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HOUSE OF COMMONS . —Mosdat , Maxch 13 , In ass-srer to Mr . Mackissos , Lord Staxle ? said tfcatthe Government had not yet received any other Baa imperfect accounts from Antigua ; but he / eared flat ibe details in tbe newspapers , as to the extent of fchs damage from the earthquake , were not -exaggerated . It might , hereafter , be the duty of the Government to call « n tie House to aid the colony wich a loan , the only shape in -which they could afford relief . Oa the motion for # oing into a Committee of Ways and Means .
Dr- BourarsG entered into an explanation of some itatements which had been made during the discussion af the Ordnance estimates on Hie subject of retaining boeptand establishing barracks in the town of Bolton . HekntTT that many indiTiduala in that town approved of the presence of the troapa and the erection of barjacks , bar the principal ratepayers hating been called together , joined in ft resolution -which he "would read to the House . The resolution referred to the patient ana peacefBldemesnour of the population of the town and neighbourhood under the unexampled privations and EnBd&nga -which they tod undergone ; at stated that the m ^ ng aw in the present movement of the Execntive
a Tery farming indication of an istention to bring the country under a system of military despotism , and it exprtssed tbe opinion ot the meeting that it was not dearable , under existing circumstance * , to assist in any airangeniEntB having for their object the establishment of a military station at Bolton . This resolution iras sped by the gentleman who , at the period of its adoption , vas the Mayor of Bolton . Ha ( Di . Bowr ias ) considered , then , Siat the statement he had made was fully warranted , —that the feeling of the people of Ballon was unfavourable to the creation of barracks , or to the establishment of a military station in tkat town .
Mi . P . Aisswobih thought it right to inform the Hour that the meeting to which his Hon . Colleague had referred was attended by only nineteen indrndnsls ; sad the Hajor of Bolton , in forwarding the resolution to CoL "Wemyss , stated that he and his brother 33 agbfaates did not concur in the opinions whish it expressed , for they conceived it necessary , nnder the then existing circumstances , that the military should be retained in thetown . In April the Slayar addressed a communication to the Kighs Hon . Baronet , the Secretary of State for the Home Department , in which he stated t&at the Inhabitants had agreed to provide temporary accommo dation for the troops , and hs also expressed his conviction that the military ought not then to be removed He i 3 Ir . Ainswerth ) begged to inform his Hon . Colleague that the inhabitants of Bolton raised a subscription , amounting to £ 128 , for the purpose of providing
temporary accommodation for the military . He wished topnS it to tbe Honse whether they did not tjhTny that the Mayor and iiagatcates of Bolton had evinced prudence and caution in the course they had adopted ? In the aotumn of last year that town was visited by a lawless mob from a distance , who took possession of the town , plundered the provision shops , turned eut the artisans , and stopped the mfflsj and , without the aid of the military * nd of the yeomanry cavalry , it would ha-re been impossible to drive the mob from the place . He contended , then , tiist the Magistrates had acted with laudable discretion . He might be allowed to state that one of the persons who attended the meeting to which his Hon . Colleague had alluded , was one of the first to require the assistance of the military for the protection of Ms own property—( bear , hear ) . Dr , BQTirRJ 3 G explained .
Mr . AI 5 SW 0 STH said an application had been made to the Bight Hon . Gentleman , tbe Secretary for tbe Home ^ Department , to permit the erection of new bar-Tacks in Bolton , instead of repairing the old ones . To this request the Bight Hon . Baronet declined to accede "bat he stated that , in consequence of the opinion which had been expressed in the borough , with respect to the retention of the troops , the eld barracks should be Tepaired .
THE CHARTIST TRIALS AT LANCASTER , Mr . H . Gibsos said , he wished to put a question to the Right Hon . Baronet opposite ( Sir J . Graham ) with TBEped to certain proceedings -wbica itad taken place at the recent Chartist trials at ' Lancaster . Ajjj one woo had read the evidence adduced on those trials must save perceived that numerous attempts were made to drag in the mtnw of parties who had taken an active put in opposition to the corn laws , and who had supported the Anti-Corn Law League . Endeavours were made to excite an impressien that these parties were the originators of those disturbances which took place a Irs ? months since in the manufacturing districts _ j but ihe attempts failed most completely and signally . Tbe attempts to which he referred were of such a
remarkable character , that they elicited an observation from file Learned Judge , who said , " J have not been able to understand what the introduction ; which has been made several times , of the names of parties connected with the An'i-Corn Law League , and of other parties , can have to do with the prestnt question . " A similar feeling was entertained by a great anmber of persons trh » were present during the trial ; they felt thst an attempt was made to inculpate parties who , not being before tbe court , did not possess the means of refuting tie accusation . One of the witnesses who gave evidence of this nature was a person named James Wflc ? x , who was called for the p . execution by the Attorney-General , and upon his cross-examination by Mr . F . O "Conner an attempt was made to draw statements from him
Mr . B . Escott wished to know whether the Hon . Hember lor . Manchester was in order in tkus introducing a question arising upon a trial which took plhee in a distant part of the country J ( Cries of " order . " ) The Speaker said the Hon . Ilember for Manchester * as in order , there being now a question before tbe House . 3 dr . 3 L Gibsos continued . —The Attorney-General eslied ~ u a witness for the prosecution a person named James TffBcox , who stated , as it appeared to him iMr . Gibsoni from a perusal of the trial , some very unimportant fact * , Tmt in the cross-sxsmination -of this wit-Ess , by ili Pearjas O'Coim « r , an attempt was made to draw from Mm statements calculated to inculpate
the Anti-Caro Law League . This witness stated in the tosrje of hu exaHanation , that previously to the trial he had been in correspondence with the- Bight Hun . Baronet the Secretary of State for the Home D ? parttteBt , and he ( Mr . GIbsoD ! wished to ask that Right Bon . Gentleman whether he would object to lay on the ^ 3 e of tbe House any letters or correspondence which cad passed between bioself and Mr . James Wilcox . Although he had no doubt that all the proceedings connected with the recent trials had been perfectly xegu-•*» he most confess he regarded it as extraordinary , Bat the Right Hon . Baronet rSir James Graham , ) who * ss iBojteaed by Hz . Peargus O'Connor as a witness ^ — - _~ . ^^ ^ 0 ^ ^ n ^^^ v ^^ h . «^ vw pf ^^ f ^ " ^^ ^^ ^» ~ - ~ ™— ™ " » —
** the ckfesee , should have been allowed to leave Lan-** £ & on condition that Mr . James Wilcox , a witness fprthe ^ proseeution , should be called in his stead . He ^ osbt it strange that one of tbe defendants should ftbstitnte a witness for the prosecution for one wfeon he « Q wbj ened in his own defence . He had derived tbe information which be possessed on this subject from * &Smg me reports of the trial in the newspapers , and o he taa misstated any fact he hoped that some Hon . ^ s 3 ^ would correct him . He had no deubt the pro-^ j ^ afs cad been quite regular j but he -wished to tow whether the Bight Hon . Baronet would object to « e T » oduction of the whole correspondence on this Sfcjaet ?
&r J . GaABiH would enSeavonr to answer the | 9 » Sob of the Hon . Member as far as tbe circumstances B" » ol 6 h he had referred came within his own know-** S * - He had been informed just before he came down *** the Hon . Member for Manchester intended to put *^^ on to him as to Ms eorrespendence with a per-» n lamed Wileox . He ( Sir J Graham ) did not remem-*** ia * ing heard the name of that person nntil he was ^• ent in the Court House , at Lancaster , upon a srib-J ^ a xbich ha received irom ene of the defendants in * G 8 i £ c * nt trial , when the Attorney-General informed 7 ? t&tt his presence was no longer necessary , as an *?« J ?« nEnt had been made that a person of the name « Wlltci shcnld be csUsA in'bis claee . His Bon . and ^ ° ^ Friend ttbe AttoroEy-G ^ ral ) would state the ^ ecss ^ ii ;^ -H ^ jjjj it , } ^ -g-zi arriiBgement . TJniil
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the name of James Wilcox was mentioned on that occasion , he ( Sir J . Graham ) was not aware that he had ever heard of that person , but it was now stated that in the course of the last autumn this individual addressed a letter to him . He iSir J . Graham ) had searched the public records of his office , as ¦ well as bis pn-rate correspondence , and he could discover no trace of the receipt of any such letter , or of any answer bavin ; beta iBturned . He could assure the Hon . Member that , not oiily could he find no trace of such correspondence , but that he had not the slightest
recollection of tbe receipt of any letter from a person of ihe name of Wilcox . At the time ef the outbreak he received very numerous communications by letter from the aisturbed districts , but he was in tbe habit of sending all letters bearing upon the transactions to tho solicitor who was employed by the Government t » institute prosecutions . He had not had an opportunity of communicating with that officer sinc 8 the Hon . Member for Marchester intimated his intention of proposing this . question ; but he would apply to him , and perhaps be might possess some knowledge of the letter referred to .
The Attorset-Geskral said , as the Hon . Member opposite had expressed surprise that a witness for the prosecution shonld have been accepted by ene of the defendants in the place of the Right Hon . G £ DUem&n , it might be satisfactory for him to state to the House the circumstances nnder -whicii tbe arrangement was made . The Hight Hon . Baronet iSU J . Graham ) was BUfcj cBined by one of the defendants to attend at Lancaster , aud he accordingly proceeded there , although his absence from town was attended with great inconvenience to the public service . Some communication took place between him ( the Attorney Ganeralj and tLe Hon . Member for Sutherlandshire ( Mr . D . Dundas ) , who appeared for one of the prisoners ; and he was informed that ' as the presence of the Right Hon . Baronet was re
quired m London , it was intended by the defendant to call in his place a person named Wilcox , who , it was supposed , was in attendance as a witness for the prosecution . A communication was made to him ( tbe Attoraej-General : that if it was intended to c » U Wilcox , ilr . Feargus O Connor was willing that the Right Hon . Barone ; ( Sj J . Graham ) should return to London , as he expfected to get from Wilcox all the information he wished to obtain from the Right Hon . B 3 ionti , His ( the Attorney-General ' s ) intention was , from a regard to the interesU of tile country , to have examined Wilcox , irrespective of any such arrangement as that to which hs had alluded . The Hon . and Learned Member for Saiherlandshire also conetived that the further attendance of the Right Hon . Baronet would be
unnecessary ; and he ithe Attorney-General ) , therefore , publicly informed the Learned Judge of tbe arrangement - He could not recollect , at this moment , for what precise object Wilcox was called on behalf of the prosecution ; but he did remember that his evidence was necessary for the identification of some of the defendants with csrtain transactions which occurred during the outbreak in Lancashire Wilcox was examined for tbe prosecution , aa » l he was then cross-examined by Mr . O'Connor with inference altogether to certain communications made by him to the Home Department . He < the Attorney-General ) ebjeeted to this line of examination , stating that although he did not wish to place Mr , O'Gonnor in a worse position than he would have been in bad his Right Hon . Friend ( Sir J . Gtaham ) been examined , he must put it to the court whether , if that Right Hon . Gent ; eman had been under * T ; iTnin » . ' tion , be conld have been called upon to produce the communications to which reference was made : and the
Learned Judge decided that if those cominunicationa were made to the Right Hon . Gentleman in his official capacity , he could not be required to produce them . He jthe Attorney-General ) could assure the House that , throughout the proceedings , he had objected to all questions which could tend to inculpate parties who were not before the court- ( Hear , hear . ) He was sure that if any Hon . Member had read tbe proceedings attentively , be must have observed that he ithe Attorney-General ) had , while he endeavoured to bring distinctly before the court the procedings of the defendants of which he complained , cautiously and religiously prevented , as far as he could , tbe utterance of any reflection upon absent persons , and the moment anatte : ; pt was made to elicit evidence reflecting on absent persons , with regard to whom such evidence would have been a calumny , he interposed all the authority which he possessed in order to confine the investigation to the single judicial purpose for which it was instituted ( Hear , fcear 1
Mr . M . Gibsok . had not imputed to the Hon . and Learned Attorney-General , as the prosecutor in the case to which he had alluded , any desire to inculpate absent parties . Having read the evidence throughout he was willing to admit that the Hon . and Learned Member did , on many occasions , prevent witnesses from making statements which would have tended to criminate persons who were not present ; but he adhered to his former statement , that in the course of the trial attempts were made of so marked a character tloud cties of " order ") to drag in the names of absent individuals { renewed Bhouts of " order ') , that the Learned Judge—Tbe Speaxee said , the Hon . Member must be aware that he conld not again address the House on tbe subject on which he had before spoken .
Mr . T- DC 5 C 0 MBE thongbt it right to state that he had received several communications with reference to the trials 10 which allusion had been made , and be was bound to say that the conduct of the Attorney-General had given universal satisfaction to men of all parties . — { Hear , hear . )
THE HALIFAX BOARD OF GUARDIANS . On the question that the Speaker do leave the chair preparatory to the House resolving itself into committee of ways and means , Mr . FEiRA . M ) rose to move , as an amendment , for a list ot the guardians of the Halifax Union who assembled at the Board on Wednesday , the 1 st of March instant , specifying the ex oj / icio guardians from tbe elected guardians ; also a list of the zuardians who were not present , specifying the ex offi&o guardians from the elected guardians ; also the name ot the Assistant Poor Law Commissioner who attended the board ; also a copy of their minuses and proceedings as well as of " the resolutions adopted by the board ; also a copy of all notices given at any preceding meeting of
the board relating to any proceeding or resolution Bdopted by the board on the 1 st day of March He felt that in bringing forward this motion be owed Some apology to the Bouse and to the Bight Hon . Gentleman , the Chancellor of tbe Exchequer . He had , a few days ago , requested the production of certain papers relative to the proceedings of the Halifax Board of Guardians , and if the Right Hon . Baronet ( Sir James Graham ) had acceded to that request it would sol save been necessary lor him to adopt bis present course . In the discharge of his parliamentary duties he ( Mr . Ferrand ) had deemed it necessary to allude to ihe conduct of Mr . Clements , an assistant Poor Law Commissioner . He stated that , from information he had received from private sources , and from
pntlic papers , he considered that Mr . Clements had conducted himself in an insolent and overbearing manner in attempting to enforce tile Poor Law in all its rigour . Mr . Clements , while acting at tbe Halifax Board ' of Guardians , had thought proper to assist in passing a vote of censure upon his ( Mr . Ferrand ' a ) conduct f * r Saving alluded to him In this Honsa He understoed that there was reason to believe that that meeting , at which eighteen guardians attended , was not convened by a proper notice issued by the clerk to tbe who e body of guardians . At that meeting the Board of Guardians resolved tkat a strong athletic man should be appointed , at a weekly salary , to act in the opacity of taskmaster , for the purpose of applying a more severe test to the out-door labourers . Jt would be
found that the Board of Guardians having , with the sanction of Mr . Clements , decided upon adopting a more severe test in lespe'st of out-door labour , had also decided upon adopting a more severe test within the workbeuse . The question was brought before the board how that test could be most advantageously enforced , and different plans having been proposed , that of a treodwheel was discussed , and how many men it would employ . This treadwheel the Board of guardians directed to be erected , and a member of tbe board undertook to see it erected . He had stated this some time ago , ¦ when he last addressed tbehGiwe on this subjest . The Right Hon . BaronBt iSii J . Graham ; staled thai it was not so . and that , instead of a treadwheel to be applied to a rack machine , there was « nly
to be erected a haiid-miH for corn . He { Mr . Ferrand ) next day received more information from another person . The Right Hon . Baronet , however , again said that the mill was only a com-mill , and that he was told that by the Poor Law Commissioners . The board of guardians of tbe Halifax Union had pasted a resolution reflecting on words used by him in the discharge of his duty to his constituents and to the country—a resolution which had been brought to the board from his own house by one of the tx otficio guardians , and this was passed by the Board of Gaardians , Mr . Clements , tbe Assistant Poor Law Commissioner , assistirg at the meeting . The same day an order was passed , with the sanction and approbation of Mr . Clements , f jr excluding the reporters of the public press from the board-room during tbe
meetings of the board . Bat what sort cf a corn-mill had been erected , did tbe House think ? Why , none at all ; but , instead , a Tag machine had been erected , for the purpose of grinding rags obtained from the poor of the towns on the continent , and impregnated with all manner of contagion and filth , and he was told that tbe stench was bo great , and the dust arising from the grinding ao oppressing , fiiat -they baa tbe greatest difficulty in parts of Yorkshire , where Tags of this kind were ground for the purpose of defrauding by "the doth manufacturers , to get persons to undertake the work-But , in order to make thia more of an infliction on the poor pauper , the wheel was to be worktd by capstans , wMeh were to be turned by
the ' - poor like horses . These capstans were to be worked at not only by the feet , but by the hands and . breasts . According to the opinion of a medical gentleman whom he had seen , it was highly injurious to the health to labour in thia way , and was likely to end in apoplexy . This was what was abentto be erected in tbe " Halifax union workhonse for the employmsatof the poor there , either with or without the knowledge of the Poor Law Commissioners ; if they know of it , then they had deceived the House in the statement which they bad anthorzsd the Right Hon . Baronet to make in bis place ; if tbey dia not know of it , then Xhbj bad neglected their dnty . Bnt ha would call the attention of tfis House to a com mill within a stone ' s
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throw of the place where they were sitting . In the Lambeth union workhouse a corn-mill had been erected for the purpose of more severely testing the labour of tbe poor ; and he asked the House 10 decide , that night , whether such things were to be suffered in this country or not . At this com mill , in the Lambeth union workhouse , he fonnd it waa intended that Blsty-four per * sons were to wcrfe at once ; sixteen at indoor labour , and forty-eight at outdoor . The mill was worked by one crank , which was so large that every time these poor wretches worked they must bend with their hands to the ground . The mill was under a shed . And what was the object of this contrivance ? Why , whenever a poor person cawe to the workhouse to a * k for a loaf of bread , he was to be shown those
poor wretches working at the crank under a shed—( bear , hear , heir ) . But another exposure had taken place that day . In a leading article in The Times newspaper of that day it was stated , that within the last seven years 9 315 persona had been committed to prison in England and Wales for offences against the rules and regulations of union workhouses , aud that in the year 1842 no fewer than 2 , 299 persons had been imprisoned in her Majestj ' s giola for breaches of those rules and regulations . He would not detain the House further ; he would only say that the Right Hon . Baronet iSir J . Graham ) had inainutted that he ( Mi . Ferrand ) had stated in the House what was not true , and the Bight Hon . Baronet called oa the House not to place too much confidence in what he said , Now , whatever he might think of the Right Hon . Bironet ' a conduct to him , a supporter of her Majesty ' s Government , as he had been ,
whenever he conscientiously could be , be had to tell the Right Hon . Baronet that the question waa between the Right Hon . Bironet and himself which of their statements coincided with truth . If the Right Hon . Bart could induce the House to agree to refuse these resolutions , still he ( Mr . Ferrand ) , it must be remembered , was courting every inquiry . He desired nothing more than that tbe matter should be sifted fully , and that the Right Hon . Baronet and himself should be placed fairly before the country . If the Right Hon . Baronet succeeded in ref UBing the papers , the country would conclude that he was convinced that the production of the papers would show not only so much crueity , and such ill-treatment of the poor that it would not be expedient toprodnce them , bnt also that if the poor did not like to enter an union workhouse , tboy had nothing left to look forward to but the Right Hon . Baronet ' s corn-mill .
Mr . Waltkr seconded the motion . Sir J . Graham hoped the Houbb would agree with him that on the present occasien it would not be expedient that he should follow the Hon . Member for Kuaresborough ( Mr . Ferrabd ) into any of the new matter that he had adduced . The Hon . Member had raised tbe question for the first time of tbe Lambeth Union workhouse . He ( Sir JameB Graham ) did not intend to follow the Hon . Member iuto that subject He had hod no opportunity to enable him to test the accuracy of tbe Hon . Member ' s information . Much less did he intend to follow the Hon . Member to the leading artieb of the Times newspaper , or into anything which might have been stated there that morning . It would be much better , in . his opinion , to confine himself to the motion before the house . The Hon . Member
bad charged him with Haying that he ( Mr . Ferrand ) bad made an untrue statement to the houBe . His ( Sir Jas . Graham ' s ) respect for the House—he had almost said for >) imB * W—would have prevented him , be trusted , from doing any such thing ; but he did say , that from the zeal of the Hon . Member he received such exaggerated statements , that without the Hon . Gentleman's meaning it , if the House were to affix any credit to those statements they would infallibly be mistaken . —( Hear , hear . ) The real question upon the present occasion was , not as to the intended erection of a ragmill in the Halifax Union Workhouse ; it was not whether the mill was to be turned bya capstan or any other power ; but the House would remember that tbe statement of the Hon . Member was that a treadmill was erected there . Mr . Fkkkand . —I said a treadwbeel .
Sir J . Graham resumed , by observing , that he understood it to be a treadmill , according to the Hon . Member ' s statement , and the Hon . Gentleman went so far as to say that the workhouses were to be made prisons of ; and he ( Fir J . Graham ) , taking the usual acceptance of the term " treadmill , " positively denied , as far as he was informed , that any treadmill was to be erected in tbe workhouse in question . The Hon . Gentleman had that evening wandered away to a ragmill ; but this was not much to the purpose , because he ( Sir J . Graham ) did not say that no mill had been erected ; he did Bay that the mill in question was to be worked by hand . He believed that it was to be applied to the grinding of com . He was mistaken . Tbe mill was not to be applied to grind corn , but rags ; with that
exception he was satisfied that bis first statement to tbe House was not in tbe least incorrect . The Right Hon . Gentleman then proceeded to read a letter from Mr . Cimients , in whick he stated that the guardians of the Halifax TJmo < had taken steps tor the erection of a hand-mill for the purpose of giving work to the idle paupers who had no objection to remain in the workhouse . Tbe Right Hon . Gentleman then went on to say that be was glad to see the Hon . Member for Halifax ( Mr . C Wood ) in his place , because , he ( Sir J . Graham ) had received a letter from a gentleman who appeared to be a member . of the Halifax Board of Guardians , and who referred him to the Member for Halifax for bis respectability . Tbe gentleman ' s name was Coulstoa , and he said , that having observed it stated that the Board of Guardians of the Halifax
Union proposed to erect a treadwheel in the workhouse , and that Mr . Clements had not prevented it , he couid only say that no sucb thing bad taken place , and that , if there bad , every member of the board would have Bconted it It was true a rag mill had been erected . With tbe exception , therefore , that the mill was intended for grinding rags instead of corn , he ( Sir J . Graham ) appealed to the House whether the original statement was not correct , and whether the Hon . Gentleman had not failed in making out his case ? In fact , be ( Sir J . Graham ) considered that this motion was tbe same substantially as that which the Bon . Gentleman brought forward tbe other day , aud which the House rejected by so large a majority ; and although , strictly speaking
there might have been some breach of privilege involved in the conduct of tbe Board of Guardians of the Halifax Union , he could not think that it would be advisable for tbe House to embark on a question of breach of privilege under the guidance of the Hon . Member for Kiiaresborongn . It would not be prudent—it would not be discreet With respect to Mr . Clements he could only say , that he was present merely when tbe resolution was passed ; he was no party to it whatever . The Hon . Member had stated , that Mr . Clements had conducted himself in an insolent and overbearing manner at a meeting of the board of guardians towards those who , as guardians and relieving-officers , had been a great many yeara in the service of the public , and that charge of the Hon . Member ' s being both unjust
and inaccurate , he ( Sir J . Graham ) could not see any great objection , beyond the technical one relative to privilege , in their coming ta a resolution that tbe conduct of Mr . Clements was not such as had been described , and not deserving the censure that the Hon . Member had passed upon it , and that tbe Hon . Member ' s statement waa incorrect . With reference to the course he should propose to the House to adopt on this occasion , it seemed to be most convenient that he should merely ask for their support of tbe original motion , and so avoid the difficulty of the breach of privilege which tbe Hon . Gentleman seemed to have intended to raise . By so doing , they would be adhering to the course to which they had given their sanction the other nigbt
Mr . C . Wood said that , being called upon by the Right Hon . Baronet , he bad pleasure in stating that Mr . Coulsten was » ne of the most respectable persons in Halifax , and that bis assertions might be perfect y leliedon . The board of guardians had been expressly of opinion tbat Mr . Clements had not been at all deserving of the charges brought againBt him by the Hon . Member for Knaresborough for any part of his conduct to them . Mr . Ross said , he rose to explain and apologize to tbe House for having been perfectly wrong in what he said about Mr . Clements tbe other night There was another apology which be wished to make . When the Hon . Member for Knareaborougb move 4 to call Mr . Clements to the bar of tbe House , he ( Mr . Ross ) was so convinced
that Mr . Clements was quite ready to meet any charges that migbt be brought against him , that he said if the Hon . Member for Nottingham did not second tbe motion he ( Mr . Ross ) would ; but when the Right Hon . Baronet ( Sir J . Graham ) Bpoke , he ( Mr . Robs ) saw that he was wrong , and it turned out that he was tbe means of leading some Hon . Members to vote with the Hon . Member for Kuaresborough who would not otherwise have done so—( " Hear , ' and laughter . ) But he had only to propose to the Hon . Member for KnareBborougb with respect to Hub subject , as far as Mr . Clements was concerned , teat he should be happy to be tbe means of introducing Mr . Clements , who was now in town , to the Hon . Member—( A laugh . ) Mr . R . Yobke said be did not Snd that there had been any positive contradiction given to what the Hon . Member for Knareaborough had asserted . It seemed there had been a meeting—a packed meeting , as he
called it , from not having been regularly summoned , of the board of guardians , at which was passed the resolution in question , which the Hon . Member said bad been ftronght ready cut and dried from his own bonse by one of the ex officio gaardians . Now this looked , be must say , very much as if the resolution bod been preconcerted , and if preconcerted , it waa not impossible that it might proceed from personal motives ; and that possibility appeared tbe more striking when they fonnd that the board of guardians had since refused the reporters of the public press admittance to their proceedings . Consequently , though en the last occasion on which this subject was before the Honse he ( Mr . R . Yorke ) had voted against the Hon Member fer Kuaresborougb , and though it was not his wish to give a wild vote , yet , acting independently , and seeing no inconvenience likely to arise from the production of these papers , he should vote for the amendment of the Hon . Member .
Mr . C . Wood was understood to say , that he considered the Hon . Member for Koaresborougk was mistaken as to the resolution . Mr . B . Escott thought the Hon . Member for KnareBborough conld answer himself , and overturn his own argument , for , as rela % ed to tbe uss of tbe tread , wheel , the motion of tbe Hon , Gentleman could not be sus-
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tained upon any substantial ground . As to the exclusion of reporters , the board of guardians were authostreri to adopt that course by the powers vested in them by Parlfament , ( Hear , hear . ) He ( Mr . Escott ) could not therefore vote for the motion of tbe Hon . Member for Kuaresborough after the substantial ground of the motion was taken away . Mr . Wallace considered it a matter of great importance that there should be no concealment in matters relating to the manner in which the poor were treated in the Union workhouses—( hear , hear ) . If , as it was calculated , 1 , 500 , 000 persons were subjected to the regulations by which the Union workhouses were regulated , it was the imperative duty of Ennliish gentlemen to look to the reBulations to which they were
subjected —( kear , hear ) . He was sorry that the question of privilege should be iu any way mixed up with the present motion , and he would therefore not addreaa himself to that point , but with respect to the use of a mill—whether the motion was upward or downward , or backward , or forward , it did not signify—if labour in that shape was imposad , the matter ou « ht to be inquired into—( hear , bear ) . If it were a mill for grinding rags , or for making what the Hon Member for Kuares borough called last year the devil's dust , " to be used as manure , or for other purposes , nothing could be aiore unwholesome or destructive to the human frame—( hear , bear ) . Tae ; question Was Of additional
importance , inasmuch as it was in contemplation to introduce poor laws into Scotland , and it was desirable that the people who were likely to be subject to its operation should know tbe manner in which it waa intended to employ them—( bear , hear ) . He hoped the Noble Lord the Member for D jrsetshire , who had rendered such service to his country —( cheers )—by taking up the questions of factories and mines , would tike care to see that the poor people of this country should not be engaged in such an unwholesome employment as grinding ragB into dust —( hear , bear ; With this view of the case , he would Bupport the motion of the Hon . Membar for Kuaresborough .
Mr . J . Worxley objected to the motion . If the Houbo wished to oblain information respecting the machinery used for the purposes of labour in the Halifax Union , the proper mode would be to move for any communication on the subject between the Poor Law Commieslotiera and tbe board of guardians of Halifax—( bear , hear ) . If so « h a motion were made he was sure the Right Hon . Baronet at the Head of the Home Department would not object to it * and he ( Mr . Wortley ) would make such a motion—( bear , bear . ) Mr . Ferrand ' s only object was to let the house and the country know what had taken place . He found tbat there was a treadwheol ordered for tbe Halifax Union , which was to hold from four to forty persons . He did not know : what had since occurred , and be would take no steps to bring Mr . Clements to the bar of the House if the papers were produced .
Mr . S . Crawford felt himself bound to vote for tbe motion , with a view to obtain information as respected tha manner in which the poor Were treated in tbe workhouse ; but in voting £ > r the motion it was not bis wish to go into tbe privilege question . Mr . Ht'ME would support the motion of tbe Hon . Member for Knaresborough , on the ground that when there were any complaints as to abuses with respect to tbe labour done in workhouses no attempt at secrecy should be made by excluding the press . Under such circumstances , inquiry became incumbent , ant ) therefore the Right Hon . Baronet ( Sir James Graham ) ought not to object to the production of tht * papers asked for by the Hon . Member for Kn&reaborough—( hear , hear ) .
Sir J . GRAHAM would admit tbat if , abuses were alleged to exist in tbe practice of auy Union workhouse it was fit and proper tbat the House should inquire into the subject ; and if the Hon . Member for tbe West Riding of Yorkshire ( Mr . Wortley ; wished to move for papers relating to the nature of the wheel used and tbe work done in the Halifax workhouse , there would be no objection to their production ; but the motion of tbe Hon . Member for Knaresborough referred to the production of the resolution of the board of guardians , which he before alleged to be a breach of privilege , and to such a motion be would strenuous y object—( Hear , bear . ) Tee gallery was tben cleared for a division , but none took place . 1 On our return we fonnd
Sir . R . Peel arguing that the motion of tbe Hon . Member for Hnareaborougb pointed to no distinct object He ( Sir R . Peel ) understood it as a renewal of the question of privilege , an >> that it was the intention of the H ' oa . Gentleman to enforce the charge against Mr . Clements . Into that question the House , in his opinion , had better not enter—( Huar , bear . ) No person had more at heart tbe privileges of tbe House than ho , but it was because of bis regard for them tkat be would not wish to enforce a debate on them in the present instance . It was very natural if a man ' s personal character was injured by an erroneous imputation in tbat House , tbat ho should endeavour to free himself from it , and it would be very hard if he were not at liberty to do so —( hear , hear ) The House did not enforce its privileges with respect te tbe publication of the debates , and it was natural if a man w re injured by those publications tbat be should try and set himself right —( bear , hear ) .
Mr . T . DuftXOMi ) £ said , he understood the motion to be . that if tbe House were pot in possession of certain official papera the Hon . Member for Knaresborough would exculpate Mr . Clements from any charge of breach ef privilege . As tbe Home was about to alter the New Poor Law , -it waa desirable tbat It shonld be put In possession of the character and working of one of the union workhouties , which was looked upon as a pattern one —( bear , bear ) . Tbe Hon . Member for Knaresborougb only asked for the proceedings and minutes relating to a particular day , and those minutes were refused , on the ground that tbe motion was mixed
up with the question of privilege These questions had nothing to do with privilege , and it was proper that the House should know what was done by Mr . Clements or by the board of guardians under his influence— ( hear , bear ) . Why , bo shqnld like to know , were copies of the proceedings refused ? The resolution did not reflect on Mr . Clements , it merely asked for certain papers , tbat the House might be put in possession of . what occurred on a particular day—( hear , bear ) . They t » uld not legislate fairly on the amendments proposed to be made in the Poor Law if the papers were refused —( hear , hear ) .
Lord J RUSSELL'did not understand tbe question in the way in which it appeared to be understood by the Hon . Member for Finsbury , nnd be would therefore vole the other way . After what had fallen from the Right Hon . Gentleman the Secretary for tbe Home Department , be understood that there was no objection to furnish every information respecting the nature of the work done or tbe manner of employment in tbe Halifax Union workhouse—( hear , hear ) . He could not infer from the course adopted by Government any intention of withholding information either us to tbat or any other workhouse ; but the Hon . Member for Knaresborough , amongst other grievances , complained of a breach of privilege on the part of Mr . Clements , an Assistant
Poor Law Commissioner , and grounded the complaint on a resolution adopted by the Buard of Guardians at Halifax —( bear , bear ) . The House did not shut out the reporters from tbe press , and when it was stated in the papers in the report ot a speech tbat certain things which were done by tbe Poor Law Guardians , tbey came to some resolution to the contrary . He objected , then , to that part of the resolution which would bring the House into a contest with the guardians for honestly denying what had been attributed to them . He could not see tbe use cf such contests ; but as regarded tbe other port—namely , the manner in which the union was conducted and the work performed , he thought tbat every information should be given —( hear ) .
Mr . G . Knight said , be had an account of the matter yesterday from Mr . Clement ' s own lips , and thai gentleman assured him that be bad used no influence with the Board of Guardians to induce them to pass the resolution , nor had be any hand at all in it Mr . Clements was present when it passed , but be did not wish it to pass , nor had it bis concurrence . Mr . Clements also toid him tkat there was neither a treadmill nor a treadwheel in the union , but there was a handmill , which bad not then been introduced for tbe first time , bat had been tbere for several years . The labour was by no means severe , and it was found to be tho best mode of employing able-bodied paupers , more especially as it was difficult to find labour for them which would not interfere with out-door employment Mr . FeeraND then obtained leave to withdraw bis motion .
Tbe House then went into a committee of Ways and Means , and a formal vote was taken ; after which , on the motion for going into committee ou the Registration of Voters Bill , Sir James Gbaham , in reply to Mr . Liddell , intimated that clauses bad been prepared in order to provide against tbe fraudulent personation of Voters , which would be added to the bill . Mr . Hume did not anticipate much good from the bill , unless more ample protection were given to tbe voters . The House tben went into committee on the bill . On tbe fifth clause a division took place , on an addition moved by Mr . T . Duncombe , that the grounds of objections to voters should be added , instead of the simple words , " objected to ; " but this was rejected by 67 to 47 .
Mr . Tufnell proposed , that when an overseer objected to » vote , he should be compelled to give notice of tbe objection to tbe voter . This amendment was resisted by Sir James Graham , and rejected by 91 to 38 . At the lltb clause , Mr . Elphinstonb objected to tbe tax-paying clauses of the Reform Act , as being unnecessary to the qualification of a voter ; and moved their omission . He considered that the payment of taxes should have nothing to da with the exercise of tbe franchise . Sir James Graham snid that , at the time the Reform Bill passed , it was understood that , bad it not been for tbe tax and rate paying qualification , a higher basis for tbe franchise would bave been demanded . The clause unrter discussion in tbe present bill was an amelioration of tbe existing law . After some discussion , tbe amendment was rejected , by 118 to 58 . ... :..
The amount of the penalty to be inflicted on the raisers of frivoloua objections raised considerable debate , the amounts suggested varying from 20 s . to £ b .
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Colonel Sibthorp proposed £ 3 instead of 20 s , which was resistea by 154 to 34 . Having arrived at chose 48 , ithe farther progress of the bill was adjourned , and . tha other orders were disposed of .
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HARMONY HALL . LETTER II TO THE EDITOR OP THE NORTHERN STAR . Sifi—My last letter , in treating of what is contemplated by the Socialists , or rather tbe Rationulists , a term which tbey prefer , took a review of tbe course pursued by Robert Owen , the founder of tbe Rational System , and claimed for him the consistent and undeviatin <> pursuit of the object with which be set out in 1817 , namely tbe introduction at the earliest period possible of an entirely new system ] of society , based on demonstrable facts , which system should provide f » r the well-being and happiness of the whole of tbe human
race . I took this course , not with the view of indulging in personal ramarks respecting Mr . Owen , whose conduct as a disciple of his principles , I believe to bave been necessitated , and therefore no more praiseworthy than tbat of any other individual ; but [ because I hold the opinion that the period has arriv ' ed , when unity of operation must pervade all who desire to effect the change which is now eo imperiously required ; and I know no person whose knowledge , either of the great wants of the people , or ef the readiest mode of obtaining
those wants , iB equal to Mr . Owen ' s , and I wished the Chartist body to have before them a general review of his career , that if at any future period , tbe question of a national organisation for the purpose of effecting the change may be necessary , we may know where to look for one whom , whatever differences may exist with regard to practical measures , all will acknowledge to be best acquainted with the principles on which the change should be conducted ; and a calraj investigation will , I tbink , place him as tbe centre from which tbe union should radiate .
1 bad also another object in view , namely , tbat of placing my subject on a broad national or ratber universal basis , above all sectional andiparty considerations ; for whilst sucb subjects as those [ I shnll buve to treat of are looked to for mere personal safety , it is impossible that we can secure the object we desire ; n « r w « uld it be just tbat we Bhould 4 ° s ° > lt w « are Prepared to leave any portion of our fellow beingB to Buffer tbe pain and misery which all mast soon feel , if redress be not obtained . Tbe position in wbiob all classes are now placed in this country , differs most essentially from anything of which we have record in human j history . Individual wealth , and general poverty , were never so strongly marked before ; and tbe distinction is daily being made wider and broader , and must continue to be so , until a great and irresistible demand shall be made for a change , and the knowledge of tble manner in- which that change can be made , for the benefit of all , shall be clearly pointed out . ;
From the desire for happiness ; which pervades all that have life , there can be no doubt but that in proportion as all become convinced of a change being for tbeir benefit , tbey will bo made , to advocate it ; and such a change as is contemplated by the founder of the Rational System , will equally benefit the highest with tbe lowest individual in tbe state . The problem which tbe Rationalists have taken upon themselves to solve is , tbat men ] can live together in unity , producing for themselves all tbe necessaries of life ; distributing what they produce , equally and justly , in accordance to the wants of all ; educating tbeir children to the highest possible extent , physically , mentally , and morally , and governing their aff . are for tbe benefit of all , on terms of strict and equal justice , without force or fraud of any kind . !
They first undertook this task In the year 1835 , 'when a society was formed , called " The Association of all Classes of all Nations " , under the advice of Mr . Owen , who has more or less superintended the general affairs of tbe society since its formation . In 1837 , a portion of this society began to subscribe capital for tbe purpose of procuring land whereon te commence an experiment , that should develope d to the world more practically the course tbey wished to pursue , and in 1839 this estate was taken , and the land operations commenced . You justly remarked , in an article which appeared in your paper some time since , respecting tbe land , that no body ot men had ever encountered one-tenth part of the opposition tbat tbe Socialists' bady had met with ; and tbe whole of this opposition has been overcome , without jeopardising for one moment , the life or liberty of any member of the body . .
The manner in which this has been done , bas not been tbe result of chance ; but of oertain dearly defined principles , which whenever they shall be generally acted upon , will overcome every obstacle that shall be opposed to them , however formidable it may at first sight appear . The principles of the Rational System , when tbey shall have been placed in the bands of men used to combined business-like operations , will soon place it above all competition ; and it mast go forward at a most rapid pace , carrying before it all opposing iuflu meets . These principles , and the practical details resulting from them , will lead to the combination In scientific proportions , of the four elemantB of wealth ; namely , land , labour , skill , and capital ; and these when thus combined , and wisely and judiciously directed , will open a path for the future progress af man , to the highest happiness tbat bis nature : is capable of enjoying . _ :
The progress hitherto made in this establishment , imperfect as it necessarily is , and subjected to all the errors arising from bringing together men whose previous habits bad not prepared them for such a work , is a . sufficient guarantee of what can ! be done , when all the necessary circumstances are provided ; for we may even now challenge tbe world to produce the same number of persons associated together who have an equal amount of happiness , as those carrying on this experiment * ; This happiness arises in a great ; measure from tbe contemplation of what is in store for humanity , when our fellowmen shall bave looked seriously at tbe difficulties with which they are surrounded ; for whenever this shall bo done , and personal feeling shall giv « way to the contemplation of the great change required , then may the whole of the population , not only of this country , but of tbe world , be placed in the condition permanently to enjoy all that they can desire .
Let anything at all approaching to a union , even of the working classes , new take placp ; and let them be guided by that experience in business matters , which as a body they do not possess , and they may soon dictate to all other classes , the terms on which the business of the couDtry shall be in future conducted . Let theBe terms be just and fair , } towards all other classes , and they will not only not oppose them , bui the good and the wise of all classes will heartily desire immediately to co-operace for their introduction ; for it would be a gross libel on human nature to suppose , that anything but ignorance of their own welfare and tbe fear of loBing their relative . position , could induce the main body of tbe upper classes to stand aloof , and witness the misery and devastation which is now going on around them .
The reflective among tbe upper classes , must see the precariousnesa of their own positions , and that they do so , is strongly evidenced by tbe debates that have already taken place in Parliament , since its meeting . Tbe Government acknowledge freely ; , tbe extent of tbe distress , and the ; also admit that they are unprepared with an adequate remedy , and it will therefore be necessary that those who believe j they possess one , should take care to be prepared to urge it upon tbe attention of tbeir fellowmen , for in Bttch a state of mind , they will all soon listen with breathless anxiety .
That such a remedy is at hand I unhesitatingly offirm , and provided I can , in the coarse of tbe series of letters wbiob youbave-givenme the permission to insert in your paper , excite tbe reader ' s attention to an examination of tbe subject in all its details , I shall have little fear but they will be prepared to join , in & course which shall in far less time than they could imagine possible , place them in tbe position to be heard and listened to attentively by the Government ; ant ! tbe redress which they seek shall be given them without let or
hindrance . 1 Tbe times are in every way propitious for such a course being adopt ed ; we have a strong powerful Government , centered almost entirely in an individual , for no one v % ill deny tbat uj . oa Sir Robert Peel alone depends the coarse which the present Government
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t must take : this individual is by no means una . ^ qnaiitt-d with tbe principles and details of the system I ^ aull have to call your attention to , and his rw . tfiines : ' to bend to tha powerful i : flaence of circutnstincKS ' ¦* becorne quite proverbial . Let us ^ ben put away an n .- > aor party and personal considerations i » approachiuff tbifl great and tcodiike work ; the misery of our felln ^ mea calls aloud upon os to use 6 very tx-rtion to find fhera redress , and if tbis repeal ba * oo indistinct ; to he h-=-ard by any among us , we can add to the fact tbat misery exists to a greater extant than was ever before : known ; the additional one , tbat -beiu is not one am-snK us who is safe even for a day or aa hour , from being overwhelmed in the same general misery .
No , ray friends , dep » n < i on it there is not oneamong us who is safe , nor is it right there EheulU be ; we are all members of a great universal family , an I the wellbei-g of eve-y individual of tbat family must besought equally by each of us . The times now require great , noble , and daring * ff > rts to be male , to overpower such a weight of misery as presses unon us ; an ; l an appeal to the right sympathies of human nature has never yet been made in vain , nor will it be so in the present instance . I am Sir , Tour obedient servant , William Galpim .
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TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN STAR . Sir —Though belonging ostensibly to no movement , I hail , and , in my own way , to the utmost of my power , aid every movement for tbe just rights of tbe working classes v » ith a readiness proportioned to the hope I may bave of such movement contributing to tbe desired end . Of all classes of society I consider tbe working elasses to be the . most useful , the most at the mercy of the other classes , the most cruelly used , and the most infamously deprived of tbeir just rights in the constitution of the ir country . In the guilt of thus depriving them of tkeir just rights , 1 look upon all other orders of men amongst us as wilful participators ; such as parsons ,
lawyers , judges , rich jurors , manufacturers , agriculturists , squires , senators , and lords ; aa f « r king or queen , Blackstone has shewn us tbat the greatest lawyers in the world have settled it fully , that as they never die , but possess ubiquity , omniscience and omnipotence , so tbey never de wrong . It is only within the hour that I have seen in your paper of March 4 th , the first part ot Sir Frederick Pollock ' 8 address to tbe Jury at Lancaster . March 1 st , and I must say t ' jat by one particular in tbat address I have been more grieved than I could readily express . Sir Frederick says that the object of tbe defendants was to produce a change in some of tbe fundamental parts of tbe constitution !
Now , tbis is a modified and guarded statement of tbe vulgar error so prevalent ^ among tbat class of men composing Jnries , and so much more likely than any other to bias and Corrupt tbeir judgments . I have heaid it affirmed by sucb men continually , " those base wretches , the Chartists , want t » overturn all things—they want to destroy our glorious constitution of Church and State , and to set up some new-fangled government of tbeir own . '' Now , Mr . EJitor . though a clergyman , I am a Chartist myself , and I know great multitudes of Chartists , and although I fcuow nothing but nonsense
of our glorious Constltutien of Church and State , " ^ know a great deal ( and I love all I know ) of " our glorious Constitution of K-ng , Lords , and Commons , " I also know that it is the sole object of the People ' s Charter to complete and purify tbe Commons , and by law to obtain for , and to secure to us all , our just rights in that " glorious Constitution" out of whicb tbe great bulk of tho people have been hitherto most unjustly and injuriously , however legally , kept ; and farther , I know no Chartists of a contrary opinion from myself , however misrepresented , and however reviled .
Now , that Sir Frederick Pollock should have laid hold of such a contemptible and peroitf » us error , whicb he mast know to be ao prevalent amongat our squires , magistrates , and other rich ( though not necessarily intelligent , judicious , and worthy for bein ^ rish ) men , and that he should have made use of it for the express purpose of criminating aud bringing te heavy punishment thosA who have already endured so much from the operation of such error iu our squires , and magistrates , and other rich men , —is to me " a lamentation , and shail be for a lamentation . " 1 pray God tbe Jury may ha / e been aware of the nnsoundness of this main part of the foundation of tbe Attorney-General ' s speech , and that the defendants may have had all such benefit of such discovery aa they may bave been honestly entitled to . I have been led to admire , and even love , Sir Frederick Pollock ' s private character
greatly , and it is very painful to think tbat any unworthy public professional act shou d emanate from any such worthy private character ; but , alas ! not only on what is called religion , but on political subjects of a great exciting interest , too much is taken upon trust , and class prejudices are engendered , to the grievous iDJury of individuals , aye , and of even whole communities . Hence , when an AttorneyGsnenl , or even a Judge , says " We know n 9 tbing of Chartists here ; " we find it necessary to weigh tbe pleadings of the one , and the sentence of tbe other , before we believe either . Even a worthy Attorney-General , and a Worthy Judge , may not have the knowledge they ought to have of themselves , and innocent persons may suffer grievously therefrom . May God defend the upright , even in this world I H . Price ,
Minister of Christ ' s Church , In Needwood , Staffordshire March ' s . 1843 .
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NEWCASTLE . —The Chartists of Newcastle and Gateshead held their weekly meeting on Monday evening , Mr . Fleming in the Chair . Tbe minutes of the previous meeting were 'read and confirmed . A letter was also read from Mr . Arrau , of Hull , staling that Mr . Robert Peddie would favour tbe people of Newcastle with a visit , on bis way to Edinburgh , in a few days . After entering into arrangements for the reception of- Sir . Peddie , and disposing of some other local business , tbe meeting adjourned .
SOTJTZ 3 SHIBiDS , —LEASUE CONSISTENCY . —A public meeting of the South Shields section of the anti-Corn Law Leagne was held on tbe evening of Thursday last in the Union School Room . Soon after eigkt o ' clock , the doors were tferown open to tbe public , and a Mr . Brown was proposed to the chair . Mr . Kidd , a journeyman shoemaker , proposed that Mr ( Jilflllan , an honest working man , take the chair . Mr Mather ( the person who proposed Mr . Brown ) said tbey did not want an honest man in tbe ehair , but wished to commence the proceedings with Mr . Browa in the chair , without submitting either of tbe gentlemen proposed to the decision of the meeting ; assigning as his reasons for so doing that the meeting was got up by the League , and although the public ware invited
to the meeting , they were not expected to take an ; part ; and if any gentleman felt dissatisfied at their mode of proceeding , and in any way interrupted them in this course , they would bo immediately given in charge to the police . Mr . Kidd , in a vary polite manner , attempted to expostulate with Mr . Mather on the unfairness of this line of conduct , stating , that it would appear to any impartial observer that they bad no faith in tbe line of policy they advocated , or else , if they believed it to be true , tbey would not be afraid to have it investigated , for truth could lose nothing by investigation . Mr . Mather here Bent for a policeman , and gave Mr . Eidd into custody . Mr . Kidd was taken to the station , bat the brutal proceedings of tbe League induced some of tbe honest inhabitants to sympathise
with Mr . K ., and bail was given that he 6 hould appear before tbe Bench of Magistrates in the morning ; upon which he was liberated , and returned to tbe meeting After listening patiently to the harangue of the League until they had tired themselves , and said they were done , Mr . Kidd haaded them a written challenge , stating tbat he would discuss the subject with any gentleman present , or with aiy gentleman in England upon equal terms , and undertake to prove that a repeal of the Corn and Provision Laws in the prtsect unprotected state of labour , would not benefit tbe industrious classes of these realms . Tbey wouid not accept the challenge . They were willing to make assertions , but were not prepared to prove them . The meeting then broke up after announcing that a petition ( whicb
they durst not submit to the public meeting ; would lay for signatures at certain places which were mentioned . Mr . Kidd appeared before the Bench of Magistrates on Friday morning . The League had a solicitor employed , but Mr . K made bis case so clearly appear before the Magistrates that they felt it their duty to acquit him , and gave a severe reprimand to tbe League for publishing bills without knowing the meaning of them ; that if tbey invited tbe public to their meetings , they must be prepared to allow the public to take a part in sucb meetings ; that neither Mr . Kidd or tbe public did more on that occasion than tbey were entitled to ; nor had t ^ « y exceeded the conduct of Mr . Mather on former oct . aio j prior to his going to tbe League . SOWERBY . —Mr . Benjamin Rushton , of Overden , preached here on Sunday afternoon and evening .
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John and Mary Ann Corby , of Northamptor , had a daughter registered last week in the name ot Mary Ann M'Douall Corby . Lately , at Morley Church , Feargas O'Connor Squire Wood , son of John and Raohel Wood , of Churiwell . Christened at Christ Church , NewM ill , on Sunday , Allen Weat Cuttell , the son of William aud'Harriet Cuttell , Uaderbank , Holmfirth . Registered on Sunday , at St . John ' s Wood , London , Robert Emmett Frost , infant son of Thomas and Mary Beaden , 35 , Coohrane Torraco , St . John's Wood .
Democeati . c Conservatism . —The Siandard of Monday says : —** As a class , the Irish ariococr . cr are not trustworthy ; and , until the Conservative democracy in the 6 ister island free them&uives I ' arucocratical guidance , they will nev « rr know , still less will they ba able to exercise , their legitimate power in the community . "
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BOUSE OF LORDS . —Mohdat Masch 13 . The Lobd Chak CELLOS drew attention to the state ^ f the law relating to persona committing crimes nnder gjeinfiaenoetjf insanity . He reviewed the proceedings in jjje easa of M'Kxnsklen , Aad said that it -Bras impossible forthe Jury to have come to any other verdict , though he vould bave preferred that the trial had not been sbjnptly terminated . As to the law itself , it -was the jane -which had always prevailed , not only in England and Scotland , but in Prance , Germany , and other conntries , and which -was based on the law of humanity .
• &a 4 id Doi tkink that any alteration in the law was ^ geessary , acd all he consi 4 ered requisite was a more effecdve measure of precaution . A bill of this nature » cnld b * ready in a few days ; thongh looking at the mtnre and latent character of the disease , he did not anticipate that it would prove absolutely effectual , gucb occurrences occasionally happened , not only in ihi « but in other countries , and . he feared , would occur cereafcer . in spite cf all precaution , though he hoped the forthcoming bill would prove some check upon their jtpetition in this country .
lord BRorGHAM argued that all that -was required vss whether tbe individual knew that he was doing vnmg , or , in otbenrords , violating the law . Judges jhoald direct juries to ascertain -whethEr or not persona jae M" 2 f iugbten knew that thej were committing a breach of * & * I and if they were capable of comprehending tfeat fact , and cognizant of it at the time of committing the crime , that then they should be liable ^ punishment . After K > me observatisns from Lords Cotienham and C ampbell ,
The Lobd Chaxcellob remarked , that the consideration cf the Government had been directed to the robject of the prevention of such individuals as Oxford PrancdB , tc , from "being made public spectacles ; but ibera "was no necessity for legislating on it , as her Ksjesty already had the power of placing them nnder restraint He would take the earliest opportnaky , if their Lordships desired it , t > f summoning ihe judges to give their opinions of the whole question . The House then adjourned .
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TO THE EDITOR OF TUB NORTHERN S 1 AR . My dear Hill , —My case is not likely to come on this week , since it stands No . 33 , in the Nisi Prias list . Cartledge , the arch-traitor , ] has been subpoeied to stand in the witness-box against me . ' He is now at Lane End , in the Potteries , ready to come to Stafford when wanted . I supposa he | will Bwear after tha vile f-tshion be did at Lancaster . ; Never mind . I do not believe tbat my foes will be permitted to bave all their will .
I passed a delightful day , yesterday , at Wednesbury . Ground has been purchased by Mr . Dinks , and presented for building thereon a People ' s Hall . Collections were marie at tne close of my discourses for this purpose . Prospects look solidly promising at Wednesbury . Chartism has been sorely j shattered at Bilston and tbo artjoiniug towns , by the late accursed " .-trike ;" but the erection of a Paople ' s Hall at Wednesbury , tho central town of this immense mining district , must bave a healthful and restorative { influence on Bilatoa and th >) other towns .
I passed Saturday afternoon with White and Mason , in Birmingnam . I cannot help ( recording my regret tbat John Mason—one of the most intellectual men in eur movement , and surpassed by none in sincerityhas returned to bis bumble trade of a shoemaker . And yet , all honour to him!—he says he feels himself bound , as an independent man , to do this , in preference to perambulating tbe land , and becoming a burthen to the people in tho present poverty-stricken condition of Chartism . This is noble , and yet tho loss of such a man ' s exercise of talent , from day to day , is much to be lamented . I am , dear Hill , Your ' s [ truly , Jthomas Cooper . Stafford , Monday , March 13 th .
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Untitled Article
THE NORTHERN ST AH . ?
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), March 18, 1843, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse2.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1204/page/7/
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