The Sun.
London, England, 1844-07-11 00:00:00

,MEETING of TWENTY THOUSAND

. PITMEN Ott SHADEN HILL.
(From the 7'yne Mercury.)
On Monday a numerous meeting of the pitmen was held
On Shaden-hill, more generally known as the Black Fell. If
was said that 25,000 persons were present ; our own impress
slon was that 20,000 were about the number at the meeting.
'Coady all the men lately employed in the pits of the Tyne
and Wear were present, and each colliery was distinguished
by a flag or banner, bearing upon it the name of the colliery
and suitable inscription. The appearance of the men had
fl.ot in the slightest degree deteriorated sincelhe meeting on
9e Town-moor of Newcastle, and the general disposition was
toep
be peaceable and quiet. After having exhorted them to
the peace, and proposed that twelve men should attend
the outskirts of the meeting fur the purpose of carrying the
Motion into effect,
Mr. THOMAS HAY was called to the chair. He said—
Fellow-men,
I am thankful that by the providence of that
Pod who is an enemy to all oppression, we are again assem-
bled here to-day. I can read in the countenances of every
man the ties of brotherhood and fellow feeling, and I em still
More proud that we can muster our 20,000 pitmen on Shaden-
hill, and that they conduct themselves peaceably and quietly.
Since the strike the march of intellect has been advancing,
and the people are thinking for themselves. I never saw
such a host of moral force men as I see assembled here to-
day. Oh the voice of this meeting will produce a wonderful
effect, and will be heard by the tyrants, of the Coal-office.
After urging them to keep the peace and listen to the various
speakers, the Chairman introduced
Mr. NORMAN, from Thornley colliery, who moved the fol-
lowing resolution—" That, in the opinion of this meeting, the
masters' monthly agreements are calculated to break up our
union and destroy our li.oerty as Englishmen; therefore, this
meeting pledges itself to resist it by all legal and constitu-
tional means."
The resolution was carried.
irosErn FAwcErr, from West Moor, moved—" That in the
opinion of this meeting the struggle in which we are engaged
is one of justice and righteousness; and, based upon these
principles, it cannot fail to triumph ; therefore this meeting
pledges itself to continue the holy contest until our just
claims are acceded to."
JOSEPH BEESTON moved—" That after the diabolical at-
tempt of our masters to force us into a breach of the peace,
this meeting 'pledges itself to keep within the pale of the
law, by firmly adhering to the principles and objects of the
Miners' Association."
CHHISTOPHER HASWELL moved—" That the thanks of this
Ineeting are due,• and are hereby given, to the Trades of
London, Edinburgh. Manchester, Newcastle, and the carpet
Weavers of Durham and Barnard Castle, to the trades in the
various other towns, to the miners generally of the United
Kingdom, for the support they have rendered during our
Present struggle ; and we trust they will continue the same
until our contest is brought to a successful close, and we
Pledge ourselves to assist them in return, should they ever be
Placed in like circumstances.
Mr. DANIELS seconded the resolution, all of which were
carried unanimously. A vote of thanks having been carried
with acclamation, the vast asiremblage dispersed.