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gECOHD IDITIOff,
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Gecohd Iditioff,
gECOHD IDITIOff ,
lA > CASulltE ASSIZES . aS CHABT 3 ST TSULS . THURSDAY—Second Dat . - j ^ rdship took his seat at nine o ' clock , imme-^ { m > ni ) 0 T T 09 e and aid—My Lord , as several ^ , -3 have aimed sauce yesterday , I keg to f ^ mj application that they may be requested to * 5 £ [ I observe the Right Hon . Secretary of State *> Tg Home Department , Sir James Graham , on * toch , M » a I ni ^ «* exception in his case , ' rtljfldge—H » tb the other defendants any -wish Jj £ r J * me 3 Graham shonld retire from the ^ O'Connor—I can answer for them , my Lord ; il ' alTlttorBfT-Gfinera 1—The penalty for remaining / wi after a witness has been ordered to retire , * jBB 5 shment by the Court , and not exclusion from V-TjTg'riileQeef ^ jjjijge—it is contempt of CoaxU ujoraej-GeBeni )—Just 50 , my Lord . fkTfoIlowing evidence was then proceeded with : jfflepb Sidler—I am a police officer at Stockpon . . LTTji liiat place on the 11 th of Angnstl& 3 U 1 f ffltnl ** between 20 , 000 and 30 , 000 persons coming ^ T jiej came in the direction of Asbton and ;** j 7 They were armed with Wndgeona and sticks . SUJ first saw them , they were making a great * S" but nothing * lse at that time . I went to ibe fil * % oase , and . gave information to the Magis-S 2 We had military in Stockport : part of them STsationed at the Court House , part in the J ^ fcel-p lace , and some of the yeomanry in their S fjnt quarters . The number of the multitude "jj edVlanE , and in consequence , the shops i ? ere Si The hands in the different mills were fjjjed ont , and the works stopped . I wenl to the jSaaTrorihouse , with the authorities . On getting
Xj . law a number of persons coming from the fg iW * , haTing loaves of bread with them . We v 51 jsunber of prisoners ; some of them were taken f ^^ orihouse , and others outside . Three or four iLgga applied at the lodge of the workhouse , to £ »« interview with the Magistrates . The name rf «» of them was John Wright , and 1 understood Ajjjsflinotber Leach , I saw him afterwards , j Sjjtbe interview with the Magistrates , but 1 iWjjsaember orer seeing him before . 1 believe wbjbbttxs John Leach , and 1 heard that he came tag Bjde- 1 do not know that 1 could identify him jit Dirndis objected to the question and answer . &Triines 3 belieTed that the name of the party was 3 £ i Leach , but that did not at all identify him jjjiesppeue any other transactions .
" jae Anornej-General contended that there was jsaent to go " before the Jury to prove the identity ^ ibe defendant . He would call their atttention to siiun thatthB defendant was well known in the jj ^ bourhood of Ashton and Hyde , and in the jgrseof his speech , he admitted that he had been s iuxSpcn . asd that , he tthe Attorney-General ^ aw bescfiaent . Ur . Dnn < i 33 submitted that nntil they had exjja ^ ed lie whole ef the John Leach ' * , of Hyde , Es Larned Friends on the opposite side had not jounced one step to show that this was the John leutia gnesiioDjisJnage—The objection is not made by John t > m& . but by others . ,
Jit ( JCoBiicx- ^ But I beg to remind yonr Lcrd-^ p , ihat ibe witness gays he does not think he { EMidenrifythedefendantagain , and tha' v , 1 think , iijjood objection to the proof of identity . Ttn Jndie—I think there is sufficient proof to peeed Kith the evidence , XancBation resumed—Leach said that he had fm > g ai Ibe request of a pnb . ie meeting , on behalf of ^ jprisonETSitho were ihen in enst dy , and requested sbsaagistTsUs that the prisoners roigbi be released B » ir » 3 informed by the Mayor ihat the prisoners we in custody on a charge of felony , and that they
ieuooii ; j be discharged by the pToper course of h * . Oneoi the party said in the presence of Leach , 211 » ach was the excitement , if the prisoiJtrs were js rekaied , they conld not answer for the consefsjces . Tie prisoEers were not rescued . There ij » & meeiing at Stockporu the same day , on an 93 so&ce , called Peterloo-road . I should think has 10 . 000 to 15 , 000 persons would be present . I k&Te the speakers siood upon a walL I w » 3 not kc enocghto hear them . The Riot Act was read atks iiiikct-place , between one and two o ' clock . 1 fea ' t remember "whether tbis "was before or after
Sf jesck on ibe workhouse . For seTeral days the tws was in a disturbed s : ate , particularly for ten a irren days after , ibe 10 th . Daring ihis penod , csbSIs were stopped , but the shops wcrt open . Bt Mr . i ) nnd » 5—S ; ockport is seven miles frcm Jbic&esier . and five from Hyde . I am not aware fiKlheKiot Aciwasread after the 11 h . Bj ilr . O'Connor—Before 1 put any question to tsviusess , 1 wi-h him to be retained , brcause il bj be necessary to examine him afterwards . Sse Jnd <; e—Certainly . TFfcDfiss—I ha ^ e been at the head of tha police i yoriport for so en years . 1 remtmber the riots 2 l £ 39 . Had no tif&snliy in geUmg evidence at £ « time . 1 know a zosn named Wn . Grimn . 1 lav bin by coming into the Court House to report . Itawraood that he was a reporter for the Northern
her . 1 dd not hear any exciting language in the Jraii , be 3 ci . d what I naTe stated . 1 have not heard the loflo'wmR language nsed : — " I do not believe iiai ibe people will break ont unless : hey are absohtelj depriTed of food . If you are not prepared Thi areaedy , they "will be justified in taking food lertheaiseiTes and their families " 1 belieTe I hare ^ ffliit in some newspaper , handed about by the Tso 0 e , bnt cannot remember whether it was -before lifter the attack on the workhouse . 1 don't isnrwho ihe language was atmbu'ed to . I haTe Ha tb « speech alluded to . as having been ms . de by tbt Uijor of Srockport , both in the Dewspapers , cdhi pheards on the walls of Stockport . It was laiLs wali f < H- several days , I did i . ot pali dosm i&plwird , or with it to bedonp . I don'irfmem-» aaiBE a pkeud headed " A warning Toice , * si the following lines upon it : —
Ussre is a cry thronzhont the Jand , A fearfol cry and fn ^ l of rievd 1 "PToe to eppresaon ' a heartless band 7 A itarring people cry for " Bread . " Ttat try -was ctaid ¦ when guilty Trance Oa the dread brioi of inin stood ; Trt Bound the Tiol , speed tbe dance 1 15 * fcnt tie hungry cry for food . ' 1 charge ye Ersff ' artd 3 1 tilers ! grant The jmtice thai her scan demand ! 0 . ' , ( uxmsed the demon power of want SImII sjmlch ihe PIKE and trield the BBa > "D
«* R wire so many placards that 1 can't remember ^ Jaw one beaded ** Murder , murder , murder i " pat -were a great number of riolen t and inS ± mm&-^ pUcards on the walls . The antbor-ties did not afcribem to be taken down . 1 should think the ten-• oq-tf lhpm would be 10 excite a hnngry people to i ^ tfTioTtnce . Thtre ha-re been considerable reducl ^ ain wages in Stockport . 3 don ' t know by whom ^ Jaesros were pnt up . Some oi them bad the ^^ s of the printer sfiixed . and others cad not . I ^ Ssket ihe names of Gadsby . Dutton and Lambert , « ? ajiier 3 . 1 heard no speeches at the meetings at
, 5 , ^ ° Frederick Pollock—1 was not near « nough T ^ SBany lauinage , and therefore , I ean ' i say J ^*^ ^ = 5 exciting or not . I know Bradshaw's ^ ses , at Stoekport . The hands were turned " ^ -Mr- Brattbaw sent to the Town Hall , for as-^ fice . 1 > e seen a placara similar to ihat now g « K 8 d ( - Tae Ex' cotive Committee of the National jj ^ tot AiSDdatio n , to the People of Ecglana" ; on . *« i » in Stockport . I can ' t remember the words ^ iaa ce rtain 1 read one similar , li was during * Y »» d of ihe d : sturbances . . Ty ^ -DnErias—I can ' t speai with certainty as iffi fcine at -which I saw it , or whether it was -fejtte reading of the Riot Act . I only read it nl
~ - * j , bnt I cans retain the subject matter in tof ^ V' lt was ** address to the Chartists , ^ £ pn ^ inow what about , jj ? - f Pollock—I am cpxtain from the heading ij ^ j ^ 2 Efcuera l appearance , that I have read 1 placard . ^^ Barrinjrto n , examined by the Attorney k ^ —l E m the goremor of Stockport work-^ T . . Tcnrsday , the 1 kb of Ancui-t , my atten-» ws = ca ^ ed 10 a crowd round t he ¦ workbon < e- I i ^ z }? ? fodge to see what was goinK on . 1 saw ^^ ijf couiand persons . They hsd slicks and i ^^" - 1 then went into a 3 ard , and I had not ijj ^ £ r £ Diere than two or three minntes Dtfore an fruak iiau 4 / A l / CtAi i" * V fc the
JJ ^ J ^ »— - » - * * lii ? J / OV ^/ IC .- ^ jw ^ / - ^ ffit thonsaiids entered the bou .-e , and cock ^^ on of place . Tbej tnok all the food there to" ! . e ^ 0 B 5 £ —up wards of 700 7 1 b . loaves . They Vj *^« J «! so , shattered several dsors , and broke sajJT ^ pf waidows , till at iergth ths military " | ! ^ U ? OTe thein away . Ud ^ - i fE ^ as—Kow , pray Mr . Bumble—( much te ^ S ** £ pardon—Mr . Barrington , 1 didn ' t ^ J ; —Witness— 1 can ' t Fay whether the people W 3 WI had so : much brtad in vhe house . Jt * teSv ^ ** P ^ y > acd probably some money % & ^ o 0 nt for lhe Pa ^ -Pers . y ^* y v CoEior—There was a great rush on the w " ^; iBd i-neh 25 ys-0 Xild be Hiely to cause damj * number of ipaupers in the workhouse W ^^ ttSed at that time T ' , o -rr , n \> Hid TlOt
ill-* U ' eR 0 M 2 jj bnt 1 was in great doubt about *» ft ! i ! rlv iearQ of great reductions in the *? Sa >^ diking classes at Stockport . I can ' t ^ jjjg ^ Ber-aaaerg of woikhouses are nnpopnlar in irSTn * tJines . The Major of Stockport was not Tjjg P ^ le wken they eame . j ^ j ^ a Moon-, examined by the Aitorney-G * = ne-¦ *** ifflZ - ^ s ^ of cctton yarn , ai Marple , Stella * I ' Stotkpor .. In the month of AuneeSL «« at "w-ork si 23 x . Sbeplty ' s mill . I ^ t £ E ^ aitt ° of Ptr ^ cns ccaing to the mill on H ^ J **! , the lOih ex Au fcu ; t . I went to my % , L , " Be cam e tn to ihe canal bridge , i ^ pis said they ¦ Kantsd the men to
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be turned ont . Mr . Shepley did turn them ont . The Hext day I saw a body of persons coming on the Waterloo-road , in Stockport . They came a dozen abreast , and had sticks in their hands . A meeting was . held , and I believe the name of one of the speakers was Christopher Doyle , another Leach , and another Moorbouse . A resolution waa put to the people , whether they should resume work , or ceasenntil the Charter became the law of the land . The latter was carried . I -saw the person who -was called Leach there . Somebody said that two or-three persons mast go to the workhouse , and see if they could get the prisoners released . I afterwards saw a number of persons coming from the ^^^ 3 T V ^ ^^^ % •* . tfl A . . L ^ k K ^^» ^ — _ . _
direction of the workhouse . The man called Leach , and Doyle , were linked together . Leach addressed the meeting , saying that he had seen the Major and Magistrates ; ihat they took him to a drawer , from which some money had been taken . He said they were Tery candid with nim . He asked them if they would release the prisoners . The Mayor replied , n would be contrary to law , bnt if the people would go away he might probably release them in half an hour . He adaed that the cavalry had been ordered out , and they trembled like a 3 pen leaves . I remember the loth of August . There was a meeting a ; Marple . Leaca waB there . I was too far off to hear what passed . The meeting occupied half an hour
. James Crompton , examined by Mr . Wortlej—1 am a police constable at Marple . I remember a meeting at Hiwk Green . Joseph Taylor was in the chair . I took notes of what he said while the meeting was going on . He said , "friends and fellow workmen , —we are met here tbiB morning , not to discuss a question of wages , but to see whether you are-content to Iito Blares , or whether yon are willing to use every exertion in your power to make the Charier becoms the law of the land , that you may obtain an equal representation , and place yourself on an equal footing with your tyrannical masters . If you were to go to work tomorrow , you would be a hundred times worse than
yi u was before 3 on left work , but if you will resolve to work no more until the Charter become the law of the land , you will make them glad to give you anything yon want . " This was received with cheers . He then introfluced Mr . Christopher Doyle , of Manchester . He said , " Friends and fellow workmen , — we are not met here for any pary object , but for a national object , —an object on which depends your slavery or treedom . " After a great deal of abuse of the Gevernment , he said , "Perhaps they would want to knew how they mast get ibe Charter ? It would be by working no more till the Charter became the law of the land , and yon that have nsoney in banks or other places , must fetch it out , and stop the supplies of Government ,
and then they will be glad to grant you anything you may want . " He also said " perhaps you will want to know how yon are to get meat . " He went on—** Lord Kmnard saia in the House of Lords , the other day , that iJ he was m want of food he would take it -where ht could find it . Isow . surely , your iyr-annieal masters can have no obj- ction to telling yon 10 £ 0 what Lord Kinnaird said ne would do . I iell yon if you aie in want of food , and your masters will not relieve you , take it where you can find it . ' He then proposed a resolution that the people shonld not wprk until the Charter became the law of ihe land . The meeting were unanimous in favonr of it . Doyle then said . " 1 see you rire all Chartists , and there is a meeting of Chartist delegates at
Manchester on the loth . You must elect a person to go there . " Ho then proposed Taylor , the chairman . A show of hands was taken , and the election fell upon Taylor . The latter said he felt proud that they had elected him as their representative . He said they must stick firm one to another , and work no more till the Charter became the law of the land , aird he woald go to Manchester and represent them there . The meeting was adjourned to Possttt-bridge , for the purpose of giving tneir delegate his instructions . When the mob moved on , 1 saw that a great many of them were armed with bludgeons . They were headed by Taylor and Doyle . At the junction of the Peak Forct Canal , there were a number of boats passing . The mob took awjy the horses , tied
the boats to the sides , cui told ihe boatmen that if they went further , they w » , nld siiik the boats . Thtre wonld be seven or eignt . 1 didn't see Doyle do any thing at the boats ; he was probably fifty yards in advance . Tne mob went to the lock , and I went too . Tney threatened to throw me in if I interrupted them . They then palled out a boh on which the door of ihe lock hung , and threw it across the canal . They were probably twenty minutes in accomplishing this . The iff ct of this was to stop the navigation . It remained so for two days . While one portion of the mob were breaking down the lock , the other went towards Po >> en-bridge . There was a good deal of shouting , when they had got the door off .
By Mr . Durham—1 was not ordered to go to the meeting by the Magistrates . I went of my own accord . 1 thought it was my duty as a constable , seeing the damage that had been done , to go and see what they intended to do further . 1 did not take all down that was said . There were so many figures quoted as to pensions and salar ies , and ibe speaker got so warm , that 1 could not take it down . I did not tfrinV it necessary to do bo . iiy oHjeci in going to the meeting was to hear whether they passed any resolution to" destroy property . 1 knew it was a Chartist meeting , and 1 acmit that I took down what would make against the Chartists . There were two other constables present , bot I believe they did not take any Dotes . They are cot here as witnesses . 1 did not know that Doyle was a turn-out , bat I knew that Taylor the chairman was .
By sergeant Murphy—I should be known to the people at the meeting as being a constable . Some of them wonld see me taking the notes . I did it openly . . No molestation whatevtr was offered tome . By Mr . M'Onbray—I know the nature of an oath . When 1 took , the noies , 1 knew that 1 should be called to give evidence in a court of justice . I am conscious that 1 have not told all that passed at that meeting , but I have staled truly what I did take down , 1 conld not rehearse all that I left out of my notes .
By Mr . O'Connor— I stood four or five yards from the cart . 1 "wrote down every thing that ocevrred at the time , with the exception of the chairman , which 1 wrote immediatdy afterwards . 1 have never been a short hand Tvriirr or reporter . 1 did not know that the meeting waa composed of Chartists . 1 thought they were turn-outs . 1 am aware that a large rednciion of wage 3 was proposed at Stockport , bnt I don ' t know the amount . 1 did not hear any expressions of violence at the meeting , beyond a recommendation to the people to take food , and 1 thonght that . was lather strong . 1 do not know tbat ihe MayoT of Stockport recommended the people to take food . 1 neveT beard him say bo . 1 don ' t live at Stockport- 1 have heard the working classes ccmplaki that their wages were reduced below existence point . They complained also of the masters turning lhcm out of work .
The note-book was he * e handed to his Lordship , at the request of Mr . O'Connor , for the purpose of hearing his opinion , whether an unprac . ised and unprofessional person could take down a consecutive report of a speech in long hand 1 The Learned Judge having looked at the book , said that the question was rather one for the Jury ; and it was undersioed that they should have an oppor : uni ; y of inspecting it before delivering their verdict . _ ^ . ...
Witness re-examined by Mr . Wortley—I had a very favourable opportunity of taking notes . I was not jostled at , ail by the crowd . His Lordship here interrupted the Learned Counsel for the purpose of saying , that when he came to « um up the case to the Jury , he should adopt tb * same course as that pursued by Lord Chief Justice Ttndal . at Stafford , namely , to explain the general character of the indictm * nt , arid afterwards to point oat the comparative guilt of each defendant . He did net see ' how he could do justice to the defendants
unless he adopted this course . Mt . Wortley—The Juiy msy find them guuty on different counts . There are several in the indictment . Tfl" Judge—This is an indictment for a inisdemeanonr . and you must fiDd ihem guilty of an 01-fence arising ont of the fame transaction . Mr . Sergeant Murphy—It i = ? quite clear that the course your Lordship has pointed out is the proper one for I and ? ome of my Learned Friends appear for ' defendants who are charged with different offences . Abraham Longscn . examined by Sir G . L 6 Win—7 am a police officer at Stockport . On the loth of August I was at a meeting on the Waterloo-road ; John Wright was in the chair . Immediately after the meeting broke up , 1 made notes of what had passed . I did not write fh « tioles myselt but I dictated them to alterwaras
» ti assistant I read them over , ana ^ . iSS ^ correct . A man named John Newton , iofaSd ^ nX spoke , after Wright had taken the SIS He prepWd " that whoever introduced any Sb&rt no ! connected with that of wag * s , should be i i isgsSfi K& £ ££ «^ J " * " * Welto - - and
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if that wouldn ' , to go to Buckingham Palace , and the House of Commons or Lords , or whatever they had a mind to call them , and to demand from them to take all restriction' * off . " The Chairman then got np , and said he would not go to London , and that they must take the responsibility upon themselves . Jame 3 Ellison , nofc a defendant , moved an amendment that the question be left open , and let the . masting decide whether or not they would ask for their wages . I am not certain whether this waa all he said . Richard Pilling , one of the defendants , nexs spoke . He said , — " Fellow-townsmen , for I may bo call you , haying lived among you so long , and having been at bo many meetin > s , and having been in prison , I do not know whether it would be safe
for me to own it or notj bat I may avow that J have the honour to be the faihtsr of the movement , and the sol © cause of your being nere , ladies and gentle-Bien , at the present time ; for the masters of Ashton had thought proper to offer a reduction of twentyfive per cent , upon their wages . I then called upon the bellman to go round , and call a meeting . We there came to a resolution , swearing by the God of Heaven , that if a reduction took place , we would annihilate the pystem , and cause the day of reckoning . I then addressed the meeting of 12 . 000 , afterwards another at Stalybridge , of 10 , 000 , and at Dukinfield , of 5 . 000 . At every meeting , they came to a re&olation to work no more till they had got the same wages as they had in February , 1840 " He then
said he had addressed a meeting at Royton , who came to the same resolution . He then called a meeting at Oldham , bat they were taktn by surprise , and he had to come back with five other speakers . In consequence of that the people of Oldham were not out , but he waa determined next morning to go and drub them out . He went accordingly , and met them at eight o ' clock , where one of them attacked him , and he gave him a fl . > orer . All their masters were then willing to give them their prices , but one of the Anti-Corn Law League , of the name of Bailey , of Stalybridge . In the course of the last three weeka , he had addressed 300 , 000 in different parts of Lancashire and Cheshire . They iben went Jo DroyJesden , and the people there
swore by the God of Heaven that thty would not work any more until they got the prices of 1840 . They then came to Stockport , and caused all the mills to stop . They ( the meeting ) had not turned out ; it was the Asbtou lads who isad turned them ont , and if they went in again they would come over and give thtm a d—d good hiding . They then went to the bastile , bui he ( Pilling ) , did not think that Tijjbt , but that winter they might all beoome thieves , and then the soldiers and police would have to look after them , and that would eat up the system , as there were more ways of doinS that than one . If the Ashten lads had not been there , they wou ' . d not have known that there had been such a place . Ho went ob to say tbat he had been in all
parts of South Lancashire , and t h 11 the two Tory members tor Blarkbura were engaged in working patent looms , at l £ d . less per cut than other masters were giving in the neighbourhood * and stopped 9 J . per week lor every loom . On going to Todmorden , the worthy member for Oldham was actually giving more wages for some kinds of work than was actually turned out for , and when the soldiers went to him to protect his factory , he told them he could do without them , as the arms of the people were his protection , and when that ceased , he hoped he should cease to live . He ^ Pilling ) then sai d th ere is that d—d rascal , Marshall , and that d—d bloodhound of a thief , Jem Bralshaw , both particular friends of his ; he loved them well and they knew it . The meeting must be sure to stick out , and not to go to work , because if they did , they might depend
upon it the masters would crush them down , and then the Ashton lads would come over again and give them a d—d good hiding . And would ttuy not destrvp it ? The meeting called out , "Yes , my lad . " They might call that intimidation , but he knew the law of conspiracy , and nothing over good was got without some one suffering for it . He said they might put him withm the prison walls , for he didn ' t care a d—n . He concluded by cxhorung them 10 remain out oi' work . There was another meeting at Peterloo on the 16 : h , to appoint delegates , at which John Wright was elected . On the 17 th a further meeting took place . Wright addressed them , and said , 1 have come "—Here the witness , after bungling for some time , in attempting to make either sense or any thing else of the manuscript ^ was ordered by the Judge to hand it over to one of the offi ^ rs of the Court , by whom it was
read . Daring the time that the officer was reading the document , Mr . Dundas rose , and said that this mode of reading a speech was merely refreshing the memory of the witness . He complained that the witness had been staring about the Court instead of attending to what was going on . Sir G . Lewin said that if his Learned Friend wished , Longsou should read the manuscript himself . Mr . Dundas replied tbat be should be sorry to take up tho time of the Court in such a manner , and the officer proceeded with the reading . The contents of tho speech were quite immaterial
Examination rt-sumed—I remember attending a meeting , one at Carpenters' Hall , on the 15 ; h of Sepieznber , and another at Botnber ' a-brow , on the lG ; h . John Allison , a defendant , was there . He recommended the men 10 go to their work , and Carr did the same ; hut Car . 'er , not a defendant , said they must have tho Charter before they went to work , and that it did not matter if a few lives wore lost in ihe struggle . Two placards were read at the meeting , one headed " Run lor gold , " and anoth « -r similar to the address of the Executii e Committee . The former was r « ad , but with respect to the latter , the Attorney-General said he should prefer offering the evidence to which he alluded in his opening address .
Cross-examined by Mr . Dundas—Neither of the parties who wrote to my dictation are here . We were about three quarters of an hour in writing the speech of Pilling . 1 have attended several meetings , and dictated speeches to our own officers . The man who wrote Filling ' s speech for me is Robert Swan . He is a Sheriff ' s officer . He never wrote any for me before the iate turn-out . 2 can carry a decentish long speech in my memory , but a good deal depends upon the subject . I think 1 could remember a speech of half an hour ' s length . The meeting of the 16 : h terminated peaceably . By Mr . O'Connor—I believe I could repeat Pilling s speech , as 1 have it down now . I am not much of a politician , but I read the newspapers . I occasionally read the Manchester Guardian . 1 never saw a report of Pilling's speech in the paper . When Swann and I were writing out the speech , he
occasionally refreshed my memory . 1 don't know the reason why he is not here . These are our notes conjointly . When Pilling heard tbat the people had gone to the Stockpon workhouse , he expressed his disapprobation . 1 can ' t remember whether Newton , a master mason , who was at the meeting , said that unless the corn Laws were repealed , they would turn London upside down . When he recommended them to go to London , to the "top . Bhop , " the meeting hissed , and a person called oat , " Master , you are a tool oi the Anti-Corn Law League . " 1 beJieve it is trne that the meeting charged Newton with having been sent there by the manufacturers , to create a disturbance . 1 have not placed this in my journal . 1 waa sent to the meeting to give a faithful report , and 1 did so as nrar as 1 can . 1 didn't think about what was said to Newton at the time . 1 have never read the followiug resolution . : —
" Tbat this meeting being convinced tbat the Government baa no intention ef affording effisctual relief for the acknowledged distresses of the people , hereby avow the solemn determination ncwr again to pas * , or to retain / or tirenty-four hours irilhoul exchanging for go'd aity Bank of England notes , until , by the total and immediate repeal of the Corn Laws , Parliament shews its willingness to commence a real redress of our grievances . '" I remember seeing a placard on the walls at Stocbport , headed " Murder , murder , murder , " bat I can't mention the name of the printer . I can ' t say whether Gadsby ' a namo was affixed to it or any other . I cau ' t remember -whether Allison recommended tna people to resort to legal and constitutional means to obtain the
Charter , bnt I think be used the word peaceable . I am certain that Pilling used the word « ' drub" and not draw , when he talked of going to Oldham . 1 can ' t say whether Pilling , -when he was speaking as to the conseqnonces of persisting for the Charter , said "he did not care for fool or dick , " or he said he did not care for " Hool" or " Dick , " alluding to Mr . Holland Hoole , a magistrate , and to Mr . Cobden . 1 am aware that many angry public discussions have taken place between ; the Ckartista and the anti-Corn Iaw party , at Stockport , and that a very bad . f eellng exlBta between them . I don't know that
the Cbartlstfl have npset Corn Law meetings , at Stockport , but they did once upset a meeting of the Bible Society . 1 cant recollect tbat Pilling ever told me tbat is conseqnence of being turned out ef work , be waa in such distress , that he could not bury bis child . I don't remember ever seeing a placard on the walls of Stccfeport , to the efiect tbat the MayoT of Stockport bad recommended the people to take food , if they were starving , Bud could not obtain aDy . Hi . Sergeant Mnrphy stated to his Lordship that Pining had wished to know -whether he ( . the Judge ) ¦ would allow & question to be asked of the ¦ witness , LoDgson , -whether , -when speaking at the meeting
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alluded to , he had not confined his obserrationa to & recommendation ef the wane question . Hia Lordship informed Pilling tbat he might ask the question himself . He accordingly did so , and Baid , amidat great laughter , that ninjBelf and Longwn were old churns on the factory and wage question . At tbis stage of the proceedings , the Jury retired for a few mtnutes . On their retain , Sir Frederick Pollock , addressing b ! a lordship , said , —I wish to call your Lordahip ' s attention to the attendance here of Sir James Graham , as a witness . It has been intimated to me by Mr . O'Connor , that he intends to call * witness of tne name of Wilcox , and in that case there will be no necessity for the attendance of the Right Hon . Secretary . Mr . O'Connor—Certainly not
The Judge—Is there any other defendant who doe » not appear by Counsel , who wishes to examine Sir Jamea Graham ? If no answer is returned , I shall conclude that no person wishes to do so . Mr . O'Connor—I trnst that it wilt be found that we have summoned Sir James Graham for no idle purpose , but having secured the witness who will answer our purpose , we have no wish to detain the Bght Hon . Secretary . Sir James Graham remained some time in the Court , making minutes of the examination of some of the witness , and retired in toe course of the afternoon .
John Robinson Scott examined by Mr . Hildyard—I am a policeman . On tne 13 lh ot August , I attended a metstiDg at Bostoa The defendant , Augustus Frederick Taylor was there . A Chairman was appointed , and a person named Thoma ^ Ratcliffe asked whether the meeting was got up fco-the purpotaof discussing wages or politics . It was received with general hooting and hissing . A person named Hoyle spoke , and said he was glad to see me there in my proper clothing , for if I had come as a spy , they would strip me and send me about my business . This was said in the presence of Taylor , the defendant . Tbe latter then got np , and after speaking in a savage manner respecting the Government , he turned to me and said that if I was a principal ia this undertaking , I should never rest
tfll I waa at the top » f the tree , for they were determined to upset the villanous syntem . l and he added that , he would scale that d—d infernal place ( meaning ihu gaol ) in less than a month . On the 16 th of August another meeting , was held at the same place , when Taylor was again present . He said tbat be could give the meeting no satisfaction , but Baid be hoped that something would have been done tbat day . After the fund accounts were read , a , motion was proposed that Taylor should be sent as a delegate to Manchester . A collecwas made , amounting to five shillings , -which -was handed over to Booth , the secretary . The meeting was again adjourned to the following day . Taylor waB again present . Something was said about money-clubs and banks , and Booth advised tbe people to draw the
money out of them . Tbis was said in the presence of Taylor . Booth said he did not know how things were stinding , but they ought to go for the Charter- Ho / le then addressed the meeting , and said that at a meeting ot the delegates , at Manchester , thero was a majotity of Quo to 50 for the Charter . He then explained the d ; fF = rent points in it , and said what benefit it would confer if they could send their friend Freuerick Taylor to Parliament . He said the Magistrates bad made the soldiers drunk , and sent them after the mob to fire upon them and butcher them up . Taylor then addressed the meeting . He s \ id , " Ladies and Gentlemen , we have arrived at one of the most important subjects tbat ever was undertaken . He said that a resolution had been passed at Manchester , on
the previous Monday , in favour of the Charter , and that no doubt something serious would happen before long . He stated tbat the Magistrates of Manchester , and Mr . BeBwick , entered the Carpenters ' Hall , and told the persons assembled that the meeting was illegal , in consequence , of the out-door pressure . The Caairtnan refused to break up tbe meetiug , and tbe Magistrates and police returned again , and would only allow them ten minutes to disperse . First one of them nibbled , and then another , but none of them would take bold . But I tell you tbat I took bold of tbe grand question , which was tho Charier , and it was received with loud applause . We had then only five minutes to disperse , and we bad a considerable portion of tbe work to be done te-day , and I consider that you have 1
not a moment to lose , so tbat you who wish to have a baud in this undertaking mast do something this morning , for the men must use the f word , and the women will know where to direct them . Taylor then said , as soon as tbe delegate from Birmingham came and brought the decision , be immediately ran to tbe trades to commuuicatH the news , and no doubt they would come forward in thousands to join their ranks , and before this day -week there will not be one trade at work . But I fearlessly tell you tbat I was the man who grappled the Charter yesterday at Manchester , and I should like to witness a bloody revolution or revolutions ,, and the time was not far off . " On the following mtaning . the 18 th , there was another meeting . Taylor was present He said be was
very sorry to inform the meeting that Turner , who printed tbe placard which 1 brought home with me last night , bas been taken . ( This was tbe address of tbe " Executive Committee , " and bore tho imprint of Chas . Turner ) He added that Turner ' s printing press and all his furniture bad been taken , and whatever might be the event of this undertaking , be could not tell , but if tbe meeting thought they bad the slightest chance , they would go forward But he said it appeared to him that some of tbe people were getting tired , and wished to return to their labour . If they did , however , they wou d leave him in a most dangerous position , but be could only be put in prison , and should be one among the rest At the conclusion , Taylor was again elected as a delegate .
By Mr . O'Connor—I understood tbat when Taylor waB speaking of tbe people being tired , and wishing to return to their labour , be was speaking of the people of Royton . Sylvester Faraday , examined by Mr . F . Pollock—I am a policeman . 1 was at a meeting at Bacup between nine and ten o ' clock on the morning of the 16 th of August . There were about 2 000 persons present They were armed with sticks and bludgeons . They entered Bacup from the Rochdale road . I followed them , and saw -what they did . They proceeded to the niilla and stopped them . Tcey called upon the bands of the mills in a menacing way , to come ont All the mills in
Bacup were stooped on that day . Th <> y afterwards divided into snull parties of from three to twenty . They entered all houses that they found open , and demanded provisions from the inmates . There was a grocer of the name of Carter , and the people crowded round thb Bhop , and provisions were thrown out to thbni . Their conduct was violent , but they offered no threats . I did not bear any tnreat at Carter ' s , but in other instances . I beard the people themselves threaten to break open the d « ors of the houses , if provisions were not given to them . The state of the town was one of great violence and uproar , 1 first saw tho address of the "ExKcutive Committee , " posted in Bacup , on Saturday , the 20 th of Aneust
By Mr . WOubray—I only read one or two lines of the placard , but I satisfied myself tbat it is tke same . By Mr . O'Connor—I did not see aDy person tbat I knew individually , who were Bb » wing the people how to pull ont the plugs . Tbe millowners are not all dead , but I don't know that any of them are here to speak to tbe mills being stopped . By William Beesley , a defendant—I saw tbe placard in two different parts of the town . I do not remember any provisions being found upon the prisoners at Bacup , or at the police office there . William Bentley examined by Mr . F . Pollock—I am a policeman from Rochdale I saw tbe address of tbe Executive Cjmmittee posted on the 17 tb of August , and the hands turned out on the 11 th . The Queen ' s proclamation appeared on tbe 15 th . About the 20 th the hands returned to work .
James Buckley examined by the Attorney-General—I live at Sialybridge . On Sunday , the 7 th of August , I was at a meeting at Mottnm Moor ; from 3 , 000 to 6 , 000 persons were present William Moorhouse , not ¦ a defendant , was in the chair . When I Rot there , I found the people singing a hymn . A resolution was proposed that the people of England should give over working until they got a fair days wage for a day ' s work , and tbe Charter became the law of the land . A man represented to be John Leach , of Hyde , spoke . Jyku Crossley and Wm . Stephenson were there . All three supported the resolution . On tbe morning of Monday , the &th of August , I saw a great number of persons , some armed with sticks , in tbe streets at j Stalybridge . More were without than had them . I ' followed them down to Messrs . Harrison ' s mill . They j shouted and wanted to got the bands out Mr . Harii-Boon stopped his mill . The mob then went to Messrs . Lee ' s mill , and demanded admittance , but they could
not get ia . They broke a plank off tbe bottom of the gate , and effected an entrance , but when they got in , the hands had been turned out at another door . They afterwards went to Dnckenfleld , and stopped all the mills on the road , between tbat place and Ashton . The mob brandished their sticks , and created great alarm . They then went to Hurst and stopped mills there . Above twenty were stopped . In the afternoon , I saw John CroBsley , in the Market-place , at Ashtoa . I also saw William Aitkin , another of tbe defendants . He " blacked" tbe mob most terribly for the way they had gone on . Pilling was there too , and he proposed tbat the peopie of Ashton should go to OWham , and tbe people of Staljbridge to Hyde , in orde * to stop the mills . This wes agreed to . There are many hatters in tbe nnighbourhood , and the mob stopped them from working , as they came to the hat shop ? . They said they must give over working until a fair day ' s ways for 5 fait day's work was obtained , and the Cb . ar »
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ter became the law . I saw John Crossley . He saw some lads attempting to break a gate , abd he ran to prevent them doing any damage , j There did not appear to be any leaders at tbat time , j From Denton the mob went to Hyde , and they called upon the hatters to fall in , and march with them . Some of them did so . and others refused . They afterwards divided themselves into lots , and went to different : mills . At Hyde they went to Mr . James Aahton ' s factory , and turned the hands oat Before the party broke up they went to Q-iosaop , but I did not go with them . On the morning of the 11 th there was a meeting at Haigh , ef r similar character , which was addressed jby Fen ton , Crossley and Mshon . Crossley said he would not tell them where to go to , as they had behaved ] themselves
BO badly tbe day before . He told them they wete to follow him . About seven o ' clock the next mowing , the 12 th , another me&ting waB held at Stalybridge ; Crossley and Fanton were there , and advecated the wage question , but Woolfinden advised them to stick to tbe Charter . He spoke very ill of shopkeepers , cotton masters , and the Government I did net go any where with them that day . ^ but the next morning there was another meeting . Mahon was there , and Crossley , Durham , and Fenton . It was Btated that there was to be a meeting that morning at Hyde , and that men were to be sent from Stalybridge to address the people on the wage question . I was at a meeting at Hyde after this . Wm . Stephenson and Crossley were there . They wanted the people of Hyde to give up the agitation of
tho Charter . The people blackguarded them terribly for coming with auch a tale as that Booth , tbe defendant , was one of the patties who did bo . I went back to Stalybridge after the meeting was over . I found tbe people coming in from GHossop to bave a meeting at Stalybridge to discuss whether it should [ be a wage question or a Chartist question ; it was to be what was called a great meeting . It whb determined that tbe Stalybridge people should not bave eny thing to do with the voting , because they would ni-fc have anything to do with the Charter . It was afterwards agreed that the meeting should stand out for the Charter , and it broke up . John Wild was the chairman of
the general meeting , at Stalybridge . ! Several psrsons were called , and at last Wild was [ fixed upon . He said he did not like to bave anything to do with the business , but as they had called upon him , ; he would do his duty as far bb he was able , by giving every speaker a fair and candid bearing . Leach supported the Charter . Newton , Mahon , and Booth also took part for tbe Charter . Several persons spoke for tbe wage question , and among the number Durham and Fenton . All present , with the exception of two , Voted for the Charter . I should think that from 8 . 000 to 10 , 000 persons were present Tnis was the last meeting I attendel . "
By Mr . Dundas—I did not hold up my hand for the resolution . I am a married man and have a family . In the month of August my wife and children were in the Workhouse , at Saddleworth . This was in consequence of my being out of work . They are not there now , because I bave got work . I am working at Mr . Kirk ' s factory , and have been in work for six weeks . My wife ana family left the Workhouse three or four months ago . 1 can't say whether I was in work or not when tbey returned . I was a special constable at the time , at Stalybridge . The reaaon | why I did not give that a-nBwer before was , that I thought you would not thiuk being a special constable working . I ws a special constable for six weeks , and had 3 s . a day . 1 never was discharged from being a special constable ; , because 1 had no regular engagement . I was ordered to give over because there was no demand for me . I waa afterwards a watcher under the police of S ' . alybridge , at 16 s . a-week . This was in consequence of their being a Watchman short for about three months . When I
applied whether I was to have tbe situation permanent , the Commissioners at Stalybridge said tbat if tbey appointed me , they were afraid tbat the rate payers would not pay tbeir rates , because I had sworn against tho Chartists . I will swear that I was not ) discharged by tbe Commissioners , for any other reason . / was told by some body ( 0 go to the nuxlings . I $ ot paid for going ! ( Hisses from tbe body of the Court I I shall not tell you who sent me . I was told before I went tbat it would be worth my while . I got fire shillings . Tbat is not all I got I bave received £ 5 at different times , and I expect to receive more . ( Renewed hisses . ) By Mr . Atherton . —The first information ] I gave was about a fortnight after tbe meeting of the 7 th . Before I gave tbat , infonnation 1 had not seen the Queen ' s
Proclamation offering a reward of £ 50 . The jnrst time I saw it -was in September . I am not certain whether I hud seen it before . I w&s examined by the Ash ton Magistrates . I admitted having told a woman named Susan Greenwood , mother of my first wife , ! tbat I bad seen a lad break a gate at Messrs . Lee ' s mill , and that I might as well have £ 50 as any body else . She asked whether I would go and swear against my neighbours ? I don't remember what answer I made to the old woman . I acknowledge having been questioned as to what I knew about the Chartists , and I ( said tbat if it had not been for the speakers there would have been a great deal more disturbance . I was not a turnout on the 7 th of August I bad nothing to turn out upon . Z was three weeks and had nothing to do .
I scarcely know bow I lived . I bad bread , but very little meat I got the fhur from a shop , at Stalybridge . I did not pay for it . I have been living on credit When I went up and down to these meetings . I did Dot take any part in tbe proceedings . . I neither hissod nor shouted . I have tabes notes , but I have burnt all the papers I bad . When I was examined before the magistrates , in September , I could not be sure whether Fenton was at the meeting on the 12 th of August I examined the papers afterwards , and found tbat it was corrrect The paper was burnt before I gave eivdence at Chester . : I knew it might be wanted for these assizes , but I thought I could carry it all in my bead . I was examined before the Grand Jury respecting these transactions , and I burned the papers afterwards .
Cross-examined by Mr . O Cjnnor—When waa the first instalment paid to you ? It happen might be about the 16 th or 17 th of August . M ight it be a fortnight before ? It might You say you got between £ i and £ 5 altogether 1 Yes . « Are you certain you did not get more ?—I am . On the 17 tk of August , when you followed the meeting , before tbe mills were stopped , you say that the people were riotous and created great alarm in the neighbourhood that they passed through ? Yes . Did they alarm you ?
Yos . How does it happen , than , that if you were so much alarmed , you followed tbe people ? I did not follow them . Then you went before them ' —( Laughter . ) I attended their meetings Did you not follow thtm when Crossley prevented the the boys from doing damage to a batter ' s premises ? Yes . ; Upon your oatb , sir , did not Crossley say ; to you , on the Monday about which you have been speaking , that he would go with you to the meeting , if you wonld
promise to abstain from violence ? ' < He never said anything of tbat sort to me . Did you tell all to the Magistrates that you bave told here to day ? ¦ No . Did you swear tbat Leach had been at the meeting on the 13 tb of August , at all ? I have nothing to do with Leacb at all . Oh ! but you bave . After your examination before the Magiatrates , were you bound over to give evidence ? Yes . Did you give evidence at Chester ?
I did . Were the men against whom you swore convicted or acquitted ? One was convicted , and two were acquitted . Did you get anyfchirg for that job 1 Not much . How much ? ¦ Fifty shillings . And bow much do you expect to get forthis job ? I don't know . Has no one told you ? No . : Were you not told that you would get the £ oO , if you convictd the whole of the parties ? No . ; Did you say it yourself ? I never said that I nrisht as well have the £ 50 for those persons . It was for the job at Chester that I said I mioht as well have the £ 50 . ;
Did yon over shew your papers to any one before you destroyed them ? No . Upon your oath , did any one tell you to destroy them ! No . What did you get for going to Liverpool ? Fifty BbAWnge . Havo you told the whole truth 7 Yes ; to the best of my belief . Do you remember what you swore , when you were before tbe magistrates , in September last ? What about ? That is what I want to kuow . Was what you swore before tbe magistrates , read over t > j you , or given to you , to be r ^ id by yourself ? It has betn read over a time or two . By whom ? I don't know : I don't see blmvhere .
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' ... ' . ' -: > ' jk-j l- ¦ ' . ifZ ^ LiJtf&H&' i ^ Z ' JS' ¦ - ¦ .- ' S ^ iS ^^ SS ^ S ^^^^ / mS / a £ & > / iu " "" " ^ C / f&IHZyy { 5 7 t * w •** 01 ^ 1 ^ ts ^ ie < /* & £ * < V S ^ r ^ c /^^ j 6 ~ 2 h * tsz ^ ^^ £ ^/ c ^ a ^ e ^ j / , //* - / , t When was it last lead to yorf u ( The witness hesitated for a long time , and appealed quite unwilling'to answer the question . ) Mr . O'Connor—Upon your oatb , I must have an answer to tbe question . The witness still hesitated . The Judge— Why don't you answer tbe question . Witness—The depositions have been read over to mo to-day—( a strong sensation . ; Mr . O'Connor—Go down , Sir . The defendant , Wild , here asked if be could be ; allowed to put a few questions to Buckley . The Judge—Certainly .
Defendant—As I am not defended , my Lord , and hava no means to obtain counsel , I wish to know ween my trial will come on , so tbat 1 may be prepared to defend myself to the best of my ability . Tbe Judge—Your trial ia going an now —( laughter . ) Defendant—At the meeting at which you said you saw me , did I not object to the Charter being carried out ? Witness—Yes . Defendant—When I refused to meet the motion in tbe shape In which it was proposed , did not the people come before me with sticks , and threaten to knock my brains out ? Witness—Yes ; and tbey threatened to knock yoa out of the cart By Sir Frederick Pollock—The money which I received Was for my expences at Chester and Liverpool . I received 60 s . at each place , and my expenses wer » rather more than £ 3 .
Joseph Oliver , examined by Mr . Wortley—I am an overlooker employed at Mr . Hall ' s mill , at Diickinfleld , I waa at a meeting at Hall Green on the 2 nd or 3 rd of August . I think Wild was in the chair , but I won't swear it Pilling and Challenger addressed the meeting , and a resolution was proposed tbat if the masters per * slated in their reductions , tbe men would cease from labour , until tbey had got a fair day ' s wage for a fair day ' s work , and tbe Charter bad become the l » w of the land . The resolution was not put to the vote . I was at another meeting on the 10 th . Pilling was there . He said he had been at Oldham , where be bad met with some opposition . He added that some of his ladB had been there on Monday , and raked out the fires , and palled oat the plugs . Two men were come to Ashton , to say whether
they would turnout quietly or net , because if they would not , he was afraid tbat some of bis lads would break their beads . I was present at another meeting at Dacklnfield , on the 15 th of August . James Thorp was in the chair . Challenger , a defendant , spoke in favour of the Charter , and said that if they would pass a resolution in favour of the Charter , they would go for the Charter and fight for it . He said be bad been at Preston a few days ago—the streets were barricaded , and that not a single soldier or a blue bottle was to be seen , and he bad no doubt tbe town , if it was then as be had left it , it would be by that time in a blaze . He also said tbat he bad been at Manchester , and that it was not for the towns of Ashton , Dukinfield . Stalybridge , and Hyde , to carry the Charter , but it must rest with the great delegate meeting at Manchester to carry it into law . He said that less turn-outs than these had caused
a revolution . He referred to tbe case of a great em pore r ravishing a woman , and t « the case of Wat Tyler , in England , and be said he believed tba time was fast approaching when they would have such men as Fairfax and Cromwell . He recommended the peo * pie to look up to such men as Feargna O'Connor , BroHterre O'Brien , and Dr . M Djuall . I saw Challenger again in the evening , at Ashton , wbere there was a meeting . Some confusion took place , and the people said there was a dot ; battle . Challenger toid them tbat if they intended to carry the Charter they must not be afraid of two whelps fighting . By Mr . O Connor—Some uf my friends were opposed to my coining here , bat a parson whom I did not know Bent for me , and I thought it was my duty to come . I admit that 1 have b ^ en spoken to respeCtlDg uiy evidence . Mr . O'Connor—By whom ? Witness—I don't know .
Mr . O'Connor—You don t know ? Witness—I was introduced into a room by somebotiy— daughter ) . Mr . O C mnor—Where at ? Witness—It was at the Ct-Tiniercial Inn , at Preston . Mr . O'Connor— Did , yoa read over your deposition there ? Witnesi—I did . Mr . O'Connor—Were there other persona there reading ? Witness—Yes ; they seemed to be reading pieces of paper like mine . Mr . O'Connor—Now , Sir , having had yonr memory refreshed by the Attorney at Preston , I ask you whether you told the Magistrates that Challenger said tbe people were to look up to Feargus O'Connor , Bronterre O'Brien , and'Dr . MDouall ? Witness—No .
Mr . O'Connor—Did you tell the Magistrates about Preston bting in ablaze ? Witness —No .- I thought it was of no use , as Chal-¦ enger bad gone off to America . Mr . O'Connor—Why did you net tell them ? Witness—I hive told you the reason . Dm't bring ' things out so bluff— ( laugutur ) , I am getting quite dry . —( renewed laughter ) Mr . O'Connor—Will you take a glass of wine ? Witness—I have not come hereto tell any lies . Mr . O ' Connor—Then let us bave the whole truth . Witness—I will sptak tbe truth , man . ( Much laughter . ) Mr . O Connor—Then do , man . Now , is the evidence you have given . to .-day the same as yoa gave to the attorney at Ashton ? Witness—Yes .- word for word , ( Laughter . ) Mr . O Connor—After that , you may go down .
Samuel Bmnister , examined by Sir G . Lewin—I am chief constable of Prestr-n , There is a Chanist meeting room there . I was at a Chartist meeting about a month prior to the 12 th of Aucust . A meeting was announced for the evening of that day . I went there . Two persons were at tbe meeting who were represented as Aitkin and Challenger . They were received as such , and addressed the assemblage ! Mr . Atherton objected to tbe reception of the evidence proposed to be given by the witness , inasmuch OS he contended tbat the identification of the party merely by name , was not sufficient The Attorney-Gtneral called attention to tho evidence of the , preceding witness , who had stated that he had heard Challenger say he had been at Preston , and also heard him describe the s ' . ate ia which the turn-oat was when he left it . The Judge—1 think the evidence as to identity is sufficient .
Examination resumed—Both speakers spoke at great length . Ono resolution was put , that they should again meet in a place called the orchard , at an early hour of tho morning and at noon , to prevent such persona as were disposed to work from doing so . That resolution was carried . Others were proposed of a very violent character , but 1 can't particularise them . Caailenger said that the masters of Preston , or the cotton lords , as he called them , were the most tyrannical men in the county , that they gave a less amount of wages than others , and therefore could undersell their neighbours . Aitkin abused the mill-owners , and boasted that he had been ia prison to serve the people , and would do so agaiu . The next morning I attended the orchard , about five o ' clock , and found about 100 persons there at thai ; time . 1 sa < v tbe number was increasing , and 1 then went back to the station , and
Bent a report to the Mayor of the borough , having left some constables to watch the proceedings of the mob . On my return , 1 met one of the constables , who said that the mob had gone in the direction of one of the mills , to stop them . The next thing was the calling , out of the military . 1 then proceeded with the soldiers and Magistrates down Fishergate , and a abort distance before we came to Lune-street , we met an immense mob of persons We stopped them from coming up the street . We then proceeded in the direction of Paley ' s factory , and ou our return up Lune-street showers of stones were thrown at us by the mob . We were ordered to baltandturn round in order to disperse them , but it was useless . We then informed them that Capt . Woodford had been seat for , and chat ( he Riot Act would be road . Amidst a shower of scones , one of the mob exclaimed-- " Read and be d—d . " 1 then went
in company with Captain Woodford , to inform the mob that the Riot Act had been read . We found that stones were then comingiOver the roofs of the houses , as well as in our front and rear . There is a canal in the lower part of Lune-street , in which a number of stones are deposited , and we could see women bringing ston s in their aprons , which formed a deposit ; . Finding that all our efforts to disperse ) the mob were fruitles ? , an order was given to fire . 1 don ' t know the precise word of command , but the soldiers fired . I saw s « voral in the front ranks of the mob drop immediately . The rest of the people % to my asionishmeut , stood motionless , apparently thunder-3 tru' ; k . Id the course of a few minutes afterwards , the mob retreated , and we returned to our quarters . Toe mills next day resumed work , and all was perfectly quiet . Four persons died ia consequence of the injuries they had received .
By Mr . O'Connor—At the time the military came up , the constables were laying their staves about the people . I can't say how long the firing continued after the people . were motionless . It was deliberate and not rapid—it might be fifteen fire 3 a minute , but I can't say . I have not heard the Mayor blamed for his rash conduct in ordering the military to fire upon the people ; but on the contrary , I have heard his conduct praised in all quarters , under the circumstances . I admit that I went among tho people myself , and wished them to disperse , but the military and the constables were close at hand . I did not hear a rumour that it was the intention of tho Messrs . Hainswortb , of Preston , to reduce their wage ? , until after the meeting . I am quite positive of that . I was not at the first inquest held upon the parties killed . I did not see the bodies . I don ' t know that two
men were wounded in the back . By Sir F . Pollook—The town was not in a general state of disturbance unv . l after , tbe arrival of Aitkin and Challenger . Somo slight disturbance had taken , place before . It being now seven o ' clock , the Court adjourned , till the following morning , ^ y \\ S J * \ PKR / S ^ CT ^ X [/[^ yv . ^ v-x . -. mzm avis TOKUXttOfc '
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VUL V 1 * NO . 277 . SATURDAY , MARCH 4 , 1843 PBICE «*¦*¦*» * A ***™» r or ' * - « -v /^ w Five lamtaga per Quarter . 1 """ ~~~ ^——^^^—*~ " ' I m- * . ¦ ¦ I ^^ m—r . ' fc ^__—^ , , _ .. . _
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\ S \ Js - ~ Jr / AND LEEDS GENERAL ADYEETISEE .
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), March 4, 1843, page unpag, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct978/page/1/
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