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TO THE IMPERIAL CHARTISTS.
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MIDLAND CIRCUIT.—DERBY. Monday , Mabch 20.
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.-..UTr 1 Cfoarttgt EttWiutfnce.
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3fjjrtfjcomtns £%ani&t $&e*litt£0
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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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YEBBATIM REPORT OP THE CHARTIST TRIALS AT LANCASTER . IN THE PRESS AND SHORTLY WILL BE PUBLISHED , A VERBATIM EEPOBT OF THE BECENT TBIALS OF FEARGUS O'CONNOR AND 58 OTHERS , AT LANCASTER , FOB KIOT , SEDITION , TUMULT , AND CONSPIRACY . THE above Work will be Published in Weekly Numbers of 64 Pages of Royal Octavo , Edited by FEARGUS O'CONNOR , E-q ., Barrister-at-Law , and to whioh will be added A SHOUT ACCOUNT OF THE CAUSES OF TBE DISTURBANCES OF AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER LAST , With Notes of on the Trial ; also aDedication to Baron ROLFE . A SPLENDID PORTRAIT OF THE JUST JUDGE WHO PRESIDED , WILL BE PRESENTED WITH THE LAST NUMBER ( GRATIS ) To those who have been Subscribers to the Work . The Portrait wiD be Executed with a view to its being placed asa Frontispiece , and when completed , which will be in about four Numbers ; the whole will make a valuable Work . Price 7 d . a Number , in' a wrapper . The Portrait gratis . ^ . # ¦ Snbscribera and Agents are requested to give their Order 3 to Cleave , 1 , Shoe Lane , Fleet Street , London ; Heywood , 60 , Oldham Street , Manchester ; and Hobson > Northern Star Office , Market itreet , Leeds . The first Number will be Published on Monday , 27 th March , and the subsequent Numbers will be Published Weekly .
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jfy deab Twesds , —There are a great many flikgs abtmt which 1 have propheded for jon . Ill jell yon some of them . "When the Whig rascals sent ne to York Castle for eighteen months lot copy ing four rery Inoffensive lines from another newspaper " into the Northern Star about a poor 35 ^ le boy ^ lio ms l > ar > orpasly treated hy iheWarjuinster Gnardians , and every word of which I Relieve Jo be trues I then recommended yon to join
is ousting the Whigs , and expressed my hope that Jhe Tories would hare an overwhelming majority , BoJ-frsin Jove of their policy or their measures , but upon the old prmciple . ef . -Igive a rogne rope enough " I ssid that a balance « f parties , or nearly so , tronld fee j great evil—one nppnTvMehJkgitimacy sad consiitniioBality , precedent , and custom , would play » Btray pole" j or , as we call it in Ireland , Wady Bncketiy"
—« Bere we go np , np , np , and here we go down , down , doTraey ; «« Bere w go backwards and forwards , and into London to-smey . " There 13 in reality no difference between Whigs and Tories in the House of Commons ; but the psities , outside , are distinguishable by their politics jn power ihe Whig Administration was notgnfi-© ectlj liberal for the Whig constituency , while the Tories in power are too liberal for the Tory constituency , not so much in practice as in speech .
Agsin , when the Tories proved the strength of ifcair majority npon that gigantic measure , the Tariff szi iLe Incoirte Tax , 3 prophecied firsily , thai jtnssell and Peel would unite in trampling upon oar liberties , if the Tariff should fail in giving the anticipated impetus to "trade . I told you that the Tariff jroald be an incalculable benefit to the higher and jnidale clsss ^ s , and but of Tery little benefit id the working orders . I told jonxhat the free trade men ¦ would B 0 Te heayeD and ^ arth to frustrate the Tanj £ and that Peel would persecute the Chartists for their opposition of tne LeagEe . I told yon that a strong opposition "would be formed against 4 he very name of Toryisms and now , that I haTe been right in eaeh and every oae of iej predictions , Eubseqaeni events
iare proTed . Trie opposition to widch I looked Jarw&iJ h" ~ aot been formed in tbe House Of Gomjnons , because the ad-ranee of the public mind has paralysed Little Russell and Iris Whig constitutionalists , and h * 3 induced tflem to confederate , coabine , and . conspire with Peel and his associates to resist the march of intellect . Men like Bnssell and Paiiaerston are only liberal -when xhs public mind can be tickled with phrases , or subdued by Irate feree ; but cow they hare discrimination esongh to see thai ibe opposition ha 3 been formed orr of thjb Hocsz ; and that , however ihe force of Parliament may , for a season , hold opinion in SEDJecSOD , yet are the days of legitimacy numbered , and count but few .
The storm in the tea-pot , created by the pcSng of ihe League is more than finssell «»» bear , -while lie hnirieane of Chartist opinion is too powerful for the League . Pesi is bat little afraid of Russell ; Russefl is dreadfully afraid of the League ; and the League ^ t 2 i more in dread of the Charsiscs ; the opposirion , notwithstanding , is being formed ont-Ede s « an opposition against which Peel and Russell will unite , but in va ^ n . As soon as the hollowieartedness , the ignorance , the seH-iniermedness , the prtfi'sacy , the want of character , and brutality of the League snficiently develop * themselTes—and they are marching on with rapid strides—then the good of all classes will unite for ihe subjugation ef Toryism , « f Whiggerv , of Wnig-Torjism , and of Torv-Whisism .
Il is for that reason and wiih tiat view Utai I hx * e laboured hard and br&Tad all to keep the party of the people together , so that they may , "when the hvnr for union comes , be the mountain , the magnet , to which all attractable bodies come . Should the day ever arrive when tke working cla-sea shall again be contented with , a secondary position in agitation , the work of later years will bare been pulled down and om successors will be compelled io go through the sarue pr ^ leminary labour of naVing the people a distinct political body .
The practical changes aiikipatea from what was called the Baform Bill haTe not xaken place . The Bill itself was " a mere conferring of representation nj--on a heap of newly acquired property ; while the Poor Law Amendment Act , the Corporation Btiann Bill , and she appointment by Russell of a baieh -o ? ignorant , pnrse-proad , iiard-hearted , self-EE&cient magistrates , were the projected cetails for conferring a final immortality upon Whiggery . Rosell actually looked n ^ on those measures and appointments as boons , for which the recipients and the community at large should be grateful . They were to be as toys in the Lands of cailoren , but those in whose keeping they hare been intrusted , had felt a growing and more vital interest
in ihtcx exerrase + ?*¦*• " Bnssell ever dreamed of- It is <¦ desire to use this machinery , placed in the hands of the mannfactnrers for their own exclusive benefit , that has given to that order the appearance of so much power—nay , the reality of so much power . ?> ow if ever there was a blunder committed by a saieanai , is svas in etmfertmg magisterial authority npon ignor&n ; and selfish manufacturers . Had he confined the appointments to individuals of his otto poT tical creed , persons of the Whig , bnt not of the steam order , he and hi 3 party might have derived incalculable support from them in ihe hour of need , but their duty to themselves has blinded them in their duty to their maker , and they have turned against ^ Tn- *
Kow , all these are fearful odds to contend SEainsi ; yet have I no fear . I believe that « aergy , perseverance , and honesty , will accomplish any thing , and-1 do not see a very herculean work in breaking down Peel , the Duke , and their Btrong Government . Bnt to effect this , we must Tdxtb inch machinery as the law allows , and as ou own materials can furnish . It woald not be just to those parties who mat / be caB ? d up for jnd ^ ment , { bnt which 3 do not anticipate ) to proceed to the election of a new Executive tmtTi all are npon a perfect equality as to position . I bare had many , Tery many narrow escapes , and I never blamed any person for the awkwardnesses in
* hich 1 have been freqenOy placed ; however , for the sake of the bedj , and , above all , for the sake of car cause , I hare at length y 5 e ] ded to the applica-&ns of several good men , and consented that my Ease sh&nldbe placed before the Chartist body as a eaadidaie for the « mce of Execntine Committee man . Should I be elected , 3 Ehall render my services gratuitously , and whether I am or not , it is my dettr-Eusation to Ecbmit to the country a vigorous , a bold , S £ d a corceBtrated action on behalf of the Charter . I * m of opinion thai a vigorous struggle ju 3 l now , "Would p ace Lhartism in the ascendant , and that the undivided attention of five good sound rational honest men , would be machinery quite sufficient to KSibat faction .
You msy rely npon it , that we owe no part of our escape from the jaws of a dungeon to PeeJ . 2 < o , t o- He locked nptn the late trials as a Chartist extinguisher ; we will turn them into a Chartist ia z- ' io light us in our progress . 1 have the vanity to belitTe that ihe country will approve of a proposition which I mean to make * iru the argument in arrest of judgment is over , til then I TFoald not feel myself justified in making eren a suggestion , while the hands of some of onr ** st men are tied . I trust that while my plan will i * re the ment of bong safe and inexpensive , it will *^ o lay the foundation of a union which cannot be fetarbea while it will reconcile all past differences ^ make U 3 what wrought to be , a bundle of sticks ^ stead of a rope of sand .
3 nave just heard of the acqnittal of John West , file Irish . 2 gitator , atDerby , after a splendid defence . ¦ Afi these things convince me that we haTe created a P&lic opinion stronger tham bad law , and that we tott require energy , freedom , and courage to turn it touc ouiit . : " I &m more i >> yn ever convinced of the grounds ^ Ptm Tfticb . I anticipate * gjorions termination of ^ Lancaster triumph , for triumph it was . 1 learn that there are yet some inarlers growling * b «» t the country , but to publio opinion I look for &ar
correerion-Tne Government had every hope of annihilating Itarfeus O'Connor and the Star , for that was the ^^ object ; but thanks to justice , both have
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escaped their fan £ s . Peel and his " strong Government" are at their wil ' s end , and having failed in the last resource of Toryism—persecution , I am anxious to see to what they will next direct their attention , as they now find they cannot put down opinion or suppress agitation . I am , my friends , Your faithful servant , PSAHGBS CCOKHOB .
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( Before Mr . Baron Alderson . J SEDITION . John West , aged 25 , ¦ was indicted for having , at S * adlinccte , on i . he 18 ih of September last , vnck ^ iy , InaEciously , and seditiously uttered certain words concerning © or sovereign lady the Queen . ~ $ It . Waddixgtox and Mr . Macaulat appeared in supDort of the prosecution . The prisoner conducted his own defenca .
Mr . Waddisgtos stated that the prosecution had been instituted by the magistrates of the district in which the alleged offenca was committed . The prisoner was charged with having , on Sunday , the 18 th of September Jast . -utterad , in the presence of a large number of persons a discourse of an inflammatory and seditious character , calculated to incite persons to commit acts of outrage and insubordination . Tie law upon the subject was this : —the firbt duly of every subject was to obey the existing law , but it was the privilege certainly of all to complain , either in pnblic or private , of any particular law which they might consider injurious to themselves or tte country ax large . Ijiglishmen had a right to meet together , and discuss the merits of the laws by which they wtre governed , subject to one
restriction viz ., that it must be done m a way not to excite disturbance ef the public peace . Their complaints should be pointed at some particular grievance , and not be levelled generally against all law and order . They must not call on parties to combine together to subvert the constitution ; and all persons using langnage calculated to promote acts of insubordination were * . tdliy of sedition . The facts of the case were as follow . In Angusi asd September la ?* , Staffordshire , Derbyshire , and some neighbouring counties were in a state of di sturbance and rioi , owing to a disagreement between masters and men upon the subject ofwaj ; es . The prisoner had , npon more than ote occisiou , addressed large assemblies of miners and potters on the borders of Staffordshire , who had tamed oat on
jhe day in question , being a Sunday . The prisoner addressed an assembly of about two hundred on Gresley Common , taking a text from Scripture . In the progress of his discourse he had uttered these "worcs i " We are told to nnke together to oppose the abominable laws which stop our rights by class legislation . " * We must be alive and active , for as long as we Eleep quiet we shall not get our rights from the aristocracy . " " We mn 3 t combine together to open the" locks of the prison doors , and liberate
those of our brethren who are confined for asking our rights . " " We have no right to be content with the abominable laws whieh are entailed upon ub . " These were the words used ; no one could mistake their tendency ; and it wonld be for ibs prisoner to explain them away if he could . The meeting commenced by singing a hymn , after which the prisoner took his text from the first chapter of the 2 d of Peter , the 4 h and three following verses . He spoke for an bonr and a-half , during which he Uttered the expressions for which he had been indicted .
The Defendant requested that all the witnesses mieht be ordered out of Court . Tae Learned Judge said that was a request which could not be complied with , but directed that a l those who "were not under examination should go out of iearing . John Ihomas Woodhouse examined—I am mining agent of ihe collerie 3 of ibe Marquis of Hsstings and those' of Mr . Court Granville . The Marquis employs 400 men , and Mr . Court Granville 200 . In August last , there was some discontent on the part
of ill . Court Granville s men , -which led to a turnout ; the-men returned to their work on the 30 ih of August . Meeting 3 were held while the celliers were out . The colliers turned cnt throughout the whole of Staffordshire ; the nearest point of the Staffordshire <* olJieries was thirty miJes cff . Church Gresley ¦ was sbon ! fonr miles from the borders of Staffordshire . Chartist meetings were held in the neighbourhood of Church Gresley . I was told there would be a meeting on the 18 th of September and I gave directions for special constables to attend it .
Cros 3 examined by defendant—You state there was a disagreement between the colliers and their employers—what was it ?— The colliers turned put for an advance of wages . The mining districts of Staffordshire , you say , are thirty miles off you ? —Yes . John Charlton examined—I live at Swadlineote ; am a police officer there . On Sunday the 18 th of September , I was informed a meeting was to be held there ; 1 received orders to watch their proceedings . I went to Church Greriey Common , which is about a quarter of a mile from Church Gresley ; there were about 130 or 140 persons there when I arrived . Most of ihem -were -working peop ' e^—colliers and potters . This -was between two and three o'clock
in the afternoon . I know West now , but I did not know him then . West did rot live in the neighbourhood- ; he was elevated on a stool form , and was giving out a hymn . A short time after he took a text ; it was from the 1 st chapter of tho 2 nd Epistle of Peter , the fourth and three following verses . I took notes of some parts of his address ; he spoke an hour or an hour and a-half . He said— We aTe told to -unite together to oppose the abominable laws whieh stop our rights by class legislation . " He had , perhaps , spoken ten or fifteen minutes before he said this . About four or five minutes after , he said— " We mu 3 t be alive and active , for as long as we keep quiet we shall not get our rights from the aristocracy . " After some time , he said— " We must combine together io break open ,
or , and break open tbe prison doors , and liberate those OTtr bielhren that are confined for askingfor our rights . " He used the word " our" to the best of my knowledge . After a short time ; he E 3 id— " We have no right to be content with : thess abominable laws that are entailed upon ns . " I ; only took down such words as 1 thought improper to i be used . He appeared to open hi 3 discourse in a religious strain , but he did not go back to religious subject ? again . He talked afterwards about politics , J and said a good deal about Church and State . The | audience w » 3 q « iet . 1 did not interfere till they began to make a collection ; defendant said it was for assisting in the defence of his brethren confined j ia gaol . 1 said I would not allow & collection to be j made ; they then desisted . I went to defendant at a house aftciwards . He was not committed till :
October . Cross-examined by Defendant—After the hymn , was there not something else ! Do you recollect what it was ? Something meant for prayer ; 3 considered it a mockery . D : d yon not hear me gi ^ e thanks for an abundant harvest ! 1 will not say I did not . I heard you read the text . I heard you divide it . 3 do not remember your explanation of virtue . Do you not recollect it was—purity and uprightness of our lives ! No , I heard you divide the text and attempt to explain it . but I cannot remember what it was . I heard you mention moral duties . Do yon not recollect that I described temperance as not consisting so much in moderation in eating and drinkinga 8 inourlanguageandactions ? ho , I cannot say what your words were . Do yon recollect what 1 described godliness to be ? No . Do you not
recollect that I said that we found it in the character of Christ ? No ; 1 remember your quoting from the 42 d chapter of Isaiah , and to tbe best or my recollection it was the 6 : b verse . Was it not that passagQ _« The spirit of the Lord God is upon me ; because the Lord batb annointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek ; he hath sent me to bind np the broken hearted , to proclaim liberty to the captives , and the opening of the prison to them that are bound V Those are not the words you used ; fou did not ute them at that time as you do now . > id not 1 say that they could not do better than to contribute of their means to effect the opening of the prison doors to them that are bound ! Those are not the words . Let me see the words aB you took them . { The witness ga-ye the defendant his notes . ) Don ' t yon recollect any allusion to contributing of their means to obtain a fair trial for those that were in
prison ! __ - . „ , His Losdship here said—Why will you do yourself mischief by throwing rach imputations on the administration of justice ? Tho «« . yersons had a fair trial , and I will take care yon have . The defendant Baid he did not mean to throw out any such . insinuation , but he would explain himself to the Jury . Cross-examination continued—Was there any impression on your mind that what I said had a tendency to fcxeite the people 16 commit acts of violence I It would not have that effect on me , but 1 think it . would en other persons . There was no violence in yeur manner of speaking . You heard me explain patience—was there any particular cir-
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cumstance took plane at the time ? I recollect twr funerals passing . Do you recollect me telling them they must be patient under all the decrees of God I do remember . Do you recollect that I spoke of the necessity of patience under such circumstances ? Yes . Of the necessity of charity and brotherly kindness 1 Yea . Don't you recollect there wa > another hjmn given « ut , another prayer made , in ¦ w hich something was said about the harvest ; and that God ' s blessing was asked for her Majesty and
our rulers , that they might promote the happiness , morality , and contentment of the people ? Yes , something about it . Don't you recollect me sajinj ; . if ihe officer desire you to desist , we must obey , for 3 have no wi « h to commit any offence against the laws ? Yes ; I saw no disturbance at the meetina . 1 cannot . ay whether the meeting was calculated to create alarm . The first words afttr the meeting 1 said were ^—1 wished to know whether you intended to repeat your visit ] You said you did not know . I said it must be on Sunday .
The Defendant—I said I would come on Sunday if 1 came that way . By the Jcdge—Did not the defendant ask you to take the tenor of his discourse , and not particular passages ! No ; some parts of his speech wire calculated to excite the people to violence . The Judge—Why did you not take them down \ 3 should have taken more , but 3 broke my pencil . John Ensor—1 am in the employment of Mr Court Granville , as enginemau . 3 wa 3 a special constable , and was at the meeting on the 18 th September , at Swadlineote . I saw West there , and heard him make an appointment for a meeting on Gresley Common . 1 attended that meeting ; he was
discoursing when I got there . I took particular notice of what he said . Ho said , " we must be alive and active , for as long as we keep quiet , we shall not get onr rights from the aristocracy , " " We mnst combine together to break open the locks of the prison doors , and liberate those of our brethren confined for asking for our rights . " 3 saw the witness Charlton write it down . West said , " I am a Chartist , and all that are not Chartists hate me . " Cress-examined by Defendant—1 was there some time before you began to make use of those words 1 did not take down those -words in writing . 1 must remember some other words you said , bu' not particularly . Will swear you suid " We must combine together to break open , " not and .
The Learned Judge said this would not make any difference . Will you swear I did not use the word contribute ! 1 never heard it . How many times have you been instructed in this lesson ! None at all . Did you see Charlton write down the words ? 3 could not tell what he wrote when I could not read—( a laugh } . { The Learned JtrrGE said they did the defendant no good by laughing at the mistake of the
witness . 3 heard there was a a turn-out at Mr . Court Granville ' a colliery . 1 was not sent to the meeting ; I was there by accident . 1 have not be n told that 1 shall lose my employment if 1 did not consent to give evidence . I have not been drilled at all in these tales . Examination resumed—1 saw Charlton write while the defendant was speaking . Thomas Warren examined—I am a special
constable . On the 18 th of S = ptember I went to Gresley Common , and saw West there . He gave out a hymn . After the meeting I put down in writing what hp said . He said , " We are told to unite together to oppose those abominable laws which stop our rights by class legislation . We must combine together ; we must be alive « nd active ; for if we are quiet , we shall not get our rights from the aristocracy . We must combine together to break open the' locks oi prison doors , and to liberate our brethren confineo for asking for out rights . "
Cross-examined by Defendant—A bymn was given out and a prayer made , but 1 cannot recollect a sentence of what was said . 1 recollect the text being given and some of the wordB— " Whereby are given unto us great and precious promises . " I can ' t say how long you were before you used the words 1 wrote down . 1 cannot say 1 saw the two funerals . I set down the \? oid 3 when I pot home . Did not I use the word contribute ? I can ' t recollect that you did . This was the case for the prosecution .
The DiPESDANT then rose and addressed the Jury . He ssid if his words had been taKen fairly aown . and connected with the sentiments to which he gave utterance , they would not bear the meaning attributed to them in th < 3 iudictment . He felt—this being the first time in hiB life that he had been placed in such a position—the awkwardness of his situation , for it could not be supposed that a man in his humble condition could be acquainted with the points of law which it was tfesireabJe he should know . He bad , however , full confidence that his Lordship would aid him , as he had witnessed that he had done others on their trial at these Assizes , to obtain substantial justice . And , before proceeding
further , he vriahed to remove from his Lordship ' s mind die impression that he ( the defendant had any idea that the Chartists who were in prison would not have a fair trial . What he meant to say was , when urging the working claasess to contribute of their means { or their defence , that it was necessary to employ the best legal talent that they could obtain , and that this was expensive . Tiiere was no desire on his part to insinuate that he should not receive full justice both from his Lordship and the Jury . He begged the Jury to obseive that the accusation in the indictment—that he had told the people that they must not submit to the lawshad not been sworn to . He had ever contended that
the law must be obeyed * whatever it was , but if the law , in their opinion , was bad , they had no right to be content , and were entitled to seek its repeal . This was the right of every British subject , whether Tory , Whig , Radical , or Chartist . Tnere was nothing unlawful in the Charier , and those that believed it would be beneficial to themselves and the country , had an undoubted right to urge its adoption . There bad been an attempt made to connect him with the outbreak in Staffordshire , but it was not necessary for him to defend himself on that point . If such had been Mb object , he should not have chosen such a passage of the Word of God as he took for Ms text . He would appeal to their
common sense whether for . such a purpose he shonld have commented upon one of the most , beautiful enumerations of the moral virtues in the Scriptures . He had frequently witnessed with pain the ignorance , the poverty , and the distress of thousands and tens of thousands of hiB countrymen . Many of them never heard a single word respecting their social and moral duties , nor . were they ever directed to the promises of tho Word of God . This must be lamented by all benevolent men ; he had seen it and he bad done what he could to lay before them the true doctrines of practical Christianity . His Lordship in connection with others had noticed the want of moral and religions education amongst the great
body of tho working classes ; he felt this too , and he had taken tbe best passage he could select and most likely to aid him in instructing his fellow men . He considered it criminal in an ; man , who had the moams , not to confer the benefits on the ignorantand , humble as Ms station was , he considered it as his duty , as well as that ofthe richest of his countrymen , io do every thing he could to remove ignoracce and crime from the land ; he had only been doing his duty as a citizen in endeavouring to confer a benefit on Ms county . He could show , if necessary , that the language he had used was not to be compared for violence with that used by some Ministers of Religion and other persons in elevated stations . Gentlemen occupying the Magisterial benches
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had used language to which he dared not give utterance ; yet there was no notioe taken of them , no s-teps taken to arrest and puuish them . He would prove too that tho disturbances that had occurred had been significantly hinted at on tbe magisterial bench , but no notioe waB taken of their language . It was a hard thing to define sedition ; sometimes language is considered seditious , which afterwards the Government of the day sanctions ; and those demands are persecuted for sedition whioh afterwards become the la * of the land . John Stubbs was prosecuted fur moving a resolution to tho effect that Macclesfiold ought to return two members of Parliament , and was sent to prison ; but some years
afterwards Thos . Grimsditch , Esq ., moved a similar n-solution , in nearly the same words , and it was tolerated by Government , and he is now sitting member for MacclesGuld . He hoped those that conducted this prosecution on the part of tho Crown would not be nibbling at the buds and lot the tree alone ; this they were doing by prosecuting him , while they passed by unheedrd the more violent language of men in a higher place in society . If Magistrates did these things he had a right ro do so , for they were men occupying stations in which they ought to be qualified to make the distinction between right and wrong . Lord Chief Justice Tindal , who was an honour to his country , had
aid it down asa rule that persena carried away by the warmth of their feelings should be judged by the whole tenor and tendency of their discourse , not by isolated word ? and selected -passages . Now , they would observe in the evidence against him that day there were no connecting passages given by the witnesses . It was evident they were drilled ; they knew nothing , nor could they remember any other words that followed those which they had got off by rote like a parrot . The witness , Cbarlton , admitted that he ( the defendant ) was temperate in his language and actions . If he advised those persons who heard
him not to let their passions get the better of their judgment , he thonght it could not enter into the minds of the Jury that he had any such intention as that imputed to him . His object was to inculcate moral dut-ies on those who will not go to Churoh ; surely if they would not go to any place of religious -worship , and would hear a working man on these subjects , it was no crime , but an honour to instruct those who would otherwise be given up to drunkenness , fighting , and quarrelling . One of the witnesses said that he ( the defendant ) said he was a Chartist . He was a Chartist . He believed the
Charter necessary to preserve the institutions of the country . He did not wish to overturn tho Constitution . Hp loved it . He wanted to be placed within its pale . He wanted to be represented with other Commoners iu Parliament . He hoped they would not think he was necessarily engaged in a bad cause tor wishing to be represented in the House of Commons . He had said that the people had no right to sit down contented with the abominable laws which excluded them from the privileges of the Constitution . If he had sinned in using such language he had sinned in good company . The Tories had Baid the New Poor Laws , were cruel and abominable , and they had not used the mildest means to obtain
a repeal of them ; they would recollect meetings on this subject composed of two or three hundred thousand persons at which the strongest resolutions were passed . There was another class , comprising persons of great wealth and high atandinq , which Bought the repeal of the corn and provision laws , which they did not hesitate to say were abominable . Not one of these persons was brought to trial , but he hoped that the gentlemen who instituted these proceedings against him would see that these things were looked after . Surely when a gentleman of high standing said , " he was astonished at the apathy of the metropolis —the time was past for talking , they must do something—they must have a Committee for publio
safety . " [ The Learned Judge said the defendant was using a bad argument ; it was bo justification of his conduct if he had done wrong that others had done so too . If suoh parties were brought before the tribunals of the country , and Juries were independent enough to convict them , the Judges would take care they were puiuhed 1 My reason for alluding to this language ia to Bhow that -what is an offence bow may become law . [ His Lordship said ihere were many things unlawful now that oould not become law , such as robbery and murder . The best argument of the defendant was—that it was not fair to take a passage or two from a long speech , without showing the tenour of tho speech . Nothing
was more unfair than taking part of a sentence and giving it as evidence . They would remember a person being charged with saying" There is no God , " when he had connected it with " Tho fool hath said in his heart . " ] The defendant thought he might safely trust his cause in the hands of his Lord&hip . He had witnesses to call to prove that he did not use the words in the sense imputed to him , but merely called upon them to contribute of their means for the deliverance of their brethren . The fact of his attempting to make a collection proves what his intention was . The fact was sworn to that he prayed , though it was said it was a mockery : he considered that he did it in sincerity ;
his respect for the day , the morals of the people , and his own welfare , would prevent him from making a mockery of prayer . When he prayed to God to give her Majesty wisdom to govern the kingdom , he did it with sincerity . He had addressed meetings of two , three , or four thousand person ? , and had always selected those parts of the word of God for texts which showed the importance of practical Christianity . He would appeal to their good sense , whether it was likely that he should go there , under &uch circumstances , and say they must combine to break open the prison doors . The constable
wished me to desist , but I said no—the hearts of the constables may be touched and receive some moral advantage as well as others . He would ask again , if it w « re his object to excite the people te riot aud insubordination , whether he should not have selected a more inflammatory kind of text ? This showed his peaceable disposition ; he thought the idea that he wished to promote an outbreak could not enter into the head of any individual who 1 did not wish to make out a case . He hoped the Jury would not fail to take the tenor of his discourse into their consideration .
Tne Learned Judge , in summing up , said there were few persons , not accustomed to public speaking , that did not say stronger things and use stronger words than they intended . With respect to action the case was very different , for there they had something definite and precise . The Jury ought to have a clear and distinct idea of the tenor of the defendant ' s discourse . Let us see what he is charged with . ( His Lordship then read a passage from the indictment charging him with endeavouring to form a conspiracy to resist the laws , and to procure by violence a change of tho Constitution , ) His Lordship was of opinion that the people should be
permitted to state their grievances openly ., and to seek redress by proper means . The evidence was not complete , the Jury ought to have had more of the context , and agaiuiadduced the instance of a person being charged with saying "There is no God — when h » used the whole passage and said— " The fool hath said in his heart there ia no God . " Suppose the defendant had said— " We are told we must eonbine together and oppose those abominable laws whieh stop oar rights by class legislation ;" bat , suppose he had added that it is not the way , that is not correct . He did not know that the words attributed to the defendant
were seditious ; it was very common to say a particular class made the laws , having the power to return members to Parliament . This law might be igod or bad , but some persona might choose to call
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the law abominable because they were excluded from the privilege ; but if this were done to create violenoe . no law could stand . The defendant said alas — " We must be alive and active , " bnt did he mean active to resist by violence , or in remonstrance Hie language was capable of both significations ; and if there was ambiguity in the expressions used , they should give the defendant the advantage of it . He said they must combine to break open the prison doors and liberate their brethren . They ought to have had the context with this passage to ; show its design . If the defendant meant , as he said he did , that they
should have the benefit of Counsel op their trial , he was not prepared to say that his [ object was not praiseworthy ; bat if he meant that they should combine to liberate them by force , ! he was guilty . If , however , to break open was used as-a metaphor , it was not more than orators were acsustomed to say when they intended only moral means . If they were Satisfied that there was not sufficient evidence to convict the defendant , they would acquit him . If they thought otherwise , they would find him guilty ; and he hoped the Juries ! of the country would have the courage to do their duty , and he was sure the Judges would do theirs .
After some time , the Jury expressed a wish to retire . j The Judge directed them to remember that all they had to consider was , whether tbe language said to be used by the defendant would bear the construction put upon it in the indictment . The meeting appeared to have been quiet ; there was no outcry or appearance of violence , and tho defendant should have the benefit of it . After a short cousultation , the Jury returned a verdict of Not Guilty . Hi « Lordship said— " I quite approve of your verdict . " William Wildgoose and fourteen others were charged with assembling together to turn out workmen . They pleaded Guilty , and were ordered to enter into their own recogiiizaucos in the sum of £ 100 to keep the peace .
The Learned Baron told them they had teen in great jeopardy , as the offences with which they were charged were serious . It would be as well , perhaps , if they were to know what their rigniiS upon the subject for which they were indicted were and what they were not . They had a right to meet and agree together as to tho wages ! they should demand from their employers ; but nojright to compel others to follow the same course . The freedom they claimed for themselves they were bound to allow to others—thatwaa only justico , and was both the law and the prophets .
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DUBLIN . —Tho Irish Universal Suffrage Association held their usual weekly meeting ^ at two o ' clock , on Sunday , the 19 h instant , Mr . William Dunne in the chair . Mr . D . Keegan was appointed Secretary to the meeting , Mr . Dyott having been absent in consequence of a severe cold . The Secretary read the objects and rules of the Association . Several letters were read from various parts ' of the country . Some new members were proposed ; and , notice of motion for tbe admission of others having been given , Mr . O'Higgins , in a luminous speech of unanswerable facts , from Parliamentary records and other authentic sources , brought forward the
resolution , of which notioe had been given on the previous Sunday , and which were duly advertised in the Freeman ' s Journal , the only newspaper in Dublin possessing one ray of independent principle . Had Mr . O'Higgin's speech been reported in the Dublin newspapers , it would have put an extinguisher upon the now nefarious scheme of sending the ejected tenantry out of the country to perish on the snows or in the morasses of Canada . He { proved to the BatiBfaotion of all present that Lord Stanley and the other rack-rent and absentee landlords were at the head of this expatriating society , formerly known as the North American Colonization Association , but now under tho more seductive and ! deceitful name
of the " Catholic Emigration Society . " Every one present was fully satisfied of the false statements put torth by this nigitioua society , for the purpose of inducing the poor Irish confiding ; ' labourer and artisan to quit his native laud , and go to Canada . The meeting expreesed its amazement and horror on learning that the patriot O'Connell wasono of the most prominent abelters of this hellish scheme , and that he had succeeded ia getting some ofthe Catholic olergy to join him in it—for instance , the Very Rev . Dr . Kirwan , V . G ., che Very Rev . A . Magee , D . D ., the Kev . Joseph Robson , the Vory
Rev . Dr . Yore , the Rev . Dr . O'Connell—while Daniel O'Connell himself is chief trustee . It is to be regretted that every conceived species of falsehood and misrepresentation havo been put forth in the prospectus of this Company , and that Irish Catholio olergy , who are teachers of and lovers of truth , have been induced , without due consideration it is hoped , to affix their names to this atrocious scheme . Mr . O'Higgins concluded jby moving the adoption of the following resolutions , and that a petition to Parliament be forwarded to Mr . Crawford for presentation to the House of Commons . Mr . Rafter seconded the motion , which passed unanimously : — :
"That the obvious tendency of thejCATHOLic Emigration SociETf— if not the real object—is to aid the Irish Protestant Colonization Association in clearing their estates of their Catholic tenantry . " That there is no provision made , ; nor intended to be made , nor can any by possibility jbe made , to insure the safety and preserve the health of the deluded emigrants . " That there is evidence before Parliament which proves that out of every two hundred 1 Irish Emigrants who arrive in Canada , there are not more than fifty alive in two years . ' " That it is an impious impeachment of the wisdom of Divine Providence to declare , as the Catholic Emigration Society does , that there are too many people born , that is to say , created . ;
" That it is derogatory to the dignity and injurious to tbe sacred office ef any Roman Cttholic clergyman to embark in any scheme for the expatriation of bis poor confiding countrymen , under any name , scheme , or device whatsoever . " That every male inhabitant of this empire of mature ago . no matter bow poor he may be , costs the country , at tbe very least , £ 100 before he comts to man ' s estate , and that , therefore , every man sent out of tbe country is a loss to tho country of £ 100 , in addition to which he takes -with him all the property he can collect
11 That very few emigrate except ; able-bodied labourers , and that they do so just at a time when they are able and wilting to make , by productive labour , a tenfold return for the cost of rearing them ; that , therefore , any scheme to send able-bodied labourers out of the land of their birth , but particularly ont of Ireland , U prejudicial to tbe best interests of tbe country , impolitic in principle , and iniquitous in practice . " That such of the Irish Clergy and laity as are promoters of this unprincipled scheme are , to a man ,
professed Repealers and patrons of native manufacture ; yet the means they hero propose for propelling the measure of Repeal is to transport Irish Catholics and sincere Repealers to a foreign and inclement clime , where certain death awaits them ; and the mode in which they here propose to encourage domestic manufacture is , to export our labourers ami art suns , in order to make them—to use tbe very words of the fourth and sixth propositions of their prospectus—" most profitable to the British nation by becoming extensive consumers of British manufactures \ ' . ' . "
" Patrick O'Higgins , President W . H . Dyott , Secretary . " Mr . Woodward was called to the chair , and the nenal vote of thanks were voted to Mr . Duoue . A Btranger who was present subscribed libstfaUy towards the expence of the petition . He said , that although he knew that the Association was right , yet he had not made up his mind tojoin . it ; but he would defend its principles anywhere . NOTTINGHAM . —At a public meeting , held in Riee-place , Chapel , on Monday evening , Mr . R . T . Muriaon in the chair , a petition in ! reference to the
atiUte disturbance was adopted , and advised to be forwarded to Mr . Duncombe for presentation . The following resolutions were also unanimously passed ;—** That this meeting returns its thtaits to Mr . Roberts for nil valuable services , and to P .. O'Connor , Esq ,, and the rat of the defendants at Lancaster ( Cartledge exeepted ) for their noble and uncompromising advocacy of the people ' a rights during feeir trials . " " That ; the beat thanks ot this meeting are due , and are hereby ten-<* : e& to oar worthy Chairman for his impartial conduct in the chair , and for the great exertions which he continually makes in our cause . " i
WUQHBOROUGH .-The Repeal gentry have had a famous thrashing here in the Theatre . One of their crack lecturers , a Mr . Clark , was handled by Mr . Skeviogtou " to his heart ' s content , and something max < i *
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NEWCASTLE . —Mr . Brsphy lectured in the Chartista' Hall , Goat Inn , on Sunday eveiing , with good effect : after which several nanu s were enrolled . A Delegate Meeting of the coal-miners of the Tyne was held in the Half Moon Inn , Byker , on Monday last Having elected a chairman and secretary , pro tern , the minutes of the previous District Delegate Meeting were read and confirmed . The delegates proceeded to give an account of the progress of their society
since last delegate meeting , which was very flattering indeed , and showed that the day was not far distant when the miserably-oppressed pitmen would bs fully able to take their own cause , effectually , into their own bands . It was lamentable to hear the delegates ' reports , the innumerable acts ot tyranny exercised by the coal-lords against the colliers in the Tarions collieries—all of them reducing the p » ce& below stiavation point—maifr of them discharge men for . no other fault than using their tffjrte to further the interests of their society—and several to whom tte tyrannical stave-drivera were compelled to give a good character as honest ' , Bober , and good workmen , were discharged because they committed the most heinous crinse of reading that poisonous journal , the Northern Star , —stating that bo long as the men were allowed to read- that lying journal the masters wovld never be able Ho- have due ¦
influence over their men : ¦ a : d this being inserted in their certificate of character prevents them being employed there or any place else . . There wa » a goodly number of delegates present , amongst whom tre recognised delegates from the following collieries , viz . ;—Kenton , St Lawrence , Segfcill , East Cranrtisgton , Walker , King Pit \ Wreckington ) , West Cramltnton , Sberriff Hill , Ptnuberton , West Moor , besides several others whose constituencies we could not leans ; A great deal of local business transpired , which was agreeably stamped with perfect unaniniitv r each resolution * being Brat ably discussed pro and con , was unanimously agreed to . II their tyrannical drivers bad seen the bcaiuess-Iike munnev ia which everything , was brought forward and diauussed , —whether they attributed it to > their frequent reading the Northern StiiT , or to whatever other c luse , —it would make them tremble .
Another District Delegate MB 211 NG was held at Shinchff Mill Top , at the same time . Jc was unanimously agreed that the meeting should adjourn until Saturday , April 1 st , when it would be resumed in the above place , ( Half iloon Inn , Byker , ) at ten o ' clock in tbe tcftenoon oi that day , unleas £ Qe . delegates a $ Shin . cliffo shonld determine to hold a general delegate meeting on the same day , of which timely notice will be given ; they then separated , each delegate expressing his determination to do all that lay in one man's power to further tke cause for which they h 3 > l met . Several sums were paid for the benefit of the ScotcS C 0 llier 8 , besides sums to an incredible amount , considering the condition of the contributors , towards the general fund . The 11 s . , 64 . reported in last week's Star ^ to have been paid from Elinor , should be East Cratnlington and Sheriff Mill , instead of Shtfflald .
LONDON . —Walwokth . —The oause ia "on its legs agaiu" here . An apathy had overtaken the Chartists of this locality , but ; they have again aroused . A fivsh enrolment was made on Monday evening , and things promise well . Public meetings will hereafter be ho Men weekly at the Moutpelier Tavern , on Monday evenings . B 1 R > IINGHAM 'Jouncil Meeting . —The Council held its usual weekly meeting , at the Abhton-street room , on Monday last ,. A large number of tho members were present . After the collections were handed in , a debate ensued about
issuing cards , of the Birmingham Charter Association , as it wa 3 disputed whether the National cards could be legally circu ' atod among the members of the local body . * Tfte question after considerable discussion , was deferred for further debate , it was then resolved to hold a Conference of all the members on Monday next r March 27 th . at the Black Morse Inn , Prospect row , at seven o ' clock in the evening , when it , is to be hoped there will be a full attendance . The prospects of the body are every week becoming more promising . A . short time and it will be one of the most powerful democratic bodies in the country .
The jNational cards may be legally circulated among the members of the locality ; but must not be regarded as testg of membership for them . — Ed . N . S . Mb . White delivered a long address on the present state of the working classsg , in tho Asfcon-streefc Room , on Sunday evening . The meeting-room was well attended . Mr . Mead in the chair . The members of the council are specially to meet at the councilToom , on Sunday alternoon , at three o ' clock .
White ' s Trial . —As Mr . White's trial will take place in the course of a few days . It is the intention of a number of his friends to have a supper in honour of that gentleman , previous to his departure for Warwick . The number of tickets will be limited , and may be had at the Harp Inn , Steelhouse-lane , and Mr . J . Fallows , Monmouthstreet . * ABERDEEN . —On . Monday evening last , Mr Jobn Smart delivered a lecture in the Hall , No . 38 t George-street , on the causes of the existing distress . He said that class legislation was the root of the evil , and enumerated as an effect of that system ^ tho laws of entail and primogeniture ; tho expensive state church ; war ; the unlimited power of machinery ; ihe banting system under its present establishment ; the corruptions oi' law and its expensive and perverted administration .
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London . —Mr . Gondwyn Barmby will lecture on Sunday evening next , at the HaU , Turnagain-lane , Skinner-street . Mr . Fussell will lecture , on Monday evening , at the Southern Literary Institution , ( late Rotunda , ) Blaekiriars-road . The General Conference Committee and the Delegates to the Birmingham Conference are requested to meet on Friday evening next , at tho Crown and Anchor , corner of Bear Alley Farring dou-street . A Public Meeting will be held on Tuesday evening next , at the Hall of the National Association , Holborn , to adopt the National Remonstrance Chair to be taken at eight o clock . Martlebone . —Mr . Cameror will lecture at Mr Savage ' s , Circus-street , on Sunday next , at half-past seven in the evening .
Paddington .- —Mr . John Watkins will lecture to the Charter Coffee House , Edgoware-road , on Monday evening next , at eight o ' clock . Chartist Carvers and Gilders , Mr . Bailey ' s , 42 , New Compton-street , Soho . On ¦ Monday , evening next , Mr . Skelton will lecture on the foliowiag subject : — " Man—his rights- ^ -what are they . V Members and thd public are respectfully invited to attend . Cambeewell Chartists will meet as usual at the Cook Inn , March 27 , to hear Mr . JL Sewell deliver a lecture upon the principles of Republicanism . ' Other business of great importance will be brought before the meeting , involving the interest of the whole Chartist body , especially the Camberwell members .
Limebocse . —A lecture will be delivered at th& School Room , late Zion Chapel , Rope-makers * Fields , Limehouse , on Tuesday evening , next . Southwark Tea Party and Ball Committee . — The members of the above committee are requested to meot the secretary at the Black . Eagle , Parishstreet , Horseleydown , Southwark , at seven o ' clock on Sunday evening , 26 th March , for a final settlement of its affairs . A balance sheet will be publimbed for the satisfaction of the public . Padiham . —Oa Sunday next ., Mx . Isaac Barrow , of Bolioa , will deliver two sermon ^ in tee Chartist Association Room , Padiham , when collections will be made in aid ofthe Defence Fund .
Keighlet . —The next Delegate Meeting of * * district will ba holden in the Working Man ' s H ^ Sun-street , Katghley , on Sunday , the 2 ad April , at ten o ' clock in the forenoon . Bolton . —Mr . Peter Rigby will lecture in the Charter Association Room , on Sunday next , ( tomorrow , ) at six o ' clock in ibe evening , Nottingham . —The committee for establishing a Working Man ' s Hall will meet delegates from the various localities in Nottingham , on Monday evening , at eight o ' clock , at the Peacock Innv—A scries of experiments , illustrative of the science of Phreno-Magnetism , will take place at the Democratic Chapel , Rice-place ; the proceeds to be given to the Defence Fund .
Birmingham . —The monthly conference of the Chartists of Birmingham will bo held at the Black Horse Inn , P-ospeet-row , oa Monday next , the . 27 th inst ., at seven o ' clock in the evening . There ** will also be a grand ball and miscellaneous concert ^ to aid Mr . G : White's defence , on Tuesday the 23 th , at the Royal Oak , Little Ckarle 3-street ; ticksfca sixpence each . Manchester .- ^ Crofpek . 'Siieeet . —Mr . Jas . Benshaw < Juoper will lecture here on Tuesday evening next , at eight o ' clock , "On the Principle oiQooperation . " ¦ WEDNEsrctaY .. —Monday next , March 27 th , is th& day appointed for the assembling of the good ; and . true of South Staffordshire , to commemo ^ e the laying th&ftrst brick of the People ^ H all . Messrs . Cooper , O * Niel , Mason , and others , arc iavhed k » attend on that occasion .
Ms . West will visit Swadlineote on Sunday * the 26 th j Burton , on Monday the 27 th j Leicester oa Tuesday the 23 th ; Sbeepshead , on Thursday the 30 th ; Loaghborough , on Friday thft 31 st insfr . ; and at Nottingham on Sunday , AprU 1 st . ; SaUofl-in-Ashfield , on Monday the 2 ad ; Sheffield , on Tuesdays and Macclcsfield , on Thursday the ^ vpiecnji nrh Rochdale . —On Sunday nest , Ma ^ qiflfiffl . lwPEBb James Mills , of Whiiworth , will deSra& £ pfT ^ tl ^ v \ dresses in the Chartist As 3 ociation / R «^ lg ^ Mug ^^; s place ; one at half-past two o ' clockm ^ firikkeWoMfe ^ o ' 5 ^ V # the other at six in the ei eiiing . ! „ Fgt fSftiJf ^ GL VA * ' 183 $
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AND LEEDS GENEBAL ADYEBTISER .
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YOI- TI . NO . 280 . SATURDAY , MARCH 25 , 1843 . " n ro ™ Z ' «« I K * »
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^^ AJ- /* - s ^ Jh 44 * y ^^ uo ,
To The Imperial Chartists.
TO THE IMPERIAL CHARTISTS .
Midland Circuit.—Derby. Monday , Mabch 20.
MIDLAND CIRCUIT . —DERBY . Monday , Mabch 20 .
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.-.. UTr 1 Cfoarttgt EttWiutfnce .
3fjjrtfjcomtns £%Ani&T $&E*Litt£0
3 fjjrtfjcomtns £% ani&t $ &e * litt £ 0
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), March 25, 1843, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct795/page/1/
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