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Northern Star (1837-1852), 8th April 1848, Edition 2 of 4, Page 7

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      April 8, 1848. T He N 0 Rt Hern St A E. ...

      April 8 , 1848 . T HE N 0 RT HERN ST A E . ., . 7 . . -- - ¦ i l < 'i i .. n » ij irJT-rnil . il—nil . ^ . m ¦ ' ...- ¦¦¦ ¦¦¦ ¦¦ ..,- ¦— ,. -, ¦ ¦ ¦¦ ¦ - i ¦[¦¦¦ 'I - | - — " ~ ~ r ~~ TT mi ii ii ¦ *

      Confidence In Tbeir Rulers, By Such A Re...

      confidence in tbeir rulers , by such a return to the ancient conitltution of tnisreita , as wilt , at least , secure to the Irish people their former exclaiive power of taxing themselves forfheir local purposes , and of regulating and administering their i 0 Ctt \ affairs , through their Sovereign , Lords , and Commons , in an Iruh parliament . TheDsoGHEDi JODEKAL states , that several highly Inflaentlai Protestant gentlemen of that town and neighbourhood , hitherto determined anti Repealers , have recently declared themselves favourable to a Repeal of the Union . The same paper contains ihe following paragraph : — On Saturday last tha unprecedented sum of £ 6 , 800 w &» withdrawn from the savings' bank of this town . The lewer and middle erders must ba aware of soma threatened danger els a they would not run on aa institution which they coniidtred heretofore so secure .

      Great Meeting On Kensington Common. (Fro...

      GREAT MEETING ON KENSINGTON COMMON . ( From thelfcrRin ^ Chronicle . ) A public meeting was held on Sunday afternoon on KennJcgton Common . At half-past three the speakers arrived , and the table hitherto used for the reception of the signatures to the petition was converted into a temporary tribune . There were several thousands then present * and the new . comers were of a more respectable grade . Some gentleman , whose name we are not able to hand down to posterity , was called upon to preside , aad the proceedings of the meeting commenced .

      Mr Fcsseix ( one of the members of the ' National Convention , *) addressed the meeting In a . speech of considerable length , in the course of which he said that the object of the Chartists was to maintain order—tbat all property should be respected . The Bank of England , he considered , was an unjust and oppressive monopoly ; the profits now netted by the shareholders ought to go to the State . The clergy he designated as the most bloodthirsty interest that ever surrounded the throne , and the Chartists claimed that the Church lands should be forfeited to fhe State , and applied to the support and moral instruction ot the poor . He concluded by moving a resolution in accordance with the principles ef the People ' s Charter , —Universal Suffrage , Vote by Ballot No Froperiy Qualification , Annual Parliaments , Payment of Members , and Equal Electoral Districts .

      Mr Erkeet Josts ( also a member of the * National Convention , ') supported the resolution , not that he thought they were likely to get what they askd for at the hands of the present House of Commons . They must first become their own parliament , their own legislature , and their own executive . ( Cheers . ) If they succeeded in getting redress for their wrongs by referring to Parliament , it would not be by the love which Parliament bore them , but by the fear in which it held them . ( Hear , hear . ) The preceding speaker had told them that the physical force of tbe country was certainly against them . That he ( Mr Jones ) emphatically denied . They were the millions —their oppressors were the few- ( Hear , hear . ) The bludgeon-men might be against tbem , but they

      rare only few in number . ( Hear , hear . ) He would never believe that another great portion ofthe physical force of the country—he meant the soldiers —was against them . ( Cheers . ) The soldiers were the friends of the working classes ; they sprang from and balonged to the same order as themselves . The Charter would be the finest thing in the world for ihe soldier . Under the Charter he would not he en . trapped into the service by the pitiful cheat of giving him a shilling while in a state ef intoxication . ( Hear , hear . ) It would do away with his compulsory period of service ; and as every soldier was enlisted in the service of the throne and the altar , the throne and the altar could bs made to give him his reward in the shape of a cottage and four acres of crown land

      or church land whenever he quitted the service ia credit to himself- ( Cheers . ) Those cheers told him fie was not wrong in the recommendations he had published on the subject . Finally , the Charter would not restrict allproraotion to the dandy aristocracy . ( Hear , and cheers . ) Under it the soldiers might arrive at the highest appointment in tbe armyhe might be placed on a par with Field-Marshal Prince Albert . ( Laughter and cheers . ) The working classes of England had reduced the number of lashes to fifty , and would soon do away with the cruel practice of flogging altogether . ( Hear . ) He verily believed that towards the honest working men of Eagland the army had a friendly feeling , and that tbey would sot separate from them in the hour of

      danger . ( Great cheering . ) The present was tha last aumble petition the working men would ever present rto the house of Commons . The 10 th day of the pre-: sent month was the last day of grace tke Chartists [• would give tte "Whigs . ( Cheers . ) They would Scarry their petition to the house orderly , and they would depart peaceably and quietly ; but if they had to go to the heuse a second time , they would then go inarms . ( Cheers , and sensation . ) Their friend tbe Attorcey- General would caution them to beware of Dim . But he would tell the Attorney-General tbat be had more reasan to be afraid of the people . The very laws under which government could indict them were as rotten as ths threads of a worn-out cab ! e . Let the Attorney-General look to Ireland ;

      ( Hear . ) Let him grind . : down fhe spirit of an O'Brien , the heart of a Meagher , and the soul of a Mitchel , before he interfered with the Cha-tists of England . ( Cheers . ) Let the government and Parliament have their day of grace and if they were such political madmen and such social maniacs as to refuse the people ' s prayer , then , as political lunatics , the people must confine them in their political Bedlam . ( Hear , and cheers . ) Let the government not try the game of physical force , lest physical force be turned against them . ( Hear , tear . ) The people only asked for the Charter ; but the less the government were willing to grant , the more the people vrould ba inclined to ask . ( Cheers . ) If they refused the Charter , the people would next ask for

      a republic . ( Tremendous cheers . ) The men of London were ss gcod as the men of Paris , ihe men of Milan , or the men of Berlin . ( Hear . ) By showing a bold phvacal front , they would prevent the necessity for physical action . He did not _ believe it would * be necessary for them to strike a single blow . But they must be prepared for tbe worst . Tbey must march in divisions , with miiitaryprecision . They must have their captains and their officers / With discipline the people would be an army ; ffith-• sat discipline they are a mob . ( Cheers . ) If the Attorney-General prevented them from soorganising themselves , he most prevent somebody else bedsides . The worshipful the body of shopkeepers had -established bodies of volunteers , over wbich they

      had their captains and lieutenants , with ribbons on 'their arms and badges on their breasts . ( Laughter . ) 'They were not specials , but voluntary specials . 4 ( Rer * ewed laughter . ) If it were legal for the shopkeepers , it would be equally legal for the Chartists . ; ir ( fle * ar , hear . ) God speed fhe Irish patriots—might ithey throw off the yoke of foreign dominion ! The ^ English working classes joined in the prayer fer Irish * smancipation . ( Cheers . ) The cause oi the English ¦ wo rking classes ia the cause of the Irish people . 'The Irish resident in this country , by joining tbe sranks of the Chartists , would cany the war into the enemy ' s camp—every blow struck in the metropolis « sr provinces of England would have double the effect < of a blow struck in Ireland . He could tell them tthat the Chartists of England were eager to charge < down from the hills of Yorkshire , Lancashire , and ithe vales of Northamptonshireand plant the green

      , Mig of liberty in Downing-street . ( Rapturous cheeriing . ) He lately told thea that the men of London Twere ready to act , and the men of the Midlands , the manufacturers of Nottingham and Lancashire , ' and tthe agriculturists ofthe rural districts replied that , vwhatever the result might be , they were prepared to aaid the men of London . ( Cheers . ) All they asked ffor was the signal . When the brilliant rocket shot sstsx-like into the he wens , tbe bold and brave of their ceountry would ris ? , and the corrupt of every class would sink . ( Cheers . After remarking at some Hength on an extract from the Pbesse newspaper , iwhichhad been distributed thronghont ihemetrclpo ! i § , in the shape of a placard , Mr Jones concluded thy calling upon his hearers to be prepared , to be ifcrave and prudent , and they must be victorious . Sevetanother members followed . The proceedings terminated about five o'clock .

      Bristol.—As Ahxchoxk Of Brasdoh Hill— On...

      Bristol . —As Ahxchoxk of Brasdoh Hill— On 55 & stMonday week , rtnaours , and fears , and alarms , were very prevalent among the old ladies and some < Others in this city . The dreadful Chartists were agoing to hold a meeting on Brandon Hill ; it was ^ Tfery clear that the public knew much more about it iihan we did . Indeed , our sapient magistrates were « so certain of our treasonable intentions , that they ¦ ccrammed the police station at the foot of the hill with the blue caated gentlemen , ready primed for au aaxplosion . I should mention that ono of our town eeouneillors , considered by some a very scientific man , seonre tine ago alarmed our quiet citizens by anmiQuncing that Brandon Hill was the remains of an eaxtinct volcano . Something was going to happen on

      tlthat dav , nobodv could tell what ; some of the timid sstood and watched afar off , others more bold actually walked over the hill , and as the day wore on , ihccreased numbers assembled . They feltsure that the cmonntain was in labour , and so it was , for soon after tithe sun was set i ( brought forth a—mouse . Not-^ withstanding this , there were many fears and misggivingB down to Friday night last , when the CharliMsfc committee issued their peaceful address , anaoooncing the glorious meetrng of Tuesday . THEDxKGATBto the Convention from Worcester , Milr Edwaed Walteb , is a son of one ofthe mostrejpspectable tradesmen of the place , and brsther-in law no ) 0 the mayor of Worcester . Besides being a Charirst , ase is an earnest and conEcientious adyocate for the organisation of labour .

      Two Irish tracers , outward bound , on Friday , moisted the Irish national flag at the masftead , when 11 few miles out in the ChacEcl , bnt as quickly loiowered . ihem upon chase being given by her Majesty's nasil te £ der Ringdove ,

      Bristol.—As Ahxchoxk Of Brasdoh Hill— On...

      THE CHARTER , -AN 1 V REPEAL IN THE CITY . Is consequence of the city aldermen having withdrawn Mr Cartwright ' s billiard license , simply because Chartist and Repealmeelinga Were held at his hou ? e , the Chartists and Confederates resolved to meet perfection by an act of increased patronage , and a benefit in the shape of a , ' soiree and ball waa tha result . The large room in Rederessfitreet , was , on Monday evening , densely crowded ; the room was handsomely decorated with caps of liberty , figures of liberty American banners , and a French tricoloured flag floated from the window .

      MrCLiscr was unanimously called to the chair , and said he looked on the present time as an epoch in tha historic records of liberty ' s struggle , and in the f ultaess of his soul prayed for tha time when Ireland should be a nation , and England in the full enjoyment of her liberties . ( Loud cheers . ) The authorities seemed to think that by persecuting Mr Cartwright they could trample oa our glorious principles , but he trusted that the Irish Confederation would convince Lord John that they were made of sterner stuff than to be put down by little men in blaok coats— ( laud cheers)—and by their support of Mr Cartwright , showjthat they duly appreciated his efforts in their behalf , Mr Cartwright had done more for ' the men of no property * than any other

      citizen—he had much pleasure in submitting the following sentiment : —* Our upright , honest , and sincere Chartist friend , John Cartwright—maybe live to vanquish all his enemies , and trample persecution under his feet . * Mr A . Sharp and Mr "WnxiAiis , tha Chartist baker , supported it in speeches that were warmly greeted . MrCHAHLES M'Cabtht rose to submit the second resolution , and the cheering from without announced the arrival of Feargus O'Connor , M . P ., who , on his entering the room , was most enthusiastically greeted . Mr 51 'Carthy said , ss their friend and advocate bad arrived , he would fiaerely say that he

      trusted that tbe people would band themselves together , like 'the Motors' rods , before him , and then they would soon obtain their just rights . ( Loud cheers . ) He heartily congratulated the people on the union between the Chartists and the Repealers . ( Great applause . ) He thought they might thank Mr O'Connor for that . ( Hear , hear . ) He further rejoiced that the Yoube Irelauders had resolved on having Ireland for the Irish , and he hoped the Chartists would follow their example , and resolve on having England for the English . ( Loud cheers . ) He had much pleasure in giving the following sentiment : —* A cordial union and success to the

      democracies of all nations . The Chaibmah said , the hour had now arrived fer which he had long sighed . They now had their president amongst them . ( Loud cheers . ) And he had great pleasure in introducing Feargus O'Connsr , Esq ,, M . P ., to speak to the next sentiment , as follows : — « The Irish Confederation—may it speedily free Ireland from tyranny and oppression , and give her people such institutions as shall accord wiin their free and unbiassed opinion . ' On Mr O'Conkos rising , he waa greeted ^ Hh pro * longed cheering , which having subsided , he said he had just arrived from the House of Commons , where they were discussing the rights of a dispersed peoplei the Jews . Now he thought his countrymen were as much a dispersed and a more oppressed people than the Jews—and hence he had given up a short portion of his time to run down there , and advocate their

      omse . ( Loud cheers . ) He had heard one of their friends allude to moral and physical force . Now , those were subjects on which he did not give an opi » nion , except from his place in Parliament . ( Laughter . ) But he did know that the Americans had prayed their good King George III ., of blessed memory , and that he took no notice of thei * prayer . In 1 S 32 , when he was returned for hia native county , Cork , forty members were returned , pledged to accept neither place nor pensionuntil they had achieved their rights—and he could not help thinking the Irish people were to blame for sending such a cringing lot to Parliament , as was found there at tbe present day , after the brilliant example to which he had alluded

      —had tbey kept up to that mark—and stood firm , oppression would have crumbled into dust , even as thrones were now crumbling . ( Loud cheers . ) Notwithstanding all fhe persecution , jeers , and taunts to which he bad been subjected , he was pleased to think he had ttood forward the firm advocate of the rights of Ireland . ^ He had told the House of Commons plainly his sentiments—that the Irish people were murdered , and interred like dogs , « unhonselled , unappointed , and HnaBnealed : ' that Ireland was their Poland— ' tbat the air of Poland was redolent of the fresh smelling blood of the martsrs slain in battle , whilst the putrid atmosphere of Ireland stinks from the effluvia of the wasted bodies of famished slaves '—( loud cheers)—and he asked , could

      they restore to life the millions slain by gaunt famine f The Scripture said , 'It was better to die by the sword than to perish of hunger . ' ( Great applause . I only quote Scriptuie—and surely the Bible is far better than Lord John Russell ' s logic ! ( Loud cheers . ) He never could agree that Ireland should go in quest of land abroad , when she had plenty at home—( loud cheers)—and his blood boiled when he thought of an archbishop begging for the means for his countrymen to live . ( Hear , hear . ) He had told the House of Commons , that it was wrong that such things should be . and they give a clergyman , at the same time , £ 2 , 000 per annum , the same clergyman getting a journeyman to do his work for £ 15 ; but Irishmen did not mind paying their own

      clergyman lair and moderate sums ; but it was too bad to call npon Paddy to pay for his Catholic doctor and the Protestant doctor as well . ( Loud cheers . ) As regards the Union , it was accemplished by English gold-and Irish treachery , and at a time too when Ireland was mourning the lossof many of her patriot sons . ( Hear , hear . ) His father was prosecuted , and his uncle Wishtd . Eight years ago , he had advised the council of three hundred to meet and show ths Saxon , what they ceuld do in the shape of law making ; but then , coming from him , it was nonsensebut nowjcomine from othera . it was good sbeeb j fer hia part , be did not ask repeal bat separation . ( Hear , hear . ) He could not see what England had to do with Ireland at all . ( Loud cheers . ) He did not

      know if they had as much Milesian blood m their veins as he bad . '; if they had , he thought they would agree that the connexion bad existed too long . ( Great applause . ) His family had a long account to settle , they had endured more persecution and prosecution than any other family . ( Hear , hear . ) Catholics had thoughtlessly gone on nnder Protestant rulers , although they were only allowed to fill the office of a common so ldi er , and bs shot at for one shilling a day . True , it was said that Paddy was too ignorant to be trusted with the franchise , but it was not your ignorance , bnt your intelligence , they dreaded . If you had the power of electing M . P ' s ., there would fce no tithes , you would be free of them the next day , and yon would learn to build your own castles on your

      own free labour fields . ( Loud cheers . ) He was satisfied that every Irishman loved his country . At the Birmingham station he had met with an Irishman , who was an overseer , and he ( Mr O'Connor ) said— 'Yon are an Irishman , ' and asked him' Did he ever think of Ireland ? ' ' Ay , ' he responded , « ay , blood and ' ounda , sure 'tis always thinking of her I am—( laughter)—and , sure , if I was going to die , I would rather swim across than die here . ' ( Lond cheers . ) But he heard that the young gentlemen were stirring , and he hoped they would do something soon . Now , he ( Mr O'Connor ) had said—* Paddy , 'tis Sunday ; I will preach yon a sermon—' God always helps these who help themselves . ' ( Lond

      cheers . ) And , therefore , you must not look to Mitchel , O'Brien , Meagher , O'Gorman , or Doheny , but must put yonr own shoulder to the wheel . ' ( Great applause . ) He had been for the last twentyfive years an advocate fer Ireland . Now , on Monday next , he was to present a petition for the Charter , which , he trusted , would be signed by five or six millions of souls . ( Loud cheers . ) And , in the Convention to-morrow , he would move that a prayer for the Repeal of the Union be added . ( Loud cheers . ) This was the wedding night of Chartism and Repeal in LondoDi and he would drink , in a bumper of cold water , 'Suceess to their union . and bad luck to the union between England and Ireland . ' ( Tremendous cheers , during which Mr O'Connor left the

      room . ) Mr Ernest Jones rose warmly greeted , and in allusion to the ball about to beheld , said : He hoped when next they met it would be at a ball of a different description . ( Cheers . ) Balla were not very sp . propriate before a revolution , much more appropriate after . Polignac , in reply to Charles X ., ones said ' A ball was pleasing because his majesty was dancing aver a Volcano . ' They were about to dance on the brink of one . ( Cheers . ) Moral and physical force hai been talked of of late—now , he was happy to have the sanction of their great chief , to the

      doctrine 'God helps those who help themselves . ' ( Loud cheers . ) We have already frightened the enemy ; they already show their sipals of distress . Nsw , bethought these would prove the fog signals , as he fondly hoped did the people once begin to surge , that they would surge everywhere at once . ( Cheers . ) He would beg the fa voar of one of tbe ladies bands for a dance , not to-night , but when the Charter was gained , which he hoped would be speedily after the 10 th of April . ( Loud cheers . ) In conclusion he would give ' Confusion to the politics of all knavish legislators . ' ( Loud cheering . )

      Mr Sura , in a most brilliant speech , which was received with loud applause , gave the following : — The just rights ot ; the people as contained in the Charter , and may they speedily be enacted as law , ' Mr Camwbight acknowledged the honour done him . Three cheers were given for the French Republic , three for tbe coming British revolution , three groans for the AMcrmen who took away the license ; and this interesting meeting dispersed .

      Bristol.—As Ahxchoxk Of Brasdoh Hill— On...

      GREAT CHARTIST MEET 1 NG" * AT" JOHN STREET INSTITUTION .

      On Tuesday evening , April 4 th , the Literary Institution was densely crowded in every part , almost to suffocation . Mr Jons FusselIi was unanimously called to the chair , and said , they had again met to make another moral demonstration in favour of their just rights . ( Cheers . ) The press had falsely told them that tha revolution in France had produced anarchy and confusion , but he repeated it was false . Sir George Grey had said the government had set their faces a ? ainst granting concession either to trades or political bodies , hence the necessity of making the demonstration on Monday , peaceable , but so numerous that there could be no mistake as to this being a national movement . ( Great cheering . ) tre

      Mr Jones , of Liverpool , came forward amidst - meadoas cheering to address the meeting , and said : Would he could take them to view the haunts of wretchedness in Liverpool , and show them men who formerly earned from two to three pounds a week , reduced to go to a soup kitchen for fond to stay the pangs of hunger ; and the middle classes were fast following them . Could it be surprising that such men should be prepared to demand their rights in a voice oi thunder . ( Loud cheers . ) He asked , should such a state of things be continued ? ( 'No , No ; ' and great applause . ) Was it not better that they should rush forward and save their falling country , even from the very brink of ruin ? He was both a Chartist and a Confederaliat . ( Great

      applause . ) The French were making theirs not only a political but a social revolution—( loud cheers ) -and the doctrine of Liberty , Equality , Fraternity . ' had frightened old mother Times , and other journals—( hear , hear )—but the Times had recently discovered broken-hearted navigators with four paunds in their pockets and a bill on the provisional government . ( Laughter . ) He invoked them all to be peaceable and orderly on Monday , as that would be tbe finale of moral force agitation . ( Tremendous cheering . ) Mr Thomas ChMiKcame forward loudly app lauded , and in a most caustic speech held an isquest on the remains of Whiggery , which had laid violent hands on itself—he supposed to save the people the trouble Of doing BO . { Loud cheers , ) Ihey wished a

      peaceable demonstration on Monday , and he had no doubt their numbers would ensure it —( great cheering )—they had resolved at all events that aggression , if it did come , should come from the government , and if they were unwise enoueh to give it , on their heads be the consequence . ( Tremendous cheering . ) He moved the following resolution : — ' That whereas the exercise of usurped political power has been productive of the most direful results , both physical and moral , to the mass of the British people ; _ and whereas submission to usurpation is not only injurious , but a most criminal abasement of humanity , be it therefore resolved , that we struggle with oru brethren throughout the empire , for those civil and social rights which God ordained for the enjeyment of man

      . ... Mr Taxtbbsall , of Burnley , cams forward amid hearty cheers , to second the motbn , and said : He trusted that fine enthusiastic feeling he witnessed was ' not mere froth and pop but a genuine reality . The recent events in France had doubtlessly glad , dened their hearts , not simply because a tyrant was hurled from the throne , but because France wa : now the Polar star of liberty to Britain . ( Tremendous cheering . ) Lord John Russell seemed , since 1832 , to have forgotten that man was a progressive being , he now resembled a raile-stone stopping behind to show man how much he had progressed . ( Hear , hear . )—But ministers and legislators must go with the tide , or the stream will overwhelm them . ( Tremendous cheering . ) The "Whigs were trying

      their hands at prosecution ; they might arrest O'Brien , Meagher , and Mitchel ; they might take tbeir heads off and string tbem up to castle walls ; bnt for every drop of blood that should bashed , a thousand patriots would arise to avenge the bloody deed . ( Tremendous applause , igain and again repeated , succeeded . by waving of hats , handkerchiefs , clapping of hands , and every conceivable mode of testifying applause . ) Englishmen had hitherto been found heroes at Waterloo , the Nile , and Trafalgar , but had proved the basest of slaves at home . ( Hear , hear . ) However , the men of Lancashire had now resolved to have their rights ; and what were they ? Simply , political equality with tbe middle and upper classes ; and was there anything unreasonable in this ? anything unjust ? ( 'No . no , ' and loud cheers , ) No . which from

      but there was in the present system , took all the wealth their industry aed ingenuity created , and sent them to feed on skilly atid find a pauper ' s grave in the cold bastile . ( Hear , hear . ) Would they longer submit to such a state of things ? ( ' No , no , ' and loud cheers . ) MrTattersall next shewed the fearful extent of the National Debt , the burden borne by Britons to support the set of German pauper princes , & c . ( Loud cheers . ) You say you will not longer endure it ; then by the noble example set by France and Germany—by your exiledj patriot ^ Frost , Williams , and Jones—by the sacred tics oi truth , justice , bumanity ' and liberty—pre 3 S forward , never stopping until you shall have achieved a glorious democracy . ( Enthusiastic and long continued cheering . )

      Mr Leach , of Manchester , came forward warmly greeted , and said they had now got the steam up pretty high , and he was not disposed to get it higher —reason was as important as enthusiasm . In Manchester tens of thousands had calmly resolved to have the Charter , come weal , come woe . ( Loud cheers . ) Well , in Manchester they were swearing in special constables , bnt even the middle classes had convened a meeting for the purpose of telling the magistrates they would do nothing that would prevent tbe people from obtaining their liberty . ( Loud cheers . ) He thought that the aristocracy , by their cruelty and rapacity , bad shown , their unfitness to legislate for them , and that the people should take their affairs into their own hands . ( Loud cheers . ) The system by its OTfH weight waa falling , but you must direct its downward course to prevent it burying yon in the

      ruins . ( Lond cheers . ) Government had now got itself into a fix—the deluders were nomore—tricksters were gone—there was no playing off the working men of one country against the other . Now , the working men of Ireland bad taken Englishmen by the hand . ( Great cheering . ) Mr Leach gave a heart-rending description of tbe condition of the Irish people . Ah ! said the speaker , it was blasphemously asserted that a famine bad prevailed in Ireland . It was falseplenty prevailed — the aristocracy were wallowing in luxury—and consequently instead of famin e—it was murder perpetrated on the democracy by the aristocracy . ( Loud cheers . ) He , like the other speakers , called on the people to conduct themselves like men on Monday , not giving offence even to tbe child ; and should the prayer of the petition be refused , he should then say , send an address to her Majesty . ( Tremendous cheering . )

      The resolution was carried nnanimonsly , amidst rapturous applause . Mr Chablsb Bolwkli , from "Bath , declared himself a mora ! iorce Reformer , and said , he should be sorry to see unarmed men opposed to armed men , or the spilling of a single <* rop of blood , ( Hear , hear . ) Tbey were about , on Monday next , to present their last petition . ( Loud cheers . ) Whilst he teld them he was a moral force Chartist , he must , at the same time , tell them , he never would allow any man to lay violent hands on him without returning it . ( Tremendous cheering . ) He was sent to London , leaving a comfortable and a happy heme , that nothing but his hope of liberty would cause him to leave , and which he hoped to see again . His opinion was

      materially changed since bis arrival in London . He had seen such an enthusiasm that be had not expected to witness . ( Loud cheers . ) He expected that the Petition would be rejected ; but the Convention would be in London , the working men of England would be in London , in the person of their representatives ; and their next step would be still more terrible than the National Petition ; and should the ba « Whigs drive them to take their liberties , they might take something more than the Charter . ( Great applause . ) He then moved the following resolution — 'That this meeting resolves to support the Convention in its endeavours to make the People's Charter the law of the land . '

      Mr Joseph Linnev , of B ' Mon , in an energetic speech , eeconded the motion , and , like the former speakers , called upon the people to attend the pre - cession in their millions , and never rest satisfied until they had obtained the Charter . ( Loud cheers . ) Mr Dawes Donovan said , they had been told that a dinner , that was to have taken place at Highbury Barn , on Monday , could not take place , because tbe magistrates bad threatened the landlord with the loss of his licence if he allowed it . But , hadtfleja place of their own , it could not have been prevented by any magistrate ? . ( Loud cheers . ) He said , if the government should attack an unarmed people on Monday , it would be the duty of not only the peo

      pie of London , but of England , to declare that government should not stand another hour . ( Tremendous uheeiing . ) And , on the other hand , should men hired by the government , step out of the ranks and strike or shoot a policeman , that they would give the traitors into the hands of juitice , and let them bear the brunt of their own treason . Now , he had given them both Bides of the question , ( Loud cheers . ) Mr Erhbbt Jones came forward , loudly applauded , and said , we stand in the position of debtor and creditor to the government—they were our debtors for our murdered children and the banishment of ow exiled friends . Well , on Monday we go to demand the bill

      , long since due , and protested again and again : they now demand the principal , bnt il that was not settled they would demand both interest and principal —( loud cheers)—if their petition was rejected then it would be their duty to try Queen Victoria , and if her mercy should not be moved , why , then would be the time to adopt the plan he had so often spoken of . ( Tremendous cheering . ) It was said the government was about to commence prosecution in England ; he snid ' , let them do it . ( Great cheering . ) They bad tried it in Ireland in the persons of Messrs Mitchel , O'Brien , and Meagher , He adopted their sedition , every word of it . ( Great and enthusiastic cheering . ) Well , then , that meeting also adopted it—then let them prosecute that

      Bristol.—As Ahxchoxk Of Brasdoh Hill— On...

      meeting . He had news for them y the men of Halitax bad held glorious , meetings ,, and thoy formed in procession and marched into Halifax , the ' soldiers cams oat of the barracks and cheered , and cheered again . ( Tremendous cheering . ) The Whigs , at Halifax , thought it a bid sign * , and the government ordered the regiment to Ireland . The people had farmed a precession to escort them out and chear the soldiers which was responded to by cheers from the guards . ( Great applause and three cheers for tbe guards , given by the meeting meat enthusiastically . ) In conclusion , he wished Lord John joy with his new regiment for Ireland . ( Tremendous cheering . ) Resolution carried unanimously .

      Mr Vehnos then came forward and said a few wordsrelative to a letter that appeared in the Times of today , and some , words that appeared in the Stab of Saturday last , and was cordially greeted by tho meeting . Hia declaration that he had not been more violent than others elicited warm applause . Mr Clark having paid a few words , Mr Vernon cordially shook hands with the executive , amidst entbusiaslio cheering , A vote of thanks was carried , by acclamation , to the chairman , who . in responding , read the following letter relative to Frost , Williams , and Jones . Chambers , Bedford-street , Strand . Slr directed

      -I am by Mr Wakley , M . P ., to state , tbat he has made inquiry of the Secretary of Stat 9 for the Home Department , wbeffeer it is the intention of government to pardon , -liberate , and restore to their country , Frost , Will « ams , and Janes , and that he received fer answer , that no such intention was at present enter , taiued uy the gOTernment ; 1 am , Sir , your obedient servant , G , L , Hptcdinoon . Three cheerst were then given for the Conventionthree for the Union between the Irish and English working classes-three for theCharter , and the meeting separated . There was a dense crowd of people at the deors who could not obtain admission .

      The People's Charter, And Frost, Wllliam...

      THE PEOPLE ' S CHARTER , AND FROST , WlLLIAMS , AND JONES . . On Wednesday evening kit , n public meeting was convened ia tho St , Pancras Yestry Rooms , which were densely crowded . Mr Heh & t . Hethebikgtok was unanimously called to tbe chair , who spoke of John Frost as being a moat estim & bl * man ; and as the continental governments bad i'berated tbeir political victims , and as even England had liberated her Canadian subjects , so , in common justice , should Frost , Williams , and Jones be restored ? ( Loudcheers . )

      Mr Watsox , delegate in the Convention for Newcastle . upon-Tyne , rose to move tbe first resolution , and said , bo thought ihe people would , on the present oscasiou , show such a hold , peaceful , yet energetic front , rb to convince the government they were determined to have , and worthy of , the Charter . The coming procession would ba worthy of tha working classes . Mr Watson then read a resolution ia favour of the People ' s Charter , and said , oi such a character was the resolution he was asked to more , tbat ho should like to see the men who could bring forward a vestige of an argument against it , He contended , that it was the rigbt of every man of tw . nty-one years of age to have a voice in electing those wbo made tbe laws . They all bnd to pay taxes , and tbey ought to have a voice in the appropriation of them . Was it not time that we got rid oi such a system ? The people of the north were determined that tbey should

      be admitted to vote , or tbat the minister should go off . ( Loud oUeara . ) The proposition brought before tbem aaid , that seven-eighths ot the people ' were voteless , degraded slaves ; ' and the question was bo closely connected with labour tbat , from their not having tbe pro . lection of tbe vote , capitalists got their labour for just what tbey pleased ; and it would not be galnsayed when he asserted that the labour of the working man waahis capital ; and feeling this , the people had resolred never to give up until they got tho Charter , ( Great cheering . ) Weil , then , will you give us some assistance t ( 'Yes , yes ! ' ) Will you attend the procession , and let your will be known ! ( 'Yes , yea ; ' and loud cheers . ) Witb a bold front , and a nerved soul , and a firm determination , they could acSievo tbeir rights . ' He thoagnc , when he returned to Newcastle , be might tell tbem tliey had determined to put their wills in action , and cause tbe Charter to become the law . ( Loud cheering . )

      Mr Bobzbt Win > , ot Mottram , rose amidst mueh cheering , to second the motian . It give him great pleasure to find that the people of London wero alive to tki'ir own interest , and from such very numerous intelligent , and enthusiastic meetings he thought the time was not far distant when tbey should have the Charter . King Solomon said there was a time for all things ; the lime for speaking had gone , and he thought this was the time for action . H * was in the House ef Commons last ni ^ ht , and heard a member talking of ecclesiastic revenues , who said upwards of one hundred working clergymen had not more than one hundred a year , and were without houses to live in ; ha thought there

      waremany working men who had not £ ' 20 per annum , and aot so much ground as their thumbs would cover ; ay , had ycu the Charter you would not find the House of Commons sympathising witb clergymen in possession of two pounds per week , and utterly forgetting the wealth producers wbo pedebed for want , amidst heaps of wealth . Every people , every" nation /' was demanding freedom , and shall the petition of a skilful , ingenious , and industrious people ! be treated with contumely , and rejected . Then prepare for the procession on Monday , and be prepnred for the worst—the rfjection of the petition . ( Cries of ' We are prepared , ' ) He cordially supported tiie reflation . ( Loud cheers . )

      Mr Wai / teb , of Worcester , in an energetic speech , supported tho motion amidst the loudest applause , aud concluded by inviting all to attend tho procession and keep peace , good order , and firmness . ( Great cheering . ) The resolution was put and carried unanimously , amidst rapturous applause . Mr Johh Asinott then came "forward nnd read a Petition in favour of tho People ' s Charter , and moved its adoption . Mr Samuel Kv . dd , amid tbe loudest applause , came forward to second tt . He said there was one portion of that petition which said , ' Labour was tbe source of all wealth and should be the foundation of all government . ' France was often pointed to at this juncture of European progress } the young blood of Franca had proved more powerful than the blood of all the Bourbons . ( Rear , hear . ) Tho provisional government , as represented in tbe persons of Albert and Lvuis Blanc , understood this question of labour , ani would solve the problem bo long

      in abeyance , and , as rrgarde England , the principles of tbe first resolution must bo worked out before labour would meet with its due reward , ( Cheers . ) He contermed that tho labourer should be tho consumer and ' He who" would not work neither should he eat' —( great cheering ); In any revolution that took place here , ho would not be satisfied to take anything less than tbe People's Charter for its basis . ( Tremendous cheering , ) But b « fore he took a dangerous position he must be assured that he risked not his life for a phantom , but , tbat the veritable people of England willed the change . He alluded to the effective scene produced by tbe simple recital of Richard Marsden , in the Convention tbis dayamid cheers—and asked , ' Were the people prepared to march on ? ( Loud cries of'Yes , yes . ' ) Do not say ' Yes , ' and mean' No ; ' again , I say , Are you prepared to march onward « ( Loud shouts of ' Yes , yea . ' ) Then be was prepared to go with thf m for Equality for all , ¦ The hins ; can mak a belted knight , A marquis , dulse , an a' that ,

      But an honest man ' s aboon his might . ' ( Tremendous cheering . ) Mr J . WEST then moved the adoption of a resolution in favour of the liberation of Frost , Willibme , and Jones . He moved this to eihibit his sympathy w ch those men , although he thought ita secondary question just now the question of primary importance being the Charter . ( Load cheers . ) There now was & war agahui usurpation ; Irishmen and Englishmen mu » t unite , and should Irishmen ba treated with brute force , it would ba our duty to loofc to it , ( Tremendous oneerinjr , ) He alluded to the case of Kinvan , tbe Irish spy , and Colonel Brown , who hadlns ' tigated Klrwan to go and get men to make pikes , thus entrapping them into illegal acts . Did not this prove the Tbigs to be a bloody government ? ( Loud cheers , ) But Colonel Brown came forward and avowed that he had employed Klrwan , and what then ? Why the magistrate let Klrwan off . ( Hoar , hear . ) Irishmen and women were perishing for want ,

      and Lord John said he would put Ireland down . Why far better would It be that Ireland should be deluged with blood from end to end , than such a state of things should continue . ( Rapturous cheering . ) Peace , law , and order ho said-iif it was for all—but if it did not reign through plenty in the cottages , there should be no peace in the eastlo . ( Great applauie . ) Some time ago he was charged with being a revolutionist — ho was so , he avowed it—ha wanted a change—he wished the men who produced to be the first partaker of tbe fruits . This was reversing the present order of things , and consequently wasj revolutionary , and - very necessary , and very beneficial , ay , and a revelution that must bo hod . ( Tremendous cheering . ) He should like to be one of a deputation to go to Lord Join Russell , aud point out the robberies inflicted on labour ; but be really believed the only remedy was the Charter , and be thought tbe way to obtain it , was by making tbe eitting of . tbe Convention permanent , and resolve not to separate , until the Charter became the law of the laud . ( Loud cheers . )

      Mr GtBNMSTEEOf Cheltenham , said he had » incero pleasure in seconding the motion for the restoration of those good men , Prost , Williams , and Jones , but he did not expect to see them until the Charter became the law of tho land , ( Loud cheers . ) Mr Behest Jones came forward amidst tremendous cheering , to support ths resolution , and said we had good news from Rome , from Franco , from Italy , and Germany , and from the splendid meetings he nightly saw , he believed wo should soon hare eood events . In fact , we were touching tho government French , and they would soon have to repeat the lesion -. —Liberty , Equality , and Fraternity ; and in a brilliant speech , pointed out the several things moving on . the political board , and ihe Kftode o { moving on to svieceas—alluded to , the appsaraace of several special reporters at tho conference , and tbe plaudits . which their appearance was hailed , and the bold speaking of the delegates assembled—oug-( vetted , in the event of tho petition being rejected , eiranltaaao \ i 3 meetings , and memorials to tho Q'leon ; if

      The People's Charter, And Frost, Wllliam...

      thbseTalled , then it would be time far moral means to cease ; at any rate not to desist , or allow the Convention to separate until the Charter was obtained . ( Great applause , long continued . ) Tbe resolution was then put and carried unanimously . Mr JoHif FossELt same forward and moved the adoption of a petition to the House of Commons , calling on that house to address her Majesty for the restoration of Frost , Williams , and Jones "; he supported ltlo / an energetic speech , wbich was much applauded . Mr HdmphiiiEs sccOBd « d tha adoption of the petition , whioh was carried unanimously . - Mr Himtoit moved that tho petition for tho Charter be signed by tbe chairman , and forwarded to L > rd Dudley Stuart , and tbeonein favour . ' of Prost , Wjlliums , and Jonee , to Sir B . Hall . Carried unanimously . Mr Lucas moved a vote of thanks to the vestrymen for the nee of the rooms on the occasion .

      Mr Austin seconded , and it was carried by acclamation . A vote of tbonks was awarded to the chairman , and the meeting was dissolved , after giving three tremen-Sous cheers for tho People '* Charts * .

      Rational Bfitetorfatftm Of

      Rational Bfitetorfatftm of

      ' Union For The Miuion. ' Fbisnds,—We Ca...

      ' Union for the MiUion . ' Fbisnds , —We cannot help again adverting lo the great and important changes which are taking place in these eventful times . The present age is pregnant with momentous alterations . Everything wears the most encouraging aspect—the wrongs and cruelties so long practised upon the people , appear to be doomed . The long injuries the masses have sustained , are at length moving them to vigerocs action , and we anticipate that ere long they will , with the rapidity of an electric shock , sweep away and crush for ever the

      black atrocities inflicted upon thera and claim the rights and privileges of men . In noble France—the pattern of freo institutionsthe restorer of liberty to tho oppressed and enslaved of every nation . France , we say , is now teaching us the true relationship of labour and capital , and we trust will praotica ' . Iy and beneficially demonstrate the easv fulfilment of their respective duties , and show to the world that these two elements in a nation ' s greatness ( labour and capital ) can operate and cooperate together for the national good , nnder the guidance and control of an enlightened and popular legislature . This great problem has been looted upon by the intelligent capitalists of tbis country , as the most complicated of subjects , and the most difficult

      of solution , and in whioh government could not interfere , but whioh problem France—the head of nations —will now for ever confute , and prove that the state should take care of , and make provision for , tbe creators of all wealth—tha producing classes . But before the government of this country will make such provision for the industrious o ' aases , they must possess a voice in the Elective Franchise . We unhesitatingly declare that if ever labour must 5 a properly provided for by the State , labour ' s sons must possess their legitimate portion of political power . Our friends must excuse us for offering these remarks , but when we nee ena hear tbat tbe present House of Commons is a composition of capitalists and employers , and cold political ecomisty , we cannot help but speak out . For they it is who have largely contributed to our present misery and degradation . They have gulled us by their fascinating delusions . They have in .

      spired ns with burning hopes ot social emancipation ; but having accomplished their sinister purposes , they dash the cup of plenty from our hands ; they insult us with fiendish pleasure , and crush us to the earth for our credulity . These are the men who are now our employers , our magistrates , and our statesmen . They deluded us with their sophistry ; tbey have goaded us to madness by their cruelties ; and then consign ns to Poor-law bastiles , or to utter starvation if we have but tha moral courage to stand up in defence of our right . These are startling and painful troths—truths which many of our individual members are now sorrowfully experiencing —being the systematieallymade victims of theseheartless tyrants , for the purpose of deterlng others from moving in an onward direction . But such monstrous atrocities must be brought to a speedy termination .

      fhe enlightened mind of the working class is being disgusted with the present arrangement and estrangement of labour and capital , and the popular tuill longs to throw off , and to give to the winds , the chains of cruel despotism , that now press fo heavily upon the people , which , like a devouring vulture , feast upon the victims it has made . Let every individual member of this Association , apply the above remarks to bimaelf , Ask yourselves whether you are not now deprived of more than one half of your earnings ? Are not the products of your labour appropriated to the aggrandisement of others while you are left to starve ? Do you see any hopes for future amendment ? Do you Anticipate the taunts of a pitiless parish overseer , when your

      physical strength is exhausted in mating others rich ? The last is incst decidedly your future prospect , unless you move with tho age . The day of blackness —of injustice—and of tyranny may be brought io a speedy close if you unite and act together ; mingle your sympathies—your voices—your energies with ours , and freedom will be quickly won . Friends , awaken from your lethargy , sleep not on the watchtower , nor remain indifferent to the inviting signs of the times , that will propel you onward ( if you will not stop it ) with the flowing , restless , swelling , powerful tide of long-sought emancipation . Be up , then , and doing , lay your shoulders to tho chariot wheel—help the movement onward and freedom will the mure speedily come .

      You are not asked to use violence . We do not coll upon you to irjure tbe property or person of any . but simply to swell the ranks of our organisation , and in tbe fnlnees of yonr moral porter , proclaim and defend your independence . Now is the time for action . Tbe whole world is on the move . Every people , and nation , and tongue , are struggling to be free , and we must not be tho last , not the least , to declare and vindicate our most cherished rights . Remember the knell of despotism and tyranny has

      already been sounded on the free soil of France . Its sound is deep , loud , and long . It has aroused the slumbering energies of oppressed aations , broken the spell of slavery , and now reveberates through the hills and dales of British power , through hearts and souls of British subject , and with a voice louder than tee thousand thunders , commands us onward to liberty , or to cease our operations , and die despised slaves , crushed by our own apathy , and for ever ruined by a fatal indifference to our individual welfare , to our national honour and glory .

      Remember , that if ever consummate freedom must be our lot , with all its concomitant advantages , it must he by hard moral contest , by persevering and indomitable courage . For this purpose , organise in one mighty combination , and no power will be able to retain you in bondage , The sovereign voice of tho millions will compel capitalists to respect ear rights , and force government to concede our political privileges . It is the popular will that has led to every great constitutional change in this country , and it has lost none of its powers now .

      We have still the right of public meeting , of the free expression of opinion , and of combination . Let ns use these pmileges faithfully . If we neglect the proper exercise of those rights we now possess , what reason have we to suppose that if we had more we should use them ? It is by the judicious exercise of the power we now have , whereby we can prove to our adversaries that we ara capable of using those they now withhold from us . But if we suffer a listless spirit to lull our , dormant energies , while our

      common foes are purloining our children ' s bread , then , indeed , we prove ourselves to be utterly unworthy of our indisputable rights , undeserving of the name of Englishmen , and richly merit all the wrongs and sufferings heartless tyrants can heap upon u 3 . But , friends , we conjure you to use tho power you new possess . Meet together . Organise ! organise ! organise ! and right will triumph over might , and the now oppressed sons of toil will once more be the first partakers of the first fruits of their own industry .

      The Central Committee met on Monday and following days for transaction of general business : a great maaa of correspondence has been received from all parts of the country , also the following adhesions for the last few weeks . Oldham tailors , Norwich brushwakers , Stockport spinners ( No . 2 ) , Falkirk moulders , Blackburn card-room operatives , Brigg nailmakers , West Bromwich miners , West En d men 's boot and shoemakers . The following reports have also came to hand : —Mr Wil « liamson reported having waited upon the bricklayers of Lynn ( Norfolk ) to investigate a case of reduction

      in wages . One of the masters ^ it appears , had offered a reduction to his men of frem two to three shillings per week . The men applied to the Central Committee for their advice and interference . Mr Williamson was forthwith despatched to Lynn , and put himself into immediate communication with the master in question , who , at first , repudiated the idea of . a third party interfering between him and his met ; but Mr W . persevered to enforce the men's claims , which ultimately resulted in the withdra . wal of reduction , and the men happily continued on at their avocation , rejoicing tbat a power so groat was brought to bear on their behalf .

      On the 14 th instant , ja reduction of wages was offered to and exacted from the mule spinners of Chickerly , near Dewsbury , without the slighest notice being given to them . But being members of the Association , they immediately communicated with the Central Committee , who appointed Mr Taylor , of Hudderafield , to inreatigate , and if possible , adjust the dispute ; and the result has been , that on Mr Taylor waiting upon the employers , and discussing the matter with them , they desired a short time to consider th , & question , and ptomiEed to give the men an answer by four o ' clock in the afternoon - , they did so , and honourably withdrew the reduction , and the men joyfully resumed their wonted toil , During Mr Taylor ' s stay in ' Chidceriy . a diapate

      ' Union For The Miuion. ' Fbisnds,—We Ca...

      arose between the weavers and their ernplojcrs which dispute he aI ? o succeeded in adjusting to the entire satisfaction of the trade , NoTicn . —Tbe March report can bo had from tha Central Committee , price one penny ; it can be sent post free , either singly , or in parcels to any part of the kingdom . We trust members will make USe of this privilege . The Central Committee deem it an important parfc of their duty , and a part they ara very much disposed to fulfil to the utmost of their power , to act as sentinels over the generally acknowledged rights and privileges of the trades of England , whether such trades are correctly speaking members of our combination or not .

      I here are certain acts of parliament which limit and define the extent to which trades in combination may proceed in defending themselves against the oppresion of capital . The act 6 George 4 , cap . 129 , is tho most recent of these , and may be said as the present hire to contain all the essential features ot the criminal law of England , as between labour and capita ' . It is generally considered in England at this day , that this act fully recognises the undoubted right of any number of working men to unite and combine , by mutual consent , for the open and avowed object of raising their wagea , and resisting a reduction ot wages , or any encroachments upon their local or trades usages or customs ; provided the means employed in the prosecution of such objects is unattended with violence , or threats of violence to individuals not being members of such combination or society . This construction ofthe act was most

      distinctly kid down by Baron Rolfe , inthecoiebs atedtrial at Liverpool in the summer of last year , in the caseof Potts v . Selsby ; and the issue of that trial has been looked on as a triumphant recognition bv one of the first common law judges ofthe day , of the undoubted right of the working classes to combine , to strike , to raise money for the purpose of such strikes , with a view of resisting a reduction of , or raising their wages , of limiting or altering the hours of labour ; or , in fact , resisting any and every encroachment of their employers upon them as workmen , Such is , or waa supposed to bo the law , at least , according to the i judgment and commentaries of Mr Baron Rolfe . But ., behold a second Daniel has come to judgment , and 1 Judge Colquhoun , Sheriff of Invernesshire , has over- , ruled Judge Rolfe ' s decision , if he has not absolutely repealed in Mo the above recited act of parliament ,, 6 George 4 , cap . 129 .

      Two trials have recently taken place in Scotland ,, before the Sheriff of Inverness , who in tbis court performs the somewhat anomalous functions of judge and jury . The victims in thiscase being some unfortunate i shoemakers of Inverness . The press of matter precludes us from giving a report ofthe trial , but the following extracts will place the thing in its true character before tbe trades of England : — Sheriff Colquhoun presided . The cases for tha Crown were conducted by George Youns , Esq ., advocate-depute ( who had come from Edinburgh on purpose ) , and John Mackay , Esq , procurator-fiscal . Me > sra Dallas and Simpson , solicitors , were agents for the accused .

      FIRST IRtAl—INTIMIDATION OF MASTERS . John Noble , Robert Fletcher Macwbinnie , Alexander Mnnro , and John Mackenzie , shoemakerai and John Mackenzie , boot-oloser , were put to the bar , and the indictment against them read by the clerk of the court . There were four separate charges against the prisoners . First , with having , ai members of 4 Th « United Operative Boot and Shoemakers' Friendly Society of Inverness , ' on the 3 rd of November , molested or obstructed the firm of Messrs Dugald and John Macqueon , boot and shoemakers , and dealers in ready-made boots and shoes in Inverness , by threatening a strike , or refusal of work , on the part of the _ aforesaid club , if the Messrs Mac queen did not dismiss a journeyman named Alex

      ander Rose Poison , from their employment ; in consequence of wbich , John Macqucen was forced or in « duoed to pay the sum of 5 s ., with a view to procure delay in the execution ofthe threat . Secondly , with having , five days afterwards , caused the Messra Maoqueen to dismiss Alexander Rose Poison from their employment . Thirdly , by threatening a strike , or refusal to work , as cobblers or menders for the said firm of Messrs Macqueen , if they did cot discontinue importing ready made boots and shoes from London , Dublin , and Glasgow , or other pieces , and afterwards having all the feeots and shoes for their business made > in Inverness . Fourthl y , with having , in like manner , threatened Duncan Cameras , Inverness , by a strike , or refusal to work , if he did not also discontinue hia practice of importing ready-made boots and shoes , and having' all the boots and shoes for his said manufacture , trade , cr business , mac ' s or manufactured ia Inverness or the neiehboarhood thereof , '

      Mr Dallasjfor the pannels , objected in bar of trial —( 1 . ) That tbey had not been competently 8 um « moned , in terms of the Tth section ofthe statute . 12 . ) That the pannelshaving been apprehended under the act upon the same charge , brought before the sheriff , and impiisoned for an indefinite period , on 8 ih December last , at tbe instance of the present ! ptoteeuttit , and the period ef three menths , to which the act restricts the punishment of the offence charged , being expired , the defenders must be held to have already undergone the punishment ot tho offence . ( 3 . ) The statute confers no power on the shetiff to imprison before sentence , and the common lawjurisdiction of that magistrate is , by the decision ofthe High Court , inlbecase of Knox v . Ramsay , 1 st July , 1837 , excluded . After referring to several other authorities , and to the statute itself , in support ofthe sbjentiens . he moved the court to dismiss the complain xsimpliciter .

      These legal objections were , of course , instantly overruled by Judge-sheriff Colquhoun . The prisoners ' , or ( aa they are termed in the Scotch law , ) the pannels , severally pleaded rot guilty , when Mr Dallas ob jected to the relevancy ofthe complaint . The offence charged was contravention ofthe 3 rd section of tha statute 6 Geo . IV ., c . 129 , which is directed against violence tothe person or property of another , and threats or intimidation , molestation or obstruction , for the purpose of forcing any manufacturer to make an alteration in bis mode of carrying on his trade . The governing part of the clause being violence to the person <> r property , formed , as he thought , tha key to the meaning of threats or intimidation , and the other terms used , meaning threats of violence . Now , in the present case , no violence is alleged , nor any threat cf violence , and no language calculated to intimidate is averred . In particular , the only allegation being that the accused threatened , in a certain

      event , to refuse to work , or rather that some othee persons , over whom it is not said that the pannela had control , would refuse to do so . Here thera was no active threat , but an intimation that , unless certain demands were complied with , thethreateoere , or rathor ethers not named , would do what they hod obviousjy a perfect right to do , namely , refuse to work ; in other words , do nothing at all . He submitted , with confidence , tbat the threat of refusal to work was not a threat in the meaning of the statute- ., even if it had been averred that the parties were bound to work , and that their refusal would bB a violation of some legal contract—it being clearly implied by the statute , and the ordinary meaning of the tens threat , that it must be something active , and not a passive threat . After seating other objections of minor importance , he referred to cevcral libels in similar caies in the Justiciary reports and other authorities to show the interpretation put upon the statute to be what he now contended fun

      This well-stated and very feasible objection having been over-ruled with the same promptitude as the previous ones , the publio prosecutor proceeded with his evidence in support of tho charge , which , it ia not necessary to report , as it was , as in such cases ife usually ic , the testimony oi renegade and dishonoured members of the shoemakers' society . It referred chiefly to the fact of a deputation ( two of tbe prisoners ) having been sent to Messrs Macqueen with respect to a man , by the name of Poison , ( a clicker ) , who , contrary to the rules of the trade , had been closing boots . The Messrs Macqueen refused to accede to the request ef the men , which ( aa was proved ) was only an arrangement , general in tho trade , and previously admitted and sanctioned by tha

      prosecutor himself . It was iully admitted that tho deputation were perfectly civil and couvteovia in thei * proceedings , and that no threats nr violence wero used , nor any obstruction offered further than , that if they persisted in retaining Poison , in violation of the custom ol the trade , the men would cease working for them . Now , there can be no question thai all this was quite lawful . Macqueen had a perfect rigbt to retain Poison if he so pleased , and his men had an equal right to a » ree together and say to him' If you do so persist , we will no longer work for you . ' This was the gist of the rirat part of the case . Tha second charge was tbat they threatened to strike

      if their employers continued to import into Inverness shoes and boots from Dublin , London , and Glasgow , to their injury . This charge is entirely false , aa against tbe men . The facts being , that the men agreed that they would not mend and repair boqta and shoes so imported , which we consider they also were lawfully entitled to do . The younger Maequeen , at tbe close of his cross-examination said , I was entitled to dispense with the workmens' services when they returned a piece of work finished , and the workmen were entitled to refuse to work . Ne work waa returned to tho shops unfinished in consequence of these proceedings . ' We conclude our report with Mr Dallas's excellent remarks in defence ofthe

      priserson . Mr Dallaft addressed the Bench for the pannel ^ Noble , Maowhinnie , and John Mackenzie , shoemaker . I * would be scarcely necemny « o « «» * ° P re 8 S np ?" tha court the necessity of W 8 « " > " ° upon " * own merits . What he claimed fer ta > « " »* " •»• !?• more nor less than ^ hat was so eloquently lauded by the learned connsel for tbe prosecution , namely freedom of action and a right to di . poso of their labour , tbe poor man ' only estate and capital , upon tbeir own terms . The result of giving effect to the views of the learned counsel , in this case , would be to deprive tho operative sboero » herB of Inverness of this right , tnd tboir freedom of action . With regard to the story of th © importfltlou , or the cobbling work , it waa this . A great body of journejmen shoemakers in this town depended chUfty . fif nof entirely , on tho maklng . of now

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), April 8, 1848, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_08041848/page/7/