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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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f Continued from our Sixth page . ^ rjEiam Price examined— He »« i assistant-constable - * gjiu * rsr _ ord on the 27 th of Angnst There was » meeting en thai dsy at Brocta ore-green . He -saw Jinaey there si the xeu at the Cross Keys , between j jTjnd seven , pjn ; At thai time there were about Ji penoiw present He mi spoking . He wad that ? The knew be would b * taken , and that he might u _ y be Uien there as anywhere else . " The 2 > ndley « V » W were seen coming , and they s&id that it would C rig ht to tell him that they were coming . Witness ' s Cjje was stract with stones flang by the mob . and went towards the esvalry , who were headed by Mr . ¦* 2 &ger , who read the Biot Act after great shouting ad booting . Some -were dispersed by the cavalry , others wonld not go . When Mr . Badger lefr the mob
jjr . Wh itt&Irer , special constable , corroborated the jjrt witness's evidence . Oa the night of the 27 th of Awest , a woman said to Linney , " I beard that you ¦ j-ere lost—that you were in prison . " He replied , 'i No , I am eotne hereto-night to be taken . " ( jn £ * h , special constable , saw the prisoner , linney , at a mteetJng , at the Pit-bank , on the night of th 9 « 7 tb of Aogusfe Price was there . He heard Linnej -ythftt if they stack oat for four days longer , they m ^ oa hare their wage * . He said that they wonld be ihere on Wednesday , if he could keep the " raffles . " ^ fitness did cot know what " raffles" me ^ nt He said tbat he should be there , if he was not taken , | pF he expected to be taken . James Smith , sergeant-major of the Emley troop of . cavalry , was on duty on the 27 th of August , at Brockmore . There were £ 00 persons present . He saw the prisoner Byrne throwing a stone at the cavalry . Witness toid prisoner that if he threw another etone he -wonld shsot him . The prisoner jeered and laughed at
iBomas Beddows—Saw Byrne thrsw a stone at the tol&erB . Mr . Biites—Heard Linney speak to the collier * before the 3 rd and 27 th of August . He told tlie colliers not to eo to wort , whatever they did . He told them that the iron-mastsra told them that they would blowont . the furnaces , but he would tell them that they dare not do bo . The witness was greatly frightened . He was threatened on the night of tbe 27 th by the mob . They Bid , " Tow house ¦ wants coming down . " The Counsel for the defence addressed the Jury . Verdict— Guilty of an unlawful assembly against Ixjtij prisoners . ( Before Sir N . TindaLJ
SENTENCES OF THE PRISONERS . At lie sitting of the court this morning tie twenty " sis prisoners found guilty of the attack on and demolition of the Bev . Dr . Yale's house , were placed at the bar , and having been called upon by the clerk of the . arraign in the usual way , to know whelher they had any thing to say why sentence should not be passed -upon them according to law—all the prisoners answered in the uesative . 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-bonse of the Bbv . J > r . Vale , it was now his duty to award the just measure of punishment to the crime they had committed . It was a fearful
cffcaee of which they had been found guilty . By day and by night they had Bpread terror and alarm and dismay among the peaceable and industrious classes of the community . No mR" could say against whom the ungovernable fory of the mob would be directed , so that all were living in constant terror and uncertainty for their lives , their property , and their families—a conditien 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 them of all the comforts and happiness of social life , —a punishment proportionately severe must be inflicted , in older that all persons might learn from their ^ sample that if they added to the number of the mob , and became partakers in their proceedings , they wonld render themselves liable to the transgression of the law
to which others had subjected themselves . Happily for the prisoners , he was saved the pain of passing sentence upon them for a capital offence , and , as there was some doubt , from the wording of the act , whether he could pass sentence of transportation for life , which some of the cases seemed amply to deserve , looking as Carefully and anxiously as he was able at the circumstances of each particular case , he would endeavour to distinguish between those who were present when the house was set on Ere , or actively engaged in the act of feeding the names , or endeavouring to prevent their PYtingrninhmpTit ^ and the others who were not perhaps se actively engaged . Bearing these objects in view , the sentence he should pats upon John Haines , Richard Wright , George Colclough , John Williams , Joseph Whistou , — Cotton ,
and 'William Cartlidge was . that they be transported for 21 years ; that Jervase Phillips be transported for li years ; that Thomas Wagstaff , Jos . Saunders , Samuel Whitehouse , Joshua Gilbert , — BanfepB , and Edward Smith , be transported for 10 years ; that "William Shaw , "William Bradbury , John Owen , JohnPowell , Dimmock , Tort , asd Hurst , bs imprisoned for 12 months , with bard labour ; that James Millington , Samuel Eatos , and Richard Edge , be imprisoned for four months , with hard labour ; and that James Hurst , who , from his extreme youth , he hoped had been nnconssionsly led into it , bs Imprisoned tcr two months , with hard labour . He should pass no sentence upon James Saunders , because be had been since tried before his brother Parks , who would pass sentence upon him . The prisoners were then removed .
CASE OF ARTHUR O'NEIL . TasSOLiCiTOK-GE . VEBiLunderstood that his Learned Friend , Mr . Lee , had an application to make on behalf of Arthur O'Xeil , to traverse to the next session or uslzes , and he wished his Lordship would then hear the xpplication . Arthur O'Neil having been placed at the bar , Hi . Lee requested that the indietment should be read , and tbe officer accordingly read the indictment , Wflich charged the prisoner with wickedly intending snS oombTBiiu to bring the law and constitution into contempt , and with combining to obstruct the collection of tbe revenue , and induce the liegA subjects to least 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 seditious language at Rowley Regis , on the 26 th of August last , to large assemblies of the working r i » rapj
3 tr . Lee submitted that the prisoner was clearly entitled to traverse to next assizes , on giving projjsr security and entering into the necessary recbgnirssces . The Learned JrDGE said he would take the affidavits and depositions in the matter , consult his two learned brethern , and give his opinion the following morning .
TRIAL OF COOPER FOR ARSON . Thomas Cooper , of Leicester , was then placed at the bar , with twelve others , charged with having riotously and unlawfully assembled and demolished the house of Mr . Parker , at the parish of Stoke-upon-Trent . The prisoner Cooper , a respectable-looking middleaged man , said he objected to be tried with the other prisoners . The Caort siid that objection could not be entertslned . Mr . Lxe then intimated that the prisoners meant to Rtst in their challenges and that it would csuse a good deal of inconvenience and delay if they ¦» ae tried together : the object of ids client , Cooper , was to have a fresh Jury , who had not previously tried any tf the esses .
After a good deal of discussion , the Counsel fer the Crown agreed to take the case of Thomas Cooper separately , and the other prisoners were ordered to go down from the bar . The prisoner challenged every Juror who had served on any previ&us trial dnring the Special Comttisaon . Thomas Cooper was then g iven in charge for the demolition of Mr . Parker's bouse at Shelton , on the lSib of August . Mr . Lee sate tbe prisoner had resolved to conduct bis OTn case , and had requested him to give him the benefit ef bis assistance upon points of law that might arise SCbcSEg the interest ! of his client . - Mr . Tahulet wm also retained by the prisoner .
The Solicitos .-Qskes . a -l stated the case as against Thomjs Cooper , asd detailed the cirenmstarjees under Vfcich the attack look place upon Mi . Parker ' s house . It would appear that many of the workmen in the collieries and ths potteries had struck work ,-and that Previously to the 15 th August they had committed ¦ eTersl acts of outrage and riot , bat not of the n » ture of that for which the prisoner was indicted . On the aorning of tlie 15 th Angnst , a meeting was held at the Crown-bank , Hanley , at which very inflammatory iddreBsss were made to the mob ; and from thence «« 7 proceeded to several houses in the neighbourhood , and broke into , plundered , and destroyed them , to the coarse of the day another meeting was held at tte Crown-bank , and , on the sunal of a pistol being fiKd , the mob went off to tbe house of Mr . Forester , which they attacked and burned , and thence they went » the house of Mr . Parker , which formed the subject of the present indictment The question the jury
Weuld have to try tu , whether the prisoner , Thomas Cooper , was one of the mob who attacked and destroyed tie honae of Mr . Parker ? It was * " * necessary to show that it was bis hand that «* fire to the bouse , bst if he could be shown * «* ch a position with tbe mob as to be aiding and exciting them to tbe work of destruction , then ke *« ild be guilty of the offence equally with those who eea « Bitted the work of destruction . It would be a ?* ° * t extraordinary principle of law if that were not we case , . because the parties who aided and abetted , » o excited tbe nob , wouJA otherwise escape , while «*« ignorant tools would be subjected to the punish-« e « which the other party so riccly merited . The f ** n * d CouEsel then stated the facts of the case as Htey afterwards appeared in the evidence , and called Mm ? Travis— i am housekeeper to Mr . Parker , of rrr ? ° ; Hifi h ° fcse « called Albion House . He is a SJff ? ' ° f the county . Mr . Parker left bia bouse Wlt £ »* PMt tlet&a oa the morning of ihe 15 th of
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August . I remained In the house till near eleven at night I then left it , being afraid to atay any longer , as I expected the house to be attacked . There were a good many persons then about tbe house . All tbe servants went away with me , and we left the house quite empty . Mr . Treeley ' i house is In the same tows , about five minutes' walk from master ' s . We locked two of the doors and bolted tbe other inside . We also fastened the window-shutters inside . I saw it at eleven o'clock the next morning . The inner walls bad fallen in , and it was a mere ehelL The furniture , wine , and everything in the house was gone .
Andrew Rowley—I am ft potter living at Shelton . 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 com 9 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 . They bad got np to the door when I first saw them . Turner said , "Here ' s a light D—n your eyes , get on . " Mr . Lee submitted that the evidence now given could not be received unless it was shown that Co « per was present , or that he was connected with the mob by some previous acts or declarations . The Solicitor-General apprehended that it would be sufficient to show that the prisoner formed a part of the mob . If they could not do so , then all tbe evidenoe went for nought
The Learned Judge overruled the objection . Unless the prisoner was connected with these acts then there was no case against him . Examination resumed—When Turner said that , others said " the door is broken open . " I think tbe door was broken open with a hammer . The mob then went in , and amoDg them Turner . I saw him go into tbe front room and knock down a clock and other things , and set fire to the room . At least a score went into tbe house ; and I saw others who had candles lighted inside . A good many stood round outside who had sticks ; I think cudgels ; but they did not do anything . Many of thea then went towards Mr . Aitken ' s , but that was after Mr . Parker ' B houBe had taken fire . That was about three-quarters of an hour after the meb broke in .
Cross-examined by the 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 . Josiab Mills : I am a painter and gilder of Hanley . Tbo mob had turned out in the month of August , and were compelling the colliers and others to strike . They were holding meetings in . different places . I was at the meeting oa the morning of the 15 th , sboat eight o'clock . It had then commenced ; there were about 1 , 000 present , and many of them had heavy bludgeons in their hands . I saw Thomas Cooper on the Sunday evening preach , or pretending to preach , to the crowd at ihe Crown Bank . I saw him at the meeting on Monday morning . I heard him say ,
whsn addressing the mob , that he considered himself the self-elected chairman of that meeting . After 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 Bay it would be au easy matter to get the Charter , for if anly one-tenth part of the population were to come ohi on a given day and hour , and say , " We will hare the Charter , " nothing could stop ns . 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 taid that some people thought the winter time would 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 idle when there wa 3 plenty on the ground . He wonld not adrise them Jo steal , nor would he steal himself , bat left them to put their own construction upon it . They all rose np and shouted , and then he went towards Lord Granville ' s collieries . Those around the platform appeared to be 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 on a bask looking on to come down and join them ; many had very
large cudgels . I accompanied them ft little distance and got away . I wad present at a meeting in the county at the Crown-bank . The crowd was then greater than in the morning . It was then near 6 even 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 towards the Crown-bank , to which the meeting had been adjourned . He was singing , and had hundreds following him . I heard him singing in the chorus , "Spread the Charter . " The meetingwas opened by singing , Cooper giving out the lines , and the chorus was something respecting O'Connor . I recollect two lines i—
" The lion of freedoms 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 abou ; him then were tipsy ; but they must abstain from drink , or they 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 YatesJ 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 Etruck my attention . I did not listen to all you said , for 1 felt disgusted at what you said , i don ' t now entertain those feelings of disgust towards the man , but at the expressions you used I have no antipathy towards you . I was sorry such , words 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 Mercury . I saw a number of persons at Lord Granville ' s colliery . They had 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 rekased three or four prisoners . They were very noisy , 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 out with constables' staves . They threw out papers , and tore up books , and threw them about the street .
The trial had not concluded when our express was despatched .
( Before Mr . Baron Rolfe . ) Richard Crozton , John Rattlebone , Edward Wilkinson , John Brunt , and William John&ton , were indicted with bnrglariously breaking into the house of Mr . Griffin , at Chilten . 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 ColcloHgh , were indicted for a riot , and demolishing by fire the offices , &C . of Lord Grenville on the loth of August . Mr . Spooner ( on the part of CoMcngh ) , and Mr . Nealc ( on the part of Slack ) , challenged the Jury to tbe full number of twenty . In consequence of the difficulty there was 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 Lndlow and Mr . Godson prosecuted ; Mr . Spooner defended the prisoner . The trial was proceeding when our express left .
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LIVERPOOL . —MONDAY , Oct . 10 . The special commission for the trial of the persons ia custody in Kirkdale Gaol , and out on bail , on charges connected with tie recent disturbances in this county , was opened this morning , in the Ni » i Prius Court The thrte judges specially commissioned to try the prisoners are Lord Abinger , Chief Baron ef the Exchequer , Baron Alderson , and Mr . Justice CressweU . Taeir Lordships arrived in town on Saturday night , and on Sunday rooming they attended divine service at St . George ' s Church , when a sermon was preached by tbe Rev . J . B . Mosk . After the service , the three judges remainbd and received the sacrament Daring the past week , workmen were employed in making the necessary Alterations in the Session ' s-bouse . The benches in the Nisi Prius and Crown Courts have been so altered as to al ow their Lordships to sit together , if that should be requisite at any time , and a dock has been constructed in the Nisi Prius Court , that the judges may take cases separately . The Magistrates ' Boom has been fitted up as a third court
Tbe calendar < yypt » fa « tbe names of 124 prisoners , six of whom were out on baiL In addition , we believe , there are Feargus O'Connor , tbe Bev . James Scholefieia , the Kev . William HOI , editor of the Norther Star , James Tuck , and a few others who had not arr ived or whose Barnes have not been transmitted to the Governor of tbe Kirkdale prison . The following is a classification of tbe offences , with the number of persons for trial : —Biot , 40 ; riot and putting ont fires , 4 ; riot and turning out workmen , 8 ; riot and conspiracy , 18 ; riot and assault , S ; riot and beginning to demolish mills , &c . 28 ; riot and stealing , 18 ; seditions libel , 2 : not and plug-drawing , 3 . Of the prisoners , 21 can read 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 Prius Court together at a few minutes past eleven o clock , and having taken their eeata upon the enlarged bench , the commission was opened with the nioal formalitiesa The following is a list of the Grand Jury : —
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Thomas Green , Esq ., M . P ., Wittington Hall , fore man . Sir Thomas Whiteaead , KuJght , Upland . Montagu Ainslie , Esq ., Grlzsdale . Biehard Edward Alison , Esq ., Charnock . William Assheton , Esq ., Downham Hall . Cornelius Bourne , Esq ., Halmine HalL Clarence Braddyce , Esq ., Coniahead Priory . William Clayton , E » q . .- Lostock Hall . William Assheton Cross , Esq ., Bed Scarr . Pudsey Dawson , Esq ., Hornby Castle . Richard Earle , E » q ., Eden Hunt .
William Gelliaon Bell , Esq ., Melling Hall . Chisenhale Chisehale , Esq , Arley Hall . James Mowell Farrington , Esq ., Worden HalL William Gale , Esq ., Lighburn House . George Martin , Esq ., M . P ., Capernuray Halt John Penny Machell , teq ., Hoilow Oak . John Master , Esq ., Croston . William Moora , Esq . GramshUL Robert Townely Parker , Esq Cuerden HalL John Plumb Tempest , Esq ., Tong HalL Robert Henry Welch , Esq , Leek . Her Majesty ' s proclamation against vice and immor ality was then read , after which
Lord Abinger proceeded to address the Grand Jury . He said—Gentlemen of the Grand Jury , it is with unaffected pain that I address you on the present occasion . Ton are aware of tbe disastrous state to which this county has been reduced for 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 the minds of her Majesty ' s peaceable subjects , and have with violence prevented working men from following their daily 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 the prosperity and industry of the working classes of this country . It became the duty of tbe Government ,
with alt expedition , to put down such unlawful and tumultuous assemblies—to preserve the peace and property of the subjects of the realm , and to punish , by the rigour of tbe law , tbe persons engaged in those unlawful proceedings . Gentlemen , you are well aware that occasional reverses in the tide of prosperity in the manufacturing and commercial concerns of this coubtry must occur , and that when they do occur , they mnst produce , to a greater or less extent , disastrous privations amongst the labouring classes . I presume that tbe state of the country for some months , if not for some years back , may be placed to some of these checks which the tide of commercial and manufacturing prosperity has leceWed , a » d tlu& to the B&me 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 the 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 , tbe result of which was attended with great uncertainty . Bat at the aame time I am bound to say , from the experience I have had in the history of 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 , that the people engaged in these ex-Crssea either complained of the high price of provisions , or the 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 the imprudence or indisposition of any of the master manufacturers—whether it originated in the scheme of any persons who considered that a general turn-oat 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 . Bat 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 have originated from any voluntary feeling , if I may so express it , of their own , respecting their privations oi respecting the high price of provisions . They all seeni 9 d to have been sensible that the price of wages must depend on tbe price of provisions ,
and I therefore think they w « re prepared to see that those who promised them au increase of wages by tbe diminution of the price of cern were not the persons that were to be trusted . But , gentlemen , it appears certain that when once these nets began , and when once the people formed themselves inl » 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 Chartists , mixed themselves with , the unhappy masses of the common people , who had bssn deluded into this insurrection . Having more knowledge than them , bnt deeper designs , they ,
instead of using their knowledge to point ont to the unhappy victims tbe 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 the 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 bad 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 , thesa infatuated people—for the ?
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 the remedy of all evils , and they endeavoured to inculcate on tbe assembled multitudes whom they a <\ - dresed , these doctrines , and to persuade them that by perpetuating that 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 course of the evidence that will be laid before you , many facts recommending them to peace and order ; bnt you will find this accompanied with false and exaggerated statements of the general feeling of the country—that the people of this and the neighbouring
counties were told that all England was in arms , that Scotland was pouring out hundreds of thousands , that Ireland was coming to tbe battle , and that the men of Birmingham , to the number of a hundred thousand , armed vith steel , and insensible to the force of military execution , were ready to join and carry the day . These were circumstances plainly intimated , and they endeavoured to inculcate this opinion on tbe nation , that their force would become universal , and that they wonld 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 have a particular measure passed into a law , and the 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 the 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 this 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 which their lives might be the forfeit Bat , 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 woxk to continne in a state of suspended labear , and for compelling by foroe those at work to leave their avocations , and to persevere in that lawleas state of violence , and disorder , and privation , till their faveurite plan of the Charter was carried . If bills of that sort are brought before you , and you should feel satisfied , by tbe evidence , that thongh tbe great mass of the people were not actually 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 th « working classes from performing their labour —in other words , to turn out the workmen from the different milis , and not only from the different mills , but to influence by fear or persuasion the workmen of every description engage ! in manual labour to leave their work , and join ia this scheme of obtaining this Charter . Gentlemen , the mere conspiracy for the mere purpose of turning out the workmen , and agreeing together to accomplish that object , is criminaL I am bound to tell you that , by the law of tbe land , such persons , if satisfactorily proved to be guilty , are 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 the 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 that it has an improper design , or excites alarm and terror . Such an assembly is a riot , and all participating in it are prima / ane encouraging , by their presence and countenance , whatever objects the multitude may have 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 different times as to what should be deemed an ur > . iawful assembly , and I am sorry to say that the events which have taken place in this county have given rise to a discussion in the courts of law and in Parliamsnt . One thing ia clear , that an asemblyi cqq .
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^ "f ? £ snch a mul titude as to make all discussion « vi > ¦ r J . dlouIoM w » d a tune , never can be an assembly for the pnrpoaa of debate and calm discussion . Will any man in his senses say that when he has the means of assembling together three or four thousand El *? " !! : * ddes that * ° *™ a deliberative assembly to discuss speculate points of law er constitutional government ? Oa the face of it , It carries its own refutation , if an assembly , therefore ; consisting of uuch a multitude as to render all notion of discussion impbsa <» iL r £ < riolence putting down all attempts to deliberate , if the assembly hsa for ^ its objects to hear only one side ot a question , it ceases to be an assembly for tbe purpose of deliberation / and they cannot protect themselves under that exemption . Again , any assemblies of such magnitude as would naturally tend , without any restraint or authority to put an end to them , and haying no one present or person in authority In-Tested by themselves or by the law with the power « f 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 suoh ah assemblage in itself is a riotons and unlawful assembly . It is a riot , if you find hundreds assembled to disturb the peaoa If you find that individuals amongst them , 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 that multitude , it partakes of a riot and unlawful assembly ; but if you find they 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 employment of their labour , they becomo riotous in the worst sense of the word . Those engaged in snob , transactions are guilty of riot , and it will be your duty toflnd the bills against them , if limited to that object
Gentlemen , you will have laid before you also some cases of violent and inftimmatory speeches . Of oourse , you will exercise your judgment whether speeches—vicious speeches—subject the parties making them to punishment . You will form a judgment on them when y « u 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 theai guilty , but to put them on their trial There is one other case , I understand , as likely to come before you , oud that is a case of printing a seditious libel . Whether or no it will come befere you , I am not certain , but I am informed it will . I have had an opportunity of seeing what that libel is . It purports tojbe 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 have no real security for their employment except by an organic alteration in the constitution of the country . Gentlemen , you will farm your judgment of that paper . I have had an opportunity of seeing it , and the impression it made on my mind was that it was fall of danger , and particularly at a season when the publication of it might be attended with consequences far different from that of a document in ordinary times ; because when a document of that jkind is addressed to a multitude who have an opinion that their own force is sufficient te effect their object , you may easily judge that such au exhortation , at such a moment , is far more dangerous , and , therefore , far more criminal . Gentlemen , il seemed that the argument they used , and the argument used by uiany of those who addressed the multitudes .
is , that their 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 eqfial , if not a prepoderant , voice in the legislature of the country . * For which purpose they propose those changes to which I before referred— -the principles of the Charter , that is to say , that the labouring classes who have no property are to make laws for those who have property , that the labouring clasBes 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 . Tnese persons have never taken into their consideration that the object of law in civiliajd society is the protection ef 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 are to compose such a legislature as that of which they aim to form a part 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 ftuow , that when a popular assembly so devoted to democratic principles , and elected by persons who have no property , bnt depend on manual labour for subsistence , such a thing is inconsistent with monarchy and property . The firat thing at which auch 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 ta gentlemen of your description , but I cannot help expressing my concern that some of these persons who propagate those doctrines are persons of sufficient talent to know the consequences . And yet they persevere in attempts to delude the people for some private ( it must be ) object of their 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 aay in this county ef Lancaster that labour wants protection from the law ? Who can say that the working man , even of the lowest description , if he possesses diligence , talent , application , and fidelity , may not arrive at the highest honours of , the state ? How many examples of persons who , in all classes of life , not superior to many ot tnose 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 mea are desirous of destroying , —this constitution is the enly one in the world that has ever shown , by repeated examples , that labour is protected—that the rights ot the poor man , if they are but exercised by him with diligence , and with sense , aud with frugality , are Buie to lead them to independence , if not to fortune . And yet those individuals would put to hazard all we enjoy under such a constitution , under colour of doing—what ? under colour of giving labour a greater influence than it has now in the formation of tbe law . Gentlemen , by the law of
England labour is protected . Ne doubt it is the property of the poor man , and ought to be protected ; and I believe the law of England is ao framed that if any oppression takes place by tbe master upon the labourer , tbe law furnishes a remedy—that the law does not prevent any man , at the termination of his civil contract with his employer , from leaving if he feels dissatifled with his wages—that the law does not give the master any authority to detain the labourer , thai if the labourer thinks fit to leave , the law does not prevent him . There is no restraint on the part of the law or labourer . But if the 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 , the state of the markets , and the various other causes which influence men of capital , but in some narrow and limited view that the 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 tbe unhappy labourers gain by it ? Why , the market for labour is like every other market The more it is supplied the cheaper it is ; aud , if all were labourers , what would be the price of labour ? I think it would be trifling with your time to notice at any farther length tbe delusion under which they have been acting- It is surprising to me that men of common sense can be led away by such reasoning , and those who inculcate such doctrines must themselves be conscious of their mischief , and , if they should be detected , deserve condign punishment I ehull 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 aa 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 PB 1 US COURT . ( Before Lord Abinger . ) ASSAULT AMD BOBBEET . William Cash , Rowland Davles , Jeremiah M'Cormick , William Reed , and John Platt , were charged with having , at Manchester , on the 10 th of August last , with force and arms , violently assaulted one Thos . Shipman , and stolen from him fifty loavea of bread , valued at Is . each . The Attoeney-Genebal ( Sir Frederick Pollock ) , and Sir Gregory Lewin appeared oa behalf of the Crown . The prisoners were undefended .
It appeared that , oa the 10 th of August hut , the prisoners , along with a number of other persons , went to the shop of Mr . Sbipman , baker , Deansgate . The family , on seeing them approach , shut the door ; but the men , with bludgeons , burst open the door , and with force , and threats , and violence , « btained and marched off with a number of loaves . The young men , iu their defence , said they were not in Deansgate at the tame alleged . Lord Abingeb . briefly rammed np ; and the foreman of the jury said the prisoners were all found guilty , but they recommended them to mercy . The Judge—Upon what grounds , gentlemen ? A Juror—Upon no grounds . The foreman has taken upon himself to say so . I do not . for one , coincide with any such recommendation .
The Judge—Before I can take notice of any recommendation , I must know the grounds of it If there ie any particular ground on which to baild a recommendation for mercy , I shall be glad to take notice cf it , bat I must know what it is . The Foreman—It appeared by the statement of . the young men that they were in other places .
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The Jt'DGB said that if they were of opinion they were not there , that was the ground for a verdict of not guilty , and not for a recommendation to mercy . A verdict of guilty was then entered . ' Another h . tdictment for a misdemeanour , against the same pr isonev * s , along with William Bates , was' not proceeded wii ' -b .
ATTACK ON A MILL . James Kelly , James Dolan , aad Andrew Cosgrove , were charged wi \ h riot at Manchester , aud with having then and there be g ° n to demolish the mill and premises of Messre . Sterling and Beckton . The Attorney-G \ meral and Sir Gregory Lewin prosecuted on behalf of the Crown , and Mr . Wilkins defended Cosgrove . The AlTOBNEY-Gl ^ NEBAL . i * opening the case , sakl he would not press toe charge agalasc Cosgrove , aa the evidence only rested an a statement he made when standing opposite the mil . lathe wb * ls of the proceedings that had arisen out of the anfurtunata offences which had produced so much suffering and calamity , there had been every disposition * oa the part of those who instructed him to take tbe most saeroifal and favourable view of the cases aa they were brought before them ,, and a ? the evidence was so slight against Cosgrove , and he had a most excellent character , the case wonld not be proceeded with .
Henry Moss , salesman to Messrs . Sterling and Beckton , said , that on the 9 th of August a crowd of persoDS came up to the lodge door , afterwards broke it open , and went inte the yard , but they were forced out again , and the door fastened . Joalah 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 tbe number . He had a stick in his hand breaking the windows of the house nexb to the mill . The attack lasted abont 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 the crowd breaking open tbe door of the mill with a battering ram . He saw atones thrown and sticks used , but the crowd , generally , had not sticks . He saw Kelly and Dolan there . Heard Kelly calling out " On , boy a , on ! " and battering at the door . Did not see Djlan there .
Jos 6 ph Taylor identified Polaa as being one of the mob who attacked the milL He saw him use the piece of timber nu a battering ram , and heard him cry " get in lads , " to some boys who were breaking the windows . The men inside the yard played water oa 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 ot the superintendents of the police , said that when lie took the prisoner into custody be said , "I was there , bnt nobody saw me do anything . " Daniel Lipsett , inspector of police , identified Kelly . Kelly , in his defence , said that he went to the pslicaoffice to state that a young man , a friend of his , wastaken np wrongfully , and then he was kept , Dolan had nothing to say . The Judge briefly summed up , and the Jury found a verdict of guilty against both the prisoners . Of course , Cosgrove was acquitted .
His Lordship , afcer severely reprimanding the prisoners for their conduct , sentenced them to one year ' s imprisonment John Hiokey , Hugh Cavannah , James Saxtan , Matthew Dilton , tfSdwatd Suliivaa , and Jarae 3 Tweedale , were then indicted for returning on the 10 th of August to the mill of Messrs . Sterling and Beckton , and breaking tbe 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 stones aud breaking the windows of the mill and the house adjoluing . Some of the hands rushed out , seiaad hold of the prisoners , and gave them into the hands of the police . The case against Sullivan was not made out , and he was acquitted . The rest of the prisoners were found guilty , bnt 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 Ald&rsm . ) EIOT AT THE MANCHESTEE POLICE-STATION . William Lee , 21 , John Sheridan , 18 , and Jane Carney , 11 , were given in charge for having riotously assembled at Manohester , and feloniously demolished a station-house of the police establishment at Manchester . jVIr . Sergeant Atcheelt and Mr . Hilltaed conducted the ease on the part of the prosecution . The prisoners were undefended . Mr . Sergeant AtcHerlet said he had the bonsur to attend on the part of the Crown to lny before the court and jury the case against the three prisoners at the bar , who were charged , not with the crime of felony , but with that of misdemeanour , whieh was a lower description of crime , and subjected the parties to a lesser
degree of punishment It was too w : ; ll fcuowu that in this country great tumult and disorder had arisan 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 pubilo disorder . His duty was , be apprehended , simply to lay the facts before them as they would be given in evidence , and then to produce the witnesses , endeavouring as he went along to apply tbe evidence to the prisoners , with tbe double 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
tbe town , the object of which was to turn out the hands at the different mills . Several worts 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 be in attendance , and that police station they attacked . They broke open the doors , threw stones , and injured the property in the place . The one man in the place concealed himself in a private part of the premises , and thereby secured his safety . This was tbe general outline of the transaction , With regard to the prisoners , thtt jury would find that the two young men were very active—that they had bludgeons , that the threats they used were of the most
awful kind , that the young female was active in encouraging the others , and that she was apprehended on the premises . He ( the Learned Counsel ) would only add this observation , that , as on the part of those who prosecuted , there was no wish at all bot 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 plRce in that court of justice in which the object ought to be on behalf of all parties , without turning to the right hand or te the left , to seek to administer the law with justice and mercy—in short to execute jastioa and maintain truth .
John Allman was the first witness called and examined . Is a Serjeant in tbe Manchester police force ; about eleven o'clock , on the 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 Lee the third who approached ; Lee had an iron bar , something like a broken shovel , in hi 3 hand : Sheridan bad a club ; the mob approached some dye-works of Olempaon and Vanghan , and they also went to Rothwell ' s silk establishment ; Lee and Sheridan still continued in front of the mob , who vieited a chemical establishment , a starch manufactory , and the gas works ; the mob afterwards
returned to the station-house , close to which is a bridge over the Irwell ; witness was standing at the door , and boih the prisoners flung stones at him ; witness then fastened the door , took a sword , and retired , to the prisoner ' s cell , where he remained about an hour ; witness was the only person at tbe station-honso , into which the mob entered , and threatened to murder him ; one asked where he was , and another said he was down in the cell with a sword ; all the windows and windowframes were smashed , all the beds and bedding were carried ont , and witness ' s watch was stolen ; a Iarga bird and bird-cage in the place wero destroyed ; witness saw the female prisoner , Corney , carrying things out of the place after tbe mischief bad 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 witneBg went to the station-house to give information , whither the mob speedily followed . The mob brought out papers and documents from the station-hense , tore up the men's garments , and flung the whole over the bridge into tbe river IrwelL The prisoner Lee was among them ; Lee battered the bouse , and brought a bird cage , which he trampled under foot The prisoner Carney was in . the upper room of the house engaged in throwing various articles ont of tbe windows to the mob , who tore them to pieces , and threw them into the river . She was arrested on the premises . Ellen Kelley examined —Was in Manchester on the day in question , and saw tbe female prisoner throwing brushes and baskets ont of the windows of the Stationhouse . Knew her 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 Atcherxey concurred in the re ^ commendation , and consented to have her liberated . His Lordship accordingly ordered her to be discharged , and delivered up to her parents .
BIOT AT CBOWTHEB'S MILLS , BLAKBXT . Joseph Shaw , 15 , and George Turner , 12 , were given in charge for having prevented certain of her Majesty ' s subjects from following their lawful occupations , and compelling them to depart therefrom , at Blakely . Mr . Sergeant Atchehlet informed the Jury that the place at which the present transaction had arisen was Blakeley , about four or five miles from Manchester , on Tuesday , the 15 th of August Upon the 11 th of the same month , Cr . owther ' a bleach mills at Blakeley had been stopped , and on the 16 th the hands rtturned and resumed their wprk . The resumption of the work gave great offence to the rioters , and on the same morning a mob earne to the premises , raked ont the fires , let off the water , and stopped tbe business in progress . They then went away , and returned again in half an hour , when tber prevented tbe hands from returning to their
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work . The two prisoners took part in the transaction . Shaw had a large stick in his band , and Tamer had a dogger-stick found upon him , which wonld be produoed . Neither of them belonged to BJakeley ; they were both strangers iu tho neighbourhoed ; and for what purpose they had found their way from where they lived to Blakeley , it would be for the Jury to judge for themselves . The case was proved by Samnel Crowther , the proprietor of bleach-works at Blakeley ; Joseph Whitehead , in the employ cf last witness ; Mr . Colt , a special con-Btablo ; and , Charles C- Stephenson , superintendent of the Manchester police . The jury found both the prisoners guilty of riot .
BIOTS AT WILSON S PBIKT WOBKS . SALF 0 BD . John Tear was given in ebarge for having being concerned in a riot at the print works of ilesara . Wilson Brothers k Ct > ., Salford . Tho prisoner was . defended by Messrs Cobbstt and Wigham . . : Mr Sergeant A 7 CHERLEY briefly stated the case . The scene was the town of S ^ ford , and the transaction took place on Wednesday the 12 to of August A mob of between one and two thousand persons proceeded to Salford on that day , whore they turned out the hands of Wilaon and Co ., ondsubsequently the hands at Haywood ' s and the Kail way Station . It would be proved in evidence that the primmer , who waasecretary to the Dyers' and Dressers' Association , had been with the mob upon the occasion aad au active- leader among them .
McsesFfrce , an engineer at the pnnt-worka of Wilson aud Ca . id Silford ; Tiiotnas Nanson , saleamnn to Wilson and Co . ; and Franate Ellison , a labstwer in the employment of Wilson and Go ., were examised for tho prosecutisn . . Mr . COBBETT then briefly addressed the Jury , and called a number of witnesses t >> prove an alibi : Tue jury returned a verdict cf guilty , with a recommendation te-iaeroy . The court adjourned at twenty minutes to eight o ' clock to nine next morning .
MAGISTRATES' ROOM . ( Before Mr . Jmticc-Sresswell . J In about three , quarters of on hour after Lord ABINGER bad finished his charge * to the Grand Jury , Mr . Justice CressWELL lert the bench in tho Nisi Prius Court , and took his scat in tho Magistrates " Room . The prisoners first placed at the bar were G-eorg * Thornton , Joseph Webb , Patrick O'Brien , and Jaraea Melbarn . They were indicted for 8- conspiracy , for inciting and stirring up a great many of her Majesty ' s subjects unlawfully to assambJa , armed with sticks , to disturb the tranqaility of the realm ., and 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 this court The prisoners were undefended .
Mr . Wobtley , after statin ? the nature of the indictment , said that the particular occasion on which the occurrences in question took place on the 9 th of August , a day on which , it would appear , a vast body of persons were collected in Manchester , and separating themselves into different portions , wunt into different parts of tbe town , and behaved themeelvea in a violeut and tumultuous manner . About a quarter-past two on that day , a body of some hundreds o ( persons wont to the mill of Mr . John Preston , machine-manufacturer , Ardwick , and Eoina of them were armed with sticks , showing that they were determined to resist interference with their proceedings . The gates of the mill were shut against them , whereupon they became neisy and viol-nt , and endeavoured to force open the gates , but , failing in that , they eventually broke open one of
fee-windows , so as to let in one of the persons in the mob . Melburn was the man who succeoded in getting in at the window , and as this belonged to a room in which tools were deposited , he availed himself of some of them to break away the fastenings of the gate inside , and thus admitted his companions . Ths party behaved with considerable violence , and Mr . Preston , one of toe partners , was struck by one of the mob . "They succeeded , by their intimidation , ami the awe which their proceedings created , in turning out every hand , although they were reluctant to leave their wort . Mr-John Preston , jun ., and other witnesses ware called to substantiate this statement . The Learned Judge allowed the prisoners to astc the witnesses , through him , any
question that they chose . Thornton and O'Brien had nothing to aay in their defence . Melburn aairt that ha was a mere spectator , and Webb called witnesses to prova an alibi . His Lordship , in summing up , recited the four counts in the indictment , and observed thst in cases like this it was difficult to prove previous coccert , or the feelings which actuated the parties , so as to make out the charge of conspiracy . As to the second count , "inciting and stirring up a great number of her Majesty ' s subj-aots unlawfully to assemble , " &c . there waa no evidence of that kind . . The two other counts , for riot and unlawfully assembling , he considered had been fully made out , and the only question for the Jury was , whether all the prisoners were actually present in the midst of the assembly .
The Jury , after a short consultation , fonnd all the prisoners guilty . 88 ntanca was deferred . John Ciunen , George Thornton , James Harrington , James Healey , Joseph . Wubb , Thomas Whitehead , John Gralvin , John Stones , John Fallan , Edward Mitchell , Thomas Berry , and Barney Collins were then placed at tbe bar , on an indictment precisely similar to the foregoing . Thornton and Webb were the parties of that name who were previously tried . Mr . Wortley said that after the observations which bad 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 tbe afternoon of tbe 9 ih of August , about a thousand persons attacked tho Oxford-road Twist Mill , iu Manchester , belonging ta Messrs . Coates , and by their threats and intimidation , succeeded in turning out the whole of the bands , in number between 000 and 1 , 000 .: Soon after the military arrived , the mob ran in all directions , and the gates of tho mill having been closed , tbe prisoners were confined iu the inside and captured . The whole of the prisoners were found guilty . Sentence deferred .
Joseph Thomas ,, an Idiotic black man , John Oldbam , John Edwarda , Ellis Hall , Jauies Richardson , Thomas Booth , Michael Clerk , Thomas Cieg ? , John Lever , Patrick O'Brien , and John Holmes were next placed at the bar , and charged with rioting and unlawfully assembling . The evidence showed that on the afternoon of the 9 th of August , a large body of persons were seen coming from towards the spot at which a meeting had been held . They first attacked Qxford-rsad mill ; bnt having been driven thence by ths soldiery , a portion of the multitude , about two or three hundred in number , went towards the mill of Messrs . Burley , which waa about 100 yards distant In a short time , the crowd in creased to several thousands , and beaded by Thomas and others , attacked the mill of Messrs . Burtey . The gates were ck . sed , the mob attacked it , and , sis there wero 1100 h inde Inside , s sally was nude , a repnrt having bee a circulated that the police had arrived . The report waa unfounded , and the defenders were obliged to retire .
The mob then threw au immense number of stones , broke several thousand panes of glass , and did other damage , to the extent altogether of between £ 300 and £ 400 . The crowd would have forced their entrance ; bat a powerful fire engine was got ints pl » y , ond a very copious stream of water was directed npon the assailants whenever they approached tho gates , and they were thua fcept off Nearly the whole of the prisoners decl&iod that the ? weie only casually present or went to the spot after the disturbance bad been qm . lled , and that they ; : ever threw a single stone . As in the fyrmer casea , some of t ' je prisoners had provided themselves with written certificates of character ; but these were not received ; the Jortgs observing that it any one feii an interest in any prisoner , he mast attend in person , and give evidence . For many of tbo prisoners , witnesses did attend , and spoke of them as steady , qnlet , peaceable , and industrious poraoss . All the prisoners , except Thomas ; Booth and Patrick O'Brien , were found guilty . Sentence deferred .
John G-alvin , -who was yesterday tried and convicted , was allowed to . be discharged , on finding a rartty for bis appearance whenever called upon for judgment . Ho had enlisted eir . ca the occurrence of the ofience fo * ¦ which he was indicted . . . The Court adjourned shortly after seven o ' clock , until nine next morning .
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XiSICBSTSR . —Mr . John West has been lecturing hero ( he last week with good cffijcc . We bad two glorious out-door meetings on Sunday in tho pasture , and preaching in tbe All Saints Open at night , Mr . West Rave general satisfaction . Mrs . Cooper , of Leicester , acknowledges the following Bums , which will be duty lerwardedtotbe General Defcnco Fund , from Desford , 2 s ., for Mr . Cooper ' a Defence , from Hineley , 4 s . 5 J ., Lileby , 4 s . 4 ^ 'l . On SirtfDAY , the 9 th , Mr . West preached three sermons ; two in the Pasture , and the other in the Room , Att SaintB Open , when the collections amounted to £ 3 Is . On Monday , he was arrested by tho police on a charge of u&ing exciting and seditious language on the 18 th of Sepietaber , at Swadlinoote , in the eounty of Derby . He waa taken away soon after he was arrested .
DERBT . —A delegate meeting was held st the-Chartist Roam , Willow Bow , en Sunday lose , when delegates from the different localities in the comity we *© present , and each ga . ve in a report of the state of the csnse in their respective localities ; from which it appears , ithat Chartism has taken such deep toot in the hearts of the men of Derbyshire , that it defies persecution to uproot it . A number of persons were chosen as local lectnrets , and will commence their Iabonra immediately , being deterrtiaed as oae is fenockeddowa . two shall rise up . Tbe following resolutions wpre
carried unanimously : — "That this meeting » etttrns _ ita sincere thanks to the brave men ot London , for having chosen a new Executive at this critical Juncture ; and we likawke return our hearty thanks to those gentlemen who have so nobly ' consented to form that Executive for tho time beim ? . " ' " That the tbacks ot this meeting bo given to Mr . West , for his able laDours as lecturer in this county , and bear testimony to his talents and abilities . " An address waa agreed tj , and 2 , 000 were ordered to be printed and circulated in tie county .
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THE NORTHERN STAR , 7
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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/vm2-ncseproduct452/page/7/
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