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penalty of sensationalism, particularly in this instance, produced a diversion from what was historically most relevant, revealing and interesting. During the early spring of 1839 when the Chartist Convention was in session in London the intense working class activity in the provinces seriously alarmed the authorities. In the Severn Valley attention was focussed on the April tour of Henry Hetherington, now one of the leading Chartists in the movement.83 Apart from his first visit to Welshpool at the beginning of April where he was coldly received, his mission generated intense excitement and enthusiasm among the Chartists. Although Welshpool was under the strong influence of Lord Powis, Hetherington did not despair; he left the town having set some friends to organise an association to help arrange future meetings. On April 9th, Hetherington arrived at Newtown where he addressed a crowd of over 2,000 in the public rooms. 84 Evan Davies, a spinner, took the chair and speeches were also made by Thomas Powell and Charles Jones. The latter opened the meeting by speaking on the evils which were particularly apposite to the Severn Valley. His first emphesis was on the disappointment with the terms of the Reform Act of 1832 and he urged the operatives to press for democracy. He then moved on the to rigours of the New Poor Law and described it as the most accursed and anti-christian law that ever disgraced the statute book. His next topic was the local disgust felt over Lord Russell's Rural Police System. Such a measure would obviously mean changes in the methods of law and order. The old watchman system would be replaced by the scheme of paid constables of the character of Garret and Banks (two of the London policemen who later came to Llanidloes and had previously secured the arrest of the Dorchester Labourers). In fact, Jones pledged his life in opposition to this Whig creation. He concluded by speaking about the Corn Laws and reminded the Chartists that their repeal would not improve the con- dition of the labouring classes. To great applause he finished by saying that Chartism alone would bring redress for the operatives. Thomas Powell then took the platform and urged the men to form themselves into committees to gain the Charter. At his trial in July the authorities, in their efforts to silence him, alleged that he had also suggested during the meeting that the Newtown men should arm. Although this point was in great dispute,85 he was convicted and imprisoned for one year. John Owen of Penygloddfa made a long and 83 Henry Hetherington gave a report of his mission to the Convention on April 25th, part of which appeared in Northern Star. April 20th, 1839, and Times, May 6th, 1839. His expenses to North Wales were £ 12-19-6. 84 Northern Star, April 20th, I839. 86 H.O. 40/46, May 6th, 7th and 8th. The Queen against Thomas Powell, Brief Copy Deposition: Richard Williams, a Newtown flannel manufacturer, present at the meeting was not absolutely certain that Powell mentioned arms.