20 Aug 1842
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 10 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Weekly Chronicle
Location
London, Middlesex, United Kingdom
Date
Aug 20, 1842
Page
1
A sweeping account details mobs marching through Ashton, Saddleworth, Huddersfield, and surrounding towns, seizing mills, stopping engines, looting bread and money, clashing with troops, and prompting mass arrests. Militias, special constables, and police clash with rioters as authorities seek to quell widespread Chartist protests and wage disputes.
In Dunfermline a large crowd of colliers marched to a meeting east of town while weavers struck a deal with employers ending their tumult. Dragoons and the 42d regiment from Stirling Castle arrived to restore order, and by ten to eleven o clock streets were cleared. Military presence calms the scene though concerns remain of deeper currents behind the unrest.
The Caledonian Mercury reports continued unrest after mobbing by weavers and collier intimidation. A rope-cutting attempt wounded a watchman at a Telbeath pit. suspects are jailed and dragoons scour the district. The county authorities, sheriff, provost, magistrates, and police coordinate to protect peace with Highlander guards patrolling in town.
A pasted letter details a chaotic Chartist campaign across Ashton Staleybridge and surrounding towns. It describes mill closures, public meetings, and violent clashes with soldiers and police, including weapon seizure, injuries, and threats of sweeping wage demands and nationwide action. The unrest targets mills shops and churches with calls for revolution if wages refuse 1810 levels.
Report notes a Stepney green gathering claimed by some as 8000 to 10000, but military witnesses estimate 2000 at most. Crowd mainly curious, with 1200 to 1500 active listeners during the main portion. Observers say most speakers were unfamiliar locals except one shopkeeper renovator. East end efforts to enroll Spitalfields weavers fail as silk weaving rises, and letters to managers cause unwarranted alarm despite no real threat.
A large crowd gathered in Clerkenwell Green for a Chartist meeting amid country unrest. Speakers denounced Peel and troops, urged rights and fair wages, and cited Manchester soldiers laying down arms. The gathering ended about 9:15 PM amid excitement and chants.
A large chartist gathering on Islington Green grew from about 1,500 at seven to 3,000 4,000 by eight. Speakers praised police and army, amid comic remarks from women. A blue banner for Reform in Church and State appeared, puis a march to Clerkenwell Green before dispersal. Police and military presence numbered around 2,000 nearby with officials coordinating from the station house.
A Sheffi eld delegation led by Mr Green Mr Pease and Mr Crosland met Sir James Graham for protection amid fears of riot in the large manufacturing town. Bow Street’s chief magistrate Mr Hall also spoke with Graham as police readiness grows. Expresses arrive daily from disturbed districts, and the A division is held in readiness. Stamford report notes Bath Temperance Society cutting costs per pint with land value calculation.
The article discusses the French chamber’s resistance to ministerial interpellation, the regency debate, and the king’s diminished influence. It notes the split over governing foreign policy, Thiers and Guizot’s roles, and calls for a stable, representative assembly, amid broader European fiscal and political tensions including Spain and Madrid reports.
United States and Britain near final terms in the Arcadia reports, with Maine likely to receive river navigation on St John while ceding Rouse’s Point and Lake Champlain access, and new boundary questions possibly settled up to the St Lawrence. Senate rejection of a similar Dutch award style treaty looms, and eventual returns of Ashburton and passports outlined.
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