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THE NORTHERN STAR SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1842.
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THE SPECIAL COMMISSION (Continued from page Seven.)
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TO THE READERS OF THE "NORTHERN STAR."
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2To 2fteatra# anlr ®t>vn$pt>vtomt
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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A YOICE FROM THE DUNGEON TO THE CHARTISTS OF SHETFIELDt My Deab Fbxetos—Expecting to be removed from here to Kirkdale to-morrow , I address to yon a few words cafore leaving this royal college , where , baring p » id some attention to my studies , I bare already profited by my retreat from the " busy haunts of men ;* indeed , I have no doubt that if the fiat of our merciful ralers should esnaign me to a lengthy seclusion In ' . ' durance rile , " I Ehall return to the ranks of demesracy a better soldier eren thin I left them . . I am light of heart , entertaining fond hopes that out of the present evil immense good will come . Persecution feu ever failed in effecting the objects of those who bars bad recourse io it The records of history from the pirliest known period of man ' s existence , down to the present hour rrove tills . The advocates of great and good principles hare erer suffered insult and -wrong —chain * and dungeons—tortures and death . Still there have not bean wanting in all ages good men and true ,
found ready to offer thercselTes -willing -victims at the altar of despotism , when the cause of truth and justice demanded the sacrifice . Shall such men be wanted now ? No ! There are not wanting those who , despite black-hearted treachery and blood-gorging tyranny , are prepared to play the part of men . Are you prepared to support them ? Are yonr souls so wedded to the love of liberty that you can appreciate hearts broken , and patriots trampled down by the iron heel of despotism ? Will yon prove this by filling up the places of the betrayed , and throwing the shield of your protection over those now suffering in your cause ? I hope Be , not . because I am numbered with the present list of victims , I hope bo for the sake of yourselves , for never until you do your dnty in this matter will you be respected or feared ( tis all the same thing ) by your tyrants ; when you act upon the great truth that "he who oppresses one , oppresses all , " yonr enslavers will have cause for dread , and you for hope , but , never till then .
I need not recapitulate the particulars of my arrest , the seizure of my papers , letters , 4 c . < ic . I would not have mentioned these things , but to remind you that the Association book was seized along with my papers : much good may its perusal do the captors . One thing I . am not ashamed of—they will see that I sm not a nominal member of the Charter Association ; every pency of my contribution has been paid . I wish that , in looking through the bosk , its present holders could see the same of all whose names are therein contained . The seizure of the Members ' Boek will , I snppose , create the necessity of a re-enrolment of members ; at least , I left that advice behind me . If tVri » is done , it -will try what you are made of , the cowards , the humbugs , and poltroons of every description will , no doubt , fall back ; the brave
and sincere will mere eagerly come forward ; but fcaware of having your mere cbeerers ; beware of the men of froth and fury ; those who will give their ' three cheers for the Charter and no surrender , ' but surrender it all the while by their fickleness or neglect of duty ; we have had sufficient of such men , and if you are wise , y « u will not have them in future . Seek not numbers , seek rather the banding of the intelligent and sternly true ; no matter though even these be found few , their support in the day of adversity will be found more effective than ttie unthinking multitude , whose roar of applause is too often raised without thought , and Withheld when most wanted . But , beware , while
avoiding one error , you do not fall into its opposite . By tke "intelligent few , " I don't mean those conceited prigs who exhibit , as the proof of " their intelligence , the abuss they are ever pouring out on the beads of the old and tried champions of freedom , and attest their honesty by coquetting with the enemies , while they denounce the friends of the good old cause ; with sush r-Ts nothing to do ; no union with the doubtfuls ; let 1 - nach and true stand by each other and battle for ' ¦ ¦ -. bt , cheered on by the undying hope that the ¦ ; -kill come when tyranny shall roll in the dnst , t ~ i ! the blight banner of f quality be triumphantly unified :
that" Come it will for athat . When man to man the warld o ' ex , Shall brithers be and a' that . " My dear friends , for the present ( pressed by time ) I have nothing te add in the shape of advice . It might , perhaps , be expected that I shoo Id say something of the Iscariot ruffian by whom myself and comrades have been—not betrayed , for he had nothing to betray—Bought to be seld for the wages of blood into the bands of despotism . I loathe to stain the paper with a word abont the miscreant , and indeed I pity th « wretch even more than I bate him , ; what a spectacle of treachery , what a monument of perfidy does this miserable reptile present to the astonsshiin raze of the men who once confided in his
honour and believed hi bis patriotism . When the day of trial arrives , I would not change places with him for all that tyrants give as the price of purchased treachery . I baTe that -within my breast of which , tyrants nor traitors can deprive me , the consciousness of rectitude , and the consoling reflection that , f * s public man , I have ever to the best of my jndgment , done my duty ; what then though probably further persecution awaits myself and comrades , I can smile in my dungeon and with mind serene bid the thunders of ijii ^ ii roll on Let me bave fair play and I will prove my innocence and the guilt of my accusers . But if despotism has decided that victims it will have , be it bo—the fate of Clayton and Holberry may be minebut no
matter" Far dearer the grave o the puson , IHumed by the patriot ' s . name , Than the trophies of all who have risen On liberty ' s ruins to fame . " In concluding this letter , I would wish to tender my sin * -to thinks to my excellent friend Mr . Morris , to that warm-hearted Chartist Mr . Cooper , to that true democrat Dr . Halley , and te all and several the brave men of Mpnchps * rr , who have so nobly sympathised with end assisted me and my comrades since our arrest ; they vre worthy of the thanks of the country at large . May their gallant conduct in every practicable way be eveiywhere imitated .
And now , my dear friends , for the present farewell . Kail your colours to the mrit . For one broadside of fhe enemy return you two , until , triumphant o ' er your foes , you raise the exulting shout of " Tictory ! victory ! our Charter ' s won !" I am , my dear friends , In the cause of Democracy , Fraternally and devotedly yonts , Geobgb Julian Harney . New Bailey , Manchester , Oct 7 th , 1842 .
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PTJBLIC MEETING IN HOLBORN . A great public meeting was held on Monday evening , at the Hall of the National Association , Holborn . The meeting was called by the City membara of the National Chatter Association ; admission one penny , the proceeds to be appropriated to the Defence of the Victims . Mr . Balls having been elected to the chair , read the bill convening the meeting , and said , the object they had in view was to give the inhabitants of that part of the Metropolis an opportunity of expressing their opinions on the arrests lately made by Government , and to raise a fond for the maintenance and defence of those men who -were awaiting their trials in gloomy dungeons for vindicating the rights of the oppressed and indnstrious artisans . It was evidently the intention of the Government to uphold the present evil system of class legislation ; that they might enable the few io live in luxurious idleness on the toil of the many ;
and endeavour to deprive them of their only remaining right , that of public discussion . Public discussion , in his opinion , was a most invaluable right , and should be defended at every sacrifice . ( Hear . ) If a stop could be put to that , there would be an end to all safety and freedom . If they thought they would he able to put a stop - to the organization wrhich was now spread throughout the three kingdoms for the great and fundamental principles of the constitution , as contained in the document called the People ' s Charter , they were wretchedly deceived . Passing events showed plainly to his ^ view that the time was not far distant when those principles would become the law of the land , in spite of every persecution , calumny , and torture , which w&s at present being heaped upon their advocates . Mr . Balls then made a very feeling appeal to them on behalf of the victims , and sat down loudly cheered . Mr . Cambbon moved the following resolution : —
" That this meeting views with feelings of alarm and indignation the numerous arrests of the advocates of the People ' s Charter , . firmly believisg the objects of the Government are to perpetuate the horrors of class legislation by * the employment of perjured spies and the prevention of public discussion . " He had great pleasure in seeing such an assemblage as the present , called at such a short notice . They lived in eventful and perilous times . He had heard it asserted that in the metropolis they might use as seditious language as they thonght proper , without incurring the same danger as in the provinces . A word in season on that point might not be imprudent He was sure if they trusted to that opinion they would commit an error . There would be no favouriteism extended to them ; and they ought to exercise a great amount of caution in the words they made use of , lest tbej should be caught in the snares
of the law . Imagination was suffiaienUy fertile , language was sufficiently comprehensive , for them to convey all the information they possessed , and desired to communicate , without exposing them-Belfee to the fangs of the law . They could sot prevent them from thinking , though they must not speak He thanked Heaven that the inward soul of man wad a s&nctswy which no tyrant could invads ; and thai they could think and dream of sedition even while they refrained from uttering it . The object of the Government , in the arrests they had made , was too palpable not to be perceived ; but they had one advantage—they knew their enemy —they nad experienced his fangs of old . It mattered not which was in power , the Whig or the Tory , there was such a striking family likeness between them , that it was only byname , and not by deeds , that they could be distinguished . bat with a
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their statesmanship they might yet overreach themselves ; Sir Robert Peel might pull the strings too tight , and be foiled in the object he bad in view . He firmly believed in the integrity of his conscience that the charges brought against the prisoners were grossly and basely false . He felt himself included in the calumny cast upon his body . They were charged with creating insurrection , riots , rebellion , &o . He rebutted the charge , and threw it back with scorn and contempt upon the accusers . He had been some years actively engaged in the Chartist cause ; he knew most of the persons actively engaged in it ; and it wrs a foul libel to say that a man like Feargus O'Connor —( tremendous cheering)—who had sacrificed health
and wealth for the sake of the people , would incite them to riot or destruction of property . Wri it reasonable to think that he had done so ? ( No , no . ) It was impossible . Mr . Cameron then analysed the charge of the Judge at Stafford , and stated his opinion that the men were perfectly justified in striking to benefit their condition , ana that the laws which would punish them for it were anti-Christian and anti-moral . He still entertained a hope that the men who would act as jurors would prove themselves men—that they would not be intimidated by any men , how ever great , learned , or influential , but act according to their conscience , and a triumphant acquittal would be the result . Mr . C . concluded by making an eloquent appeal for theviotims , and sat down loudly cheered .
Mr . ARM 3 TB . 0 SG Walton seconded the resolution , in which he cordiaily concurred . Mr . Rufft Ridley supported the resolution , which was then unanimously carried . Mr . J . Beown moved the next resolution : — ' That this meeting , in the face of Whig' and Tory threats and despotism , p ledges itself to exercise increased zeal and devotion in the cause of the starving millions , and never to relax their exertions until the People ' s Charter shsI ' , become the constitutional law of the land . " By adopting this resolution they would he pledging themselves , in the face of parties -with whose nature they were well acquainted—men who were aDxious not only to butcher , but to devour them . They had had sufficient said on behalf of the victims to know
their duty . Those victims had nobly performed their duty , and for that they were encased in gloomy dungeons ; they could not say , frel , or do too much for these men ; meeting after meeting should be held , and every effort should be made to render them assistance . It was because they had shenn such a bold front in the metropolis that government was venting its spleen npon them , and endeavouring to put down Chartism ; a more hopeless task never forced itself npon the attention of any body of men , however mad- brained they might be . As well might they attempt to veil the sun at noon day ; as well mighs they stand under the centre arch of London Bridgl , and attempt , with the fisherman ' s net to stop the progrers of the tides . Chartism existed in the mind : its principles were
invulnerable against the attacks of armed myrmidons . The starving millions were acquainted that the Charter would remove misery , wretchedness , and destitution , and would give to them plenty , happiness , and cheerfulness ; and they were learning to defy the iron hand of despotism , and to stand forth in the moral dignity of freemen . God made no distinction between man and man , and they met that evening to declare they would have an equal share in the Legislature of their country ; and in despite of the grandeur of the wealthy , and the glittering tinsel arrayed against them , the voice of the masses must be speedily listened to . If they were men possessed of intelligent minds—if they bore the impress of Deity stamped on their nature , why should they quail before their fellow-men ? B cause despotism
stared them in the face , and had with its iron hand seized upon their brethren , should they relax in their exertions—should they cease their agitation I ( Cheers , and loud shouts of "Never . " ) They might try to stop them , but God and common sense was on their side , and their enemies would never succeed ; they had driven them by bludgeons and sabres from Kennington Common , Paddington , and other meetings ; but had they conquered them 1 ( No . ) They were there that evening to declare they would never rest satisfied until they had achieved the victory . There was not an Englishman or an Irishman , a Scotchman or a Welshman , with a drop of honest blood in his veins , that did not cry aloud against that tyranny which deprived the peor man of proper sustenance in return for his industry .
Mr . Brown then drew a fearful picture of the distrees in the country , and implored them to throw away the pint and the pipe , to forbear the use of spirituous liquors , and devote their Bavings to the support of the victims . The present was not the time for delay or for a retrograde motion . Their motto must be onward ; as fast as one patriot was arrested another must rise up to supply his place ; and they would , ere long , obtain that goal for which all patriot hearts were seeking . Mr . Brown then made an eloquent appeal on behalf of the victims , and concluded a long address , during the whole of which he was vociferously applauded . Mr . Peat seconded the resolution , which was Bupported by Mr . Mantz , in a very eloquent address , and unanimously carried .
Dr . Shotsky moved the third reselution , " That this meeting deeply sympathises with our patriotic brother Chartists now in bondage , and solemnly pledges itself to raise a competent fund for their defence and support , and also for the comfortable maintainance of their afflicted wives and families . " Mr . Bkandketh briefly seconded the resolution , which was carried without a dissentient ; A vote of thanks on the motion , of Miss Walker , ¦ was given to the shareholders of the hall , for returning two pounds for the Victims , out of the £ 3 103 . Od . paid for the room , and carried unanimously . Mr . Caheron moved and Mr . Peat seconded a vote of thanks to the Chairman , who , in his reply , impressed npon the meeting the necessity of supporting the Evening Star , as an organ of their cause .
Cheers were given for Mr . O'Connor and the victims , and three dismal groans for the Sunday Times , after which the assembly dispersed .
The Northern Star Saturday, October 16, 1842.
THE NORTHERN STAR SATURDAY , OCTOBER 16 , 1842 .
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WHAT'S IN A NAME ! Mvch , very much , may be found now-a-days to be connected with a name . Tke name Chartist has not only become offensive to "the ears polite" of faction , but it creates unutterable terror in the minds of all who fatten on the present cannibal system . In that name they imagine they behold the deviljincarnate , clothed in all the terrors of hell . In it they see robberies , murders , and incendiary
fires in every direction . In it they seemonarchs decapitated , thrones overturned , venerable institutions annihilated , and peace , law , and order wholly destroyed , and the monster Anarchy lu'ing predominant through the land . All these , and horrors more multitudinous and revolting than pen can depict , are ever in the mind's eye of the tax-eating and profit-hunting tribes on the bare mention of the word Chartist .
The Judges , in their recent observations at the opening of the Special Commissions seem very anxious to make the " Gentlemen of the Jury" believe that a Chartist is the very personification of vice and crime , and that the principles the Chartists propound , and the measures they assay to establish are fraught with the most disastrous consequences . The extra-judicial harangnes of Lord Abinqer , in particular , have obtained for him a most unenviable notoriety ; that of converting the bench into a political debating shop , in which the argument is all on one side , and in which the lameness of his rea .
soning is concealed by prejudioe from the perception of the Juries , to whom it is directed , and by authority from exposure and refutation by the prisoners against whom it is most unfairly and dishonestly used . We have before bad Judges who distinguished themselves as violent and unscrupulous partisans , and who upon occasion would , in charging Grand Juries , play the zealot upon general topics ; but bis Lordship has reserved for himself the exclusive glory of completely denuding himself of all the decencies
appertaining to bis office by bringing these unworthy appeals to the class feelings and animosities of jurors into his charges against particular individuals on trial before him . The proceedings in bis Lordship ' s Court at Liverpool daring the present week baTe been mWApfrig beyond everything of which we have bad any previous experience . His flagitious charge to the Grand Jury has drawn forth the following castigation from two of our daily contemporaries , The Morning Advertiser of Wednesday Bays : —
" Lord Abinger is proving himself to be to the Tory Government what bis Lordship appositely described Suisse to be to the Marquis of Hertford , ' an invaluable servant , ' to whom no dirty work comes amiss . Yesterday we commented upon bis Lordship ' s charge to the Grand Jury at Chester , and to-day we refer to the report in another part of our paper , of a similar charge on opening the Special
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Commission in Liverpool . We hare no hesitation in pronouncing both of these charges a disgrace to tba Bench , whereto the public have been taught to look rather for an impartial , and temperate expostion of the law , than for political disquisitions , or such lfberticide harrangues as those by whioh Lord Abinger has desecrated it . We have already expressed ova conviction that the object of the Tories is to suppress all expression of public v . / ongB and opinion , under pretence of quelling insurrectionary manifestations , and Lord Abinger ' s charges most fearfully confirm this apprehension . By his Lordship ' s exposition of the law , the mere fact of seeking any change in the system of Government , by means calculated to alarm the authorities , is equivalent to an overt act of treason , so that the people , in such case , have nothing to do but to hug their chains , lest their very rattling might disturb the repose of their taskmasters . "
And from the Evening Star of the same day we take the following : — "We call the attention of the public to the extra-judicif 1 . charge of Lord Abinger , which will be found under the report of the Lancashire Special Commission , in another column . We confess that we have not read the whole of it , but we have read quite enough , to be disgusted . For our own part , had we never entertained till now the opinion of the necessity of a fair representation of the poorest class of individuals in the community , we should think it time to give utterance to the opinion—and we believe that the
Chp-tist cause will speedily advance and be faithfully sustained by an overwhelming majority of the people , now that it is evident that a kind of tyranny is in vogue , which has not for many years been known in our history . It is palpable , and easily proved , that where there is the most rigid despotism , there is found the finest spirit of demooraoy ; and now we may take the converse of the sentiment , and declare , also , that where the finest spirit of democracy exists , there is to be found the most rigid despotism . Traly , our country may blush for the late proceedings against her children . The spirit of heartless persecution abroad " is not nor cannot be good . "
The Morning Chronicle of the same day quotes from hia i . ordship ' 8 Bpeech to the Petit Jury , on the trial of six Chartists for conspiracy , &c . the following astounding passage : — "' Now , he would ask , what were the objects likely to be obtained , what was the object sought , by the advocates of the Charter 1 It was such a change in the laws as would give to the labouring classes the framing of all laws for the protection of property . That was the object avowed in the placard which had been produced in evidence , aud the man who had been capable of writing such a placard must have had intelligence enough to
know that such an object never could be effeoted without force and violence . It must be known that the House of Commons , as at present constituted , would never allow every man in the kingdom , whether having property or not , to have a vote for our representatives , or allow their members to Bit without a property qualification , or sitting to receive a salary for their Parliamentary services . But even if the Commons should consent , the Lords would , to the last , resist the destruction of their own privileges . Finally , was it to be expected that the Sovereign would , without foroe or violence , consent to the changes proposed by the Charter V
Having given this quotation from the Judge ' s speech , as reported by the Times , the Chronicle , in commenting upon it , says : — " The passage we have quoted argues the guilt of the prisoners , i . e ., their violent and revolutionary intentions , from the nature of their object as compared with the hostility of the Legislature to that objeot . The argument stands thus : —The advocates for the Charter know that the Commons , the Lords , aud the Queen , will never voluntarily adopt the Charter ; therefore , the advocates of the Charter intend to force its adoption on the Commons , the Lords , and the Queen . Now , the fact is an assumption and the inference a sophism . The advocates for the Charter do not know of any such invincible hostility . It is mere matter of opinion , and of opinion which it is not very decorous to express in relation to the Sovereign . The hostility may be invincible or it
may not . Whether it be is a fact m the womb of time , and no prophecy of the future can be a ground for convicting , of present guilt , those who disbelieve the unproved inspiration and infallibility of the prophet . Nor does it follow that those who assert principles which the present Legislature will certainly never adopt , must therefore intend violence . At that rate Jeremy Bentham was criminally meditating violence through the last half century of his life . Such doctrine would convict every Reformer who looks beyond the passing moment . As the argument Overlooks the fact that the House of Commons , as at present constituted , does actually allow its Scotch members 'to sit without a property qua ' ificat' . on , ' its pssumption of an hostility invincible except to violence , is still less entitled to respect than it would have been had no such exception existed .
" The present legislative hostility to the Charter may be more unconquerable by peaceful means than was its hostility to Reform , or to Catholio Emancipation . But the appearances are so similar , that we cannot imagine the guilt or innocence of a Chartist to turn upon his perceiving or not perceiving the difference . If a profound observer can point out the difference , and shew why the one was vincible , and the other is invincible , let him do so by all means . Still it is hard upon the Chartists , who cannot perceive the dist'uetios , to be tent to gaol as conspirators , for their lack of perception . And we take ^ his sort of constructive and inferential proof to be a novelty in our criminal jurisprudence . " A jury has convicted these parties , and we are very far from questioning the propriety of the verdict . Probably the conviction ensued , as conviction
always onght , upon proved facts , and not upon unsound logic Nor do we contend that the charge really delivered by Lord Abinger , was not a perfect model of calm impartiality , clear reasoning , and judicial dignity . Our business is with a sophism in the columns of the Times newspaper . And we do say that it is an atrocious sophism to infer the guilt of one man from ( not his own , but ) the opinions of another m » n ; to decide that A intends violence , because B thicks that A ' s object cannot be accomplished peacefully . It is very vain to mourn over ihe want of reverence' in the lower orders , while &iich dicta are attributed to those who occupy high phces . And we thus far agree with the Post , that f Government is to become a great tract distributor , Lord Chief Justice Tindal ' s address is the one for icheap circulation and reverential reading . "
" Inflammatory speeches" such as those of Judge Abinger , may be quite in keeping with the profession aud station of ermined functionaries , but the sophistry and uufounded allegations uttered by them is a palpable evidence of the untenable basis on which the systeta they attempt to uphold is founded . They no doubt , find it au easy task to make charges ; and they do not find much difficulty in dealing out sarcasm and ridicule by wholesale against principles which militate against the present order , or rather disorder , of things ; bat it is very plain that these " eminent lawyers" lack the power to substantiate their oharges , and to overthrow by argument the truths of Chartism . We contend that all the oharges falsely brought by the Judges against the body of the Chartists , are such as can be proved against the two factions whioh uphold the present state of things .
It has been repeatedly shown that the Whigs were the authors of the conflagrations at Bristol , Nottingham , &c , during the " Bill" mania ; therefore , they are the incendiaries . It is well known that the two factions who have alternately ruled the destinies of this country , have brought her to her present degraded condition by their incessant acts of peculation ; therefore , they are the robber ? . It is notorious as the sun at noon-day , that spies and emissaries have been employed by both factions to worm themselves into the associations of the people ; and by inflammatory appeals to the passions of a starving people , to excite the credulous and unsuspecting to the commission of acts of outrage which might terminate in imprisonment , banishment and death ; therefore , ( without adverting to the many unprovoked attacks made upon the peaceablyassembled people , by the yeomanry , police , and soldiery ) , they are the murderers .
It has been proven that the League ( a Bection of the Whig faction ) originated the late Strike , and consequently , caused the riots , risings and destruction of property resulting from the Strike ; therefore they are the promoters of tumult and disorder * in short , the anarchists . Bat it would not answer the purpose of the Judges to look at these matters . The Chartists are the great eye-sore of faction ; therefore the whole artillery of despo&m must be played against them alone . And what will be the result ! Why a number of really honest and useful men will suffer , ( as has ever been the case in every righteous cause ) , but they will be instrumental in shewing to the world , the groBs perversion of justice in the English Courts : the base
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means resorted tobj oppression to crush the advocates of freedom will be unveiled j and the name of Chartist will become respected . And why should it not be respected ; seeing that the principles of the Charter , if carried into operation , would prevent those crimes with whioh many Chartists are now falsely charged ! but which crimes are openly committed , and with impunity too , by many who onght to stand in the dock , instead of those who labour to establish peace on earth and goodwill among men .
There is we repeat it much in a name , and notwithstandingthejodium cast upon that of the Chartists by state sycophants it has already become honourable , and every honest man will pride himself in it . Let the enemy in their triune character of Whigs , Tories , and Corn Law Repealers impugn our good name with all their infernal power , we can smile the while , knowing that their every attack renders us still more invulnerable , and we shall stand as Chartists when all faction is consigned to the tomb ofi forgetfulnBss , or at least , only remembered to be execrated .
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THE "RIGHT OF SEARCH" QUESTION . We are very glad to learn that some of the people are recovering a little from the surprise into which the late wholesale and illegal transactions of Government had thrown them , and have summoned resolution to recognise the old maxim , that " an Englishman ' s house is bis castle . " A correspondent sends us the following account of the capture , attempted search of premises , and ultimate acquittal and discharge of one of the Chartist friends in this oounty : —
" Mr . ' . who ' was arrested on Wednesday , Oct . 5 th , under the charge of attending a meeting in Manchester , on the 17 th of August last , was acquitted on Monday last , after being three times examined , their being no evidence against him on the day of his arrest . Two of the constables went to his residence , with the intention of searching his house , but it was no go . One of the constables said , " Ma ' am—I am very sorry to inform you that we have arrested your husband , and hope you will have no objections to searching your house . ' The wife said , 'Not if you have authority to de so . Pray , Sir , have you got a warrant 1 if so , read it ; otherwise you must not search . But pray , Sir , what have you taken my husband for V
The constable said , 'I suppose he is a Chartist leader . ' ' A Chartist leader , indeed ! ' said the wife , ' pray , Sir , what do you call a Chartist leader V 'I suppose he has been at a meeting in Manchester , and I hope you will allow me to look through your house . ' The wife said , ' If you have a warrant , I tell you . Not that there is any thing that I am afraid of your seeing ; but cettamly you must first show your authority before I shall allow you : then you may search as hard as you like . ' The constable then turned round to his companion and said , ' Go fetch the other two officers . ' Thinking to frighten the woman to submission , this had not the desired effeot . The wife said ' Very well , Sir , fetch whom you like ; only bring a warrant with you ; but I am determined you shall not
search my house without one . ' The constable sat down by the door in the way of taking possession of the house . After sitting some time mute , he said , 'Now , ma'am , if you will only allow me to look the things over , I will look them very slightly . I shall not do as the others will when they come ; they will turn everything upside down . ' ' I tell you , Sir " says the wife , 'I shall not submit to your searching my house till I hear the warrant read and then I will take care that you do search it rightly : I know what is your duty , aud I will see that you perform it . ' At this time , another officer arrived , and said' Well , ma ' am what ' s to do V The woman said , ' Nothing , sir ; only read me the warrant , then you will be right ; as I shall not allow my house to be searched without one . ' ' Very well . ' says the officer , ' we will go . ' "
The conduct of this woman cannot be too highly eulogized . Her example ought to be universally followed . A cool , firm , determined but perfectly peaceable and even respectful assertion of her own rights . So far as this information goes , there seems to have been no violent language , nor provoking insolence made use of ; but a steady j quiet insisting upon the production of a proper authority for the prosecution of tke search . Let the same plan be followed everywhere .
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THE LEAGUE . From the specimen of Cobden ' s rhodomantade , which our readers will find given in another column , it appears that they are not yet satisfied with the many defeats they have experienced . They are now going to inundate the country with tracts for nothing , but which we guess will be found dear indeed , if time be consumed in the perasal . They think of doing wonders during the winter , ( mark the
time ) , no doubt in the SWING business ; but the country has suffered enough by their recent strike—the innocent are the sufferers ; but we shall watch their every movement . We shall see for what purpose they want to " assess" the poor to the tune of £ 50 , 000 . But will they get it ? Not from theworkies ; we know that , and they knowittoo ; but , perhaps it may flow from another quarter interested in oarrying on the game of fire , blood , and commotion . We shall soon see .
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, Northern Star Office , Thursday . My dear Friends , —The length at which the reports of the Special Commissions are this week given , precludes all space for comment on the particular cases ; yon must read and think . I had purposed to say many things to you in a letter which perhaps I may yet get ready for the Second Edition ; but the fact of my only arriving in Leeds from Liverpool at two
o ' clock this morning , and my kind friend Mr . Hobson ' s having been also unavoidably absent at Liverpool to perfect my bail—will show you that I bave bad work enough on my hands to-day . Next week , if all be well , will resettle us for a few months , after the temporary inconvenience of my arrest . Remember many good men ore still lying for lack of bail . The bail is now reduced to two sureties of £ 50 , or four of £ 25 each , and may be taken by the magistrates In their own localities . Let every locality whence a prisoner comes see to it at once , and have him out . God save you , and speed the Charter t W « . Hill .
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T . M . Wheeler , London , correspondent to the Northern Star , informs the public that he has removed from Knightsbrtdge to 24 S £ i Temple Bar , where all future communications must be addressed . Timely notice of all public meetings , $ 0 , is respectfully requested . The Irish Universal Suffrage Association thankfully acknowledge the receipt of a very useful and excellent present from the Chartists of Sheffield , consisting of 250 copies of "What is a Chartist V 250 copies of " Hints about the Army ; 250 copies of No . 25 , of the Chartist Circular , containing a full copy of the People's Charter ; also two complete sets of the English Chartist Circular ; and 1 , 000 covies of ** Watkins ' s Address to the Women of England . " The
two copies of the English Chartist Circular contain Nos . 1 to 66 , inclusive , with the exception of two copies of each of the following numbers , which were not in the parcel , and which are wanted to complete the two sets , viz ., Nos . Z , 18 , 19 , 20 , 22 , 32 , 42 , 54 , and 62 . . . D , Isaacs , Bath . —Send the cards to Mr . Wheeler , 243 £ , Temple Bar , London . John Lowkry , Ballyhanny , by Fresch Pabk , Ireland , wilt be obliged if any Chartut frtend will send him a Northern Star . Thom as Mobton , Scnderland . —The letter he alludes to teas received , but has been mislaid . To the best of our reco llection , it is a matter on which we cannot advise himself and friends . An Enemy to Tyrants . — . 4 writer under this
signature complains much that in the quarter he resides in some prof essing Chartists are given to habits of intoxication , by whose conduct the cause is made a laughing-stock to those who are desirous ofanypleaforteouting the Charter . He dates his letter from Stroud , and advocates the principle of total abstinence from intoxicating drinks . H . Moulb , Redditch . —His letter was received too late for last week's Paper : we must now decline its insertion . We have received several publications for review : they shall all be noticed in due time . M . A-, who sends us "Britannia ' s Tears" for publication , should have acknowled ged , the source from whence he copied the pifCf , j > .
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C . Connor . —His appeal to the Chartists of the Auckland district is an" advertisement . Henry Dowell Griffiths . —His letter was duly received : we decline its publication . John Allen , Brighton , calls upon the Charitsts of that locality to attend meetings which are held every Monday night at the Cap of Liberty , in Portland-street . John Watkins . —His communications are reserved till opportunity serves . Will Mr . Brophy send his address , as soon as possible , to John Partridge , Gainsborough . A . H . —We have no room for poetry just now , and must decline his lines headed" O'Connor , the Brave . " We have not had occasion to read the work he enquires about , and therefore give no
opinion of iiseontents . No . 6 , Amen Alley . —You can have all that are published by enclosing Is . 6 d . to this office . S . K ., Glasgow . —His letter must stand over for re-perusal . He is quite mistaken in his opinion as to the writer of the production io which he is replying . John Thompson . —We have not room for his letter . Its statements do not affect «* . All Lecturers wishing to visit Sunderland are requested to correspond with the Council , through the secretary , George Esplin , cordwainer , No . 30 , Robinson's Lane . A Lover op Justice . —We can see no reason why he should object to his name being published with his letter .
George Clarkson . —We cannot print his letter . We are very sorry to see the feeling manifested in it encouraged by any Chartist . It is no excuse for him , or his friends who hold a like tone , that others may be blameable . J . Keighley . —Thanks : we have made a note of his address , and shall avail ourselves of his information if need be . A Constant Reader sends us a long statement of the matters in dispute between Messrs . Cooper and Co ., of Glasgow , and their workpeople . He cannot be " a constant reader ' of the Northern Star , or he would have known that it useless to send such a statement to us on anonymous authosity . Henry Hodgson . —Yes .
W . Pools , Cqu . vuvtoh . —Received . E . Broadbent , Ashton-under-lyne , should have given the trades and residences with the list of Council which he has sent . S . Clark . —His opinion is correct . Every such meeting , and all such corresponderice , is decidedly illegal . National Defence Fund . —J . Watts , Finsbury , writes us to suggest that each subscriber to the Northern Star should oblige the News Agent of whom he takes his t > aper , to give one halfpenny for each Northern btar sold by him on the 22 nd or 23 rd October , for the above object . He himself will give the profit upon all Stars sold by him on those days , and he hopes the localities will take it up .
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The Portrait of T . Duncombe will be given to all our Subscribers on November 19 th . They will be in the hands of all the Agents by November 16 th ; - The charge for the Star on the day the Portrait of Dnneombe is distributed will be the same as the charge for it on the day the Petition Plate ia delivered ; Isle of Wight . — -Win . Norcaan , James Cantello , C . Bright , J . Barnes , B . Urry , and H . Attwell , apply to Wm . Minns , 24 , Pyle-street , for the Plates , which have been sent by parcel .
FOR THE NATIONAL DEFENCE FUND . £ B . d . From A . Haxton , Cupar 0 10 m . a few friends at ditto ... ... ... 0 0 9 „ Leeds Chartists ... ... ... ... 0 3 9 ^ „ Nantwich , per T . Dunning ... ... 0 9 0 „_ W . Egremont ... ... ... ... 0 5 0 „ a few friends at Redruth , Cornwall ... 6 3 9 „ the Chartists of Wingate Orange ... 2 0 0 * . a few friends at Bank , Leeds ... ... 0 2 8 „ two fritnds , Leeds ... ... ... 0 2 0 „ Joseph Horsfleld ... 0 10 „ a few friends to the Chartist cause at Leigh ... ... O 12 0 „ ' a hater of oppression at Worriey ... 0 1 0 „ Dr . Chapman , Emley ... ... ... 0 2 6 „ Jonathan Midgeley , Lepton ... ... 0 1 0 „ . Earl ; Graham , Black Quarter , near HudderaSeld ... ... ... 0 3 0 „ the Chartists of Honley , per Mr .
Haigh ... ... ... ... 0 10 0 Magdale Academy , per Mr . Haigh ... 0 2 6 a friend , Leeds ... ... 0 0 3 a poor woman , Leeds ... ... ... 001 a few masons at Leeds ... . > . 0 3 3 R . < Joodhall ... ... 0 0 6 two friends , Leeds ... ... ... 0 13 two sisters ... „ - ... ... 0 0 i Leeds , A . Z . ... 02 2 the Chartists of the Vale ol Leven ... 10 0 the Chartists of Redruth , Cornwall ... 0 10 O a few friends at Holme Mill ... ... 0 42 a yoang lady at Holme MiJl , per
W . T . ... ... 0 0 2 the Chart'sts of the Forest of Dean ... 1 O 0 Brick-street ... ... 0 3 0 J . Dovenor and a few friends ... 0 2 6 a friend from Gtoole ... ... ... 0 10 Littletown , per Mr . Penny 1 0 0 WakeHeld ... ... ... ... 100 D . Fryer , Halton ... ... . ... 0 2 6 a democrat , Chepstow ... ... ... 0 2 6 a few friends at Bamaley , per B . Hr ^ ue ... ... _ ... ... 050 a few friends at Bury ... ... ... Ill Darlington , per N . Bragg ... ... 0 12 0 a few friends of liberty , Castle Donnington . ... ... ... ... 060 the Chartists of Old Basford , near
Nottingham ... ... ... 1 10 a a few friends at Lock ... ... ... 0 7 0 a . few iklends in Hunslet-Iane , Leeds O 2 0 a few friends , per B . G . ... ... 0 4 0 the Leeds Chartists , collec 3 d by Jas . Haigh ... ... 0 15 0
FOR MRS . HOLBERRY . From Coventry ... ... 0 2 6 ~ Nantwich , per S . Dancing ... ... 0 I 6 „ the Chartists of the Yale of Leven ... 1 9 2 FOR P . M . M'DOUALL . From B . Goortball ... ... ... ... 0 0 6 FOR PROSECUTING THE POLICEMEN WHO HAVE BEEN SEARCHING WITHOUT WARRANTS . From D . Fryer , Halton ... ... ... 0 1 e
The Special Commission (Continued From Page Seven.)
THE SPECIAL COMMISSION ( Continued from page Seven . )
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( From our own Correspondent . ) STAFFORD , Tuesday Night , 12 o ' clock . TRIAL OF MR . THOMAS COOPER FOR DEMOLITION AND ARSON . I have only titae to say that Mr . Cooper , with fourteen others , were th' 8 day arraigned at the bar before Lord Chief Justice Tindal , for the demolition and buming of the dwelling house of William Parker , Esq ., a magistrate , on the 16 th Aug . Mr . Lee , on the part of Mr . Coopsr , applied to allow him to sever in his challenges and his defence . The Courb granted the application , and [ ordered all the prisoners , with the exception of Mr . Cooper , to be removed . Mr . Cooper was then placed at the bar , and challenged the Jury to his full number of twenty .
He was then indicted for the demolition and firing of Mr . Parker ' s house ; to which be pleaded In a very firm voice , " Not Guilty . " All the witnesses examined before the magistrates at Newcastle when he was arrestad , repeated their evidence , and signally failed in their attempt to eonnect him with the arson . The prosecution closed at five o ' clock , when Mr . Cooper rose and delivered one of the most thrilling addresses that baa ever been delivered within a court of justice ; of which I will endeavour to send an outline to-morrow . He then called on Mr . Hall and Mr . Sylvester , who proved a direct alibi . The Court adjourned at eight o ' clock , and the jury were locked up . On to-morrow ( Wednesday ) he will resume his defence . .
Mr . Baron Parke passed the following sentences In addition to those passed by the Lord Chief Justice : — Tfaos . Ranby , John Ranby , and Thos . Smith , six moths imprisonment and hard labour ; Wm . Beckly and M . Bangh , nine months and hard labour ; Samuel Jones , fifteen months and bard labour ; Wm . Gibbons , twelve months and hard labour ; Thos . Barney and John Griffiths , six months and hard labour ; John . Morris , twelve months and hard labour ; Thos . Pitts , six months and bard labour ; Thos . Walker , twelve months and hard labour ; Simpson Bales , twenty months and hard labour ; Wm . Jones , six months and hard labour ; Thos . Hughes , six months and hard labour ; Benjamin
Rowley , twelve months and hard labour ; John Timmina , six months and hard labour , ¦ Solomon Allen nine months and bard labour ; Wm . Burns , two months and bard labour ; Charles Simpson , ten yean transportation ; John Paxkis , twelve months and hard labour ; Thos . Banker , fifteen yean transportation ; James Saunders , transportation for life ; George Skitt , two years confinement and hard labour ; Charge Arnell , eighteen mouths and hard labour ; Benjamin Dudley , eight months and hard labour ; John Deakin , six months aad hard labour ; Wm . Page , twelve months and hard labour ; Wm . Holyrake and Wm Parry , six months and hard labour ; Benjamin Wlthingstono and . 5 'hos . Prout , six months and hard labour .
{ Sentences by Mr . Baron Rolfe . ) Croxton , Ratnbone , Brunt , Johnston , and Wilkinson , were , with the exception of the last prisoner , found guilty of a burglary fa the house of Mr . Griffin , a solicitor , on th 16 th of August . Croxton and Batbbpne were transported for lite ; Deane and JohnBton were transported for fifteen year *; Simpson and Sp ilsbury were transported for ten years ;
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Brunt was sentenced t # one . year ' s imprisonment in Stafford gaol , and bard labour . This terminated the proceedings of the day .
( Fromanolher Correspondent ) STAFFORD . —Mondat NIGHT . the work goes on at a rattling pace . The Ellis tragedy has advanced another stage . Ellis has been convicted— "Guilty , my Lord ; " and now he has to undergo its last scene—sentence , transportation , and death . The " Guilty" verdict was not generally antleipatci The defence of the prisoner , by Mr . Allen , was most complete and unanswerable . The impossibility of the prisoner being present at the fire at . which he wm charged with assisting , was proved to demonstration It was observed , however ; that the Solicitor-General was more severe than be was ever before known to be er was thought capable of being . It was evident that bis heart was bent on obtaining this conviction beyond any other or all ethers .
The Judge ' s summing up was far from impartial . He took no notice of the fact that there was but one witness to support the charge , and that such witness was prove ! to be altogether unworthy of credit , by the glaring variation between his evidence and his depo sitions . . ¦ Never bave we observed the magisterial occupants of the bench so eager as on the present occasion . The ; had hungry hankerings after O'Neil , Cooper , and others , but Ellis was their "dish of peacock' s brains . " Ellis bad beaten them at a county meeting—held in that very court He had sat as chairman in that very chair now occupied by the Learned Judge ; he bad lashed them for their vices , their folly , and their ignorance , till they ran out in dismay , and left him master of the meeting which they had themselves called . There was wounded henonr , then , acting in aid of their political prejudices , and urging them to crush the galling memento of their own mental inferiority .
One by one did these " pillars of the state" drop in and crowd the bench , as the latter part of the summing up was being delivered . This over , the Jury went through the farce of retiring . In so doing , they passed to a ipom behind the Judge , through a door close at the left of Lord Ingestrie , the foreman of the Grand Jnry . It will be many a year before we forget the look of searching inquiry which bis Lordship gave as the twelve arbiters of his digestion tor the day ' s dinner passed at the skirts of bis cut-away coat ; bat tbeix look of humble deference was consolatory . A few minutes elapsed and the door again opened , and out came the twelve , smilng with the consciousness of having done a profitable action . Then their names were read over , and then the names of the prisoners ; a stoppage at each to enable Mr . Bellamy to record their fate . Soon came the name of William Ellis . " Guilty , " said the foreman , and looked up to Lord Ingestrie , aa much as to say , " What do yon think of that , my Lord ? Do you eall that nothing ?"
The bench now grew chatty . Spite of their confidence in the jury selected by one of themselves there had been misgivings . Follett , leaning forward , his face up , and supported by bis band , appeared bursting with joy , but he made an effort , and controlled its exhibition . It Was not so , however , with his helpers ; theirs was lusty grin . ' The spectators iu the body of the court were taken by surprise . Those who were hostile to Ellis , in consequence of bis political principles , were consoling themselves with the hope of catching him by some of the other indictments foe riots , sedition , &c His trendsand the poor fellow has many—were heart-broken ]
His . wife !—ah ! here we might tell of the shrieks of a frantic woman—happily , however , destitute of consciousness for several hours—deprived of a husband whom she adored , and driven for the remainder of her days to a Poor Law Bastile . But the tale would be useless . She has four young children , and another will soon add to her misery . Till this last affair they were comparatively happy . Ellis was always opposed to physical force , and was constantly denouncing it , and even disliked all allusion to it He was beloved by all who knew him . It is difficult to calculate the amount of happiness which such a man is capable of creating and reflecting . But all now is blasted !
( From our own Correspondent . ) Stafford , Wednesday Night . This week is big with importance , interest , and instruction to the people . The transactions of this week have imparted to the people instructive lessons , that have sunk deep into their hearts—lessons which will not be easily forgotten—lessons that will guide them in their future mode of action—lessons , whioh if they do not make them as " mild as doves , " will make them " as cunning as serpents . " That such will be the effect of these lessons the governors aud tyrants of the people will ere long know . Mad must be the man and little acquainted must he be with the nature of the human heart and the character of Englishmen who supposes that the : terrors of a special commission will have the effect
of strangling Chartism . There have been charges of police , special constables , yeomanry , infantry , and cavalry upon the people —there has been blood spilled—there have been lives lost—there have been arrests—there have been committals—there has been a Special Commission , and under the S p ecial Commission there have been heavy and awful sentences —which will exile for ever from their native land many an affectionate husband—many a dutiful child—many a dear relative . These exilen will leave behind them heart-broken wives , orphan children , and afflicted relatives . What will be the result of those appalling visitations upon the people I The question may be illogically answered by another question . What , in answer , may be asked , has been
the result of the persecution inflicted upon Christianity I What has been the result of the exiles , burnings , executiocs , hangings and drawings , which the founders of the glorious Reformation endured ? What has been the result of the tyranny exercised under a weak and imbecile-French monarch and his despotic Ministers \ What has been the result of all those persecutions but the wide spread of the mild precepts of Christianity ? What has been the result of those persecutions but the establishment of the glorious reformation 1 What has been the result of the despotism practised in France , but the raising of the standard of freedom upon the ruins of tyranny ,
and over the fallen heads of those despots who induced a weak , enfeebled , priest-ridden monarch , to suppose that his fiat was the dictum which his subjects would slavishly obey ? When the English people know what have been the results of those persecutions , is it to be wondered at that they should expect that similar results would follow their present struggles and their present sufferings in the glorious cause of liberty 1 Such are their expectations , and such expectations they will as certainly realise as the morrow ' s sun rises . Howover , as speculation , no matter how well or how firmly established , is not the point which at this crisis attracts public attention , it is better to hasten to the events of the week than to indulge
in it . The Grand Jury have not as yet ignored a single bill . Faithful to their duty they have found true bills in every instance , and having done so adjourned to the 24 th . In the whole 130 bills have been found , including in the same indictment five , ten , fifteen , twenty , and thirty persons . Since Monday thirtfthree fresh bills have been prepared . By way or digression , it may be remarked that exclusively of the 270 prisoners to be disposed of at the Commission , the Calendar for the Sessions which open 3 on the 18 th inst ., contains 186 prisoners , classed aa follows : — Read and write well ... ... 18 Ditt , ditto , imperfectly ... ... SO Read well ... ... 42 Read imperfectly ... ... ... 59 On bail ... 13
Total 186 There are in gaol 815 prisoners . It is generally understood that all the prisoners sentenced to transportation will be conveyed away in the Bame manner that Frost , Williams , and Jones were hurried off—at a minute ' s warning , ana in the dead of night . This is a species of refined cruelty worthy a Christian country .
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4 , THE NORTHERN STAR . , . . i t - —i > - ^ i , ¦*¦ ¦¦ — ¦ ¦¦ ¦¦ ¦¦¦ - ¦ - ¦¦ " ' ¦¦ ¦¦ ' — -,- «»»~ fc > ^— _ ltll ' _ - i . -.. ( llll ¦ ' ; i in ¦ iiiibiii ¦ . i
To The Readers Of The "Northern Star."
TO THE READERS OF THE "NORTHERN STAR . "
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TRIAL AND ACQUITTAL OF MR . THOMAS COOPER . It was a most fortunate circumstance that M * Cooper severed in his challenges and plea . If he bad not , he would , like Mr . Ellis , have been sacrificed . Although assisted iu legal points by Mr . Lee and Mr . Alien , he defended himself . His cross-examination of the witnesses was truly admirable , and even attracted the amazement of the cool , deliberate , and oily Solicitor-General . The Crown having closed its case , whioh was bolstered up by a worthy named Bramhall , a spotles 3 character , who was proved to have been drunk on the night on which he said that he saw Mr . Cooper near Mr . Parker ' s , when his house was fired , and who was also proved to have in his possession two bottles of wine as he left Aitken ' s , and who , when he was asked by another to share his booty with him , said "No ! d—n your eyes , go get them , as I do " : the Crown , an T « airl . bavins nlnsed its case .
Mr . Coopeb rose , and in one of the most souletirring and thrilling defences that has ever been heard within a court of criminal justice , defended himself . He gloried in belonging to a country which boasted of a Raleigh , a Latimer , and a Ridley . He declared himself a Christian in the fallesi sense of the word , a lover of peace , an enemy to drunkenness , outrage , and the burnings that were lately perpetrated . He proved that all his speeches were calculated to induce the people to observe peace , law , and order He then gave an account of his progress through life , of his self-education , and of the small sum ( ten shillings a-week ) which he had to support himself He reiterated the facts which he related , as to his movements at the time that he was' arrested , and concluded by invoking the vengeance of heaven upon bis head , if he had in any way encouraged the oatrages , or had seen a blaze or even a spark , on ins night of the 15 th Au £ U 3 t .
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Oct. 15, 1842, page 4, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct775/page/4/
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