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Northern Star (1837-1852), 31st January 1846, Edition 2 of 3, Page 6, " And I «rill war, at lev tin words, (An...

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      Weekat This Meetinga Secretary, Treasure...

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      " And I «Rill War, At Lev Tin Words, (An...

      " And I « rill war , at lev tin words , ( And—should my chance « o happen—deeds , ) With all who war wiih Thought !**

      " And I «Rill War, At Lev Tin Words, (An...

      * " I think I hear a little bird , who sings I The people by and by will be the stronger . "—BtBejr

      Present Political State Of The World. Th...

      PRESENT POLITICAL STATE OF THE WORLD . THE COMIXG STORM . [ The following most important artide recently app peared in the chief liberal Spanish journal , the Eco ti del Comcrcio : ]—" A general panic prevails ; the period of disturb-: anceis very

      " The peace is profound ! * ' and yet all are making preparations for war-all arc observing , spying ,, fearing , fawning upon , and detesting each other . Ihe peace is profound I" jet , at this time , there are more warriors and more implements of war , more fortifications are raised , and more marine armaments are fitted out than during the first fourteen years of the present century . " The disturbance of the peace is very remote , " say politicians , whilst all the armies of Europe are up in arms awaiting and fearing the first cannonade of alarm .

      "The people are happy , they hfcewisesav , whilst in England they have on their hands the famishing Irish , and stand in fear of the lower orders , who are unable to find employment for their sinewy arms , or land on which to work ; in Italy , thousands of citizens arc compelled to emigrate , whilst others are immured in the state dungeons ; in Germany , are germinating political and religious exigencies ; in Russia , the Caucasus is looked upon as the tomb of its warriors ; in Portugal and Spain , a hundred parties are struggling simultaneously in order to gain the tapper hand , and to satiate their thirst for vengeance . Such is the boasted felicity of the nations of Europe !

      "The principles of order have become fixed , " simultaneously proclaim ourpoliticians . Assuredly ; but it is the order of tombs , the order of bayonets , the order of the emeutesof Paris—the order of the Councils of War , of the Swiss Guards of Italy—the order of the " exceptional state" of our governors in the different provinces of the Peninsula , and that ¦ which Costa Cabral employs with the Portuguese . This order is the precursor of peace , and the complement of tbe felicity of nation *! Unfortunate nations ! The cynicism of the statesmen who govern them makes the people desire the destructive azote of war , in order that a period may be put to their sufferings , and to so much misery and agitation .

      The condition of Europe , like that of the entire political world , is an unnatural one , and must terminate in a violent explosion . The grand question at present agitated may be founded upon the principles of democracy and those of despotism ; these two elements have ostensibly been at unceasing variance for the last sixty years . Up to the present period there has not been found any statesman competent to reconcile them with each other ; all have sought to reduce than by half measures toone single aud common principle ; and all have been shipwrecked with their schemes , influnlug still more violently the popular passions , and rendering the task of conciliation still more difficult .

      One contemporaneous genius alone was able to introduce the idea of pacifying Europe and the whole world , by establishing a popular principle compatible with monarchical government . This man is Louis Philippe , King of the French , who was raised to the throne by a revolution ; who had experienced all the bitter vicissitudes of life ; who had weathered the storms ofa sanguinary revolution ; who had been acquainted and had negotiated wfth the greater part of the Sovereigns of Europe , some dethroned , and others without the slightest hopes of obtaining a s & jptre ; who had had opportunities of studying the histories and the exigencies of nations , and whoseappearance on the throne of France was like that of an unexpected meteor , which paralyzed the action of all the existing governments .

      Louis Phili ppe held in his hands the fate of the world , but Louis Philipj-e was blinded by the brilliancy of a throne , lie was immediately changed from the well-informed and superior man to the vul- < gar politician , who adopts a system of tactics adapted to the necessities of the hour ; from an extraordinary man he became commonplace and little . lie ceased to be a hero , in order to represent a father , whose only ambition was to make kings of his sons . Louis Philippe did not pursue the path by which he had commence J ; and ne will , peradveuture , terminate it ingloriously ; the victim , perchance , of the revolution which he held in his hands , and which he has neither been able to strangle nor to shape its course , as the spirit of the age requires—that spirit which is more powerful than all the kings and cabinets of Europe combined . When Louis Phili ppe waselected King by the municipality of Paris whilst the

      barricades were still smoking with the blood Of the valiant heroes who bad perished during the " three glorious days | ' of July , 1 S 30 , all the governments of Europe were in a state of commotion . Bel gium followed the example of the capital of France , and expelled the existing dynasty ; Ital y was in a ferment ; the emigrants of Spain hoisted the standard of liberty on the mountains of Vera ; and all Poland rushed to arms . The wh de of Europe would have prostrated itself at the feet of the head of the House < tf Orleans , if this Prince had stretched out a protecting hand to the people , and kadtaid to them—* ' 1 will give you liberty . I will protect your petitions ; I will place myself at the head of social regeneration ; I will confirm the peace of the world , and I wiil inculcate the great lessen which kings ought to x « ceive in order that their thrones mav not again be subvene J , or remain the sport of popular oscillations . "

      He did nothing of the kind . He accommodated matters with his brother monarchs , imagining that this transaction was sufficient to cause the inscription of his name in the golden book of Kings , forgetting that an obscure baud uplifted from the centre of an insurrectionary rabble , was sufficient to Mot it out for ever ! lie carried on communications with foreign Cabinet * , in order that they might maintain him in the possession of his throne " , oblivious of the fact that those very same Cabinets durst not stretch out their succouring arms to the head of the House of Bourbjn . He did not attempt to direct the revolution , and the revolution now drifts on the political ocean without rudder or compass , like a plaguesiniren barque that all states hold in horror , whilst all close their ports against it ; it will not fail , however , to invade the coasts of one of them .

      In that case—always fatal , because endemic diseases are always fata!—Europe will become infected ; and to ward off that destructive pestilence neither armies , mr fortifications , nor diplomatic conventions are effectual ; it seizes and lays hold of everything ; It penetrates with equal certainty both the palaces of kings , and the cottages of the " poor : — " Aiquo pulcat pede pauperum tabernas , Re £ um < iue turres . " It attacks with the same virulence both the barracks of the military aud the workshops of artisans .

      when tne political . plague of revolution extends its ravages , will any one bc found capable of keeping its « xces = s .-s within due bounds ? And what are those politicians doiii ; in order to exutiyuishitsdeetructive germ ? Ex-ieerbating ^ bad passions , dividing political factions , deifying immorality , sanctioningcrime , and harassing the people with prosecutions and im-IKKts . The greatest dh-or . ler prevails in the " order " that has been established , and all nations are languishiag , mora or less , under the same fatalitv wiih respect to their rulers , and Europe and tbe * wor . d with respect to the last . '

      In Spain , for instance , all are afraid in their respective stations . The supporters of the exis-tin- ; orderof things , who do not occupy the seat of supreme fewer , tear that the acts of those who ' govern may riug di > credit upon their the tries of party , and render them n >« J « ss in future by placing tueiuiu evident contradiction with the forms of a just And liberal government . Tuosc iu power fear their own fellow partisans , because they do not find in theui the support that they desire . They fear the Absolutist iaction because they eee that it is lab mring to enthrone it-elf , and because they Iwlieve it to be based on another power superior to that of the Ministry . They fear the Progresista faction because they have humiliated , ptr . < eeuted , and haras-sed it in i * uch a maimer that they imagine is to be tlestiturc of

      sufficient generosity to lay aside its grievances in obedience to principles . They fear forei gn Cabinets , and have not possessed the dignity nrce » sary for the rejection of their immoderate demands . All , in fine , are afraid of each other , and all stare aghast at € he giant of revolution which is about to overwhelm them , without endeavouring to seek the means of appeasing it . If , instead of blindly contending against this Colossus , which they affect to despise , they would studr its dispositions aud its tendencies , tliey would see its deformities disappear , and would find themselves able to direct it . Prudence directs force , a child guides a tame lion with astring , the people arc tractable , peaceable , aud submissive , and the entire slaves ofthe law when the Jaw is just—they are only furious , blind , and maniacal , when they are oppressed , and when their dignity is violated .

      The statesmen who now combat s social revolufion , without endeavouring to comprehend it , are advancing up rosfcs , from which it is impossible to escape . They fear liberal principles , and direct themselves towards a despotism whose establishment would more quickly provoke ^ revolution with all its deadl y apparatus . Let politicians be convinced by us , that they may direct the people under representative forms ; despotism harasses them to death , and there

      Present Political State Of The World. Th...

      is no dealing with despotism ; the social revolution would lessen the horrors of the political , because it is the same dement that is appeased or infuriated according to the manner in which it is treated—the skill of ihe phvsician consists m knowing how to directifc . Neitherin Spain ,-nor m any other partof the worid , does there exist the peace that politicians imasise ; in Spain , and in the rest of the world , the people are most anxious for it ; the means of giving it to than on a firm basis should be the study of those who govern ; up to the present period they have aoi hit upon the means ; let them change their course , and they may , perhaps , reap a rich harvest of glory .

      Meetings In Behalf Of The Chartist Exile...

      MEETINGS IN BEHALF OF THE CHARTIST EXILES . MiRTLEBOXE . A numerously attended public meeting was held on Tuesday evening week , at the Hall , Circus-street , Marylebone , when the following resolutions were unanimously agreed tot-That this meeting are of opinion that no one should be punished only in accordance with the injury inflicted on society , and ate further of opinion that John Frost ,

      Zephaniah Williams , and William Jones have full ; atoned , by the punishment they have already received , for the crimes alleged against them * , and seeing that Gray , O'Connell , and others , have been liberated , and the Canadian " rebels" pardoned , do consider that the said exiles should also be restored to their homes and families ^ resolved , therefore , that this meeting petition the House of Commons to present an address to her Majesty , praying for the restoration of the above-mentioned exiles . That this meeting are of opinion that William Sherrat Ellis was innocent of the crime with which he was

      charged , and that bis conviction was based on evidence procured at the expense of honour and conscience ; under these circumstances this meeting , ' therefore , resolve to petition the House of Commons to cause an address to be presented to her Majesty , praying her exercise of the royal clemency for the restoration of the said William Ellis , to his country and disconsolate family . Petitions embodying the sentiments contained in the above resolutions were also agreed to . A memorial to Sir Robert Peel , requesting his support to the above measures was likewise adopted ; re » olutions were also passed , requesting the members for the borough . Sir B . Hall and Sir Charles Napier , to present aud support the petitions . The greatest enthusiasm in favour of this good object seemed to prevail . The chair was ably filled by Mr . Clark , of the Edgeware-road , and the meeting was eloquently addressed by Messrs . M'Gratk , Clark , Do » le , Cooper , Godwin , Fairer , Hannibell , and Dr . Webb .

      CIIT CHARTIST HALL . On Monday evening last a crowded meeting assembled iu the City Chartist , Hall , to take into consideration the case of Frost , Williams , Jones , and Ellis , with a view to adopt measures calculated to secure their restoration to their native land . At the appointed hour Mr . Brown was unanimously chosen to preside . The chairman having stated the purport of the meeting , called upon Mr . Overton , who , in an excellent speech moved a resolution expressive of deep sympathy with the exiles , and of the propriety of petitioning Parliament with a view to their

      liberation . The motion was seconded aud supported by Messrs . Clark , of Hereford , and T . Clarke , of the Executive , in speeches which frequently drew forth the plaudits of the meeting . The chairman having put the motion , it was carried unanimously . The chairman then proceeded to read the petition prepared by tbe conveners of the meeting at the request of Mr . Mills , who was to move it . After the petition had been read , Mr . Cooper rose aud said , that he had drawn up a petition , which , with the chairman ' s permission , he would read , and submit for approval to the meeting . The following is the petition : —

      7 b the Honourable tin Commons of Great Britain and Ire * land in Parliament atscmbled . The humble petition of the undersigned inhabitants of the City of London , in public meeting assembled , Shkweth , —That your petitioners regard with deep commiseration the expatriated condition of John Frost , Zephaniah Williams , and William Jones , charged with a participation in an outbreak at Newport , in the month of November , 1839 , and whose sentence of death was commuted into transportation for life . That your petitioners entreat your honourable House to consid * r that the legality of the trial of the said John Frost , Zephaniah Williams , and William Jonas , is held by the first law authorities to be highly questionable ; and that objections were urged against the procedure of iheir trial , which objections were held by a majority of the judges to be legal , if they had been taken in time .

      That the real motives which induced the said John Frost , Zephaniah Williams , and William Jones to participate iu the said outbreak remain to this moment unknown ; but that even if their purposes were as revolutionary as they were affirmed to be on their trial , your petitioners , from all the information they have ever received concerning the personal characters of the said John Frost , Zephaniah Williams , and William Jones , . believe them actuated by sincere but erring benivolence and pity for the suffering and degraded condition of tho misgoverned and injured working classes of this country .

      - That your petitioners , notwithstanding the evil example of governments in raising large masses of armed men for mutual destruction in war , by calm reflection have come to the conclusion that all wars and fightings are wrong ; that your petitioners reject even the doctrine of the right of war in self-defence , as a delusion and an error inasmuch as it would give to tyrants the right to oppress , while it seemed to justify the oppressed in their resistance : that your petitioners look for national prosperity and happiness solely in the establishment of the exalted principles of peace , forgiveness , and brotherhood , and belieietbat the most effective step which could , at the pres ent period , he taken for establishing these principles in the hearts aud minds of the working classes , would be a restoration to their native country of the said John Frost , Zephaniah Williams , and William Jones .

      That your petitioners further entreat your honourable House to contider , that the long and painful exile of Johu Frost , Zephaniah Williams , aud William Jones , must have tended to produce in their minds deep reflection on the evil consequences aud pernicious re-action ofa resort to violence ; while their conviction of the « xcellence of peaceful and constitutional courses would ha settled and confirmed by a restoration to their native country , and a re-union with the improved and more enlightened mind of its working population . That your petitioners have heard with dsep satisfaction of the restoration to their native land of Papineau and others , lately engaged in the Canadian disturbances ; but must express their conviction that the working classes of t iiis country will feel every hour be a flagrant increase of injustice , which delays to extend equal favour to John Frost , Zephaniah Williams , and William Jones .

      Your petitioners therefore entreat your honourable House , from a consideration of the very questionable legality attending thir trial ; from an enlightened advocacy of the ennabling principles of peace , forgiveness , and brotherhood—and from a sense of the right that native Englishmen have to expect equal lenity with Canadian colonists—to recommend fo her most gracious Majesty , ; the Queen , the immediate restoration of the said John Frest , Zephaniah Williams , and William Jones , to their native eouutry . And jour petitioners will ever pray . Mr . Cooper having read the petition , spoke in the strongest language condemnatory of war , whether aggressive or defensive . He thought that war was indefensible under any circumstances , nay , that man should not resort to violence in defence even of his life .

      Mr . M'Grath came { brwardimdsaul that he highly approved of the petition , with the exception of that part of it which alluded to war . lie considered it extraneous to introduce that sulgectinto the petition , lie felt as great a horror as any man at the shedding of human blood , but he could nevertheless picture to his mind a propable conjuncture of circumstances in which the exercise of physical force would not only be justifiable , but be an act of the purest virtue that could be performed , lie , therefore , recommended Mr . Cooper , for the sake of unanimity , to expunge that pait of the petition which related to the subject of war . Air . Cooper replied to Mr . M'Grath , and again urged with great earnestness the reasonableness and justice of his opinions regarding war . He would not agree to the erasure of a word from his petition ; if it were not adopted unmutilated , he would withdraw it .

      Mr . C . Harrison briefly addressed the meeting in rapport of Mr . Cooper ' s views . Mr . T . Clark appealed to the good sense of Mr , Cooper to allow the meeting to deal with the petition as they thought proper . He dissented from Mr . Cooper ' s principles as regards defensive war ; and he was convinced that the majority of the meeting differed with him upon them . He would , therefore , suj-gest to Mr . Cooperthe wisdom of drawing up the petition so that , theopponents of all wars as well asthebelieven-in its justice under certain circumstance * , might approve it . Mr . Cooper assured the meeting of his determination to permit no alteration to be made in the petition which he had submitted .

      Mr . M'Grath then said , that Mr . Cooper ' s resolve to retain in his petition a paragraph which he considered not only irrelevant but fallacious , constrained him to propose for the meeting ' s approval , by way of amendment , the petition prepared by the committee who got up the meeting , which wag as follows : — To the Commons of Great Britain and Ireland in Parliatnent assembled . The petition of the inhabitants of the City of London , in public meeting assembled , Shaweth—That your petitioners view with feelings of

      sorrow and commiseration , the long and painful teuteuce of transportation to which John Frost , Zephaniah Williams , and William Jones are doomed , for participating in an outbreak at Newport , in Wales , in November , 1833 . You ? petitioners believe that the time has at length arrived , when clemency may be shown to the * ' * unfortunate men , without any forfeiture of national justice or national interests . Your petitioners have seen th . lt her Majesty ' s government is favourabl y disposed to this ' humane measure , as evinced by the miti gation of the sentence of banishment , passed upon the Canadian pri-

      Meetings In Behalf Of The Chartist Exile...

      soners , ttken in arms , in the late , insurrection m that country tiwy , therefore , pray your honourable House to present ' * humble address to her Majesty , praying her to take thecaee of these men into her consideration , and be graciously pleased to *«* " * the "binder of their sentence aud thus restore them to their distressed wives , families , and friends . Ani your petitioners will ever pray . The petition was seconded by Mr . T . Clark , and a show of hands having been taken for each petition , the chairman declared Mr . M'Grath' s carried . Mr . Cooper next brought forward a petition for the return of William Ellis . He very ably analyzed

      the evidence upon which Ellis was convicted ; he made its weakness appear so clear to the meeting that they were amazed how any jury could be so stultified as to convict ; or how a judge pretending to administer justice could doom him to twenty-one years' transportation upon it . He likewise descanted eloquently upon the strength and credibility of the testimony produced at Ellis's trial with a view to establish au alibi on his behalf ; and passed a high eulogium upon him for his honesty , firmness , and intelligence . The petition was seconded by Mr . Tatlow , and carr ied without a dissentient .

      Mr . M'Grath moved , and Mr . Tucker seconded , that a letter be sent to each of the city representatives , signed by the chairman on behalf of the meeting respectively , requesting their support to Mr . Duncombe s motion on behalf of the exiled patriots . Carried unanimously . After awarding a vote of thanks to the chairman , the meeting separated . Throughout the whole of the proceedings the best spirit was indicated . The meeting individually and collectively appeared deeply imbued with the ennobling resolve to do their duty in the good work of giving freedom to the patriotic captives , and solace to their injured families . [ Although we publish the petition of Mr . Cooper , yet we do not hold ourselves at all bound to follow the practice of publishing individual petitions , while we wholly dissent from the irrelevant doctrines introduced , though uncalled-for , in the petition in

      question ; and we haveearnestly to request the Chartist body to resist all and every attempt to drag them once more into discussions upon the relative merits of moral and physical force . We cannot , for the life of us , discover any reasonable motive which would have urged the introduction of such an UNCHRISTIAN DOCTRINE as passive obedience and non-resistance in its roost loathsome and degrading form into a petition , praying for the restoration of Frost , Williams , and Jones , nor can we suppose that the exiles themselves would feel honoured by the admixture of humiliating and unmanly confessions with a manly appeal for their restoration . We confess ourselves rather stunned by the rapid change that has taken place in the opinions of our friend since the Manchester Conference in 18 i 2 , buthemust not expect his pupils not only hastily to unlearn old lessons , but as hastily to imbibe new ones ofa totally different character . —En . N , S . ]

      BILSI 05 . A public meeting ( called by placard ) of the inhabitants of Bilston was held on Monday last , tor the purpose of petitioning the House of Commons . to memorialise her Majesty toextendher Royal clemency to John Frost , Zephaniah Williams , William Jones , William Ellis , and all political exiles ; Mr . John Jones in the chair . Mr . Charles Powell moved the first resolution , that a " petition be sent to the . House of Commons praying the house to memorialise her Majesty to pardon the above exiles and restore them to their homes and families . " Mr . Powell , having been personally acquainted with Mr . hrost , spoke at great length on the many benevolent acts of Mr . Frostwhich elicited ereat sympathy from tha

      , audience , and although the rain fell thick and fast the people stood to the ground with that determination which shewed they had a duty to perform towards their countrymen , and were steadfast in doing it . Mr . Thus . Hamersly seconded the resolution , and read the petition , which was unanimously adopted . Mr . Joseph Linney moved the second resolution , " that a memorial be sent to Sir R . Peel , praying that he would use his best endeavours in advising her Majesty to pardon the above exile * . " Which was seconded by Mr . John Willcox of Wolverhampton . Mr . Linney and Mr . Willcox sio ' . ce at

      great length on the subject . Mr . J . Linney moved , and . Mr . FAirburn , hairdresser , of Wednesbury , seconded , " That a deputation be formed to wait upon all the ministers of all denominations within the parish to allow petition sheets to be placed at their chapel doors for signature , and that Mr . Charles Powell and Mr . John Jones be the deputation , with power to had to their number . " A vote of thanks was given to Mr . Isaac Higgius for the use of the ground ; after which a vote of thanks was passed on Mr . Jones for his able conduct in . the chair , and the meeting separated highly satisfied with the whole proceedings .

      CHELTENHAM . On the evening of Wednesday week a public meeting took place in the room lately occupied as the Mechanics' Institution , for the purpose of adopting a petition to the House of Commons to intercede with her Majesty for a free pardon to John Frost and his associates . Although the rain descended in torrents , the large room was filled by various parties in politics , and the greatest enthusiasm prevailed , each one apparently anxious to outvie the other in marks of sympathy , and in their efforts to assist . The best feeling and ' order prevailed—so far there was not a single dissentient voice to the passing of the resolutions or the adoption of the petition . Mr . W . Hollis was greeted on entering the room , and was voted to

      the chair by acclamation . The chairman opened the business by a lengthened detail of the facts , not only in connection with the conviction of the parties , but in respect of the position which John' Frost had attained in society , and of his political career . He proceeded : I have been called upon to preside without intimation , or an opportunity of a perusal , only at this moment , of the resolutions and petition ; but though a long period has elapsed since I last had the honour of presiding on a similar occasion , the fate of John Frost so much affected me , that the facts in relation to him aud his illegal conviction are forcibly and indelibly marked on my recollection . I comply with your request , because I feel interested in the movement , arisine out of svmoaihy for the parties

      we are called upon to serve . I knew John brost personally ; and I positively assert , that a more worthy man , a better father , a more enlightened and useful citizen was not to be found in the British dominion . These men , I positively assert , were made the prey of the Whig government , and their tools in the p ' rovinces to put down the movement which then assumed a fearful aspect to their interests —the movement for an equality of political rights . John Frost was too firm , too honest and independent for the aspiring-Reforra-Bill-made Whigs of Newport . He was a marked man . He raised himself to affluence by his industry ; by his talents and assiduity in local affairs he claimed for himself the honour of being the man of the people of Newport .

      He fought hard and well with the then Radicals of the then Radical locality of Wales , for the passing of tbe Reform Bill , and because he would not stop there—would not truckle and pander to authority ; because he would not ride the new hobbyhorse to pecuniary and honorary elevation , he must be put down—aye , and put down he was—not by fair , by legal means , but by perjury , force , and fraud . John Frost , on account of his opposition to the reckless course of Whiggery , and his strict adherence to principle—to universal justice , was hunted even to desperation ; but even in the frantic aberration oi the moment his heart was too much moistened with human benevolence to shed man's blood . No , indeed , my friends , the physical force was on the part of the

      authorities . The authorities and the Whig pioniers of misrule were for some time previous cognisant of the facts of those foolish , mad-like arrangements , for no doubt their emissaries and tools who had forwarded the p lans had not kept them in the dark on the subject , tor their purpose would not have been served by stopping short until they had firmly secured their victims . The parties were arraigned before a commission-sent down purposely to try them ; evidence was called , and what , my friends , was the character of the principal witnesses to prove the facts ? Ono had suffered the penalty of the law by transportation , and the other had previously absconded to evade the demand of justice , having been guilty of the crime of housebreaking . Bear in mind these facts , which

      fully make good my premises of pre-determination to overcome the parties by any means—to crush them , that Whiggery might be more secure . Three judges were appointed to form the commission to try these unfortunate men . They could not defer the power with which they had been invested to any other of the judges—they alone had the power to decide according to English law . To obtain a fair trial , to have justice done them , they must be tried as directed by the letter of the law , which , in cases of treason , are very clear and positive ; and the law has been so framed purposely that bad rulers might not by unfair means take away the lives of innocent men . It was impossible they could be in a proper position to defend themselves unless they knew who the parties

      wore who formed the list of witnesses . The law . positive in its requirement , says , the list of witnesses shall be delivered , with a copy of the indictment , at least ten days before the time of trial . The law was not complied with in this respect—an objection was raised which , if decided at the time , would have been fatal to the prosecution—the parties must have been acquitted . It was agreed that the point should be decided by a court of appeal—of inquiry ; in fact , that it should be left to the fifteen judges , not to decide the fate of these men , but the point of law . Instead of a decision of the

      judges forming tho commission being the instrument of conviction , a secondary decision , an error in the time of raising the objection by the defendants , a decision of the inquirers was made use of for tbe purpose ; and although a majority of the judges ( nice out of the fifteen ) had positively declared the prisoners had not had a fair trial , not having been provided with the list of witnesses , because a majority of three considered that the lawyers bad not done right , in raising the objection at an improper time , after pleading they must be sacrificed . So that poor Frost aud his associates must be handed over as an ^ tend ed sacrifice to the scaffold and the block , be-

      Meetings In Behalf Of The Chartist Exile...

      cause having been called upon by the court to plead , arid having done so , are punished because they dm so , instead of doing it only a few minutes before . The Whig Attorney-General was fully bent on conviction . He contended that one and the same time meant one and another time . Now , my Mends , mark these facts . A majority of the commission ( twothirds ) wero with the prisoners on both points , which was tantamount to an acquittal . A majority of Ihe judges of the Court of Queen's Bench ( four-fifths , the highest court of orituiual judicature in the land , decided in the same way . The Tory judges were iti favour of justice , and the Whigs for hanging and quartering . Judge Denmau , of the Queen ' s Bench , was the only dissentient to the majority , and against

      the prisoners . The prisoners , it was agreed , should be situated the same as if the inquiry had taken place before , as after the trial . But what was , transpiring during the time the judges were consulting ? Why , the strangling apparatus was being hastily put together—thedecapitatingknifo was beingsharpenedthe block—the mangling block—was being prepared , and still further , the Whig Secretary of State had sent an order for execution on a certain day ; aud this was done before the Court of Judges had given their decision . An order was sent for the ono day , and the sheriff , not being thoroughly acquainted with the proper tact necessary for such extraordinary butchery , posted off to London , and another early day was fixed for the execution , and all this , and

      still more—the Worcester professional hangman was applied to , and received his fee for the intended bloody mangling , before it had been decided whether they had been legally convicted or not . It was not through liberal Whig leniency that tlicir lives were spared , but through the Tory Sir W . Follett ' s influence , and the mass of petitions , the myriads of signatures of the people of every line of politics , that their lives were spared . At that time in this town we succeeded in doing much , for in the course of two days we obtained between 8000 and 9000 signatures . Let me now entreat you to proceed with the same kind feeling and perseverance , and those inj urcd men will , ere long , return to country , to home , relations and friends , to spend the remainder of their

      years , without the manacles of the convict , within the bosom of native social comforts , in the pleasing contemplation of the future , without fear from the past . —Mr . Glenister moved the first resolution , and spoke at some length on the injuries and insults which Frost , Williams , and Jones had had to endure , and observed—These men were denied the right which they should expect from the law , in its protection . Tkey were never so insensible to fancy they had the power to overthrow her Majesty ' s government , and such an intention was not made manifest by the witnesses called in on tho part of the prosecution , and therefore a charge of high treason could not , and ought not , to have been sustained against them . I was in London at tho time

      oftheSpafield riots , in 1817 , and , of course , heard and saw a great deal of what passed . Very strong language was made use of by the speakers , gunsmiths' shops were broken into , and a number of guns and pistols taken out , yet with all this the Government could not establish a charge of high treason , although such charge was instituted against the Watsons and others , as some of you may remember , but they were acquitted , and though one man ( one of the principal rioters ) was executed , it was acknowledged by the lawyers to be nothing more than a riotous assembly . Violence , in this instance , was resorted to by the populace ; in Frost ' s case , tha violence alone was on the part of the authorities . If the circumstances in the one case were extravagant ,

      in the other , in comparison , they were harmless . If the parties of the one might be acquitted , in the other the penalty of transportation ought not to have been carried out , nor would it , had the parties been tried in London with a London jury , instead of a prejudiced and packed jury in the disturbed vicinity . Mr . Leach seconded the resolution . The Rev . Mr . Davis , Baptist minister , made a lengthened , eloquent , and impressive speech , which called forth the repeated plaudits of the numerous assembly . Mr . Milsom spoke at considerable length on the services rendered to the people ' s cause by John Frosty during his political career before , but more particularly

      after , the passing of the Reform Bill ; and appealed , with the full force of reasoning , to all present for their exertions in getting the petition uuThCTOusiJ signed . Mr . Berry seconded the adoption of the petition in a very neat and appropriate address . Ihe Hon . Craven Berkeley , member for the borough , was appointed to present the petition , having promised the deputation to support the prayer , and no doubt to vote for the motion of T . S . Buncombe when he became acquainted with itscontents . A petition was also unanimously adopted for the release of Mr , Ellis . Each of the petitions are expected to obtain a great number of signatures .

      HEADING . On the evening of the 22 nd instant , a public meeting was holden in tho school-room , Minster-street , to petition Parliament for the restoration of the Chartist exiles . Mr , J . Campbell in the chair . Mr . G . Barr moved the adoption of the petition for the restoration of Frost , Williams , and Jones . Mr . E . Rous seconded it in a brief speech . Mr . C . Doyle supported it . After a few words from Mr . G . Rickman , a member of the Society of Friends , in support of the objects of the meeting , the petition was unanimously carried . Mr . G . W . Wheeler then proposed

      one for the restoration of William S . Ellis , entering fully into the facts of the trial , which lie character ' ised as the greatest piece of injustice aver perpetrated in the name of law . Mr . H . Lester seconded its adoption , and after a few excellent remarks from the chairman , it was carried without a dissentient . Mr . A . Pocock moved , and Mr . II . Ellis seconded , the adoption of a memorial to Sir Robert Peel , praying him to use his ministerial interest with her Majesty for the restoration of those four exiles . Mr . Do ; le also supported the memorial , which , on being putto the meeting , was carried . After votes of thanks to Mr . Doyle and the chairman the meetingbrvke up .

      OLDHAM . A public meeting took place in the Hall of Science , Ilorsedge-strect , on Monday last , for the purpose of adopting petitions to be presented to the Commons House of Parliament for the restoration of Frost , Williams , Jones , and Ellis , to the bosoms of their families , and memorials to Sir Robert Peel , praying him to use his ministerial influence with the Queen for their immediate liberation . Mr . Leonard Haslop , hat manufacturer , was unanimously called on to preside , when the following resolutions were passed without a dissentient : —Moved by Mr . J . Grimskaw . seconded by Mr . Isaac Nichols , and ably supported by Mr . James Leach , "That this meeting , deeply sympathising with the long and protracted sufferings

      ot tne exiled patriots , trost , Williams , Jones , and and Ellis , and reflecting upon the illegality and perjury connected with their trials , is of opinion , that the ends of justice and humanity can only bo fully answered by an immediate and full commutation of their sentences . " Moved by Mr . S . Yardloy , and seconded by Mr . J . Kay , " That petitions to the House of Commons and memorials to Sir Robert Peel emanate from this meeting , praying them to uso their utmost influence in advising her Majesty at once to restore the before-mentioned patriots to the bosoms of their families , their fatherland and freedom . " Moved by Mr . Alexander Taylor , and -seconded by Mr . A . Meuor , "That this meeting , deeply regretting the announcement of General Johnson ' s intended resignation on the next dissolution of Parliament , do , nevertheless , most

      earnestly entreat him to present , and John Fielden , Esq ., to support , the foregoing petitions in the House of Commons . " Mr . S . Yardley moved , and Mr . J . Kay seconded , the adoption of the petition for Frost , Williams , and Jones , and a memorial to Sir Robert Poel . Mr . T . Wild moved , and Mr . J . Nichols seconded , the adoption of a petition for Ellis , and a memorial to Sir Robert Peel , which was ably supforted by Mr . James Williams . Moved by Mr . W . lamer , aud seconded by Mr . A . F . Taylor , "That a committee of twenty-one persons bi appointed , with power to add to their number , to carry the abovementioned objects into effect . " It was also agreed that every signature should have the occupation and residence attached to the name . A vote of thanks was also passed to the chairman . Great sympathy was manifested throughout the meeting .

      OltEENOCK . A public meeting of the inhabitants was held in the hall of the Mechanics' Institute , on Thursday evening , to consider the propriety of petitioning Parliament in behalf of Frost , Williams , Jones , and Ellis . The meeting was got up by the Trades , and was well attended ; it was the largest public meeting that has been here for a long time . It was agreed that separate petitions be procured , and that they be signed by the public .

      fREBTOK . A public meeting took place in the Temperance Hall , on Wednesday evening week , in behalf of Frost , Williams , Jones , Ellis , aud all other politital exiles . Mr . William Liddle was called to the chair . Mr . R . Marsden proposed the first resolution in favour of Frost , & c . ; Mr . Odlcum seconded the resolution . Mr , James Frankland moved the adoption of the petition ; Mr . J . Leech seconded it . Mr . James Brown moved the resolution in favour of Ellis ; Mr . James Walsh seconded it . Mr . Michael Ward moved the adoption of the petitions ; Mr . James Duskett seconded the motion . It was agreed that the petitions be signed by the chairman on behalf of the meeting . The restoration committee have issued a petition to be signed by the clergy , gentry manufacturers , merchants , aud tradesmen ofPreston ' —The following letter has been received from Sir George Strickland ; no answer has been received as yet from Sir Heskcth Fleetwood : —

      Heaton , House , Jan . 14 , 1848 . Dear Sir , —I have received your letter stating that a meeting of a deputation from various Trades' Societies has agreed to petition the House of Commons for the restoration of Frost , Williams , Jones , Ellis , and other political exiles . I can only say that I shall have great pleasure in presenting the petitions , and it would afford me satisfaction if the Government could be induced to address the Queen to eitend to them such a pardon as would enabl * them to return to their country . —I remain , yours , & c , George Stiiicb . um > . To Mr . John M'Lean , Preston .

      Coitessponotnce,

      CoiTessponotnce ,

      The "Conspiracy" Of Self-Defence. 10 The...

      THE "CONSPIRACY" OF SELF-DEFENCE . 10 THE EDITOR OF TDK HOBTBIBX ( TAB . Sib , —I beg to make known , through your pages , some particulars of a dispute of a very important character , which has lately taken place between the employing and the employed in the trade of the shoemaker in the three towns of Belfast , Carrickfergus , and Lisburn , in the north of Ireland . In these three towns there are , at the present moment , nearly 300 of the journeymen thrown out of employment , and whose wives and funviUes amount to a still greater number , while the district secretary of the union of the men , with six others , who formed the committee , have been held over to bail for the next assiz « s , which will take place at Carrickfergus , on no less a charge than that of "conspiracy , "

      In order to duly understand the cause of this most unhappy state of things , it will be necessary fur me to inform you of certain circumstances in connection with the proceedings of the journeymen , to which the result must bc fairly attributed , and which I shall do in as brief a manner as possible . In the June of 1814 , anew system of association having heen proposed for the trade affairs of the journeymen shoemakers , a conference of delegates met , and , after the maturost deliberation , the conclusion they came to was , that the former unconnected local forms of the union , which the journeymen up to that period had been accustomed to , were now to be done away with , and one union , based upon one uniform code of laws , made to take their place . In the April of 1845 , on the holding of a second conference , the same altered system was confirmed , and , as before was done , the rul « 8 and a report of the proceedings were printed .

      On both these occasions—and this is a fact most noteworthy in the present instance—the delegates assembled made it imperative that no strike for an advance of wages was to be allowed , on the supposition of the parties so striking obtaining " assistance from the common funds of the association ; though in all cases of rcduetion this support was to be unconditionally given , providing that the amount of levy on each paying member was to bt no more than threepence per week . It will by this , then , bo seen , that the shoemaker strictly p laced himself on the defensive -, gave up all Aggressive strikes whatever , and simply bound himself to oppose but in cases where a curtailment of his usual wages receipts was attempted . Bad enough off as he already was , he clearly saw that aggressive strikes could now do him no good , and that as much as he could

      possibly hope , was to protect the last little holdings that still remained between him aad the eztremest poverty . In every ' place—city , town , or village—wherever he might wander , he still found full of his own " order "; work , at best , but indifferently paid for , and only this to be obtained with great difficulty . The defensive , therefore , had now become hia necessitated condition , and even here he has had , as it has been found , quite enough to do , for ( and no doubt it will surprise many who are unacquainted with the warfare which is going on from day to day in the bosom of our social system , to learn that ) the contests of this description which the union shoemakers have had to struggle against , during the last eighteen months , have amounted to many hundreds , while those which the ¦ on-uuionists of the trade have had to do the same by , must , in all probability , be ten-fold as many hundreds , and with still less success .

      The strike m Belfast and Its two n « ighbouring towns is but a proof of this warfare . A fnw months ago an attempt was madejby one of the masters in Belfast , and thsn by others , to redone the wages of their men , but all of which were resolutely resisted , and the employers , after a contest of a month or five weeks , gave way . Since then , these same employers , smarting , as it would seem , under the memory of such a discomfiture , have formed their own counter union , and , extending it to Lisburn and Carrickfergus , have now made a simultaneous onslaught on their men—discharging them from their employment , and resolving not to re-employ them , except on the condition of their giving up all connexion with the journeymen ' s general union .

      upon what grounds the charge of conspiracy has heen advanced . against the secretary of the Belfast journey , men ' s society , and the Committee acting with him , is difficult to conjecture ; though , on whatever fiction of law it may be based , still must I doubt its validity . A charge of masters in union against journeymen in union ! and for What * ¥ or resisting , & B the latter believes , a foul attempt to letsen their wages , by endeavouring to break up the present defensive position which the jour , neyman has assumed as his only protection against this conduct in the employer . This is the plain state of the case , and truly , if anything ought to warrant , not only the fchoemakMS of evwy place , bnt the public in general , in taking a deep and effective interest in the results of such an attempt , surely such warrantry is to be found in the particulars here given . Yours , sir , very sincerely , The Editor op the *• Cobdwmners' Companion . "

      P . S . —Should the employers persist in their prosecutien , and a conviction be obtained against the men ( of which there are considerable fears , from tbe character of the "judge and jury" system in that part of the country , and particularly in questions of labour ) , perhaps a I ) oncomde might be found to bring the case of the injured before the tribunal of Parliament , and the parties thus , ultimately , in the general indignatien that would be brought down upon them , be compelled to feel that they had made a most disgraceful "MISFIT" in this their charge of conspiracy , superadded to the terrible cruelty of throning , in the middle of winter , upwards of six udndked men , women , and children , out of their accustomed means of livelihood , poor at that livelihood has been . Let them , then , beware . '

      ADDITIONAL INFORMATION . Since the foregoing has been written the Banner of Ulster ( a paper printed in Belfast ) has been sent me , of Friday the 2 trdinst ., and from which I copy tbe following account of the proceedings which took place at a late meeting of the trade in question , and of othirs conuected with many of the different . tiades in Belfast . The statement there made by Mr . ll'Cann , as will be seen , is full of information as to the cause and nature of the dispute : — "On the eveniag of Wednesday last , " says thcBontwr , " a public meeting was held in the Odd Fellows' Hall , Montgonury-street , for the purpose of hearing statements and adopting resolutions in reference to the alleged grievances of the journeymen boot and shoemakers of Belfast . The room was crowded , and , as mentioned by the chairman , the meeting was composed of the npreientatives ot

      fourteen or more various trades , besides th » members of the' gentle craft . ' Mr . Nimmick , cabinet-maker , having been called to the chair , briefly stated the objects for which they were met . Mr . Jt'Oaun , hoot and shoemaker , th « n entered into a lengthened statement of the grievances under which , he stated , the persons belonging to his trade in this town were placed . An agreement , as to wages , he said , had been entvred into between the masttrs and the journeymen iu 1340 , but , since that pariod , a constant attempt has been made by the employers to secede frtm it , and lower the prices then fixed upon . In October last , tbe journeymen formed a society in order to resist such encroachments , and to look after tha general interests of the trad * . In prosecution of these objects , they then submitted a stutsment to the masters , which they ( the journeymen ) considered would give them a fair remuneration for their labour . Some of the items were

      objected to by the employers , and they were , in deference to them , reduced , and at length a scale of prices , to the satisfaction of both parties , was agreed to , to be printed at their mutual expense . But , before this resolution was carried into effect , the masters required , a preliminary step towards getting work , that each man should sign an agreement to work at the prices alluded to for a period of two years , and then , upon this being refused , for one year . The committee did not sanction such a tbi » g , heaa-i & e they covfld not think It right for them to bind over in such a manner , not only the men at present in Belfast , but all who might come from the various parts of the United Kuigdom . Accordingly the men refused what the masters required . But the masters endeavoured to gain over the men individually , aud thus to desiroy the

      rcsolution of the society and the society itielf . They got a form of agreement drawn up b y a solicitor , stating that they would engage to give any journeyman employment for twelve months who would leave the society aud do his work in a proper manner . The expression— ' Do hit work in a proper manner '—being intended , said Mr . M'Cann , as a loop-hole by which the masters might , whenever it answered their purpose , neutralise the bargain , by finding fault with the way in which the journeyman ' s work was executed . Tho boot and shoemakers were the wovst paid elass of tradesmen , and , takim ; them on an average , they did not earn more than ten or eleven shillings a-w « ek— ( A voice ; : — "Say eight , and you will be aearcr !')— and , besides this , they had to waste many hours each day going to , and from , and waiting at , the

      employ er * s for work , and , when they did get it , hud to continue toiling at the rate of sixteen hours a-day for the miserable pittance which he had mentioned . The mw . ters were not all alike ; it was only some of them * who had acted in the dictatorial manner he had stated ; but , by their means , no fewer than 220 men , and a still greater number ef females , had been ihrown out of work at last Christmas—a season of the year when thoir business was always dull . He had mentioned a few of the grievances of which they had to complain , although many others might be stated ; and , he would ask , was it just or proper that they should continue ! Or , when they tried by fair and honourable , and legal means , to benefit their condi ' tion , ought they to be threatened by the penalties of the law ! Mr . M'Cann , after a few more remarks , concluded amid the applause of tho meeting . Addresses wero

      delivered by Mr . Harper , Mr . A . H . Thornton , Mr . Turner Mr . Hugh Hill , and others , iu support of resolutions ex . prcssive of the right of the journeymen to combine , by fair and lawful means , to protect their labour . A resolution was also passed , that , with a view of getting the unemployed journeymen into work , and otherwise benefitting the trade , a joint-stock boot and shoe company should be forthwith formed , at shares of £ 1 each to be paid by instalments of half-a-crown . A committee of twenty was then appointed to take steps for carryinE the last resolution into effect ; and , after the customary vote of thanks had been gi , en to the chairman , the meeting separated . A meeting of the . committee was belt last ni , ht ( Thursday ) , when rules were drawn up o the gulation of the company , to be submitted to a meeting of shareholders , which will take place on an early day nix

      Elu ",Ome"H , Ctem <*«Oned Aro, However,...

      elu " , ome " h , CTem <*« oned aro , however , much the S aloue ? ' bdng , Um ° f this claM in Bel -

      Elu ",Ome"H , Ctem <*«Oned Aro, However,...

      week . At this meeting , a secretary , treasurer , and otho , necessary office-bearers will be appointed . The « 0 ni . mittee report that the shores are already beginning t 0 ^ bought up with avidity , and that the Joint-Stock Boot and Shoe Company will be ready in a short time to com . mence operation * -. " To this account I may add , that Mr . Byrt , of Carrick . fergus , and the only emp loyer who in that town acted i „ conjunction with the employers in Belfast , has settled with his men . A singular circumstance arising out o { this dispute it may also be necessary to mention . A young gentleman of Belfast , who felt much interested j made „„«! ,. it-thf * meetinr . a secretary , treasurer . , 'ind „ tW _

      the cause of the journeymen , after having himself acquainted with all the circumstances of the case , volttn . tarily promised , as his quantum of support , to make a gift to them of £ 1 a-week as long as tho strike should continue . This one of the employers took umbrago at , and to show his valour iuthe cause he had engaged in , sent—what think you , reader f—a chalienge to the gtntlo . man to pistol the truth out between them . This , how . ever , was not acceded to , but dealt with in another and much better manner , the lighting " man of leather * was brought before tho magistrates , and there , as » " comforter , " he was bound over to keep the peace during bis life ! Ed - C - C " Jan . 28 .

      Awful Explosion. Notiinoham, Saturday Ev...

      AWFUL EXPLOSION . Notiinoham , Saturday Ev £ . \ ixa . -This afternoon , about four o'clock , alarming reports were spread through this town ot an extensive explosion having taken place at Arnold , a village four miles distant , which had caused considerable loss of life . On repairing to the scene of the catastrophe , I observed three houses , each three stories high , so completely shattered as scarcely to kswe two bricks firmly attached to each other . They are situated in Frontstreet , the principal street in Arnold , the first two being in the possession of Mr . E . Garratt , a grocer and druggist , and the third inhabited by a widow . The ground floor of the tirat house was used as a sale shop ; the ground floor of the second as a store room ' :

      the second story of both houses as lodging roottis , the one in the second house being occupied by Mr . Edward Garratt , a lunatic invalid , who for a considerable period had been confined to his bed ; aud the top rooms , or garrets , were also used as store rooms for articles of a combustible nature . About three o ' clock Mr . George ( Jarratt was in a kitchen on the ground floor , when he heard a tremendous explosion . Fearing the buildings might fall upon him , he ran from the kitchen through the shop into the street , when he saw the roofs of the nouses flying into the air , the front walls falling , and , amongst the general confusion , he observed his brother uriven with violence through his bedroom window , and fall into the middle of the streetcovered with scattered ruins .

      Wonder-, ful to relate , Air . George Garratt escaped without serious injury , and withconsiderablealacrity assisted his neighbours in rendering aid to his unfortunate brother . Air . William Thompson , a frameworkknitter , who was passing at the time , was knocked down , and partially buried . Other parties were also hurt , but not seriously . It was , however , deemed essentially necessary to convey Thompson and Garratt to the General Hospital , and they were removed thither with as much speed as possible . The cause of the explosion is a complete mystery , and can only be guessed at . The store-room over Mr . Edward Garratt ' a bedroom—which , be it remembered , was in the middle house—was filled with large bottles of oil , turpentine , spirits of wine , and

      two barrels of gunpowder . The combustion can only be accounted for by supposing that the unfortunate lunatic , by some means , set lire to his bed , after his brother had left him , which would quickly find its way through the floor above , and ignite the powder . But the brother cannot bring his mind to this conelusion , as he says the sufferer was not in the habit of leaving his bed , and , to his knowledge , had not the means of striking a light in his chamber . That he did set tire to his own chamber first , however , there is but little doubt , as he was dreadfully burnt , besides being injured by being thrown from his bed , and buried in the ruins in the street . He is so severely injured as to be almost beyond the hope of recovery . His face , shoulder , and one hand , are

      horribly burnt , his head u cut , and he is otherwise much shattered and bruised . Thompson is very bad , but is not fatally injured , and . being capable of speaking , I was allowed to take his statement . He said— "Soon after half-past two o ' clock this afternoon , just as the omnibus which leaves at that time for Nottingham was passing me , I heard an explosion whilst walking by Garratfc ' s house . I looked up and saw the roofs of the three houses flying in all directions , and the front walls appeared to be falling upon me . I ran into the middle of the road as fast as I could , but was soon knocked down by the bricks which fell upon me , and was partially buried . For a moment I was stunned , and lay still ; but upon recovering I drew myself from under the ruins , and lay

      on Ins opposite aide of tUe road until my neighbours came to render rae assistance . I am so much hurt on the head , shoulders , and loins , as to be incapable of working , and know not what my poor children will do , there being five of them at home without a parene ; , and the oldest not thirteen years of age . " After the explosion had taken place , the ruinous mass burst forth into flames , which were not extinguished for an hour . It is remarkable that so few persona should have been seriously injured ; but this may be accounted for by the greater part of the villagers being at Nottingham at the time at the market , disposing ot the produce of their frames to the hosiers . Mr . Garratt estimates his loss at £ 400 . Sundat Morning , Tbn o'Clock . — Garratt ,

      although not yet dead , cannot be expected to survive long ; and poor Thompson appears much worse than he was last night . Great crowds of people ever since daylight have been wending their way to the scene of the catastrophe , which appears likely to render Arnold for some time to com * " as crowded as a fair . " The Recehi Explosion at Arsold . —Ixqubst . — Nottingham , Tuesday . Afternook . —As I anticipated , George Garratt , one of the sufferers by that calamity , expired a few minutes after I had been niiiking inquiries at the general hospital respecting him , on Monday morning . Last night an inquest was held upon Ins body , before Michael Brown , gent ., coroner for this borough , and an intelligent jury ; when the depositions of various parties were taken , but no fact

      was elicited showing the precise cause of the explosion . Edwin Garratt ' s evidence confirmed the account we have given above . Francis Sibson , Iwuse-surgeon to the general hospital , said" The deceased was brought to this hospital on Saturday last , about four o'clock in the afternoon ; he was suffering from an extensive bum of tho body and head , and from great depression , tho result , as I understood , of an explosion of gunpowder . The whole face was blackened , and the front hair singed from tho explosion ; the side of the body and the whole of tho right arm were extensively and deeply burnt , and to a slighter degree tho left hand . He was incoherent , and afterwards violently

      delirious . He died yesterday ( Sunday ) morning , about ten o ' clock , in consequence of the injuries He had sustained . I think that the extreme blackening of the face , and the singeing of the hair , denote that he must have been close to the powder at the time of its explosion . " The jury returned as their verdict"That the deceased died in consequence of the injuries he received by an explosion of gunpowder ; that by some means he caused the said explosion ; and that , at the ' same time , he appears to have been ot unsound mind aud understanding . " Mr . Edwin Garratt , the brother of the deceased , and occupier of two of the houses destroyed , stated that the property was entirely uninsured , and that injury to the amount of £ 1000 hud been inflicted . Thompson , the other sufferer in tho hospital , is recovering .

      Jiorrvbifi Occurrence.—A Horrible Event ...

      JiORRVBifi Occurrence . —A horrible event has taken place at the Village of La Vazais , near Nantes , A farmer , named Tcssier , had some time ago been confined in the hospital as a lunatic , but , being believed to be cured , he was discharged . He , however , occasionally showed symptoms of a return of hig malady , but , as he continued harmless , he was not confined . This forbearance was ill-j udgod and fatal . On tho ISth he got up in his shirt , and taking a sharp hedginf .-bill , went down te his wife , who was occupied at the fire-place making his breakfast , and struck her with this tremendous weapon several times on the head , leaving her senseless on the hearth . Imagining her to bo dead , he kissed her altectionately , and hurried up to the loft , and there set fire to

      a quantity of flax , in the intent of burning the house , and with it himself and the body of his wile , ^ t being able to bear the heat , he ran down again , and went to the dwelling of tho widow fcauvaget a friendly neighbour , and with one blow rui 11 de P rived "er of her life . He next struck a child hro years old , who was in the same room , and leu it tor dead . Tessior then procured some chemical matches , and attempted to set fire to this cottage , as he had to his own house , but at first failed from the badness ot the matches . Pursuing his wild idea , he procured a torch , and with it set the bed and furniture of the widow in flames . While they were burnrogi , the madman heard the poor child cry , and seizing it dashed it on the burning floor , where it expired m agony . The inhabitants , oncoming from church , saw the flames , hastened to the spot , and alter a desperate struggle , in which he severely wounded one man with his bill , secured the maniac , bound

      him , and seated him by the side ofa ditch till the gendarmes came to take charge of him . By this time his demoniacal rage was calmed , and he himself related the whole of the melancholy talc , lie spoke m terms of deep regret for what he had done , but said that the blame rested with those who , knowing his malady , had left him at liberty . Tessicr ' s wife is in great danger , but still there are some slight hopes of her recovery . Fatal Accident on the Nortk Union Railway , at Uuksidk . —On Friday morning , about eleven 0 clock , an accident , fearful to contemplate , occurred at the branch of the North "Union Railway , at the 1 ark-side station . It appears that t . man was engaged repairing the rails , when a passenger train was coming up to which he had his back turned , and unfortunately he was knocked down by the engine , and tho wheels passing up Ihe middle of his body , c « t him literally in two . The poor man has left a wife , who is t'uriVnfe , together with six children , all of whom arc incapable of earning their livelihood .

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Jan. 31, 1846, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_31011846/page/6/