On this page

• Text (1)

  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.

  • 

    Untitled Article

• Transcript

  • Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.

    Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.

    Untitled Article

    UtNCASTER ASSIZES . fConOnvedfrom cw Sixth page . J B » . A ttOTsy- « enenl—Bnt I am not going to offer __/ evidence against him , and that ma kes all the j ^ erdici of acgB&al was then takes lor James az ged £ B , and William Scbolefield , James Wilde , and ^^ Pftt , three otkeraefendants , cJri ledge bong ajafcu sworn the examinatien-re —aed—I * art" * w >» of ^ own kdowledge that any rj ^ deleridsjits were present at ti » e meeting at Old ' Cjjj , Ontfeafollowing day , I went to Eecles . I kntrw Z ^ giiaa . one of the defendants . He "was these . I yjjgreliu Christian name is David . The meeting was biloom . 1 besifl a strike of the "workmen named , j ^

    joined from . Eccles to Manchester , I . waa atManj jggjersrhen the mob entered on Tuesday , the $ th of T ypA On Thursday moniing , the 11 th , Iattended a Z 5 &g at ax e * clock in the morning , at a place called gsufej J-. eles . The magistrates interfered , and dls--gjBdtce meeting . I / went from there to the Car-^^• . balL At that meeting , I saw Brophy , one < if C ^ fenoanta . I dontitmember any other . = Aresoj ^ bi was passed ttat , the five iron trades of Manj jgjfcr should cease work until the Charter became the href ibeJanfl . These branches arethe moulders , -jjfla , Jlera ^ and turners . There is another -which I ^ remember . On Sunday , the 14 th , I attended a mgg&gon . MotomMoot Several hundred persons

    ^ jrtibere . Kine ^ jl the defendants -were present to « jfex > wlfid £ e ~ On Tneaday , the 16 th , I "Was in the Up ol Htywood , the printey . It is -noi far from $£ fett ' s . Heywoodpntintomy hand a roll of paper -jaB psrdedbjaJiBtB . He desired me to take it to jj , 3 l \ DoaalL He said I should find him ** James jaja'a . I -went there . The shop was full at the time , jjOXoall came from op stairs to see me . I gavVto him ga roll of paper , and told him that the note would ga ^ n Treat It was . He then -went xq » stairs , and . jaaiBea there a Jew minutes . He brought down the pine roll of psp ^ j and told me to get it printed at all ^ sads . HediflBotsay who it . wasfdratthetime . I _ easd the paper . I took It to Mr . Turner ' s , the eiieTBai

    Kjuter . j » now xo . se earned . I beliere so , je ^ rae il'DouaU-told jne jbq on the sight of the 17 th . jjg feat time I saw the paper -was , at JOr . Turner ' s , jj printers . It "raa in . the hand -writing of Peter jmay . M'DoualL I . tookitto Turner ' s , as near ten jyockss I can remember on the morning of the 16 th . jfrard Qszt-and a person named Johnson Trent with ^ I put iJ into Turner ' s hands . I told him it was y % t printed lor the " Executive Committee . * ' I reined- Turner to 3 Sr . leach . Clark * nd Johnson "weM Q&asss . 1 ordered soo ^ f the placards to he printed tantaspapet . 1 returned to leach ' s . TTLflel-was ggte , ens of ilr , Tumer ' a apprentices . came to ask $ ig& some 'words which he could not read . M'Douall

    bob down and explained it to Mm . He told him to j&eitasa make the best of it lie could , and bring it fc iimfer correction . Daring tke tame , Campbell and jjKrfioir came down the same stairs . Before Campbell * a £ a » sy » be made a cammunication to me respect 5 j a person named Ceoper . He said that Cooper had sored from the Potteries , and that they -were burning , gbtiare them , —that they were all determined to g&a lor the Charter . I -went again to Turner ' s , on Sa sibject of the printing . I did not get any placards fiatday . I belieTe the correction * on the placard now in cwefl , to be in ae hand writing of M'DonalL On 6 s Mlomng morning , the 17 th , I went to Leach ' s is * . I saw Hamey , Parkes , of Sheffield , the

    &t . Wifliam Hill , Hairstow , and James Leach . Sty are all defendantsr ilr . Trm sent me to jrtenre a placard .- It Traa one that had been fcsaed by the trades of Manchester . Bsirstow told me gat toe Conference -waa to be held immediately by the iBtttaro Csmmittee . It -was to be holden at Mr . ymTffjplrTa ChapeL I -went -with Batritow to toat ^ ua . Ob the * way 1 liad some oanreraation -with Bs . He said that if the GoTernment did not arrest felBxecoirre Ccaamittee lritiiin forty-eight hours , they are not do it , in consequence of the agitation of the ssntry . He said that the placard -was a spirited one , cd tha : lit O'Connor and some others objeted to the Trfing of it ; and then he added that if the

    Qorerncat did not arrest the ExeeutiTe Committee -within |^ -eijht hours , they dare not de so , for the reason he bA before stated . I understood that ths objection waa ode by Hi . 0 Connor on the preTious eTening . P / om S ^ passed , I hare no doubt that he was * Htyi ™ g to fceEiecatiTe placard , because I had been to Tomer's * & it Bairstow and myself -went in at the chapel Aa ^ to Mr . Schplerleld ? s . When 1 got near the pulpit , fe secretary waa appointed to leceiTe the credentials t those Trho attended as members of the Conference . Us basinets had commenced when 1 went in . 2 ? eax 3 y S = 37-peison » were present at that time . Others came

    siftenrsrtis . A gentleman of the name of Arthur is id the chair , 3 don't know his Christian name . £ aid la came : from Carlisle . Mr . OConnor , Mr . Hill , fc&esley , Mi . Hamey , 3 di . Pafkes , Otley , Jaa . Leach , i Manchester , John Lsach of Hyde , Themas Bailton , Md MorriBon , Anan , cf Bradford , Thomas Cooper i Leicester , a jonng boy of : the name ofjaamsden , i ^ fe jBr- M'Donall , John Campbell , M'Cartney , Korxs , of Wamngton , Skevington , Brooks , and Mooney , tec present . A table was wanted for the ma of the tenssa . I was solicited to go to MrrScfaolefield , for 5 » v « in « f one . There 1 b a communication between

    £ s ± ipel and the . house , bat , 1 went to the surgery doc . -ilr . Scholefield promised to take one into the dap ! He Tequested me to teH them not to come bo PgHk ^ , as certain persons had watched Hamey and Pufca in , and were then watching the door . Mr . fc ^ tffM requested me to go send two men away , * io were skiing on some steps , opposite his door . 5 gj went a-tray . I lenow a person of the name of £ = £ a . He came to the meeting . On his coming in , Backs were msde by sereral of the delegates , and

    casj the rest M'I > ouall said that if the speeches feEnrd -were to be madsjgubjie , he alronld he silent . Ifiied firiffin through therCbTairman , in what capacity tame ? and he said as a reporter . He had a note book ala band . Mr . O'Connor said something in farour of bissabmg , and he did remain . To the best of my i » fedge , hs was there the whole time . I saw him * 3 a £ - A motion was moTed that the speeches tsli not be published , only the resolutions lrsoration was proposed by Mr . Bairstow , the ] cport of which was to continue the strike then

    Bs&Eg . As far as I remember the resolution went to ijfia blame on the Anti-Corn Law League . Bairstow « £ rf that the farourable reports delirered in by the fe ^ MJea , caused him-to mo to the resolution ; that it * fia ^ flirty of erery Chardst to throw his influence rathe scale . Mr . O'Connor seconded the resolution H » 6 ii 6 d that it was the duty ef the Chartists to take * fet » fecf passing erenta , not that he expected much «* ibe present strike , but after th « y bad expended so ^ A money and time in getting the trades to join them , * tnold Eerer get them to join us again unless we J * d » me jtuch Ttwintinn , XJoopet supported the l ° a > He stated that the f ' Shak 8 p 6 nBa

    Chai-J " of Leicester were determined to have the Charter j ^ peretood this expression referred to a body of ~* &a at Leicester , called the " ^ Brigade , " of which *•*» S » headJ He said fcat he had been at Tsnous to , aEiong -which he enumerated BQston and the ?*^ e « . The peqp ' e of that district were determined ¦* sn the Cbaner , and that for his part be was defcer-^ 41 o jnie for the liberties of the people . Meat of ¦^ fesates spoke , Mr . Hill and Mx . Hamey opposed « ft » cihaioiL Mr . Hill mored an amendment . 1 haTe ^ Braceount in the Xorihem Star of the 20 th , of * * took place at that mestinFj I beliere it is a cor-^ wconnt .

    fc-Baiidsi—I object to any question being put to " ^ ass as to what his belief is about & printed W 5 . ^ s AUomey-General—Then I won't press the togem . ~ Sp TOEimed-up the speech of eTery delegate , and g ^< a to abow that theieports delivered in by the ^^ a fiii not justify sich a Tesolntion . M'Donall ^? t £ d t he original jnDtion , and said , t *** - ter ths ^^ pircard that had hetn sent ont by the Execn-?™ ™^«* , we could do bo leEB than support the Sf » m 6 re especially on sccount of the good sense ^"' Jfid by . Bome of the trades -in taking their money ^• t tte SaTinga' Baisks . He referred to a placard PV ^ keei posted on the walls « f Manchester , ?^ * ' Ran f c-r gold , " and sal& that we inside xJidn ' t ^¦» hst W 2 a p-.. i . * tng outside ^ that orders had come JL- ¦¦¦ BUS IEi&i BiHK UUUUUC « ¦ ! ***** UATJTrl TT ¦ ** " ~ . »^^ " *» - ** froa Sir to the

    ^* James Graham mill-owners to ?** workpeople in at any price . He bettered gsanEQuBg yas up on the continent , and that by r ^ ia 2 TZDtage of it the Charier wonld soon become ?*» of the land . I saw Mr . Scholefield in the , ?? $ seraai tini-es . 3 saw him communicate some-3 > the chairman , who then declared that Turner , ^ « . had been arrested . On hearing this , Mr . j j ^ fc stated that ihat justified his remarks on the ^ QEl ^ h ^ and that it was betU > x to aToid those ^_ they could , ii'DouaH rose and Baid it - ^ ^ " ^ aa ; Tuteet had been arrested , bnt that it j ^ . foi thfrpi 2 tardj tnt for hsriiyf refnsed a copy * £ * SftiioritieB . ^ e adjourned at uearly four in the C ? 00 - This was on the 17 th . On the eTening of ^^« fiay John Campbell , James Leach , Bairstow , JZ * 7 k were with M'Douall . We retired from the O *? S to eonsait about our own safety , as we heard ^ Mjacers had been to Mr . Leach * house . We ^ s -7 ^ r ^ r " taui Deen to six . ajgouib uinioc »» t

    , j ^^ ftjSan-a head , Holt Xowst , and from Siere to A ^^ w banki 1 did Bet attend any conferesce ) 2 ** 7 Tth . They broke up in the evening , after ^^^^ reEoluti ons and an raddress . There was a jS ^ f ^ HiU *« amendment , which was sup-^ 17 6 x or aeren , and towards thirty for the re-^ && ! l jE nderstood that the minority were to go 5 « ^ aajcrity , but no resolution was proposed to Vjjf * - There was an " address proposed , which 3 »? - » aa carried unanimously ^ ' ^^ i ™ * --3 Tot « d with the majoriftr . It waa ^ « J iBteritton to do anything illegal at all . Thii tjJF ^ ererxe between delegates - and the ExecoUTe ^ T ^ e . Mi , GritHn-took nopart in tia diaensson ^^^^ leage Mr , SchokflBld -was ueithfir a dBl ^ gata j ^ e saber ot q ^ iiecnjiye Committee . There had tl ^ j ^^ istnsaons between the leaders : off Qua ifftT" * ?** Manchester , and I believe the object ^ fcw ? " * " to efect & S oBderatanding , *^ aS rt ^ - lbfl <* greatimportanceto those « iarHK imu

    ajw ^ principles . 1 auo xnow « * Jb ^ ^ J ^^ ton plsfion to have a meeting in honour WotpS ^* Monument , which was also thought to ^^^ teresttd th ^^ wco adinired his principles . ^ BBitM ? 683 * HwPny—1 have not been taken up wi xajster . I was apprehended with , respect to

    Untitled Article

    • meeHog held on Mottram Moor . I was token to ^^' ^\^ < a PMt ^ wio "were to have ^\ 5 ^ at tiie spedal commissio ri there . I traversed my tnaL The magistrates demanded bleb l » il , two £ 3 W sureties , and myaalf in £ 600 . It was first intlmated- to vnvUw days beTore the last special : commission ihOctober , that I should be wanted here as a ^ toess . That intimaaoa was made to me by Mr . irwin , inspector of police , at Maixeheates . I had not ^ ade any communicaHoa to him that I was ready fc > » ake aisdoBurea favourable to the Government , I win solemnly swear . The Intimation was made to me by Me . Griffin , the reporter . He was » ray intimate friend of nuns , but I rejected his offer with scorn . Griffin referred to the dangerous situation I was placed m by the placard . There was nothing said about ptting : a reward . 1 dont know Griffin ' s motive in coming tome . Became tome while I was In the lock-up at Manchester .-and asked me teheeome Qneen - B

    evidence . The toeachery of the Chartista , the branding me asatraitor , and Insulting my wife ^ Tras what made me turn Queen * evidence . I saw no other ceurse when 1 wasdeserted bymy own party , but to tkrowmyself on the clemency of the Court and to tell all I knew . The name of Griffin was never mentioned during the consultations of myself and Inrtn . Griffin knows my hand-writing . I have written placards professing to come from the Cbartista , One waa to petitionfor ^ ie life of JohnProst I will » wear that the manuscript < st the Executive placard was not in mjr hand-writing ' . 1 wfll sweaz that Q » e corrections in \\ were not in my haad-wiiUng . I saw Griffin at Hyde on the day I was committed by the Magistrates . I had no conversation with him on thatday . I did not suppose that any of the resolutions proposed at the delegate meetiag we / e illegal The principal understanding in passing them was to induce the people to adopt the "People * Charter" *• *¦ *

    By Mr . M « Oubray—I believe the reason why Mr . Scholefield told me to send away the men , who were sat upon some steps opposite to his house , was to keep the delegate meeting as private as possible . I was a delegate myself from Mossley . I cant say whether any other reporter than Griffin would have t > een admitted . By Mr . O * Com «»—When did you come to Lancaster ? On Tuesday . Who did " you come with 1 With Mr . Irvin and Mx . Griffin . How did you come ? By the railway . By the third class ? No . Second ffaw * No .

    Pust class ? Yea—flaughter ) . Is that your working jacket that you have on ? It is . Have yen no better jacket I No . Will you swear that 1 IwJIL Have you got a faney waistcoat ? 1 believe I have get a better waistcoat * hyn this . ¦« What did you give for it ? Three shillings . Did you give £ 1 15 s . for any thing ? No .

    Where did 70 a bay the waistcoat T At a shop . Where ! In Manchester . Whose shop ? I dont know . Will you swear that ? Tea , IGd yon pay for it ? I believe I did . But you are not sore ? No —( laughter )—Either me or my wife paid for it , la it paid for ?

    Yes . Do you know Mrs . Knowles ? I do . Did you order a coat and waistcoat of her ? Yea . When ? A-few weeks since . When did you get the coat ? About a fortnight ago . Did yon pay for it ? I did not , and consequently it is not mine . Did yen give any notice of your intention to leave your lodgings , or you left them in a hurry ?

    I left them in a hurry —( laughter . ) When I got the coat and -waistcoat , Z got them for the express porpese of pledging thpm to bring me here . { A suppressed bias here arose in the body of the court ) Did youj > ay for your seat in the railway carriage ? Yes . Did you pledge the coat and waiiteoai ? I believe my wife has . What was got for them on pawn ? 1 don ' t inow . You sever heard ? No . XJponyom oath ? Never . How soon after you got the things from Mrs . Knowles did you leave your lodgings . I den'tknow . I left my wife there . Were you what is called purveyor and secretary to a district co-operative store ? Yea .

    For what district ? Manchester . In what district of Manchester ? Ancoats , Did you fill any post of distinction in ths Brown street district ? I did . Were you purveyor to the association ? Yes . And secretary f No .

    Did you settle accounts 7 So far as I was concerned , I did . Was there a balance in your favour ? No . Was it all the other way ? I don't understand the nature of the question . — ( Laughter . ) wmi »^<» ^ ni < mr « against you ? No , not when explained . Do they charge you with owing the money ? I believe sot . Then what wants explaining ? I had the selling of Northern Start , the profits of which were to go to the association . They did so , hut certain parties ran . into debt . A fresh committee came into office , and now they say I must be amenable for the

    debb of otier parties , ami they lodge tta * to xny vceism' L How much do you owe ? I dont owe any thing . Witt respect to the Co-operative Store * . Do yon owe any thing there ? I dont know how the matter stands . Do you owe money ? No . Then , do they owe you money ? No . Then you dont know how it stands ? No . { Much laughter . ) You say that the Chartists behaved badly to your wife when you were at Chester ? Yes .

    Did abe go to Chester ? Yes . Who Bent her there ? The Chartists . Did they give her money ? Yea . Then , it was at Chester that you first concurred in the intention _ of f * vcMT > g here to glvs evidence 7 And it was in consequence of the bad treatment of the Chartist * to your wife that you came ? It is . Did yon consider it bad treatment to have joux wife sent to you ? I did—iGreat laughter . ) I think you stated , in answer to the Attoraey-GeneraL that on the 14 th of August you were a

    Chartist ? Yes . How soon after did you read your recantation ? I have not read it Are you still a Chartist ? I atill approve of the principles of the People ' s Charter . Are you still a Chartist ? Yea Are yon for Annual Parliaments ? I am . Am you for Universal Suffrage ? lam . Are you for Tote by Ballot ? I am . Are you for equal electoral districts ? I am . Are yon for no property qualification for members or ¦ parlia ment ?

    lam . And are yon for payment of members for their services ? I am . Then you axe a good Chartist—( much laughter , and an attempt at cheering in the body of the cot ^ t , which was instantly decked . ) You stated that it was is esBsequenee of the great danger you were represented to be in fro- & the placard of the Executive ' Committee , which U / juced you to come here ? Yes , and other prosecutions . "Will yon swear that the correctif , n » in tfeat placard are not in your hand-writing ? I-wffl . When you went to the mee * 4 ^ of delegates , waa there any obstruction offered ? None whatever .

    No one knew who "were d / ^ legates until iaei * credentials were produced ? None whatever . Are you aware that Or e delegates about to assemble in Manchester , were e ) ected two months before the time fixed to commem' jnfo the erection of the monumsnt to Mr . Hunt ?

    Untitled Article

    I believe that some of them were . When were you elected ! Oa the night of the 16 th . Now , Sir , for what purpose was the delegate meeting to take place I Was it not to examine theChartist organization to see if there was anything requiring alteration , and to heal the difference that existed between some parts of the Chartist body ? Teat was what I understood to be the object of the meeting . I believe you hare the honour of being an active member of the Chartist boiy ? Lhave .

    Did you fill the office of Secretary to the South Lancashire delegates ? . I did . How long did yon officiate ? More than two yean . During that time , I believe , many spirited publications came from your pen ? ' Some addresess did . Did any come from your pen that were refused publication ? Not to my knowledge . Will youswear that ? I wilL Have you sent any addresses for insertion in the Northern Star 1 lhave sent some . Hare you complained of the non-insertion of some of tham ?

    Not to my knowledge . Dont fence with the question , Sir . Have you oomplained , whether or not ? I believe 1 have . Are you aware that while the Conference was sitting at Manchester , a deputation came from the trades to ask for admission ? I am . Are you aware that the Conference refuse to receive the deputation because It was illegal ? I am . Are you aware that it was distinctly said that if they wished to constitute a part of the audience , they , or any body else might remain if they chose ? lam .

    Now , sir , we have tested that you are a good sound Chartist ( Laughter . ) During the last two years , how ma : > y Chartist meetings have you attended ? A great number . Have you attended one hundred ? Perhaps I have . Well , have you attended five hundred f I chink not . Have you done your duty by attending every one within y » ur reach ? lhave . Have you attended some meetings at personal inconvenience ?

    I have . Now , sir , I ask you , on your oath , wherever a resolution was passed , at a public meeting of Chartists , whether it was not in substance , and nearly in words , the Bame as that passed at the Conference ? Nearly so . Especially those t ords which relate to the peaceful struggle to obtain tke Charter . Yea . You were a delegate from Mossley ? I was .

    Yon attended the whole meetings of Conference ? I attended that on the 17 th of August On your oath , was there one word said at the Conference about the placard of the Executive Committee ? Nothing more than what was said with respect to Turner the printer . Was it proposed to the Conference ? No . We have heard something about . at placard— " Bun for gold . " Dont you know that it emanated from the Trades' Delegates of Manchester ? : I dout know from what Bource it emanated . Dont you know that the Trades recommended a run for gold , and the people to withdraw their money from the Savings' Bank ? I believe it came from M'DoualL Are you aware that Griffin was reporter for the Northern Star ?

    I am . Were you in friendly communication with Griffin ? I was . Are you aware that as representing the Manchester district , he had * very good salary of £ 75 a-year ? I don't know what he got Are yon sot aware that he waa very much annoyed at haviog lost that ? He was . Now , was not Griffin discharged from his office as reporter for the Northern Star prior to the meeting of delegates ? Yes . Now , I will ask yon a question , and answer it honestly—on your o&tb , are you not aware that Griffin was discharged for having given garbled and wrong reports of the meetings of the Chartists ? Not to my knowledge .

    On your oath , did not M'Douall say , when he proposed that there should be no report of tba speeches that he could not rely on the accuracy of Griffin ' s reports , and that he did not wish to be misrepresented ? Not to my knowledge . Did I not at once tell Griffin to remain and take notes of all be liked , after I had discharged him ? You did . When did you first give over taking an active part after the meeting in August ? After I came from Chester . Did yen issue any publications ? Yes . When ?

    Sometime intervening between my arrest and the time of the conference . Did you issue an address on the 14 th of September ? Not to my knowledge . Was any address refused in the Northern Star about that time ? Not that I know of . Did you publish one in the Evening Star * Tell me the time . Thil 4 tQ of September ? Yea . Was ttat address refnsed insertion in the Northern Stari The address bore my name . Who first examined you ? Mr . Drake .

    Where ? At Chester . Were yon then unwilling to come " I ms . How soon sites you had consented bo Mr . Irwin that you wonld come , did Mr . Drake examine yon ? The next day . How often have you been in QrifBu ' B company , Irom that time to the present ? ^ . - ¦ „ I have not been in hUyttjratpy till I started on this You distinctly Bwea *|^^^ H p . What did Mr . Drake ofcBr . Irwin say to you , when he asked yon to give this information ? They pointed out the difficulty and danger I was in , and at last I consented to give evidence . On what condition ?

    Unconditionally . Wholly unconditionally ? Yes . How many of the persons who met at the Conference were unknown to you ? I cant say . How many were perfect strangers ? Some of them were . H » w many ? I don't know the number . Was there a youth admitted f Yes . Now , Sir , you bare attended hundreds of meetings . On your eatb , and I ask you boldly , did yeu ever hear me express one word er a sentence at variance with the duty of a good subject ? Not to my knowledge .

    That is , you did not hear me . Have you heard me complain , and complain loudly , of the misrepresentation that I had to encounter , and that there was no man iB England who had been so much misrepresented through the medium of the press as I had . You have . Have you not heard me in the most emphatic and convincing language that it was passible ior a man to lay hU tongue to endeavour to point out to the people the folly of violating the peace in any , the slightest respect ? Yon have . Do you know a man of better character in the world than James Leach ? I do cot How long have you known him ? Several years . About what # " *« was tranquillity restored in Manchester ? Very soon after the Conference .

    I will ask you , as an honest man , whether or no you think that the object of ihe Conference , and the tendency of the speeches made , was to preserve the peace , and to keep tke people out ot violence ? I believe it was . : Now , Sir , I place before you a file of the Evening Stari of the 14 th of September , 1842 . Was the address of the South Lancashire delegates to their constituents written by you ? It was . The file of the above newspaper was put in , ana the officer of the Court read from it the following address ;—" THE ABBBESS OP THB SOUTH LaNCaSHIEB DKLE « gates " to theut constituents , and the Chaetists gehbeallt .

    " Bbothebs ih BoirrueB and nr Hops , —We conceive it to be our * uty to address you at this critical juncture in the affairs of this class-ridden country . Since last we met on your behalf many have been the straggles in which yon have bad to engage in your different localities . Though the conflict is fearful , the contest is not doubtful -when a united people firmly

    Untitled Article

    8 i ^ « nnrighteous aggressions of class-con , stituted tyranny . During thesa last few weeks , the monstrous power of the capital in the hands 0 * the middle class has been more specially arrayed against the hand that gave it -birth . After enjoying all the comforts and luxuries of life-rioting in volnpiuous ness as the swine wallows in the mire—the middle classes , both Whig and Tory , have united all thel * power for the purpose of depriving the honestartlsan not only of the commonest comforts , but even those

    necessaries which make life desirable or rather bearable . The position in which we are now placed by the sehemlng of our oppresspra , calls for prudence as well as courage on our part , that the pit dug for our destruction may receive those who are a curse to our existencs . Oar wives look at our progress with anxious eyes , and with feelings of anguish ask how long shall the oppressor triumph ? Oiir children cry for bread , and when we meet to consult together , our rulers give us sticks , bludgeons , steel , and lead , and then they call upon us to obey the law .

    " When pinched with want all reverence they withdraw , : For hungry multitudes obey no law . * So sung the Roman poet . Lucan : and later experience has proved the truth of the sentence j for the only things which the present unjust laws of England in operation are the enormous physical force powers ot the ruling few , and the disunion of the working many . Under these it is most politic to keep within the grade of the law , if possible , though all must admit that this is

    very difficult . What may be quite legal in one is treason in another unfortunate wight The foot is , there is one law for the rich and another for the poor . Nothing can more clearly evince this than the conduct of the powers that be during the last six months . Whilst the tools of the rich Anti-Corn Law League were going through the land pouring forth their inflammatory moonshine , advising the people to repeal the Corn Laws even by the point of the sword—to go in thousands , and tens of thousands and demand bread—to destroy the breadtaxers root and branch . Yes these

    "' Speakers turbulent and bold Of venal eloqaeace that serves for gold And principles that might be bought and sold , ' went forth and endeavoured to canae a popular outcry against these obnoxious laws . Yet no warrants are issued for speaking sedition , neither are they arrested for conspiring , even when ( he machinations of these men produced the late strike , so long as it was likely that it could be used for the accomplishing of the schemes of the free trade gentry ; there is nothing talked of but how they must support the people by these lovers of fair play . No sooner do the brave and honest trades of Manchester declare for principle , and the people in every part respond to the call—no sooner is the tocsin of the Charter sounded—no sooner is the

    breaking d ? the bonds of the slave proclaimed , than all the middle class unite . The precs marks the victims . The Government , strong in arms , sends forth the harpies of the law to seize—spies to concsct and convict , and thus endeavour to stifle free discussion , and put down democracy . It is the duty of every Chartist to buckle on his armour afresh , and ten w the fight with increased vigour and energy until signal success shall crown our efforts . Let us so rally our forces as to convince even our oppressors that we are determined to achieve our liberty in spite of every opposition , and that nothing short of political cower to protect our labour will satisfy the working classes of this country . The pulpit and the press are teeming with calumny and abuBe acainst you and those who

    have honestly dared to support the rights of labour against the aggressions of heartless capitalists . The bar 1 b Bhowerlng torrents of inLsropresentation to induce middle class juries to convict your beat friends ; whiUt the bench is waiting with anxiety to dungeon and expatriate those who have possessed so much of the milk of human kindness as to declare for right against might Let not these things discourage yon , but rather stimulate you to make an effort to bring this unrighteous system of class-legislation to an end . Do all you can to show your sympathy with those who are victimised on yonr behalf . Spare all you can for the support of their families , and thereby cheer the inmates of the gloomy cell , and encourage others to beard tyranny in its den . Spread the principles of Chartism—the principles of

    truth and justice—in your own neighbourhoods . Let every Chartist endeavour to make one convert , confirm one wavering mind every week . We would ask , is this too much for seven days . Look round—how many of your acquaintances are ignorant of true politics—are careless about political power—are halting between two opinions ? Here is a field for tae exercise Of every diversity of talent Let none say he is not qualified , bnt to work at once ; for whilst we admit the usefulness of lectures , and speeches , and resolutions , we confess that it Is each man , doing his own work , that must carry the People's Charter . It is necessary to send lecturers to break np the fallow ground . There is much of this yet ; and one particular part we would call your especial attention to at this time . Ireland has

    many , vary many , things to impede the spread of the pure principles of freedom ; and though O'Higgins , and his brave band , assisted by the Northern Star , have done much to dispel the mist from the minds of our brethren of the Bister isle , yet there remains much to be done ; and , in our opinion , nothing is more calculated to produce that change so much desired , than to send a man of sterling honesty to open the eyes of the blind , and to remove the veil of prejudice from the minds of those who have been led to believe that the working classes of England were the enemies of their brethren , the working classes of Ireland , If each locality belonging to the National Charter Association , would subscribe only one penny a week , and sixpence as a first subscription to start ' the fund , we should have as much as would support one , and something more . In this way the principles of Chartism could and would be mode known Where they had never been

    heard of only through a distorted medium . This can be done in a legal and constitutional way , without endangering any one or placing a burden upon the shoulders of any person . " We feel the delicacy of calling upon you for pecuniary support at this critical period of general distress , and when so many claims are made upon an impoverished people ; but this subject has been two months before the people of South Lancashire , and they have confirmed the recommendation by commencing the fund , as they have a man they can confidently recommend tor thia work . Mr . P . M . Brophy has consented to undertake this object as Boon as there is sufficient in the fund to enable him to commence bis lectures in bis native land . Some localities may be so situated as to be able to devote a collection after a lecture occasionally to this great and glorious object , and thus the flag of freedom may be made to wave on every breeze that waf ta across the Emerald late .

    " All subscriptions fo * this object to be sent to Mr . James Cartle ^ ge , 34 , Lomas-street , Bank-top , Manchester . And now , in eonclusion , brother Chartists and friends , we trust that you will press on to the mark of your high calling in the People ' s Charter . "We are yours , " In the bond of Union , William Cornett , Henry Wortbington , John Butterworth , Robert M ^ Farlane , Dan Haslem , Edward Hall , William Woodrooffe , William White , Robert Beaumont , Asbten Ashten . Thomas Rallton , Chairman . James Cartledge , Secretary . "

    Croas-ExaminatioQ resumed—Now , Mr . Cartledge , on your oath , was not thataddress sent to the Evening Star because the Northern Star refused to publish U ? I sent copies to both . : Did it appear in the Northern Star ? I believe it did . Don't you know that it did not , and that there were complaints in consequence 1 The complaint was that the names were omitted . I believe you and Mr . Griffin have been very intimate in writing these things together ? Yes . You wrote part and he wrote part ? Yes . The conversation between you and M'Douall appears to have been very unguarded . When waa it that he referred to the placard " Run for gold ?" At the Conference .

    On your oath , did you not say that it was on the 16 th . Don't you know that they were dispersed on the 16 th ? Yes . When you were elected , were you not chosen to sit at a Conference at Carpenter's Hall , and was not that the place in whleb it was originally to have been held ? I believe It was . When you gave up the office of journeyman to the Hulme Co-operative Stores , did you give up the books ? I did . Yeu dont know how the accounts stand ?

    Not exactly . Where have you been for the last three weeks ? In Manchester . A fortnight ago , I was at Lymm , in Cheshire . How long were you there ? I went one day and came back the next . And during the last three weeks , you have never seen Griffin ? Not before last Sunday night . When did you leave Lymm , to come here ? On Tuesday . Where did yon see Griffin ? At Lymm . When ?

    Last Sunday night . Where did he come from ? He said Ireland . Who came with him ? Mr . Irwin . Where did he ge to from , Lymm ? To Lancaster . Where did j on remain ? At Lancaster . In company with Griffin and Irwin ? Yes . Of course not one word spoken about , what you were to Bayhexe ? No . Not a sentence ? >

    Untitled Article

    No . 5 You never spoke a word to Griffin or Irwin , did you ? ; There might be something Bald . ; If so , what was it ? j The principal conversation referred to the dangers in which I and Griffin were placed . i Had that a powerful effect upon you f It had . Did you go and see your wife ? No . ; Do you mean to say upon yonr oath that not one word was said about thia trial except the " dangers " you were in during the whole time you { were together ? I cant't say that . i ' Were you told that you were relieved from considerable danger ? ! I had no promise made to me whatever to that effdot Did any one tell you to say that you had no promise whatever ? i

    No . Have you lived in the house with Griffin since you came here ? , Yea . 1 Did you eat beef steaks and onions together on Tuesday night ?—( Laughter . ) No . Did you sap together ? We did . Was there any conversation ? No . Did you meet Irwin yesterday ? Yes ; I and Griffin . What was said ? We wanted to know how the trial was going on . And nobody could tell you ? ' No * a word —( Laughter . ) ; Had you any conversation with Irwin before you came into Court to-day ? No . :

    Did any body tell yeu that the erown was failing to make out a case ?—{ Much laughter , In which the Attorney- General joined . } j Did you pay your expences in Lymmj ? I did not . Was it absolutely necessary for you to go there ? I don't know . How did you go ? With Mr . Irwin . Does lie keep a good house ? I did not go to bis house . Who paid your expenses to Lymm ? Mr . Irwin . Who paid for your living there ? Mr . Irwin . Who is paying for your living here ? Mr . Irwin .

    How long is It since you have been at work ? I have been partly at work ever since I eame from Chester . . What sort of work ? Part of the time at my sebool , and part of the time with a bookseller . How much have you earned since you left Chester ? I can't Bay . What did yonr school make for you ? Perhaps 6 s . or ? s a-week . ¦ Have you seen your examination ? No . And yoa have bad no conversation about this trial with Griffin , or Irwin , or Beswick , or any one ? No . i You may go .

    By M'Cartney—I am aware- that the object of the credentials being produced and read at the meeting of delegates was to show that the delegates had been legally and properly elected at public meeting . By the Attorney General—The manuscript of the placard was in the hand-writing of Dr . M'lWall . I have seen him write several times . I mean by the Chartists having insulted my wife , that in her presence , they called me a traitor . I did not bear any objection made to Mr . Griffin being present at the meeting of delegates , as a reporter , on the ground of bis reports being inaccurate . Dr . M'Douall alluded to several other reporters . I understood he was driving at Mr . Hill , as reporter for the Northern Star . Mr . Hill attended the meeting as a delegate , but he distinctly said that himself and Griffin were the only reporters in the room , and that they might trust to bis discretion not to publish anything that would prejudice the delegates . j

    Witness—Perhaps , my Lord , you will allow me to explain why I did not think it would be of any advantage to me for my wife to come to Chester ? Judge—Certainly . \ Witness—They sent her to induce me to take my trial , instead of traversing . She attempted to persuade me te do bo , but I would not . j George Barlow , examined by Mr Hildyard—In the month of August last I was an apprenticelto Mr . Turner . I assisted him in printing a placard called the address of the " Executive Committee . " I dont know who brought the manuscript . They said that if we could not make out the writing , we were to apply at Leach ' s .

    In the afternoon a person called to see a proof of the placard . My master addressed him as ( Dr . M-Donsll . The proof was not ready . He requested it might be sent , when ready , to NobletVa house . The Bame person returned with the proof , with some corrections marked upon it . The proof now produced is the same . On the 17 th , the same person again came to Mr . Turner ' s shop . He said he wanted a part of it taking out , as it might , bring some trouble on them . My master told him it would be a great deal of trouble to take the matter out and he consented to leave it in . The directions were that the bill posters were to have the whole of the bills , with the exception of fifty , which were ! to be sent to Nobletfs . I

    By Sergeant Murphy—I am quite certain that the person who brought the proof sheet , answered to the name of M'Douall . j Thomas Sutton , also an apprentice to Mr . Turner , gave similar evidence , and stated that when he took a proof sheet of the placard to the shop of JLeach , a person who was addressed as Dr . M'Douall , read a portion of it . The witness Identified the proof sheet produced as that returned by M'Douall . John Heap , examined by Mr . Pollock- —I am constable of Todraorden . I know Robert Brook , ecbeolmaster , living there . I had a warrant to apprehend him on the 5 th of September . I took him at his own house . I found some books and papers . ( These were produced . ) I told Mr . Brook What I bad come about ! After I had found the papers , he said that If he had known I was coming , he would not have had either books or papers . I banded over the papers to Mr . Eastwood , solicitor , of TodmorJen . i

    By Mr . Dundas—When I showed the warrant to Brook , he looked at it , and made no objection to the house being searched . ; Mr . Eastwood , solicitor , deposed to the fact of having received the books and papers alluded to frem the preceding witness . ! Luke Barker , schoolmaster , Hickenbary Clough , inspected the papers , and identified the | writing to be that of Brook ' s . He also marked some passages in the books , which he said had been written by Brook . By Mr . Dandas—I went to a night school with the defendant about seven years . He and Ij have written together . I have not seen any of his writing since last

    summer . . By Mr . Atherton—Do you conjointly with your profession of a schoolmaster , unite the trade of a journeyman tailor ? : Witness ( indignantly ) what do you mean , Sir ?—( laughter ) . j Mr . Atberton—Were you never a journeyman tailor , at Stalybridge ? > Witness—I was never in Stalybrldgei in my life . — ( The witness retired amidst laughter ) , j Some time was occupied in comparing the original manuscript found in Brook ' s possession , with a fair copy made by Mr . Eastwood , and another gentleman , who acted AS the defendant ' s adviser . The orthography in the original waB very imperfect , and much difficulty was experienced in deciphering the documents . The papers appeared to be narratives of what ; was the feeling of the Chartists in several districts with which the defendant was acquainted . The papers were put in and read . They possess no interest . |

    William Heap examined by Sir G . Lewln—I live at Eglinbottom , near Todmorden . I remember being at a meeting held on the 18 ? h of August , at a place called Basin Stone . Robert Brooft , the defendant , waa there . He made a speech , saying that be bad been to a delegate meeting at Manchester . Whilst he was there , he said that a man came with a letter , but he would not say who it was from . It stated that some thousands of men had gone to the barracks at Leeds , and were masters of the town at that minute . He called upon the meeting to be firm , and said , " I move that we never eo into worK until the Charter becomes

    the law of the land . Some of you , perhaps , can't do without work , but I tell you to go to } the overseers , and if they won't relieve you , we must try some means else . " He then mov ^ d a resolution that we should meet that evening near the railway arches , at Todmorden . Another moved that we should go six-abreast to Todmorden . At this time , all the people were unwrking . I know the valley between Todmorden and Hebden Bridge . I remember seeing a large number of persons in that valley . There were many thousands . They marched in the direction of Halifax . The valley was in a state of excitement for several days . j

    By Mr . Dundas—I was requested to go to the meeting by my brothsr , John Heap , constable . He told me to go and Bee if there was any disturbance , and if so , to let him know . I did not take any notes at the meeting , bnt I " set it down" when I got to Todmorden . By Mr . O'Connor—Brook is a lame man , and walks with a crotch—{ laughter ) . % 1 John Heap recalled , and examined by 1 the Attorney-General—I got a -copy of the placard I bow produce ( the Address of the Executive Committee ) from a party who was posting them in Todmorden , on the day of the meeting . | James Wilcox examined by the Attorney-General—I live at Ashton-under-Lyne . I remember a meeting being held at Thacker ' s foundry , at Ashton , on the 1 st or 2 nd of August . I took some candles to the Chartist newa-room , at Charlestown . I found the room divided by means of pack-sheeting . There were a number of persons there . I knew one of them—Richard Pilling . He ( appeared to be acting as Chairman . They were talking about the heading of a placard . He said it should be headed " The reckoning day is nigh . " I saw

    Untitled Article

    a placard afterwards on the walla , but I could only read the heading of it , without potting on glasses . As far as I can remember , the words were— "Thereckoning is nigh . " By Mr . O'Connor—Daring these disturbances , I was very oneasy in my mind . I did not attend any meetings of the Anti-Gorn Law League . I did attend a meeting where complaints were made that parties had got the people out of work , and then turned upon them . I thonebt the condition of the people so bad at to induce me to make a representation of it to the Government The working classes generally understood that there were to he three reductions ef wages before Christmas . My opinion was that there were parties in

    Ashton desirous to bring about a tumult , in order to prevent tbe c ' hartists having their meeting . I will give my reasons ., While I was in the company of a gentler man , he saftl there would be throe reductions of wages before Christmas , that then there would only be two parties left—the Corn-Law repealers arid Tories , and ifc was for the people to take whom they liked . I have heard Mr . O'Connor address the people of Ashton twice , and I should think his speeches were not calculated to lead to a disturbance . I have never heard him recommend anything calculated to lead to a violation of the lav * I have read his speeches in the Northern Star , and I always found that he cautioned the people against being led into , a snare .

    By M'Cartney—The general tendency of the speeches I have heard have beei of a peaceable character . Samuel Shepley , examined by Mr . Hildyard—I am a cotton-spinner , at Brookfoot , near Glossop . Early on the morning of the 20 th of August , five men cams to our house , at five o'clock in the morning , and said that we should have plenty of company that day , as they were coming to level the premises . They said they were coming in the direction of Ashton and Stalybridge . Some time after , a mob did come , armed with sticks . In consequence of the threats I had

    experienced , I sent to Glossop for the military . The mob smashed the windows of the ware * house and windows of the house . They attempted to force open the gates . I had threatened to fire upon them . At length something heavy came against the gate , and I tookadouble-barelledgun , and struck both barrels , but they . missed . I then took a single barrelled gun , and fired it . I was intending to load it again , when five or six persons ssizad the gun . I then fired a pistol which I carried in my pocket , and immediately upon which the mob ran in all directions .

    Bj Mr . O'Connor—1 believe I wounded one man very severely . By Mr . Hildyard—The constable was struck at , and three of his teeth knocked out . A witness named Henry Lees was called to prove the band-writing of Jobn Lewis , one of the defendants .-Some papers alleged to be in his hand-writing were put in , and it was understood that they should be read at the sitting of the Court on Monday morning . The Court rose at ten minutes before five o ' clock .

    MONDAY— FIFTE DAY . His Lordship took bis seat at nine o ' clock . A number of documents were pot in by the Attorney General as evidence against the defendants . The following witnesses were then examined : — Edwin Sheppard—I am a superintendent for the Blackburn lower division of police , I Was in the performance of my duty in August last OnthelStb , I was called to quell some disturbances . The military also were called out . There was an attack upon Bogitt at Brlerley's factory . This was about eleven o'clock . When I got there , I found a party of two hundred scaling the gates . I ordered my men forward , and took several of the parties into custody . The military drew up across the . turnpike rood later in the day . I saw another mob on the turnpike road . There would b » frem 1 , 500 to 2 , 000 persons . Five men were in front ,

    one of whom appeared to act as leader . He said , " Now , chaps , how Is it to be ? Are we to ge quietly or not ? Because if not , we will do so by force . '' Some of the others dissented from that and said " hush , hush , that is not what we want ! we want to go quietly into the town , and turn out the hands , until we get a fair day ' s wages for a fair day ' s work . ' He endeavoured to persuade them to go away peaceably , as all their endeavours would be resisted . They refused and we took some of them into custody . The rest of the mob dispersed over the fields . At a subsequent part of the day an attack was made upon Messrs . Hop wood's mill , and the windows of the counting house broken . I saw copies of the hand-bill now produced ( the address of the Executive Committee ) in the hands of several parties . I found one of them in the possession of a man named Gibson . He ia . not a defendant

    Mr . Wortley—There is a slight alteration , my Lord , in the hand-bilL Instead of the passage , " Englishmen , the blood of your brothers redden , the streets of Preston and Blackburn , " the town of Halifax was added . William Griffin , formerly reporter for the Norlhtm . Star , waa then called ; P-evlous to being sworn , Mr . Atherton asked him whether be believed in a Supreme Being , and in a future state of rewards and punishments ? To both of which questions he replied in the affirmative . ' William Griffin , exominod byjtbe Attorney- fianeral—I lived iu Manchester , In August Insfc . My occupation was that of a reporter . I reported for the Northern Star , the political movement of the country . I was present at a meeting of delegates , in conference , at

    Manchester , on the 17 th of August . 1 am personally acquainted with most of the parties who were there . I did not take their names down . Mr . Scholefield was there , bnt not as a delegate . Mr . O'Connor , Dr . M'Douall , Bairstow , James Leach , John Leach * Christopher DoyJe , Parker , Harney , Hill , Bayley , Railton , Arran , Cooper , Campbell , M'Cartney , Skevington , a boy named Ramsden , represented the juvenile portion of the population , and Mr . Mooney were present A resolution was proposed by Mr . Bairstow and seconded by Mr . O'Connor . I obtained a copy of it from the secretary on the following morning . It waa published in the Northern Star . 1 believe it is a correct version of the resolution . There were two amendments proposed , one by Mr . Hill , and another by Parkes . Mr . Hill ' s was a negative of the original . I

    I did not take a minute of it The resolution was carried by a large majority . The minority agreed to go with the majority . I did not take a full report , because they passed a resolution prohibiting me from , publishing it Several persons who voted with the minority agreed to go with the majority . It was a general understanding . An address was proposed . X did not take a note of it The address was read . I wrote two copies from the original . It was given into my hands by Feargus O'Connor . It was given to me in Mr . Scholefield's chapel on the same day of the Conference . I went with Mr . Hilt to his hotel , and wrote two copies , one for the Northern Star , and another for the British Statesman . I saw a copy ot it afterwards in the Northern Star . I read it twice , and I saw no alteration in it I can't say that I know Thomas Mahon .

    By Mr . Baine ' s—I was employed by the Northern Star till the beginning of June last I left of my own accord , and came over to Manchester . I did not apply to Mr . Scholefield for relief . I asked for the loan of 5 s . and he lent it to me . I was a painter originally , and Mr . Scholefield employed me in painting hiaohapeL I afterwards became' secretary to Hunt ' s Monument Committee . This would be about June . I remember suggesting to Mr . Scholefield the expediency of having a meeting of delegates to commemorate the erection of the monument ; and I also suggested that at that meeting the delegates should consider the differences wbicb existed among the Chartist body . Another object was to reconsider the organization of the Chartist body , in order to see whether there was anything illegal in it , and to alter it , if found necessary . The Committee

    agreed to adopt my suggestion . Every meauB was taken to make this extensively knows throughout the country . I acted as secretary to the Monument Corn * mittee for six or seven weeks , down to tha time of the delegates' meeting , Mr . Sehole * field ia a Dissenting Minister ; the sect is generally called " Cowardites . " He also practices as an apothecary . Mr . Coward , the founder ef the sect , did so before him . Mr . Scholefield has a surgery , which adjoins the cbapeL Mr . Scholefield did not take any part in the proceedings of the delegates . Part of the time , I should think be was attending to his ordinary business . He only remained for a short period , to ask a question or give information . The Conference lasted six or seven hours . The first time I gave information on this matter was in the middle of September . Inspector Irwin applied to me about it

    By Sergeant Murphy—I am acquainted with James Cartledge . I have known h'm two years and a half . We have written together . I think I am acquainted with the general character of his writing . I have not seen the original manuscript of the Executive Committee ' s addresa . X bave seen what they caU the proof sheet 1 can't swear who the cerrectiona have been made by . 1 bave said that 1 believed it was In the hand-writing of Cartledge , but as ifc was forced from me by the barrister 1 did not swear to any body . 1 was forced to tell whose hand-writing it was , 1 said 1 did not know , bat 1 believed it was CartledgeV . 1 did not

    give intimation to anybody that if 1 was called upon 1 would give evidence . T have been inducing others to give evidence , 1 have never had any differences with Mr . O ' Connor . He never said that as a reporter 1 was not giving tout impulse to the paper which 1 ought 1 gave him a month ' s notice , if he did not give me the names of the parties who were complaining . Since the time 1 Bgreed to give eVideice , 1 have been in Ireland . 1 was not following any profession . 1 was provided for , but not by the Government that 1 know of . 1 waa supplied by Mr . Irwin . it would not average five shillings a week . That was not my sole subsistence . 1 paid no bills . Mr . irwin was responsible .

    By Mr . Atherton—Whilst I was in Manchester I associated with Chartiata . Their professed object was to bring about Some "political change . They sought to obtain the six points of the Chatter . The meeting of the 17 th of August bad been projected for some time before the strike . When that meeting was projected , the object was avowed , namely , to reorganize the constitotiqn of the Chartist body , in order to see whether there was anything illegal in it , and also to heal certain differences which existed among the party . Cross-examined by Mr . O'Connor—1 think you stated that you gave me notice to leave my employment ? Yes . Whether waa it that I gave you notice or you gave me notice ? ( Continued in our Eighth page . )

    Untitled Article

    tmB f . THE NORTHERN STAR ; 7

• Citation
  • Northern Star (1837-1852), March 11, 1843, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct641/page/7/