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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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MEETING OP BROAD SILK WEAVERS OF SPITALFIELD 3 . A very numerously attended and highly important meeting of the Broad Silk Weavers of Spitalfields "whs held at the Girls' School Room , Abbey-street , Betbnal-green , oa the 23 : h ult . ; Air , Delafore being called to the chair introduced the proceedings by 1 > j a few excellent remarks . TbeSECBgiABT then delivered his report , and read the memorial which was signed hy 8 , 349 weavers T&questins that the cause oT their distress might be enquired into . He said that at the interview -which took place en the delivery of the memorial hy the depuration , they saw Mr . M'Greggor , and informed him that they fonnd the distress among
the weavers to be most extensive , as there were many who were in work had not a bed to lie npbn ^ Formerly , when their trade was protected , there wi 3 about £ 20 , 000 weekly expended * in wages , whereas since the repeal of that act there is noi above £ ' 0 , 000 received weekly by the operatives 2 tlr . M'Gregor said that he knew Emnggling was earned on to a great extent to the injury of the slk trade , and that one plan of improving the trade wonld be to . reduce the duly on silk to ten per eent , while it was his opinion if some allowance was granted hy Parliament to the journeymen weavers , that would assist in removing the evil complained ot The report having been received 2 nd adopted ,
Mr . SHiotRASD moved iae first resolution , which \ Ki 10 the ioSLornng eaecj : — " That this meeting is decidedly of opinion , xrbich © pinion is the TeaJi of twenty years' experience , thai the doctrines and practice of Free Trade , so fa ? as they have been allow-ed to be carried out , have been prodnciive of more physical ii-jury to the jrreas mass of the people of this conntry than an invading army ; and more subversive of every principle 0 ? morality and of our holy religion than could have been effected by the introduction of the abomiuaiions of Juggernaut . The principles of Christianity are truth , jastics , charity , and good-will to all masjand ; while Free Trade teaches every species of Mnt and
fraud . Instead of justice it ssnetions ro&i-ery , especially the robbery of the poor ; instead of c ^ arisy It kiflicta cruelty of the worst species ; and i ^ itati of good-will to all mankind ^ jcflicts evil upon the m&ss of the eommnnity ^ beneSting only bloated cap " :-talista whose gold is ineir god I" He observed iaa % ihs doctrines of Free Trade had had a f ^ ir trial , a ^ d they fonnd themselves in a most deplorable condit i on —( cries of ** hear , hear ) . The priciples of pretrctian "were fully carried oat in the reigns of Edward IlL , Richard IL , and succeeding reigns . It appeared eTen in those days of feudal barbarism , the "T ^ t of their acts was always to protect labour , while there were al « o a ^ ts r ? gulatingibe pr . ee of jw-y" ^ onsjsothat there appeared a desire on the pun of
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the Legislature of those days to protect the poor . They would see if they looked at the rate of wages of those days , that it would take bnt twenty-four weeks to purchase a 3 mnch food as could only be obtained now by the operative labouring for seventyfive week 3 —( hear , hear ); and yet they were told that the principles of Free-Trade were to be carried out still further ; and , as a proof of it , Mr . M'Greggor said that the duty on silk onght to be reduced ten -pei cent— ( hear ) . At the last city election the Anti-Corn Law League issued a printed placard upon Free-Trade , in which they said that in Spitalfields , since the duties had been lowered , they were better off—( cries of its false . ") They all knew to the contrary . The silk trade perhaps would better exemplify the evil effects of Tree Trade than any
other branch of manufactures , as , while it had gradually increased fourfold , wages had proportionally fallen . The principles ofj ? ree Trade meant no benefit to the working man , it was only intended for the benefit of large capitalists and manufacturers , who by the repeal of the Corn Laws , knew that they would have the great agriculturists in theii power , and then get possession of their estates—( cheers ) . They ought to nrge Parliament to give them protection . It should be the duty of all those who live by their labour to assist in this one great object , for if they did Dot , they would he overpowered hy the Free Trade advocates "—( applause ) . Mr . Ssow seconded the motion , which was carried Unanimously . Mr . Pcrfot moved the second resolution , which is as follows : —
" That it is the opinion of this meeting that the suggestions of Mr . M'Greggor relative to the reducing the duties on foreign wrought silks to ten per cent , and the allowing of a sum per week to the present hand-loom weavers , equal in amount to half their earnings , would , if carried iDto effect in the present state of cold-blooded Free Trade depravity , not only soon reduce the weavers to a state of misery equal to that they at present suffer , but annihilate their trade altogether ; and thereby totally deprive their helpless offsprings of the means of subsistence , and subject them to the merciless M<husian cruelties that axe inflicted upon the inmates of those dens of infamy—the New Poor Law Union Bastilea . " He remarked that
Government must be aware that they ought to do something for the starving population . By the present system of Free Trade , millions of money were taken from the working classes—( heat , hear ) . He hoped that the Government would see that the working classes had justice . Mr . Malpas , in seconding the motion , said that they onght to recollect that Mr . M'Greggor was in office when the Whigs were in power , and there was no doubt he would impress his opinion on the present Government . With respect to the allowance proposed to be granted by Parliament , and which was to be given only to those who were now employed as weavers , that would tend still further to destroy their trade , as it would cause an increased importation of foreign silks , and thus their wages would again bej reduced—( hear , hear ) . Another effect would follow , namely , their children , who were now at work at the looms , would be without emploympnt—( hear , hear ) .
Mr . Berry observed that Mr . M'Greggor , on a former occasion , when examined before one of the Commissions of the Whig Government , asserted that his object in proposing to give a sum in lien of wates , was in order that foreign goods might bo imported . . Mr . Hatch said that the aim of the Free Traders was their own aggrandisement—( hear , hear . ) Mr . Cobden had not denied , at a meeting held at Doncaster that he had reduced the wages of his
workmen five pence out of every eighteen pence —( hear ) . It was very plain to him that the object of his agitation in favonr of Free Trade was , that the promoters of it might obtain the power of Government ; and , when once they possessed that , the working classes would find themselves in a far worse condition than they even bow were—( hear ) . It was the Whig Governmet assisted hy the Free Traders , who pas&ed the Poor Law Amendment Act , whioh measure had assisted to bring about the present state of things .
Mr . Shkbrakd proposed the third resolution which was to the following effect : — " That this meeting is of opinion that prohibition is the most effectual remedy against smuggling , and ibis meeting is farther of opinion that machinery Which throws out of employment human skill and human industry , should be regulated by law , in something like the following manner : — * 1 st—All goods made by such machinery to be taxed , and the money derivable therefrom to be devoted to the purchase of Land upon which to establish , as small farmers , the able and willing of those whose labour the said machinery had superseded . 1 2 nd—No person to be allowed to work at the said machinery more than ten hours a-day . * 3 rd—No married woman to be allowed to work at machine Jaboar at all . ' 4 th—No chfldren to be allowed to work under thirteen years of age . "
Mr . Shebbxed here entered into a long argument on the doctrines and practices of the Free Traders , showing the evils that would result from them , if fully carried into effect , not only in this country but any other . As a powerful illustration of this he quoted part of a speech delivered by Dr . Bowring in the House of Commons , where according to the language of the Governor General , 12 . 080 of the people of Dacre in India , had literally died of starvation throngh the introduction of cotton goods manufactured by the power looms of Manchester , and vet the
liberal-minded Christian gentleman , made no other use of this than to say that private interest must give way to the general good —( cries of Bhame , shamei . He concluded by administering a severe eastigation to the free-hooters , and sat down amidst great applause . The resolution was ably seconded by Mr . Moffat , and carried with applause . Mr . Wsxhebwgton moved the adjournment of the meeting to a future day , to take into consideration the answer to be returned to the board of trade , founded upon the suggestions of Mr . M'Gregor , seconded by Mr . Lane , and carried unanimously . A vote of thanks was given to the chairman and the meeting separated .
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and in other fabrics we are receiving 'less by 4 s . "Cd , than -we were in 1840 . Wha % has been stated dearly proves , said the speaker , that what has bean pat forth by an enemy is incorrect , and the weavers could not d > better thau fqrmthemselves into atinion to look after Bach publications of their enemies , and oa their appearance contradict them . He trusted that the principles and rules of the union wonld be zealously and perseveringly carried out . The meeting was afterwards addressed by B . Kennerdale , I Holt and S . Bromiley : the former of whom recommended the
meeting to act upon the advice given by Sir K . Peel on presenting a petition from the Bilk-weavers ; he said , " I wish the people could see their own interest , and take the management of their affairs into their own hands . " If , said the speaker . thiB advice be followed , our condition would be materially altered : and bad it been followed years ago , we should not have been aa we are now—pining in poverty , whilst our employers are wallowing in luxury . After a number of persons had enrolled themselves as members of the society , the meeting separated .
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THE " REBECCA" MOVEMENT THE WELSH SPECIAL COMMISSION . The Special Commission for the trial of the Rebecca rioters opened at Cardiff , on Thursday , the 26 th , at eleven o'clock in the forenoon . The presiding Judges were Mr . Baron Gurney and Sit . Justice CresawelL The usual preliminaries having beeu gone through , the Commission was opened pro forma , after which tbeir Lordships attended Divine Service , at the parish church of Saint John . The court again re-opened at two o'clock . The Grand Jury having been sworn in , Mr . Baron Gurney proceeded to deliver his " charge" as follows : —
" Gentlemen of the Grand Inquest , —We are assembled at this unusual season of tbe year under Her Majesty ' s Commission of oyer and terminer , to inquire into the cases of persons charged with felonies and misdemeanours arising out of , or connected with , the disturbances and outrages lately committed in this county ; ami to-deliver the gaol of persons who are detained therein under such charges . It is but too notorious that in other parts of South Wales there have been for several months post tumultuary proceedings , large assemblages of persons , generally by night , tor the destruction of turnpike-gates . These proceedings , unfortunately , did not receive a check at tbeir commencement , and therefore they gradually increased until they attained a considerable height . It mi ^ bt have been expected that the exposition of the law , the salutary cautions , tbe solemn -warnings of the learned Judga who presided in South tWalea on tbe summer
circuit in the two neighbouring counties of Carmarthen and Pembroke , would have been effectual in bringing the people to a sense of their moral duty ; or , if that failed , of their personal danger , from a perseverance in tbbs » practices ; but , I lament to say , instead of decreasing , those offences have increased in number , iu extent , and in enormity , and have at length , reached the county in which we are assembled . Excesses of this kind are sever committed Without some grievance , real or pretended . The alleged grievance on account of which they commenced , and have continued , was heavy tolls at turnpike-gates . When turnpikes were first established in England , about a century ago , it is matter of history that a large proportion of the farmers were hostile to them . They , with sort-sighted policy , preferred bad roads prepared by tbe parishes to good roads which were repaired by tbe exaction of tolls . Wiser counsels , however , prevailed , ana to those wiser counsels w » are indebted for those roads which have been gradually improved , and have , at last , in many parts , almost attained perfection . By the turnpikeroads many districts had been made accessible wbicb wera net so before : they have stamped an increased value on thousands and thousands of acres of valuable land . Bat good roads could , sot be constructed except by means of a large outlay ; for that outlay money was necessarily borrowed , let the payment of the principal and interest of which tolls were necessary , and gates for their collection . Tbe Principality , has , I believe , largely bene&tted by this system . The improvement in the roads has been beneficial to all classes . It has
opened important communications far trade , for agriculture , and for pleasure . Tbe facility afforded to travelling has brought into your country , so rich in scenery , numbers of parsons who would otherwise never have visited it . If , in the execution of plans for tbe improve * mem of the roads , any error has been committed—if the toils imposed by act of Parliament have been too heavy—or if , where trustees bad discretion vested in them , they have erred in the exercise of it , it was equally the duty and tbe interest of those who fait any burden which they thought they ought net to bear , peaceably to prefer their applications to the Legislature or to the trustees ( as the ease might be ) for relief ; and if they believe that any illegal exaction took place , they had in their own
hands a prompt remedy by application to the magistrates in petty sessions -, or , if they preferred it , either by indictment or by action , when a trial would have taken place at the assizes ; and I will venture to say , that the appeal for justice by even tbe poorest member of the community would never have been made in vain . I have always found that the claim of an oppressed man waa listened to with favour in a court of justice , and ample redress afforded . If , therefore , any grievance existed in the shape of oppression or illegal tolls , there was a legal remedy . If , indeed , there are persons who , after the money has been lent for the making the roads , and tolls imposed for repayment , have wished to break faith with the creditors by destroying their security , they must be dishonest characters . Many a widow ,
and many an orphan , are dependent upon these securities for their subsistence . Instead of that peaceable application for redress which 1 have pointed out , there in ; Ye been large bed tumultuous assemblages of persons , generally in the night , disguised so aa to escape identification , armed in a manner to defy resistance , provided with implements for the destruction of gates and even houses , and who have carried their unlawful and wicked purposes into execution by terror and by violence , extending even to an attack upoD the lives of peace-officers in the actual execution of their duty . In a country which is governed by law :
such excesses as tkese must be pat down with a strong band ; they are sore sooner or later to bring ruin on those who engage iu them . The Learned Judge then referred to the nature of tbe precise cases as laid down in the calendar , and dwelt upon the peculiar features of each as they are set forth , observing that he felt assured gentlemen like those whom he had the honour to address oa tbe present occasion , would enter upon their inquiries and investigation under a full conviction of doing their duty both to their country and themselves . With these remarks tbe Learned Judge closed his address , aud the Grand Jury retired . The names of the petty Jurymen were called over , and , the panel having been formed , they were ordered to attend the Court at a quarter before nuia to-morrow morning .
FRIDAY . The Learned Judges took their seats on the bench at nine o ' clock this morning , and immediately afterwards the prisoner John Hughes was arraigned at tbe bar for having unlawfully , riotously , and tumultnously assembled with other persons to the disturbance of the public peace , and feloniously , unlawfully , and with force begun to demolish the dwelling-bouse of one Win , Lewis , at the parish of Llandilotalybout Toe prisoner ( who appeared at the bar with bis arm in a sling ) pleaded " Not Guilty . " The Attorney-General , the Solicitor-General , Mr . Chilton , Queen's Counsel ; Mr . J . Evans , Queen ' s Counsel ; and ftjr . E . Y . Williams , appeared for the prosecution ; and Mr . M . D . Hill , Queen ' s Counsel , aud Mr . M . Chambers for the prisoner .
The Grand Jury brought in true bills against John Hughes , charged with beginning to demolish a tollhouse at Pontardnlais , for a misdemeanour ; against John Hugh , for being concerned in firing on the police at Pontardnlais , for felony ; against the same Jobii Hugh , for being concerned in demolishing the tollhouse at Pontardnlais , for 3 misdemeanour ; on the same charges . For the defence an objection was set up Sn respect of tho pannel , which was contended to be invalid ; being charged with not having been made indifferently and impartially by the Sheriff , according to the statute . A considerable discussion then arose as to the time and legal features of tbe objection , in which their Lordships participated . The Learned Baron Gurney referred to the statnte , and between his Lordship and the Attorney-Gener . il some considerable argument aroBe , and points of law propounded .
The Learned Attorney-General contended that the law required some positive proof that the pannel bad not been properly made , and mere allegation was not a efficient objection . Sil W . Follet followed the Attorney-General , and contended also that there were no proper objection pioved aB to the illegality of the Sheriff's pannel , aDd observed that , if similar objections were to become a precedent , the time ef the court would be expended in discuesion alone , and prisoners in all cases would avail themselves of the system of challenging the arraign , whether there be ground or not Sir William explained at considerable length , and considered the prisoner making a challenge to the arraign , was not well grounded ; and the objection was net sufficient .
Mi . D . Hill , for the defence , contended the priaoner had a legal right to challenge in as much that the pannel had not been indifferently and impartially made , and upon these grounds he contended at considerable length , that the prisoner was entitled to the benefit of the objection ; he did not intend to impeach tire conduct or intentions of the Sheriff ; but -when an informality xlsted whether emanating directly from the Sheriff , notwithstanding the functions of bis high office , or from hia subordinate efflcer , it must be 'weighed for the benefit of the rabject . The Solicitor-General bad talked about the trouble that courts of justice would be subject to in admitting a challenge to tht » arraign ; bnt he trusted their Lordships were , as he felt assured they were , the last men on earth to think of trouble when the interests of a fellow creature were at stskti ; he considered the gronndi of hia objection to tbe pannel
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, ^ 2 °£ " fiuifioiuD * . amJ that the Sheriff had not of S ^ •> " «> rs bo impartial as tbe primitive featarea 5 ? t of the criminal law required , comefro ^ ^ Siii d he *«« - »« Pri « ed that it fihould SS ? ZiF a faM ««*« ya < rtbe Solicitor- General , Sfw ^ ? canuot ba Jaade to tbe arraign ; the fheWnro - h jW ^ wH ' MH-elfo ! any p ^ , ™ ^ iS taW " " 1 8 Dd h » Ejection to , that pannel SSritaHv Q mafle 8 D (? chosen ^ differently and min ° ? 8 ufli « ent and valid objection . Thi 8 coSered ° C h ff ?? " * ° hours - Their Lordshi P 8 n &K h \ ° bjectlon Wfl 3 not made out - aa no "I » oimad / SS * , 8 heWn tbat the P 3 nnel had n <* been ™* P % ZZ SffiThTJ ? £ 15 » nPn P ' l 80 ner ; la tt ^ - Powerful , and goodlooKing young farmer , appeared to take much interest a ? i It * ° i the Jury wh 0 w «« t ° fy Mmpetty Ju ? _ f 0 ll 0 Win * » erfl 0 DS were sworn on the
William Jones , of Cardiff , gentleman ( foreman ) ; Thomas Williams , of Mertbyr Tydvil , grocer ; David Jones , of Merthyr Tydvil ,. draper ; David Lewis , of Heoi Worn , wo id , druggist j Samuel Savis , of Merthyr Tydvil clothier ; Thomas Hearne , of Cardiff , draper ; Jacb Jacob , of Cardiff , maltoter ; William Williams , / nil y illa 8 . cordwainer ; William Richards , of Cockherbtown , timber merchant ; Philip Taylor , of Harwain , shopkeeper ; George Price of St . Nicholas , gentleman ; and John Roe , Gockberbtown , gentleman . Tbe indictment having been read , whichcharged the prisoner John Hughes with having , on the 6 th of September last , feloniously begun to demolish and destroy a certain house , described in various counts as a bonse m the parish of LlaDdilotalyboHt , as a dwelling-house , and designated in the different counts aa the property of Thomas Bullen ( the toll contractor ) , of tub trustees of tke turnpike-road , and © f William Lewis ( tollcontractor ) . , ¦ >
The Attorney-General then proceeded to > address the Court and Jury , It waa his painful duty , he said , to appear for the prosecution . It was most necessary that the law should take its course , and he would endeavour to point out to them the nature of the charge alleged , against the prisoner . The charge here- was founded upon an Act of Parliament which had passed in the reign of George IV . By that law it was enacted tbat persons tumultuously assembled proceeding to pull down a house , dwelling-house , or office of any description , should be guilty of a felony . The crime was at the passing of tbe Act punishable by death ; but since then tbe person found guilty of violating its provisions waa subjected to a minor punishment . What had occurred in this case ? Had there been a riotous
and tumultuous assembly ? He should proceed to show them what had happened . On tbe night of the 6 th of September , © r rather on the morning of the 7 th , between the hours of twelve and one o'clock , a number « f persons , at least from 100 to 200 , were assembled , many of them were on horseback , and they proceeded to the Pontardulaig-gate—which be understood was one of very ancient date ; be believed that it was one that had existed within the memory of most persons acquainted with that part of the eouutry . He bad next tw call the attention of the jury to the appearance of tbe mob , and to the manner in which they had provided themselves with arms and implements of destruction . It appeared that some of the mob were disguised , so as to give them tbe appearance of women
—they were arrayed in female attire ; they had their faces blackened , and many of them had arms . Shots were firad , and in one instance , where a gun had been taktn , it wonld be shown that it was loaded , and then the marks of shots would be proved to them to have been visible on the toll-house . It would be also skown that the mob had implements of destruction of various kinds . Sledge-hammers , and pickaxes were found upon them . With these weapons the werk of destruction was commenced . All thu windows wera bioken , and the endeavour was made to pull down the house . That work would have been : completed but for the interruption given to it by Captain Napier . There could be no doubt of the riotous character of this assembly .
Tken comes the most important question , what has the prisoner to do with this ? It would be shown be was not merely present , but was taking an active part in all this . His dress was disguised , his face was blackened , when arrested by the police , who had taken measures to prevent that riot , which was anticipated , from being completed . The Attorney-General went at same length further into the case , expressing his assurance that the Jury would weigh dispassionately in their minds thu evidence that would conio before them , and return their verdict agreeable to their conscience j if there could exist , or there should exiBt a doubt in tbo proceedings to give tbe prisoner tbe benefit . The Learned Attorney-General was more than half on hour in his address .
Capt Napier being called and sworn , was examined by Sir W . Pollett—is the Chief Constable for the County ; went on tbe 6 th of September to Pontardulais , accompanied by Mr . Llewelyn , Mr . Dillwyo , and Mr . Moggrldge , and six police constables ; we went across the country ; started at ten o'clock at night ; when proceeding on our route , we heard guns firing ; , and boras sounding in different places several times . We halted in a field about 600 yards from the gate ; while there we beard noises , and shots fired , and a number of horses trampling on the opposite side of tbe river which divides the county of Glamorgan from Carmarthen ; the parties appeared to be going towards the Bed Lion Inn ; I distinctly beard a voice saving , " Come , curue , conic , " and they appeared to proceed
towards the Pontardulais Gite ; and 1 beard some say , " Gate . '' It was about ten minutes to one o ' clock , when we arrived at tbe place . After the parties had arrived at the Gate , I heard a noise the same as breaking of glass ; 1 desired my men to follow me ; wo went into the main road ; I saw three men on horseback with their faces blackeaed ; they . were on . thiB ; side of the gate that is in Glamorganshire ; there were many more on the other side ; I should say . from 100 to 150 ; I saw and board them pulling the Toll House down ; the disguise by tbe three men waa particular , and I took notice of them ; they appeared to me to be directing the other parties . I ordered my men to fall in , and we proceeded towards them ; I called out "stop , " when one of them on horseback turned round and fired at me ; I was sot hit . I desired my men to mark tbat man , aad I went up to his horse and fired at it In oudeavouring to make off , one of the parties fell from his horse , and I afterwards saw the same man ,
whom I believed to be the man that fired at me ; while scuffling with him he Was shot in the arm , bat by whom I do not know . There was more firing after this . I did not succeed in capturing the man at tbat time , because I was struck down , the dress the man wore was a particular sort—a Druid ' s dress ; the most of them were disguised in various wuys ; I had time to distinguish ' 'the dress of the man who shot at me , and recognised him again when shewn to me by one of my men . The mob afterwards retreated over tbe bridge ; I saw some in custody that night at thb toll-gate ; the prisoner at the bat was one ; he was tbe man whom I have described as being in the scuffle with . me . There were two other men also taken ; thef ware also in women ' s dress , with bonnets on , and pieces of fern stuck in them . After the mob bad dispersed , I observed the to \ V-hou 8 e doer was broken in , and the windows wholly demolished ; the floors were torn up , and the gate broken down .
Cross-examined by Mr . HILL—It was about ten o ' clock when we set out from the toll-gate . Bad to go ten or eleven miles . Did not go the nearest way , and were all on foot They had not arrived at the field spoken of five minutes before the people came . Received the information on which they acted about four o ' clock in tbe afternoon . The field was about 400 or 500 yards from thu toll-house . Heard the noises as of moving towards the sate when in the field . It waa there a . so witnsss saw and heard the signals . It was about an hour in point of time , and five miles in point of spaee , before this that they first heard tham . Waen they arrived in the field and became stationary there , the mob appeared to be upon a road on the other side , of the river . They there heard them attacking the
tollgate . The three men on horseback were on the Swan- j sea side of the toll-gate . The mob appeared to halt at . the Red Lion , and there fired a volley and cheered . \ Was a yard or two in advance of his men when the pistol was ! fired at him . Did not recollect that he then gave the men any other directions than to " mark" the man . Had previously given them general directions j how to act . Stilt telieved the man fired at him with a ! pistol . The affair between them was the Work only of j a moment The man foil from his horse from the effects , of shots from behind . His men were behind . Had not I given th m instructions to fire , nor any instructions , save general orderB for the occasion . There bad beeu all the , time a cuntiLuous dropping fire . j
Lewis Llewellyn Diilwyn , examined by Mr . J . Evaas . —Accompanied Captain Napier on the 6 th of September . He heard Captain Napier call upon the men who were destroying the gate to desist Did not know whether the shots which were then fired proceeded from the men who advanced against Captain Napier ' s party . He fired at one man'tf hor&a in the Dope of being able to capture the man . ( The witness here detailed thu particulars of a struggle lie had with another of the men , who was captured ) . His name he found to be David Jones . He saw the prisoner at the bar also in custody uf the police . His face was blackened . The gate and toll-house , which he afterwards examined , were in the state described by the two former witnesses .
C ^ ss-examined by Mr . M . CHAMBERS—He had loaded pistols in bis band when be advanced upob the field . Did not know whether the policemen , when in the fitild , had their pistols in their hands or not . Believed they had them about them . It was whan they wera clissu to tbe crowd that Captain Napier called upon the rioters to desist . He ( the witness ) baa four pistols . He 4 S . &B closa to the horse at which ho fired—in fact , touched it—aiming at the side of the horse . He was much pressed upon by tbe crowd , but ha was sure that tbe ball of tbe pistol eo « ld no > have hurt any onti about hiia , unless it passed through the body of the horse . Had no doubt that tbe ballet entered the ribs of the horse . ; The horse got away . His tthe witness ' s ) evidence bad not been taken before the magistrates , and the present was the first time he had been examined .
Henry James Peake , examined by Mr . E . TaUOHaN Williams , —Was tbe superintendent of the constabulary forctjof the county , and on the 6 th of September ' at nisht accompanied Captain Napier , &c . ( Here the witness confirmed the ' evidence of the preceding witstsses respecting the noiees and firing of the mob
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already dtBCrih ~< l , the advaooa of Captain Napiar anii patty ; the des \ ruction of the toll-house , and of the gate , &c . | He tttought the mob w . w composed of about 250 persons . W . hen the Kabeccaitas . at the gate were called upon to desist , they fired upon , and rode towards , Captain MaJ > ier'B party . There ww a general scuffle , and he saw David Jones , one of th& rio ' . ers , taken into custody . J ( The witness here pro / laced some powder-horns , a shot-bag containing some sbst , taken frtai the riotors , also a variety of articles composing tbs t ' ress and disguise of the Robeccaijtes , all of which wen' taken from them by the police . iHe also produced eonia tin-horns , and two or throe cow-horns whioh had been likewise taken from them . Two large sledgo-haictaars , a piefeaxe , a crow-bar , a clfiffc , —a sort of minor battla-axe , — used for cutting iron . jtwo old gune , and other weapons , were also produced . jThe hammers and cleft were weapons of a moBt formidable description . )
John Price , examined by Mi . Evans . —Is one of the Swansea police , and was at the Ponturdslais-gate . As he approached the gate he heard the sound of horns and the firing of guns by a number of people . He heard them demolishing the gate , and saw a great number of pesons on horseback oa the Swansea side of the gate . He heard Captain Napier say " Stop firing . " He then saw a man discharge a gun at Captain Napier , dressed in white , and something red round his neck . His face was blackened . After the man fired , somebody .
in the mob cried out ] "Fight to the death . " A great many guns were then fired . After the police fired , the horse of the man whoj fired at Captain Napier staggered and turned round , and the man fell off . I followed bin ) and took him . That man was John Hngb . es , the prisoner , who got wounded . He said " Let me go , let me go , my good fellow ; you have broken my arm already . " He said to him , " Where did you get it broke f" Over yonder , at the gate . " He was quite sure the prisoner was the person be saw fire at Captain Nanier . i
Cross-examined by Mr . Hill . —Did not recollect the first time that he told the expression " fight to the death . " This was not in the first edition of his story . Ha did not state it then , because he was in a hurry ; be was sot in a harry whea he gave his second story . Mr . Hill -O ! 1 William Robertson Williams , examined by Mr . E . B . Williams—Is one | of the police force , and accompanied Captain Napier to the Pontardulais-gate , ( The witness tben described tbe same evidence before detailed ) . The prisoner at the bar was the man that fired at Captain Napier . He received orders to fire ,
and firad . He saw Captain Napier fire a pistol at the horse under the prisoner Jofan Hughes . The horse turned round three times , and the prisoner fell off . He did not see C . rptain Napier struggling with him ; be first saw the prisonerjin custody . He saw David Jones in the toll-house pulling up the boards of tbe tollhouse . Jones struck-him on tbe shoulder with an iron bar . He immediatly put his pistol in bis left hand and drew his cutlass , with which he struck Jones on th « bead . He picked up the bar afterwards , a tin horn , and a broken powder fla&k ( produced ) . Jones was afterwards taken into ) custody .
Mr . Hill objected , that this was evidence against Jones , and not agaiust the prisoner . Mr . Baron GURNEy . —He is responsible for the act of the crowd of wbicb ! he was one . Examination resumed . — He saw the gate broken . He afterwards found tbe pickaxe produced . . Csosa-examined . —This was a pick-axe , such as were used for mending the roads , and such as were laid abcut First mentioned that Hughes was the man on horseback when be saw him apprehended on tbe bridge . There was a considerable bustle at that time . He did not see any jother persons . He had orders from Captain Napier jto notice this mau above the rest . He did not notice either of the magistrates doing anything , or firing . Ttiere were many reports of guns firing . Would state ' tbat there were not twenty men on foot on his side of the gate . There was no scuffle between the magistrates and the men on foot . Tbere
were two men on horseback , the prisoner and another . He did uot know what became of the other . The reason was tbat he was wounded—not by the crowd , ner by bis own party . Hia sword fell out of the scabbard as he advanced . | It fell on tbe ground with the point upwards , and he wounded himself with his own sword iu the thigh in [ advancing . This was before tbe attack . Will not swear the greatest nu .-uber of men at the gate had not straw-bats on ; had not time to reckon them . Stated to Captain Napier that tbe prisoner was the man who fired at ! him . Did not state he could re-Cogr . iZt ) any feature . ' Has been out of court during the examination . Was only examined once before th 3 magistrates . The signature to tbe paper produced was bis . [ The witness ' s ' deposition before the ti . agistrates was read , but there was nothing about the prisoner in it . } He only answered before the magistrates the questions that were put to him . Several other witnesses were examined , and
The Attorney-General here put in several papers which were found upon the prisoner , one containing a 5 s . -piece , the paper in which it was wrapped containing a statement to the effect that it was a payment for services- It waa addressed to " Mrs . Rebecca . " The Court was then adjourned until nine o ' clock tomorrow .
SATURDAY . The Court opened at nine o ' clock this morning , and tbe evidence for tbe prosecution was resumed . William Lawis , collector ef tolls at Pontardulais Gate ; John Morgan , a land-surveyor ; aud William Cox , governor of the Swansea House of Correction , were examined on the part of the Crown . Mr . Hill then commenced his address in behalf of tbe prisoner . After ' some introductory observations he said : —It is to me a circumstance of unparalleled astonishment , to which I can make no comparison since my long practice in the { profession , that this Commission should have been called , yea , I repeat it fearlessly , why it should have been instituted at all for the purposes for which it has been designed . It was notorious now all the world over that certain tumults
had been created in the hitherto peaceable districts in the Principality , in consequence of the existence of popular grievances arising from a heavy impost on the community in the way of tolls ; and it were better had the proper authorities endeavoured to have appeased the disaffection by [ redressing their wrongs , if any existed , rather than fly to the assistance and interposition of Government ] in sending ita Solicitor General and Attorney General and so many of her Mij ^ sty ' s Counsel , to settle by law those matters which a more congenial method might probably have obviated . I must confess , said tbe learned counsel , that I have been drawn into considerable surprise during this investigation ; and from the opening of the case by my Learned Friend the Attorney General , I bad expected
some most henieous offence had been committed ; for what else bad \ I to dread after the powerful description given by I him iu the indictment of flriqg , shooting , and riotously demolishing a c well ing house and a turnpike-gate , and that the prisoner at the bir did aid and abet in these most serious depredations . A great deal had been set up fey the prosecution for the Crown to enlarge upon and magnify this most dreadful and bloody occurrence—this most unprovoked outrage —this spoliation of property ; but he would ask , what after all did it amount to ? Where was it ? Why * at Pontardulais toll-house and gate , which up to this moment no one knew to whom they belonged ; why bad not a witness been called to enlighten tbe Jury upon this important point ? Again , what tittle of
evidence was there to Bhow tbe participation of bis client , the prisoner at the bar , as having been implicated in this tumult ? Witnesses had been produced who , he contended , had failed to establish any proof ef that nature . It had been said that on the night in question a certain mob had congregated together , and witn guns and other offensive weapons had committed certain depredations ; that many were on horseback , and others on foot in great numbers , disguised for the betterpurpose of carrying their depredations into effect ; that this mob , or some portion of it , attacked the tollhouse and gate and demolished them ; but I will fearlessly assert , continued the Learned Counsel , that the evidence produced j has failed to establish that fact , as will be seen by the many discrepancies to to
which I s ^ all occasion . Again , with respect to the prisoner at the bar , he would also contend tbat no case bad been actually made out , so as to bring him within the sense of tbe indictment . It was true certain witnesses spoke to the circumstance of three men on horseback being seen on the Glamorgatiahite side of the Toil-Gite at the onset of this affray , or rather ] on the iirafc appearance of tha police force at the Toll House , and tbat firing had taken place , but it is not exactly satisfactory by whom or which party first , j Now in this evidence there is some contradiction , for the number of tir ee so mounted waa shortly reduced jto two , and subsequently to one , and who Was tfeftt one ? the prisoner at tbe b ir ? No ! lot a policeman who was very particular
and certain in his testimony has sworn it was a man by the name of Hugh , arid not Hughes , the prisoner at the bar ; there w 6 re two names , ana two distinct persons . Hugh and ! Hughes in the proceedings . The learned Advocate | tben Went on to show that in his opiuion , and he thought it would be that of the Jury also , that the Police hud been the aggressors ; for it was their duty to have prevented the outbreak , instead of waiting as they did ( iithough armed by tbe Lnw > , until tho alleged demohtiou was completed . Waa this consistent ? No « A ? ain , some of these very armed authorities , possessed of pistols , and bills , afcd cutlasses besides , declare ! tbat upon the first volley being fired by them , that th ^ se poor deluded people , who , be it recollected , had given every publicity of thsirapproach ran off as many as cculd , except those unfortunate ODes who were captured . Had their system of
ma-Eceuvreing indicated janHhing like a murderous mob , beat on the most horrible crimes , na the learned Counsel for the prosecution would iiave it to ba thought ? Certainly not . They had buen excited by an opinion of existing Wrongs , and they sought to remedy them , though , I admit , not by the best of means . That public opinions have created public outrages is not a new feature in tuiu country j but to reconcile them by the strong arm of the ! law , has not aiwaya been recommended , as he would shew , by authority of one of the wisest and rnost humane men that ever lived : I mean , said the Learned Counsel , Lord Coke . Here he entered into a most elaborate ! display of eloquence , which was listened to with markud attention , in which he touched upon evety topie of fi-. eling aoa humanity , and developed in a most mascerly mar . ner the general detail of the outbreaks , their cause and effects ; after which ha
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Wjii ; ttirouisb the chain of ovideace addus ^ d , raatciaj his remarks upon every point and turn of sentiment likely in any way to benefit the defence . It had been said in evidence , continued Mr . Hill , that the tollhouse had been deniwlisbed ^ -thnt the gablo end was torn down—th 9 window and window frames battered to pieces—and shots and slugs found in tbe sashes aud other wood work ; but when the deaf surveyor was called , who , be it recollected , had not seen the house from the 5 th to the 7 th , tha ; U tbe day before , znd after the tumult , he swore tbat tba uprights of the wiltdows were not down , but that they were then standing ; that the great pulling down of the house , consisted of a few stones being loosened from one of the quoins ( or comers ); and that instead of the gable-end being in
danger of momentary demolition , there wns . not a hole big enough tor a mouse to creep through , niach less a man * Now , let me ask you , gentlemen , said Mr . Hill , how do we know bat thfe-quoin , or corner ef the toll-house , more properly speaking , might have been a nuisance , ae protesting further into the road tfaaa it ought to have done . The Surveyor has said that the bow-window is parallel with the road , but I am not satisfied which road he means ; and I consider his siap a very fallacious one , for in it there are two roads laid down b ? the toil-house , the high-road to Swansea and Carmarthen , and also a bye- parish road to a nriil . Now , if this projection , ( and t&afc is- what appears to me ) ifl into the side road , I mesa to contend that no erne has aright to build upon publnt'ways , and a toleration may
be held out to some extent for the taking of that nuisance dawn . There is aa especial Act of Parliament ( he was understood to areas the Turnpike Act , tinder which saeb nuisances were made unlawful , and therefore moveable . He would again repeat that , if there were exactions which became too heavy to bear , it was but right that they should be immediately removed for public benefit , and for the security of public peace ; for if things continued on as they had done , we should shortly arrive at a state of things equal te the insurrection in France . I say a ? uin , 8 aid he , most emphatically , that the magistracy in this case , with their Captain and Police , were more the aggressors than these
misguided people ; for had they exercised discretion with tbeir military tactics , the affray might liave been prevented before tbe mob , as it is called , could have come near the scene of action ; he did not know what the Magistrates of Wales might think of their country , but he was happy to say England was not like it In tbe latter part of his address , wbicb was embellished by various quotations from high law and otuer authorities , the learned and indefatigable pleader referred to the decisions in criminal cases of Judge Foster and Russsli , and in a roost touching and pathetic appeal to tbe minds and feelings of the Jury trusted on a verdict of acquittal .
The Learned Counsel occupied two hours and five minutes in his address , of which the above is but a short outline . . Mr . Chambers then proceeded to call witnesses to character , when Mr . David Jones , of Lanon ; J « hn Kees , parish of Lanelly ; John Jones , Mansel Arms ; Joshua Jenkins ; Robert Jones ; Win . Thomas , Ty ' r Clawdd ; David Richards ; Daniel Jenkins ; John Jenkins , aud John Rsas , appeared and united ia giving the prisoner the best of characters .
The Solicitor-General tben addressed the Jury in reply ; he spoke an hour and ten minutes . Mr . Baron Gurney then summed up . The Jury retired at a quarter past four o ' clock , and , after little more than half an hoar ' s absence , returned with a verdict of Guilty , recommending the prisoner to mercy ou account ef bis previous good character . The Court then adjourned until Monday . MONDAY . The Conrt Wa ? opened at nine o ' clock this morning ,
and immediately afterwards David Jones and John Hugh were placed in the dock . An indictment was then read charging them with having unlawfully , riotously , and tumultuously assembled , with divers others to the nnniber of 50 , and feloniously be « un to demolish and pull down a certain house in the parish of LlandilotoSybont , the property » f William Lewis and others . The prisoners first pleaded " Not Guilty ; " but , after a short conversation between their counsel and Mr . H . Williams , their attorney , they withdrew theit plei , and pleaded " Guilty . "
Tbe Attosnef-General then said , the prisoners having pleaded " Guilty , " he did not mean to press in aggravation of punishment . Mr . H ILL then addressed the Conrt at considerable length in mitigation of punishment , John Hughes , who was convicted on Saturday , having been placed with the other prisoners at the bar , Mr . Baron GURNET then addressed the prisoners , and said they stood severally convicted of a felony , and a felony of a very aggravated description . Tbe Jury , after a long and patient heating , had found John Hughes Guilty ; and the prisoners , David Jones and John Hugh , had pleaded Guilty to an indictment of a similar description , and their Learned Counsel , in his address t * the Court , bad very properly impressed
upon it the contrition of Jones and Hugh , which they had manifested , and which was intended to reeomnvend them in some measure to the mercy of the Court . This circumstance was not forgotten , but still an example was necessary . They , from the respectability which they had formerly maintained , and the rank of life which they occupied , were persons of whom it was particularly necessary tbat an example should be made , to deter others from a repetition of their crime . They were all liable to be transported beyond the seaa for tho term of theit livea ; but , considering all tbat bad been stated with respect to Divid Jones and John Hugh , the Court waa of opinion that it was impossible to pass a less , sentence than that which he was about to pronounce ; which was , tbat each
of them should be transported for tbe term of seven years . With respect to John Hughes , the Court could not entertain the same v ' ww of hi * case . He appeared to be one in a station of society far above the rest : one not likely to be misled by others ; and yet upon the evidence proved to be a leader , if not the leader of thur lawless multitude . His conduct at tbe time , as well as tbe papers found in his pocket , ' demonstrated , at least , that he was a leader—that he was active in collecting adherents and associates , and that something like threats had issued from him against those who were not forward in joining his illegal course . He had been recommended by the jury to the mercy of the
Court . The Court felt extreme difficulty in any degree lessening the punishment which the law awarded to hia offence . The law said he was liable to transportation for life ; but giving all consideration to the recommendation of the jury and to all the circumstances which had been so ably stated by the learned counsel for the prisoner , the Couit was of opinion that he be transported beyond the seas for the term of twenty years . As to any further extension of mercy , ibe prisoners must recommend themselves to the grace and mercy of the Crown ; bnt that mercy could not be expected if offences ef this kind were repeated and the peace of the country were not fully restored .
In tbe case of Divid Lewi 3 , a labourer , against whom there was a charge of feloniously and malicious y cutting and wound h ; g . The Attorney-General said that , on looking over the circumstances , he felt disposed to enter a nolle prosequi . The prisoner was then discharged . Lewis D ^ vis was then indicted , upon the oaths of William Chambers , the yonnger , of Llanelly , in the ' county of Carmarthen , gentleman , and another , with unlawfully and maliciously throwing down and destroying a certain turnpike-gate in the parish of Llandilotoiybont . The prisoner having pleaded Guilty .
The attorney-General said that he bad given his best attention to this case , and did not feel it necessary to press for the judgment of the Court upou it , as he should consider it sufficient that the prisoner should enter into his own recognizances to appear and receive the judgment of the C . mrt , if called upon . The prisoner then entered into his own recognizances for £ 50 , and was discharged . Morgan Morgan and Esther Morgan also pleaded " Guilty" to an indictment for being feloniously present and aiding arid assisting Margaret llorgaa to maliciously out and wound Charles Frederick Napier , of Swansea , gentleman , with Intent in so doing to pre ^ vent the apprehension of one Henry Morgan .
The Attorney .-Gbrebal said , that be would enter a nolle prosequi to the cfeargs of felony against these prisoners . Considering their advanced age , and other circumstances connected with the case , be should be satisfied if they were discharged after entering into their own recognizances . Tbe prisoners , having entered into their own reeogn ' zxnces for . £ 50 each , were accordingly discharged . Margaret Morgan , Rees Morgan , and John Morgan likewise pleaded " Guilty , " the first to an indictment charging her with maliciously cutting and wounding the before-nieationed C F . Napier , and the other prisoners with having been feloniously present , and aiding aad assisting her to commit tha said felony .
Tiia ATTORNEY-GENE&AI . entered a nolle prostqpi so far s . a regarded the felonious charge against the . prisoners , aud observed that , having ascertained the circumstances under which this aggravated assault had taken place , he did believe that they were under & . mistake with , respect to the right to resist Under these circumstances he was not disposed to press for & severe punishment in this case ; but , as tha law had baen resisted , the offence must , at the same time , b& aiavked by some sentence which would manifest tko servers displeasure of the Court .
Tbs Learned Jodcb then addressed the prisoners and sentenced Margaret Morgan to imprisonments fur six months , and Rees and John Morgan for twelve months . Tbs Learned Baron further observed , tbat the Court had received information respecting the goodness of their characters previously to thsse o&ncea , and that that was the only reason why he had not considered it necessary to sentence them to hard labout also . Mr . Baron Gtjrney then , addressing the Grand Jury , thanked them in the name of the county , for the services they had performed , and discharged them . His Lordship also , in discharging the petty jury , expressed bis regret that they should have been taken from their homes at an unusual period of the year , thanking tbem at the same time for tbe manner in which they bad pert formed their duty . Tee juries then retired , and the proceedings ot me commission terminated . ( Continued in our Eighth page . )
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STOCKPOBT , j GLORIOUS TRIUMPH OTER LEAGUE DES- j POTISM . —TBEACHERY OF A CHARTIST .: DISGRACEFUL CO 2 ? DUCT OF A CHAIR-1 MATf . ¦ I One of those Ecenes which disgrace flnmanity , took i place ia the Court Room , on Monday night . On Wednesday , the town suddenly appeared placarded , stating that a pnblio meeting would be held that evening , in the Court Room , 3 t eight o ' clock , to congratulate tiie electors of London for having returned j a "free trader . " But when the people arrived there , they were rewarded for their trouble by a placard posted on the wall of the Court , informing them that the meeting was postponed until Monday night , at ibe same hoar .
Meantime tie Leaguers w ^ re busy canvassing and mnstaring their forces , -wMch consisted chiefly of haiiiSs , poHee , shop-boys , and overlookers ^ but all io no purpose , for the people were not to be tricked by the freebooting slave-drivers . At abont five minutes to eight o ' clock , the people might be seen , standing about tbe Court Room door in the wet and cold , while the " gents" who were not pfepared ^ with iheir arrangements were comforts&ly seated * in an ante-room , jit a quarter to nine ( which shews the panctual and business-like babits of these gentrj ) j a whole host of Leaguers ascended tbe platform .
A Mr . Bakes , an « x-Mayor , wa 3 called upon io preside . He opened tbe meeting by reading the placard calling it , and telling ns ihat he was 110 publie speaker ; bn ; of course , be agreed with tbe cbjsct of the meetiBg , and would call upon Mr . HoLirN 3 , a factory owner , to move tbe first resolution , which be did in the same style as the Chairman . IJnt now followed the dirJy-wqrk-doer of tbe League , a man well known for bis bullying propensities 5 be entered on the glorious effects free trade would produce , and concluded 'by assuring the people it was the only measure wbicb could procure for industry its full rew ard . Tha Chairman was about to put the desolation , when
Mr , Thos . "W ebb came forward amid clapping and cheering . When order was partially restored , he proceeded with some remarks as to tbe objects of the meeting , and proposed an amendment , pledging the people to have nothing to do with congratulating sny body of electors who would not pledge their candidate to snpport the People ' s Charter . The Chairman upon hearing tbe amendment read , Tose evidently confounded , when the following dialogHs took place . CHAiKHiS— " WiH you favour me with your name'l " B It ia Thomas Webb . " K Are you aa inhabitant !" B Yes . ~ Well , I won t pat your amendment . " u If you doa ' i , there is no alternative but to choose another Chairman / ' To which the whole meeting joined chora 3 .
« You Chartists are always coming here interrupting our business . " ** Are men wro come here to be insulted , by being told that they have do Jigbt to reply to the false doctrine you would eram down their throats V li Your amendment shall not be pat . " " Are you , whose office of Chairman should enable yon to protect the rights of the public after , being elected by the people , going to rob them of their only privilege—4 hs right to speak at pnblio meetings I " Here several of the freedom-of-speech-loving League interfered , and proposed to take a vote ¦ whether Mr . Webb ' s amendment ^ honld be put or noi ,-when it was decided by a large majority- that it should ! . Mr . Webb to the chairman , * Are yon satisfied Bowl ' Chaisxxk . —I am satisfied that yon shall not
Mr . Wsbb however , did speak . After a brief but severe eastigation of die "free-trade" electors of London ; for their nnblnshing robberies of the mantua makers , and the grasping propensities of the free traders generally , he concluded amid the applause Of the people . Mr . Joseph Gxktkb next came forward to second the amendment , and shewed up the Whigs and Corn Law Repealers in their true colours ; ' bnt ihi 3 state of peace was not to last ioag , ihe Whig 3 findrn ^ themselves defeated resorted W > the mean&st tricks they are famed for ; one of them ^ ss to employ a drunken blackguard , who affected io move another amendment , and always took the opportunity of interrupting tbe Chartist speakers , iut who mei with his desert by being hooted off the platform . All was uproar and confusion when a
Mr . Htjdsos , a lawyer , in true lawyer-like stile tried to convince the people that the question tras not one which the Chartists should interfere with . Mr . Siethe ? CiASKnext followed , and cautioned ibe people not io be led away by the specious pleading of the gentleman who hist spoke . Mr . Clark proceeded t « address tbe meeting at some length , dnrrng which time he was frequently interrupted by Jhe ' Eervile . ' tools of faction . At this stage of tbe proceedings Mr , John AUisson made his appearance on the platform , To those who had watchedibr some time his veering ronnd , it appeared donbtful what course he would steer , specially as he was observed to leave the meeting sometime before the
business commenced , with his " cut looker" ( who wa the person who seconded the first resolution ) also as he had been waited on by deputation , from the Chartists , requesting him to take part in the proceedings , which he declined doing j bnt even the most donbtfnl were not prepared for tbe shock ¦ which bis treacherous speech produced . He charged the -Chartists with ingratitude ; that fhey and the Tories had coalesced to upset the meeting ; that wa 3 not the first time they had done so , which he said he was prepared to prove , bnt in -which he most signally failed ; that they never allowed a meeting to pas 3 by withont violently opposing it . This treacherous betrayal of his old friends deservedy jnes-with such a volley cf hisses , hooting , and
groaning , that it was Beveral minutes before there could be * ny sort of order restored . Never djd we see such a smile of satisfaction li # ht up the countenances of the middle classes , who were present as open the accession to tneir ranks of this new ally . Tbe night being now considerably advanced , The Chaissus proceeded to put the resolution , when cr ies -of " the amendment" assailed him from all parts of the room . Be , however , was deaf to all jastiee , and proceeded to read the resolution . He then pnt it to the meeting , when the whole of the respectable tribe before mentioned , voted for it ; the amendment not being pat , the sense of the meeting was takfa to the contrary of 1 he original morion , when a forest of hands was held up against it .
A vote of censure was then moved by Mr . Casteb on the Chairman , —carried unanimously—during ¦ which he made hi 3 retreat ; meantime the police were bnsy putting out the fights and clearing the room with all their usual manliness . Thus ended one ofihe most disgraceful scenes that ever ilisgraeed a public meeting , and one that has certainly given a death blow to the freebooters ofSiockport .
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THE BOLTON HANJ > -LOOiI WEAVERS . We have received the following letter and accompanying report- We can see no reason why both irere Dot sent on Tuesday , the 24 th , iBstead of Saturday , the 25 th , in which case the report would have appeared in our last : —
TO THB EDITOB OF THE J . OBTHEHN STAB . Sib . . —Ton -would oblige the CoHimittee of the Hand-Loom Weavers , by inserting the enclosed report . Copies have been sent to several papers , requesting insertion ; fent kuo-wing that you go to press early in the week , v ? e deemed it useless to send yon the report for the present Saturday . Hoping that you will give publicity to it in your next , you ^? ill oblige , Yours , && , Isaac Holt , Secretary . Bjlton , October 2 SSh , 1543 .
Meeting of Hand loom Weavehs—On Monday last , a public meeting of the above trade , called by placard , was held at tbe Lord Kelson pnblic-honse , to take into consideration the best means to adopt whereby they might obtain a share of the benefit arising from the present revival of trade . Ellis Gregson , hand-loom ¦ weaver , ¦ was called to the chair , and after reading the placird convening the meeting , called upen Isaac Holt , secretary , to read a number of rules and regulations for their fatnre government and protection , which had been drawn up by a committee appointed for that purpose , end which were submitted to the meeting for their adoption . The rules vrere accordingly adopted , and it ¦ was -unairiinoTisly agreed that the society tben formed efcould be called " The Hand-loom Weavers' United
Association for the protection of labour , and for the adoption of any other plan that may be deemed most conducive to their future -welfare . " After the reading and adoption cf the rnlea , the Secretary said , their object was to f * rni themselves into a friendly nnion ; for itT ? as only by cnity and friendship , co-operation and determination , that benefit was received . The clergy hsve their unions ; the aristocrcy , and in fact all parties -wishing to CBrry oni an ^ specific object , -whether it may tend to the happiness or misery of others , are banded and united to-, ether ; and in what more holy cause ceuld then be united than in endeavouring to gain for their starving -wives and children bread to eat aDd raiment to wear ? He was glad teat the rules had received their unanimous approval Thomas Smith "was then called upon , and said .
a paragraph had gone the round of the newspapers , -which was calculated to place their present position in a wrongand unjust light before the British public ; and ha thought that if the sss&clation just formed ozly attended to such missf etementa , saa on tbeir appearance tXpaScil th . fem , S woa ' . d merit tbespproTEl and support of tbe body at Jarge . Tbe statement which appeared in the Liverpool Times , and since that has been inserted in variona otbw papers , both local and provincial , is tbe following : — " Oar re ^ dera vrUl learn "with pleasnre , that tint long-BnSering nnd unfortunate class cf workmen ( the hand-loom -weavers ) have come in for & full share ui the benefits of the present revival of the cottes trade . Fr « m the great demand for those
beau-1 tifal fabrics the ( moaseline-de-laines ) the cloth of : -which is better manufactured by hand than by the power-loom , they are mostly fully employed ! and are receiving teller tcages than they have receited at 1 utrp Urns previously for the last ten years . " This , the i speaker , dtiued ; it v » as a falsehood , and the person who first concocted it , must have known at the time that he was not jstating the truth . The following state' meet wonld thow what they bad received , and after ! the meeting had heird it , they veoold fee able to jadge : —Bolten counts of reeds : and prices paid for . different fabrica of work during the last ten years : ' Year . Price- Year . Price . I a . d . ' a . < L ' 50 reed spr-g check 1 S 36 14 6 1843 8 G , 50 „ plain sj . r » g „ 12 6 „ 8 0 50 „ tspe cbeck „ 7 6 ,, 4 ' 6 Zi > „ ) nocLecK „ 9 0 ,, 5 6 ? c „ EJOusc ] int-tii .--L "> . i 2 e ' flintiest ; ... — „ 6 6 „ * °
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THE NORTHERN STARS
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Nov. 4, 1843, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct971/page/7/
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