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Northern Star (1837-1852), 31st March 1849, Edition 3 of 3, Page 1, NATIONAL LAND COMPANY. We beg to call th...

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    • TO THE WORKING CLASSES
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      To The Working Classes

      TO THE WORKING CLASSES

      M Y Friends , A Great Deal Passes In The...

      M y Friends , A great deal passes in the House of Commons which is not reported in _thePresB . It is a kind of chit-chat , which , however , is often ominous—and there is now a very current report—credited hy many very knowing gentlemen practised in diplomacy—that the "Whigs are about to resign , and that Lord Stanley is to he Lord John ' s successor in office . This cannot he effected , however , -without a junction of the Peel Party—not of Pbel himself ,

      as , of course , he could not hold a subordinate office , once having heen Prime Ministerand , even were it not contrary to etiquette and practice , he has too much pride to play second fiddle . But , from the fact of this country Denig governed alternately hy Whigs and Tories , the officials of both parties are drilled and disciplined according to their respective creeds , and all the Tory staff having remained true to Pee l , and true to the principles of Toryism—with the single-exception of _Frtle Trade—it would he impossible for Lord Stanley to marshal a staff of officials in the

      House of Commons otherwise than hy the adoption of Peel ' s practised hands . Among these jure to he numbered Sir James ( xRAHAM _, Mr . _CrOTJLBOBH , Lord Lincoln , air . Herbert , Mr . _Gladstone , Mr . _Cakdwell , Sir George Clerk , Sir Frederick _Thessiger , and a few young aspirants to office ; and it is currently reported and credited that Sir Robert Peel will offer no impediment to each an amalgamation ; and when the "Whigs are on the Opposition "benches , you will see an impetus given to the cause of Democracy , based upon patronage and quarter-day , that you never saw hefore in this country , and Goo send it soon and sudden .

      Now , after what has recently taken _^ Iace "between me _andsomCprofessing-Repuhlicans , and beiag confirmed in the belief of the absolute necessity of union amongst the Chartist ranks , I should have resigned my office of leader this week , were it not from a belief in the approach of a great struggle . If , however I had resigned my office of acknowledged leader , I should not have resigned my principles or abated one particle of my ardour in the cause ; but , perhaps , I might

      then , in my capacity of private soldier , have attended more public meetings , notwithstanding the powers given to the Government by the Crown and Government Security BilL And still , my friends , if but a very few known Chartists , from a very few districts , write respectfully to me—ay , or even insolently—asking me to resign my office , I will do so by the next post , as I will take care that neither jealousy nor ambition on my part , shall stand in the way of that union which is indispensable to the success of the democratic cause .

      During three years that I was an Irish mem her I represented—and , I think , faithfully—the interests of the English working classes in Parliament , and on the 18 th of September , 1835 , now nearly fourteen years ago , I received my commission , on parchment , from the Chartist Executive of that day . During those years I have passed through a series of trials , which few could contemplate , the magnitude of which none will deny . For now nearly two years I have represented you as an English member , and this would be my boast upon the resignation of my officethat I never wrote a private letter upon politics—that I never conspired against any individual—and that I would not be afraid to

      stand in the market-place to meet any charge that could he brought against me ; and if you revise my history for that period , I will defy the most malignant or ill-natured critic to charge me with a single mean , dishonest , ungentlemanly act , or that I have ever flinched from the lion ' s share of dut y when danger threatened . But , my friends , you must understand that , as with everything else so with p olitics—the millions love novelty and I do not blame them—they like the young and enthusiastic speaker , and _sodo I—they love a proud spirit ,

      _andoo'do I * _% iS _flj _^ _arafe _^ _TW tlonrnor appreciate consistency , except by contrast ; and I think , without vanity , that I may , for consistency , place my political life in proud comparison with any man who has ever gone be fore me , Now do not mistake me ; I do not at all censure an oppressed and enthusiastic people for their love of novelty and change . I have told you that we live in new times and that we require men with new ideas to govern us .

      Perhaps I am not inspired with those new ideas suited to new circumstances , although I have always fancied that I was in advance instead of being in the rear of public opinion ; but the onethingthat , under all circumstances , which I have considered indispensable , is a good understanding between leaders and followers , and I would hold that man in the most ntter contempt who would allow himself to be swayed or operated upon in his opinions by his altered position .

      I have a sort of conviction that one day , when you come to review my political life you will consider it rather romantic , and like _allotherpromineutpolitical characters , perhaps , may then meet that reward which some from jealousy , some from ambition , some from hatred , and some from prejudice , would now deny me . For nearly twelve years I have been the proprietor of the only organ that ever consistently and uninterruptedly supported the people ' s cause , and from its establishment to the present moment its columns , even when I was in

      York Castle , were never closed against the most vituperative abuse of my bitterest enemies . You know that one great object of mine has been to secure the liberty of the Press ; and now , after a little squabble , let me ask you if there is any instance upon record of the proprietor of a newspaper allowing to editors and correspondents the same unlimited privilege that I have allowed to both ? Did you ever _,, one of you , read a single line in any newspaper reflecting in the most remote degree npon the

      proprietor of that paper ? NEVER . It is also my pride that working men , and none but working men , have ever been employed upon the «* Star , " and it is yet a greater pride to he able to appeal to all who have been in my em 7 p loymeut since the commencement whether I ever spoke an unkind or angry word to one of them ? or whether lever stopped a day ' s wages , a week ' s wages , a month's wages , or even a year ' s wages , when men in my employment have been sick and unable to work ?

      So much for my connexion with your cause as Irish Representative , English Representative , Journalist , Demagogue , and Criminal ; and my only hope is , that your next leader will be able to leave yon with as good a character . Let me now convince you of my hve of fair play . When I saw Sir . Hakxet ' s announcement in the " Star" of the 17 th inst ., informing tho readers that if the " Star " was not " forcibly closed against him" he would reply to my letter , I wrote to tell him that I would neither

      mutilate , alter , nor amend one single line he wrote . On Thursday night there came into my possession another long letter from my Republican friends of Nottingham ; I took it to Mr . Harney , and told him that he was at perfect liberty to insert it , and that my answer would he confined to one passage—expressing a hope that Air . Harney would not ' get the bag . ' To this my rep ly was to have been—as I told hhn—that if he did not know when he had a good master , I knew when I had a good servant . And I will now put a case to my Kottinghamfriends .

      Suppose , then , that Jonathan Barber was the proprietor of the Republican Newspaper ; aud suppose my Friend _Satjter was the editor ; and suppose Friend Dexter addressed a letter to Friend Salter , blowing up Friend BA _33 EE—what would Friend Babbeb say not if it had not been shown to him at the

      M Y Friends , A Great Deal Passes In The...

      ofece ; but if It had been published at all ? Now let us have , like case , like rule ; and let us have a feir : declaration from friend Barber , - _•^ _otthronghp _^ _& _a , _* , " but in fee club—as to what his course would he . Then , again , supposeFriend _SitfiER puWhhed a libel which cost Fnend Barber over £ 100 , what would Friend Barber say- ? -While " , in such case , Friend Feargtjs never said one angry word to Friend Hame y upon ihe subject . I admit that the " Star" furnishes , a complete exception as to the rule by : which all other newspapers are governed ; and that ia my pride .

      I also informed the readers " that while they may read it or let it alone , that I will exercise complete , entire , and exclusive _control over Its management ; while its value will be distinguished by its support . My friends , marked W . Norman , _andFBAKClsLoVB , of the Isle of Wight , also appear , and intentionally , to have misconstrued my letter , as I . never did state that foreign politics should be excluded , or that the letter of " L'Ami » u Peuple " should he excluded but what I did state was , that foreign politics should not be published to that extent which ' would exclude much ' _valu able domestic intelligence .

      I have now concluded this matter . I « Jhave myself received letters from different parts-of England , ' thanking me for the course I pur sued ; but rather than create the slightest division , I have withheld the publication of one and all—as , in such matters , I require no support beyond the free expression of my . own sentiments . . -.. Now , then , the Chartists understand that I am not onl y ready , but willing , to receive my discharge as their leader , with the assurrance that I am as ready to fight in the ranks as to . command the brigade ; and my

      reason for editing the " Northern Star" myself , was , and is , that I might be responsible under the Gagging Bill for my own acts and deeds , and not for the acts and deeds of others , who would not be held responsible ; and I proudly refer to the leaders in the " Northern Star" for the _last 4 welve months , for a complete , comprehensive , and unanswerable exposition of the _Democratic and Labour cause . And , in conclusion , I . beg to inform the Chartists , that it is my intention to introduce the Charter after Easter ; and , also , to open the whole question relative to the

      Chartist trials , upon a . motion for . a committee to inquire into the conduct of the Government and the Judges ; the credibility of the witnesses ; the sentences passed , and the restrictions imposed upon the Chartist prisoners ; when I undertake to make such a disclosure of conspiracy npon the part of the Government —injustice npon the part of some of the Judges—perjury with regard to some of the witnesses , and unconstitutional practices and violation of prison discipline by some of the visiting Justices as will astonish you . Your faithful friend , Feargus O'Connor .

      , ^ _ 1 .™~^^/ ^ / ^"Zymu&Ijy Otjzm- ^

      , _^ __ 1 _. _™~^^/ _^ / _^ _"zymu _& _ijy _otJzM- _^

      Aid National Trjies' Joiimal. * 7 ^

      AID NATIONAL _TRJIES' JOIIMAL _. * 7

      Zjjlm; M 8 - M- London, Saturday, Mmmwf ...

      _ZjjLm ; _M 8 - m- London , Saturday , mMMWF ~~~~~ _^ _. ss _^ sss _^^

      To The Members Op The Land Company. Mr F...

      TO THE MEMBERS OP THE LAND COMPANY . Mr Fmends , I am not going to address you at any length , but merely to give you an extract from a letter which I received on Saturday last . The writer says : — Dear Sib , —It would do your heart good to see S & i"'s _, End now , it is a perfect jgara _^ ise —; a _! l _^ 5 * _feU cultivated , but especially Mr . CuUingham ' s allotment which is the astonishment of every traveller . They aU stop to _inspectit . j . He keeps an account of every farthing expended , ' aid '• every' farthing made ; and he says—and : I believe him—that he will leave friend Sillettfar in the shade . All the allotments are beautiful . Respectfully yours , C . Doyle .

      I have also heard that Minster Lovel is a paradise—or , rather , _Cuarterville ; and what will you say -when I tell you that one of the allottees is Postmaster—that one of our cottages is a post-office—and that the allottees wiU very shortly possess the balance of local power in thedistrict . The whole estate , I am told , looks most beautiful , and , now that the budding season has commenced , all are happy and contented , notwithstanding the slime of a wily devil who has endeavoured to sow the seeds of dissatisfaction and strife ; but ho may depend upon it that ere long he will reap his just reward , though he little knows that I am aware of his villany . As with the Charter so

      with the Land Plan—the men whom I havo served most have been the greatest scoundrels ; but , with God ' s blessing , I'll shortl y rid myself of both crops of serpents . And now , to tell you the truth , I feel like a fish out of water j I feel out of my element at this seaason of the year ; as I much prefer the free air and pleasing employment of providing homes for the poor , to the tainted atmosphere of the House of Oommoas , and the unprofitable situation of standing alone in that atmosphere ; and as soon as the monster revives again—as revive it shall—I will abandon the office of senator- for that of bailiff . Your faithful friend , Ffargcs _O'Connoii .

      Further Impartiality Of The Press. - On ...

      FURTHER IMPARTIALITY OF THE PRESS . - On Thursday week , Mr , O'CoifiVOR put the three following questions to Sir _GtEOKGE Grey : — " "Was it true that John Shaw , now a prisoner in Newgate , had been refused the use of knife and fork at his meals ? " Also _^—" "Was it true that John Shaw being a Dissenter , was denied the use of books by the Chaplain of the . . Gaol , whereas by an Act of Parliament the Chaplain had no right to interfere in such matters ? " And

      further" Was it true that some of the visiting mag istrates had entered in the minute book relaxations as to _soine restrictions imposed upon the prisoner , which were countermanded by order of other magistrates ?" Sir Geokge Grey answered these three questions in a very audible tone ; the answers of ministers are always reported by the Press at full length , but not one word of the Home Secretary ' s reply appears in the " Times % " the " Chronicle , " or other leading journals .

      On "Wednesday last the Attorney-General introduced a bill to Parliament to assimilate the Criminal Law in England and Irelandnot the one to which we have alluded in a leader . Mr . O'Connor opposed the bill most vigorously , spoke several _times in Committee , and yet his name is nevermentioned ; but , perhaps , when he and Mr . "Walter again stand before their constituents , he may put this and other questions to the conductor of the " Times . " As the law now stands , the depositions of a dying man , who knows that recovery is beyond hope , and who is therefore under a solemn

      impression to speak nothing but the truth , are , and properly so , admitted as evidence against the accused ; while , by the Bill now passed , a person feigning sickness may have his depositions taken b y a magistrate , those depositions are received as evidence against the accused , and counsel for the accused has no power of _cross-examining the witness , who , as Mr . O'Connor stated , may have an interest in the case , may be a suborned witness *; or may break down upon cross-examination : and yet , notwithstanding this importantchange , which may

      Further Impartiality Of The Press. - On ...

      auectthehberties—nay , thelive & r-of thousands , not a word upon the subject in the Press-. We are happy to state , however , that the effect of Mr . O'Connor ' s application as regards John Shaw , has been to secure _hun ' tUe use of knife and fork , and considerably to mitigate the rigour of his punishment . - * .

      National Land Company. We Beg To Call Th...

      NATIONAL LAND COMPANY . We beg to call the attention of our , readers to the following admirable letter from one vrho is now in exile , but who struggled long and energetically for the emancipation of the working classes , and it win amply repay perusal : — Spring Lake , Mukwonago , January 16 , 1849 . Dear Friend , —A few days ago I received two Northern Stars and a Spirit of the Age . The Star of the lltli November contains my last letter to you , and that of the following -week contains a long letter addressed to me by Mr . Feargus O'Connor . The Spirit , I find , has also inserted my lettor with the omission of some closing remarks respecting Mr . Feari-iis O'Connor . I thank you fbr the _iaDSfBTou

      have sent , and also the friend who' forwarded the Star ,- _hearing the post-mark Wigton , I The Star of "the 11 th Nov . is invaluable , inasmuch as it contains Feargus O'Connor's triumphant ' _renfc * _tatioh-hf the charges-brought against him by . certain members of the Land Company . The conduct of these persons is inexcusable , except on' the score of ignorance ; for I cannot believe that they could have knowingly cut their own throats . They nave , doubtless , ' been tampered with by the agents of the governing classes , who are opposed to - every measure intended to afford permanent relief to the working _clas-es _, and more particularly that terrible measure which would ' relieve them by putting them in possession of a sufficiency of land to maintain them , and thus withdraw them from the labour or

      slave market . This is no new feeling of theirs ; it manifested itself some years ago when an attempt was made to introduce the allotment system , for the relief of the miserable agricultural labourers . It was then broadly admitted by some of the p ig-headed landowners and farmers , that their opposition arose from a fear of making the labourers independent of the labour market . Some had no objection to let the labourer have a quarter of an acre , * others would even go to the-extent of half an acre ; but an acre would make him almost independent , if not saucy , and none could be . found to encourage it . But Feargus O'Connor ' s plan not only admits of their having enough of land to make them independent in their circumstances , but it has for its avowed object their political emancipation . . That the few who hold all the land in England should tremble at

      the thought of the landless obtaining political power is quite natural ; as they well know the fickle nature of the tenure by which they hold their estates . The injustice of it is so flagrant , that one can scarcely conceive how it haB heen borne so long , when proof of its injustice is almost within the reasoning powers of a child . But how surprising it is that this grasping after land by the rich , which is founded in a deep conviction of its intrinsic value , because every article of consumption comes directly or indirectly from it , should not have awakened in the mind of the labourer a suspicion that the prize was worth contending for . So far from this being the case , we find , even amongst the members of the Land Company , individuals ignorantly playing the game of the enemy , and doing all in their power to rivet anew their own and other ? chains .

      It has been the fate of the working classes in all past ages , to be practised upon and led astray by their enemies , who have invariably succeeded in separating them from their best friends , by infusing into , their minds unfounded suspicions as to the motives b y which they were actuated . So long as the working classos listen to the serpent , the game of " divide and conquer" will continue , and they will remain in then * present social and political thraldom . I have known this to be the case in every important movement in which I liave been SBgage _^ a _^^ _l _^ _oafehMyl _^^ redmore than 1 have the suicidal spirit wmen then so . generally pervaded the working classes . My life has been one unceasing effort to secure ., the independence of all those who live by their labour . I have sought it

      in the workshop— -I have sought it at the trades meetings—I have left my country for a foreign land in tbe nope of showing the way to it ; and now , in the land of the stranger , the same love of my order , the same feeling for those who compose it , and the same desire to see their independence achieved by any upright and honourable means , and through the instrumentality of any individual or any party , will ever induce me to seize upon with avidity , and follow with enthusiasm , any movement which may have a tendency to promote this important object . Believing that the plan of Feargus O'Connor is a step in the right direction , and that much present and future good will result therefrom , I fervently hope that the working classes will turn a deaf ear to those that would betray them , and

      recommence the solution of the great Labour question , involved in the plan of the . National Land Company . " When I made the few remarks in my last , on the subject of the plan , I was not in possession of so many facts concerning it as I now am , and therefore did not enter so warmly into the subject as you may have expected . The long and very able defence set up by Feargus O'Connor , in his address to the members of the National Land Company , which ' appears in the Star of the 11 th _Kov ., contains a body of facts conclusive of the great value of the plan . We have had no end of theoretical schemes for improving the condition of the working classes —no end of attempts in practice , which have all proved abortive ; but I am compelled to admit that Feargus O'Connor has shown more practical

      knowledge of the right sort than any other man . It is one thing to say that man has a natural right to the soil , and another to load him to it , teaching him the art of productively cultivating it , and erecting for him aneat dwelling and other necessary buildings , together with a crop ou the ground at the time he takes possession . This plan may not have attractions for those who aspire to magnificent beginnings in the career of social improvement ; but to any one , like myself , who only expects the grand through the petty effort , believing that to be the principle of progress throughout ail nature , it must and will forcibly recommend itself . Land and Labour are associated in this plan , while each labourer is independent of every other labourer , notwithstanding the proximity of their

      locations . The lact oi their being thus individualised , is tome a guarantee of the success of the plan ; for , although 1 still believe the associative ana common property principle to be tlie true one , I am thoroughly satisfied that man is not yet prepared for its adoption . 'His moral , intellectual , and physical state is too low to enable him to carry out that sublime conception . I fully concur in the opinions put forth by Mr . Frost , in the Star of the 18 th of _SovcmW , as to the Organisation of Labour after the attainment of tho Charter . Hut there is one recommendation in Mr . Frost ' s letter , which ought to be introduced into Mr . O'Connor ' s Plan forthwith , and that is , the establishment of Co-operative Stores . Those who take up the allotments , have them at tlie wholesale cost , and all the materials consumed in the erection of the buildings are

      purchased at that rate . To be consistent , then , it seems to me necessary , as I know it would be advantageous , to have all their future purchases made upon that principle . Some opposition might be shown towards them by the shopkeepers . But what of that ? If they are not in a position to carry out the plan without the countenance of the middle classes , the time is not far distant when they will have to " book up . " The idea is n » t a new one . It was started by Dr . King , of Brighton , several years ago , when societies were formed in many parts of England to carry it out . Those societies failed from a want of patience , a misconception of its advantages , and , principally , from the scattered location of its members . The concentration of the members of the Land Company will be highly favourable to its introduction , and I have not the least doubt it would be attended with beneficial

      results . Iu my last , I introduced to your notice the principles of the National Land Reformers of this country , which I expressed a desire to see adopted by the Chartists of England . Mr . O'Connor , in his letter addressed to me , seems to demur to the proposition , the political positions of the two countries being so dissimilar . I am quite aware of this , and should he sorry to see either the Charter or the Land Plan retarded by the agitation of questions which may without detriment to them be discussed on another occasion . What is meant by " actual settlers , " is not what Mr . O'Connor supposesviz " Those who are in actual possession of tracts of lands , whether by grant or conquest ; " but , on the contrary , those who settle on and cultivate the laud they own , like those who occupy the allotments under his plan , as distinguished from such

      National Land Company. We Beg To Call Th...

      _wV ? , f _" _*** <» Bedford . " It signifies but littlejto those who are landless , whether the _]? os _™& o { large tracts of land obtained _tnern _« By grant , conquest , or purchase , iney / are monopolists in either _case _.-inasjnuch _ft _-. " _^ u P 08 Se , ss ¦ ¦»•*» _*¦» _" they can cultivate , while _jthersi , through that monopoly are deprived Of it altogether . But I am quite willing , for the saRe of harmony , that vie should " stick a pin £ ' , h « ° J- hett _? ouId havo - *•••<• . and proceed _withthe" orders pf the day , " being satisfied that the truth must ultimately prevail , and that it will lose nothing of its brilliancy in the interval , A Cannot resist the temptation of drawing your _attentton to the following passages from Mr . O'Con-D -ii r * ° _^ he members . of the Land Company : Txt ; _* U- ao _^ state to this Conference , in ' presence of tho Directors , of several of the _overseen , ana of many carpenters and builderswho have been

      -, em ployed upoathe estate-what no other employer in JBiwope could state—that if we separated , even in hostility , not one of them could charge me with one mean , dishonourable , dishonest , or hypocritical act . I could defy them . " This is high ground to take , which none hut a man of superior parts -could venture to occupy , and' for the good of thevcause I trust Be ml continue to maintain that commanding pOSitlfiri . He has manfully beaten and _dumbfounded | gg open assailants . May he do equal ' _execyjipffhjfh a ' moro insidious 'and dangerous foethe croature who " "fawns' and _ natters _^ and -hangs npon the garments of almost every man in powershould _such- _' a _creature . come in bis way ; for there is more to he feared from them than from those who

      openly oppose a man . To give way to the former is to abandon either duty or principle , as the creature who can flatter has an object to gain inconsistent with tho Common good , and , of course , at variance with the duties of those who are selected to promote it . To resist the encroachments of these creatures , it requires some degree of firmness , having for its foundation a well-developed conscientiousness . I hope O'Connor will show by his continued impartial management that he is not to be approached by the tribe of reptiles . He will then inspire the working classes with confidence , and produce what he appears so ardently to desiretheir harmony and well-being ; which will be ample compensation for such a man , for his past troubles , anxieties , and persecutions .

      I remain , my dear Friend , Tours in the cause of right , _Thomis Hunt . P . 6 , —In a former lettor I expressed a desire to see " Mr . O'Connor ' s work ou Small Farms , " if it _eould be sent by any one coming into this neighbourhood * , to this request I would add , that I should like to hare the Ground Plan and Elevation of the Buildings on the allotments , if published ; as also , " Sillett's Evidence before the Committee . " .

      The Stalffield-Hall Murd ' Ersi Norfolk ...

      THE STAlfFIELD-HALL MURD ' _ERsI NORFOLK _AjSSiZES . _—Xonwicu . Thursday . —From a very early hour this morning the Court-house was besieged at every door by crowds of persons anxious to be present at the trial of the prisoner , Jaues _Bloomuield Rush . The jury having been called took their seats in the box . Barok R © l *? e entered the court at nine o ' clock , and the prisoner was then placed in the dock . In answer to the usual interrogatories ho pleaded not guilty . He then , with considerable coolness ,-proceeded to arrange three bundles of papers , and during the proceedings he took copious notes . On the names of the jury being called over , Rush said he had no objection to the jury , but he trusted that if any gentleman was about to be

      sworn who had expressed any opinion on his character he would retire . The Crown challenged Mr . Field , of Cotteshall , grocer , and another gentleman was appointed iu Ids place . Tho pleadings having been read , Mr . Sergeant Byles proceeded to open the case . The learned sergeant stated all the transactions between the prisoner and the- deceased , and read copious extracts from a pamphlet published by Rush , relative to legal proceedings between him and Mr . Jermy . Several letters were also read . The prisoner frequently interrupted the learned sergeant in his speech , by _asking . questions which _vfeve _ovm-uled by the court * , 'Mr . Sergeant Byles spoke about one hour and three quarters .

      -- The prisoner here requested that the witnesses _shduldgo out of court , and not be allowed to hold communications together , especially Mr . Cann , attorney . The Court decided that all the witnesses should leave the court . The first witness called was Robert Keur , who proved the models of Stanfield Hall and Potash Farm , James Gray , surveyor , produced plans of Stanfield-hall Estate and the Farm . John J . Cash , solicitor for the prosecution , proved that , on the 2 nd of December last , ho went to rotash . Farm , attended by police officers , and in a closet in a parlour of the house a board of the floor was taken up , and a

      box discovered containing papers , and among others one agreement dated 10 th October , 1848 , another dated the 21 st of November , 1848 , another the 3 rd of October , 1848 . Found at Felmingham , on the 5 th of December , 1848 , in a carpet bag which was contained in an iron chest , a draft of a letter , of the 19 th April , 1848 , and a letter from Mr . Reeves , of the 22 nd of July , 1848 . At Potash Farm a notice signed Thomas Jermy , dated 12 th October , 18 i 8 ; another dated the 19 th May , 1 S 4 S ; a letter of the _iith October , 1848 , addressed to the prisoner by a person of the name of Reeves ; a second , from the same to the same , of 10 th September , 1848 ; a notice dated 23 rd October , 1848 ; two notices signed by the prisoner , and dated in the month Of October , 1848 ; and a letter from Reeves to the prisoner , of the 30 th of September , 1848 This witness on being cross-examined by the

      prisoner ,, admitted having examined three witnesses the day . -after , Prisoner " . What did I tell you in confidence , as my solicitor , on the Thursday after the first examination ? The Judge thought that was a question which it would be most improper to have either put or answered . ( To the witness ) Were you ever his solicitor ? Witness : Never . — Rush then put several questions to the witness , endeavouring to extract from him that he was engaged as his solicitor , but which he denied . I never heard the prisoner complain of not being allowed to have a solicitor till after he was committed , which was on the 14 th December . I think he complained on the 5 th January . Ou the 4 th -December , Mr . Penson , the governor of the

      castle , asked me if I was acting as solicitor for the prisoner , and I told him I was not . The magistrates sometimes refused to allow the prisoner to put questions directly to Miss Sandford . I cannot say that was the case at first , or till after his violent conduct . Rush complained that Miss Sandford was placed at the examination in such a position so that he could not sec her . Witness deposed that prisoner ' s conduct at that time was so violent that Miss Sandford could not look at him and afterwards fainted . —Cross-examination continued : I first knew I was to be solicitor for the prosecution about seven or eight weeks ago . I have been three or four times to Bridewell during the last fortnight to examine Miss Sandford as to her evidence . She

      wrote out a statement of her own accord before she was confined , about the 5 th February . I cannot say I have prepared her evidence according to that written evidence , but it is included . James Watson , examined by Sergeant Byles . * I was butler in the service of the late Mr . Jermy , at Stanfield-hall . I came there in May , 1848 . I k _' now the prisoner Rush . He was often at the hall , and came in at the side door ( which he pointed out in the model ) . There iB a bell at the door , but the prisoner used to come in without ringing , and went into the servants' hall . He knew the house . Mr . Jenny ' s dinner hour _\ m six o ' clock . On the 28 th of _November , Mr . Jermy , Mi * . Jermv , jun ., and his wife , were living in the house with Miss Jermy , whose age is about 14 . There was a groom in the service , and six female servants . The name of tho

      cook was . Reeve . Chestney was housemaid . On that night there was a li ghted lamp , with a reflector , on the . table of the staircase-hall , and another lamp , at the end of the passage leading to my pantry , There were two wax candles in the diningroom . There was no light in tho entrance hall . _Thpreisafiueplaee under the landing of tho stairs which was lighted that night . Mr . Jermy was frequently in the habit of going to the porch for a short time after dinner . He wont through the porch : doort On the evening of the 28 th November I was in my pantry , about a quarter past eight , when I heard a report in the direction of the outer porch . My pantry window Is near the porch on that side of the house . When I heard the report I went out of the pantry for five

      Ol' SIX feet towards tho _nnssnwA _Tlww iK „ _™ ,. _„ n . or six leet towards the passage . There is a cornel where the pantry passage meets the main passage , and I was standing at the corner . I could see the « ' under tlie stairs leading into the staircase hall . When standing there , I saw a man coming from the direction of the side-door that leads into the servants' hall , lie passed about three feet from me . He moved his left elbow towards me . I saw hiin

      The Stalffield-Hall Murd ' Ersi Norfolk ...

      go to the door leading into the 8 fc « re _^ 4 _^ % _iKJ saw young Mr ; Jormy open the door , the door opens to the outside . Mr . Jermy Jermy was coming from the staircase hall towards the servants' half _. The man was then about three feet from the dbor . I saw the man point a gun or pistol at Mr . Jermy Jermy . He fired , and Mr . Jermy Jermy fell dowii backwards into the staircase hall , upon a mat , which was inside . I ran back then into mv pantry . While I was there I heard a li ght footstep , as of a woman , running from the servant * ' hall towards the lobby . ' I also heard a woman screaming . . I heard two more reports Of fire-arms after the _screamine-. The renorts

      were very qmck one after the other . On hearing these I went out of the pantry towards the staircase hall . I saw Mrs . Jermy go to the . back _etaircatc . She was then running . I saw Chestney lying in the lobby opposite the staircase door , about two feet from the wail . There are now on that wall the marks from the discharges of these fire-arms . I removed Chestney to the back staircase in tho passage . -. I did not see the man again , nor do I know what door he went out at . Old Mr . Jermy was lying m the porch with his head towards the door . He was lying on the mat . I saw' him half an hour after the shots . He was then _ dead . I went out to Mr . Gore , a farmer in the neighbourhood , to get assistance . ' Came back with him and his son , and then X . round MO . body . Of Mr . Jermv lvimr in the

      _porcfiii He was / wounded m the-left aide . When the man came-in , I saw-him drop two papers in the long passage .. I saw one picked up . It had , a cover like those pnWuccd . The man was . short , . and _^ t , I did not . see his : face , there was something o ' ver it . There wag ., light enough to see theman-sgener . il appearance , and I believe it was the prisoner Rush ; He had a dark cloak on , long enough to eovw his arms . Two weapons were in . his hands like large pistols . I do not remember ever saying that the cloak had a cape , and I do not remember if it had . I did not sec any pieces of lead picked up in the passage . I was questioned in Brown ' s parlour on the night of the murder , but very little was said . I saw Mr . John Cann at the examination on the

      _Wednesday ; I don ' t remember any one else saying anything about a mask . I did not hear any one speak of it before . I gave evidence in presence of the prisoner . I don't remember saying anything about the man ' s legs . I had not been shown any cloaks taken from Potash Farm before I gave my evidence . I do not remember having heard of anv cloaks being found there I do not remember having said that the man's arms were under his cloak , but I did not sec his aims . The prisoner was proceeding to ask what he said before the magistrates , when the Judge cautioned him that if he put that question he must put in the depositions in evidence , in which case the counsel for the crown will have the right to have the last word in reply . The prisoner said

      he intended to put in both depositions in his defence . The Judge : You are quite right to do it , if you wish . . I only wish to advise you as your counsel , what the consequences will be . The witness ' s depositions were then shown him , and he identified his own signature . The depositions were then read by the clerk of the court . Eliza _CnESTNxv was thenext witness , and her appearance excited great interest ' . She was introduced lying upon a neatly-constructed litter , which was borne into court upon the shoulders of four men ; and in order to afford sufficient accommodation , the witness box was removed and tiie space near it cleared . The side of the bed was so placed that the face of the unfortunate girl was

      turned towards the prisoner , and , by means of pillows , obliquely towards the judge . She was attended by Mr . _Nicholls , the surgeen , who sat by her during the whole examination . Mr . _Prendcrgast was the examining counsel , and she answered all the questions put by him , as well as those put by the prisoner , with great firmness and confidence . She said , I live at Stanfield-hall , and was maid to Mrs . Jevmy . On the evening of the 28 th of November , about eight o ' clock , I was in the servants' hall when I heard the noise of a gun going off , then another , and then a groan . 1 went into the passage leading towards the butler ' s pantry , and there I met Mrs . Jenny . She said " Watson , Watson , Eliza , Eliza , go for Mr .

      Jermy . " I turned round to her , threw my left ljand round her waist , and' with ; my right Sand I took her hand , and exclaimed , * ' My dear mistress , what ' s the matter ? For God ' s sake don't go . " She did not speak , but looked wild . We went down the passage together towards the staircase hall . . We got to the doorway of the staircase hall , and I there saw young Mr , Jermy dying upon tho floor . I next saw a man apparently coming from the dining-room door , lie had in his right hand , up to the right shoulder , what appeared to me to be a short gun or a pistol . He levelled it and shot me . I did not fall directly . Another shot followed immediately after , and I saw mv mistress ' s arm whirling in the air . My

      mistress ran _up-stairs and left me . I twisted round several times , and then fell down . I gave three violent shrieks , and said , " I am going to die , and no one will come to help me . " Watson , the butler , came to me and said , " Lord have mercy upon us , what ' s the matter ! " I remember no more till I awoke at the bottom of the staircase . I found , myself seriously wounded in tiie hip . I can form a clear notion of the man who fired the shot . 1 saw his head and shoulders . The head was flat on the top ; the hair set out , or bushy , down the face ; and he had wide shoulders . I formed a belief at that time who the man was . I cannot say I oyer had any doubt in my own mind , cither at that time or since . —Mr . Prendergast : Who do you believe it to be ? Witness * . That is the man ( pointing to the prisoner , 1

      —Tlie witness in continuation said : I knew tlie person of the prisoner , from having seen hiin at Stanfield-hall several times , in the passage . I did not observe anything about the man ' s dress . [ The witness at this stage became faint , and a restorative was administered to her . ] _^ When I first saw him he went towards the porch door , which would be rather sideways from me . When he shot me , he was standing about a yard irom the dining-room door , and I was in the staircase hall . I had then an opportunity , from the position of the man , to see the full form of his head and shoulders . Tho prisoner has a peculiar way of carrying his shoulders and head , which cannot be mistaken . No other person having the same appearances was

      ¦ m the habit ol coming to btanheld-hall , —Crossexamined by the prisoner ; I will not swear that the shots took place at half-past eight . There were ten or twelve seconds between the two first shots that I heard . I cannot say exactly how long the time was , but it was very short . The cross-examination was then continued , and the witness said : I might have said on my first examination that after the first shot I heard a groan , hut I was then in " " too much agony to remember everything . The servants' hall-door , leading into the passage , was open at that time ; and perhaps I might have heard any one walk along that passage if I had been listoning , unless they walked very lie-lit indeed . I did not hear any one walk

      alongthe passage after the first report . Directly I heard it I sat quite still , and said " ¦ How silly , " thinking it had been some of the servants . I could not see along the passage till I got to the door of the servants'hall . The cook was in the servants' hall . I can ' t say how long the other servants had left the servants' hall _befoz-e I heard the first report , but three were absent . They were Honnor Holmes , Mary Clark , and Maria Leach . The first time I saw any of them after the murder was when I was lying at the foot of the stairs , and then I saw Holmes . They all came to me afterwards , but I did not see them . I was too blind , though I knew they were there . I first met my mistress at the corner of the passage . The man was not a second in levelling the gun or pistol at me after 1 first saw him . He hold , it up to his right shoulder , but I saw only one hand to it . I stated to the magistrates I could not see Ins dress , as I had not time . My answer to you about a hal

      and cap was , that " You know best as to that . ' —The prisoner here requested that the part of the depositions relative to the dress of the man might be read over again . —The Judge assented , mVi observed , that as the whole had been read through once , it would be inconvenient to have them repeated "over and over again : —The clerk having read the passage , the prisoner said : Now , I ask you solemnly , in the presence of God , as you have said you saw nothing of the man except the shape of his head and tho breadth of his shoulders , whether yon can state distinctly that I am tbe man ? The witness replied * . Yes . I said I saw the head' and shoulders distinctly enough , and that is what I say a » ain . The iloor of the dining-room was partly opened , and a light was in the room . —The witness was then removed from court in the cot on which she lay , and the prisoner was allowed to retire for few minutes . When he returned to court ,

      Margaret Reid , the cook at Stanfield-hall , was called next . She said I had been five months in the _hoiiae before this transaction . On the 28 th of _November I and Eliza Chestney were in the servants ' hall , when I heard a report outside of fire-arms about half-past eight . Two other reports were heard shortly after . Eliza Chestney left the hall for the passage . Almost immediately after I heard another report , followed by screams of a female , and I rushed to the servants' hall door , which opens

      The Stalffield-Hall Murd ' Ersi Norfolk ...

      to a long straight passage . I saw Miss Jermy running towards the servants' hall , screaminir the whole way , "We shall all be murdered . " I then _^ tt _^ i _^ _?* * . _" _^ H _™« along the passage , about seven yards behind Miss Jermy . He bad _fire-a-hns in his _XW- and wore a loose garment like a cloak , wh eh had something like a cape . He was a low _Sni-T-i I t ** " _/ the size and carriage wero those of Rush , and the moment I saw him my _impressioir was it was Rush . —The prisoner cross-examined this witness , but her statement remained unshaken . - « . W . P-. _NicHotsiiBfareean . examined th & _fandiei tit

      ! both the . Messrs . JJj _^ V'on ' the 28 th of _November This witness _dewjoedthe _^ wountt _^* Wbicn _^ d caUJed immediate d « ith > _-i _^ 'bis _crow-eraihiiUttion , he said I —I think I took i f _S _^ or twelve _giej-es . ; 0 f lead from each body . Mr . _Ti _^ ally had most of them , but Mr Banks got one or i _§ $ _*^ . : _yj . _' ' v ; James _TinwAitr , ' 'Surgeon a _£ Wymdridham , produced the . angular pieces of lead taken from tho bodies , weighing , each piece , from eleven to thirteen grains , and numbering about fifteen in all . —Crossexamined : More pieces were taken out of the bodies than those produced , and more , I believe , remained in the bodies . _.

      Edward Hahvex having been called . as the next witness , _=- .. ¦ . '; . . The . _PmsoijisR said , ho had applied , a week age , for this witness ' s depositions , and had not been supplied with them till last night ; he , therefore , begged that any other witnesses rather might be called that evening instead . The _Junou , on this application beingmadetohim , immediately adjourned the court at seven o ' clock till nino next morning . Friday . — -On the entrance of Mr . Baron Rolfe , at nine o ' clock , Rush was again placed in tlie dock . He applied to have the witnesses sent odt of court , which was complied with . He also complained that a new witness , named How , of had character , was to be brought against him . Would Ids lordship instruct the reporters to publish themnn ' _s character ? Mr . Babon Rolfe said he had no influence over the reporters /

      . Emilt Sandford was called , but from some cause she did not appear , _^ fter a pause of some minutes , > Edward _HarvkY _j a carpenter , at Wymondham , . _waB . called ., He deposed to-big- , being outside th » Hail oh tho _; 28 th _. N " ovenib # p , in * company with Mary Clark , John Dodd , and Thoi _* aaW 6 wy ami to hearing the report of pistols ; _iand the ringing of the alarm bell . - •¦ _=..,- . > The _Prisoker , who was sitting , _down-on a chair in the dock , was about to ask the ; _witness some questions : when

      Mi * . Baron Roue said , I don t mean to interfere with any sort of accommodation you may require , but it is not usual for a counsel or other person to examine or press a witness without rising . I did not observe that you did bo yesterday , . Pbisoner . —As a chair was left in tho dock , my lord , I thought it was not wrong to sit . : Mr . Baron Rolfe . —If you tell me you have any reason for not standing , you may do so ; but otherwise you muststand when you speak to witnesses . Paiso . _vun . —Thank you , my lord ; I can stand very well , I felt a little tired yesterday , but I will stand in future . This witness was cross-examined by Rush , but nothing of importance was elicited . Emily _Sandfohd was then called . She was dressed in mourning and looked very pale . She was quite collected and firm .

      Rush hastily rose after she had been sworn , and said the witness could prove his innocence . Emily Sandford , examined by Mr . Prendergast . — She said she became acquainted with Hush two years ago , and came down to reside with him at Stanfield-hall . In February , 1848 , they went to London , at No . 2 , Milnc-street , Islington . She went by the name of James . On the 3 rd of October she remembered persons named Lanier , Thomas Jermy , and Richard Read , coming there at seven in the evening . Some writings were produced ; they were in her handwriting . Rush had previously told her to copy the document . She did so . It was read over aloud bv some

      one whom she could not now remember . She saw all the parties put their signatures to it . She put her name to it after they were all gone , at Rush ' s request . The three left at nine o ' clock . Next day but one , the 5 th , came to Norwich by Mr , Hush's direction . He had left on the 4 th . Rush met her at the railway station , and took her in a gig to Potash Farm , Rush and I slept in the same room that night . Ou the following Tuesday I went with Rusli to Stanfield Hall , Rush went in , and on his coming out he said he had agreed with Mr . Jermy . Witness deposed to making copies of several documents . She was much affected and was permitted to retire for a few minutes .

      On the re-assembling of the court Emily Sandford ' s examination was proceeded with . She said—On Sunday , the 20 th , I saw Mr . Rush arranging his papers , and burning some . I knew on the Saturday previous that Mr . Rush had brought a ticket for mo to go to _Norwich for Tuesday , the 28 th . It was a _fomily ticket for five . Mr . Rush and I were to go , and at Norwich we were to meet a governess and two of Mr . , Riish ' s daughters . Monday , the 27 th , was my birthday . ' Mr . Rush and I had our dinner as usual on the Monday . He did not go to Norwich . lie went out , and I did not see him go out or return . He was not gone out as long as usual . Sot move than an hour and . a half . Took tea at five o ' clock . I heard a report of

      firearms on the morning of Monday . Rush came into the parlour , went up stairs , brought down his gun , and fired it off . He had been out shortly before tea ; he appeared very low . I was unwilling to go to the concert , because he was unwell . He said he should go out again . I objected . I said I thought there was something more than poachers . He said there was . He related an anecdote of a spider , and said he would try the 7 th time , and he would succeed . He had failed six times , but he would not fail now . He went out soon after . He returned about halfpast nine o'clock . I went to the door to let him m . lie then went up-stairs . As he passed the parlour door ho told me to go to bed . He went upstairs and came down again . He had neither coat

      nor shoes on when he came down stairs and went into the parlour . I heard a noise when he came in , and I think he must have had boots or shoes on . He appeared very excited . He told me to take the top of the fire offand come to bed . In consequence of liis appearance , I asked him what was the matter , and if any thing had happened . lie said , "No , nothing ; if anybody inquires for me , say I was . out only ten minutes . " I put water on the fire , and went lip stairs . I went up to Mr . Rush ' s room and knocked at his door . I said , " Which room shall I sleep in ?" and he said , " Here . " Immediately afterwards he said "No , no . " When he said that he came towards mo and said , ' Go into your own . " He added , " You want your dress unfastened . " Since I had been at Potash farm Mr . Rusli and I had

      always slept in the same bed . I went into my own room by Mr . Rush's directions . I observed when I went into his room that there was a fire burning bright . I iiad not lighted any fire before he came home . Mter I had been in my own room some time I heard him go down stairs , lie returned very shortly to liis own room . He locked himself in when I went into my own room . About three o'clock in tho morning Mr . Rush came and knocked at my door . I asked who was there , and he said "It _' is only me ; I want to wish you good night , undo your door . " I undid the door , and he came into " tho bedroom . He said , "You must be firm ; if any one asks you how long I was out , ' say only ton minutes . " He added , " You may hear _something in the morning . " I was trembling ;

      he said , " You appear as though you had tlie ague . Ho said ho would fetch his great-coat and put over me . I asked him several times what had happened . I took him by the hand and 1 found lie was trembling very much . He said something about his poor mother , and he hoped God woilld . _oless mo for I had done nothing wrong . I remember a peculiar pair of boots that Mr . Hush was in the habit of wearing . I have seen them repeatedl y ; saw them drying the next morning , as though they had been worn the night before . I remomber ' Mr . Rush taking mo to a closet in the parlour . He showed me where he kept his papers that were valuable . He showed me one of the planks taken up . He showed me how to raise it by a chisel in

      case of fire . There was a cloak in the prisoner s bodroom . ( The cloak was shown to the witness and identified as belonging to tho prisoner . ) Cross-examined by the prisoner : —Wc have had prayers generally every morning since I have been at Potash . Several irrelevant questions were put to the witness which the Judge would not allow ,, as tending to wound her feelings . The prisoner here indulged in some inuendos , which she indignantly repelled . ( Hisses ran through the court , but ' they were instantly repressed by the officers . ) _Aftcvputting a number of useless questions to the witness , the prisoner said ; I think , my lord , you "had better now adjourn tllO case . I have a great deal to ask of the witness about the papers , which it'is very

      important I should set right . The witness is not in a fit state to submit to be examined any longer . Look , poor thing , she is almost ready to drop off her seat now . —Judge : Directly the witness feels incapable of sitting here any longer , I will adjourn as far as her evidence is concerned . Do you ( _addressing tho witness ) feel indisposed to remain any _lonn'Or ?—Witness : I can go on , my lord . —The prisoner proceeded , but all his questions were of the same _irrtj-Icvant character ; relating principally to dates , and novor once affecting , the real merits of tlie case , alter which he again insisted that tbe witness was too fatigued to answer his questions properlv , but without effect . The Court was still sitting when the special engine left at eight o ' clock .

      Mr. Turner, In A Recent Lecture At Manch...

      Mr . Turner , in a recent lecture at Manchester , averred , with reference to brass bands , "No man was ever known to blow tlie largest horn aud _lU'O beyond the period of three years . "

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), March 31, 1849, page 1, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns3_31031849/page/1/