The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1824-12-25 00:00:00

MR. O'CONNELL.

CHARGE OF UTTERING SEDITIOUS WORM
[From the Dublin Marsiv Register of Tuesday hist.l
Public attention is so likely to be excited by anything
that relates to this gentleman, that we enter itto a de-
tail of what has occurred with respect to this prose-
cution, with a minuteness which, of itself, it very little
deserves.

At about half after five, yesterday evening, as Mr.
O'Connell had just returned from the Committee of the
Catholic Association, where a great deal of business had
been transacted, Alderman Harley, and Mr. Farrell, the
Constable of Police, were ushered into his study. After
the usual salutations, the Alderman said, that he came in
his official capacity, to save Mr. O'Connell the trouble of
attending at the office, to enter into a recognisance to ap-
pear at the next Sessions, which he was directed by the
Attorney-General to call on Mr. O'Connell to enter into.
Mr. O'Connell.—Upon what charge, Mr. Alderman ?
Alderman Ihrley.—Upon the charge of having spoken seditious
words at the last miming of the Catholic Assnciatinn.
Mr. O'Connell.—What wordsam I charged with having spoken
Alderman Parley.—l am not at liberty to inform you ; you must
apply to the Attorney-General.
Mr. O'Connell.—Can I even know the name of the informer ?

Mr. Alderman barley.—l am not at liberty to inform you ; you
must apply to a hier quarter I come merely to inform you, that
legal documents have been laid before me, that entitle me to
require from you a recognizance to appear at the next Sessions. I
wish to give you the least possible trouble. I have come to your
own house for that purpose, and I will take your own recognizance
without requiring any person to join you.
Mr. O'Connell—Then, Mr. Alderman, I submit at once. I
will enter into the recognisance. u I am not to know for what;
and I am bound to any, that you have done your part with perfect
politeness and civility.
The Alderman then produced a recognizance, conditioned to ap-
pear at the ensuing Quarter Sessions, to commence the &I or 3d of
January, we do not know which.
This recognizance M. O'Connell executed, but said, Why,
Mr. Alderman, this directly interferes with my intended journey
to England; could you not take it, as there are as yet no bills
found, fur the Sessions after next, or for the Term ?
_ .

Alderman Darley-1 have no discretion upon that subject; upon
that also you must apply to the A ttorner-t leneral.
Mr. 11 Connell (smiling)--There is one thing you'll admit, Mr.
Alderman, that the Attorney-General will have no difficulty in
getting a Grand Jury to find any bills he please* against me.
The Alderman made no reply, but he and Mr. O'Connell shook
hands and parted.
Such is the first scene of the prosecution.
We took accurate notes of the proceedings of the last meeting of
the Association; and we believe we may say, with some confidence,
that a more Froundleas prosecution could not be instituted. It is
an incident in the history of the country more calculated to excite
a smile than any graver emotion.
[From the Thalia Fri-engines Journal of Wednesday.]

Mr. O'Connell was held to bail on Monday evening, to
answer a charge of having uttered seditious expressions at
the Catholic Association. The prosecution is instituted by
the Attorney-General, and the Chief Magistrate of Police,
Alderman 'Seeley, was the person to whom the duty of
placing Mr. O'Connell under recognitances was confided.
Nobody could have discharged it in a more correct or
gentlemanlike manner. The particulars are given elsewhere.
1 It is understood that this proceeding has taken place in
consequence of a particular allusion to Bolivar, said to have
been made by Mr. O'Connell, at the meeting of the Asso-
ciation on Thursday last. The reports of the speech in
which the allusion was contained are at variance with each
other, and the accuracy of the whole has been questioned.
That upon which the prosecution is said to hinge, namely,
Saunders's News-Letter report, has been in an especial
manner impugned. It is possible, therefore, that the exact
words of Mr. O'Connell have not been given to the public
at all. When we reeollect the disadvantages under wbith
reports are taken at crowded publ lc meetings—the haste with
which they are afterwards transcribed for the printers of a
morning newspaper—and the very different bearing which
changes, apparently every minute, in the form of expres-
sion, will give to the sentiments of an orator, this conjec-
ture does not seem at all unreasonable or unlikely.
But even If the accuracy of the report which is said to be
relied upon were proved, notes of admiration and all (for
Saunders introduced no less than seven of those expressive
marks), we confess we should be at a loss to discover the
sedition, taking the Report u a whole—the only fair and
legal way of taking its mamma saving clauses.
It is right however we should add, that the 3forming
Register declares this Report to be " a foul misrepre-
sentation."

The occurrence has created a great sensation in town,
and one which.will be feat all over the country to its re-
motest extremities : yet it is not an event to which we
attach niu,:h importance. Who that knows Mr. O'Connell
can for a moment suppose that be could intend to utter
seditious language ?—and where is there a better judge of
what is and what is not a violation of law ?

_ .
We subjoin an account of some proceedings connected
with this subject, which took place at the head office of
police yesterday :
About the hour of one o'clock, the Reporters of the
Freeman's Journal, Saunders, and the Dublin Morning
Star, attended before the Magistrates of the Head Police
Office, in pursuance of a request from the Magistrates,
communicated by letter from C. Pemberton, Esq. Chief
Clerk of the Police Establishment. The gentlemen
already mentioned, having been introduced to the presence
of the Magistrates, Mr. Haydn, proprietor of the Star,
attended by a friend, entered at the same time, as did also
Mr. Brie.

Mr. Vousden' Reporter for the ./Iforaing Pest, was called in and
questioned by Alderman Barley, as to whether he was present at
the meeting in question ?
Mr. Vousded admitted that he was present.
The Alderman then questioned him as to the precise words made
use of on that day in reference to Bolivar and South America ?
Mr. Vousden replied, that lie had not his notes by him ; that ha
had no accurate recollection on the subject, and that, even if he
had, he did not think that the press was the medium through which
the business of a common informer was to be transacted.

.
Mr. louden WAS then asked if Mr. Charles O'Flaherty was
present ? .
Mr. Vousden replied that he was.
The Magistrate then asked, if he was present at the period Mr.
O'Connell spoke of Bolivar ?
Mr. Vanden replied, that he did not know ; that Mr. O'Flav
been was quite competent to answer for himself ; and that he sup-
posed he would, in courtesy to the Magistrates, attend on the letter
which the Magistrates addressed to him.
Mr. Vousden then withdrew.
The Magistrates addressed Mr. Brie, and inquired in what ca-
pacity he attended ?
Mr. Brie replied, that he understood there was an examination
going forward, and he attended In consequence.
The agistrates informed Mr. Brie. that the examination was in-
tended to be private, upon which Mr Brie immediately retired.
The Magistrates then addressed Mr. Haydn and has friend, and
asked if they attended as Reporters?
Mr. Haydn replied that the gentleman with him was a Bar-
rister.

The Magistrates observed, that the aims objection as to Mr.
Bric, applied to Mr. llaydn's friend; upon which this gentleman
also retired.

Mr. Haydn was then addressed by the Magistrates, and asked if
he attended as • Reporter ?
Mr. Haydn, in reply, said, that he attended to protest against the
examination of his Reporter.
The Magistrates suggested, that the Reporter should be left
to his own discretion, as lie was in attendance pursuant to their
request.
3lr. Haydn said, he objected to the examination of his Reporter,
because he thought the whole affeir • joke upon the part of the At-
torney-tieneral ; but supposing it to be • serious proceeding, he
would not permit any of his ',top': to become the accusers of
any one.
After • few observations, Mr. Ilavdn and the Reporter with-
drew. There then remained a Reporter from the }'rrrma•'r
Journal and S✓::rt,iers.
Counsellor Craves, to the Reporter of the Freeman's Journal,
after the preliminary questions as to whether be attended the meet-
ing of the Catli"lic A..ociation on Thursday, asked if he had taken
a note of Mr. O'Cirrinell's retch ? _

.
The Iteporter asked. whach speech ?
The Magistrate.—The speech in which the pasaage appears re-
specting Ito Uric.
The Iteporter.—That passage has not appeared in the Freeman's
Journal. .

The Magistrate.—That is not the question put to you ; you are
asked whether you took a DOW of that tissmtge of 31r. O'Connell's
speech, in which mention is made of Itolivar.
Reporter.-1 cannot answer that question without referring to
my notes.
Alagistrate.—lb you mean to say you could not answer the ques-
tion without your notes ?
Reporter--I do mean to say so. certainly.
Magistrate —llave you your notes about you ?
Iteporter—No, I have not,
Altlernian Parley, addressing. the Reporter of Saunders, asked
what he could say upon the subject ?
The Reporter was about to reply, when
Alderman Parley observed, that front the disposition evinced by
the Gentlemen of the Press, it was unnecessary to pursue the ea.
smiliation further. and perhaps it would not be lye to require more

tom the Reporter of Nowndcrs'; they had no power to compel the
gentlemen to give information ; but they wished to learn from
them, whether they had any objection to stale what they knew upon
the subject.
The two Reporters then retired.
A Reporter from the Dublin Morning Post was shortly sfter-
wants introduced to the klagistrates. and upon being ant ed respect-
ing the report of Mr. O'Cohnell's speech, he ucclined replying
to any question upon the subject.
Another Reporter from tne Morning Post was subsequently ex-
amined, and was asked if the report of 3lr. O'Connell's speech,
aa it appeared in the Morning Post, containing the allusion to
Bolivar, was correct ? to which the Reporter replied, that it was
in substance a correct report.
The Reporter was then requested to state from recollection, the
substance of the passage alluded to ; which he did.
This gentleman was afterward' sworn, and bound to prosecute at
the next Commiuion.

We understand—it is to the Commission of Oyer and
Terminer, which sits on the 3d of January, the informa-
tions against Mr. O'Connell are made returnable. The
name of the informer has not yet transpired.

I From the Dwdliw ifornixe Register.]
The "seditious" words imputed to Mr. O'Connell ap-
peared in Savideris News I-tiler. They are a foul mis-
representation of the real expressions used by the Learned
Gentleman, and we are this instant informed that be has
caused a writ to be served on the Editor of the raper.
This Journal was the first to announce the extraordinary
proceeding which it has pleased the Attorney-General to
take against Mt. O'Connell. No event of modern times
has caused so great a sensation—no other subject is spoken
of or thought of—the public feeling is in a state of excite-
ment truly indescribable.

(From the Morning Register of Wednesday.]
THE CATHOLIC ASSOCIATION.
Ws have just learwed that the summonses have been issued by
the Magistrates of the head police-office, and served upon the re-
porters of several of the 11161‘Ing Papers, requirir g them to appear
at twelve o'clock this day, to ha exam . ined •• touching the proceed-
ings of the Catholic Associations," on the lfith of December instant.
The summonses further require, that the reporters shall bring with
them their notes of the several speeches Ida& at the Association on
that day.
It Is a curious circumstance that summonses hare been issued
and served on the several Reporters of all the Morning Papers of
Duhlin except one. And what paper is that ? Why the paper
that has beer distinguished above all others for giving the most la-
borious and ample proceedings of the Association—the Miriam,
Register, and which hal actually four Reporters in attendance un
the memorable 16th of December.

( From the Ds/din Ereniwg Post of Tuesday.l
The town has been thrown into a state of agitation, on learning,
this morning, the circumstances detailed in the following para.
graphs. 'We do think, fist ohr own part, the much greater stress
has been laid on this circumstance than it merits. It appears that
certain words are imputed to Mr. O'Connell, as having been ut.
Wed by that gentleman In the Catholic Association. At'e believe
that all the public journals have given diWerent versions of these
words, and we doubt whether any of the reports are accurate. At
all events, the speech of Mr. O'Connell must, we certainly IN-Mid
think, be taken as a whole; and really it would be very difficult
for the Informer in this ease, whoever hg may be, to prove that
Mr. O'Connell's speech was *editing,. The truth is, that if he
bed even showed a disposition of the kind imputed to him, he
would not Mad an auditory to listen to him. Whatever may be
said of the Association, it must be allowed, it has been hitherto
conducted with matchless prudence; and it would be injustice to
Mr. O'Connell to deny, that he has not been, on all oasis:cons, the
advocate of this cautious policy, as well indeed as of the govern.
anent of Lord Wellesley. Thaw persons, at all events, we see
quite certain, will be disappointed who augur, from this circurn.
stance, any change in the principles or firmness, justice and rim.
deration, which have, heretofore, distinguished the government of
the Lord Lieutenant.

CATHOLIC RENT.
The Rent, it is now universally admitted by the enemies as well
se the fries& of that measure, is likely to prove a most poperful
instrument in effecting the legitimate objects of the Association.
The greatest attention is therefore given to its retention. The
Finance Committee sits daily for this purpose, at Coyne's. la Ca-
ste:et. and Mr. O'Connell, amidst his multifarious pursuits,
two hours every day to the details of this measure. It is
his opinion, and that of the Finance Committee, that onefirth of
Ireland is not yet put in a course of contribution. The collection
fee the month of November exceeded 3,0.101., which is at the rate
of 311.11001, a year. A contemporary in this city, some time since,
contemplated the amount of contribution with excessive alarm, an
alarm reechoed by the Courier; but viewing with satisfaction the
legal and constitutional objects to which the rent Is intended to be
applicable, we have the gratification to state, we consider it highly
probable its annual amount will reach 150,0001. a year.—Cort
• Reporter.

GLASGOW SPINNERS.
(From the Glasgow Chroxicki
The muter oetton-spinners are daily engaging new
hands, and are (Ain every measure that circumstances
will permit to insure their personal safety. Yesterday
about sixty respectable and active men, residing in Anders-
too, were sworn in special constables, and they will of
course be ready either by day or night to turn out in a
moment's notice, to apprehend any disturbers of the public
peace.
Yesterday morning a number of new hands were taken
into Mr. Wright's mill, Calton. This caused a great turn-
out of operative spinners, who nearly blocked up the pas-
sage into the mill. There was a great deal of hissing and
bad language uttered by the females who crowded the
windows in that direction. This morning the system of
intimidation is completely got up, and several of those en-
gaged are afraid to come forward. At the entrance and
along the street there is a strong band of operative spinners
and females stationed, who hiss every person that passes
to the mill, and " the nob, the nob," is shouted from hun-
dreds of voices. The females arc particularly prominent in
laying hold of passengers, and questioning them if they are
gang to work in the mill. The day patrol are on the alert,
but they seem wholly inadequate to afford effectual protec-
tion.

About nine o'clock last night, while a servant in Ilospi-
tal-street, Hutchesontown, was going a message, two men
came up to her, whom she took foe cotton-spinners, by
their appearance. They cursed her for a nob piercer, and
one of the villains struck her a severe blow on the face
with his fist, which stupified her for some time.
On Thursday morning, at nine o'clock, a general meet-
ing of the operative cotton-spinners took place in the
Circus, Dunlop-street, in consequence of two English
delegates from Manchester having arrived. The delegates
stated that the purport of their visit to this quarter was to
establish a union of operative cotton-spinners over all the
three kingdoms. and to give mutual assistance in cases of
general strikes such as the present. They also stated the
determination of the English spinner to assist the Scotish
ones while they stood out. There were 4,000 already
associated in England, and they expected that, by the end
of next month, the number would be increased to 16,000.
As an earnest of their intended kindness, they left 1441. '
sterling to aid the Glasgow spinners in their strike, with
a promise to support them to the last. They stated
that on their return the most strenuous exertions would
be made to raise more subscriptions in Manchester and the
neighbourhood, and that they might speedily expect far-
ther remittances. The delegates left town on Friday
morning.
It is said that the proceeds of the Theatre to support the
spinners in their strike amounted to so/.
Application was made last week by the spinners here to
' Me. Kean, soliciting him to give them the benefit of his
theatrical talents; but we understand that he declined
complying with the request.
It is a melancholy fact, that from the present disorderly
state of the working classes, crime is on the increase.
There have not been such • number of dthulters before
the Calton Police Court for many months as appeared yes-
terday.

It is reported that six regiments are ordered to India,
and that ten new regiments will be raised 24 son as l'Ar-
'lament assembles.

M•MlET•sras. ET..---We are happy to learn that the
whole sum necessary (2.5,000(.) for carrying tin ough the
measure of opening the above street, from King-street to
Stockwell-street, has been subscribed ; double the amount
could have been got if it had been wanted. Shares see
already at one per cent. premium.—Glasgow Paper.
ELPOIITATION OF 1111: laiau—Dr•n!!—At the Dub-
lin Head Office of Police, on Tuesday, Mr. Williams, par-
cel agent, and Mr. Pearson, a surgeon, attended at the
Office. Mr. Williams deposed, that he hail shipped two
boxes, directed to Mows. Mains, London, which were re-
turned to him that day. Mr. W. then examined them,
and found therein two huinan bodies. He further stated,
that Mr. Pearson called upon him for the boxes, which, he
said, contained linen. Informations were lodged against
Mr. P., who, in his defence, said that be was a Student of
Surgery in London, and from the great scarcity of subjects.
had been induced to cad: to Dublin to procure a