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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 TBIAL , SOYERNHENT PROSECUTION OF FE ARGUS O'CGJTCJOR , ESQ , AND OTHERS , FOE AN ALLEGED CONSPIRACY . LANCASTER . —NISI PRIUS COURT . WkdJCESDAY ^ JLtRCH 1 . Mr . Baron Roue , the Judge of the Assize , having jxed this morning for * he commencement of the trials of Mr . Feargus O'Connor and others , charged J > j her Majesty ' s Government , nnder the " monster indictment , " la eopy-of which w © published a few weeks ago in the Stor , ) for a conspiracy , by violence , jo bring about a change in the Constitution , the Court , at an early hour , was besieged by persons Kixions to hear the proceedings . The body of the
Court was crowded to excess , and included a large pro portion of the defendants , who mixed promis * ^ non sly among the general body of spectators . On &e bench were a number of fashionably-attired ladies , the daughters of the gentry resident in the Bete hbonrhood of Lancaster , who probably graced fiie Goart with their presence , for two reasons , first , toi earthe evidence , and secondly , to have an opp ortunity of seeing what shocking people these Qiariists are ,
The Learned Jcdgb took his seat on the bench pr ecisely at nine o ' clock ; soon after which Mr . O'Connor , accompanied by Mr . Scholefield , Re * TF . Bill , and W . Roberts , Esq ., solicitor , of Bath , esErBjiito Conn , and took their seats immediately behind those reserved for the members of the bar . The Court having-been opened with the usual fonn aliries , the Clerk of Arraigns called over the juunesof the Jurors summoned to serve . Four of fijs Special Jnrors , upon whom notice had been regularly serTed , did not appear when called , and no efficient excuse being tendered for their absence , they were fined j £ 25 each . The following gentlemen were then sworn on the -Jury : —
SPJECIAl . JamesRoihwell Barnes , Somer-field , Great-Lever , Efq-John Bentley , of Farnworth , Esq . James Anderson , of Burgh Hall , Duxbury , Esq . Edward Brook , of Melbourne-place , Rosholme , merchant . Isaiah Aphlin , of Great Mersey-street , Erkdale , jcerchant . Thomas Edgeley , of Park "View , Rusholme , merchant . Ponrth William Smith , of WeUfield-place , Toxieib Park , merchant . Charles Armstrong , of St . GeorgeVioad , Ever ton , jaerchant . James Blyshe , of Plymoath-groTe , Chorlton upon-Wedlock , merchant . ¦ Thomas Haigh , Elm Hall , Aintree , merchaat .
XtLSSHES . Biehard Harrison , of Barmby , tallow chandler . Charles Stores Kennedy , of Ulverstone , gentleman . William Scott , of TUverstone , gentleman . The JrDSE , addressing the Attorney-General , aid that an objection to serre on the jury had been made by Mr . Bentley , of Faraworth , on the ground that bong a magistrate , and having taken an active jart in the proceedings against ihe parties with whom the transactions about to be investigated , were aid to haTe originated , he did not think ne Should be an impartial person for the discharge of ihe dnty . He ( the Judge ) did not think the reason asaSrieni one , but as the objection had been made , he wished to state it .
The Attoekbt-Genebal said that if his Learned Friends on the other side had no objection , he had none 10 the withdrawal of Mr . Bentley ' s name . Mr . Desdas said , that as appearing for two of the defendants , he had no objection to be tried by &nj magistrate . A desultory conversation followed , which ended in Mr . Bentley ' s name being retained on the list . Sir Fkedk . Poixock , Attorney-General ; the Hon . JiS . S . Woetaet , M . P . and Q . C . ; Sir Gkegobt Lewis , Knight ; 2 ir . Hudt . a £ i > ; and Mr . F . Pollock , appeared to conduct the prosecution on the pan of the Crown . Mr . Baixes , Q £ , appeared for James Scholefield And William Scholefield .
With reference to the last mentioned defendant , Ibe Attobsey-Geserai . said he would at once relieve his Learned Friend from all trouble by consentingto a Terdict ofticgwt tal being taken . Mr . ± ) b > -i > as , Q , C , appeared for Thos . Aikin and "William Brook-Mr . Sergeant Mubpht appeared for Thomas Bailton , "William Johnson , and John Derham . Mr . axhebxos -appeared for Jame 3 Fenton and "William &epbensoa . Mr . J&'Obb&at appeared for one or more of the defendants , but we did not distinctly understand which .
Mr . F . Pollock opened the pleadings . The m-^ Bcanent charged the defendants with having illef&fij conspired together , and with divers other persoia to the jurors unknown , unlawfully as 3 em-DkdtcgztheT , and by violence , threats , and inrimid * &m , to compel persons to desist from their lawful eeenpatiDns , all tending to bring about a change in fhs law and the constitution as established in these realms . To this indictment the defendants had severally pleaded not guilty , on which issne was joined , which issue it was for the jurors to try , and say irheiher ihe defendents were guilty or not guilty . Mr . O'Cossox applied to have the witnesses for examination ordered out of court , which was immediately complied with .
Mr . O'Connor then said , he understood two reporters were present , wto would hare to depose to material facte connected with the present case ; and therefore he trusted hi 3 Lordship would reqnest Siem to retire . The Court , after having been made acquainted Trith the fact that these reporters would only have to swear to notes of proceedings taken by them , rehsed the a 5 plication . The ATTORNEY-GENERAL then rose , and aadresang the Jury , said he could assure them most Enfeignedly that he never rose to discharge & more pamfnl dnty than the one which fell to his lot to-day , tx ods in which he considered that the responsibility
tsst upon those who advised the Crown , was greater than on the present occasion . While for a moment is adverted to circumstances which , more or Jess , Bmst be within the knowledge of every gentleman tOBprising the Jury , as probably of almost eTerj person in court , —while he alluded to &J « for one moment , in order to caution them agiiast any impressions which they might have ftcaved with respect to any individual charged , before they came into that box , it was scarcely j > os E& not to entertain the strongest impression of the isager and tne mischief that might ensue from cSenees snch as those mentioned in the indictment , if indeed thev hadl > een committed by ihedefendants
B * would call their attention exclusively on this weaaon to the facts that wonld be brought before &sa , and he would state in the outset , without the sHghtest difiiculsy , that if they were not satisfied of &e guilty participation of every defendant , fa all those who had by their own triaenee or eoj implicated themselves , if the evince given on the part of the prosecution should « Te any fair or reasonable doubt in the minds of &e Jury , have the benefit of that doubt , and by their jerdici be acquitted . The offence impnted to the Defendants was that of endeavouring , by large assemblages of persons , to accomplish by force , vioteice . menaces , and intimidation , such a degreeof
*» na and terror throughout the conntry as to profeee a change in some of the fundamental parts of | ifi Constitution of the country . He should not stop pere to inquire , nor should he , moreover , attempt to discuss lor one moment , the merit or the demerit of the change , or the beauty of «» constitution , or the happiness which it might or * J ? 1 » sol shed npon those who had the blessing t » ore under n . He was there—not to discuss any ^ oStical snbject whatever . He was there merely * w lie purpose of vindicating the law , and he Jcaotcd Mi bnt that bis Lordship would tell the ' srj that the course of proceeding which he { the Aitoaej-Generai ) had adverted to was illegal—that "jras not by such proceedings that any change , of ffataver sort , wa 3 to be brought about in the conof the co and if sa tisfi
l ^ aion untry ; they wer # ed fj the evidence that the respective defendants y * d taken any part in a proceeding which had this «* its object , and those means to which he had « veried were the means to be resorted io by the IkfeBdants , then it wonld be the duty of the Jury , ? ° weTer panful , to find them guilty- As little bad « to do with the political origin of the meetings to * fiich he must 1 irst call their attention . He proposed *** to enter into the secret history of the motives of ^ rindrridnal anterior to the time when first the law fjs Elated . He proposed bos to em ex into any ingp ? as to what were the eirenmstances that ~ ~ f to the commission of these offences , beyond jm was absolutely necessary to render the ^ 3 connected with them intelligible to she J ™! ' Having then Btated to them the duty he had ~ Perform , and entreated them to 4 ismiSB from •^^ recolleciionB any circumstances tending to ?» ie prejudice , or to weigh againBt any of the aatnd ants individually , oras a body , he sboald prorj *?» as Ehortly as he could , to narrate the facts ^ jeh he proposed to lay before them as Eiatter 01 fnoecce . Somewhere about the 26 th of July last , * ttee&ig was ield at Ashton-under-LjBe , the Ration of which , as they were probably a ^ are , "aa rtfereneB tn Mi > T >/> KKin ¦»»» abonx Bix miles ¦•¦ nil f i ww »¦
^ - . x * V m- * r - ^ g ^ ^ ^ m >^** ^^ ^ ^ ' j _ « tte east of the town . At the mee ting , one of *« def endants , William Woodruff , was the chair-?* Vand another of the defendants , Rd . PUling , P" * ls > present , and the Jury would find that the r ^ se used oh that occasion could leave do doub t tfft 7 tr ** to WQal were the objects and intention *^« e p&rfes wh o were then assembled . He proi £ f * *> re&d a very few sentences of what fell from *» Uttirman and from Pilling , when be addressed
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! Se lg * tn ofI > e 8 Ch ^ Which ie ^^ *» ie ' ? £ * tJ ? F ? 07 er work nnm * hey «« id get a fair day ' s wage for a fair day ' s work . " 1 StSP ^ 6 ¥ J nSed was Tery £ tron « . an * ww personally directed to owners of mills in e neighbourhood He said he should " advise the cotton lords to keep within the precincts of their own Palaces , for dark nights were coming on ; and some bold hand , more daring than the rest , wonld reckon £ te ^ ¦ the reckoning day was near , and a bloody reckoning it was liks to be . » Tt *™ « rf
. teat shortly before this there had been some reduction made by the master manufacturers in tne wages of the various workmen whom they employed . He believed that two or three of these reductions occurred in the month of April last year , and seme of the observations made by the defendants were with reference to a still further reduction that was suspected . The meeting on the 26 : h of July was adjourned to the following day , bnt tither no meeting took place , or eke it was so thinly attended , that it excited no public attention whatever . On the 1 st of August , Moorhouse , the bellman of Jlyae , gave notice of another meeting , and at that meeting , George Caudelet , another of the defendants , acted as the Chairman and notice
, was then given of a further meeting for Sunday , the nh of August , to take place at Mottram Moor , or Wednesoff-green , four miles from Ashton , where the Chartists were in the habit of holding their camp meetings . The Jury would find that on Sunday the 7 th of Angust , two meetings were held , one in the morning and the other in the afternoon , to which he must call their ! attention , because in the meantime , the manufaotur-j era who had given notioe of an intention to reduce their wages , at least all , he believed , with the exception of one , withdrew the notice of redaction . On
* n < iay , the Sih of August , one house having persisted in their intention , a sort of meeting of the masters and workmen of that factory occurred , at which something was said that gave offence to the men . He could hardly snppoBe that snch oifcBoa was intended ; but undoubtedly some offence was created , and ihe men immediately abandoned their work , and that he believed was the first commencement of what was called the turnout . On Saturday , the 6 th of August , there was a procession of not less than 1 , 500 or 1 , 600 persons , who went through Newton , headed by John Durham and John Crossley . At the meeting
held on Sunday , the 7 th of August , Moorhouse addressed the people , and then , perhaps , for the first time , the objsct of the meeting was distinctly avowed . He told the meeting that it was neither a Tpage question nor a religious question—it was a national question—and that their object was to make what was commonly called the M People ' s Charter" the law of the land . At that meeting Candelet , one of the defendants , spoke , and a man named Wild , who was now suffering under sentence , at Chester , also addressed the people . At two o ' clock in the afternoon , there was
a larger meeting , and on that occasion , the defendants John Leech , Thomas Storah , James Stephensouj and Thomas Mahon , spoke , and it was then stated that on the following day , there would be a great turn-out , and that no one Bhould return to work until every principle of the People ' s Charter should become the law of the land . On that occasion , Moorhouse used langnage , of which he believed this wa 3 a correct statement . He said , Yoa have been told of the evils under which we labour , and I am requested "—_ Mr . Dn > i > AS—There is no snch person in the indictment .
The Attobsbt-Genkbal was not aware that he had mentioned Moorhouse as a defendant . He was alluding to languageused by the chairman of a meeting , and he believed he should be perfectly correct in stating to the Jury , that that which a chairman , uninterrupted , and without opposition , was permitted to state , wa 3 , at least evidence of the intention of those who were assembled at that meeting , and he believed several of the defendants were actually present . Moorhonse said , " You have been told of the evils we labour under , and 1 am requested to tell-yon ^ thai to-morrow a meeting will take place at Stalybridge , at Stb o ' clock in the morning , when we shall proceed from factory to factory , and the hands that will not willingly come out we will turn them out , and when we are out , we will remain out , till the . Charter , which is the only guarantee for your wages , becomes the law of the land . I
hope to meet you all to-morrow morning , when we will join hand in hand in this great national turn-out . " On the following morning , a meeting was held at a place called Haigh , near Stalybridge , at which from 2 , 000 to 3 , 000 persons were present . There were two placards exhibited , on one of which were these words : — " The men of Stalybridge will follow wherever danger points the way ; " and npon the other : — " They that perish by the sword are better than they that perish by hunger . " After the meeting was over , the people proceeded first to the mill of Messrs . Harrison , where they turned ont all the hands , and stopped the mill . They then went to the mill of Messieurs . Lees , where they did not find the same
willingness to receive their proposal to stop labonr . They burst open the door , and by force they did that which at the Messrs . Harrison ' s they were enabled to do merely by their presence and appearance . It was arranged that they should meet the following morning , and something was said about going to Manchester . At a very early hour on the morning of Tuesday the 9 th of August , the people were meeting at Hyde , at Stalybridge , and at Ashton ; and from the place where they all assembled , they determined to march to Manchester . Accordingly some thousands of persons , with certain descriptions of arms , with bludgeons , and banners , caving something the appearance of military array and order , marched into the town of
Manchester , and finding the military very near the entrance , they halted , and there was a sort of parley between them and the Magistrates . To the remonstrance of the latter , they answered that their object was " peace , l&w and order , " and they ' promised faithfully to keep the peace , and to commit no disorder of any kind . On these assurances , the Magis trates withdrew the military , and placed themselves , not exactly at the head of the people , as leaders , bnt for the purpose of pointing out where they might go , and to watch that they did no mischief . The people then marched into the town together , the military having withdrawn to prevent any hostile conflict . They had scarcely got into the town when those who were rather in the
rear separated themselves into different bodies , going from street to street , and from house to house , and took possession of the town . For three days the shops were shut up , —all labour was suspended , and portions of the mob went from place to place , not merely to the mills , but to every place where the labour of man was used , and they obliged a cessation from l&bova . la some instances they demanded bread , in others they accepted money , and for three days Manchester was in a state of the most lawless riot and confusion . The following week , proceedings manifested themselves of a still more threatening aspect than perhaps was indicated by the assembling of the people in the manner he had described . It appeared that
at that time there had been a meeting , at Manchester , of delegates , or persona from the Trades ' Union ; and he begged to call the attention of the jury to a resolution which was put forth on Friday , the 12 th of Angust . It was this— " That we , the delegates representing the trades of Manchester and its vicinity , with delegates from various parts of Yorkshire and Lancashire , do most emphatically declare that it is our solemn and conscientious conviction that all the evils which afflict Bociety , and which have prostrated the industry and energy of the great body of the producing classes , arises solely from class legislation , and that the only remedy for the present alarming distress and wide spread destitution , is the immediate and unmntilated adoption , and
carrying into law , the document known as the ' People ' s Charter . ' That this meeting recommends the people of all trades and callings , forthwith to cease to work until the above document becomes the law of the land . " He might here incidentally remark to the Jurv , that if a number of persons had formed the design of going into the country , from place to place , lor the purpose of cansing a cessation of labour , and compelling the public authorities in different parts of the country to adopt particular changes in the constitution , all those who , in any way , offered encouragement of any sort to the persons so acting , become 'what in the law was called accessoriesbefore or after the fact , made very little difference , 4 or in a case ef misdemeanour , which this was , all accessories were principals- ^ -all who used encouragement to parties committing this description of offence , were themselves guilty of that which would
ihey encouraged in others . And it be for the Jury to say whether this resolution , and other resolutions of a similar kind , being brought home to certain parties who were before them as aefendants , could leave any doubt on their minds as to the object lor which resolutions of this character were put forth . It would be for them to say whether those who adopted thiB method of encouraging and producing a system , and giving effect to the designs of others , must not he held , in point of fact , by them , a s adopting such a course with a "new to assist and promote the designs of others . If that were so , he believed his Lordship would tell them that such persons , altogether and entirely , participated in the full guilt which they thus encouraged . Now by this time , the state of Manchester had attracted the attention of the authorities there , and thT ^ th oritieTin London . On the 14 th of August there was a proclamation issued by the Magistrates
on their own authority , and , on tne loth , another proclamation was issued in the name of the Queen by the Executive Government ; and after that proclamation , calling upon every one to preserve the peace , and to abstain , from giving any encouragement to the violence of others , it became still more and more the Dounden cutv of aU persons who were determined to obey tie
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law , and who were de , abstain from any proceedings that could give encouragement , directly or indlreotly , to persons going about the country endeavouring to turn out those who were anxious to continue to work for their masters . On the Monday following this , a meeting was held at a public-house In Tib-street , Manchester , which wa 3 afterwards adjourned tD the Carpenter ' s Hall . The Jury would find that at the meeting various resolutions were carried , and at length it was determined to issue a placard , to which he thought it right to call their attention . It was worded thus : " Liberty to the trades of Manchester and surrounding districts ! Fellow-workmen , we hasten to lay before you the paramount importance ofthiB day ' s proceedings . The delegates from the manufacturing districts have been more numerous at this day ' s meeting than yesterdayand the irit
, sp of determination manifested for the people ' s rights nas increased every hour . In consequence of the unjust aud unconstitutional interference of the magistrates , our proceedings were abruptly brought to a close by dispersing the meeting , but not until , in their very teeth , we passed the following resolution : That we , as delegateB in publio meeting assembled , do recommend to the various constituencies we represent , to adopt all legal means to carry into effcot the * People ' s Charter , ' and further we recommend that delegates be sent through the whole of the country , to endeavour to obtain the co-operation of the middle and working classes , in carrying out the resolution of ceasing labonr until the Charter be made the law of the land . ' Englishmen ! rigidly determine to maintain the peace and well being of society , and show by your strict adherence to this resolution that we
are your true representatives . Do your duty and we vrill do ours . We meet again to-morrow , and the result of our deliberations will be fully laid before yon . " Now , he had read to the Jury the words of this placard . There were expressions with respect to "legal means , " and " keeping the peace . " He was afraid that those who directed the framing of that paragraph differ in the view which his Lordship would lay down as to what were the " legal means" by which such an object could be carried into effect . It would be for the Jury to judge whether those upon whose lips hung the language of " peace , law , and order , " were not actuated by very different motives . It would be for them to judge how far the
expressions which were used in a placard , put forth to the public , really conveyed the intention of those who used them ; or whether they were used with an intention to depart from those professions whenever a convenient opportunity might occur . On Tuesday , the 16 th of August , a meeting , not of trades , but of delegates , was held , for the purpose of assembling a sort of Convention of persons from different parts of the country ; aud in accordance with the recommendation , he believed that not fewer than from sixty to seventy delegates arrived , in Manchester . At one of the meetings , undoubtedly about forty attended . At the meeting , an address was considered and approved of , to be printed and published to the people of England . It was an
address from Eve persons styling themselves , — " The Executive Committee of the National Association , for carrying the Charter ; " and he begged to call the attention of the Jury to the contents of that document . The proof sheet , corrected in the handwriting of one of the defendants ( Peter Murray M'Douall ) would be produced in evidence . The Learned Gentleman then proceeded to read extracts from this address ; the first of which called upon the people never to resume work until full justice had been done to the working classes , their wives and families , by the enactment of the People ' s Charter . He ( the Attorney-General ) regretted deeply to say that at Preston and Blackburn , there had been a conflict with the military
which unfortunately did terminate in bloodshed . The language used m this address with reference to the event was this : — " Fellow-Chartists , the blood of your brothers redden the streets of Preston and Blackburn , and the murderers thirst for more . But be firm , be courageous , be men . Peace , law , and order , have prevailed on our side . Let them be revered until our brothers in Scotland , Wales , and Ireland , are informed of our . resolution , and when a universal holiday prevails , which will be the case in eight days , then of what use will bayonets be against public opinion 1 " Then again , in allusion to the stoppage of the mills , the address said " every hand iB at rest , save the peaceful sickle of the reaper in the fruitful fieldB . " That was perfectly true .
Within fifty miles of Manchester , all was still , bat in what way that stillness had been produced , whether by the spontaneous wish of all the persons who were compelled to observe that stillness , the jury would that day judge by the evidence ; and they would further judge whether those who prepared this document conld by possibility be ignorant , that although , undoubtedly , a large portion of the rest from labour was acceded to cheerfully by many , a very considerable portion of the people ^—he believed he should not be wrong if he said the greater part , yielded a reluctant assent , and were acted upon by the force aud threats of those who went from place to place to produce a complete abandonment of labour . The address concluded by asking the
people to leave the decision of their rights to the " God of justice and of battle . " This placard was extensively dispersed over Manchester . It became a sort of rallying point at various meetings that took place afterwards , and the question that the Jury would have to decide was , whether all those who were connected with the framing and putting it forth , —whether in the entire scope and object of the production , they did not find a direot encouragement given to those persons , who were goiDg about the country , from factory to factory , and almost from hou 3 eto house , to suspend labour of every kind , and to do it by force , in order to carry out that change in the constitution , which would be effected by carrying the People ' s Charter into lav ? ! The Jury would
have evidence given them of what occurred at the meeting of delegates ; and as against one of the defendants—he meant Mr . Feargus O'Connor—they would have the strongest evidence of his participation in it , in a direct allusion to it in his own newspaper , the Northern Star , to which his name was affixed as the proprietor , and for the contents of which he was responsible . He proposed to read from the Northern Star , a few expressions which would clearly connect Mr . O'Connor with the publication of the document . He thought it perfectly right , however , to say that before the date of the paper to which he was about to refer—the 20 th of August last , many paragraphs had appeared in the Northern Star , dissuading the people from taking
the coarse which they seemed to be bent upon ; and whatever benefit , in any way , Mr . O'Connor could derive from a candid admission on his ( .. he Attorney-General ' s ) part , that prior to the 20 th of August , the Northern Star was apparently directed against the Btrike , the beneit of that admission he should certainly not seek to withhold from him . But he had not the least doubt , from the paper he held in his hand , that , for some reason or other , —whether hecause the impulse seemed to be bo strong—whether the current seemed to be so irresistible that it was no longer of any use opposing the Btream—or whether Mr . O'Connor was carried along by that current—or whether , seeing that there was such a prospect of Chartism becoming
the law of the land , he thought the tune was come when use might be made of the crisis , he ( the Attoruey-General ) knew not;—be dealt with the facts merely as they were before him ;—and he found in the Northern Star of the 20 th August a statement of a meeting of delegates in conference at Manchester ; and he used this against Mr . O'Connor to prove tae fact that was there stated—that there was a meeting of delegates . He should confirm it by notes that were found in the hand writing of one of the members , who took notes of what passed ; aud , last of all , he should confirm it by the testimony of a person who was present , and who now thought proper—with whatever spirit it would be for the jury to jud ^ e— to give evidence of what took place in
that assemblage . But in order , as he was aware that remarks might be made on testimony of this description , and as the Jury had a right that such testimony should be confirmed by every document that he could have recourse to for the purpose , he should prove , against several of the defendants , as it were , out of their own lips , that they were pre-Bent , and what took place . He would now read the statement which appeared in the Northern Star of the date he bad mentioned . £ Tne Attorney-General here read the report of the " Meeting of delegates in conference at Manchester , " as it appeared in the Star of the 20 rh of August last . ] He wanted to show that this was as good evidence against Mr . O'Connor as could possibly be given , because it was deliberately published by him , in a
newspaper of which he was the sole proprietor . [ He also read another extract from the same paper . ] un a subsequent day , the 3 rd of September , Mr . O'Connor published another number of the Northern Star , in the leading columns of which he gave am account of the meeting of the delegates . It was is the form of a letter , but nserted as a leading article , and was addressed to the " Imperial Chartists . " [ Here he read Mr . O'Connor ' s answer to the letter of the " Old Chartist , "" in the British Statesman , which answer necessarily contained a succinct ) account of the Delegate Meeting at Manchester , and Mr . O'Connor ' s proceedings at it . ] Sir Frederick then went on to describe the part which Mr . Scholefield had taken in promoting the object of the strike , by lending his chapel for the use of the meetings , and bavins tea parties of Chartists at his own house .
[ Our Reporter was obliged to send off his first packet before he had transcribed the whole of his notes of the Attornex / 'GeneraVs speech . The following witnesses were then called : — Jo 3 eph Haigh . —I live at Ashton-under-Lyne . 1 was living there in July last . I am a milkman . I remember meetings taking place at Ashton last year . I remember one on the 26 th of July . It was held on an open space of ground called Thackers Foundry . I was at a meeting in the evening from eight to nine o clock- I should think from 3000 to 4000 persons would be preseui . Thora was a chair-
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dTfendsSS Ti W Woodruffejone of the S ^^ F ^ ssSi - wHi ^ fe' £ * the defendant * I had SSEt o ^ n ^ nP ' nL l remeinber his « ying , after shouS a ^ fi . Charfc 6 rafld d iff'rent things , "he Mess ™ rII 8 th V > t ton lords , particularly the their ow ?^ f > t 0 $ «* withiuthe precincts of andtha rit ^ ' ?* niehts were coming on . davl LTo ° dj ? » t hand . " Before that wi& « nman ? - a D ? aoar < l on the walla of Asbton % it d VPSW »« on ifc - I «> ink the words £ E 2 Tr ¥ di ? - - — ~
* & *? £ ! £ tt * ^ . bellianT J ' o ? n Alexander Woodrnfflf b J . 0 hair - H «> " n o * a defendent . chZ Vr ask < d hlm Privately if he would take the sent T ) m f «^ *? ^ ghty personBwould be pretfon to ni Caird r ?? f ° ay tua * ^ had a resolu-Stulrt « n ? w- of v waSe 3 all labour do cease . n 2 jw « nft ? hair « said he t"" ** tha * Swiu ? u ^ Ufiht forward at the meeting , StL ££ ft ** £ im ? elf or them wi * nta the pale It ™ lhr' w hehad takea tne « aair , he would put such resolutions as ithe meeting thought proper . K 5 ' ^ toditha principle of the resoS n n ! , w i f leTated situation . It was a kind of a I « m ;« K T l rec . olle ° t what he said in particular . w ™« ? i - ? , « ^ at he was one of the persons S ? ST ?^ ln Ca ' hllg the meeti n 8- I left the meetmg at halt-past nine . I was at annthnr mentin ^ «„
22 n&t l Of August * U wa 9 hold a "ttle alter nine m the morning , on Thaeker ' s ground . A ! S u * he nam of Jose P h Hilt <> n was in the chair . He is not a defendant . The meeting begun before I got there . There was some Bingine . One or two verses of a hymn were sung . Alexander Challenger , one of the defendants , was there , and another , George Johnson . Tne latter gave out the hymn . I remember one verse . It ran thuB : — A charge to keep I have , A God to glorify , A never-dying soul to save , And fit it for the sky . "
Johnson afterwards gave them a religious exhortation , and when he had done , others gave exhortations . The chairman then said that ha had received a communication from some one , whom he did not know , which he would read . It was to this effect , that the committee had come to the determination that labour should not be returned until the Charter hadbeoome the law of the land . At the time this was said , much confusion took place , as the people seemed dissatisfied . Johnson and Challenger were present , when the chairman read this out . There is a street called Stamford-street , in Ashton . I was there about nine in the morning of the 30 th of Aug .
In going up the street , on the way to the Town-hall , being at that time a special constable , I saw a procession going up . It consisted of men , women , and boys . There were four or five men abreast in front , and then a lot of women , and lastly , a number of boys . Woodruffe waB one of the four men in front . The whole number would amount to sixty or seventy . I had heard something said as they passed . They cried " fall in , fall in . " They went to Stalybridge . I followed them as far as the Globe Inn , perhaps 200 yards from Stamford-street . Ashton , Dukinfield , Hyde , Stalybridge , and Mottram , are in the neighbourhood , and Glossop a little more to the East .
Cross-examined by Mr . Duudas—The reason I went to the meeting on the 26 th of July , was from having seen a placard on the wall . I did not take notes of what passed . I nave a tolerable memory . I went to the meeting before I had been eworu in a special constable . I was not sent by any person , but went of my own accord . There are three or four magistrates living in Ashton . They were at the Town Hall , at ten o ' clock in the morning of the
12 ih of August . The bellman had gone round before I had received the summons to be sworn in . I believe Alexander Challenger is a factory operative , and George Johnson is a hatter . The exhortations given were religious ones . There were several thousands present . After the Chairman had read the anonymous note , there were divisions and murmurs , and agitations , in consequence of the meeting being put huo a sort of moveable position . —( A laugh . ) Whilst the consternation was going on , I came
away . Re-examined by George Johnson—I wish to ask the witness whether the meeting on the Sunday did not begin by prayer ! The Judge—He has said so in substance , but he did not get there till after the meeting commenced . Defendant—Did you not evrear on your examination that tbere was no prayer ) Witness—I do not remember , for I was not there at the beginning . Judge—He said there were religious exhortations . Defendant—I have no further questions to ask him .
Henry Brierley , examined by Sir G . Lewin—I live at Stalybridge , and work at a factory . On the 22 th of July last , I was present at a meeting held on a plot of grouud , called the Haigh , which is in Stalybridge . i am not aware how it was called . I went to the meeting , near eight o ' clock in the evening . I think there were some hundreds of persons there . The Chairman was James Fen ton , of Ashtou , one of the defendants . I was there at the time he was called to the chair . He was unanimously chosen . After being elected , there was a resolution moved , I rather think it was proposed by Challenger , but I should not know the person again . The effect of the resolution was , that the reduction of wages
was injurious not only to the workmen but also to the masters and shopkeepers . The motion was carried unanimously . I remember seeing Richard Pilling , and Brophy , and Wiiiiam Stephenson , three of the defendants , there ; Storah was there , too , but I should not know him again . Pilling moved another resolution , which was something similar to the former . They said they wanted a fair day ' s wage for a fair day ' s work , but they were of opinion that it could not be obtained unless the Charter became the law of the land . The resolution was carried unanimously . A third was then moved by Brophy . I knew him by name and sight at the same time . The nature of the third resolution was to draw up a
memorial to Sir R . Peel , for ten thousand stand of arms . ( Laughter . ) It was for the purpose of protecting the lives and property of the working classes against those who refused to pay the property tax . No particular persons were mentioned as having refused to pay the tax . This resolution was also passed unanimously . The meeting then broke up peaceably . They adjourned the meeting to Hyde , but I am not aware whether the proposition was put from the chair . A meeting did take place at Hyde , but I did not attend . I was present at another meeting , at Duckiufield , on the 2 nd or 3 rd of August , at eight o ' clock in the morning . When I got there , I found Storah moving a resolution .
Mr . Duudas contended that there waa no evidence to show that Storah was at this meeting . The Attorney-General maintained that the evidence was sufficient , because the indictment charged the defendants with having conspired with divers other persons , to the jurors unknown , and the general character of the meetings , held from time to time , must be taken into account . The Judge concurred in opinion with the Learned Gentleman , but thought the evidence with regard to Storah was weak . ¦ . _
Examination resumed—The resolution moved by Storah was to the effeot , that a fair day ' s wage could not be obtained until the Charter became the law of the land . At this meeting , I heard Pilling giving a lecture on the state of the country . He said things were in a bad state , that it was difficult to get a living , bat he recommended the meeting to observe peace , law , and order . It was about halfpast nine before the meeting concluded . Another meeting was held at Droylsden on the following day . Ou Friday , the 12 th of August , I saw a proceBsion coming from the direction of Mr . Bailey ' s mill . There were several hundreds . They went to a plot of land near Cheetham ' s mill , but no meeting was held . They then went to the Haigh , where James
Fenton was chosen as chairman . I saw besides Thomas Mahon , John Durham , and William Stephenson , three other defendants . They were the principal speakers . They said nothing particular , but exhorted the people to stick out until they got < a fair day's wage . The procession was part of Bailey ' s workmen . They met again in the evening , at the Haigh , between seven and eight . I saw the same four defendants and Brophy there . They delivered lectures , exhortiDg the people to try to obtain the Charter by lawful means . There -was another meeting on the following morning , at five o ' clock , and they went in procession through Duckenfield to * Hydeand returned by
, Newton . They then dispersed to go for their wages . The same evening they met again at the Haigh . Ihe same persona were there . A man from Liverpool gave a lecture . He said he was sorry ^ to find the country in such a state as it was , and advised them to go to work again . He thought it waa not possible to get the Charter then . The lecture , on tne whole , was well received . It was a very good lecture . Brophy gave a lecture , and recommended people to turn teetotallers , aud keap sober . On Sunday morning , the 7 ch of August , there was another meeting on Mottram Moor . Some thousands were
present . The bellman of Hyde was in the chair . William Stephenson addressed the meeting on the principles of the Charter . No resolutions were moved in my hearing . In the evening of the Bameday there was a meeting in a preaching room , at Stalybridge . From for ty to fifty persons were present . Stephenson and Mahon were there . A man came in , and said that he understood that Mr . William Bailey wished to see some of the members of the committee . Some of them thought it advisable to go , and others not . Mahon said he thought it was of no use going to the masters . He said they
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had turned out for the Charter , and would stick to it . Mahon is not ot'e of Bailey ' s ( men . The meeting determined they would not go , and they broke up . On the following morning , another meeting took place at the Haigh , at &v * o ' clock . Brophy addressed the meeting , and said- they must get out those who had gone to thai * jwork . He said they must get them out by legal means , if possible , or stop them as they were going . Durham said they would have a procession through jDuckinfield and Ashton , to let the masters sea , that they were out . Mahon and Stephenson said that they were going in procession through ; Ash : on after breakfast . The people divided } into lots , and they fetched the hands out of all the mills . I then returned to the meeting at the Haigh , and Durham
said they must get Bailey ' s men out first , and go in procession through Aahton . He ordered them to go peaceably . Durham , Stephenaon , Mahon , Brophy , and several other persons , whom I did not know , were in the procession j I saw Crossley talking to Brophy , going down IDuckinfield-hill . The procession went down Caroline-street , over Dnckinfield-brow , to Mr . Hindley ' s mill . They were linked arm-in-arm , and walked four or five abreast . Toey had no stioks , only two or I three flaga and music . Before they got to Hindlay ' s mill the men had turned out . There was no mob near the mill at the time . A few boys had preceded the procession . I went to Hyde , about ; half-past four . None of the men who came from
Stalybrtdge were there . I found the hands of one factory fetching out the hauds of another . I saw Durham , Stephenson , and John Leach , of Hyde , at a meeting in the evening of j the same day . Leach was addressing the meeting when I got there . He said he thought it was the most proper to turn out for their wages , and not jfor the Charter . He thought it would be impossible to get the Charter then . Mahon said that the Ashton and the Stalybridge people must have ; a meeting on Ttiacker ' s Ground , and go in procession to Manchester , but that they were not to take any sticks with them . I was at the Haigh , next morning , at five o ' clock . Fenton was chiefly ; the chairman . Durham , Stephenson , and Mahon , ! were there . A
lecture was given by Fenton . He recommended the people to keep in peace and order , in going to Manchester . On the following morning , another meeting took place , at the Haigh , ! at five o ' clock . Fenton , Durham , Stephenson , and Glossop were there . They said they would go { to Glossop and see how the people there were coming ou . I did not ; go with them , and I don't know whether they went or not . The next morning another meeting took place on the Haigh , at the same time . Tiiey were falling put between the wage question and the Charter . Fenton thought one thing at a time was enough , and Durham also advocated the wage question . Stephenson and Mahon advocated the Charter . I did not seo Crossley there ; I understand
that the object of the people in meeting every morning at the Haigh , was to keep the people combined together . Ou the 12 th of August all the workpeople were out . Ou the 13 th , I saw a procession at Stalybridge There was a publio meeting held in the evening . Fenton , Stepheneon ; Durham , and Mahon were there . I think Aitkin , Woolfeiiden , John Leaoh of Hyde , and Johnson , were there also . Wild opened the meeting in favour of the wage question . It was suggested that a list of delegates should ascertain what were the highest aud lowest rate of wages which the masters j would give , in order that they might strike a medium , and go to work . In the meantime the operatives could not return to work , as the masters had shut up their
mills for a month . They agreed to do so aiter the men had turned out . At the meeting on the evening of the 13 , h there were several thousands there . Nothing was said about what the operatives were to do until the Charter had been obtained ; but that they were to keep peace , law , and order . The Charter was forced upon the meeting by the Glossop people , who came armed with sticks and ] bludgeons . On the Sunday afternoon another meeting took place , at which Woolfenden , delivered a lectura , but I went away just as he was taking a text . Woolfenden said something about the Charter , but not in connection with the wage question , j In the evening another meeting took place , at which a lecturer from Manchester attended . He said he' wa ? sorry that
the peoplo were out of work ; and that it hurt his feelings to think that they had come out on the Charter . Oa the morning of the 15 ; h they again met . Fenton , Stephenson , Durham , and Mahon were tbere . Aikin was also present . A discussion took place between the i wage question and the Charter . M&hoa and Stephenson thought they might as well go for both , but { they would give in to the majority of the meeting . They recommended the people to keep peace , law , and order , and not to injure any one . I know the Chartist meeting room , at Ashton . A meeting took place there on the evening of the same day . Mahon was there . He read something from a newspaper , after which it was suggested that he should go Io Manchester as a delegate to the Conference there , but that , another meeting should bo held to elect him .
Cross-examined by Sergeant Murpby— I have been » carder in a cotton faotory . I was not engaged as a turu-out on this occasion , but 1 have bad experience connected with a turn-out twelve years ago . No mention was made then of the Charter . A committee of working men was formed to direot the movements of the turn-outg . One of the obj . cts of that committee was to confer with . the masters on the question of wages . At that time there were fifty-two masters who determined to stop their mills , in consequence of the turn-out . They would not let them work . I believe delegates were chosen on that occasion , to go from one factory to another , to notice the course of proceedings of the different turn-outs .
Tue Attorney-General did not see how his Learned Friend could make what had occurred twelve years ago , matter of argument in this case . Surely his Learned Friend did not justify what had recently happened by a precedent | of twelve years ago . j The Judge bad thought that as the cross-examination was going on , the object of it was to above that the fact of delegates having been appointed twelve years ago . to ascertain the proceedings of the different turn-outs was not in itself per se crimiual . Mr . Serjeant Murphy—Preoisely , iby Lord , at the meetings 1 have referred to . ¦
Cross-examination resumed—On [ all occasions in which the Charter was mentioned , ( peace , law and 3 > rder was inculcated , ; '* Re-examined by Mr . Atherton-j-The wages of the working classes at Ashton and Stalybridge , were extremely low , during these latter turn-outs , and cousequently much dissatisfaction prevailed amongst the working classes aud shopkeepers . A great amount of distress prevailed , ' and some persons could scarcely obtain anvthingjto eat . Wages have been declining ever since 1826 , and the distress has increased iu proportion . Shopkeepers have had meetings , and have said that tney would support the operatives in getting a better remuneration . None of them have interfered to prevent the operatives holding their meetings .
Re-examined by Mr . O'Connor—¦ Wakes are an annual feast , and strangers flock from all parts of the couatry to where they are held , j The first great gathering was held on the 15 th of { August . I believe that on that day Bailey ' s men had received notice of a reduction in their wages , amounting to 25 per cent ., and that they must turn out unless they would submit to that reduction . They would not agree to the reduction . The men complained that the Baileys had said they should play for a month , and therefore they said it was of no use to try to go to work . I remember meetings held after the 25 th of August . The owners ; of the chapels opened their doors for them . They oommisserated with the working classes , because ] they were out of work . The owners of the chapels were not
Chartists . One of them belonged to the Methodist New Connexion . At the meetings of shopkeepers the general rumour jwas that they complained of the masters having jturned out the men . During all the meetings I attended , I never saw a single breach of the peaoe . lit is true that Bailey's men went in a body to the mill , and asked to be taken into work again , I eawjthem go . The fact is as well known to me as any other to which I have sworn . Some of the masters would not open their doors till the moath was out , and in the meantime the men were ready to go to ; work . Mahon was appointed a delegate on the 15 th of August , and by the 25 th the whole questfon j respecting the Charter and wages was settled , and the men went into work again .
By the Attorney-General—I repeat that I saw no breach of the peace committed . There are twenty-five or thirty mills in Ashton . By the Judge—The people came but of the mills , generally , of their own , accord . I do aot know any instance in which they did not do so . At this stage of the proceedings , the Court ad * jouxned for a few minutes . i Mr . Wo . Clayton , constable of Hyde , examined by Mr . Hilyard—I was at a meeting held at Hyde on the first of August . George Caadelet acted as chairman . The assemblage was addressed by several persons . Candelet , John Leach , Robert Wild , and William Moorhouse . A resolution was put to the meeting by Candelet . It was to the effect that if there was another reduction of wages offered by
their masters , would they , one and all , turu out ! There was a cry of " Yes , yes . " j The Chairman proposed a show of hands to that effect , and Candelet afterwards addressed the meeting . He said he hoped the men at Hyde would prove true one to another , and then we will soon have oiur rights—that will be the Charter and ; nothing but the Charter . The other speakers then followed in turn , and after announcing that another meeting would take placo on the following Sunday morning at Wednesoff Green , at nine o ' olook in the morning , the people dispersed . I remember Monday the 8 th of August . I saw a procession enter the town ol Hyde on that day . I should imagine there would be seven or eight hundred . A few of them had sticks . There was a suspension of labour at ) Hyde for some time , I remember there waa a meeting held in tbe
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Mi « ket-olace , Hyde , on the 11 th of August , and on 'h e 17 th , but I can ' t state any particulars . N , > ne of the other Learned Counsel or any of th « ? defendants asked the witness further ques-Joa ' ei " * Little cross-examined by Mr . Pollock—I am th Q Special High Constable for the division of Hyde h l the oounty ; , of Chester . I remember attending o i the 7 th of ' August , at Wednesoff Green , in the tow oship of Hollingworth . I have a number of notes wl i ° h I can produce . I made them as soon as I could when the , meetings were over . At a meeting oh \ he 7 th , about 400 persons were present . George Caad elet » one of the defendants , was there . William Moo rhouse , not a defendant , acted as
chairman . Spe eohes were made . Moorhouse said : — " My friends a , "id Mlow workmen—I am appointed chairman to this meeting , and must inform you that we are not met here for a wage question , or for a religious question , —it is for a national question j bat I will not intrude on yotir time , as yon will he addressed by my brc ther Chartists from Stalybridge , Ashton , Hyde , and c ther places , who are more able to address you than I , and thty will explain to yoa that we are met bet e as Chartista for a national question . I will sit dows . " He then called up another man , whom I did not know , and I lefc the meeting . Tiaes © were all the notes I took . Iu the afternoon I was- at another meeting the same day . About 700 or 800 persons were
there . Moorhouse was in the cSair . Robert Wild , John Leach , and George Caadefec were there also . Moorhonse spoke . At the close of the aftesnoon he said , — "You have been told of the-evUs under which we labour , and I am requested also to tell you that to-morrow a meeting will fcaks place ad Stalybridge , at five o ' clock in the morning , wMen we will proceed from factory to factory ,, and all iands that will not willingly come out , we Will tarry them out ; and friends , when we are out we will remain out , until the Charter , which is the oaly guarantee you have for your wages , becomes the law of the land . I hope to meet you all to-morrow morning , at Stalybridge , when we will join hand ? inhand ? in this great national turnout . " Candelet also spoke ,
but I dont think I have notes of it . John Leach spoke . I entered what he said the same evening . It is my dutv to make a daily report to the magistrates . Leach began by pointing to me . He said , " There is one of the Government men , one who is like the black coated gentry who attends that place , ( pointing to the church , in Wednesoff Green , ) built for a good purpose , but now filled with thieros-and rogues—the cotton fraternity ; but we would all be parsons and blue bottles' ( police ) , if we were paid the same as these , by the Government— £ 80 a-year , a nice sam for a man working one day out of the seven , and for looking after us poor , honest , industrious labourers ; but let me tell you that tha church is an open hell , and filled by the cotton lords * who are a set of thieves and . rogues , and good honest
people they will not allow to enter ; but , friends , let us be true one to another , and there is property in this plentiful country , sufficient for us all , " and if you have not the common necessaries of life , take them , and who can withstand against you ? None . The prisons are full , and in the prisons they do- not want you . The police is in no fault . I wish you all to be quiet , you must not damage property or person ; and above all , keep out of publio houses , and tomorrow there will be a general turn out , throughout both the counties , Chester and Lancaster , and the Charter will then be obtained . " He then wished them to be true one to another , and they would soon have the Charter . I have no more notes of that meeting . Leach said a great deal more , but I did not take it down .
By Mr . O'Connor—Did you take down what was said by Candelet I Witness—I did not , Sir . Examination resumed . —I was at a meeting on Monday , the 8 : h of August , in the Market-place , at Hyde . John Leach , George Candelet , William Moorhouse , aud a man named Stephenson , whom I don ' t know , were there . No Chairman was appointed . I have no notes of this meeting . The speeches were in the same strain of language , recommending the people to keep out , as they were out , till the Charter became the law of the land . The people dispersed peaceably and quiet , and went away to their homes . I attended a meeting on the following morning , the 9 th , ia the Market-place *
Hyde , at nine o'clock in the morning , Moorhouse was chairman , and John Leach and George Candelet were present . They also spoke . I have notes of Leach's speech . He informed the meeting that " they intended to go and join the Ashton people ; from Ashton they would go to the Exchange , at Manchester , where they would meet the cotton , lords , and be doubted not that they would have the advance ; and never to go to work until they had either the advance or the Charter . ' * I dont remember anything further that was said . I remember the . day on which Messrs . Horsfield ' s mill was stopped . It was on Tuesday , the 9 th . 1 saw a number of people going towards the mill . There was a large body coming from the direction of
Ashton and Stalybridge , towards Hyde . They were not walking iu any sort of form . On Wednesday , August 10 th , there was a meetiDg at Hyde , at which Moorhouse , George Candelet , and John Leach were present . 1 have merely an outline of the notes . The speakers desired the people to be quiet . Moorhouse said they were to proceed to CompstaH-bridge , Glossop , and all the mills , and make the hands turnout Leain spoke , bnt I have not his speech down . The substance of his speech was recommending the people to keep out , but exhorting them to be peaceable and quiet . In the evening of the 11 th there was another meeting at Hyde . Leaoh and Candelet , and a Mr . Crossley , a draper , were present . I have notes of what passed . Leach said he had attended a meeting
of the shopkeepers at the Working Man ' s Institution , and they had come to a resolution that they would keep the turn-outs for two weeks ; but he requested that they would not be led to put any trust in the false shopkeepers . He further said he wished the people of Hyde to be true one to another , and on the following Wednesday they wonld be met by Mr . O'Connor at Manchester , when they would come to a resolution what to do . He cautioned the people to be honest , not to take anything that was not their own , and not to damage person or property . Candelet followed nearly in the same strain . Hyde was in a very riotous state the same day , and all the week . Labour was completely stopped . A very large number of
persons came iato Hyde . The ; were walking in a sort of broken procession , with clubs and sticks ia their hands . They went towards Stockport . There were two departures , one in the morning , and the other in the evening ; that iu the morning was the largest . I was at a meeting on Friday , the 12 th of August , in the Market p ace , Hyde . Several hundred persons were there . Leach and Candelet were there . There was another man named Swindells , who got up and called Bilenoe . Another , called Wardlaw , then said they were not to come there , day by day , talking and speaking , but to come to the determination how to get bread , aud he for one would go to the masters , as he knew they could not get the Charter at present . He demanded a show of hands in favour of going to work , but be was hissed down . Leaoh next addressed the meeting . He told them that a man named Kayner , who
had addressed them the night before , had been deputed by the shopkeepers of Ashton to come and try to get them to go to their work , but he wished them to be quiet and true to one another , and to submit to nothing but tbe People ' s Charter . He then made several remarks on a meeting which had taken place at Stockport the day before . He said that he headed the people up when they went to the bastile for bread , and blood would have been shed if he had not pr < vented it . The Mayor of Stookport had shown him a drawer which had been broken open and £ 7 stolen , but he ( the speaker ) wished them not to do any thing of the sort . He said this iu a laughing sort of a way . He added , that the Mayor of Stockport and hundreds of others had told him " that there was plenty ia the store rooms and mills , and if they would not give to the peoplelet them take it . '
, The Judge—You mean that the mayor of Stockport said this ? Witness—Leaoh told me , my Lord , that the mayor of Stookport said so . Examination resumed—Leach said that he dU not wish the people to do as the mayor recommended , but to do as was done in the time of king John , when Magna Churta was obtained in one day . The people went in a body to the King , aud it was granted . He advised them to be true one to another and the Charter would soon become the law of the land . Samuel Sidebottom , an auctioneer in Hyde , proposed to go to their masters aud ask for the wages of 1840 . He was hooted dawn and put out of the cart . A man named Booth next spoke ,, and
he went on in a similar strain . 1 did not take it down . There were a number of " navigators " in the meeting . Booth said the " navies" were in great distress , and wanted support , but thss might do as they pleased , as the Mayor of Stocljport said , go to the stores and help themselves . Leach said he did not advise so , but when a great man like the Mayor advised them so , they might please themselves . Some of the excavators swore they woald act on this recommendation , and go to the first shop and help themselves . A provision shop was neat at band , and a rush was made towards it , but one of the navigators stopped them . Caadelet theo began to address the meeting , and I « as obliged to leave
to attend the magistrates . I cememoer being at the . Sheffield and Manchester railway on the same day . There was . » large aumber of them assembled , who conducted themselves very riotously . A detaoisaent of th » rifle company of brigade arrived , and . 1 left them with the magistrates . On the Uth of August , I was at a meeting at Mottram Moor , about half-past twjHpfcfe ^ l ^ i «•» noon . Wild , Carteledge , and anothffnras ifc : mnBmt-K % p name I understood to vm Glo 33 Op , _ . T jjSrlffiFft Wild was the chairman . He opened ^^ lff ^ jffMih ^ L ^ x--- ' ^ recommending the * people to be truAprie \\ wKreS i {^ \ and the Charter would Boon bMotowygKy ? « SirV \ . r \ land . He Said that another m ^^ S ^^^ 3 j ^^' " \ \ ( Continued in wr ^ h ^^^^^^ M ^ HafivtisMaifi
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termined not to disobey itto n 9 iam THE NORTHERN STAR . —* "' ¦ — —— . - , —¦_ — —— - - < ¦¦¦ — «^^_ i t btermined not to disobev it . to man . Hin n . n > _ ... tit .-v ,, „ . . _ .
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), March 4, 1843, page 5, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse2.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct969/page/5/
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