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THE SOUTHERN STAR. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1842.
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2Tcr M esto$v& antf Com0$onfcut0.
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TO THE READERS OF THE "NORTHERN STAR."
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THE SPECIAL COMMISSION (Continued from page Seven.)
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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A VOICE FROM THE DUNGEON TO THE CHARTISTS OF SHEFFIELD . My Dsab Fhuotjs —Expecting to be remored from hers to Kirkdale to-morrow , I address to 700 a few words before leaving this royal college , -where , hating paid some attention to my studies , I hate already profited by my retreat from the " busy haunts of men ,- " Hdeed , I have no doubt that if the fiat of ourmereiful rulers should e » nsign me io a lengthy seclusion in " durance Tile , " I » h ^ retain to ' the ranks of democracy a better soldier eren than I left them . I am light of heart , entertaining fond hopes that out of the present evil immense good will come . Persecution hat ever failed in effecting the objects of those who bars had recourse io ft The records of history from the earliest known period of man ' s existence , down to the present hour prove this . The advocates of great and good principles hate ever suffered insult and wrong —chains and dungeons—tortures and death . Still there have not bean wanting in all ages good men and true ,
found ready to offer themselves willing Tictims at the s ' rar of despotism , when the cause of truth and justice demanded the sacrifice . Shall such men be wanted now ? No ! There are not wanting those who , despite black-hearted treachery and blood-gorging tyranny , are prepared to play the part of men . Are you prepared io support them ? Are your souls so wedded to the love of liberty that yoa can appreciate hearts broken , and patriots trampled down by the iron heel of despotism T Will you prove < - this by filling np the places cf the betrayed , and throwing the shield -Of your protection over those now suffering in your canse ? I hope » , not because I am numbered with the present list of victims , I hope so for the sake of yourselves , for never until you do your duty in this matter will jou be respected or feared ( 'tis all the same thing ) by your tyrants ; when you act upon the great truth that "he who oppresses one , oppresses all , " your enslavers wQl have cause for dread , and you for hope , but , never till then .
I need not recapitulate the particulars of my . *» rest , the seizure of my papers , letters , &c . &c I would not hive mentioned these things , but to remind you that the Association book was seizsd Vong with my papers : much good may its perusal do the captors . One thing I am not ashamed of—they trill see that I am not a nominal member of the Charter Association ; every penny of my contribution has been . paid . I wish that , in looking throngh the boek , its present holders could see the same of all whose names are therein contained . The seizure of the Members ' Boek will , I suppose , create the necessity of a re-enrolment of members ; at least , I left that advice behind me . If this is done , it will try what you are made cf , the cowards , ' the humbugs , and poltroons of every description will , no doubt , fall back ; the brave sud sincere ) will mere eagerly come forward ; but tsware of having your meresteerers ; beware of the men of froth and fury ; thojJWho will give their ' three cheers for the Charter &n 43 B rorrender , ' but surrender
it all the while by theirjgjafBess or neglect of duty ; we have had sufficient of sulrinen , and if you are wise , yen will not have them in future . Seek not numbers , seek rather the banding of the intelligent' and sternly trne ; no matter though even these be found few , their support in the day of adversity will be found more effective than the unthinking multitude , whose roar of applause is too often raised without thought , and "Withheld when most wanted . But , beware , while avoiding one error , you do not fall into its opposite . By the " intelligt nt few , " I dont mean those conceited prigs who exhibit , as the proof of their intelligence , the abuse they are ever pouring out on the heads of the old and tried champions of freedom , and attest their honestyby coquetting with the enemies , while they denounce the friends of the good old cause ; with such > -. - * nothing to do ; no union with the donbtfuls ; let " - aach and true stand by each other and battle for " ¦ ¦ ~ -. ht , cheered on by the undying hope that the r - . ¦ K iU come when tyranny shall roll in the dust , "' . u the bright banner of equality be . triumphantly
uni . 'ded ; that" Come it will for a that . When man to man the warld o'er , Shan brithers be and a that " My dear friends , for the present ( pressed by time ) I have nothing ta udd in the shape of advice . It might , perhaps , be expected that I shoald say something of tie Iscariot ruffian by whom myself and comrades have been—not betrayed , for he had nothing to betraysought to be seld for the wages of blood into the bands cf despotism . I loathe to stain the paper with a word about the miscreant , and indeed I pity th « wretch even more'than I hate him , ; what b Bpectade of treachery , what a monument of perfidy does this miserable reptile present to the
astonishing gaze of the men who once confided in his honour and believed in his patriotism . When the day of trial arrives , I would not change places with him for all that tyrants give as the price of purchased treachery . I have that within my breast of which tyrants nor traitors can deprive me , the consciousness of rectitude , ' and the consoling reflection that , m a public man , I have ever to the best of my judgment , done my duty ; what then though probably further persecution awaits myself and comrades , I can smile in my Aungeon and with mind serene bid the thunders of ' .. . lanU roll on . Let me have fair play and I will prove my innocence and the guilt of my accusers . But if despotism has decided that victims . it will have , be it bo—the fate of Clayton and Holberry may be minebat no
matter" Far deaTer the & « ve or the prison , Illumed by the patriot's name , Than the trophies of all who have risen On liteity ' a ruins to fame . " In concluding this letter , I would wish to tender mj Btif ^ e thruka to my excHlent friend Mr . Morris , to that wsrm-hearted Chartist Mr . Cooper , to that true democrat Dr . Halley , and t « s-U and several the brave men of Miches ' ~ r , who have so ncbly sympathised with rid iwustftfl me and my com rades since our arrest ; they ste worthy of the thanks of the country at large May their gallant conduct in every practicable way be everywhere imitated .
A tiiI now , my dear friends , for the present farewell Hail your colours to the mnt . For one broadside of the enemy return you two , until , triumphant o ' er your foes , you raise the exulting shout of " Victory ! victory ! our Charter ' s won !" I am , my dear friends , In the cause of Democracy , Fraternally and devotedly yours , George Julian Harsey . New Bailey , Manchester , Oet 7 th , 1842 .
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PUBLIC MEETING IN HOLBORN . A great public meeting was held on Monday evening , at the Hall of the National Association , Holborn . The meeting was called by the City members of the National Charter Association ; admission one penny , the proceeds to be appropriated to the Defence of the Vjctims . Mr . Balls having been elected to the chair , read the bill convening the meeting , and Eaid , the object they had in view was to give the inhabitants of that part of the Metropolis an opportunity of expressing their opinions on the arrests lately made by Government , and to raise a fond for the m&iBtenance and defence of those men who were awaiting their trials in gloomy dungeons for vindicating the rights of the oppressed and industrious artisans . It was evidently the intention of the Government to uphold the present evil system of elas 3 legislation ; thai they might enable the few to live in luxurious idleness on the toil of the many ;
* nd endeavour to deprive them of their only remaining right , that of publio discussion . Public discussion , in his opinion , was a most invaluable right , aud should be defended at every sacrifice . ( Hear . ) If a stop could be put to thai ,-there would be an end to all safety and freedom . If they thought they would be able to pat a stop to- the organization ¦ which was now Epread throughout the three kingdoms for the great and fundamental principles of the constitution , as contained in the document called the People's Charter , they were wretchedly deceived . Passing events Bhowed plainly to his Tiew that tke time was not fax distant when those principles would become the law of the land , in spite of every persecution , calumny , and torture , which was at present being heaped upon their advocates . Mr . Balls then made a very feeling appeal to them on behalf of the victims , and sat down loudly cheered . Mr . Caxsbok moved the following resolution : —
° That this meeting -views with feelings of alarm and indignation the numerous arrests of the advocates of the People's Charter , firmly believing the objects of the Government are to perpetuate the horrors of class legislation by the employment of perjured spies and the prevention of publio discussion . " He had great pleasure in seeing such an assemblage as the present , called at such a short notice . They lired in eventful and perilous times . He had heard it asserted that in the metropolis they might use as seditious language as . they thought proper , without incurring the same danger as in the provinces . A word in season on that point might not be imprudent . He was sure if they trusted to that opinion they would commit an error . There would be no favouriteism extended to them ; and they ought to -exercise a great amount of caution in the words they made use of , lest they should be caught in the snares
of the law . Imagination was sufficiently fertile , language was sufficiently comprehensive , for them io convey all the information they possessed , and desired to communicate , without exposing themselves to the fangs of the law . They oonld not pre-Tent them from thinking , though they most not speak . He thanked Heaven that the inward soul of man waa a sanctuary which no tyrant could invade ; and that they could think and dream of sedition even while they refrained from uttering it . The object of the Government , in the arrests they had . made , was too palpable not to be perceived ; but they had one advantage—they knew their enemy —they had experienced his fangs of old . It mattered not which was in powe ^ the Whig or the Tory , there was such a striking frmily likeness between them that it was only by name , and not by deeds , that they could be distinguished , bat with all
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their statesmanship they might vet overreach themselves ; Sir Robert Peel might pull the strings too tight , and be foiled in the object he had in view . He firmly believed in the integrity of his conscience that the charges brought against the prisoners were grossly and basely false . He felt himself included in the calumay cast upon his body . They were charged with creating insurrection , riots , rebellion , & . C . He rebutted the charge , and threw it back with scorn and contempt upon the accusers . He had been some years actively engaged in the Chartist cause ; he knew most of the persons actively engaged in it ; and it w& <* a foul libel to say that a man like Feargus O'Connor —( tremendous cheering)—who had sacrificed health and wealth for the sake of the people , woold incite
them to riot or destruction of property . Wrr ; it reasonable to think that he had done so ! ( No , no . ) It was impossible . Mr . Cameron then analysed the charge of the J udge at Stafford , and stated his opinion that the men were perfectly justified in striking to benefit their condition , and that the laws which would punish them for it were anti-Christian and anti-moral . He still entertained a hope that the men who would act as jurors would prove themselves men—that they would not be intimidated by any men , how ever great , learned , or influential , but act according to their conscience , and a triumphant acquittal would be the result . Mr . C . concluded by making an eloquent appeal for the victims , and sat down loudly cheered . Mr . Armstrong Walton seconded the resolution , in which he cordially concurred .
Mr . Ruffy Ridley supported the resolution , which was then unanimously carried . Mr . J . Brown moved the next resolution : — " That this meeting , in the face of Whig and Tory threats and despotism , pledges itself to exercise increased zeal and devotion in the cause of the starving millions , and never to relax their exertions until the People ' s Charter shall become the constitutional law of the land . " By adopting this resolution they would be pledging themselves , in the face of parties with whose nature they were well acquainted—men who were anxious not only to butcher , but to devour them . They had had sufficient said on behalf of the victims to know
their duty . Those viotixes had nobly performed their duty , and for that they were encased in gloomy dungeons ; they could not say , feel , or do too much for these men ; meeting after meeting should be held , and every effort should be made to render them assistance . It was because they had shewn sach a bold front in the metropolis that government was renting its spleen upon them , and endeavouring to pat down Chartism ; a more hopeless task never forced itself upon the attention of any body at men , however mad-brained they might be . As well might they attempt to veil the sud at noon day ; as well might they stand under the centre arch of London Bridge , and attempt , with the fisherman ' s net t © stop the progress of the tides . Chartism existed in the mind ; its principles were
invulnerable against the attacks of armed myrmidons . The starving millions were acquainted that the Charter would remove misery , wretchedness , and destitution , and would give to them plenty , happiness , and cheerfulness ; and they were learning to defy the iron hand of despotism , and to stand forth in the moral dignity of freemen . God made no distinction between man and man , and they met that evening to declare they would have an equal share in the Legislature of their country ; and in despite of the grandeur of the wealthy , and the glittering tinsel arrayed against them , the voice of the masses must be speedily listened to . If they were men possessed of intelligent minds—if they bore the impress of Deity stamped on their nature , why should they quail before their fellow-men ? B cause despotism
stared them in the face , and had with its iron hand seized upon their brethren , should they relax in their exertions—ehoald they cease their agitation ? ( Cheers , and loud shouts of "Never . " ) They might try to stop them , but God and common sense was on tkeir side , and their enemies would never succeed ; they had driven them by bludgeons and sabres from Kennington Common , P&ddington , and other meetings ; but had they conquered them ? ( No . ) They were there that evening to declare they would never rest satisfied until they had achieved the victory . There was not an Englishman or an Irishman , a Scotchman or a Welshman , with a drop of honest blood in his veins , that did not cry
aloud against that tyranny which deprived the peor man of proper sustenance in return for bis industry . Mr . Brown then drew a fearful picture of the distress in the country , and implored them to throw away the pint and the pipe , to forbear the use of spirituous liquors , and devote their savings to the support of the victims . The present was not the time for delay or for a retrograde motion . Their motto must be onward ; as fast as one patriot was arrested another must rise up to supply his place ; and they would , ere long , obtain that goal for which all patriot hearts were seeking . Mr . Brown then made an eloquent appeal on behalf of the victims , and concluded a long address , during the whole of which he was vociferously applauded .
Mr . Pjeat seconded the resolution , which was supported by Mr . Mantz , in a very eloquent address , and unanimously carried . Dr . Shotsky moved the third resolution , " That this meeting deeply sympathises with our patriotic brother Chartists now in bondage , and solemnly pledges itself to raise a competent fund for their defence- and support , and also for the comfortable maiotainance of their afflicted wives snd families . " Mr . Brakdreth briefly seconded the resolution , which was carried without a dissentient . A vote of thanks on the motion , of Miss Walkeb , was given to the shareholders of the ball , for returning two pounds for the Victims , out of the £ 3 IO 3 . Od . paid for the room , and carried unanimously . Mr . Cameron moved and Mr . Peat seconded a vote of thanks to the Chairman , who , in his reply , impressed upon the meeting the necessity of supporting the Evening Star , as an organ of their cause .
Cheers were given for Mr . O'Connor and the viotims , and three dismal groans for the Sunday Times , after whioh the assembly dispersed .
The Southern Star. Saturday, October 16, 1842.
THE SOUTHERN STAR . SATURDAY , OCTOBER 16 , 1842 .
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WHAT ' S IN A NAME ? Much , very much , may be found now-a-days to be connected with a name . Tke name Chartist has not only become offensive to "the ears polite" of faction , but it creates unutterable terror in the minds of all who fatten on the present cannibal system . In that name they imagine they behold the deviljincarnate , clothed in all the terrors of hell . In it they see robberies , murders , and incendiary
fires in every direction . In it they see monarchs decapitated , thrones overturned , venerable institutions annihilated , and peace , law , and order wholly destroyed , and the monster Anarchy ruling predominant through the land . All these , and horrors more multitudinous and revolting than pen can depict , are ever in the mind ' s eye of the tax-eating and profit-hunting tribes on the bare mention of the word Chartist .
The Judges , in their receDt observations at the opening of the Special Commissions seem very anxious to make the " Gentlemen of the Jury" believe that a Chartist is the very personification of vice and crime , and that the principles the Chartists propound , and the measures they assay to establish are fraught with the most disastrous consequences . The extra-judicial harangues of Lord Abinoer , in particular , have obtained for him a most unenviable notoriety ; that of converting the bench into a political debating shop , in which the argument is all on one side , and in which the lameness of his
reasoning is oonoealed by prejudice from the perception of the Juries , to whom it is directed , and by authority from exposure and refutation by the prisoners against whom it is most unfairly and dishonestly used . We have before had Judges who distinguished themselves as violent and unscrupulous partisans , and who upon occasion would , in charging Grand Janes , play the zealot upon general topics ; but his Lordship has re-Berved for himself the exclusive glory of completely denuding himself of all the decencies
appertaining to his office by bringing these unworthy appeals to the class feelings and animosities of jurors into his charges against particular individuals on trial before him . The proceedings in his Lordship ' s Court at Liverpool during the present week have been sickening beyond everything of whioh we have had any previous experience . His flagitious charge to the Grand Jury has drawn forth the following castigation from two of our daily contemporaries . The Morning Advertiser of Wednesday Bays : —
" Lord Abiager is proving himself to be to the Tory Government what his Lordship appositely described Suisse to be to the Marquis of Hertford , * an invaluable servant , ' to whom no dirty work comes amiss . Yesterday we commented upon bis Lordship ' s charge to the Grand Jury at Chester , and to-day we refer to the report in another part of our paper , of a similar charge on opening the Special
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Commission in Liverpool . We have 00 hesitation in pronouncing both of these charges a disgrace to tha Bench , whereto the publio have been taught to look rather for an impartial and temperate expostion of the law , than for political disquisitions , or such libertioide harrangues as those by whioh Lord Abinger has desecrated it . We have already expressed pur conviotion that the object of the Tories is to suppress all expression or public Twongs and opinion , under pretence of quelling insurrectionary manifestations , and Lord Abinger ' e charges most fearfully confirm this apprehension . By his Lordship's exposition of the law , the mere fact of seeking any change in the system of Government , by means calculated to alarm the authorities , is equivalent to an overt act of treason , bo that the people , in such case , have nothing to do but to hug their chains , lest their very rattling might disturb the repose of their . taskmasters . "
And from the Evening Star of the same day we take the following : — "We call the attention of the publio to the extra-jndiotel charge of Lord Abinger , which will be fonud under the report of the Lancashire Special Commission , in auother column . We confess that we have not read the whole of it , but we have read quite enough to be disgusted . For our own part , had we never entertained till now the opinion of the necessity of a fair representation of the poorest class of individuals in the commnnity , we should think it time to give utterance to the opinion—and we believe that the
Chartist cause will sp 3 edily advance and be faithfully sustained by an overwhelming majority of the people , now that it is evident that a kind of tyranny is in vogue , whioh has not for many years been known in our history . It is palpable , and easily proved , that where there is the most rigid despotism , there is found the finest spirit of democracy ; and now we may take the converse of the sentiment , and declare , also , that where the finest spirit of democracy exists , there is to be found the most rigid despotism . Truly , our country may blush for the late proceedings against her children . The spirit of heartless persecution abroad " is not nor cannot be good . "
The Morning Chronicle of the same day quotes from his jLordship's speech to the Petit Jury , on the trial of six Chartists for conspiracy , &c . the following astounding passage : — " Now , he would ask , what were the objects likely to be obtained , what was the object sought , by the advocates of the Charter } It was such a change in the laws as would give to the labouring classes the framing of all laws for the protection of property . That was the objeot avowed in the placard which had been produced in evidence , and the man who had been capable of writing snch a placard must have had intelligence enough to
know that such an object never could be effected without force and violence . It must be known that the House of Commons , as at present constituted , would never allow every man in the kingdom , whether having property or not , to have a vote for our representatives , or allow their members to sit without a property qualification , or sitting to receive a salary for tlieir Parliamentary services . But even if the Commons should consent , the Lords would , to the last , resiBt the destruction of their own privileges . Finally , was it to be expected that the Sovereign would , without force or violence , consent to the changes proposed by the Charter I "
Having given this quotation from the Judge's speeoh , as reported by the Times , the Chronicle , in commenting upon it , says : — " The passage we have quoted argues the guilt of the prisoners , i . e ., their violent and revolutionary intentions , from the nature of their object as compared with the hostility of the Legislature to that objeot . The argument stands thus : —The advocates for the Charter know that the Commons , the Lords , and the Queen , will never voluntarily adopt the Charter ; therefore , the advocates of the Charter intend to force its adoption on the Commons , the Lords , and the Queen . Now , the fact is an assumption and the inference a sophism . The advocates for the Charter do not know of any such invincible hostility . It is mere matter of opinion , and of opinion which it is not very decorous to express in relation to the Sovereign . The hostility may be invincible or it
may not . Whether it be is a fact in the womb of time , and no prophecy of the future can be a ground for convicting , of present guilt , those who disbelieve the unproved inspiration and infallibility of the prophet . Nor does it follow that those who assert principles which the present Legislature will certainly never adopt , must therefore intend violence . At that rate Jeremy Bentham was criminally meditating violence through the last half century of his life . Such doctrine would convict every Reformer who looks beyond the passing moment . As the argument overlooks the fact that the House of Commons , as at present constituted , does actually allow its Scotch members 'to sit without a property qualification , ' its assumption of an hostility invincible except to violence , is still less entitled to respect than it would have been had no such exception existed .
" The present legislative hostility to the Charter may be more unconquerable by peaceful means than W 8 " . its hostility to Heform , or to Catholic Emancipation . But the appearances are so similar , that we cannot imagine the guilt or innocence of a Chartist to turn upon his perceiving or not perceiving the difference . If a profound observer can point out the difference , and Bhew why the one was vincible , and the other is invincible , let him do so by all means . Still it is bard upon the Chartists , who cannot perceive the distinction , to be tent to gaol as conspirators , for their lack of perception . And we take this sort of constructive and inferential proof to be a novelty in our criminal jurisprudence . " A jury has convicted tnese parties , and we are very far from questioning the propriety of the verdict . Probably the conviction ensued , as conviotion
always ought , upon proved facts , and not upon unsound logic . Nor do we contend that the charge really delivered by Lord Abinger , was not a perfect model of calm impartiality , clear reasoning , and judicial dignity . Our business is with a sophism in the columns of the Times newspaper . And we do say that it is an atrocious sophism to infer the guilt of one man from ( not his own , but ) the opinions of another m * n ; to decide that A intends violence , because B thicks that A ' s object cannot be accomplished peacefo'ly . It is very vain to mourn over ihe want of' reverence' in the lower orders , while bach dicta are attributed to those who occupy high phoes . And we thus far agree with the Post , that i Government is to become a great tract distributor . Lord Chief Justice Tindal ' s address is the one for icheap circulation and reverential reading . "
" Inflammatory speeches" such as those of Judge Abixger , may be quite in keeping with the profession and Btation of ermined functionaries , but the sophistry and uufounded allegations uttered by them is a palpable evidence of the untenable basis on whioh the system they attempt to uphold is founded . They no doubt , find it au easy task to make charges ; and they do not find much difficulty in dealing out sarcasm and ridicule by wholesale against principles which militate against the present order , or rather disorder , of things ; but it is very plain that these " eminent lawyers" lack the power to substantiate their charges , and to overthrow by argument the truths of Chartism . We contend that all the charges falsely brought by the Judges against the body of the Chartists , are such as can be proved against the two factions which uphold the present state of things .
It has been repeatedly shown that the Whigs were the authors of the conflagrations at Bristol , Nottingham , &o ., during the " Bill" mania ; therefore , they are the incendiaries . It is well known that the two factions who have alternately ruled the destinies of this country , have brought her to her present degraded condition by their incessant acts of peculation ; therefore , they are the robber ? . It is notorious as the sun at noon-day , that spies and emissaries have been employed by both factions to worm themselves into the associations of the people ; and by inflammatory appeals to the pasBions of a starving people , to excite the credulous and unsuspecting to the commission of acts of outrage which might terminate in imprisonment , banishment and death ; therefore , ( without adverting to the many unprovoked attacks made upon the peaceably assembled people , by the yeomanry , police , and soldiery ) , they are the murderers .
It has been proven that the League ( a section of the Whig faction ) originated the late Strike , and consequently , caused the riots , risings and destruction of property resulting from the Strike ; therefore they are the promoters of tumult and disorder * in short , the anarchists . But it would not answer the purpose of the Judges to look at these matters . The Chartists are the great eye-sore of faction ; therefore the whole artillery of despotism must be played against them alone . And what will be the result ! Why a number of really honest and useful men will Buffer , ( as has ever been the case in every righteous cause ) , but they will be instrumental in shewing to the world , the gross perversion of justice in the English Courts : the base
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means resorted to bj oppression to crush the advocates of freedom will be unveiled ; and the name of Chartist will become respected . And why should it not be respected ; seeing that the principles of the Charter , if oarried into operation , would prevent those crimes with whioh many Chartists are now falsely charged \ b . ut whioh crimes are openly committed , and with impunity too , by many who ought to stand in the dock , instead of those who labour to establish peaoe on earth and good will among men .
There is we repeat it much in a name , and notwithfitandingthejodium cast upon that of the Chartists by state sycophants it has already become honourable , and every honest man will pride himself in it . Let the enemy in their triune character of Whigs , Tories , and Coin Law Repealers impugn our good name with all their infernal power , we can smile the while , knowing that their every attack renders usBtill more invulnerable , and we shall stand as Chartists when all faction is consigned to the tomb of forgetfulness , or at least , only remembered to be execrated .
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THE "RIGHT OF SEARCH" QUESTION . We are very glad to learn that some of the people are recovering a little from the surprise into which the late wholesale aud illegal transactions of Government had thrown them , and have summoned resolution to recognise the old maxim , that "an Englishman ' s house is his castle . " A correspondent sends us the following account of the capture , attempted searoh of premises , and ultimate acquittal and discharge of one of the Chartist friends in this county : — " Mr . who was arrested on Wednesday , Oct . 5 th , under the charge of attending a meeting in Manchester , on the 17 th of August last , was acquitted on Monday last , after being three times examined , their being no evidence against him on the
day of his arrest . Two of the constables went to his residence , with the intention of searching his house , but it was no go . One of the constables said , " Ma ' am—I am very sorry to inform you that we have arrested your husband , and hope you will have no objections to searching your house . ' The wife said , ' Not if you have authority to do so . Pray , Sir , have you got a warrant ? if so , read it ; otherwise you must not search . But pray , Sir , what have you taken my husband for V The constable said , 'I suppose he is a Chartist leader . ' 'A Chartist leader , indeed ! ' said the wife , ' pray , Sir , what do you call a Chartist leader V ' I suppose he has been at a meeting in Manchester , and I hope you will allow me to look through your house . '
The wife said , ' If you have a warrant , I tell you . Not that there is any thing that I am afraid of your seeing ; but certainly you must first show your authority before I shall allow you : then you may search as hard as you like . ' The constable then turned round to his companion and said , Go fetch the other two officers , ' Thinking to frighten the woman to submission , this had not the desired effect . The wife said 'Very well , Sir , fetch whom you like ; only bring a warrant with you ; but I am determined you shall not search my house without one . ' The constable sat down by the door in the way of taking possessioa of the house . After sitting some time mute , he said ,
Now , ma am , if you will only allow me to look the things over , I will look them very slightly . I shall not do as the others will when they come ; they will turn everything upside down . ' ' I tell yon , Sir " says the wife , 'I shall not submit to your searching my house till I hear the warrant read and then I will take care that you do seareh it rightly : I know what ia your duty , and I will see that you perform it . ' At this time , another officer arrived , and said '• ¦ Well , ma ' am what's to do ? ' The woman said , ' Nothing , sir ; only read me the warrant , then you will be right ; as I shall not allow my house to be searched without one . ' ' Very well . ' Bays the officer , ' we will go . "
The conduct of this woman cannot be too highly eulogized . Her example ought to be universally followed . A cool , firm , determined but perfectly peaceable and even respectful assertion of her own rights . So far as this information goes , there seems to have been no violent language , nor provoking insolence made use of ; but a steady , quiet insisting upon the produotion of a proper authority for the prosecution of the search . Let the same plan be followed every where .
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THE LEAGUE . FaoM the specimen of Cobden's rhodomautade , which our readers will find given in another column , it appears that they are not yet satisfied with the many defeats they have experienced . They are now going to inundate the country with tracts for nothing , but whioh we guess will be found dear indeed , if time be consumed in the perusal . They think of doing wonders during the winter , ( mark the
time ) , no doubt in the SWING business ; but the country has suffered enough by their recent STBIKE—the innocent are the sufferers ; but we shall watch their every movement . We shall see for what purpose they want to " assess" the poor to tha tune of £ 50 , 000 . But will they get it ? Not from the woxkies ; we know that , and they know it too ; but , perhaps it may flow from another quarter interested in carrying on the game of fire , blood , and commotion . We shall soon see .
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Northern Star Office , Thursday . Mr dear Friends , —The length at which the reports of the Special Commissions are this week given , precludes all space for comment on the particular cases ; yon must read and think . I had purposed to say many things to you in a letter which perhaps I may yet get ready for the Second Edition ; but the fact of my only arriving in Leeds from Liverpool at two
o'cl ock this morning , and my kind friend Mr . Hobson ' a having been also unavoidably absent at Liverpool to perfect my bail—will show you that I have had work enough on my hands to-day . Next week , if all be well , will resettle us for a few months , after the temporary inconvenience of my arrest . Remember many good men are still lying for lack of bail . The bail is now reduced to two sureties of £ 50 , or four of £ 25 each , and may be taken by the magistrates in their own localities . Let every locality whence a prisoner comes see to it at once , and have him out . God save you , and speed the Charter 1 Wm . Hill .
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T . M . Wheeler , London , correspondent to the Northern Star , informs the public that he has removed from Knightsbridge to 243 J , Temple Bar , where all future communications must be addressed . Timely notice of all public meetings , 8 ( c , is respectfully requested . The Irish Universal Suffrage Association thankfully acknowledge the receipt of a very useful and excellent present from the Chartists of Sheffield , consisting of 250 copies of" What is a Chartist ? " 250 copies of " Hints about the Army ; 250 copies of No . 25 , of the Chartist Circular , containing a f ull copy of the People ' s Charter ; also two . complete sets of the English Chartist Circular ; and 1 , 000 copies 0 / " Watkins's Address to the Women of England . " The
two copies of / Ai English Chartist Circular contain Nos . 1 to 66 , inclusive , with the exception of ( too copies of each of the following numbers , which were not in the parcel , and which are wanted to complete the two sets , viz ., Nbs . 2 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 22 , 32 , 42 , 54 , and 62 . D , Isaacs , Bath . —Send the cards to Mr . Wheeler , 243 J , Temple Bar , London . John Low ery , Ballyhannt , by Frekch Park , Ireland , will be obliged if any Chartist friend will send him a Northern Star . Thomas Morton , Sunderland . —The letter he alludes to was received , but has been mislaid . To the best of our recellection , it is a matter on which we cannot advise himself and friends . An Enemy to Tyrants , — . 4 writer under this
sionature complains much that in the quarter he resides in tome professing Chartists are given to habits of intoxication , by whose conduct the cause is made a laughing-stock to those who are desireusof any plea for . tcouting the Charter , He dates his letter from Slroud , and advocates the principle of total abstinence from intoxicating drinks . VL . Moule , Redditch . —His letter was received too late for last week ' s Paper : we must now decline its insertion . We have received several publications for review : they shall all be noticed in due time . M . A ., who sends us Britannia ' s Tears" for publication , should have acknowledged the source from whence he copied Ihepiece . t
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C . Connor . —His appeal to the Chartists of the Auckland district is ah advertisement . Henry Dowell Griffiths . —His letter was duly received : we decline its publication . John Allen , Brighton , coils upon the Charitsts of that locality to attend meetings which are held every Monday night at the Cap oj Liberty , in Portland-street . John Watkins . —His eommunuattons are reserved till opportunity serves . Will Mr . Brophy send his address , as soon as pos sible , to John Partridge , Gainsborough . A . H . —We have no room for poetry just now , and must decline his lines headed " O'Connor , the Brave . " We have not had occasion to read the work he enquires about , and therefore give no
opinion of tts contents . No . 6 , Amen Alley . — -You can have all that are published by enclosing Is . 6 d . to this office . S . K ., Glasgow . —His letter must stand over for re-perusal . He is quite mistaken in his opinion as to the writer of the production io which he is replying . John Thompson . —We have not room for his letter . Its statements do not affect us . All Lecturers wishing to visit Sunderland are requested to correspond with the Council , through the secretary , George Esplin , cordwainer . No . 30 , Robinson ' s Lane . A Lover of Justice . —We can see no reason why he should object to his name being published with his letter .
George Clarkson . —We cannot print his letter . We are very sorry to see the feeling manifested in it encouraged by any Chartist . It is no excuse for him , or his friends who hold a like tone , that others may be ¦ blameable . J . Keighley . —Thanks : we have made a note of his address , and shall avail ourselves of his infor ; motion if need be . A Constant Reader sends us a long statement of the matters in dispute between Messrs . Cooper and Co ., of Glasgow , and their workpeople . He cannot be " a constant reader" of the Northern Star , or he would have known that it useless to send such a statement to us on anonymous authosity . Henry Hodgson . —Yes .
W . Poole , CoLLiiMPTON . —Received . E . Broadbent , Ashton-under-lyne , should have given the trades and residences with the list of Council which he has sent . S . Clark . —His opinion is correct . Every such meeting , and all such correspondence , is decidedly illegal . National Defence Fund . —J . Watts , Finsbury , writes us to suggest that each subscriber to the Northern Star should oblige the News Agent of whom he takes his paper , to give one halfpenny ' for each Northern Star so Id by him on the 22 nd or 2 ' ird October , for the above object . He himself will give the profit upon all Stars sold by him on those days , and he hopes the localitie s will take it up .
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The Portrait of T . Duncqmbe will be given to all our Subscribers on November 19 th . They will be in the hands of all the Agents by November 16 th ; The charge for the Star on the day the Portrait of Duneombe is distributed will be the same as the charge for it on the day the Petition Plate is delivered . Isle of Wight . —Wm . Norman , James Cantello , C . Bright , J . Barnes , B . Urry , and H . Attwell , apply to Wm . Minns , 24 , Pyle-street , for the Plates , which have been sent by parcel .
FOR THE NATIONAL DEFENCE FUND . £ 8 . d . From A . Haxton , Cupar ... ... ... 0 1 0 ^ a few friends at ditto ... ... ... 0 0 9 < „ Leeds Chartists ... ... ... ... 0 3 9 ^ «» . Nantwich , per T . Dunning ... ... 0 9 0 ^ W . Egremont ... 0 5 0 „ a few friends at Redruth , Cornwall ... 6 3 9 „ the Chartists of Wingate Grange ... 2 0 0 „ a few friends at Bank , Leeds ... ... 0 2 8 '„ two fritnds , Leeds ... ... ... 0 2 0 „ Joseph Horsfield ... ... ... 0 10 ^ a few friends to the Chartist cause at Leigh ... 0 12 0 ,. a hater of oppression at Worsley ... 0 10 . ~ Dr . Chapman , Etnley ... ... ... 026 ' „ Jonathan Midgeley , Lepton 0 10 „ Earl Graham , Black Quarter , near Huddersfleld ... 0 3 0 „ the Chartists of Honley , per Mr .
Haigh ... ... 0 10 0 Magdale Academy , per Mr . Haigh ... 0 2 6 a friend , Leeds ... ... ... ... 0 0 3 a poor woman , Leeds ... ... ... 0 0 1 a few masons at Leeds ... ... 0 3 3 R . Goodhall ... ... ... ... 0 0 6 two friends , Leeds ... 0 1 3 two sisters ... ... ... ... 0 0 4 Leeds , A . Z . ... ... 0 2 2 the Chartists of the Yale ol Leveu ... 1 0 0 the Chartists of Rcdrath , Cornwall ... 0 10 0 a few friends at Holme Mill ... ... 0 4 2 a young lady at Holme Mill , per
W . T . ... ... ... ... 0 0 2 the Chart'sts of the Forest of Dean ... 1 0 0 Brick-atreet ... ... 0 3 0 J . Dovenor and a few friends ... 0 2 6 a friend from Goole ... 0 10 Littletown , per Mr . Penny 10 0 Wakefleld ... 1 0 0 D . Fryer , Halton ... 0 2 6 a democrat , Chopstow ... 0 2 6 a few friends at Barnsley , per B . Hrgue ... ... ... ... 0 5 0 a few friends at Bury ... Ill Darlington , per N . Bragg ... ... 0 12 0 a few friends of liberty , Castle Donnington ... ... ... ... 0 6 0 the Chartists * -of Old Basford , near
Nottingham ... ... ... 1 10 0 a few friends at Lock ... 0 7 6 a few £ 1 lends iii Hunslet-lane , Lc sds 0 2 0 a few friends , per B . G . ... ... 0 4 0 the Leeds Chartists , collected by Jas . Haigh ... ... ... ... 0 15 0
FOR MRS . HOLBERRY . From Coventry 0 2 6 ' „ Nantwich , per S . Dunring ... ... 0 I 6 „ the Chartists of the Yale of Leven ... 19 2 FOR P . M . M'DOUALL . From R . Goodball ... ... 0 0 6 FOR PROSECUTING THE POLICEMEN WHO HAVE ' BEEN SEARCHING WITHOUT WARRANTS . From D . Fryer , Halton ... ... ... 0 16
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( From our own Correspondent . ) STAFFORD , Tuesday Night , 12 o ' clock . TRIAL OF MR . THOMAS COOPER FOR DEMOLITION AND ARSON . I have only time to say that Mr . Cooper , with fourteen ethers , were ttrs day arraigned at the bar before Lord Chief Justice Tindal , for the demolition and burning of the dwelling house of William Parker , Esq ., a magistral , on the 16 th Aug . Mr . Lee , on the part of Mr . Cooper , applied to allow him to sever in his challenges and his defence . The Court granted the application , and ( ordered all the prisoners , with the exception of Mr . Cooper , to be removed . Mr . Cooper was then placed at the bar , and challenged the Jury to bis full number of twenty .
He was then indicted for the demolition and firing of Mr . Parker ' s bouse ; to which he pleaded in a very firm voice , " Not Guilty . " All the witnesses examined before the magistrates at Newcastle when he was arrested , repeated their evidence , and signally failed in their attempt to connect him with the arson . The prosecution closed at five o'clock , when Mr . Cooper rose and delivered one of the most thrilling addresses that has ever been delivered within a court of justice ; of which I will endeavour to send an outline to-morrow . He then called on Mr . Hall and Mr . Sylvester , who proved a direct alibi . The Court adjourned at eight o ' clock , and the jury were locked up . On to-morrow ( Wednesday ) he will resume bis defence .
Mr . Baron Parse passed the following sentences in addition to those passed by the Lord Chief Justice : — Thos . Ranby , John Ranby , and Thos . Smith , six moths imprisonment and hard labour ; Wm . Becklyand M . Baugh , nine months and hard labour ; Samuel Jones , fifteen months and hard labour ; Wm . Gibbons , twelve months and hard labour ; Thos . Burney and John Griffiths , six months and bard labour ; John Morris , twelve months and bard labour ; Thos . Pitts , six months and hard labour ; Tbos . Walker , twelve months and hard labour ; Simpson Bales , twenty months and hard labour ; Wm . Jones , six months and hard labour ; Thos . Hughes , six months and hard labour ; Benjamin
Rowley , twelve months and hard labour ; John Timmins , six months and hard labour ; Solomon Allen nine months and bard labour ; Wm . Bums , two months and bard labour ; Charles Simpson , ten yean transportation ; John Parkia , twelve months and bard labeur ; Thos . Banker , fifteen years transportation ; James Saonden , transportation for life ; George Skitt , two yean confinement and hard labour ; George Arnell , eighteen months and hard labour ; Benjamin Dudley , eight months and hard labour : ; John Deakin , six months and hard labour ; Wm . Page , twelve months and hard labour ; Wm . Holyrake and Wm . Parry , six months and hard labour ; Benjamin Withlngstone and Thos . Prout , Bix months an * hard labour .
( Sentences bv Mr . Baron Rolfe . ) Croxton , Rathbone , Brunt , Johnston , and Wilkinson , were , with the exception of the last prisoner , found guilty of a burglary in the house of Mr . Gnffin , a solicitor , on th 16 th of August . . „ , „ , Croxton and Rathbone were transported for life ; Deane and Johnston were transported for fifteen years ; Simpson and SpUsbury were tnnsfHlrted for tea years ;
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Brunt was sentenced to one year's imprisonment ia Stafford gaol , and hard labour . This terminated the proceedings of the day . ( Fromanother Correspondent ' ¦ " ) . [ ' : ''_ ¦ ¦ STAFFORD . —Monday Night . The work goes on at a rattling pace . The Ellis tra gedy has advanced another stage . Ellis baa been con victed— "Guilty , my Lord ; " and now he haa to undergo its last scene—sentence , transportation , and death . The " Guilty" verdict was not generally anticipate The defence of the prisoner , by Mr . Allen , was most complete and unanswerable . The impossibility of the prisoner being present at the fire at whioh he wan charged with assisting , was proved to demonstration . It was observed , however ; that the Solicitor-General was more severe than he was ever before known to be er was thought capable of being . It was evident that his heart waa bent on obtaining this conviotion beyond any other or all ethers .
The Judge's summing up waa far from Impartial . Be took no notice of the fact that there was but one witness to support the charge , and that such witness was prove 1 to be al together unworthy of credit , by the glaring variation between his evidence and bis depo sitions . Never have we observed the magisterial occupants of the bench so eager as on the present occasion . They bad hungry hankerings after O'Neil , Cooper , and others but Ellis was their " dish of peacock ' s brains . " ElL a had beaten them at a county meeting—held in that very court . He had sat as chairman in that ver j chair now occupied by the Learned Judge ; he had lashed them for their vices , their folly , and their ignorance , till they ran out in dismay , and left him master of the meeting which they had themselves called . There was wounded henour , then , acting in aid of their political prejudices , and urging them to crush the galling memento of their own mental inferiority .
One by one did these " pillars of the state" drop in and crowd the bench , as the latter part of the summing up was being delivered . This over , the Jury went through the farce of retiring . In so doing , they passed to a . room behind the Judge , through a door close at the left of Lord Ingestrie . the foreman of the Grand Jury . It will be many a year before we forget the look of searching inquiry which his Lordship gave as the twelve arbiters of his digestion for the day ' s dinner passed at the skirts of his cutaway coat ; but their look of humble deference was consolatory . A few minutes elapsed and the door again opened , and Out came the twelve , smilng with the consciousness of having done a profitable action . Then their names were read over , and then the names of the prisoners ; 3 stoppage at each to enable Mr . Bellamy to record their fate . Soon came the name of William Ellis . " Guilty , " said the foreman , and looked up to Lord Ingestrie , as much as to say , " What do you think ef that , my Lord ? Do you call that nothing ?"
The bench now grew chatty . Spite of their confidence in the jury selected by one of themselves there had been misgivings . Follett , leaning forward , his face up , and supported by his band , appeared bursting with joy , but be made an effort , and controlled its exhibition . It waa not so , however , with his helpers ; theirs was lusty grin . The spectators in the body of the court were taken by Burprise . Those who were hostile to Ellis , in consequence of his political principles , were consoling themselves with the hope of catching him by some of the other i ndictments for riots , sedition , &e . His frendsand the poor fellow has many—were heart-broken '
His wife !—ah ! here we might tell of the shrieks of a frantio woman—happily , however , destitute of con . soiousnesa for several hours—deprived of a husband whom she adored , and driven for the remainder of her days to a Poor Law Bastile . But the tale would be useless . She has four young children , and another will soon add to hei misery . Till this last affair they were comparatively happy . Ellis was always opposed to physical force , and was constantly denouncing it , and even disliked all allusion to it . He was beloved by all who knew him . It is difficult to calculate the amount of happiness which such a man is capable of creating and reflecting . But all now is blasted !
( From our own Correspondent . ) Stafford , Wednesday Night . This week is big with importance , interest , and instruction to the people . The transactions of this week hare imparted to the people instructive lessons , that have sunk deep into their hearts—lessonB which will not be easily forgotten—lessons that will guide them in their future mode of aotion—lessons , whioh if they do not make them as " mild as doves , " will make them " as cunning as serpents . " That such will be the effect of these lessons the governors and tyrants of the people will ere long know . Mad must be the man and little acquainted must he be with the nature of the human heart and the charaoter of Englishmen who supposes that the terrors of a special commission will have the effect
of strangling Chartism . There have been charges of police , special constables , yeomanry , infantry , and cavalry upon the people —there has been blood spilled—there have been lives lost—there have been arrests—there have been committals—there has been a Special Commission , and under the Special Commission there have been heavy aud awful sentences —whioh will exile for ever from their native land many an affectionate husband—many a dutiful child—many a dear relative . These exiles will leave behind them heart-broken wives , orphan children , and afflicted relatives . What will be the result of those appalling visitations upon the people \ The question may be illogically answered by another question . Whatin answer , may be asked , has been
, the result of the persecution inflicted upon Christianity ? What has been the result of the exiles , burnings , executions , hangings and drawings , whioh the founders of the glorious Reformation endured ? What has been the result of the tyranny exercised under a weak and imbecile French monarch and his despotic Ministers \ What has been the result of all those persecutions but the wide spread of the mild precepts of Christianity ? What has been the result of those persecutions but the establishment of the glorious reformation ? What has been the result of the despotism practised in France , but the raising of the standard of freedom upon the ruins of tyranny ,
and over the fallen heads of those despots who induced a weak , enfeebled , priest-ridden monarch , to suppose that his fiat was the dictum which his subjects would slavishly obey ! When the English people know what have been the results of those persecutions , is it to be wondered at that they should expect that similar results would follow their present struggles aud their present Bufferings in the glorious cause of liberty \ Suoh are their expectations , and such expectations they will as certainly realise as the morrow's sun rises . However , as speculation , no matter how well or how firmly established , is not the point which at this crisis attracts publio attention , it is better to hasten to the events of the week than to indulge
in it . The Grand Jury have not as yet ignored a single ¦ bill . Faithful to their duty they have found true bills in every instance , and having done so adjourned to the 24 th . In the whole 130 bills have been found , including in the same indictment five , ten , fifteen , twenty , and thirty persons . Since Monday thirtythree fresh bills have been prepared . By way of digression it may be remarked that exclusively 01 the 270 prisoners to be disposed of at the Commission , the Calendar for the Sessions which opens on the 18 th inst ., contains 186 prisoners , classed a 3 follows : — Read and write well 18 Ditt , ditto , imperfectly SO Read well ... 42 Read imperfectly ... ... ... 59 On bail ... ... ... ... 13 Total 186 There are in gaol 815 prisoners .
It is generally understood that all the priaoners sentenced to transportation will be conveyed away in the same manner that Frost , Williams , and Jones were hurried off—at a minute's warning , ana ia the dead of night . Thte is a species of refined cruelty worthy a Christian country .
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To The Readers Of The "Northern Star."
TO THE READERS OF THE " NORTHERN STAR . "
The Special Commission (Continued From Page Seven.)
THE SPECIAL COMMISSION ( Continued from page Seven . )
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TRIAL AND ACQUITTAL OF MR . THOMAS COOPER . It was a most fortunate circumstance that Mr Cooper severed in his challenges and plea . It' he nad not , he would , like Mr . Ellis , have been sacrificed . Although assisted in legal points by Mr . Lee and Mr . Allen , he defended himself . His oross-examination of the witnesses was truly admirable , and even attracted the amazement of the cool , deliberate , and oily Solicitor-General . The Crown- having closed its case , which was bolstered up by a worthy named Bramhall , a spotless character , who was proved to have been drunk on the night on which he said that he saw Mr . Cooper near Mr . Parker ' s , when his house was fired , and who was also proved to have in his possession two bottles of wine as he left Aitken ' s , and who , wnen he was asked by another to share his booty witn him . said "No ! d—nyour eyes , go get them , asi
do "; the Crown , as I said , having closed its case , hit . Cooper rose , and in one of the most Boaistirring and thrilling defences that has ever been heard within a court of criminal justice , defended himself . He gloried in belonging to a country which boasted of a Raleigh , a Latimer , and a Bidley . He declared himself a Christian in the fullest sense of the word , a lover of peace , an enemy to drunkenness , outrage , and the burnings that were lately perpetrated . He proved that all his speeches were calculated to induce the people to observe peace , law , and order . He then gave an account of his progress throug h life , of his eelf-education , and of the small sum ( ten shillings a-week ) which he had to support himself He reiterated the facts which he related , as to his movements at the time that he was arrested , aud concluded by invoking the vengeance of heaven npon his head , if he had in any way encouraged the ou trages , or had seen a blaze or eves a spark , on the night of the 15 th . Au £ U 3 t .
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4 THE NORTHERN STAR .
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Oct. 15, 1842, page 4, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse2.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct452/page/4/
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