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Northern Star (1837-1852), 15th October 1842, Edition 3 of 5, Page 7, Untitled Article

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      ( Continued from our Sixth page : w 2 Banl price examined—He w assistant-constable TGnzrsrinf ° on the 27 th of August There -was tf arfweo that day at Brockmore-green . He saw l £ ZgH&n at the rear of the Cross Keys , between ^ ToS * ven , p . m . At that time there -were about So persans present He was speaking . He ssid that L ^ jj be would b « taken , and that he might as Jm be Uken there as anywhere else . " The Dudley « valry were seen coming , sod they « aid that it would £ ^ sbt to tall him that they were coming . ¦ Witness * cJ ^ Vsg-gfernek with stones flung by the mob . and Vent towards the cavalry , who were headed by Mr . JT ^ er , who read the Riot Act after great shouting 7 » i booting- Some were dispersed by the" cavalry , oaeis would not go . When Mr . Badger lefr the mob fhair stonesjlz , TVhittaJrer , special constable , corroborated the 1-st wtoesi ' B evidence . On the night of the 27 th ' of Vurust » ¦ woman said to Linney , " I heard that you ^ lost— that 70 U - | rer 8 ™ prison . " He replied , 'iNo , f am come hereto-night to be taken . -

      _ Qcffith , special constable , saw the prisoner , Lioney , t a meeetig . at tfce Pit-bant , on the night of the „ - £ 0 » ± vzvsi . Price was there . He heard Linnej "' jjjjt if ' they stuck out for four days lorger , they Tonld tare their wages . He ssid that they would be there on Wednesday , if he could teep the " ruffles . " witness did not know what " rufflss" memt . He said ttst he should be there , if he was not taken , but he expected to be taken . j&mes Saith , sergeant-major of the Emiey troop of a-r&lry , was on duty on the 27 th of August , at Brock-Eore- There were 500 persons " present He saw the -iionsr Byrne throwing a stone at the cavalry . Witness told prisoner that if he threw another stone he would shoot him . The prisoner jeered and laughed at Mm . liomas Beddows—Saw Byrne thrrw a stone at the

      « M »^ ^^ a ¦¦¦¦ w ¦ » A Mr . Baites—Heard linney speak to the colliers before the 3 rd and 27 th of August He told the colliers not to jo to work , wh&tever tfcey did . He told them that the Ica-masters told than that they would blow out the / cmaces , bnt he would tell them that they dare not do sol The witness was greatly frightened . He was Streatened on the night of the 27 th by the mob . They g&id , " Toar house wants ending down . " . The Counsel for the defence addressed the jury . TenJict— Guilty of an unlawful assembly against bjtJi p risoners . ( Before Sir N . Tindal ) SENTENCES OP THE PRISONERS .

      At the sitting of the court this morning , the twenty * tx prisoners found guilty of the attack on and demolition of the BeT . Dr . Yalei house , were placed at the bar , and having been called upon by the clerk of the jnims in the usual way , to know whether they had say thirg to say why sentence should not be passed tpon them according to law—all the prisoners answered in the negative . The Learned Judge said the verdict of an intellilent , patient , and upright jury haTing decided that thsy were guilty of the offence charged against them , of riotously and tumultuously assembling and demolishing the dwelling-house of the Bev . Dr . Vale , it was noir his dcty to award the just measure of punishment to the crime they had committed . It was a fearful

      offesce of which they had been found guilty . By day sad by night they had spread terror and alarm and disjnsy among the peaceable and industrious classes of the eofflmnnity . No man could say against whom the ungoTemable fsry ol the mob would be directed , so that sB were living in constant terror and uncertainty for their lire * , their property , and their families—a condinen more fearful and unhappy than that of death ftjelf . For an offence like that , depriving every one within the reach of the protection of the laws , and robbing them of all the comforts and happiness of social life , —a punishment proportionately serere must be in-£ ieted , in order that all persons might learn from their example that if they added to the number of the mob , sad became partaken in their proceedings , they would

      lender themselves liable to the transgression of the law to ubich others had subjected themselves . Happily for the prisoners , he was Eared the pain of passing senfcaee upon them for a capital offence , and , as thsre was Kite doubt , from the wording of the act , whether he said pass sentence of transportation for life , which B 2 e of the eases seemed amply to deserve , looking as erefnlly and anxiously as be was able at the cirfpmctnTM'jHi of each particular case , he would endeavour to distinguish between those who were present Then the house was set on fire , or actively Esr&ged in the act of feeding the names , or esdaiTonring to prevent their extinguishment , iai the others who were not perhaps m actively ersred . Bearing these objects in view , the sentence he thcmld pass upon JohnHainej , Richard Wright , George

      Coldoajrh , John Williams , Joseph Whistcra , — Cotton , H > a William Cartlidge was , that they ba transported for 21 years ; that Jervase Phillips be transported for 25 years ; that Thomas Wagstaff , Jos . Saunders , Samuel TThitetouse , Joshua Gilbert , — Bankes , and Edward Smith , be transported for 10 years ; that William Shaw , William Bradbury , John Owen , John Powell , Dimmoek , Sort , and Hunt , I > e imprisoned for 12 months , with bird labour ; that James Millington , Samuel Eaton , and Eiehard Edge , be imprisoned for four months , with hard bbonr ; and that James Hurst , who , from his extreme youth , be hoped had been unconsciously led into it , be imprisoned for two months , with hard labour . He ixald pass do sentence upon James Saunders , because be bid been since tried before his brothel Puke , -who Tcmld pass sentence upon him . lie prisoners were then

      removed-CASE OF ARTHUR O'NELL . ThESouciTOB-GESEBALunderstood thathis Learned Fiksd , Mr . Lee , had an application to make on behalf d Anhnr O'Nsil , to traverse to the next session or sees , Mid he wished his Lordship would thin hear the irpJiestion . Arthur OJTeil having been placed at the bar , Hr . Lee requested that the indietment should be nid , and the officer accordingly read the indictment , vbii ekarged the prisoner with wickedly intending tsi oombinins to bring the law and constitution into caeanpt , and with combininc to obstruct the collects : of the revenue , and induce the liege subjects to rest the payment of taxes , and to induce large bodies of the workmen to make riots and Ifteak the public vote . It also charged him with using violent and e&Sous language at Rowley Regis , on the 26 th of Ai itst last , to large assemblies of the working usses .

      Mr . Lee submitted that the prisoner was clearly Eitled to traverse to next assizes , on giving proper Ecnrity and entering into the necessary recogni-STKS . Tha Learned Judge said he would take the afflciTits and depositions in the matter , consult bis two fersid brethem , and give his opinion the following Sj .-iiBg .

      TRIAL OF COOPER FOR ARSON . Thomas Cooper , of Leicester , was then placed it the bar , with twelve others , charged with having io ' . cajl y and unlawfully assembled and demolished ishoaseof Ur . Parker , at the parish of Stoke-upon-Tts prisoner Cooper , a respectable-looking middlesjea Esn , said he objected to be tried with the other pnKsers . The Court s \ id that objecUon could not be enter-Uicsd . Kr . Lee then mtimsted that the prisoners meant to * nr jn ^ gjj . cjujienggg g ^ ttat it would o'ase a good deal of inconvenience and delay if they J * & tried together ; the object of his client , Cooper , was o bite a fresh Jury , who had not previously tried any « the eases .

      After a good deal of discussion , the Counsel fer the w * a agreed to take the ease of Thomas Cooper sepa-J ^ ely , acd the other prisoners were ordered to go down from U » bar . ' Km prisoner challenged every Juror who bad semd on any previeus trial during the Special ComaiBiou . Thomas Cooper was then given in charge for the de-B > Hhan of ilr . Paxkert house at Shelton , on the Xoth ° * ATarat . Mr . Lee said the prisoner had resolved to conduct'tis « 7 P ease , and had regnested him to give him the benefit « tus assistance upon points of law that might arise u «« tiEg the interest * of his client Hi . Yjbdlet was also retained by the prisoner .

      The Solicitob-Gbxejul stated the case as against ^ comii Cooper , and detailed the drcumstanees under voicq the attack took place upon Mr . Parker ' s . house . i * would appear that many of the workmen in the f ^ nes and the potteries had rtmck work , and'that F * noo £ ly t 0 ^ 15 Ul ABgUEt tjjgy t ^ committed * raal acts of outrage and riot , but not of the n % ture = that for -which the prisoner was indicted . On the cornmg of the 15 th August , a meeting was held at » £ Crown-bank , Hanley , at which Tery iuflammatory ^ cresses ^ " 6 made to the mob ; and from thence £ « y proceeded to Beveral houses in the neighbour-^< w , and broke into , plundered , and destroyed them , g ^ ttrcrse of the day another meeting was held at £ « Crown-bank , and , on the siznal of a Distol beine the mob to of

      ^> went off the house Mr . Forester , W ? 4 ttacted * ad bamed , and thence they went " we house of Mr . Parker , which formed the subject ° » e present indictmsnt The question the jury --Bid 2 ave to try was , whether the prisoner , Thomas ^ --per , was one of the mob who attacked and Qatroyed the houa « of Mr . Parker ? It was - » necessary to show that it was his hand that - ^ re to the house , bat if he could be shown t * - . Poatoa "with the mob aa to be aiding C \ ?" tffi S them to the work of destruction , then fee STJ ^ i ** rf deatroction . It would be a « exfaaordmary priocipte of law if that were not ma X -.. bacan 8 e ^ e parties who aided and abetted , sated the mob , wouM otherwise eecspe , while w 1 ^ QI » Dt tools would be subjected to the punisht ~ waxen the other usrfcv an Ti «* W mprita ^ tVir

      CS ^ f ^ ^^ ^ e fects of the case as izrT ^!*?* &PPeared in the evidence , and called Sane ; ^ T ^ T " « m housekeeper to Mr . Parker , of ** 2 r £ t . , _ 0 ttS 8 " * Albion House . Ha is a * c ? tiw ^ MWlt y- »»• ^ "ker left his bouse ^ -paiit tig , ^ ^ ^ morniD _ tf jjjg 16 tll of

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      AususU I remained in the house till near eleven at night . I then left it , being afraid to stay any longer , as I expected the bouse to be attacked . There were a good many persons then about the house . All the servants went away with me , and we left the house quite empty . Mr . Tresley'a honse is in the same town , about five minutes" walk from master ' s . We locked two of the doors and bolted the other inside . We also fastened tbe window-shutters inside . I sair it at eleven o'cl > ck the next morning . The inner walls had fallen in , and it was a mere shell . Tbe furniture , wine , and everything in the house w » s gone .

      Andrew Rowley—I am a potter living at Shelton . On the loth of August I was close to Mr . Parker's house near twelve at night I saw a number of persens standing by Air . Parker ' s door . I turned my head round and saw Turner com 9 by with a lighted candle , and his hat covering the candle to keep it lighted . There were between 200 and 300 persons there . They were shouting and making a noise . They had got np to the door when I first saw them . Tornei aaid , " Here ' s a Iigfht D—n your eyes , get on . " Mr . Lee submitted that the evidence now given could cot be received unless it was shown that Cwper was present , or that he was connected with the mob by some previous acts or declarations . The Solicitok-General apprehended that it would be sufficient to show that the prisoner formed a part of the mob . If they could not do so , then all the evidence went for nought .

      The Learned Judge overruled the objection . Unless the prisoner was connected with those acts then there was no case against him . Examination resumed—When Turner said that , others said " the door is broken open . " I think the door was broken open with a hammer . The mob then went in , and among them Turner . I saw him go into the front room and knock down a clock and other things , and set fire to the room . At least a score went into the house ; and I saw others who hyl candles lighted inside . A good many stood round outside who had sticks ; I think cudgels ; but they did not do anything . Mary of them then went towards Mr . Aitken's , bnt that was after Mr . Parker ' s house bad taken fire . That was about three-quarters of an hour after the msb broke in .

      Cross-examined by the prisoner—It was about twelve o'clock when I saw Turner . I saw at least a score come out and go towards Mr . Aitken ' s . I saw the roof tumbling in . There were many persons who stood outside looking on out of curiosity . Josiah MUIb : I am apainter and gilder of Hanley . Tbf . mob had turned oal in the month of August , and were compelling the colliers and others to strike . They were holding meeting in different places . I was at the meeting on the morning of tbe 15 th , about eight o'clock . It had then commenced ; there were about 1 , 000 present , and many of them had heavy bludgeons in their hands . I saw Thomas Cooper on the Sunday evening preach , or pretending to preach , to the crowd at the Crown Bank . I saw him at the meeting on Monday morning . I heard him say .

      when addressing the mob , that he considered himself the self-elected chairman of that meeting . After that a man come forward and moved a resolution agreeing to stand by the resolution passed at the Manchester meeting , to cease labour until the Charter became the law of the land . I heard Cooper say it would be an easy matter to get the Charter , for if anly one-tenth part of the population were to coma oat on a given day and hour , and Bay , " We will have the Charter , " nothing could stop us . He also said , allnding to the strength of the soldiers , that there were not more than ten soldiers forevery large towninthe kingdom . Alluding to the strike , he t&id that seme people thought the winter time wonld be the most favourable , but he thought the present time was the most favourable ;

      that it was better to be idle in the fine weather than in the winter ; that it was better to be idle when there was plenty on the ground . He would not advise them to steal , nor would he steal himself , but left them to put their own construction upon it . They all rose np and Bhonted , and then he went towards Lord Granville ' s collieries . Those around the platform appeared to be leading tho others . I followed them down , and at the first pifc the engine was stopped . After the last engiaewas stopped , they ordered myself and some others who were standing on a bask looking on to come down and join them ; many had very

      large cudgels . I accompanied them a little distance and got away . I wad present at a meeting in the county at the Crown-bank . The crowd was then greater than in the morning . It was then near seven o ' clock . I had then heard of the oatrageB that had been committed . I saw Cooper going towards tbe George and Dragon , and then he returned towards the Crown-bank , to which the meeting had been adjourned . He was singing , and had hundreds following him . I heard him singing in the chorus , " Spread the Charter . " The meeting was opened by singing , Cooper giving out the lines , and ths chorus was something respecting O'Connor . I recollect two lines ;—

      " The lion of freedom s let loose from his den , And we'll rally round him again and again . " I heard Cooper at the meeting say that he understood many of them had got . drank , and chat some abou : him then were tipsy ; but they must abstain from drink , or they would be sure to be detected . He alluded to what had taken place during the day . and said he had heard various " reports—he couid net say whether they were true or not . He had been at Jeremiah Yates , the Royal Oak , and the George and Dragon during the day . I then left while he was speaking .

      Cross-examined by the Prisoner—I stopped at the meeting in the morning till it was concluded . I took no notes of what you said at any of the meetings . I only gave those parts of your speeches that particularly struek my attention . I did not listen to all you said , for 1 felt disgusted at what you said . I don ' t now entertain those feelings of disgust towards the man , but at the expressions you used I have no antipathy towards yon . I was sorry such , words should come from any man . I first gave information , eight or nine days after the meeting , to the chief bailiff of Hanley .

      Reuben Greatbeach—I am a newspaper reporter . I am connected with the North Staffordshire Mercury . I saw a number of persons at i , ord Granville ' s colliery . They had just succeeded in plugging the boilers . That was between nine and ten in the morning . They then went to the lock-up at Hanley and released three or four prisoners . They were Tery noisy , and beating abont with sticks . Many had sticks in their hands . They went to the policeoffit « , about 100 yards off . They broke the glass , and some persons came out with constables' staves . They threw out papers , and tore up books , and threw them about the . street . The trial had not concluded when our express was despatched .

      ( Bejore Mr . Baron Rolfe . ) Richard Croxton , John Rattlebone , Edward Wilkinson , John Brunt , and William Johnston , were indicted with burglariously breaking into the house of Mr . Griffin , at Chiltan . The trial was proceeding- when our report left .

      ( Before Mr . Baron Parke . BURNING OF LORD GRANVILLE'S OFFICESThomas Roberts , William Turner , James Slack , Ed-ward Smith , Joseph Wild , Henry Gibson , and Isaao Colcloagb , were indicted for a riot , and demolishiBg by fire the offices , &o . of Lord Grenville on the loth of August . Mr . Spooner ( on the part of Colclough ) , and Mr . Neale ( on the part of Slack ) , challenged the Jury to tbe full nnmbtr of twenty . In consequence of the difficulty there was to empannel a Jury .

      The Learned Judge ordered the prisoners to be put aside , with the exception of Thomas Roberts , who was put upon his trial , and pleaded Not Guiliy . Mr . &rgeant Ludlow and ilr . Godson prosecuted ; Mr . Spooner defended the prisoner . The trial was proceeding when our express left .

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      LIVERPOOL . —MONDAY , OCT . 10 . The special commission for the trial of tbe persons in custody in Kirkdale Gaol , and out on bail , on charges connected with the recent duturbanoea in this county , -was opened this morning , in tbe Nisi Prius Court . The three jodges specially commissioned to try the prisoners are Lord Abinger , Chief Baron ef the Exchequer , Baron Alderson , and Mr . Justice CresswelL Their Lordships arrived in town on Saturday night , and on Sunday morning they attended divine service at St George ' s Church , -when a sermon was preached by the Rev . J . B . Moak . After the service , the three judges remaintd and received the sacrament Daring the past week , workmen were employed hi making the necessary alterations in the Session ' s-house . The benches in the Nisi Prius and Crown Courts bare been so altered as to alow their Lordships to sit together , if that should be requisite at anytime , and a dock has been constructed in the Nisi Prius Court , that tbe judges may take eases separately . The Magistrates' Boom has been fitted up as a third court .

      The calendar contains the names of 121 prisoners , six of whom were out on bail- In addition , we believe , there are Feargns O'Connor , the Rev . James Scholeficltl , the Bev . William Hill , « ditor of tbe Northern Star , James Tuck , and a few others who bad not arrived or whose names have not been transmitted to the Governor of the Kirkdale prison . The following ia a classification of the offences , with the number of persons for trial : —Riot , 40 ; riot and putting out fires , 4 ; riot and turning oat workmen , 8 ; riot and conspiracy , J . 8 ; rict and assault , 3 ; riot and beginning to demolish juills , && 28 ; riot and stealing , 18 ; seditious libel , 2 : not acd ping-drawing , 3 . Of the prisonew , 21 can read imperfectly ; 52 can read and write imperfectly ; 40 can neither read aor -write , and 18 can read and write weiL

      The thr ee Judges entered the Nisi Pxius Court together at a few minutes past eleven o ' clock , and having taken their seats npon the enlarged bench , the commission was opened with the usual formalities . The following is a list of the Grand Jury : —

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      Thomas Green , Esq ., M . P ., Wittington Hall , foreman . Sir Thomas Whitehead , Kafghfc , Upland . Montagu Ainalie , Esq ., Grizsdale . Richard Edward Alison , Esq ., Charnocic William Assheton , Esq ., Downbam HaU . Cornelius Bourne , Esq ., Halmine HalL Clarence Braddyce , Esq ., Conishead Priory . William Clayton , Esq ., Lostock Hall . William Assheton Cross , Esq ., Red Scarr . Pudsey Da ^ soa , Esq , Hornby Castle . Richard Earle , Esq , E Jen Hurst .

      William Gellison Ball , Esq ., Mailing HalL Chisenhale Chisehale , Eeq , Arley HalL James Nowell Farrington , Esq ., Worden HalL William Gale , E » q ., Ligaburn House , George Martin , Esq , M . P ., Capernuray HalL John Penny Machell , tsq ., Hollow Oak . John Master , Esq ., Croston . William Moor » , Esq . GramshilL Robert Townely Parker , Esq Cuerden HalL John Plumb Tempest , Esq ., Tong HalL Robert Henry Welch , Esq , Leek . Her Majesty ' s proclamation against vice and immoi ality was then read , after which

      Lord Abinger proceeded to address the Grand Jury . He aaid—Gentlemen of the Grand Jury , it is with unaffected pain that I address you on the present occasion . You are aware of the disastrous state to which this county has been reduced for several weeks of the present saiumer ; tbat a lawless , tumultuous multitude of persons have been assembled in various manufacturing towns of tbe county , have proceedtd to create disturbances , to excite alarm and terror in the minds of her llajesty ' s peaceable subjects , and have with violence prevented working men from following their daily occupations . Sach a scene of lawless violence it is impossible long to endure . Indeed , it would of itself perish by its own infirmity ; but along with it must perish the prosperity and industry of the working classes of this country . It became the duty of the Government ,

      with all expedition , to put down such unlawful aud tumultuous assemblies—to preserve tbe peace and proparty of the subjects of the realm , and to punish , by the rigour of the law , the persons engaged ia those unlawful proceedings . Gsntlemen , you are well aware that occasional reverses in the tide of prosperity in the manufacturing and commercial concerns of this country must occur , and that when they do occur , they must prodnce , to a greater or less extent , disastrous privations amongst the labouring classes . I presume that the state of tbe country for some months , if not for some /^ ears back , may be placed to some of these checks which the tide of commercial and manufacturing prosperity has received , and that to the same cause may be attributed the privations to which the working classes have been reduced : aud I

      make no doubt that those privations were considerable , because it cannot be denied that many o ? the usual channels of oar trade had been interrupted , and that there was a general feeling of despondency amongst commercial man as to the advantages of engaging in commercial enterprise , the result of which was attended with great uncertainty . Bnt at the same time I am bound to say . from the experience I have had in tha history of this insurrectiQn in a neighbouring county , that I believe that distress was greatly exaggerated . It does not appear , from any evidence I have Been or heard , that the people engaged in these excesses either complained of the high price of provisions , or the want of labour . What gave use to tha immediate occurrence which was the commencement of these transactions at present has hot been ascertained .

      Whether it was owing to the imprudence or indisposition of any uf the master manufacturers—whether it originated in tbe scheme of any persons who considered that a general tarn-out would be advantageous to their peculiar political object , or whether , when it commenced , it was not checked as early aa it might have been by greater activity in the magistrates—all these are matters at present in obscurity , and that time alone can develope . Bat certain it is , from the information to which I have referred , thac the dissatisfaction of the common people , of the labouring classes , does not seem to have originated from auy voluntary feeling , if I may so express it , of their own , respecting their privations or respecting the high price of provisions . They all seemed to havebeen sensible that the price of wages must depend on the price of provisions ,

      and I therefore think they were prepared to see that those who promised them an increase of wages by the diminution of the price of earn were not the persons that were to be trusted . Bat , gentlemen , it appears certain that when once these riots began , and when once the people formed themselves into classes for the purpose of turning out by force the industrious men pursuing their avocations in other places , there did arise a disposition amongst many , and those , too , possessing considerable power and some talent , to make use of that insurrection , to foment it , to perpetuate it , aud to direct it on political objects . It seems that a society of persons , recognised by the title of Caartists , mixed themselves with the unhappy masses of the common people , who had been deluded into this insurrection . Having more knowledge than them , but deeper designs , they ,

      instead of using their knowledge to point out to the unhappy victims the delusions by which they were actuated—that all attempts of the working men to rise against their masters , aud alUagtenipts to dictate the price of wages , must terminategStt the disaster of the working classes , and , instead of bettering , only worsen their condition . Instead of pointing that out , they endeavoured to persuade them that the true remedy for all their grievances was the adoption of what they call the People ' s Charter , which seems principally to aim at a larger reform of Parliament than that which they had already received , and in despite of tbe promises , and I make no doubt sincere hepes of those who introduced and carried the late measure , that it was to be a final and efficacious measure of reform , these infatuated people—fer they

      also are infatuated—have formed an opinion , gathered from what foundation I know not , that a representation by Universal Snfirage , by Vote by Ballot , and by payment of Members of Parliament , will form a panacea for the remedy of all evils , and they endeavoured to inculcate on the assembled multitudes whom they addresed , these doctrines , and to persuade them that by perpetuating that revolution , or by rising against their masters , and by making it universal , was the best means of obtaining that charter . Gentlemen , they mixed up with their orations , as yon will find in the course of the evidence that will be laid before you , many facts recommending them to peace and order ; but you will find this accompanied with false and exaggerated statements of the general feeling of the country—that the people of this and tbe neighbouring

      counties were told that all England was in arms , that Scotland was pouring out hundreds of thousands , that Ireland was coming to the battle , and that the men of Birmingham , to the number of a hundred thousand , armed with steel , and insensible to the force of military execution , were ready to join and carry the day . These were circumstances plainly intimated , and they endeavoured to inculcate this opinion on the nation , that their force would become universal , and that they would either carry their object by alarming the Legislature , or imposing this restraint Gentlemen , I must say that if this sort of conspiracy , with such objects , had been made a subject of prosecution by high treason , at present I am at a loss to know the distinction there is between a conspiracy to subvert the Government

      by alarm , and by imposing force and restraint on all the branches of the legislature , in order to have a particular measure passed into a law , and the crime of high treason . Tbe crime of high treason , by the law of this country , is technically limited to an atttempt upon the life of the Sovereign , or to raising war on the Sovereign ; but the Judges have , from the earliest times , considered that a conspiracy to levy war , to employ force to restrain tbe will of the Sovereign , is an overt act of high treason , and if satisfactorily proved , is quite sufficient to jnsiify a jury in inferring , in combination with an intention of really imposing restraint on the Sovereign , that it was a crime of high treason . I do not understand that the Government intend to push the indictments that will be brought before you ou this occasion to tUat extent . These people , I think ,

      owe it to the lenity of the Goremment that they are not put to a hazard on which their lives might t » the forfeit But , however , yon will have laid before you indictments for conspiracy , for exciting tbe people to insurrection , for endeavouring to prevail on those who were not at work to continue in a state of suspended labear , and for compelling by force those at work to leave their avocations , and to persevere in that lawless state of violence , and disorder , and privation , till their favsurite plan of the Charter was carried . If bills of that sort are brought before yon , and you should feel satisfied , by the evidence , that though the great mass of the people were not actually disposed to take part in a conspiracy for that object , yet that there were persons amongst them who were actually instrumental in persuading them , you will be justified in finding charges

      of conspiracy against them . Independent ef that charge , you will find other cases of conspiracy to prevent tho working classes from performing their labour —in other words , to turn cut the workmen from the di&rent mills , and not only from the different mills , but to influence by fear or persuasion the workmen of every description engage ! in . Tn »« nni labour to leave their work , and join in this scheme of obtaining this Charter . Gentlemen , the mere conspiracy for the mere purpose of turning cut the workmen , and agreeing together to accomplish that object , is criminal . I am bound to tell yon that , by tbe law of the land , apeb persons , if satisfactorily proved to be guilty , are guilty of a crime by law , and yon will be justified in putting them on their trial . There ia another class of offences , which , though not deeper in magnitude , is very

      dangerous , and must be punished , where satisfactorily proved , and that is the case of simple riot . - A riotous assembly is an assembly either collected together for some illegal object , in which ease it ia an unlawful assembly , or one which , by Its acts or conduct , shows that it has aa improper design , or yydjy alarm and terror . Such an assembly is » riot , and » 11 participating in it are prima facie encouraging , by their presence and countenance , whatever object * the multitude may have in view , unless they are able to show their innocence and honesty , and have been participating in a misdemeanour . A great deal has been said at different times as to what shonld be deemed an unlawful assembly , and I am sorry to say that the events which have taken place in this county have given rise to a discussion in tbe courts of law and in Parliament- One tb '" g is clear , that an assembly , con-

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      sisting of such a inultuuda as to make ail discussion and debate ridiculous and a farce , never can be on assembly for the purpose of debate and calm discussion Will any man in , tea senses aay , that when he has the means of assembling together three or four thousand persons , that he does that to form a deliberative assembly to discuss speculative points of law er coastitntional government ? O <; the face of it , it carries its own refutation . It an assembly , therefore , qouBlsting of such a multitude as to render ail notion of , discussion Impossible , is found by violence patting down all attempts to deliberate , if the assembly has for its objects to , hear

      only one side of a question , it ceases to be an assembly for the purpose of deliberation , and they cannot protect themselves under that exemption . Again ,, any assemblies of such magnitude as wonld naturally tend , without any restraint or authority to put an end to them , and having no one present or person in authority invested by themselves or by the law with the power « f dispersing them- ~ such an assemblage , whan consisting of vast multitudes , every one sees must lead to terror , and riot , and-disturbance of the peace , and such an assemblage in itself is a riotous and unlawful assembly . It is a riot , if you find hundreds assembled to

      disturb the peace . If you find that individuals amongst thpm , by ttieir conduct , exhibit tokens of violence and intention to 'to mischief , and tbey are restrained by the multitude , bnt protected by the countenance of that multitude , it partakes of a riot and unlawful assembly ; but if you find they go further , aud that they proceed to the act of committing violence on property , and restraining the petsonB of their fullow-Bubjeets to prevent the fair employment of their labour , thsy become riotous in the worst sense of the word . Those engaged in such transactions are guilty of riot , and it will be your duty to find the bills against them , if limited to that object . Gentlemen , you will have laid before you also some cases of violent and inlimmatory speeches . Of course , you will exercise yonr judgment whether ap « eohes—vicious speeches—subject the parties making them to

      punishment . Yon will form a judgment on them when you , hear them ; and if the speeches were made to excite sedition , and insurrection , and riot , it will be your duty to find the parties guilty of auch charges—at least , not to find them guilty , but to put them on their tri&L There is one other case , I understand , as likely to come before you , aud that is a c . isa of printing a seditions libeL Whether or no it will come before you , I am not certain , but I am informed it , will . I have had an opportunity of seeing what that libel is . It purports to . be an exhortation from the Chartists to all the labouring classes , to whom it is addressed , to continue in the suspension of labour until tbe . Charter is carried . It professes the words , " peace and order , ' * but it reminds the people that they are governed by laws to which they have not betn

      partiesthat they have not made tho laws ; and it endeavours to persuade those who read it that thuy have no real security for their employment except by an organic alteration in the constitution of the country . Gentlemen , you will form yonr judgment of that paper . I have had an opportunity of seeing it , and the impression it made on my mind was that it was full of danger , and particularly at a season when the publication of it might be attended with consequences far different from that of a document in ordinary times ; because when a document of that kind is addressed to a multitude who have an opinion that their own force is sufficient Ut effect their object , you may easily judge that such an exhortation , at such a moment , is fax more dangerous , and , therefore , far more criminal . Gentlemen , it seemed that the argument they used , ana the argument

      uaed by many of those who addressed the multitudes , is , that their object is to got a " fair day ' s wages for a fair day's labour , " and that nothing will ensure them that , except the giving to the labouring population an eqaal , if not a prepoderant , voice in the legislature of the country . "For which purpose they propose those changes to which I before referred—the principles of the Chaiter , that is to say , that the labouring classes who have no property are to make laws fur those who have property , that the labouring classes who have shown by their recent conduct that they will exercise a tyranny over their fellow subjects , are to make laws for the protection of labour . These persons have never taken into their consideration that the object of law in civil-JZrid society ia tlie protection ef property from violence , and the protection of a mail ' s person from

      outrage . They show , by their own conduct , a violation of the law , and how little calculated they are to compose such a legislature as that of which they aim to form a part . Gentlemen , the reasoning of these persons would be unworthy of consideration if their endeavours would not , by a reform in Parliament , lead to the subversion of the monarchy itself , for any man who reflects for a moment will know , that when a popular assembly so devoted to democratic principles , and elected by persons who have no property , but depend on manual labour foe subsistence , such a thing is inconsistent with monarchy and property . The first thing at which such persons would aim wonld be the putting down of all property . The exercise of tyranny they would be the first to raise up against it , and then would come the subversion of

      the monarchy . Gentlemen , yon will excuse me for addressing this language to gentlemen of your description , but I cannot help expressing my concern that some of these persona who propagate those doctrines are persons of sufficient talent to know the consequences . And yet they persevere in attempts to delude the people for some private ( it must be ) object of their own , or they must be animated-by a aort of malice against ) the successful enterprise of those who have left them at a distance in the competition of honourable industry . Who can say in this county ef Lancaster that labour wonts protection from the law ? Who can say that the working man , even of the lowest description , if he possesses diligence , talent , application , and fidelity , may not arrive at the highest honours of . the state ? How many examples of persons wiio , in all

      classes of life , not superior to many of those who are the objects of these prosecutions , by their industry and talent , have acquired fortunes , and been themselves the employers of labourers ? How many have acquired honour and distinction ? Gentlemen , the very fabric of the British constitution , which those unhappy men are desirous of destroying , —this constitution is the enly one in the world that has ever shown , by repeated examples , that labour is protected—that the rights of the poor man , if they are bat exercised by him with diligence , and with sense , and with frugality , are suie to lead them to independence , if not to fortune . Ana yet those individuals would put to hazard all we enjoy under such a constitution , under colour of doing—what ? under colour of giving labour a greater influence thin it has now in

      the formation of tbe law . Gentlemen , by the law of England labour is protected . No doubt it ia the property of the poor man , and ought to be protected ; and I believe the law of England is S 4 framed that if any oppression takes place by tbe master upon the labourer , the law furnishes a remedy—that the law does not prevent any man , at the termination of his civil contract with his employer , from leaving if he feels dis-Batifled with his wages—that the law does not give the master any authority to detain tho labourer , that if the labourer thinks fit to leave , tbe law does not prevent him . There is no restraint on the part of the law or labourer . But if the object ef the labourer had in view was to put a restraint upon the masters , and to say they would lay down laws for themselves , to what a state they would reduce those who possess capital ; and if they were to employ that capital , not according to the judgment of the mas ! era , the state of the markets , and the various other causes which influence men of capital , but in some narrow and limited view that the labourers

      take of their own interests , what would the result be ? Why , the result would be , that instead , when capital was destroyed property -waa destioyed , and all mankind were reduced and placed - on an equality , ail would become labourers , and what would the unhappy labourers gain by it ? Why , the market for labour ia like every other market The more it is supplied the cheaper it is ; and , if all were labourers , what would be tbe price of labour ? I think it would be trifling with your time to notice at any further length the delusion under which they have been acting . It is surprising to me that men of common sense can be led away by such reasoning , and those who inculcate such doctrines must themselves be conscious of their mischief , and , if they should be detected , deserve condign punishment I shall not trouble you any longer . You will hear the cases , and you need no further infor mation from me as to the way in which you uhould discharge your duties . Be so good as to proceed with despatch , in order to get through the arduous business before you . '

      The Grand Jury then retired to their room , and , in a short time after , sent some bills into Court ,

      NISI PR 11 TS COURT . ( Before Lord Abinger . ) ASSAULT AND ROBBERY . William Cash , Rowland Daviea , Jeremiah M'CormicH , William Seed , and John Platt , were charged with having , at Manchester , on the 10 th of August last , with force and arms , violently assaulted one Thoa . Shipman , and stolen from him fifty loaves of bread , valued at Is . each . The Attorney-General ( Sit Frederick Potlock ) , and Sir Ghegoby Lswir appeared on behalf of tbe Crown . The prisoners were undefended .

      It appeared that , on tbe 10 th of August last , tbe prisoners , along with a number of other persons , went to the shop of Mr . Sbipman , baker , Deansgate . Tbe family , on seeing them approach , shut the door ; but tbe men . with bludgeons , burst open the door ,, and with force , and threat * , and violence , btained . and marched off with a number of loaves . The young men , in their defence , said they were not in Deansgate at tha time alleged . Lord Abinqeb briefly summed up ; and the foreman of the jury said ttw pruwnera were all found guilty » bat they recommended them- to mercy . -. ¦ ' . The Judge—Upon what grounds , gentlemen ? A Juror—Upon no grounds . The foreman has taken upon himself to say so , I do not , for one , coincide with any such recommendation . '

      The Judge—Before I can take notice of any recommendation , I mnst know the grounds of it- If there ie any particular ground on which to build a recommenda tion for mercy , I ahairbe glad to take notice of it , but I must know what it is . ' The Foreman—It appeared by the statement of the young men that they were in other places .

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      The Judos said that if they were of opinion they were not there , that was tbe ground for a verdict of not guilty , and not for atacommendation to mercy . A verdict of guilty was then entered . ' Another Indictment for a misdemeanour , against the same prisoners , along with William Bates , was not proceeded with .

      ATTACK ON A MILL . James Kelly , James Dolan , and Andrew Cosgrove , were charged with riot at Manchester , and with having then and there begun to demolish the mill and premises of Messrs . Sterling and Beckton . The Attorney-General and Sir Gregory Lewin prosecuted onbehalf of the Crown , and Mr . Wilkins defended Cosgrove . The Attorney-General , in opening the case , said he would not press the charge against Cosgrove , as the evidence only rested on a statement he made when standing opposite the milL In the whele of the proceedings that had arisen out of the nnfortunate offences which had produced so much suffering and calamity there bad been every disposition on the part of those who instructed him to take the moat merciful and favourable view of the cases as they were brought before them , and afl the evidence was bo slight againat Cosgrove , and he had a most excellent character , the case would not be proceeded with .

      Henry Moss , salesman to Messrs . Sterling and Beckton , said , that on the 9 th of August a crowd of persons came np to the lodge door , afterwards broke it open , and went inte the yard , but they , were forced out again , and the door fastened . Josiah Lisgrove said he Baw the crowd with a piece of timber seven feet long , -which they used as a battering ram in breaking the door open . He saw Kelly amongst the number . He had a stick in his band breaking the windows of the house next to the mill . The attack lasted about half an hour , and was put an end to by the police , who came up about the time . Samuel Allan Jackson , clerk , said he saw the crowd breaking open the door of the mill with a battering ram . He saw stones thrown and sticks used , but the crowd , generally , had not sticks . He saw Kelly and Dolan there . Heard Kelly calling out "On , hoys , onl" and batterinir at the door . Sid not Bee Djlan there .

      Joseph Taylor identified Dalan as buing one of the mob who attacked the milL He saw htm use the piece of timber as a battering ram , and heard him cry " get in lads , " to some boys who were breaking the windows . The men inside the yard played water on the crowd with an engine , and the prisoner , with others , ran off , brought small stones and bricks , and threw at the men inside tbe yard . Charles Christopher Stephens , one of the superintendents of the police , said tfiafc when he took the prisoner into custody be said , " I was there , bnt nobody saw me do anything . " Daniel Lipsett , Inspector of police , identified Kelly . Kelly , in bis defence , said that he went to the policeoffice to Btate that a young man , a friend of his , wastafeen up wrongfully , and then he was kept . Dolan had nothing to say . The Judge briefly summed up , and the Jury found a verdict of guilty against both the prisoners . Of course , Cosgrove was acquitted .

      Hla Lordship , after severely reprimanding the prisoners for their conduct , sentenced them to one year ' s imprisonment John Hiokey , Hugh Cavannah , James Saxton , Matthew Dalton , -Edward Sullivan , and James Tweedale , were then indicted for returning on the 10 th of August to the mill of Messrs . Sterling and Beckton , and breaking the windows . It appeared that about half-past eight o'clock on the morning of the 10 th of August , the mob returned and commenced throwing stones and breaking the windows of the mill and the house adjoining . Some of the hands rushed out , seized hold of the prisoners , and gave them into the hands of the police . The case against Sullivan was not made out , and he was acquitted . The rest of the prisoners were found guilty , bat James Saxton , who was only a boy , was recommended to mercy . Sentence deferred . The Court rose at twenty minutes to seven o ' clock .

      CROWN COURT . ( Before Mr . Baron Alderson . ) RIOT AT THE MANCHESTER POLICE-STATION . William Lee , 21 , John Sheridan , 18 , and Jane Carney , 11 , were given in charge for having riotously assembled at Manchester , and feloniously demolished a station-house of the police establishment at Manchester . Mr . Sergeant Atcherly and Mr . Hilly aud conducted the case on the put of the prosecution . The prisoners were undefended . ¦ Mr . Sergeant Atcherley said he had the honour to attend on the part of the Crown to lay before the court and jury the case against the three prisoners at the bar , who were charged , not with the crime of felony , but with that of misdemeanour , which was a lower description of crime , and subjected the parties to a lesser

      degree of punishment It was too well known that in this country great tumult and disorder had arisen in August last , but it was not bis duty or intention to detain the jury a moment by iailnding to any of the causeB which produced that public disorder . His duty was , be apprehended , simply to lay the facts before them as they would be given in evidence , and then to produce the witnesses , endeavouring as he went along to apply tbe evidence to the prisoners , with the double object of enabling the jury to distinguish the casas of the individuals , and also of enabling his Lordship to distinguish the characters and stations of the party , supposing them guilty . The day on which the present transaction took took place was on Wednesday the 11 th of August . The place was Manchester . Upon that day there was a very great inob in

      the town , the object of which was to tnrn out the hands at the different mills- Several works were then attacked consisting of some dye-works and a silk factory ; and , lastly , the mob came to the police station , where only one constable happened to be in attendance , and that police station they attacked . They broke open the doors , threw atones , and injured the property in the place . The one man in the place concealed himself in a private part of the premises , and thereby secured his safety . This was the general outline of the trausactien , With regard to the prisoners , tho jury wonld find that the two young men were very active—that they hart bludgeons , that the threats they used were of the most

      awful kind , that the young female was active in encouraging the others , and that she was apprehended on the premises . He ( the Learned Counsel ) would only add this observation , that , as on the part of those who prosecuted , there was no wish at all bottbat tbe cases should be made oat folly , and dealt with leniently aad rnorcifuliy , so , on tbe other band , the jury wonld believe that no political feeling ought to have or could have place in that court o £ justice in which the object ought to be on behalf of all parties , without turning to the right hand or to the left , to seek to administer the law with justice and mercy—in short-to execute justice and maintain truth .

      John Aliman was tbe first witness called and examined . Is a serjeant in the Manchester police force ; about eleven o'clock , on the 10 th August , saw a mob of 3 , 000 persons in Bleakley-street ; a great many of them had clubs and bludgeons ; they passed the police-station door ; tbe ' prisoners , Lee and Sheridan , were among them ; Sheridan was tbe first and Lee the third who approached ; Lee hao an iron bar , something like a broken shovel , in his hand : Sheridan had a club ; tbe mob approached some dye-works of Clempson aud Vaughan , and they also went to Roth well's silk establishment ; Lee and Sheridan still continued in front of the mob , who visited a chemical establishment , a starch manufactory , aud the gas works ; the mob afterwards

      returned to the station-house , close to which is a bridge over the Irwell ; witness was standing at the door , and boih the prisoners flung stones at him ; witness then fastened the door , took a sword , and retired to the prisoner ' s cell , where he remained about an hour ; witness was the only person at the station-house , into which the mob entered , and threatened to murder him ; one asked where he was , and another said he was down in the cell with a sword ; all the windows and windowframes were smashed , ail the beds and bedding were carried out , and witness ' s watch was stolen ; a large bird and bird-cage in the place were destroyed ; witness saw the female prisoner , Corney , carrying things ont of the place after the mischief had been done .

      Thomas Bridges examined—Is an exciseman in Manchester . On the 10 th of August Manchester was in a very riotous state . Saw a mob that day at the gasworks , consisting of about 400 or 500 people ; they commenced battering at the front of the works , and witness went to the station-house to give information , whither the mob speedily followed . The mob brought ont papers and documents from the station-bcuse , tore np the men ' s garments , and flung the whole over the bridge into the river Irwell . The prisoner Lee was among them ; Lee battered the house , and brought a bird cage , which be trampled under foot . The prisoner Carney was in the upper room of the house engaged in throwing various articles out of the windows to the mob , who tore them to pieces , and threw them into the river . - She was arrested on the premises . Ellen Kelley examined—Was in Manchester on the day in question , and saw tbe female prisoner throwing brushes and baskets out of the windows of the Stationhouse . Knew her before by sight . .

      Tbe Jury found , all the prisoners guilty of the riot , and recommended the female prisoner to mercy on account of her age . ¦ ¦;¦ .. Mr . Sergeant Atcuerley concurred in the recommendation , and consented to have her liberated . His Lordship accordingly ordered her to be discharged , and delivered up toner parents .

      BIOT AT CBOWTHER ' S HILLS , BLAK . ELY . Joseph Shaw , 15 , and . George Turner , 12 , \ reK given in charge far having prevented certain of her Majesty ' s subjects . from following their lawful occupations , and compelUDgftcem . to depart therefrom , at Blakely . Mr . Serg « ant A , tcHEBXby informed the Jury that the place at which the present transaction had arisen was Blafewey , about four or five miles from Manchester , on Tuesday , the 15 th of August Upon the 11 th of tbe same month , Crowther ' s bleach mills at Blakeley had been topped , apd on the 16 th the hands returned and resumed the | f work . The resumption of the work gave great offiince to the rioters , and on the same morning a mob caaietiothepremises , i&ked out the fires , let off the wafer , ' and stopped the Business in progress .. They then went away , and retained ; again in half an hour , when they prevented the Iiands from returning to their

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      work . The two prisoners took part in tbe transaction . Shaw bad a large stick in bis hand , aud Turner bad a dagger-stick found upon him , which wonld be produced . Neither of them belonged to Blakeley ; they were both strangers In the neighbourhood ; and for what purpose they had found their way from whare they lived to Blakeley , it would be for the Jury to judge for themselves . The case was proved by Samuel Oowther . the proprietor of WeachrWOTks at Blakeley ; Joseph Whitebead , in the employ of last witness ; Mr Colt , a special constable ; and Charles C Stephenson , superintendent of the Manchester police . The jury found both the prisoners guilty of riot .

      biots at yriLson s print works , salforv . John Tear was given in charge for having being concerned in a riot at the print works of Messrs . Wilson Brothers & C * . Salford . The prisoner ¦ was defended by Messrs Cobbett and Wigbam . Mr . Sargeant AtjCHERLEY briefly stated the case . The scene was the town of rfulford . and the transaction took place on Wednesday the 12 th of August . A mob of between one and two thousand persons proceeded to Salford on that day , where tbey turned oat the hands of Wilson and Co ., and subsequently tbe handa at Haywood's and the Railway Station It would be proved in evidence that the prisoner , who was secretary to the Dyers' and Dressers' Association , hftd been with the mob npon the occasion , and an active leader among them .

      Moses Price , an engineer at the print-works of Wilson and Co . in Salford ; Thomas Nanson , salesman to Wilson and Co . ; and Francis Ellison , a labourer in the employment of Wilson and Co ., were examined for the prosecution . . Mr . Cobbett then briefly addressed the jury , aud called a number of witnesses to prove an atibi . The jury returned a verdict of guilty , with a recommendation to mercy . The court adjourned at twenty minutes to eight o'clock to nine next morning .

      MAGISTRATES' ROOM . ( Before Mr . Justice Cresswell . ) In about three quarters of on honr after Lord Abinger had finished his charge to the Grand Jury , Mr . Justice Cresswell left the bench in the Nial Prius Court , and took his seat in the Magistrates ' Room . The prisonsrs first placed at the bar were George Thornton , Joseph Webb , Patrick O'Brien , and Jamea Melburn . Tbeywere indicted for o conspiracy , for inciting and stirring up a great many of her Majesty ' s subjects unlawfully to assemble , armed with sticks , to disturb the tranquility of the realm , and to prevent workmen from following their labour , and with having created a riot . The Hon . J . S . WORTtEY and Mr . Frederick Pollock , Jun ., conducted the prosecution in this court- The prisoners were undefended .

      Mr . Wortley , after stating the nature of the indictment , said that tbe particular occasion on which the occurrences in question took place on the 9 th of August , a day on . which , it would appear , a vast body of persons were collected in Manchester , and separating themselves into different portions , went into different parts of the town , and behaved themselves in a violent and tumultuous manner . About a qnarter-past two on that day , a body of sorao hundreds of persons went to the tuill of Mr . John Preston , maohlne-manufacturer , Ardwick , and some of them were armed with sticks , showing that they were determined to resist interference with their proceedings . The gates of the mill were shut against them , whereupon they became noisy and violent , and endeavoured to force opes tbe gates , but , foiling in that , they eventually broke open one ol

      the windows , so as to let in one of the persons m the mob . Melburn was- the man who succeeded in getting in at the window , and as this belonged to a room hi which tools were deposited , he availed himself of some of them to break away the fastenings of the gate inside , and ttaua admitted his companions . The party behaved with considerable violence , and Mr . Preston , one of the partners , was struck by one of the mob . They succeeded , by their intimidation , and the awe whicb their proceedings created , in turning out every bund , although they wera relnotant to leave tfleir work . Mr . John Preston , jun ., and other witnesses ware called to substantiate this statement . Tbe Learned Judge allowed the prisoners to ask the witnesses , through him , any

      question that they chose . Thornton snd O'Brien had nothing to say in their defence . Melburn said that he was a mere spectator , and Webb called witnesses to prove an alibi . . His Lordship , in summing up , recited the four counts in the indictment , and observed that in caaea like this it was difficult to prove previous concert , or the feelings which actuated tho parties , 80 » 3 to make ont the charge of conspiracy . As to the second count , " inciting and stirring up a great number of hei Majesty ' s subjects unlawfully to assemble , " &c , there was no evidence of that kind . The two other counts , for riot and unlawfully assembling , he considered had been fully made out , and tho only question for the Jury was , whether' all the prisoners were actually present in the midst of , the assembly .

      The Jury , after a short consaltation , found all the prisoners guilty . Sentence was deferred . John Cannen , George Thornton , James Harrlnpton , James Healey , Joseph Webb , Thomas Whitehead , Jihn Gfalvin , John Stones , John Fallaa , Edward Mitchell , Thomas Berry , and Barney Collins were then placed at the bar , on an indictment precisely similar to the foregoing . Thornton and Webb were the parties of that name who were previously tried . Mr . Wortley said that after the observations which had fallen from bis Lordship as to the charge of conspiracy , he should abandon that portion of the

      indictment , and confiiie himself to the charges of rioting and unlawfully assembling . In this case it was proved that at half-past three o ' clock on the afternoon of the 9 th of August , about a thousand persons attacked the Oxford-road Twist Mill , in Manchester , belonging to Messrs . Coates , and by their threats and intimidation , succeeded in taming out the whole of the hands , ia number between 900 aud 1 , 000 . Soon after the military arrived , the mob ran in all directions , and the f ; : ttes of the mill having been closed , tbe prisoners were confined in the inside and captured . Tbe whole of the prisoners were found guilty . Sentence deferred .

      Juboph Thomas , an' idiotic black man , JohnOldham , John Edwards , Ellis Hall , James Richardson , T . bomaa Booth r Michael Cterk , Thomas Clegg , John Lever , Patrick O'Brien , and John Holmes were next placed at the bur , and charged with rioting and unlawfully assembling . The evidence showed that on tbo afternoon of the 9 th of August , a large body of persoiiB were seen coming from towards the spot at which a meeting had been held . They first attacked Oxford-road mill ; but having been driven thence by the soldiery , a portion of the multitude , about two or three hundred in nunibar , went towards tbe mill of Messrs . Burley , which waa about 100 yards distant . In a short time , the crowd in creased to several thousands , and headed by Thomas and others , attacked the zntii ol Messrs . Burley . Ike gates were closed , the mob attacked it , and , as there were 1100 h mds inside , a sally was made , a report having been circulated that the police had arrived . The report was unfounded , and the defenders were oblteed to retire .

      The mob then threw an immense number of stones , broke several thousand panes of glass , and did other damage , to the extent altogether of between £ 300 and £ 400 . The crowd would have forced their entrance ; but a powerful fire-engine was got inte play , and a very copious stream pf water was directed upon the assailants whenever they approached the gates , and they were thus kept off . Nearly the whole of the prisoners declared that they were only casually present or went to the spot after the disturbance had been quelled , and that they never threw a single atone . As in the former cases , some of tke prisoners had provided themselves with written certificates of character ; but these -were not received ; tbe Judge observing that if any one felt an interest in any prisoner , bo must attend in person , and give evidence . For many of the prisoners , witnesses did attend , ar . d spoke of them as steady , quiet , peaceable , and Industrious persons . All tbe prisoners , except Thomas Booth and Patrick O'Brien , were found guilty . Sentence deferred .

      John Oalvin , who was yesterday tried and convicted , was allowed to be discharged , on finding a surety for his appearance whenever called npon for judgment . He had enlisted since tbe occurrence of the ofience for which he was indicted . The Court adjourned shortly after seven o'clock , until nine ntxt morning .

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      LEICESTER . —Mr . John West has been lecturing here the last week with good effect . We had two glorious out-door meetings on Sunday in the pasture , and preaching in the All Saints Open at night , Mr . West gave general satisfaction . Mrs . Cooper , of Leicester , acknowledges the following sums , which will be duly forwarded to the General Defence Fund , from Desford , 2 s ., for Mr . Cooper ' s Defence , from Hinoley , 4 s . 5 d ™ Lileby , 4 s . 4 id .

      On Sunday , the 9 th , Mr . West preached three sermons ; two in the Pasture , and the other in the Boom , All Saints Open , when the collections amounted to £ 3 is . On Monday , he was arrested by the police on a charge of using exoiticg and seditious languages on tbe 18 th of September , at Swadlinoote , in the county of Derby . He was taken away soon after he wae arrested . DERBY . —A delegate meeting was held at the Chartist Room , Willow Row , en Sunday last , when delegates from the different localities in tbe county were present , and each gave In a report of tbe state ot the cause in their respective localities ; from which it appears , that Chartism has taken such deep root in the hearts of the men of Derbyshire , that it defies perse

      cution to uproot it A number of persons were chosen as local lecturers , and will commence their labours immediately , being determined as one is knocked down two shall tbe np . The following resolutions were carried unanimously : — " That this meeting returns its sincere thanks to the brave men of London , for having chosen a new Executive at this critical junctnre ; and we likewise return out hearty thanks to those gentlemen who have so nobly consented to form teat Exeoo tive for the time being . " " That the thanks of tin meeting be given to Mr . West , for bis able labours as lectuieT in this county , ana hear testimony ' to hii talents and abilities . '' An address was agreed to , and 2 , 000 -were ordered to be printed and circulated in the county .

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      THE NORTHERN STAR . 7

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Oct. 15, 1842, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct620/page/7/