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LETTERS October 27, 1849. ' THE NORTHERN...
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LETTERS TO THE WORKING CLASSES. LXIV. "W...
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Impkisoxmexi fob. Cnuncn Rates.—By a rec...
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NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF UNITED TRADES. T...
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MIDDLESEX SESSIONS. On Tuesday, thc Octo...
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CLERKEiYWELL. -Charge op Rapk.—William J...
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TIIE LiNCASUIRE MINERS. The fortnightly ...
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Sunday Labour at the Post-office.—Wc und...
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,. -^iyfi^^^ '*'<d.v«£ Seagal
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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Letters October 27, 1849. ' The Northern...
October 27 , 1849 . ' THE NORTHERN _SffAR . I 7 ' " ~ ' ~ — ¦ ... .... _. ¦ Q
Letters To The Working Classes. Lxiv. "W...
LETTERS TO THE WORKING CLASSES . LXIV . "Words are things , anda small drop of ink Falling—like dew—upon a thought , produces That which makes thousands , perhaps millions think . " BTJl 0 S # T . ' ETTr'D ' O
THE POLITICAL VICTIMS . MORE PATRIOTS MURDERED IN HUNGARY AND _GERMAN . Brother _Proletarians , Thc " _Spectator" of Saturday last contains an article on the Cholera , the writer of which labours to show that that disease is occasioned hy impaired or over-matched digestive powers , produced hy the quantity or quality of the nutriment taken for a brief or a continuous antecedent period ; and that its attacks are aggravated or accelerated hy impure air , _uncleanliaess , deficient exercise , mental anxiety , or other adventitious circumstauces known to influence ihe general health .
Pursuing his argument , the Editor of the " _Spectator" ohserves that : — "The cases of & etwo unhappy Chartists , who lately , and almost simultaneously , died of Cholera , in prison , afford a forcible and practical illustration . Chagrin , water-gruel , sudden transition to inaction and close confinement , appear to _Tiave destroyed them 1 " The verdict of the " Spectator" I deem of
much more authority than ihe verdicts of shopocratical juries—slaves of routineand prejudice , and ever ready ( with rare exceptions , such as the Calthorpe-street jury , ) to bolster up an iniquitous system , and unfeeling executioners of oppressive laws , by ascribing to the operation of natural disease , and the " visitation of God , " effects which justly should be charged to man ' s wickedness and inhumanity to his felloir creatures .
A human being stabbed to death by an assassin might be said to die of loss of blood ; but the voice of justice would very properly pronounce the act of stabbing the Tictim , Murder . Possibly Williams aud Sharp died of Cholera but the Cholera , as might have been foreseen by the parties concerned , was occasioned by the victims being subjected to ( worse than
water-gruel ) bread and water only , close confinement , and mental torture . " Crowuer ' s Quest Law " acquitted the prison officials and their masters of all blame . So be it . "Rich men rule the laws , " and the poor must submit . It will , nevertheless , be as well for the people to hear in mind the " Spectator ' s" most just and true verdict on the deaths of poor _Sjxmr and Williams .
I understand that , on Tuesday evening last , ameeting of Metropolitan Chartists was held at Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street , for the purpose of establishing a committee to raise a fund for the benefit ofthe widows of the late Joseph Williams , and _Alexander Sharp . Aprinted circular , requestingmy attendance atthe meeting , only reached my hands on Wednesday eve—twenty-four hours after ihe meeting had taken place—otherwise I would have been present to have assisted in the formation of the committee ; or , had I found it impossible to have attended , I would , at least , have accounted bv letter for my absence . I
understand that a committee has been appointed , and a sub-committee selected , for the purpose of preparing an address to the public , calling attention to the suggested testimonial . It is to be hoped , that when the address shall be published in this and other journals , that some active man in every locality , where Chartists exist , will be found to bring the subject before the few " good and true , " who will , iu turn , address themselves to the many ; I trust , with immediate and most successful results . Popular neglect ofthe families ofthe martyrs would be a dark stain upou the working classes generally , and the Chartists in particular .
The initiative as regards the proposed fund for the Widows of Williams and Sharp , has been taken by the Chartist Council ofthe Tower Hamlets . The Chartists of the Cripplegate locality are also moving in a good work , second only to that of providing for the living , namely , the paying of due honour to the patriotic dead . I am requested to state that the Cripplegate Chartists are -working with energy to secure the erection of a monumental testimonial of public regard for the memories of Williams and
Sharp , and _Haxshard—the young man who died of the injuries inflicted on him by the police , when the latter were engaged in forcibly and brutally dispersing a Chartist meeting held at Bonner's Fields , in tha summer of 1848 . It is intimated to me , that funds are wanting to carry out the praiseworthy design of the Cripplegate Chartists . While earnestly appealing to all haters of oppression to give their aid to this sacred work , I respectfully suggest to my Cripplegate _friendsimpropriety of briefly stating—through
, an address or advertisement—the kind of testimonial they design to erect , and the sum necessary for that purpose , at the same time giving the name of some gentleman possessing public confidence ( such as Mr . _O'CoxiTOli _, or Mr . George Thompson , or Mr . W . D . Saul , or Mr . George Rogers ) , who will consent to act as Treasurer . Gratitude to the martyrs , and , indeed , the very honour of the Chartist name , demands the success of the Cripplegate friends . May ihey succeed in obtaining the support of their brethren
throug hout the country . I had hoped to have been able , by this time , to have congratulated the whole of our persecuted brothers on their freedom from further prison-torture ; but I am disappointed . _Iammformedthatthepohticalp risonersUberafcdfrom _ffirkdale on the 12 th inst ., numbered eleven lit is strange that no one of the prisoners or their friends has thought proper to send a notice to this paper of the names of the persons liberated , and the circumstances connected with their liberation . Up to this tune I know only the names of th * three mentioned
intheposteripttomyletter , mlastbaturday s " Star . " ] Dr . M'Douall , I believe , has had no intimation of any mitigation of his sentence , although he is in a state of but very indifferent health , arising from the want of proper food , and fresh air and exercise . There have been rumours of the forthcoming liberation of our friends in Tothill Fields , but "the good time coming" has not yet come . It is suggested by Dr . M'Douaix ' s family , that memorials should he got up in favour of his liberation . In making known the wishes
of Dr . M'Douall ' s family , Imust confess I am not sanguine of those wishes being responded to . Recent appeals for memorials have been received with almost general apathy . The Chartists of London , and some few other places , have done well ; but I doubt if , altogether , ten public meetings have been holdcn throughout Great Britain . Such lamentable , unfeeling apathy is dishonourable to the Working Classes . The Proletarians should he like a 3 Iacedonian Phalanx , or the Iheto aid
Ian Sacred Band , welded together and protect , and ( if need be ) die for each other Until vou are animated by such a ihl ' there _can be no salvation for your order . Still the blood ofthe brave is flowing . 1 _prated in my last week ' s Letter that there _£ ould he further executions m Hungary Alas ! they had already taken p lace ! On the 9 th or 10 th ( both dates are named ) , three or four davs after the MURDER of _Bat-THvittT . and the SLAUGHTERS at Arad ,
IiADlSLAs _CsANTti , lately Minister of Public Works , and Baron Jeszexak _, Commissioner tinder Kosscin , were HA 2 \ GED at Pesth On the scaffold the victims attempted to address the people , " but the roll ofthe drum and the rope of the hangman silenced their voices for ever . " 2 fo ! not for eter ! When , in tho not distant future , the red , rig ht-arm ol TopvAar Vengeance shall be stretched forth to execute justice and judg
Letters To The Working Classes. Lxiv. "W...
ment on the tyrants , then shall the voices of their victims rise from the tomb , to _rinff despair ' s dread knell in the ears of the goredyed oppressors . Yes ! and when the nations arise again , to again do their own work—and doiteffectuall y the voices ofthe slain patriots shall ! be heard by Libert y ' s soldiers , inspiring them to strike down , and destroy for ever , the executioners of Humanity , and the system with Avhich the purple-clad , _savages have too long afflicted the world . .
Other executions have taken place at Pesth , and it appears that sixty more of the _leading Hungarians were marked down to be mur _° dered , m batches of threes and sixes at a time . But there is hope that such will not be the case . It seems that the Austrian _Empebou has sense enough tobe apprehensive of a dav of retribution , and hence , becoming alarmed has recalled _Hatnatj , and put a stop to that Jf _yeno ' _s feed on human flesh . Report states that this monster is to be Plenipotentiary to the Prussian Court ; or something of that sort . Why not to the British Court ? I can
assure him that the gates of St . James ' s Palace would not he closed against him . 1 can assure him that even the Liberal Lord Palmerston would not hesitate to invite him to the usual diplomatic spreads , and aristocratic revels . More ; I can promise Ha nau , if he will come here , he shall iria the smiles of those ladies of " rank and fashion" who smiled upon—nay , worshipped—the
womanflogging , nun-torturing , child-slaying , _peoplemurdering [ Nicholas . I can promise him , too , the protection ofthe Police , and the undisguised disgust of Smithfield drovers and WHtechapel butchers ; and no , I will not anticipate what the people would do for him ; indeed , it is not easy to imagine what the people might do if they found an untamed Hyena , without chain or keeper , in the streets of this Metropolis .
To-day ' s news from Germany brings information of new executions in Baden . Three brave Republicans—Jansen , Schrador , and Bernigan—were put to death on the 19 th or 20 th of this month , at Rastadt , for taking a prominent part in the insurrection in Baden , and fighting against the Prussian troops . They were murdered b y command of that royal , religious ruflian , the King of Prussia . When will the frauds and
hypocrisies , and blood-spilling deeds of that princely perjurer be brought to an end ? " Dow long shall the gory Ogre , Poweb , Pile column of skulls on column ? 0 ! JUSTICE , hasten thy judgment hour , And open thy doomsday volume ! No more oil'd speech , it is time the drove Of tyrants should hear theiv fate read ; _TVe ' vetoolongbeenchugg'dwith the talk of " love , " Let the watchword be henceforth " Hatred !"
Itold you in my last week ' s Letter , that the pretended sympathy of the Press-gang ruffians for the victims of despotic power , was but rank hypocrisy . Behold tho proofs that I was right ; the correspondent of the " Times , " who at first affected to feel sympathy for tbe unfortunate Madame de Madeksbacii , has since changed his tone , and intimates that , after all , she got off easily , for if she had not been flogged ( and her husband driven to commit suicide ) she would have been murdered by the Austrian soldiers . Why so ? Because the unhappy lady " had always been a passionate
partizan of the Magyars , " and " gave such information as enabled them to take the Imperialists by surprise . " What " surprise ?" She , it seems , in some way or other , aided Bem and Kmbty in their escape . Such was her crime ; (!) sufficient in the eyes ofthe " Times'" correspondent to at least excuse the unmanl y and inhuman punishment inflicted upou her . The reader will not he surprised to learn that the said infamous correspondent has , in the most dastardly manner , calumniated tho victim Csantj , even after his death . The cowardly slanderer insinuates that the martyr died a coward . Nothing is too base for the wretches of the Press-gang .
From many more illustrations of Pressgang villanyl will select but another instance . The Berlin correspondent of the "Morning Chronicle , " writing from that city on the 13 th of October , states that "it is generally reported that delegates from all the democratic committees of Germany , and of other countries , willmeetin London _duringtheensuing month . " He then goes on to insinuate that the " demagogue leaders " of Germany , & c , are about to concoctwiththe Chartists some terribletreason
against the blessed rulers of the Continent , and he charitably adds : — " This report , whether true or false , is worthy the attention of those whose _bounden duty it is to look to the tranquillity of the country , and who are , above all things , called upon to see that British hospitality be not abused , & c , & c . * * * There is danger to England from the unrestricted meetings aud conspiracies of desperate men , who would fain disseminate their poisonous doctrines among the English people , and whose greatest joy would be the downfall of all that is held sacred hy loyal Englishmen , & c , & c . "
There is more in the same strain , but I have copied sufficient to show you the villain ' s obj _ect Instructed , and no doubt well paid , by the Prussian Government for his dirty work , this informer—or rather , I should say , fabricator of falsehoods—has set himself to the task of furnishing the British Government with a pretext for putting the Alien Act into execution , with the view of thereby forcing the unfortunate eiiles back into the clutches of the murderer of the Badenese . Is it possible to conceive a blacker crime than the work of this unrepentant Judas ofthe " Chronicle ?"
The " sublime and beautiful" story of Foreign delegations and conspiracies with thc Chartists , I know to be an unmitigated falsehood . As to the " poisonous doctrines" denounced by the " Chronicle ' s" scribe , meaning thereby the doctrines of "Equality , Liberty , Fraternity '— " Justice to all , Privilege to none" —I beg to assure that worthy that there is no occasion for "demagogue leaders" to come here from Germany , or any other country , merely forthesakeofpropagating such doctrines , seeing that that good work is being already done by " loyal Englishmen , " and , amongst others , by the absolutist Pressgang ' s determined enemy , L'AMI DU PEUPLE . October 25 , 1819 .
Impkisoxmexi Fob. Cnuncn Rates.—By A Rec...
_Impkisoxmexi fob . Cnuncn Rates . —By a recent Act of Parliament ( 12 Vict . cap . U ) a limit is fixed for the first time to imprisonment for non-payment of _clnirchrates . The 9 thsection declares , " _wheveas it is desirable to limit the time within which a person assessed to a church rate may he imprisoned for non-payment ofthe same , be it enacted that any person now undergoing such imprisonment shall be discharged from such imprisonment so soon as he or she shall be imprisoned three calendar months , or shall sooner pay the sum or sums with which he or she is charged , and that hereafter no person shall be imprisoned for the non-payment of any church rate for any time exceeding three calendar months . " Until this act was passed persons were kept in custody for indefinite periods . _Ladt Fraxklin , —This amiable lady , for whom and her gallant husband and party the sympathies of a civillised world are so deeply awakened , is at about
present gleaning all the information she can those dreary and ice-bound regions in which her intrepid husband has been so long imprisoned , in order to organise some plan of relief early in the spring . For this purpose she visited Kirkaldy on Thursday week to avail herself of all the information which Georg e Turnbull , Esq . ( long a proprietor and manager of the whalers there ) , and Captain Kinnear , who for a long period of his life has been familiar with tbat desolate country , could afford her . It will he recollected that it 'was Captain _Einncv who brought to this country the Esquimaux youth Akhatook , who , before he returned to his native snows , had acquired a tolerable knowledge ofthe English language . It is much to be regretted that Akkatook was not at Pond ' s Bay when the natives gave the information concerning the imprisonment ofthe exp loring parties . In any father attempt to relieve the sufferers ( Akkatook is still alive ) his services would he invaliiahle , _ii / _i ? Advertiser .
National Association Of United Trades. T...
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF UNITED TRADES . TO THE EDITOR OP TIIE K 0 RTHERX STAR . MB , —May I solicit the insertion in your next number ofthe following remarks , elicited by the letter in your last week ' s paper sismed "Alfred A . Walton . " To the principles and opinions enunciated by that gentleman I have nothing to object , the y being precisely similar , if not identical with those propounded hy the National Association of United Trades , and promulgated in their "Monthly Reports , " particularly in Nos . 3 , 4 , and G , for February , March , aud May , 1818 , which latter article , under the title
I of " Organisation of Labour , " has since been I re-published in the form ot a tract , of which several thousands have been circulated , embodied also in two successive editions ofthe Laws ofthe Association ; and , lastly , reprinted in extenso ( by your favour ) in the columns of the" Northern Star , " only a few weeks since . "Whatever merit or excellence may , therefore , be found in Mr . _Waiton's proposed scheme , by which alone-as he affirms—the working classes can be permanentl y benefitted , he , at least , cannot claim for it the merit of originality . I have said—aud will now endeavour to show—that the princi ples and opinions of your correspondent are similar , if not identical with those prounded by the National
Association . The following extracts from an article in the Monthl y Report for March , 1818 , might readily be considered the Wewc whence Mr . Walton has drawn the opinions and recommendations he so ably enforces iu his letter , and must , to all unprejudiced persons show , that the principles on which Mr . WALTON , alld his friends are seeking to establish a flteio National Organisation of Trades , are identicall y those upon which the National Association of United Trades is based , and who claim—and are fairly entitled to— 'the honour of being the
first and only existing Industrial movement ; and which , to use Mr . Walton ' s own words , "havehad the intelligence and fortitude to make a stand against this nefarious system , of man being used up h y man . " The Executive of the National Association , therefore , invite Mr . Walton , and every generous and enlightened friend to the producing classes , to aid them in realising those superior and vital principles of which he is so enthusiastic au admirer , and which , we believe , are the onl y ones upon which an effective and beneficial movement can be established .
I now proceed to my extracts from the Monthly Report , March 1 st , 1818 : — It is impossible to over estimate the importance of this inquiry , or the results which it involves . Tlie facts marshalled in previous articles show conclusively that the industrial classes of this country are at the mercy of a false and most injurious system of producing and distributing wealth , hy which _machinery of the most powerful description is brought into competition with manual labour , and that in future , as in all times past , manual labour must be inevitably worsted in tlie unavailing struggle to cope with the enormous hostile agencies which constantly grind it to the dust .
Are we then to give up the contest in despair ? or , because there are no better means of _fighting the _viattle o 1 industry , persevere with blind desperation in tho crude , unsuccessful , but still brave and high-spirited course ive have hitherto adopted ? Neither ; there is no cause for despair , and the noble spirit of self-sacrifice , —the courageous resistance to oppression , —the funds which have hitherto been applied for the support of strikes and turnouts , are all that is necessary in order to effect the com . plete emancipation of industry from the monster tyranny under what it has so long groaned .
Out of these raw materials may he easily constructed—whenever tho sons of Industry will it—a new system that must place the possessors of labour upon an equality with the possessors of capital , and enable them to demand and obtain a fair and just participation in the products of their united powers . It is not the want of means which prevents the Trades from realising these results , but the want of knowledge , strong enough to direct the means at their disposal into a new and
rational channel . It would he easy to produce a long list of cases in which different trades , after expending enormous sums , have been compelled to succumb to their employers , hut it would be merely encumbering this report with a " thrice told tale . '' - It is impossible to ascertain the aggregate amount of the loss thus caused ; no means exist for obtaining correct statistics on the subject ; but we believe that one million sterling is not an exaggerated estimate of the actual cost to tho
working classes of the strikes and turn outs during the last twelve or fourteen years . Taking merel y a pecuniary view ofthe question , we ask , has this money been well spent ? —Bas it improved the mental and moral condition of tlie labouring classes ?—Has it secured them from the necessity of labouring as unremittingly as ever , or precluded the probability of a pauper ' s death aud a pauper ' s coffin ? Has it made a provision for the better training of your sons and daughters , or will the burden you have borne of an unrequited and unceasing toil , be more lightly laid upon your shoulders ? The answer to these questions must be in the negative .
No party or class will be able to oppress or injure the operatives of this country , when once they become aware of their own powers , and of the immense means at their disposal , and learn how to unite and apply these powers and means to the promotion of their own welfare . The working classes hold in their own hands all the real power of society : they _cultivate the earth , which supplies the food of all classes—they fabricate the clothing which covers the bodies of all classes—they build the houses and the ships—they construct the
railways , docks , machinery , and furniture required for the wants of society at large ; and whenever the millions of money , which they might command , are rationally employed by them , tyranny and slavery will become obsolete terms . " Millions , '' some may say ; " where are they ? " They are in sick , burial , building , and trade societies— -in money clubs and saving-banks . In each of them comparatively uselessly , in some positivel y mischievously employed—in none of them so applied as to promote in reality either their present or prospective permanent well-being .
Then follows a series of powerful and con vincing arguments , enforcing the adoption of a system of self-employment , upon the principle of associated labour , as advocated by Mr . Walton , to supersede the old injurious system of strikes and turnouts . The establishment of colonies combining , like Mr . Walton ' s , shoemaking and carpentering , manufacturing and agricultural arrangements , is proposed as the only true mode of dealing with the surplus labour , which , by reducing wages , leads to strikes and all their concomitant evils . The whole-article closes with the following paragraph : —
The operatives have hitherto contended for toil and mats . Their ambition bas been bounded by the desire to be well fed slaves , or to the attainment of the position or well treated menials alone . They-must lookup . il w > are , thank God ! looking up , and if they respond to our appeal in a proper spirit , the task , mighty as it is , nil ] be achieved .. Whatever difficulties may seem to oppose tlie progress of these views will be certain to vanish belore a steady and undeviating perseverance ; and the parties upon whom we now call will discover that it is easier to lead men the right way than the wrong one . Ik-fore the might ot disinterested and unflagging efforts for this high and _uoij object , the most sturdy prejudices will quail , aiiu tlie thousand phantoms conjured up by ignorance to impede its attainment will vanish like morning mists .
The subject is continued in the report for May , in the article before alluded to , headed " Organisation of Labour , " in which the out lines of a plan for realising the principles _previously advanced , are more systematically developed , and every requirement contained , or even hinted at in Mr . _Walton ' s various communications upon this important subject , anticipated andprovided for . There aro some copies of this tract still on hand , and may he had on
app lication at our office . 1 think , bir , 1 nave clearly established the claim of the National Association , as the first promulgator of those views now advocated by Mr . Walton , and upon which he seeks to establish a " National Organisation of Trades ; " but how far two Associations , having precisely the same objects
National Association Of United Trades. T...
in view , with titles so singularly similar , as to [ lead almost to the conclusion that one of them _, had been selected in imitation of , or as a supersedeas to the other , is rational or desirable , is , I think , very questionable ; but of this 1 am quite certain that the disposition frequently evinced by tho working mm to carry that hateful spirit of competition , evacuate their places , and arrangements for social and political regeneration , is a thing to be utterly deplored and deprecated . Divide et imperu , is the tyrant ' s maxim . Unite and conquer , should be the antagonistic maxim of every true friend of the order of Labour . I
I hope , Sir , I shall not be open to the charge ot seeking to disparage or throw any obstruction m the way of Mr . Walton ' s praiseworthy desire to benefit his feUow-woriingmcn . I am too deeply impressed with a sense of the sad consequences which have always sprung trom the contentions and divisions of the working classes to do that _; but , as an act of justice to that movement with which I have tlie honour to be associated , I am desirous thatthc delegates about to meet in John-street , should be made acquainted with the fact , that an association alread y exists , perfectly organised , and full
y prepared with plans for the carrying out of those principles and practices recommended by Mr . Walton . It will he for that gentleman and his friends to show , and for the delegates to consider , how far thc interests ot Labour are likel y to be advanced by the contentions of rival associations , and whether it would not be more consistent , and in every respect more advantageous , for all who are friendly to the redemption of human labour , to associate and concentrate their talent and energies to realise " one truly National Confederation of the Trades of Great Britain , " for the purpose of carrying out those vital principles
enunciated by the National Association , and so unreservedl y subscribed to by your correspondent , Mr . Walton . As co-operators in a holy cause , and not as antagonists , thc Executive of the National Association—in their character of representatives of a numerous portion of the Trades of Great Britain—will present , for the information of the assembled delegates , copies of their pamphlet on the " Organisation of Labour , '' as published by them on May 1 st , 1818 .
I think , Sir , your readers will perceive in the whole tenor of this letter—dictated as it has been by a sense of duty—a desire to promote the great objects which Mr , WALTON and the Executive of the National Association are mutually pledged to , by preventing , if possible , a division in the ranks of social and industrial reformers , and laying the foundation of a confederation upon such enlarged and enlightened principles as shall inspire the working classes with new hopes , and stimulate them to renewed exertions for their social emancipation . I am , Sir , your obedient servant , Wm . Peel , Secretary .
Middlesex Sessions. On Tuesday, Thc Octo...
MIDDLESEX SESSIONS . On Tuesday , thc October adjourned sess on commenced at the ' Court-house , _Clerl-cnwell . There were sixty-three prisoners for trial , fifty-eight ol them being indicted for felony . Thirty-three were described in the calendar as imperfectly instructed in reading and writing , ten as competent to read only , and twenty could neither read nor write . Robbery of _Flag-stoxbs . —John Burton , 36 , stone-mason , was indicted for stealing 100 feet of _flag-sto-e , thc property of Richard _Slialders . Mr . Mcllor appeared for the prisoner . —The prosecutor deposed that he was a builder , living in Grosveuorstreet , Stepney , lie had lately purchased a _carin of
flag-stones , of Messrs . _Holroyd _' and Sons , of Rastrick , near Halifax , and they were unloaded from a pchnoner lying off Whiting's Wharf , Ratcliff , on Friday , the 12 th inst ., the delivery being commenced ou the Wednesday before , on which day the prisoner went to him , at some buildings in Bromely-street , and asked if he might superintend the unloading . He gave him no permission to do so , but he undertook it on his own responsibility ; and on tbe 16 th the witness , in consequence of information he had received , went and counted over the flag-stones which had been unloaded , when he found a quantity deficient , and he gave the prisoner into custody , — From thc evidence of other witaess < s , it appeared that the prisoner had directed a carman employed in removing the stones to take some of tbem to
some new buddings in Arbor-street , belonging to a person named Cox , to whom on the previous day the prisoner had represented that he had a hundred feet of stone for sale , and Cox had agreed to purchase it . Thc prisoner said that he had a quantity of other stone to dispose of , but the transactions _niiist be for cash , as he was acting for the captain of the schooner , who wanted the money . The hundred feet were delivered by thc carman , and the prisoner received the money agreed to be given . —Mr . _Mellor , in cr . ss-examining the witnesses , endeavoured to slv > w that the prisoner had been commissioned by the prosecutor on several _orcasions to _dispose of stone and other building materials , but it was positively denied . —The jury fouiid the prisoner' Guilty , " and the Court sentenced him to be kept to hard labour for two calendar months .
Wednesday . — A Juvknii . ii Criminal . —Edward Toghill ( tho boy alluded to by Mr . Sergeant Adams in his charge to the grand jury on Tuesday ) and Edward Skae were indicted for _having stolen nine silk handkerchiefs , the property of John Hitchcock , draper , of 139 , Edgware-road . —Counsel appeared on behalf of Toghill . —The evidence of the prosecutor _, and policemen 95 and 135 of tho D division of Metropolitan Police , clearly proved the case against the prisoners . They were seen lurking together in Eugware-road , and the officers indicated above , knowing who they were , watched their proceedings . They stood some time looking into the window of the prosecutor ' s shop , and at length Toghill went in , and whilst the prosecutor was
wailing upon a customer , he walked deliberately up to a pile of hankcrchiefs exhibited in the window , took possession of a portion of them , and made oft " . Thc officers , however , captured both him and Skae ( who had followed Toghill , ) and conveyed them to the police-station .-The jury found both prisoners " Guilty . "—The indictment further charged , that on the 17 th day of August , in the year 1 S 47 , and on the 10 th of August , in the present year , the prisoner Toghill was convicted summarily by metropolitan police magistrates . The sentence upon vSkac was that he be kept to hard labour for six calendar months . —The learned counsel who appeared for Toghill begged , before the couvt sentenced that prisoner , to say that his father , who
was foreman to a tailor , his mother , and his family were respectable , and that the boy when at home was always steady , well behaved . * He was assured by the parents , who had two other children , that ho had been initiated into bad habits by parties with whom Skae was connected ; they had made a tool of him , and he was now their scapegoat . — The learned Judge said nothing could be more atrocious than this . Here was the boy of ten years of ago , who in loss than two years had been convicted summarily no less than eleven times ; he had been wipped seven times by order of the magistrate before whom he was convicted , and fourteen months of thc period he had mentioned was passed in the Houses of Correction in Middlesex , and no doubt
he was acquainted with the prisons in thc City , at Maidstone , and in Horsomonger-lane , yet his parents came here and expected it to be believed that he was a good and steady boy . He it was who seduced others—others did not seduce him . and if this conviction were good lie most certainl y would be transported . It was scarcely credible , that wo wero living in a christian country , and in the nineteenth century , for there were no means of any kind , character or description , that should be applied to this boy and the class to which he belonged . If the prisoner were sentenced to transportation ( he would be if the conviction were valid ) , lie would be sent to l _' arkhurst , and if approved , would be taught a trade , and ultimately sent to one of the colonies . He should order the prisoner to be remanded .
Stkeet Robbeihes by Females . — Caroline Morris , a well-dressed young woman , and a known promenader ofthe Strand , was indicted for stealing a goM watch , value £ 6 10 s ., thc property o Louis de Proscielski , from his person . She was also indicted for havin < r unlawfully placed her hand in the pocket of the said Louis dc Proscielski , with intent to steal a purse containing mpney . —Mr . _O'Brien appeared for thc prisoner . —The prosecutor was a Pole , who had been resident in this country but a very short time lie was accosted by the prisoner in the Strand , as he was returning from a place of
amusement , when she was guilty of the conduct imputed to her in the indictment . —The jury acquitted her on the first charge , and found her guilty upon the second . —The learned judgo said that both verdicts were correct in a legal sense , but he had not tho slightest doubt that she had robbed the prosecutor of his watch . Tho sentence wasthatshe be kept to hard labour for six calendar months . Ellen Clifford , a good-looking and fashionablyattired woman , was found guilty of stealing a watch , value six guineas , from tho person of William Frith Gribblc—Sentenced to sis _miffi _^ hard _lsdiow ,
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Clerkeiywell. -Charge Op Rapk.—William J...
_CLERKEiYWELL . -Charge op Rapk . —William Jams , a respectabl y dressed man , 0 ( 1 years of age , holding the office of Inspector of Nuisances , & c , tor the parish of St . Pancras , was placed at thc bar , on Monday before Mr . Tyrwhitt , charged by Jane _miliamson Collins , a very prepossessing and evidently well educated sir ) , bohvoon oiffhtoon and nineteen years of age , " with a criminal " assaultihe prosecutrix , who was much excited , said that nor parents wero in respectable business in the country , ihey had sent _] ier to jj ( in ( jon ) , vi _, s { , e Had been intlie service of a Mr . Anderson , of Juddstrcet , Lrunswick-square , whom she had served for upwards of twelve months , aud left with a good I character . She was then livintr under the
_protection of Mrs . Kidncr , her godmother , of No . 17 , Brunswick-grove , Camdeu-town . On Thursday morning last , between ton and eleven o ' clock , sh ' o was at her godmother ' s house , when the prisoner camo there , in order , as he said , to examine the sowers , which were out of repair . He inquired of witness whether she had a situation . "She said she had not . He ultimately engaged her to supply the place of his housekeeper , whom he stated to be very ill in the hospital She went to the prisoner ' s house on tho following evening ; and on the next morning he accused her of intending to plunder tlie house ( his apartments consisting of two rooms in an unfinished house in Hamilton-street , Camdcntown , ) and threatened to send for an officer . She
became frightened , and prisoner forced her into his bed-room and effected his purpose . Tlie poor creature was affected to tears , and her modest demeanour , coupled with thc artless manner in which she gave her evidence , excited the sympathy and commiseration of everybody in court . She was closely and severely questioned , and she in no way contradicted herself . She added , that she left the prisoner ' s place and proceeded to her godmother ' s house , and communicated all and everything that had taken place to her , and she ( tho godmother ) called upon tho prisoner , in Hamilton-street , aud on Saturday sho gave him into custody . —By Mr . Tyrwhitt : 1 pushed him from me . "When he seized me I became insensible . The prisoner said , " You
need not he afraid ; I'll not souil n policeman after you . " I put on my bonnet to leave , and he asked me if I would call and see him on thc following ni ght . She swore positively that she never entertained the least idea or intention of robbing the prisoner , and that it was a false charge against her . When she left the house , all she had in her bag was her comb and brush and her nightgown . —Mr " . Henry Parrell Davis , surgeon , of No . li , Clarendonsquare , gave evidence to prove that violence had been used towards the prosecutrix , and that the crime had boon effected . —Mr . Tyrwhitt remanded the prisoner for thc production of further evidence . —Hebbard , 60 E , attended with a written character of thc prosecutrix , of a highly favourable description ,
from Mrs . Anderson , of Judd-street . Charge of Stealing , —John and George Cooke , brothers , and GoovgD Sims , were charged by Mrs . Jane Ford , a well-dressed young woman , residing < it 4 , Ossulston-strcct , Sordcrs-town , with having been concerned in stealing a pearl brooch , value os ., her property . —It appeared from the evidence that on the previous evening , about eight o ' clock , she went to a public-houschcar her residence for the purpose of purchasing her supper beer , when she found tho prisoners and some other persons regaling themselves and larking together before the bar . She was pushed about , when some one seized her by the throat , whilst another hand grasped at the brooch which was pinned on her breast , and tore it away from her . The prisoners were thc principal leaders in the affair , and they van away . Two gentlemen who were present intcfered for her
protection , and prevented further violence towards her . They pursued the prisoners , and apprehended them , but the property was not found on either of them , They were taken to the station-house and locked up till the morning , —Two witnesses were called by the prosecutrix to give evidence , but on mounting the witness-box the gentlemen were found to be quite drunk , clipped thc Queen ' s English , and delivered themselves so thickly , that Mr . Tyrwhitt suggested the necessity of tho postponement of the case until the witnesses became sober . —One of the witnesses said with a hiccup , " I was never more sober in my life . " ( Laughter . ) His fellow witness exclaimed ; " Me drunk ! I'm not drunk . I ' m able to give evidence I ' m per-foct-ly sober . " Mr . Tyrwhitt , how ever , was of a . different opinion , in which everybody iu court was concerned . He ordered the prisoners to find bail for their further appearance to answer to the charere .
BOW-STREET . —A _Pmsasast Evening Spoiled . —A respectably attired middle aged woman was charged with being drunk , and annoying gentlemen in the Mall of St . James ' s Park . —Police-constable A , 1 S 7 , stated that last night he was en duty in the Mall , in plain clothes , when he observed the prisoner accost and annoy several gentlemen , and requested her to go away , telling hcv that he was an officer ; but , instead of doing so , she commenced abusing him . She was drunk at the time , and he thought it right to take her into custody . —Mr . Henry wished to know how it was that she was drunk in the Park ? She replied , that she was gOillg homo from a brother ' s * in Wardour-strcct , Oxford-street , where she had been spending thc evening rather pleasantly ; but , although sho had been drinking , she was not in the least intoxicated . —The policeman repeated that she was , while the defendant reiterated that she was not , adding her opinion that it was impossible that a respectable woman like herself could get drunk . —Mr . Henry
dm not doubt that sho was what she represented herself to be , but it is quite clear she was not quite sober , ami it was therefore reasonable to believe that sho had been guilty ofthe charge imputed to her . Still , the fact of her having been arrested was a sufficient punislunent for the offence , and he should order her to he discharged . —Thc defendant complained bitterly of having been dragged through the public streets as an offender against the laws , and accused the police constable of having unnecessarily pulled her clothes about . —Mr . Henry thought that the drink she had taken must have had some effect upon her senses , and her own violence might have caused that . To some extent she ought to be thankful that she was allowed to go away without a penalty , but ho hoped the night's imprisonment sho had suffered would be a warning to her to keep sober in future . She was then discharged . SOUTHWARK . — Attempted Robbery by a
PiuzE-HGiiTRrc—George _Bigncll , a powerful-looking young fellow , well known to the sporting world as a prize-fighter , was brought before Mr . Seeker , charged with assaulting Joseph Packet , and attempting to rob him of a valuable diamond ring , under the following circumstances : —Prosecutor said that he was a musician , living in the Blackfriars-road , and on the previous day he went to Charlton Fair . He returned by the railway a little after ten o ' clock and proceeded to the Hop Pole public-house near the Town-hall , Borough , and partook of some refreshment . While standing at the bar , the prisoner came in and claimed acquaintance with him , at the same time asking him to stand treat . Witness having been some years engaged at the public theatres ,
thought he might have known him , " which induced him to treat the prisoner . Alter remaining in the house about a quarter of an hour , he proceeded towards homo , and at the corner of Union-street shook hands with the prisoner . The latter , however , giwped his right hand tightly , and endeavoured to force a valuable ring off his finger ; but he bent the latter to prevent him , when the prisoner tripped him up , and had not a policeman come to his assistance , not only would his ring have been stolen , but his little finger would have been broken . —Mr . Seeker asked him whether he knew anything of tho prisoner ?—Prosecutor replied in the negative . He had never spoken to him before . —Mr . Seeker asked the prisoner what he had to say to
the charge?—In reply , ho said that he was a respectable man . —Mr . Seeker asked him whether he had any witnesses to speak on his behalf ?—Prisoner replied that he had not . He was quite alone when lie was taken into custody . —The constable who took him into custody said he had known the prisoner sometime as a _pmc-fighter , but he was not aware whether he had been in custody before for felony . The prosecutor was quite sober when he arrived at the spot , and the prisoner was extremely violent , and attempted to get away . —Mr . Seeker said , that from the evidence of tho prosecutor , ho had no doubt that a robbery was attempted . Had he been known to tho police he should have committed him for trial ; but , as a caution to him for the future , ho should send him to prison for one month .
HAMMERSMITH . —The attempted Parricide at Ciiiswick . —Harry Bathuvst Moukliouse , who stands charged with having discharged two loaded pistols at Mr . John Farmer Monkhouse , with intent to murder him , was placed at the bar . —Inspector Jecks being sworn handed in the following medical certificate , which he had that day received from the surgeons in attendance on Mr . Monkhouse , gCn .: _ " rye hereby certify that the wound in Mr . _Monkhousc's throat is healing , and his goner . il health improving , but ho is not yet sufficiently recovered to appear at the police court . ( Signed ) J . Bowling , E . Halford , surgeons , Hammersmith , October 24 th , 1849 . "—The prisoner was then agaiu remanded for another week , and was removed from the bar bv Miller , tlie gaoler , to the lock-up . —With
thc certificate was handed in another paper , on which was written as follows :- " There is an erroneous opinion prevailing in the neighbourhood of Hammersmith and Chiswick that Mr . Monkhouse can , if ho thinks proper , refuse to appear to prosecute his son -, hut it should ho _undovstooA that in such cases the law is imperative , and will compel his attendance when he is sufficiently recovered . " — Mr . Paynter _' s attention having been drawn to the paper , the worthy magistrate observed that he did not think that any person of Mr . Monkhousc ' s education could entertain that opinion , as of course he must know that he could he compelled to come as well as any other i witness , Ho supposed it would not ho necessary to
Clerkeiywell. -Charge Op Rapk.—William J...
I issue any process -. gainst him . —After the prisoner was removed _fromj _' ic bar , ; _his elder brother , Mr . John Monkhouse , applied for the advice ofthe magistrate as to how ho could obtain possesion of . i deed of assignment of his brother ' s share in somo property , for tho purpose of his defence , which the attorney , whom ho had employed , refused to < 'ivo up , unless he was first paid £ 50 . —Mr . Paynter said he thought that an exorbitant _charge , The case was not one of circumstantial evidence , but a clear c ; ise , in which it would bo only neccs / ary to watch it . —A person who attended ' on the part of Mr . Skinner , tlie attorney employed , said that gentleman was ready to do it , buthe first wished the expense of the deed of assignment to be paid . —Mr , , T . Monkhouse , having had Mr . Paynter ' s permission , had an inter * iew with his brother , and on his return into court said it w ' as his brother ' s wish
that the assignment should be paid for , and he wished to have the assignment handed over to him . The person who attended , however , declined to do so until the assignment was stamped ; and Mr . J . Monkhouse and he left the court together . MAHLB _OROUGH-STREET .-Tiie Bail or the Countess or Lasdsfelt ( Lola Moxtes . ) — Tho summons under thc police act against thc Messrs . Dimes , solicitor , who had become bail for tho appearance ofthe Countess ofLandsfelt _, on * a char _g e of bigamy , was brought on for hearing before M _° Bingham . Mr . Wray , the receiver for thc crown , was in attendance to support the summons , which he had taken out in his public capacity to recover the amount ofthe bail , whichtogetheris £ 1000 .
, , Mr . Da vies , Jun ., was only present , for whom Mr . Bodkin appeared professionally . Mr . Bodkin said —On a farmer occasion Mr . Ctarkson , who had attended on behalf of the prosecut ' on , hid mentioned that it was his intention to apply to estreat tlie bail in the ordinary way . In tho present instance thc novel course of proceeding under thc police act was adopted , and , he believed , precluded his clients trom taking the matter to the _Quarter Session , where it could be argued before tho Bench of Justices ; and'it also took them by surprise . If tho magistrate followed up his order by issuing a ilistrcss warrant against his clients . ' _gools , an action would be the only way to try the legality of the proceedings . Mr . Bingham pointed out thc 50 th
clause in the Police Act to Mr * . Bodkin , and remarked that a power of appeal was given under that clause . Now , ho conceived the best course would be to appeal against his order , and then the defendants would have an opportunity of doing what they wished , namely to have the matter argued at quarter sessions . Mr . Bodkin looked at the clause , and then said it had hitherto escaped his notice ! but as it appeared to give a power of appeal he should waive all technical objections , and , on an order being made , at once gave notice of appeal . The defendants were then ordered pro forma to pay the amount of the bail , and due notice of appeal was given . MaNSIOX-HOUSE . —Charge of Defrauding a Pawnbroker . —J . Garry was charged with bavins
defrauded the _shopnuun ' of a pawnbroker , upon wliaC IS called the " duffing rig . "—The prosecutor , who is employed in the neighbourhood of Houndsditch , stated that on tlie 20 th June the prisoner called at thc shop , and brought with him a box containing what appeared to be a ship chronometer . He said thc article was made by Brockbank , of Coopcr ' scourt , Cornhill , and that it had cost eighty or ninety guineas . In consequence of this representation the prosecutor gave htm £ 12 in advance upon the watcli or chronometer . That Wednesday morning thc prisoner , no doubt encouraged by thc success of the former speculation , called again , and produced a stolen watch , for which he wanted an advance . Tho prosecutor npon examining thc article , found
that it was what was called amongst the trade a " duffer , " or watch got up for the purposes of deception . It was considered necessary to detain the prisoner and place him in the custody of a policeman , and the prosecutor was the more strongly induced to secure thc fellow , as it had been found upon an accurate examination of the chronometer , that the eighty-guinea article was not one of Brockbank ' s making , and was worth no more than about £ 2 10 a . —Tho prisoner , upon being asked by Alderman Solomons after tho usual caution , whether he wished to say anything , said I pledged the chronometer for a party whose name 1 gave at the time , and I know nothing more of its merits , —The prisoner was remanded for further examination . MARYLEBONE . — Juvexile Delinquency . — James Batterbee , a boy fourteen years of age , was charged with having robbed his mother , a widow ,
living at A ' o . 10 , Warner-place , Marylcbone , of 2 s . Id . in silver and copper . —The poor woman gave evidence , setting forth that she had been repeatedly robbed by the prisoner , and had done all in her power toVcclaim him , but without effect . That morning she missed from her pocket tho money which she had charged him with stealing , and a portion thereof was found upon him . —The prisoner , on being asked what he had to say , cried , and promised that he would be a better boy in future . The mother said she was quite sure that his word was not to be taken , and that unless ho was punished for this offence , he would return home and entirely ruin her by carrying off all the little property she possessed . —He was sent to hard labour ill tllC _llOUSO of correction for two months _.
Tiie Lincasuire Miners. The Fortnightly ...
TIIE _LiNCASUIRE MINERS . The fortnightly county meeting ofthe Miners was held on the Jotli instant , at the Woodman , near Ashton-imder-Lyiie . Bclthorne and _Dunhalghlej Park district , Poynton , and Bredbury , also sent in their adhesion . After much discussion it was resolved , " That all victims discharged for joining the union be supported from the board . " " That the agents have the powers to employ persons to assist them when they require assistance . " After transacting thc usual business the meeting was adjourned until Monday , the 20 th instant , to be held at Christopher Brownlow ' s , Ainsworth ' s Arms , _Halliwell , near Bolton . Since my last communication good public meetings have been held at the Queen ' s Arms , Bradford , near Manchester , Blue Ball , Bagstall ; Staff of
Life , near Rochdale ; and at the Angel , Worsley . At the conclusion of the county delegate meeting , the Miners of Ashton , Duckenheld , & c , came to the place of meeting in a grand procession . On tliciv awival at the Woodman a public meeting was hold ; Mr . Louis in the chair ; the meeting was addressed by the agents of the society , it augurs well for the future when tho hardy sons of the mine begin to show themselves in processions again . A special delegate meeting of one man from each Colliery in the following districts : _—Hindley , Ince , _Aspul , Pcmuerton , Shcrington , and Wigan , was held at tho Crofters Arms , Hall-gate , Wigan , on Monday afternoon , October 22 nd . Thc large room was crowded with Colliers . Mr . Richard Bolton in the chair . Tho first business transacted , was to
call over the list of the Collieries , and take down the delegates names . It was found that there was twenty-two Collieries represented at the meeting from the neighbourhood of Wigan , and two delegates from Chorley , to repvscnt that district to Each delegate was called upon seriatim , to state the opinion of the men working at the Colliery he represented , as to what plan they considered would he the best to adopt to obtain an advance of wages at the earliest opportunity . The reports were highly satisfactory , and warranted the meeting in adopting the following resolutions . " That it is the opinion of this meeting , that statements for an advance of wages , ought to be sent to every Colliery in Lancashire and Cheshire , on November the l ? th .
" That if any Colliery can get an ad ranee of wages earlier than the 12 th of November , such Colliery is to do so , if it can be obtained without resorting to a strike . " That a proposition be sent to the next county meeting , stating that it is tho opinion of this meeting , that if the masters refuse to give an advance of wages on December 1 st , the best and safest plan of compelling them to do so , will he to put on a severe restriction until they ave willing to do so ; and as soon as any master is willing to comply with thc just and righteous request of his men , that such men ought to return to their regular days work , and the others to continue at something like half stint , until their masters arc willing to comply . " That we ask for an advance of one half of the reductions that have taken place during the last two years .
" That a public meeting and procession of all those districts be held on Aspul Moor , on November 12 th , at twelve o ' clock at noon . " After appointing Joseph Parkinson * Thomas Bentham , and others as deputations , to wait upon several of the Collieries and transacting other business of local importance , the meeting broke up .
Sunday Labour At The Post-Office.—Wc Und...
Sunday Labour at the Post-office . —Wc understand that within thc last few days returns havo been received at the General Post-office , showing tho great extent to which Sunday labour will be _diminished in tho country post-offices by tho measures about to bo brought into operation . It appears that in more than 200 offices at least one delivery on tlie Sunday will be abolished ,, and that in many easea tho abolition will extend to . two , or even three , deliveries . This change alone will liberate several hundred officers . We learn also of the regular post-offices alone there are nearly 500 where tho time of duty on Sunday will be reduced , the _averase
reduction being nearly four hours . The returns do not yet include the sub-offices , where there will be a _decYonsc e £ duty ' , \> wfc o _£ \ hesc there must be some thousands . These facts are sufficient to give some idea of the largo number of persons who will be cithor partially or wholly released in tho country offices from the performance of duty on the Sunday ; and we arc assured that the small addition to tho force in tho London office required by the measures which will effect this great reduction will consist entirely of volunteers , and not , as has been asserted Qf _yevsona acting under compulsiou
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Oct. 27, 1849, page 5, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns3_27101849/page/5/
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