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Northern Star (1837-1852), 9th August 1851, Edition 2 of 2, Page 1, THE CHARTIST PROGRAMME. ' JitSSLftS 11 m...

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    • fP«E C ONSPIRACY AGAINST
    • National HaHti j£omvm&
    • ©fjarttst Xntetlmntirft
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      Fp«E C Onspiracy Against

      fP « E C ONSPIRACY AGAINST

      Iiv. Edixob, —The Late" Trials For Consp...

      iiv . Edixob , —The late" trials for Conspiv at Liverpool , aud at Stafford , ought to T viuce tUe labouring classes that the laws ^" impartially administered We have ^ d ought to coavinee them , because it is - ^ -eaed by tkose who OTcupy tho higher persons of society , that equality is the basis of !*• which , iftraej proves that between the " , g themselves " and those who pretend to ^ analate their meaning , there is a sensible

      ; ^ g ^ bjajt to Mr . " Justice Erie ' s summing on roe occasion of the late Stafford trial , trtvo reasons—first ,: because his argument its decidedly partial } uud secondly , that his 1 ^ is opposed to both the spirit and the njeaning of the law which was then plainly jjafore him , ia tfl 0 shape ol an Act of Par-It is evident to all thinking men , that precisely as Peel , and Green , and Av inters are Wdtv so must he the Brothers" Perry . They

      lave all been committing the- s * me oitence- ^ - if offence it be—only with a different aresult . When the former persuaded men not to work & r the latter , and the latter , through his agents / fry orio 68 and false P romise 8 ' P er * guaded the foreigners to enter into their service , thev were all acting out their respective parts , and playing the adversary as best they could . - If the law does not p ermit men to persuade one another previous to action , what ia the purpose of the Act ? It is quite lawful for men to combine ; and to declare in favour

      of a given rate of wages , hut-it vi ^ d aeem to be illegal to take counsel how best to combine , to receive advice as to what would be a just rate of remuneration , under the circumstances , ifuot t his mere child ' s play-but mockmg the words of the preamble of the BiU-which Z * purposely framed to put both masters Sdmen , so far , on a fair footing , that they iSaeUaUv combine , if they were so

      dts-™> sed to serve their individual interests . P ver ? serious matter flows out of these bte trials which , we are assured , wdl have fee desired effect , ( sooner , perhaps , than these ministering powers think ) , vffl . of cans ins a more equitable declaration on the part oflhose who sit as judges in such important trials . As a consequence , we would point to j & e satisfaction afforded to the public mind , lineand fur

      that venality basils boundary ; tiier , that when these differences occur society looks to ' the evidence adduced ; and when there is wanting that which would prove the law to be outraged , judges will not be . suffered , by their own class distinctions , te fill up the vacuity . That this has l ) eeh done in the present case , the report of the trial establishes ; bat that it will yet he admitted as

      condemnatory to the accused , is another question , concerning which there onght not to be- any doubt , if jurice were meeted out to all . To the working men of England , this trial speaks the language of caution aud decision . It seems to say to them in feeling words , « You are as friendless as you are reputed to be dangerous . What you are , you will always be , until yon act as men , intent upon one obfect—content with -no less than It , —viz ., jusdee for your order . * What are the toiling millions doing now ? They see their ordinary

      p rivileges invaded , their right to combine so aarrowed in its operation as to become almost valueless ; they see around them manifestations of political improvement , and an eventful year before them , and still their organisations for the expression of their thoughts and visbes are permitted to founder , to be wrecked upon a wast of WUiggiam , perhaps the moat study , if they knew all , they would desire to fcj cast on . Oh , it is a ; pity to see a great party thus disbanded , not for want of discipline and a given purpose , but simply- because what do wellin

      of their own inanity Leaders ! --tentioned men want with them ? save but for fte unity of command , and as exponents of the wli of others in every district ; working men lave amongst themselves sufficient intelligent men to gnide their steps in a rig ht direction ; aud if but sincerity characterise the actions of those entrusted with command , then let the members be satisfied , and work out for themsalFes their own political and social salvation . If the past has begotten complaint , let the future beget confidence . A great principle cannot perish , because injudicious men have is

      attempted to expound it . The Uhartbb a *» a * principle- , hence it is the same now as yesterday , and will he so to-morrow , until its aopeal be acquiesced in , the demands of the saftering classes he fairly heard . The btatford trial is a call to anion amongst the entire body of working classes . Its end wdl serve Bus Ohartisf cause , by proving the necessity for an organic change . And the position aswred by the accused is but another proof that there is a dignity in poverty , which is the Bore resplendent , because it is not clothed in rmine . , .. To the Chartists of England , we would

      waclude by saying , —look to your societies aud organisations : strengthen them as beat jou can , for the Reform BUI of 1852 must be made to approximate to . the Charter , so closely , that it the name be objected to , the provisions thereof shall be acceded . Your imUy will do this , as certain as the year will come ; but your disunion , or your apathy , Thich is , for all practical purposes , the same tiling , will rain your cause , as workers , and iec p the Charter of your adoption as remote fe > m acceptance as ever . Cessob .

      National Loan Society. This Body Met On ...

      NATIONAL LOaN SOCIETY . This body met on Wednesday evening . at the City Caanist Hall , Golden-lane , as usual . M r . S tratum in the chair Communications were read from B'lston , Hindlev , BKgb , Maidstone , Bulwell , V > % , Haddersfield , Morneth , Qrmskirk , Ashton , toffer ' ton , Helper , Eccles , Kidderminster , and Nottingham , several of them containing remittances of <* sb and scrip . Loans were granted to various individuals , and other monetary business transacted . Hi ghly favourable accounts were given in from some Of the branches . The accounts were ordered to be indited on the ensuing Wednesday evening , and Other monetary arrangements satisfactorily disposed sf . ' Shareholders , throughout the CQUUlrjf , are earnestly entreated to lose no time in joining the Society , as we understand the bill baa already been 3 ada third time in the House of Lords .

      National Hahti J£Omvm&

      National HaHti j £ omvm &

      At A Meeting Of The Members Of The Natio...

      At a meeting of the members of the National kaa Company , held at their robin , Hope-street , Mford / lorltshire , on Sunday , August-Srd , James best ' s letter was read " and discussed ; when all ^ ttd with him , that it was time ; to call a confe-™«; anditwa 8 K 80 lvea that Mr . Sweet should ** " * a place and day , since the Directors will not * H- R was also resolved , " That we call a general ^ ing of the members , to be held on Sunday , * W 10 th , when we hope the members will come hr *? rd , as the bill for thelfmdiDg-up of the Com-• toy has passed the House of Commons . " - Signed on behalf of the meeting , T . Hirst , Chairman .

      ,^E Lhb Ecupsb.—At Konigsburgh, Dantzic,...

      , ^ e Lhb Ecupsb . —At Konigsburgh , Dantzic , J * Dereham , where the eclipse of the sun was j *« , darkness like that of night prevailed for same ** nies . Daring this time a great number of stars j ^ yisible , and among them Venus , Jupiter , and * j *? ury ' ^ ere clearly seen . The natural pheno-^ -tta produced on tlwanimal and vegetable world *? hi ghly interesting . Several flowers closed , J ^ Wds which had been before flying about sud-^ j disappeared , the cocks crowed , and the birds fa * to roost . In some villages great consterna-^ . Prevailed among the inhabitants , and many ^ ies shut themselves . up in their rooms till the jj ^' was over , so great was their superstition . q T *' ¦ bowerer , was bjr no means general , for dense ° * os with , magnify ing glasses , telescopes , and ^* glass , were assembled on the heights to witst & is interesting scene . .

      // I^J^R^^^^^ J£Z *6) F *Zu^*2°~^

      // i ^ j ^ r ^^^^^ j £ z * 6 ) f * zU ^* 2 ° ~^

      And National Tlades' Jdlmnal.

      AND NATIONAL tlADES' JDlMNAL .

      Tis, ~ L(P0n\ Sitdrluiif^M^

      tIS , ~ L ( P 0 n \ SiTDRluiif ^ M ^

      ©Fjarttst Xntetlmntirft

      © fjarttst Xntetlmntirft

      National Chapter Association Offices—14,...

      NATIONAL CHAPTER ASSOCIATION Offices—14 , Southampton-street , . Strand . The Executive Committee of ibis bod y held their usual weekly meeting , as- above , on Wednesday evening last . Presents-Messrs . Arnott , GrasBbvj Hunt , and Milne . Messrs . Harney , Holyoake , Jones , arid Eeynolds being in the country were absent , as waa also Mr . O'Connor . Mr . Grasaby preside ^ The correspondence received was read . —Subsequentl y a letter has been received from Ernest Jones , dated Exeterj August 6 th , in which he states— - 'A glorious meeting was held here last night ; the Atueneeum ! crammed . _ Bey . Archer Gnrney rose ' to oppose the Charter ; I answered him . Fifty cards . were disposed Of . '— - ¦?{• - : ' .- ;¦¦ ' -

      The Secretary reported ttat the * 20 . on . tnij Circular' was riowready / iohtaiuing ah addre ' es to : the Chartists , an ( Bxcellent tracfc ^ jEltoraJ ton Hunt , cheering reports dtomrmanyiloca ^ lities , and a list of those localities ^ ora vwbjcn reports have sot beenreceiretl , with the names and addresses of the sub-secretariea , & c . ; that the price " was one halfpenny each ; and that those friends who . felt desirous to aid in its circulation were earnestly requested at once to send their orders through any bookseller , or to the office , 14 ,-Southampton-street , Strand , London . . ' _

      . The Secretary also reported that Ernest Jones had arranged to ; be at Bristol on Monday next , and from thence would proceed to visit Bridgewater , Merthyr Tydvil , Llanidloes , Newtown Birmingham , Peterborough , North * ampton , Newport Pagnall , Congleton , Stockport , Manchester , Padiharo , Bolton , Bradford , Bingley , Sheffield , Staleybridge , Hanley ( Potteries ) , Coventry , Cheltenham ; High Wycombe , & c .

      It was then unanimously , agreed : — " That the sub-secretaries ( corresponding and financial ) of all tlie localities in and around the metropolis be solicited , and they are hereby requested to meet the Executive Committee at the Office , on Wednesday evening next , Aug . l 3 th , to take into consideration the necessity of a renewed and vigorous metropolitan agitation during the ensuing autumn and winter months . " After the transaction of financial and . other business , the Committee adjourned to Wednesday evening , August 13 th . Signed on behalf of the Committee , John Akwott , General Secretary .

      ROCHOALB . —The quarterly meeting of a embers was held on Monday evening last , when the auditors brought in the balance sheet for the last quarter . The income was £ 14 10 s . 9 dJ ., and the exppnditare ^ 8 -16 ^ Id . ; bal ance in hand ± ' 5 14 i . 8 Jd . The following persons were duly -elected council for the . next . quarter : —Mr . M . Shepphard , Mr . C . Shepphard , Mr . A . Douglas , Mr . H . Smith , Mr- S . Crabtree , Mr . M . Uitley , and Mr . Gill , secretary , to whom all communications must tie sent , 24 , Henvy « stteet . Rochdale .

      Finsbbbt . —On Friday evening William Worseldirte delivered a lecture at the Crystal Coffee-house on the life , oratory , and genius of Cicero . The lecturer said that no orator had , in his humble .. pinion , ever excelled Cicero in refined eloquence- ; the pleasing variety of knowledge or ability , united with kindness , as a pleader ; tor he found him exerting his eloquence and mental power in defending the poorest man against injustice and persecution ; and although the thunders of an arbitrary faction were contiuually buried at him he did not yield , but prosecuted , with warlike energy , his -laudable course ; a course which , though bright , was

      occasionally dimmed by that cloud , which sooner or later hovered over the statesman ; either casting suspicion on his motives , ' eclipsing his acquired g lory , or blackening his character by obloquy . It was , therefore , well remarked by Pliny , in bia panegyric , upon the Emperor Trajan— " that there never " yet existed the man whose virtues were not eclipsed by the dark and gloomy interposition of some vice . " The lecturer said , if Cicero had pandered to Kingly power and . carruotlon he might dare achieved pecuniary aggrandisement and glided down the stream of life without persecution ; instead of which his whole life was a sacrifice on the

      altar of national liberty . Bradford ( Yorkshire . ) — The usual weekly meeting was iiel-l in the Democratic School-room , Croft-street , on Sunday evening last , August 3 rd , when Mr . "William ConueUwaa unanimously called to the chair . The veteran in the cause Mr . Benjamin Rmhton , of Ovenden , near Halifax , addressed tbe meeting at ureat length on the necessity of the people being prepared for the coming struggle . At the close , the chairman announced that Mr . Robert Ryder would lecture on the following Sunday evening on "The Wonders of the World we live in . " A member ' s meeting was then held for the purpose of electing a new council , and transacting

      the usual business of the quarterly meeting of members , when the following persons were duly elected ascouncilmen for the next three months : — John Moore , James Goodwin , Robert Ashworth , Elias Smith , Samuel Broad bent ; William Council , president ; Ananias Kitchen , treasurer ; Joseph Hudson , financial secretary ; and Thomas Wilcock , corresponding secretary , to whom all communications for tbe Chartists of -Bradford must , be addres .-ed , in care of Thomas Uwplebly , newsagent , Mancuerti'Moad , Bradford , Yorkshire . Thk IIoxtos LocAliix , —To the Editor of the Northtrn Star . —Sir , —I am requested to inform the readers of your widedly circulated Journal , that a

      district branch of the Nat-onal < 3 hartist Convention is formed at the Hope Cuffue-hou * e , Bidport-place , Uoxton , and called the lloxton Chartist Locality . Tbe meetings are to take place every Thursday evening , at a quarter past eight o ' clock . It is earnestly requested that all who are interested in the cause , particularly those residing in the neghbourhood , will at once put their shoulders to the wheel , and with a hearty goodwill endeavour to bring this long , unsettled , aud much abused question , to a speedy and successful issue . Sir , knowing that you are always ready to assist us , I venture to beg the favour of an early insertion . — I am , yours respectfully , W . J . Bnsck , Secretary ,

      pro tern . _ , Fissbubt Democratic Association . —The members met on Sunday uiglit . last at the Crystal Coffeehouse , Tine street , Jforth-end of ilutton-garden , when resolutions were passed , blaming the democratic Press fur not taking up the case of poor Hoffam and expres sing an opinion that the Executive Committee would have acted more prudently , had it called a public meeting for the consideration of this ease , instead of th » t of Mr . Salomons . Acknowledging the services of Mr . Get « ge W hite , of Bradford , and regretting that our prominent teachers in London are holding meetings and giving lectures on subjects wh ' . ch tend to divert the attention of the people from the events of the

      continent ; it was also resolved that a weekly halfpenny paper , about the size of the " Chartist Circular" should be published , with the view of assisting the "Northern Star" in disseminating the true principles of democracy . Mr . Johnson agreed to supply cap tal to pay for two thousand copies weekly , for the first three months . Tbe first number to be published when orders shall be received for six thousand weekly . Mr . J- B . O'Brien was requested to become its conductor , and all democratic bodies were desired to MUp ;< ort the same , ami also to send original matter to Mr . Cater , secretary , at his office , No . 12 , Compton-street , CJerkenwell . It was also announced that the balance sheet would be read at the next weekly meeting .

      FissHuar LocAiarr .--The members met on Sunday evening at the Finsbury Literary and Scientific Institution , Leicester-place , Little SaSron-bill , Mr Oa ' born in the chair . On the motion of Messrs . Winmill and Fuzzen it was resolved that a meeting ha convened in the above hall on Tuesday evening , Au » ust Ifliu , to adopt a petition-to parliament , nr / vine for the abolition of class legislation , and the formioga constitution based-onlhe ^ Peppte ' t Charter . It was abo resolved that the Executive Committee be requested to attend . Messrs . Wee-Jen ancI B atehelor then moved that the Executive f ! « nnPsred to call a meeting concerning the police tSX ^ X ^ i th atthehaliof the above SSon be granted oh Tuesday evening for that purpose . Themeeting then adiourned .

      National Chapter Association Offices—14,...

      THE LATE AFFRAY WITH THE ) EGliiClfilJN . SHOE-LANE . ^ - ' V- . A public meeting was held on Tuesday evening at the Literary Institution . St .. Peter ' s . Terrace , saffron Hill ,, to take this . suhject into con & tderaiion , and also to consider the , tranner in which the police had prevented the witnesses , in this case ( rom appearin ^ aidentify , | t ^ g " ujl > y . party . ... : Mr WTBaooME having been called , to the ehaiiisjapened . the . proceedings hyjr ^ adiog ; letters , apologising for th , e absence of Lord Dudley Smart , ( who was to have taken the chair ) and also from Lawrence Hey worth . The chairman . said that there could be no doubt that the man Hogan had been brutally murdered ; , and . . seeing . that tbe

      policeman ' who without doubt bad struck tbe blow had been allowed to escape , and . that the . City authorities were inactive hvthe matter , a f" « liberal men in the nei ghbourhood had called a meeting on Clerkenwell Green , and addresst-d a memorial to Sir George Greyi ; praying ; an investigation into the cagR * To that mefflorial- they had received . for answer ) '¦ Thai tbe'lCii y ^ Pollce-were , not under his jurisdiction , but that . he . had >( orwarded cupies . Of their letter and memorial . to ' the ! Lord Mayor ; " Official , letters from that quarter were generally unintel ' ligible , but the present was ^ plain \ and brief .- t had , however , one fault , . it left jhe matter exactly where it found it . " They had applied to the C ty

      authorities ,, but could not get'justice , they then applied to Sir George < Jrey , who referred them back' again to the' City . Sir George expressed no opinion as to whether the case should be taken up by Parliament ,, nor whether be considered the people of Clerkenwell justified in taking-the step * they had done . It was another proof that the government had no sympathy with the people , and never would have until they were-elecied b y there . They must continue to agitate this subject until both the press and the public took it up , and the police , especially tbe City police , were taught humanity . The chairman , during a long address , was loudly cheered . Mr . Weeddv moved the following resolution : —

      That , in tbe opinion of this meeting the conduct of the Police Commissioners and other authorities of the City of London is highly unworthy of their character for-justice and humanity in not causing a t . triet investigation to be made in ordertoidentify the police-officer / who . according to tbe evidence adduced , brutally murdered the unfortunate ^ homas Hogan . ; T he speaker , in a distinct manner , explained the whole circumstances of the case , and informed them tbat . on the Tuesday previous Mr . Look attended at their meeting and stated that the police were anaoy in ^ bira , and endeavouring in every way to induce bim to quarrel with them . He wished their advice as to the manner in which he should act . They advised him to go quietly borne and not be by

      any means induced to give them an opportunity of arresting him . The man went away , but before he got home was charged with an assault upon the police , and committed to prison for one month . He was the man who swore to the identity of the policeman who struck the blow ; . ( Shame . ) On the same night the house of Mrs . Long was broken open by tbe police in a most shameful manner , and she was dragged off to prison on a charge of throwisg a brick out of her window at the police . The evidence not being sufficient to commit her she was remanded until Saturday . Two respectable

      householders gave bail for ber , one of whom was immediately charged by tbe police with being a thie > and a companion of thieves . Mrs . L'tng was also another witness in the above case . ( Shame ;) Ou Saturday she was discharged , it being clearly evident tbat the policeman bad perjuted himself . He ( Mr . Wedrion ) was ashamed of bis felloivmen tbat they allowed such things to exist and did not indignantly rise and aboliih-tbem . He called upun them ' to sejs , justice >;&^ b ^ ithe mo ther of the ; murdered man , to call meeting after meeting in the city until they made both the authorities and the government thoroughly sift the matter . ( Cheers . ) ~

      Mr . Lee seconded the resolution , and commented Strongly Upon the conduct of the police in " endeavouring to imprison the witnesses against } hein «; It such a state of things was not checked no Tnati would be able to walk the streets in safety . ^ He had waited . upon the authorities and told them tha ' the knew the murderer of tbe roan Hogan , He wa ^ told that if be did he could arrest him if he could procure sufficient force * Was not that bitter mockery ? Not a single step had been taken ; not a shilling of reward had been offered for tbe discover of the murderer , though three weeks had elapsed since it was committed . Did not this justify him in saying that the authorities were endeavouring to burk the matter ? He called upon them all to turn policemen and apprehend the man whenever they could discover him . The resolution was then carried unanimously .

      Mr . Hagqs moved the second resolution as follows : — _ That tbepolice , by the manner in which they have acted to the witnesses Long and hi wife , have shown that they were tbe real offendeis in this case , and in this attempt to hinder these witnesses from appearing to give evidence against them have been endeavouring to serene themselves from the consequences of this murderous deed . They talked of the despotism of the police in other countries , and boasted of the superiority of their own—how ill it agreed with the facts before them . It was now proved that a policeman might murder a poor man without incurring the slightest danger . The evidence proved that he ordered the man who was sitting on his door-step to go in , the man

      prepared to obey him , but not moving so quickly as suited the policeman , he beat him in such a dreadful manner as to cause his" almost immediate death ; for this inhuman offence justice was refused them . They now appealed to a higher tribunal , that of public opinion . Let tbe people but rise in their strength and demand retributive justice , and the government would be compelled to concede it . The speaker concluded by stating , that if the £ 800 , 000 we yearly spent in putting down crime was to be spent in educating the people , they would soon be able to reform the present vicious system . Mr . T . M . Wbeex . br seconded the resolution , and corroborated the whole of the statement made

      relative to the treatment of the witnesses by the policeman . The case was the most scandalous which had ever come under his notice . The idea that the law gave some protection , however slight , to the lives and property of the working men , was the only tie which bound working men to the rest of society . Let them once dissipate that , idea , and the whole system would perish . The authorities were bound by every tie , including that most powerful one of their own welfare , to see that prompt justice was done to the friends of the mur ^ dered man . If tbat link was not made whole , the whole chain was weakened , and its stability for rerimpared . Mb . Wood moved the next resolution : —

      That apuhllo meeting be calkd in the heart of the City of London , to demand tbat the policeman be giren up in order that he may be put upon his trial for the wilful murder of Thomas Hogan . The speaker dwelt on the facts of tbe case , and complained that the people had neglected their duty or the delinquent would not have gone so long unpunished . - He trusted the committee would speedily be enabled to engage the City of London Tavern , and make up for the tune that had been lost . . - Mr . WuntrxL , at some length , seconded tbe

      resolution , and gave many further particular ' s relative to the brutal catastrophe . On the previous Tuesday they had come to a resolution , as public meetings wero so expensive , not to hold any more upon the subject ; but to devote their attention to capturing the policeman . No sooner were the police aware of this , than on paltry pretences , they got tbe witnesses locked up , thinking their only friends had deserted them . This showed them the necessity of renewed exertions . They should render the number of the policemen so offensive , that no other man in the force might be willing to take it in the

      division . Mr . Johnson supported tbe resolution at . some length . Government some time back wanted to have the control of the entire police of the metropolis . The reasons adduced by the City of London in opposition were , thatthe people were satisfied with the conduct of the : force , and that they were more under the control , of the inhabitants than they wonld otherwise ' he . / This present case would go far to deprive them of all-grounds of opposition , and it was therefore unwise in them not to see justice administered . . Mr . Osborne also supported the resolution . Mr . 6 . Whbblkk moved a vote o thanks to tbe chairman , who replied at some length , and urged

      National Chapter Association Offices—14,...

      EJfrilrf 0 : necessity of raising funds to see 11 ^ f InW m , n , - 8 tered - A subscription was then raised , and : Thomas Martin Wheeler , 19 , Mercerstre ^ Long-H cre authorised to receive subscri p-HOnS irom any friends in town or country ,: who f ' <» , ^' . meet every . evening at the above institution , inenaeeting was crowded , and there was a o onxideranle attendance ^ the press ; ' ' ' '' It was stated , ; by Mr . Osborne , that a boy who carried one Ot the boards armouncirie- that meeting , ' had m ? en brutally treated by one of the police * but ' that he was rescued bv & gentleman who was passing .

      Political Victims'. Associatiojsv On Wed...

      POLITICAL VICTIMS ' . ASSOCIATIOJSV On Wednesday evening , a meeting : of the members of this association took place at the % S § gon Chapel , Mr . JBrotiterre , O'Bneh iri . . the . ^ b $ r The chairman having briefly addressed the hieelirigj Mr . Bryson . the secretary , proposed the . following resolution : — " That ' this meeting looks ' , with abborenoe upon the illegal , " cruel , andi tyftinnical treatment whiab thn late Chjartist prisoners suffered u |^^ raBT & 8-9-50 rAndT ^^^ ofthesubject may be still farther encroached open in time to come , call upon the country to countenancejuid support the ' Political ' Victims' Aasoeiationfefo ' -oBtftniing a Parliamentary inquiry into the

      samt ' , soibat the public may know whether the prison authorities acted from private malice , or with the secret approbation of the government . And also to cause-an inquiry to be made into the treatment of those prisoners " n ow in ex'le , and suffering . from the infamous Powell Plot , with a view to a / mitigation of their sentences , " He complained that during the last fifteen or sixteen " years , great " encroachments have been made upon the privileges of political prisoners . The law ' only demanded the safe custody of iuuh offender ' s , but the Chartist prisoners had , in many instances , been degraded helow the common felon . It was now their

      intention , with the aid of their Parliamentary friends , to lay such a mass of evidence before the House of Commons next session , as would effectually prevent political prisoners * in future from suffering similar atrocities . Mr ; FiissEH seconded the resolution . He said that he was satisfied that the death of Sharp and Williams was the result of neglect and bad treatment . He saw them in good health , and in six days afterwards they were * both dead . The cholera was in the prison , at the tine , and Williams was confined in a cellnext ; to the infirmary . Ho advised all persons when in prison , not to complain to the prison authorities , but to write to the

      Government , because whenever they could get their case brought forward , the House of Commons would compel the production of the correspondence . Most of them bad read Ernest Jones ' s petition , and it was bad' enough , but there were Others present who had suffered a great deal more . He called upon the country to support the Association , as it would be the means ef protecting others when suffering in the cause of future reforms . Tbe Chairman in putting the resolution , which was carried unanimously ,,. observed that the Political Victims were obtaining the sympathy of the Caledonian press , tho Glasgow Sentinel having taken notice of their proceedings during the last two weeks .

      Mr . ProOTISO moved the following petition : — To the Honourable the Commons of Great Britain and Ireland , i he petitionof the undersigned , Sheweth . . .. That your , petitioners have to complain of the illegal manner it ^ whic ^ their trials were conducted . That rfpriWdfcjour petitioners were tried without the reading oftheii'fitdictments to the court or jury . That some of'jour petitioners were denied the use of writing roatenalttand books for the purpose of arranging their defence . . '¦ . ;;; - ; ¦ . > Th t some of ¦ your petitioners were treati d as felons ,

      although they werftiOnJy found guiltyof misdeneanuur . That your petitioners wcre-fed upon unwholesome food , and some of yourVgetittoners can . Kreve . that they had beef senred out to them that died from natural causes . v ilhat your ppfitioner * can prove that some of their number were brought . to an untimely death by being confined in damp cells , the want of proper dietary , and the cruelties of the silent system . ¦ Toiir petitioners therefore ^ ray your honourable house to cause an invesUj ^ d 6 h"t 6 "' be inwe'iittOTfbese charges . And your petitioners , as-in duty bauiufc & is , IS '

      He stated that when the government felt themselves ashamed of the rotten evidence brought against the victims ofthe Powell plot , they held out a promise , through their solicitor , tbat if tbe remainder would plead ' guilty to the misdemeanor they viould abandon the cb , j > rge . for felony , and they would'be treated as first class prisoners , but , like all the other promises ofthe Whigs , the > wore only made td be broken , lor they experienced worse treatment than mur « derers and those for filthy crimes . ' . : Mr . Abnolp seconded the petition . Mr . BeZBK , in supporting the petition , said that he was not allowed to see his wife for five months , although a prisoner in tbe next cell to him saw his sweatheart every other day ; but'then the respectability of his crime was no doubt the cause of the differenoeiuado between thorn , thofallow having only violated ; two children under eisht years of age .

      The petition was unanimously adopted by the meeting , and a voteof ih »» ks given to the Chairman and trustees of the chapel for their liberality in placing it at the disposal of the Association for the evening . The meeting then seporated ,

      The Conspiracy Trial Of The Wolverhampto...

      THE CONSPIRACY TRIAL OF THE WOLVERHAMPTON TIN-PLATE WORKERS . A- public meeting was held on Wednesday evening at the National Hall , Holborn , to receive a report from the delegsites appointed by the London Central Defence Committee , to watch the proceedings at the late trial at Stafford , against the journeymen Tin-plate Workers , and certain members of the Trades Committee . The meeting w » s called for seven o clock . Shortly after that hour the committee entered , and were loudly cheered . Mr . Thomas Holmes ( a London shoemaker ) , having been called to the chair , stated ; the objects of the meeting in a brief wanner . It needed legisla * tive inteiference to remedy the grievance complained of . The men convicted at Slafford had done nothing inconsistent with the rights of others , thev only endeavoured to protect the price of their

      labour , and tor this , if it had not beta tor the aid of iheir fellow working men , they would now have been languishing in a dungeon . The chairman then alluded to the French tinrplate workers , who would address . them during the evening . They would never have worked for Perry unless they had been entrapped . ( Cheers . ) One of the ffatures in the indictment was the return of tnese men to France , and it was argued that it was illegal to induce them to return . ( Laughter ) . If the working , men were to unite ; they would soon make government interfere to alter the law . The chairman then alluded to a case if oppression among the puddlers in Staffordshire , showing that the masters had in that instance conspired against the men ; but what was overlooked in them was a heavy crime ia others . ' Mr . H umphrbys moved the first resolution : —

      That this meeting , representing the Industrial classes of the British metropolis , has watched with great interest the late trials for conspiracy , instituted by a clique of the master manufacturers of Wolverhampton , and , from the reports of those trials which have reached them , they perceive , with much surprise and indignation , that an insidious attempt has been made to pervert the ancient and invaluable ia & tvtattwTv vA vYu * Wa \ % jury into an engine of oppression , and a means of reducing the British labourer into the m < re unreasoning serf and tool of capital when in the bands of bad men . He was convinced that trial by jury had been most shamefully perverted in this instance . Most of them were acquainted with the origin of the strike . The tinmen of Wolverhampton were desirous of improving their condition , by establishing one

      universal book of prices in . the town ; for this purpose the men brought out a book of prices , which they submitted to the employers for their perusal . Alter this a conference of the masters was called , to which the men were also invited , but this was only a trick to distract the attention of the men . As this attempt failed , the meri adopted the book of prices as the standard of-the town , thinking they had a right to do so . Some of the employers gave the prices , others refused to do so . The men then struck work to those masters , thinking they might as well die of ease as of unpaid labour . Here commenced , the conflict between the Perrys and the men . The , speaker' then showed

      the unjust manner in which Jihe men haill been treated by the Perrys ; and dwelt upon the illegal and unjust agreements' they had forced upon the men . Those instances of oppression have been made familiar to the readers of the Northern Star , but they were new to many in the meeting , and created , a strong sensation . He then showed tbe manner in which- Perry had entrapped the workmen from Paris ( several of these men entered while he was speaking , and were loudly cheered ) , and the treacherous manner , in which he had possessed himself of their books and . passports ; tbe result , however , was unfortunate for Mr . Perry , as themenreturned to France ,-disgusted with hiiii , and leaving their thanks and gratitude to the English workmenfor Caeir hospitality * 'Perry ' s nest

      The Conspiracy Trial Of The Wolverhampto...

      step was to procure forty Germans ; These men were now very dissatisfied , and it wonld take but little persuasion to induce ( them to return also . The speaker'then went isto- ' tbe particulars Of the Stafford trial , which was' reported at length m this paper last week . During tbisJoiigand vexed affair there had been no threats , no violence , save in one instance , and that was on the part ofthe proseoutor , who was fined £ 5 for the offence . They had been indicted-and convicted , entirely ,, for persuading their fellow working men . If they bad not ? fi & h p t ° -do this , . what was the value of Trades ' Unions ? ( Cries of "None . " ) He thought it not only his duty to get a eood nrioe for bis own la .

      | . oourv but by his funds and persuasion to induce Others tO do SO likewise , for , without numbers , his own efforts would , bo futile . This was all they had aono in this case ,- this the judge called a conspiracy to molest others , ; ( Shame . ) If this was law , the sooner they knew it . the better ; if they knew it was illegal to unite and , subscribe , their funds to pro-^ ° *^ ch othe * t ; be *» 3 sure hiajffellbw . workmen , ; frem . . ffao LahdWho to Jonn-o ^ Groais , would unite to get Buoh laws altered . > The Speaker' sat down , loudly cheered . " * . .: - . - A person in the body of the meeting stated that some _ pf the . dail y papers said tbat threats bad becnmade < < useof ; he . wished to know if this W 88 a faot . i ¦ - " .- '' ..

      The ' speaker replied that one witness had asserted so , but his statement was unsupported , and bis character was so bad'that the jury discarded bis evidence altogether . . , -Mr . ; French seconded the resolution . ' As a fellow , toiler he wished to add bis voice to others against this act of oppression . In his- opinion tbe labour , of the men was equal to the capital of the employer . The Tinmen of Wolverhampton had behaved unprecedehtedly well , in the strike . If they put up with the present decision , they might as well -g ive up Trades' Unions altogether . God forbid they should do this ; it would be destruction to the best , interests of working men ; - Masters combined against men ; -they had their meetings , olub houses , die , and deserved prosecution far

      more than tbe working men , It was because they were possessed of capital that the masters ruled rough-shod over them ; but if working men would only unite , and if one class would cease to look with disdain upon another , they would noon become too powerful for any set of capitalists . In the present instance the masters had been deceived ; the men had took up the causo with a spirit worthy of them . Let them maintain this good position , and the battle would be won ; ( Cheers . ) The resolution was pnt , and carried unanimously , Mr . Mkiaob , ono of the delegates appointed to watch the proceedings at Stafford , by the London Committee , sitting at the Bell Inn , Old Bailey , gave in a report of his mission , and stated the reasons that induced them to engage Mr : Roberts as their

      solicitor to defend the men . The report contained nothing but what our readers are already aware of by means of the report Of the trial . They had agreed to have a full report of the trial printed as a pamphlet , and laid before the country . The summing up of the Judge waa most partial ; the evidence fo 4 the defence was so mumbled over that it was impossible for the jury to hear it , whilst that for the prosecution was widely diflerent . ' The speaker also commented upon the decision ofthe jury , which he characterised as being very inconsistent , and Utterly opposed to the evidence . He gave a high character to the French workmen present . He had that day seen Louis Blanc , who had been to see his countrymen , and would have attended that night had it not been for important

      reasons ; he wished bim ( the speaker ) to inform the meeting that his heart was with them , and that , labour with them , as in France , must look to itself . The name of Louis Blano created immense applause . He concluded by stating , that in his opinion , if this case was lost , the rights of labour in . this country Would be entirely destroyed , The following ia the translation of the speech which was read to the meeting : — " Dear Friends : We are very happy to be able in this assembly , amongst fellow workmen ; to protest solemnly against "the" unworthy conduct of George Henry Perry , the manufacturer . We come to declare frankly , that the allegations stated by him against the workmen of Wolverhampton , are all false . ( Cheers . ) Our country is not yours , but our

      situation is the same , and the French workmen declare to you , . through us . that they consider you as brethren , ( Enthusiastic and protracted cheers . ) Have you not always been like us till now , tbe slaves of ; the capitalists ? ( Hear , hear ) . Has not the self-will of the masters always been against your most sacred interests ? Tho burden you bear , citizens , we have already lightened , it is true , for since we have left London—eight months ago—a very happy transformation has taken place with us . We are now members of a great association which increases in power daily , and seems to be already the fear of the capitalists . We are our own masters —( cheers)—each member of the association is the sovereign , and no power but the right can

      control or fix the price of our daily labour . ( Tremendous applause ) . We are all interested in the success of our association ; we work with courage , for the benefits which we derive out of our productions is our own individually , ( Renewed cheers . ) W < 5 did not wish to p art with your hospitable country , without expressing all our gratitude for the fraternal reception you gave us . ( Cheers . ) You understand , citizens , that the disinherited of this world are all brothers by nature —( cheersJ- ^ -whatever country they belong to , and ought to protect each Other * and agree together . ( Prolonged applause ) . Therefore when we learned that the character of our English brothers waa attacked—when the very man wno cheated them and us intended to insult

      them , we directly came to London , in order to protest Strongly against falsehood , and support the truth . ( Great cheering ) . We regret , citizens , to be compelled to return to our native country without knowing the end ofthe action brought against you . If to be hospitable and kind is a crime , yon are guilty , very guilty ' , it is the only crime we can accuse you of . In the name of my four brother workmen , and of all the democratic workmen of Fiance , I pray you to accept the following sentiment : —¦ ' May tho union of the working men of the world be cemented by bonds of friendship , and confidence in each other . '" ( The cheering , at tbe close , was continued for some time . ) Mr . Gbeensmde - said , that when tbe deputation was sent to P .-iris to bring over the French

      witnesses they told them they would rec- ive 6 s . per day ; when the Frenchmen replied , "No ; they only earned five francs per day at Paris , and they would receive no more for coming to London . " ( Cheers . ) Mr . W . Clabk moved the following as the se cond resolution , after repudiating the use of violence , which he said was not necessary to the success of so good a cause : — r & That it has always been considered by the . ' working classes of Great Britain thatthe right of peaceful industrial combination for the mutual protection of their common interests , was amply and permanently secured to tlsem by tha act of parliament , 6 th Geo . i , cap . 129 , and they Solemnly repudiate and will resist by erery lawful means any , and every attempt by any power to encroach upon or invalidate , this their essential and invaluable privilege .

      Mr . CiiMHipfos seconded the resolution . Some of the manufacturers had said that if a COnvJCtiOD were not obtained , capital would leave the country . Ho wished they would all go and take their capital with them ; they could not take the soil upon their backs , and with that , cleur heads and ready hands , the working classes would soon be able to accu > mulate capital sufficient for their purpose . At present they wanted more political power , and roust endeavour to obtain it . ( Cheers ) . He was not an advocate for strikes when they could be avoided ;

      but if it had not been for strikes and the fear of strikes , the trades would have been in a much worse position than they then found themselves . ( Cheers ) . Mr . J . MaBROUit supported the resolution , af « firming tbat the working classes must either stand idly by , whilst masters reduced wages to the continential level , or throw themselves boldly into the political struggle now going on , in order to obtain laws better adapted to the requirements of labour . ' The resolution having been agreed to , Mr . Adkin moved the third resolution , viz . ;—

      That while seriously deprecating any unlawful invasion of the capita ) , the intention , now for the first time openly avowed , of constituting ' peaceful persuasion' an indictable oftence . is a violation of the spirit and letter of the statute law before referred to . and an intolerable encroachment upon tbe liberties ef the British labourer . This meeting do therefore pledge itself ,, individually and collectively , to use its most strenuous efforts to furnish the pecuniary resources requisite for the defending this invaluable right , and , if necessary , of carrying up their appeal to the highest Court of Judicature , and failing there , of commencing ' an active agitation through the length and breadth of the land , for such a legislative enactment as shall place ' upon . a fair and equitable bftti " , the larts relative to master and workman . Mr . Hudson seconded the resolution , recommending an endeavour to procure universal suffrage , as the only likely means of bettering the condition ef the working classes ;' , Mr . J . Winds supported the resolution . He had taiseri aawtiva part in opposing similar proaecu-

      The Conspiracy Trial Of The Wolverhampto...

      tions , such as the Dorchester Iftbourei'P the Ola * . I gow cotton ap \ mm , 4 o fllld „ ow thV ' s nGtt ¦ ¦ of Wolverhampton were nd . led to the list ? PVnm thl ™ « P «« "w . » nd from the eviJcnSVf £ rt ? b & S" ^ ° 2 0 ubt that . trad- ' s union- 4 & masters XdTJK $ j ! « X » !? , de P « <> f their than an isolatedSfeu- * t f * f ° P : C 88 ioS son , and with » ? , 1 " , ftfi ' - Tt ffa - from this reaprosecutions lL th ' es re to tnlltoidate them , that them . ° Ho be onged fff "' r i nstitutGd » B ™ £ ganisation aSSlmfiriW - ad ™*' > ed ormeans by wfio "SeTJiS d ^™' . ' ¦»»« ^^ ly utter degradation ViEm i hemselves fr 0 a * operation \ Ot' . L ^ K ' 1 tf- ^ nn ^^ SS ^ iL- ^ j- 'te "" « ? <™> h ri ^ btto in &

      arid interpret the law 39 they , pffi ^ JIi ' ttS would never be able to inrfacemen to ' desist ffi uniting' to- support the price ot labour ; If t , Jje ya * , dicfrou & e jury wn 3 coiwefc , ewy hwn in that ' as . sembly wa * equally liable to be- iuaioted with " the men whowoife ' so . He would neve ? case m-tiiatix * ertions until ifeisrstate of . things watfaltered , andhe trusted they would register a 'lirai'Iar determination , Mr V ^ l Iut , 0 * J *«; «»» «» pport « i by Mr , Bafifflfc adopted . V a' ' Bm ^ ' and M ™< " m ° Mfy the ' cnau-m ^ n diDE 8 temh , 3 ted bya TOte o ^ anlrifc *'

      The Chartist Programme. ' Jitsslfts 11 M...

      THE CHARTIST PROGRAMME . ' JitSSLftS 11 ° " *** sx ^ ' & A'v & E & fti fouXtn ^; . - ™ ° n ¦' ¦ 'that woman . r . nght ' weSaw JS 1 T £ sociaractton-with man ; Inl ^ fcuTat ^ impossible . H is giving a fatal blow StKiSy eluaSy PrmC , pleS ° ^™ > ' »• S ? 3 Judgment is a providential law , by -which no human being can be made perfectly filpny and oppr ' e ^ ed ! ^^ h 0 ne who « SW 8

      tute ? SSy ! qUa ] ity ° Dly amLg 3 t m ^ « ,, »&»!? h " ' ? f , are 3 thafc P ° P u , ar Protection hn ? ir «« i i refi " ^ > " « "k electoral restraints emr mS aduTwK « when' ' * ¦»««« nno / r ^«! » k J ° . ^ be 0 I > « MIVMtfld Of Crim * ought not to be deprived of right of voting when uniu ^ uhafrr . ^ r hmei , t • «• W -25 S r ' /^ V ' i 0 has committed no crimes , should be deprived of the right of VOtine—whft u . excluded from the ri ^ fc ofcivU , andSeal equality when you proclaim the freedom of a ? Oughtshe to remain bent under the yoke of a-S nf I' r Wh , ' *!! * runs hackto th ^ nf » f „ in „ M b ! V ' when no other r 'S c than that of being the strongest was recognised ? ibiaiso

      s oy the right of might that the ' nra-• ffiW *"' 3 tld " " ' are dfsinheriteS ofEr right to the possessi on of the soil of the means laiSnrfi ? I » ° n P rlvi , e « ed class , that the proiTm . ^ ' t * ? men bein looked upon only Ma machine- for the productSa , aw . deprived ot o ? itl ? fa 3 £ - t 0 tto cbmplete * i «* niw t AM « * f * M * tat the CJhartlat recof . nisea the rights of childrenin proclaiming the nenTJJ ST ? m 0 aS and obli gatory education . But we cannot protect the child from the voke of fiifr ^ 1063 . ;?' ' , " good citizens and worthy of liberty ; but when we shall havo become ' acquamted with the right of woman to civil and ' political equality , when the father and hitsh . rrf chnll

      fnfo & , ! ha c , aim t 0 , ife . ' "" * o moral and intellectual influence over child and woman , when L- , iV " ° lo , ! S 1 bo Permitted to them to mutilate the most noble faculties of the woman and the ci .. id , to secure their dependence . The work of enfranchisement cannot be complete and durable but by the radical extinction of all privileges of sex , of race e ^ t . birth , and fortune ; and the prejudices which fortify and perpetuate tho empire o £ these privileges cannot be triumphed-over but by " the real practice of fraternal combination . Already has . England raised h * r voice in aid combination , in taking the initiative , b y the universal exposition , all have been admi tted without exclusion of sex or race , all nations have been invited to this great congress of labour , and all , in imitating this Glorious example , win contribute to establish amW the people a powerful good of fraternal combination .

      It is not only a national work , it is a woik of humanity ; and it is not only a . national work which . ought to be the aim of the Chartist Convention t it is not a National Charter that it ough t to endearour earnestly to constitute , bnt . tbe Charter of humanity , the Charter of the future . The Charter of the future can only be an act of universal asso-CiatlOn Of all people who will guarantee to each of its members true liberty and eqtmUty in giving to each from his en try into life a complete education , a complete development of all his faculties , physical , moral , ana intellectual , and the means to ex . ercisetheiu , by an equal division of work , instrument , and produce of work . . It is from the bottom of a prison that two ladies of France send you this letter , and they submitted to this prison , not without some iov . since it is one

      ot the affirmation of civil , moral , and political equality , which after many long years , they claim for thoir sex . Elected inlS 49 , so that there were several men of their persuasion , by their brothers , the workmen of Paris , to constitute the government of the association , the rights of woman first took their attention b y this election , as it-was »* r J 4 thcy were obtair > ed as their colleagues . Hut , before the condemnation , before the process , a contract of union had been abridged ; and this ' contract , rudiments of the future constitutions , had made every member of the association acquainted with the rights of vote and equality to every function without distinction of sex .

      Brother Chartists , shall ' you remain on this side of this act of justice accomplished by the Proletarians of France ? Would you , then , sons of this nation , which ought to be most advanced of all nations , will you , we ask , continue to condemn to political exile , . the half of this gonerous people of Your declaration , showsthat an immense step has been taken by you . Chartism has nearly become socialism . Courage , brothers , yet an effort and you will have many voices in future . —in this future which will not admitof any inequality . May our appeal be heard by you , and may Great Britain friend to France in the holy crusade of progress , admitting the rest of tho world to liberty , equality , and to truthful fraternity , realise at least through you upon the earth the kingdom of God promised by Christ .

      Fraternal Salute , Feabme Dbkoins , Pauline Rol / lnp . The following address was then moved by Mrv WffA & Er , and seconded by Hicham ) Buck , which , on being put from tbe chair , was carried unanimously :-- ' In reply to your very sensible and patriotic letter , we beg to tender our heart-felt sympathy for your suffering * in so noble ft CaUSO , and likewise to inform you , that through our instrumentality one Asssciation for the specific object of womens' enfranchisement is hv existence in our town , which promises well . We further beg to subscribe fully to those principles you so beautifully portray , and in doing so , we at the same time frankly acknowledge the defect in the Charter itsellinasmuch as

      , It shuts out the better half of Society ; but such a state of things we feel sure will one day in the future be entirely obliterated and recorded . ' as thines tha f were . ' lipping that our fair neighbours and fraternal sisters will accept our kindest greetings , and that we shall haw from them more advice aud conversation m other times . We remain , Your very respectful butDsvoiED Bkothebs in the Cause oe Human Pboosessioh . John Brook , Chairman ; Thomas Hague , James Whaley , James Kitson , Thomas Lye , William Holmes , John Seward , . Henry Flanagin ; Kichard Buck , Financial Secretary ; John AUlnson , Treasurer ; Ueorge Cavill , Corresponding Secretary .

      Aebostation Bt Wikos.—A Scientific Assoc...

      Aebostation bt Wikos . —A scientific Association has been established at Sheffield , under the name of tin Aerostatic Society , capital £ 100 . Shares 10 » . each . Night of meeting , every Tuesday from eight to ten o ' clock Place of meeting , Democratic Tevapetance Hotel 8 J * Queen-street . The chief object of this society is Aero * station by Wings , which will enable an athelic nerson to fly by a simple piece of Mechanism through the air at a great velocity . The provisional managers are Mr T smith , Mr . James Whaley , Mr . Thorns ^ uJJ MV Thomas Lye , Mr , Henry Flanagan . Mr . John fiS « I ^ James Kitson . Mr . 6 . Cavfu , Beonfam ' m . V * Allison , Treasurer , Mr . Miersllindf cTkS ^?

      puoiic meeting was held on Tuesday CTenlne in thVnimZ cratic Hotel , when the diagrams m » Tesp & wJT „ ndnto 5 £ « « S ^ 3 S ^* £ v £ W ^ M *** d ^ *& $ ti ^ Dbkadfui . loss op Lifb in Russia ~ A ktiar monkfofXto tha V °£ the m ul ^ as ^ 120 Sw t ?« . ° nV l nt of Wlad " " » ir . a Xmn about 120 rrales to fhe north-east Of thatcity , * ere setting *\ u " . ' ' ° » ° n « . Jo . visit an image of the rirgia « a neighbouring village , a wooden bridge thrown over the moat of the convent ( formerly a fortress * gate way , a « 4 out of 200 of the mo » ksvi 58-iwero drowned . The immense loss of life was caused » y the watetbe % , forty-fire feet deep , and the aide * | Qt tto saoat being perpendicular . <*&

      I"I

      I "I

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Aug. 9, 1851, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_09081851/page/1/