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Northern Star (1837-1852), 11th March 1843, Edition 4 of 5, Page 7

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      " ^*~ LANCASTER ASSIZES , V -r ( Con&me&Jrvnt our Sixth page . ) »^ Attorney-General—But I am not going to offer ^ ertoence apii ^ bim , ; and tort inakea all the ^^ grf of acgsitlal was aen taken for James > J , 1 » na Wiffiani Scholefield , James Wilde , and J ^ Jpitt , threeicSiei defendants . ^ Krtksa being again sworn the exa-miTtntfan ie-3 S ^ i % on't know « f » y own fcdowledge thai any * S ^ efeBdanta were present at the meeting at Old-{^^ the foEowing day , I wt ^^ Eeeles . I know ^ jjgn one of the defendants He tras there . I jEJ e his Christian name is David . The meeting was mom- I beard a strike of the wodanen named . I ^ 3 from Beds to Manchester . I was at Man-Wwhen tbe mob entered on Tuesday , the 9 th of ^ On Thursday morning , the Uth , I attended a ai _ "LANCASTER ASSIZES ,

      , ^ n » m e ' clockin the morning , ataplaee called jSterFIsfcis . The magistrates ( interfered , and dis-* S , tfce meeting- I "went ircm there to the Car-. ^• . islL AT that meeting , I saw Brophy , one of Uefendanti I don't jariember any other . Areso * L ya * passed that the five iron tedes of Man-Si should cease work until the Charter became the * T | f the land . These tranches axe the moulders , W-jQersj and turners . There is another which I J ^ uanber . On Sunday , the 14 th , I attended a ^ jjrt on Jlottram Moor . Several hundred persons * Tfcgre . Sine of the defendants -were present to SnoTledfe . On Tuesday , the 26 th , I was in tb » L of Heywood , the printer . It is not far from

      Sgtt's Heywood put into my hand a roll of paper ¦ jiB iBiiiedbjanftte . He desired me to take it to n ^ DooalL Se said I should find him at James L ^ . jTrent there . The shop was full at the time , iajsall e&mefrom upstairs to see me . 1 gave to him { , oDd paper , and told him that the note -would j ^ b -what it was . He then -went np stairs , and 5 jaed there a few minutes . He brongbt down the ^ joll of paper , and told me to get it printed at all jE rf s . He dipnoi say who It was for at the time . I 2 j 3 the paper . I took it to Mr . Turner's , the Sgj , I believe it now to be burned . 1 believe so , |^ e JI'Donall told me soon the night of the 17 th . f ^ time I saw the paper was at Mr . Turner ' s ,

      ' winters . It was in the hand writing of Peter L a y-iF-DonaH . 1 "took it to Tamer's , as -pe nr ten S as I can remember on the moming of the 2 6 th . gorf Clark and a person named Johnson went with , 1 put H into Turner ' s hands . I told him it was ! $ printed for the "Executive Comadttee . " I re-^ Turner to 3 Ir . Jjneb . C . ark andjjpjohnson Trere jjjSSs . 1 ordered 300 « f the placards " to be printed * ite paper . I returned to Leach ' s . Whilel was — ens of Mr . Turners apprentices came to ask « jB £ gne "sroras which he ebuld not read . Slikraall pj do-am and explained it to him . He told him to &S and make ths test of it be eonld , and bring it

      , , £ b for correction . Daring tie time , Campbell and g £ »» csme ^ own the same stairs . Before Campbell g . i * sy , hs made a communication to me respect * . » person named Ceoper . He aid that Cooper had jel iromihe Potteries , and that they were burning l ^ bse them , —that they were all determined to Ua for the Charter . I went again to Turner ' s , on bstjset of the printing . I did not get any placards k &j . I believe the corrections on the placard now p&sed , to be in the hand writing of M'DoualL On ^ Mowing morning , the 17 th , I went to Leach ' s ¦ $ ; 1 saw Harney , Paries , of Sheffield , tie u William Hill , Bairstow . and James Leach .

      ^ are defendants . . to ( pen a placard . It was on » that had been tadtj the trades of Manchester . Bairstow told me > 5 { be Conference was to fee held immediately by . the S ^ atrre Committee . It was to be holden at Mr . hg ^ eld ' s Chapet I went with Bairstow to that & On the way I had some conTersition -with ta Herald that if the CroTemment did sot arrest pzecctrvB Cozamittee within forty-eight hours , they pBot do it , in consequence of the agitation of the jpry . He said that the placard "was . a spirited one , fibii Mr . O'Connor and- some others objeted to the sSng of it ; and then he added that if the GoTernb did not arrest the SxscntiYe Committee within

      ; fcvdjistlioiirs , thsy dare sot d » so , for the reason he | g ? e ! are stated . I understood that ths objection was txd byMr . 0 Connor on the previous evening . From ;' tj passed , I have so doubt that he was alluding to liJEcntiTe placard , because I had been toTsrner ' s -Elt Butstow asd jnyaelf -went ia st the chapel S ttto Mr . SctolefieWB . "When 1 got Mai the pulpit , fSKretary was appointed to receive the' credentials y ^» e - » ho attended as members of the Cocferanca . : iicsnets had commenced when 1 went in . Nearly ^ persons were present at that time . Others came fuSenrarda . A gentleman of the name of Arthur = "Va the chair I dont know , his Christian same . Jisjdha came from Carlisle . Mr . 0 "Coeiioi , Mr . Hill , jttesl ^ , Mr . Harn ^ , Mr . Parkes , Ofley , Jas . Leach , = fl 6 ocijester , John Xeach of Hyde , Themaa Bailton , ga Morrison , Anan , of Bradford , Thomas Cooper

      CstEster , a young boy of the hhtbb of Bamsden , ^ Dr . M'pouall , John Campbell , M'Cartney , Norfja d Warnngton , Skevington , Brooks , and Mooney ¦ jBjsesent . A table was wanted for the use of the vS&sa . I was solicited to got » -Hx . Sebolefield , Jot iskaavf -one- There is a communication between ai ^ d and t he house , but I went to the surgery a Hi . Scholefield promised to take one into the SfL Be requested jdb to tell them not to come so T&ctj , v certain persona had watched Hsmey and jsfei a ^ -and ttcto then watclnng the float Mj . nfcfeJd requested me to go send two men away , i » ' * CT Etting on some steps , opposite Ms door . : 5 ( " * niS away . I know a person of the name of

      : ; . £ 3 &- Eb came to the meeting . On his eoming in , fssb were made by sereral of ths delegates , and fag&B rest M'DonaH said that if the speeches peed were to be made public , he should lie silent . flM 6 riffin through the Chairman , in what capacity ^ iaos 2 and he said as a reporter . He had a note book gi ' sbxsd . Mr . O * Conno 7 aaid something in favour of pB g CTipg , and he did remain . ' To the best of my > iS 6 dp , hs was there the whole time , I saw him - ifej . . A mofion was moved tint the speeches fiste aot be published , only the resolutions . yijKtaSCT was proposed by ^ -Mr . Bairstow , the Wf& cf which was to continue the strike then pi ^ L-As far as I remember the resolution -crent to tkb Hsnie oa the Asti-Cora Xatr League . Batretow

      aifiai tiiefsTomxble reports delivered in bytbe pia , cwsed ^ im to move the resoiution ; that it £ a duty of btstj Chartist to throw > " » influence iCs seals . Mr . O'Connor seconded the resolution itod that ii was the duty ef the Chartists to tate » ge of passing events , sot that hs expected tqucIi ^ b present strike , but after they had expended so fissney and time in getting the trades to join them , ma sever get # >*»* " to join ns again unless we * ferane such resolution . Cooper supported the "assi , He stated-that the *¦ Shatopfcrian Chai-BTtf Leicester were determined to have the Charter . « atood this expression referred to a body of ** iat Laeester , called the " Brigade , " of which ' ^ thshead . He said that ! he had been at various he

      ^ asoag which eaumerated Silston the ^ i . The people of that district were determined ^• fiie Charter , and fisat for his part he was dfcterg-ay&efcr the liberlaea oT the people . JSest ol * Natei spoke . Mi . Hill ^ nd ili . Hsmey opposed J ^ aam . Mr . HOI moved an amendment . I tare JUaeccmnt in the SorOiem Star of the 20 th , of *** place at that meeting ; 1 believe it ia acor-* iaooBt t > md » 5—I object to any qnestlon bdng put to ?^ ea as to what his belief is about a printed ^ Attomey-Qtneral—Then I wont press the

      fi-snaaed sp the speech of every delegate , and t ahow that the reports delivered in by the *» dii not justify such a resolution . M' 3 > ouaTi * W the origmal motion , and said , that after the « 8 placard that had been sent out by the Execu-^ ofrtee , we could dD no less than support the ^• to , nare especially on account of the good sense Np 4 hy some of the trades in taking their money SbeSaringB * Banks . He referred to a placard *» been ported on the walls of Manchester , *» 'Buu ^ or gold , * aad said thst we ^« nda didn ' t ^* » passing outside ; ttat ordOB bad come ?*» Sr James erahssi to the auH-owners to «? work people in at any price . He fceliered np on

      j ^ Mmg was the continent , and that hy £ ? *™ it £ g 6 Of ^ ^ g charter would soon become r ™ of tfce hffid . I saw Mx . Scholefield in the ^* Erer al"Knies , I saw >> im commnnicate some-^¦ i * chamnan , who then declared that Turner , ^* ** j bad been arrested . On hearing this , Mr . * g * stated that that justified his remarks on the k *? 5 gb . t , and that it was beto-r to avoid those Z ? - ]' ** rOiey coBld . M'Douall rose and said it ^ ttatTurner had teen arrested , but that it i v H ? ^ Placard , but for having -refused a copy ^^^ Hejt We adjourned at nearly four in the jT * . This was on the 17 th . On the evening of iS ^ J John Campbell , James leach , Bairstow , JJ « were with M'I > ouall . We retired from the fg ta consult about our own safety , as we heard WT ™« ra lad l > een to Mr . Leach * house . We V ^^ BbII * liead , Bolt Town , and from ihere to f ^ i on backs . 1 aid net attenfl any coafereace in

      j ^ nTUl . They broke ep ihe evening , after I ^ Qsraolutions and an address . There was a 3 ^^^ Hill ' s amendment , Trhich was B ¥ p-MqJI orcrseven , aad towards thirty for the re-^; i naderstood that the minority were to go l | , ? jn 3 i 0 Itiyi Ijatraq resolation was proposed to 1 ^^ There Tras an address proposed , which I ^^ earned -nnanimouB ^ . - ^ "JtJiines—I Toted with tie majority . It was V ^ r ^^ on to ^ o anyfiiing illegal at alL This ^^^ awe between delegates and the Executive tjw j f" * . Mr . Griffin took no part in tke discussion . t 1 ^^ fed ge Mr- Scholefield was neither a delegate «!»^? *' ' ?» . SxecutiTe Committee . There bad ^^« ^^ maona between the leaders of the ^^ «* - Manch £ afta , 4 ndI ielieTe flie otyeet ^ t ^™ 8 " » aa -4 o efi ^ et a good understanding Ste ?« thought to beof great impwtance to those ttfcrf , < 3 lartMi principleB ; I also know that it ¦ j ^^^ cantempijaon to have a meeting in honour ! sjTgz *** monument , whith was also thought to ^^ sslerest to those W 2 o admired biB principles . « fe * * ilBrphy—1 have not been taken up ^ autet . iTrasspprthendetTritb respect to

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      a meeting held-on Mottram Moor , 1 -was . token to Chest « . I was one of the parties wbp were to have been tried at the special commission there . I traversed my trial Toe magistrates demanded high bail , two j £ 3 C 0 snreBes , and myaelf in £ 600 . It was first intlmated , to me a few days before the last special commission in October , that I should be wanted here as a witness . That Jntimatioa was made to me" by Mr . Irwin , inspeetae of police , At MaDcbester . I had not made any cammunicstion to him that I -was ready to make disclosures favourable to the Government , I win solemnly swear . The intimation was made to me by Mr . Gr iffia , ttie lepoitei . He was a rery intimate friend of mine , but I rejected his offer with scorn . Griffin referred to the dangerous situation I was placed in , by the placarf . There was nothing said abent Setting a reward . I dcart know Grimn ^ motive in coming to me . He came to me while I was in the lock-up at Manchester , and asked mete become Queen ' s rnoAHns y >* aa . «» mr ^ t *— -. ** ¦» ...

      evidence . The treachery , of the Chartists , the branding me as a traitor , and insulting my wife , was what made me turjx Queen ' s evidence . I saw no other oeurse when I was desertedtymy own party , but to throwmyself on the clemency of the Court and to tell all I knew . The name of Griffin was never mentioned during the consultations of myself and Irwin . Griffin knows my hand-writing .. I have written placards profeasing to come from the Chartists . One was to petition for the life of JohnProst I will swear that the manuscript of the Executive placard was not in my hand-writing . I will swear that the corrections in it were not in my hand-writing . I saw Griffin at Hyde on the day I was committed by the Magistrates . I had no conversation with him on that day . I did not suppose that any of the resolutions proposed at the delegate meeting were illegal . The principal understanding in paasiag them was to induce-the people to adopt the "People ' s Charter "

      By Mr . M'Onbray—I believe the reason why Mr . Scholefield told me to send away the men , who were sat upon Borne steps opposite to his house , was to keep the delegate meeting as private as possible . I . was a delegate ' myself from Mosaley . I can't say whether any other reporter than Griffin would have been admitted . By Mr . O'Connor—When did you come to Lancaster ? On Tuesday . Who did yon come with ? With Mr . Iryin and Mr . Griffin . How did you come ? By the railway . By the third class ? No .

      Second y * " - ' ' ? Ko . First class ? Yes—( laughter ) . Is that your working jacket that you have on ? It is . Have you do better jacket 1 No . Win you swear that ? IwilL Have yon got a fancy waistcoat ? I believe I have get a better waistcoat than this . What did yon give fer it ? Three shillings . Did you give £ l 15 s . for any thing ? No . Where did you buy the waistceat ? At a shop .

      Where ! In Manchester . Whose shop ? I dontknow . Wai you awear that ? Yes . Sid you pay for it ? 1 believe 1 did . But you are not sure ? No —( laughter )—Either me or my wife paid fot it . Is it paid for ? Yes . Do you know Mrs . Snowies ? Ida Did you order a coat and waistcoat of her ? Yes .

      When ? A few weeks since . When did ? ou get the coat ? About a fortnight ago . Did yon pay for it ? I did not , and consequently it is not mine , Did yen give any notice of your intention to leave your lodgings , or you left them in a hurry ? I left them is a hurry—{ laughter . ; When I got the coat and waistcoat , I got them for the express purpose of pledging them to bring me here . ( A suppressed hiss here arose in the body of the court ) Did you pay for your seat in the railway carriage ? Yea . Did you pledge the coat and waistcoat ? I believe my wife baa . What was got for them os paws ?

      I don ' t know . You never beard ? No . Upon your oath ? Never . How soon after you got the things from Mrs . Knowles did you leave your lodgings . I don't know . I left my wife there . Were yon -what ia called purveyor and secretary to a district co-operative store ? Yes . Por what district ? Manchester . In what district of Manchester ? Ancoats . Did you fill any post of distinction in tha Brownstreet district ?

      I did . Were you purveyor to the association ? Yes . And secretary 1 No . Did you settle accounts ? So far as I was concerned , I did . Was there a balance in your favour ? No . Was it all the other way ? I dont understand the nature of the question . ( Zaugbter . ) Was the balance against you ? No , sot when explained . Do they charge you with owing the money ?

      I believe not . Then what wants explaining ? 1 had the jelling of Northern Stan , the profits of which were to go to the association . They did so , but certain parties ran into debt . A fresh committee came into office , and now they say I must be amenable for the debts of other parties , and they lodge that to my account . How much do yon owe ? I dont owe any thing . With respect to the Co-operative Stores . Do yon owe any thing there ? I don't know bow the matter sianda .

      Do yon owe money ? No . Then , do they owe you money ? No . Then you don't know how it stands ? No . ( Mush laughter . ) Yon say that the Chartists behaved badly to your wife when you were at Chester ? Yes . Did she go to Chester ? Yes . Who sent her tkere ? The Chartists .

      Did they give bet money ? Yes . Then , it was at Chester that you first concurred in the intention of coming here to give evidence ? It was . And it was in consequence of the bad treatment o * the Chartists to your wife that you came ? It is . Did you consider it bad treatment to have yonr wife sent to you ? I did—( &rest laughter . ) I thittt you stated , is answer to ths Atioiney-General , that on the 14 th of August you were a Chartist ? Yes . How soon after did you read your recantatioB ?

      I have not read it Are yon still a Chartist ? I stiU approve of the principles of the People ' s Charter . Are you still a Chartist ? Yes . Are you for At"M Parliaments ? lam . Are you for Universal Suffrage ? 2 am . Are you for Tote by Ball ot ? I am . Are you for equal electoral districts ? I am . Are you for no property qualification for members of Parliament ?

      I am . And axe you fer payment of members for their services ? 1 am . Then you are a good Chartist—( much laughter , and an attempt at cheering in the body of the court , which wasinstantfy checked . } Yon stated that it was in wnsequenee of the great danger yo « were . represented to be in from the placard of ths Executive Committee , which induced you to come here ? Yes , and otberproBecnMoBB . Will you swear that the corrections hi that placard are not ia your hand-writing ?

      i win , .. , , , . When yon went to . the meeting of delegates , was there any obstruction effered ? None whatever . - No one knew who -were delegates until their credentials woe produced ? None whatever . Are yon aware that the delegates about t » assemble in Manchester , were- elected two months before the time fixed to commemorate the erection of the monument to Mr . Euat ?

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      I believe that some of them were . When were yon elected I Ob the sight of the 16 tb , Now , Sir , for what purpose was the delegate meeting to take plaoa ? Was it not to examine the Chartist organszition to see if there was anything requiring alteration , and to heal the difference that existed between some parts of the Chartist bod ; ? \ That was what " I understood to be the object of the meeting . I believe you have ihe honour of being an active member of the Chartist body ? I have . .

      Did you fill the office of Secretary to tbe South Lancashire delegates ? I did . How long did yon officiate ? More than two years . During that time , I believe , many spirited publications came from your pen ? Some addrese&s did . Did any come from your pen that were refused publication ? Not to my knowledge . Will you swear that ? I will . Have you seni any addresses for insertion in the NorihernStar * I have sent some . Have you complained of the non-insertion of some of them ?

      Not to my knowledge . Dont fence with the question , Sir . Have you complained , whether or not ? I believe I have . Are you aware that while the Conference was sitting at Manchester , a deputation came from the trades to ask for admission ? lam . Are you aware that the Conference refuse to receive the deputation because it was illegal ? I am . Are you aware that it was distinctly said that if they wished to constitute a part of the audience , they , or any body else might remain if they chose ? I am ,

      Now , sir , we have tested that you are a good sound Chartist { Laughter . } During the last two years , how m& .-y Chartist meetings have you attended ? A great number . Have you attended one hundred ? Perhaps I have . Well , have you attended five hundred ? I think not Have you done your duty by attending every one within year reach ? I have . Have you attended some meetings at personal inconvenience ?

      I have . Now , sir , I ask you , on your oath , wherever a resolution was pasBed , at a public meeting of Chartists , whether it was not in- subBtance , and nearly in words , the same as that passed at the Conference ? Nearly so . Especially those rords which relate to the peaceful struggle to obtain tke Charter . Yes . You were & delegate from Mosaley t I was . You attended the whole meetings of Conference ? I attended that on the 17 th of August . On your oath , was there one word said at the Conference about the placard of tbe Executive

      Committee ? Nothing more than what wai said with respect to Turner the printer . Was it proposed to the Conference ? No . We have heard something about a placard— " Bus for gold . " Don't you know that it emanated from the Trades' Delegates of Manchester ? I don't know from what source it emanated . Don't you know that the Trades recommended a run for gold , and the people to withdraw their money from the Savings' Bank ? 1 Believe it came from M'DoualL Are you aware that Griffin was reporter for the Northern

      Star * 1 am . Were you in friendly communication with Griffin ? I was . Are you aware that as representing the Manchester district , he bad a very good salary of £ 75 a-year ? I dont know what he got . Are you not aware that be was very much annoyed at having lost that ? He was . Now , was not Griffin discharged from his office as reporter for the Northern Star prior to the meeting of delegates ? Yea .

      Now , I will ask you a question , and answer it honestly—on your oatb , are yon not aware that Griffin was discharged for having given garbled and wrong reports of the meetings of the Chartists ? Not to my knowledge . On your oatb , did not M'Douall say , when be proposed that there should be no report of ths speeches that he could not rely on the accuracy of Griffin ' s reports , and that he did not wish to be misrepresented ? Not to my knowledge . Did I not at one * tell Griffin to remain and take notes of all he liked , after I had discharged him ? You did . When did you first give over taking an active part

      after the meeting in August ? After I came from Chester . Did yeu issue any publications t Yea .. Wbec- ? , Sometime , intervening between my arrest and the time of the conference . Did you issue an address on tbe 14 th of September ? Not to my knowledge . Was any address refused in the NoriAem Star about that time ? Not that I know of . Did you publish one in the Evening Star ? Tell me tbe time . Ths 14 th of September ?

      Yes . Was that address refused insertion in the Northern Star ? The address bore my name . Who first examined you ? Mr . Drake . Where ? At Chester . Were you then unwilling te come ? I was . How soon after you had consented to Mr . Irwin that you would come , did Mr . Drake examine you ? The next day . How often have you been in Griffin ' s company , from that time to the present ? I have not been in his company till I started on this

      journey . Yon distinctly sweai that ? I do . What did Mr . Drake or Mr . Irwin say to you , when he asked yon to give this information ? They pointed out the difficulty and danger I was in , and at last I consented to give evidence . On wh&t condition ? Unconditionally . Wholly unconditionally ? Yes . How many of the persons who met at tbe Conference were unknown to yon ? I can't say . How many were perfect strangers ? Some of them were .

      Hew many ? I don't know the number . Was there a youth admitted ? Yes . Now , Sir , you have attended hundreds of meetings . On your « &tb , and I ask you boldly , did yen ever bear me express one word er a sentence at variance with the duty of a good subject ? Not to my knowledge . That is , yon did not hear me . Have you heard me complain , and complain londly , of the misrepresentation that I had to encounter , and that tbsre was no man in England who had been so much misrepresented through the medium of tbe press as I bad . Yon have .

      Have you not beard me in tbe most emphatic and convincing language that it was possible for a man to lay his tongue to endeavour to point out to tbe people the folly of violating the peace in any , tbe slightest respect ? You have . Do you know a man of better character in tbe world than James Leach ? I do not . How long have you knows him ? Several years . About what time was tranquillity restored in Manchester ? "Very soon after tbe Conference . X will ass : you , as an honest man , whether or no yea think that the object of tbe Conference , and the tendency of the speeches made , was to preserve toe peace , and to keep tke people out of violence ? I believe it was .

      Now , Sir , I place before yon a file et Ha , Evening Siar of the 14 th of September , 1842 . Was the address of the South 7 < t"fg » T |} w !| delegates to their constituents written by you ? It was .. The file of tbe above newspaper was put in , and the officer of tbe Court read from it tbe . following address * . — " the adobess op the south Lakcashisb delegates TO THEIR CONSTITUEHTS , AND THB CHABTISTS GBMEEAL 1 T .

      " Brothers is Bondage and ik H » opb , —We conceive it to be our c&ty to address yor ( at thiB critical juncture in the affairs of this cl& ' js . ridden country . Since last we met on your behalf many have been tbe struggles in which you have bad to engage in your different localities . Though ttKd conflict is fearful , tha contest is not doubtful whep . a united people firmly

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      stand against the unri ghteous aggressions of © lass-constituted tyranny . Daring these last few weeks , the monstrous power of tbe capital in the hands of the middle class has beea ^ niore specially arrayed against the hand that gave it birth . After enjoying all the comforts and luxuries of life—tlottng in voluptuousness as the swine wallows : in the mira—the middle classtB , both Whig and Tpry , fcava united all their power for the purpose of depriving the honest ariiean not only of the commonest ; comforts , but even those

      necesiaries which make life desirable or rather bearable . The position in which ; we are now placed by the scheming of our oppressors ^ calls for prudence as well as courage on our part , that the pit dug for out destruction may receive those who ! are & curse to our exiatencev 7 : 9 pe wives look at our progress with anxious eyes , awf with feelings of anguish ask bow long shall the oppressor triumph ? Our children cry for bread , and when we meet to consult together , our rulers give us slicks , bludyrons , steel , and lead , and then they call upon us to obey the law .

      <•« When pinched with want all reverence they withdraw , Fer hungry multitudes obey no law . ' So sung the Roman poet Lucan : and later experience h » s proved the truth of the sentence ; for the only things which the present unjust lawB of England in operation are the enormous physical force powers of the ruling few , and the disunion of tbe working many . Under these it is moat politic to keep within tbe grade of the law , if possible , though all must admit that tnU is

      very difficult . What may be quite legal in one is treasen in another unfortunate wight The fact is , there is one law for the rich and another for the poor . Nothing can more clearly evince this than the conduct of the powers that be during the last six months . Whilst the tools of the rich Anti-Corn Law League were going through the land pouring forth their inflammatory moonshine , advising the people to repeal the Corn Laws even by the point of tbe sword—to go in thousands , and tens of thousands atod demand bread—to destroy the breadtasers root and branch . YestheBe

      " < Speakers turbulent and bold Of venal eloquence that serves for gold And principles that might be bought and sold , ' went forth and endeavoured to cause a popular outcry against these obnoxious laws . Yet do warrants are issued for speaking sedition / neither are they arrested for conspiring , even when tbe ma chinations of these men produced the late strike , so long as it was likely that it could be used for the accomplishing of the schemes of the free trade gentry ; there is nothing talked of but bow they must support the people by these lovers of fair play . No sooner do the brave \ and honest trades of Manchester declare for principle , and the people in every part respond to the call—no sooner is the tocsin of the Charter sounded—no sooner is the

      breaking of the bonds , of the slave proclaimed , than all the middle class unite . The press marks the victims . The Government , strong in arms , sends forth tbe harpies of the law to seiae—spies to concect and convict , and thus endeavour to stifle free discussion , and put down democrasy . It is the duty of every Chartist to buckle on his armour afresh , and renew the fight with increased vigour and energy until signal success shall crown our efforts . Let us so rally our forces as to convince even our oppressors that we ore determined to achieve our liberty in spite of every opposition , and that nothing short of political power to protect our labour will satisfy tha working classes of this country . The pulpit and the press are teeming with calumny and abuse against you and those who

      have honestly dared to support the rights of labour against tbe aggressions of heartless capitalists . The bar is showering torrents of misrepresentation to induce middle class juries to convict your best friends ; whilst the bench Ib waiting with anxiety to dungeon aud expatriate those who have possessed so much of tbe milk of human kindness aa to declare for right against might Let not these things discourage you , but rather stimulate you to make an effort to bring this unrighteous system of class-legislation to an end . Do all you can to , show yonr sympathy with those who are victimised on your behalf . Spate all yon can for the support of their families , and thereby cheer the inmates of tbe gloomy cell , and encourage others to beard tyranny in its den . Spread tbe principles of Chartism—tbe principles of

      truth and justice—m your own neighbourhoods . Let every Chartist endeavour to make one convert , confirm oDe wavering mind every week . We would ask , ia this too much for seven days . Look round—how many of your acquaintances are ignorant of true politics-rare careless about political power—are halting between two opiaions ? Here . Is a field for the exercise of every diversity of talenIS Let none say he is not qualified , but to work at once ; for whilst we admit the usefulness of lectures , and speeches , and resolutions , we confess that it is each man , doiDg his own work , that must carry the People ' s Charter . It is necessary to send lecturers V ) break up the fallow ground . There ia much of thfe yet ; and one particular part we would call your especial attention to at this time . Ireland has

      many , very many , things to impede tbe spread of the pure principles of freedom ; and though O'Higgins , and his brave band , assisted by the Northern Star , have dose much to dispel the mist from the miada ol our brethren of the sister isle , yet tkere remains much to be done ; and , in our opinion , nothing ia more calculated to produce that cbaage so much desired , than to send a man of sterling honesty to open the © yea of the blind , and to remove the veil of prejudice from the minds of those who have been led to believe that the working classes of England were'the enemies of their brethren , the working classes of Ireland , If each locality belonging to the National Charter Association , would subscribe only one penny a week , and sixpence as a first subscription to start the fond , we should have as much as would support one , and something more . Ia this way tbe principles of Chartism could and would be made known where they bad never been

      heard ef only through a distorted medium . This can be done in a legal and constitutional way . without endangering any one or placing a burden upon the shoulders of any person . " , We feel the delicacy of calling upon you for pecuniary support at this critical period of general distress , and when so many claims are made upon an impoverished people ; but this subject bos been two months be « fore tbe people of South Lancashire , and they have confirmed the recommendation by commencing the fond , as they have a man they can confidently recommend for this work . Mr . P . M . Brophy has consented to undertake this object as soon as there is sufficient in the fund to enable him to commence his lectures in his native land . Some localities may be bo eituated as to be able to devote a collection after a lecture occasionally to this great and glorious objeat , and thus the flag of freedom may be made to wave on every breeze that wafts across the Emerald Isle .

      " All subscriptions for this object to be sent to Mr . James Gartledge , 34 , Lomas-street , Bank-top , Manchester . And now , in conclusion , brother Chartists and friends , we trust that you will press on to tbe mark of your high calling in the People's Charter . "We are yours , " In the bond of Union , William Cornett , Henry Worthington , John Butterworth , Robert M'Farlane , Dan Haslem , Edward Hall , William Woodrooffe , William White , Robert Beaumont , i Ashten Aahten . Thomas Railton , Chairman . James Cartledge , Secretary . "

      Cross-Examination resumed—Now , Mr . Cartledge , on your oath , was not that address sent to the Evening Star because the Northern Star refused to publish it ? I sent copies to both . Did it appear la the Northern Slav ? I believe it did . Don ' t you know that it did not , and that there were complaints in consequence ? The complaint was that the names were omitted . I believe you and Mr . Griffin have been very intimate in writing these things together ? Yes . You wrote part and he wrote part ? Yea . The conversation between you and M'Douall appears to have been very unguarded . When was it that he referred to the placard " Run for gold ?" At the Conference . On your oatb , did you not say that it was on the 16 th . Don't you know that they were dispersed on the

      16 th ? Yes . Whea you were elected , were you not chosen to sit at a Conference at Carpenter ' s Hall , and was not that tbe place in wbleb if was originally to have been held ? I believe it was . When you gave up the office of journeyman to tbe Holme Co-operative Stores , did you give up the books ? I did . You don't know bow the accounts stand ? Not exactly . ' Where have you been for the last three weeks ? In Manchester . A fortnight ago , I was at Lymm , in

      Cheshire . How long were yon there ? I went one day and came back tbe next . And during the last three weeka , you faave never seen Griffin ? ; Not before last Sunday night . Wben did yon leave Lymm , to come beie ? On Tuesday . Where did yos see Griffin ? At Lymm . When ? Last Sunday night . " Where did he come from ? He said Ireland . Who came with him ?

      Mr . Irwin . Where did he ge to from Lymm ? To Lancaster . Where did j on remain ? At Lancaster . In company with Griffin and Irwin ? Yes . Of course not one word spoken about ^ wbat yon were to say here ? No . Not a sentence ?

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      No . ; You never spoke a word to Griffin or Irwia , did you ? There might be something said . If a& , what was it ? *• : The principal conversation referred to the dangers in which I and Griffin were placed . Had that a powerful effect upon you ? It had . Did you go and see your wife ? No .

      Do yon mean to say upon your oath that not one word wsb said about this trial except the " dangers " you were in during the whole time you were together ? I cant't say that i Were you told that you were relieved from considerable danger ? \ - I bad no promise made to me whatever to that effect . Did any one tell you to say that you had no promise whatever ? i No . Have yon lived in the bouse with Griffin since you can \ 9 here ? Yes . Did you eat beef steaks and onions together on Tuesday night ?—( Laughter . ) No .

      Did you sup together ? We did . Was there any Conversation ? No . Did you meet Irwin yesterday ? Ytfs ; I and Griffin . What was said ? We wanted to know how the trial was going on . And nobody could tell you ? Not a word —( Laughter . ) Had you any conversation with Irwin before you came into Court to-day ? No .

      Did any body tell yeu that the crown was falling to make out a cuse ?—( Much laughter , in which the Attorney- Ganeial joined . ) : Did you pay your expences in Lymm 1 I did not . : Was it absolutely necessary for you to go there ? I don't know . How did you go ? With Mr . Irwin . \ Does he keep a good house ? I did not go to bia bonse . Who paid your expenses to Lymm ? Mr . Irwin .

      Who paid for your living there ? Mr . Irwin . Wiao is paying for your living here ? # : Mr . Irwin . How long ia it since you have been at work ? I have been partly at work ever since I came from Cheater . What sort of work ? Part of the time at my school , and part of the time with a bookseller . How much have you earned since you left Chester ? I can't say . What did your school make for you ? Perhaps 6 s . or 7 s a-week . Have you seen your examination ? No . And yoa have had no conversation about this trial with Griffin , or Irwin , or Beswick , or any one ? No .

      You may go . ' By M'Cartney—I am aware that the object of the credentials being produced and read at the meeting of delegates was to show that the delegates had been legally and properly elected at public meeting . By the Attorney General—Tbe manuscript of the placard was in the hand-writing of Dr . M'DoualL I have seen him write several times . I mean by the Chartists having insulted my wife , that in her presence , they called me a traitor . I did not hear any objection mode to Mr . Griffin being present at the meeting of delegates , aa a reporter , on the ground of bis reports being inaccurate . Dr . M'Douall alluded ! to several other reporters . I understood he was driving at Mr . Hill , as reporter for the Northern Star ? Mr . Hill attended the meeting as a delegate , but be distinctly said that himself and Griffin were the only reporters in the room , and that they might trust to his discretion not to publish anything that would prejudice the delesates , I

      Witness—Perhaps , my Lord , you will allow me to explain why I did not think it would be of any advantage to me for my wife to come to Chester ? Judge—Certainly . - Witness—They sent her to Induce me to take my trial , instead of traversing . She attempted to persuade me to do so , bat I would not . ; George Barlow , examined by Mr Hildyard—In the month of August lost I was an apprentice to Mr . Turner . I assisted him in printing a placard called the address of the " Executive Committee . '' I don't know who brought the manuscript They said that if we could not make out the writing , wa were to apply at Leach's .

      In the afternoon a person called to see a proof of the placard . My master addressed him as Dr . M'DoualL The proof was not ready . He requested it might be sent , when ready , to NobletVa house . The same person returned with tbe proof , with some corrections marked upon it . Tbe proof now produced is the same . On the 17 th , tbe same person again came to Mr . Turner ' s shop . He said he wanted a part of it taking out , as it might , bring some trouble on them . My master ( told him It would be a great deal of trouble to take the ] matter out and he consented to leave it in . The directions were that the bill posters were to have the whole of the bills , with the exception of fifty , which were to be sent to Noblett ' s , !

      By Sergeant Murphy—I am quite certain that the person who brought the proof abeet , answered to tbe name of M'Douall . j Thomas Sutton , also an apprentice to Mr . Turner , gave similar evidence , aud stated that whea he took a proof sheet of the placard to the shop of Leach , a person who was addressed as Dr . M'Djuall , road a portion of it . The witness identified the proof sheet produced as that returned by M'Douall . \ John Heap , examined by Mr . Pollock— 1 \ am constable of Todmorden . I know Robert Brook , echeolmaster , living there . I had a warrant to apprehend him on the 5 th of September . I took him at his jown house . I found some books and papers . { These were produced . ) I told Mr . Brook what I had come about After I had found the papers , he said that if he had known I was coining , he would not have had either books or papers . I banded over the papers to Mr . Eastwood , solicitor , of Todmorjen . '

      By Mr . Dundas—When I showed tbe warrant to Brook , he looked at it , and mode no objection to the bonse being searched . . ] Mr . Eastwood , solicitor , deposed to the fact of having received the booka and papers alluded to from the preceding witness . . Luke Barker , schoolmaster , HickeDbnry Clongh , inspected the papers , and identified tbe writing to be that of Brook's . He also marked some passages in tbe books , which be said had been written by Brook . By Mr . Dundas—I went to a night school with the defendant about seven years . He and I have written together . I have not seen any of his writing since last summer . j By Mr . Athorton—Do yon conjointly with your profession of a schoolmaster , unite the trade of a journeyman tailor ? Witness ( indignantly ) what do you mean , Sir ?—( laughter ) . !

      Mr . Alherton—Were you never a journeyman tailor , at Stalybridge ? j Witness— I was never in Stalybridge in my life . — ( The witness retired amidst laughter ) . , Some time was occupied in comparing the original manuscript found in Brook's possession , with & fair copy made by Mr . Eastwood , and another gentleman , who acted aa the defendant's adviser . The orthography In the original was very imperfect , and much difficulty was experienced in deciphering the documents . The papers appeared to be narratives of what was the feel-, log of the Chartists in several districts with which the defendant was acquainted . The papers were pnt in and read . They possess no interest . !

      William Heap examined by Sir G . Lswln—I live at Egliobottem , near Todmorden . I remember being at a meeting held on the 18 < h of August , at a place called Basin Stone . Robert Brook , the defendent , was there . He made a speech , saying that he bad been to a delegate meeting at Manchester . Whilst he was there , he said that a man came with a letter , but he would not say who it was from . It stated that some thousands of men had gone to the barracks at Leeds , and were masters of tbe town at that minute . He called upon the meeting to be firm , and sold , " I move that ? e never go into work until the Charter becomes

      the law of tbe land . Some of you , perhaps , can't do without work , but I tell you to go to the overseers , and if they won't relieve you , we must try some means else . " He then moved a resolution that jwe should meet that evening near the railway arches , at Todmorden . Another moved that we should gojsix-abreast to Todmorden , At this time , all the people were unvoorking . I know the valley between Todmorden and Hebden Bridge . I remember seeing a { large number of persons in that valley . There were many thousands . They marched in the direction of Halifax . Tbe valley was in a Btate of excitement for several days . A

      . . .. By Mr . Dandaa—I was requested to go to the meeting by my brother , John Heap , constable . He told me to go and see if there was any disturbance ^ and if so , to let him know . I did not take any notes at the meeting , eut I" set it down" when I got to Todmorden . By Mr . O'Connor—Brook is a lame man / and walks with a cratch—( laughter ) . j John Heap recalled , and examined by the Attorney-General—I got a copy of the placard I aow produce ( the Address of the Executive Committee ) from a party Who was posting them In Todmorden , on the day of the meeting .

      James Wilcox examined by the Attorney-General—I live at Asbton-under-Lyne . I remember , ja meeting being held at Thacker ' s foundry , at Ashton , on the 1 st or 2 nd of August I took some candles to the Chartist news-room , at Choxlestowu . I found the room divided by means of pack-sheeting ' . There cere a number of persons there . I knew one of them—Richard Pilling . He | appeared to be acting as Chairman . They were talking about the beading of a placard . ; He &aid it should be headed " Tbe reckoning day is nigh . " I saw

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      a placard afterwards on the walls , but I could only read the beading of it , without putting on glasses . As fax as I can remember , the words were— " The reckoning is nigh . " By Mr . 0 'Con . nor—Daring these diatnrbances , I was very uneasy La my mind . I did not attend any meetings of the Anti-Corn Law League . I did attend a meeting where complaints were made that parties bad got the people oat of work , and then turned upon them . I tbouabt the condition of the people so bad as to induce me to make a representation of it to the Government The working classes generally understood that there were to be three reductions ef wages before Christmas . My opinion was that thera were parties in

      Ashton desirous to bring about a tumult , in order . to prevent the Chartists having their meetingj I will give my reasons . While I was in the company of a gentleman , he said there would be three redactions of wages before Christmas , that then there would only be two parties left—the Corn-Law repealers and Tories , and it was for the people to take whom they liked , I have beard Mr . O'Connor address thepeople of Ashton twice , and I should think his speeches were not calculated to lead to a disturbance . I have never heaid him recommend anything calculated to lead . to a violation of the law . I have read his speeches in the Northern Star , and I always found that he cautioned the people against being led into a snare . By M'Cartney—The general tendency of the speeches I have beard have bee ? , of a peaceable character . Samuel Shepley , examined by Mr . Hildyard—I am a cotton-spinner , at Brookfoot , near Glossop . Early

      on the morning of the 20 th of August , five men came to our house , at five o'clock in the morning , and said that we should have plenty of company that day , as they were coming to level the premises . They said they were coming in the direction of Ashton and Stalybridge . Seme time after , a mob did come , armed with sticks . In consequence of the threats I had experienced , I sent to Glossop for the military . The mob smashed the windows of the warehouse and windows of the house . They attempted to force open the gates . I had threatened to fire upon them . At length something heavy came against the gate , and I took a double-baTeUed gun , and struck both barrels , but they missed . I then took a single barrelled gun , and fired it I was intending to load it again * when five or six persona seized tbe gun . I then fired a pistol which I carried in my pocket , and immediately upon which the mob ran in all directions .

      By Mr . O'Connor—I believe I wounded one man very severely . By Mr . Hildyard—The constable was struck at , and three of his teeth knocked out A witness named Henry Lees was called to prove tbe hand-writing of John Lewis , one of the defendants ; Some papers alleged to be in bis band-writing were puft in , aud it was understood that they should be read at tbe sitting of tbe Court on Monday morning . The Court rose at ten minutes before five o ' clock .

      MONDAY—FIFTH DAY . His Lordship took his seat at nine o'clock . A number of documents were put in by the Attorney-General as evidence against tbe defendants . The following witnesses were then examined : — Edwin Sheppard—I am a superintendent for the Blackburn lower division of police , I was in tbe performance of my duty in August last Ou the 15 th , was called to quell some disturbances . The military also were called out . There was an attack upon Bogttt at Brierloy's factory . This was about eleven o ' clock . When I got there , I found a party of two hundred scaling the gates . I ordered my men forward , and took several of the parties into custody . The military drew np across the turnpike road , later in the day . I saw another mob on the turnpike road . There would be frem 1 , 500 to 2 , 000 persons . Five men were in front ,

      one of whom appeared to act as leader . He said , " Now , chaps , bow ia it to be ? Are we to ge quietly or not t Because if not , we will do so by force . ' * Some of the others dissented from that and said " hush , hush , that is not what we want t we want to go quietly into the town , and turn out the hands , until we get a fair day ' s wages for a fair day ' s work . ' * He endeavoured to persuade them to go away peaceably , as all their endeavours would be resisted . They refused and we took some of them into custody . The rest of the mob dispersed over the fiejda . At a subsequent part of the day an attack was made upon Messrs . Hop wood ' s mill , and the windows of the counting house broken . I saw copies of the hand-bill now produced ( the address of the Executive Committee ) in the hands of several parties . I found one of them in the possession of a man named Gibson . Ha is not a defendant

      Mr . Wortley—There is a alight alteration , my Lord , in the hand-bill . Instead of the passage , " Englishmen , the blood of your brothers redden the streets of Preston and Bmckburn , " the town of Halifax was added . William Griffin , formerly reporter for the Northern Star , was then called . P-evions to being sworn , Mr . Atherton asked him whether he believed in a Supreme Being , and in a future state of rewards and punishments ? To both of which questions he replied in the affirmative . William Griffin , examined by ( the Attorney- General- — I lived in Manchester , in Auguot last My occupation was that of a reporter . I reported for the Northern Star , tbe political movement of the country . I was present at a meeting of delegates , tu conference , at

      Manchester , on the' 17 th of August . 1 am personally acquainted with moat of tbe parties -Who were there . I did not take their names down . Mr . Scholefleld was there , but not a * a delegate . Mr . O'Connor , Dr . M'Douall , Bairstow , James Leach , John Leach , Christopher Doyle , Parker , Harney , Hill , Bayley , Railton , Arran , Cooper , Campbell , M'Cartney , Skevington , a boy named Ramaden , represented the juvenile portion of the population , and Mr . Mooney were present . A resolution was proposed by Mr . Bairstow and seconded by Mr . O'Connor . I obtained s copy of it from the secretary on the following morning . It was published in the Northern Star . I believe it is a correct version of tbe resolution . There were two amendments proposed , one by Mr . Hill , and another by Parkes . Mr . Hill ' s was a negative of the original . I

      I did not take a minute of it The resolution was carried by a large majority . The minority agreed to go witb vbe majority . ' I did not take a foil report , because they passed & resolution prohibiting tne from publishing it . Several persons who voted with the minority agreed to go witb the majority . It was a general understanding . An address was proposed . I did not take a note of it The address was read . I wrote two copies from the original . It was given into my hands by FearguB O'Connor . It was given to me in Mr . Schoiefleld ' a chapel on tbe same day of the Conference . I went with Mr . Hill to his hotel , and wrote two copies , one for the Northern Star , and another for the British Statesman . I saw a copy of it afterwards in the Northern Star . I read it twice , and I saw no alteration in it I can't say that I know Thomas Mahon .

      By Mr . Balnea—I was employed by the Northern Star till the beginning of Jane last I left of . my own accord , and came over to Manchester . I did not apply to Mr . ScLolefleld for relief . I asked for the loan ef 5 a . and he lent it to me . - I was a painter originally , and Mr . Scholefield employed me in painting bis chapel . I afterwards became secretary to Hunt's Monument Committee . This would be about June . I remember suggesting to Mr , Schplefleld the expediency of having a meeting of delegates to commemorate the erection of the monument ; and I also suggested that at that meetisg the delegates should consider the differences which existed among the Chartist body . Another object was to reconsider the organization of the Chartist body , In order to see whether there was anything illegal in it , and to alter it , if found necessary . The Committee

      agreed to adopt my suggestion . Every means waa taken to make this extensively known throughout the country . I acted as secretary to the Monument Committee for six or seven weeks , down to the time of the delegates' meeting . Mr . Scholefleld is a Dissenting Minister ; the sect is generally called " Cowardites . " He also practices as an apothecary . Mr . Coward , tbe founder of the sect , did so before him . Mr . Scholefield has a surgery , which adjoins the chapel . Mr . Scholefield did not take any part in the proceedings of the delegates . Part of the time , I should think he was attending to his ordinary business . He enly remained for a short period , to ask a question or give information . The Conference lasted six or seven hours . The first time I gave information on this matter was in the middle of September . Inspector Irwin applied to me about it

      By Sergeant Maiphy—I am acquainted with James Cartledge . I have known him two years and a half . We have written together . I think I am acquainted with the general character of his writing . I have not seen the original manuscript of the Executive Committee ' s address . 1 have seen what they call the proof sheet 1 can't swear who the corrections have been made by . 1 have said that 1 believed it was in the hand-writing of Cartledge , but as it was forced from me by tbe barrister 1 did not swear to any body . 1 was forced to tell whose hand-writing it was . I said 1 did not know , but 1 believed it was Cartledge ' s . 1 did not

      give intimation to anybody that if 1 was called upon 1 would give evidence . 1 have been inducing others to give evidence . 1 have never had any differences with Mr . O'Connor . He never said that as a reporter 1 waa not giving that Impulse to the paper which 1 ought . 1 gave him a month's notice , if be did not give me the names of the parties who were complaining . Since the time 1 agreed to give evidence , 1 have been in Ireland . 1 was not following any profession . 1 wai provided for , but not by the Government that 1 know ot 1 was supplied by Mr . Irwin . It would not aVerage five shillings a week . That was not my sole subsistence . 1 paid no bills . Mr . Irwin was responsible .

      By Mr . Atberton—Whilst I was to Manchester I associated with Chartists . Their professed object was to bring about some political change . They sought to obtain the ris points of the Charter . Tbe meeting of the 17 th of August had been projected for some time before the strike . When that meeting waa projected , the object was avowed ; namely , io reorganise tbeconstltatlon of the Chartist body , in order to see whether there waa anything illegal in it , and also to heal certain differences which existed among tbe party . Cross-examined by Mr . O'Connor—1 think you stated that you gave me notice to leave my employment ? Yea . Whether waa it that I gave you notice or yo » gave me notice ? ( Cvntitwedinwr Ei § h < h page . )

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      i ; . ; ¦ . : y JHfi NORTHERN ST Aff' ? ¦ _ " " ^ ¦ ¦¦ — ' " - ~

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), March 11, 1843, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct793/page/7/