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ADDRESS FF.OjI THE COAL MINERS IN THE GL...
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Sheffield.—On Saturday, W. P. Roberts, E...
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OVERDOING THE THING. South Shields Polic...
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ANOTHER TRIUMPH FOR LABOUR. (From our ow...
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®vatie$ $SlQbemevct&
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The TwENTYrSEConD Annual Dinner of the C...
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forthcoming chartist heetings. Bradford....
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Leeds :—Printed for the Proprietor, PEAB...
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Address Ff.Oji The Coal Miners In The Gl...
ADDRESS FF . OjI THE COAL _MINERS IN THE GLASGOW DISTRICTS . Tfce _followinj was brought _ferward by a Miner , John Hunter , and read to the Miners on the Banks ol Clyde , in general meeting assembled , " when it was carried unanimously that the same be _snbmitted to the public through the press . Countrymen and Friends , —The time has now come when we feel it to be onr duty to _speuk as Miners were wont to do in days gone by , when independence was acknowledged to be our birthright ; when slavery ,
pauperiBHi , snd crime were unknown in the land ; when the cottage of the _labourer ga , Te undeniable proofs of tho comfort he in return for his labour enjoyed . We are now tbe _hardest worked and the worst paid of any class in Britain ; breathing an impure atmosphere , subject to a thousand perils unknown to other classes of the community , and In constant danger" of a violent death . Ought this to be ? The immense importance of our labours to society should ensure _U 3 the protection of society . If that is denied we must find out the way to protect ourselves .
The masters in the Glasgow district are in tbe habit of grossly violating the laws by dedncting and subtracting from the wages of the Miners , without the Miners having any _contronl over the masters whatever . No doubt the law provides a remedy , and may be applied for ; in * , law is one thing aDd justice Is another : and t ? o obtain the latter as a class of workmen we are _powerless Generally speaking , with a few exceptions , there is not a Colliery in this district that the master , manager , bill-clerk , or banksman have not the _powar to reduce tbe wages of any Miner to any sum he may choose ; therefore it may be understood tint the Miners have no fixed wages . In the first place , on a Miner ' s tnb coming to the bank , which , in general cases , ought to weigh four cwt , should any of the persons
_beforeraentioned think proper to have the same _adjusted , tbe process runs thus . The Miner ' s tub is weighed upon small weights set apart for tbat pnrpose , when the amall ceal is taken from the round , and tbe round weighed on the purgation principle , which has been the rain of many a poor Miner and his family , while it has filled the _ctffirs of the employer . The coiners employed at the Mint are not more particular in taking , the dross from the gold than onr masters are to find a stone in a 3 _diner * a tub ; and although the nme be known to have been produced in a chamber many fathoms nnder ground where in many instances the dim light of a lamp makes it difficult to distinguish the stone ; should a few stones be found in any tnb , no matter , snpposing five cwt of saleable coal remain , that tab is forfeited ; and in tbe
same manner , during the day , every o _^ e may forfeited ! In the second place , when the Miner ' s tub gees to be tested , if found wanting one half ounce of four cwt the one half cf that tnb is forfeited , wbUe the weightsman has "it in his power to take every tnb if he choose . T wel ve _* cwt is our _agreement in this district . Trie masters say-they want no more , and to the public they give no more ; yet , at the aame time , the Miners are compelled to put out from fifteen to sixteen and eighteen cwt exclusive of small coals . Besides the small coal supply is in very great consumption in the market ; and , as a matter of course .
seeing they grow together , we consider they ought to be sold together , and the Miner paid for both together . In one case here , where a Miner ' s tub weighed three and quarter cwt , the whole day ' s work was forfeited to the amount of fourteen tubs ; and in the same colliery , the Workmen of one pit sustained a loss , during a period of six months , of from 300 to 400 tubs , the employer refusing to pay them anything for the same . Thirdly , it has happened in a Colliery , not above three miles from Glasgow where a poor Miner met . hia death , tbat a few days previous to hia death , he had been fined ten shillings for being a little too wide in the working of his chamber , which was stopped from his widow and child
Lastly , there is the accursed Truck " system in full _cperation throughout this district , the workings cf Which are too well known to require comment from ns . TFe have no wish to resort to violence or any unlavifal means to remove the evils of which we complain ; but we are resolved by union and legal _combina ion , to effect that change our present condition bo imperatively demands . We are at present in a state of slavery , the meet abject , which we are resolved no longer to endure . T _» that end we earnestly urge the co-operation of our brother Miners by jeining cur Association , at tbe same time soliciting the sympathy and aid of the . pnblic at large in our righteous struggle to obtain for ourselves a fair remuneration for our toil and protection against tbe wrong and insult to which we are at present subjected .
Sheffield.—On Saturday, W. P. Roberts, E...
Sheffield . —On Saturday , W . P . Roberts , Esq ., "visited Sheffield for the purpose ot _procuring information respecting the case of six Colliers , named John Straw , Thomas Straw , Henry Brook , Charles Nixon , Joseph Herbert , and William Sheldon , who were committed to Wakefield for two months , on Wednesday last , by H . Walker , Esq ., of Roiherham , for " absenting themselves from the work and service of George "Wilton Chambers , of tbe Clongh , at the Holmes Colliery , withont giving legil notice . It appeared that the defendants , in common with the rest of the Colliers in the neighbourhood , had given a written notice on Ihe 26 _" £ b April , which their master kept in hia possession until the 20 th before returning it ; he then told them that as he had lent them money at different times ,
be should stop their wages inpayment , if tbey persisted in leaving . Some of tbe men , who owed money , agreed to withdraw their notice ; but having attended the meeting at Thorpe , at which a resolution was passed _nnanimoTTfiiy that all should cease work until they obtained a fair day ' s wage for a fair day ' s work , they refused to return to their -work ; the consequence was , they refused to go to work unless upon the advance claimed by the men , and were thereupon committed . Mr . Roberts having got the necessary information , a pressing invitation waa _matfe to him to address the colliers in their Lodge -Room , at the Robin Hood , in Sheffield Pari . He instantly complied , " and in a few minutes the room was crowded . Mr . Swallow was called to the chair , who _britny introduced Mr . Roberta ,
Who was greeted with loud cheers . Mr . Roberts commenced by observing tbat it always afforded him extreme pleasure to meet with any portion of the working classes , if his presence _esnld be of any advantage to them . He wished the working men to become a thinking body . Each had a mind of his own if he would only exercise it for himself and not be dependent on others . For himself he considered it fortunate that by almost an accident , he had become connected with a body of Colliers in the North ; they had invited him amongst them ; but the pursuits he was then engaged in rendered it impossible that he conld attend to their invitation ; but ont of mere courtesy for their kindness , he eonsiaered ha conld not do less than visit them in person to explain the reasons . But when he went
among them , what a change was effected in his previous erode notions respecting them . Like other persons , he was apt to form his opinion of tha character of persons from the nature of their pursuits . He cmldtell a tailor , or a lawyer , or a ploughman , when be saw them ; but amongst the Colliers was to be fonnd the long , slim , Italian looking man—the short , htrd featured mountaineer—and the robust , broad , bnrly farmer ; but _ainsngst them all a similarity in mental character . As a body they were distinguished above all other classes of working men , for being deliberative and reflective . Ihe nature of their employment made them so ; for Working for years separate and debarred from the social converse which other trades conld indulge in , very often lying on their back or _siie to work , if the reflection of
ihe mind did not sustain them , they would sink under the weight of toil they had to endure ; and when they xetnmed to tbe top , to be met by a virtuous wife ;—and , said Mr . Roberts , I am proud to _s y , so body of Working men , of e qnal numbers , can boast of more virtuous partners than the Miners can , —he deliberates on ber condition , on his own usefulness to society , on the oppressions he is compelled to endure , of the struggles —unavailing struggles—he has made to end them ; and then fashions the next plans he must adopt when the 5 th of April once more sees him a freeman . It was thns I found them ; and my own temperament and feeling being one of deadly hatred to oppression in any shape , I soon had no choice left , bnt to assist them in their glorious Btruggle . Mr . Boberts next at length alluded to his late exertions to put down the Truck system . He had been in Derby , and on Friday had served writs en coal masters to the
J ™™*/* - _¦ £ 8 ' ' _"a be would persevere ; for , by the God that made him , Truck should faB . The same power that sent him there would send him again if it -werenecessary ; or , if all failed , as long as he could pay railway fare , he wonld be there when wantine . He then referred to the strike in the North . The newspapers were representing that the men had struck for an advance cf wages . The fact was , the masters bad struck , asd not the men . it was not prices so xnneh the men wanted as that they should be paid for the work which they actually sent to bank , and tbat theyJbould be paid by weight alone , and not by measure , as the masters wanted—that the weight abonld be ascertained by beam and scales , to be adjusted by the District Inspector of weights . The men want also to be paid their wages weekly , while the masters want to pay them every fortnight , and to keep a week ' s wages always in hand . The men want the hiring to be for six months , the masters one month . Mr . R .
enumerate d many other wholesome and necessary regulations that the men were contending for , and concluded a most splendid address , amidst the most enthusiastic _fWlause . Mr . Rogers , of Intake , moved a vote of _*™«» to Mr . Roberts for his past services and the _nnsx _^ ed confidence o ! the _Mmen _m him as their adve-« _hZl -v- i _J eeoaded it . » ad It was carried with _S _^ f _^ _^ _5 _?* t _^ _ietra _^ _^ k » ' Mr . West _Sm $ _m _£ _& _£ _* " _<****** > and the meeting
CorkExchange , for tb * bentflt of the Colliers on strike , fa the afternoon at _balf-past two , from Jer . xxL _iTS _4 * y was very raw and « oid , and the meeting in _conseluanee was not _assammm as it otherwise would have been . At the conclusion , the sum of 12 s 7 d was collected . In the evening , the attendance was much larger . Mr . Wert took for bis text Deutxxiv . 14 . He -entered at great length Into the grievances of the Col-BersT , and the _tjyranny that was practised on them by the Coal-owners . At the conclusion , the sum of _3-is gjd was collected , making for ths day the « _sm
Sheffield.—On Saturday, W. P. Roberts, E...
of £ l lis 3 M . It the _Caartis's Vu ihe iliffere t localities would do likewise , _something might be done lo assist the poor _Colif-rs in their noble struggle . PDBL 1 C _MEETOiG AT MANCHESTER . ON BKHALF er the Misers of Durham asd Northumberland —A public meeting of the trades and productive classes was held , in the Carpenter ' s Hall , Garret-road , on Monday ever dug last , Msy 20 ; b , to take into constderation the case of the Coal Miners of the counties of Durham and Northumberland , new on strike . At the hour appointe d for commencing business , Mr . Roberts , a working nvm , was unanimously called to tbe chair . He said tha ' . the business which had called them together was of that nature that demanded their most serious _attention . Far himself be knew little of the
grievance ? which the Miners had to complain , bnt he was sure that he was surrounded by gentlemen that would _bvy the whole case before them . He then concluded * iy reading the placard calling the meeting , and introdr . cing Mr . Hamlet Booth , from Newcastle-upon-Tyne . Mr . Booth , npon rising , was greeted with rapturou s applause . He entered into the grievances of the Minf rs , and gave a detailed explanation of the _differencf _s which existed betwixt the employers and the men , an <\ stated that they were now in tbe seventh week-of tbeir strike , if _sneh it conld be called , and there could not be le ' 8 than 10 , 000 of them that had ceased Jabour until justice was dene to them by their masters . He hoped , therefore , that the men of Manchester wonld render them all the assistance
in their power —( loud cries of " we will , we will ") . He ( Mr . Booth ) regretted tbe necessity of having to make this appeal , inasmuch as if tbe trades of this country understood each other better than tbey did , ai , d united with each other as the heart of one man , to assist each other in times of emergency , these appeals would be unnecessary . He waa glad to see a spirit beginning to manifest itself once more in this country for the purpose of forming a national union of trades—( loud cheers ) . In Whitehaven the lrade 3 were begining to look that way as also were those of Bristol ; and he hoped that the trades of Manchester would not be behind in the good work—{ cheers ) . If snch an union was formed , what could not the working men of this country accomplish ? Mr . Booth concluded by an earnest
appeal for the Miners , and sat down amid deafening applause . The Chairman then introduced Mr . Wm . Dixon , who entered into tbe statistics of the coal trade , and remarked on the repeated assertions of the Coal Rings and the press , that there had been no redaction in the wages of the Miners of the North , snd proved that notwithstanding the price of coal in tbe market to which the prodnce of their labour was sent had varied very tittle , yet as facts and figures plainly showed tbeir wages had been reduced last year about four shillings and a penny per week . f _ Roberts here entered the hall , when the assembly rose from their seais en masse , and received him with every mark of respect and esteem ; eheer succeeded cheer for several minutes after be took his seat on the platform .
After tbe cheering ceased lit Dixon concluded by making an appeal to tbe trades present to form a committee for the purpose _r t getting up funds to assist the miners of the north in this tho time of need , and sat down warmly applauded . The Chairman introduced W . P . Roberts , Esq ., as the long-tried friend of the working classes . Mr . Roberts rose amid deafening cheers . In the course of his address he entered into the merits of tbe miners' claims , and in a masterly manner exposed tbe numerous oppressions to which they have been si ij _. cted . He showed that the strike was , properly speaking , not for an advance of wages , but for great principles , and _convinced hia audience that the _demandB of the men were nothing bnt such as any honest master would give to his workmen . Hia address occupied upwards of an hour and a half in the delivery , and drew forth repeated plaudits . On Mr . R resuming his seat he was enthusiastically cheered . — Mr . Rankin , a journeyman engraver , moved the
following resolution : — " That this meeting having heard the statements of the previous speakers on the cause of the miners' strike in tbe counties of Durham and _Northnahsrland , is of opinion that they are perfectly justified in their present course of ceasing to labour nnder such galling terms . And this meeting pledges itself to exert ita powers to the utmost te obtain for them public support" For his own part he would give one shilling now , and give the same mm every week until the strike was terminated —( cheers ) . Mr . Sutton seconded the resolution , which npon being put from tbe chair , was carried unanimously . —Mr . E . Clark , a joiner and cabinet maker , moved tbe next resolution in a brief speech— " That this meeting do forthwith _elest a committee of nine , with power to add to their number , for the purpose of carrying out the foregoing resolution ; to whom shall be given the power of receiving all contributions for the Miners of the counties of Durham and Northumberland , now on strike , and by them to be forwarded to tbe General Treasurer of tbe Miners '
Association once a week , so long as the strike continues . " Mr . Linton , a member ot the _cordwainers ' body , seconded tbe resolution , which was carried rttm . con . The following gentlemen were chosen as the committee : —Mr . Rankin , Mr . Taylor , Jamea Beesley , Mr . Coates , Mr . Linton , Mr . Mason , Mr . Stainfield , Mr . Whitely , and Mr . Hardman . Mr . Dixon moved" That the thanks of this meeting is due , and hereby given , to W . P . _Rjberts , B ? q ., far bis indefatigable exertions in the cinse of labour ' s rights . " Seconded by acclamation , with three times three , and one cheei more- Mr . Roberta acknowledged the compliment in a neat speech , and moved the thanks of the meeting to tbe chairman , which passed . The sum of one pound four shillings was thrown npon the table by tbe parties around the _plitform . The committee remained after the meeting dispersed , and agreed to meet the following _evening , to lay down their plans for _carrying out tbe object for which they had been elected .
RawjiaKSH C 0 LLIERV . —We beg to return our sincere thanks for the following subscriptions : —Barnsley Ledge , on tbe li ' . h of May £ 2 10 s ; Operative Potters £ 1 Is 4 d ; _Sainton friends 2 s leM ; Shaw Is ; D . _Willey Is ; J . Knapton la ; E . Jackson Is ; friends at Rawmarsh 23 ; do . at _MexVro Is l _^ d ; do . at Gre asbro ' 6 s 4 d ; do . at Rotherham 5 a ; friends 4 i ; do . 8 s 4 J ; do . 6 d ; A . Holmes 61 ; Messrs Knapton Colliery 2 s ; Messrs _Barbtrs Coiiiers 4 s 3 d ; Melton Colliers lid ; friends 6 J . Rawmarsh Colliert . —We beg leave to return onr sincere thanks for the following subscriptions : — J . _Ramsden , Pit 5 s : Operative Potters £ 1 2 d ; Mr . Barber ' s Colliers 7 s 3 d ; Messrs . Knapton _' s Ditto 4 s 0 d ; Friends , Swinton Is 6 _£ d ; Ditto , at Xilnhurst Is 41 ; Ditto at Rotherham 6 s 2 _^ d ; Ditto at Rawmarsh 8 s 2 J ; Friend 61 : Friends 2 s 6 j . _i ; W . Twigg 6 u ; D . Willey Is ; J . Knapton Is ; G- Swan Is ; E . Shaw Is ; Droppinswell Colliers 2 j ; Friends at Greasbro" 2 s » d ; sent by a Friend £ 15 .
NoiTijiGHAH . —J . Sweet bega to acknowledge the receipt of the following soma for the MinerB * Association , viz ., Mr . Thornton 3 d ; from Hoyles Rotary Shop 2 i 3 < L Staltbridge . —The Coal Miners at Rabbit Holes are at present on strike . They beg to acknowledge the following hum : _—Willism Ellis is lOd ; a Friend at the Highland Laddie 2 s ie _$ d ; a few friends at _Staljbridge £ 117 a Hi ; a good woman 2 s 6 d ; a friend Is Id ; friends at print works . Sandy Tale , Dukinfield 5 s 5 . Jd ; a friend Is ; ditto 6 d ; Mr . Wm . Barsley Is ; Rains boDermakers 7 s 8 d ; a friend Is ; Fernihougb boiler makers 3 s lid ; few friends 15 s 6 d ; a few friends at Newton 133 Id ; a few friends at _Glossop 7 s 11 _^ 1 ; a few friends at Ashton 10 s 7 . Jd ; a few friends from various parts of the country £ 8 10 s ad .
Masborocgh Moor . —Mr . Swallow , of the Parkgate Colliery , in the Sheffield district has assented to the demands of the men , who resumed work on the 16 th instant Warwickshire—Messrs . George and Ramsay have held a number of very successful meetings in this county . All letters for tbe lecturers to be addressed , " Care of Mr . Wm . Pickard , Jan ., Collycioft _, Btdwortb , Warwickshire . " The Misers op Coclton asd Nevill Hill beg to acknowledge the kindness of their many friends in Leeds ; among other sums received are the following ; Messrs Wright , Broughton , Horn , and Stott ,
Gracestreet , Leeds £ l lis 7 d ; _Binns and Son 15 s 7 d ; Wilkinson 2 s ; a few Chartist friends 2 s 41 d ; Jas . Brown is ; la . Mand Is ; — _Coulson Xs lOd ; Mrs . Hall , Briggate 4 s 44 ; ArdiU aud Pickard _' B Foundry 5 a _10 _^ d ; a few friends Is 5 d ; ditto Is lOd ; — Wood Is ; David Thompson Is 4 d ; Richard BoadB Is fid ; William Robinson Ib ; — Burrell 2 s _oid ; Lawson ' s men 6 s 2 d ; Wm . Breok Is ; Howard ' s " weavers Is ; John Long 3 s 3 d ; Thomas Smith 2 s ; Victoria Pit 4 s lid ; Mill Pit 2 s 51 ; Pearse Pit -8 a lid j Richard Bayldon 2 s 6 _d ; Sand Pit Is 8 d ; Wakefield Lodge £ l 16 s 43 ; _Manston Colliery 8 s 10 J ; Osmanthorpe 10 _n 6 d ; several friends 2 a ; Rock Colliery 3 s 9 d ; and a large number of Effialiar sums for which we have not room .
Bona Wales . —Messrs Wilde , Taylor , and Williams have addressed the Miners of Newbridge , Blackwood , and other places . The Miners of this part are mostly very poor , through low wages and the truck shops , which are very numerous in Monmouthshire . Mary females are working in mines in open violation of the law . Messrs . Wilde and Williams will visit Pembrokeshire in a short time . The Staisbro' Misers return their thanks for the following sums : —George _Charteaworth 6 d ; George Twigger Cd ; W . Barlow la ; Thomas Bey 6 da few 6 d 7 b
; _frmds _^ ; MosesMed ard is ; CowthomLodge 3 d ; James SmiUi 2 s ; Shepton Colliery 7 s 6 d : _Hoyland £ I ? _JKS _?? L _^ * _Silkstone £ 8 8 s . We wish to correct a mistake in your paper on the 4 th instant It onght to have been £ 510 s from Silkstone , instead of 5 s 5 d . Hohamoc * 12 s ; Smiths and Burton _SsSd High Green and _Msrtemley I 2 a Sd ; James Walker Id ; John-Lee « d j James BeardshallSd ; AdamLockwood 6 d ; Clifton as ; Henry Haign Is j George Senier lOd Daw _Gresn Ss j Dedworta Ss fJd ; Bdward Edgar 8 s . '
THS _BHMMBLD MlKXM request the insertion ol the following sums received for the support of the men now on strike who number about 1 , 200 : —from the Rstor Grinders £ 3 ; Ditto the File Grinders £ _l _ios ; Ditto Sheffield Type Founders 10 s ; Ditto Spring Knife Cutlers 3 s 5 _£ a " ; Ditto Garman Silver Trade £ 1 ; Ditto Stag Cutters 6 s Pd ; per Benjamin Den U ; from Woodhcuse £ 2 2 s Id ; Ditto , ditto £ 113 s 7 d ; Ditto Intake £ 1 17 s 8 d ; Ditto , ditto 14 s 9 d ; Ditto Public Mesting _^ _Paradlse-Eqtiare £ l 16 s 3 d ; Ditto Mr . Briggs 58 j Dittos Friendu - Ditto all sources £ & 0 ss lid .
Sheffield.—On Saturday, W. P. Roberts, E...
Nottinghamshire . —Received for the Miner's As . sedation at the White Cow , Old Radford , Notts : — " Bunting ' s shop ii _s . _jd ; Harvey' factory Is 7 _£ > i ; _Kerrey ' s factory 2 s 2 d ; Thackeray ' b factory la 6 J ; Fisher's factory 19 a ; J . Sweet ' s 2 s 7 d . Nottingham . —J . Sweet begB to _acknowledge the following " _sumB for the Miner ' s Association : —Mr . Wainwright Id ; Mr . Thornton 3 d ; Mr . Mullin ldj from Hoyle's Rotary shop 2 s 3 d . THE Kippax Miners beg to acknowledge the following . sums;—Griffin Lodge , Wakefield £ 2 16 s ; AUerton Colliery 7 a lOd ; Kippax friends 12 _i ; _Batley 4 s ; Rothwell Lodge 5 s ; Robin Hood 13 s 2 £ d ; a few Friends 5 a ; Mill Pit 2 s 4 _^ 1 ; Pearce Pit " 10 a 61 ; Victoria 4 slld ; a Well-wisher 4 b ; a few Friends 23 .
The West Melton _Fielu Miners return their sincere thanks for the following sums : —Mr . _Baever ' _s Miners £ 1 la 2 d ; Thomas Armitage and Company , of Winin Colliery 11 a ; Wosper Park Is 4 d ; _Sainton friends 18 8 d ; _Maabrougb Is 6 d ; Mexbrough la _-, Wath 5 s lid : Lady Paine Id ; Newill friends 3 s 2 d ; West Melton friends 7 s lid ; _RawmarBh friends 3 s 3 d ; Rotherham friends la 3 * 1 . Badcliffe Colliery . —The masters are trying every unfair meanB to crush the men . They have given several men , who are working under them at the Harbour , notice to quit their work and dwelling bouses , because tbey have nobly refused to work in the pit . The men , however , nothing daunted , are resolved to fight the battle till the last
The Coal Miners of _Grimscar , Ainley ' s , Hollinhey _' s , Park Hard Bed , Pack Soft Bed , and Bin ' s Bottom , near _Huddersfield , gave up work on the 11 th of May , on account of the conduct of their employers , who went to the several pits on the 26 th of April , with tbeir infamous test , which stated that if the Miners did not abandon the _Aasociation they would give every man a month's notice . The men received this notice with becoming firmness . They had begun to reduce their hours cf labour one-third , which did not suit tbe taste of their employers : the masters therefore combined together , snd gave notice that those men who refused to send out the usual quantity of coal , Bhouid be di - charged on the 11 th of May . The men have therefore been driven into a strike , and they are determined to stand to each other until they get a fair day ' s wage for a fair day ' s work .
_Miner- ' s Turn-out . — The Miners in the employ ot Mr . Whitley , Lepton , near _Huddersfleld . are still on strike ; ths difference between the men and the masters being only fourpence per day . There are other grievances , such as the discontinuance ef tbe " home coal , " & c . The men _confidently expect a speedy settlement of tbeir difference . South STAFFORnsmRE . —For some time past our very efficient agent , P . M . Bropby , has , in addition to hia labours as a lecturer , been busily employed in tbe bringing to light the nefarious acts of the But y Colliers and the mino owners , whose tools the butties are . Most ef the masters keep what are sailed " Tommy
Shops , " and the butties , who contract with the masters or owners , employ men who are paid in truck ; and in addition to this monstrous evil most of tbe butties keep or have an . interest in a public house or beershop . Mr ; Brophy knowing thnt Acts of Parliament were in existence which might be brought to bear upon the system , has lately been Instrumental in bringing a number of cases before the _magibtrates , when several _patueB hnve been fined £ 5 , and £ 10 , for paying wagea in " tommy , '' and also for unlawfully settling with men in a public house . If the working men would thus use the law for their own protection , they would bring tbe masters and butties to their senses .
Newcastle , —The following Bums have been subscribed for the unemployed Miners of the Counties ot Northumberland and Durham : —From the Low Lights Pottery , North Shields 12 s ; the Cumberland block printers £ 4 8 s ; and the South Shields flint glass makers £ 1 . Mat 20 th , 1844 . —The Melton Field Miners return their sincere thanks for the following sums : —A few friends 8 a 2 d ; Mexbrough friends 2 s lOd ; Swinton Potters' Union 8 a 4 d ; a few friends , near _Elkinser lis Id ; Jonathan Depledge Is ; John Worrell Is ; John Crowder Is ; Ann Lank shire Is ; Mr . Blackburn Gd ; John Lawton _, of Melton Newell 2 d ; friends , near Rawmarsh 5 s ; a few friends 9 s 7 d ; Swiuton friends 2 s 6 i ; _Croalsud 6 d ; Mr . Harrison 6 d .
Bedlisgton . —A publio meeting of the Miners of the collieries in tbe Bedlingtou district was held on Monday , May the 20 th , at two o ' clock , on the Sea Beach , near Beaton Sluice , Mr . Joseph Simpson , of _Seghill , was unanimously elected to the chair . Mr . Robt Turnbull , of Seghill , moved the following resolution , which waa seconded by Mr . John Nicholson , and supported by Mr . Wm . Dawson , both of Seaton Dalaval , and carried unanimously : —That in the opinion of this meeting , we having publio opinion aud support on oui side , no schemes of our employers can defeat us unless we defeat ourselves . " Mr Thomas Wakenshaw moved
tho next resolution , which was very ably seconded by Mr . Christopher _Haswell , of Seghill , supported by Mr . Win . Bird , of East Cramlington , and carried unanimously : —• ' That tho Minera of this district have been labouring nnder such severe grievances , that this meeting considers quite justifiable their present cessation from labour ; thia meeting therefore pledges itself to support such cessation until the Miners are better remunerated for tbeir l » bour . " Towards the close of the meeting Mr . Beesley made his appearance , and after the _basi « es 8 of tbe meeting _was _^ one through , addressed them for about _twenty-flve minutes , amidst the applanse of the audience . After a vote of thanks to tho Coalman , the _meeting separated with a stronger determination , if possible , to have a fair day ' s wage for a fair day's work .
_Swaxwici—As great doubts have existed In the minds of the Coal Masters in our neighbourhood _» f there being such a person aa Mr . Roberts , several of them had their doubts settled on his first appearance in _Belper . The severe castigation be gave them and the magistrates at Belper that day will not soon be forgotton . We have again bad the pleasure of meeting him at the Derby County Hall , where he came to defend tbe parties who had taken out summonses for the recovery of their wages , which had been paid to them in goods instead of money . This system is practised to an enormous extent in this county , as great numbers of persons have never received money for two years . If they get a stilling they have first to get goods from tbe tommy shop , and then sell tbem at a
great loss ; . meat , for instance , as much aa 1 _|« per _lfy less ; sugar Id per lb . less ; tobacco 2 i in a quarter of a pound ; bacon as much as 2 d per lb . ; cheese as much as 2 d ; very few articles but what they can buy at a less price at the other shops in the neighbourhood . We shall have some little busineas to transact with the Truck tyrants at tbe next quarter sessions , as they have been already served with writs to the tune of _sevea thousand pounds and upwardB f We will endeavour to give you some little account of tbe proceedings in the County Hall . I am sorry I cannot send you Mr . _Roberta ' s introduction to the cases .
Lst it Bufflce that it was what ia called here a ' stunner J" Most of the Truck masters were pretent , whose appearance waa such that there was no mistake iu recognising them aa those who live on the fat of the land . Tbey came well prepared with a number of official tools , called butties tnd others , who , Bhame be it spoken , _Bwore most scrupulously on the side of their employers . These parties , however , were so severely _croBS-txaniined by Mr . R-. _bsrts , and contradicted each other so glaringly , that it is evident it will never do to ba at the expense of paying a number of liars to go to Derby again , as when they get there they are at once detected .
Wakefield District . —Mr . George Brown , and Mr . Thomas Shepherd have addressed a number of meetings in the Wakefield dlatrict , most of which were very numerously attended . Cumberland . —Mr . John Anty has visited the following places : —Tuesday , May 7 th , Flimly ; Wednesday , 8 ' , b , Dearham ; Thursday , 9 th , Broaghton ; Menday , 13 th , Bolton , near Wigton . Thursday , May 16 th , Dearham ; Friday , 17 th , OughterBide _, and Saturday , 18 th , Flimby . Dewsburt . —We beg to acknowledge the following subscriptions : —Received at David Stephenson ' s shop , _Chickenley , 14 s lOd ; Thomas Toung ' _B _Bhop , Earlaheaton , 5 s 2 d ; Pildaker Mill , 2 s Id ; other sums from friends , 7 s l _£ d ; Ojsett Common Lodge , 7 s .
The Miners of Leeds and the neighbouring Colliers return their sincere tbankB for the following subscriptions : —Watson ' s men , _Leylands 3 s 2 d ; Lawson ' s iron moulders 8 a 3 d ; Dickson and Barraclough _' _a mill Is Id _j a few friends 8 s 5 d ; Lawson ' s men 3 s 7 d ; Messrs . Pearson and Smith ' s workmen , Klikgate 7 _s-6 _i < l ; from a few cloth dressers 133 9 d ; _fromBinnj and dons 17 g 7 d ; Wm . Hunt Is ; a few friends , York Road 11 b 9 id ; Waterloo Colliery 6 s lOd ; W . Haywood Is ; a few friends in Leeds 16 s 6 _£ d ; Robert Bloom Is ; Mr . Wetcham Is ; _Dobson ' s men 4 a Id ; a friend in New Town 16 s 6 _£ d ; gentlemen of Leeds lis 5 & i Mr . John Long 3 s ; Brewery Moor Side _131 3 hl ; Mr . Fisher Is ; Thomas Brumfit Ib ; Joseph Parker is ; friends in _Hunslet Oa ; Mr . Bayldon 2 s 6 d ; ArdiU and Pickard ' s fonndry 5 s Id ; Barraclongh ' Coffee House 2 s 7 _£ d ; B . Sbeppard Is 4 d ; Mr . Hall ' a 4 s . Md ; Ross's Coffee House 7 s ; Beeston Lodge 8 *; Howard's mill 2 s 8 d .
_^ _Gildjersome Miners appeal to the public fox support in their present Btruggle . Our only demand is such an advance as would give ns Ss 4 _^ d per day Cor eight hours work . We have supported our brother Miners in different parts of the country when contending for their rights , and to them and the public at large , we now respectfully appeal for that aid which will enable ns to obtain oar righteous demand . Barnsley . —The Colliers in tbe districts for miles round are nobly acting in the present strike . Richard Thorpe , Esq . sent for bis men on tbe 21 st instant , and gave them the advance , at the same time telling the men to stick to the Union , and gave the men whs
waited on him lis . Bis agent gave them Ss . with a promise te give every man a Stone of flour . Mr . Elija Sutciiffe has" also given hia men at Mapplewell the advance ; and this day ( Wednesday ) Mr . John Hall , of the same place , has agreed to give 4 s for the eight hours work . A public meeting of the Miners of Barnsley and the out districts , was held in the Odd Fellows' HaLL The men' came in thousands with their flags and banners , for the pnrpose of meeting their friend and advocate , Mr . Robb . ts , but that gentleman had unavoidably been compelled _io be at Wigan , at a trial ; but a letter of apology was _rettd from him , stating at the same time he would give them a . day at the earliest opportunity .
Sheffield.—On Saturday, W. P. Roberts, E...
Stai _. ncliffe— The Coal Miners of Ssaincl ff Colliery stiuck work on the _l' 3 tb of May , and the masters complied with thtir reasonable demands on the lGtb . Tbey therefore returned to work on the 18 ch . Buadgate . —The Miners of _Bradgate now on strike , return thanks to their friends for tbe support rendered . They beg to acknowledge the following sums : —Mr . J . G _lodinaon 5 a ; Joseph _Kernater la ; Adam Knowlea 6 . 1 ; Wm . Lambert Is ; friends at Rotherham and Masbro' 10 s 9 _^ 1 ; from Barnsley 9 _i 3 _jd ; foom the fork trade committee £ 1 . The number of men now on _striko at Bradgate ia 140—not one black sheep among tbem . A General Delegate Meeting of Miners will be bold at the house of Mrs . _EUzibetb Goalder , Dukestreet , Sheffield Park , on Friday tbe 31 st day of May , 1844 , to commence at nine o'clock in tbe morning .
Burnley . —Important Visitations . —This town was visited on Tuesday , tho 21 at inst , by the Lord Bishop of Chester , to administer spiritual consolation to hia charge , and by W . P . Roberts , Esq , the able and _zealous Attorney-General of the Miners , to administer to the temporal welfare of the Bona of toll . The bells in the Tower of St Peters Church rung merry peals during tho morning , and tbe Union Jack was fluttering in the _bretse ; tbe ringing anawering tbe double purpose of welcoming both bishop and lawyer ; and the Union Jack a befitting emblem of the united exertions of the Miners' Association to raise prostrate labour above the power of rampant capital . Mr . _Rsbetta arrived in Burnley a little before twelve o ' clock at noon , in au open carriage , with
two _bandB of music playing , find flags flying ; amongst the _fbgs we noticed the following _mottoa : —" United we stand , divided we fall ; " " P _^ ace , Law , Order ;" " Peace on earth and good will towards all men ;" " Tyrants' chains aro only strong while slaves submit to wear them , '' 4 tc . _&& The _procegsion , composed of Miners from Hopton , Althaui , _Padiham , aud Burnley halted at tbe Swan Inn , where Mr . R _iberta partook of Bomo refreshment The procession waa then re-formed , and proceeded down tbe main street to Padiham . It being tbe hour of noon * the factory hands were seen pressing in all directions to get a glirnpee of labour ' s friend . The street was literal y ' crammed ; and tbuB the Miners' Attorney proceeded through Burnley , amid tbe hearty _cheiTB of the sons of toil , followed out of the
town by hundreds , anxious to spare the last moment that the factory bell would allow . The procession arrived at Padiham shortly after one o'clock , when the _whob > population seemed to be turned out to welcome Mr . Roberta . The procession moved through the town , maintaining the strictest order , and returned to tho Dun Horse Inn , where Mr . _Raberta , after transactiug some important business with the Miners , and makipg arrangements for active operations , proceeded to address the Miners in tbe large room of the Tun . The _carriage was then ordered to be in readiness to convey Mr Roberts back to Burnley . On mounting the carriage , Mr . R . addressed the large assembly outside the
Inn . His remarks were principally directed to the pitmen ( turnouts ) , inculcating the strictest obedience to the law , advising them neither by word or deed to insult those who were opposed to them , but keep strictly within the pale of the law . He also made some excellent remarks to the shopkeepers on the Truck system , showing them how they were iDJnred by the operation of those employers , who , in Bpite of tho Truck Act , carried on the practice of paying their work people in goods , instead of money . Mr . R . concluded amid the hearty cheers of the assembly . The carriage then proceeded to Burnley at a quick rate , Mr . _Roberta having to take tho half past four o ' clock train at Todmorien for Wakefield .
South Shields .-The men employed at the Crown Glass Works , South Shields , have given a donation of 17 a . 3 d . to the Miners of Northumberland and Durham . Bi lston —A _meeting of Miner ' s delegates waa holden In the Chartist Rcom , Bilston _, [ our correspondent does not say when ] Mr . Robert _Jqhnaon iu the chair , when it was resolved to enroll the Minera of the district in the Miner's National Association . Mr . Toft has _viBited and formed branches of the Miner ' s Association at Manston , ( Yorkshire ) and Seacroft .
South Staffordshire . —A delegate meeting was held in the People ' s Hall , _Wednesbury , on Monday last , May 20 , when the following sums were paid in : —Stammermill lis ; West Bromwich , No . 1 , 1 < X *; ditto No . 2 , £ 1 ; Oldbury No . 1 , £ 1 1 4 * 6 d ; ditto No . 2 , 10 s ; Great Bridge £ 1 Us ; Dudley Port _lOsj Swan Village , No . 2 , 4 s 6 d ; Darlaston £ 3 4 s ; Wednesbury No . 1 , £ 1 ; ditto No . 2 , £ 1 14 s ; ditto No . 3 , 2 i ; Summer-hill 6 i 6 d ; Dudley No . 1 , £ 2 is 4 d ; ditto No . 2 , 8 s ; ditto No . 3 , £ 1 10 a ; ditto No 4 , 12 s 10 d _; Park-house-lane 10 s ; Tipton No . 2 , 15 _^ ; Whiteheath-gate 8 s ; Prince ' s End 14 _s ; _PleckC- 31 ; Jerusalem £ 1 10 s ; Brierley Hill No . 1 . £ 2 3 s 7 d ;
Woedside £ 1 15 _^ 81 ; _Netherton , No . 1 , £ 2 5 s 2 d ; ditto No . 2 , 12 _^; Brockmoor £ 1 Is « i ; D _^ l ph 13 _i l £ d ; Hart ' s Hill 124 _Jjd ; Mount Pleasant- Us ; Garnal Wood 13 s ; Kute ' s Hill 10 s ; Oldhill £ 1 5 ; Pcnenett 10 d ; Walsall No . 1 , £ 1 8 *; ditto No . 2 , 13 _i ; Dudloy Wood 9 j odd ; Golit ' H Green 8 s 8 _^ 1 ; Can-lane , Lower Gonial 3 $ 9 d ; Pelsal £ l . Tho meeting was addressed by Mr . John Herbert , Mr . David Swallow , and Mr . Harrison . The speakers wore repeatedly cheered , and the greatest enthusiasm seemed to actuate the men . The meeting began at nine , and closed at twelve by singing tho Miners ' hymn .
Overdoing The Thing. South Shields Polic...
OVERDOING THE THING . South Shields Police Court . — One of those extraordinary exhibitions , so prolific at this time in the North , iu which the powers thai be figure bo conspicuously in endeavouring to attach crime to the peaceable colliers , took place at thiB Court on Wednesday , the 15 th . Mr . Wilkinson , of Scots House , became , on this _occcaslon , the lover in the hands of the magistracy , to enable them , if possible , to remove threo colliers from their families atd homes to the unenviable purlieus of a penil settlement , lt appears that Joseph Richardson , Rjlpb Curry , and Charles King , the three colliers
alluded to , went ou the Sunday morning previous to a plantation near to Mr . W . ' _s residence , for the purpose of taking young _crowa . Had this circumstance taken place in ordinary times , they would simply bave been charged with bo doing ; but tbe men of tbe entire district k _^ iug bo profoundly and cautiously peaceable , and hence the complete absence of any and everything bordering upon crime : this was too good an opportunity to be allowed to pass without making the most of it . _Wk-at was best to be done ? Mr . Wilkinson saw , or fancied he saw a light among the trees , somewhat like unto tbat which a lucifer match might produce . Capita ! idea .
The men were forthwith charged with attempting to set fire to Mr . Wilkinson _' a _premiers !! I And how was the charge of " Cunning Isaac" sustained ? Like many other fir-fetched and heavily-strained points , it wae overdone ; the link upon which all depended snapped ; tho charge fell to the ground , and , " Like the baseless fabric of a vision , Left not a wreck behind . " Mr . Roberts defended the Colliers . On this _occasion he almost surpassed himself : he was in one of those superlatively happy veins , in which every word that escaped hia lips became a two-edged _BWotd , skilfully wielded . Wo really pitied tbe poor nervous creaturo who could be induced to make so serious a charge againBt bis _fallow men on such flimsy pretexts , for such an ignoble purpose . Tbe writhing castigation
which Mr . R . ii flicted upon him on _cross-examination was well merited . We cannot pretend to say whether Mr . Wilkinson felt himself to be a self-convicted liar or not ; but it is tolerably clear that a man is not in groat risk of receiving " dangerous bodily barm" from another man twenty yards off , at the moment he is in the act of running away to save himself , and with a gun shot Wound in his back ! In short , such evidence would be scouted from a Court of justice altogether in _leBs querulous times . The men were very properly acquitted ; tbe magistrates deciding that the felonious intention waa not sustained by the evidence . We regret that our space will not allow ub to go mote fully into tbe matter . It is one of those occasional _lessoua that teach " upstart crime _manufacturer" to keep within just and reasonable bounds for the future . —From a Correspondent . "
Another Triumph For Labour. (From Our Ow...
ANOTHER TRIUMPH FOR LABOUR . ( From our own Correspondent , J IMPORTANT COLLIERS' CASE—MR . ROBERTS IN W 1 _« AN . _, A highly important and interesting case was brought before the Wigan Magistrates en Wednesday last , at the Town Hall . The magistrates on the bench were Messrs . Lord , ( the Mayor ) , S . _M'Clure , and T . _Eckersley , ( all high Tories . ) The Court was crowded during the whole of the hearing . The charge was made by Samuel Green , _underlooker and agent to Mr . Wm . Lamb , coalmaster , of Wigan , against an operative Miner named Daniel Belshaw , lor refusing to fulfil a contract entered into bv him with Mr . Lamb , on the 15 th of May , _184 L '
Mr . Ackerley , of the firm of Lord and Aokerley attended on behalf of Mr . Lamb , and Mr . Roberts , Attorney-genexai to the Miners' Association , for the prisoner . Mr . Ackerley , ia opening the ease , said the prisoner had worked for Mr . Lamb a considerable length of time , and that in May , 1841 , he having contracted a debt by borro wing money , had entered iutoawritten contractor _agreement to serve Mr . Lamb till jail money was paid . T . he money to be paid by weekly instalments of two shillings each . He , however , continued to work for M v- Lamb till March , 1843 , when he was taken sick a nd unable to follow his employment . He . therefore , applied for leave to
go to the workhouse ; but when he became well , instead of returning to his work to Mr . Lamb ' s pits , he went to work for Mr . Woods . Qn the 5 th of May last , therefore , Mr . Green _waiter * upon him and asked him when he was going to co > nie to work , when , after a little conversation , he ag Teed to come on the Monday but one following . Af i er thuB distinctly agreeing to return , he called upi " » _n Mr . G . and asked him if Mr . Lamb ' s men had not fiiven notice . At this stage of the proceedings , Mr . Rob « ts rose and said , he begged respectfully to apply fo T Ie a _* o for the witnesses for the proseoutionr to lea Ye _^ e Court .
Another Triumph For Labour. (From Our Ow...
The Bench said the witnesses for both sides must leave . Mr . Roberta said , ho had no _witnessss at present in the Court . I Mr . Ackerley wished to know who the witnesses were whom Mr . R . intended » o call . Mr . Roberts said he should not give the . names of the witnesses whom he intended to call , inasmuch as it might furnish his opponent with a clue to the line he intended to adopt . It was not imperative for him to give the name 3 of the witnesses ; it was sufficient to know that they were not in Court . Mr . Ackerley ( with great warmth ) said this , was a captious objection . Mr . Roberts ) retorted the compliment . The Mayor said Mr . Roberts should be turned out of Court if he made a similar reply . The magnanimous threat was not , however , attempted to be carried into execution .
The two witnesses for the prosecutien then retired , and Mr . Ackerley resumed—The further observations made by the prisoner to Mr . Green , shewed that he was _connectedWrith the Collierfl' Union . Mr . Green asked him who had told him he waa not to work , and he replied _^ " They all said so . " He believed the man was not so much to blame as those who had improperly tampered with him . The man said , and he begged the bench would notice it , " 1 * 11 not come to work , jl' 11 go to prison first . " Mr . Lamb had no vindictive motive . If ihe defendant was willing to go ito work and complete his eontrat , all proceedings against him would be withdrawn .
Mr . Jonathan Lamb was then called—Was son to Mr . Wm . Lamb , the prosecutor . The memorandum produced ( a slip of paper , to which Belshaw had made a cross , stating that he should work for Mr . Lamb until alllmoncy owing by him should be paid to Mr . Lamb , ) was his handwriting , The money owing at tho time of the signing of the agreement was 26 s . Had not been _rapaid . Tho money now owing was £ 2 ] ] 9 . < . 4 _^ d . Had given directions for Green to call on deiendant about a fortnight ago . The defendant , had neither paid the money nor given one month ' s notice . Had _served according to the agreement ! for some time . Had signed the agreement on the 15 th of May , 1 * 41 , Mr . Roberts { said he would , to save any further waste of time , make a preliminary objection . Mr . Ackerley and the bench loudly demurred at Mr . Roberts ' s interruption , and said he must make his objection at the proper time .
Mr . Roberts said he would not have interrupted the examination , but he was convinced that the objection he had to urge would totally do away with the charge , aud thereby save the bench the time and trouble which it would take to go into it . He would prove tlie charge altogether untenable . The agreement , according to the Truck Act , was altogether null , illegal , and void . By the second section of that Act , it was illegal to pay wages ia other than tho ' current coin of the Realm . He was glad to have this opportunity of opposing these illegal bonds . A bond was drawn up for the man to work until all money was paid , which might be for a great length of time , and the man was thus held fast , and : debarred from a free use of his labour .
Mr . Ackerley read another portion of the Act , endeavouring to show that borrowed money did not come within the meaning of the Act . He said the real question at ; issue was , whether or not the masters should be controlled by the men . Mr . Roberts said , the 24 th section stated the exceptions , and it was the duty of his opponent to show that borrowed money came within those exceptions . The 'agreement was entered into for- a by-gone debt . ( There was nothing said as to what the debt was for , or how eontrao ' ed . He _. pledged his reputation as a lawyer , that he would put down this accursed system of binding men over . The Bench decided that the objectiou should stand over until the case had been fully gone into .
Mr . Roberts ; cross-examined Mr . Lumb . —Had prepared the agreement on behalf of his- father . The man was in a bad state of health , and he had lent him money repeatedly . Never gave him authority to get goods . The man had worked for his father for some ; years . Could not swear that the money was not for au assault case heard before his father . Tho man had left their employment fourteen months . He was unable to work . Had wanted to go to the workhouse , and was permitted , on condition that he should come back when wanted . Was not aware j whether the defendant had worked anywhere else . I Said he had gone to the workhouse .
It was always customary to give notice . Samuel Green examined . —Belsham had worked a long time prior to 1811 for Mr . L . Saw him on _Sunday . 5 ; u May . Asked him if it was not time to come and work out his agreement , promised to come on the Monday but one following . Came in middle of the week and asked if the men had not given notice that they would strike . Replied that they had given a pretended notice , but that they were fust . He { had then said that he should not come to work . Asked him who had said so to him . Replied " all bad said so . " Defendant had worked at Mr . Woods since ha left the workhouse . Did not
know how long . ; Never saw him work . Mr . Roberts said it was his duty to _addross them on this all-important case . It was important , as the decision would j have great influence in the whole of this extensive district . He would rely on tho principle of the agreement . The whole ofthe spiric of the law was agains _: prepayment of wages . A man might bind himself to work off a large debt , and might _workinearly the whole of his life without liquidating it , and when liquidated he would have to give a month's notice . How long had been allowed to elapse in tbe present case before it was brought forward ? Why three years—from the 15 th day of May , 1841 . He Would ask if
a deduction from a man ' s wages could be an actual payment ? The Act required , that such _hhould be the case . That the artificer should be paid in tho current coin of the realm . It was no answer that admissions had been made by the man . If the man had fignorantly stated that he would go to work it did not alter the matter a bit . An agreement to be legal must be signed by the parties in writing and attested . Now no agreement had been entered into since the first one . He would respectfully submit that the agreement had ceased by his going to the workhouse . The man stood there on the law and spirit of the constitution , and he hoped the Bench would act up to it aud decide _accordingly .
Mr . _Rjberts not having called any witnesses , objected to Mr . ! Ackerley's right of reply , but tho bench permitted him on the law points raised by Mr . Roberts solely . Mr . Ackerley endeavoured to grapple with the points of law raised by Mr . Roberts , aud contended that the former contract had not been put an end to . The Bench , after a consultation , in which they were assisted byi Mr . Part , solicitor , Chief Clerk of the Peace , said that they did not consider Mr . Roberts' objections founded upon the Truck Aot at all tenable , but that they _deemed the agreement to be informal ) and illegal , and on those grounds dismissed the charge .
The decision was received with a great buzz of satisfaction by the whole court , which had repeatedly applauded Mr . Roberts during the progress of the case , and as repeatedly been _threatened to be cleared out by " : dogberries" and "blue bottles . " The decision is more surprising , as the whole of the _magistrates on the bench were high Tories , and the mayor was partner with Mr . Ackerley , the attorney for the prosecutor . It was universally believed that the decision given was not in consequence of the illegality alone of the agreement as _stattd by them ; bat that they well knew that the other objections taken by Mr . R . ; founded on the Truck Act wereperfeotly tenable . They have lately had enough , it is to
be hopod , of Queen ' s Bench law , through " doing as they liked , by overruling law and everything else by illegally appointing a coroner , and being completely upset by the decision of that court , and saddled with the whole enpense to risk the trial of another , in which they well knew they would stand quite as little chance as the other . They had therefore to Bwallow the bitter pill of deciding against themseles , aud we certainly believe that they have more wisdom than what we had before given them credit for , as they undoubtedly saw that the " first loss was the best . " The case occupied nearly two hours , and Mr . Roberts left tho town shortly after the conclusion .
Wakefield . —The strike of the Miners still continues , and on Monday last they met to the number of four thousand ; iu the open space of ground . Woodstreet . They have met with liberal support from the publio .
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The Twentyrsecond Annual Dinner Of The C...
The TwENTYrSEConD Annual Dinner of the Carpenters of London , will be held at Mr . Hinton ' s , Highbury Barn Tavern , Islington , on Whit-Monday , May the 27 th , T . S . Duncombe , Esq ., M . P . in the chair . Dinner on the table at two o ' clock precisely . A grand military band will be in attendance , as also a celebrated quadrille band , _Barnsley—Pecketxs Strike . —A large meeting of the weavers was held on May-day Green , on Monday , the 2 dth _instantj Mr . P . Mirfleld in the chair , who opened the business of the meeting with a warm exhortation to the good and true to continue their support to the men on strike . Messrs . _Grimshaw and Shaw then addressed them ; j after which the meeting separated folly resolved to carry out tbe wholesome advice ofthe speakers ;
LivERrooL Trades . —At a public meeting of tbe trades held at the Assembly Booms , Lord Nelson-street , on Tuesday , _theKth , called by the boot and shoemakers of Liverpool , in aid of their brother tradesmen in Manchester , the following resolution was carried unanimously : — " That the best thanks of this meeting are especially due ! to tbat portion ' of the public press , namely , the Northern Star , tho Weekly Dispatch , and Lloyd ' s Weekly Newspaper , lor their advocacy ef our cause against tbe oppressions of the master shoemakers of Manchester . " !
The Twentyrsecond Annual Dinner Of The C...
_Framesmiihs — Oa _Monday , May 29 lh , a _musiing of the journeymen _frauiesniithd of the county o D : _rbj was held at tbe Thorn Tree , " Ripley , when a union was formed . Novel St bike at _Bradford . —On Saturday morn _, ini ? ahove 200 of the children in the employment of Mr . Waud , of Bradford , left the mill , and eungtbreugh . the streets , declaring tbat unlets the _wooleombera ( who were then on strike against a _pn-poaed reduction ) obtained their wages , they would all go to school . On Monday , tbe number of children who had struck , amounted to 320 , all of whom attended school at the Philadelphia Chapsl _, North Wing . This had the desired effect , for on Monday evening Mr . Waud sent for the woolcombers , and agreed to pay at the rate of wages received before tbe present attempt at reduction _. On Tuesday , the children all returned to their usual employment The reduction contemplated by Mt Waud , op his wooleombera , was full 12 per cent .
Bradford Shoemakers—On Monday everina the Shoemakers' Society , held their usual _monthls meeting at tbe B _» y and Barrel , _Westgsie . After the _Onancial affairs had been arranged , it waa unanimously agreed tbat aa the strike was now nearly over , a striking president was not required . It was also resolved , "That a Committee of eleven persons be appointed to examine the present state of the binders , ascertain the number , and make arrangements for the formation of a society , to include all the _shoebinders in tbe town and neighbourhood . " The committee will meet on Sun « day at two o ' clock in the afternoon .
United Tailors' Protection and Mutual Bens _, fit Society— The Executive Council respectfully submit to their brethren , tho following suggestions : —first , the necessity of appointing one or more efficient persons , as _ksturers , to visit various parts of the country to expound tho principles and objects of the society , as well as to op ? n new sections . They have oome to the decision of requesting the opinions pf the several sections throughout the country , ia reference to this matter , on account of a great number of towns , requesting to _ksow whether such assistance can be awarded , as they are of opinion that if a voluntary fund was established , by each member subscribing a trifle , the object would be easy of accomplishment . The objects of this society cannot
be extensively known , unless means are tak _^ a to disseminate its principles . Secondly . —Applications are made to join the society by individuals who are so situated that they cannot join a section , there not being any within a considerable distance . We submit to such individuals the propriety of their communicating with the General Secretary , who will attach them to a section , and through him th _^ y can transmit their contributions ; and all persons desirous of purchasing a copy of the rules , can have them by enclosing , in a letter , four postage-stamps . Societies and houses of call , who do not join , previous to the lst July , 1844 , will be charged a higher rate of entrance ; therefore , it is well that they take thia intimation into consideration . Many are keeping
back , because others have not joined . This is unwise . Each should set the other the example . Wo hope tho trade generally will not wait for this or tbat body of men . It is folly . The question is , can we better our condition by a partial , or a general union ? It is admitted by all that the general protective principle is the best ; then let all adopt the plan . No more delay ; let all to the work ; it is a good cause ; the society is based upon principles of equity aud strict justice . _Additional applications since our last have been made by the following places—Dartford , Kent ; Portsmouth and Portsea :
Truro , Cornwall ; _Todmordea and Hyde , Lancashire ; and _Huddersfield , Yorkshire . Another house of call , ' the Adam and Eve , _Jewin-street , London , havo also adopted the plan . The following is the amount received for cards , rule ? , & c .: —Section No . 1 , £ \ 3 _: Id _; No 2 , 4 s ; No 3 , 9 s 4 d ; No 4 , 8 _i 4 d ; No 5 . 4 * ; No 7 . 7 s 8 d ; No 8 , 9 i 4 d ; No 9 , 4 _< 5 d ; No 10 , £ 1 I 4 i 41 ; No 11 , £ 1 10 s ; No 12 , £ \ 10 s ; No 15 , 15 s ; No 16 . 4 s 4 d ; Nj 18 , 5 *; No 19 , 18 i 8 d ; No 20 , 3 j 6 d ; No 23 , 4 s 5 _$ d ; No 16 , subscription , 2 s 3 d ; 23 copies of rules sold 3 * lOd—Gross amount £ 11 Is 6 _^ d . Ou behalf of the Executive Council , J . W . Parker , General Secretary .
Tailors' Protection Society . —The monthly meeting of the Tailors' Protection and Mutual Benefit Society , will be held at the Nottingham House , Fore-street , City , on Monday evening , June 3 rd . _Ddncdmbe Testimonial . —The Central Committee of Trades met , as usual , at their rooms , Prince and Princess , Gravel-lane , Southwark , on Wednesday evening , May 22 ad , Mr . Rose , currier , in the chair . The secretary read a number of letters from different places , including Sheffield , Warrington , Birmingham , Ware , Hertford , & c . & c , requesting books , addresses , circulars , & c . Mr . O'Connor entered the room and was received with loud cheers . He stated that ho attended from the committee of gentlemen .
who had succeeded in taking suitable rooms for a West-End Committee , in Saville House , Leicester Square , and as tho Trades had expressed their wish to hold publio meetings , he had to inform them that there was an immense room , capable of holding at least 3 , 000 people within the walls of that wellknown and central building—( hear , hear , )—which could be had at any time they wished it . ( Cheers . ) He repeated , the wish of those gentlemen , which was to aid the Trades in th *; ir lauda ble undertaking , and _stated , tbat if they thought fit to hold publio meetings on the subject , several talented gentlemen had come forward to offer their valuable services , to attend and take part , should the trades deem it advisable . From the vast number of letters he had
received from all parts of tho country on the subject , he thought success certain ; and it would be the proudest moment of his life to form one of a deputation to place Mr . Duncombe in possession of the testimonial of Labour ' s gratitude . Mr . O'Connor resumed his seat , amidst loud applause . Cheering _reperls having been given in by several delegates . Mr . Edwards ( silk skein dyer ) said his body was very desi-ous that a public meeting should be held at the East End of London on the subject ; and believed great good would result from it . Mr . Kelsey ( Secretary ) said tho cental committee was ready to receive and attend to any application foe public _mcotings . It was unanimously resolved that a publio meeting be held in tho largo rooms , Saville House , Leicester Square , on Monday evening week , June the 3 rd , and that J . T . Leader , Esq ., M . P . (
be requested to preside . It was likewise agreed that 1 , 000 cards , for windows , bearing the inscription— "Subscriptions received within "—be printed . At the suggestion of Mr . Knight it was agreed that cards be issued to facilitate the collection . It was also unanimously resolved that a public meeting ba held at the East End of London on Monday fortnight . A considerable amount of subscriptions having been handed in , and a large quantity of books , addresses , circulars , & o ., issued , the committee adjourned until Wednesday evening next . It is requested that all sums of five pounds or under be forwarded per post-office order to the Corresponding Secretary , Mr . James Syme , and that all sums above that amount be transmitted to Richard Norman , E _^ q ., Honorary Treasurer , No . 2 , New Broad-Street , London .
Aberdeen—Tailors' Protection Society . — Mr . Robert Lowery delivered a lecture to the above Society oa the evening of Wednesday , May 15 th : — Subject , " The advantages of a Trade ' s Union , and tbe means that may be employed to elevate the mental , moral , and social condtion of its members . " Mr . J » displayed a complete understanding of the manner in which the tailor-trade ought to be regulated in its _variouB departments . He reviewed the system 8 of _coaducting trades' Unions generally adopted , mere especially of former unions of the tailors ; pointing out their
errors—the rocks on which they split . He higblj approved of the plan now being generally adopted , and doubted net of its ultimate success , if carried out in tho spirit in which it haa been begun . He warned those who are or may become members from being deceived with tbe false hope of immediate benefit ; « being a plan that would require time , _intelligence , and steady persevering energy to Bring it into active operation , and to work that good it was calculated to achieve . After a vote of thanks to the lecturer , the meeting ( which was well attended ) separated highly gratified and instructed .
Forthcoming Chartist Heetings. Bradford....
forthcoming chartist heetings . Bradford . —The Chartists of Little Horton _. _will meet in the School Room , Park Place , on Sunday morning , at ten o ' clock , and at two in the _afternoofli to elect a delegate to . the next Riding meeting , to M held on the second of January , at _Dawsbury . in 8 Chartists of the Central Locality , will meet in tne Council Room , Butterworth BuildiDgs , on Sunday morning , at ten o clock . The Chartists of White Abboy , will meet in tbe School Room , on Monday evening , at eight o ' clock . Thb Chartists of Manningham , will meet in the Association Room , on Sunday , at ten o clock , and » 6 ix in the evening . The _M'DouALt Committee will meet in the large room , Butterworth ' _s Baildings , on Sunday , at _w _* o ' clock in the afternoon . A full attendance of tne members are requested , as business of importance will be brought before the meeting .
Leeds :—Printed For The Proprietor, Peab...
Leeds : —Printed for the Proprietor , _PEABfif O'CONNOR , Esq . of Hammersmith , _CoobO at his Pri «
Middlesex , by JOSHUA HOBSON , ing Offices , Nos . 12 and l 3 , _Market- « treet , Brigg « W and Published by the said Joshua HobsoJ ( for the said _Feabgbs _O'Conko * , ) at Ms P _** ling-house , No . 5 , Market-street , Briggatei ¦* internal Communication existing between the _» W No . fi , Mwket-atreet , and the said Nos . 18 _«^ IS , Market-Btreet _, Briggate , thus constituting « whole of the said Print ag and Publishing OJM one Premises . AU commanicaaona most be address " - *** post-paid . * Ml . HOBSON , Northern Star Office , _IM _&* _^ Saturday , May 26 , 18 i _«>)
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), May 25, 1844, page 8, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse2.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/nss_25051844/page/8/
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