Leicestershire Mercury
Saturday, 27 August 1842
page 3,
columns 4, 5, 6 and 7
LOUGHBOROUGH
THE TURN-OUT;- SEIZURES, &c.
Yesterday week, the working men of Loughborough, agreeably to their resolution, passed at every meeting held in the previous week, turned out in large numbers and paraded the town. Scarcely a single frame or twist machine was at work; and as far as regards the framework knitters, and twist and warp hands, the strike was a complete one; but very partial with respect to other occupations. They went about nine in procession to the villages of Thorpe, Sheepshead, and Belton, and found a great proportion of the hands out in those places. Those at Sheepshead had gone to Hathern, Long Whatton, and Diseworth, and infused the same spirit into the operatives there; or rather kindled to a flame the spark of disaffection that existed in their minds. At Belton, the inhabitants were frightened, and dispensed liberally of their provisions to the people, already exhausted with a long walk under a burning sun. It does not appear, however, that any violence was threatened to any man. Mr. C. Jarratt here delivered an address of such a nature as has since induced the authorities to grant a warrant for his apprehension.
At about five in the afternoon the Loughborough party came back to the town attended by many from the villages. About 400 in all, came down the Ashby-road. In the Market-place they formed a circle and sung, "We'll rally around him." Mr. Jarratt again spoke, and Mr. G. Turner, sen., was called in the cair. He exhorted the people to preserve the peace by all the means in their power. Mr. Skevington then spoke for about twenty minutes, and delivered what might be called a very moderate Chartist address. In it, however, he observed, that he understood the magistrates of Leicester had prohibited public meetings, which he hoped was not the case, as it would cause the people to resort to midnight meetings, and then they might expect midnight assassinations and conflagrations. He also read a string of resolutions, to the effect, that the working men should all be requested to cease labour until the Charter were obtained; that all who did not do so were enemies to their fellow men, and fit subjects for slavery; that all should assist in preserving the public peace, and hand over to the police any person found breaking it. Others related to the means for obtaining subscriptions, and the distribution of them. The resolutions were each, as he read them, proposed and seconded by some person in the crowd, and then put and carried unanimously. Some interruption was created by Mr. J. Coope, solicitor, and a fellow named "Charley Gilbert," but through the exertions of the leading Chartists, Mr. Turner and Mr. Skevington in particular, they escaped a good thrashing, and the meeting broke up peaceably. It was adjourned until eight o'clock, but at that hour it was not resumed, because many of the country Chartists had returned homewards, and it was rumoured that the authorities would disperse any assembly.
After dar, a considerable number of persons congregated round the gateway of the Plough Inn, and in groups in the Market place, but out of those the majority were women and boys. For some reason or other, the riot act was read out of the window of the magistrates' court, by C. M. Phillipps, Esq., who had arrived after the meeting had taken place. The Market-place was then cleared by the constables and police, and afterwards the principal streets; after which all remained perfectly quiet.
Saturday -- Examination of Mr. Skevington.
Early in the morning, the Chief Constable, Mr. Goodyer, apprehended Mr. Skevington at his own house, upon the charge of using language at the last night's meeting, tending to cause a riot and breach of the peace. At about ten, C. M. Phillipps and E. Dawson, Esqrs., and the Rev. J. Dudley, took their seats at the Bench, and the prisoner was brought up.
William Fielding, parish constable of Belgrave, stated that he heard Skevington at the meeting, say that he understood the magistrates of Leicester had put a stop to the meetings by day; but he hoped that it was not true; that if they could not have meetings by day, they could have them by midnight; then they might look after their property; then they might expect the midnight incendiarism, for the people would not be satisfied until they had their rights.
Cross-examined by Defendant - I have repeated word for word, as nearly as I can recollect. Took the words not as a caution, but as a threat, that such would be the result. Did not consider your language as calculated to keep the peace, but on the contrary.
In his defence, Skevington put in the resolutions of the meeting, as a proof that he was not likely to read over a resolution that the peace should be kept, and another, that every person breading it should be handed over to the police, and afterwards advise the people to commit a breach of the peace. He then called Mr. George Turner, chairman of the meeting.
This witness stated that he could not recollect anything being said about midnight meetings. In fact, nothing was said about them he was sure, for he was present the whole time. He never heard Skevington more careful in what he said. The whole tenor of his discourse was peaceful, and he was very anxious then some interruption occurred from some drunken men, who had come to cause a disturbance, that no notice should be taken of them. He did not urge the people to either incendiarism or assassination.
C. Jarratt and James Duffey (a Chartist lecturer) gave similar testimony.
The Bench decided that Skevington should enter into his own recognizance for £50, and find two securities for £24 ech, for his good behaviour for six months. The bench gave him and hour to find the required securities. Mr. Eveleigh, of the co-operative store, Loughborough, offered himself for one, and Mr. Baker, of Hathern, for the second, but the bench would not accept of him, and the hour expired before any other could be found. Mr. Skevington then was told by the bench, that they should now require twenty-four hours notice of bail, and that he stood committed to the County Gaol. Soon after this, Mr. Pegg, sen., of Mill street, offered himself, and before leaving the room for Leicester, Mr. Skevington gave the required notice. He was conveyed to the barracks in a fly, guarded by a very strong body of police and constables, and from thence to Leicester, escorted by a Lieutenant and eight dragoons, and two policemen and the Chief Constable in and on the fly.
Twenty pensioners were, in the afternoon, despatched to Sheepshead to awe the Chartists there. A procession of Chartists went up the Ashby road, in the afternoon, but they went no further than the Thorpe-lane. The night passed off peaceably.
Sunday
This morning the Chartists met in their room, and afterwards went in procession to the Catholic Chapel. There were about 250 of them, waling two abreat. They were headed by Duffy and Turner, both of whom are Catholics, and by Jarratt. The Chief Constable imagining that an attack was contemplated upon the cottage of Mr. E. Middleton, situated about three-quarters of a mile out upon the Ashby-road, marched his whole force after them, policemen, pensioners, and constables, but after seeing the Chartists quietly seated in the chapel, he gave orders for their return. The priest chose the parable of the prodigal son for his text, and attributed the distresses of the people to their having forsaken the true church; and spoke of the Reformation as having, by taking away the lands and wealth of the church, robbed the poor of a fund that was always appropriated largely in relief of their distresses. The other chapels and churches were comparatively deserted. At the Magistrates' Court, the qualifications of Mr. Pegg, as a security for £25 for Mr. Skevington's good behaviour were examined. He has some little property, but through having had a large family he had been excused from paying his poor rates. For this latter reason he was considered not a sufficient surety.
Monday.
The Chartists had a meeting in their room between six and seven, and about 200 were present. On breaking up, a party of them went up High-street, but were dispersed by the constables and police. At nine another gathering took place in the room, and they resolved to have a procession through the villages on the Leicester side of Loughborough. They started out of the Unicorn-yard four abreast, and went up High-street, followed by the special constables, who were headed by about a dozen policemen and locals. The pensioners and recruiting officers followed. When the Chartists perceived they were pursued they quickened their pace, but the police overtook them near the Royal Oak, and though some made some show of resistance, by brandishing sticks, yet on the police heading them, and seizing those who made this hostile demonstration, not a blow was struck with any weapon, and the Chartists made their escape in the best way they could, the police preventing any further progress forwards and the constables backwards. The great body went down the lane by Mr. Cartwright's house into Moira street, and so dispersed themselves. Jarratt, whom the police wished to capture, escaped by getting over a wall. The Chartists after this did not show themselves in a large body, but stood in the public papers conversing in groups.
The magistrates, Messrs. Phillipps, Dawson and Dudley, took their seats at the Bench at four o'clock, and the prisoners were brought up. They were seven in number:-- Samuel Moseley, Mill-street, aged 31 ; Charles James Fox, New-row, 23 ; "Jacky" Dennis, Court-yard, 58 ; Thomas Unwin, Market street, 18; John Thompson, Dead-lane, 19; Robert Turner, Pinfold-gate, about 20 ; and William Priestley, Wood-gate, 30. The last is a needle-maker; the rest we believe are all framework-knitters.
The information exhibited by Superintendent Burdett charged them with tumultuously assembling against the tenor of her Majesty's proclamation. Burdett stated that he saw between 300 and 400 Chartists leave the room in the Unicorn-yard, four abreast, and go up the Leicester-road. He followed them with his whole force of policemen, pensioners, and constables, and overtook them near the Royal Oak. Some persons, who appeared leaders, cried out, "Open ! open ! and let the police in, and then close upon them !" and many of the mob brandished sticks. Witness advanced with the police through an avenue formed by the Chartists in obedience to this command, and ordered his men to seize all who carried sticks, and in compliance with these orders six bludgeon men were taken, and Moseley, who though not armed with a stick, yet appeared a leader. The six were the prisoners before them. When an officer seized Moseley he struck at him with his fist, and this was seen by witness. The crowd huzzned when the police came up, and the greater part had sticks, which they brandished. Witness saw Thompson trying to conceal a stick by the side of a door, and he apprehended him immediately. Some of the sticks were of formidable nature ; Priestley's in particular, it had lead run into the knob.
Daniel Smith (Policeman 28), said he saw Fox in the crowd brandishing a stick. When he was apprehended, three slugs were found in his pocket. All the prisoners had sticks brandishing. Fox did not struggle when arrested. Heard the command given for the mob to open and close upon the police.
Policeman 18 said he saw Turner with a stick brandishing. Saw on of the prisoners strike, but could not tell who it was. The order for the crowd to open and then close upon the police came from the general mob.
In his defence, Moseley said he did not know that he struck at the officer. He had one hand in his pocket at the time.
Fox denied brandishing his stick.
Dennis denied being connected with the mob, although surrounded by them. He was going out to try to get a bit of bread, if he could, any where.
Thomson said he had been on a visit to his sister, at Nottingham, and slept at that town the last night; but on arriving in Baxter-gate, at Loughborough, in the morning, he went to see what was the matter in High-street, and was taken by the police because he has his walking stick in his hand.
Unwin denied brandishing his stick, or being connected with a mob; but affirmed that he was standing peaceably near the Bell Foundry when taken.
Turner said he was not connected with the crowd, although surrounded by them. He had been ill a long time, and used his stick to walk with in consequence. Having been unable to do any work during his illness, he was going up to his employer, Mr. Warner, who lives rather higher up the road than where the crowd were stopped, in order to try to beg a little of him. His stick was a thin one.
Priestley said he was going to Mountsorrel, to see his wife's sister, and had arrived at the top of Moira-street, when he was taken into custody by Mr. Sutton (tailor in High-street), and others. He owned the loaded stick was his, but he had no other, and took it because he had a pain in his back.
The bench decided that Mosley should pay a fine of £5 or be imprisoned two months; and that he should enter into his own recognizance for £20, and find two sureties for £10 each, to keep the peace for twelve months. He could not pay the fine; and judging from his appearance, it is very probable that he will not be able to find the sureties: so that it is likely he will have to suffer fourteen months' imprisonment. Priestley and Fox were ordered to enter each into his own recognizance for £10, and find two sureties for £5 each, for their good behaviour for six month; and Turner, Unwin, Thompson, and Dennis, were each ordered to enter into the same recognizance, and find the same securities, for their good behaviour for three months.
Priestley, Fox and Turner offered to give the sureties; the others did not. The former were afterwards removed to the Loughborough House of Detention under a strong escort of constables and police, and when this had been effected, the others were removed in the same manner down to the Railway Station, at eight o'clock in order to take them to Leicester by the train which arrives at Loughborough, soon after that hour. Dennis, Unwin and Thompson, will of course, be liberated when they can find the sureties, and pay the expences. If they cannot effect these, they must lie in the Country Gaol for the three months.
The bench also examined the qualifications o Wm. Renals, grocer, Loughborough, who had on Sunday been offered as bail for Skevington, on the bench refusing Pegg. Mr. Toone, solicitor, appeared on the part of Skevington. Although Mr. Renals had the writings of freehold property to the amount of £200 unencumbered, the Bench hesitated in taking his security, and made enquiries as to his promptitude in paying his rates when called upon. It appeared from the evidence of Mr. Jowett, the collector, that he always paid before the end of the quarter. His bail was at last accepted. Mr. Everleigh, grocer, is the other security. In the afternoon about 100 more special constables were sworn in, the others being quite exhausted by their night and day duty, and discounted because many equally able to do duty with themselves were not called upon. The new body contained many who held Chartists principles, and some who had Chartist cards of membership. Among the latter was Mr. Luke Jimson, a respectable warp-lace manufacturer, who keeps a number of frames. He was, after being sworn, objected to by Mr. Goodyer, who said he would not employ him. Mr. Jimson was spoken to by Mr. Dawson upon the subject. Acknowledged having taken out a Chartist card, and being nearly a Chartist in his opinions, and also a Corn-law Repealer. Mr. Dawson hoped he did not consider the methods at present taken by the Chartists were the proper ones to obtain their end. This question was not directly answered by Mr. Jimson, but he said it was necessary that something ought to be done by the government for the nation. He said the government was one for which he term "stupid" was the lightest he could use in speaking of it. He considered his character sufficiently established in Loughborough by many years residence there; and should if called opon to act, put down any attempt to create a breach of the peace. He, however, was not desirous of taking the office. Mr. Dawson said it was not to be expected that there could be much confidence in him when he held a Chartist card of membership. The first thing he might have been called upon to do, would be to arrest one of the Chartist speakers, and he would not hink anything wrong was done by that speaker until he broke the peace. Mr. Goodyer repeated his declaration of not allowing Mr. Jimson to act.
When the police and constableswere waiting for the train coming in to take away the prisoners, a number of Chartists who had followed them got upon the Railway Bridge and pelted them with stones. Specials were sent to dislodge them, which they effected, but the mob ony went a short distance further upon the road. After the train had started, and the constables were returning, the mob again groaned and pelted. The constable perceived a youth named William Taylor of Beehive-lane, in the act of throwing, pursued him amongst the crowd, and succeeded in capturing him. He was lodged in the House of Detention.
Tuesday.
The bench met at ten, the same magistrates being present. The youth Taylor was examined and convicted of the offence. He denied throwing, but it was clearly proved. He was fined £5 or two months imprisonment, and was ordered to enter into his own recognizance for £10 and find two sureties for £5 to keep the peace for six months. His father being a stockinger with a large family, the money could not be raised, and he was committed.
William Davenport, of Hathern, framework-knitter, was charged with being with a riotous and tumultuous mob at Hathern, on Saturday, and endeavouring to extort alms. John Gaze, of Normanton Hills, appeared to be one of the leaders, and beckoned with his hand for them to keep in a line, and the mob obeyed him. Samuel Charles, Mr. B's. shepherd, said he saw prisoner walking alongside of the mob in Hathern. Afterwards a party of them came to beg, but Mr. Buckley refused. They groaned, and some said, "let us take it!" One said "He would as leave die there as go any further;" another said-"It will come to that." They did not go in, but went on the Rempstone-road, saying they would call again.
Davenport said he was at Normanton, but did not know of any intimidation.
Ordered to find two sureties for £10 each, and himself for £10 to keep the peace for six months.
Skevington was brought from Leicester, and having entered into recognizances for £50 and his sureties for £25 each, was discharged. The expences were £1 11s. 6d.
Securities being produced for Turner, Fox, and Priestley, they were discharged. Expences, 8s 19d. each.
Several bodies of Specials on horseback went round the country, and took ten Sheepshead frame work-knitters.
John Mee, aged 20; Josiah Hudson, 31; Thomas Hubbard, 24; Thomas Hallam, 26; James Hickling, 30; Samuel Mason, 31; Josiah Unwin, 26; James Bowler, 25; Thomas Mansfield, 43; William Grain, 25.
Mee was committed for three months; Grain, having apologised was liberated; the others were committed for a month each.
Wednesday.
Davenport produced excellent sureties and was discharged.
Jarratt against whom there had been a warrant out. gave himself up and was remanded till Thursday.
The authorities dismissed all the Specials but 20. There will be still fourteen policemen, the local constables and the pensioners besides.
PETTY SESSIONS, THURSDAY, AUG. 25.
Before C. M. Phillips, Esq., E. Dawson, Esq., and<
the Rev. J. Dudley.EXAMINATION OF PRISONERS.
Charles Jarratt, of Loughborough, framework-knitter, was charged with using language at Belton, of a tendency to create a breach of the peace. The Rev. Mr. Blount, parish clergyman at Belton, stated that on Friday (the 19th instant) he was leaving Belton to come to Loughborough, between twelve and two o'clock, when he saw a considerable number of persons entering the village from Sheepshead, and believing it not to be safe to be away from home, he returned. He did not go into the Market-place for fifteen minutes, and when he did go, there were perhaps two hundred present, but afterwards the number were at least doubled, and the prisoner addressed the people. He did not stay at the meeting but went home and listened through a window where he could not see what person was speaking, but had good reason to suppose that person to be the prisoner. He heard the person telling the people that at Loughborough they had come to a resolution of doing no more work till the Charter was the law of the land. He exhorted those about him to adopt the same resolution; toe keep peace, law, and order, that they might not be laid hold of by the authorities; then added- "But then you will say, 'how are we to live? My friends are you afraid! I am not at all afraid! Are we in a land of scarcity? Are we in a land where there is no mutton! Where there is no beef! Where there is no corn, and oil, and wine? Are we not in a land where a bountiful Providence i providing a beautiful harvest? I rely on the promises of scripture- 'They that wait upon the Lord shall want no manner of thing that is good.'" Then he returned again to the question - "but still you will say- 'how is this to be if we are not to work? I reply as the man said- 'Go look you fool!" -and then stated that a man had been asked that question, and his reply was- "Go look, you fool!" He then explained that it meant- mind your business. "Mind you business - your business is to stand still and not work." Witness too particular notice of what was said, because he considered it might be useful to do so. The words were all connected as related.
William Toone stated that he was at his mother's house- "the George," about one on Friday, and saw the prisoner addressing the mob from the side of the old elm tree. Witness looked out of a window about fifteen or twenty yards distant from the prisoner. There were several hundreds present. Heard the prisoner recommend the people to work no more until the Charter was the law of the land, and request those who were of the same opinion to hold up their hands, in compliance with which, all the hands in the meeting were held up. Heard him say there was plenty of mutton, and plenty of beef, and (witness believed) a plentiful hearvest. Heard him ask whether they would hand Feargus O'Connor, or Skevington, or himself, (Jarratt.)
Mr. Blunt said he could swear that the same voice made use of the expressions, "Would they let them hand Feargus O'Connor, or Skevington, or Jarratt!" as had uttered those he had spoken of.
Mr. Moore, of Belton, stated that on theFriday at about half-past one, a number of persons came to his house and asked for something to eat and drink. He replied that he could not relieve them all, upon which they said they would take something. (The bench here consulted whether another charge should not be brought forwards, namely, that of being in company with a large mob obtaining provisions by false pretences, and intimidatory language; but the prisoner appeared so extremely penitent that the idea was afterwards abandoned.)
In his defence, Jarratt said the whole business was unpremeditated. He had no idea until the night previous of any strike, and when going as usual to work between five and six on Friday morning, he was met in the Market-place by two men who told him that he must not go to work; and he dare not in consequence. After smoking his pipe with them in the Market-place, he went to his workshop and found the other men resolved to strike. He attended a meeting of working-men and they agreed to go over to Sheepshead, and he suffered himself to be "overpersuaded" and went too. When at Sheepshead he wanted to return, but he was dragged to Belton, and as they wanted some one to speak, he did get up in the Market-place there, and did utter expressions nearly like those sworn to by the clergyman; but he had no intention of causing the people to beg or take, and when he saw the people begging, he was actually astonished, because it has been agreed that the man who did either should be not considered a Chartist. The people of Loughborough had often heard him use similar language to that he used at Belton, and being used to it, took no notice because they knew he meant nothing wrong; but at Belton unfortunately the people did not understand him. He owned he had been led astray, and hoped he magistrates would be as lenient with him as possible. He wished he had not gone at all; and according to a promise he had made when walking by himself, and when he was not aware of any warrant being out against him, he would never have anything to do with such things any more; but would mind his own business, and let every other man mind his.
[All this was uttered in a very humble manner, and accompanied by very earnest gestures. Indeed we never saw any man present a more abject appearance. Every other Loughborough Chartist will know that Jarratt has told impudent falsehoods. Of all the addresses every delivered in the town by Chartist speakers, his have been the most scandalous, both from their indelicacy and disregard of the rights of property. And with regard to the strike, of which he stated himself to be ignorant until the Thursday night when he heard it agreed to at the Ward's end meeting, it is a fact, that it was advocated at every meeting for a week previous and the question was put every night, and carried unanimously, that the Loughborough operatives should follow the example of those in Lancashire and cease working, and it is equally a fact that Jarratt spoke in ts favour. Long ago he "wished that all men were in his mind, and they would then work no more until they had made an alteration; and on Friday, at Loughborough, he declared at the afternoon meeting that he would face the bayonet, rather than go on as he had been going for many years, adding the most solemn declarations that he would not return to work again, until the Chartist demands had been granted. His defence has excited the disgust of both the Chartists and their opponents.-REPORTER L.M.]
The bench gave him a lengthy admonition, and then ordered him to enter into his own recognizance for £30, and find two sureties for £15 each, to keep the peace for six months.
Mr. Dawson observed that when he contrasted the manner in which Mr. Skevington left, when he had been released, and the present beheviour of Jarratt, he could not help considering it a credit to the latter.
Mr. J. Penn, shoemaker, New Row, and Mr. J Jaques, grocer, Rushes, became the sureties.
Thomas Payner of Sheepshead, was charged by William Bradley, a famished looking man with putting his fist in his face and challenging him to fight. Both parties appearing rather culpable, the bench dismissed the case, and ordered the costs to be divided. The complainant said he had no money and the bench replied that they would give him a week., and if within that time it were not paid, they would send him to prison. Complainant appeared quite overcome by the violence of his feelings, and sunk backwards. He was prevented from hurting himself by a female who broke his fall, and he was carried to a form, and aferwards down stairs, but it was nearly an hour before he revived. The bench thought it was affected; but we understand he is subject to such fits. If the defendant, who is a respectable person, has any feeling, he will pay the whole of the expenses. He is landlord of the Crown.
Hugh Ratcliffe, of Hathern, was convicted in the penalty of £5 or 3 months to hard labour for using a gate net for the destruction of game in Bardon Park, on the 20th instant. He said he had been out of work eight weeks and thought he would do less harm by catching a hare, than by letting his family starve.
William Swift, of Sheepshead, was fined 20s. and costs for brutally assaulting Joseph Bowley of that place.
William Ward, of Whitwick a collier, was committed for 3 months, to hard labour for using a gate net for destruction of game in Bardon Park, on the 20th instant. He said he had been out of work eight weeks and thought he would do less harm by catching a hare, than by letting his family starve.
[The following had some typographical error last week, and we re-publish it at the writer's request.
(To the Editor of the Leicestershire Mercury.)
Sir,- the Loughborough Board of Guardians under the sanction of the Poor Law Commissioners, with the Rev. Mr. Powell, of Normanton, in the chair, having unanimously agreed that Mr. B. W. Brown, the heir loom Apothecary to the Wimeswold practice of Medicine - a gentleman of whom I would ask whether he has had his diploma from the Royal College of Surgeons? - is a fit and efficient surgeon to attend the Wimeswold and Leake districts, prevents my making further remarks. I therefore take a last farewell of the aforesaid Surgeon, wishing him every success in his novel mode of treatment of compound fractured limbs by placing them instantly in iron splints ! ! (vide maggots in the Leicestershire Mercury of last week), and leave the public to judge of the very kind and humane treatment the poor of these extensive districts are likely to receive at his hands! Sincerely hoping the next person he attacks in the public journals will be able to give him a more sever lash than I have.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
J. E. FOSBROOKE.
Wimeswold, Aug. 18, 1842.