yonr oath , sir , did not Crosfcleyj say to you , on the Monday about which you have beer ? speaking , that
he would go with you to the meeting , if . you would promise to abstain from violence ? ¦ He never said anything of that sort to me . > Did you tell all to the Magistrates that you have told here today ? i No . I ¦ Did yon swear that Leach bad been at the meeting on tbe 13 th of August , at all ? 1 I have nothing to do with Leach at all . Oh ! brit yoa nave . After your examination before the Magistrate ? , were you bound ovler to give evidence ? '
Yes . , i Bid you give evidence at Chester ? I did . Were the men againat whom you swore convicted or acquitted ? ' One was convicted , and two were acquitted . Did you get anything tot that job ? Not mucb . How much ? Fifty shillings . : And how much do you expect to get for this job ? I dont know .
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Has no one told you ? No . W ere yon not toM that you would get the £ 50 , if you co . ivictd the whole of the parties ? No . Did yo « say it yourself ? I never &aid that I might as well have the £ 56 for those person . 3 . It was for the job at Chester that I said I might as wa'l have the £ o&-Did yon ever show your papers to any one before you destroyed theni ? No . Upon your oatii , did any one tell you to destroy them ?
No . What did yon get Sot going to Liverpool ? Fifty shillings . Have you told the whole truth ? Yes j to the beat of rny belief . D j yon remember what you swore , when you were before the magistrates , in September last ? What about ? - That ia what I want to fenow . Wa » what you swore before the magistrates , read over to ysa , or given to you , to be read by yourself ? It has been read over a time or two . By whom ? I don't know : I don't see him here . When was it last read to 50 a ( The witness hesitated for a long time , and appeared quite unwilling to answer the question . )
Mr . O Connor—Upon your oath , £ must Lave aa answer to the question . The witness still hesitated . The Judge—Why don ' t yoa answer the question . Witness—Tbe depositions have been read over to me to-d ; iy —( a strong sensation . ) Mr . O'Connor—Go down , Sir . The defendant , Wild , here asked if he could be allowed to put a few questions to Buckley . Tho Judge—Certainly . Defendant—Aa I am not defended , my Lord , and have no means to obtain counsel , I wish to know when my trial will come on , so that 1 may be prepared to defend myself to the best of my ability . . The Judge—Your trial is going en now—( laughter . ) Defendant—At the meeting at which you said you saw me , did I not object to the Charter being carried out ?
Witness—Yes . Defendant—When I refused to meet the motion ia the shape in which it was proposed , did net thepeo « pie come before me . with sticks , and threaten toknoctc my brains out ? Witness— Yes ; and they threatened to knock you out of the cart By Sir Frederick Pollock—The money which I received was for my expences at Chester and Liverpool . I received 503 . at each place , and my expends were rather more than £ 3 . ¦
Joseph Oliver , examined by Mr . Wortley—I am an overlooker employed at Mr . Hall ' s mill , at Duckinfield . I was at a meeting at Hall Green on the 2 nd or 3 rd of August . I think Wild was in the chair , bat I won't swear it . Pilling and Challenger addressed the meeting , and a resolution was proposed tbat if the masters per * sisted in their reductions , tbe men Would cease from labour , until they had got a fair day ' s wage for a fair day's work , and tho Charter had b&come tbe law of the land . The resolution was not put to the vote . I was at another meeting on the 10 th . Pilling was there . He eaid he bad been at Oldham , where he bad met with some opposition . He added that some of his lads had been there on Monday , and raked out the fires , and pulled out the
plugs . Two men were come to Ashton , to say whether tuty would turnout quietly or uat , because if they would not , he was afraid that some of his lads woald break their beads . I was present at another meeting at Duckinfield , on the 15 th of August . James Thorp was in the chair . Challenger , a defendant , spoke in favour of the Charter , and said tbat if they would pass a resolution in favour o ( tho Charter , they wonld go for the Charter and fight for it . He said he had been at Preston a few / days ago—the streets were barricaded , and that not a single soldier , or a blue-bottle was to be seen , and he had no doubt tbe town , if it was then as be bad left ; it , it would be by that time in a blaze . He alao > said that he had . been at Manchester , and that it was not for the towns of Ashton , Dukinfield , Stalybridge , and
Hyde , to carry the Charter , but it most rest with the great delegate meeting at Manchester' to carry it into law . He said that less turn-outs than these had caused a revolution . He referred to the case of a great em purer ravishing a woman , and to the case of Wat Tyjer , in England , and he said he believed tbe time was fast approaching when they would have such men as Fairfax and Cromwell . He recommended the pec * pie te look up to such men as Feargns O'Connor , BroRterre O'Brien , and Dr . M'DoualL I saw Challenger again iu the evening , at Ashton , where there was a meeting . Some confusion took place , and the people said there was t » dog battle . Challenger toid them that if they intended to carry the Caaiter they must not be afraid of two whelps fighting .
By Mr . O'Connor—Some of my friends were opposed to my coming here , but a parson whom I did cot know Bent for me , and , I thought it . was my duty to come . I admit that 1 . have been spoken to respecting my evidence . Mr . O'Connor—By whom ? Witness—1 don ' t know . Mr . O'Connor—You don't know ? witness—1 was introduced into a room by somebody— tlaaqbter ) . Mr . O Cjnnor— Where at ? Witness—It was at the Commercial Inn , at Preston . Mr . O'Connor—Did you read over your deposition there ? Witness—I did . Mr . O Connor—Were there other persons there reading ? Witness—Yes ; they seemed to be reading pieces of paper like mine .
Mr . O'Connor—Now , Sir , navmg had your memory refreshed by tbe Attorney at Preston , I ask you whether you told the Magistrates that Challenger said the people were to leek up to Feargus O'Connor , Brosterre O'Brien , and Dr . MDanall ? Witness— No . Mr . O'Connor—Did you tell the Magistrates about Prestou being in a bkze ? Witness—N » : I thought it was of no use , as Coal length had gone off to America . Mr . O'Connor—Why did you not tell them ? Witness—I have told you the reason . Don't brine
things ont so bluff— ( laughter ) . I am getting quite dry —( renewed laughter ) . Mr . O'Connor—Will you take a glass of wine ? Witness —! have not come here to tell any lies . Mr . O ' Connor—Tben let us have the whole truth . Witness—I will speak the truth , man . ( Mucb luugbter . ) Air . O'Connor—Then do , man . Now , is the evidence you have given to-day the same as you gave to the attorney at Ashton ? Witness—Yes : word for word . ( Laughter . ) Mr . O Connor—After that , you may go down .
Samuel Bannister , examined by Sir G . Lewin—I am chief constable of Preston . There is a Chartist meeting room there . I was at a Chartist meeting aboui a month prior to the 12 th of August A meeting was announced for the evening of that day . I went there . Two persons were at the meeting who were represented as Aitkin and Challenger . They were received as such , aud addressed the assemblage . Mt . Atb 6 rton objected to the reeeption of the evidence proposed to be given by the witness , inasmuch as he contended tbat the identification of the party merejy by name , was not sufficient . The Attorney-General called attention to the evidence of the preceding witness , who had stated that he had heard Challenger Bay he had been at Preston , and also heard him describe the s < ate in which tho turn-out was wnen he left it . The Judge—1 think the evidence as to identity is sufficient .
Examination resumed—Both speakers spoke at great length . One resolution was put , that they should again meet in a place called the orchard , at an early hour of the morning and at noon , to prevent such personB as were disposed to work from doing so . That resolution was carried . Others were proposed of a very violent character , but 1 can't particularise them . Challenger said that the masters of Preston , or the cotton lords , as he called them , were the most tyrannical men in tho county , tbat they gave a less amount of wagea than others , and therefore could undersell their neighbour ? Aitkiu abused the mill-owners , and boasted that he had been in prison to serve the people , and would do so again . The next morning I attended the
orchard , about five o ' clock , and found about 100 persons there at that time . 1 saw tbe number was increasing , and 1 then went back to the station , and sent a report to the Mayor of the borough , having left some constables to watch the proceedings of the mob . On my return , 1 met one of the constables , who said that the mob had gone in the direction of one of the mills , to stop them . The next thing was the calling out of the military . ¦ 1 then proceeded with the soldiers and Magistrates down Fishergate , and . a short distance before we came to Luue-street , we met an immense mob of persons We stopped them from coming up the street . We then proceeded in the direction of Palsy ' s factory , and on our return up Lune-street showers of stones were thrown at us by the mob . We were ordered to halt and turn round in order to disperse them , but it was
useless . We then informed them that Capt . Woodford had been sentfor , and that the Riot Act would be read . Amidst a shower of atonea , one of the mob exclaimed—*? Read and-bed--d . » 1 thea ' went in company with Captain Woodford , to inform t he mob that theBiot Act had been read . We found that stones were then coming over the roofs of the houses , as well as in our frogi ipiUttp \ 3 l £ Iff * canal iu the lower part of mnffy ^ vjlO ™?* number of stones are depg ^ ffi 5 vj ^ OTf _ wiwg ^ 5 tg women brining stonts in « ei ^« gx ^»* W ^ P * a deposit . Finding thatm «^^^ Pjirtft the mob were fruitlessy lit ^ sjJ ^^^ TOil i don ' t know the precilT-M ^ l ^^^ tyiiH the soldiers fired . I sawfep ^ ffgSCjpJSW &iB& of the mob drop immedi&t ^ m ^^^ m aJ& ^ Uk to my astonishment , nliiiur mjrtffniiMTt i \| ijii | jiiinj ( thunderstruck . In the counfcf ^¦^^ y ^» utea Continued m our «* t * ai » J-V Or
Untitled Article
THE NORTHERN STAR . 3
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), March 11, 1843, page 3, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct472/page/3/
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