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Northern Star (1837-1852), 28th December 1844, Edition 2 of 4, Page 8

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    • fBetropoIitan police glimIlignir*.
    • Cva&£g' iHofcfmcntg.
    • Hato intelligence.
    • ®§t 3Tf)eatrf#,
    • Printed by BOXJ.QAL M'60WAN,of 17, Great Winding s
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      Fbetropoiitan Police Glimilignir*.

      fBetropoIitan police glimIlignir * .

      Untitled Article

      v Axsirre house . THUiSDAT . —A Cebistxas CrsTOJC * . —A man named TVffliam Xongirood was chained with having , stolen two turkeys ana a : goose , the property of Mr . Howard , poulterayofLeadenhall-inariet . The prisoner had been seen by one of Mr . Howard ' s men to deliberately lake one of the turkeys and the goose from the place in tie shop -schere they -were deposited , place them across his shoulder , Tralk into the street , thrust them inro a bag -which he carried , andrerarnto the stall and pici up the other rarkej in like manner , The Tviinew bad followed the prisoner

      and collared "him the moment he iras Tvalkinc off ¦ svith Ids last prize . The prisoner declared that he 4 mew nothing at all of the last torkej , "bat meretv that it lay at his Tee * Trhen he iras taken into custody . As for the nrst turkey and the goose he had most honestly bought them of two country people , who called upon all passers-by to bny the last turkey and goose , and if the Lord Mayor Thought of letting Vr Howard hare his property it would be £ reat encouragement to bntcbtrs to eharjrt respectable people ,- "who had made purchases , Trith robV . -rv , in order to rat possession of all they had . { A laugh . ) The prisoner was committed for trial

      pin > il .. J"o : aG £ ST . — Benjamin Lam' - 'Oiira vra- ^ "Vwcsht before the Lord Mayor , charpvd by tl-. e dirc « : ora t" the Commercial and General "Hi * Insurance Office wiili having Gorged a bill of exchange for £ Vm . —Mr . Humphreys , for the prosecution , stated that in March , 1 S 4 j , xhe prisoner applied at the Commercial and General life Insurance Company for cash for a bill for £ 300 , and obtained it on the understanding that the sum should be reduced by quaner ' y payments , and that upon each reduction a new "tell should be given . Reductions had taken place , the qnarferly payments having been made nntil the amount oithed £ bt ~ vras £ 150 . "wienTipon failure of payment of the regular instalment It was discovered that the last bill iras a forg-ery as to the acceptor and some of the endorsers , »—Thomas Satley , of "So . 7 , lvy-terrace T Hoxton , headwaiter to Messrs . Sing and Brymer , of CornhlU , stated that hfrhad accepted bills for the prisoner , bnt it was a

      long lame ago . He had not , to the best of his belief , accepted a bill so lately for the prisoner as two years ago . The acceptance to the biH produced was not in his hand > ¦ writing , nor had his name been written by his authority . —The prisoner : Abont the middle of the year 1 S 43 . -were yon not confined by illness to your * bed ?— 'Witness : 1 was . —The prisoner : Thaf ; all the questions I wish to ask you . —Samnel Long , of So . 93 , High-street , Marylebone , licensed -nemaHer , stated that the endorsement " Samuel Long" upon the bill produced was not his handle riling , neither had he authorised any one to -write it . — Joseph Donovan , fishmonger , of 2 > o . 292 , Oxford-street , stated that the signature , " Joseph Donovan , " to the bfll produced iras not his , nor had it been sanctioned by him . —Mr . ' Humphreys said that no doubt the signature of the drawer ¦ was genuine . The prisoner was then committed for trial

      MASTLEB 05 T . Tbtxsdat . —OtnxAGE . —The court was much crowded from an early hour , in consequence of a report that a number of Spaniards had murdered a man by cutting his throat . The rumour , however , with regard to the murder fortunately turned out to be nnrrue . The -names of the prisoners were "Manuel Santa , Tinccnt Peston , Philip Ascendon , and TAas Garcia . 2 dr . John Veals , landlord of the Victoria public-house , Charlton-street , Somerstown , deposed that on the previous night , between eleven and twelve o ' clock , the prisoners entered his premises and called for drink . They -were accompanied by eleven of Twelve others ; bnt as all of them n-ere mnch intoxicated , he refused to serve them . They then abused him , and Santa struck at "him -with a stick ,-in addition to ivhich 2 se threw at tirm a imnler of qnart and pint . pots , some of which hit him . Another of the party also attempted to injure him with a bludgeon . —William Thermae , the man -who was wounded , deposed that as he

      -was passing through Chariton-street he heard a great disturbance , and saw nearly a dozen Spaniards , amongst whom trere the prisoners , armed with large sticks and bludgeons ; he seized hold of one of the sticks -which "was in the possession of a man not in custody , . when he -was immediately inocted down by two tremendous blows , and -while lying upon the ground . Asceneion and Garcia being -on the top of him , he received several severe wounds from a sharp instrument upon the head and ear , and the collar of his coat was cut completely through . He also reeeired many very severe kicks upon his body . It appeared from tie evidence of Mr . Parker , a surgeon , that Therman had been very seriously injured- The prisoners -were also charged with assaulting the constables . The prisoners , through an interpreter , who had explained to them the -trbole- of the evidence , denied ' the truth of all that had been alleged against them . Santa and Peston were each committed to the House of Correction for a month for assaulting the constables , and Ascencion and Garcia were remanded tiH ThuTsdav next .

      UilOS HAIL . Mojtdat . —EXBIZZLESCEST . —F . Thomas Parker was ¦ for ongphT be&re Jdr . . JIaltby , charged -Kith various acts x > i embezzlement . ~ 51 r- "Vf . "Winch , livery stable-keeper Great "Windmill-street , said the prisoner had formerly "been in his employ as clerk . It was the prison" "? duty , whenever he received money or cheques from the customers , to pay -the property over to brm immediatelv Prosecutor having ascertained that the prisoner had received a cheque from Dr . Marsflen for £ 10 , made inquiry about it , and the prisoner then admitted he had received

      the money and had appropriated it to his own use . Prosecutor immediately took the prisoner to the Guarantee Society ' s oSces in the Poultry , an < 3 told the clerk there that the prisoner hnd embezzled the proceeds of a cheqne for XID . Theprisoner did not deny tbe charge , and produced a paper on -which -wtre various amounts he had received and appropriated . The proseentor added £ hat he had just received a second paper from the prisoner containing additional names , which made the amount embezzled , since August lasi , between £ § 0 and £ 40 . The ¦ prisoner -was remanded .

      Posgibt . — "WHBam "Wicks was charged with having forged tie name of bis master , 2 ir . Sltarw , upholsterer , of Mortimer-street , to a-cheqne for £ 10 on the Union Bank of London , Argyll-street . The jnisoner was remanded till Thursday next . Fxjdat . — - ' Assacxt rs ^ TEi Qrror ' s Prison . — John Bstm -was charged before Mr . Trail -trith causing a disturbance in the Queen ' s Prison , and assaulting Caldwell , the tnn&ej . On the preceding night , when the clock sirnck nine , the time for the departure of all strangers , the defendant , who-was there , refused to quit , saying that his -wife was there , and that he would be ¦ ¦ if he would stir out of the place . Kemonstrances were of no avail ; sad -phen the turnkey took the defendant by the arm to eject him from the prison , he tnrned npon him and gave him a . severe hlo-iv in the eye , aad knocked him -down . In the course of the examination it was stated that no man could liave acted "with greater violence , and four men -were employed in taking "Him to the station-liouse .

      TVOHSHIP STREET . Ttxsdat . —Coejtsg . —James Green , a well-dressed middle-aged man , and Anne Green , his daughter , a little pj % , U years of age , were charged before Mr . Bingham -with having been found engaged in the manufacture of a large quantity of spurious money , and also -with having committed a murderous assault upon two officers of police . It appeared , from the statement of Serjeant Branti » t _ -who was in such a state of suffering lhat he was Scarcely able to give his evidence , that , having received information that the male prisoner was closely connected with an extensive gang of coiners , who had recently put into circulation a large amount of spurious money , he proceeded between nine and ten o ' clock " on the pre vious -evening , in company of the officer Cole , to the

      house of the prisoner , in Booth-court , City-road . On knocking at the -door they were admitted by the younger prisoner , who , the instant she saw them , called loudly to her father , J on which the male prisoner suddenly made his apperance at the lop of a flight of stairs , coTTrmtrnleating with a room , into which the street floor opened . "Witness rushed np stairs , in the hope of securing him , and had reached within three steps of the landing , when the prisoner exclaimed , " Tou ' ve not got me yet , Brannan , yon thief , ' and springing at inm , struck him such a violent blow on the chest with his feet , that he was instantly hurled from the top of the stairs to the room below , -where his spine came in contact wish the edge of a chair , and the prisoner , who was unable to check "his own impetus , fell with his -whole weight

      iipon flic lower part of his "body . Cole then seized the prisoner , and a severe struggle ensued between them , in the course of which the witness , who had partially recovered from the fall , saw the younger prisoner in the act of concealing something in her bosom * which he forced from her , and found it to be a parcel containing twentytwo counterfeit half-crowns , finished for circulation . "Witness then proceeded np stairs , -where he found a great number of base coins strewed abont the table , and while securing them the male prisoner , followed by Cole , burst into the rooa , and , seizing a large glass battle filled with vitriol , dashed the greater part of the burning liquid over theirliands and the npper part of their persons . The male prisoner then pulled from under his apron a bag filled with spnrions coin and handed itto the girl , desiring her to get rid of it ; bntiritness succeeded in snatchingit fromier and seenringtherestofthe base money , amounting to more than ahundred shilling's and half-crown pieces . They also found several bottles of plating liquids and

      acids , "with some cnrionsly-constrocted implements for perfecting the coins , which 4 he _ prisoner was in the habit of ifecavingin a rough statefcr the jjorpose of finishing and rendering them complete for circulation . Sergeant Brannan added that the injuries he had received during liis struggle with the prisoner were of such a serious nature that he was apprehensive he should feel the effects of them as long as he lived . Cole , the other officer , whose baTiflu and wrists appeared dreadfully scorched and swollen , corroborated the sergeant ' s evidence , and stated that the prisoner had set abuH-dog upon him , which bit and dang to him -with such pertinacity that he had the greattit arfnerilly in beating it off , and that the resistance offered by file -prisoner was the most desperate he had » rer « aeoimiered .- In his defenee , the prisoner declared ihat the Trfiole of the articles found At his house bad been left there "by" & man tt ^ o promised to call again , and that « he ttm TrhoiDj innocent of any guilty use of them . " Mr . Bingham ordered both the prisoners to be' remanded for ik&atten * a » ee of lie solicitor of tbe Hint to prosecute the

      case . r - jan ^ feroke a pane- in the door , -which -was "Mf glass . He pushed her back into the 'chair again , andTras proceeding to further extremities , when her mistress heard the bustle and came down stairs . The prisoner immediately let go his hold of her , and

      Untitled Article

      ran up the area steps , getting clear away . Witness immediately told her mistress of the assault , and the police-were informed , but nothing "was heard of the prisoner till the next day , when her mistress going into the coal-cellar , found him there . She immediately gave him into custody . —Mrs . Edwards , the mistress of the girl , corroborated the evidence of the last witness . The prisoner confessed the troth of the" charge , and expressed his sorrow for what he had done . ' He was committed for trial , the magistrate admitting him to bail , himself in £± Q and twe sureties of £ 20 each .

      TrxsDAT . —Post-Ottice Ehbezzlmxst . — -Robert Hobson , the keeper of a receiving-house for the postage of letters at Walthamstow , was brought up for final examination , charged with embezzling the sum of Is . 10 d ., being tbe postagre o / a letter to Calcutta , and fully committed for trial . The prisoner -was . again charged with anlawfully detaining a number of newspapers -which came into his possession for the purpose of being transmitted bv the post . The evidence jriven on the former examination was repeated and perfected . The prisoner , bv the advice of his counsel , madv no defenee , and he was ordered to find bail , himself in £ l \ M ) , and two surities in £ J > 0 each , to answer the charge at the sessions . The prisoner was then removed from the bar .

      Mokdat . —Ghabgx of Theft . —Edward Edwards vras brought up for re-examination for being found in a . Mr . Bright ' s house at North Brixton , for an unlawful purpose ; and Margaret Sheen , the nurse in the family , was charged with stealing a satin waistcoat , belonging to her master , and alsso with harbouring the other prisoner in the house . The circumstances attending the discovery of the prisoners at four o ' clpek t-n Safartlay morning , lying together before a blazing fire , in the complainant ' s kitchen , aud of the ¦ woman dropping htr masters satin waistcoat on the way to Ihe station-house , appeared in our Town edition of Saturdav last . The DUrse iSheen ) was therefore committed for two months to hard labour for unlawful possession of the article , and Edwards was adjudged to enter into hii own recognizance in £ 40 , and find two sureties in £ 20 e-r > r-y \ to be of good behaviour for twelve monili ? -

      THA 3 JES POLICE . TrrsDAT . —Distressing Case . —A poor woman , named Ann Fox , came before Mr . Broderip and related a tale of woe deserving the attention of the humane . She stated that an elderlv -woman , named Joiner , livin-r in a miserable court called Peel-alley , Peel-place , Shadwell , had not the means of paying the funeral expenses of her grand child , which died that morning , and that another child was just recovering from the scarlet fever . The mortality in the family had been very great , the old woman's daujrhter . -whose name was Borw-rijrht , and two other children , having died within a few weeks of each other since Julv . Thev fell victims to fever and want of

      sufficient food . On the second Friday in July , Mrs . Joiner ' s son-in-law , Bonvright , who was a sailor , was killed at Quebec , and the old woman , who obtained a scanty living by making up slops , had since kept the orphan children , although she was herself labouring under illness . Mr . Ross , a surgeon of High-street , Shadwell , had been attending the sick children , and had kindly offered to pay for opening the ground and providing a grave for the body of the child , but the grandmother was unable to procure a eomn and shroud , ilr . Broderip said this was a painful case , and he directt-d Ellis , the usher , to make inquiries about it , and if the woman Joiner wanted assistance to afford her some relief , and take care that the bodv was decentlv interred .

      Untitled Article

      OXFORD CIRCUIT . Staptohd , Dec . 19 . —The "Woltiiuuiipton' Case . —Child Mcrdzr . —This case , which appears to have created a great sensation , not only in this county , but throughout England , came on for trial this morning , after being twice postponed . Jane Railton , aged 32 , was indicted for concealing the birth of her child , at Wohrerhampton , in the month of October last ; and John Sheriff , aged 28 , and James Ilildreth , aged 38 , were charged with aiding and abetting her in such concealment . The particulars must be fresh in the recollection of our readers . The result of the trial was , that after the examination of a great number of witnesses , Miss Raiiton , not being a poor unfortunate , like Mary Furley , and the other prisoners being , like Mrs . Tyrwhitt , " " highly respectable ! " -were Acquitted .

      Staytohd , Dec . 20 . —Sextesce . —At the sitting of the Court this morning the learned Judge passed sentence of transportation for ten years on Josepk Penn , convicted of the manslaughter of Prudence Hushes , at Sedgeley . The Woltxrhjlupto * Case ic . ns . —John Sheriff , an account of whose trial , together with that of Miss Railton and Mr . Ilildreth , for the concealment of the birth of a child , has already appeared in our columns , was again placed at the bar , under an indictment for u > ing a certain instrument on the 1 ( ith and 20 th October last , at the parish of "Wolverhampton , with intent to procure the miscarriage of Miss Jane Railton , a

      young lady who happened at that time to be with child . The prisoner pleaded not guilty , . Mr . Beadon appeared for the prosecution , and stated the facts of tlie case clearly and concisely to the jury . Miss Railton ¦ sras then called several times as " a witness against the prisoner : but as she did not come into Court for that purpose , the Judge ordered her recognisance to be estreated . Mr . Beadon then observed that it would be needl ' . ^ for him to proceed with the case during the absence of so material a witness , and the learned Judge directed the jurv to acquit the prisoner ; upon which he was discharged from custodv .

      NORFOLK CIRCUIT . Norfolk , Dtx . 21 . —Sentences o * Coxvicted IkrxyDiABiEs . —Mr . Justice Williams took his seat in court precisely at nine o ' clock , and proceeded to pass sentence upon the persons who had been convicted of the serious crime of arson . John Rutland , George Dye , William Medlar , Christopher Rump , J . Quantrel , Thomas Baker , and Robert Parker , were sentenced to fifteen years' transportation ; Jane Watts to twelve months' imprisonment ; Thomas Sessams two months' imprisonment ; and John Hervey one month . With this proceeding terminated the business of the county assize .

      Cva&£G' Ihofcfmcntg.

      Cva& £ g' iHofcfmcntg .

      Untitled Article

      Leicester . — Fjuxewobe-k > 7 Ttebs CoxDmox . — To the Zilitor . —Sir-. The question that has been raised concerning the condition , prospects , and earnings ; the manner in which the wages are deducted ; and the « vils which afflict the Frame knitters body , has become a question of magni tude . The ¦ wrongs that have been accumulating for years has merged into a system most corrupt . " I will try to " detail the great evils which afflict the mass of Framework-knitters , and those ¦ who are dependent upon them for support . To prevent the idea that the facts contained in this letter are onlv selected cases , i will take Tillages in all parts of " the county , working under different manufacturers and bag hosiers ; so that I mav be able to

      shoir the separate workings m each . Sir . Felkia ' s account of the average wages of the work-people in the three counties is one that ought to be in the pos session of all classes . Yet there is one thing wanting in that account , to show the inexperienced reader one of the primary evils that infect our social system , li has been argued by some that nothing but an increase of power in machinery can ever be of much service to us ; and that machinery to be adapted to steam power . Nothing , in my opinion , acts so prejudicially to the interest of ¦ work-people as the introduction of any power to supersede manual labour , unless accompanied by a provision for those whom the increased power throws out of employment . Labour is the only property of the working classes ; and when impaired by mechanical science , the profits arising from such inventions ought to be made available to the use and protection of the individuals displaced .

      Suppose that there were 1 , 000 persons m Leicester engaged in any particular branch of manufacture by hand labour , and that bv mechanical contrivance one machine was made to do the work of ten men , 900 must be thrown out of employment ; left to seek subsistence by other means , or become a burden to the inhabitants who receive no pecuniary advantage from the introdnction of the improved machine . If we trace the increase of machinery from the invention of Lee , or from the year 1680 , -when a man by the name of Ahop was the only stockinger in Leicester , we shall not find any increase that would have been injurious to the interests of working men , had that additional machinery been made to produce good manufactured articles . The people have always watched "with a vigilant eye the progression of machinery ; not that they feared the acenmulatifvn of frames , —bnt thev feared the rpsnlta

      that must follow the introduction and progression of a spur ious mode of manufacturing stockings . As early as 1774 the people gathered in great numbers to destroy an improved machine , introduced by Simpson and Goode , of Leicester . And in 1776 a general combination of working men had been entered into , to obtain an Act of Parliament , to prevent fraudulent ¦ work , and to limit the number of apprentices , in accordance with the spirit and wording of the framework-knitters' charter , which prohibited the manufacture of spurious goods . Two hills were successively introduced into the _ House of Commons , but , being opposed by the Hosiers , were lost . When the result of these struggles was forcibly pourtrayed to the injured workmen , they devised plans for the Ae

      struction of the machines , for which Beveral ended their earthly existence on the scaffold . From 1810 tip to 1817 , the introduction of wide frames became more universal ; and as they progressed , the wages of the wrought or fashioned works decreased . Moreover , as the Tvide frames became more prevalent , the value of the narrow ones diminished , as shown before a Committee of the House sf Commons in 1819 ; and 3 may also add , that the poor's rates increased to an alarming extent throughout the country . In 181 f the Hosiers held a meeting and formed a Jist of prices , or what is generally termed a " statement , " containing theiengths , widths , and prices ; and to show the disposition of several of the leading Hosiers , they stated that " the wages ^ were low enough . " Yet in spite of thislhonest declaration , ere twelve months had

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      elapsed another serious reduction took place in the fashioned stockings ; which caused a tumult in 1818 ; when numbers of highlv respectable individuals placed themselves at the head of the movement . So convinced were they of the evils arising from a superfluous amount ©! goods manufactured by the new system of " spider work , " or " slap dash , " as it is technically termed , that a society was established , to prevent a surplus amount of goods being manufactured : and so formidable had this society become , that subscr iptions were made in churches and chapels to aid the funds , out of which more than £ 3 , 000 were paid away in a month to support men , rather than they should be engaged in making goods to glut the markets . So powerful and beneficial was this effort of the

      philanthropists and union-men , that , according to Mr . J . Cort ' 8 pamphlet , the poor-rates were reduced from £ 23 , 599 ,. to £ 11 , 050 ; and after the Union was broken up they again rose to £ 22 , 824 . During the year 1819 , before the Union , the poor-rates of Sileby were £ 2 , 205 , and in 1824 , during the Uniou , they fell to £ . 049 Is . 8 d . At . Syston , in 1824 , the poorTrates were £ 740 , and in lc ^ after the Union . they amounted to £ 1 , 024 ) . Yours , TjiomasWi . \ tb « s . —( To he continued . ) The London Couk-Cctteus' Society . —On Monday last , Messrs . T . Barratt ( secretary to the Associated Trades ot' London > , Gaiuman , and Fisher , as a deputation from the above Society , waited upon Richard IS '

      ornian , Esq ., Bank director , of Broad-street , City , and treasurer of the ' Duneombe Testimonial" fund , with the sum of £ 20 , the second subscription of that publiospirited body to the " Duneombe Testimonial . " The first remittance of £ fi 10 s . we announced a few weeks since from the Edinburgh and Leith division of the same society , and we are credibly informed that the Cork-cutters still retain £ 5 in hand as a nest-egg towards the third contribution for the same good purpose . Would the other trades only imitate the exemplary conduct of the spirited Cork-cutters , Mr . Duneombe would have such a testimonial as would alike reflect honour on the givers and the

      re-. Great Aggregate Meeting of TnE Mechanical Trades at Lttekfool . —In accordance with public announcement , the aggregate meeting of the mechanical trades of Liverpool viz ., Mechanics , Millwrights , Engineers , Moulders , . Smiths , and Boilermakers , was holden in the Assembly-rooms , Nelson-street , on the evening of Monday last , December 23 d , 1844 . The meeting was an extremely large one , and one feeling appeared to pervade the minds of those present . That feeling was . one of indignation at the present attempt of the employers to rob the working man of his only hope and protection—his Trades Union . A determiiivtion was also manifested to act on the defensive , and make known to the world that the men Trould not tamely submit to such monstrous tyranny , let the * consequences be what they might . The meeting was called for halfpast seven o ' clock , at which time Mr .

      Robinson , of Manchester , was unanimously called to preside . Mr . Robinson on rising was received with rapturous cheers , which having subsided , he said , he felt the full weight of the duties of the office in which they had placed him . He trusted , therefore , that they would assist him in fulfilling the duties by giving every speaker a fair hearing . The subject on which they had met , and the circumstances which had brought them together , were alike important , and probably would call forth discussion . So far as he was concerned , every person should have a fair hearing : and he hoped the parties addressing the meeting would confine themselves to the subject which they had met to consider . The masters of Lancashire , and particularly those of Liverpool , had introduced a system called " quittance papers , " which system struck at the best interests of the working man , inasmuch as it prevented him from taking his labour to the best market . This had been the effect of the

      svstcm m other trades where it had been put into operation . Suppose that he was working for 18 s . a week , and he asked his master to give him an advance of two shillings . The master refused and he left ; but he had to take a sealed quittance paper to his next employer . In that paper was stated the reasons for leaving his last emplover . It would run thus : —• ' Left uf his own accord . We gave him l ^ s . per week ; but he was dissatisfied , and wanted 20 s . " This was a perfect barrier , to his getting an advance of wages Ilo considered it a gross iniringement on their rights , and for one was determined to resist it to the

      lasi—( much cheering ) . The masters had , through the press and otherwise , stated that their association was purely protective ; but the case of the moulders ot Liverpool wa * s sufficient to prove that there was no truth in what they said . The moulders had not struck , but had been turned out by their employers , because they would not give up their Union . He would read " them two printed circulars which had emanated from the Masters' Union , which he had got hold of . ( Mr . It . then read a circular entitled-sin Address of the Masters to the Workmen , which was signed b y a vast number of the masters in various parts of the country , extending as far as Derby ] . This circular disclaimed a » y intention of aggressive measures bv the masters : but the other told him that

      there was no reliance to be placed on their words . The other circular which he held in his hand , had come from the same source as the one he had readin fact , in the same week , find signed by the same person who had gained for himself an unenviable jioto rietv by the part he had taken in this onslaught against the rights of labour , namely , Mr . ( ieorge Peel . / Much indignation . ) The circular stated that a meeting had been held at the Clarence Hotel , Manchester , when a declaration was ajn'eed to which the men wereto sign , or quit their employment forthwith . Well , this declaratiou had been presented to the men in several large shops in Manchester ; and what was it ? Why just this . The men were asked to sign not to belong to the Union , nor to seek a fresh shop at the week-end . The men were to a man determined

      to give up work rather than give up their Union . t Loud cheers . ) They now knew what were the ulterior objects of the Masters' Protective Association . It was to protect themselves and destroy the little protection wliich the men had left . Mr . Robinson gave a lucid explanation of the principles and objects of the Mechanics' Protective Society of Great Britain and Ireland , and then called on " Mr . Roberts to move the first resolution . Mr . Roberts said that the resolution which he held in his hand was one in which they individually and collectively were much interested . In fact , the time had come when the Trades must bestir themselves , or they would lie undone . Capital was rallying its forces to subjugate Labour ; therefore , it was their imperative duty to be up and doing . Mr . R . moved the following :

      resolution : —That it is the opinion of this meeting that we , the Mechanical Trades of Liverpool , ought to form a "Branch of the Protective Society of Great Britain and Ireland . Mr . Roach , in an able speech , seconded the motion , which , on being put from the chair , was agreed to unanimously . Mr . G . Cannforth moved the following : —That we , the Mechanical Trades of Liverpool , in General Meeting assembled , do hereby adopt the princi p les laid down in the Rules agreed to by the Mechanical Trades of Manchester . Mr . Craggee , on behalf of the Smiths , asked several questions relative to the working of the principles of the Association , which were answered by the Chairman : Mr . Craggee said he was perfeetlysatisfied with the straightforward manner in which the

      chairman answered the questions . He therefore begged leave to second the resolution . —Mr . Rowe came forward to support the resolution , and in doing so begged to say , that he was a Trades' Unionist—not so much from principle as from expediency . In fact he was forced to be one . lie hoped no one wotild misunderstand him . He was not compelled to belong to the union of his trade by his fellow workmen , but by the system under which he lived . That system was one of Trades' Unions from the Queen on * the throne down to the humblest artizan . He would ask , had not the church a Trades' Union ? Aye , and one that gave protection to the parsons . The bar had its Trades' Union , and its list of prices ; the medical profession had its Union : and the ereat landed

      aristocracv had its Union , and the landed aristocracy had their Union , which was passed in 1815 in the shape of a Corn Law , In a word , the holders of property , whether landed or commercial , were all Trades' Unionists ; and as he had to contend against those Unions , it behoved him to be in a Union likewise . There was also the Trades' Union of franchise , both in the boroughs and counties . The ten-pounders in the boroughs were in the Union , also the forty shilling freeholders , likewise the fifty pound tenants at will ; and he ( Mr . Rowe ) must be a Trades' Unionist until he was placed on an equality with them , and had a vote in the great Union ; and that was until he waB fully and fairly represented in the Commons House of Parliament . Mr . Rowe then replied in a

      masterly manner to an article which appeared in the Livcrjxxjl Journal , and concluded a powerful speech by denouncing the quittance-papers in no measured terms . He resumed his seat amid repeated rounds of applause . Mr . Roach moved — That three persons from each trade be appointed a Committee to draw up the rules ; and that they meet at the Rose and Crown , Cheapside , on next Monday evening , at half-past seven o ' clock . The resolution being seconded , was carried netn . con . A person in . the gallery asked if it was true that the Moulders had turned out of their own accord . The chairman said it was not true . The masters had turned them off because they would not leave their union . The querist had another question to ask—Did the Moulders demand a uniform rate of wages , irrespective of the man ' s ability ? Chairman : No .

      Ihey fax a rateoiwages which isthe lowest that is to be paid , and the man of talent may get as much more as he can . The rate of wages is fixed for the inferior workman , and the superior has to trust to his abilities to get more . —Mr . Dixon then addressed the meeting for a short time . —Mr . Roach said that they should at all times support their friends ; and the Northern Star newspaper was the only one that would do the working man justice . He , therefore , hoped that as the'report of that meeting wauld be in it , they would purchase it , not only that week , but every week ; for by so doing they would see . what was going on amongst the other Trades in all parts ot the country . ( Cheers . ) Thanks were voted to those masters who had refused to join the masters' association , and likewise to those who had so nobly with drawn from a cause which had for its object the

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      injury-of the poor man . Mr . Robinson having left the chair ,, Mr . Roach was called to it , when the thanks of the meeting were given to Mr . Robinson for his conduct in the chair , Mr . Robinson briefly aclcnowledgcd tbe compliment . One of the Moulders then read the following : —The Moulders of Liverpool return their sincere thanks for the unsolicited support they have received during their present struggle ; and they beg leave to say thev will not be found wanting if ever their brother Traacsmcn should be placed in similar clrcumstanees . The meeting broke up with three hearty cheers for the Protective Scoiety of Great Britain and Ireland .

      Miners' Intelligence . —The next general delegate meeting of tbe Miners of Yorkshire will be held cat the Griffin Inn , Northgate , Wakefield , on Monday the 30 th of December , 1844 , to commence at nine o'clock in the morning , when the new cards and rules of the ; Mincrs'Mutual Benefit Society will be ready fov delivery .

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      THE CHRISTMAS PANTOMIMES . Hitherto we have not treated of matters theatrical in the Star ; not that we were blind to the necessity of so important and attractive a feature of London journalism , but that , hardly settled in our new locale , we have had so many matters to occupy our time as to prevent us paying attention to this one in particular . Always intending to include theatricals in the contents of the .- Star , we have considered we could not better commence than at Christinas , when old and young , grave and gay , the great and the humble , combine m crushing and cramming together to witness the tricks and jests of Clottm and Pantaloon ; and the wondrous transformations of Harlequin and Columbine . Accordingly , the coming of boxing-night saw us commence our new duties , which will henceforth form

      one of the features of this paper . How it is that we have managed to play the ubiquitous part of witnessing at one and the sumo time , the doingB of Robinson Crusoe at Drury-lane , Vakntiw and Orson at the Lyceum , Johnny Gilpin at Astley ' s , Robin Hood and Little John at Sadler ' s Wells , and Lazy Dick at the Olympicin short fall the pantomimic . glories which illumined the metropolis on Thursday night , ouv readers need not inquire . Let them have faith that there are more things in theTraft Editorial * than are dreamt of in their philosophy . Enough that , as T ; rottu Veck says , " here we are , and here we go ; " and from west to east , from north to south , we have witnessed , we have been delighted -and we now l ) eg to introduce to our readers a notice of entertainments which , enjoying ourselves , we could wish all others to enjoy , and which we cannot doubt have already , or will be , participated in by thousands of the metropolitan readers of the y < jrthcrn Star .

      DRUKY-LAN'E . Pantomime still ruigns triumphant ! Thu . antics and malconlreteuis of Clown and Pantaloon , tlio ubiquitous agility of Harlequin anil Columbine , the ludicrous metaiuor ph uses and tricks which formerly kept the house in a roar are still enjoyed ; there is still a laughter-Loving audience to be found even in these days of utilitarianism and matterof-fact . From the top of Old Drury to the bottom not cue vacant seat could have been found witliin a short time after the house was opined , i ' , boxes , and gallery ,-all were full to overflowing to welcome Puck ' s J antoint ' nwj-, or Harl&ntin ami Itobuitoii Crusoe . Thu opera of the Daughter of St . Mark preceded the pantomime , and was allowed to prooeed and-terminate without tltusc indicatious of impatience wliich are usually manifested in the

      hi gher circles on the first ni glit of the season . The fun in reserve then commenced . The scene opene with ad distressed author in want of a subject for the opening of a " Christmas piece . " Puck appears to him , and conjures up tableaux vivants of the principal tales of fairy and romance for his selection ; but these have been used up by the great Farley—at -List appears our old loved frieuds , Itobinson and his faitlirul black . The author seizes upon the idea , and I ' uck undertakes to " get up " the opening . We are then taken to tlio coast on which Crusoe was wrecked—the ship is high and dry—and th « solitary mariner is discovered clearing out the hold and selecting from the cargo the several articles to be useful for his star . This scene was admirably illustrated by ilr . W . II . Payne . After a good deal of capital fun with Robinson ,

      Friday ( YTielandJ , and the Caribbees , the usual transformations took place . Friday was metamorphosed into Harlequin ; Clown , Pantaloon , and Columbine made their appearance as if by magic ; the Caribbees were no longer in sight , but the scene was that of a rnusicsAop and artificial arm and leg manufactory . Several K' > od tricks were here exhibited , and Wielaud made one or two excellent leaps . Among the most effective of the scenes and tricks that succecdid was that of the exterior of the . Insolvent Debtors . ' Prison , with the act of Parliament abolishing imprisonment for debt pasted on tin 1 wall ; Harlequin with , his magic wand touches the .-i-cn <\ and immediately it is transformed into baths and waslihouses for tin- labouring classes , with a large placard announcing that all who a * ail themselves of the convenience must bring their own soup . A Score or two of washers arc engaged ; it an enormous tub in the centre ,

      li' -ejiinj ; up an iiui ssant wrangling and jangling . The Mown and l ' antilooii come in disguised as respectable ¦ l d . ladiuR with tluir dirty liiun , and produce in > liulu ciiifusion by the miitakes thry commit of substituting t '<> r immersion the bearers of clothes instead of the clothvs themselves . A bill rings—the bathing hour has arrived—the women vauis > h- < -c . 'Oal-lii > avcrs , sweep .-, and a numerous body of the unwashed appear and betake them-> elyes to the dim-rent apartments labelled as baths for those of their respective particular callings . The poor wretches are luxuriating in their ablutions , but the Clown and Pantaloon ar « on the alert—mischiefis in the windthey turn on the steam , and the bathers are nearly boiled before they can make their escape . Other tricks followed ; and after the usual amount of bustle , leaps , grins , tumbles , and transformations , the curtain fell amid a fewhisses , and pretty general applause .

      COVEN-T GARDEN . This house , thank God ! has at length opened in the " regular line , " with a complete change of players . The grim farce that has been so often repeat d on its boardsonce trod by a Keinble and a Siddons—by Cobden and Co ., has , for a time at least , given place to something more in character : for now what is presented is avowedly theatrical representation ; . and we are not insulted by the request to believe that the : " actors" are really , and to the life , what they for the hour appear to be . We know them to be actors ; and they aie honest enough to say so : nnd ivu therefore sit easy undor them , and enjoy the fun , not having the spirits weighed down to the depth of disgust and loathing which is always engendered by the manifest hypocriBy of thu League actors . The play ,

      on this occasion was the old stock piece of Gtorgc Barn icM , which was listlessly received , In fact , the play was neither more nor less than a bore—a dreary , dismal , yet non-pathetic thing , that dragged its weary way along till thu welcome sound of the bell that summoned Darn well to execution told die audience that they were released froin the infliction . The coda , finished , up rose the curtaiii upon Harlequin Crotchet and Quaver ; or , Muck for the Million . The idea is capital , and is full of sly satire at the lato musical movement * that have taken place at this theatre . It is a decidedly comic pantomime — the thought is clearly made out—those that run may read—and those that are seated be amused . The first scene represents the Palace of Discord , and is a clever and fantastic picture , occupied with various

      grotesque figures , playing on harsh musical instruments . Discord , who is the chief of a kind of Sax-horn band , has seduced Sharp , Flat , and Natural , three oddities , from their alLegiance to Apollo , and resolves , with their assistance , to carry off Miss Semiquaver . Apollo and Co . determtne to save Semiquaver from the clutches of Discord . This brings us to the cottage of Demisemiquaver , who is the father of Semiquaver . The notion of this cottage is rather ingenious . The walls are covered with musical notes ; the roof is formed of two open music-books , and thechjmnics consist of two trumpets . Discord succeeds in carrying off Semiquaver , With her lover Crotchet , tempting the parent ' s avarice by changing his cottage into a domicile of gold—a very clever transformation . The two lovers arc conveyed to a cottage on the clef ( cliff ) , and there seem

      to be in an awkward predicament , till Apollo comes to the rescue , and turns Crotchet into Harlequin ( Smithers ) , Semiquaver into Columbine ( Miss Massall ) , Discord into Clown ( Charles Marsh ) , and Demisemiquaver into Pantaloon ( Guriet ) , adding : to the motley crew a second Harlequin ( Spencer Forde ) , a second Columbine ( Miss Ryalls ) , and a second Pantaloon ( T . Blanchard ) . And then begins the fun so glorious . All the quips and quiddities of the day , the popular hits , the political gyrations , the wonderful inventions , the Poor Law improvements , the pauper provision , the Gibbs installation , the contemplated ablutionary receptacles , and all the infinite crotchets of the huge Babylon , are humorously descanted upon , and most laughably developed . Foremost in the van of the comicalities is the chairing of the present

      mayor , with ambulatory ledgers , the basket-men in armour , and the opposing mob of civic absurdities , Loud is the din , and uproarious the mirth . The Daguerreotype , with its peculiar portraits , and the magic changes from the white to black , and the lecture on soap by the Clown , are admirable . The two great changes are a lodging-house , in which the several stories are changed from parlour to garret , and vine versa , and the exterior changes to the interior ; and then we have a ciockmaker ' s shop , in which all the movements become mesmerised , and the dials and their indices perform the strangest antics . Taken alto , gether , Crotchet and Quaver may take its stand with the best comic pantomimes . One long shriek of mirth followed each scene . The scenery is admirably painted , and the various tricks ingeniously constructed .

      : THE LYCEUM . 1 < The entertainments consisted of a new drama founded on the new work of Mr . C . Dickens , and an extravaganza , called Valentine and Orson . The goblin story of The Chimes it will not be necessary to describe very minutely , the two wreaths of our Christmas Garland will have made the reader pretty well acquainted with the plot and construction of the story .: The piece is divided into three parts , called peals . The first peal on opening discovers Trotty Veck plying for hire as a ticket porter at the foot of the Old church , and ends with bis taking Will Pern and Lilian to Ms house , and welcoming them there with a poor man ' s welcome ; the peal being closed by a chant of the goblin chimes . The : second peal consists wholly of Trotty ' s dream . The third opens in Mrs . Chickenstalker ' s shop , and , after concluding the dream , ends with the merry chimes of the drunken drummer

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      —here we are , here we go—and the ball . Keeley ' s fuu formed the support of the piece . Probably the character of Trotty could not be made to yield a greater number of hits than he brought into play . His dress and appearance were admirably in character . But no one could look or dress any character better than Mr . Emery as Will Fern . He was the haggard , three-quarters starved labourer , with a fierce desperation hi his looks at one time , yet , at another' sinking , cowed , and . heart-broken ^ under the pressure ofjWant , with a reality that was almost startling .. Mrs . Ke-eley , as Margaret , or Afeg Veek , drew great applause in the [ passionate scene where Lilian dies at her feet . Kichard was prettily acted by Mr . F . Vining . The audience , which was a numerous one , graced each peal as it ended with a distinct round of applause . Valentine atid Orson wliich immediately followed .

      seemed to meet with unqualified applause , and we think it deserved all the praise that can be deserved by a Christinas piece . Sir . F . Matthews was excellent as King Pepm . Mrs . Ktelej enacted the redoubtable Valentine with exquisite spirit and vivacity . Then who could resist Keeley as Orson , with his cincture Of ivy leaves , his coal-black wavy locks , and stereotyped beard . His humour and antic-s Were delightful . Bruina—that is to say , the bear—Orson ' s reputed mother , was well played , if ivc may use the term , by Mr . Collier . The scenery is remarkably well executed , particularly a distant view of the city of Orleans . ; 'The dresses , decorations , arms , armour , ic , are ulljof the most brilliant dt .-cription ; indeed , no pains seem to have been spared in this case to render perfect that important portion of the sources of pleasure we derive from scenic representations .

      H . VYMAUKET . The performances at this popular theatre commenced with the successful j comeely of Old Heads and Young Heard ; which was followed by a moving Diorama of Swiss scenery . It commence' ; with a view of the tovrn and lake of Zurich , and leads the spectator on through -various glimpses of romanticiscenery to Lake Leraan and Geneva . This portion of the entertainments was greatly applauded , and must prove a great attraction . The novel and pleasing Panorama ; wr ^ followed by :-. Fairy Extravaganza , entitled Graciosa nnd PeixxMt , from the pen of Mr . Planche . The piece begins with an interior in the castle of the ugly old Duchess Grognon ( Mrs . Stanley ) , to whom we are immediately introduced , and shortly after to King Exorious , plaved by Bland . The King ' s visit is an

      accidental drop in , in the course of a day ' s hunting , but leads to very important results , as the Duchess Grognon contrives to captivate his widowed heart , if not by the charms of her person , by a dh / zling display of those of her purse , and the King becomes an accepted suitor . In the next scene we are introduced to Graeiosa ( Miss Bennett ) , the King ' s lovely daughter , the toast of all the gallant inhabitants of the country , and the hatred of the Duchess Grognon . She is made acquainted with her parent ' s matrimonial intentions ^ of which she is far from approving . Here the other i&iry , Prince Percinet ( Miss HortonJ , makes hip appearance , and commences the declaration of true lovp , which runs , as usual , not snsoothly through the piece He places her on a milk-white steed , and conducts her through the country by a contrivance called

      a movement in four ! flat .-., the scenery moving while the horse stands still , until they meet with the marriage . cortege of her respected father with his newly-chosen bride . The Duchess Grognou is envious of the beauty of the house , orders poor Graciusa to be unceremoniously shifted from the saddle , and mounts it herself , but she not being remarkably skilful in horsemanship , the result is a fearful tumble , from the effects of which she recovers only to vent her redoubled rage against Graciosa , from which her father , with a prudent eye to the eligible match in view , declines to screen her . Prince Percinet is her only friend in need , and he is , fortunately , one well enabled to Serve her , having at command all sorts of magical assistance . The scourges with which

      the fair Graciosa is j ordered to be whipped arc turned Jby him to feathers ; be : vanquishes all the knights who come forth as championsjof Grognon , in the character of Queen of Beauty , and asserts Graciosa to be alone entitled to the sovereignty : in short , under every persecution heaped by the deformed spouse of the old King ^ he proves , her saviour , although his services are very ungraciously received by Graciosa , whose coyness continues unlil her last disaster at the hands of Grognon—namely , being thrown down a well , at the bottom of which , instead of death , she finds a Crystal Palace , and being there again wooed for her hand , finally becomes the bride of Perciifet . The piece was decidedly a hit , and at the conclusion was greeted with vociferous and continued applause .

      SADLER'S WELLS . This theatre , wjliicli the fame of Grimaldi has consecrated in the eyes of all lovers of Christmas pantomini e , was , from the commencement , crowded to overflowing . The first piece was the Stranger , oi which , to our great regret , not a single word was heard ; for it apptauwl to have l » ec u-ell got up , and equally well played . Indeed , those wn 5 desire to witness the regular 'drama are now compelled to go to Sadler ' s Wells . The plav at length concluded , 4 ind that which was alone looked for as the evening ' s entertainment , the ! pantomime proper , commented . This waa entitled Harkquin Robin Hood and I . ittk John , or J / t rrie England in the Qblen Time The first scene ( opens by Old England ( a portly old gentleman , fa hit of a grumbler , although

      in possession ot a sound constitution ) advancing to the stage , surrounded by his oid English subjects , Old King Cole , Tom Thumb , aud Alfred , carousing , and singing a c-Horus to the tune of Old King Cole , each subject wearing an enormous mask ] of unsurpassable ugliness ! Old England bidding them be jolly , calls in Sir Loin J Plum Pudding , and Old England ' s I ' eer , and immediately a gigantic sirloin of beef , a plum-pudding to match , aud an enormous pot oi stout walk on to } the stage , and pay their homage to Old England . In the midst of this scene Young England , a T > oy ( a very sorry philosopher ) , who has been heard crying , descends in a cloud , surrounded b y fireworks , with the mottoes above and below him , " Equality'f and " The new Balance for the

      Future . " The latter was exemplified by a large pair of scales . Seated in tlio balance at one end , with his heels and head out , was a noble lord smoking a cigar ; in the opposite balance sat a coal-heaver in a similar attitude , smoking a short pipe : A dialogue then takes place between Old and Young E ng land , in which Old England suggests that we are wjise enough , and that his subjects want not philosophy to make them happy , but Bread and Cheese , and Means of Health ; to which Young England replies : Right , | sir , my views are these . When asked how he will be so knowing as to accomplish this , jYoung England replies , he is . small as yet , but still ik daily growing . Some very pretty panoramic viewi then followed , and after a pretty considerable amount of business with Robin Hood ,

      Little John , Allan-a-dale , the Sheriff of Nottingham , and Marian , all in accordance with the wellknown history of those important personages , Young England again . descended in his cloud and transformed Allan into Harlequin , Marian into Columbine , Robin Hood and Little John into Clown- 'and Sprite , and the- Sheriff into Pantaloon , Then the usual pantomime scenes commenced . Amongst the tricks which tbld best was the introduction of a large black bbttle , labelled—a black dose ior the lawyers , law reform , 1844 , simultaneously with the entrc of a man habited as a counsel , in wig and gown , of whom the Clown is taking advice , when Harlequin touched the bottle with his wand , and out sprang Lord Brougham ! in short plaid unwhisperables , in training order , iwith boxing gloves on , and immediately hit right and left at the counsel . This

      witticism told well . Another trick was vociferously cheered . A huge twelfth-cake was introduced ¦; Harlequin touched ¦ it , and a label dropped , " The Lord Mayor for 1844 , '' when uprose from the centre of the cake a black j sheep with a large book under its fore leg , I labelled — Unbalanced Accounts Another—The prize pauper-show for 1844—exhibited a miserable , half-starved looking pauper fed on gruel , beside Prince Albert ' s prize pig , fed on the best barleymeal , —a boy stuffed till he can scarcely walk . A box was touched by the Harlequin labelled—Medicine for the Million—Patent life pills , and opens out a sirloin of beefj a standing pie , and many other good things , at sight bf which tne hungry-looking pauper licks his lips . The pantomime was , upon the whole , lively and bustling ; and though some may be better , many are worse , and will prove infinitely less ' attractive , i

      | THE ADELPHI . The Christmas entertainments at this theatre were abundant . Dickens ' B Christmas Chimes , in itself a drama , furnishing food for thought to the philanthropist while minjstering to the highest flights of imaginative romance , and , at the same time , cutting with the most caustic satire the disciples of Malthus who would quell every feeling of humanity to carry out a heartless theory . This , however , was not all . The Chimes requires a great deal of scenic decoration , and so necessarily does a pantomime . It became , therefore , necessaryjtogive breathing to the machinists ; and accordingly the very pleasant comic operetta of the Fox and the Goose intervened between the two real and substantial entertainments of the evening . The pantominie was entitled the Cat ' s Castle ; or ,

      Harlequin andA the King of the- Hats , founded , as the bills inform us , ! upon a categorical anddoggrel poem , written by a laureate who invoked the Mews m the middle ages , called Cat ' s Castle , and how it was besieged and taken . The plot of the pantomime , the title of which ( we have given above , turns on the antipathy which is well known to prevail between the rats and the . cats . When the transformations take place , the usual bustle ^ changes , and intricacies of the harlequinade ensue , and the ground is skipped over with wonderful celerity by all the dramatis persona There was some pretty dancing hy Harlequin and Columbine , and Clown and Pantaloon exerted themselves to , the utmost to gratify their Christmas audience—jumping , gambling , kicking , andbeingkicked —and they received their reward in hearty roars of laughter . The pantomime -was completely successful .

      j THE PRINCESS'S . Mr . Gilbert A'Beckett is the author of the new extravaganza at this elegant theatre . The performances began with Balfe ' s opera of the Castle ofAynum This concluded , Mr . A'Beckett ' s nev * jaiece commenced * entitled Joe M 7 ?« r and his Men . The scene opens with the fairy ! Court of Bankruptcy , with Apollo as commissioner " of the Court , and Mercury as the attorney ; the . deities are bewailing the insolvency of Melpomene , and Thalia , and Mercury proposes to

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      restore the British drama by modernizing Macbeth and turning him into a modern Scotchman with a / , Tweed . At Apollo's suggestion , however , they agree ' to take the Miller and his Men , adapt its situations ioJ the present time , and , for the want of reason , torn them into rhyme . The deities are then dispersed under a cloud , and a beautiful scene is revealed , representing the branch banks of a river , with the mill in the distance . Some of the points told bravel y . For instance , when old Eelmar is urging : Claudme to marry Grindoflf on account of his wealth , she

      says" Not all his gold—his wheat—his oats—his barley " Could make me wish to be his better half . " Kfilra . —Xot all his corn ? " Claud . —No , nor all his chaff 'excited great laughter . Again , when Lothare ( played with extravagant humour by Oxberry ) voluniteers to join the robbers , and they bind his eyes , he says"Just U-ave sufficient freedom to the nose ; " Hereditary brigands , don ' t you know , " The nose that would be free , himself must blow 1 " When Grindoff comes back to fetch his hat he excuses himself for the apparent eifeminacy by saying , with reference to the hatless heroes of the day" Thore's Wellington upon Cornhill , His head ' s remarkably for keeping cool . "

      And when at the last the hero is summoned to surrender , he exclaims : — " What , yield to a set of supers ? I'd just as soon yield to the Lumber Troopers . Yield t » six men at eighteen-pence a night ! Xo , no , I'd rather take my chance and fight . " Miss Emma Stanley danced , sung , and acted de lightfully throughout the piece ; Oxbeny was occasionally clever , and a portion of the scenery , which the play bills ascribe to Mi ' . Beverley , is admirably painted , and shows that gentleman to be an artist of the highest range of talent .

      THE SURREY . The Christmas performances at this theatre commenced with a new drama , entitled the-Srven Ages of Man , founded on Shakespere ' s celebrated description . The piece was received with unanimous approbation . The new pantomime is entitled Pounds , Shillings , and Pence ; or Harlequin L . S . D . Amongst the scenes which take place that representing the Marsh and Surrey toll-houses ( so long suffered to be a nuisance

      to the inhabitants on the Surrey side of the water ) was by no means the least effective ,. In the course oi the pantomime Herr Von Joel gave his admirable imitations of birds . The pantomimic bustle is well kept up throughout , and no expense has been spared on the scenery and decorations of the introductory part . The house was crowded to an overflow , and was as uproarious ascould be expected on a Christina * night . THE VICTORIA .

      The performances commenced with a domestic drama , entitled Poverty ; or , a Tale of Sorrow . This was followed by the laughable burletta of The Roadside Inn , in which Miss Terrey introduced Widow Mahony ^ and was rapturously encored . The new Christmas < ntertainment bears the title of Harlequin Hot Codlins ; or , the Little Old Woman and the Demon of the Metal Mne . It is founded on the old nursery rhyme" There was an old woman , her living she got , By selling codlins—hot—hot—hot !" The first scene introduces us to the pavilion of Pomona in the province of Pippins , and the opening of the Pippin Parliament by the Queen of Apples ( Miss Terrey ) , and was much applauded . Thenextscene presents a rural village at sunrise . Here we find Tol-derol , a miller ( afterwards Harlequin ) , Mr . Chapino ,

      in love with Fal-lal-la ( afterwards Columbine ) , Mdlle , Levite ; Rifuni Tifum , a dusty miller , father of Tol-de-rol ( afterwards - Pantaloon ) , and Dame Tiddyiddy , the little old woman , mother of Fal-lal-la , are averse to the match ; and at length a transformation of the characters ensues , and the fan and frolic commences . In the scene which follows there was an excellent hit at the wretched rate which semptresses are remunerated for their labour . One of those unfortunate females , who obtain a wretched subsistence by their needle , brings two shirts to her employer , over which is suspended a placard bearing these words , " Two shirts for a halfpenny . " He gives her an I . O . U . for two farthings , and the Clown and Pantaloon immediately lay hold ofhim , and put him into a bag , which , on being removed , presents a " man of marble . " The audienee

      caught up tliis allusion , and gave it one loud cheera cheer expressive of the hatred of the British'public for a species of slavery which is inflicted on the young and weak by their employers , whilst they are amassing wealth by the wearying , wretchedly-remunerated toil which they impose upon them . Amongst the political events of the passing year wliich were turned into ridicule were Lord Brougham ' s Bill for the Abolishment of Imprisonment for Debt ; Prince Joinvjlle and the bombardment of Tangier ; and the espionage in the Post-office . Several postmen were drawn up on the stage with letters in their hands , and were drilled in the opening of letters by the Glown ( after Punch ) . The house was crowded , and the audience , as is usually the case on boxing-day , was a good-natured one .

      CITY OF LONDON . During the representation of Sheridan ' s play of Pizarro , at this Theatre , an unfortunate accident occurred , which might have proved serious . Rolla ( Mr . F . Phillips ) with the child were passing the bridge , in the last act , when the structure gave way , and they were both violently precipitated to the ground . Rolla , however , appeared with the child , and assur ed the audience that not the slightest injury had been received by either . The new pantomime folio-wed , which is called the Fairy Gnomes of the Golden Caves , or Harlequin and the Imp of the Giant Mountain . The pantomime was successful . So said the audience , and who shall dare to gainsay then ? vei \ lict ? THE STRAND .

      The performances here consisted of a dramatised version of Mr . Charles Dickens's inestimable Christmas Carol , and the eternal Polka , followed by a new piece , entitled A Chinese Exhibition , the performances concluding with a piece which had been previously acted in this theatre , . and styled the Knight and the Sprite ; or , the Cold Water Cure : the whole of which appeared , from an unanimous call on the part of the audience for the principal performers , to have given universal satisfaction .

      THE OLYMPIC . At this theatre the holiday folk were treated to the old Christmas favourite , George Barnwell , Mr . West taking the part of the fine lady who ruined the handsome apprentice . The pantomime was entitled Old Bogie ; or , Harlequin Lazy Dick of Leadenhall , andMother Luddenham , the Witch of B pping Forest . There are many amusing transformations in the piece , and the usual number of skits at the follies of the day . Mr . Ellar ' s Harlequin was a pleasing performance . The house was well filled , and the audience appeared to be thoroughly delighted .

      MARYLEBONE . After the play of The Stranger , which was performed in a manner certainly deserving a more attentive audience than was assembled in this theatre on Thursday night , the appropriate and eagerly expected Christmas fare was served up in the shape of a new grand pantomime , under the title of General Tom Th umb ; or , Harlequin Punch and the Spirits of the Elements . The entertainment went off with great spirit , and is likely to have a highly successful career . To this result the excellence of the scenery , dresses , and decorations will not a little contribute ; one scene in particular , representing the new Houses of Parliament as seen from the opposite side of the river , deserves to be singled our for special commendation .

      ASTLEY ' s . The grand comic equestrian pantomime produced at this favourite place of amusement was entitled Johnny Gilpin ' s Ride ; or , The Black Witchof Edmonton founded upon Cowper ' s comic poem , the more ludicrous portions of which were very humorously introduced bv the compiler , and excellently represented by those who filled the different characters that mingle in the droll confusion of the story as put upon the stage . The scenery , too , was remarkably good , and various points in the ride to Edmonton were verv naturally and effectivel y represented . Several droll practical jokes , and a few smart references to some of the prevailing follies or whims of the day , tend to enliven the business of the pantomime . It is likely to become very popular with the frequenters of this theatre .

      THE EXHIBITIONS . We have only space to say that the Chinese Exhibi tion ; the Diorama ; the Panorama , Leicester-square ; the Polytechnic Institution ; the Adelaide Gallery ; Madame , % tssaud ' s ; Tom Thumb at the Suffolk-street Rooms , and the Saloon of Arts , Great Windmilt street , all presented their several attractions , and were crowded with pleasure-seeking visitors through the whole of Thursday ,

      Hato Intelligence.

      Hato intelligence .

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      Me . C . Doyte ' s First Foktmght's Toub through North Lancashire : —Bacup , Dec . 30 th ; HarHngden , 31 st ; Blackburn , Jan , 1 st Oswaldwistte , 2 d ; Wheat ; ley-lane , 3 d ; Clitheroe , 4 th ; Sawley , 5 th ; Sabden , 6 th ; Barnoldswick , 7 ith ; Barrowford , 8 th ; Colne , 9 th : ; Marsden , 10 th ; Haggate . 11 th ; Burnley , 12 tn-

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      8 ^ THE NORTHERN STAR . j December 28 , 1844 .

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      street , Haymairkeyin the City of Westminster , >{«« : ; Office in ther suite Street arid Parish , for * be *^ fT . . . i pr ietor , FEARGUS O'CONNOR , is ^ sa ^ vJ ^ ei ^ 4 WixiiAW Hewitt , of KO . 18 , Charles-sbreet , Br * n *»* street , ¦ Walwortta , in the Parish of St Maxy . Hw **'^' ton , in the County of Surrey , at the Office , No . M > Strand , in the Parish of St . Mary-le-Str » nd , int » e :. City of Westminster J Satur 4 ay ^ Deceml > er 28 ) llM 4 ^

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Dec. 28, 1844, page 8, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct519/page/8/