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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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THE MASONS' STRIKE . A public meeting of the trades of London was held at the Crown and Anchor , on Friday evening , to hear the report of the Trades' Delegates , respecting the strike of the masons , and to take into consideration the manner in -which they had been treated by the London press . The chair -was announced to be taken at eight o ' clock , and soon after seven o ' clock , the place was crowded to excess . Such is tfee excitement this subject has created that we never saw the place so suffocatingly crowded . Immense numbers were compelled to be denied admittance , stairs , landing , and every inch of room being occupied .
Mr . Butleb , operative carpenter , was called to the chair , who opened the meeting , by calling upon them to assist him in T" ^ "tft '"'" g that order , which had hitherto distinguished their proceedings . Many of them knew the particulars of the subject which , had given rise to this meeting , but as a great portion of the public were not so well acquainted with it , the masons and the trade delegates , had called this meeting that the public mind might be disabused of the prejudice which a great portion of the press had created against them . by giving circulation to the base calumnies of Messrs . Grissell and Peto , and refusing to insert their contradiction of their statements . This meeting has been called for the purpose of laying the truth before you , that yon may have an opportunity of judging whether the masons were justified in striking against the inhuman tyranny of George ihe would not call him Mi . ) Allen .
Their meeting in such immense numbers , fully proved that they sympathised with the men on Btrike , and backed by your aid and support , they will teach that petty despot Allen , that you will not allow him to trample on the rights aad liberties of your fellow workmen . ( Immense cheering . ) He hoped they would give all parties a fair bearing . If Messrs . Grissfell and Peto © i any of their agents were here , he hoped they would also give them a fair hearing , as fair a hearing as tht = y gave the other party , and thereby prove to them , that however tyrannically yon have been treated , however base you have been calumniated , still your endeavours are directed only for justice and not for revenge . He appealed to them to assist him with their support in presiding over that meeting . He had ever found them generous . He had never appealed in vain , and he trusted that he should not on this occasion .
Mr , J . Kay said on this great and important occasion , I had rather some one more competent than myself had been selected to move the first resolution . You are all pretty well acquainted with the strike , and therefore my duty will be simply to show the general maDner in ¦ which the masons have been treated by Allen , leaving the details to succeedlngspeakers . I am a mason , but I have no connection with the strike . I do not belong to the Birmingham Union , but feeling as a man and a mason , I am compelled to come forward on their behalf and aid them in their resistance to such inhuman
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tyranny . It might be thought by some that the strike though just was ill-timed , but they had put up with the treatment of Allen until they could endure H muloBgBr And , though winter was staring them in the face , they determined to contend with every privation rattier than any longer submit to such conduct . I have known Allen long , and he was ever a proud and overbearing man ; his most intimate friends could never give him a good character . Is it likely that 350 man should be sacrificed to gratify the tyrannic disposition of one individual . I have ever been opposed to premature strikes , but here the men were folly justified . They had tried Allen time after time , and found it was not in his nature to alter for the better .
He -was surprised that a man of such a haughty temper should now act so dastardly as to take shelter under the wing of his employer ; but it only made good the axiom , that those foremen who were the greatest tyrants to the men were the most subservient slaves to the employer . It appears that Messrs . Grissell and Peto an determined to retain this faithful servant against the determined feeling of the men ; if they do , 1 wish them joy with him ; bat I fear he has already proved a dear bargain . ( Cheers . ) If I had a large job to undertake I would always employ a kind and benevolent foreman , being satisfied it would be more to my interest and that the men would do a bettor day ' s work . I beg to propose the following resolution : —
" That this meeting fully justify and duly appreciate the conduct of the masons in their strike against the tyrannic conduct of George Allen , their late foreman , and also returns its thanks to the masons employed at Woolwich Dock Yaxe \ . and Kelson ' s Monument , for the spontaneous manner in which they turned out in defence of their brethren agahwt the sordid conduct of Messrs . Grissell and Pfeto , their late employers , ia persisting to retain Allen as foreman . " He timsted they would pas * tfads in such on unanimous manner as to give new- energy to the mason *} and prove to the employers that they would never countenance them in their attempted tywnnic coercion .
Mr . Johas Wartuabx , carpenter , said he fully agreed in the spirit of the resolution , which had bees moved , and cordially seconded it Messrs . Grlasel ) and Yfeto , in their correspondence , style Allen a faithful aapract ; a man is known- by what company be keep * It they ar * fond of Allen , be only kaew this , that they are- fond of a very great blackguard . Gentlemen that wsuld follow him would speak on the conduct of the press y . all he had to say to them wee , that being unaccustomed to public speaking , he trusted they would be very / - mild with him . Foremen , whaa they got into- a little-power , seemed to thimk that th « y could do wha 4 they liked with the men ^ but this- meeting showed them-they were wrong , showed' thatz they must treat tnete men as reasonable belaa » . '
Abmb * ju > sg Walton said , Mr . chairman , and fellow working men of London , I feel proud to see such a numerous and intelligeat assembly before me ; it shows you are alive to your own interests ; that though this strike rests with us at present , jet you are equally interested in it as it may- be your ease at a future period ; . being more intimately connected with the strike , it will be my duty to -enter more into the detail of the hush and unjust treatment which led to the Btrik * . Mx . Walton then aWy laid before the meeting the various charges against Alien , which are already familiar to- the readers of tbe Star ; daring his detail he was-often interrupted by , cries of shame and hissing at the unmanly treatment to which Altai had subjected them .
During this statement , Mr . Wakley * . M . P . for Finsbury , entered the room , and was loudly cheered . The heat at this period was so excessive that a person fainted away on the platform , and the reporter could scarcely take his notes from the incessant dripping of the condensed breath from the roof , although the immense-windows at the end of the room were open to admit all possible air . Mr Walton , in continuation , said he was sorry that Mr . Wakley had not been present at the commencement of the proceedings , that he might , in his place in Parliament , have given the lie to the false statements made- against them ; but he would see that he was furnished with the necessary information . Mr Walton oontaadicted the assertion that the union had compelled
th&men at Woolwich and Nelson's monument to strike —it was their own spontaneous aeV dictated by the feelings of their hearts , which would not allow them to stand tamely by aad see their brethren defeated . They had challenged Allen or theix late employers to come to a public meeting and refute the charges made agaiut them : they had done so , which was proof that it was not in their power . Was it to be endured that men should be treated worse than dogs ? that they should be told , on staying away & reasonable time to pay the last duties ef humanity to . deceased relatives , that they might go aad die with them , and be damned ?¦ How would the upper classes like this treatment ? Did they suppose that working men had not the same natural affections as themselves ?¦ And yet the uppes classes , the Board of Admiralty , the Commissioners « f
Woods and Forests , had declared their determination to support Messrs . Grissell and Peto , without knowing whether these charges were correct or not : and yet this treatment was what the Dispatch would call necessary severity . ( Cries , "Down with the Dispatch" ) He was glad they had one M . P . who could tell these gentlemen—who could tell the Government , that let what would be the result , the working classes of this country would no longer submit to such treatment . ( Tremendous cheering . ) They had to contend with the opposition of every class—save their own—from the most petty clerk in the establishment of Grissell and Peto up to the Prime Minister , which plainly proved that they must get power in their own hands—must look after their own interest , for no others would look after it for them .
The resolution was then put , and unanimously carried . Mr . Clark , painter—Fellow-workmen , you have heard an able detail of the grievances which led to the strike , and which caused the release of the men from the tyrannic grasp of Allen , he should , therefore , not detain them , but propose this resolution : — " That , in the opinion of this meeting , the masons now on strike , at London and at Woolwich , merit the support , not only of the trades of London , but of the trades throughout the empire , for the manly stand they have made against their cruel and relentless oppressors ; and this meeting pledge themselves , individually and collectively , to render them every necessary support "
It was unnecessary to say anything to induce them to carry out this resolution . They had been , by the speakers present , and by a portion of the press , made acquainted with the whole of the evidence . If they allowed the masons to be defeated , the same ruin would speedily fall upon themselves . Mr . Thomas , a mason of the London Union , begged leave to second the resolution . You have , by passing the first resolution , justified the masons in striking ; you have now only to justify yourselves by supporting them . The subject ef the strike bad been well explained to them ; but there was one subject he would mention . In 1833 Allen was discharged from Cubitt ' s , for being a member of the Union . How did the men then act towards him ? Why , they unanimously turned out in
his defence ; and now he had turned round upon them , and become a despotic tyrant to those men who had acted so generously by him . He would inform them of a little fact a friend had told him , who had lately been at New York . A person fell down in the street , and broke his leg ; a crowd soon collected round the spot One said he was sorry , another said he was sorry , but one man said he was very sorry , and to prove it , he took off his hat , went round the crowd , and collected for the man one hundred dollars . I want you to shew your sorrow in the American way . I want you to be sorry not that the masons had struck , not that they had resisted tyranny , but that the masters by their illtreatment had given them occasion to do so The carpenters bad shown their sorrow by giving £ 50 ;
the masons £ 75 ; the painters and other trades had shewn their sorrow and thereby justified themselves Mr . Farren ( Secretary to the Trades' Hall Society ) said , I never stood before a meeting of my fellow working men with such pleasure as on the present occasion , because it is a meeting called entirely by working men and the Chairman and speakers are working men , and are men who shed a lustre upon the class to which they belong . I was lately in conversation with a liberal clergyman , and it was his opinion that the working class were underrated , because they were not pure and unmixed from other bodies . Now , this was a pure genuine meeting of the working classes ; and , for morality , respectability , and genuine wisdom , it was unrivalled by any meeting . It was the clsss to which
he belonged , and by them he would stand or fall . He appeared before them as the representative of a body of working men to express his syuiyathy , and show his sorrow . He was sorry they had no Trades' Hall of their own in which to meet and discuss their grievances —that they were compelled to pay such enormous sums for the use of a tavern for a few hours , when , with a Union among themselves , they might so easily obriate this necessity . This was the more necessary at this critical period . If they looked at the aspect of the times , the would see that a spirit 'was growing amongst their employers to bind still more closely the degrading trammels which fettered the working men . Those men , by whose labour they were supported in affluence . The blow had fallen first upon the masons ; it was upon them the crater of the volcano bad burst , threatening to overwhelm them , like anotbw Pompeii , with its boiling lava ; and , through them , to overwhelm the other trades of the country . But though it had burst the
upon masons , yet their hearts throbbed with the proud spirit of liberty . They had called on the united trades , who had nobly responded to the call , and buoyed up by the 3 ooo honest men he saw before him , and standing on the broad ground of humanity and philanthropy , because they would not see their brethren oppressed . What power can resist them ? They must also have the support of the teetotallers In their resistance to having the pump locked against those who , from principle or poverty , could not drink beer . They must declare tuat water should be free , free as air , though the publican should be compelled even to keep his beer barrelled in the cellar . This was high moral ground on which to stand , and they must thank their oppressors for it . They had been maligned and slandered by the prear , but these were denouncing times , and they must denounce the Times . ( Laughter . ) Mr . Farren then wittily denounced the Horning Advertiser , Dispatdi , &c , and concluded a long and eloquent address by impressing upon them the necessity
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of supporting the masons , and likewise giving the masons the honour to say , in future times , that , through the eytbuaiasm and Tmion their strike had occasioned , they had % iven rise to thfe building of a splendid Hall , built by the hard energies of working men—built , With all due deference to bis right hand supporter , Mr . Wakloy , without Parliamentary assistance . We shall then have the key in dor hands , and can let it to all parties—Tory , Whig , Radical , and , though last , not least , my Chartist friends . ( Tremendous cheering . } They had often sungin their cups that Britons would not be slaves s he trusted they would demonstrate it npon this occasion . ( Cheers . ) The resolution was then put and carried unanimously .
Mr . Hatson , of the London Union of Masons , said , I fear , after the elegant address yon have just heard , that I shall be thrown in the shade , although there is no shade here—that although I am in the light , I shall not appear much of a star . They had beard the conduct of Allen beid up to reprobation , but not more than it deserved ; hut they must bear in mind there were others also who deserved reprobation . He alluded to those men Who had been so destitute of principle as to take employment under George Allen , at the Houses of Parliament , ate . If it had not been for these men , the efforts of their employers would have been futile ; they had been the cause of protracting the struggle and of throwing them into- greater expenees . He should move the fallowing resslutlon : •—
" That this meeting condemn the conduct of those individuals who , in an unmanly and unprincipled manner , bare usurped the * places of those Men who bad been compelled to leave Messrs . Grissell and Peto ' s employ , on aesount of the tyrannical conduct of George Allen at the- new Houses of Parliament " Mr . BA . K 4 S ., plaisterer , briefly seconded the resolution . Mr Scott ; mason . Mr . Chairman and feBew workingmen , you will excuse my ptesunu > tion in appearing before you in » fustian jacket . I have seen fer a long time that if we want any thing doing we moat do it ourselves ; we have trusted toe long to these- Wackopated gentry . 1 agree most perfectly with the-resolutien . Men wboeoold act in the unprincipled manner which they have-done , do not deserve the name of men ;
they should be called epaniel doge . It gives me pain to think that sueh men are to be found in England ; they ought to be treated with- disdain ; no man oagnt to give them board or lodgings . ( Some little disapprobation . ) He would maintain it ; they had oome here despite of every feeling of humanity ; in despite of every noble and generous emotion , sod they cannotr be . called men : they osght to be called spaniel dogs . TJhey jcassot be intelligent "men . or they-would know that iwbtte they are injuring the masons who are on strike : and their wives and- families , they , for the sake of a few months work , ave-laflicting an injury on their own selves and families * The masons have acted nobly through the struggle , and deserve tb » - support I am a < mason , but not one of those on strike . It gives me . great pleasure to seer gueh a meeting sympathize with ' them .
The resolution waronaoiinously passed . Air . Wood , mason * , h have a pleasing , duty assigned me , and one which I have great satisfaction in performing , that of thankieg you for the liberal manner in which you have tendered us your support throughout the struggle ;—a struggle which was not entered upon , on the spur of the moment ; it had been in content plaiton for some time ,- bat delayed , hoping the remoa ^ stmnce they had addressed te Messrs . Grissell and Peto . would have the desired- effect Allen ' s conduct grew worse , and they determined no longer to-submit to hisatroeious cowardly conduct , and bad £ uag themselves ottthe liberality of the-British public to assist them in resisting tyranny . He-would not detain them , but on . the part of the niasons . he returned his unfeigned thanks far- their liberal support This meeting would give a fresh impulse to their energies , and while they had the public at their back they would never suocamb ; they would never flinch ; bnbstand out and achieve agloriou * triumph . ( Great cheering . )
Mr . Dunning , bookbinder—I rise for the purpose 08 moving a resolution respecting the conduct ot the press in reference to the late strike . It is a matter of greafe importance that we should have our voice heard through the medium of the press ; it 1 ba questionsoimportani that I fear I shall not be able to do justice' to it . : Everj gieat revolution favourable to human advancement hasbeen effected by the agency of the press ; , every art , every science , has been brought to light by its mighty , agency . How important an engine then must it be either for or against aay particular class . There is scarcely anything but what the press can effect ; yet it is possible so to colour a statement as to impress persoas
with a very false idea of its mtaning . The conduct of the press , with regard to the masons , had been characterised by extreme falsehood and cruelty , and calculated to injure tneru fo public estimation ; they did not complain of the publishing of Messrs . Grissell and Petro's letters , but the not publishing their controditlon ; they did not care about the Editor ' s comments , provided he laid the whole truth before the public . See the manner in which the Sunday Times and the Dispatch have blszsned the falsehoods of their employers , and yet you have no organ by which you con contradict their lying assertions . ( Cries of the Northern Star . ) He concluded by moving the following resolution ;—
" That this meeting reprobate the conduct of the Daily and Weekly Times , the Weekly Dispatch , and Morning Advertiser , and pledge themselves to support only that portion of the press which advocates their interest , and withdraw their support from that portion which acts against them . " Mr . Anderson , mason , seconded to resolution . The masons had now been on strike eight weeks , and during that time the press had neglected no opportunity of endeavouring to create a prejudice against them in the public mind , which had caused them to come to the determination to withdraw their support from these very sapient , learned men , who could comment on a question with only half the evidence before them ; there was not one of them which had not deviated from principle , which had not sold itself to the mercantile or
some other interest save that of the working men . And the Dispatch , the paper which ought most strongly to advocate their interest , was the most forward in insinuations against them . Mr . Anderson then read extracts from the Dispatch during the struggle , and commented upon them , especially the assertion in the last week ' s Dispatch , that they were endeavouring to cause the other trades of the metropolis to strike ; this was a base lie ; be never heard it mooted until he saw it in the Dispatch . He hoped the reporter of the Dispatch , and those of other papers would contradict this false assertion . The Editor of the Dispatch had called them a few hot-headed masons ; but this meeting ought to convince him that there were a great many hot-headed men besides the few masons ; this would read him a lesson that he trusted he would not soon forget
Mr . Nagle , carpenter , I come forward to support this resolution on the broad ground of advancing the cause of human liberty . I join , in common with you , in denouncing all oppression and tyranny In the press , in Messrs . Grissell and Peto , and , also in their aristocratic supporters . I go further , I denounce the system of class legislation—( cheers)—which has given rise to this , which has caused you to suffer oppression in poverty , and has allowed another class to oppress you and to live in grandeur on the profits arising out of your labour ; which has caused them to maintain a horde of police , not to protect you , but to protect that wealth they have wrung from your sweat Even our meetings you see are haunted by these fellows , paid out of the secret service money to endeavour to entrap
and betray us . In the namo of the God of Heaven , of the God of Justice , he implored them to shake off that feeling of apathy which beset them , and use every means which God hath given them to get rid of this oppression . They were denouncing the press , in God's name , was this the first time the press had ill-used them ? When had it ever treated them fairly ? When w&s the time it did not misrepresent you ? You complain of the Ditpatch ? Gracious God , when did this monster of inconsistency ever throw open its columns for your service ? When did it not give them to the service of your oppressors ? Did it ever advocate the
cause of the Union ? (" never . )—or the rights of labour ? yes , you Dispatch politicians—yon who are too ignorant for the Suffrage , when did it do this ? There is no paper in England which does this ; but the Northern Star—the people ' s paper . ( Tremendous cheering which lasted for some time . ) Bat he trusted that this disgrace would soon be wiped from the men of London ; that they would not support these papers which opposed them , but establish one which would act od the principles of honour , truth , and justice . He trusted they would soon have a daily Star to grapple with the daily Times . The resolution was carried unanimously .
Mr . Wakley came forward amid much cheering . When I entered the room this evening I had no intent tion to obtrude on your notice . I attended merely to be in possession of the materials of the case , that 1 might bring it before the House of Parliament I felt this to ibe my bounden duty . I bad gathered from the press that you were at variance with your employers , and from the feelers put forth I thought it was the intention of Parliament again to look after your interest , seeing yon are too ignorant to look to it yourselves . Six years ago , on my first entrance to Parliament , I presented your petition for the Dorchester Labourers , and met with much opposition and misrepresentation , but finally we overcame it , and the Dorchester Labourers returned to tkeir homes . Then I advocated the cause of the Glasgow Cotton Spinners , men who were denounced by the press as characters unfit to live , as the
greatest monsters . When I presented the petition in the Hwue , it was received with a universal shudder , and fell to the ground , but I did not desert your cause I saw the London and the Glasgow delegates , and I became convinced that these men were the victims of a fool conspiracy ; I got a committee appointed , and the men , though sentenced to transportation , never left our shores . I have long felt an interest in the working class , and this interest glows with more fervour in my bosom as I grow older . You have been calumniated by the press ; I also have come in for a share . I stand before you a living witness of its calumny , but you do not believe them . They asserted not that I was metamorphosed into an opossum or a kangaroo , but actually that I was metamorphosed into a tory , and this because I would not become the active energetie agent of a dirty faction . If
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I had acted against my principles , if I had been guilty of the grossest inconsistency , so long as it suited their purpose , I should have had no abuse ; but because I would not mix myself op with their professed measures for alleviating the distress , because I would not be guilty of this to suit their party purpose , and because seeing no difference between the two parties , I do not think proper to change my position in the House , I am loaded with misrepresentatiote and calumny . But 1 feel grateful for it ; it will not hurt me , it will cause men to think and enquire , and by so doing they will arrive at the truth . I was unacquainted with the canse of your strike . I thought it had been about wages . I cannot read all the papers , and I had been misled by a portioB of them , but not much misled . I well knew
the press would take part against the men , right or wrong . I hear it mentioned about starting a paper , this would be a good thing , but it would not be supported . Yon would have no advertisem « at « , no sapport from the capitalist You create all . the capital , and yet this is the monster which oppresses you . I have long thought the cause o £ « U oar evils-lay i » the place where , the masons struck , ; I have watched from the windows of the house the fustian jackets employed at the works . I thought it a good beginning when I saw them within its walls , and new I find yon want a reform even in the New Houses . Your object is-reformation ; now It is but little use reforming the streams which run from the pool , yon must first reform the stagnant pool itself , get rid of class legislation ; but
we are assembled here for a special subject I am glad to hear that the strike i » for not wages , that yon have taken it up on high moral grounds ; that the workmen of Londom are determined they will not be treated as beasts of burden ; that they not only care for the support of the bodies , but look also to the moral and intellectual wants of their fellow men- ; that they will not be treated as slaves , but affirm , that as men of intellect they are deserving of reapeet Is there a humane man in the kingdom who could refuse to support you on these grounds ? Is there a man is the kingdom , possessing any liberality of tnisd * who would not put his hand in his pocket for your support ? I am sorry I was not her » at the commencement v bat there was one of the charges I heard of , looking up the pump .
If a man could be guilty of sueh > an act as debarring his fellow-man of water when tbirety , such a man was not fit to rule' in any place of lawful society ; he was more fit to be the inmate of a felon ' oeell , than to rule over honest men . I put the case hypothetically ; it is affirmed to b » true , and I believe that it is . so . You , it appears , wew willing to refer the-matter in dispute to arbitration . What could be more fair ? . If they did not accept it , it shews that justice was on your side . Yon very justly / complain of the conduct of the press ; it is base and unmanly to insert things to the injury of the character of ) a body of men , and then refuse to insert a contradiction . Bat what is the remedy ? Why , a little patience aad more union . Never- mind what the press says about ? anlon ; let that only stimulate yon
to unite the moret He must be either a fool or a knave who is opposed to-onion , and will ultimately find it bo . At present the law allows you to unite ; it does not protect you , but then it le&veB you alene . Ton want nothing to do with Parliamentary protection , but I think some one will ask it for you ; I say I think some one wilL I will take care to be there and bestow on it no ordinary- degree of watchfulness . For twenty years you had combination laws , but searaely had they been abolished on » year ere they wanted to be legislating for you again ; but mind , all you * want is to be left alone . I bav&been watching politieal affairs many yean ; I havo bean six years in Parliament , and I assure you that the . working classes will never be in a right position until , they are placed within the pale of
the Constitution . Shis is the grand remedy for your evils ; but we are- not met for this now . This is a special grievance ; , the interests of upwards of 200 persons are neglected that one person mag be protected . Do they call this proper or equal ? But talking will not do . When we- go out of here , we must carry the subject with us . Lwiil try what I can dot It is not a few people I come , in contact with . At present the feeling in the middle and upper clawes-is- against you . Several have asked- me my opinion of the strike . I told them I was not acquainted with the particulars , but I would bet two to one the men were right I asked them if it was reasonable that 200 . men should be wrong and one right The treatment I have heard to-night that you received was inhuman , and your
proceedings were perfectly just- Are men to- be treated by a foreman like dogs or swine ? If you < had not struck against such treatment , yeu would not have < i wund the name of men j . you had ought to hase been ocuiued from society . If a war was to break out , and you were to go slaughtering and murdering y « ur fellow-men , it would be said , what brave heroes these masons are t But because you took a bold stand on a high moral principle , you are to be denounced by society . But , adhere to the same calm , manly line of conduct , and yon will dally gain ground in public estimation . Is there any one here who can say , oC his own personal knowledge , that you offered to prov * these charges to your employers ? ( He was answered by several affirming that the aggrieved parties had been taken to prove
the charges before Mr . Gtrissell , but he declined seeing them , eaying ha h * d lowered bis dignity by giving them ( the deputation ) a hearing . ) Lowered bis dignity , indeed ! How could men remain in such employ ? You have no course to adopt but to throw yourselves on the public sympathy ; and this , if the strike is to continue , cannot help but save you . No man of any independent spirit can refuse to assist you ; I will give you my mite . You ought not to shrink ; you must urge oa ; to recede is ruin ; it is felony to your own interest to remain in your present position . Your present mode of relief cannot continue for long ; you must unite together ; you will never get protection until you get within the pale of the constitution . You must unite to obtaia a voice in the making
of the laws , or capital will always be protected at your expence , although you have created the capital . I have been accused because I would not join in the agitation for a popular measure of relief ; but you must first get the political power , or bad laws will be speedily enacted again ; and until you get this power you will always be persecuted and prosecuted . They talk of a union of the middle and working classes : this is very ' good , but whenever yen have joined them , they have reaped ail the benefit This the working classes must prevent in future . If the middle class will join you let them , but if not , go on in your own strength , fighting the great moral battle , and you will speedily attain a glorious and a bloodless victory . ( Great cheering . ) Mr . Wakley was loudly applauded throughout the whole of his speech .
Captain Ackerly then addressed the meeting , and wished to propose some resolution , but the . meeting being opposed to it , a vote of thanks was given to the Chairman , who briefly returned thanks . Three cheers were then given for the Charter , and at a late hour the meeting broke up . Mr . Wakley gave £ 10 in the Committee room , and considerable other sums were collected .
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MANCHESTER . IMPORTANT MEETING OF THE TRADES IN THE CARPENTERS' HALL . On Wednesday evening , November 3 rd , ' a numerous meeting was held in the Carpenters' Hall , composed of men from all branches . A dense mass of working men were assembled . Mr . James Henry Stansfield was called to the chair . He would not take up much of their time as there were a number of gentlemen to address them . He considered it the duty of every individual to come forward and lend his assistance on such an occasion , whether rich or poor . He trusted they would give to every individual a candid and impartial hearing .
Mr . Burnup , from London , was first called upon by the chairman . He could have wished that it had fallen into hands better qualified , as that was the first occasion in which he had attempted to make a speech . However , he would lay before them a few simple statements , shewing the true reason of the strike , of the masons , which no one would be able to contradict The speaker then related the facts as they have already been recorded in our paper , relative to the conduct of Mr . Allen . Mr . Alexander Wilson , another mason , spoke to the same effect Mr . Siott , bookbinder , moved the first resolution : — "That this meeting is of opinion , that the masons working under Mr . Allen were fully justifiable in withdrawing from their employment , as we consider his conduct to have been gross and tyrannical in the extreme —not fitting far men who had the least spark of manly Independence to submit to . "
Mr . Thomas Varlet seconded the resolution , which was carried unanimously amidst great cheering . Mr . Thomas Tobien , bricklayer , moved the second resolution : — " That this meeting consider the masons of Woolwich Dock Yard and Nelson ' s Monument have acted with becoming spirit in withdrawing from their employment until Messrs . Grissell and Peto ( their empleyers ) ajree to discharge Mr . Allen , who has so grossly insulted the feelings of their fellow-workmen . " Mr . Daniel Graham , Spanish leather dresser , seconded it , which was also unanimously carried . Mr . Littlek , tailor , meved the next resolution : —
« That the thanks of this meeting are due , and are hereby given , to the masons for the noble and manly spirit displayed by them in thus so determinedly opposing tyranny and oppression , as this strike Is not for an advance of wages , nor against a reduction , but solely to settle the question , whether they shall be free or remain the abject slaves of their tyrannical employers : and this meeting farther pledges itself to use every means by pecuniary and other aids to render the termination of their strike sueoessfuL" ~ Mr . John Bailey tailor ,, seconded the resolution , which met the approval of every petson present
Mr . HcicHiNsoN , a member of the National Smith ' s Society , moved the next resolution . He said it was regarding the press , and he hoped the reporters present would bear with him , as they were connected with the presa . The masons had been denied the privilege of ¦ peaking their sentiments through the means of the press . In giving them a specimen of the conduct of the press towards the masons , he read an extract from the Sunday Times , which drew forth strong symptoms fcf disapprobation . The masons ( he
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said ) had been refused a reply , even if they mm t as an advertisement The speaker proposed «*• * & lowing resolution ;— *^ " That this meeting cannot pass unaotioed th . liclous manner in which the Times , Weekly titi ^ S Morning Advertitr , and Sunday Times , m ? iS 2 and misrepresented the strike of the mafoait t ^^ J ing , as we do , that such unjustifiable panderiirW ' sordid motives of the capitalists is a direct invsahL the rights of the productive classes of tbeBritS , pire , pledges itself to discontinue its suppsrttL £ above-named papers while they pursue such a ecJ ? sad to support those only which advecate thiihS principle of Universal right , aad the emandMUtt the working classes of this ooaatry . " *¦ " ¦ - «
Mr . Mansbl , stonemason , seconded the resolntu . in a short and sensible speech . ' , ^" r Mr . Ijttleb said that where there wasas ai ception , it should be noticed ; he believed that ^ addition to the Northern Star , the British OuttTi * likewise done them justice . / Tr * Mr . Wuaoir commented upon the base eona ' ni . f the Dispateh , In stating that the masons bad called ^ cessary « evetitf / tyranny . Ha had written ancai article , in which , in order to set the mason * alt fiance , he said lie did not care the tithe of a eleriyi ^ conscience for them . But if the working meuW leave off supporting the paper , it wouH ferine a . Editor to his seises . The Dispatch had done tk ten times more harm than the Old Time * was eai 2
or doing ; oecause-KDaa Dean considered the Wor £ man ' s friend . It was expected the Dispatek' »< 2 tell truth , because it was considered an impartial n ^ f They could not esspeet anything different bomt Times . The Dispateh bad been on that account tk greatest enemy . The Editor came ont in toe «? way respecting the CHaagow Cotton Spinuew ^ would continue to d »» so , till the people taught 2 ! better . When he saw he could not realist b £ 30 , 000 per year , he would probably alter bi » w duct . ' ¦ ¦ - ¦
Mr . John Mubeay supported the resolution . The Chairman put the resolution , and itwaia . ri « d without a dissentient * Mr . Thomas Read returned thanks for the mss * im whlth the working men el Manchester had reoiju th » delegates . It was a qrastfoo which concerned ^ working man ; because if-the masters in that ( 2 succeeded , others would take the advantaged Mr . Hutchinson moved that a tea party andballlt got ap for the benefit of tfae masons , which agreed to . It ? was announced that the painters had given ft already , and promised further support .
Thanks were then carried * by acclamation to tb Chairman , and a vote of thanks to the Star , and tfe meeting dispersed about eleven o ' clock . r
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TO THE CHARTISTS OF ASHT . ON-TJNDEB > lYm > Brwbher Chartists , — An address appeared s . last week's Star , signed " A Sincere Chartist , * « tt £ we think not only an insult to the Chartist Associttlgi of tbis-town , but calculated to injure the noble can * i which we are embarked . We , therefore , think it « duty to- rebut the charges which- have been alipj against' ue . In the-first place , he states , tbafr " as soon as we sjv several individuals in gaol for advocating our righti , * permitted the arrangements for the purpose of uaiti q our energies and diffusing political information amagg us , to be frittered away , and even the meeting roca
which had been held for more than two years , to bi abandoned , and the furniture sold or destroyed , ' * Sot this " Sincere Chartist" knows very well that pwrfan to several-individuals being sent te gaol , that soomtf pounds were collected for their support and defsw ; and did continue to be collected , until a " Siseti Chartist' '" told us , af tor having lined his pockeb « it | the people ' s money , that Chartism-was a delusion , tt « Universal Suffrage was universal humbug , &o . andvhi has done- nothing since he came , out of gaol bat at disaenaioa amongst the Chartists ,, thus splitting tka into sections and parties , until the-eld Association hi ' to be given up .
You mast bear in mind that there were two Apoav tiona in < tfee town , the Senior and Junior j the fan for middle-aged men , the latter for young men , thii latter hae not been given up , but is- now the Nitiml Charter Association of Great Britain ^ and through tjbt p * severance of its members now embraces a number oftta members-of the old Association . Hesaysthefumjttntf the old . Association was either sold or destroyed , vtiU is false , for it is now in the possession of the vmUm of the present Association . Had- this " SincenCti * tist , " whom , by his style of writing , we think we bur , along with " several individuals ) " not pretended to patroniae us , we should not have been thrown iatotbat apathetic state which we have been thrown into , bit would still hold that proud politieal position which vt once Juki . It is too true , that we have been Bsifydtceived in our leaders , and by those of our own dutoiv as well as by those of preaching , notoriety , wbom » gulas-go-betweens , and are the oaly standing batten ii the way of real union .
This " Sincere Chartist , " in bia seventh pengnffc , says , " I know there are men aesiding in pur town , of our own class , whose ability and integrity wmM add dignity to any station which Chartism , in or outof power , could elevate them to \ . but because theybsppa to be our every day associates , their abilities hid tooot familiar , the excellence of their remarks had tat their lustre , forsooth , through every day practfos , ind ft mu » V have some gentleman foreigner to dictate to « a and spend our money . " Brother Chartists , tMi it gross and insulting libel upon our body .. He bun tbat previous to the " sacred month , " and dawtte
scarcely any . other persons besides our " able" iwtat townsmen addressed us ; and we always bad on sailing room crammed to suffocation , until our " list * resident townsman and " Sincere Chartist" podstsJ our money , and then denounced the northernStar , mi deluder of the people , that Feargus O'Connor , Ei& W not sincere in his exertions , and that Frost , Wilton , and Jones , ought to be hanged for being cowtfdi , * t This " Sincere Chartist" would have us belimkia to be what he designates himself ; if he is , wny dw he not come forward with his intelligence and Wp » i the members of the National Charter Astoditim ,
to arouse the people , from their lethargy , in oner to unite them in the bonds of union , and not W tbes stand as lookers on , until the chains of ilwwj m rivetted fast upon our necks , and which , if not ** about directly , we shall be unable to remove , si novli the time or never . He says , " we have no association worth U » wm and that we have not had a public meeting to fornri Chartism for nearly a year past" We admit the is » elation is not as strong in members as it ought tote , and which we very much regret ; yet we believe iti members to be sincere . With respect to tbi otiw assertion , he knows he is stating a downright falsehood , for We have a public lecture delivered in the aeoeati * room almost every Sunday evening , for no other
papo = e than to forward the principles of Cbaztbto , mi which lectures he never attends . He also sUtsitM we send reports of meetlags and lectures to tbe SI * , which are not heard of in the town until sear to * Star . This . is like the rest of bis fslse auerBoMi every person in the town who has his eyes sbootW knows better . The town was last week plst" ** announcing a public lecture to be delivered by M * j £ liam Bell , of Manchester , in the Charlestown BeeB * room , on Wednesday , the 27 th October , butoWinfi * that unflinching advocate being indisposed , wu covered by Mr . Doyle , of the same place , ud w delivered a very able and instructive lectnre " )! Com Laws , proving that their repeal would Brtto ** the working classes withont the Charter .
Thus , brother Chartists , you will see that thii " *" cere Chartist" is not an honest man ; but ia * Wj " z joining us through self-interest , and who is eontlaw doing his utmost to injure our glorious cam * . * J therefore hope you will pass him by with thai w * contempt which be deserves , for he is unwoW " notice . _ . „ * - > . Brother Chartists , we sincerely hope you win «»™ off your present apathy—that you will bury all Jj W differences—that you will enroll yourselves el o ** * of the National Chattel Association ; fer uota «•" united and organised , we shall never be able to «•»» just rights ; and , until we do so , we shall contiiw ««» sink lower and lower in poverty and degrad » tton , jr at last we shall be cast iuto a New Poor I »» <* " £ never more to see our friends or relations in ti » wow and be literally starved to death . mn > m Hoping you will arouse younelvei once bwj ¦ and again gain that proud position whieb jo 0 v m held , I We remain , . ¦ On behalf of the Members of the Nation" ¦ Charter Association , „ ,, ¦ Yours in the cause of LUW' ¦ WM . Pilling , Chair *** ¦ Thos . Siorkb , Sub-Be * "" ... i , -- I
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Fieh atBatswateb—On Sunday moraiDfi ^ g , before two o ' clock , & fire was dkcw ^ JLvj centre , one of a row of newly-built boosts ew » Kensington Gravel-pits , called Victoria-gWWJJ'jJ have recently been erected . The adjoining ^ jj were saved , the one in which the fire cobb"" " being destroyed . . - Firb « GaEEHwiCH . —On Sunday nigfcM J * jJ eleven and twelve o ' clock , the house of Atf- & £ & hatter . No . 10 , London-street , GreenwiC njJJK fire . The flames obtained such an as « r . daWTj , the fire ra ^ ed from the lower part of tho boa *^
resided in the house , made his appe araiaM ^ B first floor window , and aotualJj era ? ; ted » fi * u 0 m wall on the ledge of the window bf Jow 4 »<* Ss « ¦ adjoining , when he made bia esc / , pe , ^ * m 0 'B hour after the engines commen / ^ F ^ V ^ CiJji rB wards of an hour and a half , but unfortoBsw ^ ¦ out effect , the whole being J- , urnt to ttoC pkB The house of Messrs . Eersb air mi ^ iSirtB adjoins , was very much injar ed . The Ptt w ^^ H Mo . 11 . was also damaged , ' ^ ing bornr *? 23 rf pH and the damage by removal of stock , » na " ( STirvB by fire aad water is wr j considerable- - ^ g ^ B prietor is , unfortunately' , not insured . jVier-m adjoining is also much injured by fir * ' ** ^ « It is imagined that the fce orig inated by T &m gas in the cellar . IF j . Baxter is iasnW" ¦ Globe and Phceau .
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CASXiISZiEi IMPORTANT INQUIRY INTO THE CONDUCT OF MR . JOSEPH N 7 XOX , ' KEEPER OF CALEFELL-HILL WORKHOUSE . In consequence of a request made by the Board of Guardians to the magistrates , to take the evidence of certain parties complaining of harsh and brutal conduct , on the part ot Mr . Nixon , the keeper of Calefell-Mli workhouse , the magistrates appointed Saturday last , for blaring the case . There were more than the usual number of persons is tbe body of the hail , anxious to bear the inquiry . . - . We give the evidence in fall as it transpired . It is right , however , to mention , that the four persons examined in behalf of Mr . Nixon , are all at present paupers in the workhouse , and as such would not feel themselves at liberty to speak out ia that fearless manner which others have done .
Mr . a Wannop , solicitor , appeared for the complainants ; but in oonseqnenee of the magistrates being determined to adjudicate on the matter , be declined fcavirg anything to do with the case .. Mr Nixon was aided by Mr . James Motmsey solicitor , and clerk to the Board of Guardians . Tee inquiry took place in tbe Town Hall , before James Dixon , Esq ., Mayor ; Thomas Salhald , Esq ., of Halm-Hill ; and Joseph Ferguson , Esq ., of Fisher-Jtreet
Mary Tallely sworn—She said I live in Duke-street , and am- a married woman . I was in the workhouse kept by Mr . Nixon a month to-day . There were two or three women getting tea . Mr . Nixon went in and eatehed them getting it This place is a good bit off 4 be place where I and eigbt or nine' other persons were sitting . Mr . Nixon cursed and swore that tbe fiat he catched getting tea again , he . would punish them severely . He damned and a wore—he damned his oul ; bat the . first he caught getting tea again , he would puniih tfwmv
By Mr . A . Dixon , mayor—He is in the habit of using oaths when he speaks to us , and makes every woman tremble at his voice . The next meal we went to , he wore by God be would give a damned deal less white bread to the children , for them to take it to their tea . This was on a Saturday , and I came out on the Wednesday following . I saw none of the children getting white bread during that time . White bread is allowed to make hollies for the sucking children . If it had been allowed f weuld have seen it ; they get nothing is place ef it I heard the women all saving "there was ncne of them . " On the Monday after , two of the women who bad sacking children got over the Wall , and came to the town for bread . This was at even o ' clock at night ; one of them was Jane Bowman ,
B » d the other Betsey Hunter . The master and mistress were both at the town when it happened . Aj soon as the women were missed , there was a great noise in the bouse , as to what would be done , when the master eame back and heard of it The two women came back in about an hoar and a half . The passage and stair-head doors were locked , ao that they would have to come throoffh the kitcb * n where they wonld be seen . Tnere were six or seven af us kept standing en the stairs a eoniidarible time , and could not set to bed . Mr . Nixon ' s flangM-a * and servant brought np a candle , and reproved Jane Bowman very much forgoing over the WilL She denied it Mr . Nixon ' s daughter heaved her band in Bowman ' s face , and asked her how she dared to do it When the master and 'mistress eame
borne between ten and eleven o'clock , the master went out of ose room to another , cursing and rtreanng in the same way . Be said to Jane Bowman , he would take d——d good care of her , that she should never have any out-door relief , and she should never bave anything when her husband sent for her to America . He came into the bed rooms two or three times , and continued until two o ' clock in the morning . The Bext morning the bell rung for us all to go to the gates . All the women and young lasses were brought forward to the gates . He cleared them all but six of us , and sent tbe otbers into the neuse . We had to go across the yard a ; she sound of the bell every half hour in the day and every quarter of an hour after dark , till eight o ' clock . One of the women who went over the wall
gave her notice in next day , at eigbt o ' clock , to leave the place : the woman was Jane Bowman . There was * nother of tbe six he removed to her parish next day . Share vrere now four left , oee that went o » er the wall aad three others . I dont know what I was punished for . Mr . Nixon kept Jane Bowman in until seven o'clock at night , though she had four children , two in ber arms and two at her tails . She asked the mistress , at two o ' clock , for her cloftes , which was an hour after ahe should have got out The mistress said No , she had something else to do than ? ive her her clothes ; she said in a pasaion , " Turn in here and do the kitchen work ; you hare got your dinner , and I wili take care you work for it I am mistzess and sot you . " Jane Bowman west out about seven o'clock at night I heard no
cause Assigned for keeping her in until that time . We , the four , did duty until eight o ' clock at night , that is , going across tbe yard at the sound of the belL I then tbourht there would be no more of it . but he started jiext " morning , and the bell was rung again . 1 walked -till 6 \< ht o ' elMk ., and then 1 give netiee to come out I expected my time would expire at one o ' clock , as five hours is the time of the notice . I walked when the bell rang , until two e ' eiock , when I came out I have three children . The bread the women brought in , he took it from them , auo some red herrings , when we were in bed . He cut the loaves up , and gave them to the lictle children , from two to four years of age- He kept them ia the kitchen , until they ate it alL He asked th « m when they were done eating , if their
bellies were full , and said their mothers would go over the wall , and get them more bread . Before Jane Bow- man -went out , Bhe gave me one of the penny loaves to : conceal to * her , as Nixon made such work . I gave her it next morning , and ahe put it into her pocket She had a piece of penny cake in her pocket at tbe time . He gave her extra punishment , by making her Wish and scour a six room shop before breakfast , and , then after breakfast , when she was going for water , he « ried ont " Hallo , Bowman , what have you got in your pocket ? " She paused , and he said , "Come , come , take off your pocket till I see what is in it" She took it off , and laid it down on the table . He then made hex take out -what waa in it ; he then took the bread , and said she might take tbe pocket back . The
next day he divided the bread amongst the children , as before- He came to us , and said to the children , have you got enourb , as your mothers will go and get yeu some more . Betsy Hunter , who went over the wall , said to Mr . Nixon be mi * ht have let her littie girl eoma out before she had eaten all ber bread , that she might have got a piece for tbe young ona . The victuals were not . sufficient , and they said we did not get what was ordered . The first three or four days I was in , the porridge were rather better , but from the Saturday until the Wednesday , they were very bad ; there was a general outcry in the hones that it wSs mixed with barley meal , and to my taste it was . The porridge were very thin aad just like erueL When 1 put six spoon-The
fuls into the Trriiy I could not get one oat again . Sstnrday before I eame out six more paupers came in . The potatee * for the stew on the Sunday , are peeled on the Sauird&y . After these persons came in , the whisper went round— " We'll have their stew to-morrow . " I asked some one , what was the reason ; they said there would be no more potatoes peeled far the six that had come in . 1 said that was the way he used to do when I - was in eight years since ; that when in tbe back kitchen working , I have seen from five to seven more coming in , and no more meal put in for them , for I have seen it weighed . I had almost forget to mention some bad language he made use of to a young woman who was in ¦ the house . I think her same is Betsy Porthouse , -who ¦ was an inmate when I was in ; she -was about a fortnight laid in , and she laid in the sick room with another woman who was poorly , when the woman Sirah : Scott and her had some words , bnt I den't know what they were , tile mistress said to the master , there is a
woman sitting there , and the best word she can give anyone -who speaks to ber , is to kiss ber backside . The master said , " the nasty , dirty , stinking hussy , how < could she wiEh any body to kiss her rotten backside , for she is a nasty , rotten , stinting wh—re , and is , it , & . Z . " ( Here the language is of **»> obseeoe character , that we dare not repeat it , and that he would give every woman a sail- ; ling who would kick her through the yard . ) There would bs about forty persons present when he said so . I , swear I heard these word * . When I was before the Gruar-1 dians Mr . Nixon said , " By &od if you go back—you had better not" I have Btated nothing but the truth . By the Bench . —Bowman gave me the loaf , as Nixon ' ¦ was making such work . I gave her it next morning . I ; know she had est it contrary to the regulations et the , Board of Guardians . < Here some altercation took place between the witnsss and Nixon , whieh the bench very proparly put a stop to . )
Jane Bowman examined . —I live at the end of Queenstreet I have been an inmate of the workhouse at Calefell Hill It is three weeks or more since I left While I was there , the master came in the Saturday before I left , sxd said " be •* on ) d be d—d if there should be any more tea or coffee in that house , if ha knew it , " He went away , but was uol long away until be eame back and said " he would take care they should have no more white bread for tbe children , be would put a stop to that" I came out on Tuesday , and from Saturday np to that time , I got no mote white bread for the child . On Monday night when the master y . nri Biistres were at the town , I and another young woman went over the wall to get some bread ; we brought the bread to the house ; the other woman was Betsy Hunter , who had a sucking child ; when we came back the house was in confusion ; they said it had been fonnd
out that we had been over the waXL I gave some of the bread to other women to hide j I pnt a penny loaf and cake into my pocket , and we went to bed ; but the passage door was locked up , and we had to go through by the kitchen ; when Mr . Nixon's two daughters stopped us , snd the young one fratcbed severely , and said her father •« ould put us on the treadmill . She asked me if I went over the wall . I said no 1 She than shook her fist in my faee , and said I was a bad woman . I said nothing to her bnt went to go to bed , but the stair-head door was locked ; they brought the key , and one of ilr . Jfixon ' s daughters and tbe servant brought a / gtw ^ lA , they fratcked me very severely for going over the wall ; after they had fwitched a long ; while , I told them they had no business -with it ; they night let their father and mother say what they thought ; proper when they came in . Soon after the master and j
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mistress came home . The master came running up stairs vrith a lighted a candle , shouting out which room does Bowman sleep in ? Some answered the garret He came in and said , Bowman , you bflTO been over the-wall to-night ; I aid nor He said he would be d d If be could make it out , he would punish me in the morning . He then went to the other woman and fntcbed her too ; he then came back , and asked for the bread . I never spoke , and he asked me where I had my basket ? I told him it was in the sitting-room . He went and found the bread and some herrings . He came back on the landing , and said , he would be d d , but he would deprive us of our relishes in the morning ; he rallied about the house for some time , but I eould not
say how long . Next morning be eame and asked for me in the sitting-room . 1 bad not got my children dressed , but had them on my knee . Be said I bad to give the child to somebody , and get the sitting-room washed oat , and rubbed with a stone . A yeuag woman said if I would wa « h it , ahe would rub it with a stone for me ; and ahe did so . Nixon said I was to wash it again after breakfast and then after dinner ; but I could not get it done , as be ordered me to wash a cloak asd abawL 3 then -west to tbe ifoshhoose , when , the master e&sva is half shaved , and said he did not look for such behavkxr from me , for I bad gone over the wall with an entire whore—one of the-biggest he had is the house . I aaM I did not know what she was ; he said he would go and acquaint my brother .
I said we did cot go over tbe wall for anything b * t to get bread . Wheat 1 went to wash the sitting-room , he cried out , hallo , Bowman , what have you got in yw » pocket f let me see . I paused ; wbea he said let me see what bread yo » have got in your pocket I then took off my pocket , and he ordered me to take it out I did so , and laid it on the table . He then took thebread away with hkn , 1 then gave in my notice to leave the house ; and when diwter vu over about two o ' clock , I said I thought 1 would get oat * a the five hours were up . The mistress said you have got your dinner , and I will make you work for it She then said , ton in and dean the kitchen—I am Mistress and not you . I then went in and cleaned it . I asked Betsey Hunter how things were done , and she helped me . It waa then near two o'clock , and I weat in and asked Mary Gaddes for my clothes . Tbe mistress- tuned about and
said she had something else to do than bother her bead with me then . —She was * making some elothes for a person who was going to America ; and 1 had to wait awhile longer . —I asked Betsey Hunter about four o'clock , and she asked the- mistress ; aad she said she would not be bothered then . The master was at the town , but he came home at tbe time . I stepped back ; when he cried , " Have you got nothing to- do ? Go and give tome one your child , and' carry in two « art-loadsof sand . " They kept me in till the bell was ringing for sapper . It was near seven e ' olook when i got out I stripped the children , and said it was- a bard case . Two women followed me and took the dogs and stockings off the child—they belonged to tbe workhouse . 1 had a child i n each arm asleep , and the other two had hold of my tails . One of the childrea who were walking got a thorn in its foot , and I bad to lay one of the sleeping children down o » the ground , until I took it out
By Mr . Nixon—I never saw you give children bread ; but I have heard you ask the childrea if they were fulL I dont know that you have a special ordtr from the Board of Guardians . I did set ask either you or the mistress for tbe clogs or stockings . Mr . James Moansey , Cierk to the Board ef Guardians —I beard tbe statement of Tallely made before the Board of Guardians , and no oaths were- used at that time by Nixon . I also heard the statement of Bowman before a committee of the Board , aad she then stated that Mr . Nixon had given , bread to the children . Bowman and Yallely bave exaggerated tbe statements they made to tbe Board . They then said Mr . Nixon b&d sworn , and used indecent language .
Mr . Nixon then addressed tbe bench , denying having sworn and made use of indecent language . The woman Porthouse is a bad woman , and is labouring under a certain disease . Mr . Nixon then called several witnesses in his favour . The first who was examined was Mary Geddes . —She said I have been seven months in the workhouse ; I never beard Mr . Nixon make use of indifferent language . Tbe worst I ever heard him use was " damn it" I never kaew him behave badly ; he is kind to the children ; I bave aeen him give them white bread . He ia not harsb with the people . I get quite enough of victuals , and I never heard any complaints . The oatmeal is very good . I never heard him make use of obscene language . I have known the mistress give bread from her own table . I have beard Mr . Nixon ask the childrea if they were fulL It is
four months since I was absent from the breakfast table . Betsy Porthouse was ordered to wait on two girls that were sick , and she neglected to wait on them as she should have done , and the mistress told the master at the breakfast table , that Porthouse bad toW some of the women to kiss ber backside . Mr . Nixon said any decent woman that she said that to , he -would recommend them to cab her about the yard ; be said nothing more . I have heard him tell her to ke » p ieitell dean . The chili waa & very sickly one , aad was injured by the decease which the mother had . Mr . Nixon applied to the Board and got them more bread . 1 did not hear him make use of indifferent language . The night that Boirman and Hunter went over the wall , he was up stairs , and 1 was in tbe kitchen . He was not up ; again af teT , that 1 know cf .
Elizabeth Hunter , sworn—I have been in the Workhouse five months . Baring that period I have not heard Mr . Nixon use abusive language . 1 have heard him say , " d—n it" I was one who went over the walL When we came in we saw Mary , Mr . Nixon ' s daughter , who asked us if we had been out , and we said no . She did not shake her fist in Bowman ' s face that I saw . Mr . Nixon came in and asked us if we bad been out , and we said no . He did not use offensive or abusive language . He did not swear at us . I slept down stairs . Mr . Nixon did not go np oftener than twice . He went to bed about twelve
j e ' clock . I have attended regularly at the breakfast table . I recollect Betsy Porthouse , she was unwell and I waited on her . Mr . Nixon asked her why she had not taken the breakfast up to the two sick women ? She said the would not The mistress said Porthouse had been making use of bad language , and Mr . Nixon said be would bave her backside kicked for doing so . He did not swear , nor call her a wh—re . The porridge is very good , and we all got plenty to eat Nixon often gives the children more from his own table . In consequence of six more persons coming in , I peeled more potatoes .
Margaret Gash . —I have been in the workhouse seven weeks , and Mr . Nixon ' s conduct is very good . I have always had enough to eat . I was in the kitchen the niget the woman came through after having been over the wall . ( The witness then stated what took place at the breakfast table , which was precisely the same as Vhat of the former witnefis . ) I bave always found Mr . Nixon kind to tbe children . Betsy Porthouse was deceased . Robert Peile . —I have been in the workhouse long ,
I was thera when Mr . Nixon came . Mr . Nixon ' s conduct Is very good , and I never heard him swear , except " dm—n it" He is not in the habit of using obscene language . I remember the women going over tbb wall , as they were to come to me once in the half hour . I have sufficient to eat , and the rest bave the same . The porridge is very good . The magistrates here expressed themselves satisfied with the evidence in behalf cf Nixon , and after a short consultation , acquitted Mr . Nixon of any blame , but cautioned him against using bad language in future .
Untitled Article
6 THE NORTHERN STAB .
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Nov. 13, 1841, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse2.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct869/page/6/
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