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Northern Star (1837-1852), 4th November 1843, Edition 1 of 7, Page 7, Untitled Article

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      Untitled Article

      STQCKPOBT . GLORIOUS TBIUMPH OTER LEAGUE DESPOTISM . —TREACHERY OF A CHARTIST DISGRACEFUL COIfDUCT' OF A CHAIRMAN . One of those scenes "which disgrace nnm&nity , look place in the Court Boom , on Monday night . On Wednesday , the town suddenly appeared placarded , stating thai a public meeting -would beheld that STenxng , in the Conri Room , ai eight o ' clock , to con-Uratulaie the electors of London for having returned a "free trader . " BaJ when the people arrived there , they were rewarded fox their tronblB by a placard posted on the wall of the Court , informing them that the meeting was postponed until Monday nigh ; , at the same hoar .

      Meantime the Leaguers were busy canvassing and mustering their forces , which consisted chiefly of bailiffs , police , shop-boys , and overlookers ; but all io no purpose , for the people were not to be tricked by ihe ** fxeebooting" slave-drivers . At abont fire minutes to eight o ' clock , the people might be seen standing about the Court Room door in the wet and cold , while the " gents" who were 2 M > t prepared with tiierr arrangements were comfort * ably seated in aa ante-room . At a quarter to nine ( whiea shews the punctual and business-like habits of those gentry ) , a whole host of Leaguers ascended the platform . A Mr . Baker , an ex-Mayor , was called upon to preside , fie opened the meeting by reading the placard calling it , and telling us that he was no publie speaker j bnt of course , he agreed with the fiibjact of the meeting , and would call upon

      Mr . Holun 3 , a factory owner , to more the first . resolution , whieh he did in the same style as the Chairman . But now followed the dirfry-wqrk-doer of the league , a man well known for his bullying propensities ; he entered on the glorious effects free trade would produce , and concluded -by assuring the people it was the only measure which could procure for industry its full re * ard . The Chairman was about to put the resolution , when Mr . Thos . Webb came forward amid -clapping and cheering . "When order was partially restored , he proceeded with Borne remarks as to the objects of the meeting , and proposed an amendment , pledging $ he people to haTe nothing to do with congratulating . anybody o ^ tlBkctors who would not pledge their Candidate tosfippart the P ^ ple ' a Charier .

      The Chairman upon hearing the amendment reuL , Tose eTideutly confounded , when the following dialogue took placs . CHAnaLtK— " "Will you favour me with your name V * Mt is Thomas Webb . " a Are you as . inhabitant 1 " a Yea . " ' "Well , I won ' t put your amendment . " u If you don ' s , there is no alternative but to choose smother Chairman . To which the whole meeting Joined chorus . u Yon Chartists are always coming here interrupting oui business . " ** Are men wr o come here to be insulted by beiDg told that they have no right to reply , to the false -doctrine yon wonld « ram down their throats I " " Yonr amendment BhaH not be put . "

      " Aie you , whose office of Chairman should enable jou to protect the rights of the public after , being elected by the people , going to rob ihem of their only privilege—the right to spe ak at public meetings V Here several of the freedom-of-speeoh-loving Xeague interfered , and proposed to take a vote "whether Mr . "Webb's amendment should- be put or not , when it was decided by a large majority that it should I Mr . Wsbb to the chairman , " Are you satisfied nowr CausJixs . —I am satisfied that you shall not -speak . Mr . Wbbb however , did speak . After a ~ brief but severe castigation of the "free-trade" electors of iondon ; for their nnblushing robberies of the manias makers , and the grasping propensities of the free traders generally , he concluded amid the applause of the people .

      Mr . Joseph Castes next came forward to second ihe amendment , and shewed up the Whigs and Corn Law Repealers in their true colours ; but ibis state of peace was not to last ioag , the "Whigs finding themselves defeated resorted to the meanest tricks they ara famed for ; one of them xras to employ a drunken blackguard , who affected io more another amendment , and always took the opportunity of interrupting the Chartist speakers , iat who met with his desert by being hooted off the platform . All was uproar and confusion when a Mr . HcdiOX , a lawyer , in true lawyer ^ like stile , tried to convince the people that the question was not one which the Coartists should interfere with .

      Mr . Stetkes Clark next followed , and cautioned the people not to be led away by the specious pleading of lie gentleman who last spoke . Mr . Clark proceeded te address the meeting at some length , during which time he was frequently interrupted by the servile tools of faction . Al this stage vf the proceedings Mr . John Allisson made his appearance on the platform , To those who had watched for some time his veering round , it appeared donbtful what course he would steer , especially as he was observed to leave the meeting sometime before the business commenced , with his " cut looker" Xwhowa the "person who seconded the firsi resolution ) also as is had been waited on by deputation , from the Chartists , requesting him to take part in the

      proceedings , which ho declined doing ; but even the most doubtful were not prepared for the shock which his treacherou 3 speech produced . He charged file Chartists with ingratitude i that they and the Tories had coalesced to upset the meeting j that was not the fir 3 t time they had done bo , which lie said he was prepared to prove , but in which inmost signally failedj that they never allowed a meeting to pass by without violently opposing it- This treacherous betrayal of his old friends deservedy met -with such a volley of hisses , hooting , and groaning , that it was several minutes before there -oould be any sort of order restored . Never did we

      see such a smile of satisfaction light up the countenances of the middle classes , who were present as npon jteraccession to tseir ranks of this new ally . ThwHfight being now considerably advanced , ThejGHJLHuiAs i > roce £ ded to put the resolution , when ffljgtof " the amendment" assailed him from aB pardSsP ihe room . He , however , was deaf to all ja 3 tieeV and proceeded to read the resolution . He then put it to the m&eting , when the whole of the respectable tribe before mentioned , voted for It ; the amendment not osIbj * put , the sense of the meeting was takea to the contrary of the original motion , when a forest of hands was held up against it .

      A rote of censure was then moved by Mr .-Castes on the Chairman , —carried unanimously—during ¦ which he made hl 3 retreat ; meantime the police ¦ were busy putting out the lights and clearing the room with all their usual manliness . Thus ended one of the most disgracefnl scenes that ever disgraced a public meeting , and one that has certainly given a death blow te the freebooters ofStockport .

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      the Legislature of these days to protect the poor . They would see if they looked at the rate of wasea i Of those days , that it would take bnt twenty-four , weeks to purchase as much food as could only be i obtained now by the operative labouring for seventy- 1 five weeks —( hear , hear ) ; and yet they were loid j that the principles of Free-Trade were to be carried I out Btill farther ; and , as a proof of it , Mr . M'Greggor said that the uuty on silk ought to be re- j duced ten per cent —( hear ) . At the last city election j the Anti-Corn Law League issued a printed placard upon Free-Trade , in which they s ^ id that in Spitalfields , since the duties had been lowered , tbey were better off—( cries of " ha false . " ) They all knew to ' the contrary . The silk trade perhaps worild better ' exemplify the evil effects of Tree Trade than any

      other branch of manufactures , as , while it had gradually increased fourfold , wages had proportionally fallen . The principles of Free Trade meant no benefit to the working man , it was only intended for the benefit of large capitalists and manufacturers , who by the repeal of the Cora Laws , knew that they would have the great agriculturists in their power , and then get possession of their estates—( cheers ) . They ought to n * ge Parliament to give them protection , I * " should bB the duty of all those who live by their labour . to assist in this one great object , for if they did not , they wonld be overpowered by the Free Trade advocates "—( applause ) .. Mr . Snow seconded the motion , which was carried unanimously . Mr . Pukpot moved the second resolution , which is as follows : —

      That it is the opinion of this meeting that the suggestions of Mr . M'Greggor relative to the reducing the duties on foreign wrought silks to ten ~ per cent , and ihe allowing of a sum per week to the present hand-loom weavers , equal in amount to half their earnings , would , if carried into effect in the present state of cold-blooded Free Trade depravity , not only soon reduce the weavers to a state of misery equal to that they at present suffer , but annihilate their trade altogether ; and thereby totally deprive their helpless offsprings of the means of subsistence , &Dd subject them to the merciless Malthusian cruelties that are inflicted upon the inmates of those dens of infamy—the New Poor Law Union Bastiles . " He remarked that

      Government must be aware that they ought to do something for the starving population . By the present system of Free Trade , millions of money -were taken from the -working classes—( hear , hear ) . He hoped that the Government would see that the working classes had justice . Mr . Malpas , in seconding the motion , said that they ought to recollect that Mr . M'Greg ^ or was in office when the Whigs were in power , and there was no doubt be would impreBS bis opinion on the present Government . Withrespect to the allowance proposed to be granted by Parliament , and which was to be given only to those who were now employed as weavers , that would tend still further to destroy their trade , as it would cause an increased importation of foreign silks , and thus their wages would again be | rednced—( hear , hear ) . Another effect would follow , namely , their children , who were now at work at the looms , would be without employment—( hear , hear ) .

      Mr . BEfiHr observed that Mr . SJ / Greggor , on a former occasion , when examined before one of the Commissions of the Whig Government , asserted that his object in proposing to give a sum in lieu of wases . was in order that foreign goods might bo imported . Mr . Hatch said that the aim of the Free Traders was their own aggrandisement—( hear , hear . ) Mr . Cobden had not denied , at a meeting held at Doncaster that he had reduced the wages of his

      workmen five pence out of every eighteen pence—( hear ) . It was very plain to him that the object of his agitation in favonr of Free Trade was , that the promoters of it might obtain the power of Government ; and , when once they possessed that , the working classes would find themselves in a far worse condition than they even how were—( hear ) . It was the Whig Governmet assisted by the Free Traders , who passed the Poor Law Amendment Act , which measure had assisted to bring about the present state of things .

      Mr . Shkbrabd proposed the third resolution which was to the following effect : — " That this meeting is of opinion that prohibitioB is the most effectual remedy against smuggling , and this meeting is further of opinion that machinery which throws out of employment human skill and human industry , should be regulated by law , in something like the following manner : — * 1 st—All goods made by such machinery to be taxed , and the money derivable therefrom to be devoted to the purchase of Land upon which to establish , as small farmers , the able and willing of those whose labour the said machinery had superseded . ' 2 nd—No person to be allowed to work at the said machinery more than ten hours a-day . * 3 rd—No married woman to be allowed to work at machine labour at all . ' 4 th—2 io children to be allowed to work under thirteen years of age . "

      Mr . Shsrbass here entered into a long argument on the doctrines and practices of the Free Traders , showing the evils that would result from them , if fully carried into effect , not only in this country but any other . As a powerful illustration of this he qnoted part of a speech delivered by Dr . Bowring in the House of Commons , where according to the language of the Governor General , 12 , 000 of the people of Dacre in India , had literally died : of starvation through the introduction of cotton goods manufactured by the power loomB of Manchester , and yet the

      liberal-minded Christian gentleman , made no other use of this than to say that private interest must give way to the general good —( cries of shame , shame ) . He eonclnded by administering a severe castigation to the free-booters , and sat down amidst great applause . The resolution was ably seconded by Mr . Moffat , and corried with applause . Mr . Wetherisgton moved the adjournment of the meeting to a future day , to take into consideration the answer to be returned to the board of trade , founded upon the suggestions of Mr . M'Gregor , seconded by Mr . Lane , and carried unanimously .

      A vote of thank 3 was given to the chairman and the meeting separated .

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      and in other fabrics we are reaeivlng less by 4 s . * 6 d , than we were in 1840 . What has been stated clearly proves , said the speaker , that what has been put fotth by an enemy is incorrect , and the weavers could not de better than form themselves into a union to look after Buch publications of their enemies , and on their appearance contradict them . He trusted that the principles and tales of the union would be zealously and perseveringly carried out . The meeting was afterwards addressed by R . Kennerdale , I Holt and S . Bromiley ; the former of whom recommended the

      meeting to act upon the advice given by Sir R . Peel on presenting a petition from the silk-weavers ; he said , " I wish the people could see their own interest , and take the management of their affairs into their own bands . " If , said the speaker , this advice be followed , our condition would be materially altered ; and had it been followed years ago , we should not have been as we are now—pining in poverty , whilst our employers are wallowing in luxury . After a number of persons had enrolled themselves as members of the society , the meeting separated .

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      THE " REBECCA" MOVEMENT THE WELSH SPECIAL COMMISSION . , The Special Commission for the trial of the Rebecca rioters opened at Cardiff , on Thursday , the 26 th , at eleven o ' clock in the forenoon . The presiding Judges were Mr . Baron Gurney and Mk Justice CresswelL The nsnal preliminaries having been gone through , the Commission , was opened pro forma , after which their Lordships attended Diviue Service , at the parish church of Saint John . The court again re-opened at two o ' clock . The Grand Jury having been sworn in , Mr . Baron Gurney proceeded to deliver bis " charge" aa follows : —

      " Gentlemen of the Grand Inquest , —We are assembled at . this unusual season of the year under Her Majesty ' s Commission of oyer and terminer , to inquire into the cases of persons charged with felonies and misdemaanonrs arising out of , or connected with , the disturbances and outrages lately committed in this county ; ahd to deliver the gaol of persona who are detained therein under such ebarges . It is but too notorious that iii other parts of South Wales there have been foi several months post tumultuary proceedings , large assembl&geB of persons , generally by night , tor tfee destruction of turnpike-gates . These proceedings , unfortunately , did not receive a check at their commencement , and therefore they gradually increased until tbey attained a considerable height It might have been expected that the exposition of the law , the salatary caucions , the solemn ¦ warnings of the learned Judg 9 who presided in South Wales on the summer

      circuit in the two neighbouring counties of Carmarthen and Pembroke , would have been effectual in bringing the people to a sense of their moral duty ; or , if that failed , of their personal danger , from a perseverance in thtas practices ; but , I lament to say , instead of decreasing , these offences have increased in number , in extent , and in enormity , and have at length reached the county in -which we are assembled . Excesses of this kind aTe never committed without some grievance , real or pretended . The alleged grievance on account of which they commenced , and have continued , was heavy tolls at turnpike-gates . When turnpikes were first established in England , about a century ago , it is matter of history that a large proportion of the faimerB were hostile to them . They , with Bort-aighted policy , preferred bad roads prepared by the parishes to good roads which were repaired by the exaction of tolls . Wiser counsels , however , prevailed , and to those wiser counsels we are indebted for those roads which have

      been gradually improved , and have , at last , in many parts , almost attained perfection . By the turnpikeroads many ; districts had been made accessible which were not so before : they have stamped an increased value on thousands and thousands of acres of valuable land . But good roada could not be constructed except by means of a large outlay ; for that outlay money was necessarily borrowed , fet the payment of the principal and Interest of which tolls were necessary , and gates for their collection . The Principality , baa , I believe , largely benefitted by this system . The improvement in the roads has been beneficial to all classes . It has opened important communications for trade , for agriculture , and for pleasure . The facility afforded to travelling has brought into your country , so rich ia scenery ,

      numbers of persons who would otherwise never have viBited it . If , in the execution of plans for the improvement of the roads , any error has been committed—if the toils imposed by act of Parliament have been too heavy—or if , when trustees had discretion vested in tb 6 m , they have erred in the exercise of it , it was equally the duty and the interest of those who felt any burden which tbey thought they ought net to bear , peaceably to prefer their applications to the Legislature or to the trustees ( as the ease might be ) for relief ; and if they believe that any illegal exaction took place , they had in their own hands a prompt remedy by application to the magistrates in petty sessions ; or , if they preferred it , either by indictment or by action , ween a trial' would have

      taken place at the asaiaes ; and I will venture to say , that the appeal for justice by even the poorest member of the community wonld sever have been made in vain . I have always found that the claim of aa oppressed man was listened to with favour in a court of justice , and ample redress afforded . If , therefore , any grievance existed In the shape of oppression or illegal tolls , there was s legal remedy . If , indeed , there are persons who , after the mosey has been lent for the making the roads , and tolls imposed for repayment , have wished to break faith with the creditors by destroying their security , they must be dishonest characters . Many a widow , and many an orphan , are dependent npon these securities for their subsistence . Instead of that peaceable application far ledtess which I have pointed out , there have been large and tumultuous assemblages of persons , generally in the night , disguised bo as to escape identification , armed in a manner to defy resistance , provided

      with implements for tee destruction of gates and even houses , and who have carried their unlawful and wicked purposes into execution by terror and by violence , extending even to an attack upoD the lives of peace-officers in the actual execution of their doty . In a country which is governed by law : such excesses as these must be put down with a strong handj they are sore sooner ot Liter to bring ruin on those who engage in them . The Learned Judge then referred to the nature of the precise case * as laid down in the calendar , and dwelt Upon the peculiar features of each as they are set forth , observing that he felt assured gentlemen like those whom be had the honour to address on the present occasion , would enter upon their inquiries and investigation under a full conviction of doing their duty both to their country and themselves . With these remarks the Learned Judge closed his address , and the Grand Jury retired .

      The names of the petty Jurymen were called over , and , the panel having been formed , they were ordered to attend the Court at a quarter before nine to-morrow morning . FRIDAY . The Learned Judges took their seats on the bench at nine o ' clock this morning , and immediately afterwards the prisoner John Hughes was nrraignud at the bar for having unlawfully , riotously , and tumultuously assembled with other persons to the disturbance of the public peace , and feloniously , unlawfully , and with force begun to demolish the dwelling-house of one Win . Lewis , at the parish of Llandilotalybout . The prisoner { who appeared at the bar with bis arm in a sling ) pleaded ' Not Guilty . " The Attorney-General , the Solicitor-General , Mr Cbilton , Queen ' s Counsel ; Mr . J . Evans , Queen ' s Counsel ; and . Mr . E . V . Williams , appeared for the prosecution ; and Mr . 11 . D . Hill , Queen ' * Counsel , and Mr . M , Chambers for the prisoner .

      The Grand Jury bronght in true bills against John Hashes , charged , with beginning to demolish a tollhouse at Pontardnlais , for a misdemeanour ; against John Hugh , for being concerned in firing on the police at PoatardulatB , for felony ; against the same Jobii Hugh , foi being concerned in demolishing the tollhouse at Pontariiulais , for a misdemeanour ; on the same charges . Tor Hie defence an objection was set up in respect of the pannel , which was contended to be invalid ; being charged with not having been made indifferently and impartially by the Sheriff , according to the statute . A considerable discnssioB then arose as to the time and legal features of the objection , in which their LordBhips participated . The Learned Baron Gurney referred to the statute , and between bis Lordship and the Attorney-General some considerable argument arose , and points of law propounded .

      The Learned Attorney-General contended that the law required some positive proof that the pannel bad not been properly made , and mere allegation was not a sufficient objection . Sir W . Follet followed the Attorney-General , and contended also that there were no proper objection proved as to the illegality of the Sheriff's pannel , aDd observed that , if similar objections were to become a precedent , the time ef the court wonld be expended in discussion alone , and prisoners in all cases would avail themselves of tie system of challenging the arraign , whether there be ground or not Sir William explained at considerable length , and considered the prisoner making a challenge to the arraign , was not well grounded ; and the objection was oat enfficienL

      Mt . D . Hill , for the defence , contended the prisoner had a legal right to challenge in as much that tire pannp ' i had not been indjffertn&y and impartially made , a /; d npon these grounds he contended at considerable length , that the prisoner was entitled to the benefit of Vtu objection ; he did not intend to impeach the conduct or intentions of the Sheriff ; bnt when an informality xlsted whether emanating directly from the Sheriff , notwithstanding the functions of his high office , or from his subordinate officer , it must be weighed for the benefit of the subject The SolieitoMJeneral had talked about the trouble that courts of justice would be subject to far admitting a challenge to tlie arraign ; but he trusted their Lordships were , tr * he felt TussuTed they were , the last men on earth to think of trouble when the interests of a fellow creature were at attte ; h& considered the grounds of oi « objection to tne pauuel

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      » AtSn ^ " sufflcie ° * . and that the Sheriff had not nf th » I thV" 0 M so ^ Partial as the primitive features 0 thecaSe of the criminal law required . comfi ' wo 11 ^^ **} he waa surprised that it should 2 lTJ ° * ' funo « ° ^ ry as the Solicitor-General , DrisoLrbif ^ n 0 t be made fc 0 the Mrai S to ° *??» H I ^ * ° »» U-M"welf of any privilege B ? H £ ! E ? ^ dWl 11 ' Ws ob J ectfon to that pannd w ^ rng **«» made and chosen indifferently and ¦ SXS *! * ' W 3 f a 8 Qffie « nt and valid objection . This nSWf ^ two h 0 « a- Their Lordships fi £ " ' ^ / ) bjeCtlonWfl 3 not «»« le out , asnospeci-S 2 u iiJ 5 ? been 8 hew ? that tfae e annel had not been mlt * t £ to ?*™* 1 * ot impartially , and the challenge ceedei to n ° tWn 8 < The ^ then pr ° ' lnSL I ° ; fa a baIe " P ° ™ rful , and goodin ? » i « J ° , . lm 6 t > «*»¦»* to take much interest in the choice of the Jury who were to try him 66

      . petty S ^ J follow"i £ persons were sworn on the Thlli 1111 ^ . ? 1168 ' of Cl * diff ' gentleman ( foreman ); Thomas Williams , of Mertfayr Tydvil , grocer ; David Jones , of Merthyr Tydvil , draper ; Davld tiwia of Sfr .. T mwoia i <""«*** s Samuel Savis , of Merthyr ryavil clothier ; Thomas Hearne , of Cardiff , draper ; Jaob Jacob , of Cardiff , maltster ; William Williams , * nil yU 1 ^ e » cordwainer ; William Richards , < Cockh « btown , timber merchant ; Philip Taylor , of Harwain

      , abopkeeper ; George Price of St . Nicholas , gentleman ; and John Roe , Cockherbtown , gentleman . rhe indictment having been read , which charged the prisoner John Hnghes with having , on the 6 th of September last , feloniously begun to demolish and destroy a certain kouse , described in various counts as a house * P aTi 8 hof tlandJlotalybont , as a dwelling-house , and designated in the different counts as the property of Thomas Bullen ( the toll contractor ) , of thb trustees of the turnpike-ioad , and ol William Lewis ( tollcontractor \ .

      The Attorney-General then proceeded to address the Court nnd Jury . It was his painful duty , he said , to appear for the prosecution . It was moat necessary that the law should take its course , and be would endeavour to point out to them the nature of the charge alleged against the prisoner . The charge here was founded upon an Act of Parliament which had passed in the reign of George IV . By that law it was enacted that persons tumultuoUBly assembled proceeding to pull down a bouse , dwelling-house , or office of any desenptf on , should be guttty of a felony . The crime was at the passing of the Act punishable by death ; but since then the person found guilty of violating its provisions was subjected to a minor punishment What had occurred in this case ? Had there been a riotous

      and tumultuous assembly ? He should proceed to show thepi what had happened . On the nighb of the 6 th of September , © r rather on the morning of the 7 th , between the hours of twelve and one o ' clock , a number t » f persons , at least from 100 to 200 , were assembled , many of them were on horseback , and they proceeded to the Pontardulais-gate—which he understood was one . of very ancient date ; be believed that it was one that had existed within the memory of most persons acquainted with that part of the country . He had next to call the attention of the jury to the appearance of the mob , and to : the manner in which they had provided themselves with arms and implements of destruction . It appeared that some of the mob were disguised , so as to give them the appearance of women

      —they were arrayed in female attire ; they had their faces blackened , and many of them bad arms . Shots were fired , and in one instance , where a gun had beeu taken , it would be shown that it was loaded , and then the marks of ehota would be proved to them to have been visible on the toll-house . It would be also shown that the mob bad implements of destruction of various kinds . Sledge-hammers ,, and pickaxes were found upon them . With these weapons the werk of destruction was commenced . All the windows were broken , and the endeavour was made to pull down the house . That work would have bean completed but for the interruption given to it by Captain Napier . There could be ho doubt of the riotous character of this assembly .

      Tken comes the most important question , what has the prisoner to do with thia ? It would ba shown he xtm not merely present , but was taking an active part in all this . His dress was disguised , his face was blackened , when arrested by the police , who had taken measures to prevent that riot , which was anticipated , from being completed . The Attorney-General went at some length further into the case , expressing his assurance that the Jury would weigh dispassionately in their mirnls the evidence that would come before them , and return their verdict agreeable to their conscience ; if there could exist , or there should exist a doubt in the proceedings , to give the prisoner the benefit The Learned Attorney-General was more than balf an hour ia his address .

      Capt Napier being called and sworn , was examined by Sir W . Follett—Is the Chief ConBtaWe for the County ; went on the 6 th of September to Pontardu-Uub , accompanied by Mr . Llewelyn , Mr . Dillwyn , and Mr . Moggridge , and six police constables ; we went across the country ; started at ten o ' clock at nigbt ; when proceeding on our route , we heard gunB firing , and horns sounding in different places several times . We baited in a field about 600 yards from the gate ; while there we beard noises , and shots fixed , and a number of horses trampling on the opposite side of the river which divides the county of Glamorgan from Carmarthen ¦'; the patties appeared to be going towards the Red Lion Inn ; I distinctly beard a voice saying , " Come , come , come , " and tbey appeared to proceed

      towards toe PontaidutaiB Gbte ; and 1 heard some say , " Gate . " It was about ten minutes to one o ' clock , when we arrived at the place . After the parties had arrived at the Gate , I beard a noise the same as breaking of glass ; 1 desired my men to follww me ; we went into the main road ; I saw three men on horseback' with their faces blackened ; they were on this side of the gate that is in Glamorganshire ; there were many more on the otter side ; I should say from 100 to 150 ; I saw and heard them pulling the Toll House down ; the disguise by the three men was particular , and I took notice of them ; they appeared to me to ba directing the other partite . I ordered my men to fall in , and we proceeded towards them ; I called out " stop , " when one of them on horseback turned round aud fired at me ; I was not bit .. I desired my men to mark that man , and I went up to his horse and fired at it In endeavouring to make off , one of the parties fell from his horse , and I afterwards saw the same man ,

      whom 1 believed to be the man that fired at me ; while scuffling with him he was shot in the arm , but by whom I do not know . There was more firing after this . I did not succeed in capturing the man at that time , because I was struck down- The dress the man wo ^ was a particular sortH-a Druid ' s dress ; the most of them were disguised in various ways ; I had time to distinguish the dress of the m . m who shot at me , and recognised him again when shewn to me by one of my men . The mob afterwards retreated over the bridge ; I saw ^ some in custody that , nigbt at thb toll-gate ; the prisoner at the bar was one ; be was the man whom I have described as being in the scuffle with me . There were two other men also taken ; they ware also in women ' s dress , with boiraeta on , and pieces of fern stuck in them . After the mob had dispersed , I observed the toll-house door was broken in , aud the windows wholly demolished ; the floors wet atom up , and ihe gate broken down .

      CroBs-examined by Mr . Hill—It was about ten o ' clock when we set out from the toll-gate . Had to go ten or eleven miles . Did not go the nearest way , and were all on foot They had not arrived at the field spoken of five minutes before the people came . Received the information on which they acted about four o ' clock in the -afternoon . The field was about 400 or 500 yards from the toll-house . Heard the noises aa of moving towards the gate when in the field . It was there a . bo witness saw and heard the signals . It was about au hour iu point of time , and five miles in point of space , before this that tbey first heard them . When they arrived in the field and became stationary there , the mob appeared to be upon a road on the other side

      of the river . They there heard them attacking the tollgate . The three men on horseback were on the Swansea side of the toll-gate . The mob appeared to halt at the Bed Lion , and there fired a volley and cheered . Was a yard or two in advance of his men when the pistol was fired at him . Did not recollect that he theu gave the men any other directions than to " mark" the man . . Had previously given them general directions how to act Still Leiieved the man fired at him with a pistol . The affair between them was the work only of a moment Tke man fell from his horse from the effects of shots from behind . His men were behind . Hail not given thi m instructions to fire , nor any instructions , save general orders for the occasion . There had been all the time a continuoua dropping fire .

      Lewis Llewellyn Dillwyn , examined by Mr . J . Evans . —Accompanied Captain Napier on tha 6 th of September . He heard Captain Napier call upon the men who were destroying the gate to demist Did not know whether the shots which were then fired proceeded- from the men who advanced agaiu ^ t Captain Napier ' s party . He fired at one man ' s horee in the hope vt being able to capture the man . ( The witness here detailed the particulars of a struggle bo had with another of tbe men , who was captured ) . His name he found to be David Joues . He saw the prisoner at the bar also in custody of the police His face was blackened . The giito and toll-bouse , which he afterwards examined , were in the state described by the two former witnesses .

      Cvuss-tixamined by Mr . M . Chamber *—He had loaded pistols in bis band when he advanced upon the field . Dirt not know whether the policemen , when in fcfae field , had their pistols ia their bauds or not Believed they had them about them . It was when tb *» y were close to the crowd that Captain Napier called upon tbe rioters to desist . Be ( the witness ) bad four pistols . He Mae closo to the horse at which he fixed—in faot , touched it—aiming at the side of tbe horse . He was much pressed npon by tbe crowd , but lay waa sure that tfce ball of the pistol ccmlii uoi have hurt any one about him , unless it passed through tue body of * ae horsa Bad no doubt that the bullet entered the ribB of the horse , The horse got ' away ; His tihe witness ' s ) evidence bad not been taken before the magistrates , and tbfi present was the first time ho had been examined .

      Henry Janies Peake . examined by Mr . E , TaCGHAN WltLUMS . —Was thu feuparintendeat of tbe cunetabulary fore * , of the county , and on the gifi of September at night Wiccimpauitjil Cu | ituin Napier , < fcc . ( Here the w ^ tnef eS coufirnitfd tLe tmdeuce of tbe preceding witn ' tSBes' respecting tht uuieeb end firing of the mob

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      already described , the advance of Captain 1 f ipiwr and party ; the destruction of the toll-house * , avid of the gate , ate . ) He thought the mob was composed of about 250 persons . When the Bebsccaites at the gvte were called upon to j desist , they fired npon , ano' rorte towards , Captain Napier ' s party . There was a general scuffle , and he saw David Jones , one of the rioters , taken into custody . ( The witness jbere produced some powder-horns , a shot-bag containing some shot , taken from the riotsra ,. also a variety of iarticlea composing the dress and , disguise of the Rebeccaites , all of which were taken from them by the police . He also produced some tin-horns , and two or three cow-horns which had been likewise taken from them . Two large sledge-hammers , a pickaxo , a crow-bar , ; a cleft , —a sort of minor battle-axe , — used for cutting iron , two old guns , and other weapons , were also produced . The hammers and cltft were weapons of a most formidable description . )

      John Price , examined by Mr . Evans . —Is one of the Swansea police , and was at the Poutirdulais-gate As he approached the gate he heard the sound o * burns and the firing of guns by a numW of people . He heard them demolishing the gate , and saw a great number of pesons on horseback on the Swansea side of the gate . He heard Captain Napier say " Stop firing . " He then saw a man discharge a gun at Captain Napier , dressed in white , and something red round his neck . His face was blackened . After tbe man fired , somebody

      in tbe mob cried put " . Fight to tha death . " A great many guns were then fired . After tbe police fired , the horse of the man who fired at Captain Napier etaggered and turned round , and the man fell off . I followed him and took him . That man was John Hughes , the prisoner , who got wounded . He said " Let me go , let me go , my good ] fellow ; you have broken my arm already . " He said to him , " Where did you get it broke ? " " Over yonder , at the gate . " He was quite sure the prisoner was the person he saw fire at Captain Napier . j j * npier .

      Cross-examined ! by Mr . Hill . —Did not recollect : the first time that he told the expression " fUht to the death . " This was not in tbe first edition of his story . He did not state , it then , because he was in a hurry ; he was sot iu a hurry when he gave his seeand story . Mr . Hill . —Of William Robertson Williams , examined by Mr . E . B . Williams . —Is one of the police force , and accompanied Captaia Napier to tne Bontardul&is-gate , ( The witness then described the same evidence before detailed ) . The prisoner at the bar was the man that fired at Captain Napier . He received orders to fire

      and fired . He saw Captain Napier fire a pistol at the horse under the prisoner John Hugiaes . The horse turned round three times , and the prisoner fell off . He did not see Captain Napier struggling with him ; be first saw the prisoner in custody . He saw David Jones in the toll-house ] pulling up the boards of the tollhouse . Jones struck him on the shoulder with an iron bar . He immediatly put hia pistol in his left hand and drew his cutlass ,: with which he struck Jones on tha head . He pickedj up the bar afterwards , a tin horn , and a broken powder flask ( produced ) . Jones was afterwards taken into custody .

      Mr . Hill objected , that this waa evidence against Jones , and not against the prisoner . Mr . Baron Guryev . —He is responsible for the act of the crowd of which he was one . Examination resumed . —He saw the gate broken . He afterwards found the pickaxe produced . Cross-examined .- * —Thia was a pick-axe , such as were used for mending ' the Toads , and such as were laid about First mentioned that Hughes was the man on horseback when he saw him apprehended on the bridge . There was a considerable bustle at that time : He did not see any other persons . He had orders from Captain Napier to notice this man above the rest Ho did not notice either of the magistrates doing anything , or firing , j There were many reports of guns firing . Would state that there were not twenty men on foot on his side of the gate . There waa no sen file between the magistrates and tbe men oa loot . Tbere

      were two men on horseback , the prisoner and another . He did not know what became of the other . The reason was that he | was wounded—not by the crowd , ner by his own party . His sword fell out of the scabbard as ha advanced . It fell on the ground with the point upwards , and he wounded himself with his own sword ia the thigh jin advancing . This was . before tbe attack . Will not swear tbe greatest number of men at the gate had not straw-hats on ; had not time to reckon them . Stated to Captain Napier that tbe prisoner was the man who fired at him . Did not state be could recognize any feature ! Has been oat of coart during the examination . Was only examined once before the magistrates . The signature to the paper produced was his . [ the witness ' s deposition before the magistrate * was read , but there was nothing about the prisoner in it ] He only answered before the magistrates the questions that were put to him . Several other witnesses were examined , and

      The Attorney-General here put in several papers which were found upon the prisoner , one containing a 53 .-piece , the paperjin which it was wrapped containing a statement to the effect that it was a payment for ki * vices . It waa addressed to "Mrs . Rebecca . " Tbe Court was then adjourned until nine o ' clock tomorrow , i t SATURDAY . Tbe Court opened at nine o ' clock this morning , and the evidence for the prosecution was resumed . William Lewis , j collector ef tolls at Pontardulais Gate ; John Morgan , a land-surveyor ; and William Cox , governor of the Swansea House of Correction , were examined on the part of tbe Crown .

      Mr . Hill then commenced his address w bebalf of the prisoner . After some introductory observations be said : ' -It is to me a circumstance of unparalleled astonishment * to which I can make no comparison since my long practice' in the profession , that this Commission should have been called , yea , I repeat it fearlessly , why it should have been instituted at all for the purposes for which it has been designed . It was notorious now all the world over that certain tumults ' bad been created in the hitherto peaceable districts in the Principality , in consequence of the existence of popular grievances WiBuig from a heavy impost on the community in the way of tolls ; and it were better had the proper authorities endeavoured to have appeased the disaffection by redressing their wrongs , if any

      existed , rather than , fly to the assistance and interposition of Government , in sending its Solicitor Gsueral and Attorney General and so many of her Majesty ' s Counsel , to settle by law those matters which a more congenial method might probably have obviated . I must , confess , said the leSrned counsel , that I have been drawn into considerable ejarprisa during this investigation ; and from the opening of the case by my Learned Friend the Attorney General , I bad expected some most henieous offence had been committed ; for what else bad 1 to dread after the powerful description given by him in the indictment of filing , shooting , and riotously demolishing a (" welling house and a turnpike-gate , | and that the prisoner at the bar did aid and abet in these most serious depredations . A

      great deal had been set up by the prosecution for the Crown to enlarge upon and magnify this most dreadful and bloody occurrence—this most unprovoked outrage —this spoliation of ( property ; but he would ask , what after all did It amount to ? Where was it ? Why , at Pontardulais toll-house and gate , which up to this moment no one knew to whom tbey belonged ; why had not a witness j been called to enlighten the Jury upon this importantlpoint ? Again , what tittle of' evidence was there to show the participation of bis client , the prisoner at the jbar , as having been implicated in this tumult ? Witnesses had been produced who , he contended , had failed to establish any proof ef that

      nature . It bad been said that on the night m question a certain mob had e ^ ngregated together , and witn guns and other offensive weapons had committed certain depredations ; that many were on horseback , and others on foot in great numbers , disguised for th 8 better purpose of carryin ? their depredations into effect ; thatthis mob , or some portion of it » attacked the tollbouse and gate and demolished them ; but I will fearlessly assert , continued the Learned Counsel , that the evidence produced j has failed to establish that fxct , as will be seen by the many discrepancies to which I shall have occasion to advert . Again , wi-b respect to the prisoner at the bar , he would also contend that no case bad been actually made

      out , so aa to bring him within the sense of the indictment . It was true certain witnesses spoke to the circumstance of three mien on horseback being seen on the Glamorganshire side jof the Toll-Gate at the onset of this affray , or rather on the first appearance of the police force at the Toll House , and that firing had taken place , but it is not exactly satisfactory by whom or which party first-i Now in this evidence there ia some contradiction , for the number of th . ee so mounted vwa shortly reduced ] to two , and subsequently to one , and who was ti ^ at one ? the prisoner at the bit ? No ! toi a policeman who was very particular and certain in his { testimony has sworn it was a man by the name of Hugh , and not Hughes , the prisoner at the bar : there were two names , and two distinct

      persons , —Hugh an-i Hughes in the proceedings . The learned Advocate then went on to show that in his opinion , and he thought it would be that of the Jury also , that the Police had been the aggressors ; for it was their duty to have prevented tbe outbreak , instead of waiting as they did ( although armed by tne Law ) , until tha alleged demolition was completed . Was this consistent ? No » Again , some of these Very armed authorities , possessed of pistols , and balls , amd cutlasses besides , declare that upon the first volley being fired by them , that these poor deluded people , who , be it recollected , bad givfen every publicity of their approach —ran off as many sa could , except those unfortunate ones who were captured . Had their system of macceuvreiug indicated I anything like a murderous mob ,

      bent on the most horrible crimes , as the learned Counsel for the prosecution would have it to be thought ? Certainly not The ? had been excited by an opinion of existing wrongs , and tbey sought to remedy tbem , though , I admit , not by the bea $ of means . That public opinions have created public outrages ia not a new feature in this country ; but to reconcile them by the strong arm of the ] lair , baa not always been recommended , as he would ahew , by authority ef one of tbe wisest and most humane men that ever lived : I mean , said VheLearned Counsel , Lord Coke . Here be entered into a most elaborate display ot eloquence , Which , was listened to with marked attention , in which , be touched upon every . topic of feeling and bumanUy , and developed in a most mas : ! erly manner the general detail of tuo outbid ska , their causa and effects ; sites which ba

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      Wjni through the chain of fcvid ^ r . c-3 audu ^ d , making his remarks upon every point and turn of sentiment likely in any way to banefit the defence . It had been said in evidence , continued Mr . Hill , that the tollhouse had been demolished—that the gable end was torn down—the window and window frames battered to pieces—and shots and slugs found in the sashes and other wood work ; but when the deaf surveyor waa called , who , beit recollected , had not seen the house from the 5 th to the 7 th , thai is the day before , and after tbe tumult , he swore that the uprights of the windows were not down , but that they werethen . standing . ; that the great pulling down of the house , consisted of a tanr stones being loosened from one of the quoins ( or cornersv ; and that instead of the cably-end being in

      danger of momentary demolition , there wa not a hole big enough for % mouse to creep through , much less a man . Now , let me ask you , gentlemen , said Mr . Hill , how do we know but this ( juoin , oc corner of the toU-aousa , more properly speaking , might have been a nuisance , aa projecting further into the- road than it otiglii to nave done . The Surveyor has said that the bow-window is parallel with tbe road , bst I am not satisfied which road be means ; and I consider his map a very fallacious one , for in it there are two yoads laid down by the toll-house , the high-road to Swansea and , 6 armarthen , and also a bye parish road to a mill . Now , it this projection , ( and that is what appears to me ) ia into the side road , I mean to contend that no one . has a right to build upon public ways , and a toleration may

      be held out to some extent for the taking of that nuisance down . There is an especial Act of Parliament ( he was understood to juean the Turnpike Act , under which such nuisances ' were made unlawful , and therefore moveable . He would again repeat that , if there were exactions which became too heavy to bear , it waa but right that they should be immediately removed for public benefit , and for the security of public peace ; for if things continued on as they bad done , we should shortly arrive at a state of things equal to tbe insurrection in France . I say again , said he , moat emphatically , that the magistracy in this case , with their Captain and Police , were more the aggressors than these

      misguided people ; for had they exercised discretion with their military tactics , the affray might have been prevented before the mob , as it is called , could have come near the scene of action ; he did not know what tbe Magistrates of 'Wales might think of their country , but he Was happy to say England waa not like It . In tbe latter part of his address , which was embellished by various quotations from high law and other authorities , the learned and indefatigable pleader referred to the decisions in criminal cases of Judge Foster and Russell , and in a most touching and pathetic appeal to tbe minda and feelings of the Jury trusted on a verdict of acquittal .

      The Learned Counsel occupied two hours and five minutes in his address , of which tbe above is put a short outline . Mr . Chambers then proceeded to call witnesses to character , when Mr . David Johes . Sof Lanon ; J * hn Reea , parish of Lanelly ; John Jones , Mansel Arms ; Joshua Jenkins ; Robert Jones ; Wm . Thomas , Ty ' r Clawdd ; David Richards ; D tniel Jenkins ; John Jenkins , and John Rees , appeared and united in giving the prisoner tbe best of characters .

      The Solicitor-General then addressed tbe Jury iu reply ; he spoke an hour and ten minutes . Mr . Baron Gubney then summed up . The Jury retired at a quarter past four o'clock , and , after little more than balf an hour ' s absence , returned with a verdict of Guilty , recommending the prisoner to mercy ou account ef bis previous good character . The Court then adjourned until Monday . MONDAY . The Court was opened at nine o ' clock this morning .

      and immediately afterwards David Jones and John Hugh were placed in the dock . An indictment wa « then read charging them with having unlawfully , riotously , and tumultuously assembled , with divers others to the number of 50 , and feloniously be £ un to demolish and pull down a certain house in the pariah of Llafldilotolybont , the property ef William Lewis and others . The prisoners first pleaded " Not Guilty ; " but , after a short conversation between their counsel and Mr . H . Williams , their attorney , they withdrew their plea , and pleaded " Guilty . "

      The ATTOftNEY-GENEBAi . then said , the prisoners having pleaded " Guilty , ' he did not mean to press in aggravation of punishment . . ¦ Mr . Bill then addressed the Court at considerable length in mitigation of punishment . John Hughes , who was convicted on Saturday , having been placed with the other prisoners at the bar , Mr . Baron Gdbney then addressed the prisoners , and said tbey stood severally convicted of a felony , and a felony of a very aggravated description . The Jury , after a long and patient bearing , bad found John Hughes Guilty ; and the prisoners , David Jones and John Hngb , had pleaded Guilty to an indictment of a similar description , and their Learned Counsel , in bis address t » the Court , had very properly impressed

      upon it the contrition of Jones and Hugh , Which the ; had manifested , and which wbb . intended to recommend them in some measure to the mercy of the Court . This circumstance was net forgotten , but still an example was necessary . They , from the respectability which they had formerly maintained , and the rank of life which they occupied , were persons of whom it was particularly necessary that an example should be made , to deter others from a repetition of -their crime . They were all liable to be transported beyond the seas for tha term of their lives ; but , considering all that bad been Bt&ted with respect to D . ivid Jones and John Hugh , the Court was of opinion that it was impossible to pass a less sentence than that which he was about to pronounce ; which was , that-each

      of them should be transported for the term of seven years . With respect to John Hughes , the Court could not entertain th « same view of hi * case . He appeared to be one iu a station of society far above the rest : one not likely to be misled by others ; and yet upon the evidence proved to be a leader , if not the leader of this lawless multitude . His conduct at the time , as wall aa the papers found in his pocket , demonstrated , at least , that he was a leader—that be waa active in collecting adherents and associates , and that something like threats bad issued from hint against those who were not ; , forward in joining his illegal course . He had bees recommended by the jury to the mercy of . _ the

      Court . The Court felt extreme difficulty u >; any degree lessening the punishment which the , < law awarded to his offence . The law said he was liable to transportation for life ; bat giving all consideration to the recommendation of tbe jury and to all tbe circumstances which bad been so ably stated by tbe learned counsel for the prisoner , the Court was of opinion . that be be transported beyond the seas for the terjn of twenty years . As to any further extension of mercy , the prisoners must recommend themselves to the grace and mercy of the Crown ; but that mercy could not be expected if offences ef this kind were repeated and the peace of the country were not fully restored .

      In the case of David LewiB , a labourer , " againstwhom . there was a charge of feloniously and uialicious . y catting and wounding . The Attorney -General said that , on looking over the circumstances , be felt disposed to enter a nolle prosequi . The prisoner was then discharged . Lewis Divis waa then indicted , npon the oaths of William Chambers , the younger , of Llaneliy , in the county of Carmarthen , gentleman , and another , with unlawfully and maliciously throwing down and destroying a certain turnpike-gate in the parish of Uandilotolybont The prisoner having pleaded Guilty .

      The attorney-Geweba-L said that be had given his best attention to this case , and did not feel it necessary to press for the judgment of the Court upon itr as he should consider it sufficient that the prisoner should enter into his own recognizances to appear and receive the judgment of the C > urt , if called upon . The prisoner then entered into bis own recognizances for £ 50 , and was discharged . . Morgan Morgan and Esther Morgan also pleaded " Guilty" to an indictment for being feloniously present antl aiding and assisting Margaret Morgan to maliciously out and wound Charles Frederick Napier , of Swansea , gentleman , with Intent in so doing to prevent the apprehension of one Henry Morgan .

      The Attorney-Gekehal said , that ho would enter &noUe prosequi to the charge of felony against these prisoners . Considering their advanced age , and other circumstances connected with the case , he should be satisfied if tbey were discharged after entering into their own recogsizinces . Tbe prisoners , having entered into their own recogn'zmces for £ 50 each , were accordingly discharged . Margaret Morgan , Rees Morgan , and John Morgan likewise pleaded " Guilty , " the first to ah indictment charging her with maliciously cutting and wounding the before-mentioned C F . Napier , and tbe other prisoners with having been feloniously present , and aiding and assisting her to commit the said felony , ¦

      The Attornet-Gener&l entered a nolle prosequi ao far aa regarded the felonious charge against the prisoners , and observed that , having ascertained the cirenmstancea under which this aggravated assault had taken place , he did believe that they were under amistake with respect to the right to tesut 'Undet these circumstances he was not disposed to press for a severe punishment in tbis case ; but , as the law had been resisted , the offence most , at the sarae time , be marked by some sentence which would manifest the servers displeasure of the Court ! .

      The Learned Judge then addressed the prisoners ana sentenced Margaret Morgan to imprisonment for six months , aud Rees and John Morgan for twelve months . The Learned Baron further observed , that the CJoart had received information , respecting the goodness of their characters previoialy to these offences , and that that was the only wason why he had not ' considered it necessary to asntence tbem to hard labour also . Mr . Baron Gubnbt then , addressing the Gran « Jury , thanked them in tba name of the county , for the services they bad performed , and discharged tbem . Hia Lordship also , in discharging the petty jury , exprtssea his regret that tt » ey should have been taken from tbei * homes at an unusual period of the year . th ^ wkiDg , tbem at the same ttm « for the manner in which they naa pen formed th « ir duty . " The juries then retired , and tJie proceedings of « 19 coiuml . i 9 iou terminated . ( Continued in our Eighth page , } -

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      MEETING OF BROAB SILK WEAVERS OF SPITALFIELDS . ATery numerously attended and highly Important meeting of the Broad Silk Weavers of Spiialfield 3 ¦ was held at the Girls' School Room , Abljey-street , Sethnal-green , on the 25 'Jo . ult . ; Mr- Delafore beins ca 3 sd to tbe chair introduced the proceedings by Ij a few excellent remarks . TheSECBEiABT then delivered his report , and read ibe msmorial which was agned by 8 , 949 wearers xegnesiini ; that the cause of their distress might be enquired into . He said that at the interview which took place sn the delivery of the memorial by the depmation , they saw Mr . il'Sreggor , and

      informed him thai they found the distress among ihe weavers to be most extensive , as there were many who were in "work had not a bed to lie upon Pormerly , iv"h ? n their trade was protected , there was about £ 20 , 000 weekly expended in " wages , wherea ? since the repeal of that act there is not above £ "^ 0 , 000 received weekly by the operatives . Mr . M-Gregor said that he knew smuggling was carried on to a gres . t extent to the injury of fee silk trade , and that one plan of improving the trade would be to rednce tbe duty on silk to ren per tent , Kvhile it vcas his opinion if some allowance was granted by Parliament to the journeymen weavers , that would assist in removing the evil coaolained of .

      The report having been : receired and adopted , - Mt . Shebxa « d moved the first resolution , which was io the following effect : — " ^ Tnat this meeting is decidedly of opinion , which opinion is the resJls of twenty years' experience , that the do « rn > es and practice of Free Trafle , so far &s they have been allowed io be carried oat , have been productive of more physical irgnry to the great mass of the people of this country than an invading army ; and more subversive of every principle of morality and of onr holy religion than could have bsen effected bj the introduction of the abomiuaiionE of Jng ? fra&ut . The principles of Christianity are truth , justice , charity , and good-will to afl mankind ; wiila Free Trade teaches every species ef JyiDg and

      fraud . Instead of justice it sanctions rob&ery , especially the robbery of the poor ; instead of cr . ariiy It infiicis cruelty of the worst species ; and ijisieau of good-TFill to all mankind , inflicts evil upon the mass of ihe community , Benefiting only bloated cspitalists whose gold is taeir god ! " He observed ihat the doctrines of Free Trade had " had a fair trial , aoa 4-liey fonnd themselves in a most deplorable condition —( cries of ** bear , hear ) . The priciples of pr ^ ttreiion were fully carried out in the reigns of Eoward IIL , Richaid IL , and succeeding reigns . It appeared even in those cays of feudal barbarism , the first of their sets was always to protec : labour , While there "were « 1- ? o 3 < "is regelating tie price of pro-Tiaoas ; sotaat there upp ? aTea a desire on the purl of

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      THE BOLTON HAND-LOOM WEAVERS . "We have received tbe following letter and accompanying report . We can see no reason why both were not sent on Tuesday , the 24 th , instead of Saturday , tbe 23 th , in which case the report would have appeared in on * la « t : —

      TO THE EDITOB OF THE KOBTHKWt STAB , Sir , —You would oblige the Committee of the Hand-Loum Weavers , by inserting the enclosed report . Copies have been sent to several papers , requesting insertion ; but knowing that you go to pre&B early in the week , we deemed it useless to send yon the report for the present Saturday . Hoping that yon will give publicity to it in your next , you will oblige , Yours , &t , Isaac Holt , Secretary . Bolton , October 28 tb , 1 S 43 .

      Meeiisg of Hasd-looh Weavers . —On Monday last , a pnblic meeting of tbe above trade , called by placard , was held at the Lord Nelson public-house , to take into consideration the best means to adopt wbereby they might obtain a share of the benefit arising from the present revival of trade . Ellis Gregson , hand-loom weaver , wss called to the chair , and after reading the placard convening the meeting , called upen Isaac Holt , secretary , to read a number of rales and regulations for their future government and protection , which had been drawn up by a committee appointed for that purpose , and which "were submitted to the meeting for their adoption . Tbe rales were accordingly adopted , and it ¦ waa unanimously agreed that tbe society then formed tbenrid be called " Tbe Hand-loom Weavers' United

      Association for the protection of labour , and for the adoption of any other plan that may be deemed most conducive to tbetr future welfare . " After the readine and adoption cf the rules , the Secretary said , their object was to isrm themselves into a friendly union ; for it was only by unity andfriendship . co-operationanddetermination . tbat benefit was received . The clergy have their unions ; the aristocrcy , and in feet ail parties wishing to carry out an ^ specific object , whether it may tend to the happiness or misery of others , are banded and united together ; and in what more holy cause ceuld then be united than in endeavouring -to gain for their starving wives and children bread to eat and raiment to wear ? He was glad that the rules had received their nnanimons approval . Thomas Smith was then called upon , and said ,

      a paragraph had gone the ronDd of the newspapers , which was calculated to place their present position in a -vwongaDa" nDJns * light before tbe British pablie ; and ba thoaghs that if the asseciation just formed only attended to snch miBrtatemects , and on their appearance exposed them , it ironrd merit tbe approval and support of the hoaj at large . Tbe statement which appeared in the Liverpool Times , and since that has been inserted in various other papers , both local and provincial , is the following : — " Our refers will learn with pleasure , that that long-snffering and unfortunate class of workmen ( the bane-loom weavers ) have come in for a fnD share of the benefits of the present revival of tbe cotten trade . Frsm the great demand for those beautifol fabrics the { mouseiine-de-laintB ) the cloth of which is better manufactured by band than by the power-loom , tbey are mostly fully employed

      and are receiving better wages than they have received ai «* y *«» e jtreawntslp for the lad im years . " This , the speaker , denied j it was a falsehood , and tbe person ¦ who first concocted it , must have known at tbe time that he was not stating the truth . The following Btatelaent -would tbow wba . t they had received , and after the meeting bad beard it , they would fee able to judge : —Bjiten counts of reeds : and prices paid for different fabrics of work during the last ten years : Year . Piice . Year . Price , s . d . s . d . 50 xeed spi : g check 1 S 36 14 6 1843 8 6 50 „ plain sprig ,, 12 6 „ 8 0 50 „ upa ebeck ,, 7 6 ,, 4 6 30 „ l . nocLeck „ 9 0 ,, 5 6 G 6 „ mon'seanr-de-Iaine tl ia ceati ,,, i % . u 6 6 M 4 0

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      THE NORTHER N ; STAR ,: ; f

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Nov. 4, 1843, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1237/page/7/