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CHESTER ASSIZES.
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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^ ( Continued frm our 2 nd pag * . ) fcjgioD of that wealth which too create . Tee bar-J& tzrls . ee of the tail itself has bo Taloe—raw Kjran bag no ralae—gold can procure no subatanoxl riaae until ome asd all revive the sterling mark ftjjn your sinews and from yoor muscles . ( Great igerine . ) Your ruler * c *_> ot eat earth—they jKiuot eat cotton—they « &nnot « at gold , aeither tr they bnj- -with it without your exertions ( Cieers . ) He mi ght then he asked bow he woald ria edy that— : kt answer was ea « T , and might Ve ^ ected without plaiidtr or robbery . He contended aitbu : for the anoraalou * and tJestroctive conditions jjacaoned hj eastern and legalised by law , which Itatioras are allowed to annex in leasing power , ^
tfiat the land of tb » three countries u capable of tappordBg in afflseac * , comfort , and splendour , ux times the amount of their present population . ( Loud « &eera . ) In order to prove the iniquity of the sjkteic , he would tonviacingly expose tke result ! prodseed by class legitlatioa , from wbick taanated that social disorder which the preaerratioa of political distinction eneesdered . One hundred acres of laad in Scotland , nay , one thousand acres tu eonwiered a imall farm , and ltt them let whether or not & more convenient and jut distribation would be to increase the comfort of the human family , while at the same time it would increa » # the rent and by fifty-fold increase the secanty
of the landlord . ( Loud and long continued cheering . ) Tile then the minimum « f 100 acre *—i : will support a m * n , iiia wife , and five children , with three libonrers , and leare them little profit gvre responsibility ; while the gams handred acr «« subdivided into lets of five acres each would open the field for — err man ' s industry , would supply to every man a ftor * of wholesome food , would furnish t » every man themsana of healthful and natural employment , would mate every man a national soldier , wonld eapport in e « mfort him * elf , and wifi , and five chiL drea , thoj giriug comfort to one hundred and forty instead of ten individaak , -while it increaaea the security of the landlord from one pair tc twenty pair of strong anus and to—» unded with affectionate , with twenty grateful hearts , a batter and more
valuable garrison for tie protection of his life , his liberty , Sid his property , than the musket and tie bayonet of the mercenary , whether he be a soldier or a policeman- ( Chearing which lasted for several minute * ) Thu system would be resorted to by the landlords themselves , if exclnnve legislation was ones deprived of itsp » wer of distributing the wealth of the canon , but so long as exclusion gave political paerer , gad political power the right to plunder , * o long touM the word ^ Universal Suffrage , even morally Bsed , carry with it the magic physical horror of the torch , the dagger , and the cannan . ( Loud cheers . ) And yet , said Mr . O'Connor , the moralphilosspaera preserve this power by physical force of tie rerj won ; description O'Connell sygnificantly asied Lord John Russell whether i : were true that Ireland
had been abl « to spare another regimeat for tbe establishment of order ia England ? and Lord John ttiwered in the affirmuive . ( Groans and hisses . ) Bat the moral liberator of his country forgot to tell the people that before Ireland was in the condition to spare five thousand troops for tae suppression of opinion in England , that he , Daniel O'Connell , had aided and abetted in procuring a substitute of nine taeusand policemen . ( Eeaeweii groan * and hisses ) And lei it be understood , that although there is something awful in the name of standing army , that sine thousand policemen cost as muc ' a as twenty thousand soldiers . ( Hear , hear , and " Saame . ' ') Mr . O'Consor thtn explained wherein it was
ixnposable to keep up tkis state of ihiags , shewing that the positive act * » f the Radicals did not more * erre teem than tbe acts tf the "Whi g * themselves , wkich looser or later muit destroy their own power . ( Chwrg . ) Ht said , let the people weigh the differance between the profit on their production aad the prsni on their cen * aroption . Tbe profi t of their labour upon ten pounds worth of raw cotton , was not mor « than five shillings , while the proS : oa ten pound ' s worth of wheat is fifteea pounds ( shame , shamt ) , jnsj sixty times tke profit taa : there is upon the productions . Now wheat being toe commodity which regulates th * price of til other production * , ough : to »? regulated by its
mastar , which is labour . ( Cheers . ) But so regardless were tie ga . mbl * rs in fictitious money as to all rales of demand and supply , that labour , which ought to be master , has become the servant , and ii subservient to all ficeraado :: * in traie , commerce , smd agriculture . ( Cheers ) Bj all thii , ha wi * ied to saow th * rn , that , although a man would nearly starve on £ 2 d a-jtar , if furnished with a field for his labour , h « wsuld both pay tie rent and live and support nil family in afflsence . He [ Mr . O'C ] would then direct them 10 the effect of the Reform Bill , which was to place the ma . nufa * iuring interest fn ths aacsndency tver th « landed interest . The lisdlardj if he W 2 J a n-ra . at conld oalv be so twice a year , while aaip ' . e ipate sraj left tor repentance and csstridon ; but tie zaaa who derived we . iiib froB evenr gtrote of the eisain- engine m-jst , from
iae systaai of compeauin , either bt a tyrant or a bejrzar tvery hour in the day : if he relaxed ha wat raised—if be persevwed he was a tjrant . ( Che » r * . ) Sonietsse ago they had been joined by Mmtz , Douglas , and Co ., travellers witn sample * of muskets , and preachers of Pei . ce , L + w , aaJ Order . ( Lo = d isughter , rb ^ ers , and groans . ) He ( Mr . O'C . ) too was for Peace , Law , and Order , provided tea : ii exbted for all ; bat if not for all , it ought no : to exist for any . ( Cheers . ) The Reformer * had got their share of Reform—Man z and Co . had got toeir « h&re of Universal Suffrage—and thu 3 it was that the peopla were ever Wax by tbe axu « l manner in Vaicb their leaders were battled on * againt the « ker . He aiied , then , waether or not it was not marveili / UJ that the General Convention—opposed bv aa interest a . T > d eonstnicnon of l * w—^ -surrounded
by Pinsical Fores—b « set by traitors , and weak § ned by drsercoa—had held iU grojnd as it had done ? ( Aye , and cheera for tbe Coav « ation . ) The men of Laicaab . ire were 'try * njry xbout the Sacred Month , beeiase , in ignorance of tbe Scottish min ^ , they had cakilated upon your entire support—for they are a * tout-bearted , a brave , and a determined people —not easily disturbed in their ifffct . ozs , witfaont ji-jt e « . us « being shown—aiwajs patient in h «» ria ^ , * od praaent ia gmnjr judgment—tiey too bai a sioi in the locker yet . ( Cheers . ) They now find tiev . too . wanted more organiaition ; and tbej
would hail with enthojnasni and becoming delight the beamiBg « un of liberty which had risen on the Fozutsenth in brightne . < s and splendour , before » h : * e ref . lgect ray * rhe thick mi- * t of opprewion EUitfide , and-for ever . ( Loud ani lonjj continued ebeerizg . ) Mr . O'Connor thu ^ concluded the able # t of hit caany addrfttfes in G ] a « goa- , whieh occupied nearly two hours in delivery , and which , throughout , wjs responded to by cheers which liberally shook tbe hoiidisg to its ceutr » . In the building , tha size of » hi"h ii imaense , and upon the street oppooi ; # , there coc ' . d not be less this 20 , 00 » souls present .
if .-. Maso . v , froaa the Northern Political Onion , then stepped forward , and was received witii loud eiters . H * « aid he hid keen sent t » * ee if thev were "* pt » the max * " —were they * o ? ( " Yes , " "N » . ^ S " ere thev prepared to exerri . « e tbe ritibl of ciri-WEi ? (" " Yes . " ) And ye % in 1339 , uader a Britinh G-ovemment , &er had tbe hosour of being slave ? . Eazl&aa , whoh . ad bten raided by her ar'i * ans to that height of power , a * to be able to bid defiance to the world , was reduced to so lo * an ebb as to appeal
to Fr < uiee for an amount of money to support her ry < Unv . Mr . Mawa then spoke at some length on the unequal distribution of property , and the fiigrant ab ;* e . y tbe people had t » ? obinjt to , acd xrated that the people of England were prepired for a eh&aze , and that they only waited for Scotland and Ireland to join tbt-m ; and when tbe standard of liberry was raised in Britain , it would be the bp ^ incbg of the reign of Hber'y through the world . During ths " deliTerinz of Lis rpsech , Mr . M- was frequsntly caetred .
31 r . M'Crae , from Ayr , Deitadorw ^ ed the meetice in a speech teemiDg witk poericsl effosions . He sail it gladdened bis heart to » ee Scstsmen once oars tike to their heatby hill * in defecce o ( civil Hber ^ ; acd tie rime was coming waen tbe tracts wo ^ id take to their bended knee , and implore those ttigs which they denird to those whom they op-? re ^» ed . Mr . Dcscan delegate from Edinburgh , shortly terrened the meeting . He recommended them to f « "tn tbenvelve * into " A « sceJa . tioji 5 , and to enrol their Esmej in tbe lisa of Radical ? , and that tbe _ que » - ti cf moral force skouU be buriea in oblivion . T 2 «" r w ? . tch-word ouiht now to be union , energj , ^ d prudence .
Mr . Gii-ltstve ttearfad a petition to t-e Qaeen ; -Wbaif of the tiree men wbo were condemned to " * execcted , and moved that it be iiopttd as the J * tid .-. a of the metUEg , which tra * seconded , and f * i » ed ua inimouflv . J'otc * of thaaks were then « i » en to Messrs . O ' Csscor ai : d Mason , who returned thank ? . Mr . •* Co ; ror imvei a vce of thacts to the Cbairrsan , * -3 to ? k occasion to ? a _« s a high eulfgiam on his l -5 . * ieter a « a mza asd a patriot . Jkne cbeer ^ xere : hm gire ^ for rbe Conveuriar . ^ itae raecnag separ ^ tei-
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CROWN COURT . — Wtdnetday , Augutt 14 . CB 1 SQS 9 F CONSPIBACY AOAIXST OX 0 BOB THOMPSON , JA . MK 8 MITCHKLL , CHABLES BATIES , A » B T 1 M 0 THT HIGOI ^ S . Abo » t eleven o ' clock , the Grand Jury came into Court , and returned true bills agaiDtt the abovenamed prisoners . The foreman of the JuTy , Sir Richard Brook « , Bart ., asked his Lord-hip whether it was competent for them to find a bill for High Tkka . soj » , a charge which , in their opinion , tne evidence would fully bear o * t . The Learned Judge in reply said he would recommend the Grand Jury to take th « bill as preferred by tbe prosecution ; for it frequently happened taat the shades of difference between conspiracy and high treason were difficult to determine : and it was generally left to ihe
-Crown , who prosecuted , to consider the coursa they should take . He soggested to the Jury , in the course of his address , that those things , if not stopped , might and probably would amount to high treason , and he should certainly recommend , supposing the evidence that kad come before them to correspond with the depositions which he had read , to take the bill in the shape in which it was found , rather than to exercise ths judgment of jurymen respecting tbe higher offence . If the Crowa thought proper to prosecute for misdemeanour , it wan merciful that it should be so ; so it might be inconvenient to the public to take a question about * hich a doubt might arise , supposing it might be high trtason , and not a misdemeanour . If the evidence warranted a true bill against them , it would be better to find tbe bill in that shape .
Th « Foreman of the Grand Jury wished to kiotr wberber they had the power to find the bill for High Treason . Tie Jxtdoe—You hive the p « wer to find a bill r to reject a bill ; but I think you had better find such a bill as had been sent in , if tbe evidence warrants it It would be for tbe decision of the Crowa to determine whether a charge cf high treason should be preferred . The Grand Jury could not command the Crown to prefer any charge . The chirge preferred was the charge thought proper to be preferred . If tbe evidence was of such a nature as to warrant a caarge of high trei > oo , and if the prosecution ih « ught proper to adopt tbe more lenient course , that conne was one which he saver heard complained of .
The Foreman of the Gr ^ cd Jnry then stated that they had found tree bills against all the four priseners for conspiracy . The ATTOBsiT-GifEBu , Sir John Campbell , then ro «« . and adirtssing the Bench , said that if it suited tie p-blic b \ mnes « , be should be glad if those casss wtre proceeded with as soon as possible . The Learned Judok then stated that he would take those cases as soon as tbe one with which they were then engaged was ficubed , Tbe ease alluded to beiDg na : nhed * oon Afterwards , tbe prisoners were arraigned , and , the Jury having been sworn . Sassae ! Piekford , and Tbiiaas Robinfo-n , of Stockport , requested to be excused serving oa tbe ground of rending at Stockport . They were excused accordingly .
The indictment wa ? thea read , charging them with projurjig axm « , attending illegal meeting * , and di » tributirig pl&sard * , acd § o forth , with oeing wicked and evil di . po&ed person ! 1 , with trying to excite her Alaje ^ ry ' * liege subject * to a tumultuous breach of the peace ? , and to excuo w > ci « aff «; non and disobedience to tae Government and the la * i of thu Tfalm . The Attornbt-Gekeral , in opening the ca » e , said the offence with which the pr socer « st »» d charged w »» one of a vary serious nature . The Jury might have been present in Court wbea the Grand Jury of thi < county expressed a great reluet * nc « w find a bill of indictmeat agaiu « t thu
prisoners , in tbe form i * which it was preierred , taey being of opinion that from the eviiiesee th « crime amounted U treason . He bad no objection to take upon him * elf , a-t he was bound to Co , the respo ' njribiiity of directive this pr ^ ecation in a milder form . He hoped the enis ef junuce would Vt completely secured by tbe authoritative promulgation by the Jcdge of Assize , respectiDg the illegality ' of the conduct which thos « defendants were pursuing , a . ad if they -srers found guilty—for a * yet thfcy were presumed to be innoc-eni—bat if they were found guiity , by a poni-haient being awarded agiinst 'hem . which might operat « as an example Le tbe rw ^ t of the csmmunuy . He did do :
wonder at the doubw of the Grand Jury . The acts which , as he vu iR 3 tructed , would b « proved against the defendant * , at least would warrant something more than a mtre eharg' « f c « nspirs . cy , and as hia Lordship informed the Grand Jury in his charze at the coiamer , cejaea : of these Assizes , if carried forward , would amount to that of high treasoD , whereby the lives of the defendants would be liable to be forfeited to the law . The shape which that prosecution had asiumed was that * f a misdemeanour . He mest « ay tbat . tbe law seemed to him to be rather defective , for having no medium of offence * of this kind between mi * deni « MBour and hieu treason ; bat SO the law wan , and ii was their
duty to administer tbe law as they found t . Upongrave e « msideration , tho . « e who advised the Crown thought that the defendants could not be charged with any indictment for feiony , whereby they might be * ubjeci to tran » pertation ; but the indictment might ea « ly sesame the shape of high treason or of misdemeanour . He hoped he should not be condemned for pur * uir g the milder course , in calling upon them to ans * ei the charge for misdemeanour , Iot which they wiuld be liable only Jo punishment by fine and imprisonment , ajcordiDg to the ciseret on of the Court . If the evidence wu such as be was instructed it was ,
tha- tber were guilty «* roed to bin to admit of no doubt , tint they had eoBspired together to violate the law , and to ' excite to % violation of tbe law . Some of them , he was afraid , might be actuated by aercenary tno'ive *—others might be deluded . A grea ; perversion of tb » law had recently taken place amo' g a certain class of the community , respecting tke u » e of a > -nu . The law of England , a ! owed every EnRli * hma . n to use arms to de ' en-1 himself agaiE « t violt-nc * , or that he might defend himself or defend hi * dwelling-house , whore a fdony w , > uld be committed by thote sgaiust whom those arms were to be used . Bat the law of the
country did not allow , ani the law of no country cooid allow , rtat subjects should collect arm * for the purpose of violating tbe law , or of resisting lawful . lUthoritT . It would be for the Jury to lay whether thfre had not besn a coacert between t > . ese four prisoners V ) violate the lavr , and to excite others to a vio ^ aan of the law . The defendant Thompson was a gan-maker at Birmingham . He , they would find , supplied the arms . The defendant Mitchell kept a beer- ? bop ia this county . By him arms were obtained for tbe parpo * e of being distributed . Davies likewise lived at Stcckpcr :, acd they woald fiad the share that be took was a very active ihare ia th . * conspiracv . Higgia ? , the fourth defendant , lived at
AsbroD , in thu counrj of L * nca « ttr . He likewise wjs Active under Th ^ nip . oa for : be di « ir . bution ol arms for tho * e unlawful purple * . Thi * concpiracy was 8 uppo ?* d to be ia a . d ef what waj called the People ' s Charter , an 4 with the view ? , as it wa » said to rertore to the iadii « trioas clauses of tbe countn -their rights . For the industrious clas « s ot the co : mTi he fel : tbe greatest r ^ pect . To them v-e werj indebted for th-J greit Wealth r .:. l y . ow ^ : hn : t ^ w c-ounry po- ^ eJ ; i . ej ibt-j we ; e f . er tt be treated with eonsiderauoa aud respect . Em thert
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were certain person * , who far their own private p » rpotet had been seeking grossly to delude and to lead then into a course from which tbeindu * tri > UHclasseH more than any others of tho country , were likely to be the greatest nufferers . They had instilled into the mind * of the industrious classes a feeling of discontent ; hut by & proper administration of the law , tke precarious influence of the excitement would be stopped . Among a certain clas » , a delusion bad gone abroad , that they were justified wven by force of armg in askiag wbat was utrerly untenable ; and in stealing property—in sacrificing life—and in doicg that which would be » n ut {« -r subversion of law and lir > erty in thi « country . He should now de
tail to them the « vidence wh : uh ke was instructed to bring against ituch of ih « prisoners at tbe bar . As to Mrcnell , it would appear that he belonged to an association at Stockporr , where he took an active part in the proceedings of that association ; acd that on th « 30 cb of July , there being a tumultuous and unlawful assembly at Stockport , he took an active part ia that meeting , and addreasad the people who were there assembled , recommendiag pnyrical f rce j aiid , as to firearmg , naid , that be once entertained d * ubts as to tbe legality of having arms , but now , since the publication of the letter of Lord John Russell , those doubts were removed . Now , he ( the speaker ) recommended them to get a g « na pistol
, , a 8 # oru , or any thiDg to protect themselves . It wa * their duty to have arms , and to plaoe them ov « r their mantel-pieces . It was iheii dity to hav » arm * ; and to swear that they would m « ver cease to agitate until the Charter bad become the law of the laud . He should show that there was in his possession a box containing musfcet * and bayonets . He ( being a beer-seller ) wanted no firearms for sale ; but there were found tw » copies of a most abominable and mischievous publication , called ' Defensive instruction for the People , " and •;> forth , by Col . Macerone , and they mi ght see by the plate in the front of that boak what was tke nature of it . It represented a mob being armed against tbe military , and putting
Them to flight , and slaughtering them without mercy . There were found upon his premises two letters from a person of the name of Broadbent , in these words : — " July 29 , 1839 . Dear Sir , —I write to inform you to say that I am unwell , and cannot come to Stockport , as I promised . I have received the case of guns ; but he informed me \ hat h » could not make muskets with percussions under three week * . If you wish to have the articles sooner , you should say so , and then I have do doubt that I could have some aai brought them with me . The price is a deal more ; and I want you to send m « word us soon as possible , T * e price of those on hand is £ 1 Is . Od . " This
letter 4 bows you that communication had passed be tween the parties , and that ths prisoner was actually engaged In preparing and distributing those arms . Another letter from Broadbent was read , addressed to Mitchell , requesting him to send a fum of money to Birmingham . Another letter was then put in from Biggin ? , addressed to Mr . Thompson , of Birmingham , relative to the sale of thtse arm * . These letter * deariy show that Mitchell was not a regular agent employed by Thompson , merely in the way of fraud to sell commodities which he had sent to him , but that he was a member of tbe Radical Association ; and that he took an active part io organizing the multuude for the purpose of conspiracy . With regard to Davie * , he uaderstood that he was Secretary to the Association at Stockport . He was present at the meeting on the 30 th
of July ; and in his possession there was found a bullet-mould , and some manufactures of Mr . Geo . ThompsoD . There were likewise found various papers showing that he wa » implicated in the conspiracy . There was also found a bill from Mr . Thompson informing the iDbabiUBts of Ashton and its environs , that he bad taken a house in Bentinckstreet , AshtoD , where he could supply them with any description of defensive weapons , such as musk » tj , piatols , gens , and so forth . There van found upon him likewise a paper which he ( the Attoraey-General ) supposed had been submitted to the Grand Jury , and from which be did not wonder at the scruples which tbe Grand Jury entertained . There was also found upan him a document relating w the different amount * of arm * possess * d by different parties , such as the following : —
' A « hton , 900 strong , ready for physical force . Staiybridge , New Aiills , and ' Ilochdale are well prepared . Gloa ^ ep , 300 members ; Manchester , 5 ooo strong , - Dukinneld very well organized ; Hyde given ao order for 400 arms ; move that a council of publio safety be appointed . " As to Thompson , it appeared that he was the person who supplied them with armx , and that he could not be ignorant of the purposes for which they were supplied . Upon his premises were found several papers , some » f which the Ltarned Counsel read , whicn were chiefly orders for arm * . Thompson geemrd ro have had in view the turning ts profit the people ')) delusion . On his prtmises was found the folljwing instrument :
" VN e hereby agree to becume sureties for the payment of all arm * gent to Timothy Higginx t *> the Bush Inn . Signed James Duke and Peter M'Douall . " Duke kept a public bouse in Ashton , aad be ( 'he Attorney-Genera !) would a » k for what purpose would Thompro . T believe that Duke , keeping a public-houne , would order eighteen musketri and bayonetg ? He had now only toRt&te to them the evidence against Higgin * . ( The evidence against Higgi&s was then gone through , being precisely the same as has appeared in several papers . ) The following placard was read as being found in his
pos-: — " D « ar Brothers , —Now are tbe times to try men ' s souls—are your arms ready ? Hare you plintyof powder and shot ? Have you screwed wp your courage to the sticking pitch ? Do you intend to be freemen or slave * ? Are you inclined to hope for a fair day ' s wages for a fair day ' s work ? Ask yourselves these questions , and remember that jour irafety depends upon the ( strength of your own right arms . How long are you going to allow j our mothers , your wives , your children , aad your sweethearts to be for eter toiling for other people ' s benefit ? Nothing cm convince tjrants of their folly but gunpowder and steel ; so ' put j-aor tr «» t in God , my boys , and keep your powder dry . ' Bo patient a dar or two , but be ready at a moment ' s warning :
no man knows what to-morrow may bring forth . Bb ready , then , to toucuh the Uee of libeny vnvh ihe blood of tyrantx . You can get nothing by cowardice . France isinarnu ; Poland groans beneath the bloody Russian yoke ; and Irishmen pant to enjoy their liberty . Up , then , because thu whole world depends upon you for support : if you fail , the working nun ' s gun is set for ever . The operatives of France have again taken posseusion of the city . Can job remain passive wbtn all the world is inarms ? No , brave boys ; up with tbe cap of liberty : now or never is the time . Wht-D jou strike , lot it not be with utick or stone ; but let the blood of ail tou xuspect moisten the soil ol your native land , that you may for ever deftro ) evea the remembrance of poverty and shame . " Then came some doggrel
verves—In tj null blood bfcytiie j ^ qt nena , And ererj rillain iltogUur . B 7 piie » nd sword yonr freedom try to gain , Or m »* e sue blooJy ilo » cow of Old . England ' s plain . The ATTORKB ^ -GEttSHAL , after reading one or two other paper * , said he should now call his evidence . Jo » epb Sadler , the superintendent of police , Stockport , was then called and said . I wem on the 3 fhh July to 'hetouse o : James Mitchell . It was about five minutt 8 before eleven o ' clock at night , and 1 tosk with me a watchman . The watchman kDooked at the door , and & female came lo the door , whom I sunposed to be tbe pruoner ' s wife . She asked what
was wasted , and tbe watchman told her that it was he . The door v-asnot opeced until after having remained chere a abort time . The door wan knocked at again , and the prisoners came to tbe front of the house and asked what was wanted . I told them 1 wanted to look thro ^ h his house . He said he had no company in , and he j-hould not open big door for anybody . I then said 1 must tell you that I tuspect job have arms in your house . He then turned to go till I had searched his house . Toe door was again knocked at , and he told his wife uot to open it for aHy one . I then left him in casto ^ y of two of the offers , and I went to the back door and broke it open . Mitchell wad then brought in , and I asked hm whether he bad any arms in hi * pos ^ e .-sion . He said he had authority to sell arnic , and he produced u written paper from Thompson , of Birmingham
( The letter ba 3 already frtqsently appeared . ) I have teen Mr . Thompson write , and believe that to be his band writing . After the production of this authority , [ went info his chamber and there I loucd a wooden ca ? e , containing five fowling pitcts , three inu « iet » , and three bayonets . Tboie the prisoner / aidhe had ' rom Thompson . The name ef T .-. omp-on was oc them . 1 then went with Mitchell into th-.- cellar , and found a brace of pistols . They were ia a ? tua ) i bag at tbe aide of tbe wall . Oae of the officers found two pik « i" and some pike handles . The off icer's name is BoTrtt . I also found two or three printed papers I rectivtd from Walker , em- of the ' iTiCrri ' , two works oa : raic : cg by Uol . jnti Macer ne . Nothing tl * s pa- > eJ beiwefii id- ant' Mirehell . 1 was at a . mectiajr in Siorkpo : i uu l r : ^ CG . r . July . It WiS a matiufc convened by tne Cha . 'iists . There
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were from l fiOO to 2 , 000 persons presant . It began ia ihe evening and wan held for abaut twa hours . I saw Mitchell aud Davies there . I heard both oi them addresa the meeting . I recollect that Mitchell said to them in one part of hit * speech tbat he had once an opinion that it wai illegal to arm , but tbat he should now advise them to have both gu n * , pikes , and p iatoiH , and to Hwear by the God ef Heaven tbat they would never cease agitation till they got their rights . There was a cart to speak from . I recollect Davin * saying that he exhorted them to go to church tbe following morning . He said it was the
last time we shall meet there together . The church is tbe people ' s , and they ought to have it to nuet in . Ali'tehell * puke a considerably time—perhaps half-an-hour , but Davie * not eo loa * r . Tbi * was on Saturday evening . Oa the Sunday 1 wtat to church , and * aw both ; of the prisoners there . At tbe church there was a great concourse of people assembled . The church was almost immediately Ulled . I saw both Mitchell acd Davies there . The church was filled with pergens whom I had seldom seen there before , and who usually attended meetings of the Chartists .
Cross-examined by Mr . Cottinoham— I have known Mitchell three or four year * . He left a small shop before he came to the beer-house . There U a sign over bis shop ; and another was found in bis hou 4 e , which was delivered to tne It was an agency for the sale of guns , pistols , &c . I kaow that Birmingham is a great place for the manufacture of arm . 9 . I have another sign about Thompson ' s agency . A fowling-pieco was produced , which was highly ornamented . Ho could not tell what value it was . He stated that he had arms , and showed me where they were , and produced the authority for the nale of them without hesitation . I attended
the meeting ! and took notea , not at the time , but in the course of that evening . I have not the notes of that meeting . I have lost them , and cannot lay roy hands upon them . I don ' t recollect that L have seen mj notes of that meeting since the 29 tb of July . I Mid that Mitchell had * poke about halt an boar . He said he had once been of opinion that it was illegal to have arm ?; but he had changed his opinion nince h » had Been Lord John Russell's letter , and it was in consequence of it that he had changed his opinion . I know we have had a copy of Lord John Russell's letter . I don ' t know whether it was posted up and down Stockport ; but it was in the newspapers . The Attornby-Genkral—There is a copy there in Thompson ' s writing .
By the Attorney -General—When these persons west to church , it was to thu exclusion of persons regularly going . " Win . 'Walker swora- Is one of the police officers of Stockyorc , and accompanied Sadler to MitchellV house on tbe 31 st of July . Went with him to the front chamber . Found in Mitchell ' s twe pikeheads , and two books , which have been produced . Abraham Loajjaon—I assisted Sadler in examining the premises of Mitchell , and found two letters , one in the cellar , and another in the cupboard in the second room . Broadbent ' s letters were then read .
Jame 3 Hammond sworn—I was with Sadler at the time Mitchell ' s house was searched . I found that paper signed "Tim . Higgins" ( already given ) . I knew the man Essler , and another mentioned in the postscript in the letter . I have hear ! them address Chartist meetings . William Hough—I am a constable at Stockport . I went to the premises of Charles Davies , living at a place called Hopfe-hill , Heaton Norrin . I believe Davies is a spinner by trade . He ha * lately been employed by attending Chartist meetings , I searched
his premises on the 2 lst of July , about a quarterpast three in the morning . I found a pistol , bulletmould , and a quantity of papers , and a small book ia his pocket , and a bullet and some percussion caps . I have the mould here . 1 cannot say whether the moulds are of the same manufacture . ( A handbill being produced , the witness said he found ic up stairs in bis closet , ' G . Thompson , gun manufacturer , informs his friends , &c . " Some other papers which have already beea published , were then read . One of them related to the lasi Kersal Moor meeting . )
Cross-examined by Mr . Cottinoham—I don ' t know that the last meeting went off peaceably . Joseph Sadier was again called to prove what he found in Thompson ' s houne . Thonp . « on is a gunmaker at Birmingham . 1 met him about half-past ter , in Yfhittal-street , Birmingham , for having possession of a quantity of arrat at Chester . On going to bis bouse , 1 found a number of letters and three books . I charged him with having Fold arms to Jsrnes Mitchell and to Higgics He said he had sold nothing but what he had done in a workmau-like manner . He was not connected with the Chartist * . He had only on one occa > ion « een some men exercising with muskets ,
and be told them immediately to leave the place . I told him I must have his correspondence , and he was reluctant to let me bare it . I told him it was co use objecting to it , tor if he did not I should take them by force . I had some of the Birmingham Police with me . I found several papers aud letters Hipgins ' d letter was produced and read . Mr . M-Dmall ' s end Duke ' s guarantee tor mutkets was here read also ; and likewise an order from Duke for mu « ket » . Anotbtsr letter from Livscy of Manchester was read , which has al < o app « ar « d . Another letter was read from Gt-erge Henry Smith .
Another from Rawson , of Bury , ordtrs two fowling piece * in addition to ten munista . Another was read from Peter Bu 8 sx » y , to the efifeot that he intended to call tit Thompson ' s for arms as he returned from London . Thtre was a great number wasted at Bradford and the surroundiug towas . He reaominended him to come aud bring a few muskets , large pistols , rifles , and matcheu . The people were anxiously waiting for them . This letter was directed to George Thompson , as well as all tbe others . Tbe order bot > k was thea produced , and several memoranda were read .
Crosn-exaouned by Mr . Trafford , but nothing material was elicited . Robert Newton , the deputy-constable of Ashton , was then called . He said he knew Higgins . He had bfen a spinner , and was once seoietary to the Radical Association . He had seen him at their meetings , and heard him speak . He then related to the Com how be proceeded to seize the arms at HiggiDs ' s house , which has already been fully reported . A paper was put in which is mentioned
above m < he Attorney General ' s address , headed" Dear Brothers . " This bill was posted on the walla of Atbton-under-Line , on tho 6 th July last , in the market-street , about a quarter of a mile from HigginB ' s house . They were posted all over the town . A book being handed in to the witness , he said he iouDd it in Higginx ' a house . " Col . Macerone ' s Defensive Instructions , " and another called " National Convention Subscription Book" wax ali-o found . Amonpt tbe dinburnementS was " Bilk for cap of liberty , 2 a . 3 a . "
Cro *> -examined by Mr . Hartley —It was two o ' ciock when I went to the house . There were no obstructions offered . I will not answer whether I had any warrant . I knew that there were arms in iu HiggiiiHV house by information . Tbe Attornex-General said this was the case on the part of the Crown , Mr . Cottikqham ( Q . C ) , who defended Mitcbell and Davis , then rose and delivered an address of considerable length , contending that the parties had not been proved to have been guilty of an illegal act . and ihat the prisoner *) had acted under the advice of L » rd J . Russell in procuring arms . Lord John ' s letter to the Lord Lieutenant of Chester was read , and severely commented upon .
Mr . STAj ford , who defended Thompson , argued that in selling arms he was only following hia ordinary and lawful occupation , and that he was not at all connected with the Chartists . Mr . Sardley , who defended Higgins , contended th it nothing bad beeu proved by the papers found in his possecsion , and as to the disorderly meetings , so far as the evidence yet went , they were proved to be perfectly orderly . The Attsrney-Gbkeral briefly replied , and after the Learned judge bad summed up , the Jury , al ttr having retired a few minutes , returned a verdiot of Guilty a ^ uiust all the prisoners for conspiracy . They were then removed from tbe dock , to be brought up afterwards for judgment .
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NISI PRIUS COURT—Thursday , Auo . 1 . 6 . TZLXAZ . OF TBS RET . J . a . STEPHENS . This important rase was heard on Thursday lasf . Long before iiine o ' clock ( the hocr appointed tor the op 3 J ; iiig of the Conrt ) a considerable crowd surround ' ed tke courf , waitirg with intense anxiety to hear thecas * . About a quarter past nine the Learned Judg * , Mr . Justice Pattison , took hia seat iipon the tev . ch , and » general rush was made on tho part of thOf e outside to gain n / imusion . The court , wfiich is a . xmail building , net capable of holding more than 300 persons' , was crammed in a few minutes . $ L-v ? rcii inmt-s w > to pre .-wit , and most of the Kae ; iatrattri for ib-. " C'Tinty . About twenty minute * pas : liLjt' ihe . ¦ i fi'C . y . i jti .-y w-. ru called u ; . oe t ' j answer to their iiaic s . Tne following is the iL > t : —
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SPECIAL JURY . John Hosiyn Harper , of Davenham , E » q . James Duff , of Birkenbead , merchant . John Wright , of Marple , Esq . John Mwray , of Liscnrd , E * . Samuel Rove , of Malpa . * , Esq . John Griffiths , of Birkenhead , merchant , Jamea Kemp , of Tranmere , merchant . John Marshall , of Brinningtoa , merchant . Henry Wood , of Tranmere , merchant . John Meredith , of Tattenhal ) , Esq . Frederick Beruer , of Birfcenhead , merchant . Robert Hadfield , of VViiinington , merchant .
Mr . W elsby read the indictment , charging the R ^ v . J . R . Stephens with " Attteiidiu ? an uuiawful meeting at Hyde on the Wh Nov . 1838 , eeditiocsfy and uinmitaously met together by torct » -liir . ht , and with fire-anus , dwtnrbing th- » { icbiic ue * c « , " « fec . The indictment , in two other countf , charged Mr . Stephens with speaking at that meeting . Sir J . C aupbell ( the Attorney-GonerM ) , Mr . HlLL ( ths Attorney- General for the citj ) , and Mr . JSRYIH appeared for tke Crown . The Rev . Defendant appeared in person , and tat at the bar next to the Attorney-General . He was attended by bid solicitor , Mr . J . Law , of Manchester .
The Attorney-General ( Sir John Campbell ) then rose and said : My Lord , Gentlemen of the J llry—I have tbe honenr to attend yon a * counsel Vi conduct this prosecution against the defendant Joseph Ravner Stephens . A bill of indictment has been found against him by a grand jnry of tho county of Ckester . You are now to determine w aether he is guilty or not guilty of the offence laid to his charge . Gentlemen , it humbly seerts to me that it in indispensably necessary under circumstances such as will be detailed to you in evidence , tbat the law should be vindicated , and that such offence * should be repressed and punished . The indictment as you heard it opened by tny learned friend , Mr . Welsby , charges Mr . Stephens with a
mudameanour , in attending » n unlawful assemblage , and in inciting those who were present to disobedience of the law . Gentlemen , this prosecution in no degree trenches upon fair inquiry , which I hope will ever remain unrestrained in this land of liberty , jtin no degree interferes with the right of the subject of this free country to meet in a quiet and peaceable manner to consider any grievances that they may think they labor nedf r , and to apply by constitutional means to have these grievances redresaed . — GcntL men , there may be the freest fnqoiry , there may be the most ample means of obtaining redress of grievance ? , without any violation of the law . — Neither in thin nor in any civilized country can it be endured that meeting * should ba he'd where the law
is set at defiance , and whero language may be nseA that necessarily and inevitably leads to a disturbance of the public peace . Gentlemen , as the defendant is charged with having attended an unlawful meeting , and taking part there , I would , under the correction of my lord , point out what , from undoubted authority , is the law on the subject . In Hawkins ' s Pleas of the Crown , a book of tha highest anthority , there is a definition of an unlawful assembly which has been repeatedly recognised—and recognised several time « by judges during the present ammmer circuit in 1839 . Gentlemen , the indictment here does not charge Mr .. Stephens with an actual riot , and an actual disturbance of the peace at the time that this assembly met together . But it charges
that he was present and took an active part at this meeting , and that he exhorted the people to do what the law must condemn . Now , gentlemen , 8 * to what is an unlawful assembly , Hawkins , aftertt&tisg the law with regard to riot , and actual disturbance of the public peaoe , « ays , " An unlawful a . « enjbly , " according to the common opinion , in a disturbance of tho peace by persons assembling together with an intention to dp things which , if executed , would make them rioters , bnt neither executing it nor making a motion to it . This teems to be much too narrow a definition . Then he gives a true definition . He says , " for any meetings whatever of great numbers oi people , with such circumstances of terror as cannot but endanger the public peace and raise fears
and jealousies among the kings tubjects , seems properly to be called an unlawful assembly , as where great numbers complaining of a common grievance meet together armed , aad in a war-like manner , to seek the most proper means for the protection and recovery of their interests ; for co oae can foresee what may be the effect of euch an assembly . " If there be a meeting attended with such circumstances as will endacper the public peace , and that will cause terror and alarm among her Majesty ' s subjects , that is to be considered an unlawful assembly . Hawkins here gives by way of an example , " where persons come arm * d and in a war-like manner . "He only gives it by way of an example , but by no means indicating that tuat is an essential requisite in
a d < fixation of an unlawful assembly . And to remove all doubt upon the subject , I would beg leave to refer to the law as laid down by that revered and learned judge , Mr . Juitice Bay ley , upon the trial of Mr . Hunt , bt York assizes , in the year 1 S 21 . This is the law as laid down by that moat learned judge of thin land , and this law ha * likewise been repeatedly recognised by his brethren of the bench . He , upon that occasion , stated tho passage from Hawkins I have now read , and then he goes on thus—Now the description there-, gentlemen , is " great number * of people meeting with circumstances of terror , as caxmot but endanger ihe public peace , and raise fear * and jealousies among the King's subject ; , " and he puts for " any circumstances , " " armed , meeting in a warlike
manner . " This by no means is necessary to constitute an assembly an unlawful assembly . If , taking all the circumstances into consideration , it ia such as cannot but endanger the public peace , and raise fears and jealousies among the king * subjocts , it is an unlawful assembly . " Of that position there conld bo no doubt . Therefore , one of the questions which you will have to consider in this case is—Whether this was a meeting of such numbers of people , and under such circumstances , as could not but endanger the public peace . Now there can be no doubt that that i » the law , and tbe : e can be as little doubt that that i » what the Uw ought to be . It is impossible totjlerata such meetings of vast numbers of people , atterded with such circumstanooi aa will
endanger the public peaco and cause . terror and alarm in the minds of those who are peaceably disposed . You never can tell what will be the results ol such an assembly . It is wholly unnecessary for people so to meet ; they can deliberate , they can petition the crown , or either house of Parliament , without any such circunwtanct . s of alarm , axd without an > danger of a violation of the Uw . It will be ior you , gentlemen , under the direction of my Lord , upon the facts that I will shortly state to you , to determine whether this assembly , of which you wi . l have an account from tho witnesses , was an nn > lawful assembly ; whether Mr . Stephens , the defendant , took an active part in that assembly , and whether he did not upon that occasion one language to the multitude which amounts of itself to misdemeanour , and one of a Tery aggravated nature . Geatlenen , thin meeting took place on VVeaneeday ,
tbe 14 th day of November last . It took place after dark . There was a vast assemblage of people from different parts of that portion of the county ot Chester , and the adjoining county of Lancaster , Ashton , Stalybridge , Dukintield , and other quarters . Thoy assembled in great numbers after dark—I think seven or eight o ' clock—at a place called tbe Cation Tree , about a mile and a half from Hyde , which m gft ac manufacturing village in this couaty of Chester . Gentlemen , there were assembled , 1 believe , about 6000 persons , almost all straugers to the town of Hyde . They had along with them fire-arms . They had also along with them banners of a most inflammatory and culpable nature . Among the banners with inscriptions there were the following : — "Tyrants belitve and tremble . "— " Liberty or death . "— " Ashton demands Universal Suffrage , or Universal Vengeance . "
"For children and wife We will war to the knife . " " He that hath no sword let kim Sc-11 hu garment and bny one . " Then there were some transparencies with inscriptions , and on one of these there wej the word 41 Blood . " Genuemen , they marched in procession , six , seven , er eight abreast ; there were loud ahonts from titne to time , and from time to time they continued to discharge fire anus . Havisg met a * 1 told you at the Cotton Tree , they came into proceiw . on to a place called Flowery-field , and thence through the town of Hyde , to a place in the centre of tbe town by the turnpike road , where hustings were erected . There they assembled and speaking began ,
there being l ' rom time to time shouts and discbarges of lire arms . Gentlemen , y oh may imagine that the inhabitants of Hyde were very much alarmed at this proceeding , andl knew not what might take p lace before the morning dawn . Gentlemen , the leader upon that occasion was Mr . Stephe n * , the defendant . Gentlemen , I abstain most scrupulously from any allusion to tke conduct of that gentlemen , except upon this particular occasion fur which he in now called upon to answer in a court of justice : but it is my duty to detail to you hiu conduct and his language upon tbat occasion . Gentlemen , he mounted the hustings , and address * d the assembled , multitude . They applauded the ssndmeat * which h « expressed , and with their appUnaj he still
coatinned to address them in the same strain . Gentlemen , you will hear from the witnesses thu language that i . e employed . Gentlemen , amoegst other things he told tbein that he had news tor them ; t&at he had been in the barracks and that the soldiers would not act against them . He said that there were several clubs that had bought arm * with their burjiug funds , and that the funds set apart by these clubs for the purpose of the decent interment of their members , were diverted from that purpose and appropriated to tha buying of arms . He asked th : is if tlu'V wore armed . By way of an answer to th-U question there v ; as a disch . tfgd of firearms . H « theu > ai . 1 saeyouare r-ady , " acd he wiobed them " Gooi l . ight . " Gem . l < -m <» a , 1 U 0 assembly , s _ ch as 1 havo described it to you . coiitinaod till
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nearly midsight Tkey then took their departure . Tber ^ we sever al bands of music ; thore were a number , ol torchen , and at midnight tbo torchrs were seen blazing through the titreets of Hyde , and or the roads leading into tke country , and at last the music died away upon the distant ear . Now , G ntfrmen , if this case be made out before you upen evidence , I humbly conceive that then * can ba no doubt of the guilt of the defendant . This wan unquestionably an unlawful assembly . It endangered the public peace , and carried terror and alarm into the minds of the inhabitants of Hyde . Can there be any doubt that the defendant is ato ? uilty of the other part of the charge . Gecdem < -n ho iii a minuUr oi th gospel of peace ; and I do
ex-( Jresi roy cuieignid astonishment that a gentleman like Mr . Stephens , who I understand has had a liberal education , and from whrm , both frcm Li * education , and from the sacrod calling to which it was supposed he had devoted himself , other things mi ^ ht be expected from him than he should thna inflame the public mind , and see language which must necessarily lead to consequence * of the moist dreadful description . When h « tells them that he has been in the barracks , and that the soldiers would not act against them , is not that a direct incitement to a * disobedience of the law , aye , and to iarorrection ; that they are to defy the lawful and constituted anthontiei of the countnr ? They need not be afraid of the military being called ont to suppress riot and disturbance
, because tbe military will not acr , but will join with the mob . He than rejoices that tke people are arming—that the dnbs are buying araw with their burying funds . Gentlem » n , is not that inciting them to arm ; and to arm for what ? to ana for their defence against personal violence or any attack upon their ' property ? No , Gentlemen ; out it ia against the law , and against the lawful authority , to bring abont insurrection acd revolution in toe country . He asks them if they are ready—ready for whet , Gentlemen ? Ready for tumult , ready for confusion , and , 1 am afraid , for bloodshed . Gentlemen , I will not refer to the melancholy effect * that happened since that speech was delivered ; but I ask yon , as reasonable and intelligent men , whether such a meeting and such a speech have not a necessary acd almost an inevitable tendency to bricg bout a Violation of the law , to incite the poor
deluded persons who may be present afterwards to do acts for which their lives may become forfeited to the laws of the country . Gentlemen , I understand that Mr . Stephens is to defend himself , an undoubted right that he enjoys . 1 understand , Gentlemen , that he possesses very considerable talant , and I have no doubt they will be exerted in trying to vindicate himself against the charge now brought against him . You will listen , 00 doubt , with candour , patience , atd attention , to every thing he may urge in his defence . But unless he can call witnesses , and contradict the facts wkich I will lay before you , all his eloquence and ingenuity , Gentlemen , must be in vain , and it will be your duty to rind a verdict of guilty against him . Mr . STEPHENS then rose , and applied that ths witnesses might be ordered out of Court . Tho application wad immediately complied with , and the examination of the witnesses for the prosecution was entered upon .
WdliamManley called . By the Attorney-Gen » - ral of the Palatine , J . Hill , Esq . —I am a police * officer at Dokinfield . I was at Dukinrield on the 14 th of November last , in the evening , when an assemblage of a great body of person ( attracted my attention . They were marching in procession , six abreast . It wax about half-past seven o ' clock . They had wi ( h them lighted toiches and pota of fire , and banners . They had cose froci Athton , part of them ; the other part from Stalybridge , and were proceeding towards Hyde . I heard a noise—the report of pistols or guns : I counted eleven . I * sw the procession for about 2 j miles . I left them at a place called Flowery Field , just on the verge of Jyde . I called on George Muler , the constable , as
apprehended that a breach of the peace would be committed . I know a place called the Cotton Tree Inn : it is between Dukinfield and Hyde , abont half way . When the procession get to the Cotton Tre # I perceived abont 500 persons in it . Th ? first proot-s 8 ion consisted of abont 400 person * . These might be 300 more , or 400 , that joined them at the Cottou Tree ; they were from Newton . They w » j # walking in procession . They had banners , torches and pota containing fire . They saved at the Cotton Tree about half an hour , and then went altogether towards Hyde , walking fix abreast the greater part of them . They went , as processions usually do , quietly : they were firing pistols . 1 fpW lowed them a quarter ot a mile . They were shouting . When I left them tht re were about 800 men in
ttie whole . The Flowery Field is on the road between the Cotton Tree and Hyde , and I accompanied them to that place . I left them there , as it was tke verge of my district as constable . Miller did not go en . Cross-examined by Mr . Stephenb : I am a police officer for the township of Dukinfield . 1 am appinted to ray office by the magistrates of the division , and not by the rate-payer ? . My conduct has never be « a brought before tbe select vestry as I know ot . I was never brought before tho magistrates of Askton for misconduct . J have been brought before them for striking a per .-on ; that I do not consider to be mifoonducr . The magistrates did not consider it lo be miaconduet , and I was fined by them for it . I
heard eleven distinct report of fire-arms . I did cot ¦ ee those arms , and do not know what they we » . Being appreliemsivA of a breach of the peace , I watched the proceedings . I had no time to communicate with the magistrates : I did not consider it necesnary . The question of this meeting was named to the magistrates . I was brought before the magistrate respecting it some days after . 1 wa * called upon to giY « information before the magistrates at Hyde . These proceedings were instituted against you , in consequence , a ew days afterwards . I io not know of your being called before the jnagutrates in consequence . Tke information I gave to the magistrates was the same ia substance that I give sow to the court . I have said that the
procession walked m a quiet and orderly manner . Mr . Stephens—Are you aware that any breach of the peace h& » occured since in cense quence ?—[ Tbe Attorney-General here interfered ; and the Judge said : " I suppose he cannot tell that . "I I saw no breach of the peace thtt sight , beyond the shots being fired and the people ehouting . George Miller , examined by Mr . Temple—In November last , I wan a Special Constable in Dukin * field . Ou the 14 th of November , application was mad « to me by Mauley . In consequence of what he told me I went home and brought my truncheon , and went to the Snipe Tavern , in Dukiiih ' eld . After I had been there some time , I observed a body of people walking in procession , four or five abreast , besides stragglers . They had banners and a band
of music . They were on the public road . They were about fifteen or twenty minutes in passing me . After they bad passed , I followed tn » m to the Cotton Tree . I did not go farther , as I had been sworn in as a Special Constable for Dnkinfteld . I saw torch-lights in the procession . I did not eee any fire-pots . They went quietly away , aad I did not mark any noise with this exception : —whilst standing at the Snipe Tavern door , a man fired a pistol near me , and there was a small laugh at it . Another man , after the laugh , fired a second pistol near my lead . My whisker on the right » ide «¦»* just twinged with the blaze , and on that there was a louder laugh . 1 was not much alarmed , but the constable with me was alarmed . The shots continued from time to time . I had an opportunity of viewing this meeting from fifteen to twenty
minutes . Cross-examined by Mr . Stephens—I did not see you at the Cotton Tree . I have lived in Dnkistield 20 yean . I have heard you speak before . — Mr . Stephens—Did yon ever hear me speak against the monarchy , or constitution , or the laws of this land ? I have heard you excite the people by speaking of burnings . —Mr . Stephens—That was not my question . Did you ever hear me speak against tr . e monarchy , or the laws of this kingdom ? I do not know that I have . I was not alarmed myself . By the Att 8 HN 8 Y-General—Did not Mr . Stephens , when he spoke about burnings , say something about burning bastiles ? He g&id that one had been burnt down in Wales . I publicly told him that it wa 8 not * o . That was all that watf s * id about burnings .
Wm . Tinker , examined by Mr . Jervis , M . P . for Chester—1 live in Clarendon Place , in H } de . I wan at home on the evening of the HtaofNcv . last . I saw a number of persons coming towards my hou « e . The fir « t procession I saw was at about eight o ' clock . Tbey were in the direction of Riddling-lane .. They were going in the direction of Overleigh Brow , and wonld lead to tho Cotton Tree . About one thousand persons parsed me ; they were walking in the middle of tho road four a-breaat . They had a band of music , and torches and banters . An inscription oa one of the banners was" For children and wife We will war to the knife . "
I saw another procf ssion abo&t an hour afterwards . They w « e conning in the direction from Lane End , in tiyde , pattt Mr . Howard's house . 1 saw tb > m pass the corner of Clarendon-place : they were going in a direction to the place ot meeting : there were about five or six thousand persons assembled . At that time I noticed three bands of muxjc , and a great many torches and trampareaci' -s . Tbey wero earned about the procession in different parts . I saw several red caps carried on poll s . They were walking from four to six abreast . The sides of the road were quite filled . I have lived about twenty years in the neighbourhood . 1 don ' t know that f knew oae person in the procesAon . I looked right down the proctgaion , but cocld not see iw extent . Wl . ile the procession was forming , I hrard reports o ! ' fire-. ircis at difl ' eteat intervals " . 1 Teri < ei : be * a Lw iuscr : ptic ^ s on the baaners , erd cne wtu — "He ( Co > i "" " * our&b page . )
Chester Assizes.
CHESTER ASSIZES .
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TO THE PEOPLE OF ENGLAND . Fsllow Mb » , —Hiving beea delegated by r ©\ i to learn what is the < Ute of preparedness of our Scottith krethren for tbe achievement of tbe People ' s Charter , w « have thi moit sincere pleasure to report that the Convention of Scotch delegate * have given most promising evidence that Scotland is determined to carry the * e gr » at measure * of Political and Social amelioration necessary for the sdv « - turn of the interests « f every class of society in thi * unhappy country at this serious and momentous eriMB .
The CoDTtation conferred the highest mirks of respect upon us a * ynur representative * , by allowing as to lay before the Convention the grate of England . The proceeding * of tbis important body have jjiven us the most gratifying samfactien . Tbe manner in which Scotland has rallied to the proposal of this neeticg may be easily defcribed by stating that erery important city and district had iu representative , ths envire nomber being sixty-seven . Their proceedings have been characterised by cslmneM ,
wisdom , patriotism , and energy . They have done their dnry to tWir chantry . They h&ve done their duty to England and Ireland . They have done their duty ta tbe immortai patriots , Lovett , Collins , Vincent , aad Powell . AWo , they have done their duty to the three unfortunate citizen * of Birmingham . In a word , it hag laid a basis for tbe establishment of liberty , virtue and happiness in Scotland , in conjunction with Ireland and England , which must at no distant period , blew eur unbippy iiles . Fbarqtjs O'Connob . John Mxsox , Representatives of the Council N . P . TJ .
Untitled Article
August 24 , 1839 , THE NORTHERN STAR . 9 tT ~___ ~ ^^^ ¦ — ¦ ¦* ¦ - ^ - —^————————————— . p - - ¦ . _ ¦ -- __ - i , —^¦ ——^—~^~^~^~~ B ~^~ MM ~ M ~ MM ^ s ~ a ^——M ^ C ~ MWM ~~ SMs ~ WMs ~ k ^ sg ——————— ¦_____ . _____ , ^_____ M _____ a _________ B ^_»__^ J _ J _^____^_ _____ . ^ - . .
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Aug. 17, 1839, page 3, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct841/page/3/
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