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LIVERPOOL.—MONDAY, OCT. 10. The special ...
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LEICESTER.—Mr. John West has bef n lectu...
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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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Stafford, Frtdat, Oct. 7. T Convictions ...
( Continued from our Sixth page ¦ _jylSism Priee examined—He was assistant-constable . _Kinnwinford on tbe 27 th of August . There was _^ meeting en that day at Brockmore-green . He saw _iijjjay there at ths rear of tbe Cross Keys , between _Sj _^ Bid seven , _p-rfl . At that time there were about _Sp persons present . He was speak'ng . He said that u _\ a knew he would be taken , and that he might as _ _gjl be token there as anywhere else . " The Dudley « Tsh 7 were seen coming , and they said that it would * _e right to tell him that they were coming . Witness ' s L _g _^ _e W & 3 s truck with stones flung by the mob . and _Ll _jBt towards the cavalry , who were headed by Mr , _atfgat , who read the Riot Act after great shouting ~~ _£ hooting . Some were dispersed by tbe cavalry , _-tj _^ _rs -would not go . When Mr . Badger left the mob
_jjuBg stores . _jij . Whittaker , special constable , corroborated the u _$ witness ' s evidence . Oa tbe night of the 27 th of _knzBst , * woman said to Linney , "I beard that you -wets lost—tbat you were in prison . " He replied , * 5 No , I ara eome here to-night to be taken . ' Griffi-h , special constable , saw tbe prisoner , Linney , at s _raeeeting , at the Pit-bank , on the night of the _,-yj j , ; An _^ n _^ t . Price was there . He beard Linue _; _B thst if they stuck out fur four dajs _lorger , they Veda , have their wages . Hs said tbat tbey would be _ibere on Wednesday , if he could keep the " ruffles . " ¦ Witness did net know what " _rnfn-s" _me-nt He said that he should be there , if be was not taken , but he expected to be taken . of the of
James Smith , _sergeant-major Errriey troop cavalry , was on daty on tbe 27 th of August , at Brock-—ot & , There were £ 00 persona pressDt . He saw the prisoner Byrne throwing a stone at tbe cavalry . Witness told prisoner that if he threw another stone he vould sh _^ t him . The prisoner jeered snd laughed at him . _ _Tsomas Reddows— Saw Byrne _thrsw a stone at the golaiers . Mr . _Bsites—Hetrd Linney speak to the colliers before the 3 rd and 27 th of August He told the 6 _olliers not to < ro to work , _whatever they did . He told them tbat the _fron-msstsrs told them tbat they wonld blow out tbe furnaces , but be would tell them that they dare not do so . The witness was greatly frightened . He was _errestened on the night of the 27 th by the mob . . They aid " Tour bouse wants coming down . " The Coansel lor the defence addressed the jury . Verdict—Guilty of an unlawful assembly against both prisoners . ( Be / ore Sir N . TindaL )
SENTENCES OF THE PRISONERS . At the sitting of the court this morning the twenty " sis prisoners found guilty of the attack on and demolition of the Rev . Dr . Tale ' s house , were placed at the bar , and having been called npon by the clerk of tbe _arrsirns in the usual way , to know whether they had any _thir-g to say why sentence shonld not be passed _npju tbem according to law—all the prisoners answered in the negative . The _Learned Judge said the verdict of an intelligent , patient , and upright jury having decided that they were guilty of the offence charged against them , of riotously and tumultuously assembling and demolishing the dwelling-bouse of the Rev . Dr . Vale , it was now his duty to award the just measure of punishment to the crime they bad committed . It was a fearful
_offefice cf which they had been found guilty . By day and by night they had spread terror and alarm and dismay among tbe peaceable and _industrious classes of the community . No man could say against whom the ungovernable fury of the mob would be directed , so tbat aO were living in constant terror and uncertainty for their lives , their property , and their families—a condhien more fearful and unhappy than that of death itself . For an offence like that , depriving every one within the reach of the protection of the laws , and robbing tbem of all tbe comforts and happiness of social life , —a punishment proportionately severe must be inflicted , in order that all persons might learn from their example that if they added to the number of the mob , and became partakers in their proceedings , they would render themselves liable to tbe transgression of tbe law
to which others had subjected themselves . Happily for the prisoners , be was saved the pain of passing sentence upon them for a capital offence , and , as there was some doubt , from the wording of tbe act , whether he could pass sentence of transportation for life , which some of ths cases seemed amply to deserve , looking as carefully and anxiously as he was able at the circumstances of each particular case , be would endeavour to distinguish between thoBe who were ' present when the house was set on fire , or actively engaged in the act of feeding the names , or endeavouring to prevent tbeir extinguishment , and the others who were not perhaps se actively engaged . Bearing these objects in view , the sentence he should pass npon John Haines , Richard Wright , George _Colcloufh , John Williams , Joseph Wbiston _, — Cotton ,
and William _Cartlidge was . that they be transported for 21 years ; that Jervase Phillips be transported for 15 years ; that Thomas _Wagstaif , Jos . Saunders , Samuel "Whitehouse , Joshua Gilbert , — Bankes , " and Edward Smith , be transported for 10 years ; that William Shaw , ¦ William Bradbury , John Owen , JohnPowell , Dimmock , Tort , and Hurst , be imprisoned for 12 months , with hard labour ; that James Millingion , Samuel Eaton , snd Richard Edge , be imprisoned for four months , with bard labour ; and that James Hurst , who , from his extreme youth , he hoped bad been unconsciously led into it , be imprisoned for two months , with hard labour . He should pass no sentence npon James Saunders , because he had been since tried before his brother Parke , who would pass sentence upon him . The prisoners were then removed .
CASE OF ARTHUR O'NEIL . The _SoxiciTOR-GENEBALunderstoodthathia Learned Friend , Mr . Lee , had an application to make on behalf of Arthur O'Neil , to traverse to the next session or assizes , and he wished his Lordship would thin hear the application . Arthur O'Neil having been placed at the bar , Mr . Lee requested tbat tbe indictment should be read , and the officer accordingly read the indictment , which charged the prisoner with wickedly intending and _combining to bring tbe law and constitution into contempt , and with _combining to obstruct the collection of the revenue , and induce the liege subjects to resist the payment of taxes , and to induce large bodies of the workmen to make riots and break the public peace . It also charged him with using violent and seditions language at Rowley Regis , on the 26 th of August last , to large assemblies of ths working classes .
Mr . Lse submitted that the prisoner" was clearly _entitled to traverse to next assizes , on giving proper security and entering into the necessary _recogniranees . The Learned Judge said he would take the affidavits and depositions in the matter , consult his two leaned brethem , and give his opinion -the following morons .
TRIAL OF COOPER FOR ARSON . Thomas Cooper , of Leicester , was then placed at the bar , with twelve otters , charged with baving riotously and unlawfully _assembled and demolished the house of Mr . Parker , at the parish of Stoke-upon-Irent The prisoner Cooper , a respeetable 4 ooking middleaged man , said he objected to be tried with the other prisoners . The Court Slid that objection could not be _entertaised . Mr . Lee then intimated that the prisoners meant to sever in their challenges and that it would cause a good deal of inconvenience and delay if thty were tried together : the _object of his client , Cooper , was to have a fresh Jury , who Lad not previously tried any Of the cases .
After a good deal of discussion , the Counsel fer tbe Crown agreed to take the case of Thomas Cooper _separ & _tely _, and the other prisoners were ordered to go down from the bar . Tha prisoner challenged every Juror who bad saved on aay _previsus trial during the Special Commission . Thomas Cooper was then given in charge for the demolition cf Mr : Parker ' s house at Sheiton _, on the 15 _'Ji of August . Mr . Lee said the prisoner had resolved to conduct his Own case , and bad _requested bim to give him the benefit ef his assistance upon points of law that might arise affecting the interest * of his client Mr . Yardley was also retained by the prisoner .
The Solicitos-Geseral stated the case as against _Thomis Cooper , and detailed the circunistacces under which tbe attack took place npon Mr . Parker ' s house . It would appear that many of the . workmen in tbe collieries and tbe potteries had Btruck work , -and that _Previously to the 15 th August they had committed several EC ts of outrage and riot , bnt not of the nature of that for which the prisoner was indicted . On tbe aoruing of the 15 th August , a meeting -was beld at _* he Crown-tank , Hanley , at which very inflammatory _Jddregjis -w ere made to tbe mob ; and from thence the ? proceeded to several houses in the _neighbourhood , _asd broke into , plundered , and destroyed them . In tbe course of tbe cay another meeting was held at the
Crown-bank , and , on the aitnal of a pistol being _sred , tbe nob went off to the house of Mr . Forester , which tbey attacked and burned , and thence they went » the house ot Mr . Parker , which formed the subject or tbe present indictment The question the jury Weuld have to try was , whether the prisoner , Thomas ' ¦ _'ooper , was one of tbe mob who attacked and destroyed tke boas * of Mr . Parker ? It was not necessary to show that it was bis band that set fire to the bouse , but if he could be shown » sath a position with the mob is to be aiding and exciting tbem to the work of destruction , tben be would be patty of tbe ofience equally with those who cemmitted the work of destruction . It would be a
most extraordinary principle of law if that were not ana . '( . ? canBe tbe parties who aided and abetted , _* _w _exatea the mob , won )?* , 'therwise escape , while _«> sr ignorant tools would be subjected to tbe _pnnkbsent which tbe other party so richly merited . The _"anied Counsel then _stattd tbe facts cf tbe case aa _«« y afterwards appeared in tbe evidence , and called _-M _j ary Travis—l am housekeeper to Mr . Parker , of ° _nci . 0 _L His n 0 Use _jg _^^ Albion House . Hs is a _rff ? * ° * the county . Mr . Parker left his house _< _w ° _u _; £ i j . p _^ _tleri : l oa _^ morDiD- _jijg 15 ib ot
Stafford, Frtdat, Oct. 7. T Convictions ...
August . I remained in the boose till near eleven at night I tben left it , being afraid to stay any longer , as I expected the bouse to be attacked . There were a good many persons then about tbe house . All tbe servants went away with me , and we left tbe boose quite empty . Mr . Tresley's house is in- the same town , about five minutes' walk from master ' s . We locked two of tiie doors and bolted the other inside . We also fastened the _window-shntters inside . I saw it at eleven o ' clock the next morning . The inner walls had fallen in , and it was a mere shell . The furniture , wise , and everything in tbe bouse was gone .
Andrew Rowley—I am a potter living at Sheiton . On the 15 th of August I was close to Mr . Parker ' s bouse near twelve at night I saw a number of persens standing by Mr . Parker's door . I turned my head round and saw Turner come by with a lighted candle , and his bat covering the candle to keep it lighted . There were between 200 and 300 persons there . They were shouting and making a noise . Tbey had got up to the door when I first saw them . Tamer said , "Here ' s a light D—n your eyes , get on . " Mr . Lee submitted tbat the evidence now given could not be received unless it was shown that Casper was present , or that be was connected with the mob by some previous acts or declarations . The Solicitor-General apprehended that it would he sufficient to show that the prisoner formed a part of tiie mob . If they could not do so , then all the evidence went for nought
Tbe Learned Judge overruled the objection . Unless tbe prisoner was connected with these acts then there was no ease against him . Examination resumed—When Turner said that , others said " the door is broken open . " I think the door waa broken open with a hammer . The mob then went in , and among them Turner . I saw him go into the front room and knock down a clock and other things , and set fire to the room . At least a score went into the house ; and I saw others who had candles lighted inside . A good many stood xound outside who had sticks ; I think cudgels ; but they did not do anything . Many of them then went towards Mr . Aitken ' a , but tbat was after Mr . Parker ' s bouse bad taken fire . That was about three-quarters of an hour after the meb broke in .
Cross-examined by tbe prisoner—It was about twelve o ' clock when I saw Turner . I saw at least a score come out and go towards Mr . Aitken ' s . I saw the roof tumbling in . There were many persons who stood outside looking on out of curiosity . Josiah Mills : I am a painter and gilder of Hanley . Tb > _i mob had turned out in the month of August , and were compelling the colliera and others to strike . They were holding meetings in different places . I was at the meeting on the morning of the 15 th , about eight o ' clock . It had then commenced ; there were about 1 , 000 present , and many of them had heavy _blndgeons in their hands . I saw Thomas Cooper on the Sunday evening preach , or pretending to preach , to the crowd at tbe Crown Bank . I saw him at the meeting on Monday morning . I heard him say ,
when addressing the mob , that he considered himself the self-elected chairman of that meeting . Aftsr that a man come forward and moved a resolution _agreeing to stand by the resolution passed at the Manchester meeting , to cease labour until the Charter became the law of the land . I heard Cooper say it would be au easy matter to get the Charter , for if anly one-tenth part of the population were to come oat on a _tnven day and hour , and say , " We will bave the Charter , " nothing could stop us . He also said , alluding to the strength of the soldiers , that there were not more than ten soldiers for every _large town in the kingdom . Alluding to the strike , he said that some people _thought the winter time wouid be the most favourable , but he thought the present time was the most favourable :
that it was better to be idle in the fine weather than in the winter ; that it was better to be iale when there was plenty on the ground . He would not advise them to steal , nor would he steal himself , bat left them to put their own construction upon it . They all rose up and shouted , and then he went towards Lord Granville ' s collieries . Those around tbe platform appeared to he leading the others . I followed them down , and at the first pit the engine was stopped . After the last engine was stopped , they ordered myself and some others who were standing ou a bank looking on to come down and join them ; many had very
large cudgels . I accompanied them a little distance and got away . I wad present at a meeting in the county at the Crown-bank . The crowd waa then greater than in the morning . It was then near seven o ' clock . I had then heard of the outrages that had been committed . I saw Cooper going towards tbe George and Dragon , and then he returned towardB the Crown-bank , to which the meeting had been adjourned . He was singing , and had hundreds following him . 1 heard him singing iu the chorus , "Spread the Charter . " The meeting was opened by singing , Cooper- giving out the lines , and the chorus was something respecting O'Connor . I recollect two lines ;—
" The lion of freedom ' s let loose from his den , And we'll rally roand him again and again . " I heard Cooper at the meeting say that he understood many of them had got drunk , and that some about him then were tipsy ; but they must abstain from drink , or tbey would be sure to be detected . He alluded to what had taken place during the day . and said he had heard -various reports—he could net say whether they were true or not . He had been at Jeremiah Yates * the Royal Oak , and the George and Dragon during the day . I then left while he was speaking .
Cross-examined by the Prisoner—I stopped at the meeting in the morning till it was concluded . I took no notes of what yon _^ said at any of the meetings . I only gave those parts of your speeches that particularly struck my attention . I did not listen to all you said , for I felt disgusted at what you said . I don ' s now entertain those feelings of disgust towards the man , but at the expressions yon used I have no antipathy towards you . I waa sorry suchwords should come from any man . I first gave information , eight or nine days after the meeting , to the chief bailiff of Hanley .
Reuben Greatbeach—I am a newspaper reporter . I am connected with the North Staffordshire Aler cury . I saw a number of persons at Lord Granville ' s colliery . They bad just succeeded in plugging the boilers . That was between nine and ten in the morning . They then went to the lock-up at Hanley and released three or fonr prisoners . They were very noi > y , and beating about with sticks . Many had sticks in their hands . They went to the policeoffice , about 100 yards off . They broke the glass , and some persons came ont with constables' staves . They threw out papers , and tore up books , and threw them about the street . The trial had not concladed when oar express was despatched .
( Before Air . Baron Rolfe . ) Richard Croxton , John Rattlebone , Edward Wilkinson , John Brunt , and William Johnston , were indicted with burglariously breaking into the house of Mr . Griffin , at Chilton . The trial was proceeding when our report left .
( Before Mr . Baron Parke . BURNING OF LORD GRANVILLE'S OFFICESThomas Roberts , William Turner , James Slack , Edward Smith , Joseph Wild , Henry Gibson , and Isaac Colclough , were indicted for a riot , and demolishing by fire the offices , & c . of Lord Grenville on the 15 th of August . Mr . Spooner ( on the part of Colclough ) , and Mr . Neale ( on the part of Slack ) , challenged the Jury to tke full number of twenty . In consequence of the difficulty there waa to empannel a Jury . The Learned Judge ordered the prisoners to be put aside , with the exception of Thomas Roberts , who was put upon his trial , and pleaded Not Guilty . Mr . Sergeant Ludlow and Mr . Godson prosecuted ; Mr . Spooner defended the prisoner . The trial was proceeding when our express left .
Liverpool.—Monday, Oct. 10. The Special ...
LIVERPOOL . —MONDAY , OCT . 10 . The special commission for the trial of the persons , in custody in Kirkdale Gaol , and out on bail , on charges connected with tbe recent disturbances in this county , was opened this morning , in tbe Nisi Prius Court The three _jndges specially commissioned to try the prisoners are Lord Abinger , Chief Baron rf the Exchequer , Baron Alderson , and Mr . Justice Cresswell . Tbeir Lordships arrived in town on Saturday night , and on Sunday morning tbey attended divine service at St George ' s Church , when a sermon was preached by the Rev . J . B . Monk . After the service , the three judges remained and received tbe sacrament During tbe past week , workmen were employed in making tbe necessary Alterations in tbe Session _' _s-house . Tbe benches in tbe Nisi Prius and Crown Courts have been so altered as to alow their Lordships to sit together , if that Bhould be requisite at any time , and a dock has been constructed in the Nisi Prius Court , tbat tbe judges may take cases separately . The Magistrates' Room has been fitted up as a third court
The calendar contains tbe names of 124 prisoners , six of whom were out on bail . In addition , we believe , there are Feargus O'Connor , tbe Rev . James Schole _field , tbe Rev . William Hill , editor of tbe _Korftem Siar , James Tuck , and a few others who bad not arrived or wbose names bave not been transmitted to the Governor of tbe Kirkdale prison . The following is a classification of the offences , with tbe number of persons for trial : —Riot , 40 ; riot and putting out fires , 4 ; riot and turning out workmen , 8 ; riot and conspiracy , 18 ; riot and assault , 3 ; riot and beginning to demolish mills , & c 28 ; riot and stealing , 18 ; _aeditiouB libel , 2 : not and plug-drawing , 3 . Of the prisoners , 21 can Tead imperfectly ; 52 can read and write imperfectly ; 40 can neither read nor write , and 18 can read and write well .
The three Judges entered the Nisi Pnns Court together at a few minutes past eleven o ' clock , and having taken tbeir seats npon tbe enlarged bench , the commie * sion was opened with tbe usual formalities . The following is a list of the Grand Jury : —
Liverpool.—Monday, Oct. 10. The Special ...
Thorns * Green , Esq ., M . P ., Wittington Hall , foreman . 8 ir Thomas Whitehead , Knight , Upland . Montagu Ainalie , Esq ., Grizedale . Richard Edward Alison , Esq ., _Cbamock . William Assheton , Esq ., Downturn Hall . Cornelius Bourne , Esq ., HaJmine HalL Clarence Braddyce , Eaq ., Conisnead Priory . William Clayton , Esq ., Lostock Hall . William Assheton Cross , Esq ., Red Scant . Pudsey Dawson , Esq .. Hornby Castle . Richard Earie , E « q ., Eden Hurst ,
William Gelllson Ball , Esq ., Mailing HalL CbiserihaleChisehale , Esq , Ariey Hall . James Nowell Farrington , Esq ., Worden HalL William Gale , Esq ., _Ugbburn House . George Martin , Esq ., M . P ., Capernuray HalL John Penny Machell , hsq .. Hollow Oak . John Master , Esq ., _Croston . William Moon * , Esq .. Grumshill . Robert Townely Parker , Esq Cuerden HalL John Plumb Tempest , Esq ., Toag HalL Robert Henry Welch , Esq , Leek . Her Majesty ' s proclamation against vice and immor ality was then read , after -which
Lord Abikgeb proceeded to address the Grand Jury . He Bald—Gentlemen ol the Grand Jury , it is with unaffected pain tbat I address you on tbe present occasion . You are aware of the disastrous state to which tbis county has been reduced tor several weeks of the present summer ; that a lawless , tumultuous multitude of persons have been assembled in various manufacturing towns of the county , have proceeded to create disturbances , to excite alarm and terror in tbe minds of her Majesty ' s peaceable subjects , and have with violence prevented working men from following their dally occupations . Such a scene of lawless violence it is impossible long to endure . Indeed , it would of itself perish by its own infirmity ; but along with it must perish tbe prosperity and industry of the working classes of tbis country . It became tbe duty of the Government ,
with all expedition , to put down snch unlawful and tumultuous assemblies—to preserve the peace and property of the subjects of the realm , aud to punish , by the rigour of the law , tbe persons engaged in those unlawful proceedings . Gentlemen , you are well aware tbat occasional reverses in the tide of prosperity in the manufacturing and commercial concerns of this country must occur , and that when tbey do occur , they must produce , to a greater or less extent , disastrous privations amongst the labouring classes . I presume tbat the state of the country for some months , if not for some years back , may be placed to some of these cheeks which the tide of commercial aud manufacturing prosperity has received , and that to the same cause may be attributed the privations to which the working classes have been reduced : and I
make no doubt that those privations were considerable , because it cannot be denied that many of tbe usual channels of our trade had been interrupted , and that there was a general feeling of despondency amongst commercial men as to the advantages of engaging in commercial enterprise , the result oif which waa attended with great uncertainty . But at the same time I am bound to say , from the experience I bave had in the history ol . this insurrection in a neighbouring county , that I believe that distress was greatly exaggerated . It does not appear , from any evidence I have seen or heard , tbat the people engaged in these _ex-Crsses either complained of the high price of provisions , or tbe want of . labour . What gave use to the immediate occurrence which was the commencement of these transactions at present has not been ascertained .
Whether it was owing to tbe imprudence or indisposition of any of the master manufacturers—whether it originated in the scheme of any persons who considered that a general tum-ont would be advantageous to their peculiar political object , or whether , when it commenced , it was not checked as early as it might have been by greater activity in the magistrates—all these are matters at present in obscurity , and that time alone can develops . But certain it is , from the information to which I have referred , that the dissatisfaction of the common people , of the labouring classes , does not seem to bave originated from any voluntary feeling , if I may so express it , of tbeir own , respecting their privations or respecting the high price of provisions . Tbey all seemed to bave been sensible that tbe price of wages must depend on tbe price of provisions ,
and I therefore think they were prepared to see that those who promised them an increase of wages by the diminution of the price of earn were not tbe persons tbat were to be trusted . But , gentlemen , it appears certain that when once these riots began , and when once the people formed themselves inte classes for the purpose of turning out by force the industrious men pursuing their avocations in other places , there did arise a disposition amongst many , and those , too , possessing considerable power and some talent , to make use of that insurrection , to foment it , to perpetuate it , and to direct it on political objects . It seems that a society of persons , recognised by the title of ChartiBts , mixed themselves with tbe unhappy masses of the common people , wbo bad been deluded into this insurrection . Having more knowledge than them , but deeper-designs , they ,
instead of using their knowledge to point out to the unhappy victims the delusions by which they were actuated—that all attempts of the working men to rise _against their masters , and all attempts to dictate the price of wages , must terminate in tbe disaster of the working classes , and , instead of bettering , only worsen their condition . Instead of pointing that out , they endeavoured to persuade them that the true remedy for all their grievances was the adoption of what they call the People ' s Charter , which seems principally to aim at a larger reform of Parliament than that which they had already received , and in despite of the promises , and I make no doubt sincere hopes of those who introduced and carried the late measure , that it was to be a final and efficacious measure of reform , these infatuated people—fer they
also are infatuated—have formed an opinion , gathered from what foundation I know not , that a representation by Universal Suffrage , by Vote by Ballot , and by payment of Members of Parliament , will form a panacea for tbe remedy of all evils , and tbey endeavoured to inculcate on the assembled multitudes whom they addresed , these doctrines , and to persuade tbem that by perpetuating tbat revolution , or by rising against their masters , and by making it universal , was the best means of obtaining that charter . Gentlemen , they mixed up with their orations , as you will find in the coarse of the evidence that will be laid before you , many facts recommending them to peace and order ; but you will find tbis accompanied with false and exaggerated statements of the general feeling of the country—that the people of this aud the neighbouring
counties were told that all England was in arms , tbat Scotland was pouring ont hundreds of thousands , that Ireland was coming to tbe battle , and that the men o f Birmingham , to the number of a hundred thousand , armed with steel , and insensible to tbe force of military execution , were ready to join and carry the day . These wero _circumstances plainly Intimated , and they endeavoured to inculcate this opinion on tbe nation , tbat tbeir force would become universal , and that they would either carry their object by alarming the Legislature , or imposing this restraint Gentlemen , I must say that if this sort of conspiracy , with such objects , had been made a subject of prosecution by high treason , at present I am at a loss to know the distinction there is between a conspiracy to subvert the Government
by alarm , and by imposing force and restraint on all the branches of the legislature , in order to bave a particular measure passed into a law , and tbe crime of high treason . The crime of high treason , by the law of this country , is technically limited to an atttempt upon the life of the Sovereign , or to raising war on tbe Sovereign ; but the Judges have , from the earliest times , considered that a conspiracy to levy war , to employ force to restrain the will of the Sovereign , is an overt act of high treason , and if satisfactorily proved , is quite sufficient to justify a jury in inferring , in combination with an intention of really imposing restraint on the Sovereign , that it was a crime of high treason . I do not understand that the Government intend to push the Indictments that will be brought before you on tbis occasion to tkat extent These people , I think ,
owe it to the lenity of the Government that they are not put to a hazard on wbich tbeir lives might be the _ferfeit But , however , you will have laid before you indictments for conspiracy , for exciting the people to insurrection , for endeavouring to prevail on those who were not at work to continue in & state of suspended labour , and for compelling by force those at work te leave their avocations , and to persevere in that lawless state of violence , and disorder , and privation , till their favourite plan of the Charter was carried . If bills of tbat _Bort are brought before you , and you should feel satisfied , by tbe evidence , that though tbe great mass of the people were not actnally dispostd to take part in a conspiracy for that object , yet that there were persons amongst them who were actually instrumental in persuading them , you will be justified in finding charges
of conspiracy against them . Independent ef that charge , you will find other cases of conspiracy to prevent the working dasseB from performing their labour —in other words , to turn ont tbe workmen from the different mills , and not only from the different mills , but to influence by fear or persuasion tbe workmen of every description engage ! in manual labour to leave their work , and join in this scheme of obtaining this Charter . Gentlemen , the mere conspiracy for the mere purpose of turning ont tbe workmen , and agreeing together to accomplish tbat object , is criminaL I am bound to tell you that , by tbe law o ! the land , such persons , if satisfactorily proved to be guilty , axe guilty of a crime by law , and you will be justified in putting them on their trial . There is another class of offences , which , though not deeper in magnitude , is very
dangerous , and must be punished , where satisfactorily proved , and that is lie case of simple riot . A riotous assembly is an assembly either collected together for some illegal object , in which case it is an unlawful assembly , or one which , by Its acts or conduct , shows tbat it has an improper design , or excites alarm and terror . Such an assembly ia a riot , and all participating in it are prima _fatie encouraging , by their presence and countenance , whatever objects tbe multitude may bave in view , unless they are able to show their innocence and honesty , and have been participating _ in a misdemeanour . A great deal has been said at difierent times as to what should be deemed an unlawful assembly , and I am BGrry to say that the events which have taken place in this county have given rise to a discussion in tbe court * of law and in Parliament , One thing is clear , that an assembly , con-
Liverpool.—Monday, Oct. 10. The Special ...
" _^ rf HJ" _* 1 _^ nltitu de as to make all _dlscussioi and debate _rldicnkma and a fane , never can be aa assembly for the purpose of debate and _aalm _diswaawn . win any man in hi » _seneea aay tha * when he has tbe means ol _^ j »« sembHng together three or _ioar _thonsand persons , that he does tbat to form a deliberative-assembly to discuss speculative points of law er constitutional government ? On the face ofit , it carries itoown refutation * if an assembly , therefore , consisting of suck a multitude as to render all notion of disoussion . impossible , is found by violence putting down all attempts to ddiberate , if the assembly has for its objeets to hear only one side of a question . « ceases io be an assembly for the purpose of deliberation , and they cannot protect themselves under that exemption . Again , any _assemblies of such magnitude as would naturally
tendwith-, out any restraint or authority to pnt an end to them , ~? v g no one P resen' ° * person in authority invested by themselves or by the law with the power ef dispersing them—such an assemblage , when consisting of vast multitudes , every one sees must lead to terror , and not , and disturbance of the peace , and such an assemblage in itself is a riotous and unlawful assembly . It is a riot , if you find hundreds assembled to disturb the peace . If you find tbat individuals amongst tbem , by their conduct , exhibit tokens of violence and Intention to do mischief , and they are restrained by the multitude , but protected by the countenance of tbat multitude , it partakes of a riot and unlawful assembly ; but if you find tbey go further , and that they proceed to the act of committing violence on property , and restraining the persons of their fellow-subjects to prevent the fair of
employment their labour , they become riotous in the worst sense of the word . Those engaged In such transactions are guilty of riot , and it will be your duty to find the bills _Bgainst them , if limited to that object Gentlemen , you will have laid before you also some cases of violent and _inlammatory speeches . Of coarse , you will exercise your judgment whether speeches—vicious speeches—subject the parties making them to punishment . You will form a judgment on them when _yeu hear them ; and if the speeches were made to excite sedition , and insurrection , and riot , it will be your duty to find the parties guilty of such charges—at least , not to find _^ them guilty , but to put them on their trial There is one other case , I understand , as likely to come before you , and that is a case of printing a seditious libel . Whether or no it will come before yau _, I am not
certain , but I am informed it wllL I have had an opportunity of seeing what _thatllbel is . It purports _toibe an exhortation from the Chartists to all the labouring classes , to whom it is addressed , to continue in the suspension of labour until the Charter is carried . It professes the words , * ' peace and order , '' but it reminds the people that they are governed by laws to which they have not been partiesthat they have not made the laws ; and it endeavours to persuade those who read it that they bave no real security for tbeir employment except by an organic alteration in the constitution of the country . Gentlemen , you will farm your judgment of tbat paper . I have had aa opportunity of seeing it , and the impression it made on my mind was that it was full of danger , and particularly at a season when the publlcatlen of it might
be attended with consequences far different from that of a _document inordinary tones ; because when a document of tbat kind is addressed to a multitude who have an opinion that their own force is sufficient te _effeot their object , you may easily judge that such an exhortation , at such a moment , is far more dangerous , and , therefore , far more criminaL Gentlemen , it seemed that the argument they used , and the argument used by many of those who addressed the multitudes , is , tbat tbeir object is to get a " fair day ' s wages for a fair day ' s labour , '' and that nothing will ensure them that , except the giving to the labouring population an _tq-ial , if not _ a prepoderant _, voice in the legislature of the country . " For which purpose tbey propose those changes to which I before referred—the principles of the Charter , that iB to Bay , tbat the labouring classes who
have no _property are to make laws for those who have property , that the labouring classes who have shown by their recent conduct that they will exercise a tyranny over their fellow subjects , are to make laws for the protection of labour . These persons have never taken into their consideration that the object of law in _civilisad society is the protection of property from violence , and the protection of a man ' s person from outrage . They show , by their own conduct , a violation of the law , and how little calculated they aro to compose such a legislature as that of which they aim to form a p : irt Gentlemen , the reasoning of these persons would be unworthy of consideration if their endeavours would not , by a reform in Parliament , lead to the subversion of the monarchy itself , for any man who reflects for a moment will
know , that when a popular assembly so devoted to democratic principles , and eleoted by persons who have no property , but depend on manual labour for subsistence , such a thing is inconsistent with monarchy and property . The first thing at which such persons would aim would be the putting down of all property . The exercise of tyranny they would be the first to raise up against it , and then would come the subversion of the monarchy . Gentlemen , you will excuse me for addressing this _langaage te gentlemen of your description , but I cannot help expressing my concern that some of these persons wbo propagate those doctrines are persons of sufficient talent to know the consequences . And yet tbey persevere in attempts to delude the people for some private ( it must be ) objeot of tbeir own , or they must be animated by a sort of malice
against the successful enterprise of those who have left them at a distance in the competition of honourable Industry . Who can say in this county ef Lancaster that labour wants protection from the law ? Who can say tbat tbe working man , even of tbe lowest description , if be possesses diligence , talent , application , and fidelity , may not arrive at the highest honours of 4 the state ? How many examples of persons who , in all classes of life , not superior to many of those who are the objects of these prosecutions , by their industry and talent , have acquired fortunes , and been themselves the employers of labourers ? How many have acquired honour and distinction ? Gentlemen , the very fabric of the British constitution , which those unhappy men are desirous of destroying , —this constitution is the snly one in the world
that has ever shown , by repeated examples , that labour is protected—that the rights of the poor man , if they are but exercised by him with diligence , and with sense , and with frugality , are sure to lead them to independence _, if not to fortune . And yet those individuals would put to hazird all we enjoy under such a constitution , nnder colour of doing—what ? under colour of giving labour a greater influence than it has new in the formation of . the law . Gentlemen , by the law of England labour is protected . No doubt it is the property of the poor man , and ought to be protected ; and I believe the law of England is so framed that if any oppression takes place by the master upon the labourer , the law furnishes a remedy—that tbe law does not prevent any man , at the termination of bis civil contract with his employer , from leaving If he feels
dis-Batified with hia wages—that the law does not give tbe master any authority to detain the labourer , that if tbe labourer thinks fit to leave , the law does not prevent bim . There is no restraint on tbe part of tbe law or labourer . But if tbe object ef the labourer had in view was to put a restraint upon the masters , and to say they would lay down laws for _themselves , to what a state they would reduce those who possess capital ; and if they were to employ that capital , not according to the judgment of the masters , tbe state of the markets , and the various other causes which influence men of capital , but in some narrow and limited view that tbe labourers take of their own interests , what would the result be ? Why , the result would be , that instead , when capital was destroyed property was destroyed , and all mankind were reduced and placed on an equality .
all would become labourers , and what would the unhappy labourers gain by it ? Why , the market for labour is like every other market The more it is supplied the cheaper it is ,- and , if all were labourers , what would be the price of labour ? I think it would be trifling with your time to notice at any further length the delusion under which they have been acting . It is _surprising to me tbat men of common sense can be led away by such reasoning , and those who inculcate such doctrines must themselves be conscious of tbeir mischief , and , if they should be detected , deserve condign punishment I shall not trouble you any longer . You will hear the cases , and you need-no further information from me as to the way in which you should discharge your duties . Be so good as to proceed with despatch , in order to get through the arduous business before you .
The Grand Jury then retired to their room , and , in a short time after , sent some bills into Court
NISI PRIUS COURT . ( Before Lord Abinger . ) ASSAULT AND BOBBEBY . William Cash , Rowland _Davies , Jeremiah M'Cormick , William Reed , and John Piatt , were charged with baving , at Manchester , on the 10 th of Angnst last , with force and arms , violently assaulted one Thos . Shlpman , and stolen from him fifty loaves of bread , valued at Is . each . The Attorney-Genebai , ( Sir Frederick Pollock ) , and Sir Gregory Lew in appeared on behalf of the Crown . The prisoners were undefended .
It appeared that , on tbe 10 th of Angnst last , tbe prisoners , along with a number of other persons , went to the shop of Mr . Shlpman , baker , _Deansgate . Tbe family , on seeing them approach ,. shut the door ; but tbe men , with bludgeons , burst open tbe door , and with force , and threats , and violence , obtained and marched off with a number of loaves . The yomg men , in tbeir defence , said they were not in Deansgate at the time alleged . Lord _^ _BiNoBB briefly summed op ; and the foreman of the jury said the prisoners were all found guilty , but they recommended them to mercy . T _& j Judge—Upon what grounds , gentlemen ? ¦ . A Juror—Upon bo grounds . The foreman bas taken upon himself to say so . I do not , f or one , coincide with any such recommendation .
Tbe Judge—Before I can take notice of any recommendation , I must know the grounds of it If there le any particular ground on wbich to build a recommendation for mercy , I shall be glad to take notice of it , but I must know what it is . The Foreman—It appeared by the statement of the young men that they were in other plaoes .
Liverpool.—Monday, Oct. 10. The Special ...
The Judge said that if they were of opinion they were not there , that was the ground for a verdicV- of not guilty , and not for a recommendation to mercy . A verdict of guilty was then ' entered . Another indictment for a misdemeanour , against the _a-une prisoners , along with William Bates , was not proceeded with .
ATTACK ON A MILL . James _EfeUy , James Dolan , and Andrew Cosgrove , were charged with riot at Manchester , and with baving then and _there-begiui to demolish the mill and premises of Messrs . Sterling and Beckton . The Attorney-General and Sir Gregory _Lewin prosecuted on behalf of the Crown , and Mr . Wilkins defended Cosgrov * . The ATTOBN 2 _Y-GENEJSA-I ., in opening the case , said he would not press the change against Cosgrove , as the evidence only rested on a statement he made when standing opposite the mill . In the _wbvle of tbe proceedings that had arisen out ef the unfortunate offences which had produced so much- suffering and calamity , there bad been every disposition on the part of those who instructed bfra- to take the most merciful and favourable view of tbe cases as they were' brought before tbem , and a < t the evidence was so slight against Cosgrove , and he had a most excellent character , the case would not be proceeded with .
Henry Moss , salesman to Messrs . Sterling and Beckton , said , that on the 9 th of August a crowd of persons came up to the lodge door , afterwards broke it open , and went int « the yard , but they were forced out again , and the door fastened . " Joalab Lisgrove said he saw the crowd with a piece of timber seven feet long , which they used as a battering ram in breaking the door open . He saw Kelly amongst the number . He had a stick in his hand breaking the windows of the house next to the mill . The attack lasted about half an hour , and was put an end to by the police , who came up about the time . Samuel Allan Jackson , clerk , said he saw tbe erowd breaking open the door of tbe mill with a battering ram . He saw stones thrown and sticks used , but the crowd , generally , had not sticks . He saw Kelly and Dolan there . Heard Kelly calling out " Oa , boys , on ! " and battering at tbe door . Did not see D Man there .
Joseph Taylor _identified Dolan as being one of the mob who attacked the mill . He saw bim use tbe piece of timber as a battering ram , and beard bim cry " get in lads , " to some boys who were breaking the windows . The men inside the yard played water on the crowd with an engine , and the prisoner , with others , ran off , brought small stones and bricks , and threw at the men inside the yard . Charles Christopher Stephens , one of the superintendents of the police , said that when he took the prisoner into custody he said , "I was there , but nobody saw me do anything . " Daniel Lipsett , inspector of police , identified Kelly . Kelly , in his defence , said that he went to the policeoffice to state that a young man , a friend of his , wastaken np wrongfully , and then he was kept . Dolaa bad nothing to say . The Judge briefly summed up , and the Jury fcund a verdict of guilty against both the prisoners . Of course , Cosgrove was acquitted .
His Lordship , after severely reprimanding the prisoners for their conduct , sentenced them to one year ' s imprisonment John Hiokey , Hugh Cavannah , James Saxton , Matthew Dilton , ( Edward Sullivan , and James _Tweedale , were then indicted for returning on the 10 th of August to the mill of Messrs . Sterling and Beckton , and breaking the windows . It appeared that about half-past eight o ' clock on the morning of the 10 th of _August , the mob returned and commenced throwing _stonea and breaking the windows of the mill and the houae adjoining . Some of the hands rushed out , _seiasd hold of the prisoners , and gave tbem into the bands of the police . The case against Sullivan was not made out , and he was acquitted . The rest of the prisoners were found guilty , but James Saxton , who was only a boy , was recommended to mercy . Sentence deferred . The Court rose at twenty minutes to seven o ' clock .
CROWN COURT . ( Before Mr . Baron Alderson . ) BIOT AT THE MANCHESTER FOLICE-STATION . William Lee , 21 , John Sheridan , 18 , and Jane Carney , 11 , were given in charge for baving riotously assembled at Manchester , and . feloniously demolished a station-house of the police establishment at Manchester . Mr . Sergeant Atchebly and Mr . _Hillyabd conducted the case on the part of tbe prosecution . The prisoners were undefended . Mr . Sergeant Atchebley said he had the _honsur to attend on the part of the Crown to lay before the court and jury the case against the three prisoners at the bar , who were charged , not with the crime of felony , but wiih tbat of misdemeanour , which was a lower description of crime , and subjected the parties to a lesBer
degree of punishment It was too well known that in this country great tumult and disorder had arisen in August last , but it was not his duty or intention to detain the jury a moment by ' alluding to any of the causes which produced that pubile disorder . His duty was , be apprehended , simply to lay the facts before them as they would be given in evidence , and then to produce tbe witnesses , endeavouring as he went along to apply the evidence to the prisoners , with the _deuble _object of enabling the jury to distinguish the cases of the individuals , and also of enabling his Lordship to distinguish the characters and stations of the party , supposing them guilty . The day on which the present transaction took took place was on Wednesday the 11 th of August The place was Manchester . Upon that day there was a very great mob in
the town , the object of which was to turn out the hands at the different mills . Several works were then attacked consisting of some dye-works and a silk factory ; and , lastly , the mob came to the police station , where only one constable happened to bo in attendance , and that police station tbey attacked . They broke open the doors , threw stones , and injured the property in the place . The one man in the place concealed himself iu a private part of tbe premises , and thereby secured -his safety . This was the general outline of the trausactian , With regard to tbe prisoners , the jury would find that the two young men were very active—that they had bludgeons , that the threats they used were of the moat
awful kind , tbat the young female was active in encouraging the others , and that she was apprehended ou tbe premises . He ( the Learned Counsel ) would only add this observation , that , as on tbe part of those who prosecuted , there was no wish at all but that the cases should be made out fully , and dealt with leniently and mercifully , so , on the other hand , the jury would believe that no political feeling ought to have or could have p ' ace in that court of justice in which the object onght to be on behalf of all parties , without turning to the right haud or to the left , to seek to administer the law with justice and mercy—in short to execute justice and maintain truth .
John Allman was tho first witness called and examined . Is a Serjeant in the Manchester police force ; about eleven o'clock , on tbe 10 th August , saw a mob of 3 , 000 persons in Bleakley-street ; a great many of them had clubs and bludgeons ; they passed the police-station door ; the prisoners , Lee and Sheridan , were among them ; Sheridan was the first and Lse the third who approached ; Lee had au iron bar , something like a broken shovel , in his hand : Sheridan had a club ; the mob approached some dye-works of _Clempson and Vaughan , and they also went to _Rothwell ' s silk establishment ; Lee and Sheridan still continued in front of the mob , who visited a chemical establishment , a starch manufactory , and the gas works ; tho mob afterwards
returned to tbe station-house , close to which is a bridge over the Irwell j witness was _standing at the door , aud boih the prisoners fiung stones at him ; witness then fastened the door , took a sword , and retired to the prisoner ' s cell , where be remained about an hour ; witness was the only person at the station-house , into which the mob entered , and threatened to murder bim ; one asked where be was , and another said be was down in the cell with a sword ; all the windows and windowframes were smashed , all the beds and bedcHng _wbto carried © ut , and witness ' s watch was stolen ; a largo bird and bird-cage in the place were destroyed ; witness saw the female prisoner , Corney , carrying things out of the place after the mischief had been done .
Thomas Bridges examined—Is an exciseman in Manchester . On the 10 th of August Manchester was in a very riotous state . Saw a mob that day at the gasworks , consisting of about 400 or 500 people ; they commenced battering at the front of the works , and witness went to the station-house to give information , whither the mob speedily followed . The mob bronght out papers and documents from the _station-hcuse , tore up the men ' s garments , and fiung tbe wbole over tbe bridge into the . river IrwelL The prisoner Lee was among tbem ; Lee battered the house , and brought a bird cage , wbich he trampled under foot The prisoner Carney was in the upper room of the house engaged in throwing various articles out of the windows to tbe mob , wbo tore them to pieces , and threw them into tbe river . She was arrested on tbe premises . Ellen Kelley examined —Was in Manchester on . the day in question , and saw the female prisoner _trttuwing brashes and baskets out of tbe windows of tbe Stationbouse . Knew h _« before by sight
The Jury found all the prisoners guilty of the riot , and recommended the female prisoner to . mercy on account of her age . Mr . Sergeant Atchebley concurred in tbe recommendation , and consented to bave ber liberated . His Lordship accordingly ordered her to be discharged , and delivered np to her parents .
BIOT AT CBOWTHER'S HIL 18 , BLAKEJLY , Joseph Shaw , 15 , and George Turner , 12 , were given in charge for having prevented certain of her Majesty ' s subjects from following tbeir lawful occupations , and compelling them to depart therefrom , at _Biakely . Mr . Sergeant Atchebley informed tbe Jury that the place at which the present transaction bad arisen was Blakeley , about four or five miles from Manchester , on Tuesday , the 15 th of August . Upon tbe lltb of tbe same month , _Crowther ' s bleach mills at Blakeley had been stopped , and on the 16 tb the bands rtturned and resumed their work . The resumption of the work gave great offence to the rioters , and on the same morning a mob came to the premises , raked out the fires , let off the water , and stopped the Business in progress . They then went away , and returned again in half an hour , when tbey prevented the hands from returning to their
Liverpool.—Monday, Oct. 10. The Special ...
work . The two prisoners took part in the transaction . Shaw had a large stick in his band , and Turner had a dagger-stick found spos bim , which would be produced . Neither of them belonged to _BlakeSey ; they were both strangers in the neighbomhosd ; and for what purpose they had found ! their way from where they lived to- Blakeley , It _wotfld be for the Jury to judge for themselvsa The case was proved _iby" Samuel Crowtbov , the proprietor of bleach- works at Blafteley ; Joseph Whitehead , in the employ of last witness- r Mr . Colt , a special constable ; and Charles C . Stephenson , superintendent of the Manchester police . The jury found both the prisoners guilty of riot . filOTS AT _WESSON ' S _PBIJW WOSKS , SALFOKD . John Tear . was given in charge for baving being concerned iu a ' riot at the print works of Messrs . Wilson Brothers tc G * ., Salford . The prisoner was defended by Messrs Cobbett sad Wigham . .
Mr . Sergeant _Atcjsirley brUfly stated the case . The scene was the town of Salford , aud the _transaction took place on Wednesday the 12 tbof _August A mob of _besween one and two- _'thouaand persons proceeded tc > Salford on that day , where they turned out the handa of Wilson and Co ., _andsubsequently the bands at Haywood ' s and the Railway Station . It would be proved in evidence that the _prisoner , who _waa-secretary to tbe Dyers' and Dressers" Aetociation , had beeu with tbe mob upon the occasion , and au active leader among thera . Moses Price , an engineer-at the print-works of Wilson and Co . in Silford ; _Tiromas _Nanson , salesman to Wilson and Co . ; and Francis Ellison , a labourer in the employment of Wilsen and Co ., w « re examined for tho _prosecution . Mr . Cobbett then britfiy _addressed the jury , and called a number of witnesses to prove au alibi . The jury returned a verdict of guilty , with a recommendation te mercy .
The court _adjourned at twenty minutes to eight o ' clock to nine next morning .
MAGISTRATES' ROOM . ( Before Mr . Juslie 3 * Cresswell . ) In about three quarters of on hour after Lord Abinger had finished his _charza to the Grand Jury . Mr . _Juacicp CBESSWELL left tbo bench in the Nisi Priua Court , and took his seat in the Magistrates , * Room . The prisonsrs first placed at the bar were _Gsorgo Thornton , Joseph VVebb , Patrick O'Brien , and James . Melburn . They were indicted for ; a conspiracy , for inciting and stirring np a great many of ber Majesty ' s subjects unlawfully to assemble , armed with sticks , to disturb the tranquility of the realm , aud to prevent workmen from following their labour , and with having created a riot . The Hon . J . S . Wortley and Mr .. Frederick Pollock , 'Jun ., conducted the prosecution in tbis court . The prisoners were undefended .
Mr . WoBTLEr , after stating the nature of the indictment ,, said that the . particular occasion on which the occurrences in question took place ou the Oth of August , aday on which , it would appear , a vast body of persons were collected in Manchester , and _separating _theniseVveB into different portions , went into different parts of the town , and behaved themselves in a violent and tumultuous manner . About a qnarter-past two oa that day , a body of soma hundreds of porsons went to > the mill of Mr . John Preaton , machine-manufacturer , Ardwlck ,-and some of them were armed with sticks , showing that they were determined to resist interference with their proceedings . The gatt 3 of tbe mill were shut against them , whereupon they became neisy and violrnt , and endeavoured to fjree open tbe gates , but , failing in that , they eventually broke open one of
the windows , so as to let in one of the persons in the mob . Melburn was the man who succeeded in getting in at tbe window , and as this belonged to a room in which tools Were deposited , he availed himself of some of them to break away tbe fastenings of tho gate inside , and thus admitted bis companions . Tha party behaved with considerable violence , and Mr . Preston , one of the partners , . was struck by one of the mob . They suc ceeded , by their intimidation , and the awe which their proceedings created , in turning out every hand , although they were reluctant to leave their work . Mr . John Preston , jun ., and other witnesses wero called to substantiate this statement . The Learned Judge allowed the prisoners to ask tbe witnesses , _through bim , any
question that they chose . Thornton and O'Brien had nothing to say in their defence . Melburn said that ba was a mere spectator , and Webb called witnesses to prove an alibi . His Lordship , in summing up , recited tho four counts in the indictment , and _observed that in cases like this it was difficult to prove previous concert , or the feelings which actuated the parties , so as to make out the charge of conspiracy . As to tbe second count , " inciting and stirring up a great number of her _Majesty ' s subjects unlawfully to _ssssmhlo , " < fcc . there was no evidence of that kind . The two other counts , for riot and unlawfully assembling , he considered had been fully made out , and tbe only question for tha Jury was , whether all the prisoners wtre actually present in the midst of the assembly .
The Jury , after a short consultation , found all the prisoners guilty . Sentence was deferred . John _Cinnsn . George Thornton , James Harrington , James Heaiey , Joseph Webb , Thomas Whitehead , John Qalvin , John Stones , John _Fallan . Edward Mitchell , Thomas Berry , and Barney Collins were then placed at the bar , oh an indictment precisely similar to tho foregoing . Thornton and Webb were the parties of that name who were previously tried-Mr . Woetley said that after the observations wbich had fallen from his Lordship as to the charge of conspiracy , he should abandon that portion of the
indictment , and confine himself to the charges of rioting and unlawfully assembling . In this case it was proved that at half-past three o'clock on the afternoon of the 9 th of Augu 3 t , about a thousand persons attacked tha Oxford-road Twist Mill , in Manchester , belonging to Messrs . Cpates , and by their threats and intimidation , succeeded in turning out the whole of the hands , In number between 000 and 1 , 000 . Sor . n after the military arrived ' , the mob ran in all directions , aud tha gates of the mill baving been closed , the prisoners wera confined in the inside and captured . The whole of tbe prisoners Were found guilty . Sentence deferred .
Joseph Thomas , an idiotic black man , JobnOldbam , John Edwards , Ellis Hall , James Richardson , Thomas Booth , _Miobael Clerk , Thomas Clege , John Lever , Patrick O'Brien , and John Holmes were next placed at the bar , and' charged with rioting aud unlawfully assembling . The evidence showed that on the afternoon of the 9 th of August , a large body of persons were seen coming from towardB the spot at which a meeting bad been held . They first attacked _Oxford-raad mill j but having been driven thence by the soldiery , a portion of the multitude , about two or three hundred in number , went towards the mill of Messrs . Burley , which was about 100 yards distant In a short tiuio , the crowd in creased to several thousands , and beaded by Thomas and others , attacked the mill of Messrs . Burley . The gates were _closed , the mob attacked it , and , as there were 1100 h mds inside , a sally was made , a report havingbeen circulated that the police had arrived . The report was _unfounded , and the defenders were _obliged to retire .
The mob then threw an immense number of stones , broke several thousand panes of glass , and did other damage , to tUe extent altogether of between £ 300 and £ 400 . The crowd would have forced their entrance ; but a powerful fire engine was got into play , and a very copious stream of water was directed npon tbe assailants whenever they approached the gates , and they were thus !; ept off . ' Nearly tbe who ]» of the prisoners declared that tbey were only casually present or _wtnt to the spot after the disturbance had been quelled , and that they never threw a single stone . As in the former cases , some of tke prisoners had provided themselves with written certificates of character ; but these were not received ; the Judge observing that if any one felt an interest iu any prisoner , be must attend in person , and give _evidence . For many of tbe prisoners , witnesses did ' attend , and spoke of them as Bteady , quiet , peaceable , and industrious persons . All the prisoners , except Thomas Booth and Patrick O'Brien , were found guilty . Sentence deferred .
John Qalvin , who waa yesterday tried and convicted , was allowed to be discharged , on finding a surety for his appearance whenever called upon for judgment He had enlisted since the occurrence of the ofience for which he was indicted _. The Court adjourned shortly after seven o'clocx _, until nine n « xt mowing .
Leicester.—Mr. John West Has Bef N Lectu...
LEICESTER . —Mr . John West has _bef n lecturing here the last week with good _tffeci .. We had two glorious put-door meetings on Sunday in the pasture , and preaching in the AU Saints > Open at night , Mr . West gave general satisfaction . Mrs . Cooper , of Leicester , acknowledges the following _* ums , which will be duly forwarded to the General Defence Fund , from Desford , 2 s ., for Mr . Cooper ' s De f ence , from Kineley , 4 s . 51 ., Lileby , 4 _s . 4 _^ i . Oh Sunday , the 9 th , Mr . West preached three sermons ; two in the Pasture , and the other in tho Room , All Saints Open , when the collections amounted to £ 3 Is . On Moiiday , he was arrested by the police on a charge of using exciting and seditious Iangnago on the 18 th of September , at Swadlincote , in the county of Derby . Ho waa taken away Boon after he was arrested .
_EERBlT . —A delegate meeting was beld at tbe Chartist Room , Willow Row , en Sunday last , when delegates from the different localities iu the county were present , and each gave in a report Of the state of the cause in their respective localities ; from which It appears , that Chartism has taken such deep root in the hearts of the men of Derbyshire ,, that it defies persecution to uproot it . A number of persons werechosa * as local lecturers , and will commence their labours immediately , being determined ns one fa knocked down two shall rise up . ' The following' resolutions were
carried umvnimous ' y : — " That this meeting returns its sincere thanks to the brave men of London , for having chosen a new Executive at this critical , juncture ; and we li _& ewisfe return our hearty thanks to those gentlemen who have so . nobly consented to form that Executive for the time _beinjj . " " That the thanks ' or this meeting be given to Mr . West , ' for hiB able labours aa lecturer in this county , and bear testimony to bis talents and abilities . " An address was agreed t . > , and 2 , 000 were ordered to be printed and circulated ia tha county .
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Oct. 15, 1842, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/nss_15101842/page/7/
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