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    '^ THE TRIAL. ^^==^======

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    '^ The Trial. ^^==^======

    '^ THE TRIAL . ^^ == ^ ======

    o -rtEKKMENTEB OSECOTION OF FEABGUS 0 CO 2 WOB , ESQ , AND OTHERS , FOB AN j ^ GEDCONSPIRACY . ^ AKCASTER—KI 5 I PRIUS COURT . Wed . vesdat , Mjlhch J . yj . BaroD Rolfs , the Judge of the ABsize , having j ^ "tliis morning for the commencement of the ^ of Mt . PeargTis O'Connor wad others , charged Siker Majesty ' s Government , nnder the monster . ^ L jnent , " ( a copy of which we published a few ?* £ jgo in the Star , ) for a conspiracy , by violence , Tain ^ jbont a ebange in the Con stitution , the

    jL * at an early honr , was besiesed by personB ^ sns to hear the proceedings . The bodj of the r * sj $ Tr&s crowded io excess , arid included a large iSporaon of the defendants , -who mixed promis-CQlr * mong the general body of spectators . On SlJsDca « "ere a number of fashionably-attired £ §« , the daughters of the gentry resident in the ^ bo nrhood of Lancaster , who probably graced £ ? CoBrt with their presence , for two reasons , first , ebor the evidence , and secondly , to have an op-^• miity of seeing what shocking people these torfiss are . , ,. learned Jcdgb took his seat the bench

    fjie on - ^ te Jv at nine o'clock ; soon after which Mr . fftsBor , aceompankd by Mr . Scholefield , Her . «¦ gal . and W . Roberts , £ rq solicitor , of Bath , - ^ e jato Court , and took their seatB immediately Sjzd ibose reserved for the members of the bar . jja Couri having been opened wiih the nsoal igjiuEnes , the Clerk of Arraigns called over the ^ 3 S of the Jurors summoned to serve . Four of AjSpecai Jnrors , npon whom notice had been regnw ^ serred , did not appear when called , and no 5-gaEDtctcnse being tendered for their absence , £ j irere fined £ 25 each . ^ following gentlemen were then sworn on the SPECIAL .

    jiBsffiRothweD Barnes , Somer-Seld , Great-Leper , i J joba Beniley , of Farnworth . E ? q . Janes Anderson , of Burgh Hall , Duxbury . Esq . 23 rard Brook , of Melbourne-place , BnshobBe , jsebact . laiab Ashlin , of Great Mersey-street , Kirkdale ,

    jsehsnt , Emmas Edgeley , of Park "View , Rusholme , merfajii . jBisTth Traiiam Smith , of "WeDfield-plaee , Toxgh ? irk , merchant . { jsirles Armstrong , of St . George ' s-road , Everton , jgrehsnt-James Blythe , of Plymonth-grove , Chorlton uponifealoek , merchant . Thomas Haish , Elm Hall , Aintree , merchant .

    XU . ESMES . JSebsri Harrison , ofBarmby , tallow chandler . Quite Starrs Kennedy , of Ulverstone , gentle-WOliam Scott , of Uh-erstone , gentleman . The Jed » e , addressing the Attorney-General , gld tbu an objection to serre on the jury had been siit ij Mr . Bentley , of Farnworth , on the ground iiaibang a magistrate , and haying taken an active pin in the proceedings against the parties with Triion the transactions abont to be investigated , wot said to have originated , he did not think he jioildbe an impartial person for the discharge of ibs duty . Be ( the Judge ) did not think the reason i Efficient one , but as the objection had beenmide , twisted to slate it .

    The Attobsey-Geiteeai . said that if bis Learned Friends on the other side had no objection , he cad ibb u > the withdrawal of Mr . Bentiey ' s name . Vt DcsDiSsaidj that as appealing for two of b » defendant , he had no objection to be tri ed by ej magistrate . A desultory conTer 3 ation followed , which ended in ib . Beniley * s name being retained on the lirt . Sr Fbkdk . Pollock , Attorney-General ; the Hon . Jii S . Wohilet , M . P . and Q , C- ; Sir Gkegoby ixnx , Knight ; Mr . Hixdt . lrd ; and Mr . F . Polas , appeared to conduct the prosecution on the an of the Crown .

    Sr . Baises , Q , C ^ appeared for Jame 3 Schol ^ eld Ei Wiilism Scnolefield . iHih reference to the last mentioned defendant , is Atiobbet-Glesebxl Baid he would ax once itkn his Learned Friend from all troable by cons ~ n £ to a yerdict of acquittal being taken . Sr . DcxdaS , Q- CXj appeared for Thos . Aikin and ¥ Sam Brook-3 r . Sergeant ilrswiT appeared for Thomas Biion , " William Johnson , and John Derham . S ? , Athkbtos appeared for James Fenton and 5 f 3 ikm Stepbenson . Mr . M'Utr » &AT appeared for ope or more of the c&h 4 miis , Dnt we did not distinct ' 7 ' tmderetand ifeeh .

    Mr . F . Pollock opened the pleading 3 . The inoicuneLt charged the deftndants with baying iliegalij «> nipired together , and with divers other perHJES to the joror 3 unknown , tmlawrully assemfeedt ^ Khei , and by -rioience , threats , and intimifiison , to eompel persons $ o desist from their lawful Kccpations , ail tending to bring about a change in £ * lav and ; he consututlon as established in these lalmj . To this indictment the defendants had seve n 2 j pleaced not guilty , on which issue was joined , Waehissne it was for the jurors io try , and say * kther the defendenta were gailty or not guilty . Mt , ( TCo 55 ox applied to haTe the witnesses for moinariDn ordered on ; of court , which wasuaineeuelj eomplied with .

    Mr . O'Connor thea said , he nnderstood two re-P ^ taawere present , wto would hare to depose to sttenal facts connected with the present case ; and tkreJbre he trusted his Lordship wonld request lao to retire . Tbe Court , after haring been made aeguainted * s& the fact that ihese reporters would only iave asirear to notes of proceedings taken by them , re-&ed the application . B » ATrORNEY-GENERAL ihen rose , and itinssuix tbe Jnry , said be could assure them most EMgnedly that he nererrosato discharge * mora ? hsM duty than the one which fell to his lot to-day , kom in which he considered that the responsibility

    as upon taose who ad need the Crown , was greater & » on ihe present occasion . While for a moment is > dTErted to circumstances which , more or less , * ast be witbin the knowledge of erery gentleman < a&jaiaDg the Jury , as probably of almost ^ aj -person in conrt , —while he alluded to •^ fer one mom ent , in order to caunon them ^ ejk any impressions which they might have ^ sared with respect to any individual charged , ¦*^ w &ey came into that box , is was scarcely posf ^ tno ; W ) entertain the strongest impression of the »^ r a nd ine mischief that might ensue from fusees sadb as those mentioned in tbe indictment , Jadeed thev had been committed by the defendants .

    a « would call iheir attearion exclnsiyelj on this ^ sason to xne facts that would be brought before 5 , and he would state in tbe ontset , withoat ths ^ 6 ka cificuliy . that if tbey were not satisfied of ** pnhy participation of every defendant , * _ all those who had by their own fifeice or uoi implicated themselTeB , if the evi-^ ce giTEn on the part of the prosecution shonld f * « isjfair cr reasonable doubt in the minds of *** Jnrj , haTe ihe besefit of that donbt , and by their J stott be atqcitied . The offeree impnied to the < seadint 3 is-is that of endeaTouring , by large as-* &&iges of persons , to accomplish by force t vio-*? & , menaces , and intimidation , snch a degree of ^ tto and terror throughout the country as to

    pro-«» a change in some of the fundamental parts of *** Coastiiniioa of the coogtry . He should Dot stop •^ to mqaire , nor should " he . moreoTer , axtempt " fl ^ ass 3 or on e moment , the merit or the de-J ^ * of tbe change , or the beauty of £ * wnstimion , or the happiness which it might or ^ o 5 sot shed npon those who had the blessing t © ° * BDder K He wa 3 there—not to discuss asy |* 5 acsl snij ? ct whattver . He was there merely ? tie purpose of vibdicating the law , and he « 5 td boj bat that hi 3 Lordship would tall the yaythat the course of proceeding which he ( tbe A ^ esej-Graerai ) had ady tried to was illegal—thit ^^ 13 no : bj sacn proceedings that any change , of j * - ^ tr son , was to be brought about ia the conr ^ ionof iheeonntrv : and if they wer * satisfied fte

    ^ eridence thit the respective defendants j * feksi any part in a proceeding which had this Es ctjec ? , and those means to which he had / J ^ ted -were tne means to be resorted to by the v ^ Qsnts , then it would be the duty of the Jury , -f ^ tt painful , to find ihem guilty . As little had r ^ o-wiih the political origin of ihe meetings to 1 ^ hezaes : Sr > i call their selection . He proposed Z ? t * enter imo the secret history of the motires of ^ fistajjjnal anterior to the time when first the law J ^ Maed . He proposed not to en ? er into any ^ inf ^ 3 as to what were the circumstances that ^ ' » the commission of these offences , bejond *•• Was ah-ii . lntt . iir Tn »/>« ffc « Tv tn Tp . nder the to

    ^ toanected with them intelligible ihe ^ Hating then stated to them the duty he had jj ^ no rnj , and sntreated them to dismiss from | r *^ reojlleKJoiis any circonistanc ^ tending to ^?* Prejudice , or to weigh against any of the ~" , ain ; B individually , or as a body , be shoald pro-^ i » s shortly as he could , to narrate the facts J ^ n he proposed to 1 st before them as matter of ^ enee . Somewhere about the 25 th of July last , ^ JoKtiBg was held at Ashton-under-Lyne , the ^^ J of which , as they were probablj aware , p reference to Maxcbester , was about six miles j , ^ e ea st of the tewn . At the meeting , one of ^ otie ncanis , Willam "Woodrufi ; was the chair" •^ j led another ^ f t > i « Hpf < . nH « Tita " RrL Pilline .

    j ^ feo preseB t , and the Jury would £ nd that the ¦ fr C tT ° 2 ed on inax occasion could leave no doubi clt , « io -what were tbe objects and intention j jff Parties who were then assembled . He pro g ^ ° « ; re * d a very few sentences of what fell from wlUnaMi * ndfroinPmiDg , when he addressed

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    the meeting , because he believed tber ., was no doubt that endence would be given to confirm the state , menu he should maklV Woodnff opSldufc meeting w a speech in which he exhorted the people " to give over work until they could 8 ! ilf „ JiJ * SR f 0 T a fair day ' s work . " He then called upon P , U 5 ng to address the meeting X ™ , if ^ * ? **** ^ * ry strong , and was personally directed to owners of mills in e neighbourhood . He said he should "advise the cotton lords to keep within the precincts of their own palaces , for dark nights were coming on ; and some bold hand , more daring than the rest , would reckon Tntn them , for the reckoning day was near , and a bloody reckoning it was lika to be . " It appeared that shortly before this there had been some reduction made by the master manufacturers in the wages of the varions workmen whom they employed . He believed that two or three of these

    reductions occurred in tbe month of April las : yrar , and seme of the observations made by the defendants were with reference to a still farther rednotion that was suspected . The meeting on tke 26 ih of July was adjourned to the following day , bnt either no meeting took place , or else it was so thinly attended , that it excited no pnblio attention whatever On the l > t of August , Moorhouse , the bellman of Hyde , gave notice of another meeting , and at that meeting , George Candelet , another of the defendants , acted as the Chairman , and notice was then given of a further meeting for Sunday , the 7 th of Aagust , to t&ke place at Mottram Moor , or Wednesoff-green , four miles from Ashton , where the Chartists were in the habit of holding iheir camp meetings . The Jury would find that on Sunday the 7 th of August , two meetings were held , one in the morning and the other in the-afternoon , to which he must call their

    attention , because in the meantime , the manufaoturers who had given notice of an intention to rednce their wages , at least all , he believed , with the exception of one , withdrew the notice of redaction . On Friday , the 5 th of August , one house having persisted in their intention , a sort of meeting of the masters and workmen of that factory occurred , at which something was said that gave offence to the men . He conld hardly suppose that KDch ofcnee was intended ; but unaoubtedly some offence was treated , and tbe men immediately abandoned their work , and that he believed was the first commencement of what was called the turnont . On Saturday , the 6 th of August , there was a procession of not less than 2 , 500 or 1800 persons

    , , who went through Newton , headed by John Durham and John Crossley . At the meeting held on Sunday , the 7 th of August , Moorhouse addressed the people , and then , perhaps , for the first time , the object of the meeting was distinctly avowed . He told the meeting that it was neither a wage question nor a religious question—it was a national question—and that their object was to make what was commonly called the " People ' s Charter" the law of the land . At that meeting Candelet , one of the defendants , spoke , and a man named Wild , who was now

    suffering under sentence , at Ohe ^ ter , also addressed the people . At two o ' clock in the afternoon , there was a larger meeting , and on that occasion , the defendants John Leech , Thomas Storah , James Stephenson , and Thomas Mahon , spoke , and it was then stated that on the following day , there would be a great turn-out , and that no one should re-urn to work until every principle of the People's Charter should become tbe Jaw of the land . On that occas on-, Moorhouse nsed language , of which he believed this wa 9 a correct statement . He said , " You have been told of the evils under which we labour , and 1 sjn requested "—

    Mr . Dotjas—There is no such person in the indictment . The Attgbskt-Gkskiul was not aware that he bad mentioned Moorhouse as a defendant . He was alluding to language used by the ehairman of a meeting , and he believed he should be perfectly correct in stating to the Jury , that that which a chairman , uninterrupted , and without opposition , was permuted to state , was , at least evidence of the intention of those who were assembled at that meeting , and he believed several of the defendants were actually present . Moorhouse said , ** You have been told of the evils we labour under , and I am requested to tell yon that to-morrow a meeting will take place at Sialybridge , at five o ' clock in the morning , when

    we shall proceed from facioiy to factory , and the hands that will not willingly come oat we will tnrn them out ,. and when we are out , we will remain out , till the Charter , which is the only guarantee for your wages , becomes tbe law of the land . I hope to meet _ you all to-morrow morning , when we will join band in hand in this great national tarn-out . " On the following morning , a meeting was held at a place called Haigb , near Stalybridge , at which from 2 , 000 to 3 , 1 # 0 persons were prespnt . There were two placards exhibited , on one of which were these words : — " The men of Stalybridgc will follow wherever danger points the way ; " and upon tbe other : — "They that perish by the sword are better than they that perish by hunger .

    After the meeting was over , the people proceeded first to the mill of Missrs , Harrison , where they tnrned oni all the hands , and stopped the mill . Tsey then went to the mill of Messieurs Lees , where they did not find the same willingness to receive their proposal to stop labonr . They burat open the door , and by force they did that which at the Messrs . Harrison ' s they were enabled to do merely by their presence and appearance . It was arranged that they should meet the following morning , and something was said about going to Manchester . At a very early hour on the morning of Tuesday the 9 th of August , the people were meeting at Hyde , at Stalybndge , and at Ashton ; and from the place where they all

    assembled , they determined to march to Manchester . Accordingly some thousands of persons , iriih certain descriptions of arms , with bludgeons , and banners , having something the appearance of military array and order , marched into the town of Manchester , and finding the military very near the entrance , they halted , and there was a sort of parley between them and the Magistrates . To the remonstrance of the latter , they answered that their object was " peace , law and order , " and they promised faithfally to keep the peace , and to commit no disorder of any kind . On these assurances , tbe Magistrates withdrew the military , and placed themselves , not exactly at the bead of the people , as leaders , bnt for the purpose of pointing out

    where they might go , and to watch that they did no mischief . The people then marched into the town together , the military having withdrawn to prevent any hostile conflict . They bad scarcely got into the town when those who were rather in the rear , separated themselves into different bodies , going from street to street , and from house to house , and took possession of the town . For three days the shops were shut np , —all labonr was suspended , and portions of ihe mob went from place to place , not merely to the mills , bnt to every place where the labour of man was nsed , and they obliged a ct-ssation ~ from labonr . In some instances tbey demanded bread , in others they accepted money , and for three days Manchester was in a state of the most lawless riot and confusion .

    The following week , proceedings manifesttd themselves of a still more threatening aspect than perhaps was indicated by the assembling of the people in the manner he had described . It appearea that at that lime there had been a meeting , at Manchester , of delegates , or persons from the Trades ' Union ; and he begged to call the attention of the jnry m > a resolution which was put forth on Friday , the 12 th of Angust . It was this— " That we , the delegates Representing the trades of Manchester and its vicinity , with delegates from varions parts of Yorkshire and Lancashire , do most emphatically declare that it is our solemn and conscientious conviction that *}} the evilBwkich afflict society , and which have prostrated the indnstry and energy of the great body of

    the- producing classes , arises solely from class legislation , and that the only remedy for the present alarming distress and wide spread destitution , iB the immediate and nnmntilated adoption , and carrying into law , the document known as the * People ' s Charter / That this meeting recommends the people of all trades and callings , forthwith to cease to work until the above doenment becomes the law of the land . " He might here incidentally remark to the Jnrv , that if a number of persons had formed the design of going into the country , from place to place , for the purpose of causing a cessation of labonr , and compelling the public authorities in different in

    parts of the country to adopt particular changes the constitution , all those who , in any way , offered encouragement of any sort to the persons so acting , become- what in the law was called accessoriesbefore or after the fact , made very little difference , for in a case « f misdemeanour , which this was , all accessories were principals—all who used encouragement to parties committing this description ol offence , were themselves guilty of that which ihey enconraged in others . And it would be for the Jury to say whether this resolution , and other resolntions of a similar kind , being bronght home to certain parties who were before them as defendants , could leave any doubt on their minds as

    to the object for which resolutions of this character were put forth . It wonld be for them to say whether those who adopted this method of encouraging and producing a system , and giving effect to the designs of others ! mnst not be held , in point of fact , by them , as adopting snch a conrae with a -new to assist and ptoznote tke designs of others . If tnat were so , he believed his Lordship would tell them that such persons , altogether and entirely , participated in the foil gaflt which they thus encouraged ftow . by this time , the state of Manchester had attracted the attention of the authorities ' there , and the authorities in London . On the Hth of August there was a proclamation issued by the Magistrates rm tbeir own authority , and , ? n the loth , another

    proclamation was issued in the name or tne yaeen bv the Execative Governm ent ; and after that pro-; r ^ , sv ^ . r ;* r jwtjs : jTssrsa i ^ - ' Sr £ jss 1 tnty of all persons who weieldetenmned to obey the

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    law , and who were determined not to disobey it , to abstain from any proceedings that could give encouragement , directly or indirectly , to persona going about the country endeavouring to tnrn out those who were anxious to continue to work for their mas ters . On the Monday following this , a meeting was held at a public-house in Tib-street , Manchester , which was afterwards adjonrned to the Carpenter's Hall . The Jury would find that at the meeting varions resolutions were carried , and at length it was determined to issue a placard , to which he thought it rignt to call their attention . It was worded thus : " Liberty to the tradeB of Manchester and surroanding districts ! Fellow-workmen , we hasten to lay before you the paramount importance of this day ' s proceedings . The delegates from the manufacturing districts have been more numerous at this day's meeting than yesterdayand the Bpirit

    , of determination manifested for the people ' s nghtB has increased every hour . In consequence of the nnjHst » ud unconstitutional interference * of the magistrates , our proceedings were abruptly bronght io a close by dispersing the meeting , but not until , in their very teeth , we passed the following resolution : ' That | we , as delegateB in public meeting assembled , do recommend to the various constituencies we represent , to adopt all legal means to carry into effect the ' People's Charter , ' and further we recommend that delegates be sent through the whole of the country , to endeavour to obtain the co-operation of the middle and working elasses , in carrying oat the resolution of ceasing labour until the Charter be made the law of the land . ' Englishmen ! rigidly determine to maintain the peace and well being of society , and show by your strict adherenoe to this resolution that we

    are jour true representatives . Do your duty and we will do ours . We meet again to-morrow , and the result of our deliberations will be fully laid before yon . " Now , he had read to the Jury the words of this placard . There were expressions with respect to "legal means , " and "keeping the peace . " He was afraid that those who directed the framing of that paragraph differ in the view whiob his Lord-Btiip would las down as to what wars the " legal means" by which such an object conld be carried into effect . It would be for the Jury to judge whether those upon whose lips hung the language of " peace , law , and order , " were not actuated by very different motives . It would be for them to judge how far the

    expressions which were used in a placard , put forth to the public , really conveyed the intention of those who used them ; or whether they were used with an intention to depart from those professions whenever a convenient opportunity might occur . On Tuesday , the If th of Augustj a meeting , not of trades , bnt of delegates , was held , for the purpose of assembling a sort of Convention of persons from different parts of the country ; and in accordance with the recommendation , he believed that not fewer than from sixty to seventy delegates arrived in Manchester . At one of the meetingB , undoubtedly about forty attended . At the meeting , an address was considered and approved of , to be printed and pnblished to the people of England . It waB an

    address from five persons styling themselves , — "The Executive Committee of the National Association , for carrying tie Charter ; '' and be begged to call the attention of the Jnry to the contents of that document . The proof sheet , corrected in the handwriting of one of the defendants ( Peter Murray M'Douall ) would be produced in evidence . The Leirned Gentleman then proceeded to read extracts from this address ; the first of whioh called upon the people never to resume work until full justice had been done to the working classes , thoir wives and families , by tbe enactment of the People ' s Charter . He ( the Attorney-General ) regretted deeply to say that at Preston and Blackburn , there had been a conflict with the military

    which unfortunately did termmate ia bloodshed . The language used in this address with reference to the event was this : — " Fellow-Chartists , the blood of your brothers redden the streets of Preston and Blackburn , and the murderers thirst for more . But be firm , ba courageous , be men . Peace , law , and order have prevailed on our side . Let them be revered until our brothers in Scotland , Wales , and Ireland , are informed of our resolution , and when a universal holiday prevails , which will be the case in eight days , then of what u ^ e will bayonets be against public opinion f Then again , in allusion to the stoppage of the mills , the address said " every hand isat rest , save the pe&cetul sickle of the reaper in the fruitful fields . " That was perfectly true .

    Within fifty miles of Manchester , all was still , bat ia what way that stillness had been produced , whether by the spontaneous wish of all the persons who were compelled to observe that stillness , the jury would that day judge by the evidence ; and thvy would further judge whether those who prepared this document could by possibility be ignorant , that although , undoubtedly , a large portion of the rest from labour was acceded to cheerfully by many , a very considerable portion of the people—he believed he should Dot be wrong if he said the greater part , yielded a relnctant assent , and were acted upon by the force and threats of those who went from placo to place to produce a complete abandonment of ! abonr . The address concluded by asking tbe

    people to leave th ' ¦ decision of their rights to the ** God of jnstice and of battle . " This placard was extensively dispersed over Manchester . It became a sort of rallying point at various meetings that took place afterwards , and the question that thd Jury would have to decide was , whether all those who were connected with the framing and putting it forth , —whether in the entire scope and object of the productioB , they did not find a direct encouragement given to those persons , who were going about the country , from factory to factory , and almost from house to house , to suspend labour of every kind , and to do it by force , in order to carry out that change in tbe constitution , which would be effected by carrying the People ' s Charter into taw ! The Jury would

    have evidence given them of what occurred at the meeting of delegates ; and as against one of the defendants—ho meant Mr . Feargns O'Connor—they wouid have tbe strongest evidence of his participation in it , in a direct allusion to it in his own newspaper , the Northern Star to which his name was affixed as the proprietor , and for the contents of which he was responsible . He proposed to read from the Northern Star , a few expressions which would clearly connect Mr . O'Connor with the publication of the document . He thought it perfectly right , however , to say that before the date of the paper to wbich he was about to refer—the 20 ch of August lasr , many paragraphs had appeared in the Northern S / ar , dissuading the people from taking

    the course which they seemed to be bent upon ; and whatever benefit , in any way , Mr . O'Connor could derive from a candid admission on his (> . he Attorney-General '?} P art , that prior to tfe 20 th of August , ihe Northern Star was apparently directed against the strike , the benefit of that admission be shonld certainly not seek to withhold from him . Bnt he had not the least doabt , from the paper he held in his hand , that , for some reason or other , —whether because the impulse seemed to be so strong—whether the current seemed to be so irresistible that it was * o longer of any use opposing the stream—or whether Mr . O'Connor was carried along by that current—or whether , seeing that there was such a prospect of Chartism becoming

    the law of the land , he thought the time was come when use might be made of the crisis , he ( the Attorney-General ) knew not;—he dealt with tbe facts merely as they were before him ;—and he found in the Northern Star of the 20 th August a statement of a meeting of delegates in conference at Manchester ; and he used this against Mr . O'Connor to prove tie fact that was there Btattd—that there was a meeting of delegates . He should confirm it by notes that were found in the band writing of one of the members , who took notes of what passed ; and , last of all , he should confirm it by the testimony of a person who was present , and who now thought proper—with whatever spirit it would be for the jury to jud , je— to give evidenoe of what took place in order he

    that assemblage . Bnt in , _ as was aware that remarks might be made on testimony of this description , and as the Jury had a right that such testimony should be confirmed by evtry document that he could ^ iave recourse to for the purpose , he should prore , sgainsi ; sevtra 3 « f the defendants , as it were , out of their own lips , that they were present , and what took place . He would now read tbe statement which appeared in the Northern Star of the date be had mentioned . [ Tne Attorney-General here read the report of tne " Meeting of delegates in conference at Manchester , " as it appeared in the Star of tbe 20 th of August last . ] He wanted to show that this was as good evidence against Mr . O'Connor as could possibly be given , in

    because it was deliberately published by him , a newspaper of which he was the sole proprietor [ He also read another extract from the same paper . ) On a subsequent day , the 3 rd of September , Mr . O'Connor published another number of tbe Northern Star , in the leading columns of which he gave au account of the meeting of the delegates . It was in the form of a letter , but nserted as a leading article , and was addressed to the " Imperial Chartists . " [ Here he read Mr . O'Connor ' s answer to the letter of the ** Old Chartist , " in the British Statesman , which answer necessarily contained a succinct account of the Delegate Meeting at Manchester , and Mr . O'Connor ' s proceedings at it ] Sir Frederick then went on to describe the part which Mr . Scholefield kad taken in promoting the object of the strike ,

    by lending nia chapel for the use of the meetings , and having tea parties of Chartists at his own house . With respect to several of the other defendants , the jury would find language used , the meaning and objeotsof which it would be for them to judge and determine what character ought fairly to belong to it . They would find that several of the speakers alluded distinctly to the use of direct physical force One man stated in particular that he had been at Birmingham , Bilston , and the Potteries , and he found a spirit of enthusiasm prevailing among the people . He said he should support the resolution under discussion without making a long speech because he believed " the people in Staffordshire and Yorkshire , and many other parts , were determined to fight . He was himself prepared for the worst .

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    wj $££ **** ' *** * T Leicester , would not be bem . »» J ^ k * , they wanted t 0 Proceed , they S ^ ' # ?! fc ihem 8 dTe 8 iDia P ° P attitude , ana * nS £ « f WeM prepared l 0 fi « ht" He " •»« appeal to the common sense of the Jury to say "tt W this ««'*¦«« . «*> d in the pre ^ £ X « . ?« -i . per 8 ? » *** &O objection urged to it « Li f ? £ ? " * * ^^ ed . He would appeal to them to say whether those who put forth such an address as he had quoted from , with , ^ •? JW Dd 6 d ' tb 6 foroe ^ " Peace , law , and order , could mean anything but the reverse . If they thought that it had the foroe of peace , law , SmiS * ^ whoever was the author , they must hold him justifiable . But it was his ( the Attorney-General s ) duty-and he could assure them a most painful duty it was , to brin * under thai * nounizanna

    all these circumstances , and to ask them what couelusion they could put , as men of tsense and experience , upon the language that was thus used . He asked whether the personB who met and put forth this address , oould possibly be viewed m any other light than as abettors of those more unfortunate , because less enlightened , persons , who were going from town to town , enoouraged by this address , and provoked by it into excesses which , under other circumstanes , they would have bean disposed to avoid ? He oould assure thei Jury , that at the innocence of any one of the individuals who was before them he should as much rejoice as any person who could take the deepest interest m their fate . But the duty he had to discharge to the Jury , to the public , and to the country at large , rendered it impossible , however painful that duty might be , to shrink from

    its perjormanoe by showing anything like reserve . Ho had now but one statement to make beyond those to which he had already oalled their attention . It was one which he made with very mingled feelings indeed , with respect to the intelligence and forbearance of those who took part in the late movement , but one which at the same time furnished a Strong illustration of the extreme peril in whioh the country must be placed , if such things could happen as those he was then authorized to state . Tae labour of the country , not only as regarded manufaotureSjWas stopped , but there was a general turn out of all hands and all trades , even to those engaged in supplying the most ordinary necessaries of life . He jelieved the baker and the butoher were permitted

    to go on , but the shoemaker and tailor were stopped in their labour until the object of the turn-out should hay © been accomplished . It was manifest that if such a system could be enforced to the very letter , great public mischief must ensue . The Learned Gentleman went on to refer to the formation of a " Committee of Public Safety , " but who subsequently styled themselves a "Committee of Operatives . " This body dispensed icenses to persons , to enable them to carry on busine e to a limited extent , and great vigilanoe was exercised in order to present their going beyond that license . In one iastanoe , a tailor received orders to make some mourning , but he dare not exeoute them until he went to this committee , and obtained their sanction . He

    mentioned this fact as a proof of the extraordinary extent and the intelligence with whioh this matter j was carried on , and of the numbers that ' were engaged in this species of strong violation of the laiv , at , the same time that it appeared to have for its object , to a certain extent , the interests of society . There could be no doubt that if an attempt of this sort was to be made , it perhaps oould not be made with more respect for S property aad for life , than generally did obtain , j even where violence wa 3 used . He should bear I willing testimony to the forbearance that was : per- i eonally apparent , even in the most lawless acts that I were committed . The boldest defiance of the law ; had been accompanied by a respect for life and \ property , and he felt rejoiced that he lived

    in a country , where , if excesses of this description did occur , they were tempered by a forbearance which shone conspicuously amidst the violation of the law that had taken place . In the remarks which ' he had thought it necessary to make , he had abstained from using one solitary expression of harshness . He desired to give no character to these offences beyond that which the law itself put upon them . He invited the Jury , as ; dispassionately as it was possible , to consider the evidence , and that while they acted calmly and coolly , to be firm in the vin-1 dication of the law . To them would ultimately be committed the question of the guilt or ' the innocence of the defendants . It might i be possible that as respected some of them , there would be that weakness of evidence , or that ' ,

    absence of violent spirit , as to induce them favourably to consider such of the cases . lu that favourable consideration he should cordially go along with them , or to recommend , if they found them guilty , to the favourable consideration of the court aloue . With these observations , inviting the jury as much as possible to abstain from any topic that might disturb them in the calmest exercise ot their consciences , and in the most faithful discharge ot their duty , as well for the defendants , as for the public , on whose behalf , it was performed , and for whoso protection this inquiry was instituted , he would leave the case in their hands-, again entreating them to be guided by evidence alone , and , as it made for or against the defendants , to return their verdict accordingly .

    At tbe close of the Learned Gentleman ' s address , Geo . Johnson , one of the defendants for whom Mr . Serjeant Murphy had been retained , announced his intention of conducting his own de ' enoe . The following witnesses were then called : — Joseph Haigh . —I live at Ashton-under-Lyne . I was living there in July last . I am a milkman . I remember meetings taking place at Ashton last year . I remember one on the 26 th of July . It was held on an open space of ground oalled Thaoker's Foundry . I was at a meeting ia the evening from eight to nine o ' clock . 1 should think from 3000 to 4000 persons would be present . There was a chairman . His name was William Woodruffe , one of the defendants . 1 knew he was the chairman , by

    introducing speakers to the meeting . He was elevated on a cart or waggon , or something of that sort . He is a shoemaker . The first Bpeaker he introduced was William Aitken , another of the defendants . I had known him before . I remember his saying , after speaking on tbe Charter and different things , " he should advise the cotton lords , particularly the Messrs . Rayners , to keep within the precincts of their own palaces , as dark nights were coming on , and the reckoning day was at hand . " Before that day I had seen a placard on the walls of Ashton with something of that sort on it . I think the words on it were— " Behold the reckoning day is at hand . " Woodruffe did not say anything more with respect to the reokoning day . I was at a

    meeting on Friday , the 12 th of August , in Charlestown Chapel or meeting room , adjoining Ashton . This was at nine o ' clook in the morning . The meeting was called by the bellman . John Alexander Stuart was in the chair . He is not a defendent . Woodruffe asked him privately if he would take the chair . From wxvy to eighty persons would be present . I heard Woodruffe say that he had a resolution to propof-e to this effect , that in order to facilitate the advance of wages all labour do cease . Smart , on taking the chair , said he hoped that nothing would be brought forward at the meeting , that would bring himself or them within the pale of the law ; but as he had taken the chair , he would put such resolutions an the meeting thought proper .

    Woodruffe advocated the principle of tbe resolution . He wasiu an elevated situation . It was a kind of a pulpit . I can ' t recollect what he said in particular . 1 remember his saying that he was one of the persons instrumental id calling the meeting , f left the meeting at half-past nine . I was at another meeting on Sunday , the 14 ! . h of August . It was held a little after nine in the morning , on Thaoker ' s ground . A person of the name of Joseph Hilton was in the chair . He is not a defendant . The meeting begun before I got there . There was some singing . One or two verses of a hymn were sung . Alexander Challenger , one of thft defendants , was there , and another , George Johnson . The latter gave out the hymn . I remember one verge . It ran . thua : —

    A charge to keep I have , A God to glorify , A never-dying soul to save , Aad fit it for the sky . " Johnson afterwards gavo them a religious exhortation , and when he had done , others gave exhortations . The chairman then said that ho had received a communication from some one , whom he did not know , whioh he would read . It was to this < ffoct , that the committee had come to the determination that labour should not be remmed until the Charter had become the law of the land . At the time this was said , much confusion took place , as the people seemed dissatisfied . Johnson and Challenger were present , when the chairman read this out . There is

    a street called Stamford-Street , in Ashton . I was { here about nine in tbe morning of the 30 th of Avg . In going up the street , on the way to the Town-hall , being at that time a special constable , I saw a procession going up . It consisted of men , women , and boys . There were four or five men abreast in front , and then a lot of women , and lastly , a number of boys . Woodrnffe was one of tbe four men in front . The whole number would amount to sixty or seventy . I had heard something said as they passed . They eried " fall in , fall id . " They went to Stalybridge . I followed them ass far as the Globe Inn , perhaps 200 yards from Stamiord-btreet Ashton , Dukiufield , Hyde , Stalybridge , and Mottram , are in the neighbourhood , and Glossop a little more to the East .

    Cross-examined by Mr . Dundas—Tbe reason I went to the meeting on the 26 ch of July , was from having seen a placard on the wall . I did not take notes of what passed . I have a tolerable memory . I went to the meeting before I had been sworn in a special constable . I was not sent by any person , but went of my own accord . There are three or four magistrates living in Ashton . They were at the Town Hall , at ten o ' clock in the morning of the 12 th of August . Tho bellman had gone round befort I had received the gummous to be sworu in . I believe Alexander Challenger is a factory operative ,

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    and George Johnson is a hatter . The exhortations given were religious ones . There were seyeral thousands present . After the Chairman had read the ananynuua note , there were divisions and murmurs , and agitations , in consequence of the meeting being put into a sort ot moveable position . —( a laugh . ) Whilst the consternation was going on , I came away . ; Re-examined by George Johason—I wish to ask the witness whether the meeting on the Sunday did not begin by prayer ! j The Judge—He has said so in substance , but he did not get there till after the meeting commenced . Defendant—Did you not 6 wear on your examination that there was no prayer ! ¦ Witness—I do not remember , for I was not there at the beginning . Judge—He said there were religious exhortations . '

    Defendant—I have no further questions to ask him . _ ) Henry Brierley , examined by Sir G . Lewin—I live at Stalybridge , and work at a factory . On the 22 th of July last , I was present at a meeting held on a plot of ground , oalled the Haigh , Which is in Stalybridge . I am not aware how it was called . I went to the meeting near eight o ' clock in the evening . I think there were some hundreds iof persons there . The ChaiFman was James Fenton , of Ashton , one of the defendants . I was there at the time he was called to the chair . He was unanimously ohosen . After being elected , there was a resolution moved , I rather think it was proposed by Challenger , but I should not know the person again . > The effect

    of the resolution was , that the reduction of wages was injurious not only to the workmen but also to the masters and shopkeepers . The motion was carried unanimously . I remember seeing Richard Pilling , and Brophy , and William Stephenson , three of the defendants , there ; Storah was there , too , but I should not know him again . Pilling moved another resolution , whiob was something similar to the former . They said they wanted a fair day ' s wage for a fair < iay ' a work , but th » y were of opinion that it could not be obtained unless the Charter became the law of the land . The resolution was carried unanimously . A third was then moved by Brophy . ; I knew him by name and sight at the same time . Tbe nature of the third resolution was to draw up a ,

    memorial to Sir R . Peel , for ten thousand stand of arms . ( Laughter . ) It was for the purpose of protecting the lives and property of the working classes against , those who refused to pay the property tax . No particular persons were ! mentioned as having refused to pay the tax . Tr . is resolution was also passed unanimously . The meeting then broke up peaoeably . They adjourned the meeting to Hyde , but I am not aware whether the proposition was put from the chair . A meeting did take place at Hyde , but I did not attend . I was present at another meeting , at Duckinfield , on the 2 ad or 3 rd of August , at eight o ' clock in thp morning . When I got there , I found Storah moving a resolution . ¦

    Mr . Dundas contended that there was no evidence to show that Storah wa 9 at this meeting . Tne Attorney-General maintained that tbe evidence was sufficient , because the indictment charged the defendants with having conspired with divers other pereoHP , to the jurors unknown , and the general character of the meetings , held from time to time , must be taken into account . ; The Judge concurred ia opinion with the Learned Gentleman , but thought the evidence with regard to Storah was weak .

    Examination resumed—The resolution moved by Storah was to the effect , that a fair day ' s ; wage oould not be obtained until the Charter became tbe law of the land . At this moeting , I heard Pilling giving a leoture on the state of the country . ) He said thint { 8 were in a bad state , that it wasj difficult to get a living , but he recommended the ; meeting to observe peace , law , and order . It was about halfpast nine before the meeting concluded . Another meeting was h « ld at Droylsdenon the following day . Ou Friday , the 12 th of August , I saw a procession coming from tho direction of Mr . Bailey ' s mill . There were several hundreds . They went to a plot of land near Cheetham ' s mill , but no moeting was held . They then went to the Haigh , where James

    Fenton waa chosen as chairman . I saw besides Thomas Mahon , John Durham , and William Stephenson , three other defendants . They were the principal speakers . Tjiey Said nothi ng particular , but exhorted the people to slick out until they got a fair day ' s wage . Tho procession was part of Bailey ' s workmen . They met again in the evening , at the Haigh , between seven and ei « ht . I saw the same four defendants and Bropby there . They' delivered lectures , exhorting the people to try to obtain the Charter by lawful means . There was another meeting on-the following morning , at five o ' clock , and they wont in procession through Duokenfield to Hyde , and returned by Newton . They then dispersed to go for their waees .

    The name evening tbey met again at the ' Haigh . Tne same persons were there . A man from Liverpool gave a lecture . He said he was sorry to Bad the country in such a state as it was , and advised them to KO to work again . He thought it was not possible to get the Charier then . The lecture , on the whole , was well received . It was a very good lecture . Brophy gave a lecture , and recommended people to turn teetotallers , and ke . j p sober . |< Jn Sunday morning , the 7 th of August , there was another meeting on Mottram Moor . Some thousands were present . The bellman of Hyde was in the chair . William Stephenson addressed the meeting on the principles of the . Charter . No reeolutiouB were moved in my hearing . In the evening of the same day

    there was a meeting in a preaching room , at Stalybridge . From forty to fifty persons were present . Stepheneon and Mahon were there ; A man came in , and said that he uuderstood that Mr . William Bailey wished to see some of the members of the committee . Some of them thought it advisable to go , and others not . Mahoa said he thought it was of no use going to the masters . He said they had turned out for the Charter , and would stick to it . Mahon is not one of Bailey ' s meaJ The meeting determined they would not go , and they broke up . On the following morning , another meeting took place at the Hai < h , at five o ' clock . I Brophy addressed the meeting , and said they must get out those who had gone to their work ; He said they must get them out by legal means , ; if possible ,

    or stop them as they were going . Durham said they would have a procession through Duokinfieid and Ashton , to let the masters see that they were out . Mahon and Stephenson said that tbey were KOing in procession through Ash . on after breakfast . The peeple divided inio lots , and they fetched the hands out of all the mjlld . I then returned to the meeting at the Haigh , and Durham Baid thev must get Bailey ' s men out fir ^ t , aud go iu procession through Ashton . He oruered them to KO peaceably . Durham , Stephenson , Mahon , Brophy , and several other persons , whom I did not know , were in the process-on I saw Croesley talking to Brophy , going down Duokinfield-hill . The procession went down Caroline-street , over Duckinfield-brow . to Mr . Hiudley ' s mill . They were

    linked arm-in-arm , and walked four or five abreast . They had no slicks , only two or three fligs and music . Before they , got to Hi ad ley ' s mill the men had turned out . There was no mob near the mill at the time . A few boys had preceded the procession . 1 went to Hyde , about half-past four . None of tbe men who came from StaJybridge were there . I found the ; hands of one factory fetohing out the hands of another . I saw Durham , Stephenson , and John Leach , of Hyde , at a meeting in the evening of the ; same day . Leach was addressing the meeting wkeu I got there . He paid he thought it was the most proper to turnout for their wages , and not for the Charter . He thought it would be impossible to get the Charter then . Mahon said that the Ash ton and

    the Stalybridge people must have a meeting on Tnacker ' ts Ground , and go in procession to Manchester , but that they were not to take any sticks with them . I was at the Haigh , next morning , at five o ' clock . Fenton was chiefly the chairman . Durham , Stephenson , and Mahon . were there . A lecture was given by Feuton . He recummended the people to keep iu peace and order , in Koing to Manchester . On the following morning , another meeting took place , at the Haigh , at five o ' clock . Fenton , Durham , Stephensow , and Glossop were there . They said they would go to Glossop and see how the people there were coming on . 1 did not go with them , and I don ' t know whether they went or not . Tho next morning another me . etin >

    took place on the Haigb , at the same time . Tiiey were falling out between tbe waga question and the Charter . Fenton thought one thing atja time was enough , and Durham also advocated the wage question . Stepht-nson and Mahon advocated the Charter . I did not eeo Crossley there . I understand ihat the object of the people in meedng ^ very morning at the Haigh , was to keep the people combined together . On the 12 i , h of August all the workpeople were out . Ou the 13 th , I saw a procession &t Stalybridge There was a public meeting hold in the evening . Fenton , Stephenson , Durham , and Mahon were there . I think Aitkin , Wojlfenden , John Leach of Hyde , and Johnson , were there also . Wild opened the meeting in favour of tho wage question . It was suggested that a list of delegates should ascertain what were tbe highest 1 and lowest

    rate of wages which the masters would give , in order that they might strike a meduW , aad . go to work . In the meantime the operatives could not return to work , as the masters had shut up their mills for a mouth . They agreed to doiso after the men had turned out . At the meeting on ) the evening of the 13 ch there wereseveral thouaindajthere . Nothing was said about what the operatives were to do until the Charter had been obtained ; but that they were to keep peace , law , and order . The Charter was forced upon the meeting by the Glosaop people , who came armed with sticks and bludgeons . Ou the Sunday afternoon another meeting ! took place , at which Woolfenden , delivered a lecture , but I went away just as he was taking & text . Woolfenden said something about the Charter , but not in connection with the wage question . In the evening another meeting took place , at which a lecturer from

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    Manchester attended . He said he was sorry that the people were out of work ; and that it hurt his feelings to think that they had come out on the Chart T . Oa tbe morning of the 15 th they again met Fenton , Stephensoa , Durham , and Mahon were there . Aikin was also present . __ A discussion took place between the wage question and the Charter . Mahon and Stephenson . thought they might as well go for both , but they would give in to the majority of the meeting . Thoy recommended the people to keep peace , law , and order and not to injure any one . I know the Chartist meeting room , at Aehton . A meeting took place there on the evening of the same day . Mahon was there . He read something from a newspaper , after which it was suggested that he should goto Manchester as a delegate to tho Conference there , but that another meeting should be held to elect him .

    Cross-examined by Sergeant Murpby—I have been a carder in a cotton factory . 1 was not engaged as a turn-out on this occasion , but I have had experience connected with a turn-out twelve years ago . No mention was made then of the Charter . A committee of working men was formed to direct the movements of the turn-outs . One of the obj « cts of that committee was to confer with the masters oa the question of wages . At that time there were fifty-two masters who determined to stop their mills , in consequence of the turn-out . Thej would not lei them work . I believe delegates were chosen on that occasion , to go from one factory to another , to notice the course of proceedings of the different turn-outs .

    Tne AttorneyrGeneral did not see how his Learned Friend oould m » ke what had occurred twelve years ago , matter of argument in this case . Surely his Learned Friend did not j istify what had recently happened by a precedent of twelve years ago . The Judge had thought that as the cross-examination was going on , the objflct of it was to show that the fact of delegates having been appointed twelve years ago , to ascertain the proceedings of the different turn-outs was not in . itself per se criminal . Mr . Serjeant Murphy—Precisely , my Lord , at the meetings 1 have referred to . Cross-examination resumed—On all occasions in whioh tbe Charter was mentioned , peace , law and order was inculcated .

    Re-examined by Mr . Atherton—The wages of the working classes at Ashton and Stalybridge , were extremely low , during these latter turn-outs , and consequently much dissatisfaction prevailed amongbt the working classes and shopkeepers . A great amount of distress prevailed , and some persons could scarcely obtain anything to eat . Wages have been declining ever since 1826 , and the distress has increased in proportion . Shopkeepers have had meetings , and have said that tney would support the operatives in getting a better remuneration . None of them have interfered to prevent the operativet holding their meetings .

    Re-examined by Mr . O'Connor—Wake * are an annual feast , and strangers flock from all parts of the country to where they are held . The first great gathering was held on the 15 th of August I believe that on that day Bailey ' s men had received notice of a reduction in their wages , amounting to 25 per cent ., and that they must turn out unless they would submit to that reduction . They would not agree to the reduction . The men complained that the Baileys had said they should play for a month , and therefore they said it was ot no use to try to « o to work . I remember meetings held after the 25 th of August . The owners of the chapels opened their doors for them . They oommisserated with the working classes , because they were out of work . The owners of the chapels were not

    Chartists . One" of them belonged to the Methodist New Connexion . At the meetings of shopkeepers the general rumour was that they complained of tbe masters having tamed out the men . During all the meetings I atteuded , I never saw a single breach of the peace . It is true that Bailey ' s men went in a body to the mill , and asked to be taken into work aRaia , I saw them go . The fact is as well known to me as any other to which I have sworn . Some of the masters would not open their doors till the month was out , and in the meantime the men were ready to gtf to work . Mahon was appointed a delegate on the 15 , h of August , and by the 25 th the whole question respecting the Charier and wages was settled , and the men went into work again .

    By the Attorney-General—I repeat that I saw no breach of the peace committed . Tnere are twenty-five or thirty mills in Asbton . By the Judge—The people came oat of the mills , generally , of their own . accord . I do aofc know any instance in which they did not do bo . At this stage . of . tae proceedings , the Court adjourned for a few minutes . Mr . Wai . Clayton , constable of Hyde , examined by Mr . Hilyard—I waB at a meeting held at Hyde on the first of August . George Candelet acted as chairman . The assemblage was addressed by several persons . Candelet , John Leach , Robert Wild , and William VIoorhouse . A resolutioa was put to the meeting by Candelet . It was to the effect that if there waa another reduction of wages offered by their masters , would they , one and all , turn out f

    There was a cry of " Yes , yes . " The Chairman proposed a show of hands to that eftvet , and Candelet afterwards addressed tbe meeting . He said he hoped the men at Hyde would prove true one to another , and then we will soon have oar rights—that will be the Charter and nothing but the Charter . The other speakers then followed in tarnand after announcing that another meeting would take place on the following Sunday morning at WednesoffGr-. en , at nine o ' clock ia the morning the people dispersed . I remember Monday the 8 ih of August . I saw a procession enter the town of Hyde on that day . I should imagine there would be seven or eight hundred . A few of them had sticks . There was a suspension of labour at Hyde for some time . I remember there was a meet ing held in the Market-place , Hyde , on the 11 th of August , and on the 17 th , but I can ' t state any particulars .

    None of the other Learned Counsel or amy of the defendants asked the witness further questions . Joseph Little cross-examined by Mr . Pollock—I am the Special High Constable for the division of Hyde , in the county of Chester . I remember attending on the 7 th of August , at Wednesoff Green , in the township of Holliogwortb . I bare a number of notes whioh I can produce . I made them as sooa as I could when the meetings were over . At a meeiing oa the 7 th , about 400 persons were presp . nt George Candelet , one of the defendants , waa there . William Moorhouse , not a defendant , acted as chairman . Speeches were made . Moorhouse said ;—" My friends and fellow workmen—I am appointed

    chairman to this meeting , and must inform you that we are not met here for a wage question , or for a religious question , —it is for a national question ; but I will not intrude on your time , as you will be addressed by my brother Chartists from Stalybridge , Ashton , Hyde , and other places , who are more able to address you than I , and tb < -y will explain to you that we are met here as Chartists for a national question . I will sit down . " He then called up another man , whom I did not know , and I left the meeting . These were all the notes I took . In the afternoon I was at another meeting the same day . About 700 or 800 persons were there . Moorhouse was in the chair . Robert Wild , John Leach , and George Candelet were there also .

    Moorhouse spoke . At the close of the afternoon he waid , — "You have be ^ n told of the evils under whic h we labour , and I am requested also to tell you that to-morrow a meeting will t&ke place at Stalybridge , at five o ' clock in the morning , wheu we will proceed from factory to factory , and all hands that will not willingly con ? e out , we will turn them out ; and friends , when we are out we will remain out , until the Charter , which is the only guarantee you have for your wages , becomes the law of the land . I hope to meet you all to-morrow morning , at Stalybridge , when we will join hand iu hand ia this great national turnout . " Candelet also spoke , but I dont think I have notes of it . John Leach spoke . I entered what he said the same evening . It

    is my duty to make a daily report to the magistrates . Leach began by pointing tome . He said , " There is one of the Government men , one who is like the black coated gentry who attends that place , ( pointing to the church , in Wednesoff Green , ) built for a good purpose , but now filled with thieves and rogues—the cotton fraternity ; but we would all be parsons and * blue bottles' ( police ) , if we were paid the same as these , by the Government— £ 80 a-year , a nice sum for a man working one day ous of the seven , and for looking after us poor , honest , industrious labourers ; but let me tell you that the church is an open ball , and filled by the cotton lords ^ who are a set of thieves and . rogues , and good honest people -they will not allow to enWr : but , friends ,

    let as be true one to another , and there is property in this plentiful country , sufficient for us all , and if you have not the common necessaries of life , take them , aad who can withstand agaiut you ? None . The prisons are full , and in the prisons they do not want you . The police is iu no fault . I wish you all to be quiet , you must not damage property or person ; aud above all , keep out of public houses , and tomorrow there will be a general torn out , throughout both the counties , Chester and Lancaster , and th © Charter will then be obtained . " He then wished them to be true one to another , and they would soon have the Chatter . I have no more notes ot that meeting . Leach said a great deal more , but I did not take it down .

    By Mr . O'Connor—Did you take down what waa said by Candelet 1 Witness—I did not , Sir . Examination-resumed . —I was at a meeting on Monday , the 8 A of August , iu the Market place , at Hyde . John . Lesch , George Ca : > d < jlet , William Moorhouse , and a man named S ^ ephtnsou , whom 'I don ' t know , were there . No Chaiiioau was appointed . I have no notes of this meeting . Tho speeches were-in the same strain of language , r « - couinK-ndiue ; the people to ke » p eut . as ihey Were out , till the Charter became the Jaw of the land . The people dispersed peaceably and quiet , aad weufc ( Continued in our Eighth Page . )

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    ^ - — THE NORTHERN STAR *

• Citation
  • Northern Star (1837-1852), March 4, 1843, page 5, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct978/page/5/