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Northern Star (1837-1852), 23rd December 1848, Edition 2 of 3, Page 6

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      Fi The Northern Stait * ~~"""^ ' Decembe...

      fi THE NORTHERN STAIt * ~~"""^ ' December 23 . 1848 . '

      Liverpool Assizes. (Bafore Mr Bsroa Ald«...

      LIVERPOOL ASSIZES . ( Bafore Mr Bsroa Ald « bsjs . ) Fbiday , Die 15 . J 3 BI « nH « B . O ? B 31 GBT . TUX ^ C ^ T ^ nVntin 'S JJoseJoseph Radoliffe ( 31 ) ^ *» % S'SffiSSt at SSS & ™^ Soffi ^ y footing him , with a ^ fffiv The latter prisoner was charged with being ^ Sfc SLT-ud asdrfin * and in one of the 5 S * S iadictmeut both were charged with the 'Thlrhl lutorney Gsneral , with whom was Mr 23 & £ MrCrompton , Mf Matthew . -, and Mr Yelsb' efcby . appeared Ur the prosecution , and Mr iiliociliock a d Mr Orets for tha pmoners . IThsTha Attornev General opened the case . Woen he

      iminminded the jury of the serious nature of the wreuree—a chwge of wilful murder , affjctinj the lives on ? one or both of the priiwnere at the bar—he could ilifcsofcsnpposebntthey wonldcomBtoadecisionunprejaccedced by anything they had hewd before entering te bee box . It was of the highest importance , that when ( oi < oi esses wtrw submitted to a jury , they should not 11 iei deterred by afesliog of comoassion from doing iiat ia * might ba considered a painful duty . Waile , mwetwevEr , ha gave such a caution to the jury aato the escbscbarge of their duty to the public , the same canst inratirations would induce him to state the esse as nmplmply as possible . —to confine himself merely to a tirmrrattvo of the transaction , and not to introduce uytliytbing which might militate against , or affect

      sieirieir deeisien . He believed he should be in s con-( tiottion to prove that for some time before tha M : hof tugragust , of tbe present year , meetings took place Ihichich resulted in organisation of a formidable chaueteeter . What wai the precise object of three meet-1105 , 105 , or the peculiar desiga of suea aa organisation , lou ' on'd be tbown by the evidence . The result was . itattatonthe Mta of Atreust simultaneous risings took iac-iaca in the neighbourhood of Ashton , and between tlevteven and twelve o ' clock on the night of that day a tirgtrge body of persons assembled in Catherine Street , rrmnnsd with pikes , guns , and other weapons of iefeefen . ee . From there they prooe ded down Bentinck itrekeet and Old Street to Stamford Street , and on lassassingdown the latter street , a poliefc-tfficer . mmed

      iimimith , was standing at the corner of Mois Street . ! ? arJome one of the mob pre ? exited at bis head a pistol , irhirhich missed fire , and they then passed on towards Ibtfoook Street . On arriving there , some one called otafc that Bright was ccminr , and a person named iiigSgley ( not in custody ) wag " seen to pass down the Itatreei . Saen after Sigley returned , and followed ltrilright , whe was brought up in a corner . A pistol ' xsrxs then presented at him which massed fire . The I Blub then went on down Bantinek S ' -r eet to where i let crosses O'd Street , and at that place Bright was y ' zazfd by three or more persons , and taken partly owwn the stree * . Some alternation then took place 1 a consequence of his having stated that he knew 3838 persons assaulting him , whereupon he was !

      trtrnck with a pike violently on the thigh , and while tjjtjpgeriog fnra the tffxte of the blow , was shot with g . gun or a pistol and fell dead in the street . The woest / oas the jury would have to determine wvre wovo—as to the murder of Bright there could be no otoubt ; it would not be disputed . Then cime the nmestion , who were the guilty parties ? It a person rerent out iu an illegal combination firmed for tbe ttttcpOH of resisting all opposition by force , legally Illl persons present with that object were responsible ssrthe acts of all . And if the jury shonld be of ipipinion on the result of t-. e investigation that Bright rsss shot noder the circumstances he had mentioned , ipj one of that body so assembled on the liih of Kogust , and was ebot as ths result of a general

      com-EEnation of ihe borfy formed fir the purpose of resistnng all opposition by force , then there could be no kfoabfc , bo * h legally and morally , that every one ot ibe person * present on that occasion was guilty of the Brime of murder . He did not conceive he should have EEseharged bis du ' y if be bad not sho to the liability riff persons so ilfe ^ ally assembled together . But Bhorigh . they might be of opinion that all the persons n > arsecb ' od were guilty cf tbe act of ene , there was sane question for consideration whica would jlace the matter within much narrower limits , and that was ¦ rhetberthe act charged ia tte indictment was the rtco ^ taceens act of some one at the moment , and not ttte result of previous arrangement * . They would End-that , the great body having gone down Bentinck

      Street , three or four remained behind , and , as would appear from the evidence , it was one of those whs first presented the pistol at the person of Bright wben it mussed fire . Same of those persons were , as would ! fo seen from the evidence , Sigley , Radcliffa . and ( Constantine ; they took forcible possession of Bright In the street , snd afterwards , when he said he knew tbem , struck him with a pike . Ridclifrj had himelf made such an admission , and it was he who had reed the deadly weapon which was tbe cause of death . After that took place the mob went down Stamford Street , aad to sever *! other places , after which they dispersed . Radcliffe went to a house in ibhtou , changed his clothes and otherwise disguised Hmself . He was sabsequently apprehended on tbe

      Snd of Accost in disguise , and under au assumed same , on b * ar < l the Americas packet ship 0 * an Monarch , that ill-fated vessel of which ths ; must all Save a most vivid recollection . He was concealed en board , and when questioned denied all knowledge of or participation ia tbe acts which had teen committed in Ashton oa tbe 14 th of August . He afterirarda expressed his rearet thst he had shot Bright , aad admitted tbat "he bad stabbed him wUh a pike . Constantine was taken some time afterwards . The Attorney General concluded by saying , that after the brief outline he had given of the case ha shonld direct tbe attention of tbs jury to the details wbicb Venld be submitted in evidence . Tbe foUowiaat witness's were then called : —

      Simnel Smith sworn . Said be was a police officer at Ashton-under-Lyne . Oa the l & h of August last , about eleven or twelve o ' clcck at night , he was at ioEe , wben bis attention was attracted in consequence of the trampling of feet in the street . He treat ont , and wben be got to the comer of Bentinckstreet , a man named Sig ' ej levelled a gun at witness and said , Goft * ay ffim . the corner , or I will blow Sir b— brains oat . ' A man named Milligan ccked the gun diwn and told bim to have more sense . He then bade witness go away or join tbe ranks , and take an active pari in the proceedings that were going on . Tbere were about oie hundred

      ranged in single lines , a number of thsm with pikes , * nd one of them had a gun . He ihr-vt went away snd returned in a short time to Moss Street , where tbe Chartist roam is situate , wben he heard tbe report of a gun or a pisto \ and the shriek of a woman . Immediately a f terwaris a man named John Warren eameup the street and said they had shot him , showin ? bk band , which waa cat and had blood npon it . The report of tbe pistol and tbe screams of the worasn came from the direction of Old Street , in which direction tbe mob had gone . [ A . plan of the streets in which the mob assembled was produced , and the witness pointed out tbe relative positions of tbe rioters . l

      In cKBs-ex ^ min-ition by Mr Pollock , the witness said , be was positive aa to the time wben the gun ¥ ent off . as tbe old church , chimed a quarter to twelve » little before be heard it . JaL-n Warren said , he was a batter , and lived at Asbtaa . ^ On the night of the 14 th ef August he was ia Bentinck Street about a quarter to twelve , when Ja «* fzw a aurnbe * of men marching , perhaps about fifty or a hundred . They were two deep and had pikes . Followed thsm to O'd Street , snd when he fot there be met Bright , the police officer . Bright said 'There / bnt did not do anything . Witness passed on and left Bright ; when near Stamford Strfethe turfed round and a ^ ain saw Brigh t and some men in front of him ; his hat was off and lying

      in the street- Bright said ' Lads , w & at cave I done to yon 1 what havel to do withyoa ? ' Witness went behind him and a shout was tken made , wben tbe crowd flid down Stamford Street . Except a few persons tbere wa « noonenear Bright . Looked down Stumford Street and saw a man running , and a crowd a f ter Mm . Heard two shots fired at that time from tie mob , which was then in Stamford Street . Witness considered they were shooting at tbe man who was mnning . He then west back on hie way home , and taw Bright where ba bad left bim . Three men were then standing at the corner of Bentinck Street and Stamford Street . One of them stepped ont with a pike and stabbed at Bright with it . Witness got

      bold of tbe pike blade and begged of tha man not to do anything . The man drew it back and then made t & other stab , which appeared to be at him ( witness ) . smd bU band was mash cat by laying bold of it . "Wltefrssturned round to goaway and wentinto Stamford Street . After gettiag aboafc a yard and a half in advance of Bright , heard a shot , and saw Bright fall . Saw tbe flub and tbe hand of the person who fired . It was one of tha two or three men standing with Bright , bnt not the man who had used the pike . Went into Stamford Street , bat tu 9 crowd waigone . sad be then went home . Waa eo much frightened tbat be did not know bow be got heme or whom be saw on the way .

      Ie cross-examination by Mr Pollock he said he was about faur jaris from tbe man who fired , and Bright was in the ttreet at the time . It was a cloudy , dull sight , and there bad been rain . Did not see any bops lighted . By tbe Attorney Gsneral . —Bright fell en his face titer be waa shot . He did not make any resistance . Betty Wild called . —Lived in Bentinck Street , Ashton , next doir to tbe Chartist room . Oa the Bight of the Uth of August wag at borne absut half jast eleven o ' clock , and beard a noise , when she went an stair * aad opened the window , and saw a number

      ef men coming down Baitinck Street towards Old Street , having pikes on their shoulders . After they &« sed her door saw Bright on tbe aUgs , three or four yards behind tbe mob . Heardarattleof pikes and a Sasteramcag them , and then lost si htof Bright . Z ^ n tiaft ^? aras beard ' imf teport of a gun and saw tte flish . Thouiht there were two reports , one a gnat deal louder than the other . There waa « ry ¦ wen Mreamiair from women just after tbe flaih . Tha «« pafljaUdi ! perHd , andtwomen ran from the crowd towards Old Street They seemed contused , m . thonsh not knowing wbicb way to run , and got

      Liverpool Assizes. (Bafore Mr Bsroa Ald«...

      oer tbe gates into the yard if the Chartist room . The men jumped thenoe over another wall into witnest's yard , and then went towards Cavendish Street . Tbe first that got over tha wall had ii ^ bt coloured clothes on and a short jacket , like a fustian jacket ; the other had dark clothes on . James Grey stated , tbat he kept the Red Lion Inn , Stamford Street . On the night of the Uth 0 f August be saw men with pikes , as stated by precediog witnesses ; and heard a gun fired in Bentinck Street . Two men were seen running with a gun , and he went down to the corner of Old Street , where be lest sight of them . Looking round , ba saw something lyinifin Bentinck Street , and , on examination , found it was Bright , tbs police officer . H s was lying

      on his face , with bis body on the kerb stone near to Slater ' s . He was quite dead . Tbe body was taken to witness ' s house . The body was bloody , and he appeared to have been shot in the breast . jane Slater , wife to Mr Slater , bntcber , of Asbtoa . —Their house was at the corner of Bentinok Street and Stamford Street . On the night of the 22 ad of August beard a noise as of a crowd of people in the street , and looked through the windo w . Heard some one in the crowd say , 'Make ready ! ' and the report ef a gun followed . Saw something in the street , and ascertainedthatit was tha body of Bright , which was removed by one of the preceding witnesses . . Mr Pollock alloded to several persons being ex . amined before tbe magistrates and not produced before the court , when

      Tbe Attorney General said , be was not bound to call all the evidence which had been taken aivarious time * during tba progress of the riots . Thomas W . Sister corroborated the evidence of tbe previous witness as to the mob , ? nd added , tbat be saw a man in the crowd , with s pike on bio shoulder , say , ' Make ready , ' and immediately afterwards heard a loud report . The same man went along to Stamford Street , and cried ont to the men , Join join ! ' Witness afterwards saw the body of Bright lying in the street . Henry Taylor , a police-officer , deposed that he saw tbe meb on the night is question , and some of them , after saying , that ' s the b , at him . ' rushed uprn him , but be got away from them .

      Jsmes Marland . whitesmith aid broker . —Lived in Bentinck Street . He was Iookiag through his bedroom window ou the night of tbo riot , and heard some men challenge Bright with something wbicb be denied One of the men then took hold of him . Tbs man who bad bold of bim then fell back , and presented a pike towards Bright , which would catch bim in the lower part of the body . The man had on a snrtout coat of a dark colour . D ' rectly afterwards heard the report of a cud , and saw the fire from the muzz ' e . Bright instantly fell . Heard two reports of guns previously iu Stamford Street . The man stood in a bevelled direction , about fifteen yards Irons witness ' s window , when he fired the gun , end wben Bright fell tbe people ran away .

      In cross-examination by Mr Pollock tbe witness ssrd be gave information to tbe magistrates about a week after Bright ' a death . T- Ribinaon , a resident in Benticot Street , Ashton . —Saw the crowd through his window ; some . of tbem had pikes and dagger * , and one man had a gun , which he fired off , and immediately afterwards a on , subsequently foond to be Bright , fell into the channel . Heard a report of a pistol a few minntcs before . Edward Taylor , a mechanic , deposed that he waa standing in the street wben Brhhliwas shot . He saw a per ? on run a pike into Brk ^ t first , and then a gun was fired , after which he fell down . Cross examined by Mr Pollock . —Saw Thomas Lat imer there , and Parker . By tbe Attorney General . —Neither Latimer nor any of the persons around me fired the shot .

      Thomai Latimer deposed that be waa a weaver at Ashton . On th ? l & b of August went to Mr Hodgson ' s , on tbe Mopsley Road , and stayed about an hour . Went afterwards to Lord ' s , where be stayed till about nine . Saw Lord aod Parker , and left the houfe about nine with Parker . Then went to his father's bouse . Tbere were several persons there , but neither of the prisoners . In half an hoar went out with Parker and met John Ledd < m , wben they went to tba Odd Ftliowa , where they arrived at a quarter to eleven . There met Wrfgley . Saw Constantine tbere and Sigley , with several others . Stott and Millijan were there . Went back to Lord ' s and aeam to the Odd Fellows . Witness , Parker , aud Wrigley then went to Bentinck Street , and saw a

      party of men coming , armed with pikes and guns . Bright was coming to the corner of Old Street , and made a stop there . The body of tho men were just coming up . Constantine , Sigley , and Radcliffe came op to bim from tbe body of the men , and took bold of him , saying he must go with tbem . They took bim down Brntiock Street abont twenty yards , and witness then heard a report of firearms from the direction of Stamford Street . In a few moments Radcliffa ran at Bright with a pike , and Bright said , Spare my life . ' Another man then ran at him with a pike , bnt did not know who it was . Radcliffe had a bat and dark velvet jacket and trousers . Radcliffe pulled a pistol out and then fired at Bright- Constantine and Sigley tten went into the crowd .

      Bright was facing them when he was shot , and appeared to fall upon his back , but witness did not go up to him . Sigley had a gun , and wore a snrtout coat and black trousers . Some of the men shouted tbat they must retreat after tha gun was fired off aud they * then went off . Witness waa a Cbwtiat , but he never had much to do with them . On the night of tba 14 < h of August saw Radcliffe and Sigley drilling men at Dok « tfi ? . ld Brow , and they said they wonld fetch cannon from Hindley Park . Before tbe riot Seddon gave witness a pop battle with a fwee at the top and said he must keep it till be wanted it . The same night saw a gentleman in the street and Sig ' ey levelled bis gun at him , bnt did not fire . Cross-examined . — He was not a Chartt < t , but

      he knew some of them . In answer to a quoi'ion , he said be ' supposed his brother was a Chartist , because bis brother carried a gon . ' ( This answer was received witb a taud shout of laughter , wbAftb . 'K & s suppressed by Lis lordship , who r qnested the perssns who bad so acted to consider tbit they we-re in a Christian country , and there were two persons at the bar whose live * were in jeopardy ) Witness , on bis cross-examination , said be did not know tbe use of a fusee . He went afte * * he murder was committed , along w ^ tb Radcliffe , Constantine , and others , in order , as be said , that he might see the finish of what was going on . He was at Lord ' s , but did not tell Lord to get up and do his duty or he would'blow np tbe b—Cattle about him and his lodgers . ' "Was standing batweeh Radcliffe and Bright wben the shot was fire j , but not in a direct line . His brother John was not near Bright at the

      time he was abut . Never said to bis brother John about-the time Bright wasshat , 'B-t him , shoot him . " Witness was apprehended about tbiee weeks after BrighVs death , but he was in Ashton all the time , living at home . Never saw John Latimer , bis brother , till the day before be waa apprehended . Parker , and Wrigley , and himself were all tak-n up and put into one cell , where they were kept a fortnight ; they were changed with being present at tbe murder . Made his first statomentabout the murder on the diy after he was taken up to Mr Lord , Mr Hall , and Mr Newton , and was twice before tbe magistrates . Had convetsa' -ion when in gaol about tbe murder , and somebody said they ought to tell . He ( witness ) replied that he thought m too , and he would tell , aa he knew all about it . He had only seen Mr Newton , tbe obief constable ef Ashton , sines be was in Kirkdale , and he came there witb a little bo -k , and took down wbat be ssrd .

      By the Attorney General . —Told bis father snd bis sister about the murder the day after it happened , H s father was apprehended . Mra Wild re-ealled . —Heard two discharges , but the second was tbe fondest . William Macklin depo ? ed , tbat he lived at Asbtoa , aid before tbe 14 th of Aueust was a member of a body called the Natiosal Guard , to which he paid lid . per week . On the night of tbe murder was at the Odd Fellows'Arms , where be saw Sigley , Stott , Fianagan , and others . Constantino came tbere , and gave hira a bottle of slugs from underneath his jacket . He told bim it waa loaded with powder aid slugs . Said he must go to the market , and he would send two men with bim ; one was to go to the

      barracks , the other to Reworthy coalpit . Witness went to the market-place , and arrived in Bentinok Street about half . past eleven o ' clock , where be saw the mob aroud . Milligan and Sigley were there , and both bad guns . Kenwortbybad a gun , and Stott a pike . There waa a man there named Smith , and Sigley levelled his gnn at him , saying if he did not join them , be wonld blowhis brains out . Milligan gave a direction for * quick march , ' and tbe mob went down the street , witb Milligan and Sigley at tbe bead . Radcliffe was there and bad a pistol and a pike . Radcliffe was the leader of the National Guard , which was divided into sections . Milligan was tba leader of all . When crossing Cotton Street , which is in Bentinck Street , a man called out that

      Bright was coming , upon which Sigley shouldered bis gun , and said , * Is he , by God ? ' and went down Brook Street . He then oame btck , and Bright came np . Radob'ffe also came up and levelled his pistol at him , at the distance of about ten yards , bnt the pistol missed fire , Bright than walked on alone Bentinck Street , and Sigley c & rae up to him in 0 ' . d Street . Latimer , Parker , and another man then oame from towards the Odd Fellows' Arms , and the prisoner Constantine got hold of Bright on one side end Sigley on the other . Constantine said to Bright , ' Fou must ge along witb us , as you are enr prisoner ; ' whan Bright replied , * Very well , lads , I

      * iil go with you . Don't kill me ; I never did anybody any butt / Con & tantine said , ' Wt- 'll show yoa what we'll do witb yon before we bare done witb you . ' The crowd was then marching on , After tbat Radcliffe said , 'Bring him on , bring bim on ;' and they dragged Bright up to the end of tbe mob , towards Stamford Street , where they stopped bim . The mob then marched inta Stamford Street , Saw six men round him—Constantine , Sigley , Ktnwortby , and Stott . Tbe other two men h * d pikes . Saw Radcliffe came from tbe direction of Stamford Street with bis pistol pointed towards Bright , and , when about four or five yatds off tbe mob setup a

      Liverpool Assizes. (Bafore Mr Bsroa Ald«...

      shout . Witness ran to Stamford Street and met Milligan , who said there had been another policeman , but he was too sharp for them . Heard a report of firearms in Bentinok Street , and ran back , when he aaw seven men coming from Bright , who was then l ying in tha street on his belly , apparently dead . Witness asked who shot bim , and Sigley said he was not shot , he was only drunk . The seven men then rushed into the crowd . Witness knew all the men except two . They were Radcliffe , Constantine , Sigley , Stott , and Kenworthy . Constantine bad an axe in his hand . _

      In crojs-eXimination by Mr Palloot , the witness admitted that he had been apprehended as one of the parties implicated in the murder . Bright was pulled and knocked about for a-long time , neat tbe plaee where his body was found . Had sOme conversation with M'DjoalJ , about the murder , and told him that Sigley and Milligan bad , according to report , gone to America , but never told him tba man who shot Bright bad sailed for America . M'Douall said he wished to God they had shot Newton instead of Bright . John Warren recalled : Bright must have turned round when he fell . There was no second shot .

      James Wrigley ( another accomplice ) : Is ajoiner . Waa at the Odd Fellows' Arms , when ' Milligan oame in . He bad a case fastened on a bolt beneath bis jacket , and , producing it , said . those who wanted arms must break Garside ' s ironmonger ' s shop open . Wben Bright was taken prisoner by Constantine one walked at eaob side of bim , and one behind . Wben Constantine and Sigley had got up with Bright , to the main party , they left loose of bim , and went on tbe fligs neat Slatet ' s-oomer , Bright was left standing in the street ; he made some remarks , snd said be knew some of them . A man from the main body on this ran at him with a pike . Bright was trying to turn it aside , and while he v ; aa staggering a shot waa tired . Saw the flisb . It came from Slater ' s Comer , from one side of the tody . Bright fell then . Do not know Rad ; liffe . Dj not now see the man who made a thrust at Bright witb bis pike . After this some one shouted a retreat , and tbe party went towards Dukinficld .

      On Mr Pollock rising to coss-sxamine tbe witness he applied to the learned judge to prehibit tbe publication of the proceedings until tbe whole case was concluded ; or , at all events , be hoped means would ba taken to prevent the details being made known to tbe witnesses who bad not been examined at tbe rising of tha court . His lordship said it would be very much better that it should not be published until the whole case was complete . He , however , could only recommend it , he had no power to enforce it . The Attorney General said ha had no doubt be should bo able to close tbe case for the prosecution that evening , which would obviate tbe objection of bis learned friend .

      The learned Judge said it was desirable to close the cage for tbe prosecution in one day , and to ac-0 . mpiiah that be was quite willing to sit until twelve o ' clock . William Parker , ( another accomplice , ) said Constantine , Radcliffe , and Wrigley made a prisoner of Bright . They made towards Slater ' s Corner , and when half way left bold of him . Bright said , ' I know some of yon , ' wben Radoliffe turned round and hit him with a pike . Bright said , My good fellow , what have I done to you ? ' -Then some one fired a shot . Bright bad stooped and laid bold of the pike . Bright had his face towards Stamford Street when the shot was fired . The Hath appeared to come from Stamford Street . Did not see who fired tbe shot . Had heard a shot about a minute before in Old Street . When Bright fell he heard somo women scream who stood at tho side . After Bright fell some one cried out to retreat . Constantine had . no arms that I saw .

      Cross-examined by Mr Pollock : Tbere was no one but me , Wrigley , aud Parker , at Gray ' s Corner . The women who screamed were two or three yards from Bright . Did not see Radoliffe again till the body got to Dukinceld , Did not see Constantine after . John Latimer bai told me that every town in England would be up that night , and threatened that if I did not join . I would be shot . Soon after the murder , Thomas LUimer told me tbat it was Radcliffe who bad shot Bright . Richard Winterbottom , is the brother to William Winterbottom , and livdd at Dakinfield . Early in tbe morning after tho murder he was knocked up by his brother , Radoliffe , Larimer , and Sibley . They were all armed except Sigley , and . Radoliffe had a

      pistol in his peaseasion . Next morning , at breakfast , heard Ridoliffe say it was a bad job Bright was sho " . His brother asked if they might ba allowed to stay tbere . Sigley and Ridoliffe remained until nine o ' clock at night on the 16 th . Hia brother " and Latimer went away the same night . Radoliffo went away ia a jacket oelonging to the brother of witness . Sigley went away also io disguis ; . They bad all bill-cartridge except Radcliffj , who hadpow der and ball separate . They gave it to witness , and he ( brew it away in the garden . There were fifty or sixty . When Rtdcliffo was leaving the bouse , witness asked him if ho knew who it was shot Bright ? He replied— ' That ' s beat known to myself . '

      Joseph Armitage deposed , that a man of the name of William Winterbottom waa amongst them . Winterbottom bad a velveteen jacket oa , and witness ? aw him on three different days rubbing and scrubbing his jacket at a window . Witness knew tbe jacket . Winterbottom was taken about the 6 th of September . Tbe prisoner Radoliffe , was taken on the 19 ; h of September . Bit a prisoners were put into ene cell . Heard Radcliffa tell Constantino , ' I never shot him , but I stabbed bim . ' Cross examined by Mr Pollock . —I was at tbe time in tbe lobby of the cells . I had been walking there form hour . They must have heard me ; and I sometimes stood between two of tbe cells for the purpose of listening . I then went up to Mr Newton . £ 150 reward was offered for the apprehension of the murderer of Bright . I never gave a statement , upon oath , tabuing to this until to-day .

      Inspector Maiden proved the apprehension of Radcliffj on board the Ocean Monarch .. He was concealed in the hold amongst some timber , covered with bay , timbar , aud some lumps of coal . It was dark at the time , but the officer detected him by the bright nails in his shots . When asked hia name he said' Jones . ' A . police officer proved the apprehension of tbe prisoner Constantine at Chowbent . Us also proved , tbat oa a day prior to the Uth of August , a party of a d ' . ien , Radcliffe being one , who were obsttucting the footway opposite tbe Chartist room , were ordered off by the deceased , Bright , Jehn Lord , a cotton spinner , proved Latimer ani Parker had called at his house on the 14 'h of August . He refused to go out with them . Latimer had said , all England would be up by eleven o ' clock tbat night .

      Drs Lees aod Campbe'l inspected the dead body of Bright at a post mortem eximination , with another medical man . Tbere was a wound outside near tbe right nipple . The wound passed downwards , and tbe ball had passed out at tbe same side benin ) : The edges of the wound were driven in wards from tbe chest . The shot might have passed from the chest out at the back . Tbe wound might have been received by the deceised while stooping . There was also a wound , apparently from a pike , through the thigh . The wound in tbe chest would produce instant death . The wound was produced from & hard substance , and the bare of tbe gun must have been an inch diameter . Cross-examined —A button was wanting on the coat said to be deceaied ' a . It was the right button , and from the part over the loins . The button was knocked iff br the ball ( as witness thought ) , and was indented by the ball or other hard missile .

      The Attorney General said , he would , if required , bring witnesses to speak to tho button , and to the finding of it . Mr Pollock wished f > racal a witness , but bia lordship considered tbat that witness waa an accomplice , and Mr Pollock relinquished his request . Mr Pollock recalled Ann Taylar . She said ah © foiled tho button of a policeman ' s coat in a room ia ber house , just after she beard a shot fired as from a gun . She produced the button , and it wae indented insids ( or appeared to be so ) , as if driven up by a ball from a gun . There was something curious , however , about the disfigurement of the ball , which the Attorney General himself admitted to be somewhat remarkable . This closed tbo ease for tbe prosecution .

      Saturday , Dso . 16 . On tbe opening of the Court , Mr Pollock addressed tbe jury for the prisoners . He observed that some advantage had beea gained by the delay of tbe case from the preceding night , aud he had , upon a consideration of the eass , come to the conclusion to off # no evidence oa behalf of the prisoners , but leave the matter as it stood on the part of the prosecution for the consideration of tbe jury . He should be able to show them that it was not a case in which the jury could , beyond reasonable doubt , come to the conclusion tbat either one or both of the prisoners were guilty of the charge brOHght a ? ainst them . Oao of the greatest diffi . cutties be hid to contend witb was , that the murder charged by the Crown was alleged to have been committed by the prisoners , who were assembled with

      others in pursuance of tbat which be was not there to deny might have bem aa unlawful purpsse of aime kind . It could net te denied that , by some person on the night in question , tbe deceased met with a most cruel death ; but be would undertake to show that auob death was not caused by either of the prisoners . There was no previous concert as to vislence intended to be committed upon the unfertunate deceased , or the force of which ha was a member ; and , although there might hive been a concert and combination , it was merely one of those Displays of physical farce to of tea exhibited , which might do much mischief and could do no good . The men were not out to do violence to any one they might meet with on that occasion , and he would be able to show that the death of the deceased was not caused by a wound inflicted by either of the prisoners , bnt that '

      Liverpool Assizes. (Bafore Mr Bsroa Ald«...

      it was the act of some other persons . The learnsd counsel then remarked upen the evidence given by Macklin , Parker , Latimer and Wrigley , whose teg . timony ought to be received with suspicion , as they were , to a certain extent , accomplices . Those witnesses only agreed in one point—that the shot was find from the direction of OH Street , and that Bright was facing towards Stamford Street , and that his death must be attributed to one of the body of men who came in that direction . It would appear , however , from the evidence of other and more respectable witnesses , that from the position in whieh Bright was standing with relation to Radoliffe , the

      shot which killed , him , must bare been fired by some person who was nearer Old Street than Bright was at tha 1 ; time . The place where the shot was found waa also favourable to that view ot the ease ; basidea , the wonnd was said to have been inflicted by a gun , while Latimer said Radcliffe fired at him with a pistol . There was no evidence to implicate Constantine in the transaction , as it was not shown that he w ^ sat an y time during the proceedings in possession of any weapon whatever . He bad undoubtedly made a prisoner of Bright , but that might be merely to protect himself from the violence of Sigley , or some other of the persons who were there at tbe time .

      His Lordship , on referring to his notes , said , it was a question whether there was any evidence against Constantine at all . , Mr Pollock then proceeded to remark on the evidence of the accomplices , which ought to be received with caution , as they would naturally be inclined to exculpate themselves even at the expense of others . Ho concluded , bv calling attention to the evidence as it affacted Sigley . It . was he who bad taken a most active and decided part throughout the whole transaction , and it waa to him the evidence pointed more directly than it did to Radeliffe , as being the person who had committed the act charged sgaicst the prisoners .

      After a consultation with his brother counsel , Mr Pollock said , that at the request of the prisoner Radcliffe be should call a witness to prove tbat he was not the person who piked Bright at the time he was so wounded and before he was shot . James Matley was then called . —He said , he was a blacksmith at Ashton . On the night of the 14 th . of August was at Grundy ' s Concert-room , Stamford Street , and left at a quarter past eleven o'clock . Went down Stamford Street and to tbe corner of Bentinok Street , where he joined two men , Martin Hatgh , and Taylor , a policeman . Some persons came down Bentinck Street , and Taylor went away . While standing there a party came down Stamford Street , and Taylor went to them , when one of the men cried out , ' Here ' s a policeman—fire / One of the men levelled his gun , but it did not go off . Another said , * Fire , fire—sharp , sharp . ' Taylor ran down Stamford Street , and tbe meb after him and after

      that a few more people oame down BenSinck Street . In the middle of Stamford Street saw a man pickin ? up his hat , and ; found aftewards it was a police efficot . Went nearer and saw it was Bright . Ho said to the people , he did not know what harm he bad done that they should abuse bim in that manner . One said , ' Go into some house , ' and Bright said , 1 , that is not my duty . We are the men pnt to keep the peace of the country . ' There was a man near him with a pike , and he said , 'You d b——— , ' and ran the pike into bim . That man was net Radcliffe . He had on a dark colosred coat , and dark whiskers , bushy at the bottom . Bright laid bold of the pike with one hand , and was turning round , when the shot struck bim , and befell immediately . Saw the persons go away and leave Bright . While he was there he did not eee Radcliffe at all , though be knew bim well .

      Cross eximined by the Attorney General . —Heard two reports of firearms , besides one which missed fire . Did not know that Radcliffe was a captain of the National Guard , or that Constantine was , Witness was a member of Stephen ' s band . Did not see a man who got his band out with the pike . Could not say which way the report came from ; but it was too loud to be that of a pistol . Reexamined .-Did not see Radoliffe there that night . Martin Hatgh , a batter at Ashton , deposed to being with the witness Matley on the night of the murder . He was in the street where the mob was , and saw Taylor , but did not sea Bright . Hoard two shots fired , and saw a flash , and shortly afterwards

      heard of a police officer being shot . Witness was Hocked down by the butt end of a gun . The Attorney Ganeral replied . He contended , from the general tenor of the evidence , that it was clear the prisoners were present on the night in question ; and though there might be no previous general organisation to murder the deceased , the leaders might have come to such a determination . The shot which killed Bright came from the higher part of Bentinck Street , Bright standing below it ; asd it was a mistake to suppose that he was at the time facing Stamford Street . He then went over the evidence , and reconciled what he conceived to be some apparent discrepancies , observing , tbat the case was complete , at least as to the guilt of

      Radcliffe , The learned Judge then summed up the evidence , explaining the law of the case as it affected the prisoners at the bar . The question was not who shot or who did not shost , bat whether Radcliffe waa aiding and assisting the man who did shoot by his presence ? If they were aatnfr . d that the shot waa fired by Radoliffe , or any other person , and that Radolilfs was aiding and assisting in the commission of the offence , he was guilty , and so was Constantino , and others who were aiding and assisting . And if the act was committed by a third party , and not by either of the prisoners , then they were guilty participators in the aot of tbat third party . Constantine had very pro * perly been withdrawn from the case i and it was not shown tbe act was committed by hira , or that he had

      any participation in it . It was clear that the people were out for some common purpose , but whether to kill all persons who should oppose them was not clear . If it were sbown that all those persona had a common purpose of killing tbo police who were out , then would they bo all guilty who participated in that common purpose . There was another question for the consideration of the jury . They must see how far the evidence against Radcliffe satisfied them that he was the man who shot Bright himself ; and if not satisfied that be did the deed , the question would be , whether he did any acts showing that he had a common purpose with the man who did shoot bim . His lordship then reviewed the evidence at great length , calling the attention of thejury to these points which most materially affected the prisoners at the bar .

      Thejury then retired , an * l , after an absence from 0 urt of about an hour , returned , and breathless silence immediately prevailed . The 01 . rk anked , h tbe usual form , was Joseph Radoliff * guilty of the charge ? The Foreman . —Guilty ; but we strongly recommend bim to mercy , as Bright , the policeman , did not , fall by hia band ; ' Mr Baron Aldcrson then put on the black cap , and parsed sentence upon the prisoner in terms somewhat to tbe following iff : ot ' . —Joseph Radoliffe , you have been found guilty , I cannot but think , on very clear evidence , of the crimo of wilful murder . The jury have recommended your case to the merciful consideration of the Crown . I shall transmit that to the proper quarter . In the meanwhile it is

      my painlul duty to tell you what your fate will probably be . You have been found guilty of an < flense against a totally unoffending man . Yours was not the hand that fired the shot ( of tbat I am perfectly satitih ' edj that killed the deceased ; but then you fired a piste ) , and . though it did not bit the person at whom it was ' aimed , you had before attacked himcruelly attacked bim—with a pike , all which circumstances show | mo that , in the passion and violence of the moment , you were not mindful to remember your duty to G ) d and your duty to man . And so it will always be when men like v u enter upon a course of this description . You place yourself at the head of a body of individuals armed against the law and tbe constitution of

      the country . Being the captain , it behoves you , you think , to show that you have spirit above your compeers ; and so , whenever anything violent is to be done , the leaders , fortunately , are , seleoted to do it . So it has always happened—so it will always happen . Men in such positions cease to remember their duty to God , and their duty , also , to their neighbours . Yours is a fearful instance of the consequences of violent political agitation upen the lower orders of society—an instance which , I fear ; will require severe punishment . You will have , at all events , a muoh longer time than you allowed to that unhappy man Bright to prepare for a change . You sent bim to his account without being prepared . We will hope his lamp was burning , and that yon have to answer

      merely for his death , not fer the 1 ) 88 of a BOnl eternal . We will hope tbat , bat we cannot be assured of it . We cannot know what the constquenjea of that dreadful oot of yours were towards that unhappy man . You , yourself , will have a longer time to pre . pare ; you will have the means which the humanity of the law and the constitution will award to you . I beseech of you to amend , to forget not tbat now you are on verge of eternity , only a few short Jboare will pass till your life bo forfeited . Aftergaeveral exhortations , his lordship said , —I will send tho kind recommendation . of the jury to the Crown . It rests with them . I have nothing further to do with It , as soon as I tell you what the sentence of the law is .

      It is not my sentence ; . it is that ef the law , and I am merely ita instrument to declare it . The sentence that tbe law affiles to your crime is—that you bo taken to tho plaee whence ycu eame , thence to the place of execution , and be there hanged by the neck till you are dead , and that your body be buried in the preoincts of the prison in which you stall be confined after yeur conviction . This is the sentence of tho Jaw . I have now discharged my duty . May God Almighty-may tbo Holy blessed Saviour , tbat most worthy judge of all—suffer jou not to be kept from hmi . May the Lord have mercy on your soul ! ; J k . ? £ iS $ ' ' F ntcn - oe W 2 Painfnlly interrupted & h ? rh ^ - M ? ffTDgof aff 0 m « n » coiirt , said to be the prisoner ' s wi e .

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      The prisoncf buwolf betrayed no amotion what ever , and , after addressing a few words to bit solid tor . was removed from tho deck .

      Tin OOHBPIEUOX AT ASHTON . Pending the delivery of the verdict in the l & tt caso , the eighteen Chartists , charged witb conspiring to obstruct the laws by tumultuousassemblages . & c , at Ashton-under-Lyne , most of whom bad been out on bail , were placed in the deck . The Attorney General stated that the Crown had determined to proceed against only eight of the prisoners for felony under the late Government Security Aot ; the others , on entering into the proper recognisances , might bs discharged .

      Two or three of the prisoners were bound over in their own recognisances in £ 100 , and two sureties in £ 50 each , to keep tbe peace for two years , and to appear and plead to the charge whenever tbey might be called upon ; tho others ( in more indigent circumstances ) were allowed to depart on tbe diminished security of their own recognisances in £ 50 , and two sureties in £ 25 each . The parties , before their discharge , were cautioned to find the necessary sureties , and go witb them before a local magistrate within a week . Shortly after wx o ' clock the court adjourned . Monday , Due . 18 .- ( BeforeMr Baron Alderson )

      IRIAI , OF THE ASHTON CHARTISTS . Joseph Constantine , 20 ; Thomas Kenworthy , 20 ; Jonathan Walker , 20 ; James S : ott , 2 i ; JohnN . Sefton , 41 ; and Thomas Tassiker , 34 , were indicted for having , on the 1 st of August la ? t , at Ashton , feloniously assembled with others to levy war against the Queen , in order to compel her to change her measures and counsels . They were further oharged with conspiring to levy rebellion and insurrection ; and also with drilling and training themselves and others to the use of arms , for the purpose of opposing the forces of her Majesty . The Attorney General , with whom were Messrs Knowles and Welaby , appeared for the proaecu . tion , and the prisoners were defended by Mr Pollock and Mr Atkinson .

      Previous to the case being proceeded with , Mr Pollock applied for the postponement of the trial , on the ground that the prisoners had been included in an indictment for murder , in which two persons had been tried , and one convicted ; that subsequently a bill for lelony had been found by the grand jury , of which the prisoners had no knowledge , and were , consequently , not in a position to defend themselves . Besides , the prisoners would go to trial under a great disadvantage , inconsequence of some of them being included in a trial for murder which had recently been disposed ef at the assizes . The Attorney General said , he did not propose to proceed against the same parties for murder . He could not consent to tbe application . His lordship decided tbat , as the crown did not consent , be oould . not grant the application for postponement , though he had a desire to assist the prisoners .

      At tho suggestion of the Attorney General , the prisoner Sefton was withdrawn from the case , and the charges against the other prisoners were then proceeded witb . Too Attorney General opened the case , and in doing so expressed a hope that the jury would dismiss from their minda any circumstances connected with the painfnHcquiry which had occupied their attention on the Friday and Saturday previously . He considered he had only done his duty in resisting the application of his learned friend , as it was highly desirable tbat the public mind should be eet at rest on these painful subjects , which had recently agitated tbe community . The fire prisoners were indicted for that wbicb , until recently , was high treason , but was now felony , and it would be shown that they had

      become members of unlawful , secret , and dangerous societies , the principal objects of which were to procure guns , pikes , ; and amunition , and employ the same against all who opposed them in their designs . Tbe rising in numbers with arms was levying war , and if tbe jury thought those parties intended by force to obtain tbe Charter , then that would be an alteration of the measure * of the government , and the persons so offending would become amenable te tbe law . If they endeavoured to obtain the repeal of the Union by force , that would likewise bring them under tbe operation of the act . Till recently such offences would have come witbin the scope of high treason , but as the law relating to political offices was csneidered defective , an alteration had

      been made , by which such as those charged against the prisoners were classed with ordinary felonies , and dealt with accordingly , the punishment varying from transportation fer life down to imprisonment for two years . It waa now almost a matter of histoty tbat sometime before the month of August , many persons associated themselves together and or ganised the country to obtain the Charter by force , and he ( the Attorney General ) regretted that many of those designing persons who had led the ' u dup es to destruction had not been brought to trial . Tbe organisation had got to a considerable head in the town of Ashton before the 14 th of August ; tbe town was divided into districts ,, and tha prisoners appointed to the command of several of the

      socalled divisions , so that at any time these parties might have the town under their control , and effect a general rising . The Uth was the day agreed upon for such rising in that neighbourhood , including the districts of Hyde , Dukecfietd , dsc . Constantine organised two bodies of men—one to meet atihe Mossley Road , to obstruct the military , and the other to be employed in watching the various avenues to the tows . Such rising did take place , which led to tbe murder of the police-officer Bright , the oireu-oBtancea of which have already been alluded to in another ease . All the prisoners were tbere , as be slumfd be able to prove by evidence , and all took part in the riot on that occasion . No doubt all who were out

      tbat night with arms were guilty of the felony oharged in the indictment ; but , as regarded their criminality , and the prominent part they had taken as leaders , a selection was necessary , and it was for tbat purpsse the prisoners alone bad been charged . They were all present , taking an active part at tho time when Bright was murdered , and were amongst those men who surrounded him when the pike was used , and the pistol fired ; added to which , the pri soner Tassiker was seen with his hands smeared with blood , saying , he could not go home till he bad washed himself . Tbe Attorney General concluded by directing tho jury to confine their attention to the evidence , and dismiss altogether from , their minds the result of the previous investigation ,

      Tbe following witnesses were then called ;—J ) hn Latimer deposed that he was a member of the Chartist club , called the National Guard ; he was in the sixth division , and held the rank of a captain , Constantine and Milligan were the principal leaders , and Sigley was a captain . There were four lieutenants witb twenty-five men under them . There was a council , and Constantine was the general secretary . Walker was one of the National Guard , They met at tbe Chartist room in Bentinck Street , where Milligan drilled tbem . He ( Milligan ) said he had been in the army . They used to assemble and read newspapers—namely , the London TKLeoRipa :, tbe Nobthsrn Star , and the Livsrpcol MaHCURy- Witness had seen bullets made at Stott ' s , and ball

      cartridges were made at Bowers's , in Dukenfirld . where Constantine and Stott frequently attended . The cartridges were made iu ginger-beer bottles , and they called tb em hand grenades . There was a committee , called the ' A mmunition Committee , ' and a quantity of gunpowder was purchased at a Jerry shop . On the Uth of August , it was agreed tbat the cannon should be brought from llindley ' s park , and they got horses to convey them . It was intended to plant them on the Moaaley Road , and put two on each side near tbe barracks , He ( witness ) was directed to take up a position on the MossleyRoad , and when he saw the soldiers he must retreat asd give them a volley with the cannon . Twenty-five men were to be placed there , and the other divisions were

      to form barricades with bales of cotton to be obtained from Pickf rd ' s warehouse . Tbey were to take the magistrates into custody , and catch the police if they resisted , and run them through . Milligan said that all the towns in England would be up , On tbe night of tbe Uth nf August witness and others assembled at tbe Odd Fellows' Arms , so that they might make the necessary arrangements . Some of the National Guard did not arrive , as they said tboy could not find their officers . Some of them bad pikes and guns , and witness had a gun and a pike . On arriving at MossleyRoad they saw men with truncheon ? , and de manded that tbey should give them up ; the men did

      so , and the mea wore taken into tbe possession of one of tin leaders . Witness heard the police coming , ? m fiD ^ b 5 s cora' ^ sB gone , he fled across the fields . The witness , on being asked , defined the points of the Charter , and said the obieet of the organisation Was to obtain it . He had been told he wa wool for working , and consequently loft his work , When tbey assembled at the Chartist room they road tha newspapers ; after which they practised themselves in drilling , and went through various manceivres to enable them to rescue the country , lbey had a courier to give tbem information at tbe time of the tisine , but he failed ia his duty , and could not foe feund .

      William Brosbert deposed that he was one of the National Guard , and had fifty meu unde * bis com * mand . He identified tho prisoners as having taken an active part in the organisation and tbesubaeouent A Y J cro ?! exsm ? nationlho ^ itneaa admitted that he had written a letter to the Duke of WeK ^ Zr >! S * ow 0 ? ? " ? th 0 « " > ited kingdom might , be blown npn ten minutes . Ho received Z answerto , t , but didnot explain its Content Other ffuaeattg were called , whose evidi went 'te o ° to ^ eir ou 5 8 tatem . ° fitthat 'CS were mojt active and prominent leaders la S !

      The counsel for the prisonsrs then smid k » ™ ,. i j 2 *^^ w tiiuJ . rf t ^* Mfe * 2 H not resuit the evidence produced . The defendants aS u ^^ Jm Lordship then passed sentenoa on tbe orison . * SL * S P * they T ? i derivfl i ^ it nwut coS ^ em the Crown ; a U he had to do to adainiBi

      Liverpool Assizes. (Bafore Mr Bsroa Ald«...

      thftlaw ^ andhrwoold > JIdi « chBj « eifeiutr-lfclirdM f &^ XfTS ^ T' one °° W tell w £ S thorttn . lt of the proceedings at Ashton might hava ^ - vu *?! Z ^ PNMWwn of the town ; w how much bloodahed would have taken place . Tho prisoners bad been present when the unfortunatemS Bright was shot , and there could ba no doubt from what had come out in evidence during the trial for murder , that Tassiker was the person who Wii t _ a pike on that oocasion . They must all , except Sef . tonreceive the sentence

      , same , and tbat was transportation for life , Sefton , who had not been shewn to have any connexion with the murder must be distinguished from the other prisoners ; he must be transported for ten years . The following prisoners , who had pleaded * guilty * to a charge of conspiracy at Ashton , were then brought no to receive sentence . ' -William Winter , bottom , Edward Hanop . William Healey , William Bolton , James Harrop , Charles Jesson , and James Tetlow .

      His Lordship , addressing them , said , that the prigoners bad been guilty of agitating to bring about the Charter , which would give them universal suffrage , and other things . He should rather that they would turn their attention to universal temperance , universal virtue , and other matters which they might charge with the aid of tho Government , Let them improve themselves and become good and virtuous citterns , and , tbey might depend upon it , they would rise in tbe scale of society and also to-P olitical power . They must bo well assured that all these advantages must come from themselves if they attended to the suggestions he had thrown out , and that was the only way they eould succeeed in effecting any good .

      Winterbottom was sentenced to one year ' s ito » prisonment ; Harrop and Tetlow , six months ; Jesson , four menths ; liealy and James . Harrop ( who had been-recommended to merciful consideration by tbe Attorney-General ) , three months ; Bolton , four months , and Thomas Hunt , who had pleaded ' guilty , ' ' four months . All tbe prisoners to enter into recognisances ' for their good behaviour at the close of their term of imprisonment . TRIAL OF THE MiffCnHSTEH CHARTIST * . William Grocott , William Chadwick , Edward-Clarke Cropper , John West , George White , John Nixon , Thomas Rankin , Michael M'Donoagb , David Donovan , and Jades Leach , were indicted for a seditious conspiracy at Manchester , on the 1 st of April , and other days .

      The Attorney-General , Mr Knowles , Q . C ., Mr Crompton , Mr Welsby , Mr Monck , and Mr Joseph ; Pollock were counsel for the crown ; Mr James de * fended Michael M'Donough ; Mr Tindal Atkinson defended William Grocott and Rankin . The other defendants were undefended . The Attorney General in opening the case said , that he had hoped tbat the defendants would havepleaded guilty , so that he should not have been obliged to open a case of the aorious character of tho one under consideration ! for he bad to disclose a conspiracy , the organisation of which was so formidable that those who were the objects of it ( had they been aware of it ) would have been struck with terror and alarm . In April last a system of organisation

      commenced in Manchester of a- most formidable character , and such as to strike terror into the minds of the inhabitants , had they been at the time fully aware of the mischief that waa going on . Cellarshad been hired with theprewmed object of selling or storing provisions , which cellars were filled with train ; , and desperate persons were selected as the instruments of designing men to fire those cellars , in order that the object which the conspirators sought to obtain might be the more readily accomplished . Between April and Juno hat , the country being in a state of great excitement , some persons , imbued with a spirit of communism which had bsen agitated by the French people during the revolution , advocated a . division of property , f orgetting tbat , even if such a-

      meaaura wero adopted , a short time must inevitably bring things baok ^ to their original position . Theagitation was carried ou to a great extent in Manchester , and various meetings were held , at which speeches were delivered and sentiments uttered by the prisoners at the bar and others calculated to mia . lead their ignorant dnpes , and result in tbe moat serions consequences to society . On the 3 rd of April , the prisoners Nixon and Chadwick attended a meeting , when the former said he' saw no resource but to fight for their liberty in order to pot down their tyrannical governors ; f » r the time was come when they must not apeak but work , as the laughing government , ' as they termed it , ' must be put down . The Attorney General explained that the allusion

      was to the laughing which took place ou the presentation of the Chartist petition ; but it was net tho government that laughed , tbe laugh was at the petition itself , owing to the number of disgusting names introduced to make up the numerical number of tbe signatures , and the petition was ultimately withdrawn by Mr Feargus O'Connor . On the 4 th of April another meeting was held at New Cross , at which Rankin and Cropper were present . Rankin said that day week would give them the Charter , or they must fight for it , and Cropper intimated that they should be prepared for the great struggle snd Bfhb . for their liberty , as he had no doubt they would be wanted- for that day week . Would they fight V Several in the meeting called

      ont Yea . ' Cropper asked if they had arms and ammunition ? and they replied , ' Yes , and we are ready now . ' At a meeting on the 5 th ef April , Rankin in the chair , Grocott intimated that they must be prepared , and he hoped they would get pikes . At another meeting Rankin told his hearers tbey must strike on Tuesday , or never ; and a few days afterwards Nixon , in addressing a-meeting of 1 , 000 persons , said ha was armed , and he did not care who knew it . Fifty or sixty persons then held up pikes and said they would use them . Nixon added , that all the soldiers they had would be required to quell Ireland , and they , must bs up and doing in England , He called upon them to ba firm , and determined to have their rights . The government must ba op » posed ; and , * as regarded tbe throne , he would take

      tbe first cut at her Majesty . ' At a meeting held oa tho 16 th of April Rankin said , ' To arms-to arms —we must be slaves or-free ! . The people must be victorious if they stood-well ; he would be in the front rank , and he hoped the people would be brave , even if they died on the field . ' At tho same meeting a . man named Nuttall deprecated the idea of petitioning , and added that when he petitioned again it should be ' with a long steel pea , that would imprint a red mark . ' There were other speeches of an equally M immatory character delivered at meetings where the prisoners were shown to have taken an ae ' . We part . They bad also put themselves forward on various occasions during the riots whioh took place in the summer of the preseni year .

      Richard Baswick , chief superintendent of police at Manchester : In April lasi waa aware of Chartist meetings . They created considerable alarm . The military wore in temporary barracks . On the 9 ih of April attended a meeting in Williamson Square . There wero two meetings . Rankin , Cropper , and Macdonough spoke rery violently . Cropper advised the people to arm . Tho Mayor of Salford was there , and peoole cried out that ho was a spy , and followed him . Public meetings were held almost every day till the 31 st of May . On that day it was announced that a meeting would take place , and a proclamation was issued by the magistrates , forbiadini ; the meetwg . Special constables were sworn in . On that day a deputation came to tho magistrates , Clarke , Crop , per , and Donovan formed it . I ff 0 nt to the Oldham a " A , al Iarge nu ? ° > P sre 0 na were going towards O . dham . armed . Learv f-wlica officerwfs at

      tna toiLoar , with ninety men . I ordered the bar to Ah ^ MwiiJ ^ i i TA ffiy men *»«» the road . rt rZf lwtfd"ek Cropper and Donovan came , to S ™ Jv l »" t 8 te T d tbat the Procession nut Lm \ M n ft \\ IsaWthey sh ' uldnot . They SttarSlr' Th % " , - " bl 00 d 8 hed may ten 12 \ J i l P » n erne insight , Si . " '' A . black banner was carried in front . When near ' the toll bar , Donovan and Cropper said tl 7 ? nn ? & A nd the Procession halted . A S ? mt ? ° ^ £ then 8 PP" * ° bed * rom Manchesh ? j «• £ , rK I ) 0 W , ey * eroat tae * " * d . Tbey had pikes . There was also a eun with a h *™™*

      ^? i . !« ¦• ' ?!? we Permi « ed to pass ; The win-SjfSfu - *»» t » 8 t « were 8 h « t , and peoplo had _ locked their doors and left their houses . The Thi ILTt-Xl ? P v ndi « y magistrate came out . mUe IS ; **\ 0 rm whioh is about a mile trom tho toll-bar , stones wpm tak ™ » n «« 4 barrioades attempted to ZJSS * On rtXh sa ^ V ^^^ ifflB ffi ^ tt SFfcte ^ They farmed and marched off fan . Z . T im m '

      meZtiL A ? ' ^ T Policeman , attended S ol & £ ? ° ? * ' ? n the 3 ' P «'> •* Sto-NiZ ? m . S - J ?* i t S Peeche 8 were made . John £ 3 »«» rfHW ^ K 23 ' -S home KSi , Io ? - clus "n . * e advised them to go be IS }! ' ^ i W 8 » 8 iven tbat there won ld ttSttX ' iSS ? ° R"fci « mi in the chair . He SfS : ? « ™ oa » 6 <» to keo ? ap the agitation . wMlSnfeiT w , WWteii the convention wSnnt ' tWt * * P kaV 9 thB HoaW 0 f Cjramona Eta if % ? ° r » Republic , and they would S li efcnd th «? » 8 »! n » tM-y attack of the tyranmoal government , the polioSVthe-military , for he had beard that day that two . oarts had been engaged "e whole of tlw day carryioe balls for tha mHitarv . ke

      thlTlr ^ ri ? ^ . OOOof these prisoners m for SSk' ? " !• £ ' ! " TL t 9 the ' »«» t bs prepared Z £ fuViF ! - rho defendant Grocott then f £ ? mr , a hadJ « Mtweew « I a letter from . Mr Leach & r 5 l ^ V nd th bad had a meeting of all the trade * in the town , who had come to tho unanimous S ' WPort , the People ' s Chnrter , and the flPMials would go with thom ateo . He hopsd that

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Dec. 23, 1848, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_23121848/page/6/