The Chartist trials under the Crown and Government Security Act
commenced at the Central Criminal Court yesterday; Mr. Justice Erle and Mr. Justice Williams being the Judges. Nearly a score of prisoners were placed at the bar; but all the trials except one were adjourned for some days. The case commenced was that of William Dowling, artist and Irish Con- federate.
Mr. Kenealey was for the defence, and seemed desirous of introducing Irish practice. He asked to have the indictment read three times. Mr. Justice Erie said, as the indictment was now in the English language, [and not in Norman French or Latin,] once was enough. Mr. Kenealey rhelleuged sundry jurymen, and raised technical points; which were overruled.
The witness Powell gave a detailed narrative of all the proceedings of the Chartist and Confederate body since the 10th of April; when he joined them "for curiosity," and also with the express purpose of betraying their designs. to Government. [The Attorney-General stated frankly, that he was now receiving subsistence-pay from the Government.] His evidence made out clearly a con- spiracy to levy war against the Queen, and " establish a republic "—London to be burnt as part of the process. The prisoner was at most of the meetings, and con- curred in the proceedings.
The case was not ended at ten o'clock ; when the Jury were sent to the London Coffeehouse for the night, in charge of an officer.
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