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TO THE IMPERIAL CHARTISTS.
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STATE OF THE COUNTRY
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Cfjarttet Sntenfgtttc*.
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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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Mt deab Fhiesbs , —Little tune as I now hare to myself , I t >'" vj nevertheless , that you will expect some Bofa ' ce . from me of » letter , and an Editorial notice upon . H , which appeared in the British Stattsman of list week . I shall at onoe give a brief jjAmtire of faetB connected with the whole affair ; 43 d from the manner in which those facts shall be handled , joa will find that virtue requires not the tid of declamation to support it , and that it is only the conscious hypocrite who is obliged to substitute bad langnage for lack of facts . Now , jost listen .
I arrired at Manchester at six o ' clock in the morning of the 16 th of August , for the purpose , as I understood , of attending a meeting to ba held in Mr . Schelefield ' s yard , and a tea-party in Carpenters ' Hall . I understood , from the papers , that an intended procession had been abandoned . Upon my arrival , I instantly drove to Mr . Scholefield ' s , and learned from him that the authorities had forbidden c // meetings , no matter how called , and no matter for what purpose held ; and that the Monument Committee , nnder the tircumstances , had unanimously resolved to forego the meeting , prudently resolTiBg to afford no occasion for a collision between the military and the people . They Beemed to remember that the blood shed on a former 16 th of August , has not jet been atoaei for 1
When I found that the meeting was Dot to take place , I went to bed , having travelled all night-A Conference -was to have met on the following day , the 11 th ; but it appeared that the delegates bad proceeded to business on the 16 ih . At two o ' clock , a message was Bent for me to attend the delegate meeting . I instantly started for the place and the carriage was followed by a vast mnltitude . I arrived , and the crowd began to increase rapidly , thereupon the landlady gave us notioe that we must disperse and lure the house . An adjournment was moved , to nine o ' clock on Wednesday morning .
Up to this point no business had been done ; and the delegates said they regretted having sent for me at all , as my presence was not necessary . I thought it better that we should lose no time , bat that we should look out for another place of meeting , and proceed to business at onc-e . I procured another place the same afternoon , which I believe no other person could have accomplished , and set to work to inform the delegates , who were ignorant of my success . In the mean , time I saw Mr . Hargraves , and desired him to start from the Carpenters * Hall in a cab for me the moment the ceremony of drinking tea had concluded .
The delegates arrived at eight . Of course , I don ' t know any of them , as it appears that Sir Charles Shaw has a desire to learn their names . / teat one We sat from eight to twelve in calm discussion , but no course was decided upon . When Mr . Hargraves arrived , it was unanimously resolved , very much against my will , that neither I nor any other delegate should absent himself for the purpose of attending the Carpenters' Hall meeting ; and a message was sent to the Kev . Mr . Scholeneld to request him to make that communication to the meeting at Carpenters' Hall , which he did .
On Wednesday we met again ; forty very excellent men . We sat all day . There were two resolutions and one address passed , and that was all the business done . I seconded the address , which was carried by a great majority . I proposed one of the resolutions , which was carried unanimously . I drew up the address , tho only address that was passed by the delegates : and carious to say , the Northern Scar was the only paper in England that published any one of the acts of the Conference ; and it published every one of them .
I never saw so good a feeling pervade any meeting of the people's leaders : never in my life ! all w&s union and harmony . At the close of our proceedings , and after the Chairman had vacated the chair , some odo asked , —Tom Slyhs , of Snook ' s Town , I think , —whether or no the placard that professed to come from the Executive should appear in the Star ? I said yes , & 3 an advertisement ; and I will pay for it . " At ten o ' clock I walked down to Mr . Heyweod ' s . He was out . I remained till he returned ; and the first word he said was , Well , Sir , the poor devil that printed the placard purporting to emanate from the Executive , has been seized
and his press , and typeijjre , all taken . w The devil they are , " & £ & ** ! , " then I suppose if it is published in the Northern Star , the Leeds Justices would glory in following the bold example set them by their Manchester brethren . " " O , fof God sake" said Mr . Heywood , " don't publilh it ; for , so sure as you do , so sure will every particle of your machinery be seized , as they would say it teas a great injustice to pounce upon a poor man ¦ and let the rich go free . " I said , " But I promised , and ordered its publication . " " Well , then , you must fce mad , " said he . I instantly sat down , and mentioned the circumstance to the Editor , and
recommended him sot to publish the said document ; thinking its appearance in the u . eT nuhbeb of the Star would be but a sorry compliment to the people , ¦ and a poor tribute to my understanding after the warning . I returned to Mr . Scholefield ' s , where I Elept , with an intention of returning home by the half-past three o ' clock train on Thursday morning , and was called at half-past two for that purpose , by the Rev . Mr . Scholefield . When he called me , I said , " Well , Mr . Scholefield , I have made np my mind to be the last of the delegates in Manchester . Damn the warrants ¦ they have none ; and I will go oat of Manchester in open day . " Accordingly I regained till half-past cine and started for London .
And now I may observe , that my conduct , from Erst to last , gave unmixed satisfaction to every one of the forty Delegates . I think all will admit that fact . I was to have lectured at Oldham on the night 3 of Wednesday and Thursday ; but the Delegate from Oldham assured me that I should not be expected ; and if I had been , I would not have gone . I was to have been at a tea-party at Bury on Saturday ; bnt the Delegate from that town told me it had been put off . I would not have gone there either , under the then existing circumstances .
My business in Manchester wa 3 done when tha Conference broke up ; and yet one would suppose that the " Old Chart ist" imagined that I was to live there . But O' . whit a disadvantage I labour under , when engaged in a controversy in which loyalty to my party prevents me from referring to the danger from which I saved them '! while the chief object of my reviler evidently appears to be to setr tha Government upon the scent of prey to be run down . Would that prudence would allow me to disclose all J But no J even malice shall not induce me * o commit any man . I wonld rather bear nnmerited censure .
Kovr , then , you have a plain narrative before you of all the matters connected with my vij-it to Manchester ; and I now pray your attention to the letter of the Statesman's " Old Chartis :. " Here it is : — " 20 THE EDIIOE OF THE BE 1 T 1 SH STATESiLLX . 11 These are times to try mens" souls . " " Sir , —I am so Bick at heart at the position we now c « upy ss Chartists—I feei myself unmanned , degraded , and iiuk so low , that hencefoitli my name shall not , at least for some time to come , appear in connexion with the cause of Chartism . The people—the faithful confiding people—have been deluded , deceived , and abandoned by their leaders : they have been drawn out
from thfeit employment with a view of achieving the £ ratd object of their wishes , and with the understanding that a bold and decisive effort would be made by tie . Executive to obtain the Coarter . We are told that JPeargm O'Coanoi , instead of being at the tea-party at the C&rpe&ter ' B Hall , was engaged frith the Executive on business of national importance . We relied upon ttat , &rd waited anxiously for tke great and important ** ws of what they had be « n engaged upon . We saw the Pkeard containing the result of their labours , an ad-< kea from the Executive Council ( unsigned by-the-by ) , tofentiing uj that the machinery ni prepared for a
trttd national straggle , and that in eight dsji . I cannot contain the indignation I feel 6 t the thoughts of * iea declaration . Great Britain would be in oommo-* " > & I inquired Into tha details , bat I wa « told on all ides Peargus O'Connor bad rus away to London , for fcar of being arrested , leaving Leach to do the dznterous part of paWiihiag tbaae placards , which , in my opinion , vU a wanton sacrifioa of Leach by O'Connor . Be ( O'Connor ) was IHB mas the people looked to for « fl example of courage and bravery , but he Ian aw » y , ° d tfcen M'Douall , then Campbell , —in fact , all the Waders left the complete machinery' and arran ^ efcerts , lie a self . odor , to fio the work . The
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people are thoroughly disgusted with the conduct of O'Connor , and also at the Executive , the paid servants of the Chartists , running away in the moment of danger . When we got rid of our old leaders of the first Convention , we expected we had room for honester and bolder men , bat we have been deceived ; where now shall we find leaders ii whom the people can repose confidence f I am glad to see the part you took in yeur last Statesman . " You ware ' np to the mark ! ' But let and one read the wishy-washy , trishy-tr&Bby , apology of Feargus O'Connor to the « Imperial Chartists' of Satardaylast , and the miserable ¦ subterfuges of hia editor , Mr . Hill , in attempting to iun
away from the Movement , and throw alt the onus or blame opon the Corn Law League Such articles at such a crisis , -were treason to the people ' s cause ; and above all , the non-insertion of the Executive address was treachery of the basest description , end this from the principle oracle of Chartism is toa bad . I have just been told that the Northern Star" was kicked about the Chartist room in Manchester , and that Feargos O'Connor ' s portrait and the ' Star" was publicly burned in Oldham . This shows that other people beside myself , are smarting under the conduct of O Connor and the Star . I pity Leach , for be has been seduced by the flattery of O'Connor that he has fallen into the trap , whilst his more cunning coadjutors , M'DouaU and
Campbell , have seen through the trick , and absconded in time . I appeal to your superior judgment , if this Address of the Executive had been boldly signed , and O'Connor surrounded by his staff , the Executive , had remained in the centre of the Movement , should vre not hare been in a bettor position than ve are now ? And now , by the late treachery and desertion , are we not placed In a moat dastardly position ? I tell you ones for all , though I am a poor mau , Leach shall have every assistance in my power , but I utterly discard from my mind all idea of M'Douall , Campbell , and O'Connor , for their cowardly desertion of the pecple's cause . " An Old chartist . " Manchester , Aug . 21 st , 18-12 . "
Now , the most curious part of this rigmarole is the audacity of the writer , who , althoagh he is afraid to sign . his own name , yet complains of the placard not being signed ! But , however , it is an curious fact , that there is not , from the beginning even to tho end , one single sentence or word of truth in this precious epistle ! This idiot would associate me with 3 placard with which I had no more to do than the man in the moon ! It was I who advised Dr . M'Douall to ' keep out of the way , as I learned officious fellows , like the " Old Chartist , "
had sought to implicate him with the " extraob-DKiAsr ' document . " I did it , because I thought that a man in gaol could be of very little servioe to his party . u I left Leach io do the dangerous part of having the placards printed . " Fool ! I wrote , moved , and printed , the only placard of which I knew anything I ! I did not hear of the arrest of Leach till after my arrival in London ; and as soon as I did hear of it , I instantly wrote to Mr . Hey wood desiring him to furnish any amount necessary for Leach ' B defence upon my account . Did the ** Old Chartist , " or his backer , do anything like that 1
I am ready to believe that the " Old Chartist" is disgusted with my conduct , because my conduct has tended to expose such humbugs and to save my party from being a prey in such hands . So much for the " Old Chartist , " and it is more than . such a fool deserves . Will he favour the public with his name !—Now for the Editorial remark of Mr . James Bronterre O'Brien : — " We agree with ' An Old Chartist , " whose letter we insert , that tha Executive ought to have signed their n&tnes to tha addTesB , if ttey "wtie the authors of it . We agree with him also , that Mr . O'Conaor has acted a treacherous and cowardly part in this matter , as he alwajs doe * In times of danger . Bat we see no harm in M'Daaall , Campbell , or anybody elae , keeping ontof the way of the police as losg aa they can . "
Now , then , what do you think of that piece of ill concealed nndlctiveaess t O'Connor was a coward for doing , —what ? just that which M'Douall and Campbell were qaite right in doing ! ! ! Why , you poor wretched'self'tor mentor , I never in my life felt myself chargeable with cowardice , except upon one occasion ; and that was , when you refused to be " MY FRIEXD , " ASSIGNING AS A RKAS 05 THAT " YOU were not a fighting man" f ! Is he a coward , who has been four times on the ground , within twelve yards of a loaded pistol , and has received three apologies , and has been once fired at without returning it ? Was I a coward , when in the midst
of . war horses , sabres , guu 3 , and bayonets , I fought my way often on the ground in advocating the cause of Repeal . at the Irish elections ! Did I prove a coward at Huddersfield , when danger presented itself ? Was I a coward when alone among the Birmingham would-be-assassins ? Was I a coward when I fosght my way at Manchester ? Was I a coward when 1 risked my life to defend my party at Nottingham ? No ! bnt I am too brave to seek a a name for courage at the expence of my party . I did think I should be allowed to apply all my spare time to the management of that organ whioh has now fallen into my hands for the defence of the people . ' s cause : and lest slander may make that that another ground for complaint , I must set
myself , right in the outset . I have not undertaken that for profit . I devote nine hours a day , and every day , to it , and travel twelve miles each day : and my reward , as far as money goe 3 , is the privilege of Epending £ 1 10 s . a week , in the way of expences ! Now , I would ask , whether my time , or that of the creature who damns every thing he has a hand in , and feels sore that others should be able to remedy the evil he commits , is most profitably spent ? Never did any mortal endeavour to help the cause of the people , that some obstacle was not thrown in his way by paltry politicians , who look upon agitation as bad , unless they have the cream of it I I would have gladly seen the Statesman going along with us ; but its recent kicks and jump 3 bear ample testimony that its hour is fast approaching !
Next week , a 3 I have beeu pushed to it , I may probably state the manifold act 3 of treachery which I have committed against Mr . James Bronterre O'Brien ! and if the world does not stare , then is munificence and kindnes-, an act of every day ' s
occurrence . But , my friends , let thep ^ ray things , who emain secure in days of danger , and , in the calm , rave from behind their fastness , rave on 1 I shall still be found doing my duty to that cause by which I have so long stood , and so often saved from the snares of our enemies . Never was there a more dastardly attempt to ferret out evidence for the Manchester authorities ,, than the publication of the letter alluded to ; and , * my life to a halfpenny , either O'Brien himself ^ wrote it , or it wa 3 written by one of the people ' s deadliest enemies ! I demand his nams . Your faithful friend , Feargus O'Connor . '
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BILSTON . ACGDST , THIETIEtH . Since the commencement of the strike this town has been remarkably quiet ; yet , notwithstanding the peaceable disposition of the colliers , oar sapient magistrates seemed to be apprehensive of an outbreak , and filled with fearful forbodings , on last Friday morning , they assembled in solemn conclave to deliberate on the coarse to be pursued to maintain tranqalHty in these eventful and alarming times . Their fears , however , were Boon increased , and most alarmingly too , for whilst they sat in council a fearful alarm was produced amongst them , by the appearance of about fifty colliers , who came from an adjacent village , proceeding to prevent some men from working in a pit belonging to one
of their high mightinesses . The colliers , however , were saved the trouble , as the work had ceased before their arrival . The men would have departed peaceably , but a special constable , desirous of acquiring henoor , boasted of his ability to put the cowardly colliers to night : and that he did , and in good stile too , for as soon as he was recognized as an official , a plain hint was given him , and off he run with speed , the colliers giving chase , which drew forth bursts of laughter from the people , who had gathered pretty numerous daring the short time the affair lasted . His speoiatsbip was captured and rather-roughly bandied . The worthy magistrate , on hearing the news , proceeded to Wolvwhampton , and returned at the head of a detachment of dragoons , followed by a large posse b # BpeciaUdbmt , doubtle » , on deedaof noble daring ; but" alas ^ Tbeir
valouxous hopes 'were disappointed . When they arrived &A tbe scene of the dieadfal outbreak , not a single individual could be seen , save Bome women and children , who followed them to view their spendid campaign . They remained some ; few minutes gazing at the-Yeomanry Cavalry , who were drawn up in battle array at a short distance . After viewing the late field of chase they returned amidst the cheers and laughter of the spectators . I he&Td that the officer severely reprimanded the magistrate for what he called an unnecessary interference , and thought the demands of the men were just and ought to be complied with . This is the general opinion of all the well informed here . Althouch tha masters are trying to decoy the men to work , by promising them protection , but no rise of wages , the colliers remain inflexible .
The utmost tranquillity prevails . The men generally preserve a steady , cool , determination , and from their nme conduct we must conclude that it is useless for tile masters ever to expect a surrender of the Bilgtonians . The exertions of Mr . L 5 nney have tended materially to strengthen the turn-oats in their determination , as also disposing them to the preservation of the peace . His exhortations have bad good effect , and has gained him the r&jptct and admiration , not only of the Chartists , but of the chief part of the middle class , who attribute the peaceable condition of the town to Mr . LLonev'a untiring labour .
WOLVERHAMPTON . TUESDAY , FOUR O ' CLOCK . Up to the present time all continues quiet A feverish excitement certainly prevails , especially among the middle classes and the shopkeepers ; all things are hastening fast to a stand . The colliers are still out ; and I assure yon , notwithstanding the base means that ore used , and the lying reports that are spread to mislead toe public , there is no more likelihood of their going to work than there « u a month ago . The colliers of Wolverbampton and its adjacent localities ore determined , let them suSer
what they may , never to descend a pit until they get their demand , namely , four shillings per day , for eight hoars' labour , ie . Hi-nce we have had no outbreak , no violence , no disturbance . Too mach praise cannot be given to them for tbeix orderly , m&nly , and peaceable demeanour , while they and theit families are Buffering the greatest privation * . The rubbish collected from out the bank pits is being hawked about the town for cool , and telling at on enormous price . The furnaces are newly all oat , and in ooe fortnight more , all the principal manufactories will be unable to carry on for the want of coal , whereby thousands will be thrown oat of employ .
We have got a detachment of tho 3 rd Dngoons , and two Companies of the 34 th Btgiment of Foot , besides some pieces of Artillery , a strong police font , « nd lota of special constables , and yeomanry cavalry . Such Is onr present condition . Mytelf and Candy are marked men . Linney is well , and up to this morning , hw hitherto escaped , tbongh there are wfttranU out against him . Mr . Arthur O'Nell , of Birmingham , and Mr . Froggate , from Bilston , with another last night , passed through the town under a military escort composed of thirty Dragoons , on their way to Stafford Gaol , being committed from Dudley .
MANCHESTER . ( From our own Reporter . ) On Friday morning , the day on which Mr . James Leach and Mr . Charles Turner were again to be brought up for examination , betwixt eight and nine o ' clock , a well dressed man cilled upon the Rev . James Scholefield , and said he wished to have a few words with him . Mr . Scholefield , being engaged at the time with his patients , be went with him into a separate room , when the well-dressed gentleman above alluded to said he was requested to present Six Charles Shaw ' s compliments ( although he did not produce his card ) , and wished Mr . Scholeneld to furnish him with a list of all the person ' s names who were in bis house on Tuesday and Wednesday , the 16 th and 17 th of August , in last week but one . Mr . Scholeneld immediately
asked the name of the person to whom be was then speaking . " Irviu is my name" was the reply—( one of the beads of the police force of this town . ) Mr . S . instantly rose , and said , " Then walk out of my house . " And he at once obeyed . Mr . S . having on a previous day of tho same week been informed that the same person had been making inquiries at Mr . Brown ' s Temperance Hotel , " as to when he tMr . Scholefield ) was there last , with whom , and what about , " he told the official as he was leaving the house , that when he wanted any information as to where he went , and oh what business , to call on Mr . S . himself , and he would tell him , and thus for the future save him ( the policemani a great deal of trouble He seemed , after thia rebuke , to be very glad to get out of the house without any further ceremony .
When he was making inquiries at the Temperance Hotel , he wanted to know how many nights Dr . il'Douall had slept there ? whether Feargus O Connor ever came there ? To which Mr . Brown replied that Mr . O'Connor did not coBie to the Temperance Hotel . He then wanted to know the name of a maa whom he ( the policeman ) described as having sore eyes . Mr . Brown knew nothin g , of coarse .
NORWICH . A preliminary meeting was called at five o ' clock on Monday morning , Auguat 22 nd ., in the Market-place , to choose a deputation to wait upon the mayor , requesting him to call a meeting to memorialise Her Majesty npon the state of the country , which he refused . to do . Another meeting was held in the evening to hear the answer to the deputation , when it was resolved to call a meeting on the following evening , at half-past seven s ' clock , npon our -own responsibility , which meeting waa attended by 5 , 000 or 6 , 000 orderly and attentive persons , and thd [ Mo whig resolutions and memorial was adopted : — liU— "That this meeting highly censureB the conduct of the Anti Corn Law League , in goading on the people of the Northern Districts to acts of violence and deBperation , by reducing their wages in order to fulfil the prophecy given t j the Government by their Delegates ;**
2 nd— "That this meeting is fully satisfied that the House of Commons as at present constituted , cannot estimate the wants and wishes of the various classes of society , but that a House elected under the principles of the People ' s Charter , would remove the distress , and consequent dissatisfaction now existing . " 3 ru— " That a memorial , founded on the above resolutions , be Bent to the Home Secretary for presentation to Her Majesty . " 4 th—That the foregoing resolutions and memorial be sent to the Northern Star , British Statesman , and Sun n ewspapers , for insertion . "
TO THE QUEEN ' S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY . Tht Memorial of the Inhabitants of the City of Nortcich in Public Meeting assembled , Humbly Sheweth—That yoor Memorialists view with deep regret the disturbances now going on in many parts of G / eat Britain , owing to eelf-interested persons having reduced the wages of the hardworking sons of toil , for the purpose of urging them to commit bieacheB of the peace , thereby fulfilling the prophecies given to your Majesty * Ministers by the Delegates of the Anti Corn Law League .
Yonr memorialists , fully conscious that the House of Commons , as at present constituted , cannot poaaibly estimate the -wants and Irishes of the various classes of your Majesty ' s snbjecfcs , < lo therefore humkly , but earneatly , submit to your Majesty the necessity of calling to your councils such men as will introduce to Parliament the document called the People ' s Charter , thereby enabliDg aU classes in your Majesty ' s dominions to be equally and justly represented ; ¦ whi ch your memorialiita feel satisfied , would in future prevent such like disgraceful proceedings as they have-with pain witnessed of late . And your Memorialists , WUleT « pray , &c .
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OLDHAM . FEIDAT MORNING . Mr . Warwick , at the Temperance Hotel , Yorkshireitrett , near the Albion Inn , wsa taken into custody ; it is reported for having a placard exhibited at his door , wbieb came from Birmingham . Most of the mills in this town have resumed work this morning ; some that were working short time previous to the strike have commenced on fall time , and it is expected that all will be at work in a tow day * .
At Lees , near Oldham , a number of boys having collected themselves together on an elevated plot of ground ia the village , playing and shouting , a cry was raised that the mob was coming . This created snch an alarm in tha minds of the " respectables , " that one of them immediately rode off for the military , sad ia a few minutes returned with about forty specials , headed by Mr . Wild , the superintendent of police , and Mr . Mellor , magistrate , fourteen horse and about forty-five foot soldiers , wending their way to the place of action ; bat , happily , when they got there , there was no use for them . Mr . Yardley will be brought up for examination at the New Bailey , to-morrow , at twelve o ' clock .
NOTTINGHAM . SATURDAY , AUG . TWENTY-SEVENTH . A considerable number of persons were assembled about the County Hall at twelve o ' clock , as it was understood that those who were taken prisoners by the police and soldiers would be examined ; and about half-past twelve , the magistrates arrived ; shortly after which Mr . Brown , solicitor , applied on behalf of the prisoners for their examination to take place , which was complied with . After their other business was disposed of , the court was ordered to be cleared of all except witnesses , who consisisted of policemen and constables , and others connected with the proceedings , when I took my place by the side of another reporter , and the following conversation ensued : — : Are you a reporter ? Yes . For what paper ? , Northern Star and British Statesman .
This information appeared to have a very unpleasant effect upon them , and a short consultation was held , when one ef the magistrates asked Do you reside in Nottingham ? Yes . What is your name ? Morrison . By the Clerk—What ! R . T . Morrison ? Yes ; R . T . Morrison . He then informed their Worships of some offences which I had committed against them , by my letters in the public prints ; but , after some further consultation , one of the magistrates observed— " It Is an open court , and I do not aee that we can do anything in it . " By the bye , their conduct displayed a moat exemplary spirit for the dispensers of justice in an open court ! Seventeen prisoners were then brought to the bar .
The Presiding Magistrate asked Mr . Brown whether he should be satisfied with one witness to each case , as they should remand them . The several informations , accusing them of riotously assembling , to the great terror of her Majesty ' s subjects , &c , were then read over , and each sworn to by some one of the police present ' Mr . Brown thought there was no evidence to warrant these proceedings , as there had not beeu any acts of violence committed ; and if it was on offenco to walk together in numbers , did not those who yesterday went to the C&stle in such numbers , commit toe same offence ? Presiding Magistrate—They did not attempt any intimidation to workpeeple . Mr . Brown—And there has not been any evidence adduced to shew that the prisoners offered intimidation ; they merely requested .
Presiding Magistrate—They had no right to request , as that is an offence . They were then told that a selection of those who had taken the most active part had been made , and the prisoners before him were those that hod been so selected ; and that they would be remanded until a communication was received from the Secretary of State , to know what further proceedings would be instituted against them . Fifteen more prisoners were then brought to the bar , and told that as there were many much stronger cases , they would be dismissed on entering into their own recognizances of £ 5 each to keep the peace for twelve months , which they were allowed to do without payment of fees , and discharged .
XOUGHBOROUGH . All is peaceable here , and the people have again resumed their work . The villages around here are much the same ; notwithstanding all this the police and specials are still on what they term duty , and I assure you they are sorely grieved that they could not try their apprentice bauds at blood-letting . Thanks to the good sense of the workies , they have been disappointed ! Since my last , several have been committed for begging . I cannot omit stating the case , of two persons ; one a Chartist , for begging , three mouths and hard labeur ; the other , no Chartist , for stealing peas , one month . Such is Loughborough justice . Te-morrow will be pay day . I am credibly informed that it will take not less than £ 3 , 000 to settle the bill of the peacebludgeons .
LEITH . On Wednesday , there was a large meeting held on the Links , at which not less than 3 , 500 were present . Mr . John Clarke , a working man , in the chair . The following resolutions were unanimously adopted : — 1 . " That it is the opinion of this meeting , that the present alarming distress of this country has originated in the want of a full , fair , and free representation of the people in Parliament , and until class-legislation , and all other monopolies are abolished , and labour , the property of the people , is entirely protected , there can be no confidence , security , or the smallest semblance of permanent prosperity in these kingdoms . "
2 . " That notwithstanding we consider class-legislation as the primary cause of our existing distresses , we have marked , with indignation , the system pursued by the Anti-Corn Law League , to aggravate these distresses by keeping out of employment a large proportion of the manufacturing population , in order to coerce the Government by the appearance of distress ; And failing in this , by having recourse to the dangerous experiment of reducing the wages of their operatives , thereby forcing them to a cessation of labour for the
Bake of self-protection , against unmerited and unjustifiable degradation ; and this meeting , sympathising deeply with their suffering brethren in the disturbed districts , do hereby promise to assist to the utmost of their power in lessening their privations , and enable them to maintain the struggle , if still persisted in ; and in the words of the National Conference , we would implore every man loving justice , and having a shilling at his command , to advance it upon the good understanding that free labour , ere long , will repay the loan . "
3 . " That this meeting enters its solemn protest against the Belf-constituted authorities of this country , for their employment of an unconstitutional military furcd , and an equally unconstitutional constabulary force to coerce and overawe the people in Staffordshire , Lancashire , London , and other parts of . the country , which has been productive of great disturbance , attended by the loss of life , and the destruction of property . " Messrs . M'Creve , Tankard , Campbell , and Murray addressed the meeting , and were loudly cheered . As it grew late , an adjournment was made to the Chartist Ha !! , which was soou crowded to suffocation , and the universal feeiing was to help the turn-outs as far as our means would permit . Many seemed to think that the
proper moment was come to strike for the Charter ; but we once more protest against the Chartists b 6 ing made the cat ' s-paw of Secretary Graham and his friends of the Anti-Cjrn Law League . The differenco between these gentlemen is entirely of an amicable nature ; both are agreed as to the propriety of fleecing labour ; the only thing to be adjusted between them is , which is to have the greatest share of the wool . Two well-boiled lobsters , in the shape of officers , from Bairshill's barracks , were present during the whole proceedings in plain clothes ; and their myrmidons were in readiness in their barracks , and out city bludgeon men were patioling our peaceful town in disguise . No disturbance , however , took place , and they must reserve the . fleshing of their maiden sword * for a better
opportunity-Resolution adopted by a Committee meeting" of the Leitb Charter Association , 24 th August : — - " That it is the opinion of this meeting that the six centres of Scotland be recommended to direct their constituents to elect delegates by public meeting , to a general Scottish Convention , for the purpose of considering the beat means of obtaining the People ' s Charter , and » l > o to consider the resolution of the West Midland district , and the strikes and commotions in various parti of the empire ; so that we may act with union and strengthen the hands of our brethren in this holy cause . And this Committee further recommends that the . said Convention meet in Whitehall Coapel , Edinburgh , on Monday , the 5 th of September , and that all communications be made on or before the 3 rd of September , to Mr . Thomas Blackie , Secretary to the Edinburgh or South Midland District , at Mr . Drummond's , bookseller , High-street , Edinburgh . N . B . It is particularly recommended that all places fiend a delegate , if possible , or otherwise their opinions and instructions by letter . "
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GLASGOW . All has been bustla and anxiety amongst the authorities during the last ten days , in consequent of a rumour that delegates were here from England , endeavouring to get the trades of Glasgow to strike . Tqq tocsin was . Bounded by the Post of Saturday , the 20 th ult , re-echoed by his brother , the Chroaidt , of the following Monday . Yet , notwithstanding the utmost endeavours on the part of tbese twin journals to discover those delegates , and ascertain the real purpott of their visit , not one could be found to convey to the anxious inquirer anything regarding tbe strangers , who , having satisfied themselves with the state of feeling in Glasgow , took their departure for ths North early last week .
A public meeting was held on Saturday , Mr . Proudfoot in the chair , to memorialise the Queen , to call Parliament together , to enact measures for the ensuring the permanent tranqaility of the coontry . Tbe speakersweie Messrs . Gillespie , Kidd , M'Ewau , Colquboua , Moir , and others . The following resolutions were ' adopted : — " That this meeting , being impressed with the present most alarming state of the country , do memorialise her Majesty to call the Parliament immediately together , with the view of enacting such measures a * may be deemed best calculated to ensure its peunobent tranquility . "
" That it ia the deliberate opinion of this meeting , that the distraoted state of the oountry , and the widespread disaffection of the people , originates in , and la wholly caused by class-made laws , and the continued disregard of tha petitions of the people by the legislature ; in proof whereof we refer more particularly to the numerous petitions that have been presented oi late years , complaining of the restrictions imposed on the commercial interconraa of the country , and last , though not least , of the total disregard paid to the Great National Petition , presented during the present
year , and signed by nearly three millions and a half of persous ; that while we complain loudly of this negl 3 ct , and attribute to it very much of the distress , and the whole of the discontent which now prevails throughout the country , we have heard with unfeigned and heartfelt regret cf the outrages that have been committed by a despairing and exasperated people in various parts j that for ourselves we emphatically declare that nothing short of a complete change ia the constitution of the House of Commons will give us contentment , nor , as we conscientiously believe , restore permanent tranquillity to the country . "
" That while this meeting is of opinion that classlegislation is ths cause of all our present national calamities , it is no less decidedly of opinion , that the only remedy that can be provided to restore the peace and prosperity of tha country , and give lasting contentment to the gruat body of the people , ia by immediately making the People ' s Charter the law of the land , which embraces adult male Suffrage , Vote by Ballot , Annual Parliaments , No Property Qualification for Members of Parliament , Wages for Attendance , and Equal Electoral Districts ; and this meeting is of opinion that this change cannot be effected so long as the present Ministers are maintained in office . "
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LONDON . —Mr . R . K . PhiJp lectured at the Star Coffee House , Golden-Jane , to the United City Boot and Shoemakers , upon the People ' s Charter , and how to obtain it . After which , 2 s . 8 Ad . waa collected for the wives and families of thepolitical viotims . Several professional gentlemen having kindly offered their services , it was resolved , that a concert shoaid be hold at the Star , on Tuesday evening , September 5 tb ., the profits to be given to the general victim fund . Admission three-pence . Metropolitan Deleoatje Meeting . —Mr . Squires in tbe chair . Credentials were received from Mr . James Morgan , from the hatters ^ meeting at the Brown Bear ; 10 i . were received from Marylebone , for the Deptford Committee ; Mr . Lucas reported
from the Committee for getting up public meetings , a committee consisting of Messrs . Lucas , LanRwith , Dowling , Knight , Walkerdine , Beadon , and Davoo , with power to add to their number were organised to assist in bringing out the Trades of London ; Messrs . Beadon and Knight were appointed , in conjunction with Mr . Campbell , to wait on the weavers to induce them to co-operate in gaining the Charter . A recommendation was given to the localities regarding the number of delegates to be sent to the Conference , their rate of payment , &o . An addres 3 to the femalos was ordered to be inserted in the Northern Star , and Chartist Circular . Measures were adopted in reference to the Chartist prisoners , and the meeting adjourued until the ensuing Thursday evening .
BaoMproN . —At the usual weekly meeting , on Tuesday evening , Mr . Ford in the chair , after the transaction of local business , Messrs . Wheeler and Matthews were deputed to confer with the sub-Secretaries of the Chelsea , Westminster , and HammerBmith localities , regarding the propriety of their uniting to send two delegates to the ensuing Conference . Suoemakebs , Stab Coffee House , Golden Lane . —Mr . Philp leotured here on Sunday evening and w&s highly applauded . At the close oi the lecture , Mr . Philp was nominated from that locality as a fie person to represent them in the Birmingham Conference .
Teetotallers , Britannia Coffee House , Waterloo Road . —Mr . Ferguson lectured to a good audience on Monday evening last . Steps were taken ia reference to sending a delegate to the Conference . Crows and Anchor , Waterloo Town . —A public meeting of weavers was held here on . Monday evening . Mr . Campbell , and several delegates from various trades , addressed the assembly , and a unanimous feeling was exhibited in favour of the People's Charter . CUiYlNOCK .- A social meeting of Chartists was holden in the Campbell's Large Kooaa , oa the evening of the 26 ih instant , excellent speeches were delivered by Messrs . Johu Miller ana others . Some good songs were suug , and s , genuine spirit ol patriotic enthusiasm manifested .
STOCKTON-ON-TEfiS . —Mr . Peter Rigby addressed a large audience on Sunday , at Tnornaby Green . He spoke for nearly two hours to the entire satisfaction of the peop'e ; after which , Mr . Dawson wound up by announcing that on Sunday , or Sunday week , a meeting would bo held as the same pkee , when ( . weather permitting ) Messrs . Williams , Chappie , and other friends would be present . Due notice will be given aa to which Sunday it will be . ANDERSTON . —A meeting of tho Anderston Charter Association was held last night in the Christian . Chartist Church , West College-street , when after some other preliminary business haa
been gone through , Mr . Peter Boaur brought forward a copy of the British Statesman , and after commenting on the scurrilous language of an anonymous scribbler in that papsr towards Feargus O'Connor , moved a vote of confidence in Feargus O'Connor and tho Northern Star . This motion was carried unanimously amidst loud cheers . After some conversation concerning the Evening Star and the propriety of having it amongst us , it was agreed that the committee should maae arrangements for tho purpose of getting it . The Secretary was then ordered to sena reporte of our meetings to the Star for publication .
ifEicSiTSB . —Another arrest has been mads in LsiCESTEK . —Un Sunday last , Mr . Win . Joued , oi Liverpool , delivered an impressive address ia the l ' ijsiure , to a numerous audience , which cook great effect upon the minds of the persons present . At ttieoloiO , he read a letter from Mr . Cooper , which drew tears from the eyes of most present . Another meeting was held at six o ' clock in the evening , which was addressed by Mr . Thomason , from the Vale of Leven ; afterwards , Mr . Jones delivered one of the most eloquent addresses it was ever my lot to hear , severely handling the Government ana police force . There were about 8 , 000 persons present : all went off well till eleven o ' clock , when Mr . Jones was seized at Mr . Cooper ' s , by a body of ten police , and dragged to prison . They charged him with using
inflammatory language , whioh tended to excite the people to commit a breach of the peace . Next morning he was brought before the borough magistrates , at the Guildhall , when after a lengthy examination , he waa committed to take bis trial at the assizes ; but as it was a bailable offence they ordered him to find bail , himself ia £ 100 , aiid two sureties in £ 50 each . Bail waa immediately offered by Mr . Crow , Chartist breakfaat-powder manufacturer , and Mr . Deacon , of Brunswick-street , glovemanufacturer . Policemen were sent to inquire into the bail , and Messrs . Crow and Deacon , were oraered to come before the Town Clerk next morning . They did so , and were refused without any reason being assigned ; steps hare been taken to compel the magistrates , either to show reason or take the bail .
IiEAMINGTON . —The Chartists of Warwick and Leamington held their usual weekly meeting , and entered into arrangements for liberally supporting their inoatoerated friends ami their families . They passed a special resolution to pay five shillings per week to George White , so longaa he , remains at Warwick Gaol . They also intend to septi a delegate to the National Conference .
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Grebnock . —Public meetings have been holden , every night for the la st fortnight amoDg the trades ^ / The people are in high spirits , and the cause looks oheeriDgly . A great meeting was held on the 29 th of whioh we have received a report , but too late for insertion . . South Shields . —Mr . Beesley addressed an enthusiastic meeting of 10 . 000 or 12 , 060 perrons oa Tuesday . The spirit of Chartism is rising here , and we need but a few vigorous lectures to bring us up to the mark / > jrsbnock . —Public meetings have been holdeB sry night for the Is st fortnight among the trades ^ / e people are in high spirits , and the cause looks > prin !» lv A < rr » nt mutino » iii ImU /> n tha OO ^ h
Dublin . —the cause here weara an encouraging aspect . At the usual meeting of the Univeri&l S ffrage Society , on Sunday evening last , the attendauca was very fnli ; several strangers were present . Five new membere were admitted . Soms excellent speeches were made , and a general good spirit manifested . BAHBURY . —This town , a fow days ago , way visited by Mr . William Jones , of Liverpool , and although his lectures were not numerously attended , owing to other leeturers and Batty ' s Circus being ia the towu . Those who did attend gave it a . o their opinion j that tbis style of reasoning is calculated to- ealighten the understanding and to instruct the mind more than all tho logic of a philosopher- — every sentence teeming with knowledge . His presence here , at some future opportunity , will ba esteemed a favour ; when , no doubt , we 3 hall have a good audience .
TON BRIDGE ( Kesh .- The anniversary of the formation of the Association in this place was held at the large room , Chequers Inn , ou Monday last , Mr . Payne in the chair . It was a most spirited and enthusiastic roeehicg . Some excellent speeches were delivered by Mr . . Snelling , the Secretary , Mr . Elliott , Leigh , and other * and were loudly applauded . Some most excellent patriotic songs having been collected from tbe Charter newspaper and Circular , and adapted to music , were sung withgreat effect by Messrs . Payne , Pugh , Goddaid , and others . Since the formation of the Association , the members have subscribed above £ 50 , nearly the whole of which has been spent in tho good causa ; and we have the satisfaction of knowing has been the means of giving a tone to public filing ia this part , for there is soother town scarcely in the country that cm boast of so large and so efficient a Society is this . We wish them tuccesa , and God speed tnem in their efforts to obtain their rights .
MOTTaAOT MOOR . —We have received tha following , which , if true , certainly demands the most serious ind anxious investigation . Jt appears tha * the Chartists of this place had thought proper to hold a teaparty , at which a person of the name of Wild , a labourer in the cause of democracy in that locality , wa 3 present During the repast a constable , with three or four others , went to the New Cross Inn , where tba festival w . ts being held , wich a warrant for the apprehension of Wil'l , on a charge vt u > ing inflimwiatory language . They entered the room , aud immediately commenced nourishing their cutlasses in a violent and threatening manner . Mr . Wild inquired whether they intended to murder him on the spot , as he was ready to
go with them without offering any resistance . Tijey then took him into custody . Mrs . Wild , and also her sister , clung to him , upon which the most brutal epithetswere employed by the constables , one of whom actually stabbed Mrs . W . beneath the breast , and which might have terminated fatally , but for the resistance offered by the bone in her stays . Another of the party fired a pistol , which only jiut raisaed , doing fatal mischief . A person someway connected with tho party , -who made himself busy , but his indentions being not rightly understood , the man assuming tho command fired his pistol , which took effect at the back of the neck , and the man instantl y fell . Ttie
constables then made off , leaving the priaouers . Tae villain -was , however , pursued by order of a magistrate , and being buckled down , -was taken into custody . Wild wus # recaptured very early on this morning , and was , when the account left , still in durance . Mrs . Wild is far advanced in pregnancy ; and when his father made application to the Board of Guardians for sousa relief for her , they refused to give her ftnjtbiiis ; . His eldest daughter was also dangerously ill at the Urn a he waa dragged to prison , and she has since died . We leave the people ( supposing this statement to ba true , and we have no means of ascertaining ¦ whtthtr it ba so or not ) to niuke their own comments .
MANCHESTER . Carpenters' Hall , —On Sunday laat , two lectures were delivered in tbe above Hall . Mr . Littler officiated in the afternoon , and Mr ,. Dixon in the evening . Tba lecture in the afternoon was well attended , aud the lecturer very ably expoBad the abominable system which has i educed an industrious people to starvation , and then stiflss their complaints by the bludgeons of policemen and the bayonets of the soldiery . Mr . Littler concluded by calling upon his hcaiera to continue tha agitation for the Charter peacefully , yet-. determinedly , neither swerving to the right hand or the left , and victory would ultimately crown their united tffjrts .
In the evening , the Hall was crowded to excess . Mr . John Murray was called upon to preside , who , after a few preliminary remarks , introduced Mr . Dtxon , who Addressed the assembled thousands upon tha present state of affairs , and cautioned tke people against spies and informers . He then made some allusions to tba i notorious scoundrel who resides-not one hundred miles ) from Arundel-Btreet , Francis-street This fellow deposed to Leach having addressed the meeting in tbe Carpenters ' Hall , while it was well known to all penons who attended on that occasion that Leach was not there at ail .
( Loud cries of " he was uot . " ) Mr- Dixon then pressed upon the Chartists an « l the people generally , the necessity of rendering all the support in their power * o those who may become the victims ot tyrannical power , and concluded by calling npon them to abstain as much as possible from all exciseable articles , and thus cripple the Government , by stopping the supplies necessary for carrying on the crusade against the rights and liberties of the people . Mr . Ducoa retired amidst loud cheers .
Mr . D . Ross was loudly called for , , who , after a few observations by the Chairman , came forward and addressed the immense assemblage in a strain of tha most impassioned eloquence , which completely rivetted the attention of hia hearers ; but as it is impossible to do anything like justice to this truly magnificent specimen of oratory ; suffice it to say , tbat it must have been heard to have been appreciated . Mr . P . M . 'Brophy then rose , and , after asking permission of the Chairman , read a letter from tbe British Statesman , of the 27 th iiist ., signed «• An Old Chartist , ** together-with the Editorial remarks , ¦ which drew forth from the crowded audience one spontaneous burst of indignation against the sneaking coward , who bos beaa acting tha part of a concealed , as well as cold-blooded , assassin ; and , amid loud wiea of " damn the Statesman , burn it , burn it , " the following resolution was prcposed by Mr . P . M . Bropby : —
" That it is the opinion of this meeting that the letter which appears in tbe Statesman of Saturday the 27 th inst , and signed " An Old Chartist , " is n gross libel ou the character of Faargus O'Connor and the Chartists of Manchester , and manifestedly injurious to tho whola Chartist cause ; and that a letter be wrote calling upon the Editor to give up the naina of the individual styling himself " An Old Chartist , " together with an explanation of the editorial remarks In the same papsr relative to the charges of treachery and cowardice sgainab Feargus O'Connor , Esq . "
This was seconded by Mr . D Robs , in a very energetic speech , in which he took occasion to contrast the conduct manifested by Mr . O Cjnnor with that of hia base traducers , and ' shewing up the malignant filings by which they aro actuated . He then made somo remarks upon the- disinterestedness evinced by Mr . O'Connor throughout his whole political career , and cancluJed by making a powerful appeal to tha Cnartista of Manchester , not to allow themselves to be driven from their peaceable agitation for the Charter , by the
tyranny of wen in power , or by tbe base and contemptible calumnies so unblushingly heaped upon the character of oho of the greatest patriots taat ever Yivei in any age oi any nation . Mr . Ross waa repeatedly interrupted by the loud plaudits of the vast assembly , thereby furnishing another proof that O'Connor still lives in the affections of the people of Manchester , while hia base , sneaking , and cowatdly calumniators are only fit objects for the scorn and contempt of every honest man . The resolution was very ably supported by Mr . C . Doyle and carried unanimously .
Mr . TiiOMAS Railton moved the following resolution : — " That Mr D . Ross do write in the name of this meeting to the Elitor of the British Sfa ' . ssm'in concetaing this matter , to request him t > giva hia answer in the Statesman of next Saturday ; and further , that these resolutions be sent to the Nwthe ' rn Slar and British-Statesman for insertion . " The resolution being seconded from the botly of tho Hall , was carried nem . con . After the thanks of the meeting had been voted to the Chairman , the vast assemblage dispersed in a peaceful and orderly manner . New Bailey , Tuesday afternooDjkur o ' clock .
Mr . James Leach has at length been liberated aftei every possible impediment had been throws in tha way of his ball by the wanton neglect of the officers that ought to have seen aftes- them . Mr . Leach ' s bail was tendered on Friday evening last , and yet strange to say , he has had to remain in tbe New Billey until this day ( Tuesday ) and tba only answer to this unwarrantable conduct , was tha want of time on tha part of the officer , to go and examine the bail's validity . Mr . Turner and Mr . HuUWnson war * liberated at the same time .
Messrs . Tinker and Seddoa were again brought up for examination , when ther * , was no evidence against them but Mr . Beswick . Thi * k tbe fourth time that they have been brought up and do evidence against them , and havs been in prison a fortnight , a thing unprecedented in Courts ot justioa in this country . Our readers will naturally conclude that Messrs . Tinker and Seddoa were dismissed ; as there was no evidence ; such , how * ever , waa not the case ) TheyaretoSnd bail , themselves in £ ioe each , and two sureties of £ 50 each , to app « ar aca ' m th \ s day fortnight .
Mr . Yardley from Oldhftm , bad not been brought up when vre te / t at four o ' clock ; they were 'waiting the arrival of one of the Oldham Magistrates to be present at tbe examination . NE ^ YS p V PF Ik Ol IUC VlUUaiU JII 9 gWH » K 9 kU UO £
To The Imperial Chartists.
TO THE IMPERIAL CHARTISTS .
State Of The Country
STATE OF THE COUNTRY
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The papers announce another retirement : the , Marquis of Westminster give 3 up his racing stud , and retires from the turf . The election of a candidate for South Hamp-: shire , in the room of Mr . John Fleming , took place in Southampton Guildhall , on Tuesday . Lord Chas . Weliesley , ( a Tory , ) was the only candidate pro- j posed , and he was of course elected . j Tsb Commissioxebs of the new Model Prison at ; Pentonville h » ve appointed Mr . K . Ho 3 kins , governor , \ at a salary of £ 400 per annum , and the Reverend ; Mr . R&lphj chaplain , at a salary of £ 300 . Eloquence . —The following sublime peroration i was recently delivered before a court of justice in J the interior of Pennsylvania : — " Your honours sit : high npon the adoraable seat of jostioe , like the American eagle perched upon the Asiatic rock of Gibraltar , while the eternal streams oT justice , like the cadaverous clods of the valley , flow meandering at your feet . " Adv-icks frox Constantinople of tha 7 th instant confirm the general impression that the quarrel of j Persia with the Porte ia on the eve of adjustment . < Sir Stratford Canning had obtained redress for dis- , orders committed by Albaidans in the Ionian Islands . A Turkish flotilla will uniie with the English ships on that station to capture marauders .
Cfjarttet Sntenfgtttc*.
Cfjarttet Sntenfgtttc * .
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AND LEEDS GENERAL ADVERTISER .
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YOL . Y . NO . 351 . SATURDAY , SEPTEMBER . 3 , 1843 . PMC > , ^ ° ^" ^ Sr . r "
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Sept. 3, 1842, page unpag, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse2.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct904/page/1/
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