Birmingham continues in a very uncomfortable state. Our last ac-
counts brought up the history of time disturbances to eleven o'clock on Fri- slay night. On Saturday, no open rioting occurred. On the evening of that day, Mr. Lovett, Secretary to the General Convention, was ar- rested in the Convention Hall, and taken to the Police-office ; where he was charged with directing the following resolution of the Conven- tion to be published and distributed about Birmingham-
" That this Convention is of opinion, that a wanton, flagrant, and unjust outrage has been made upon thepeople of Birmingham, by a bloodthirsty and unconstitution:d force from London, acting under the authority of men who, when out of office, sanctioned and took part in the meetings of the people, and 110W, when they share in thepublic plunder, seek to keep the people in social and political degradation. That the people of Birmingham are the best judges of their own right to meet in the Bull Ring, or elsewhere; have their own feelings to consult respecting the outrage given ; and are the best judges of their OWII power and resources to obtainjustice. That the summary and despotic arrest of Dr. Taylor, our respected colleague, affirds somber con- vincing proof of the absence of all justice in England, and clearly shows that there is no security for life, liberty, or property, till the people have some con- trol over the laws they are called upon to obey."
The prisoner conducted himself in a firm but respectful manner. Being questioned by the Recorder, (Mr. M. D. Hill,) who gave the Magistrates the benefit of his aid, he avowed the authorship of the resolutions, which expressed his own opinions ; and lie directed their publication after he became aware that there had been a collision of the military and police with the persons who met in the Bull Ring. In that part of the resolutions which mentioned men who had themselves taken part in similar meetings, be alluded to Mr. 3Itintz, then a Magistrate on the bench ; who, though he had never acted with the Convention, allowed himself to be elected a Delegate, and was one of the Trustees of the Convention Fund ; and daring- the struggle for the Reform Bill, Mr. Muntz had himself attended meetings in the streets. John Collins, another member of the Convention, elected at the same time as Mr. Munts, was brought up and examined. Ile acknowledged that he was with the person who delivered the resolutions to the printer. Lovett and Collins were each required to find bail, themselves in 500% and two sureties in 2501. each. Before the conclosion of the business, n paper was read by the Chairman, denying, on behalf of Mr. Mentz, that he had ever accepted the office of Delegate, or acted as a member of the Convention.
Sunday passed off in comparative quiet, though there were sonic dis- turbances, and divine service at St. Thomas's Church was stopped by a mob.
On Monday evening, the military were again called out ; and, accord- ing to the Morning Chronicle's correspondent, a frightful scene -occurred— "There was a great assemblage of the people in the different parts of the town, but no indication of a riot until the Police made their appearance. At seven o'clock, a troop of the Royal Irish Dragoons galloped down Moore Street, and was quartered in the Wool-pack, an inn adjoining the Public Office. At eight o'clock, the Rifles on duty at the Public Office turned out, and formed an advanced guard, leaving open spaces in their ranks for several squadrons of dragoons, who at that moment came at a brisk trot down Moore Street, taking their station in the Bull Ring. A large body of the Metropolitan Police followed, supported by several companies of Rifles. The dragoons were stationed in all the avenues leading to the Bull Ring, after which no one was allowed. to pass those lines. After some time the Police divided into sections, each section followed by a troop of dragoons. Immense crowds were attracted to the spot at this moment ; and wherever the Police saw them congregated, they com- menced an indiscriminate attack with their staves. Great confusion followed.: men, women, and children were thrown down and trampled upon, while the Police beleaguered theta right and left. Broken heads and arms, with other severe wounds, were the result. One man who was returning from his work had his teeth knocked out. The poor fellow exclaimed, Am I in England?' Several special constables came up at the time, and expressed their horror at such proceedings. The Police have made themselves su impoptdar here, that it is the opinion of many that there will be no peace in Birmingham so long as they are left in it.
"The people having been denied the Town-hall for holding, their meeting, assembled at I lolloway pid. The Rifles were ordered to disperse them ; the people resisted, and began to pelt the military with stones. The order to loan and make ready was given; when fortunately, the Fourth Dragoons having made their appearance, prevented the necessity of the fatal word—lire. Several prisoners were arrested, and brought in under an escort."
It will be seen in our Parliamentary report, that Lord John Russell considered this account as greatly exaggerated. But another account in the Times shows that there was some very rough work.
On Tuesday, George Julian Harney, a noted spouter amongst the Chartists, was brought into Birmingham under arrest on an old charge of using seditious language. He was taken prisoner at Bedlington, some miles north of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. A letter from Mr. Thomas Attwood, recommending " peace, law, and order," was placarded about the town.
All was comparatively quiet on Wednesday, and most of the Police- men have returned to town. Two only of the " Force" were danger- ously wounded in the first affray, and they remain in Birmingham. Several others, who were severely hurt, have come home.
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