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Northern Star (1837-1852), 15th October 1842, Edition 4 of 5, Page 7

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      (Continued From Our Sixth Page

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      ypffllsm Price examined—He wb » awstant ^ sonstable . ginnvrinford on the 27 th of August There * u meeting en tha * day ** Broctanore-green . He saw Ji-j ^ y there at the rear of the Cross Keys , between J ^^ d seven , p . m . At that time there -were about 2 » persons present He was speaking He said that ZiL brew he would b » taken , and that he might as -gU be taken there as anywhere else . " The Dudley T ^ gir * were Been coming , and they said tha t it would P ^ t to tell him thst they were coming . Witness ^ S ^ et rH strati with stones finng by the mob . and \ z ! Z jfrsvards the cavalry , who were headed by Mr . g Tgfgr , -who read the BiotAet after great shouting flj booting . Some were dispersed by the cavalry , ^ grs vr ould not go . When Mr . Badger left the mob fcjrf stones . ....... constable

      jlj . Whittaker , special , corroborated the w witness ' s evidence . On the night of the 27 th of JLoess * . » woman said to IAnney , "I heard that yon t . Je lost—that you werein prison . - He replied , " . Ho , I am eome hers to-night to be taken . " QxiS& y tpeeiai constable , bsjf the prisoner , lianey , -I a raeeeticg , at the Pit-bank , on the night of the 5 Ta > of An ^ u ^ t- Price was there . He beard Linnej — - gat if they stuck out fur four days logger , they Zwld hare their wsges . He said that they would be -there on Wednesday , if he could keep the " ruffles . " Witness did net know what " raffl-s" me-nt He said tjat he should be there , if be was not taken , bat he —peeted to be taken . James Smith , sergssat-iEajcr of the Bariey troop of ca-ralry , was on duty on the 27 th of August , at Brocfc-¦ moie . Then were £ 00 persons present . He saw the prisoner Byrne throwing a stone at the cavalry . Witness told prisoner that if he threw another stone be would ah ^ t him . The prisoner jeered and laughed at

      laotnss Reddows—Saw Byrne thrsw a stone at the Hr . Bsites—Hetrd linney speak to the colliers before the 3 rd and 27 th of August . He told the 6 olliers not to co to work , whatever they did . He told them that the fcon-m £ st = ia told them that they would blow out the fnmaces , but he would tell them that they dare not do ¦ o . The witness was greatly frightened . He was fijre&tsEed on the nigh : of the 27 th by the mob . . They aid " Tow bouse wants coming down . " The Counsel for the defence addressed the jury . Verdict— Guilty of an unlawful assembly against both p risoners . ( Btfort Sir A * . TindaLJ

      SENTENCES OF THE PRISONERS . At the sitting of the court this morning the twenty " arx prisoners found guilty of the attack on and demolition of the Bev . Dr . Vale ' s house , were placed at the bar , and having been called npon by the elerk . of the STtsiens In the nsail way , to know wheiher they had any thi ~ g to say why sentence should not be passed span them according to law—all the prisoners answered in the ueeative . 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 tumultuonsly assembling and demolishing the dwelling-house of the Rev . Dr . Vale , it was now his duty to award the just measure of punishment to the crime they had committed . It was a fearful

      affefice of which they had been found guilty . By day md by night they had spread terror and alarm and dismay among the peaceable and industrious classes of the community . No man could say against whom the nngoveroable fury of the mob would be directed , so thst sH were living in constant terror and uncertainty for their lives , their property , and their families—a condhicn more fearful and unhappy than that of death itself . For an offence like that , depriving every one ¦ within the reach of tbB protection of the laws , and robbing them of all the comforts and happiness of social life , —a punishment proportionately severe must be inflicted , in order that all persons might learn from their example that if they added to the number of the mob , and became partakers in their proceedings , they would reader 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 be could pass sentence of transportation for life , which Bone of the cases seemed amply to deserve , looking as carefully asd anxiously as he was able at the drcamst&scea of each particular case , he would endeavour to distinguish between thoBe who were' present when the house was set on fire , or actively engaged is the act of feeding the flames , or endeavouring to prevent their extinguishment , and the others who were not perhaps s « actively engaged . Bearing these objects in view , the sentence he should pass upon John Haines , Richard Wright , George Colclouih , John 'Williams , Joseph Whiston , — Cotton ,

      and William Cartlidge was . that they be transported for 21 years ; that Jervase Phillips be transported for 15 years ; that Thomas Wagstaff , Jos . Saunders , Smrael "Whitehouse , Joshua Gilbert , — Bankes , ' and Edward Sznith , be transported for 10 years ; that William Shaw , "William Bradbury , John Owen , JohnPowell , Dimmock , Tort , and Hurst , D 9 Imprisoned for 12 months , with hard labour ; that James Miliingion , Samuel . Eatoa , and Bichard Edge , be imprisoned forfonr months , with hard labour ; and that James Hurst , who , from his extreme youth , he hoped had been unconsciouslj led into it , bs imprisoned fcr two months , with hard labour . He should pass no sentence upon James Saunders , because be had been since tried before his brother Parke , who would pass sentence upon him . The prisoners were then removed .

      CASE OF ARTHUR OTTEIL . The Soxicitos-Ge . vebii . understood thathis Learned Friend , ilr . Lez , had an application to make on behalf of Arthur O'Xeil , to traverse to the next session or assizes , and he wished his Lordship would then hear the implication . Arthur OXeil having been placed at the bar , Hr . Lee requested that the indictment should be read , and the officer accordingly read the indictment , which cssrged ib . 8 prisoner with wickedly intending and combining to bring the law and constitution into contempt , and with conabininE to obstruct the collection of the revenue , and induce the liege subjects to resist the payment of taxes , and to induce large bodies of the workmen to make riots and break the public peace . It also charged him with using violent and seditious language at Rowley Regis , on the 26 th of August last , to large assemblies of the working classes .

      Mr . Lse Eubmitted that the piiBoner ' was clearly entitled to traverse to next assizes , ob giving proper Eccarity and entering into the necessary recognisances . The Learned Judge raid be would take the affidavits and depositions in the matter , consnlt bis two leaned brethem , and give his opinion -the following

      morons-TRIAL OF COOPER FOR ARSON . Thomas Cooper , of Leicester , was then placed at the bar , with twelve otters , charged with having riototsly srd unlawfully assembled and demolished the house of TJr . Parker , at the parish of Stoke-upon-Tr ent The prisoner Cooper , a respectable 4 ooking middleajea man , siid he objected to be tried with the other prisoners . The Court siid that objection could not be enterttlnsd . Mr . Les then intimated that the prisoners meant to SSTer in their challenges and that it would Boss a good deal of inconvenience and delay if they were tried together : the object of his client , Cooper , was to h&Te a frsth Jury , who Lad not previously tried any of the eases .

      After a good deal of discussion , the Counsel fer the Crown agreed to take the case of Thomas Cooper sepatt ' -fcay , and the other prisoners were ordered to go down from the bar . Tha prisoner challenged every Juror who had Krred on any previous trial during the Special Commission . Thomas C&oter was then given in charge for the demolition cf Mr . Parker ' s house at Sheiton , on the 15 ± of August . Mr . Lee said the prisoner had resolTed to conduct his CTn case , and bad rf quested him to give him the benefit cf bis assistance upon points of laa that might arise affecting the interest * of his elknt Mr . Y-ihdley w « eIeo retained by the prisoner .

      The Soucitos-Gesejul stated the case as against ¦ thomjs Cocper , acd detailed the circumstances under which the attack took place upon Mr . Parker ' s house . It would appear that maay of the . workmen in the eollkries and the potteries had struck work , -and that Previously to the 15 th August ihey had committed several ects of outrage and riot , but not of the n » ture of that for which the prisoner was indicted . On the ttomiEg of the 15 th August , a meeting was held at « 2 & Crown-bank , Hanley , at which very inflammatory Mdresus were made to Use mob ; and from thence "ley proceeded to several houses in the neighbourhood , ^ d broke into , plundered , and destroyed them . to the course of the day another meeting w * s held at * fcs Crown-bank , and , on the sicnal of & pistol being fired , tie nob went off to the house of Mr . Forester , which they attacked and burned , aad thence they went » the house of Hr . Parkerwhich formed the subject

      , « the present indictment The question the jury Weuld have to try was , whether the prisoner , Thomas w > pet , wza one of the mob who attacked and oatroyed the bo&s * of Mr . Parker ? It was not neeeasry to show that it -was , bis band that set fire to the bouse , bat if he conld be shown » rath a position with the mob is to be siding ad exciting them to the work of destruction , then he would be gsiity of the offence equally with those who eeiamitted the work of destruction . It would be a ttost estraardiiiary principle of law if that were not » e ease , because the parties who aided and abetted , « M excited the mob , won )? , nherwise escape , while ««» ignorant tools would be subjected to the punishaeEt wtsch the other party so richly merited . The "arned Counsel then stated the facts cf the case as Miey afterwards appeared in the evidence , and called iiary Travis—1 am honseVwivhT tr > M » "Purfcer . of His is

      c ^ ozl house called Albion House . Ha is a » W v £ of the county . Mr . Parker left his bouse com tftj-past eleven oa the morning of the 15 th of

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      August . I remained in the bouse till near eleven at night . I then , left it , being afraid to « tay any longer , as I expected the bouse to be attacked . There were a good many persons then about the house . All the servants went away with me , and we left the house quite empty . Mr . Ttesley ' s house is in the same towa , about five minutes' walk from master ' s . We locked two of the doors and bolted the other inside . We also fastened the window-shutters inside . I saw it at eleven o ' clock the next morning . The inner walls had fallen in , asd it was a mere shell . The furniture , wise , and everything in the house was cone .

      Andrew Rowley—I am a potter living at Sheiton . On the 15 th of August I was close to Mi . Parker ' s bouse near twelve at night I aw a number of persens standing by Mr . Parker ' s door . I turned my head round and saw Turner come by wfth 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 had got up to the door when I first saw them . Tamer said , "Here ' s & light . D—n yonr eyes , get on . " Mr . Lee submitted that the evidence now given conld not be received unless it was shown that Casper was present , or that he was connected with the mob by some previons acts or declarations . The Solicitob-Genebal apprehended that it would bs sufficient to show that the prisoner formed a part of the mob . If they conld sot do bo , then all the evidence 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 Tomer said that , others said " the door is broken open . " I think the door was broken open with a hammer . The mob then went in , and among them Turner . I raw him go into the front room and knock down a clock and other things , and set fire to the room . At least a score went into the house ; and I saw others who had candles lighted inside . A good many stood found outside who bad sticks ; I think cudgelB ; but they did not do anything . Many of them then went towards Mr . Aitken ' s , but that was after Mr . Parker ' s bouse had takes 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 . Josiah Mills : I am a painter and gilder of Hanley Tb-T 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 on the morning of the 15 th , aboat eight o ' cJock . It had then commenced ; there were about 1 , 000 present , and many of them had heavy bludgeons iu their hands . I saw Thomas Cooper on the Sunday evening preach , or pretending to preach , to the crowd at the Crown Bank . I saw him at the meeiing on Monday morning . I heard him say ,

      when addressing the mob , that he considered himself the self-elected chairman of that meeting . Aftsr that a man come forward and mored 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 . 1 heard Cooper say it would be au easy matter to get the Charter , for if anly one-tenth part of the population were to come oat on a tnven day and hoar , and say , " We will have the Charter , " nothing could stop us . He also said , alluding to the strength of the soldiers , that there were not more than ten boIdierB for every large town in the kingdom . Alluding to the strike , he said that Eome people thought the winter time would be the most favourable , but he thought the present time was the most favourable j

      that it was better to be idle in the fineweataer than in the winter ; that it was better to be iale when there was plenty on the ground . He would not advise them to steal , nor would he steal himself , bat left them to put their own construction upon it . They all rose up and shouted , and then he went towards Lord Granville ' s collieries . Those around the platform appeared to be leading tha others . I followed them down , and at the first pit the engine was stopped . After the last euginewas 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 a 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 . 11 was then near seven o'clock . I had then heard of the outrages that had been committed . I saw Cooper going towards the 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 meeting was opened by siDging Cooper- giving out the lines , and the chorus was something respecting O'Connor . 1 recollect two lines ;—

      " The hon of freedom's let loose from his den , And we'll raJly round him again and again . " I heard Cooper at the meeting say that he understood many of them had got drunk , and that some about him then were tipsy ; but they must abstain from drink , or 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 Yates ' the Royal Oak , and the George and Dragon during the day . I then left while he was speaking .

      Cross-examined by the Prisoner—I stopped at the meeting in the morning till it was concluded . I took Eo notes of what yoa ^ said at any of the meetings . I only gave those parts of your speeches that particularly struck my attention . I did not listen to all you said , for 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 euchwords should come from any man * I first gave information , eight or nine days after the meeting , to the chief baikn ? 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 Granrille ' s colliery . They bad jnst succeeded in plugging the boilers . That was between nine and ten in the morning . They then went to the lock-up at Hanley and released three or four prisoners . They were very noby , and heating 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 oar express was despatched .

      ( Bejore Mr . Baron RoJ / eJ Richard CroxloD , John Rattlebone , Edward Wilkinson , John Biuut , and William Johnston , were indicted with burglariously 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 Coiclough , were indicted for a riot , and demolishing by fire the ofiices , See . of Lord Grenville on the loth of August . Mr . Spooner ( on the part of Colclough ) , and Mr . Neale ( 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 pat aside , with the exception of Thomas Roberts , who was put npon his trial , and pleaded Not GuiUy . Mr . Sergeant Ludlow 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 . Tbe special commission for the trial of the persons , in custody in Kirkdale Gaol , and out on bail , on charges connected with the recent disturbances in this county , was opened this morning , in the Nisi Prius Court The three judges specially commissioned to try the prisoners are Lord Abinger , Chief Baron 6 f the Exchequer , Baron Alderson , and Mr . Justice CressweU . Their Lordships arrived in town on Saturday sight , and on Sunday Hioming they attended divine service at St George ' s Church , when a sermon was preached by the Rev . J . B . Mosk . After the service , the three judges remained and received tbe sacrament . During the past wetk , workmen were employed In making the necessary alterations in the Session ' s-house . The benches in ( he Nisi Prius and Crown Courts haTe 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 , thst the judges may take cases separately . The Magistrates' Room has been fitted np as a third court

      The ffllpnflftr contains tbe names of 124 prisoners , six of whom were out on baQ . In addition , we believe , there are Fearjus O'Connor , the Ber . James 8 cholefieM , the Her . WflliMn Hffl , editor of tbe Northern Star , James Tuck , and a few others who bad not arrived or whose names have not been transmitted to the Governor of the Kirkdala prison . The following Is a classification of the offences , with the number of persons for trial : —Riot , 40 ; riot and patting out fires , 4 ; riot and turning out workmen , 8 ; riot and conspiracy , 18 ; riot and assault , 3 ; riot and beginning to demolish mills , &c 28 ; riot and stealing , 18 ; seditious libel , 2 : not and plng-drawing , 3 . Of the prisoners , 21 can read imperfectly ; 52 can read and write imperfectly ; 40 can teither read nor write , and 18 can read and write well .

      The three Judges entered the Nisi Prins Court together at a few minutes past eleven o ' clock , and having taken their seats npon tbe enlarged bench , the commie * sion was opened with the usual formalities . The following is a list of the Grand Jury : —

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      Tnumaa Green , E « q ., M . P ., Wittington Hall , foreman . 8 ir Thomas Whtte head , Knight , Upland . Montagu Ainslie , Esq ., Grizsdale . Richard Edward Alison , Esq ., Cbaraock . William Assheton , Esq ., Downturn Hall . Cornelius Bourne , Esq ., Halmine HalL Clarence Braddyee , Esq ., Conishead Priory . William Clayton , Esq ., Lostock Hall . William Assheton Cross , Esq ., Red Scare . Pudsey Dawson , Esq .. Hornby Castle . Richard Earle , Esq ., Eden Hurst .

      William Gellison Ball , Esq ., Melh ' ng HalL Chisenhale Chisehale , Esq , Arley Hall . James Nowell Farrington , Esq ., Worden HalL William Gale , Esq ., Llghburn House . George Martin , Esq ., M . P ., Capernuray HalL John Penny Machell , fcsq .. Hollow Oak . John Master , Esq ., Croston . William Moora , Esq .. Grumshill . Robert Townely Parker , Esq Cuerden HalL John Plamb Tempest , Esq ., ToogHaiL Robert Henry Welch , Esq , Leek . Her Msjssty ' s proclamation against vice and immor ality was then read , after which

      Lord Abikgeb proceeded to address tbe Grand Jury . He said—Gentlemen of the Grand Jury , it is with unaffected pain that I address you on the present occasion . You are aware of the disastrous state to which this county has been reduced for several weeks of tbe 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 tbe duty of the Government ,

      with all expedition , to put down Bueh unlawful and tumultuous assemblies—to preserve the peace and property of the subjects of the realm , and to punisb , by the rigour of the law , the 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 , aad that when they do occur , they must produce , to a greater or less extent , disastrous privations amongst the labouring classes . I presume that the 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 received , and that to tbe same cause may be attributed tbe 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 onr trade had been interrupted , and that there was a general feeling of despondency amongst commercial men as to the advantages of engaging in commercial enterprise , the reault of which was attended with great uncertainty . But at thu same time I am bound to say , from the experience I have had i n 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 paople engaged in these excesses either complained of the high price of provisions , or tha want of . labour . What gave use to tha 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 mastat manufacturers—whether it originated iu the scheme of any persons who considered that a general turn-out would be advantageous to their peculiar political object , or whether , when it commenced , it was not checked aa early as it might have been by greater activity in tbe magistrates—all tbese are matters at present in obscurity , and that time alone can develops . But certain it is , from the information to which I have referred , that the dissatisfaction of the common people , of the labouring classes , does not seem to have originated from any voluntary feeling , if 1 may so express it , of their own , respecting their privations or respecting the high price of provisions . They all seemedtohavebeen sensible that tbe price of wages must depend on the price of provisions ,

      and I therefore think they wtre prepared to see that those who promised them an increase of wages by the diminution of the price of earn were not tbe pursons that were to be trusted . But , gentlemen , it appears certain that when once these riata began , and when once the people formed themselves ints 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 Cb&rtiBts , mixed themselves with the unhappy masses of the common people , who had bsen deluded into this insurrection . Having more knowledge than them , but deeper-designs , they ,

      instead of using their knowledge to point out to the unhappy victims 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 had already received , and in despite of the promises , and I make no doubt sincere hopes of those whj introduced and carried the late measure , that it was to be a final and efficacious measure of reform , thesa infatuated people—fer they

      also are infatuated—have formed an opinion , gathered from what foundation I know not , that a representation by Universal Suffrage , by Vote by Billot , and by payment of Members of Parliament , will form a panacea for the remedy of all evils , and they endeavoured to inculcate on the assembled multitudes whom they addresed , tbese 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 ; but 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 with steel , and insensible to tbe 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 the nation , that their force would become universal , and that they would either carry their object fey alarming the Legislature , or imposing this restraint . Gentlemen , I must say that if this sort of conspiracy , with Buch 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 tbe 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 juslify 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 hasard on which their lives might be the ferfeit . But , however , you will have laid before you indictments for conspiracy , for exciting the people to insurrection , for endeavouring to prevail on those who were not at work to continue in a state of suspended labear , and for compe lling by force those at work to leave their avocations , and to persevere in that lawless 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 satisSed , by the evidence , that though tbe great mass of the people were not actually disposed to take part in a oonspiracy 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 tha working classes from parfonning their labour —in other words , to turn out t he workmen from the different mills , and not only from the different mills , but to influence by fear or persuasion the workmen of erery description engaged in manual labour to leave their work , and join in this scheme of obtaining this Charter . Gentlemen , the mere conspiracy for the mere purpose of taming out the workmen , and agreeing together to accomplish that object , is criminal I am bound to tell you that , by tbe law of the 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 mast be punished , where satisfactorily proved , and that 1 b 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 exdtea alarm and terror . Such an assembly is a riot , and all participating in it are prima fatie 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 ss to what should be deemed an unlawful assembly , and I am BGrry to say that tbe events which haTe taken place in this county have riven rise to a discussion in the courts of law and to Parliament , One thing is clear , that an assembly , con *

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      • isting of such a multitude as to make all dlscuasion and debate ridicolona Md a &n » , never can be in assembly for the purpoae of debate aadaalm disenslon . WUI an / man in his senses , aay that wbea he has tbe means of jissembUag together ^ three or foa * thousand persons , that he does th » t totorn a dellberottvfras » ei » - bly to discuss speculative points of law « r eoestUwtlowa government ? Oa thefa » ofat , it carries ito own refutation . If an Msemb ^ , therefo » , oo « 8 isUBgo « such a multitude as to render al * notion of discussion , impossible , is found by violence putting down all attempts to deliberate . if tte assembly ha , for its objeeto to hear only one side of a question , it ceases to be an assembly for the purpose of deliberation , and they cannot protect themselves under that exemption . Again , any ateemblles of euch magnitude as would naturally tend , without restraint

      any or authority to put an end to them , and having no one present or person in authority invested by themselves or by the law with the powei » f dispersing them—such an assemblage , when consisting of vast multitudes , every ono sees must lead to terror , ana not , and disturbance of the peace , and such an assemblage in itself ia a riotous and unlawful assembly . It is a riot , if you find hundreds assembled to disturb the peace . If you find that individuals amongst them , by their conduct , exhibit tokens of violence and intention to . lo mischief , and they are restrained by the multitude , but protected by the countenance of that multitude , it partakes of a riot and unlawf al assembly ; but if you find they go farther , 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 become riotous in tha worst sense of the word . Those engaged in suob .

      transactions are guilty of riot , and it will be your duty to find the bills Bgainst them , if limited to that object Gentlemen , you will have laid before you also some cases of violent and inlammatory Bpeeobes . Of course , you will exercise your judgment whether spseches—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 fiud ^ them guilty , but to put them on their trial There is one other case , I understand , as likely to come before you , and that is a case of printing a seditious libel . Whether or no it will coma before yeu , I am not certain , but I am informed it will . I have had an opportunity of seeing what that libel is . It purports toibe an exhortation from the Chartists to all the labouring classes , to whom it is addressed , to continue in the suspension of labour until the Charter is carried .

      It professes the words , " peace and order , '' but it reminds the people that they are governed by laws to which they have not been partiesthat they have not made the laws ; and it endeavours to persuade those who read it that they have no real security for their employment ; except by an organic alteration in the constitution of the country . Gentlemen , you will f arm 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 kind is addressed to a multitude who have an opinion that their own force is sufficient t » effeot their object , you may easily judge that Buch an

      exhortation , at such a moment , is far mote dangerous , and , therefore , far more criminal . Gentlemen , it seemed that the argument they used , and the argument used by many of tboae who addressed the multitudes , ia , 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 tbe giving to the labouring population an t < 3 > ial , if not a prepoderant , voice in the legislature of the country . * For which purpose they propose those changes to which I before referred—tbe principles of the Caarter , that is to say , that the labouring classes who have no property are to make laws for those who have property , that the labouring classes who have shown by their recent conduct that they will exercise a tyranny over their fellow subjects , are to make laws for the protection of labour . Tneae persons have never taken

      into their consideration that the object of law in civilijsad society is the protection of property from violence , and the protection of a man ' s parson 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 th « 8 e persons would be unworthy of conr Bideration if their endeavourB would not , by a reform , in Parliament , lead to the subversion of the monarchy itself , for any man who reflects for a moment will know , that when » popular assembly ao devoted to democratic principles , and eleoted by parsons who have no property , bnt depend on manual labour for subsistence , such a thing is inconsistent with monarchy and property . The first thing at which such persons

      would aim would be the putting down of all property . The exercise of tyranny they would be tbe first to raise up against it , and then would come the subversion of the monarchy . Gentlemen , you will excuse me for addressing this langaage t& 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 tbe successful enterprise of those who have left them at a distance in the competition of honourable industry . Who can say in this county ot Lancaster that labour wants protection from the law ? Who can say that the working man , even of tbe lowest

      description , if he possesses diligence , talent , application , and fidelity , may not arrive at the highest honours of 4 the state ? How many examples of persons who , in all classes of life , not superior to many of those who are the objects of tbese prosecutions , by their industry and talent , cave acquired fortunes , and been themselves the employers of labourers ? How many have acquired honour and distinction ? Gentlemen , the very fabric of the British constitution , which those unhappy men are desirous of destroying , —thU constitution is the snly one in the world that has ever shown , by repeated examples , that labour is protected—that the Tights of the poor man , if they are but exercised by him with diligence , and with Bense , and with frugality , are sure to lead them to independence , if not to fortune . And yet those individuals

      would put to hszitd all we enjoy under such a constitution , nnder colour of doing—what ? under colour of giving labour a greater influence than it has new in the formation of . the law . Gentlemen , by the law of England labour is protected . No doubt it is the property of the poor man , and ought to be protected ; and I believe the law of England is so framed that if any oppression takes place by the master upon the labourer , the law furnishes a remedy—that the law does not prevent any man , at the termination of Ms civil contract with his employer , from leaving if he feels diasatified with his wages—that the law does not give the master any authority to detain tbe labourer , tha * if tbe 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 tbe object ef the labourer bad in view

      was to put a restraint up an 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 lake of their own interests , what would tbe result be ? Why , the result would be , that instead , when capital was destroyed property was destroyed , and all mankind were reduced and placed on an equality , all would become labourers , and what would the unhappy labourers gain by it ? Why , the market for labour is like every other market .

      The more it is supplied the cheaper it ia ; and , if all were labourers , what would be the price of labour ? I think it would be trifling with your time to notice at any further length the delusion under which they have been acting . It is surprising to me that men of common sense can be led away by Buch reasoning , and those who inculcate euch doctrines must themselves be conscious of their mischief , and , if they should be detected , deserve condign punishment . I shall not trouble you any longer . You will hear tbe caseB , and you need no further information from me as to tbe way in which you should discharge your duties . Be bo good as to proceed with despatch , in order to get through the arduous business before you .

      Tbe Grand Jury then retired to their room , and , in a short time after , sent some bills into Court .

      NISI PRIUS COURT . ( Before Lord Abinger . J ASSAULT AND BOBBERY . William Cosh , Rowland Davlea , Jeremiah M'Cormick , William Reed , and John PJatt , 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 Attorney-General ( Sir Frederick Pollock ) , and Sir Gregory Lbwin appeared on behalf of the Crown . The prisoners were undefended .

      It appeared that , on the 10 th of August last , the prisoners , along with a number of other persons , went to the shop of Mr . Shipman , baker , Deansgate . Tbe family , on seeing them approach ,. shut the door ; but the men , with bludgeons , bant open the door , and with force , and threats , and violence , btalned and marched off with a number of loavea . The youig men , ia their defence , said they were not in Deansgate at the time alleged . Lord Abinqer briefly summed op ; and tbe foreman of the jury said th « prisoners were all found guilty , but they recommended them to mercy . Tb . 3 Judge—Upon what grounds , gentlemen ? . A Juror—Upon uo grounds . The foreman bas taken npon 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 build a recommendation for mercy , I shall be glad to take notice of it , but I most 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 Judge said that if they were of opinion they vnw not there , that was the ground for a verdictf of not guilty , and not for a recommendation to mercy . A verdict of guilty was then ' entered . Another Indictment for a misdemeanour , against the a ^ me prisoners , along with William Bates , was not proceeded with .

      ATTACK ON A MILL . James Kelly , Janes Solan , and Andrew Cosgrove , were charged with riot at Manchester , and with having then and tharfrbegivn to demolish tbe mill and premises of Messrs . Sterling and Beckton . The Attorney-General and Sir Gregory Lewin prosecuted on behalf of the Crown , aad Mr . Wilkina defended Cosgrove . The ATTORN 2 Y-GEMEKAL , in opening the case , sa 5 d he would not press tha charge against Cosgrove , as the evidence only rested on a statement he mode when standing opposite the mill . In tbe whvla of tbe proceedings that bad arisen out ef the unfortunate offences which had produced so much Buffering and calamity , there had been every disposition on the part of those who instructed him . to take the most merciful and favourable view of tha cases as they were' brought before them , and ai the evidence was so slight against Cosgrove , and he had a most excellent character , the case would not be proceeded with .

      Henry Moss , salesman to Messrs . Sterling and Beckton , said , that on the 9 th of August a crowd of persona came up to the lodge door , afterwards broke it open , and went into the yard , but they . were forced out again , and the door fastened . " Joalah Lisgrove said b . 9 saw the crowd with a piece of timber seven feet long , which they uaed as a battering ram in breaking the door open . He saw Kelly amongst the number . He had a stick in his hand breaking the windows of the house next to the mill . The attack lasted about half an hour , and was put an end to by the police , who came up about the time . Samuel Allan Jackson , clerk , Baid he saw the crowd breaking open the door of the mill with a battering ram . He saw stones thrown and sticks used , but tbe crowd , generally , had not sticks . He saw Kelly and Dolan there . Heard Kelly calling out " Oa , boys , on ! " aua battering at the door . Did not see D Man there .

      Joseph Taylor identified Dolan as balng one of the mob who attacked the mill . He saw him use the piece of timber as a battering ram , and beard him cry " get in lads , " to some boys who were breaking the windows . The men inside the yard played water on the crowd with an engine , and the prisoner , with others , ran off , brought small stonea and bricks , and threw at the men inside the yard . Charles Christopher Stephens , one of the superintendents of the police , aaid that when he took the prisoner into custody he said , "I was there , bnt nobody saw me do anything . " Daniel LipseAt , inspector of police , identified Kelly . Kelly , in his defence , said that he went to the policeoffice to state that a young man , a friend of his , wastaken np wrongfully , and then be was kept . T > a \ na had nothing to say . The Judge briefly summed np , and the Jury found a verdict of guilty against both the prisoners . Ol course , Cosgrove was acquitted .

      Hi 3 Lordship , after severely reprimanding the prisoners for their conduct , sentenced them to one year ' s imprisonment . John Hiokey , Hugh Cavannah , James Saxton , Matthew DiUon , > Edward Sullivan , and James Tweedale , were then indicted for returning on the 10 th of August to tha mill of Messrs . Sterling and Beckton , and breaking the windows . It appeared that about half-past eight o ' clock on the morning of the 10 th of August , the mob returned and commenced throwing stones and breaking the windows of the mill and tbe house adjoining . Some of the hands rushed out , seiaati bold of the prisoners , and gave them into the bands of the police . The case against Sullivan was not made out , and he was acquitted . The rest of the prisoners were found guilty , but Jamea Saxton , who was only a boy , was recommended to mercy . Sentence deferred . The Court rose at twenty minutes to seven o ' clock .

      CROWN COURT . CBefore Mr . Baron Alderson . J RIOT AT THB MANCHESTER POLICE-STATION . William Lee , 21 , John Sheridan , 18 , and Jane Carney , 11 , were given in charge for having riotously assemblfcd at Manchester , and feloniously demolished a station-house of the police establishment at Manchester . Mr . Sergeant Atcherly and Mr . Hillyard conducted tae case on the part of the prosecution . The prisoners were undefended . Mr . Sergeant Atcherley said he had the honour to attend on the part of the Crown to lay before the court and jury the case against the tlirua prisoners at the bar , who were charged , not with the crime of felony , but wiih that of misdemeanour , which was a lower description of crime , and subjected the parties to a lesBer

      degree of punishment . It was too well known , that in this country great tumult and disorder had arisen in August lost , but it was not his duty oi intention to detain the jury a moment by ' alluding to any of the causes which produced that public disorder . His duty was , fce 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 alocg to apply the evidence to the prisoners , with the deuble object of enabling the jury to distinguish the cases of the individuals , and also of enabling hia 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 Mancheater . Upon that day there was a very great mob in

      the town , the object of which was to turn out the hands at tbe different mills . Several works were then attacked consisting of some dye-works and a silk factory ; and , lastly , the mob came to the police station , where only one constable happened to bo in attendance , and that police station they attacked . They broke open the doora , threw Btonea , 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 the general outline of the transaction , With regard to the prisoners , th « jury would find that the two young men were very active—that they bad bludgeons , that the threats they used were of tbe most

      awful kind , that the young female was active in encouraging the others , and that she was apprehended on tbe premises . He ( the . Learned Counsel ) would only add this observation , that , aa on the part of those who prosecuted , there was no wish at all but that the cases should bo made out fully , and dealt with leniently and mercifully , so , on the other hand , the jury would believe that no political feeling ought to have or could have p ' ace in that court of justice in which the object ought to be on behalf of all parties , without turning to the right hand or te the left , to seek to administer tbe law with justice and mercy—in short to execute justice and maintain truth .

      John Allman was the first witness called and examined . Is a serjeant in the Manchester police force ; about eleven o'clock , on the 10 th August , savr a mob ol 3 , 000 persons in Bleakley-street ; a great many of them had clubs and bludgeons ; they passed tbe police-station door ; the prisoners , Lee and Sheridan , were among them ; Sheridan was the first and Lse the third who approached ; Lee bad an iron bar , something like a broken shovel , in his hand : Sheridan had a club ; the mob approached some dye-works of Clempson and Vaoghan , and they also west to Kothwell ' ssilk establishment ; Lee and Sheridan still continued in front of the mob , who visited a chemical establishment , a starch manufactory , and the gas works j the mob afterwards

      returned to the station-house , close to which is a bridge over tbe 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 on hour ; witness was the only person at the station-house , into which the mob entered , and threatened to murder him ; ooe 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 bedciing were carried out , and witness's watch was itolen ; a largo bird and bird-cage in the place were destroyed ; witness saw the female prisoner , Corney , carrying things out of tbe place after tbe mischief had been done .

      Thomas Bridges examined—Is an exciseman in Manchester . On tbe 10 th of August Manchester was in a very riotous state . Saw a mob that day at the gasworks , consisting of about 400 or 500 people ; they commenced battering at the front of the works , and witness went to the station-house to give information , whither the mob speedily followed . The mob brought out papers and documents from the station-hense , tore up the men ' s , garments , asd flung the whole over the bridge into the . river IrwelL The prisoner Lee was among them ; Lee battered the house , and brought a bird cage , which be trampled under foot . The prisoner Carney was in the upper room of the bouse engaged In throwing various articles out of the 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 the female prisoner throwing brashes and baskets out of tbe windows of the Stationhouse . Knew hsr 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 Atcherley concurred in tbe re commendation , and coosented to feave her liberated . His Lordshi p accordingly ordered her to be discharged , and delivered up to her parents .

      UIOT AT CBOWTHEB ' S KILLS , BLAKEL 1 . 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 BlakeJy . Mr . Sergeant Atcherley informed the Jury that the place at whiob tbe present transaction bad arisen was Blakeley , abont fonr or five miles from Manchester , on Tuesday , the 15 th of August . Upon the 11 th of the same month , Crowther ' s bleach mills at Blakeley had been stopped , and on the 16 th the bands rtturned and resnmed their work . The resumption of the work gave great offence to the " rioters , and on the same morning a mob came to the premises , raked out the fires , let off the water , and stopped the business in progress . They then went away . and returned again in half an hour , when they prevented the bands from returning to their

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      work . Tbe two prisoners took part in the transaction . Shaw had a large stick in his bund , and Turner had a dagger-stick found trptra him , which would be produced . Neither of them belonged to Blakeley ; they were both strangers in tbe- neighbouihosd ; and for what pnrpow they bad fbnmf their way froa * where they lived to-Blakeley , it WoolSb 8 for the Jury to judge for themselTMi . The case was proved tr ? Samuel Crowthor , the proprietor ofWeaeb-workflatBia&eley ; Joseph Whitehead , in the employ of last witness- ? Mr . Colt , a special constable ; and Ctiaries C Stephenson , superintendent of the Manchester poh ' ce . The jury found both the prisoners guilty of riot .

      RIOTS AT WISSON ' S PHI 2 WW 0 SKS , SaLFORD . John Tear . was given in charge for having being concerned in a riot at the print works of Messrs . Wilson Brothers 4 c -C * ., SaKord . The prisoner was defended by Messrs Cobbett sad Wigham . . Mr . Sergeant Atcjs&rley briefly stated the case . The scene was tbe towa of Salford , aad the transactios took place on Wednesday tbe 12 tbof A » gast . A nob of between ono anil twonhousand persona proceeded to > Salford on that day , where they turned out the handa of Wilson and Co ., and ouhsequentfy tbe bonds at Haywood ' s and the Kailway Station . It would be proved in evidence that the prisoner , who waa-seoretary to tbe Dyers' and Dressers' Association , had been with the mob upon the occasion , and an active leader among ; hera .

      Moses Price , an engineer at the print-works of Wilson and Co . in Silford ; Tiromas Nanson , salesman to Wilson and Co . ; and Francis Ellison , a labourer in tha employment of Wilsen and Co ., were examined for tha proaecutian . Mr . Cobbett then brhfiy addressed the jury , and called a number of witnesses to prpve an alibi . The jnry returned a verdict of guilty , with a recommendation t » mercy . The court adjourned at twenty minutes to eight o ' clock to nine next momiae .

      MAGISTRATES' ROOM . ( Before Sir . Justie 3 " CressweU . J In about three quarters of on hour after Lord Abinger had finished bis charge to the Grand Jury , Mr . Justice Csesswei-i- left tbo benca in tbe Nisi Prius Court , and took his seat in the Magistrates * Room . The prisonsrs first placed at the bar were Georg * Thornton , Joseph Webb , Patrick O'Brien , and Jamea . Me ! burn . They were indicted for ; a conspiracy , for inciting nnd stirring np a great many of her M .-ijesfcy ' a subjects unlawfully to assemble , armed with sticks , to disturb the tranquility of tbe realm , and to prevent workmen from * following their labour , and with having created a riot . The Hon . J . S . Wortley and Mr .. Frederick Pollock , 'Jan ., conducted the prosecution in this court . The prisoners were undefended .

      Mr . Wobtley , after stating the nature of the indictment ,, said that the particular occasion on which the occurrences in quustion took pines on the 9 th of August , a day oa which , it would appear , a vast body of persons were collected in Manchester , and separating themselves into different portions , went into different parts of the town , and behaved themselves in a violent and tumultuous manner . About a qnarter-past two oa that day , a body of some hundreds of persons went to > the mill of Mr . John Preaton , machine-manufacturer , Ardwlck , and gome of them were armed with sticks , showing that they were determined to resist interference with their proceedings . The gatta of the mill ware shut against them , wnereupon they became nsisy and violent , and endeavoured to force open the gates , but , failing in that , they eventually broke open one of

      the windows , so as to let in one of the persons in tha mob . Melburn was the nian who succeeded in getting in at tbe window , and as this belonged to a room ia which tools Wers deposited , he availed himself of aoaia of them to break away tbe fastenings of tha gate inside , and thus admitted his companions . Tha party behaved with considerable violence , and Mr . Preston , one of tha partners , . was struck by one of the mob . They booceaded , by their intimidation , an ! the awa which their proceedings created , in turning out every hand , although they were reluctant to leave their work . Mr . John Preston , jun ., and other witnesses were called . to substantiate this statement . TheLearnerl Jad # e allowed the prisoners to ask the witnesses , through him , any

      question that they chose . Thornton and O'Brien had nothing to say in their defence . Melbttrn said that ha was a mere spectator , and Webb called witnesses to prove an alibi . His Lordship , in summing up , recited tho four counts in the indictment , and observed that in cases like this it was difficult to prove previous cotcert , or the feelings which actuated tbu parties , so as to make out the charge of conspiracy . Ah to the second count , "inciting and stirring up a great number of her Majesty ' s subjects unlawfully to assemble , " &o . there was no evidence of that bind . Tha two other counts , for riot and unlawfully assembling , he considered had been fully made out , and tbe only question for tha Jury was , whether all the prisoners were actually present in the midst of the assembly .

      The Jury , after a short consultation , found all the prisoners guilty . Sentence was deferred . John Cinnsn . George Thornton , James Harrington , James Heaiey , Joseph Webb , Thomas Whitehead , John Galvin , John Stones , John Fallan . Edward Mitchell , Thomas Berry , and Barney Collins were then placed at tbe bar , on an indictment precisely similcr % o tho foregoing . Thornton and Webb were tbe parties of that name who were previously tried-Mr . Woetlett said that after the observations which bad fallen from bis Lordship as to the charge of conspiracy , be should abandon that portion of the

      indictment , and contiue 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 the 9 th of Augu 3 t , about a thousand persons attacked tbe Oxford-road Twist Mill , in Manchester , belonging to Messrs . Cpates , and by their threats and intimidation , succeeded in- turning out the whole of the hands , ia number between 900 and 1 , 000 . Soon after the military arrived , the mob ran in all directions , aud tha gates of the iiiili having been closed , tho prisoners wera confined in the inside and captured . Tbe whole of tha prisoners were found guilty . Sentence deferred .

      Joseph Thomas , an idiotic black man , JohnOIdbam , John Edwards , Ellis Hall , James Richardson , Thomas Booth , Michael Clerk , ThomaB Clegs , 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 Oth of August , a large body of persons were seen coming from towards the spot at which a meeting bad been held . They first attacked Oxford-raad mill ; but having been driven thence by tbe 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 abort time , the crowd in creased to several thousands , and headed by Thomas and others , attacked the mill of Messrs . Burley . The gates were closed , the mob attacked it , and , as tbere were 1100 h iniis inside , a sally was made , arenorfchavin / fbsen circulated that the police had arrived . Tho report was unfounded , and the defenders were obliged to retire .

      The mob then threw an immense number of stones , broke several thousand panes of glass , and did other damage , to tbe extent altogether of between £ 300 and £ 400 . The crowd would have forced their entrance ; bat a powerful flre engine was got int « play , and a very copious stream of water was directed upon the assailants whenever they approached the gates , and they were thus !; ept off . ' Nsarly tbe wliolw of the prisoners declared that they were only casually present or wtnfc to the spot after the disturbance hzA been quelled , and that they i : eve * threw a single stone . As in the farmer cases , some ol tie prisoners had provided themselves with written certincates of character ; but tneso were not receiwrt ; the Judge observing that if any one felt an interest in any prisoner , he must attend in person , and give evidence . For many at tbe prisoners , witnesses did attend , and spoke of them r . s steady , quiet , peaceable , and industrious persons . All the prisoners , except Thomas Booth aDd Patrick O'Brien , were found guilty . Sentence deferred .

      John Galvin , -who waa yesterday tried and convicted , was allowed to be discharged , on finding a surety for his appearance whenever called npon for judgment H » bad enlisted since the occurrence of tbe oflence for which he waa indicted . The Court adjourned shortly after seven o ' clock , until nine nvxt morning .

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      LEICESTER . —Mr . John West has befnkctunng here the last week with good effect ; . We had two glorious out-door meetings on Suncay in the picture , and preachine ; in the All Saints > Open ai night , Mr . West gave general satisfaction . 2 » ira . Cooper , of Leicester , acknowledges the following sums , which will be duly forwarded to the General Defence Fund , from Desford , 2 s ., for Mr . Cooper ' s D& ! enee , from Rineley , 4 s . 5 d ., Lileby , 43 . 4 £ -i . Oh Sunday , the 9 th , Mr . West preached three sermons ; two in the Pasture , acd tbo other in tha Room , All Saints Open , when the collections amounted to £ 3 Is . On Monday , he was arrested Vj the police on a charge of using exciting and sedu / oua ian £ nagp on the 18 th of September , at SwadJiacote , in the county of Derby . He was taken away soon after he was arrested .

      BERKS ' . —A delegate meeting was held at tbe Chartist Boom , Willow Bow , en Sunday last , when delegates from the different localities iu the county were present , . and each gave in a report of the state of the cause in their respective localities ; from which it appears , that Cbartiism haa taken such deep roct in tbe hearts of the men of Derbyshire ,, that it defies persecution to uproot it . A number of persons were choaett as local lecturers , and -will commence their labour immediately , being determined , ib cneia knocked down two shall rise up . ' The following' resolutions were

      carried unanimous ^ : —" That this meeting * etum 8 its sincere thanks to the brave teen of 'London , for having chosen a new Executive at this critical juncture ; and we likewise return our hearty thanir . 8 to those gentlemen who have eo nobly consented to form that Execativa for th . o time bein ? . " « ' TL&t the thauks oi tuia meeting be given to Mr . West , for bis able labours as lecturer in this county , and bear testimony to hia talents and abilities . " An eddresa wa 3 agreed t < - > , and 2 , G 00 were ordered to be printed cud circulated ia tka county .

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      THE NORTHERN STAR . 7

  • Citation
    • 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-ncseproduct775/page/7/