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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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( Continued from < ntr Sixth page . ^ jejj free ! What does faction look for ? Does it hope to frighten ns ? No , neverJ Weak though I he » J thl « moment , yet will I , lrifch a firm foot jj-4 cheerful countenance , march to execution , if needful , and , frowning terror into shame , aig upon the seaffold rather than be- driven from the advocacy of your cause . Virtue to the ^ faithful is poison . Honesty is terror , and persever ance « ruin . Tour leaders possessed these several sttribotes , which ¦ were calculated to give effect to your noble p nrpase ; and in consequence the will of tyranny has selected them for victims . The monsters knew
gmt it * as my intention , as it was my duty , to sit ! under ta = dock , cheering on the Chartist prisoners , j gad g iving them that hope which my presence has i nerer fs 3 ed t 0 inspire . Thi" ^ as ™ y crime , and their intention was to stop me . In this , as far as Stafford yaa concerned , they have succeeded . My physician t&s sent a certificate there , in which he distinctly ! forbids my not only going to Stafford , bnt also pro- j fcibited me frea coming to London . I send , by this ; nkht ' s poet , however , fifty pounds , for the defence ot ' : the Drjoners , which is nearly all that has been '
received ; and , n 0 doubt , our good and intelligent friend , ilr . Roberts , solicitor , will gee to its proper application , under the guidance of a managing cominittte , who will bear in mind that the money consists of the hard-earned pence of the poorest of the poor . H enceforth all sums intended for the Defence Fund must be adiressed to Mr . G . F . Pardon , publisher . Evening Star Ofice , 252 , Strand . In this state of things I have oniy to implore of yon to rally with increased determination around the Evening Star and Northern Star Fewspapers , as the object is , if possible , to crush them , and then to make an easy prey of our cause .
I have no more to siy , but that I am your ever faith fnl , fond , and unpnrchasable friend , Feasgus O'Connor .
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^^ MR . CAMPBELL'S ARREST . ' Trom oar own London Correspondent we learn the following particulars of the arrest of Mr . C 3 mpbsll : — About ten o ' clock on Friday morning , three policemen , ia plain clothes , entered Mr . Campbell ' s shop , in Hieh Hoiborn , and after reading over to him the warrent which had been placed in their hands , and telling him that they arrested him by virtue of it , they proceeded to Eeareh his house . The only property they thought fit to remove was about 100 blank cards of membership for the National Caarter Association , and a few letters which had just arrived by the * morninj ' s past , some of them containing post-office money trders . The letters they retained , but the xioney orders were returned . Mr . Campbell was then conveyed to Bow-street , aad , after a short examination , committed . He was permitted to find bail ; but its amount was fixed at £ 1 . 600 .
Daring the day , Mr . Wheeler procured an interview with Mr . C . and ascertained the amount of ' bail required ; bnt owing to the shortness of time allswed , CAt . Campbell being informed that he must le-ive for I Slanchesier at five o'clock , ) he was unable to procure it \ for his friend . About half-past seven o ' clock , Mr . j Campbell in company of two Manchester efficers , was ! Conveyed to that town . The cell in which he was kept ; firmrg the day , was one of the most confined and loath- ; » ome description . Mr . O'Connor had been confined in ' an adjoining one , but was , on the certifiicate of his physician , removed to one of a more commodious description . So privately were the arrests in London conducted , that until the publication of the Evening Star , very few persons in the metropolis were at all acquainted with the rirenmstarce . From the Evening Star of Saturday we copy the following letter from Mr . Campbell te his wife , and the appended notice to it by the Editor of the Chartis t daily organ : —
" Station-house , Westminster , Sept . 30 , 1 S 42 . j " Mt deae Wife , —I expect to be removed to ' . Manchester this evening or night . I have bees before \ the magistrates at Bow-street They demanded- £ l , 600 i bail , and to have it ready by five o ' clock . This I j conlil net do ; so of couree I had to decline their offer . ; The police have behaved very civilly to me . However , ! I am not a stoic , to be as comfortable here asiif I were at large . I have Been Mr . Wheeler . He sajs that he will see that the shop is looked after while I am in prison . I hava many friends in London amongst ; the middle class even , as well as the esteem and ; respect of the whole Chartist public . Thank God , I have never done a wrong act to forfeit their good opinion of me . Keep Charles at school until my release . Teach him the respect he owes to yon , to me , to society , and to himself .
I am easy in mind as regards your s and the children ' s maintenance whilst I am in prison , because I am sure that the London , men will see to that : take care that the ' Dsinccrat' is published regularly ; let but the people support that , and you wiil be removed from . iistress . See Dr . ? * •; from the litJe I know of : him I judge him to be a good man , and I am sure he win render you some assistance ; so will Shaw , so will Sewell , so will Morling , Mason , M'Pherson , Southey , Goat , Wheeler , Simpson , Dron , Salmon , Mis 3 Inge , and many others tiat I know of ; keep np your spirits , I do not know of anything they can charge me with . I am innoctnt of crime . I feel myself in good spirits . Do not you fret on any account ; prove yourself a true democrat , and that you are worthy to be the wife of Tours affectionately , J . Campbell .
Poor Campbell was conveyed , last night , to Manchester , in order to procure bail to the enormous amount of £ 1600 —himself in £ S 00 , and two snretiesin £ i 00 each , His wife is in a mss : distressed condition , and we beg to recommend har most particularly to the notice of the Chartist public Under her present afflicting circumstances , any assistances they can render will be most acceptable Sue keeps a stationer ' s shop , at 180 , High Holborn , where the Evening Star , Northern Star , Chartist Circular , and all other Chartist publications are constantly on sale . —Evening $ iar .
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-- - - A T 01 CE FROM THE DUNGEON ! " THE EDIIOB" TO HIS BEAITKRS . [ Xorthern Star office , Tuesday , half-past three . This afternoon ' s post has brought a letter from the incarcerated Editob to his readers , which , do dcubt , they will read with great interest . Prom it they will learn the sort of stuffs patriot Ehonld be made of , if oppression is to be successfully battled and overcome . Would that those who have compassed the destruction of the " good men and trne" now in prison , had seen them at their -Sunday labonrs ! andhave learned the futility and inurility of attempting to break the spirit and damp the energies of men so grounded in a knowledge of the justice oi their cause ! ]
New Bailey Prison , Manchester , Monday j Morning , October 3 , 181 $ . j ilr Deas Fbiesds , —Ton have donbtless all-heard ! of my arrest ; and are doubtless all looking for my own ' account of it . Here , then , it is . I shall give yon a \ brief narrative of facts , without note ot comment . I j thill leave you to form your own judgment of the facts ; i while I nbnii reserve my comment upon the facts for a j more fitting opportunity . j Tou all know the part I have taken , both individu- j xHy and officially , in the discussions tD which of neces- \ sty the late " strike" in the manufacturing districts : gave rise . Tou will probably , therefore , be not less ; surprised fb i" I was to find that I am charged with ! " intimidating and preventing people- from going to j work ! " Such however is the fact . I
On Friday morning , about nine o'clock , going np j from my lodgings to the office , to make up the second j edition of the paper , I saw Superintendent James , of i the Leeds police-force , passing down the street on the j opposite side of the way , and evidently making signs to some one higher up the street While looking at j him I felt myself very slightly touched on the shsulder . j On looking round I perceived right in front ! of me a very respectable looking man whom I had not j previously noticed , and who enquired if my name was j Hill ? On my replying in the affirmative , he said , "I , "want you , Sir ; I hive & warraat for your apprehen- j sion . " I said " Who are you , Sir ? where do you come from ? and where is your warrant ? " ~ " I am from Lancashire . " " JFVom Lancashire ! Where -do you come
from , Sir ? " " From Manchester . " " Tery well , Sir , Now foryour warrant . " " My warrant is all right , Sir ; but I suggest that you had better walk quietly on to the Police Office , at once . " Jambs here came up , and said " It ' s all right , Mr . TTfll ; his warrant is properly backed by a Leeda magistrate , and you bad better go with him . " Further parley was neither necessary nor desirable . This was at the bottom of Briggate , just by the Golden Lion . James led the way up Swine-gate , and I followed ; my new friend following Tery close after me . I afterwards found this person to be Inspector Taylor , of the Manchester " force . " We walked on to the Police Office , where , on my requiring the ¦ warrant to be read , I found it to charge for that " I and various other persons , did on toe I ?**
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day of . August , and ' at divers other times , at Manchester aforesaid , confederate and conspire together to persuade and intimidate , and with force and arms prevent great numbers of her Majesty ' s subjects from returning to their employment" I waa then politely requested to empty my pockets , and place their contents upon the table of the police office . I did so , and Taylor then turned the pockets of my coat , waistcoat , and trousers inside out , and unbuttoned my clothes to search for inside pockets . Having satisfied himself that he had got all my ' ¦ traps , " he returned my comb , spectacles , gloves , and pocket-handkerchief ; every other artiele , my watch , my purse and its contents , my keys , a few papers , and even the ring from my finger , and two bits of staling wax were all carefully packed np . I was then handed over by the Manchester officer to superintendent James , who conducted me to the lock-np cell .
Immediately on being locked up , I said to James , " Well ; here I am . Now , send me pen , ink , and paper . " He replied , "Ton can't have them , Mr . HilL" I said , ' But I must at least send a note to my friends , to tell them I am here . " " It won't be allowed , Sir . " And he turned on his heel and walked away , leaving me in the "Stone Jug " to my reflections . Before taking me down , James took aside the gaoler and conferred with him for some time alone . I heard him say : " Tou will take care that he has not the
, least communication with any one . " To which the gaoler replied , " He can go into the women's wsrd , i where he will be entirely by himself . " "That will ; do , " said James ; and down we went When left alone ; I was in a small yard fUrrounded on all sides by massive stone walls , and a curious kind of net-work grating of I heavy iron , at the height of some twenty feet over-head , j coming over and across the entire yard , firmly fixed in I the wall on all sides and fenc 9 d with chevaiuc de fries i Here then I paced backward and ferward , like a wild i beast in a den , for some time . I had no information , given me that this was not the only place to j which this yard would lead . The rain began to drop , and I perceived no place * in which I possibly could take shelter , txctpt the privy ; to the open ! aoor of which my olfactory nerves directed me .
j j While musing upon this pleasant alternative , the I gaolor entered with a shovel and some fire , obseivj ing , that as it was wet and cold he thought I 1 mi ght do with a fire . He then opened a door j which 1 had not seen and which led into a cell I He made a fire , and left me . I found my fire to be no j acquisition , for the smoke , instead of going np the i chimney , cams all out into the room and completely filled it Nor was it much better all day—so that I had the delightful choice of being drenched with rain in the yard , choked with smoke in ths cell —( the floor of which was as wet as a well ) —or suffocated with the effluvia or a privy . About one o ' clock I was joined by Mr . T . i B . Smith , and ws continued alternately to stove
ourselves in the smoke , till we could bear it no longer , and walk in the rain till we conld bear it no longer , all day . To this agreeable occupation I had , however , a short respite in the afternoon being called out to accompany Inspector Taylor to my lodgings , that he might search ( for papers , such as might serve for evidence against me . He made a capture of several manuscript sermons—a Chartist Circu- ' ar , a tract , exhorting the men on strike j to return to labour , and some other papers . He then [ said that as some of my keys spplied to drawers , < ta , ! in the Star office , he should wish to see those drawers , j < fcc I said I can give you no authority : you must talk ; to Hr . Hobson about that However , into the coach : we got again , and to the Slar-t&ce ; when , as you know , j Mr . Hobson refused to allow any search to be made . I was reconducted from the office to the Police-office
on foot , and again turned into my rainy yard and smoky cell , where I found Smith still " cooling his heels" alona . About nine at night , we were removed to our sleeping cell—in which we had a very uncomfortable straw bed for the two of us—and for a chamber-pot a large wooden pail with a hole through the bottom . We had however , plenty of good and clean bed clothes , but no pillow . We were abundantly provided with food ; and I must do the gaoler and his wife the justice to say that they were very civil , ana I believe
' . j ; ; I j : : i as attentive and considerate as their orders ; would permit . As ten ia the morning , we were ordered j to prepare for our removal ; and , handcuffed together , j Smith and I were bandied into a coach , and trundled ; down to the Biilway Station . Inspector Taylor and i another policeman , who had accompanied him from : Manchester , and a Sergeant of the Leeds Police escorted us . We were put in a second-class carriage , | Taylor and tke Leeds Sergeant leaving us , and I the other man taking us " in tow . " My good friend , j Hobson , met us at the Station , and accompanied as to 1 Manchester .
Arrived at Manchester about half-past one , we were taken , still handcuffed , in a coach to the Town HalL We were there regularly " entered , ' as I suppose they call it , on the ' charge sheet ; " the name , age , and occupation of each being inquired , and each being gravely asked " How many times have you been in the hands of the police before 1 " Several , indeed most , of my friends , had been arraigned , and remanded , previous to my arrival in court I was but just able to get into the dock in time to hear the words : — " This , then , will apprise all of you that you are remanded until Tuesday next" I inquired upon what ground I was remanded ; there having been no charge
made against me . I was asked in reply by an eldrly gentleman , who seemed to be the chairman of the magistrates , whether I had not heard the warrant read . I said "Tea . " "Then , " said he , "that is the charge against you , and you are remanded until Tuesday . ' I again addressed the Bench , and wished to be " informed npon what authority I had been detained in a damp and unwholesome dungeon for more than twenty-four hours without a hearing ? " I was told that the court had no concern with what had taken place at Leeds . I said " This is , I submit , a most monstrons proceeding for a man to ba dragged from his home and connection—his business arrangments interfered with , and himself
immnred in a dungeon for twenty-six hours before hearing ; and then when bronght at last before a bench of magistrates , to be told that his prosecutors are not ready , and will not want him for four days . ' It is clearly a violation of every recognised principle of the Constitution , and an outrage on the liberty of the subject ; but if the Court have determined thus to act , I suppose it is useless in me to contend . Tou will , of course , take bail in my own recognizances . " " At present , " replied the Chairman , " we shall not take bail . Tour case will be heard on Tuesday : tffl then you aie remanded . '' I then wished to be informed to what sort of treatment I was to be consigned ? whether to herd with felons , and be treated like them , or otherwise ?
I was told , in reply , that there was no intention to pnt me to any unnecessary inconvenience ; that no reasonable indulgence should be denied me consistentwith theprison rules ; that I might have whatever kind of food I chose to send oat for ; that I should not associate with the felons ; and that every facility should be afforded me for consulting with legal friends , or preparing for my defence . I was then committed to the custody of Mr . Walker , the Governor of the New Bailey lock-ups , than whom I never met with a more kindly-hearted and considerate man in the whole course of my life . Every indulgence and convenience that comported with his duty and circumstances , I believe he has afforded not only to me , but to all the fine fellows who are here .
I found here , besides myself , the Rev . Dr . Scholefield , Campbell , Ltach , Doyle , Arthur , Harney , Otley , of Sheffield ; Rsiitcn , Manchester ; M'Cartney ; Norman , Warrington ; Allanson , Stockport ; Ramsden , Salford , ( a lad of seventeen years of age , ) Brook , of Todmorden ; Fletcher , of Bradford ; llassey , of Newton Heath ; T . B . Smith , Leeds ; Thornton , Bolton ; making with Mr . Wm . Scholefield—the dootor ' s sonwho is out on bail , a gang of nineteen jolly Chartists . By the kindly indulgence of Mr . Walker , we spent the whole of Sunday all together ; and , considering circumstances , a Tery happy day we had . Mr . J . R
Cooper , bookseller , of Bridge-street , an excellent Chartist , sent in a good dinner of roast beef , potatoes , and plum pie , * c for the whole of us . It was eaten with good appetites , and I wish heartily that all good Chartists outside could have fared as well as we did inside . We had divine service celebrated both forenoon snd afternoon ; the Keverend Doctor officiating in the morning , and myself In the afternoon , For the forenoon we had no hymn or psalm-books ; this lack was supplied by the retentive memory of friend Smith , who gave oat hymns from memory , which were sung not less heartily nor less piously than if books had been in the hands of our persecutors in sjme gorgeous church .
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The aspirings of the heart after the pore fountain ol benevolence are not less acceptable for being sent forth under unnsual and oppressive circumstances . Oar worship was performed amid , at all events , as great a propriety of demeanour as I ever saw . In the afternoon we were laid under further obligations to Mr-Walker , who besides lending us a large Bible , borrewed for ns eighteen hymn books . We are to day divided into wards . I , Doctor Scholefield , T . B . Smith , Railton , and Norman , occupy one cell ; Leach , Campbell , Doyle , Harney , Arthur , and Otley , are in the next hole , and the rest in another . We are to come np to-morrow morning at ten o ' clock . How things will go then I know not yet I guess , however , that we shall be all committed , whatever the witnesses , if any , may or may not say . If permitted , I shall write again and tell you all about to-morrow ' s doings . Till then farewell 1 God save you ! and speed the Charter 11 Wm . Hill P . S . —Mr . Walker has at this moment ( a quarter to six p . m . ) informed us of the arrival of friend Parkes from Sheffield .
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NEW BAILEY , MANCHESTER , TUESDAY , Octobeb 4 . EXAMINATION OF CHARTIST PRISONERS , Before J . F . Foster , Esq ., ( who presided ) Daniel Maude , Esq . C . J . S . Walker , Esq ., and G . W Wood , Esq . The magistrates took their seats on the benoh soon after eleven o ' clock ; Sir Thomas Arbuthnot . Col . Wemyss , Messrs David Price , George Clarke , Thos . Townsend , R . P . Willook , and other gentlemen were also on the bench . The Court was crowded to excess in every part , and amongst the audience were a number of welldressed females , who seemed to evince great interest in the proceedings , as they never left their eeat 3 daring the whole of the nine hours which the examination occupied . The prisoners were called up in the following order : —
James Leach . Oak-street , Manchester , bookseller . John Campbell . Chartist lecturer , London . Christopher Doyle , weaver , Manchester . Rev . James Scholefietd , minister and surgeon , Man chaster . William Scholrfieid , schoolmaster , Every-street , Man Chester , ( surrendered sn bail . ) Bernard M Carinep . book « eller , Liverpool . James Arthur , alias M'Arthur , Carlisle . Richard OUey . tea-dealer , Sheffield . George Julian Harney , bookseller , Sheffield . John Thornton , hand-loom weaver , Bolton . John Norman , joiner , Warrington . John Massey , weaver , Newton Heath . William Fletcher , news-agent , Bradford . Robert Brook , schoolmaster and news-agent , Todmor den .
Rev . Williavi Hill , Editor of the Northern Star , Leeds . Thomas Brown Smith , Chartist lecturer , Leeds . John Ellison , power-loom weaver , Stockport , Samuel Parkes , shoemaker , Sheffield . Thomas Railion , joiner , Manchester . Robert Marsden , factory worker , Manchester . Mr . Brandt , the barrister , instructed by Mr . Gregory and Mr . Part , of Wigan , who conducted the case for the crown , appeared for the prosecution . Mr . Cobbett defended all the prisoners except Mr . M'Cartney , Arthur , Smith , andRailton . Mr . Bent appeared for Arthur ; and the others defended themselves . Before the csmmencement of the proceedings , Mr . COBB £ TT applied to have free access to his clients . Mr . Brandt said he had no objection , but , on the contrary , wished that Mr . Cobbett and Mr . Bent might have an opportunity of speaking to their clients . Mr . Foster—Oh , certainly .
Mr . Brandt , then addressing the Court , said , he appeared on behalf of the Crown , to state the charge against the present defendants ; which appeared to him to be one of a very serious and heavy nature . It charged these defendants with unlawfully conspiring together to excite her Majesty ' s subjects to sedition and disaffection against the laws of the realm , and to cause insurrections , riots , tumults , and illegal assemblies ; and by force , violence , and intimidation , to prevent certain of her Majesty ' s subjects from following their lawful occupation , or to force them to dspart therefrom , and generally to disturb the peace ef the Queen . It must be quite within the knowledge of the Bsnch that this county had been in a state of great disturbance in the month of August last . Unhappy differences had arisen between workpeople and their
employers , into which it was not his business or intention to enter ; but the manner of proceeding , and steps taken by the misguided persons who had left work and others , to compel the workmen to leave their employ , were such as could not be contemplated without great sorrow and regret ; they came within the scope of the law , and were , in fact , of a most dangerous tendency . That was the state of affairs up to the 17 th of August , on which day the principal transaction to whisk he should invite attention took place . It occurred within the borsugh of Manchester ; but it was so connected with transactions throughout the county , and the charge was one which , in its own nature , involved a variety of transactions , all of which were acts done in pursuance of the conspiracy , and which acts being proved , would be evidence against the
defendants themselves , wherever they took place , whether within the borough , or in the county at large ; and therefore , in order to go fully into the charge , he thought this case bad been more properly brought before the magistrates of the county , than before those of the borough . Either might have jurisdiction ; but that of the former bad a wider range , and therefore was this case brought befere county magistrates . The court was aware , that the proceedings that took place prior to the 17 th August were characterized not merely by those circumstances which occasionally distinguish turn-outs in this country , bnt by a violent and illegal mode of turning out the hands who were willingly employed ; setting the constituted authorities at defiance ; and , in fact , usurping their authority ; and until the strong arm of the law was ready to be
and was in fact called forth , which it might not have been on the first emergency , this county might be said to be exposed to the attacks of lawless force . Happily tboBe disturbances were quelled , but not till the strong arm of the law had been called forth . And during the time this state of things existed , the conduct of the parties now before the court took place , which gave rise to the present prosecution . Tfie charge against them was , that they had illegally combined together to foster that bad spirit which existed , and to excite the body of men who had turned cut others by force ; and that they , by their resolutions and conduct , did foster and encourage that spirit , and even prompted it ; and that they did hold out inducements to those misguided men to go a greater length . Now , it was well known , that workmen were all at
liberty , if not content with their wages , to leave their employ . Combinations for that purpose , however dangerous , were still allowed by law ; but no one could believe that it could be allowed by law , that any body of men , not themselves engaged in that labeur , and not parties to it , should combine for the purpose of exciting others to turn out , even if it were only to obtain a higher rate of wages . But when that was accompanied by acts of violence ; when the conduct of these parties was not merely to leave their own employ , bnt by threats , intimidation , and violence , by the intimidation of numbers even , to induce those otherwise disposed to continue at work to leave their employ , then every person engaged in that transaction was illegally engaged in it ; and every person encouraging and sanctioning those proceedings was a guuty participant .
But when , superseded to those motives , there was the intention—by stopping the labour of the country , by compelling men to leave their employment—to effect a particular object , which object in itself might or might not be lawful by such means as were clear , y in themselves illegal ; if this were done for any other object than to gain an increase sf wages , it was clearly and indisputably an illegal transaction . And when that object was to make a revolution in the law of the land , to change the established law , by introducing into it that perfection which some parties suppose might be given to it , and that by means like those he had described , such a transaction was most clearly and seriously illegal . He believed he should be able to satisfy the court , that the cocspiracy and combination into which the defendants
had entered partook of all these ingredients ; that they did , having a knowledge of the violence and illegality of which the rioters had been guilty , sanction and approve of those proceedings , and encourage them to go on , and did avow that the object of those proceedirgs was to cany what they called " the People ' s Charter . " If he made it apparent to the court , that these , or any of them , were the objects which the defendants had in view , it was clearly an illegal conspiracy ; one , too , as it appeared to him , verging upon the highest political offence for whi « h parties could be amenable to the law . The present charge , which was one of misdemeanour , appeared to him to be a rerj merciful view of the subject , to bring it out in that character . He bad now to detail the transactions in which these parties stood charged with being participants .
On the 17 th of August , there appeared on the walls of Manchester a placaid , a copy of which he now held in bis hand . It was beaded , " Tne Executive Committee of the National Charter Association ; " and it was addressed " to the people , " calling them " Brother Chartists . " He did not propose to read all this placard , because he did not doubt that it would be brought under the notice of the magistrates at the time it appeared ; for they were then actively engaged in their duties of preserviBg the peace , and could not be ignorant of the existence of so mischievous a document He proposed to show , that the defendants , every one of them , were cognizant of this document ; that they approved of it , and were desirous to publish it , and
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to a « t upon it . And be must say , that more dangerous , mow biood-thirsty senttmenta , as it appeared to him , could not be expressed than were contained in that document . When that placard appeared , the Authorities were of course exceeding y aDjdoua'tp ascertain whence it emanated . The printer , Bbld * enough certainly , put his name to the paper ; it wa » found that it had been printed at the premises of a man named Turner ; a copy of the bill , on which there were MS . alttratioDB marked , was found there , and it was clearly traced home to some of these parties . What was this "National Charter Association" ? A widely extended association , and therefore the more dangsrous in the eye of the law . if men wished for a change in the laws ; if they sought such change a in way sanctioned by the laws , there was no reason why they should not
suggest , or even press for , an alteration in the laws . But when wo find an association banded together and making intimations lite this ; cunningly derised certainly , with the appearance of abstinence from violence ; bat really with a strong inducement and suggestion to violense ; such an association became most dangerous . It was found that this did really emanate from what was called " The Executive Committee ef the National Charter Association ; " for they bad their committee , their delegates from ijifferent neighbourhoods ; and probably some of the defendants gloried in the name of Char-iat delegates ; but he hoped , if they bed the feelings of men , that glory would be brought down , and that they would feel that they had been deluding both themselves and others ; and were embarked in a cause which could produce only mischief and anarchy , and certainly no good to any men or any party . All
the defendants , he believed , were connected with this association as delegates , and two of them held official situations in that association . The defendant Leach was not only one of the Executive Committee , but he was also presiden t of the association . Another party , not now in custody , named Peter M-Douall , was also a member of that committee ; and he mentioned his name , because he expected to be able to show , that the MS . upon the printed document was in his bandwriting . Another of the parties before the court , John Campbell , was secretary to that Executive Committee ; and it included two other parties * neither of whom was in custody ; making , in all , five members of the Executive . Campbell , as the Committee ' s secretary , waa probably the hand employed in sending forth that document ; and , therefore , there could be no doubt that it did emanate from that Committee . But he
would bring it more closely to them , because he would shew that Leaoh had this document posted upon his own door ; that Mr . Scholefield also , by the instrumentality of his son , was instrumental in having it affixed on his premises ; so that there was , by these parties , a publication of that document to the world . But he should go far beyond that . He should shew , that , on the morning on which that placard appeared , on the 17 th of August , there was a meeting of different delegates , which M as attended by nil tho defendants , and by others , amongst them Mr . Feargus O'Connor . This meeting took place in the chapel of Mr . Scholefield , in Every-street ; and all the defendants wer 3 then present . He would call the attention of the Court particularly to this meeting . It was clear , from what passed , that there bad been a meeting on the 16 th ( the
previous day ) , but lie did not ? ive any direct evidence of that meeting ; but from what passed on the 17 th , it was quite clear that at such previous meeting this mattor of the placard had been under discussion , for it was then alluded to . At the meeting of the 17 th , a certain resolution was passed ; and , as he had it in print before him , be could more conveniently coll their attention to it . Mr . Feargus O Conner was one of the parties then present , and he ( Mr . Biandt ) was now in a situation to prove that he was the sole proprietor of the Northern Star . Mr . Hill , one of the defendants , was the editor of that paper ; and & ' c the meettng . it was determined that there should be no publication of what had taken plane , except only the resolution then moved for their adoption ; and it was determined , that that resolution should be published , and it was to appear in the Northern Star ; and accordingly , in the next publication of that paper , after the meeting , this resolution did appear in it It stated , " That , while the Chartist body did not originate the present
cessation fiom labour , this Conference of delegates , from various parts of the kingdom , expresses their deep sympathy with the working men now on strike ; and that we strongly approve of the extension and continuance of the present struggle , till the People ' s Charter become a legislative enactment , aud decide forthwith to issue an address to that effect , aud pledge ourselves , on our return to our respective localities , to give a right direction to the people ' s efforts . " At the same meeting Mr . O'Connor produced an address in his own handwriting , for adoption by tne meeting ; and , towards the conclusion of the meeting , this document [ the placard address of tke Executive Committee ] being produced , it waa asked by the defendant Campbell , whether the meeting wore to understand that he ( Mr . O'Connor ) would print it in his paper ; and he answered , yes , he would insert it as an advertisement . He would now draw the attention of the Court to some of the l anguage of this document . Mr . Brandt then read from it the following : — Miauuw uuoi . 1 iciiu iiuiu xu wo tuiiuniuj ^ . —»¦ *
" Therefore it is that we have solemnly sworn , and one and all declared , that the golden opportunity now within our grasp shall not pass away fruitless ; that the chapce of ceututies , afforded to us by a wise and all-seeing God , shall not be lost : but tint we do now universally resolve never to resume labour until labour ' s grievances are destroyed , and projection secured for ourselves , our suffering wives , and helpless children , by the enactment of the Peopled Charter . " Here was a resolution , as they said , upou oath , that the whole commerce of the country should be suspended ; that thousands of workpeople should be thrown into misery , distress , and want , till the laws of the land should be ouerturned , and a new law established upon the dictation of parties like these . The placard then continued : ' " Englishmen ! The blood of yonr brothers redden the streets of Preston and Blackburn , and the
murder-They could not be ignorant of what this alluded to . The civil authorities in Preston having been scoffed at , abused and resisted , called on the military to act ; and no doubt the military did their duty under the direction of the authorities of the town . They discharged their fire-arms , by which one or more lives were lost ; and the wonder is , that their forbearance was so great , and that more lives were not lost . These men were called murderers . The placard continued ; — " Be firm , be courageous , be men . Peace , law , and order , have prevailed on our side : let them be revered until your brethren in Scotland , Wales , and Ireland , are informed of your reaolutiou ; and when a universal holiday prevails , which -will ba the case in eight days , then of what use will be bayonets against public
opinion ? What tyrant can then live above the terrible tide of thought and energy , which is now flowing fast , under the guidance of man ' s intellect , which is now destined by a Creator to elevate his people above the reach of want , the rancour of despotism , and the penalties of bondage ? the trades —[ by which is meant , the union between parties to carry out their system for keeping up the rate of wages ] . —& noble , patriotic band , hove taken the lead in declaring for the Charter , and drawing their gold from the keeping of tyrants-Follow their example . Lend no whip to rulers wherewith to scourge you . Intelligence has reached us —[ so that they were not ignorant of the state of the country ] —of the wide-spreading of the strike ; and , within fifty miles of Manchester , every engine is at rest , and all is still , except the miller ' s useful wheels , and the friendly sickle in the fields . "
And how bad every engine been bronght to rest ? " Our machinery is all arranged , and your cause will , in three days , be impelled onward by all the intellect we can summon to ita aid . " Yes , " intellect" was the suggestion ; the word was used that it might not be said that they were recommending physical force . " Therefore , the whilst you are peaceful , be firm ; whilst you are orderly , make all be so likewise ; and whilst you look to the law , remember that you had no voica in making it , and are therefore the slavea to the will , the law , and the price of youc masters . " They were particularly to remember , that they had no voice in making the laws .
" AH efficers of the association are called upon to aid and assibt in the peaceful extension of the movement , and to forward all moneys for the use of the delegates ¦ who may b 8 expressed over the country . Strengthen our hands at this crisis . —[ Why should these men call npon the people' to strengthen their hands ?]—Support your leaders . Rally round our sacred cause , and leave the decision to the God of justice and of battle . " II there were any word or expression in that document to show the ultimate meaning of the parties , be thought that the last word would clench it This placard was produced at the meeting ; there was no dissenting voice to it ; the sentiments of this document were , therefore , ; hose adopted by all present ; and therefore they were all responsible for that which was conveyed by it The address , from which be bad read extracts , was proposed ; it appeared that an amendment was proposed , differing from the resolution in phraseology , but to the same purpose , ¦ v iz .:
—" That the information laid before this conference does not warrant the people in mixing up the Chartist ; name and movement with the present strike for wages ; which was originated , as this Conference believes , by the anti-Corn Law League . " What truth there might be in that statement he did not undertake to determine ; but he would say , tbat if the members of that or of any other league ever held out a threat that they would put a stop to the industry of the country , they would be guilty of illegality ; and , if that could be brought home to them , they
deserved and ought to stand in that situation ia which the present defendants were now placed . But that was sot the present inquiry . The court would find , tbat the meeting approved of what had been done by the executive committee in preparing this address , and wished it to be carried forward . After almost every one else bad spoken —( and he believed every one did speak)—it was put to the vote , and the original motion was carried by a very large majority . Therefore , whoever originated this movement , it was palpable to common sense , as well as law , that those who sanc-
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tioned it , being a case of misdemeanour , were equally guilty with its first promoters , and became , in fact , the promoters of it But they did more . He bad not found , tbat those who commenced it bad indulged in language like that till that placard appeared ; and the Court would find , that , at the time the placard was brought to the notice of the meeting , they were fully aware of its dangerous character ; for Mr . O'Connor said , "Did I not tell you yesterday , that this might be called illegal ? " Its illegality bad been discussed the preceding day ; and Mr . O'Connor mentioned as a proof that bis opinion of its illegality was correct ,
tbat , as he said he had just heard , the printer of the placard bad been apprehended ; and so , in fact , he had been : therefore there was proof , from thess expressions , that thi 3 placard had been the subject ot discussion on the preceding day . It then came forth for the approbation of the other delegates at this Conference , where the illegality of it was again brought under their notice ; yet after this , the meeting requested , that Mr . O'Connor would insert this address la his next paper . Accordingly , in that next paper , they had , in the way of comment , the very expressions used in the address presented by Mr . O'Connor , aud assented to unanimously by this meeting .
"Brothers , these are not the times to hesitate . * * We are fortunate in having an accredited Executive , bearing the confidence of all , at our head . They , too , have called upon you ; you will read their address ; it breathes a bold aud manly spirit We cannot withhold from them our support * * From unanimity alone can success be expected . " Therefore , the acts of the Conference and the Executive , at the very time , were published and approved by their authorized organ , the Northern Star ; this address was published , whioh waa prepared and received by the whole assembly , which approved of what the executive had done , and of the " manly spirit" in which it was drawn ; and consequently , they were all clearly participants in the guilt of originating , approving , and publishing that placard .
Without further observations , he proposed to call the witnesses . He should give some evidence , though it was almost superfluous , as to the state of the ceuntry , prior to the 18 th or 17 th August ; then ha would show the posting up of this bill , at the premises of the Soholeflehls , and of Leach ; and be would then go to the transactions of the 16 th and 17 th August ; and would call a witness , who waa present on that occasion , who would tell the court that all these patties were present on the 17 th ; and what took place . But he would rest the case not upon the testimony of any man , but upon the documents . There could ba nothing delusive in them . If they were couched in a fair , right , and honest spirit , then these parties had not offended against the laws ; but if , on the contrary , these documents were the dangerous and wicked productions ,
which he thought them , then the defendants , and all proved te have sanctioned them , were guilty of misdemeanour . If there could be any doubt upon the evidence of the witnesses ho should call , it would be removed by a document found in the hands of one of the defendants , Robert Brook , when he was apprehended . Notes were found upon his person , in pencil , written in a good hand ; partially rubbed , but atill legible enough ; and from them it would appear , that the history he ( Mr . Brandt ) had been giving , was entirelv borne out ; becauBe they contained a note of what had taken place on the lfjih and 17 th ; and that would be evidence , not agtiinst the other parties , but against Brook , which would show the whole transaction—namely , that they met on the I 6 th ; adjourned , ' and met again on the 17 th
byadjournment ; aud then received a report from the different delegates as called upon , who came there from great distances , some from Stockport , Newton , Bradford , Btating how many persons had attended pnblic meetings held there recently before ; and one of the delegates , Bairstow , from Bristol , stated 220 , 000 persons there to be desirous to aid the movement for the Charter ; but the working people could not carry out the present movement , and so on ; each delegate speaking seriatim . The Rev . William Hiil said , that the people did not wish to connect themselves with the strike . Another delegate , Smith , fram Leeds , said , that there were 80 , 000 at Leeds ; and the feeling there was against the strike . Having found in some neighbourhoods a good spirit existing , ' they-took upon themselves to foauer an evil spirit ; for the Court would find in the notes of this
man —( and this was very important , though no evidence against Cooper)—that , in the report made by Cooper , the delegate from Lsicaater . he Bays— " Iht men wiil cease Working if the Conference recommend it , and they want to fight in the Potteries . " That was the language from the Potteries , and he waa afraid that that wish had been carried out to some extent . There could be no fact in question here . He should prove that the defendants wera all present What they did would be established by their own acts and documents , upon which there could be no question ; and therefore , as it appeared to him , there was no room left to doubt—no one who understood the laws of this land could doubt —that these parties had been engaged in a dangerous and guilty conspiracy . The Learned Gentleman ih .-: i
called—: 'Archibald 31 'Mullen , Inspector of Police , examined by Mr . Brandt , Previous to the evidence being gone into , Mr . Cohhor . t made an application " that ail the witnesses might be sent out of Court They were ordered to retire . Mr . M'Mullen then deposed , that prior to tho 16 th of August there were serioua disturbances in Manchester . to quell which a large body of special constables -were sworn in , and the assistance of the military had beui called ior . These disturbances extended beyond Man Chester , to Staleybridge , Ashton , Oidham , and otuer places . I accompanied Mr . Bsswick to the house of Leach , in Oak-street , en the night of the 17 th of August I saw a placard on a board in tho shop ; it is a bookseller ' s shop ; there were Bevoral other placards upon it- it was about eleven o ' clock at night when we se ' zed it ; but , having been directed to pass two or three times that day , I saw the board at the door : it attracted much attention . We seized and brought away other papers and cards .
Cross-examined by Mr . Cobbeti—1 first saw the board , I tbink . after three o ' clock that day . I cannoi say whether the placard was thire the first time or not ; but-1 believe it was , because there was a great crowd about ; but I was so well known by them , thtt I did not like to stay too long . Mr . Beswick hail the warrant ; I believe he made an attempt to execute it before eleven o'clock . I was with him , and in the neighbourhood . The board leaued against tho wall , the placard was towards the wall , inside the wall , when we seized it I think Leach had not long com 6 in , when we took him : but he might have been .
Mr . Richard Baswick , chief , superintendent of the Manchester borough police , examined by Mr . Brandt —I saw placards like the one produced posted on the walls on the 17 th of August , and I went to the printer ' s ( Turner ) with a warrant on that day , about one o ' clock , and satisfied myself that the bill bad been printed there . I got one manuscript there , which I have not at hand just now . That night I went with M'Mnllin to the house of Leach ; he was in the house , which ib divided by a partition from the * hop . I told him I had a warrant for his apprehension , and read the warrant to him . He said nothing particular . I searched the shop , and found a copy of tha placard lying upon the counter . I found also a book , containing the names of the " Provisional Executiva Couucii
of the National Charter Association of Great Britain ; Mr . James Leach , president" The book now produced is the same , and contains other matters . I found some cards ( which have been produced before . ) I saw in the shop a board , six or seven feet high , probably more , oh which a copy of the placard wasposteil . i afterwards sent M'Mullin to the shop , and he brought it to the Town Hall . I had passed the shop that morning several times , the earliest time about halfpast ten o clock , and I saw a placard that appeared to be a copy of the same—it was headed the same , and hung upon a board at the door . Mr . Cobbett—Is the Bsnch of opinion that this is evidence of identity ? I submit that it is not sufficient , and object to its being received .
Mr . Foster—It ia certainly evidence as far as it goes . Mr . Brandt—Vahat quantum . Examination resumed—A number of persons were reading tlib placard . I did not then resid tho whole of the placard ; 1 had previously seen and read a copy of it . Cross-examined by Mr . Cobbett—That now produced is a copy of the placard taken by me at Leach '*) . I have compared several copies with the copy found u % Leach's . I cannot swear to it ; but a number of copies were strack off on thin paper for me , from the type in my possefcsiou , and to the best of my belief the copy produced is ene of tfause impressions . I have no doubt of it from the genera ! appearance of the paper .
I received the warrant against Leach , I fancy about noon ; I bad a Eiimber placed in my bands that day . I sent persons , not connected with the police , to see if hs was at home , and from them I received information . I could not hear of his being 1 at home at all , and was not aware he was when I went to search his house about eleven o'clock at night , and found him the / e : I am not aware at what time he came home . That book was on a small shelf , beneath the counter , on the right as you enter . I found there other papers , and one or two other books in MS . It appeared to me to be put therefor the purpose of being constantly used . The counter was covered with papers and pamphlets for sale . He sells penny and tutftpenny publications , and newspapers of all sort *
Mr . Cobbbtt—Am I snail want to refer to this book in order to prepare for the defence of those men , I trust there will be no objection to my having access to it at any time . Mr . Foster—If you have any application to make , you hod better mention tt afterwards . Mr . BB . ANDX—The proper time will beat the end of the case . The book is not in evidence . Nathaniel Higgins , a policeman—I know Mr . ScholefieWB chapel in Every-street . On the 17 th of August I was facing it , between eleven an twelve o ' clock in the forenoon , and I saw a man coming from Aucoats Lane with some papers Ilka bills under bis arm ; he went into Mr . Bcholefirid ' B surgery , adjoining the hause and chapeL Mr . Scholefield ' a son William was at the door of the surgery at the time . The man went into the surgery , and William Scholefleld went in with him . They remained a few minutes , and then the man came out , followed by William Sebolefield , who haii a large bill in bis band , which he posted on the outside waU
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next the street of the burial-ground which Burrounds the buil Mug . I read some little of the bill ; not much ; it was something similar to tbat ; I read tho housing , and it was the same in siz i and appearance : the printer ' s name waa Turner . It was pasted upon the frill . I was near the premises again about five , or a litt ) .. after , that afieruoot . ; I saw about thirty persons go in ; amongut others Peter M'Donall , and the prisoners Doyle , L . ^ ach , Eliisou , and Campbell Those were all I knew . That gentleman ( pointing to M'Canney ) I believe waa there . 1 oiiuaot speak to any other prisoner . In the morning I saw , the eider Mr . Scholtfleld come out of th « surgery do ' .. r and to the gate , four or five minutts ; . fter the tii . i ban luea posted , and about a couple of yards from thu place j but he might not see it , as he did not come outbid u .
Cross-examined by air . Cobbetx . —It was on Wednesday tht 17 th ; I know it was , because tho daj baforo I saw Feargus O'Connor go into Mr . Schole&Jd ' g , out of a coach , I bavo been in the police ab . iuta month or five weeks ; I was not in at that time . I went to see Air . Feargus O'Connor . I was no acquaintance of hia ; I never saw him in my life before , bat I saw him there ,, I heard he wag going therefrom people about the town . It waa reported he was coming in the uiorniag . There were many people outside waiting to see him . I wjl . w him at last anti was much gratified . I went next tiay the same as other fo . k * to see whether the monument [ Hunt ' s ] would bu put up or not . [ Uproar in the court . Mr . Foster ordertd silence to be preserved . ] Crowds were going , and I went with them . It might be a fortni g ht after , I became a policeman , lc was not my anxiety about Hunt ' s monument , but my character , thirteen years' servitude under
one master , tbat sot me into the police . I was out of work , perhaps three or four moDths . I left the last place I -wna in of my own accord . I fell out with tho manager of . Mr . Binns , in Ancoats lane . I was a weaver and ovtrlooktr . , Mr . Irwin got me appointed a policeman , l showed hiui my character , and he took -us to Sir Charles Shaw *; ami they made me a polieeuir . n . I mentioned to Mr . Ivwin what I saw at the chapel , before I was asked to be a policeman ; but I d :. i not think I should be asked about it now . Sir Ct ;; irles Shaw was present when I was examined about it ; and it was af r-: r tha > - that I waa appointed a policeni : > u . I was taken to the Town Hall and there examined by some gtmtlrinen , whom I Uo not know . When i . saw the muu come to Scholcfieid'B with the bills , William Scholeiwhi -was Mending at the door . I was standing on the ot l .: e . r side of the street . There were other bills on the wall , but not just there .
By Mr . M'Cartney—It was on the 17 th that , to the best of my knowledge , I saw y < m euter Mt . Scholefleld ' s premises . I will uot swear it To the best of my knowlerfgi ? , you are the person I saw in Every-straet ; but I c . ninot undertake to swear it I saw a pm-son very like you . —( A loud groin from tho back of the court followed this , answer . Mr . Foster said , t : ^ t if that were repeated , the court should bo cleaned . ) I aaid before , that I believed it was you . I am not aware of my name feeing on the police-book before I was appointed . I did not apply till Mi-. Irwin asked me if I wished to ba one , aud I then produced my character The iong dark hair is the only tiling I can judge from , that the man was like you . The person wore a cip . I b&va batm kuowu to Mr . Irwin some yeavu . M'Cartney—I wish to know under what circumstancces you first became acquainted with Mr . Irwui t Witness—I cannot siy .
How < iid _ you know it was Mr . O'Connor whom you sa * go to > lr . Sctiolefidld ' s house ? I only know it was him from having heard people say bo . 1 never saw Mr . O'Connor beforo thatduv ; I saw him in th _ e morning , and I have seen him unoa since . When ? . When ?—On the same day , in the afternoon 1 By whom were you first asked to give evidence ? I was applied to by Sir C . Shaw , in the course « u" my duty as a policeman , to state the particulars of what . I saw ; hut I cannot say waat day , but it ia about tfvd weeks s : nce . In tbe event of my conviction , and those w 1 j . > are with me , dw you . expect any gratuity or reward '
I do not . I-may be turned off , and have to so to woik again . I have nothing oft ' ereJ for my evi-.-.: nce . I havo not the rcmot . st < lescripi-icn by which 1 can positively swear tbat you are the niun whom I eaw in Every-atreet ou that day . I did not swear that I saw Mr . O'Connor . at an open window ; the window was shut It wis the houaa window . I believo the house is a square one ; I believo it was the first story fronting to Evcry-street The w . ill on which tUe bill was p <^ ted is a low wall ; I do not know the height of the - . v . iil ; it may be as high as my head . The window where I eaw Mr , O'Connor is above the wall , but I cannot say whether the entire of the window is aboye the wall , or only a part of it I cannot stand close to the wall and look over it ; but I was on the opposite side of the street , which caused me to see better ; 1 cannot swear whether Mr . O'Connor was sitting down or . standing up . Mr . M'Cartney- —Will you 3 wear thai you positively believo I am the person you saw ?
Witness—I will swear that I belitve it , bnt not that you ate positively tke man . Mr . Beswick re-called—I produce the copy or proof sheet ( No * . 2 i of the placard with MS . corrections upon it . which I found at Turner's house , and a corrected copy ( No , . 4 ) of it fouud there ; and also I founu at Leach ' s house , the card marked A , one of a large number I found there . It is inscribed " The National Chartist Association or . Great Britain , James Leach , president . ; Jjfau Campbell , secretary . " The placard No . 6 , now produced , is the one I fouud ou the counter at Leach's shop .
M'Aiullin recalled—I produce the placard mr ;; ked wifh my initials , taken from the board found at Leanh's . I also found a number of cards simil&rto that markolA , mutio up in a packet- — [ The card produced was a card of membership ia " the National Charter Association of Great Britain . " ] William Griffin was next called . Mr . Cobbett said , before he was sworn , he would ask if he believed in a state of rewards and punLshmetitB after thin life . Witnass—Yes . H < . was thtn a worn , and examined by Mr . Brandt—I Ivave been a veportfer for the NorUiern , Star British Statesman , and tho Evening Star . On the 17 th August , I vr ^ ur to a CoufersDca of the National Charter Association ; it was a Conference of the delegates . I v > ent tii-. re with Bernard M'Cartney , to Mr . Schcii'fi-ld ' H Ccap ^ -. l . We got there beetweon nine and ten in the morning . : I . should think upwards of thirty were
present ; a person was sitting in the capacity of chairman ; they called him Arthur , an elderly gentleman . I do not recognise him as now present . Feurgus O'C-imior was present ; the Rev . Wiilia : n Hill . —the grnt ) ---mnn with a 7 > encil in his h ? i : d ; James L ' . acb , JuK . jti Hnrney , John Campbell , Jamos CartledgG ( not a iuisoiier / r Christopher Doyle , Thomas Ra . ilton ; a person named Parkes , from Sheffield ; and Ellison , of Stockporc ; Mr . Scholefleld wr : a not there as a debate ; he was in the room . I do not k ow Thornton or Norman by name . I cannot swear to the prisoner iNorman ) now shewn me as being there . The prisoner liexs M'Cartney , Riilton , was there . Thornton was there . [ A . rather curious scene for a Court otJustice was here presented ; the prisoners were called forward by name , [ laC , the witness was requested to lusk at them , and if they ware there—he baying all the names of the deieeiitftj , but not being distinctly acquainted with the persons of each . ] The man with long hair ( Brook ) was there . .
Mr . Brandt—The prisoners pushed him forward as Thornton . Mr . Cobbett objected to the course of tellin ? the witness a name , and pointing out the man , and thus enabling the witness to tell the truth or commit perjury , as he might please . Mr . Maude ( in Mr . Foster ' s absence ) directed that all the prisoners should be shown to the vritness ia succession ; Ii- -in placing his hand on a prisoner's head , and tho witness being required to state whether he recollected tbat prisoner being present
Examination-resumed—I believe this person ( Otley ) wua present : I took him for Arthur . I will not swear he was in the chair . I cannot recognise tbat young man ( Norman . ) M'Cattncy was thwfts ; he went with me . Thomas Rnilton I know . Campbell was there . Tiiat man ( John Thorntoul was present , in a . aift'ereut dress . That mau ( Christopher Dayle ) was there . That man , who calied himself Parxes in the Couleienci ! , was there . I cannot recollect that gentiem . iu . ( Pointing to Mr . Arthur . ) Arthur—1 am much obliged to you . Witness—r will not swear to this one ( William
Fletcher . ) Hurcey— -What is my name ? loak at me straight as i look at you . Witness—J"Han Haraey . : Harney—Aj j , that' 9 light . Witness—I will not swear to the boy ; thare was a young boy present that represented the "Youths , " and called himself Ramsden ; but I won't swear he is the person . That man ( Robert Brookr was there . James Leach was present . That man was present ( T . B . Smith ); the Rev . William Hill was present So % vas that man ; "I . think his name is Massey . Mr . Scholefield was present , but not as a delegate . During the Conference , he came iuto the chapel . When I got there , the delegates rose iu turns , and gave in a report . Some spoke perhaps five minutes ; some perhaps not so long . A man who answered to the name of Cooper spoke : I am not prepared with my notes here ; but he supported Bairstow
the resolution which was proposed by Mr . . It was bearing upon the strike , and recommending ita continuation . It attributed the strike to the corr-lawleague ; and , in the words following , it recomiutnded Uifc people to take advantage of that strike in advancement of the . Charter . Feargus O'Conuor reeam .-uended a word being altered to make it legal . 1 am on my oath ; I will swear to ray notes , but not from memory . Soon after itbe next morning ) I got a printed copy of the resolution . It was put to the vote . F . O'Connor suggested , that the word " recommend" should be altered to " approve , " to make it legal . It was originally to recommend the continuance of the strike ; aad Mr . O'Connor recommended it should be "That the meeting approves of the strike . " The resolution , as amended by Mr . O'Connor , was passed . He after wards produced an address , which was laid before the meeting and approved of ; and it was afterwards stated at the ( Continued in our Eighth page . J
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_^_ THE NORTHERN STAR . 7
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Oct. 8, 1842, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct619/page/7/
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