On this page
- Departments (3)
-
Text (8)
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
TO THE IMPERIAL CHABTISTS.
-
STATE OF THE COUNTRY.
-
Cf)artfct 3Eu&nuj;tuce.
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
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.
-
-
Transcript
-
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.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
Untitled Article
Mr deab Friesbs , —Little time _ s I now hare to myself , I think , nevertheless , that you will expect some notice from me of a letter , and an Editorial notice upon it , which appeared in the British Slatesman of last week . I shall at once give a brief narrative of facts connected with the whole affair ; and from the manner in which those facts shall be handled , you will find that virtue requires not the jrid of declamation to support it , and that it is only the conscious hypocrite who is obliged to substitute bad language for lack of facts . Now , just listen .
I arrived at Manchester at six o'clock in the morning of the 16 th of August , for the purpose , as I understood , of attending a meeting to be held in Mr . Scbolefield ' 3 yard , and a tea-party in Carpenters ' Hall . I understood , from the papers , that an intended procession had been abandoned . Upon my arrival , I instantly drove to Mr . ScholeSeld ' g , and learned from him that the authorities had forbidden ail meetings , no matter how called , and no matter for what purpose held ; and thai the Monument Committee , nnder the tircumstances , had unanimously resolTed to forego ; the meeting , prudently resolving to afford no occasion for a collision between the military and the people . They seemed to remember that the blood shed on a former 16 th of August , ias not jet been atoaed for !
When I found that tne meeting was not to take place , I went to bed , having travelled all night-A Conference "was to hate met on the following day , the 17 th ; but it appeared that the delegates had proceeded to business on the 16 ih . At two o ' clock , a message was sent for me to attend the delegate meeting . I instantly started for the place and the carriage wa 3 followed by a vast multitude . I armed , and the crowd began to increase rapidly , whereupon the landlady gave U 3 notice that we must disperse and leave the house . An adjournment was moved , to nine o ' clock on Wednesday
morning . Up to this point no business . had been done ; and the delegates said they regretted having sent for me at all , as my presence was not" necessary . I thought it better that we Ehould lose no time , but that we should look ont for another place of meeting , and proceed to business at once . I procured another place the same afternoon , which I believe no other person could have accomplished , and set to work to inform the delegates , Tfho were ignorant of my success . In the mean time I saw Mr . Hargraves , and desired him to start from the Carpenters' Hall in a cab for me the moment the ceremony of drinking tea had concluded .
The delegates arrived at eight . Of course , I don't know any of them , as it appears that Sir Charles Shaw has a desire to learn their names . / teas one . We sat from eight to twelve in calm discussion , but do course was decided upon . When Mr . Hargraves arrived , it was nnanimonsly resolved , very much against my will , that neither I nor any other delegate should absent himself for the purpose of attending the Carpenters' Hall meeting ; and a message was sent to the Rev . Mr . ScholeSdd to request him to make that communication to the meeting at Carpenters' Hall , which he did .
On Wednesday we met again ; forty very excellent men . We sat all day . There were two resolutions and one address passed , and that was all the business done . I seconded the address , which was carried by a great majority . I proposed one of the resolutions , which was carried unanimously . I dreic vp the Address , the only address that was passed by the delegates : and curious to say , the Northern Star wa 3 the only paper in England that published any one of the acts of the Conference ; and it published every one of them .
I never saw so good a feeling pervade any meeting of the people's leaders : never in my life ail was union and harmony . At the close of our proceedings , and after the Chairman had vacated the chair , some one asked , —Tom Styles , of Snook ' s Toicn , 1 think , —whether or no the placard that professed to come from the Executive should appear in the Star ? I said " yes , as an advertisement ; aud I will pay for it . " At ten o'clock I waiked down to Mr . Heyweod ' s . He was out . I remained till he returned ; and the first word he said was , " Well , Sir , thepoor devil that printed the placard purporting to emanate from the Executive , haa been seized
and his press , and type are all taken . " " The ¦ devil they are , " said I , " then I suppose if it is published in the Northern Star , the Xieeds Justices would glory in following the bold example set them by their Manchesier brethren . " " O , for God sake" said Mr . Hcy . cood , " don ' t pub-Jiih it ; for , so sure as you do , so sure trill every particle of your machinery be scixed t as they vcould say it teas a great injustice to pounce upon a poor man and let the rich go free . " I said , ** Bnt I promised , and ordered its publication . " " Well , then , you must be mad , " said he . I instantly sat down , and mentioned the circumstance to the Editor , and
recommended him EOt to pnblish the said document ; thinking its appearance in the last nvmbkb of the Star would be but a sorry compliment to the people , and a poor tribute to my understanding after the warning . I returned to Mr . Scholefield's , where I slept , with an intention of returning home by the half-past three o ' clock train on Thursday morning , and was called at half-past two for that purpose , by the Rev . Mr . ScholeSeld . When he called me , I said , " Well , Mr . Schokfield , I have made up my mind to be the last of the delegates in Manchester . Damn the warrants ! they have none ; and I will go out of Manchester in open day . " Accordingly I remained till half-past nine and storied for London .
And now I may observe , that my conduct , from Erst to last , gave unmixed satisfaction to every one of the forty Delegates . I think all will admit that fact . . I was to have lectured at Oldham ou the nights of Wednesday and Thursday ; but the Delegare from Oldham assured me that 1 should not be expectei , * and if I had been , I vrould not have gone . I was 10 have been at a tea-party at Bury on Saturday ; but the Delegate from that town told me it had been put off . I would not have gone there either , under the then existing circumstances .
My business in Manchester was done when the Conference broke up ; and yet one would suppose that the " Old Char : ist" imagined that I was to live there . But 0 ! what a disadvantage I labouT nnder , when engaged in a controversy in which loyalty to my party prevents me from referring to the danger from which I saved them 1 ! while the chief object , of my reviler evidently appears to be to set the Government upon the scent of prey to be run down . Would that prudence would allow me to disclose all I Bnt no even malice shall not induce me to commit any man . I would rather bear unmerited censure .
Now , then , yon have a plain narrative before you of all the matters connected with my Tun to Manchester ; and I now pray your attention to the letter of the Statesman's " Old Chartis ; . " Here it is : — " 70 IHE EDITOB OF THE BfilTISH STaT £ SMa >\ " These are times to try mens' souk . " " Si a . I am so sick at heart at the position -we novr cccur . j as CMrtists—I feel myself unmanned , degraded , and rurt bo low , that henceforth my name shall not , at least for seme time to come , appear in cennexion with the cause of Chartism . The people—the faithful confiding people—have been deluded , deceived , and abandoned by " their leaders ; they have been drawn out
from their employment with a view of achieving the gra ^ d object of their wiahes , and with the understanding that a bold and decisive effort wonM be made by the- Executiye to obtain the Caarter . We are told that Peargus O'Connor , " initead of being at the tea-party at the Carpenter's Hall , was engaged with the Executive on business of national Importance . We relied upon that , Bid waited anxiously for tke great acd important * ews of -what they had be « n engaged upon . We saw the jbicard containing tie result of their labours , an addieEs from the Executive Conneil ( unsigned by-the-by ) , iiifoncine us that the machinery ma prepared for a
gracd national straggle , and that in eight days . I cannot contain the indignation I feel at the Uwagnto of * -& declaration . Great Britain would be in oommotioa . I inquired into the details , but I w& » told on all cuts Feaigua O'Connor had run away to London , for fear of being arrested , leaving Leach to do the dange-oBa part of publishing these placards , which , in my opinioa , was a wanton sacrifice o ! Leach bj O'Connor . Hfc lO'Connor ; was THE roan the people looked to for ¦ an txncple of courage and bravery , bnt he ran away , asa then li'Dousll , then Campbell , —in fact , all the teadtrs left the complfcte ' micbinery * and arranieaerts , lite a self-actor , to ( So the work . The
Untitled Article
people are thoroughly disgusted with the conduct of O'Connor , and also at the Executive , the paid servants of the Chartists , running away in the moment of danger . When we got rid of our old leaders of the first Convention , we expected we had room for honester and bolder men , bat we have been deceived ; where now shall we find leaders ia whom the people can reposa confidence ? I am glad to sea the part you took in yeur last' Statesman . ' You were ' up to the mark ! ' Bat let and one read the wishy-washy trishy-traahy , ipology of Feargus O'Connor to the Imperial Chartists' of Satardaylast , and the miserable subterfuges of his editor , Mr . Hill , in attempting to run
away from the Movement , and throw all the onus or blam « upon the Com Law League . Such articles at sueh a crisis , were treason to the people ' s cause ; and above all , the non-insertion of the Executive address was treachery of the basest description , and this from the principle oracle of Chartism is too bad . I have just been told that the ' Northern Star' ¦ was kicked about the Chartist room in Manchester , and that Feargus O'Connor ' s portrait and tke ' Star * was publicly burned in Oldham . This shows that other people beside myself , are smarting under the conduct of O'Connor and the Star . I pity Leach , for he has been seduced by the flattery of O'Connor that he has fallen into the trap , ¦ whilst his more canning coadjutors , M'Dooall and
Campbell , have seen through the trick , and absconded in time . I appeal to your superior judgment , if this Address of the Executive had been boldly signed , and O'Connor surrounded by his staff , the Executive , had remained in the centre of the Movement , should we not have been in a better position titan ire are now ? And now , by the late treachery and desertion , are we hot placed in a most dastardly position ? I tell you once for all , though I am a poor man , Leach shall have every assistance in my power , but I utterly discard from my mind all idea of M'Douall , Campbell , and O'Connor , for their cowardly desertion of the people ' s cause . " An Old Chartist . " Manchester , Aug . 21 st , 18 * 2 . "
Now , the most curious part of this rigmarole is the audacity of the writer , who , although he is afraid to sign his own name , yst complains of the placard not being signed ! But , however , it is an curious fact , that there is not , from the beginning even to the end , one single sentence or word of truth in this precious epistle ! This idiot would associate me with a placard with which I had no more to do than the man in the moon ! It was I who advised Dr . M'Douall to keep out of the way , as I learned officious fellows , like the " Old Chartist , "
had sought to implicate him with the is . xiu . OKdinajit DCCCMEhT . " I did it , because I thought that a man in gaol conld be of very little service to his party . " / lef Leach to do the dangerous part of having the placards printed . " Fool ! I wrote , moved , and printed , the only placard of which I knew anything ! ! I did not hear of the arrest of Leach till after my arrival in London ; and as soon as I did hear of it , I instantly wrote to Mr . Heywood desiring him to furnish any amount necessary for Leach's defence upon my account . Did the " Old Chartist , " or his backer , do anything like that ?
I am ready to believe that the a Old Chartist'' is disgusted with my conduct , because my conduct has tended to expose such humbugs and to save my party from being a prey in such hands . So much for the " Old Chartist / ' and it is more than sach a fool deserves . Will he favour the public with his name i—Now for th 8 Editorial remark of Mr . Jame 3 Bronterre O'Brien : — " We agree with ' An Old Chartist , ' whose letter we insert , that the Executive cught to have signed their names to the address , if they were the authors of it We aetee wiUi him also , that Mr . O'Connor has acted a treacherous and cowardly part in thi 3 matter , as he alwajs does in times of danger . But we se « no harm in M ' DDuall , Campbell , or anybody else , keeping out of the way of the police as long as they can . "
Now , then , what do you think of that piece of ill concealed vindictiveness ! O'Connor was a coward for doing , —what ? just that which M'Douall and Campbell were qaite right in doing ! ! ! Why , you poor wretched self-tor mentor , I nev « : r in my life felt myself chargeable with cowardice , except upon one occasion ; aud that was , whes you refused to be " JTT FSIE . VD , " ASSIGNIJfG AS A KEASOK THAT M YOU w £ re . vot a fighting max" !! I 3 , ha a coward , who has been four times on the ground , within twelve yard 3 of a loaded pistol , aud has received three apalogies , and has been once fired at without returning it i Was I a coward , when in the midst
of war horses , sabres , guns , and bayonets , I fought my way often on the ground in advocating the cause of Repeal . at the Irish elections ! Did I prove a coward at Huddersfield , when danger presented itself ? Was I a coward when alone among the Birmingham would-be-assassins ? Wa 3 I a coward when I foBght my way at Manchester ? Wa 3 I a coward when I risked my life to defend my party at Nottingham ? No ! but I am too brave to seek a a name for courage at the expence of my party . I did think I should be allowed to apply all my spare time to the management of that organ which has now fallen into my hands for the defence of the people ' s cause : and lest slander may make that that another groand for complaint , I must set
myself right in tho outset . I have not undertaken that for profit . I devote nine hours a day , and every day , to it , and travel twelve miles each day : and my reward , as far as money goes , i 3 the privilege of spending £ 1 10 s . a week , in the way of expences 1 Now , I would ask , whether my lime , or that of the creature who damns every thing he has a hand in , and feels sore that others should be able to remedy the evil he commits , is most profitably spent ? Never did any mortal endeavour to help the cause of the people , that some obstacle was not thrown in his way by paltry politicians , who look upon agitation as bad , unless they have the cream of it ! I would hare gladly seen the Statesman going along with us ; but its recent kicks and jumps bear ample testimony that its hour is fast approaching !
Next week , as I have been pa 3 hed to it , I may probably state the manifold act 3 of treachery which I have committed against Mr . James Bronterre O'Brien J and if the world does not stare , then is munificence and kindues-, an act of every day's
occurrence . But , my friends , let the p cray thiflg 3 , who emain secure in days of daDger , and , iu the calm , rave from behind their fastness , rave on J I shall still be found doing my duty to that cause by which I hare so long stood , and so often saved from ihe snares of our enemies . Never was there a more dastardly attempt to ferret oat evidence for the Manchester authorities , than the publication of the letter alluded to ; and , my life to a halfpenny , either O'Brien himself wrote it , or it was written by one of the people ' s deadliest enemies ! I demand his name . Your faithful friend , Feargus O'Connor .
The papers announce another retirement : the Marquis of Westminster gives up hi 3 racing stud , and retires from the turf . The election of a candidate for South Hampshire , in the room of Mr . John Fleming , took place in Southampton Guildhall , on Tuesday . Lord Chas . Wellealey , ( a Tory , ) was the only candidate proposedj and he was of course elected . The CoMMissiojfEBS of the new Model Prison at Pentonville have appointed Mr . R . Hoskins , governor , at a salary of £ 400 per annum , and the Reverend Mr . Ralph , chaplais , at a salary of £ 300 .
ELOtuENCB . —The following sublime peroration was recently delivered before a court of justice in the interior of Pennsylvania : — " Your honours ait high upon the aiornable seat of justice , like the American eagle perched upon the Asiatic rock of Gibraltar , while the eternal streams of justice , like the cadaverous clods of the valley , flow meandering at your feet . " Avrices frox Constantinople of tha 7 th instant confirm the general impression that the quarrel of Persia with ihe Porte ia on the eve of adjustment . Sir Stratford Canning had obtained redresa lor disorders committed by Alb&hians in the Ionian Islands , A Turkish flotilla will unite with the English ships on that Btation to capture marauders .
Untitled Article
BiLSTON . AUGUST , THIRTIETH . Since the commencement of the strike this town hat been remarkably quiet ; yet , notwithstanding the peace able disposition of the colliers , our sapient magistrates seemed to be apprehensive of an outbreak , and filled with fearful forbodings , on last Friday momisg , they assembled in solemn oooelave to deliberate on the coarse to be pursued to maintain tranqullity in these eventful and alarming times . Their fears , however , were soon increased , and most alarmingly too , for whilst they sat in council a fearful alarm was produced amongst them , by the appearance of about fifty colliers , who came from an adjacent village , proceeding to prevent some men from working in a pit belonging to one
of their high mightinesses . The coIIUtb , however , "we » saved the tronble , as the work bad ceased before their arrival . The men would have departed peaceably , bat a special constable , desirous of acquiring honour , boasted of his ability to put the cowardly colliers to Sight : and that he did , and in good stile too , for a » soon as he was recognizad as an official , a plain hint was given him , and off he ran with speed , the collier * giving chase , which drew forth bunta of laughter from the people , who had gathered pretty numerous during the short time the affair lasted . His Bpeciaiship was captured aad ratter-roughly bandied . The worthy magistrate , on bearing the news , proceeded to Wolverhampton , and returned at the head of a detachment ^)* dragoons , followed by a large posse of specials , Bant , doubtleiB , on deeds of noble daring ; but alas their
vaiourous hopes were disappointed . When they arrived at the sceoti of the dreadful outbreak , not a single individual could be sees , sav « so'iie women and children , who followed them to view their spendid campaign . They remained some | few minutes gazing at the Yeomanry Cavalry , who were drawn up iu battle array at a short distance . After viewing the late field of chase they returned amidst the cheers and laughter of the spectators . I heard that the officer severely reprimanded the magistrate for what he called an unnecessary interference , and thought the demands of the men were just and ought to be complied with . This is the general opinion of all the well informed here . Although tho masters are trying to decoy the men to work , by promising them protection , but no rise of wages , the colliers remain inflexible .
The utmost tranquillity prevails . The men generally preserve a steady , cool , determination , and from their whole conduct we must conclude that it is useless for the masters ever to expect a surrender of the Bil-Btonians . The exertions of Mr . Llnnty have tended materially to ( strengthen the turn-onta in their determination , as also disposing them to the preservation of the peace . His exhortations have had good effect , and has gained him the respect and admiration , not only of the Chartists , but of the chief part of the middle class , who attribute the peaceable condition of the town to Mr . Lionev ' s untiring labour .
WOLVERHAMPTON . TUESDAY , FOUR O ' CLOCK .. Up to the present time all continues quiet A feverish excitement certainly prevails , especially among the middle classes and the shopkeepers ; all things are hastening fast to a stand . The colliers are still out ; and I assure you , notwithstanding the base means that are used , and the lying reports that are spread to mislead the public , there is no more likelihood of their going to work than there was a month ago . The colliers of Wolvurhampton and its adjacent localities are determined , let them suSer
what they may , never to descend a pit until they get their demand , namely , four shillings per day , for eight hours' labour , ii . Hence we have had no outbreak , no violence , no disturbance . Too much praise cannot be given to them for their orderly , manly , and peaceable demeanour , while they and their families are Buffering the greatest privations . Ike rubbish collected from out the bank pits is being hawked about the town for coal , and selling at au enormous price . The furnaces ore nearly all out , and in one fortnight more , all the principal manufactories will be unable to carry on for the want of coal , whereby thousands will be thrown ont of employ .
We have got a detachment of the 3 rd Dragoons , and two Companies of the 34 th Regiment of Foot , besides some pieces of Artillery , a strong police force , and lots of special constables , and yeomanry cavalry . Such ia our present condition . Myielf and Candy are marked men . Linney is well , and up to this morning , has hitherto escaped , though there are warrant * out against him . Mr . Arthur O'Neil , of Birmingham , and Mr . Froggate , from Bilston , with another last nigbt , passed through the town under a military escort composed of thirty Dragoons , on their way to Stafford Giol , being committed from Dudley .
MANCHESTER . ( From our own Reporter . J On Friday morning , the day on which Mr . James Leach and Mr . Charles Turner were again to be brought up for examination , betwixt eight and nine o'clock , a well dressed man called upon the Rev . James Scholefleld , and Baid he wished to have a few words with him . Mr . Scholeueld , being engaged at the time with bis patients , be went with him into a separate room , when the well-dressed gentleman above alluded to said he was requested to present Sir Caaries Shaw ' s compliments ( although he did not produce his card ) , and wished Mr . Scholefield to furnish him with a list of all toe person ' s names who were in his house on Tuesday and Wednesday , the 16 th and 17 th of August , in lost week but one . Mr . Scholefleld immediately
asked the name of the person to whom he was then speaking . " Irvin is my name" was the reply—lone of the heads of the police force of this town . ) Mr . S . instantly rose , and said , " Then walk oat of my house . " And he at once obeyed . Mr . 8 . having on a previous day of the same week been informed that the same person had been making inquiries at Mr . Brown ' s Temperance Hotel , " as to when he ( Mr . Scholefleld ) was there last , with whom , and what about , " he told tha official as he was leaving the house , that when be wanted any information as to where he went , and oa what business , to call on Mr . S . himself , and he would teli him , ami thus for the future save him ( the policeman ) a great deal of trouble He seemed , after this rebuke , to be very glad to gt-1 out of the house without any further ceremony .
When he was making inquiries at the Temperance Hotel , he wanted to know how many nights Dr . M'Douall had slept there ? whether Feargua O'Connor ever came there ; ? To which Mr . Brown replied that Mr . O'Connor did not come to the Temperance Hotel . He then wanted to kuow the name of a man whom he ( the policeman ) described as having Bore eyes . Mr . Brown knew nothing , of course .
NORWICH . A preliminary meeting was called at five o ' clock on Monday morning , August 22 nd ., in the Market-place , to choose a deputation , to wait upon the mayor , requesting him to call a meeting to memorialisa Httr Majesty upon the staU ) of the country , which he refused to do . Another meeting was held in the evening to hear the answer to the deputation , when it was resolved to call a meeting 03 the folljwing evening , at half-past seven s'clock , upon our own responsibility , which meeting was attended by 5 . 000 or 6 , 000 orderly and attentive persons , and the following resolutions and memorial was adopted : — let— "That this meeting highly censures the conduct of tne Anti Corn Law League , in goading on the people of the Northern Districts to acts of violence and desperation , by reducing their wages in order to fulfil the prophecy given 10 the Government by their DjIogatts . *
Sad—" That this nieetiug ia fully satisfied that the House of Commons as at present constituted , cannot estimate the wants and wishes of the various classes of society , but that a House eltcted nnder the principles of the People ' s Cliarttr , would remove the distress , ana consequent dissatisfaction now existing . " 3 m— " That a memorial , founded on the above resolutions , be sent to the Home Secretary for presentation to Her Majesty . " 4 lh—That the foregoing resolutions and memorial be sent to tho Northern Star , British SUUesman , and Sun newspapers , for insertion , "
TO THE QUEE . N ' S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY . The Memorial of the InhabUa ?) ts of Vie City of Norwich in Public Meeting assembled , Humbly Sheweth—That yonr Memorialist * view with deep regret the disturbances now going on ia many parts of Great Britain , owing to self-interested persona having reduced the wageB of the hardworking sons of toil , tot the purpose of urging them to commit bleaches of the peace , thereby fulfilling the prophecies given to your Majesty ' s Ministers by the Delegates of the Anti Corn Law League .
Your memorialists , fully conscious that the House of Commons , as at present constituted , cannot possibly estimate the wants and wishes of the various classes of your Majesty ' s subjects , do therefore humWy , bat earnestly , submit to yonr Majesty the necessity of calling to your councils such men as will introduce to Parliament the document called the People ' s Charter , thereby enabling all classes in yoor Majesty ' s dominions to be equally and justly represented ; which your memorialiBtsf « elBatiafied , would in future prevent such like disgraceful proceedings as they have with pain witnessed of late . ' And your Memorialista , Will ever pray , &e .
Untitled Article
OLDHAM . - FBIDAY BIOBNIITG . Mr . Warwiok , at the Temperance Hotel , Yorkahireatreet , near the Albion Inn , was taken into custody ; it 14 reported for having » placard exhibited at hia door , whioh came from Birmingham . Moat of the mills in this town have resumed work this moroiBg ; some that were working short time previous to the strike have commenced on fall time , and it is expected that all will be at work in afew daya . . At Lees , near Oldham , a number of boys having
collected themselves together on an elevated plot of ground in tho Tillage , playing anil shouting , aery was raised that the mob was coming . This created snea an alarm in the mindi of the " lespeotables , " that one of them immediately rode off for the military , and in a few missies returned with about forty apeoialfl , headed by Mr . Wild , the superintendent of police , and Mr . Mellor , magistrate , fourteen horse arid abont forty-five foot ¦ oldtera , wending their way to the pfcwfe of action ; but , happily , when they got there , there was no use for them . . ¦ -. ¦ .-
Mr . Yardley will be brought up for examination at the New Bailey , to-morrow , at twelve o'clock .
NOTTINGHAM . SATURDAY , AUG . TWENTY-SEVENTH . A considerable number of persons were assembled about the County Hall at twelve o ' clock , as it was understood that those who Were taken prisoners by tha police and soldiers would be examined ; and about " tialf . past twelve , tha magistrates arrived ; short )? aitei which Mr . Brown , solicitor , applied on behalf of the prisoners for their examination to take place , which was complied with . After their * other business was disposed of , the court was ordered to be cleared of all except witnesses , who conslsisted of policemen and constables , and others connected with the proceedings , when I took my place by the side of another reporter , and the following conversation ensued : — Are you a reporter ?
Yes . For what paper ? Northern Star and British Statesman . This information appeared to have a very unpleasant effect upon thi . 111 , and a short consultation was held , when one ef the magistrates asked Do you reside in Nottingham ? Yes . What is your name ? Morrison . By the Clerk—What ! R . T . Morrison ? Yes ; R . T . Morrison . He then informed their Worships of some offences which I had committed against them , by my letters in the public prints ; but , after some further consultation , one of the magistrates observed— " It is an open court , and I do not see that we can do anything in it . "
By the bye , their conduct displayed a most exemplary spirit for the dispensers of justice in an open court !
Seventeen prisoners were then brought to the bar . The Presiding Magistrate asked Mr . Brown whether he Bbould be satisfied with one witness , to each case , as they should remand them . The several informations , accusing them of riotously assembling , to the great terror of her Majesty ' s subjects , &c , were then read over , and each sworn to by some one of the police present . Mr . Brown thought there was no evidence to warrant these proceedings , as there had not been any acts of violence committed ; and if it was an offence to walk together in numbers , did not those who yesterday went to the Castic in such nunfbers , commit the same offence ? Presiding Magistrate—They did not attempt any intimidation to workpeople . Mr . Brown—Aud theire has not been any evidence adduced to shew that the prisoners offered intimidation ; they merely requested .
Presiding Magistrate—They had no right to request , as that is an offance . They were then told that a selection of those who bad taken the most active part had been made , and the prisoners before him were those that bad been so selected ; and that they would be remanded until a communication was received from the Secretary of State , to know what further proceedings would be instituted against them . Fifteen more prisoners were then brought to the bar , and told that aa there were many much stronger cases , they would be dismissed on entering into their own recognizances of £ 5 each to keep the peace for twelve montbB , which they were allowed to do wlth / mt payment of fees , and discharged .
LOUGHBOROUGH . All ia peaceable here , and the people have again resumed their work . The villages around here are much the same ; notwithstanding all this the police aud specials are still on what they term duty , and I assure you they are Borely griuvod that they could not try their apprentice hands at blood-letting . Thanks to the good sense of the workles , they have been disappointed ! Since my last , several have been committed for begging . I cannot omit stating the case , of two persons ; one a Cnartist , for begging , three months and hard labour ; the other , no Chartist , for stealing peas , on « month . Such is Loughborough justice . To-morrow will be pay day . I am credibly informed that it will take not less than £ 3 , 000 to settle the bill of the peace-Hudgeons .
LEITH . On Wednesday , there was a large meeting held on the Links , at which not less than 3 , 500 were present Mr . John Clarke , a working man , in the chair . The following resolutions were unanimously adopted : — l . " That it is the opinion of this meeting , that the present alarming distress of this country has originated in the want of a full , fair , and free representation of the people in Parliament , and uutil class-legislation , and all other nunopolies are abolished , and labour , the property of the people , ia entirely protected , there can be no confidence , security , or the smallest semblance of permanent prosperity in these kingdoms . "
2 . " That notwithstanding we consider class-legislation as the primary cause of our existing distresses , we have marked , with indignation , the system pursued by the Anti-Corn Law League , to aggravate these distresses by keeping out of employment a large proportion of the manufacturing population , in order to coerce the Government by the appearance of distress ; and failing in this , by having recourse to the dangerous experiment of reducing the wages of their operatives , thereby forcing them to a cessation of labour for the
sake of self-protection , against unmerited and unjustifiable degradation ; and this meeting , sympathising deeply with their suffering brethren iu the disturbed districts , do hereby promise to assist to the utmost of their power in lessening thtir privations , and enable them to maintain the struggle , if still persisted in ; and in the words of the National Conference , we would implore every man loving justice , and having a shilling at bis command , to advance it upon the good understanding that free labour , ere long , will repay the loan . "
3 . " That this meeting enttra its solemn protest against the self-constituted authorities of this country , for their employment of an unconstitutional military fores , and an equally unconstitutional constabulary force to coerce and overawe the people in Staffordshire , Lancashire , London , and other parts of the country , which has been productive of great disturbance , attended by the lows of life , and the destruction of property . " Messrs . M'C' revo , Tankard , Campbell , and Murray addressed the meeting , and were loudly cheered . As it grew late , an adjournment was made to the Cbartist Hcil ! , which was soon crowded to suffocation , and the universal feeling was to help the turn-outs as far as our means would permit . Many seemed to think that the
proper moment was come to strike for tho Charter ; but we once more protest against the Chartists being made the cat ' s-paw of Secretary Graham and bis friend a of the Anti-drn Liw League . The difference between these gentlemen is entirely of an amicable nature ; both are agreed aa to the propriety of fleecing labour ; the only thing to be adjusted between them is , wefca is to have the greatest share of tha wool . Tiro well-boiled lobsters , in the shape of officers , from JUeirshill ' s barracks , were present during the whole proceedings in plain clothes ; and their myrmidons were in readiness in their tarrocks , and our city bludgeon men were patioling our peaceful town in disguise . No disturbance , however , took place , and they must teierve the fleshing of their maiden swords for a better opportunity .
Resolution adopted by 11 Committee meeting of the Leith Charter Association , 24 th August : — " That it is the opinion of this meeting that the six centres of Scotland be recommended to direct their constituents to elect delegates by public meeting , to a general Scottish Convention , for the purpose of considering the best , means of obtaining the People's Chatter , and also to consider the resolution of th » West Midland district , aud the strikes and commotions in various parts of the empire ; so that we may act with union and strengthen the hands of our brethren in this holy cause . And this Committee further recommends that the said . Convention meet in Whitehall Cuapel , Edinburgh , oa Monday , the 5 ih of September , and that all communications be made on or before the 3 rd of September , to Mr . Thomas Blackie , Secretary to the Edinburgh or South Midland District , at Mr . Drummond ' s , bookseller , High-street , Edinburgh . N . B . It is particularly recommended that all places send a delegate , if possible , 01 otherwise their opinions and instructions by ietter . "
Untitled Article
GLASGOW . All has been bustl « and anxiety amongst the authorities during the last ten days , in consequence of a rumour that delegates were here from England , endeavouring to get the trades of Glasgow to strike . Tha tocsin was sounded by the Post of Saturday , the 20 th nit , re-echoed by bis brother , the Chronicle , of the following Monday . Yet , notwithstanding the utmost endeavours on the port of these twin journals to discover those delegates , and ascertain the real purport of their visit , not one could be found to- convey to the anxious inquirer anything regarding the strangers , who , having satisfied themselves with the stale of feeling ia Glasgow , took their departure for the Werth early last week .
A public meeting was hold on Saturday , Mr . Procdtoot in tho chair , to memorialise the Queen , to call Parliament together , to enact measures for the ensuring the permanent tranquility of the country . The speakers were Messrs . Gillespie , Kidd , M'Ewan , Colquhoun , Moir , and others . The following resolutions were adopted ;—¦ - " That this meeting , being impressed with the present moat alarming state of the country , do memorialise her Majesty to call the Parliament immediately together , with the view of enacting such measures aa may be deemed best calculated to ensure its permanent tranquility . "
" That it is the deliberate opinion of this meeting , that the distracted state ot the country , and the widespread disaffection of the people , originates in , and is wholly cawed by class-made laws , and the continued disregard of the petitions of the people by the legislature ; in proof whereof we refer more particularly to tke numerous petitions that have been presented of late years , complaining of the restrictions imposed on the commercial intercourse of the country , and last , though not least , of the total disregard paid to the Great National Petition , presented during the present
year , and signed by nearly three millions and a half of persons ; that white we complain loudly of this neg-J-jct , and attribute to it very much of the distress , and the whole of the discontent which now prevails throughout tha country , we have heard with unfeigned aud heartfelt regret of the outrages that have been committed by a despairing and exasperated people in various parts ; that for ourselves we emphatically declare that nothing short of a complete change in the constitution of the House of Commons will give us contentmont , nor , as we conscientiously believe , restore permanent tranquillity to the country . "
" That while this meeting is of opinion that classlegislation is the cause of all our present national calamities , it ia no less decidedly of opinion , that the only remedy that can be provided to restore the peace and prosperity of the ceuntry , and give lasting contentment to the great body of the people , ia by . immediately making the People ' s Charter the law of the land , which embraces adult male Suffrage , Vote by Ballot , Annual Parliaments , No Pioperty Qualification for Members of Parliament , Wages for Attendance , and Equal Electoral Districts ; and this meeting is of opinion that this change cannot be effected so long as the present Ministers are maintained in office . "
Untitled Article
LONDON . —Mr . R . K . Philp lectured at the Star Coffee House , Golden-lane , to the United City Boot and Shoemakers , upon the People ' s Charter , and how to obtain it . After which , 2 i . 8 Ad . was collected for the wives and families of thepolitical victims . Several protes&ional gentlemen baring kindly offered thoir services , it was resolved , that 0 . concert shoald be held at the Star , on Tuesday evening , September 5 tb ., the profits to be given to the general victim fund . Admission three-pence .
Metropolitan Delegate Meeting — Mr . Squires in the chair . Credentials were received from Mr . James Morgan , from the hatters , meeting at the Brown Bear ; 10 * . were received from Marylebone , for the Deptford Committee ; Mr . Lucas reported from the Committee for getting up public meetings , a committee consisting of Messrs . Lucas , Laagvvith , Dowling , Knight , Walkerdine , Beadon , and Davoc , with power to add to their number were organised to assist ia bringing out the Trades of London ;
MessTS . Beadon and Knight were appointed , in conjunction with Mr . Campbell , to wait on the weavers to induce them to co-operate in gaining the Charter . A recommendation was given to the localities regarding the unmber of delegates to be sent to the Conference , their rate of payment , &o . An address to the females was ordered to be inserted in the Northern Star , and Char list Circular . Measures were adopted in reference to the Chartist prisoners , and the meeting adjourned until the ensuing Thursday
evening . BitOMrroN . —At the usual weekly' meeting , on Tuesday evening , Mr . Ford in the chair , alter the transaction of local business , Messrs . Wheeler aud Matthews were deputed to confer with the eub-Secretavies of the Chelsea , Westminster , and Hammersmith localities , regarding the propriety of their uniting to seud two delegates to the ensuing Conference . Shoesukebs , Star Coffee House , Golden Lane . —Mr . Philp lectured here on Sunday evening , and was highly applauded . At the close of the lecture , Mr . Philp was nominated from that locality as a fit person to represent them , in the Birmingham Conference .
Teetotallers , Britannia Coffee House , Waterloo Road . —Mr . Ferguson lectured to a good audience on Monday evening last . Steps were taken in reference to sending a delegate to the Conference . Crowk and Anchor , Waterloo Town . —A public meeting of weavers was hold here on Monday evening . Mr . Campbell , and several delegates from various trades , addressed the assembly , and a unanimous feeling was exhibited in favour of the People's Charter . CUMNOCK .--A social meeting of Chartists was holden in tho Campbell ' s Large Room , on the evening of the 26 ih instant , excellent speeches were delivered by Messrs . John . Miller and others . Some good songs were sung , and a genuine spirit of patriotic enthusiasm manifested .
STOCKTON-ON-TEfc&—Mr . Peter Rigby addressed a large audience on Sunday , at Thornaby Green . He spoke for nearly two hours to the entire satisfaction of the pcop ' e ; after which , Mr . Dawson wound up by announcing that on Sunday , or Sunday week , a meeting would be > held at the sumo place , when ( weather permitting ) Messrs . Williams , Chappie , and other friends would be present . Due notice will be given as to which Sunday it will be . ANDERSTON . —A meeting of tha Anderston Charter Association was held last night in the Christian Chartist Church , West Coiiege-street , when after eocie other preliminary business had
been gone through , Mr . Petsr Bonar brought forward a copy of the British Statesman ^ aud after commenting on the scurrilous language of an anonymous scribbler iu that paper towards Feargus O'Connor , moved a vote 01 confidence in Feargus O'Connor and the Northern Star . Tnis motion was carritd unanimously amidst loud cheers . After some conversation concerning the Evening Star and the propriety of having it amongst us , it was agreed that the committeo should make arrangements for tho purpose of getting it . Tne Secretary was then ordered to senu reporte of our meatiiigo to the Scar for publication .
LEICESTER . —Another arrest has been made in Leicester . —On Sunday last , Mr . Wm . Jones , ot Liverpool , delivered an impressive address in the lemurs , to a numerous audience , which took great eff-ioi upon tho minds of the pereous present . Ac the cloce , he read a letter from Mr . Cooper , which drew tears from the eyes of most present . Another meeting was held at sis o ' clock in the evening , which was addressed by Mr . Thomason , from the Vale of Loven ; afterwards , Mr . Jones delivered one of the most eloquent addresses it was ever my lot to hear , severely handling the Government ana police force . There were about 8 , 000 persons present : ail went off well till eleven o'clock , when Mr . Jones was seized at Mr . Cooper ' s , by a body of ten police , and dragged to prison . They charged him with using
inflammatory language , which tended to excite the people to commit a breach of the peace . Next morning he was brought before the borough magistrates , at the Guildhall , when after a lengthy examination , he was committed to take his trial at theasaiz 9 S ; but as it was a bailable offence they ordered him to find bail , himself in £ 100 , and two sureties in £ 50 each . Bail was immediately offered by Mr . Grow , Chartist breakfast-powder manufacturer , and Mr . Deacon , of Brunswick-street , giovemao . ufaoturer . Policemen were sent to inquire into the bail , and Me 63 rs . Crow and Deacon were ordered to , come before the Town Clerk next morning . They t ' ad bo , and were refused without any reason being assigned ; steps have been taken to compel the magistrates , either to show reason or take the bail .
LEAMINGTON . —The Chartuts of Warwick and Leamington held their usual week 3 y meeting , and entered ituto arrangements for liberally sapporting their incarcerated friends and their families . They pa 3 sed a special resolution to pay five shillings per week to George White , so long as he remains at Warwiok Gaol . They also intend to seud a delegate to the National Conference .
Untitled Article
^^ y ^ i ^ /^^^ - ^^^^ V ^^^ A ^ Greknock . —Public meetings Have been * ho ) dea every night for the last fortnight among thtf trades . Tne people are in high spirits , and tne cause looks Oheeringly , A great meeting was held on the 29 : h of which we bava received a report , bu , t too late for insertion . . ¦ South Shields . —Mr . Beesley addressed an enthusiastic meeting of 10 . 000 or 12 000 persons on Tuesday . The spirit of Chartfsm is rising here , and we need bat a few vigorous lectures to bring us up tothe mark !
Dublin . —the cause here wears an encouraging aspect . At the usual meeting of the U ; imr . ; a , l S ffrage Society , on Sunday evening last , the attends uee was very fall ; several strangers were present . Five new members were admitted- Some excellent apeeches were made , and a general good eyint manifested . BAWBUHT . —This town , a few days ago , wa 3 visited by Mr . William Jones , of iherpou } , and although his lectures were not numerowly attended , owing to other lecturers and Batty ' a Cbcus beinj < ia the towu . Those who did attend gavfc it as th ir opinion i that this style of reasoning is calculated to ealighten the understanding and to instruct themind more than all the logic . of a philasopherevery , sentence teeming with knowledge . His presence here , at some future opportunitv , will ba esteemed a favour ; when , no doubt , we stall have a good audience .
TONBRmGE ( Kent ) . —The anniversary ot tha formation of tne Association in this place was held at the large room , Chtquera Inn , on Monday last , Mr Payne in the chair . It was a moat spirited and tivthusiastic meeting . Some excellent speeches were delivered by Mr . Sneilijjg , the Secretary , Mr . Elliott , Leigh , and others , and were loudly applauded . Some most excellent patriotic songs having been collected from the Charter newspaper and Circular , and odapt 3 d to music
were sung -with gTeat efiect by Messrs . Payne , P u ^ h , Ctoddard , and others . Since the formation of the Association , the members have subscribed above £ 50 , D 6 ar ) y the whole of whieh has been spent in the good cause ; and we have the saUyf . iction of knowing has been the means of giving atone to public feeling in this part , for tkere is no other town scarcely in tha country that cm boast of ao larga a ^ id ao < rJ 5 ctoai te , Society as this . We wish them success , and Qod speed trwm in their efforts to obtain their right ? .
MOTTRAM MOOR . —We have received tha following , which , if true , certainly demands the most serious and anxious investigation . It appears tha \ the Chartists of this place had thought proper to hold a teaparty , at which a person of the name of Wiid , a labourer in the cause of democracy in that locality , was present During the repast a constable , with three or four others , went to the New Cross Inn , where the festival was being held , with a warrant for the apprehension of Wil'i , ou a charge of u-ing icflimraatory language . They entered the room , aud irhiucliately caramenced flourishing their cutlass « s in a violent and threatening manner . Mr . Wild inquired whether they intended to murder him on the spot , as be was ready to
go ¦ with them without off-ring any resistance . They then toot , him into custody . Mrs . Wild , and also her sister , clung to him , upon which the most brutal epithets were employed by tha constables , one of whom actually stabbed Mrs . W . beneath the braaafc , and which might have terminated fatal . y , but for the resistance offered by the bone in her stays . Another of the party fired a pistol , which only jw = t missed , doing fatal mischief . A person someway connected , with tho party , who made himseif busy , but his iu'vntions being not rightly understood , tne man assuming the command fired his pistol , which took eSect at the back of tho neck , and the man instantly fell . Ttie
constables then made off , leaving the prisoners . The villain was , however , pursued by order of a magistrate , and bdng buctled down , was taken iu * o custody . Wild was recaptured very early on this morning , and was , when the account left , still in durance . Mrs . Wild is far advanced iu pregnancy ; and whan his father made application to the Board of Guardiuns for some relief for her , they refused to give her anything . Hia eldest daughter wss also dangerously ill at the time be was dragged to prison , and she has since died . We leave the people ( supposing this statement to ba true , and we have no means of ascertaining whether it be so or not ) to make their own comments .
MANCHESTER . Carpenters' Hall . —On Sunday last , two lectures were delivered in tbe above Hall . Mr . Littler officiated in tbe afternoon , and Mr . Dixnu in the evening . Tbe lecture in the afternoon was well attended , and tha lecturer very ably exposed the abominable system which has icdnced an inuustrioas people to starvation , and then stifles their complaints by the bludgeons of policaaien and the bayonets of tbe soldiery . Mr . Littlor concluded by calling upen his hearers to continue tke agitation lor the Caarter peacefully , yet determinedly , neither swerving to the right hand or tbe left , and victory would ultimatei } ' crown tbeir uuitod tff > rts .
In the evening , tbe Hall was crowded to excess . Mr . John Murray was called upon to preside , who , aft-or a few preliminary remarks , introduced Mr . Down , who addressed the assembled thousands upou tho preaeut state of affairs , and cautioned tke people against epiea and informers . He then made some allusions to the notorious scoundrel who resides not one bundled mixes from Arundel-street > Francis-street This fellow deposed to Leach having addressed the meeting in tbe Carpenters ' Hall , while it was well known to all persons who
attended on tfeat occasion thatleach was not there at all . ( Loudxries of "he was not . ") Mr . Dixon then pressed upon the Chartists and tbe peopla generally , the necessity of rim ' ering alt the support iu their power lo those who may become the victims of tyrannical power , and concluded by calling upon them to abstain as much as possible from all exciseable sirtiules , and thus cripple the Government , by stopping tbe supplies necessary for carrying on the crusade against the rights and liberties of tbe people . Mr . Dixon retired amidat loud cheers .
Mr . D . Koss was loudly called for , , who , after a fewobservations by the Chairman , came forward and addressed the immense assemblage in a strain of tbe most impassioned eloquence , which completely rivetted the attention of his hearers ; bat as it is impossible to do anything like justice to this truly magnificent specimen of oratory ; suffice it to say , taat it niast bare been heard to have been appreciated . Mr . P . M . Beophy then rose , and , after asking permission of the Chairman , read a letter from the British Statesman , of the 27 th inst ., signed "An Old Chartist , " together with the Editorial remarks , which drew forth from the crowded audience one spontaneous burst of indignation against tbe sneaking coward , who bos beea acting the part of a concealed , aa well as cold-blooded , assassin ; and , amid loud cries of " damn the Statesman , burn it , burn it , " the following resolution was proposed by Mr . P . M . Brophy : —
"That it is the opinion of this meeting that the letter which appaars in the Statesman of Saturday the 27 th inat ., and signed " An Old Cbartist , " is a gross libel on the character of Feargus O'Connor and the Cbartists of Manchester , and maniiestedly injurious to the whole Chartist cause ; and that a letter be wrote calling upon the Editor to give up tho nama of the individual styling himself "An Old Chartist , " together wi ' . h aa ftsplanation ot the editorial remarks in the sauie paper relative to the charges of treachery aud cowardice against Feargus O'Connor , Esq . "
This was Becontled by Mr . D Ross , in a very energetic speech , in which he took occasion to contrast the conduct manifested by Mr . O Cjnnor with that of hi * base traducers , and ' saewing up the malignant feelings by which they are actuated . He then made some remarks upon the disinterestedness evinced by Mr . O Cjnnoe throughout his whole political career , and concluded by making a powerful appeal to the Chartiata of . Manches ter , not „ to all' ) vr themselves to be driven from their peaceable agitation for tbe Charter , by the
tyranny , of men in power , or by the base aud coatemplible calumnies so nnblushingly heaped upon tbe character of one of the greatest patriots tuat ever lived in any age or any nation . Mr . Ross was reputedly i ' . iterraptedby the loud plaudits-of the vast assembly , thereby . furnishing another proof that O'Connor still lives in the affections of the people of Manchester , while his bass , sneaking , and cowardly calumniators are only fli objects for the scorn and contempt of every honest man . The resolution was very ably supported by Mr . C . Doyle and carried unanimously .
Mr . Thomas Railton moved tha following resolution : — " That Mr D . Rosa do write in the name of thla tnftetiog to the E iitor of the British Statesman concerning this matter , to request him to give his answer in the Stalesmun of next Saturday ; and further , that thesa resolutions be sent to the Northern Star and British Statesman tor insertion . " The resolution being seconded from the ba 3 y of tha Hall , was carried nem . con . After the thanks of the meeting had been voted to the Chairman , the vast assemblage siaperesd in a peaceful and orderly manner . New Bailey , Tuesday afternoon , four o ' clock .
Mr . James-Leach has at length been liberated after every possible impediment bod been thrown in the way of his bail by the wanton neglect of the officers that ought to have seen atter them . Mr . Leach ' s bail was tendered on Friday evening last , and yet strange to siy , he has had to remain in the Nsw Biiley uatil this day ( Tuesday ) and the only answer to this unwarrantable conduct , 'was the want of time on tha part of the office * , to go and examine the bail ' s validity . Mr . Turner and Mr . Hutchinson were liberated at the tame time .
Messrs . Tinker and Seddon were again brought up for examination , when there was no evidenoa against them , but Mr . Beswick . Tola is the fourth time that they have been brought up aud no evidence against them , and have been in prison a fortnight , a thing unprece dented in Courts of Justice in this country . Oar readers will naturally conclude that Messrs . Tinker and Saddon were dismissed , as there was no evidence ; such , however , was not the case ! They are to find bail , themselves in £ 100 each , and two sureties of £ 5 Q each , to appear again this day fortnight - -
Mr . Yardley from Oldham , had Dot been brought up when we left at four o ' clock ; tfjey were waiting the arrival of one of the f $$ ft * % KSifitniB >^ be present at the examination . . « . ^_ ll ^^*» / C ^ --5 Ej _ - - ^ fJP& ^ ^ aitbmM
To The Imperial Chabtists.
TO THE IMPERIAL CHABTISTS .
State Of The Country.
STATE OF THE COUNTRY .
Cf)Artfct 3eu&Nuj;Tuce.
Cf ) artfct 3 Eu&nuj ; tuce .
Untitled Article
VOL . Y . ] N O . 251 . SATURDAY , SEPTEMBER 3 , 1842 . " ^ ^ SSSTpS'SSSr ' " ¦
Untitled Article
M I , W It m Hr i ^ nr ^ I fil Ir'il ^ w ii % Sil ^ 1 ^^ % 2 yjj . £ ( ZJ ^^ vl /^ AND LEEDS GENERAL ADVERTISER . f : —— - ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦¦ ¦ ' ¦ ; — _ : ; _——
-
-
Citation
-
Northern Star (1837-1852), Sept. 3, 1842, page unpag, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct614/page/1/
-