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    THE TEIAL.

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    Untitled Article

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    The Teial.

    THE TEIAL .

    gnVEBJfMENTPROSECUTIONOPPEARGns -O'CONNOR , ESQ . AND OTHERS , FOR AN ALLEGED CONSPIRACY . XASCASTER . —NISI PRIUS COUBT . WiDKESaiATj MaBCH 1 . vjjjjaronRoiFS , ihe Judge of the Assize , baring fid Has morning for 4 he commencement of tbe 22 s of Mr- *" eargus O'Connor and ^ thers , charged 2 ^ jlsje ^ s Government , onderthe " monster Sjctment , (» WJ of "which , " to published a few Zgsigo in the i&or , ) for a conspiracy ^ by violence , & about a change in the Constitution , the

    S-jt » t * n early lioux , was besieged by ixasonB jvjoisio hear the proceedings .. The body of the fVKjt was crowded to excess , sad included a large : f * srtion or the defendants , who Tnixed promis-^ V among the general body of spectators . On * THieach were a number of . fashionably-attired kggjtiie daughters of ihe gentry resident in the z ^^ au Ao < A of Lsncaster , vrho probably graced ffcosrt "witlitheir presence , fortwo reasons , first , S # si 4 lie evidence , tind secondly , to nave an op-JV *^ * . _ _ . m K »* * m Mafcfc A & flh Ifc ¦ 1 T ¦ ^> ^_ & a - ^^ J . "Y- _ _ _ of seeing what shocking people these

    ^ * ^ — ^ janty H $ riisi 3 are . ^ fjkeXesnied JtuwsB took his seat on the bench ^ seJy s * e * 116 -o ' clock j soon after which Mr . KjHinor , accompanied by Mr . Scholefield , Rev , * BSUaBd W . Roberts , Esq ., solicitor , of Bath , -as into Court , and -took their seats immediately S&d those reserTed for the members of the bar . * 3 ifl Court hating been opened wish the nsual togaBneSjthe Clerk of Arraigns called over the i ^ s of di e Jurorsgammoned to serve , Pom of ^ S pecial Jurors , upon whom notice had been regs-Sir BBTTed , did not appear when called , and no fgjSait excuse being tendered for theiz absence , | gj « re fined £ 2 i each . - ' = 55 a io QijirinfgentlfiniBn were ihen sworn on the Jsrj- -

    SKECUT . jBaeeRothweH Barnes , Somer-Seld , Great-Lew , jahn Benfley , of Earawortb , Esq . juses Anderson , of Burgh Hall , Duxbury , Esq . jdtrard Brook , of Melbourne-place , Bosholme , ¦ & £$ xs& * jkafc Asolin , « f Great Mersey-street , Krkdale , sdsnt * jfcosas Edgeley , of Park Yiew , Rnsholme , meriiaJ . flpjsjih "Waiism Smith , of "WeBfield-p iace , ToxghPsr * , merchant . Q&rles Armstrong , of Si . Greorge s-road , ETerton , wrd&nt . JioffiiBlyihe , of PJymoath-groTB , Chorlton uponjlsSloek , merchant . SomisHaiga , Elm Hall , Amtree , merchant .

    XiXESltEJt . Bichard Harrison , of BarmCy , tallow chandler . Checks Sierra Kennedy , of UlVBTStone , gentle-SUEam Scott , of TJlversione , gentleman . 2 a Jpms , addressing the Attorney-General , aid ib * t * n objection to serve on the jury had been Bjfeir Mr . Bentley , of Far aworth , on the ground gal bang a migistr&te , -and . hjatmg taken an aetrre hsIb the proceedings against the parties with jieffllie transactions about to beinTestigsted , rat sai to baTe originated , he did not think hB ^ odd be an impartial perwn for the discharge of 3 b My : Be l * he Jndge ) did not think the reason laffinent one , but as the objection had been mide , Winded-to siate it .

    The Anojacsr'GsirjBSja . said that if pis Learned loads on the other side sad so objection , he had sea to the -withdrawal of Mr . Benttey ' s name . Mr . Jtonus said , that as appearing for two of fa defendants , he had no objection to be tried by sj magistrate . A desultory oonrersation followed , wMoh ended in )[ r . Bentlej ' s name being retained on the list . SirPekde , Pollock , Attorney-General ; the Hon . Ls . S . WobsAT , M . P . and < £ . C . j Sir Gbegokt isiDt , Esight ; Mr . HirDTiKD ? and Mr . P . Polm , appeared to eondact the prosecntion on the Bsef the Crown . ' ii . Buxis , Q , & , appeared for James Schole&eld s ^ WaiiunScholefield .

    lib reference to the last mentioned defendant , 2 Attosxet-Vxssxbxl said he would at once ssre hi 3 Learned Friend from all trouble by oonrhi to a Terdict of acquittal being taken . fc . DcsDAS , Q- C- appeared for" Thos . AOdn ^ nd

    T 5 miBroot £ . Sergeant Mbbeht appeared for Thomas sihDZj William Johnson , and John Derham . Jir . ATHSEras appeared for James Penton and fiSim Stepienson . It Jl'OcBBAY appeared , for one or more of the s ^ tnts , but we did not distinctly understand fieh . - .-.-.- - - - -----3 &T . Poilock opened ths pleadings . Tlieinfe ff nyy charged ihe defendants with having iHepBj ecaspired together , and with direra otner etwes to Uie iurors xmknown , "unlawfully

    asseffljb&tege&si , and By Tiolence , tkr eats , and . intunl-Sifiaa . weompel persons to desist from their lawful mps&ns , all tending to bring about a change in £ > iur and the constimtion as established in these rabu . To this indietment the defendants had sereaLJj pkaded not gnilty , on winch issue was joined , isaiisne it was for the jurors to try , and say ! 2 a& £ r the defendenfe were gailty or not guilty . & . ( FC 65 K 0 B applied lo-haTe the witnesses for BBEiaaoB ordered out of court , which was immecfiKreoopliedwith .

    Mr . O'Connor then said , he understood twore-I&ri were present , w&o would hsre to depose to £ i 2 nil Jack connected with the present ease ; and isefofB hs trusted bis Lordshi p would request Saiteretire . Q e Coart , after iaring been made acquainted iii& fact that Ihese reporters would only hare itRa toiiotespf proceedings taken by them , reaadilieaDplicfltJon . Sa ATTOSSEY-GEHERAX fiien lose , ** i * &qshz 1 &i 9 Jury , said hB could assure them most i&JSsQy diat lie nerer roselo discharge a more is&l don than the one which fell to las lot to-day ,

    «» n-i » lacb ; he considered that the responsibility *» spon ftcee yrho adfised the Crown , was greater a on ibe present occasion . While- for a moment fcttrerteo * to circumstances which , more or less , is leynQas . the knowledge of eTery gentleman * PSsg the Jury , as probably of almost fsj f&sen in court , —while , ie allnded to Ss fe _ ^ » fle moment , in order to cannon them jo ss ay impreMoB 3 which ihey might hare gPrf Tnth respeei to any indiTidual charged , ^ s t % eameinvo that box , it was scarcely pos-^ KS to eaiertain the strongest impression of the BE 3 and An ~ " t » r i 8 i » Tn «» f tKat tnip-ht eiLsna from j- 1 ¦¦ lJ ¦

    ^— . — — . ^« r — ^^^ J W ^ m m ^^^ BW ^^^^ Zj ^^^ " ~—^^ — — — ——^ «« ei &xh aa those mentioned in the indictment , | M » dtbeT > ad been committed by the defendants . fU *^ « all their attention exclusiTely on this ^ a to tbs iaete that wonld be broa ^ bt ie&re ^^ "he would s tate m the onlset , TOtHoat As g ^ cifeniliy , that if they were not sa&fied of '« *?^ P ^ nicipation of eTery defendant , * «• Uiose who had by their own £ ** w Jiot impBcated themselres , if the eti-?* -OTa >" on the part of the prosecution should f ^^ fair or reasonable = doubt in the minds of ^ ! ° J , haTe the benefit of that doubt , and by their ¦ I *® « aconitied . The offence imputed to the that

    ^^ 3 was of raideaTDuring , by large as-^ i ^ gj Qf pgjgQ ^ to accomplish by force , Tio-^ aaacea , and intimidation , sueh » degree of ^^ tetiorfcronghoui the country astopro-^ Uehaage in som e of the fundamental parts of ^ aaiuaoa of the country . He should not stop £ v 2 ° wqnire , nor should be . moreoTer , attempt ^* s jot one momentj j ^ e merit or the der *« ^ the change , or the beauty of ai satution , or the happiness which it might or jP *** shed upon those who had the blessing to ttS *^ . Be was there—not to discuss say £ ¦*« abject Vhat «»« . T T ?« wm there merelv of bat

    j ^ Sfarpose vindicating &e law , and he ^^ jwi that hi 3 Lordship would tell the Vii ?/? 08 * 0 DI 36 of proceeding which ie ( the j ^ -Seaeral ) iad adrerted to was illegal—that w *^ oj snch proceedings that any change , of ^» bok , waa to be brought about " a . the conr ^ " ^ . ^ country ; and if they wers satiEfied » i ^ en aenee ihat the respsctrre defendants k £% « J . part in a proceeding which bad this * % vl ^ aa * those means to which ie bad ^ £ * ° were toe means to be resorted toby the wfpi . then it would be the duty of the Jury , W ^ fnl , to find them guilty . As little had ^¦ ffifli Use political origin of the meetings to ttt 0

    ^ i ^ 1 ? ^ seeTet history of the Baotires of Vf S « Sr anjwior to the time when first the law - ** I is ^* ? Proposed not to enter onto any in-^ ltiV ^* ^^ T **** the circumstances that ^ . r commiBsion of these offences , beyond W r ^ absolutely necessary to render the J ^ tjBBme d with them intelligible to ihe Vj ^ S then stated to them the doty he had ^?* % aad entreated them to aisnass £ rom s ^^ uecno ns any circumstance tending to *** & « ¦ ** ' ^ tfl weigh against any ef the j ^ a iDdmduali y , or as a body , hs shoaldpro-* ki " f&ordy as ne eoaid , . to narrate the facts to as

    fr 4 efe 7 ^>» sed lay before them matter of * * esnto & « newhere about toe ^ 26 th of Jnly last , * as ^ r * " ^ held at Adrton-raader-XyBe , lie ?* nfcm , ^ M ^^ were PK *» bly aware , 1 * a *^^? i ^ t 0 MaDclest « T , was abont ax miles ¦ 8 st ^^ ° L % t 6 WI 1 ' At the meeting , one of ^^ t ^ M ^^^ ^ ooiixM , was ihe chairk ^^ nS ? ^ the ^ efeadants , Bd . Pilling , N ^ e ' ^^ aad theJnry woald find that the ^^ e ?^ that occasion eonld leafe no donbt ^ teniL ? hatwere be objects and intention ^^ i ^ ** ° were then assembled . He pro s * C £ btev iaT « J few sentences of what fell from I ^^ ' ^^ iironi PilliBg , when ha addressed

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    the meeting , because he beheTed there was no doubt that endenee would be giyen to confirm the statements he should make . Woodruff " penidSS me * tog in a speech in which he exhwted the people to giTe over work nnta they coold S * ^ H , ty * « e for * ^ ir day ' s work . " « e then called npon Pilling to address the meeting . The language he used was Tery strong , and was personally directed to owners of mills £ TneSbonrhood . He said ie should "advise the cotton ™ SLi % ? ^ \ P redn « ts of their own palaces , for dark nights were coming on 5 and some bold hand , more daring than the rest , would reckon with them , for the reckoning day was near , and a

    oioooy reckoning it was like to be , " It appeared that shortly before thiB there had been some redaction made by the master manufacturers in the wages of the Yarlons workmen whom they employed . He believed that two or three of these reductions occurred in the month of April last year , and some of the observations made by the defendants werewith reference to a still further reduction that was suspected . The meeting on the 26 ih of July was adjourned to she fottorring day , but either no meeting look place , or eka it was so thinly attended , that it excited no public attention whatever . On ^ thelst 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 Snnday , the 7 th of August , to take place at Mottraxn Moor , or Wednesoff-green , four miles from Ashton . where the Chartists were in the habit of , holding Cheir camp meetings . The Jury would find that on Sunday the 7 ih of August , two meetings were held , one m tbe morning and the other in the afternoon , to which he must call their attention , because in the meantime , the manufacturers who had given notice of an intention to reduce their wages , at- least all , he believed , with the excep tion of one , withdrew the notice of reduction On Priday , the _ 5 ih 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 could hardly suppose that such offence was intended ; but undoubtedly some offence was created , and the men immediately abandoned their work , and that he believed was the first commencement of what was called the turnout . On Saturday , the 6 ih of August , there wa 8 a procession of not less than 1 , 500 or 1 . S 00 persons , who went throngh Newton , headed by John Durham and John Crossley . At the meeting held on Sunday , the Tib of August , Moorhonse addressed the people , and then , perhaps , for the first time , the objsct of the meeting was distinctly avowed . He toJd the meeting that it was neither a wage question nor a religions question—it was a national question—and that

    their object was to make what was commonly called the - People ' s Charter" the law of tbe land . At that meeting Candelet , one of the defendants , spoke , and a v }* n named Wild , -who was now soffering under sentence , at phester , 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 M&hon , spoke , and it was then stated that on the following day , there would be a great turn-out , and that no one should return to work until every principle of the People ' s Charter should become the law of the land . On that occasion , Moorhouse used language , of which he believed this was a correct statement . He said , " Yoh have been told of the evils under which we labour , and I am requested "Hi . DtWDAs—There is no such person in the indictment .

    The ArroairET-GESKBi . L was not aware that he had mentioned Moorhouse aa a defendant . He was alluding to language used by the chairman of a meeting , and ne believed he should be perfectly correct in stating to the Jary , that that which a chairman , uninterrupted , and without opposition , was permitted 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 . Moorhonse said , * You hav « been told of the evils we labour under , and I am requested to tell you that to-morrow a meeting will take place at Stalybridge , at fire o ' clock in the morning , when we shall proceed from factory to factory , and the hands that will not willingly come oni we will turn

    them out , and when we are out , we will remain out , tSl the Charter * which is the only guarantee for your wages , becomes the law of the land . I hope to jneet ^ yon . all to-morrow morning , when we will join haod in hand in thia great national tnrn-ont . " On the following morning , a meet ing wa 3 held at a , place called Haigb , near Stalybridge , at which from 2 , 000 to 3 , 0 i 0 persona were pressnt . There were two placards exhibited , on one of which were these word 8 : — " The men of Stalybridge will follow wherever danger points the wayj" and upon the 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 Messrs . Harrison , where they

    turned ont . all the hands , and stopped the milL They then went to the mill of MeBsienrs . Lees , whos ibey did not find toe B&me willingness to receive their proposal to stop labour . . They burst 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 tbe Sth of August , the people were meeting at Hyde , at Stalybridge , and at Ashton ; and from the place where they all assembled , they determined to march to Manchester . Accordingly some thousands of persons ,

    with 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 faithfully to keep the peace , and to commit no disorder of any kind . On these assurances , the Magistrates withdrew the military , and placed themselves , not exactly at the head of the people , as leaders , bat for the purpose of pointing out where they might go , and to watch that they did no mischief . The people then marched into

    th e town together , the military having withdrawn to prevent any hostile conflict . They had scarcely got into the town , when those who were rather lathe rear , separated themselves into different bodies , going from street to street , and from house to house , and took possession of the town . Por three da ! B the shops were shnt np , —all labour was bospended , and portions of the mob went from place to place , not merely to the mills , but to every place where the labour of man was used , and they obliged 2 , cessation from labour . In some instances they demanded bread , in others they accepted money , and for three day 3 Manchester was in a state of the most lawiess riot and confusion . Tbe following week , proceedings manifested

    themselves of a still more threatening aspect than perhaps was indicated by the assembling of the people in the manner he . had described . It appeared that at that time there had been a meeting , at Manchester , of delegates , or persons from the Trades ' Union ; and he beggedto call the attention of the jury to a resolution which was put forth on Friday , tbe 12 tb of August . It was this— " That we , the delegates representing the trades of Manchester and its vicinity , with delegates from various parts of Yorkshire and Lancashire , do most emphatically declare that it is our solemn and conscientious conviction that all theevilswhichaffl . rctsociety , and which have prostrated the industry 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 , is the immediate and nnmutilated adoption , and carrying into law , the document known as the ' People ' s Charter . ' That thi 3 meeting recommends the people of all trades and callings , forthwith to cease io -work until the above document becomes the ia-w of the lan < L He might here incidentally remark to tbe Jury , thai if & number of persons had formed vhe design of going into the country , from place to place , for the purpose of causing a cessation of labour , and compelling the pubho authorities in different parts of the country to adopt particular changes in the constitution , all those who , in any way , offered eneonraeement of any sort to the persons so actiB £ .

    become what in the law was called accessoriesbefore or after tbe fact , made very little difference , lor in a case ef misdemeanour , which this "was , all accessories were principals—all -who usbCi encouragement to parties committing this description ol offence , were themselves guilty of that which they enconraged in others . And it wonld ^ be for the Jury to say whether this resolution , and other resolutions of a similar kind , being brought home to certain parties who were before them * s defendants , could leave any doubt on their minds as to the object lor which ^ resolutions of this character were put forth . It-would be for them to Bay whether those who adopted this method of encouraging and producing a . sjsttm , a&d R iving effect w » the designs of Other * , mnst not ba held , in point of fact , by to

    them , as adopting such a course with a view assist and promote the designs of others . If that were so , he believed his Lordship wonld tell them that snch persons , altogether and entirely , partioi-Mied in the full guilt which they thns encouraged . Kow , by this time , the state of Manchester had attracted the attention of the authorities there , and the authorities in London . On the 14 th of Angust there was a proclamation issued by the Magistrates on their own authority , and , on the 15 th , anotker proclamation was issued in the name of the Queen by the Execntive Government ; and after that proclamation , calling upon every one to preserve the peace , -and to abstain from gmng any encouragement to the violence of others , it became still jnore and more the boundea doty of all passn 3 who were determined to ohej ito

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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 persons going abont the country endeavouring to turn out those who were anxious to continue to work for their masters . : On the Monday following thia , a meeting w&s held at a public-house in jrib-atreet , Manchester , which was afterwards adjourned to the Carpenter ' s Hall . The Jury would find that at the meeting various resolutions were carrtedj and at length it was determined to issue a pjacard , to which he thought it right . to call theirattention . It was worded thus : rt Ialerty to the trades 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 yesterday , and the spirit of determination manifested for the people ' s rights has increased every hour . In cbnseauenoe of the

    unjust and unconstitutional interference of the magistrates , our proceedings were abruptly brought to a . close by dispersing the meeting , but not until , > in their Tery teeth , we passed the following resolution : * That we , as delegates in pnhlio 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 reoommend that delegates be sent through the whole of the country , to endeavour to obtain the co-operation of the middle and working classes , in carrying out I 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 adherence to this resolution that we

    are your true representatives . Do your duty , and we will do ours . We meet again to-morrow , and the result of onr deliberations will be fully laid before you . " Now , he had read to the Jury the words of this placard . There were expressions with respect to 11 legal means , " and "keeping thepaace . " He was afraid that those who directed the framing of that paragraph differ in the view which his Lordship would lay down as to what were the " legal means" by which such an object could be carried into effect . It would be for the Jury to judge whether those upon whose lips bung 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 ICth of August , a meeting , not of trades , but 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 meetings , undoubtedly about forty attended . At the meeting , an address was considered and approved of , to be printed and published to the people of England . It was an

    address from five persons styling themselves , — The Executive Committee of the National Association , Tor carrying the Charter ; ' * and he begged to call the attention of the Jary 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 Learned Gentleman then proceeded to read extracts from this address ; the first of which called upon the people never to resume work nntil fall justice had been done to the working classes , their wives and families , by the 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 terminate in bloodshed . The language used in this address with reference to the event was this : — " Pellow-Chartists , the blood of your brothers redden the streets of Preston and Blackburn , and the murderers thirst for more . But be firm , be 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 use will bayonetajw against publio opinion V Then again , in allusion to tbe stoppage of the mills , the address said " every hand is at rest , save the peaceful sickle of the reaper in the fruitfnl fields . " That was perfectly true .

    Within fifty miles of Manchester , all was st ill , bat in 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 they 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 not be wrong if he said the greater part , yielded a reluctant assent , and were acted upon by the force and threats of those who went from place to place to produce a complete abandonment of labour . The address concluded by asking the

    people to leave tn * decision of their rights to the w God of msliee 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 the Jury wonld have to decide was , whether all those who wete connected with the framing and putting it forth , —whether in the entire scope and object of the production , they did not find a direct encouragement given to those persona , who were going abont the country , from factory to factory , and almost from house to house , to suspend labour of every kind , and to do it by fores , in order to carry out that change in the constitution , which would be effected by carrying the People's Charter into law ! The Jury wonld

    have evidence given them of what occurred at the meeting of delegates ; and as against one of the defendants—he meant Mr . Feargus O'Connor—they would have the strongest evidence of his participation in it , in a direct allusion to it in his own newspaper , the Northern Star , to which his name iffiS affixed &s the proprietor , and for the contents Of which he was responsible . He proposed to read from tbe Nurihern Star , a few expressions which would clearly connect Mr . O'Connor with the publication of the document . He thought it perfectly r ight , however , to say that before the date of the p » per to which ho was about to refer—the 20 th of August last , many paragraphs had appeared in the Northern Star , 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 ( the Attorney-General ' s ) part , that prior to tbe 20 th of August , the Northern Star was apparently directed against the strike , tbe benefit of that admission he should certainly not seek to withhold from him . But be had not the least doubt , from the paper he held in hiB hand , that , for some reason or other , —whether because the impulse seemed to be bo btrong—whether the onrrent seemed to be so irresistible that it was no longer of any nse 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 the 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 nsed thia against Mr . O'Connor to prove the fact that was there stated—that there was a meeting of delegates . He should confirm it by notes that were found in the band writing of one of tbe 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 ^ e— to give evidence of what took place in

    that assemblage . But in order , as be 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 every document that he could have recourse to for tbe purpose , he should piove , against eevtial of the defendants , as it were , out of their own lips , that they were present , and what took place . He wonld now read the statement which appeared in the Northern Star of tbe date he bad mentioned . [ The Attorney-General here read the report of toe " Meeting of delegates in conference at Manchester , " as it appeared in the Scar of the 20 th of August last . J He wanted to show that this was as good evidence against Mr . O'Connor as conld possibly be given ,

    because it was deliberately published by him , in a newspaper of which he was the sole proprietor . ( He also read another extract from the same paper . ] va a subsequent day , the 3 rd of September , Mr . O'Connor puoiished another number of the Northern Star , in the leading columns of which he gave an account of the meeting of the delegates . It was ia 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 ^ proceedings at it . l Sue Frederick then vfent on to describe the part which Mr . Scholefield had taken in promoting the object of the strike ,

    by lending his chapel for the nse of the meetings , and havio £ tea parties of Chartists at his own house . With respect tobeveral of the other defendants , the jury would find language used , the meaning and objects of which it would be for them to judge and determine what character onght 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 . m He said he should support the resolution under discussion without making a long speech becanBe he believed " the people in Staffordshire and Yorkshire , aod many other parts , were determined to fight . He was huoself prepared for tae worst .

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    P ® , g ^ P enans , of Leicester , would not be bebmd m the cause . If they wanted to proceed , they ¦ W * ftrt . ' lheBBd irefl ia a i » r ° P * attitude , ana show that they were prepared to fight / ' He must appeal to the common sense of the Jury to say what language of this sort meant , used in the presenoeof other persons , and no objection urged to it by Jhoseto whom it was addressed . He would appeal to them 1 to say whether those who pat forth such an address , as he had quoted from , with , as they pretended , the force of peace , law , and order , could mean anything but the reverse . If they thought that it ; hadi the foroe of peao * law , and order , then whoever was the author , they must bold him justifiable . But it was hi 8 ( the Attorney-Generals ) duty-and he could assure them a most painfni duty it was , to bring under their cognisance all these circumstances , and to ask them what conelusion they could put , as men of sense and experience , upon the language that was thus used . He asked whether the persona who met and put forth this address * could possiblbe

    y viewed m any other light than as abettors of those more unfortunate , because less enlightened , persons , who were going from town to town , encouraged by this address , and provoked by it into exoesses wnioh ,. under other circumstanes , they would have bean disposed to avoid ! He could assuro the Jury , that at the innocence of any o * e of the individuals who was before them he saould aa much rejoice as any person who could take the deepen interest m their fate . But the dnty he had to discharge to the Jury , to the publio , and to the country at large , rendered it impossible , however painful that duty might be , to Bhrink from its performance by showing anything like reserve .

    " 1 ? ° ? wt at one statement to make beyond those to which he had already called their attention . It was one whioh he mado with re ry mingled feelings indeed , with respect to the intelligence and forbearance of those who took part in the late movement , but one which at She same time furnished a Btrong illustration of the extreme peril in which 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 manufactures , was stopped , but there was a general turn out of all hands and all trades , even to chose engaged in supplying the most ordinary necessaries of life . He believed the baker and the butcher were permitted

    to go on , but the shoemaker and tailor were stopped in their labour until the object of the turn-out should have been accomplished . It was manifest that if such a system could be enforced to the very letter , great public mischief vam , 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 licenses tw persons , to enable them to carry on business to a limited extent , and great vigUanoewas exercised in order to present their going beyond that license . In one iastance , a tailor reoeived orders to make some mourn * iog , but ha dare not execute 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 waa carried on , and of the numbers that were engaged in this species of strong violation of the iatv , 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 could not be made with more respect for property and for life , than generally did obtain , even where violence wa 3 used . He should bear willing testimony to the forbeatanoe that was personally apparent , even 'in the most lawless acts that

    were committed . The boldest defiance of the law had been accompanied by a respect for life and property , and he felt riejoioed 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 asing one solitary expression of harshness . He desired to give no character to these offahoes beyond that whioh 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 vindication of the law . To them would ultimately be committed the question of the guilt or the innocence of the defendants . It might

    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 . In 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 alone . With these observations , inviting the jury as much as possible to abstain from any topic that might disturb them in the calmest exercise of their consciences , and in the most faithful discharge of their duty , as well for the defendants , as for the publio , on whose behalf it was performed , and for whose protection this inquiry was instituted , he would leave the case in their nandh , again entreating them to be guided by evidence alone , and , as it made for or against the defendants , to return their verdict accordingly .

    At the 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 defence . 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 called Thaoker ' e Foundry . I was at a meeting in the evening from eight to nine o ' clock . I should think from 3000 to 4000 persona would be present . There was a chairman . His name was William Woodruffe . one of the defendants . I knew he was the chairman , by introducing speakers to the meeting . He was elevated on a cart or waggon , or something of that Bort . He

    ia a shoemaker . The first speaker he introduced was "William Aitkon , another of the defendants . I had known him before . I remember his saying , after speaking on the Charter and different things , " he should advise the cotton lords , particularly the Messrs . Kayners , 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 eay anything more with respect to the reckoning day . I was at a meeting on Friday , the 12 th of Auuast , in Charlestown Chapel or meeting room , adjoining Ashton . This was at nine o ' clock in the morning . The meeting was called by the bellman . John Alexander Stuart was in the chair . Ha is not a defendent .

    Wood ruffe asked him privately if he woald take the chair . From sixty to eighty persons would be present . I heard Woodruffe say that he had a resolution to propose to this effect , that in order to facilitate the advance of wages . all labour do cease , Stuart , 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 as the meeting thought proper . Woodruffe advocated the principle of the resolution . He was in an elevated situation . It was a kind of a

    ful pit . I can't recollect what he said in particular , remember his saying that he was one of the persons instrumental in calling the meeting . I left the meeting at half-past nine . I was at another meeting on Sunday , the 14 th of August . ' It was held a little after nine in the morning , ou Thaoker's ground . A person of the name of Joseph Hilton was in the ohair . He is not a defendant . The meeting begun before I got there . There was some aivging . One or two verses of a hymn were sung . Alexander Challenger , one of the defendants , waa there , and another , George Johnson . Tae latter gave out the hymn . I remember one verse . It raa thus : —

    A charge to keep I have , A God to glorify , A never-dying soul to save , And fit it for the sky . " Johnson afterwards gave them a religious exhortation , and when he had done , ¦ others gave exhortations . The chairman then said that he had received a communication from some one , whom be did not know , which be would read . It was to this effect , that the committee had como to the determination that labour should not be returned until the Charter had become the law of the land . At the time this waa said , much confusion took place , as the people seemed dissatisfied . Johnson and Challenger were present , when the chairman read this out . There 18

    a street called Stamford-street , in Ashton . 1 was there about nine in the morning of the 30 th of Aug . In going np the street , on the way to the Town-hail , 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 . Woodroffa was one of the four men in front . The whole number woald amount to sixty or seventy . I had heard something said as they passed . They cried " fall in , fall in . " They went to Stalybridge . I followed them as far as the Globe Inn , perhaps 200 yards from Stamford-street ¦ Ashton , Dukinfiaid , Hyde , Stalybridge , and Mpttram , are in the neighbourhood , and Glossop a little' more to the EasR

    Cross-examined by Mr . Duudaa—The reason I went to the meeting on the 26 th 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 Ha ll , at ten o ' clock in the morning of the l' 2 th of Angust . The bellman had gone round before I had received the summous to be sworn in . I believe Alexander Challenger is a factory operative ,

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    and George Johnson is a batter . Tbe j exhortations given wete religions ones . There were several thousands present . After'the Chairman had read the anonymous note , there were divisions and murmurs , and agitations , in consequence of the meeting being put into a sort of moveable porition .-HA laugh ., ) Whilst the consternation was going ; on , I came away . ] Re-examined by George Johnson—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 swear on your examination that there was no prayer ! j Witness—I do not remember , for I was not there at the beginning . Judge—He said there were religious exhortations .

    Defendant—I have no farther questions to ask him . ; Henry Brierley , examined by Sir G . Lewin—I live at Stalybridge , and work at a factory . On the 22 ch of July last , I was present at a meeting held on a plot of ground , called the Haigh , which is in Stalybridge . I am not aware how it ; was called . I went to the meeting near eight o ' clocklin the evening . I think there were some hundreds of persons there . The Chairman was James Fenton , of Ashton , one of the defendants . I was there at the time he was called to the ohair . Be was unanimously chosen . After being elected , there was a resolution moved , I rather think it was proposed byjChallenger , 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 , which was something similar to theformer . They said they wanted a fair day ' s wage for a fair day ' s 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 . The 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 . Thia resolution was also passed unanimously . The meeting then broke up peaceably . 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 Duckitifield , on the 2 nd or 3 rd of Angust , at eight o ' clock in the morning . When I got there , I found Storah moving a resolution . !

    Mr . Dundas contended that there was bo evidence to show that Storah was at this meeting ! The Attorney-General maintained th ? it the evidence was sufficient , because the indictment charged the defendants with having conspired Vritb divers other parsons , to the jurors unknown , and the general character of the meetings , held from time to time , must be taken into account . ; The Judge concurred in opinion with the Learned Gentleman , but thought the evidence with regard to Storah was weak . i

    Examination resumed- —The resolution ! moved by Storah was to the effect , that a fair day ' s wage could not be obtained until the Charter became [ the law of the land . At this meeting , I heard Pilling giving a lecture on the state of the country , j He said things were in a bad state , that it was difficult to get a living , but he recommended the meeting to observe peace , law , and order . It was about halfpast nine before the meetiqg concluded . Another meeting was held at Droylsden on the following day . On Friday , the 12 th of August , I saw a procession coming from the direction of Mr . Bailey ' s mill . There were several hundreds . They went to a plot of land near Cheetham ' s mill , but no meeting was held . They then went to the Haigh , wher e James

    Fenton was chosen as chairman . I saw besides Thomas Mahon , John Durham , and William Stephenson , three other defendants . They were the principal speakers . They said nothing particular , but exhorted the people ¦ to stick 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 eight . I saw the same four defendants and Bropby there . They delivered leotures , 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 went in procession through Duckenfield to Hydo , and returned by Newton . They then dispersed to go for their wasres .

    The same evening they met again at the Haigh . The same persons were there . A man from Liverpool gave a lecture . He said he was sorry to find the country in such a state as it was , and advised them to go to work again . Hd thought it was not possible to get the Charter 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 keap sober . On Sunday morning , the Teh of August , there waa another meeting on Mottram Moor . Some thousands were present . The bellman of Hyde was injthe chair . William Stephenson addressed the meeting on the principles of the Chatter . No resolutions were moved in my hearing . In the evening of tbe same day

    there waa a meeting in a preaching room , at Stalybridge . From forty to fifty persons were present . Stephenson and Mahon were there . } A man came in , and said that he understood that Mr . William Bailey wished to see gome of the members of the committee . Some of them tnonfcht it ) advisable to go , and others not . Mahon said he thought it was of no use going to the masters . He 6 aid they had turned out for the Charter , and would stick to it . Mahon is not one of Bailey ' s men . The meeting determined they would nob go , And they broke up . On the following morning , another meeting took place at the Hakh , at five o'clock . Brophy addressed the meeting , and said they mast 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 . Durhamjsaid they would have a procession through Duckinfield and Ashton , to let the masters see that they were out . Mahon and StepheDson said that they were going in procession through Ashton after breakfast . The people divided into lots , and they fetched the hands out of all the mills ' . I then returned to the meeting at the Haigh , and Durham said they must get Bailey ' s men out first , and go in procession through Ashton . He ordered them to 1 iQ peaceably . Durham , Stephenson , Mahon , Brophy , and several other persons , whom I did not know , were in the procession I saw ; Crossley talking to Bropby , going down Daokinfield-hill .

    The procession went down Caroline-street , over Duckinfieid-brow , to Mr . Hindley ' e mill . They were linked arm-in-arm , and walked four or five abreast . Triey had no sticks , oniy two or three Sags and music . Before they got to Hindley ' 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 the men who came from Stalybridge were there . I found the hands of one factory fetching 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 when I got there , tie said 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 tbe Charter then . M&hon said that the Ashton and the Stalybridge people must have a meeting on Thaoker ' s Grouud , and go in procession to Manchester , but that they were not to take any sticks with them . I w % 9 at the Haigh , next morning , at five o ' clock . Fenton was chiefly the chairman . Durham , Stephenson , and Mahon . were there . A lecture waa given , by Fenton . He recommended the people to keep in peace and order , in £ oin £ to Manchester . On the following morning , another meeting took place , at the Haigb , at five o ' clock . Fenton , Durham , Stephenson , and Glossop were there . They said they would go to Glossop and

    see how the people there were coming on . I did not go with them , and I don ' t , know whether they went or not . The next morning another ; meeting took plane on the Haigh , at the same time . They Were falling out between the wage question ( and the Charter . Fentou thought one thing at a time was enough , and Durham also advocated the wage question . Utephtnson and Mahon advocated the Charter . I did not seo Crossley there . I understand that the object of the people in meeting every morning at the Haigh , was to keep the people combined together . On the 12 th of August all the workpeople were out . On the 13 th , I saw a procession at Scaly bridge There was a public meeting | held in the evening . Fenton , Stephenson , Durham , and Mahon were there . I think Aiikin , Woolfenden , John Leach of Hyde , and Johnson , were there also . Wild opened the meeting in favour of the wage question . It was suggested that a list of delegates

    should ascertain what were the highest and lowest rate of wages which the . masters would give , in order that they might strike a medium , and go to work . In tbe meantime the operatives could not return to work , as the masters had shut up their mills for a month . They agreed to do so after the men had turned out . At the meeting on the evening of the 13 th there were several thousands there . 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 . ThelCharter was forced upon the meeting by the Gloasop people , who ca'jae armed with sticks and bludgeons . On the Sunday afternoon another meeting took place , at w ' aioh Woolfenden , delivered a lecture , but I wep . t a _ way just as he was taking a text . Woolfende ' a said something about the Charter , but not in connection with the wagejjaestion . In the ! evening another meeting took place , at whioh a lecturer from 1

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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 Charter . Oa the morning of the 15 ih they again met . Fenton , Stephenson , Durham , and Mahsn 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 wonld give in . to the majority of the meeting . They recommended the people to keep peace , law , and order and not to injure any one . I know the Chartist meeting room , at Ashton . A meeting'took place there oa the evening of the same day . Mahon was there . Reread something from a newspaper , after which it was suggested that he should go to Manchester as a delegate to the 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 . I was not engaged as a turn-out on this occasion , but I have had experience connected with a turn-oat 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 objects of that committee was to confer with , the masters on the question of wages . At that lime there \ were fifty-two masters who determined to stop their mills , inconsequence of the tarn-out . They would not let 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 . The Attorney-General did not see how his Learned Friend oonld make what had occurred

    twelve years ago , matter of argument in this case . Surely his Learned Friend did not justify what had recently happened by a precedent of twelve year * ago . The Judge had thought that as the cross-examination was going on , the object of it was to sfeow 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 I have refer red to . Cross-examination resumed—On all occasions ia whioh tbe Charter was mentioned , peace , law and order was inculcated .

    Re-examined by Mr . Atherton—The wages of the working closes at Ashton and Stalybridge , were extremely low , during these latter turn-oiits . and consequently much dissatisfaction prevailed amongst tae working classes and shopkeepers . A great amount of distress prevailed , and some persons could scarcely obtain anything to eat . Wages have been declining fever since 1826 , and the distress has increased in proportion . Shopkeepers have bad meetings , and have said thattney would support the operatives in getting a better remuneration . Nona of them have interfered to prevent the operatives holding their meetings .

    Re-examined by Mr . O'Connor—Wakes are aa annual feast , and strangers flook from all parts of the country to where they are held . The first great gathering was held on the 15 ch of August I believe thai on that day Bailey ' a 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 of no use to try to go to work . I remember meetings held after the 25 th of August . The owners of the chapels opened their doors for them . They commisserated 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 tbe general rnmonr was that they complained of the masters having turned out the men . Daring all tbe meetings I attended , I never saw a single breach of the peace . It is true that Bailey ' a men went in a body to the mill , and asked to be taken into work again , 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 go to work . Mahoa was appointed a delegate on the 15 th of August , and by tbe 25 th the , whole ? question respecting the

    Charter 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 . There are twenty-five or thirty mills in Ashton . By the Judge— : The people came oat of the mills , generally , of their own accord . I do not know any instance in which they did not do so . At this stage of the proceedings , the Court adjourned for a few minutes . Mr . Wm . Clayton , constable of Hyde , examined by Mr . Htlyard—I was 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 MooAouse . A resolution was put to the meeting by Candelet . It was to th © efifeet that if there was another redaction of wages cflVed by their masters , would they , one and all , turn oat

    There was a cry of M Yes , yes . " The Chairman proposed a show of hands to that effect , and Candelet afterwards , addressed the meeting . He said he hoped the men at Hyde would prove true one to another , and then we will soon have our rights—that will be the Charter and nothing but the Charter . The other speakers then followed in turn , and after announcing that another meeting wonld take place on the following Sunday morning at Wednesoff Green , at nine o ' clock in the morning , the people dispersed . I remember Monday the 8 ta of August . I saw a procession enter the town of Hyde on that day . I should imagine there woald b » seven or eight hundred . A few of them had sticks . There was a suspension of labour at Hy de for some time . I remember there was a meeting held in the Market-place , Hyde , on the 11 th of August , and on the 17 th , bat I can't state any particulars . None of the Other Learned Counsel or any of the defendants asked the witness further

    questions . . JoBeph Little cross-examined by Mv . P . ojlock—I am the Special High Constable for the division of Hyde , in the county of Chester . I remember afr ^ tending on the 7 th of August , at Wednesoff Green , in tbe township of HolliDgwprtb . I have a number of notes which I oan produce . I made them as soon as I could when the meetings were over . At a meeting o » the 7 th , abont 400 persons were present . George Candelet , one of the defendants , was 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 ; bus 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 they will explain to you that w e 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 meetiug . 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 said , — "You have been told of theevtls under which

    we labour , and I am requested also to tell you that to-morrow a meeting will , take place at Stalybridge , at five o ' clock in the morning , when wa will proceed from factory to factory , apd all hands that will not willingly come out , we will turn them out ; and friends , when weare out we will remain out , until the Charter , which is . the only guarantee you have for your wages , becomes ihe law of the land . I hope to meet you all to-morrow morning , at Stalybridge , when we-will join hand in 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 ( be . magistrates . Leach began by pointing to me . He said ,

    " There is one of the Government men , one who is like the blaok coated gentry who attends that plaice , ( pointing to the church , in Wednesoff Greon , ) built for a good purpose , but now filled with thieves and rogues—the ootton 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 out of the seven , and for looking after ua . poor , honest , industrious labourers ; but let me tell you , that the church is an open bell , and filled by the cotton lords , who are a set of thieves andjrogues , and good honest people they will not allow to enter } 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 , and Who can withstand against you ? Noae . The prisons are full , and in the prisons they do not want you . The police is in no fault . I wish you all to be quiet , you must not damage property or person ; and above all , keep out of publio houses , and . tomorrow there Will ne a general torn out vth . roUK . UQUfc both the counties , Chester and Lancaster , aud the Charter will then be obtained . " He then wished them to be true one to another , and they would soon have ^ the Charter . I have no more notes ! of that meeting . Leach said a great deal more , but I did not take it down . By Mr . O'Connor—Did jou take down what was said by Candelet t Witness- ! did notSir .

    , Examination resumed . —I was at a meeting oa Monday , the 8 ih of August , in the Marketplace , at Hyde . John Lpach , George Candelet , William Moothouse , and a man named Sfcephenson , whom I don ' t know , were there . No Chairman was appointed . I have no notes of this meeting . The speeches were in the same strain of language , re * commending the people to keep e > ut , as they were out , till the Charter became the law of the land . The people dispersed peaceably and quiet , aud w . eat ( Continued in our Eighth Paa $ , J

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    THE NORTHERN STIR 5

• 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-ncseproduct984/page/5/