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TKE NORTKERN STAR. SATURDAY. OCTOBER 16. 1842.
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<£o aiUalm-g &vfo (£ovv(fi2t>\\Xfcnt&.
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THE SPECIAL COMMISSION (Continued from page Seven.J
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TO THE READERS OF THE "NORTHERN STAB."
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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 Y 01 CE FROM THE DUNGEON ' TO THE GHARTISTS OF SHEFFIELD . M ? Dkab FkIENDS— ScpeettDg to be removed from tere to Kirkdale to-morrow , I address to yon a few ^ -ords before having this royal collie , ^ hete . having paid some attention to my studies , I bare already profited by ray retreat from the « busy haurrts of men £ " indeed , I bare tjo doubt that if the fiat of onr merciful mlers should csnsign me to a lengthy seclusion in " durance rile , " I shall return to the ranks of democracy c better soldier even than I left them . I am light of heart , entertaining fond hopes that out of the present erril immense good will come . Persecution fcai ever failed in effecting the objects of those -who hav « had recourse to it The records of history from the earliest known period of man ' s oristenee , down to the present boor prove this . The advocates of great and good principles hate ever suffered insult and wrong —chains and dungeons—tortures asd death . Still there hare not been wanting in aTl ages good men and true , found ready to offer themselves willing vietims at the
altar of despotism , when the cause of truth and justice demanded the sacrifice . Shall such raen be wanted now ? Ifo ! 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 to support them ? Are your souls so wedded to the love of liberty that you can appreciate hearts broken , and patriots trampled down by the iron heel of despotism ? Will yon prove this by filling up the places of the betrayed , and throwing the shield of yonr protection over those now suffering in your cause ? I hope » e , not because I am numbered with the present list of victims , I hope so for the sake . of yourselves , for never nntil you do your duty in this matter will yon bo respected or feared ( tia all the same thing ) by your tyrants ; when yon act upon the great truth that "be who oppresses one , oppresses all , " your enslavers wil ! , have cause for dread , and you for hope , but , never till then .
I need not recapitulate the particulars of my arrtst , the seizure of ffiy papers , letters , &c kc I would not have mentioned these things , but to remind you that the Association book was seized along with my papers : much good may its perusal do the captors One thing I am not ashamed of—they will 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 dons , it will try what you are made of , the cowards , the humbugs , and poltroons of every description will , no doubt , fall tack ; the brave
and sincere will mere eagerly come forward ; but beware of having your mere cheerers ; beware of the men of froth and fury ; those who will give their three cheers for the Charter and no surrender , " but surrender it all the while by their fickleness or neglect of duty ; we have had sufficient of such men . and if you are wise , yeu will not have them in future . Seek not numbers , seek rather the banding of the intelligent and sternly true ; no matter though even thes 6 be found few , their support in the day of adversity will be found more effective Hun the unthinking multitude , whose roaT of applause is too often raised without thought , and withheld when most wanted . But . beware , while
avoiding one error , you do not fill iBto its opposite . By tke " intelligent few , " I dont mean those conceited pries who exhibit , as the proof of their intelligence , the abuse they are ever pouring out on the heads of the old and tried champions cf freedom , and attest their honesty by coquetting with the enemies , while they denounce the friends of the good old cause ; with such have nothing to do ; no union with tbe donbtfnis ; let the stanch and true Btand by each other and battle for the right , cheered on by the undying hope that the dBy will come when tyranny shall roll in tbe dust , and tbe bright banner of equality be triumphantly unfurled :
that" Come it will for a' that "When man to man the isiirld o ' er , Shall brithers be and a' that . " My dear friends , for the present ( pressed by time ) I have nothing ta add in the ' shape of advice . It might , perhaps , be expected that I should say something of the Iscariot ruffian by ¦ whom myself and comrades have beeD—rot betrayed , for he bad nothing to betray—Bought to be seld for the wages of blood into the hands of despotism . I loathe to stain tke paper xrith a word about the miscreant , and indeed I pity tint wretch even more than I hate him , ; what a spectacle of treachery , what a - monument of perfidy docs this miserable reptile present to the astoniahinc eaze of ' the men who once confided in hi «
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 , as a public man , I have ever to tbe best of my judgment , done my duty ; wh ^ t then though probably further persecution avF ^ iLs myself and comrades , " I can smile in my duageun and with mini serene bid the thunders of tyrauta roll on . Let me feave fair play aDd I will prove my innocence and the guilt of my accusers . But if despotism h »» decided that victims it will have , be it so—xhe fate of Ciajton and Holberry may be minebnt no
matter" Far dearer the grave or the prison , Illumed by tbe patriot ' s name , Than the trophies of all who have risen On liberty ' s ruins to fame . " In concluding this letter , I would wish to tender my sincere thanks to my excellent friend Mr . Morris , to that warm-hearted Chartist Mr . Cooper , to that true democrat Dr . Ha'Jey , and te all and several the brave men of Maschcster , who kave bo nobly sympathised with and assisted me and my comrades since our arrest ; they are worthy of tie thawVn of the country at large . May their gallant conduct in every practicable way be everywhere imitated . And now , my dear friends , for the present farewell . Nail your colours to the mast . For one broadside of the enemy return you two , until , triumphant o ' er your foes , you raise the exulting shout of " Victory ! victory ! our Ctarter ' s won !'' I am , my dear friends , In the cause of Democracy , Fraternally asd devotedly yours , . QEOB . GE JELIAK HAH-SET . New Bailey , Manchester , Oct . 7 th , 1 S 42 .
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PUBLIC MEETING IN HOLBORN . A great public meeting . was held on Monday evening , at the Hail of the National Association , Holborn . The meeting was called by the City members of the National Charter Association ; admission one penny , ibe proceeds to be appropriated to the Defence of the Victims . Mr . Balls having been elected to the chair , read the bill convening the meeting , and said , the object they had in view was to give the inhabitants of tnat part of the Metropolis an opportunity of expressing their opinions on the arrests lately made by Government , and to raise a fond for the ' maintenance 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 class legislation ; that they might enable the few to live in ii ^ urions idleness on the toil of the many ;
and endeavour to deprne them of their only remaining right , that of public discussion . Public discussion , in his opinion , was a most invaluable right , and should ba defended at every sacrifice . ( Hear . ) If a stop could be put to that , there would be an end to all safety and freedom . If they thought they would be able to put a stop to the organization which was now spread throughout the three kingdoms for the great and fundamental principles of the constitution , as contained in ihe document called the People's Charter , they were wretchedly deceived . Passing events showed plainly to his view that tie time was not far 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 vhen made a very feeling appeal to them on behalf of the victims , and sat down loudly cheered . Mr . Cameron moved the- following resolution : —
" That this meeting views with feelings of alarm and indignation the nnmerous arrests of the advocates of the People ' s Charter , firmly believieg ; he objects of the Government , are to perpetuate the horrors of class legislation by the employment of perjured spies and the prevention of public discussion . " He bad great pleasure in seeing such an assemblage as the present , called at such a short notice . They livt d 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 Dot be imprudent . He was sure if they trusted to that opinion they would commit an error . There would be no favourittism extended to them ; and they onght 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 m sufficiency fertile , language was sufficiently comprehensive , for them to convey all the iaiornation they possessed , and desired to communicate , without exposing themselves to the fangs of the law . They could not prevent them from thinking , though they must not Bpesk . He thanked Heaven th ? t the inward soul cf man was a eanctnary which no tyrant could in-Tade ; and thai" they conld think and dream of seJition even while they refrained from altering it . The object of the Gorersment , in the arrests they had madej was : oc palpable not to be perceived ; tut they had one advantage—they knew their enemy —Lhey nad experienced his fangs of old . It matured not which was in . power , the Whig or the Tcry , there was such a striking family likeness bet ^' -p . T ) them , that it was only by name , and net by cuii : - , that they could be distinguished oa * with all
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their statesmanship they might yet overreach themselves ; Sir Robert Peel might pull the stringB too tight , sod be foiled in the object he bad in view . He finaly believed in the integrity of his conscience that the charges brought against the prisoners were' grossly sad basely false . He felt himself included in the calumny east npon his body . They were charged with creating insurrection , riots , rebellion , &e . He rebutted the charge , and threw it back with soorn and contempt upon the accusers . He had been some years actively engaged in the Chartist cause ; he knew most of the persona actively engaged in it ; and it was a foul libel to say that a man like Feargns O'Connor —( tremendsns cheering)—who had sacrificed health and wealth for the sake of the people , would incite
them to riot or destruction of property . Was it reasonable to think that he bad done bo f ( No , no . ) It was impossible . Mr . Cameron then analysed the charge of the J tzdge at Stafford , and stated Jus opinion that themes were perfectly justified in striking to benefit their condition , ana that the lawB which would punish them for it were anti-Christian and anti-moral . He siill entertained a hope that the men who would act as jurors .-would , prove theaiT selves 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 . conceded by making an eloquent appeal for the victims , and sat down loudlycheered . Mr . Armstrong Walton seconded the resolution , in which he cordially concurred .
Mr . Rufft 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 facs 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 victims 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 venting its spleen upon them , and endeavouring to put down Chartism ; a more hopeless task never forced itself upon the attention of any body of men , however mad-brained they might be . As well might they attempt to veil the sun at noon day ; as well migbA they stand under the centre arch of London Bridge , and attempt , with the fisherman ' s net to 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 qaail before their fellow-men I B . cause despotism stared them in the face , and had with its iron hand seized upon their brethren , should they relax is
their exertions—Bhould they cease their agitation ( Cheers , and load 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 , Paddington , 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 Wekhmas , 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 his 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 motioa . 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 . Peat 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 maintainance of their afflicted wives and families . " Mr . Brandreth briefly seconded the resolution , which was carried without a dissentient . A vote of thanks on the motion , of Miss Walker , was given to the shareholders of the hall , for returning two pounds for the Victims , out of the £ 3 10 s . 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 .
Cheer 3 were given for Mr . O'Connor and the victims , and three dismal groans for the Sunday Times , after which the assembly dispersed .
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WHAT'S IN A NAME ! MrcH , very much , may be found now-a-days to be connected with a name . Tke name Chartist has not oaly become offensive to "the ears polite" of faction , but it creates unutterable terror in the minds of all who fatten on the present canDibal system . In that name they imagine they behold the devil [ incarnate , clothed in all the terrors of hell . In it they see robberies , murderB , 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 recent 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 Abinger , in particular , have obtained for him a most unenviable notoriety i 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 bis reasoning is concealed 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 ib 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 Juries , play the zealot upon general topics ; but his Lordship has reserved 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 which 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 says : —•
" Lord Abinger is proving himself to be to tbe Tory Government what his Lordship appositely described Suisse to be to the Marquis of Hertford , 1 an invaluable servant , ' to whom no dirty work comes amiss . Yesterday we commented upon his Lordship ' s charge to the Grand Jary 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 no hesitation in pronouncing both of these charges a disgrace to the Bench , whereto the public have been taught to look rather for an impartial and temperate expostion of the l aw , than for political disquisitions , or such libertioide harrangues as those by which Lord AblngerJias desecrated it . We have alr e& 4 y expressed ^ oux conviotion that the object of the xoriefis to suppress all expression of publib wrongs and opinion , under pretence of quelling insurrectionary manifestations , and Lord Abinger ' s 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 ,- 'so that the people , in such ease , have nothing to do bat to has 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 public to the extra-judicial charge of Lord Abinger , which will be found under the report of the Lancashire Special Commission , in another 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 community , we should think it time to give utterance to the opinion—and we believe that the
Chartist cause will speedily 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 , which 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 . Lordship ' 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 objeot 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 object avowed in the placard which had been produced in evidence , and the man who had been capable of writing such a placard must have had intelligence enough to
know that suoh 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 Balary for their Parliamentary services . But even if the Commons should consent , the Lords would , to thelast , resist 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 V
Having given this quotation from the Judge ' s speech , as reported by the Times , the Chronicle , in commenting npon 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 , aud the Queen , will never voluntarily adopt the Charter ; therefore , the advocates of the Charter intend to force Us 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 whioh 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 Bit 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 was its hostility to Reform , 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 shew why the one was vincible , and the other is invincible , let him do so by all means . Still it is hard upon the Chartists , who cannot perceive the distinction , to be sept 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 . u A jury has convicted these 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 man ; to decide that A intends violence , because B thinks that A ' s object cannot be accomplished peacefully . It is very vain to mourn over the want of' reverence' in the lower orders , while such dicta are attributed to those who occupy high places . And we thus far agree with the Post , that f Government is to become a great tract distributor . Lord Chief Justice Tindal ' s address is the one for ioheap circulation and reverential reading . "
Inflammatory speeches" such as those of Judge Abingeb , may be quite in keeping with the profession and station of ermiaed functionaries , but the sophistry and uufounded allegations uttered by them is a palpable evidence of the untenable basis on which the system they attempt to uphold is founded . They no doubt , find it an 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 , &c , 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 robberp . 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 passions of a starving people , to excite the credulous and onsuspecting to the commission of acts of outrage which might terminate in imprisonment , banishment and death ; therefore , ( withont adverting to the many unprovoked attacks made npon the peaceablyassembled 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 . Bat it would not answer the purpose of the Judges to look at these matters . The ChartiBts are the great eye-sore of faction . ; therefore tbe whole artillery of despotism mast be played against them alone . And what will be the result ! Why a number of really honest and useful men will suffer , ( 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 b » se
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means resorted to bj oppression to orush the advocates of freedom will be unveiled ; and the name of Chartist will become respected . And why should it not be / espected ; seeing that the principles of the Charter , if carried into operation , would prevent those crimes with which many Chartists are now falsely charged ! but which crimes are openly committed , and with impunity too , by many who ought to stand in the dock , instead of those who labour to establish peace on earth and good will among men .
There is we repeat it much in a name , and notwithstanding thejodium oast 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 . ( heir triune character of Whigs * Tories , and Corn Law Repealers impugn onr good name with all their infernal power , we can smile the while , knowing that their every attack renders us still more invulnerable , and we shall stand as Chartists when all faction is consigned to the tomb of forgetfnlness , 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 and illegal transactions of Go * vernment 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 eearch 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 searohing 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 eearohing your house . ' Tie wife said , 'Not if you have authority to do so . Pray , Sir , have you got a warrant ? if so , read it ; otherwise yon 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 hasbeen at a meeting in Mauohester , and 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 bis 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 withont one / The constable sat down by the door in the way of taking possession 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 upsidedown / ' I tell you , 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 yon do search it rightly : I know what is 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 V 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 , ' says 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 peaoeable 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 production of a proper authority for the prosecution of the search . Let the same plan be followed everywhere .
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THE LEAGUE . From the specimen of Cobdkn ' s rhodomantade , whioh 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 which 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 tbe SWING business ; but the country has suffered enough by their recent strike—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 tho tune of £ 50 , 000 . But will they get it ? Not from the workies ; we know that , and they know it too ; but , perhaps it may flow from another quarter interested in carrying on the game of fixe , blood , and commotion . We shall soon see .
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Northern Star Office , Thursday . My dear Friends , —The length at which the reports of tbe Special Commissions are this week given , precludes all space for comment on the particular cases ; you 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 ' clock this morning , and my kind friend Mr . Hobson ' s having been also unavoidably absent at Liverpool to perfect my bail—will show yon that I have had work enough on my bands 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 reduces ! 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 cornea see to it at once , and have him out . God save you , and speed the Charter ! Wm . Hill .
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T . M . Wheeler , London , correspondent to the Northern Star , informs the public that he has removed from Knightsbridae to 243 J , Temple Bar , where all future communications must be addressed . Timely notice of all public meetings , $ 0 ., 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 V 250 copies of ** Hints about the Army ; 250 copies of No . 25 , of the Chartist Circular , containing a full copy of the People ' s Charter ; also two complete sets of the English Chartist Circular ; and 1 , 000 copies of M
Watkins ' s Address to the Women of Eagland . " The two copies of the English Chartist Circular contain Nos . 1 to 66 , inclusive , with the exception of two copies of each of the following numbers , which were not in the parcel , and which are wanted to complete the two sets , viz ., Nos . 2 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 22 , 32 , 42 , 54 , and 62 . D , Isaacs , Bath . —Send We cards to Mr . Wheeler , 243 J . Temple Bar , London . John Lowert , Ballyhanny , by Frbhch 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 recollection , it is a matter on
which we cannot advise himself and friends . An Enbmy to Tyrants . —A writer under this signature complains much that in the quarter he resides in some professing Chartists are given to habits of intoxication , by whose eondwt the cause is made a laughing-stock to those who are desirous of any plea for scouting the Charter . He dates his letter from Stroud , and advocates the principle of total abstinence from intoxicating drinks . H . Modle , Redditch . —His letter teas received too late for last week ' s Paper : we must now decline its insertion . Wb have received several publications for review : they shall all be noticed in due time . M . A ., tcAo sends us - Britannia ' s Tears" for publication , should haw acknowledged the source from whence he copied the piece ..
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C . Connor . —His appeal to the Chartists of the Auckland district is an advertisement . Henry Dowell Griffiths . —His letter was duly received : we decline Us publication . John Allen , Brighton , calls upon the Charitsts of that locality to attend meetings which are held every Mondiy night at the Cap of Liberty , in Portland street . John Watkins . —His ecmmunicalions are reserved till opportunity serves . Will Mb . Brophy send his address , as soon as possible , 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 its contents . No . 6 , Amen Alley . —You can have all that are
published by enclosing is . Gd . to this office . S . 3 L , Glasgow . —His letter must stand over for re-perusal . He is quite mistaken in his opinion as to the writer of the production to which he is replying . John Thompson . —We have not room for his letter . Its statements do not affect us . All Lecturehs wishing to visit Sunderland arereguested 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 . ' . Gkobge Clarkson . —We cannot print his letter . We are very sorry to see the feeling manifested
m it encouraged by any Chartist . It is no excuse for him , or his friends who hold a like tone , that others may be blameable . 3 . Keighley . —Thanks : we have made a note of his address , and shall avail ourselves of his information 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 . Hesbt Hodgson . —Fes . W . Poole , Colliihpton . —Received .
E . Broadbent , Ashton-underlyne , 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 , ^ decidedly illegal . National Defence Fond . —J . Watts , Finsbury , writes us to suggest that each subscriber to the Northern Sta . vshould oblige the News Agent of whom he takes his paper , to give one halfpenny for each Northern Star sold by him on the 22 nd or 23 rd October , for the above object . He himself will give the profit upon all Stars sold by him on those days , and he hopes the localities will take it up .
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The Portrait of t . duncsmbe will be given to ajl 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 Duncombe 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 . ' - ' ¦¦ : . £ B . d . From A . Haxton , Cupar ... ... ... 0 1 0 „ a few friends at ditto 0 0 9 _ Leeds OnartUte ... . ; . ... ... 0 3 9 i ^ Nantwlch , per T . Dunning ... ... 0 9 o " „ W . Egremont ... ... ... . ... 0 5 0 ^ a few friends at Redrath , Cornwall ... 0 3- . 9 „ the Chartists of Wingate Grange ... 2 0 0 ''« , a few friends at Bank , Leeds ... ... 0 2 8 * . two friends , Leeds ... ... ... 0 2 0 „ Joseph Howfteld ... ... ... 0 10-„ a few friends to the Chartist cause at Leigh ... 0 12 0 „ a hater of oppression at Wonley ... 0 10 .. Dr . Chapman , Emley ... 0 2 6 „ Jonathan Midgeley , Lepton ... ... 0 1 0 « . Earl Graham , Black Quarter , near Huddersfleld 0 3 0
... Huddersueld ... 0 3 0 the Caartists 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 . GoodhaU ... ... ... ... 0 0 6 two friends , Leeds ... ... ... 0 1 3 two sisters ... . „ ... ... 0 0 . 4 Leeds , A . Z . ... ... 0 2 2 the Chartists of the Vale ol Leven ... l 0 0 the ChariiaU of Redruth , Cornwall ... 0 10 0 a few friends at Holme Mill ... ... 0 4 2 a young lady at Holme Mill , per .
W . T . ... ... 0 2 the Chartists of the Forest of Sean ... 1 O O Brick-street ... ... ... ... 0 3 O J . Dovenor and a few friends ... 0 2 6 a friend from Goole ... 0 1 0 Littletown , per Mr . Penny 10 0 Wakefield ... ... ... ... 10 0 D . Fryer , Halton ... 0 2 6 a democrat , Chepstow 0 2 6 a few friends at Bamsley , per B . Hague ... ... ... ... 0 5 0 a few friends at Bury ... ... ... 11 1 Darlington , per N . Bragg ... ... 0 12 0 a few fiiends of liberty , Castle Donnington ... ... ... ... 0 60 the Chartists of Old Basford , near
Nottingham ... ... ... 1 10 0 ^ a few friends at Lock 0 7 6 „ a few friends in Hunslet-lane , Leeds 0 2 0 ^ a few friends , per B . Q . ... ... 0 4 0 „ the Leeds Chartists , collected by Jaa . Haigb ... ... ... ... 0 15 0 FOR MRS . HOLBERRY . From Coventry ... ... ... ... 0 2 6 „ Nantwich , per S . Dunning ... ... 0 1 6 „ the Chartists of the Yale of Leven ... 1 9 2
FOR P . M . M'DOtULL . From R . GoodhaU ... ... 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 Corresvondent . ) STAFFORD , Tuesday Night , 12 o ' clock . TRIAL OE MR . THOMAS COOPER FOR DEMOLITION AND ARSON . I have only time to say that Mr . Cooper , with ' fourteen ethers , were this day arraigned at the bar before Lord Chief Justice Tindal , for the demolition and burning of the dwelling house of William Parker , Esq ., a magistrate , on the 16 th Aug . Mr . Lee , on the part of Mr . Coopsr , applied to allow him to sever in his challenges and his defence . TheCourb granted tbe 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 cumber of twenty . ¦ "
He was then indicted for the demolition and firing of Mr . Parker ' s house ; to which he pleaded in a very firm voice , " Not Guilty . " All the witnesses examined before tbe magistrates at Newcastle when be was arrestad , 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 np . On to-morrow iWedhesday ) he will resume bis defence . -
Mr . Baron Parke passed the following sentences in addition to those passed by the Lord Chief Justice : — Thoa . Ranby , John Ranby , and Thos . Smith , six moths imprisonment and hard labour ; Wm . Beckly and M . Baugh , nine months and hard labour ? Samuel Jones , fifteen months and hard labour ; Wm . Gibbons , twelve months and hard labour j Thos . Buruey and John Griffiths , six months and hard labour < John Morris , twelve months and : hard labour ; Thos . Pitts , six months and hard labour ; Thos . Walker , twelve months and bard labour ; Simpson Bales , twenty months and hard labour ; Wm . Jones , six months and bard labour ; Thos . Hughes , six months and hard labour ; Benjamin
Rowley , twelve months and hard labour ; John Timmins , six months and bard labour ; Solomon Allen nine months and hard labour ; Wm . Boms , two months and bard labour ; Charles Simpson , ten years transportation ; John Porkis , twelve months and bard latxmr ; Thos . Banker , fifteen ysars transportation ; James Saunders , transportation for life ; George Skitt , two yean confinement and bard labour ; George Arnell , eighteen months and bard labour ; Beojamia Dudley , eight months and bard 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 Witbingstone and Thos . Prout , six mouths and hard labour .
( Sentences by Ur . 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 . Griffin , a solicitor , on tb 16 th of August . Croxton and Rathbone were transported for life ; Deane and Johnston were transported for fifteen ' years ; Simpson and Spilebury were trBns |> orted for ten years- ;
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Brunt was sentenced te one year ' s imprisonment in Stafford gaol , and bard labour . ¦¦ - ¦ ¦ -. ¦ - - •¦• . ¦ ¦ ••' . This terminated the proceedings ottJxe , day .
( FromanotherCorrttpondehL >' j " ~ -: STAFFORD . —MOHIiAtJKlGHT * The work goes on at a rattling pace . - The Ellis tragedy has advanced another stage , Ellis has been convicted—" Guilty , my Lord ; " and , . now he has to un . dergo its last scene—sentence , . transportation , and death . The "Guilty" verdict was not generally antici pated The defence of the prisoner , by Mr . Allen , was raojt complete and unanswerable . Tbe 'impossibility of the prisoner being : present at the fire at which he was charged with assisting , was proved to demonstration . It was observed , however ; that the Solioitor-General was more severe than be was ever before knewn to be er was thought capable of being . It was evident that his heart was bent on obtaining this conviction beyond any other or all ethers .
The Judge ' s summing up was far from impartial . He took no notice of tbe fact that there was but one wit . ness to support tho charge , and that such witness wag proved to be altogether unworthy of credit , by the glaring variation between his evidence and his depositions . Never have we observed the magisterial occupants of the bench so eager as ou the present occasion . The ; bad hungry hankerings after O'Neil , Cooper , and other / , but Ellis was their "dish of peacock ' s brains . " EM ^ bad beaten them at a county meeting—A « & in that very court . He had sat as chairman in that verj chair now occupied by the Learned Judge ; he bad lashed them for their vices , their folly , and their ignorance , till they ran out in dismay , and left bint master of the meeting which they had themselves called . There was wounded benour , 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 dose at tbe 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 hfe Lordsaip gave as the twelve arbiters of bis digestion for the day ' s dinner passed at tbe skirte of bis cut-away coat ; but theit look of bumble 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 , aud then the names of the prisoners ; a stoppage at each to enable Mr . Bellamy to record their fate . Soon came the name of William Ellis . "Guilty , " eaid tbe foreman , and looked up to Lord Ingestrie , as much as to say , " What do you think of that , my Lord ? - Do you call that nothing ?"
The bench now grew chatty . Spite of their confidence in tbe jury selected by one of themselves there had been misgivings . Follett , leaning forward , his face up , and supported by his hand , appeared burst * ing with joy , but be made an effort , and controlled its exhibition . It was not so , however , wit h hia helpers ; theirs was lusty grin . The spectators in the body of the court were taken by surprise . Those who were hostile to Ellis , in consequence of his political principles , were consoling them . selves with the hope of catching him by Bome of the other indictments for riots , sedition , &c . His frendsand the poor fellow has many—were heart-biokesl
His wife !—ah 1 here we might tell of . the Bhrieks of a frantio woman—happily , however , destitute of con * sciousness 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 het misery . Till this last affair the ; were comparatively bappy . Ellis was always opposed to physical force , and was constantly denouncing it , and even disliked all allusion to it He was beloved b y aJJ who knew him . It is difficult to calculate tbe 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 have imparted to the people instructive lessons , that have sunk deep into their hearts—lessons which will not be easily forgotten—lessons that will guide them in their future mode of action—lessons , which 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 mast be the man and little acquainted must he be with the nature of the human heart and the character 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 npon 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 and 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 t The question may be illogically answered by another question . What , in 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 , which the founders of the glorious Reformation endured ! What has been the result of the tyranny exercised under a weak and imbecile French monarch aud 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 and their present sufferings ia the glorious cause of liberty 1 Such axe 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 public 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 of 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 » follows : — Read and write well ... 18-Ditt , ditto , imperfectly ° U Read well ... ^ 2 Read imperfectly ... ' . ¦ b 9 On bail 13
Total 186 There are in gaol 815 pri ? oners . It is generally understood that all the prisoners sentenced to transportation will be conveyed awaj in the same manner that Frost , Williams , and Jones were hurried off— at a minute ' s warning , ano in the dead of night . This is a species of rennea cruelty worthy a Christian country .
Tke Nortkern Star. Saturday. October 16. 1842.
TKE NORTKERN STAR . SATURDAY . OCTOBER 16 . 1842 .
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The Special Commission (Continued From Page Seven.J
THE SPECIAL COMMISSION ( Continued from page Seven . J
To The Readers Of The "Northern Stab."
TO THE READERS OF THE "NORTHERN STAB . "
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TRIAL AND ACQUITTAL OF MR . THOMAS
COOPER . It was a most fortunate circumstance tbat Mr Cooper severed in hits challenges and plea . If he nw not , he would , like Mr . Ellis , have been sacrificed ^ Although assisted in legal points by Mr . Lee ana Mr . Allen , he defended himself . His cross-examination of the witnesses was truly admirable , ana even attracted the amazement of the cool , deliberate ) and oily Solicitor-General . i .-ta The Crown having closed its case , which «• bolstered up by a worthy named Bramhall , a spotless character , who was proved to have been drunk on the night on whioh he said that he saw Mr . Coopa near Mr . Parker ' s , when his house was fired , ana who was also proved to have in his possession two bottles of wine as he left Aitken ' s , and who , w ^ he was asked by another to share his booty wiw him , said "No ! d—n your eyes , go get them , «*¦ do " : the Crown , as I said , baying closed its case , Mr . Cooper rose , and in one of the most souistirringand thrilling defences that has ever been heard within a court of criminal justice , defended
himself , lie gloried in Deionging to a counwj which boasted of a Raleigh , a Latlkflr , and a Ridley . He declared himselfa Christian in the fullest sense of the word , a lover of peace , ah enemy to drunkenness , outrage , and the burnings thai were lately perpetrated . He proved that al 1 his speeches were calculated to induce the people to observe peace , law , and order . He then gave an account of his progress throngn life , of his self-education , and of the small snm (^ shillings a-week ) which he had to support himself He reiterated the facts whioh he related , as to his movements at the time that he was arrested , and concluded by invoking the vengeance of heaven upoa his head , if-he had in any way encouraged the oatrages , or had seen a blaze or even a spark , on the night of the 15 th August .
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^ THE NORTHERN STAR .
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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-ncseproduct620/page/4/
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