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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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THE SPECIAL COMMISSION TO " PUT DOWN" CHARTISM , rT » ES SIS J . POLLOCK , " PLAIN JOHN CAMPBELL " 1
HATKG FAILED . St afford , Fb . h > at Night . —Another alteration has t eVea p *** ^ P ^ P ^ arriT&l of the Lord Justices wesd of twelve , it is now determined that they shall i-ai here at three p . m , by the mail train .. It is deemed by the local authorities that such an hour will b = more compatible "with the hour of their lordships ^ BDg . It is further arranged that the cavalry who are S ^ ered here from Wolverhsmpton shall be here by an jjgr ijonr , so that their lordships' corporal existence JTIr be pat completely oat of danger and out of the ^ eh of tbo * s Til e ¦ wretches , the Chartists . By-thevvT » trnly laaghabie scene iraa enacted here on last
SLgsdaT . It was nouaea u » k on uns -sreeK Messrs p » sie » ad Glencoe Churchill , the reTising barristers , » -nld open their courts . In consequence of this notifition several middle or small farmers attended . Their n-aen ' ee -was the signal for the immediate cry that the Chartists 'fere coming . A general hubbub ensued ThT poyee ¦ were on the loot ont—the magistrates -were « , the cw" nr *> ^ Jmmediate attack upon our gaol ~ L boBily and momentarily expected . At length . v ^ besr vanished , upon the poor honest farmers taking ojfr cage ^ d riding home , to the great annoyance of the e ' ne bottles and their masters , -while the people pre coEVols ^ d with la ughter at beholding the sad Lppomtoent oftte officials . ______ . - , _ .. _ . and evinced
There is much curiosity anxiety respecting the trial of Mr . Ellis . His friends may be quite ea £ j oa one point , as it cannot possibly come on before Sa clays after the finding of the bill against him , which —m as a matter cf course , take place . He will then be served irith » copy of the indictment , with a list of the jury panel , and the names bf the -witnesses ; ana allowed ten & 7 a to P lefld- Messrs . Cooper and n-VeD are the men for whose safety the greatest aiiety should be evinced ; for if convicted they will most undoubtedly be made examples of . If they are sacrificed , the enemies of the people and of libeity sriil achieve a Kgnal and decided triumph . To avoid this dreadful result , it is absolutely necessary that laTce ample funds should be forthwith supplied for twr deface , and the defence of the other two hundred and fortj-two prisoners . If these Innds are not forthcoming , the fate of Mesi-rs . Cooper , O'Ifeil , Ellis , and their unfortunate fellow-prisoners , is irrevocably sealed . And whit a crime will not the country have to answer for if such is the case !
Si-iFfOED , Scxdat Mghi . —It is impossible for Englislimen to read with cemmon patience the recital cf atrocities that have within the last fortnight hours been perpetrated against their liberties , and the glorious constitution which their ancestors purchased with their life ' s blood , bnt which a degenerate and bastard progeny have cot only abandoned , but basely outraged . Before I insult the English nation with this re-Tolting recital , I must be guilty of a digression by giving an account of yesterday ' s drama , as it was enacted here by the parties whose performance hid b « en previously , bv bills : ind otherwise , announced for some days past stated that two took in
I have already changes place the mode in which the judges were to be conveyed . Since then a third and final arrangement was adopted and acted upon . It was deemed infra dig ., and unworthy of the representatives of her Majesty to be con-Teyed by either first class or mail trains ; therefore at the suggestion of the Minister ' s faithful counsellor the Gaoler , who is now swollen into the great personage of a Governor , it was ultimately decided that the three ministers of the Executive should be conveyed from London to Stafford by a special train , at the enormous expense to a bankrupt country of at least £ 200 > . 1 I while their losdships could have been as safely and expeditiously conveyed by the mail train for a sum not exceeding £ 10 "Why and wherefore it may be asked , all this expense ? What purpose will it
serve ? What end "will this flagitious reckless outlay of the public money effect ? It cannot further the objects of justice . It cannot strike terror into the minds of the people . It cannot add dignity or weight to the commission which those judges are sent to execute . No ! the only result it can produce is , one geneiaTfeeling of disgust , loathing , and hatred , throughout the country , especially where there are so many millions in the land sinking into the grave from the want of the commonest necessaries of life . Well , by the special train their Lordships arrived at half-past four , p-m . Mr . Britton , the governor , having previously received a notification that they would be at the railway station at that hour , but that the high sheriff , mayor , and aldermen were to meet them at the same station at four o ' clock . This latter announcement
eavonred & good deal of a " bull ; " but-it having been perpetrated by one of the lights of the nation , must , as a matter of course , be pardoned . Arrived at the station , their-iordshipB were met by the high sheriff , the under sheriff , the mayor , and aldermen , the gaoler , the head turnkey , the rector in his pontificals , three policemen with large poles , and 5 f r . Superintendent Thompson , looking big , and the javelin men , dressed in their best Before starting from the railway station , their Xordihip 3 were ushered into the ladies' room , where they put on the insignia of office , and then proceeded to the Court-house , the trumpeter announced their arrival at the court Then the nsual ceremony of commanding silence , reading the Queen ' s writ , and all the ti celeras for causing effect , were gone through ^ After which the court was adjourned .
Before the Judges left the bench , Ur . Lee rose , and applied to have Mr . Arthur O'Neil admitted to bail . The Clutf Justice said he wonld hear the application in chambers . Upon their Lordships' return to chambers , Mr . Lee renewed his application , to which the Jndges paid great attention , especially the Chief Justice , who repeatedly expressed his opinion of the hardEhip of keeping Mr . O'Neil in prison , while he was prepared to pnt in satisfactory bail . Mr . Lee said that his client was committed on the 29 th of August , by the Rev . Mr . Cartwright and Mr . Badger " for making and causing a great number of persons to assemble and gather tegetber to disturb the public peace at the parish cf Rowley Regis . " At that two
time Mr . O'Neil produced responsible persons aa his bail , namely , Mr . Truman and Mr . Page . But in consequence of one of these gentlemen having taking a part is a Chartist meeting , and the other having signed a requisition for the use of the Town Hall for a similar m&etirg , these sureties were rejected . Two applications for a habeas corpus in his favour were unsuccess fully made to Mr . Justice CresswelL A third application was made to the same Judge for a habeas on Friday , which his Lordship granted . On that habeas Mr . O'Neil appeared that day before their Lordships to be admitted on bail . Mr . Lee , in conclusion , dwelt very forcibly upon the hardship inflicted upon Mb client in keeping him incarcerated , and thereby preventing him making that preparation for hiB trial , . which he would otherwise have done .
Chief Justice Ti . fD . iL and Mr . Baron Kolke were of opinion tfeat the application should be granted . Mr . Baron PaEKE differed with his learned brethren , as he was impressed with the convietion that one& the commission opened they had no jurisdiction in the case , and conld not , there-fore , take baiL Mr . Bibbebt , a Birmingham attorney , said that he appeared for the prosecution , and that he opposed the application both on account of the politics of the proposed bail , and in consequence of the little inconvenience that would arise from Mr . O'Neil's being imprisoned for the few days that would intervene between his trial . Chief Justice Ticdal said that politics had taxhing uhaferer to do vriih bail , the sufficiency of tvhich shovld aj-OSE be cossiDEBED He conceived it a peat hardship that Mr . O'Neil should , under the circumstances , be kept in prison . Mr . Bsron Ro ! fe agreed with the Learned Chief Justice . Mr . Baron Psrke had no desire to inflict unnecessary punishment upon the prisoner , but he was strongly of opinion that they could not tske bail , as the assiza had opened .
The Chief Justice calls * for the Habeas Corpus Act , in the perusal of which he and his learned breth . en ¦ were for half an hcur attentively engaged ; after vphicb , asd with mneh seeming regret , the Jndges deceided that they could not interfere . Mr . O'NiEL , who heard the decision with great calmness , was immediately recend acted to his dungeon . It cannot be denied that their Lordships paid every attention to hia case , and their whole conduct as yet is lauded everywhere , and gives confidence that their judgments will be tempered with mercy .
The Solicitor-General , Mr . Sergeant . Ludlow , Mr . Sergeant Talfourd , Mr . Godson , Queen ' s Counsel , Mr . Talbot , and Mr . Maule , are here for the prosecution ; Mr . Roberts , from Bath , attends for the prisoners generally , and , with few exceptions , is engaged by them . He is indefatigable in his preparations for their defence . Since his arrival amongst the poor fellows they have be-ODnie high-spirited , asbefore it they looked upon themselves as deserted . A curious scene occurred upon his first visit to the gaol . He told the turnkey that he wished to see Mr . Cooper , and that his name was Mr . Roberts . Turnkey—Ob , yes , you ar « Mr . Roberts . Why , the attomies here say that yon are no attorney !! Mr . Robekts—Indeed ! do they say bo ? I will give them an opportunity of proving it ; for I will act as an attorney , and for every acl of mine as such they can , if I am not an attorney , sue me for a penalty of £ 50 .
Turnkey—Dear me 1 that will settle it ; but I assure yon that we are told that you are not an attorney . However , I » htf ) tell the Governor that you are here . And do sooner Bid t *™ " done . Old Cerberus , whose lace is as red as a full moon , and who weighs about sixteen stone good weight , scampered off to the Gaoler , —I beg his pardon , the GoTernor , " and made the communi eition . Upon -which Mi . Roberts was admitted first to see " the Governor , "—and then the prisoners . On thia morning , the Judges , Sheriff , Lord Lieutenant , Mayor , Aidamen , it , -went in state to Christ
Church . The usual prayers having been lead , a prayer ¦ was offered up for the Queen , Pripw Albert , the Prince of Wales , the Judges , the Hig ^ i Sheriff , the Mayor and Aldermen , the Church and Ttate , and all chosen in hijh station ; but not a word » as introduced into that prayer about the poor of the land , who are groaning beneath the most insupportable sufferings They were left to pray for themselves . Prayers concluded , the Rev . W . E- Coldwell , M . A . preached , taking for his text the 1 st and 2 cd verses cf Paul to Titus , chap , iii : " Pat them in mind to be Bul-jcct to
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principalities and power * , to obey magistrates , to be ready to do every good work , to speak evil of no man , to be no brawlers , but gentle , showing all meekness onto all men . " He then launched into an empassioned phillippic against the prisoners and parties engaged in the late riots , denouncing their leaden and themaelTes as rebels , anarchists , deists , and infidels , who aimed at the destruction of the altar and the throne . He compared them to Voltaire , Paine , and Hume , against whom , forgetting the old principle which Christians as well as Heathens adopt and adhere to , de mortuis nit nisi honum , he vomited the
whole measure of his bile . After giving his audience a quantum suf . ot that unhappy tirade against the dead , be * commenced , having for the moment lost sight of Poseyism , boasting of the wonderful advances that the Church had made within the last two years . As an antidote agu&st Chartism , he recommended a good supply of the needful to tha church , and a plentiful distribution of bibles and prayer books . He finally wound up his address by a side attack upon the Church of Rome , After this exhibition the Jndges returned in procession-order to their lodgings , and thence , if report is accurate , they made their way to Earl Talbot ' s , where they had a good spread out
The promised draeoon guards have arrived , and occupy the George . Detachments are also stationed at Stone and Pensbridge , to protect all parties who may have to come here as witnesses . Every day fresh victims are brought to our gaoL On Saturday ten were brought in , handcuffed . Their appearance « as pitiable in the extreme , and even excited the compassion of the soldiers and turnkeys on duty at the prison . An application will be made to-morrow to allow Mr O'Nfcil to traverse to n « t assizes . If that Is not granted , he will not be tried before Wednesday , as his counsel will pray for a day to be appointed .
Mosdat . —Before ten o'clock thiB morning , the Court HouBe , which is a large and most convenient structure , was crowded almost to suffocation , by individuals whose sympathy or curiosity had induced them to attend the hearing of the trials of the prisoners . At ten o ' clock the Judges appointed to try the poor fellows entered the court Sir Nicholas Tindal , Chief Justice of the Common Pleas , presided , and was assisted by Mr . Baron Parke and Mr . Baron Rolfe . The proceedings have excited considerable interest in the town The prisoners were brought iB companies , escorted by parties of the 3 rd Dragoons . There were a considerable number of ladies in attendance . On the Bench we observed the Earl Talbot , Lord-Lientenant of the county ; the Earl of Dartmouth ; the High Sheriff , J . E . Piercy , Erq . ; the Mayor of Stafford , J . Rogers , Esq ., and several of the Magistrates of the county .
The grand panel haying been called over , the following Noblemen and Gentlemen answered to their names , and were sworn on the Grand Jury .
Viscount Iiv'GESTBE , M . P ., Foreman . Viscount Sandon , M . P . H . J . Pye , Esq . Hon . E . R . Littleton . William Ley , Esq . E . Monckron , Esq ., H . Hordera , Esq . W . F . Chetwynde , Esq . Thomas Salt , Esq . H . Chetwynde , Esq . Thos . Cartwright , Esq . Francis Eld , Esq . J . O . Oldham , Esq . Thos . H . Parker , Esq . C . Coyne , Esq . Ed . Grove , Esq . Tbos . Powis , Esq . H . H . Williamson , E ? q . S . S . Bristowe , Esq . G . T . Whitegrave , Esq . C . S . Forster , Esq . C . B . Adderley , Esq . Thos . Hartshorne , Esq . Her Majesty ' s most gracious proclamation having been read , Lord Chief Justice Tindal delivered to the Grand Jury the following charge : —
" Gentlemen of this Grand Inquest , —It is with unfeigned regret that those who have been appointed under her Majesty ' s special commission to inquire into , and adjudicate upon , the numerous offences committed within this county since the last assizes , are called upon to meet you , the grand jurors of the county , on the present occasion . It is at all times a painful and distressing occupation for the mind of the Judge to pursue the investigation of charges of guilt , and to apportion the just measure of punishment to be awarded against each individual offender ; and if this be the case in the comparatively few instances which occur in the ordinary administration of criminal justice at the assizes , much mere is it so upon the present occasion , when the number of offenders is so large , the nature of the alleged offences so injurious to the welfare of society , and the offences have been committed , not by single individuals , or even small numbers of persons , bnt by large masses of the commnnity impelled by one common motive , and labouring to effect one cammon object .
" Gf ntleinen , it is not onr design , nor indeed have we sufficient information on the subject , if we proposed to do so , to trace , with any particularity , the origin or exact progress of . those violations of the law which have taken place within this county , and which will shortly be brought under your consideration . It is fully sufficient for our piesent purpsse to give a general outline ef those transactions , drawn from the depositions taken before the magistrates , the only legitimate source of information to which we have had access . " It appears that about the middle of the month of August last the workmen employed in many of the collieries , and also in many of the various manufactories established in this county , had become dissatisfied as well with the amount of wages allowed by their
employers as in some instances with certain regulations under which they were placed in the course of their employment ; and that for the purpose of compelling their masters to allow them greater wages , and to alter the regalationB by which they thought themselves aggrieved , they refused to continne to work at the various employments in which they had been engaged ; that is a Bhort time , not contented with simply refusing to work , they proceeded , by threats , intimidation , and violence , to compel other workmen , who were willing te continue to work , to join the number of those who were discontented . It appears further , that whilst large bodies of . the workmen , perpetually increasing in number , were thus collected together in a state of idleness , and of consequence destitution , certain strangers , persons altogether unconnected with
them in interest , appeared amongst them , and by addresses made to them against the religion , the law , and the Government , excited them to & state of dis satisfaction with all the established institutions of the country , and laboured to persuade them to perskt in their refusal to return to their employment , as the sure , and effectual , and only means of redressing the erilfl by which they were oppressed , and of obtaining their just rights , called by the speakers the "People ' s Char ter . " It appears that after such addresses had been made , ia some places tumult and disorder forthwith ensued amongBt the assembled multitudes , to the great terror and alarm of the quiet and peaceable part of the commnnity , In other places large bodies of the workmen , so collected together , proceeded to acts sf open violence and breaches of the law , in some instances against the persons of the subjects of the Queen , by beating some , cutting and maiming and
robbing others , and sometimes against their preperty by act of theft and plunder , by forcibly breaking into the dwelling-houses , by actual demolition or by fire , beginning with the hocses of magistrates and other public functionaries , and soon caarying the work of ruin to the dwellings of private persons ; and it is impossible to foresee to what extent the rapine and devastation of a lawless and misguided mob would have proceeded in the land , if it had not been met and countervailed by the zaal . activity , End firmness of the magistracy of the county , sided by the unwearied exertions 'and courage of the military and yeomanry , who lent their effectual assistance , when called upon for that purpose , in repressing violence and disorder , and in giving security to the lives and property of their fellow-subjects , by whose combined efforts the work of further destruction was suspended , the fearful and ominus results which setmed to impend were averted from the county , and the law was restored to its just supremacy .
" Gentlemen , it has already been intimated that we conceive it to be no part of our province oa this occasion to discuss the justice cf the complaints made by the workmen against their employers , or to decide on tie merits of the dispute existing between them . Neither is it pan of onr dnty to show by arirument that the course pursued by parties who thought themselves aggrieved was of all others the least calcalated to atcomplish—on the contrary , perhaps , the most likely to defeat—the very object which they wished to attain . Nor , again , are we called upon to suggest or to discuss any remedies—which may be provided by law for the prevention of similar mischief , if , unfortunately , at any
future time , the same ground of dispute should arise between masters and workmen—a discussion which is better fitted for a legislative assembly than for the members cf this tribunal , to whom the only duty allotted is that of declaring the law as it ttands at present Our direct and more usefnl course will , therefore , be to endeavour to expeund the law as it applies itself to th « several cases arising ont of these unhappy transactions , upon which yon will be required to exercise your judgments , in order that yon may arrive at a just conclusion whether sufficient appears in each individual ease to call upon the paxties accused to appear before a jury of the country ,
" And the first observation that arises is , that if the workmen of the several collieries and manufactorier , who complained that the wages which they received were inadequate to the value of their services , had assembled themselves peaceably together for the purpose of consulting upon and determining the rate of wages or prices which the persons present at the meeting should require for their work , and had entered into an agreement amongst themselves for the purpose of filing snch rate , they would have done no- more than the law allowed . A combination for that purpose , and to that extent ( if indeed it is to be called by that name )
is no more than is recogniRd aa legal by the statute 6 Geo . IV . ; by which statute also exactly the same right of combination , to the same extent , and no further , is given to the masters when met together , if they are of opinion , the rate of wages is too high . In the case supposed—that is , a dispute between ^ the masters and the workmen as to the proper amount of wages to be given—it was probably thought by the Legislature , that if the workmen on the one part refused to work , or the masters , on the other , refused to esipley , as such a state of things could not continue long , it might fairly be expected that the party must ultimately give
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way whose pretensions were not founded in reason and jastice—the masters if they off-red too little , the workmen if they demanded too much . " But , unfortunately for themselves and others , those who were discontented did not test here . Not satisfled with the exercise of their own right to withhold their own labour , if they were discontented with the price they received for jt , they assumed the power of interfering with the right which others possessed—of exercising their discretion upon the same point ; and accordingly you will have numerous cases laid before you in which large bodies of dissatisfied workmen interfered , by personal violence , and by threats of intimidation , to compel others , who were perfectly willing to continue to labour in their callings at the rate of wages tb . 6 n paid , to desist from their work , to leave the mine or manufactory , and against their own will to add themselves # the numbers of the discentented pwty ;
than which a more glaring act of tyranny and despotism by one set of men over their fellows cannot b ? conceived . If there is one right which , beyond all others , the labonrer ought to be able to call his own , it is the right of the exertion of his own personal strength and skill , in the fnll enjoyment of his own free will , altogether unshackled by the control or the dictites of his fellow-workmen ; yet , strange to say , this very right , which the discontented woikman claims for himself to its fnllest extent , he does , by a blind perversity and uuaccoontable selfishness , entirely refuse to hia fellows who differ in opinion from himself . It is unnecessary to say , that a csurse of proceeding so utterly unreasonable in itself , eo injurious to society , ao detrimental to the interests of trade , and so oppressive against the rights of the poor man , mast be a gross and flagrant vitiation of the law , and must be put down , when the guilt is established , by a proper measure of punishment
• ' Bnt , even without any evidence that combinatien is the object or purpose of the meeting , if a large body of the people assemble themselves together for the purpose of obtaining any particular end , and conduct themselves in a turbulent manner , either accompanied with acts of violence , or with threats and intimidation calculated to excite the terror and alarm of the Qaeen ' s subjects , that is in itself a riot , whether the end and object proposed be a just and legitimate one or not If , therefore , bills should be brought before you charging individuals with riot , for the purpose of raisiDg the rate of wages , and the evidence should show the conduct of the parties to have been of the description just aderted to , the offence of riot is complete in point of law .
" Gentlemen , there is another description of offence which will probably be submitted to your consideration —namely , the exciting and encouraging large masses of the people by means of seditious and iuflimmatory speeches to commit acts of violence and to breuk the peace . If such charges are brought forward it must be left to your own good sense to distinguish between an honest declaration of tb . 8 speaker ' s opinion upon the political subjects on which he treats—a free discussion on matters that concern the public , as to which full allowance should be made far the seal of the speaker , though he may somewhat exceed the just bounds of moderation ; and , on the other hand , a wicked design by inflammatory statements and crafty and subtle arguments , to poison the minds of the hearers , and render them the instruments of mischief . He that addresses himself to a crowded auditory of the
poorer class , without employment or occupation , and brooding at the time over their wrongs , whether real or imaginary , will not want hearers ready to believe , and apt followers of mischievous advice . You will consider , therefore , the language that is employed ou 6 uch an occasion ; If it consists of broad and bold assertion , unfounded in fact ; if , in discussing religious topics , you find the speaker endeavouring to be sprightly and facetious on those subjects which make wise and good men serious ; if , instead of argument , he deals only in sneers and sarcasm , it will be for yourselves to say whether , under such circumstances , the party charged with the offence is an honest but mistaken man , or whether be is wickedly intending to bring the religion , laws , and Government of the country into contempt , and to teach , the hearers to despise all those institutions which it Is their duty to hold in respect and veneration .
" Gentlemen , it has been already stated , that in the multiplicity of chargea which spring out of the transactions above adverteu to , some will appear for assaults ; some for the felonious offence of cutting and maiming with intent to do some grievous bodily harm ; some for robbery by ¦ violence and force ; Borne for theft ; some for breaking into the dwelling-house by night or by day ; some for a riotous assembling , and beginning to demolish , or actually demolishing , the dwelling-houses of magistrates and clergymen , the offices connected with the police establishments , and the private houses of individuals ; some charges also for effecting similar works of destruction by meanB of fire . But it wonld be tedious , and , at the same time , altogether unnecessary , to
enlarge upon the law by which those offences are regulated , more especially to gentlemen so well experienced as yourselves in the ordinary business of the assizjB . One observation only shall ia made which relates to every species of offence committed by several acting in concert and company together , —namely , that if many are present at the time when the breach of the law takes place , having one common design in view , and acting with common consent , although they do not all take share in the performance of the very act which is the subject of the indictment , yet by affording countenance , encouragement , and protection to the persons who actually perpetrate the crime , they are all equally guilty in the eye of the law .
"But there is one case in the calendar to which , for the purpose of avoiding any interruption in the general view of the transactions which have taken place in this county , I have not yet adverted—I mean the case of one William EUia , who has been committed by the magistrates on a charge of high treason ; and as we are not aware whether bills of indictment may not possibly be presented against that perBon , and perhaps others also who appear upon the depositions to stand in the same predicament for the offence of high treason , it becomes necessary that the principles of the law , so far it relates to the species of treason upon which the charge , if preferred , will probably be founded , should be laid before yea with sufficient precision to enable you to determine whether the accusation is so far established that the parties accused ought to be put upon their trial for that offence .
" Gentlemen , the precise species of high treason upon which the charge , if made , must rest , ia either that of levying war against Her Majesty in Her realm , under the statute of Edward III ., or that for which Ellis was committed , —vie ., " the compassing and intending to levy war againBt the Queen within her realm , in order by force or constraint to compel her to change her measures or counsels ; " which latter offence was first made substantive treason by the more recent statute 36 th George III ., c , 7 , made perpetual by a subsequent act " Gentlemen , you are well aware that , at least as early as the statute 25 th Edward IIL , and thence down to the present time , the bare compassing or imagining the death of the Sovereign , when proved by any open or overt act . has amounted to huh treason . For ,
where the life or personal safety of the Soveieign is concerned , so precious has it always been held in the eye of the law , that the bare intention or imagination of the heart to put it in jeopardy , although no injurious consequences follow from such intention , when preved by an overt act , has , of itself , and alone , constituted the treason . By that statute also , the levying of war within the realm , when proved by an overt act , is made a distinct and substantive species of treason . But the mere " compassing" or " intending to levy war , " that is , the mere purpose or design of the mind or will to commit that crime , was never made a specific treason until the statute 36 th George III ., c . 7 , and then only " where such compassing or intention is expressed , uttered , or declared , by publishing any printing or writing , or by any overt act or deed . "
" Now , the only or principal evidence of treason stated in the deposit ! ens is the uttering of violent and inflammatory speaches to the assemA led multitude . But it is to bo observed , that the mere speaking and uttering of words , considered by itself , and abstractedly , and without reference or connexion with any act or design , however wicked and atrocious those words may be , is not an act of treason . The Judges , on a reference made to them in the 4 th year of Charles I ., npon the eubject of words spoken by one Pyne , certified unanimously , ' that though the words were as wicked as might be , yet they were no treason , for unless it be by
some particular statute , no words will be treason . the other hand , however , where words are nttered and spoken with reference to any treasonable plan or design already laid , and in the contemplation of the speaker , if they are words of exhortation or enceuragement to carry into effect such plan oi design , such speaking and uttering of words is strictly and properly an overt act of treason , being the means made use of to effect the treasonable purpose ; although , even in that case , the more precise and accurate mode of expression weald seem to be , that the plan or design is the treason , and the words of encouragement and endtement are evidence of the existence of it
" It will ba for you , therefore , to say , sopposicg no further evidence is given than that of words uttered , supposing there is no proof laid before you of any existing plan to snbvert the authority of the Queen , the established order of government , or the laws of the land , —whether , from the mere speaking and nttering of the words by the party charged with treason ,, yon can feel yourselves authorised to infer that at the time the words were uttered there aid not exist a deliberate design in the mind of the speaker to effect any of those wicked purposes , and that the speech was made by him to indnce the hearers to take up arms , or to use
force and violence for the purpose of carrying such design into effect ; yon most determine for yourselves whether such is the safe conclusion at which you can arrive upon such evidence alone , or whether the words are not rather to be considered as the production » f a heated and distempered mind , thrown out at the moment rashly and hastily—words , indeed , " as wicked as might be , " was said in Pyne ' s case , but words spoken withsut reference to any formed design or settled purpose in the heart of the speaker . In the latter mode of viewing them they would not constitute an act of treason , but be punishable as a high misde meanour only .
" Gentlemen , I cannot dose the observations which I have thought it right to submit to you without expressing the eirnest hope of my brethren and myself , that the administration of criminal justice under the
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commissions which have been specially Issued into this county , and into others where similar enormities have taken place , may have the wholesome effect of teaching all who need such warning , first , that in this country the punishment of crime wiU follow the commission of t with a pace ao sure , bo steady , and so speedy , that he guilty « i have no chance of escaping ; and econdly , tha more important leason , th » t whatever attempts may be made by discontented persons to subvert the Government , the laws , or the religien of their country , and to establish a new order of things in their stead , they will find the law of the land too strong for them ; and that the honest part of the community , the lovers of peace and order , will at all times unite themselves with the established authorities of the Government to render their attempts futile and abortiveand to put
, down snch evil-doers with a strong hand ; - and I would , in conclusion , further suggest that the effectual , and only effectual , method « f counteracting the aitempts ef wicked and designing men to undermine tbe principles of the lower classes , and to render taem discontented with the established institutions of their country , is the diffusion of sound religious knowledge ( in which there can be no excess ) amongBt those classes who are the most exposed to their attempts , and the educating their children in the fear of God , 80 that all may be taught that obedience to the law of the land and t * the Government of the country is due , not as a matter of compulsion , but of principle and conscience . " Gentlemen , her Majesty ' s Judges will be happy to render you any assistance in the performance of your duty , if any difficulty should arise . "
The counsel retained for the Crown are Sir W Follett ( Solioitor-Genera ) Mr . Sergeant Lndlow , Mr . Sergeant laUourd , Air . Gsdson , Mr . Waddington , and Mr . Talbot . Mr . Sergeant Murphy ia retained for the defence . The unavoidable absence of Mr O'Connor is greatly regretted . His presence would cheer up the poor prisoners . Mr . Roberta is in town , and ia indefatigable in getting up the defences . At the time of writing there are eight bills before the Grand Jary , but not as yet brought into court . The bill for treason agaiust Mr . Ellis has not yet been presented . The first case to be tried will be that against the men charged with setting fire to Dr . Vale ' s house at H&nley . [ In reference to the " Judge ' s Charge" given abeve , the Evening Star of Tuesday has the following just and appropriate commentary . It is well worthy
attention : — " The charge of Chief Justice Tindal to the Grand Jury ia what we expected from him , clear , calm , and lawyer-like , but filled with that general kind of censure and sweeping denunciation , in which it ia the custom of Judges to deal against all , who are even suspeotid of having violated the law . There is none of that nice discrimination of circumstances , none of that extenuation arising from the peculiar fact 3 , which would have been urged by a man of the world and tha world ' s experience , but which can seldom be obtained from the mere lawyer . We muat pretest against the facts as
stated by his Lordship from the depositions , and which wouldjlead to the belief , that until the Chartists came among the workmen , who had struck for waees , there were n « riots , and that to the Charter must they be attributed . In the first place , as all the working classes are Chartists , the influence of their politics w ; is present at the time of the strike , and did not commence afterwards ; secondly , the outbreak never did assume a political aspect , but was throughout the struggle of workmen for just wages , though of course their political opinions could not be altogether silent at such a time .
" His Lordship having then stated that workmen or masters may assemble peaceably together , and agree among themselves on the rate of wages , for which they will be employed , or employ , aud having distinguished between inflammatory speeches made by honest , if mistaken , men , and those made by men whose design is to subvert the Government , ntxt proceeds to the case of William Ellis , and dilates on the law of high treason . He shows that by stat . 25 Edward III ., an overt or open act of treason was necessary to constitute the offence , but that the more " compassing" or " intending to levy war against the Sovereign , " that is , the mere purpose or design of the mind , or will to commit that crime , was never made treason until the vile and unconstitutional statute of 36 Gao . III . c 7 , was paas 8 d . However , by this act , such compassing or intention must be expressed by publishing some printing or writing , or by some overt act or deed . '
" Now Ellis is charged only with uttering violent speeches ; and words do not amount to treason , either at common , or by statute , law . ¦¦ . , ;• "In the fourth year of Charles ' the First , the Judges certified unanimously , that " though tha words were as wicked as might be , yet they were no treason , for unless it be by some particular statute , no words will be treason I" There ia no statute declaring them to be so ; and therefore we must protest also against the law of Chief Justice Tindal , when he endeavours to draw the subtle distinction ( which he takes from Foster ' s Pleas of
the Crown , p . 200 ) , that words exhorting to carry out a trpasocabledeaign amount to an ouert act of treason . What authority is there for this ? None . What against it ? Reason—justice ; the above unanimous opinion bf the Judges , who made no such distinction ! By their test we try it ; there is no statute making words treason / If there were , we had better go back to the reign of Edward IV ., when one man was executed for saying be would make his son heir to the Crown , ' being the sign of the house in which he lived ; and another , whose favourite back the King had killed , tor wishing it , horns and all , in the King ' s belly ! 1
"' Words , says Blackstone ( vol . 4 , p . 80 ) « may be spoken in heat , without any intention , or be mistaken , perverted , or misremembered by the hearers ; their meaning depends always on their connexion with other words and things ; they may signify differently , even according to the tone of voice with which they are delivered ; and sometimes silence itself is more expressive ^ than any discourse . As therefore there can be nothing more equivocal and ambiguous than words , it would indeed be UNREASONABLE 1 o make them amount to high treason ' * ' Such is the opinion of the great commentator on the laws of England ; and being ' unreasonable it is illegal ; ' for we ore toid 'law is the perfection of reason , ' and ' the law only recognises what is accordant witb reason . ' In this age we cannot , we must not , allow any new " constructive treason" to be invented by any man , be he Judge or King ; for , as it has been truly said by Montesquieu , the crime of high treason being unascer tained , is alone sufficient to make any Government degenerate into arbitrary power . " ]
The Lord Chief Justice Tindall , Mr . Baron Parke , and Mr . Baron Rolfe , took their seats intheA ' isi Prius Court a little before two o ' clock , when the Grand Jury returned several bills . BURNING OF THE REV . DR . VALE'S HOUSE . The Petty Jury panel having been called over , and the Jury empannelled , the following prisoners were placed at the bar : — John Harris , Richard Wright , George Colclout > h , John Williams , James Saunders , John Whiston , Hamlet Jackson , Thomas Waestaff , JameB
Minington , Joseph Saunders , Sampson Whitehotise , Thos . Cotton , Samuel Heaton , William Shaw , William Bradbury , Richard Edge , Josiah Gilbert , William Cartledge ^ Thomas Banks , John Owen , John Powell , William Hollins , Thomas Jackson , Edward Smith , Henry Dimmook , Joseph Loft , James Hurst , Joshua Huret , and Jabez Phillips , were indicted for riotously and tumultuously assembling on the 15 th of August last , and beginning to demolish the dwelling-house of the Rev . Benjamin Vale , of Longton , in the parish of Scoke-upon-Trent .
Most of the prisoners were young men , and some of them mere boys—they completely tilled the dock , and some of them were placed behind the bar in front of the dock . John Williams , a respectablelooking man , with one leg and a crutch , was , on the application of his Counsel , accommodated with a chair . The prisoners severally pleaded Not Guilty . The Solicitor General , Mr . Serjeant Ludlow , Mr . Serjeant Talfonrd , Mr . Godson , Queen ' s Counsel , Mr . Warriagton , and Mr . Talbot appeared as counsel for the Crown . The prifioner Whiston was defended by Mr . Price . Mr . F . V . Lee represented Toft , Smith and Phillips . Mr . Meteyard appeared for Shaw , Jackson , and Dimmock . Mr . Allen was counsel for Cartlidge , Edge , Harris , Miilington , and ( with Mr . Neale ) tor Williams ; and Wright and Jackson were defended by Mr . Huddlestone . The other prisoners had not the assistance of counsel .
The Solicitor General opened the case to the jury , recapitulating the leading features of the late riots in the Staffordshire district , and then detailing the circumstances of the attack upon the Rev . Dr . Vale ' s house on the 15 th of August . The Learned Gentleman then referred at some length to the law as it bore npon the indictment preferred against the prisoners , all of whom he stated would be identified by the witnesses he should call before them , and it wonld be for them to say whether the prisoners were guilty of the offence charged against them . He prayed of the jury to dismiss from their minds everything they had heard outside that court , and to confine themselves strictly to the evidence which should be laid before them . The following witnesses were then examined : —
Mrs . Mary Anne Vale deposed that she was the wife of the Rev . Benjamin Vale , of Longton . On the 15 &h August she saw a mob approaching the house , and immediately proceeded to close the shatters . The meb , however , reached the house before she was able to do bo . She was greatly alarmed , her husband not being at home . Thay demanded money and drink , which at first she refused , but she afterwards gave them her purse , containing 5 s . or 6 s ., and desired the servant to give them some drink . They proceeded to the study , and commenced destroying and burning the books and furniture . Some of them then went up stairs and set fire to several of the rooms ; others followed th « servant to the cellar with a sheet , which they Bet on fire , and they commenced drinking whiskey . Witness fled aa soon as she saw the whole house in flames , and took refnge in an adjoining cottage , when Jabee Phillips , one of tbc prisoners , came up , and said , " They were going to London to burn , and bring all things to their proper level . " The witness then' proceeded to detail the several , facts
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connected with the destruction of the propeity , and which have been already published ia detail ia all the public prints . The Rev . Benjamin Vale was then called and examined . He stated that he was absent from the vioarage when it was attaoked by the mob . On his return he saw the house surrounded by a large mob , and the furniture and building in flames . He was prevented by a friend from going into his bonse . Sarah Tamer , servant to the Rev . Mr . Vale , corroborated the evidence of Mr . Vale as to the conduct of the mob , and the destruction of the property . The gardener of the Rev . Mr . Vale identified Shaw and Bradbury , Phillips , Williams , and Whiston , a 3 being actively engaged in the demolition of the house and furniture .
After the examination of one or two other witnesses , who spoke chiefly as to the identity of the parties engaged ia the destruction of the proparty , The Court , finding that a large number of witnesses were still to be examined , adjourned the proceedings at a quarter past six o ' clock , and the jury were given in charge to three constables , and locked up for the night in the Sun Inn . The court was extremely crowded during the day . TUESDAY , Ocr . 4 th . The court was opened this morning at half-past eight o'clock , and shortly afterwards the three Judges entered the court , and took their seats on the bench . The prisoners having been again placed at the bar , and the jury oalled over , . A large number of witnesses were examined , by whom most of the prisoners were sworn to .
STAFFORD , Wednesday Morning . The work ia going on as I predicted . The Grand Jury are doing their duty , and bringing down bills of indictments in loads , to the great gratification of those whose interest it is that such , things should be done swimmingly . The people are , 'however , taught by this wholesale business , that their masters will , if possible , force them to obey , their mandates , and if they dare to obey their mandates , will make them feel the effects of the power which the constitution of this great , free , and glorious nation has conferred upon them . Tbis I believe the people feel , and feeling it , have made up their minds aa to how they shall act , and what course they shall pursue .
The trial of the twenty-nine unfortunate wretched man and boys , for the burning of the Reverend Mr . Vale ' s house , is likely to occupy two days longer . As a matter of course , a number of witnesses have been found to identify them by the colour of their jackets , and that of their neckerchiefs , as being concerned in the fire . The evidence is so much of a piece that it is almost useless to go over the whole of it , as the Crown has so admirably arranged the prosecution that of the forty or fifty witnesses who have appeared in its support , they all ; agreed upon ; the main statements made by them . There is one fact which stamps with its proper weight the credibility of some of those witnesses—it is their denial of the slightest knowledge of a proclamation having been issued , offering a reward of £ 50 to those who give evidence against the prisoners .
One fellow , named Cope , who gave evidence , so insulted the counsel for the defence , by his laughing , that he was compelled to appeal to the Bench to keep him within the bounds of decorum . This fellow actually refused to state within a week , how long be had been in Stafford before the trial . At length he acknowledged that he had been for a fortnight In the gaol to which he was brought to identify whom he could . < Another fellow , upon being asked bow he gained his livelihood , replied in a most inselent manner that he gained it by eating and drinking . The Bench had also to restrain this fellow ' s audacity . :
George Barlow , a fellow who gave his evidence offhanded against the boy , James Miilington , aged 17 , acknowledged that he had been twice in custody for highway robbery- ^ once for stealing a tambourine , and at another time for thimble-rigging and cheating at that game . This pure character positively Bwore that he hud not heard that the £ 58 rewards had been offered by the Government for detecting and prosecuting rioters . He had been most innocently engaged for nearly an hour in visiting the several rooms of the Rev . Dr . Vale . Enoch Maher , who gave evidence against Loft , a lad only twenty years cf age , had been charged with attacking the police station at Stoke . He was subsequently released , and admitted as evidence againBt the others .
He at first said that he had not been out of -work . He then acknowledged that be had no employment for a fortnight before the fire , and that he had all his goods packed for starting to America since Jane . His house was searched , when some fringe was found in it . This fellow , whose effrontery in the witness-box disgusted everyone , bad been , it appeared , for two hows and a ha / traversing the several rooms of the Rev . Sir . Vale ' s house while they were on fire , SanipBon Whitehouss cross-examined this fellow at great length , and with great ingenuity , to prove that he had lieen charged with firing the Rev . Mr . Atkin ' s house ; that he was called by the police a very useful and handy man , and that he was to have bis liberty if he gave evidence against others .
Richard Bailey was the next distinguished character who figured in the witness-box . He gave evidence against Joseph Hunter . This fellow Btated that he had been twice in prison for robbery . For the first robbery he suffered fourteen days , and for the second two months ' imprisonment He was told thai he would be taken unless he went and told something about somebody else , and that if he did so , he wou' d be pardoned . It is impossible to read tiiis latter evidence without feelings of horror , disgust , and indignation . It is not sufficient to put into the witness-box one fellow who bad been charged with the highway and other robberies , but another , fellow who had likewise suffered for his
robberies , is not only allowed to pollute that place which hitherto E -glfshmen have been taught to respi ct with a vencratien the most sacred , and which they hitherto approached with awe and trembling ; but thu , fellow is actually coaxed into it under a promise of a free pardon for his crimes , if he gave evidence against Others . Not only that , bub he was threatened with being placed in the dock , unless he did so . This reminds the people of the glorious days of Orange ascendancy in Ireland , when tha wretched peasant was flogged at the triangle until his pains and excruciating tortures forced him to declare that A , B , or C weie rebels , and who , as rebels , and upon such evidence , were sent to dangle from a gibbet
In the case of James Hurst , there was an occurrence which calls for the most gsneral and most unqualified reprobation . This child , who is only twelve years of age , could not be identified by the witness adduced against him . The latter , in order to assi&t him in the identification , was brought from the witnessbox to the table near the dock . Even then be could not identify the child . What then was done ? Will —nay , can— Englishmen believe it !! The child Hurst was actually marched to the front of the deck , and eloBft to the witness . And then the witness a wore to the poor child . After this specimen of tbs evidence against the hapless accused , it cannot be denied that the police luvb raked up the filthiest purlieus of vice and crime to get up witnesses for the particular purpose .
On to-morrow , the prisoners will enter upon their defence , when it is expected that they will shatter to pieces a great portion of the evidence adduced against them . There will be at least fifteen witnesses examined for the defence . It is dubious whether the trial will closu even to-morrow night Mr . Roberts is working day and night for his clients . It was most unfortunate that he was not here earlier , or at least a fortnight ago , fur he now has scarcely time to get up proper defences . He has four clerks working late and early , and is leaving no stone unturned iu the discharge of his duty . On last Sunday he applied to Bee Mr . O'Neil , when he was told by the turnkey , that
it being Sunday , he could not be allowed to see his clieut ;^ a beautiful illustration of the Christian spiiit which actuates Lord Sandon and the other saints who have the superintendence of this prison . How truly ignorant must they be of the Sacred Scriptures of which they speak so much , and which teach them that on the Sabbath day we ought % o assist even our neighbour ' s dumb animal if it sustains an injury ! And if tbat is the case , how much more are we bound to assist our fellow-beiugs on Sundays when they are in trouble ? How better can -we do so , than by performing a corporeal work of mercy in visiting and " assisting those who are in prison . "
The latest intelligence from South Wales that has reached here , states tbat Chartism is in the zenith there , and that it 3 supporters are daily holding large meetings to advance it by every means . In this town , notwithstanding all the efforts that are making to strangle it , Chartism is gaining the possession of the habitations of the working classes , and in no few instances is creeping into the dwellings of the middle
men STAFFORD , Thursday . CLOSE OF THE TRIAL OF THE PRISONER 8 CHARGED WITH DEMOLISHING AND FIRING THE REVEREND DR . VALES ' HOUSE . Last night concluded the evidence for the defence . The Solicitor-General rose to reply , when The Chief Justice submitted to him whether it wonld be right at that late hour ( seven o ' clock ) to address the Jury upon a subject which involved the interests of so many prisoners .
The Solicitor-General said that he was prepared to proceed if the Jury desired it . The Jury replied that they were most anxious to retire after the fatigue of the day . . The Court was accordingly adjourned to nalf-pa ? t nine o ' clock this morning . The Juror 3 were a third time locked np for the night in the Sun Inn . After Mr . Ailbn had concluded his address in defence of his clients , . Mr Huddleston made a powerful appeal in behalf of the prisoner Wright , and in a very bold and satisfactory manner , exposed the corrupt and the suspicious eVidence that was brought into action agaiuEt the prisoners .
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¦ ' ""• ¦ ill- — "*^ TP The Chief Justice then as ted the uudeidnded prisoner * if they had anything to say . James Saunders said that he could not get any one io speak for nim , as he was suddenly taken away by the police .. J . Cotton and Samuel Eaton most solemnly protested that they , were hurried away by the mob to the scene of destruction . . Thomas Wagstaff , and S . Whitehouse would call witnessses to prove their innocency of the charge preferred against them . Messrs . William Owen , Charles Hackney , Robert Simpson , Thomas Fenton , of the police , Juines Buck , and — Pool , knew Whiston upwards of seven , ten , and fifteen years , and during that time he bore a most excellent character .
Mr . and Mrs . Nathan , Mr . Cleft , and Constable Benton , gave Toft a character for enietness , industry , and subriety . ; Mr . Bennett proved that Phillips was forced from his work , ou the 15 th of August , by the mob . He knew him for twenty years to have been a quiet , inoffensive man . Mr . Joseph Mills . Mr . Cartledge , and Mr . Saun ^ ders corroborated Mr . Bennett's testimony . Mr . William Fetlow and Mr . Barker gave Smith an excellent character . Thomas Hartshorn , Esq ., a magistrate , Mr . Geo . Paddock , a yeoman , and Mr . Oldham , testified to Shaw ' s excellent conduct during the last iit ' teen years . , ¦ Mrs . Susannah Booth knew Dimmook from hia infancy . He , was always well conducted . Messrs . Bradbury , Halfpenny , Jenkinson ; and Potts gave similar testimony respecting Cartkdge . Messrs . Hill and Sneyd spoke in similar terms of Edge .
Messrs . Heath and Jenkinson ( in the Duke of Sutherland ' s employ ) , Marsh and PJant gave Karris a charac r er for quietness , sobriety and industry . Saandors also received an excellent character from several witnesses . The appearance of these respectable poreom ia court on behalf of the prisoners , had a most talismanic effitot upon tho Judges , the Jury , ar . d even upou . the counsel for the prosecution , and seemed to snake to pieces a great mass of the evidence that was brought against the prisoners . Mr . Allen , when pleading the cause of his clients , brought iu front of the dock James Hirst , a sickly child of eleven years of age , who was one of them , and called upon the Jury to say if they coulc' suppose for one moment that a child of such tender years was guiJty' of arson and demolition . Ati involuntary reply hi the negative echoed through the Court .
Mr . Allen made a powerful and heart-stirring appeal on behalf of his clients . When he described the wretched condition of the prisoners , aud of their bereaved families , the Court , Judges , Jury , Counsel , and 6 peotators were moved to tears , and the wretched prisoners themselves were so overcome that ihoy sank upon the floor of the dock , while their sighs and sobs were distinctly heard throughout the Hall . The scene was truly appalling . Towards the close of the day , a lrcsh bundle of bills were found . and brought into court . Amongst which were bills against O'Neil and Cooper , for sedition , and " against Ellis for every crime short of high tr . ason . It was from the beginning dreaded by the friends of Ellis , that the indictment against him for high treason would not be found and that one for a minor charge would bo substituted , as it was admitted by all that in a Court of Justice an indiotment for high treason could aofc be sustained , while a pliant Jury could be induoed to relurn a verdict of guilty against him for a minor chartre .
It is now reported that it is the inteution oi' the Crown to put upon their trials at this Special Commission the 180 prisoners committed for the Sessions . If this is the case it will prove a great hardship to those prisoners , as they must be so taken by surprise , that they cannot bo prepared to defend themselves . Mr . Roberts is , however , doing his best to prepare for every extremity . He ha 3 engaged Messrs . O'Mial and Allen to dofend the prisoners . It is impossible to describe tne sensation caused in the court by the Solicitor-General calling upon the Judges to turn out of the dock the two prisoners , William Hollins and Thomas Jackson , declaring th < it fie could not aend them before a jury on the polluted evidence that had been produced against them . The Chief Justice concurred with the Solicitar- General , and ordered them to be discharged .
During the three days' trials the Rev . Dr . Vale the prosecutor and his wife , occupied conspicuoui seats under the Bench , aud in the presence of thi unfortunate prisoners : such conduct on the part o the rev . prosecutor and his lady , was the subject o the most unqualified reprobation , as exhibiting , t < say the ' east of it , very bad taste . If an opinion ii to be formed of the Rev . Dr . Vale ' s popularity bi the humbler of his congregation , it must be admitt 3 < that it is not very great . If report speaks truth his congregation reckons only twenty individuals while the Dissenting preaching-house in his parisl is crowded to excess . That he is not a tee totaUer is equally clear , by the quantity o whiskey which was found iu his cellar , vrhioi whiskey was the real origin of all the excesses tha were committed , as the mob never attempted firiu , until their braina were fired by that demoniacs spirit , which , they found ongoing into the house t ask money from Mrs . VaJe ,
It is now . absolutely necessary that the peop should immediately contribute funds amply towarc the Defence Fund , as it is more than exhausted . money is not generously buppiied , victims upo victims will be made , and thus a stab will b inflicted upon the cause , which it will be difficult tc it ever to recover .
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THE STAFFORDSHIRE tV TREASON" PLOT . As we yesterday anticipated , the charge of high treason against Ellis could not be supported ; a «< i the . Counsel for tho Crown have therefore wisely withdrawn it . Wo do not , however , regard this act in the samo light as the Times docs , " an act of leniency" but one of necessity , to which they were driven . But we do re ^ urd the having committed him at all on such a charge as cruel and unjustifiable . Was it to giv « a pomposity to the calendar , or to make the chargea more formidable , so that the jurors might think there really was something in them I Thus magisterial treason sinks into a shadow ; anu thus , perhaps , their misdemeanours may turn to nothing .
The mountain labonrs , and a mouse is born !" Some men cannot distinguish between " Reason " and " Treason ; " but we wish they would bopiu to learn , both for their own sake and the sake of oihers , —Evening Star , Wednesday .
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On Tuesday last , tiuddonly , at Harrogate , after i very short illness , Mr . James Clarkson , oi 3 / adford , solicitor , aged 37 . He was a young uan of considerable talent and acquirements tie was the son of the late Mr . John Clarksou , iroierly a respectable vroolatapler at Wakcfield . Ir . Clarkson Wi 3 articled to Mr . Robinson , o iVakeficrdjSjl'oitjL , and afior tho esoira ' , ion o ' iiscbrkwiip , vw for soon years in the offi . ' . o oi vlr . HaiUvQne , of Bradford , solicitor . He hac > een in business f > r hira 3 oif in Bradford , abou ^
iye year .- ? , and aqiir ; d a prac : ic 3 whicl vas already re ^ peoiable , and promised to become ucrativo . . He was a Ridioil in his politics , and ¦ ad , during late year 3 , frequently taken a proainont part in the meetings of the Radicals , par icularly of that large section , the Chartists , vhose doctrines , he , with many men , of mon elevated rank in society , contended were the loctrinesof the English Constitution , a 3 well as , he doelrines of all just and wise men . He wat in extremely pleasant associate , and bis infor nation , which was both yarions and extensive , vas always at the service of his friends without he tax of ' a professional fee . He has left som * elatives , who will have great reasons t > deplore iislo 33 , for a great portion of the enaolumeni erived from his Iab 3 urs wa 3 devoted to then ssistance . **» ^ * . *< ¦ ¦ ^ .
$ 8tovt ^Oims ^Atn 'Otsj.
$ 8 tovt ^ oims ^ atn ' otsJ .
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THE NORTHERN STAB ,. 5
Deaths.
DEATHS .
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On Sum ! ay , in the Christian church hoid in the Chartist Hall , Loith , the son of Mr . Lauclilan , waa named Heury Hunt Welsby M'Gregor , by Mr . Johu Tankard , minister of tho above place . Thcophenia , the wife of Mr . William Ranford , ol Kidderminster , was delivered on the 1 st of October , of two imo boys , who were registered on the 3 rd instant , one Eoimett Feargus O'Connor , the other M'Douall Feargu 3 O'Connor . Mr . lUnford hai how three boys living , all of whom are rcgibtered Feargus O'Connor .
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/ 3 V' - '¦"" '• ' ¦ ' ¦ ¦ '' " Oa Thursday , the 18 th of SepjBti » 0 rr 4 hf i oli Radical Reformer , Mr . John MafBlintf , of Broom lane , Haughton , in the 84 tb ye ^ of W . age . On Monday last , aged 6 G , deeffly . Seftretted by al ] who knew her , after a long aKct Sjpa ; nful dllnepe Hannah , the wifo of Mr . Jose | & Jtrcitase , ' . clotb dresser , of Little Qaeen-street ,. 3 g ' jpw .. icwtf ;; - ; - X ^ -N ¦' " "
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Oct. 8, 1842, page 5, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct908/page/5/
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