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Northern Star (1837-1852), 21st August 1852, Edition 2 of 2, Page 12, LONDON. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF UNITED T...

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      28 The Star Of Freedom. August 21,1852.

      28 THE STAR OF FREEDOM . August 21 , 1852 .

      Cratos.

      Cratos .

      Ww The Secretaries Of Trades' Unions And...

      WW The Secretaries of Trades' Unions and other bodies associa ated to protect and advance the interests of Labour , will 0 oblige by forwarding the reports of Trades' Meetings , Strikes , a and other information a ecting the social position of the 1 Working Classes .

      London. National Association Of United T...

      LONDON . NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF UNITED TRADES . 259 , Tottenham Court Road . " Fiat Jdstitu . " " If it were possible for the Working Classes , by combining nmmongsi themselves , to raise , or to keep up the general ¦ faiate of wages , it need hardly be said that this would be a thing naot to be punished , but to be welcomed and rejoiced at . " John Stuart Milt ..

      In our various communications through the columns of tins jijojournal , we have specifically alluded to some of the distinctive peculiarities of " The National Association ov IDHnited Trades for the Protection of Industry and ] tthe Employment of Labour . " It will be seen by its comprehensive title that much more nwvas contemplated by its founders than the construction of a inniere Strike machine of enlarged dimensions . A new and improved mode of dealing with the wrongs of labour was always iaanticipated as the first fruit which would spring from the ^ numbers , power , and resources of the new organization .

      It was even considered probable , that a closer and more rnatural alliance between the antagonistic elements , capital sand labour , might- be found practicable , when labour was cconcentrated into a power , possessed of intelligence to pcrcceive its true position and value as an instrument of production , and of the means and resources , which numbers , and nmion guided by intelligence can alone give , to cause its ( claims to be , in all cases patiently and respectfully considered Iby its junior brother—capital .

      It was further considered highly possible , that when labour by the combined power of union and intelligence lifted itself lip into the dignity of an interest , that even the doctors and teachers of the science of political economy might apply themselves to the perfecting of that great problem left unfinished by their arch-prototype- —Adam Smith , by discovering some new and easy formula for ascertaining and defining the precise value of labour as an element of production .

      These just anticipations have not been realized ( from causes to which we shall presently refer ) , but the results thus foreshadowed , " loom in the future ' '' as the certain and inevitable consequences of that union of mind and means to whicli we invite our fellow-workmen , and which wc believe must be eventually brought to the test of experiment , by tlie very force of those adverse circumstances to which labour is gradually but surely succumbing . It is just possible that the " gold diggins " and emigration may act as a safety-valve , by means of which

      that fearful collision between the masses , made desperate and reckless by oppression and insult , and their haughty and heartless task-masters , may be deferred . But as long as the capital blunder is persisted in , which contemplates and treats labour as the slave and not the partner of capital , there never can be and never ought to be peace ; and the period is surely approaching when the labour class , who at the present take so little interest in state politics , will be goaded by their sufferings to enquire whether their industrial degradation is

      the direct and legitimate emanation from their political serfdom . . Those who , contemplating the unrestrained and irresistible progress of scientific discovery and mechanical invention , concurrently with the equally irresistible diffusion of knowledge of a very high standard ' amongst the industrial classes , dream of the existing system of inequality and injustice being perpetual , are to our thinking , ( lull students in the science of human nrosress . To trace back the oricin of the science oi human progress . lo trace back the origin of

      the present system to the fabulous and legendary mists of the past , as a proof of its antiquity , and therefore of its perpetuity—is to ignore the most palpable evidences which arc constantly presenting themselves to our observation , aud which clearly indicates the existence and rapid growth of an entirely new state of circumstances , demanding and rendering inevitable an entire change and remodelling of our social anil industrial relations towards each other .

      This social and moral revolution we believe to be absolutely certain ; and among the movements of the present day , which appear to anticipate with a wise and judicious foresi ght , the coming change , and which propose to pioneer the industrious classes , by a safe and pleasant road to the future Canaan , we think the National Association may fairly claim a prominent position .

      Amongst the thousands who in 1845 , 6 , & 7 , in England and Scotland , rallied round the banner of National Union , then first unfurled under the leadership of the singularly patriotic , and justly popular Member for Finsbury , how few comprehended its true mission . How unreasonable , and yet , how contacted were the estimates formed of its functions and power . It was expected to supply immediate and effective remedies for wrongs and evils , the growth of ages .

      Every offered reduction in wages— -the shortening the hours of labour—the evils of unlimited number of apprentices in the sJdlled trades , —and the want of some means of getting rid of the surplus population of the unskilled trades—the injustice and cruelty of systematic overtime and piecework—the iniquitous truck system—the dishonest exaction of Frame Rents—the destructive tendences of machinery on the interests of labour—the unjust . practice of arbitrary fines , stoppages ,

      and abatements from workmen ' s wages , and all the Protean foi-m and names , under which and by which the immoral craft of capital seeks and obtains the weather guage of labour , were expected in a hundred different quarters to be swept away at once , and for ever . The famed Augean stable presented not to Hercules a more formidable labour , and had wo possessed the indomitable will and gigantic strength of the fabled hero , we possessed no river , or reservoir of wateror gold ( which was to us the needful element ) by which these

      London. National Association Of United T...

      unclean accumulations could have been so promptly removed . The thousand diminutive springs and rills , whose tiny contingencies were to swell and fill our National reservoir had scarce yet began to flow , ere the full action and resources of a matured and perfect organisation were demanded of us , whereas , we , without our golden river , were as powerless as Hercules would have been , without his river of water to accomplish the achievement required of us , in that full and effectual manner which would have alone accorded with the highly-wrought expectations of our Pharaoh-like requsitionists .

      These formed one and a somewhat numerous class of obstructions to our progress . But , if these may be said to have required of us bricks without straw , there was another and not less numerous class , who were still more unreasonable , who would furnish neither straw nor clay , but who coolly said if , and when , we succeeded in realising our promises , and produced a successfully working National Association , why thtn , they would take the question into their consideration with the view of joining us , and giving us their hearty assistance . Alas ! what drag-chains upon the " wheel of progress , in every department of life are these " waiters upon providence , " these timid and cautious procrastinators .

      There is another large section of Society , who might have been expected to have thrown themselves heartily and joyfully into a movement initiated under such favourable auspices , and patronised by so popular and influential a leader . Y , e allude to what arc usually designated the " skilled trades" who were presumed to possess superior intelligence and superior resources . But alack ! there exists , unfortunately , an aristocracy of labour , as well as of rank and title , and equally tenacious of its dignity , and this higher rank of British workingmen declined fellowship in the same movement with their less favoured brethren . There were other

      numerous , but minor agencies , about that period , which accumulated upon us , and added to the difficulty of our position , in working out , under such peculiar disadvantages , so novel and important an experiment . The Executive , by its steadfastness of purpose , and its unity of action , have nevertheless done much with the confidence and means entrusted to them . They have fought labour ' s battle , if not always successfully , at least truthfully and honourably , and they haw never surrendered nor compromised a single principce , upon any occasion .

      We think , therefore , they have a strong claim upon the confidence and support of the working classes , especially now when their own principle of National confederatimi has become so generally acknowledged , as the sheet-anchor alone capable of preventing the bark of labour drifting still further to leeward . Wc believe that many of the obstructive agencies we have referred to , if they still exist , do so in mitigated form . Recent events have materially sobered down extravagant expectations , and in some instances have given a wholsome , though somewhat rude , check to that fatal overweening confidence in the power and invulnerability of insolated and exclusive action .

      It becomes daily and hourly more apparent that National Bights can only be acquired and maintained by National unity and action . None dispute tho axiom . Our principles have been severely tested . Our organisation , if not perfect , is effective , and susceptible of infinite expansion . Our constitution is purely democratic , and based upon a just and rational idea of equality , where each man is called upon to

      contribute according to his means , and to receive in proportion to his contributions . The executive with the president is appointed by the people ; the parliaments arc annual or oftcner , and the suffrage universal . We think , even our chartist friends must admit wc are democrats , even if wc arc not politicians . These are our claims , which we respectfully submit to the test of examination , and by its results we will stand or fall . WILLIAM PEEL , Sec .

      Bradford. Woolcombeks 1 Monster Meeting,...

      BRADFORD . woolcombeks monster meeting , and procession . The largest aggregate meeting of this numerous body which has been held for the last twenty years , took place on the spare ground , near Philadelphia Chapel , Bolton-road , on Monday morning last , at nine o ' clock , according to previous announcement . Two thousand circulars were distributed through the various work-shops in the district , and nobly were they responded to , as the population of Bradford were astounded at the large mass thus brought together .

      Mr . John Clayton was unanimously called to the Chair , and briefly referred to the importance of the object for which they had assembled . He trusted that their proceedings would be governed by order and regularity . Mr . G-eorge White then addressed the meeting . He expressed his pleasure at the immense display before him . They had responded nobly to the call of the Committee , and had proved that they sanctioned the whole of the steps lately taken by that body on their behalf . He dwelt at some length on the immense power which such a large body of men possessed when united ; and pointed out the course which the

      Committee recommended for their future adoption . Pie then read the transactions of tlie Committee for the previous week , from the minute-book ; and exhibited the cash-book , which had been duly audited and delivered correct and satisfactory in all its parts . He reminded the meeting that the advance of wages claimed was to commence on that day , and in order that the manufacturers might sec their unanimous determination on that point , the Committee had resolved to have a procession through the leading streets of the town . This announcement was hailed with loud cheers . He then requested the meeting to fall in four deep , and preserve strict order .

      the procession . The first column formed was then moved on nearly a quarter of a mile , in order to allow room for the remaining portion ; but the space was so rapidly filled up that the head was ordered to move on , in the order arranged by the Committee . The procession marched in good order on Bolton-road , up Kirkgate , by the Piece Hall , where a large number of merchants and manufacturers were assembled , it being market-day for grain and prices . The windows and steps of the Exchange buildings were thronged with merchants and others connected with the trade , as the procession went past . They then proceeded up Derb y-street , and on by Northgate , down West-

      Bradford. Woolcombeks 1 Monster Meeting,...

      gate and Ivegate , through the Bowling-green , along Newstreet and Charles-street , into the Leeds-road . Here the immense size of the procession showed itself to advantage tho road being wide . As the procession moved by the pnncclv warehouses , erected on each side of this road , the windows were all occupied by anxious gazers . The procession occupied about a quarter of an hour in passing this point , marching at a brisk pace , each rank as close to each other as convenience would admit . It then proceeded up Goodman ' s End , down George-street , on the Leeds-road by

      Eastbrool-Chapel , on Well-street and Bolton-road , to the place of meeting . It was a splendid sight , and the order and strict silence preserved throughout the march was a most appro - priate accompaniment to this solemn " Protest of Labour " The men were universally delighted at tlie unexpected numbers present , and congratulated each other on the spirit of union displayed . When all had taken their places on the ground , the meeting had much increased , and the Chai rman resumed the business by again calling on tlie Secretary to proceed with the remaining business .

      Mr . George White then addressed the meeting , and concluded by calling upon the auditors to deliver their report as to the state of the books .

      Mr . John Clark , and Mr . John Sugden , the auditors appointed at the previous meeting , then ascended the hustings and Mr . Clark stated that although he had frequently been engaged in such matters before , he had never seen " books kept in a more clear and satisfactory manner . Mr . Sudden corroborated the statement . ° The secretary then declared the resignation of the Committee , as the business for which they were appointed was then concluded , and handed over the books to the Chairman . He recommended that three persons should be elected as a Committee , to transact business until the trade was permanently organized into sections as before .

      Mr . John Clark moved a vote of thanks and confidence in Mr . George White and the Committee , for the satisfactory manner in which they had performed their duties . The motion was carried unanimously . The meeting then proceeded to choose the three men for a future Committee . Several active and well-known men were nominated , and a show of hands taken for each . The following were chosen : —George White , Patrick Dillon , and

      John Clayton . Mr . Thomas Spun * and others then addressed the meeting , and Mr . G . White proceeded to call off the various employers' names , and pointed out different spots on the ground for their workmen to assemble , and elect their deputations , and report the result to the Committee , at the Teetotal Hall , at six o ' clock on Wednesday evening . The meeting was then adjourned until 7 o ' clock on Monday evening next , and all departed well satisfied with the day ' s proceed-

      Ings. Forthcoming Conference Of Miners. ...

      ings . FORTHCOMING CONFERENCE OF MINERS . To the Editor of the Star of Freedom . Sir , —I- was desired by the Delegate Meeting , held at Round Thorn , near Oldham , * on Monday last , the 16 th instant , to inform 3-011 that the Miners' agents for tlie county of Lancashire , have held several good public meetings , at the Old Dog , and other places in Wigan ; and that there is great hope of a complete re-organization of the Miners of Lancashire . With a view to the accomplishment of this desirable object , the following resolution was passed : —

      " That a Conference of the Miners of Lancashire and Cheshire he held on Monday , the 30 th day of August , 1852 , at the house of Mr . Fair , sign of the ' Cotton Tree , ' Ancoat-street , Manchester , to commence at ten o ' clock in the forenoon . " It is very desirable that every district , as speedily as possible , should call a meeting to elect a representative to the above conference , and give him proper instructions how to vote . The society employs four agents at the present time : Mr . Henry Hurst , Mr . John Francis , Mr . Allen Tetlow , and Mr . Moses ParkiiH-all good and true men .

      The Miners of Lancashire , a few months ago sent a petition to the House of Commons , praying for sub-inspectors over mines , such sub-inspectors to have had not less than ten years' practical experience in the interior of the coal mines . The petition was signed by 1 , 900 of the hardy sons of the ) mine . To other districts we say—One and all go and do » likewise ; wo have sent a great many petitions to parliament ,, on this all-important subject , at various times , and at all times * will be very glad to co-operate with other districts in forwarding any movement , the object of which is to preserve the 2 health and life of the Miner .

      I shall be happy to communicate with any other district on this or any other subject connected with the welfare of the e Miners . All letters ' must be addressed to " D . Swallow , , ' , Post-office , St . Helen ' s , Lancashire . " I am , Sir , yours , & c , D . SWALLOW , Corresponding Sec . August , 18 th , 1852 .

      AMALGAMATED SOCIETY—MANCHESTER . . .. To the Editor of the Star of Fkeedom . Sin , —The strike is over with the men so far assufferinggoews .. They are as buoyant as ever and ready for Australia , ^^ the " Great Britain , " which leaves Liverpool to-day wtiiitii ! more than 500 persons on board , some of whom are amalgamators ; so you see wc are alive and cheerful , and some amw " off to the diggings . " Our ¦ employer s " nuggets" arc Jessess : now , as far as this year is concerned , than they would liavwri been if they had consented to abolish over-time , and give ik « t the opportunity of visiting our parksmuseums , libraries , anunw

      , athenaeums and such like places , calculated to make « m better , both morally and socially . We have one ov two oniim ployers here yet , upon whom our remonstrance against otfWrr time has not had its due effect . They are working us , cit « with or without our consent , until half-past nine o ' clock cvcW , night except Saturday and Sunday , and then decency torn bids , or else we should even then be working . We do not *» to come to a strike , but what must we do in order to p ^ wj these long hours ? They rob 11 s of every enjoyment . Ai ^ we Emigrate ? Yours , & c , , Q AN AMALGAMATED ENGINE &• Manchester , Aug . 18 , 1852 .

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Aug. 21, 1852, page 12, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_21081852/page/12/