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      6 The Northern Star May 10, 1845

      6 THE NORTHERN STAR May 10 , 1845

      Tiie Morality And Utility Of Deathpua 'I...

      TIIE MORALITY AND UTILITY OF DEATHPUA _'ISHMEATS . At a . _nliw lately held in Aylesbury , Ior "ihe Met a * _S >« ti on of aS capital _punishmenfa Lord Nvwut ttn s eloquently pleaded against the " _barhanms practice : _"We are ; I trust , free to discuss the question with a view to _hnjosn justice , human expedieacy , and the great duty of _M-pressing crime . I should be abusing patience and Insulang common sense , -were I to waste one moment of ours in enforcing what no man who has once thought of the roffimente of tliese things wfll now dispute , what no _gov-OTm-fflt-aiat'iiasris-ai aboTeastateof _prinutive barbarity doanot adopt as an axiom , that with mere ven-• _reMre -aeUwliasiiotljins tO'lo . That the mere phrase ,

      " He deserves it , " is beside the whole question of justifying the pmrishment That its Bole object , its sole justifieation , lie * in as far as may be the prevention of crime . _Example , then ! { Hear , hear . ) This is not a question to which to apply _wiM theories , vain conjecture , inconclusive ( peculation . I wish to rest all I haTe to say , all , onthe practical experience which is common to ns alL Upon this ground I take my stand . In our own experience we know the example fails of its object The example is bad . 1 put it to this test—I ask you -whether , in any one instance of a pnblic execution , it calls forth the feelings the law intends—it answers the object the law intends % I answer in not one , proveably not one . I will show you that it is a moral and natural impossibility that it should effect the object it intends in the case of any one human

      creature who ever yetsaw an execution , or ever can be called npon to see one . Iwill prove tliis , and I beg you to attend to this , for it is one of thc main hinges of my argument . The spectators are one of three classes : — 1 . The merely curious . Those who go to it because such a thing is not , at least now is not , to be seen any week in England . It is a tragedy of a coarse and vulgar mind . Now , gentlemen , mere curiosity to see a man deliberately tailed is not what the law intends . There is another class—those who behold it with deep sympathy for the _snfierer . Deep sympathy with the guilty is not what the law intends . A third—savage exultation . Savage exultation is not what tbe law of any cirilised land intends . Lynch law feeUng is not what the common law of England intends to set np as the guardian influence of public safety . Kow what the law does suppose and mean , is a

      manifest impossibiliry . : the _existence of a fourth state of mind , which never yet did exist , which God never intended should exist in the human mind , because he has so constructed the human mind as to make it absolutely and manifestly impossible : regret that a fellow creature should have justly subjected himself to the penalty of a violent death , a mournful sense of the suffering we are witnessing , a deep regret that any human being should so suffer , and yet such a master sense of the justice ofthe law that if I could by raising my hand relieve that suffering and prevent that life being taken away which God gave , I would not doit Kowthis is a state of feelings co-existent in direct antagonism to each other , which it is plain never existed in one human breast since the breath of life was breathed into the first man's nostrils , and which clearly never ought to exist because

      it i » directly contrary to nature , contrary to the whole organisation of the human mind as God has made it "Well , then , I bring you to this conclusion , that a public execution never did , never will , cannot by the constitution of nature , ever answer with the spectators the object the law intends . Example . ' Ask those who watch the course of thc law in the example it gives . Ask the master if he sends his servant ask the parent if he sends his son , ask the guardian if he sends his pupil , to profit by it If he does , the example is in his opinion good . Bnt if he does not—if he close the eyes and ears of his whole house against all view , and against all hearing of the horrid act —why then , in his opinion , the act of the law is such as , instead of example , threatens to spread a moral pestilence through his house . ( Cheers . ) So much for example ! Ask the cfiaphin of yonr gaol , ask that most excellent

      officer ( the governor ) of your gaol , ask tbe police , ask the judge upon the bench , ask the Secretary of State , whether thc crime to which alone the punishment of death is now practically limited—whether the crime of murder is diminishing under the influence of the gibbet or increasing . Look at the statistical returns of prosecutions and convictions . At every lire years' end since the punishment of death has been taken away from lesser crimes , and limited practically to murder , at every five years' end ( although there is no longer any reluctance to prosecute for forgery , sheep-stealing , horse-stealing , privately stealing in shops and dwelling-houses , and from the person , as was felt while these crimes were capital ) , the prosecutions for these crimes , and the crimes themselves , have considerably diminished . Thc one crime to which practically you apply the punishment of death , murder , has

      fnghrfully increased—is frightfully and daily increasing . Do you say this is because juries have often a reluctance to act np to their oaths , and have of late often acquitted in the clearest cases of guilt f Do yon say this ? Then you admit yourselves ont of court . Tou show that public opinion is against tiie law ( loud cheering ); and , where law and " public opinion are opposed , tbe law must give way . Juries are empannelled to try the prisoner ; they acquit the prisoner wherever they can find a shadow , however feint of excuse for such a verdict and they find against the law . The law is found guilty by trial by jury . Yon show that in such cases , jurymen are placed in the alternative between tampering with their oaths , or inflicting a punishment they hold in horror , and that they act as thinking ( mind I do not justify , I only state the fact ) that there is one

      crime worse than perjury , and that is the giving effect to thc law . ( Hear , hear , and cheers . ) Why , then , I repeat yon only show that law and public opinion are in conflict and the law must give way . I desire not to he so totally misapprehended in what I say as to be supposed for one mOment to speak disrespectfully of thejury who do their duty on their oaths , or of the judge , who , whatever be his own opinions as to the justice ofthe penalty , is bound by the most solemn of all duties to direct the jury aright according to his view of the evidence , whatever be the result and to carry out with firmness and impartiality the provisions of the law whose minister he is . I reverence much too sincerely the great principle of trial by jury , which , I believe , the best conceived and best administered that any country ever saw for the protection of human I rights , human safety , and , the greatest of all things , I

      human liberty . I reverence much too sincerely tbe character of our judges , who , I firmly believe , administer the law with a purity and impartiality , according to the law , unparalleled in any other nation . Bnt of the law I may speak ivith freedom . I may call the law , that I believe it to be ar . unwise , a wanton , an unrighteous , and a hateful law . ( Hear , hear . ) About a month ago , a human creature stood in that dock , righteously , I think , convicted on _strong evidence of murder , as black , as deliberate , as cruel as the human mind can contemplate . From that dock he was sent by the award of a public tribunalsent for example ' s sake , to be publicly deprived , on that scaffoitl , of thc life God gave him . For example ' s sake ! What was the example ? The space below was crowded witli tiie carious . Not a sound was heard . The feeling was deep horror of the spectacle and of the suffering .

      What was the result ! How did that very evening close ! Before the son which had shone on that dreadml spectacle had set the public-houses were echoing with sounds of revelry . The streets werc thronged , with what ? _Dfonken quarrels and ruffianly fights ! A publican on the Newroad , who had opened his house to a throng of those who had come from a distance to witness the law ' s example , was robbed ofhis watch and money by some of the pupils who had come recent from this moral lesson of a public aeration . So much for the example ! 0 , how rightly did parents , guardians , masters , act Who kept their children , their servants , aloof from the contagion of that whole day < How wisely did the masters of families act who blocked their windows from the sight the law had prepared for pnblic exhibition ! Where was the example ? If taken weU , then those who took it wanted no example ;

      if ill , then the example confirmed old ruffianism , and excited new . ( Hear . ) Am I singular in this opinion ! Ask those whose -unhappy duty it is to attend ; and they will _teD yon . They will tell yon , whose habit it is , from a sense of decency , if possible , to anticipate the hour of execution , and _' thus deprive the public of the spectacle , and defeat the law of its publicity . ( Great cheering . ) Men ! men ! I appeal to every feeling of manhood within yon . You are husbands—you are fathers—you are brothers . There are hearts beating purely , tenderly , warmly-, with _evcrjr feeling of wives , of mothers , of sisters , of daughters . N « . t a week ago , not three weeks after that execution , many of them—do I blame them !—0 , God bless them , no!—innocently , joyously , they joined in thc happy amusement which so weU befits their happy youth . But where 1 Almost under the threshold of

      that scaffold , which not three weeks before , was prepared by the hands of man to be—I will not proceed . ( Loud and general cheering . ) Bnt allow me on another part of this subject On that scaffold stood two men . The one a murderer—the other the executioner of the law . 1 ask you , which of these two , tiie murderer and the hangman , which , with the spectators , was the object of sympathy , and which of disgust and repulsion ? Why , while the just and venerable judge in his ermine is an object , and justly , of reverence and honour—why is he who carries ont the sentence of the judge tobe " a man forbid , "under a social ban , the object of repulsion and disgust ? JVhy , because public opinion , because the natural feelings of man , are against the law . Because the law itself shrinks , conscience-stricken , shame-stricken , before the fulfilment of its own ordinances . ( Hear , hear , hear . ) I know no of clearer rule of moral conduct than this—never command what yon would be ashamed to do . ( Loud cheers . ) Apply this to the law . I heard the other day of a person—God forbid I should mention his name ,

      God forbid I should mention his calling—I mention the fact only to show the brutalising effects of laws like these on the mode of thinking , feeling , and conversing , even among men of education . A gentlemen , one whose station and calling might have bespoken something far different in taste and feeling , observed on a late conviction , " What ! not bang him , a vile and infamous murderer ? I can only speak my own feelings—I would willingly have tied . the knot myself ! " Gentlemen , I willingly irepress . eyeij feeKng pf indignation and horror . Such a speech _£ . erves . neither . It is butthe speech of a mind that has lost its _selfM-onunand , _driink with the _dMonqjaim _/ . ' _a _^ tement of the evfl doctrines of a _bar-»^ us * la - w . I would merely answer , "Indeed , good sir ? Tastes may not be" disputed . . ' But it is only a pity yon h & v | _ta _^ _ato _jonrpi _^ esdon . . . ( Cheere . ) _Angovem-S _*?> - ***• Cnanrinan , is established upon compact ' _**• Si _?^^»; _:. It i _« a mere truism to say . . that no _tomSSKESP" _^ _he _isnot - binise _^ . mster of . O _^ V _^^ , MBter P * _Ifc o-wn l _&^ _acideis a _mne . _** «¦ _*•?*¦•* _* veto crab- ; _j £ _gS &

      Tiie Morality And Utility Of Deathpua 'I...

      society , power over your life . Itisnotyonrstogive . It is an unrighteous compact It is a compact to give what is not yours . The compact is void . ( Hear , hear , hear . ) Again , I have no right to deliberately kiU a murderer . If I see a man going to commit a murder , wluch I cannot in any other way prevent 1 slay him , without hesitation . Plainly , because I sacrifice a guilty life , if in no other way I can save an innocent one . But the murder once done , have I a right to take that murderer ' s life wherever I meet him—in his beS , at lus board , in his path ? Undoubtedly not It would be murder . The character of the act is not altered by the complication of agency . I cannot rightfully delegate to the hands of many what it would be wrongful to do by my own . ( Hear , hear . ) Again : An irremediable punishment is irreconcilable with fallibility of judgment The prerogative of

      vengeance oelongs to the Almighty—why t Because his judgments are incapable of error . We can form OUTS only by the best attainable evidence . Itis fallible . We have no right to inflict a punishment which , if we shall hereafter find we hare been in error , can be neither revoked , nor repaired , nor compensated . My lamented friend , Sir James Macintosh , moved , many years ago , for a return , which showed , for a long time back , during different cycles of years when capital punishments were very frequent in England , that the average had for many years been at the rate of one person executed every three years , whose innocence had been afterwards satisfactorily and publicly established . One every three years , on an average , in this well educated country , in this moral country , in this free country , this country of popular

      tribunals and incorruptible judges—once every three years , a deliberate , cruel , unpalliablc murder , committed by your tribunals publicly before your people . ( Hear , hear . ) Do you wish for an acknowledgment on the part of aU society , on the part of the ministers of public justice , of their disconfidence in their own judgment ? I give it Thc prurient curiosity , the unappeasable thirst for the confession of a condemned culprit If you distrust your verdict why did you pronounce an irreparable punishment ? If you trust it why can you not be tranquil till your victim has assured you that you are right ? Why this prying into the gloom of the condemned cell ? Why this treasuring up of the gleanings of the scaffold , to be winnowed at leisure by either a wanton curiosity , or a conscience ill at ease with the remembrance of what it has done ? ( Hear ,

      hear . ) Hence the last hours of the dying man disturbed . Hence the impertinence of obtrmsive advice . Hence the persecution of even his spiritual adviser , who is put to the question to disclose what he is bound by the clearest ties of honour , by the distinct injunctions of his religion , by the duties ofhis office , never to betray—what has been revealed in confidence to him by one whom he was preparing to meet his God . ( Hear , hear . ) He is to be appealed against before the Secretary of State : but fortunately the Secretary of State , more wise and more just , does give the applicants this lesson at least in their duty ; he declines any reply . ( Loud cheers . ) So much for your confidence in the justice of your own irreversible sentence , that a fellow-creature has been hurried by a human tribunal before the judgment seat of the living God . ( Hear , hear , hear . ) We are accused of being theorists ,

      and upon thc strength of an untried theory seeking to repeal what has invariably received the sanction ofthe wisdom of all who have gone before us . Untried theoriesand the wisdom of our ancestors ! Our ancestors had a theory which they did try for many generations . They applied the theory of the gibbet to forgery . They applied it to horse and sheep stealing . They applied it to stealing in shops , dwelling-houses , and from the person . They applied it to cutting down fruit trees ivith malice , to consorting for twelve months with persons called gipsies , and to cultivating the tobacco plant in England , because it interfered with the produce of our colony of Virginia , Bnt I appeal to you , our opponents now . You remember when the repeal of the death punishment for horse-stealing , sheep-stealing , and forgery , was resisted , aye , and by good men too , with just as much pertinacity as the gibbet

      is now retained for murder . I ask you , is there oue of you , who clung to the punishment of death for forgery , who would restore it now ?—who does not look back upon it with horror and with wonder ? I ask you , and lay your hands on your heart , were you not as much in earnest then as now ? And is it not possible that when this barbarous , this wanton , this utterly inoperative law of death shall be totally repealed , is it not possible that you may look back upon it twenty years after it shall be repealed , as yon now look back on what was the last twenty years ago , with equal horror and wonder ? At least do not call ns the theorists . We told you the death punishment of forgery was unjustifiable , was inoperative , was what you wonld one day look back upon with astonishment . The time is come . We were right . We stand now with experience at our back . Your theory was wrong . You were

      the theorists , you admit You were wrong in your theory . You were the self-confessed sciolists . ( Loud and long cheering . ) Distrust your judgment on the like subject now . Bnt we are told to see how frequent is the crime of murder now ! "It is increasing ! Would you try your experiments now ? See the disease is increasing under my remedies . 0 ! do not caU on me to alter my treatment now . See the birds of prey are flocking round my scare-crow . They are perching upon it . Do not call on one now to destroy this venerable monument of the wisdom of our ancestors . " ( Laughter and cheers . ) Gentlemen , I have done . I have detained you too long . I feel it ; bnt I conld not be content without expressing my opinions , and giving my reasons for them in full . I will conclude with a few words of prediction only . A deadly race is now running between atrocious crime and

      unjustifiable law . The example is inoperative except for evil . The memory of the punishment perishes ivith the wretch who is the object of it . I call upon you to adopt one which shall be lasting , exemplary , will meet the feelings of all mankind , and by which just retribution shall be kept alive in the minds of all . I beg a reply . I conclude with this prediction , I beg you to do me the honour to keep it in mind . Juries are becoming daily more reluctant to convict . The law will soon utterly fail . It will soon be repealed . Mark my words . The gibbet has not fifteen years' life in it If in 1860 , fifteen years hence , there shall be a death punishment existing , if we shall still be in this world together , reproach me with being the falsest prophet the veriest fool , that ever presumed to talk of the advancing spirit of the times . Meanwhile , unless I can be shown to be wrong in every argument I have laid before you , be , as wise men should ever be , a little in advance of the times you live in , and join

      your efforts to urge the repeal of this inoperative , this demoralising , this unjust this barbarous , this hateful law . Petition both Houses of Parliament address the throne . Address your Queen , as a good and gracious Queen , as a wife , as a mother , as a woman : for these are points on which the heart teaches wisdom , and whereof the wisdom of women , it is little to say that it is as much to be confided in as that of men . ( Hear , hear . ) Set your hands to this great work . It wiU be achieved before many years shall hare passed . And whether we live or not to witness its achievement if we but take our share in it now , yon , and I , and all of ns now in this hall , will not have lived in vain . ( Loud and protracted cheering . ) I move you , Mr . Chairman , " That it is the opinion of . this meeting that the punishment of death bylaw is totally ineffectual in its object as to the prevention or diminution of crime ; that it is of bad public example ; and ought to be totally abolished . " The resolution was unanimously carried .

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      Mubdeb Of As Infant By Its Norse.—On Sun...

      Mubdeb of as Infant by its Norse . —On Sunday morning , about ten o'clock , a frightful murder was committed at the residence of Mr . John Drake Flinch , of South-street , Greenwich , solicitor . The facts of the case are as follows : —Martha Bricksey , aged eighteen years , the nnder nurserymaid in Mr . Flinch ' s f amily , went into the kitchen shortly before ten o ' clock , and asked the cook for a knife , and said she wanted to cat a pencil for Mary , who was up stairs in -the nnisery . The cook gave her an ivory-handled knife , but remarked that a smaller one would do better for the purpose . She said no , that would do , as she conld use it for cutting the bread and butter at tea in the afternoon , and immediately proceeded upstairs . _^ In a few minutes afterwards she came down stairs again , and , opening the parlour-door .

      told her master and mistress that she had lulled the baby . Mrs . Ffinch , in a state of indescribable astonisment , asked what the wretched girl said ; and was in the act of -rushing np stairs to the nursery , but was stayed by her husband and Mr . Traill , the Union Hall police magistrate , who was paying the f amily a morning -visit . The girl again said that she had killed the infant , and hoped that" God would forgive her . " On Mr . Ffinch and some ofhis family going upstairs , his infant son , aged ten months , was discovered lying on the bed , with his head severed from his body , in a pool of blood . On this fact being made known the whole ofthe family became horror-struck Mr . Ffinch immediately sent for a police-constable , and James Quin , R 164 , conveyed the murderer tothe station-house in the Blackheath-road . The name

      of the deceased is Robert Barry Ffinch , aged ten months , the youngest of seven children . The wretched girl , Bricksey , has been three years and a half in the family of Mr . Ffinch , as under nurserymaid , has been much respected b y her master and mistress , and beloved by the children . She had , however , recently intimated to her mistress that she was not quite satisfied , and wished to leave . Mrs . Ffinch said if so , she had better go home to her parents . She subsequently begged Mrs . Ffinch to retain her services , saying she was sure she could not meet with a kinder or better mistress . Some slight acts of _irregularis and folly had very lately been observed , bnt nothing which led to a supposition that her mind was affected . Dr . Caleb Taylor , of Deptford , and Mr . Edward Downing , the police-surgeon ,

      attended the prisoner in the police cell , and remained with her nearly two hours on Sunday , during which she was overpowered w _^ th frequent fits of grief , and as often calling aloud to God lor forgiveness , and declaring that she had no dislike or ill-feeling towards either the infant or its parents . It was done entirely through a momentary impulse , fbr which she conld not in the remotest degree account . Ths _isqoMi . —On Monday a jury was impanelled before Mr . C . J . Carttar , the coroner , to investigate the drcumstances attending the death of Robert Barry . Ffiaeh , _tiie infant son of Mr . John Drake Ffinch who was found dead with Ms head nearly s _^ _anted . _jortim . ius _^ body on Sund ay morning . The jury having been sworn , the coroner stated to them ¦ a ll the circumstanoea which had come to bis know-

      Mubdeb Of As Infant By Its Norse.—On Sun...

      ledge , and then proceeded to view the body . Martha Bricksey . the girl who stands charged with the murder ofthe deceased , was then brought into the room in custody ofthe police , accompanied by her mother and the female keeper who had been appointed to attend her in thc police cell . The first witness called was Sarah May , upper nurse in the family of deceased ' s father . She deposed that she had been two years in Mr . Ffinch ' s family . The deceased was nine months old . The prisoner , Martha Bricksey , was under-nurse . Witness saw the infant last alive at a quarter before ten o ' clock on Sunday morning . She put him into his cot , and left him sleeping at that time . The prisoner was in the next room . Five minutes before she left the nursery the prisoner said , " Do you think Mrs . Ffinch will foreive me ? Will

      she let me stop ? " Witness replied , " No . " Mrs . Ffinch had candidly told her she would not . She then advised the prisoner to be quiet , as it would be much better for her . She had been worrying her mistress on Saturday , begging her to forgive her , and let her remain . Mrs . Ffinch _hadsaid "No , " positively . She had seen a person that would suit _^ ana could retain her services no longer . To all this the prisoner made no answer . On Sunday morning the prisoner said , she wondered if Mrs . Ffinch had seen the new maid . Witness remarked that she would call on Monday . This conversation took place while making the beds . Witness then left the room , and went down to the kitchen , taking one of the younger children with her . She there left tlm children with the cook and housemaid and went into the back

      yard , and while there she heard loud screams . She immediately ran into the house and went up into the nursery , whence the cries came . All the children were crying very much , and Mrs . Ffinch was in a frantic state . Mr . Ffinch was preventing the prisoner from going upstairs . The cook had gone upstairs . Mr . Traill and Mrs . Ffinch were below in the hall . Witness found the child lying on its back , and the head nearly off . She had left it lying asleep on its side . On looking round she saw an ivoryhandled table-knife covered with blood . The children were at this time all below , crying in the hall . About seven minutes elapsed during all this . The prisoner had always behaved -very well towards the children . The prisoner had behaved very oddly about a mourning-gown which her mistress had given

      her , and she was going to leave partly on that account . About three weeks ago she complained much about the dress not fitting her . She subsequently cut the body from the skirt in the nursery and burnt it . Witness told her she ought to be ashamed of herself , and that she would tell Mrs . Ffinch on her return home . The prisoner was in a great passion when she burnt the body of her dress , but became quiet afterwards , and seemed satisfied with what she had done . Witness repeatedly advised her not to burn it , as it fitted her . She was most determined , and said she wished the dress-maker had been at the devil before she had made the gown ; she further said she wished to leave and get a housemaid ' s place . Mr . and Mrs . Ffinch were exceedingly kind to her and to all the servants ; thinks it was mere pride , as the dress

      fitted well . All the servants had mourning alike ; prisoner bought a new body for 8 s ., and had it made up . She still did not like it , and took it to a pawnbroker's . She told her mistress that she had sold it , but could get it again . She was ordered to fetch it , and did so , when her mistress told her if she would conduct herself properly , she would forgive her , but if anything moreabout the dress occurred , _skemust go . She was sent out with thechildren on Friday and kept themwithouttheirdinner . Mrs . Ffinch , on her return , remonstrated with her , and told her she should write to her mother to fetch her away , and did so . Prisoner told Mrs . Ffinch that she wished to see her master to induce him to retain her , and mistress replied that her mind was made up , and that master would hot interfere in her domestic arrangements . The

      prisoner had appeared unhappy during the last three weeks , and had . taken medicine twice a day for three weeks or a month ; complained of her head at times , but had been better since taking the medicine . She was always treated with the greatest kindness . Mrs . Ffinch told her that she would give her a character , and that she was at liberty to come and see the children and the servants as often as she p leased . —Mr . James Traill , of Lewisham , policemagistrate , deposed , that he called at Mr . Ffinch ' s house at a quarter before ten o ' clock on Sunday morning , ana went into the drawing-room . Ho was let in by the housemaid . Mr . and Mrs . Ffinch came to him in a minute or so afterwards , and they conversed together from five to ten minutes , when the door onened . and the prisoner entered : she presented

      an unusual and distracted appearance , and immediately exclaimed , " What have I done \ What have I done ! " many times over ; and again , "What will become of me ? What will become of me f I am a murderer . I have killed the baby . " Mr . Ffinch demanded to know what had happened to the child , and rushed from the room . Witness's impression was , at the moment , that some dreadful accident had happened , and that the child had been dropped out of window . He then followed Mr . Ffinch up to the nursery , and saw Mr . Ffinch coming down . Mr . Ffinch returned , and drew his attention tothe child ' s cot , where the deceased lay with his head severed nearly from his body . On leaving the room he met the prisoner , and ordered her down again . He then went into the drawing-room to Mrs . Ffinch .

      Witness next saw the prisoner in Mr . Ffinch ' s dressmgrooni , apparently in great distress , saying , " What will become of me ? What will become of me ?" Witness said , "You are a poor miserable wretch , " and she said , " Will God pardon me ? " He held her hands , and got the servants to assist until he could procure a police-constable , and prevent further violence . The whole family had at this time assembled in a most distressed state of mind . The prisoner again addressed deceased ' s parents , and implored their forgiveness . —ElizabethMiddlewich , housemaid , said she saw the upper-nurse washing the deceased at a quarter past nine o'clock on Sunday morning . Witness went down stairs , and the nurse followed at ten o ' clock with the youngest child but one , and left it in the kitchen with the other in care of the

      cook . The nurse then went into the yard . Mr . and Mrs . Ffinch and Mr . Traill were in the parlour at twenty minutes to ten o'clock . The prisoner came into the kitchen shortly after the nurse , and wentinto the pantry . Witness followed , and asked her what she wanted . She took a table-knife out ofthe box , and said she was going upstairs with it to cut apencil for Miss Mary . Witness said , " You had better take a desert-knife , " and she did so , saying that the larger one would do to cut the children ' s bread and butter in the afternoon . She felt the edge of the large knife to see if it was sharp . Prisoner stood a minute in the passage looking at the child standing by the cook , and then went upstairs . In three minutes after she heard a loud screaming , as if from the passage . She ran up , and met Mr . Ffinch

      coming down ; and the prisoner said , " Good God , I have cut the dear baby's throat . " She ( witness ) went into the room and saw the deceased , and the bloody knife lying on the floor . The prisoner said she was miserable about being discharged . —Sergeant G . Goode , 2 R , deposed , that he was sent for by Mr . Ffinch , and produced the knife with which the murder was committed . He saw the prisoner at the station , who said— " Oh , Mr . Goode , I hope God will forgive me . " He received the knife from the hands of Dr . Sutton . —A note was here handed to the coroner , written by the prisoner , and left by a policeman at the house of Mr . Ffinch on Sunday morning . It ran thus : — "Dear May—Pray send a gown , < fcc , and pray to God for the wickedness I have done . I do pray sincerely . Martha Bricksey . "—Mr .

      Sutton , M . D ., deposed that he was called in immediately after the melancholy event , and found the child ' s head had nearly been separated frem the body ; great force must have been usedindoingifc , and _deathmust have been instantaneous . —Eliz . Garratt , monthly nurse , deposed , that she was engaged by the police to watch theprisoner in her cell . The note produced was written by the prisoner in her presence . She called for pen , ink , and paper , and said she was going to write to the nurse for something she wanted . Witness did not suggest the propriety ofher doing so , or otherwise . The Coroner inquired ofthe prisoner if she wished to ask the witnesses any questions , to which she replied in the negative . He then asked her if she had heard all that had been said : and ,

      after cautioning her , desired to know if she had anything to say as to the melancholy affair . The prisoner replied that she had nothing to say , but hoped he would plead all he could in herhehalf . Tliis being the whole of the evidence , the Coroner summed up , remarking that there could not be the slightest doubt as to the cause of death ; and as regarded the sanity or insanity of the prisoner at the time ofthe commission ofthe dreadful act , that must be the subject of inquiry by a higher tribunal . Tho Jury then consulted together about five minutes , and returned averdict of " Wilful Murder against Martha Bricksey . " The Coroner then handed * over his warrant of commital to Sergeant Goode , 2 R , who conveyed the prisoner in a carriage to Newgate for trial .

      Cfcartfet Fi-Mfaence-*

      _Cfcartfet _fi-Mfaence- *

      Glasgow. The Glasgow Chartists To The Ch...

      GLASGOW . The Glasgow Chartists to the Chartists or Scotland . —Brethreri ,- _^ -We _addressvou at this time , but not on the great principles . for which we contend : for on those we conceive you are resolved : conscious that they are the embodiment of the glorious and moral principle of ' . 'Do unte : others as we would 'theyshoulddo unto us , " and can alone form the basis of a political system , the effects of which will be comfort and happiness to all , rendering the intelligence ; of the peoplethesecurity of tKeState . and the interest

      of thei legislature the . welfare of the people . Thatthe teaching of our principles has done much for the enlightenment of the age , and the consequent prepara-Ition of the toiling" masses for . ah improved mental , ' moral , physical , and social state , we think , wUl be admitted by every * unp _^ ji . _* ficed _obserj'er of men and _Ithings : ! and we assureybii that . _w > hai ) with pleasure the general movement of the Trades of _England and ! Scotlaiid , " as convmcihg proofs , of ttie ability of the working classes to legislate for themselves , who , although labouring under the vitiated influence of

      aristocratic laws and moneypower ,. with their almost countles train of wrongs , yet show that the influence of great principles is sufficient to effect a great change . Their practicability is proved by their constant application to every sectional movement : convincing evidence that the time has at length arrived when overy man possessing an attachment to the principles of the people ' s Charter , should exercise every legitimate means in his power , consistent with the principles he advocates , to give a practical e ff ect to his _pwicssions by co-operating with his brethren . At present Scotland does not possess either local or national organisation commensurate with her intelligence and attachment to democratic princip les . We believe that local power must concentrate itself into national organisation , as sure as the free and

      unimpeded circulation of the blood in each vein and limb of the human body is reflected in the free and muscular power of the united and energetic construction of the whole man ; and had wc possessed extensive local power , it would , long ere this , have resolved itself into national action ; and we , at this moment , instead of appealing to you to concentrate the scattered fragments of democracy , would have had to address you in the happier tones of congratulation . Scotland would havo assumed her proud and honourable position of the leader of the patriots of all lands , and with honest pride would havepointed to her shares , and exclaimed to their brethren in bondage , " Go ye and do likewise ! " Actuated b y no motive more noble than justice to all , and no interest less selfish than your political emancipation in common

      with our own , as a branch of the National Charter Association , we have resolved to employ a lecturer , on our own responsibility and at our own expense , receiving from any individual or locality such contributions as he or they please to give towards defraying the necessary expenses : the said lecturer to be provided with cards of membership f or the National Charter Association , empowered to form new localities , to lecture on the principles of the People ' s Charter , or any other subject connected with the movement , also leaving him free to lecture to the Trades , or any other body , apart from political agitation : he being alone responsible to us for liis conduct . All monies designed for his support may be remitted to our treasurer , and application for his services sent to our secretary . Mon of Scotland ! We have laid

      before you our object , and our plan for its execution . We have engaged as our lecturer Mr . Samuel Kydd , a gentleman well known to us all , and in whose talent as a lecturer , and honesty as a man , we have the utmost confidence . We have resolved to strain our every nerve for the spread of purely democratic _principlesandthegeneralimprovementofall . Hopingthat no party feeling or narrow jealousy will lessen the sphere of our action or mar our success ; conscious tnatyou have againandagain , in assembled thousands , avowed your attachment to the principles for which we contend ; tliat your interest is our interest—your success [ our success , we leave the matter in your hands , and confidently anticipate your co-operation and support . —Signed , on behalf ofthe Council ofthe Glasgow Branch of the National Charter Association , Isaac Vincent , Chairman ; James Smith , Secretary .

      National Victim And Defence Fund Committ...

      NATIONAL VICTIM AND DEFENCE FUND COMMITTEE BALANCE SHEET . 1844 . £ s . d . May 29 Total Income from September 17 , 1843 , to May 29 , 1844 68 7 Hi Expenditure 67 17 4 $ Balance in hand May 29 , 1844 .. .. 0 10 7 June 2 Thomas Marsden , Manchester .. .. 010 July 3 Per Mr . William Hamer , Oldham ( quota ) 0 7 7 14 Carpenters' Hall collection for the fund 0 2 8 21 ditto ditto 0 3 0 28 ditto ditto 0 4 0 Aug . 14 Christopher Doyle 0 0 6 14 A friend , per Mr . Naylor , for Jenkin Morgan .. .. 010

      14 Per Mr . William Hamer , Oldham ( quota ) 0 7 7 14 Mr . Thomas Edwards and a few friends at Somers Town for Morgan 0 14 8 7 Carpenters Hall collection for fund . « 0 3 1 7 From general treasurer , Feargus O'Connor , Esq . .. 10 0 0 18 Carpenters'HaU collection for fund .. 0 5 1 25 Joseph Barrett , Manchester .. .. 003 25 Carpenters'Hall collection for fund _,. 0 1 10 Sept . 1 ditto ditto 0 0 7 1 Christopher Doyle .. .. .. .. 006 8 Carpenters Hall collection for fund .. 0 2 0 8 Mr . James Gray 0 0 6 15 Carpenters Hall collection for fund .. 015 15 Second remittance from Somers Town

      locality , for Morgan 0 4 0 15 Per Mr . Chippendale , of Halifax , for general fund 0 18 0 15 Per Mr . Ardill _, of Leeds , for Jenkin Morgan 0 5 0 29 Carpenters' Hall collection for general fund 0 2 7 Oct . 6 ditto ditto 0 11 13 ditto ditto 0 17 20 ditto ditto 0 2 81 Nov . 10 ditto ditto 0 8 3 * 17 ditto ditto 0 3 4 } 17 A friend , Manchester 0 0 2 17 Anne Lee , Manchester 0 10 17 Bridport , Dorset , for Jenkin Morgan .. 1 10 0 24 Choir of Carpenters' Hall , Manchester per Mr . "Wrigley 0 15 0 24 Carpenters' Hall collection for general fund 0 4 9

      1845 . Feb . 3 ditto ditto 0 6 3 10 Received from O'Connor and the Star office , per O'Connor , for Morgan .. 621 10 From general treasurer , F . O'Connor , Esq 5 0 0 Marchl 2 Carpenters' Hall collection forgeneral fund 0 6 7 Received from T . M . Wheeler , Mr . Clear ' s subscription for Morgan .. 050 Income 30 4 10 Expenditure ,. 27 0 3 Balance in sub-treasurer ' s hands .. 347

      Expenditure . £ s , d . July 7 Joseph Linney , Bilston , Staffordshire 0 10 6 23 Mr 6 . Cunliff _, Staffordshire , to convey her to Brighton 2 0 0 28 Thomas Arden , of Royton , to assist him in a small business .. .. 110 0 25 Joseph Linney , of Bilston , Staffordshire 0 5 0 August 1 Thomas Cooper , in Stafford Gaol .. 100 14 "William Williams , of Oldham , to support him home 10 0 28 Secretary , for postage and moneyorders . 0 4 3 Sept . 4 James Williams , of Preston _,. .. 0 15 0 11 John Richards , alias Daddy Richards ,

      of Staffordshire 110 0 11 Mrs . Murray , for cleaning room , fire , and candles , twelve weeks .. .. 0 4 0 Nov . 17 . Advanced Jenkin Morgan .. ,. ' 100 20 John Wright , of Stockport , late of Knutsford Prison 10 0 March 12 John Neal , of Shelton , Staffordshire , very ill health .. 100 12 John Richards , alias Daddy Richards , to convey him to his settlement—in plain terms , the bastiie .. .. 110 0 12 Jenkin Morgan , Tredegar Ironworks , Monmouthshire , 13 1 4 12 Mrs . Murray , for cleaning room , fire , and candles , from September 11 , 1844 , to February 13 , 1845 .. .. 060 16 Secretary , for postage , money-orders , and papers .. .. 0 4 2

      27 0 3 Income from Sept . 17 , 1843 , to March 16 , 1845 98 4 8 J Expenditure 94 17 7 Balance .. 3 7 1

      LONDON . _Iuportast Public Meeting .--A highly respectable public meeting was holden on Monday evening , May 5 th , in the South London Chartist Hall , 115 , _Blackfriars-road . Mr . R . Candy was unanimously called to the chair , and briefly opened the proceedings . He concluded by calling on Mr . Law , the delegate to the late Convention , to give in his report of the proceedings of that body . —Mr . Law then delivered a clear account of the proceedings and measures of the late Convention . During the delivery of the report the speaker was much applauded . —Mr . Gathard moved the following resolution— " That this meeting having heard from their delegate a report of the proceedings of the late Chartist Annual Convention , do _hiffhlv annrove of the same , and _uledfffi

      themselves to use their exertions to cause the measures ofthe Convention to be carried into immediate operation , more _especially the measures for the appointment of election committees and practical operations upon the land ; and that we hereby tender a vote of thanks to our delegate for hia services on the occasion . " Mr . May seconded the resolution . — Mv . F . O'Connor rose to support the resolution . He said , it affordedhim much pleasure to find that they were satisfied with the conduct of their delegate , and with the measures of the Convention ; and he had no doubt that those measures would afford the country in general equal satisfaction . Chartism was the only ism that could keep its footing amid the raging fever of speculation that now prevailed—( hear , hear)—thus proving itself as dear to thc people as ever . He was no prophet ; but he would nevertheless predict that so soon as the present transient fit of prosperity had passed over , then Chartism would be m the ascendant . It would be the only thing left to fall back

      upon . Then would the delegates of the Convention of 1846 be thanked for furnishing the people with something phACiiCAL to work upon . ( Loud cheers . ) He was glad to find that the two principal measures ofthe Convention—Registration , and allocation on the Land—met with so much favour from the public ( Cheers . ) No one knew better than himself the importance o f having members . m the House of Commons to speak their sentiments . For instance , the press would report all against the people , every bit of slander ever uttered : but their Executive , or any other of then ? advocates , might speak , no matter how truly , and not a single line would appear . If , howover , they had only a few ben' ih the hOHse who really represented them * , the sentiments they gave utterance to would be ; carried on the wings of the press to the four corners of the earth , and the Chartists would at once become a great and influential party . ( Loud cheers . ) In Birmingham , Manchester , and other large towns , there were more Chartist

      National Victim And Defence Fund Committ...

      householders , .. qualified for , the vote , than all thc present electors put together . ( Hear , hear . ) And if these men , so favourably placed for the obtainment of ; their just rights , would not take the suffrage the law placed within their reach , why then they deserved the richest "licking " they could get . ( Great cheering . ) All power was not invested in a majority ot the House of Commons , for a well organised and trusty minority could work wonders . At the present time , the working majority of the Tories did not exceed some thirty or forty ; and such a minority as he had spoken of could , by their combined and conjoint exertions , easily be obtained . Suppose that the borough of Bradford contains 300 Whig voters and 336 Tory voters , and the Chartists have only forty voters

      —it is quite obvious that the balance of power would be in the hands of the Chartists . ( Loud cheers . ) Whilst he was member for the county of Cork , hia constituents asked him what could they , the Radical party , do , seeing that they were in number only 42 ? lie answered , " anything , if they would but act as onc man . " Forty-two would always be the average balance of power . Thus , when Mr . Wilbcrforce was a member , if the minister of the day o ffended him he would take up his hat and walk out with " good morning ; remember we are thirteen . " " What ' s that you say ?" " We are thirteen , and if one of my friends does not obtain a place we shall vote against you ! " Thus did Mr . Wilberforce carry his object with thirteen only ; ahd Mr . Duncombe has shewn what even onc man

      can effect in that house ; and he ( Mr . O'Connor ) had the gratification of telling them that Mr . Duncombe had consented to become president of their Central Registration and Election Committee . ( Loud cheers . ) With regard to the land , he had written in favour of the project as early as 1831 ; therefore with , him it was no new subject . But then people said he was mad . Now he had the pleasure to find that all minds and all pens were engaged on the subject .. ( Hear , hear . ) The land gave the franchise . But some asked what do the people "know about the land ? Not much : the more is the pity . With the land locked up , he would not give a farthing for the Charter tomorrow . Under present circumstances a man might have £ 310 s . a-week for his wages , and another would

      come and say , 1 will do the same work for £ 2 10 s ., ahd this man would get the work . But let working men have the land , and then , instead of under-working his nei g hbour , each would ask £ 4 per week for his labour , instead ofbeing willing to take the lesser price of £ 210 s . ( Cheers . ) It was not at all likely that the great capitalists , who were just now busily speculating with their funds in all parts of the world , would aid and assist them in gettingthe land ; neither did lie anticipate that the landed aristocracy would bo a bit more generous . The working men must combine , and by that combination they could raise £ 5 , 000 , and buy land as a corporate body , and then they might re-sell it in small lots of £ 5 worth if they lilted , and at the same time have the advantage of

      the wholesale market , by which means they might be enabled to rent two acres of land with a cottage thereon for £ 5 per annum . Mr . O'Connor here illustrated his arguments by referenco to thc successful practice of Mr . Biggs , of Sheffield , and Mr . Linton , of Selby . He looked on the land as thc working man's saving bank . The Chartist plan would grant leases forever ; "but oh' . " exclaim some , "the land is theproperty ofthe people ! " He admitted the rich had no more title to the land than the poor . ( Loud cheers . ) But Mrs . Glass , in her famous instructions on cookery said , " first catch your hare and then proceed to cook it" ( loud lauchter ) : and he said , " first

      get the land , and then you may be enabled to keep it . " ( Much cheering . ) He had been twelve years labouring ivith and forthem , and was still as able and as willing to obey their call as ever . ( Much cheering . ) He had been called vain and ambitious . Ho was vain o f doing good , and ambitious of serving them . ( Cheers . " " Mr . O'Connor concluded by paying a high compliment to his colleagues ofthe Executive Committee , for their honour , honesty , industry , intelligence , and indomitable perseverance , and resumed his seat amid loud and protracted cheering . The resolution was carried unanimously . Mr . T . Clark then moved the adoption of tne following petition : —

      To the Honourable the Commons of Great Britain axid Ireland in Parliament assembled . The petition ofthe inhabitants of Lambeth in public meeting assembled , Sheweth—That the working classes of the united kingdom have for a long sories of years suffered the most galling want and privation , consequent upon our unnatural social system . That during the last fifty years the trade aiid commerce of the country have increased enormously ; that the triumphs of inventive genius have given us the most astounding powers for the produce of wealth ; but that , notwithstanding , there has been a visible deterioration ih the physical , social , and moral condtion of our much-abused and deeply-injured labouring population .

      That your petitioners , with feelings of pain , call the attention of your honourable house to the voluminous criminal calendar of the past yoar , as a proof of the lamentable condition to which the people are reduced . Your petitioners would likewise add , that tbe astounding revelation made a short time ago in your honourable house , by the Secretary of State for the Home Department , that " one of every ten of the population of England and Wales is a pauper , " is another added to the long ' catalogue of proofs of the horrible destitution to which the producers of wealth have been reduced hy the baleful operation of the iniquitous system of misrule under which it is their misfortune to live .

      That in the opinion of your petitioners the destitution and crime existing in the country may be traced either to the existence of bad laws or to thc want of good ones ; and that of all bad laws upon the statute book , those that prevent the working classes from employing their labour upon iheir native sow—upon God ' s free gift to his creatures—at _* 6 the most destructive in tlieir consequences , and unnatural in their operatioxi . That your petitioners havo observed with indignation , that whilst your honourable house lias at all times

      squandered the public money upon objects the most unworthy—such as £ 70 , 000 for the purpose of building royal stables , £ 21 , 000 a year to his Majesty of Hanover , £ 50 , 000 annually to another foreign monarch , Leopold , King of the Belgians , £ 20 , 000 , 000 as compensation to the unnatural , the anti-Christian traffickers in human flesh and blood , for relinquishing ] their claim to what they never had a right to—your honourable house has not . evinced the slightest inclination to legislate for the elevation ofthe labouring population from their prostrate and degraded condition .

      That your petitioners would call tlic attention of your honourable house to the fact that a vast portion of the common lands of the kingdom has been seized by the aristocracy under the guise of law ; that your petitioners conceive that the people ' s right to tho common lands is clear and indisputable ; that the reversion of the ten millions of acres of common lands to the people would be productive of incalculable benefit ; that those ten millions of acres might be divided into two millions of farms of five acres each , upon which two millions of families might be located , and surrounded with circumstances of health , peace , and prosperity ; and thatthe location of even half the aforesaid number of families upon the land would take the " surplus population" from tho artificial labour market , leaving the residue in a position to secure an equitable remuneration for their toil .

      Your petitioners , therefore , pray your honourable house to repeal all Acts for the enclosure of common lands , and restore them to the people , their legitimate owners ; and that your honourable house will be pleased to vote a sum of money for the employment of the " surplus population" on suchlands , which sum may be realisedby reducing the civil list , the army and navy , and other Governmental expenses ; thereby reducing the poor-rates , and giving an impetus to a valuable and salutary home trade . And your petitioners will ever pray . [ The Executive Committee beg to call the attention of the several localities to the subjoined petition , which they recommend to be adopted at meetings called for that purpose ; to he signed by the chairman of such meetings , and forwarded to the member representing the borough or district in Parliament . —Thos . M . Wheeler , General Secretary . ]

      Mr . Clark said it might be asked , why petition for anything less than the Charter ? If this was less than the Charter , he should say , because they werc desirous o f instructing the House of Commons , and they had no other means than b y petition . ( Hear , hear . ) Thc people had plenty of work in general ; but they required more necessaries , more comforts , and more enjoyments in return for that labour . ( Loud cheers . ) He saw no necessity for going to other countries for food , whilst they had plenty of land , and hands willing to labour in its production , at home . ( Cheers . ) It was the duty of a Government to find beneficial employment for thc people , and if thoir rulers did not do this , they were not a Government , but a usurpation . ( Loud cheers . _jh-Mr DoyJe said , the reason why the Executive had _thought it necessary to bring this matter before the

      _mtetinowas , that the House of Commons might bo made aware that the people knew the land belonged to them j and also that they might be informed that the people did not like their substance to be wasted on unworthy objects : and he thought further , that , professing , as those honourable gentlemen did , to be the representatives of the people , if the people petitioned for a sum of money to place them on the land , they were bound in justice to grant it . ( Loud cheers . )—Mr . M'Grath said he would cordially support the adoption of the petition . That the people had a right to the land no one would attempt to deny . The legislature had at different times passed Acts of Parliament to the number of two thousand , under

      wmen Acts tney naa deprived tne people of not less than six million acres of land—( hear , hear );—and one of those precious legislators , Lord Worsley appears anxious to deprive them of the remainder by enclosing the common and waste lands . ( Hear hear . ) It was their duty to let the house know that they were acquainted with this , and that they were resolved to resist the fell destroyer to the utmost ( Cheers . ) The Convention had heard elaborated a plan by which the working class might to a great extent regain possession of the land , Another thine the Convention recommended was the _estobUshment of co-operative stores . _Profit-mongering was Ene land ' s bane , and working men must' be stultified indeed if they did not throw off this tax , and the

      National Victim And Defence Fund Committ...

      profit that might accrue from the storf" - mi ght be employed in locating them on the land . Tiie total o those who live without producing anything USeful is seven miJlions . It was said by some , "but tliey do not live on your industry . " He contended , how . ever , that those who produced nothing themselves " yet lived , must live on the substance of those who did produce . ( Loud cheers . ) And he contended until the divino injunction given by Saint Paul _waJ carried out—namely , " He whowill not work , neither shall he eat "—poverty , misery , degradation , and starvation , would continue the lot of the many , } fo M'Grath resumed his seat amidst the loudest anl plause . The petition was unanimously adop ted , and ordered to be signed by the chairman on behalf of the meeting , and forwarded to the members of the borough for presentation . A considerable number came forward and took out cards-of membership of the National Charter Association ,, and the meeting then dissolved ' .

      City Chartist Ham ,, Turnag , _- _* n-la _}* e . —Impor . _tast Lecture . —Mr . M'Grath delivered a very talented and instructive lecturo in this hall , on Sunday evening last , to the most numerous assemblage of persona congregated within the _walto-for a longpery of time . Mr . Dear was unanimously called to the chair , and after reading the leading articles from the Northern Star , introduced the lecturer , who took for his subject " The Present State and Prospects of Political Parties- " which he handled in hi s usual style , clearly showing that , however prostrate Chartism may be at the present moment , it still maintains a supremacy above all " clap-trap" and

      " expedienoy-mongcring" measures .. He then most ably reviewed the cause of the failure of Trades Unions and strikes , took a hasty glance at thc Re . peal movement during the last twelvemonths , condemning Mr . O'ConneU ' s wavering policy between "federalism" and " simple Repeal , " and the conduct of " Irish Repealers on tho Maynooth grant ;" and he finally concluded amidst loud applause , Several gentlemen briefly addressed the meeting on the questions he had raised , pro and con . Tho lecturer replied , and a vote of thanks having been passed , the meeting broke up , highly delighted with the treat afforded them .

      Metropolitan District Council , 1 , Turnagain . lane , Sunday , May 4 th ; Mr . Pattenden in the chair . —Mi ' . John Arnott moved— "That thc best thanks of this Council are due , and aro hereby given , to the members of the late Chartist Convention , for the able manner in whicli they propounded and put into practical shape the highly important measures brought under their consideration . And this Council earnestly request all localities to exert themselves to carry the same into operation . " Thc resolution was seconded by Mr . Milne ; and Messra . J . F ,

      Linden , 1 . M . Wheeler , Tucker , and others , having addressed thc Council in favour of the same , it was carried unanimously . A resolution was also unanimously adopted , calling upon all Chartists ( especially those residing in the metropolitan districts } immediately to take up their cards and hand-books . It was likewise unanimously agreed that an address be issued to the Chartists of the metropolitan district , and that Messra . J . F . Linden , I . Arnott , and e ' . Stallwood be appointed to prepare the same , and bring it before tho board on Sunday next . The Council then adjourned .

      Chartist Hall , Blackfkugs-roao . — The Lambeth Chartists met in thc above hall last Sunday evening , when an excellent lecture was delivered by Mr . Candy on the " Poor Man ' s share of Prosperity , " as set forth in Lord John Russell ' s resolutions . Seventeen males and three females took up their cards of membership , and on Monday , after the report of thc delegate to the National Conference , sixteen more were added to their number . The Chartists of Lambeth will carry out the resolutions of the Convention respecting the Registration and the Land .

      Wihtechapei ,. —Mi * . Bolwell lectured on Sunday evening to a respectable audience at the White Horse , St . Mary-street , Whitechapel , and was greatly ap . plauded . Mr . Shaw , late delegate to the Convention , also addressed the assembly , and urged them to renewed exertions in the good cause . The chair was ably filled by Mr . Perry . Several new members were enrolled , and the members present took up tlieir renewed cards of membership . Victim Committee . —This newly-elected committee

      met ior the hrst time on Sunday , May 4 th , at the hall , 1 , Turnagain-lane : Mr . Mills was unanimously called to the chair . Thc secretary ( Mr . T . M . Wheeler ) was instructed to write to Mr . Clark , secretary to the late Manchester Victim Committee , for all necessary information . Also to communicate with Mr . O'Connor , that the committee maybe acquainted with the amount of funds in hand . One sovereign was then voted to the victim John Richards , and thc committee adjourned until Sunday afternoon next , May llth , at five o ' clock .

      Marylebone . —Mr . Clark lectured on Sunday evening to au enthusiastic audience , at Circus-street , Marylebone , on the subject of "Trades Unions ;" proving that although theymight be palliatives totlic present unnatural system , yet they of themselves could never enable the labourer to receive the full reward of his industry , because he was not in t / ic possession of equal political power with the capitaM who employed him . Mr . Clark ' s illustrations werc highl y approved of , and a unanimous vote of thanks was given to him for his services . Somers Town . —Mr . Doyle lectured to a crowded audience , on Sunday evening , at Somers Town , on thesubjectof "Registration , " and "The necessity of carrying out thc plan of the Convention to obtain possession of the Land : " both of which subjects he treated with great ability , and to the satisfaction of thc audience .

      Camberwell and _, Walworth . —At a numerous meeting of the Chartist , of the above districts on Monday evening , May the 5 th , at thc _Montpclier Tavern , Walworth . — Mr . John Ingram in the chair —the fallowing persons were nominated General Councillors of thc National Charter Association . Messrs . R . Sewell , John Sewell , John Simpson , James Rhodes , William Ingram , Edward Murhall , H . S . Jordan , and John Llewellyn . Mr . John Simpson was likewise re-nominated to the Metropolitan District Council . A vote of thanks was passed to Mr . John Simpson for the great service rendered by him to Chartism in this district . At the _mianimous request ofthe meeting , Mr . Simpson consented to become a member of the Central Registration *> nd Election Committee for this district , and was appointed accordingly . Several new members were enrolled .

      Cur ofLonoon . —Sir , —The City of London locaht request insertion for the enclosed resolution in thc forthcoming Star . I am , sir , yours , respectfully , D , Gover , jun ., sub-sec . Resolved— " That we , the Char _« tists of the City of London , most heartily congratulate Mr . Thomas Cooper on his release from suffering and imprisonment in Sta ff ord gaol , ; consequent upon his great and earnest exertions to _' _ni-OD - _iote thc welfare and the best interests of mankind ; and as it was in the cause , and for the benefit ofthe working classes that he laboured , we feel in duty bound to render to him our hearty and sincere thanks for the noble and determined efforts made by him , and the untiring energy he exhibited in endeavou ring to regain for us those legitimate rights which the

      ' factions' have unjustly deprived us of . Wc deeply regret that anything should have arisen to _martluJ otherwise happy and joyful event ; but wc ice ! that we should fail in discharging our duty to him aiw -justice , did we not express our regret at the manner in which his letters have been suppressed , vindicating him from ( what we deem ) the unfounded and unjus ' charges brought against him" at Manchester . _»« also most cordially and sincerely wish him in his future progress through life that happiness and prosperity which he , by his exertions , endeavoured to confer on others , and , in conclusion , we hope that at no distant period those efforts will be crowned with the

      success , and that he will be rewarded with thanks of a happy and free people . " l " give insertion to the foregoing , tliough it comes unaccompanied by any explanation of tlic ti < _M or place where the meeting at which it purports to have been passed was held , or , indeed , any explanation or introduction at all , other than the one wc have given . Respecting the resolution itself , we have only to say , that the regret expressed respecting the " suppression of letters , " if at all intended to apply to us , is based on a falsehood : the fact being , that every line , word , and syllable _^ s ent by Mr-Cooper , in " vindication" of himself from the charge made at Manchester , found a ready place in thc Star . }

      NOTTINGHAM . On Sunday , last a publie meeting was held in the Democratic Chapel , Nottingham , to receive Mr . Dorman ' s report of the proceedings of the late Conference . On the motion of Mr . Mott , Mr . Sweet wsi unanimously called on to preside , and opened the business by a few well-timed remarks , and then introduced Mr . Dorman to the meeting . Mr . DoriB'i . spoke for nearly an hour , calling the attention of 1 " * audience to the several propositions of thc Convention , which appeared to give satisfaction . At the close he received the unammous thanks of the meeting for his services . The chairman concluded U 1 _* _- meeting by calling upon all true democrats to act uP to their principles , and to be united , for they wo ' " ultimately triumph .

      n o STOCKPORT . .... On Sundat evening last , a public meeting of ' . " j inhabitants of Stockport was held in the Churif room , to hear the report of the delegate to the V Chartist Conference . The chairman being _appoin-f / Mr . T . "Webb proceeded with bis report ; after v < W he dwelt at considerable length upon the necesj of the people becoming members of the Char" * Co-operative Land Society , and als ( the _desiraW "' of establishing a registration committee . * _jj Webb ' s report gave general satisfaction ; and at _<\ conclusion of his address fifteen persons ente _" _^ their names as members of the Land Society , * *" are prepared to commence subscriptions us so _« r the necessary arrangements are entered into W ' _^ board of directors . Seven members also jom _**** Chartist Association .

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), May 10, 1845, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns3_10051845/page/6/