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    Occur Under Such Circumstances It- Is Bu...

    Intention to _redaee wage * , if th c aen -ia not compel one or two other employers to P _^ y the same prices' as they _dtd . The C < ntt-dComir Iiiteetj 1 0 nghtjtbettert jlattte men should have an _France than resist a redaction . They , therefore , _np _^ a -application , sent a deputation to Oxford , who form * tho statement made to the Central Committee cor _^ _t . is soon as the low-paymg employers found tho _Antral tbmmittee in earnest as to setting their _me'is t _^ _rorinniesstney _f _^^ _, _&& p rices , they _touched the _required advance . _"Stocwoaf _Bleacuem . —The hands emp _loyed by one firm were offered a reduction of 12 _jr per cent . The Central _Co-onnittee advised due legal notice to be given _ti-at ihey Would leave if this -reduction w » persevered in , ' ad ti _tantinue working under protest . Previous to the _cxpirafenof the notice , a member of the Central Com-- _mvftee-wM sent to Stockport , and after a long interne w _the-employer agreed to ive the oris """ prices .

    g _"Sehaee SaK _Powea-Loo * _-- Weeato , Maschisteb . Similar results attended the mediation ofthe Central Cemmittee in the case ofa reduction , last April , in this "" trade . "la all these eases the Central Committee succeeded _*> _y mediation only , or by the masters having ascertained They were making preparations for employing the different parties . In the following cases , the operatives were -withdrawn , and set to work by the Association , through the medium of the Association for the Employment of Industry . " _Seboe _Weavebs of Colujhptoh . —This body

    complained to the Central Cemmittee that three years age their employer induced them to forego a portion of their wag ' s , in consideration of which he would find drivers , shuttle ? , oil , and other necessaries for their work ; which agreement , after having been acted npon for some time , he -violated , and demanded ' that the men should find these articles themselves , an alteration which was equivalent to _a-reduction of Is . 6 d . to 2 s . per week from their already scanty earnings . They applied for these extras , hut were refused ; dad having thereupon struck , they were set to work by the Association . _"DrmtLDSiL-E _tJiovEBS . —In September last , this body entered into a strike without the sanction of the Central Committee consequently precluding their being supported hy the Association . "When the strike closed , the employers discharged four men on account of the sctrve part they had taken , who were immediately employed , and are still at work , for the Association . "Lie aud _Csadixt UAn , M » KE » s . —Themen were

    employed in this case as the only means of preventing their submission to a serious reduction In prices . - "NorrrsoHAH Fbahe-Woke Knittexs . —In several cases of _oppression in this trade the Central Committee lave interfered and employed the men . ' " _Wjlhslow Hand-Look Weavebs . —An employer _re--dnced the wages of some of his hands sixpence per piece , * nd in other cases increased the length of the piece . Thirty-two of his hands are employed by the Association . "Lassos Tut Plate _Wobkers . —An employer near Leicester-square reduced the price for making railway lamps . Upon being waited npon , he said he could not afford mere than he offered . The Central _Committee not being able to prevail upon him to withdraw the redaction , employed the men " In addition to these trade cases , many individual instances of oppression have occurred , in which the Central Committee have deemed it to be their duty to extend support and assistance in this way .

    "There are at present employed toy the Association for the Employment of Labour the following trades and numbers of persons : — 12 Frame-work knitters at Nottingham 1 ditto Daybrook 5 ditto Sntton in _Ashfield 8 Clove-makers _DcfSold 16 Serge-weavers _Collampton 33 Hand-loom-weavers "Wilmslow 13 Tack sock hands Thurmaston ' 6 ditto Oadby 27 Shoemakers London 1 Damask-wearer Wigan 2 Tin-plate-workers London 122 Men .

    "In _accordance with the resolutions passed at last Conference , and to enable the sister Association to carry out this part of the plan , the Central Committee took np £ 00 £ 5 shares , npon which they have daring-the year paid £ 4 each , amounting to a total of £ 2 , 000 thus inrested . Besides the numbers they employed , there are now twenty men receivingpay according to the rule , in consequence ofthe Association not being in a position , either from the nature of their occupation or other causes , to set them to work . " Makchesieb Bcilding Trades . —The only case in which the Association can be said to have experienced painful difficulties was that of the Building Trades of Manchester . After an expenditure of £ 403 19 s . lid ., besides a large sum by these trades themselves , that str ke terminated as too many have done before it . " This

    failure , however , bo far from throwing any discredit npon the Association , atsists by contrast to prove its value and efficiency . The Association bad nothing whatever to do either with the strike at its commencement , or its management during its continuance . It was only at the close ofa protracted and severe struggle , and when tbe contest was virtually decided in favour ef the employers , that the Conference of last year , _sympathmn _? -with the determined aad intrepid conduct which had been manilested hy the building trades in defence of their rights , aad anxious to assist them , agreed to reto lotions by which these trades were recommended to the consideration and support of the Central Committee , who , acting upon the spirit of theserecommendationg , not only took steps to bring the pecuniary _resoarces ofthe association to their aid , bat borrowed money on the faith of these

    resources for that purpose . That assistance , however , was not sufficient to avert tbe unfortunate termination of the struggle . It is deeply to be regretted , also , tbat this untoward sffair caused a misunderstanding between the Central Committee and the Manchester District Committee , which was a source of much anxiety and pain to the Central Committee . They acted strictly on the laws of the Association in the case , but the District Committee _toak a different view of the subject , and appealed to tbe Association for its support to their construction of the matter at issue . The Central Committee were urged by the Manchester District Committee to call a special conference to consider the question , dot declined doing so ; they , however , summoned a special meeting ot the Central Committee , including the

    provincial members , at which meeting , after hearing Mr Peel on behalf of the Manchester District Committee , and giving-the subject the fullest consideration , the provincial members came to the resolution tbat the London members had dene tbeir duty in carrying out the recommendations of Conference with reference to the Manchester Building Trades , and that the constructions put npon the resolutions of Conference was neither erroneous nor unjust . As the consideration of this and one or twe other disputed matters may come , under the consideration of the Conference at a future stage of the business , it is unnecessary now to advert to it at greater length . The Central Committee have performed their doty to the best of their judgment ; they court investigation , _ati-3 will cheerfully abide the Issue .

    " Another t _* _se in which the Committee interfered may be briefly noticed—that of the Redditch Needlemakers . The men bad been ou strike some time before applying for admission into the Association , a fact which was not stated at the time they _mafla that application . Shortly after joining they informed the Central Committee that -they were on strike , and solicited assistance . The Central Committee sent a deputation to Redditch , whoreported there was every chance of success if the Central Committee would aid them by a loan . The Central Committee , upon that representation , advanced at _dif--ferent times £ 100 , to be repaid as soon as the dispute

    was adjusted . That loan has not been repaid . Itmust , however , be specially noted tbat in this , as in the Manchester case , the Central Committee were not consulted . at the commencement of the strike ; they had no chance . of mediating between the parties before it took place ; ' they had nothing to do with its management , and they did not , as in other cases , bring the well-prepared and concentrated energies of the Association to bear upon it . So that it cannot be considered as impugning , in tbe slightest degree , the efficacy of the principle which , under the direction of the Central Committee , has proved so nnif ormly unsuccessful .

    "Onthe whole , the conclusion which may fairly he derived from the preceding summary of the principal _cases in which the Central Committee have interfered is . that wherever the principle of the Association has been fairly carried out , it has invariably proved successful , and where a failure has ' taken place it has been -owing to aneglect ef that principle , and tbe absence of -those precautions to ensure a _satifactory settlement before entering upon a contest , which are the especial duty and care of the Association . " Tbe two cases in which the Association expended -the largest sum of money with tbe least satisfactory / results were these in which the old system of strikes had -been resorted to . In all the cases contracted by the Cen-• tral Committee not only was success attained , but the income from -the levies . of each trade so assisted has much _exceedad ; the cost of the victories in their respective cases .

    " Tbcck Si & iem . —Deeply sensible of the effects of this pernicious system , the Central Committee have made -every effort to put it down ., Their own conviction is , that no method cae be so effectual as that of providing employment for the men who may be discharged for giving evidence against those masters who infringe tbe law . This has been done In all cases of this description which hare come before the Central Committee , and they believe that if this fact becomes generally known , it -wonld embolden the sufferers from this unlawful and -vicious traffic to make known the injustice of which they are the victims , while thejtruck masters , taught a wholesome lesson by the penalties inflicted upon them , would cease their nefarious practices : Of these penalties , it mustber- _'collected thatone-halfreverte-dtotbe Association . If itis properly supported in the attempt to put down this crying evil , general success would be inevitable .

    " _EJtPioTHEHT ot IsDrviDBAls . —In several instances individuals have been set to work who have been discharged in consequence oftakingpartin the proceedings of the Association . This is the _most . effective way of encouraging an independent spirit among tho men , and of showing the employers that they have no longer the power to starve or ruin the individual _tvho . asserts his privilege of free speech and free action in defence of his "rigfcts and those of his fellow-workmen . ' "New Office fob the Association . —In the course o . the year , the largel y-increased and increasing opera tons compelled the Central Committee to 'look nut fo

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    more commodious premises in which to transact the _buiinessof the Association with the requisite _fecilitlH . The Board of Directors of the Association for the Employment of Labour have taken a lease of very eligible ' premises at 11 . Tottenham-conrt-road , where the whole of the business of the two Associations is now concentrated , and that of this Association conducted under' the superintmdence of the Central Committee . Mr Bonell , one of the members of the Committee , having resigned hie seat at the Board , the Central Committee , in accordance with _ihe powers vested in them by tbe constitution , elected Mr Mayne , another ofthe Carpenters'delegates , to fill the ? aeancy until a new election by the present Conference . Petitions to _Pabuamest . —TheCentralCommittee have during the year presented petitions to Parliament against the Truck System , in favour of the Ten Hours ' Bill , and praying for a just and impartial system of Nat ' _onal Education _, instead of the partial and imperfect scheme ofthe Government . -- *

    "Income and _Exfsmhtcse . —The total amount of levies and subscriptions _received from June , 1846 , to the end of April , 1847 , was £ 4 , 060 15 s . _Ojd . The expenditure for management , _including salaries and travelling _expenses of missionaries , and Central Committee , _expeiists of deputations to meditate in cases of dispute , Secretary ' s salary , stationery , rent , & c during the same period , amounted to £ 877 18 s . 9 | d . Two thousand _poinds , as has been already stated , was invested with the s _. ater Association ; the balance remains in tbe hands of the banker and treasurer . 11 _FtrrcsE Pouct . —Havingas briefly as was consistent with the nature of the business given an outline of the proceedings of the past year , the Central Committee deem it to be their duty to say a few words upon matters connected witb the future policy of the Association . They offer these remarks mot in the spirit of dictation , bat simply as the result of their experience , which they wosldnot be doing tbeir duty to the Association were they to withhold from its knowledge and consideration .

    It will be observed by the business paper that several alterations are proposed in the laws . The Central Committee are aware of the injury which is frequently done in Associations of this description b y hasty and ill-considered legislation , and needless changes . They deprecate all sneb legislation aud alteration , being fully convinced that , in the majority of cases , when a plan has been carefully matured by experienced minds , as the constitution of this Association undoubtedly was , subsequent attempts to amend it run great risk ef impairing , if not destroying , its efficiency . Continuity and steadiness of action are indispensable pre-requisites to success in anj great undertaking , and these elements cannot be looked for where the spirit of change is constantly at work . AU alterations , therefore , should be proposed first from a sense of their imperative necessity , based upon a practical knowledge of tbe working ofthe constitution ; and , second , with a view ' to make them fit into the other parts of the structure in a harmonious manner , ' Ih this spirit the alterations are br <> _ogtit forward . They principally relate to ' one point , hut that is an important

    one : — " Tee Cosstitctioh of the Governing Body . —Tbe events of the past year have demonstrated tbat itis utterly impossible for tbe Central Committee , as originally constituted , to conduct the business of this great and growing association . It appears that the time has . come when a permanent' directory must become part of the machinery of the Association , recognised by the Conference , and legalised by- the constitution . The Central Committee for the past year trust that the events of which they hare given a brief summary " will be sufficient ground for an act of indemnity from Conference for having been , in fact , forced in that position . They leave the question in the bands of Conference , confident that it will receive what it deserves—a full and impartial consideration .

    " Union Between the Two Associations . —Another point of scarcely inferior importance than the preceding is the means by which a more thorough amalgamation may take place between this Association and the Association for the Employment of Labour . That Association appears to the Central Committee to be indispensable to the proper and efficient working of this . They are , in fact , the two parts of one great scheme , either of which is defective without the other . At present difficulties are'experienced in the working of tbe two , which it is desirable should be obviated , and the Central Committee trust the Conference will give its best attention to the means by which this object can be achieved .

    "The progress ofthe Association during the shorttime it has been in existence is fall of promise for the future , if a spirit of impartiality , reason , aad brotherly kindness , pervades our . deliberations and animates our actions . We have , almost at the very outset , achieved triumphs , which even the most sanguine could not have anticipated at this early stage . What may we not hope for in future , if the Association is prudently and properly managed , and when it has acquired tlie strength ofa well matured and firmly consolidated organization , directed by men enlightened by the experience arising from pas' practice , and bringing all their powers to bear upon its . success ! " It wonld be unjust to close this report without making allusion to two causes which have materially contributed to produce the results which the Central Committee have had so much pleasure in recording . The one is the act of kindness ef the proprietor of _theAortnern Star , in gratuitously setting apart weekly , several columns of

    his paper to reports of the proceedings of the AscociatioD , and to the insertion of such other documents as the Central Committee 'find necessary to make public . The frank generosity with which this most valuable boon was conferred and has been continued , will , the Central Committee are confident , be appreciated as it deserves by every member of the Association . To the editor of the Morning Advertiser , the Association is also deeply indebted for the frequent and impartial notices of tbe Association which have appeared in the columns of tbat journal , and for the attention and space which it gives to all matters affecting the interests of the industrious classes . Other portions of the press have as yet bat sparingly noticed the Association ; but there is no doubt tbat as it progresses , and its really conservative and peaceable character becomes known , that it will receive that justice which that great organ of popular opinion never , in the long ran , withholds from anything calculated to benefit society .

    "Above all , however , the Central Committee would direct attention to the unparalleled exertions , and the invaluable services of the honourable aad highly respected President of tbe Association , T . S . Duncombe , Esq ., M . P . It is perhaps no exaggeration to say , that but for his constant , unvarying , and close attendance at all the meetings of tbe Central Committee , to every minutia connected with the Association ; to his great talents as a man of business , bis long experience of public life , and , above all , his lofty aad disinterested patriotism , the Association would never have reached its present position , er achieved those triumphs which have been so proudly and gratefully enumerated . So long as the Association is favoured by having Mr Duncombe at its head , a

    guarantee will be given to the working classes that their interests and rights will bo faithfulJy watched and patriotically advocated ; and to the other classes ef society , that nothing illegal , unconstitutional , or unjust , will ever be attempted by tht Association . Whatever power it may ultimately attain will be used for the improvement of tbe condition of the labouring classes , without trenching upon the just rights andprivilegeB of others . Long may it be honoured and strengthened by tbe presidency ofa man whom England acknowledges to be one of tbe most independent and useful Members of _theLegtslature , and whom Labour ' s sons have universally adopted as their champion . " By order ofthe Committee , i . "Thomas _Babrat , Secretary .

    The reading of this report was frequently interrupted by cheers , audits conclusion was greeted with loud applause . Mr Patten , of Manchester , said before proceeding to any other business , there was a matter of great importance to which be wished to call the attention of thecsn . ference . He found that there were two colours of tickets of admission delivered to delegates , one blue and another white . He wished to know the cause of that difference , and whether the delegates were considered to hold different privileges indicated by tbe colour of the card f Mr Robson , on the part of the Central Committee ,

    explained that the difference had heen made by the Central Committee , from no wish to dictate to the conference on the subject , but from a desire to diiect its attention to the matter . The delegates holding white cards represented trades who had paid np all their subscriptions ; and the bine cards those trades which were in arrears _. It was the opinion of the Central Committee that the latter delegates should have the power of speaking on every question tbat might come before the conference , but that they should not vote upon money questions . It was , however , a question which was left to the confer _, ence to decide .

    _MrDiAXoNs-moved that no delegate wbose trade is above four months in arrears of levies shall rote at the present conference , bat it is competent to _suchdelegates to speak upon all questions . He considered that it was absolutely essential that none bnt those trades who had contributed to ths funds should vote in their disposalor on money questions generally , Mr Jenkins seconded the motion . Mr Fabezb moved as an amendment , tbat a committee of five be now appointed , to inquire into the eligibility of those in possession of blue cards to vote on matters connected with , this conference , and report thereon to the conference . The amendment was seconded by Mr Pee * ,.

    An animated and lengthened discussion ensued on this motion and amendment , in which Messrs Diamond , Robson , Claughan , Berry , Emmett , S . Taylor , Hawkeswortb _, Dean , Forsyth , and Green , supported the motion , on the ground tbat it was nnjust to the trades who had acted in accordance with the rules , and paid up their subscriptions , to allow those who had not done so to act in conference , as if they had fulfilled the conditions of memberships . There must be a test by which they could distinguish between those who were members and those who were not , and it was the usual method adopted in all societies to take the payment of subscriptions as tbat test . What inducement could they otherwise hold out to the trades to forward their subscriptions , if they knew that they would be permitted to sit at conference and take part in all the business of the Association , whether they contributed to tho pecuniary support ofthe Association or not In no local trades' union would parties be permitted to take part in the business , on any pretence , who had not qualified themselves by regular payments .

    Messrs Patten , James , Jacobs , Chance , Reilly , Isherwood _, Bailey , Peacock , and Taylor , opposed the motion , because the Committee had issued precepts by which aU

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    the parties then present had been summoned to that meeting , and it would be most unjust _. after bringing them such ' a distance , to . deny them the _' power . of taking part in Ithe deliberations _> nd . decisions of , the"Conference ; There were trades who bad net paid up their levies , _became they considered they had not been properly treated by the Central Committee . The delegates were present for the purpose of having the matters In dispute fully investigated , and until such investigation it was unfair to exclude them from participation in the business ! inas much as it would be condemning them unheard , and

    presuming the Central Committee to be right , and these dissenting trades wrong . There were also other trades who had fallen into arrears In consequence of had trade , but who , if not excluded from the Conference , _weuld , when better times returned , resume their payments . Such a rale , it was contended , would be unjust , because it had not been acted upon at any previous Conference , and its adoption how , it was believed , would have tbe effect of immediately causing the secession of several delegates from tradeB who objected to forwarding their contributions until they were satisfied on various matters now in dispute .

    The Coaibman said the reason why the rule had never been acted upon before was , because it was only passed at the last conference . Previous to that time no stipulated or regular levies were specified in tha rules , but the Association then adopted the resolution , tbit trades failing to remit levies for four months , should forfeit ail claim upon the assistance of the Association ; and by the same rule it would appear , that the delegates from that trade should not take part in the . proceedings of the Conference until the trade was reinstated b y payment of its arrears . At the same time there was not the slightest disposition to prevent the fair and dispassionate consideration by the Conference of any complaints which delegates might have to make . ' After some farther discussion the amendment was put , and carried by a large majority _. The _Committeewas then appointed , and the Conference at half-past six o ' clock adjourned till to-morrow ( Tuesday . ) '

    , ToisDAY , Mat 25 . —The'Conference assembled this morning , _atnlne o ' clock , according to adjournment . T . S . Duncombe " , Esq ., M . P ., in the chair . V The roll of delegates having been ' called over , ' and the minutes of the previous day ' s sitting _^ confirmed , the standing orders for regulating the proceedings of the C nferenee were agreed to . , ' _""' . Mr Pabkeb reported from the Committee appointed to examine and report on the right of certain delegates to vote in Conference . It appeared that there were only three delegates to whom blue cards had been issued , thus disqualifying them from voting ; these delegates were , Mr Riley , delegate from the plasterers of Mahchesr ter , which trade had not forwarded their levies , In consequence of a disputebetween Hand the Central Committee as to the construction to be put upon certain resolutions pasted at the last Conference , recommending the Central

    Committee to support the building trade ' of Manchester , then upon strike . The trade claimed a balance from the Central Committee , and wished the whole matter investigated . Mr Taylor , ' delegate from the plumbers of Manchester , gave similar reasons ; and Mr Hughe ' s , delegate from the bricklayers of Manchester , said that his trade objected to pay up their levies until their average wages were rated at £ 1 weekly , instead of £ 1 lbs ., the som fixed by the Central Committee . As soon as this was rectified they were ready to clear their arrears . The Committee recommended , that as these matters would at tbe proper period come under the consideration of the Conference , the delegates should immediately have white cards , on the condition that they did not vote on the matters at issue between themselves and the Central Committee , but entitling them to vote on all other business brought before the'Conference .

    This report was unanimously adopted , and cards _order-d to be given accordingly . ' The Conference then proceeded to consider the annual report / which was taken paragraph by paragraph , and agreed to without remark , until that part haying reference to the strike of tha Manchester building trades was read , upon which Mr Tailob , of Manchester , said be wished to correct a statement that the building tradeB of Manchester had lost that strike , The great point at issue between the employers and the men was the signing of a'document presented by the masters , requiring the men to give up their local and general unions . AU the Manchester trades , with the exception . of the carpenters , were virtually victors in _thatcontest , inasmuch as not . one of them , with that exception , had signed that agreement ; tbeir societies were now in existence , and in as independent a position as ever . -

    , Mr Hughes , a representative of the bricklayers of Manchester , confirmed this statement as respected his own trade , not one ofthe many hundreds comprised in which had signed the document . . Mr _GoctniN , Secretary to the Manchester District Committee , said the contest was not _virtnelly decided In favour of the employers . The strike commenced for an advance of wages , but ultimately resolved itself into a struggle against the signing ef a document pledging the m ° n to abandon their local , and general Unions , which the men succeeded in resisting in ' every instance except the carpenters , and therefore it could not be said that the strike terminated in favour of the employers , Mr _TiTtox said it n-owld be _. betterif tbe part having reference to the ' allure of the strike should be struck out entirely , asit was calculated to produce a false impression on the public mind as to the actual results ofthe strike .

    The Cbaibman said that it was not competent to the Conference to alter the Report , which was that ofthe _Ceatral Committee , and did not bind the Conference to any of its stntements . The Conference mightpass resolutions expressly negativing any portion of the Report at a propir stage of the business . But the Report contained the impressions of the Central Committee on the facts as they were presented to them . With respect to the contradiction that bad been given , as to the failure rf the strike , he thought that , looking at the wages part of the question , ihe ' re could be no ; doubt but that the statement of the report was correct , while at the same time it was mast gratifying to learn that the

    _resistance to the document had been successful . To such a document he thought every trade was justified in offering the most determined resistance , and that association would also be justified at any time in throwing , its whole strength _iato such a struggle , even though it should peril its existence in the attempt . ( Cheers . ) .. It was a question of principle , and if the workmen once gave up tht- right of . protecting themselves against aggression , tbey would be placed entirely at the mercy of the employers . As to the erroneous impression . which it was supposed would be produced , the correction would be made as public as the statement , and therefore no evil consequences could ensue . On this understanding the matter dropped ..

    . Mr Bentlet , handloom weaver , objected to tbat part ofthe report referring to the Wilmslow handloom weavers . The number of persons named in the report were not aetually employed . He complained also that the Central Committee had not acted promptly in the ' matter , or the weavers would not have been in tbeir present position . Some « fthe hands employed by tbe Association had not been reduced at all , while others who had been reduced were at present out of work . , Mr Williamson , on the part of the Central Committee , said that having been appointed specially to conduct this part of the business , be was in a position to say Mr Bentley _' s statements were incorrect , and must hare been derived from false information . The statement in the

    report was perfectly correct . But at the same time . he was bound to add that the Central Committee were not able to act so efficiently as it desired to do , in consequence ofnot having sufficient capital atits command . At another period of the business be would call the attention of the Conference to the necessity for providing larger capital for employing both the handloom weavers and the framework knittets . He must in conclusion state that he feared the delegate from Wilmslow , like too many others , expected the Central Committee to perform impossibilities : it must be recollected tbat their powers were limited by tbe funds at their disposal , and the nature of the case they had to deal with . , Tbe subject then dropped .

    Another conversation arose on that part of the report referring to the means of puttiog down the truck system . Mr Dean , of Nottingham , said he wished to ascertain what was tbe moiety of the penalty which should be paid on convictions to the informer . "" He had been engaged in several cases on behalf of the Associtalon , in which £ 10 fine had been inflicted , and the magistrate ' s erk had only awarded him £ 3 . j ; The Cbaibhan said , he believed there was no specific sum named in the Act , but it was understood generally that one-half went to the informer , Mr Pskl bad been frequently asked whether the Associationwas prepared to support individuals not connected with [ the Association in their attempts to put down this bineful . system . _Itwas _aquestion he was nnable to answer , and he now put it to the Central Committee as one of great importance T

    The Chii-man said , it was a question which the Cantrill Committee could not answer . Its decision must be left to the Conference , and Mr Peel could bring it on at a subsequent period ef the sitting . Mr Peei said that he would give notice of a motion on tbe subject . MrFoBBKST , of Cradley , complained that the men In his district had been much injured by the establishment of the system . But the manner in which it was carried on b / the employer rendered it difficult to get at them . The shop was ostensibly kept by the daughter , whose name was over the door _.

    Mr Chance , of Cradley , said that he was satisfied , from the success that bad already attended their efforts in that particular district , that if similar measures were taken by the trades in other parts of the country , equal success might be attained . Thero were instances in which the principal articles of provisions were sold at least 25 per cent , above the regular price of other shops , besides being of an inferior quality ; aad the trade was carried on by masters , who took various means of evading the law . But as be had already stated , they had succeeded in putting it down at Cradley to a considerable extent .

    Mr Wimtebs _, of Leicester , said that Mr Dean had asked a question as to vbe portion of the fine which should go to the informer . In answer to , that , he could state that the magistrates in his locality had always equally divided the penalty . . As . to the difficulty of getting at the _truck-masters , the A ct distinctly aimed at putting down the trade , whether _carried on directly or indirectly , It was only necessary to fhow that it was

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    compuhori ~ on _fo P _«* _« : W * orkfi i _*? _$ « at were carried on in the name _«^ . _«^ f ; | _" _-g of the master , penalties could be obtained . _- That was a point which had been decided over and over again . Tbe real offence was compulsory dealing , and wherever that could be proved , the parties were amenable to tne Messrs Taylor , - Bayley , and other delegates , _aftvhi ' g addressed the meeting briefly on this _subjec . V , and detailed individual instances in which the tra _' mc was carried on , and productive of great Injury to , the working man , the subject dropped , with tbe understanding that it would form a distinct question at a subsequent period . ' _¦'

    . . . . . . .. .. ;; . ___ , .. .. ... A somewhat desultory _discussion ensued as to the rules which guided the Central Committee in their support of individual cases . It was asked whether they were prepared to support all individuals who were discharged on account of the active part they took in the affairs of the Association . Tbe _CQAibuan said that each case had hitherto been decided , on its own merits , and for bis own part he thoug ht thatit would be very dirBcult . to lay down any general rule in the matter . Mr Mabtin , miner , of Darcy Sever , said he understood that some money bad been advanced to the carpenters of Rochdale . He wished to know under what circumstances that money bad been advanced .

    Mr Bosh , on tbe part of the Central Committee , replied that the carpenters of Rochdale struck without having the sanction of the Central Committee ,, and were also in arrears with their levies ,- in consequence of a misunderstanding on the part of their Secretary as to the rules . Tbey could not therefore be supported by the Association . But the Central Committee lent them ¦ £ 20 , > which was quite certain of being repaid ... Mr Peei , said he vary much doubted tbe policy of lending any trade money under any circumstances . If they lent it to some trades in arrears , and refused it to others as had been thei case , the result was dissatisfaction . It would be far betterto lay down a rigid rule that ' no _assistance could be given to any . other method than that prescribed by the rules , which distinctly limited It to tbe trades who had paid up their subscriptions . _MrEuHETT , of Keighley , concurred in this view , and thought it was the duty of the Conference to express a decided . opinion on this subject .

    'Mr Chance objected to this view of the matter . It would fetter the Central Committee , and prevent tbem from giving timely assistance to many trades , when such assistance might secure all their demands , and retain the body in connection with the Association , - Mr _Hawkeswobth , of Sheffield , objected entirely to giving assistance beforehand to any trade , because be thought it was a very " great chance that tbey-ever got tbe ' r money back again . Let them first hare all the " subscriptions paid up , aad then give the utmost assistance and support the funds of the Association would afford . He thought the Central Committee Bhbuldnave acted strictly In accordance with the rules . If they had done so , the discussion need not have arisen , and . the dissatisfaction said fo exist would' never have been created .. _"' . ' ' - ' - ¦¦¦ . ¦ : ii ¦ _.-: ¦

    The Chairman said he thought it would be advisable , before tbe Conference separated , to pass a resolution ' . on the subject , distinctly prohibiting the Central Cemmittee from giving assistance by way of loan . They would then have an answer to all trades tbat might apply for such : assistance , Which would be conclusive of the matter , and show that they had no discretion in it , but were bound to act imperatively on thie law . ' . -. Mr Parkinson , of Bury , wished to know whether trades were permitted to strike immediately against any reduction of their wages ! - He had-asked the question last year , but it appeared had misunderstood ' the reply . ; ' . ' _..- " . ' . ' _' ., ¦ ¦'¦ - ; ' _, - The Chaibman said he had a distinct answer to the question ; No strike whether made against a reductionfor an advance , or for any other cause whatever—was legal , or could receive the support of the Association unless the subject had previously beeen submitted to , and obtained the sanction of the Central Committee .

    Mr Patten said he saw in the balance sheet a sum of £ 20 lent to the _coaree-stockingmakers of Manchester , He wished for an explanation of that item , ., . Mr Robson said that the coarse _stdekingmakers- bad applied to the Central Committee , but before receiving its decision , had struck . Under the circumstances , the Central Committee had thought it their duty " to assist them by loan . In doing so , he thought that they had introduced no new principle . It was no unusual thing for one trade to lend another money in a time of emergency ; and though such loans might not in all instances have been repaid , yet he believed such cases were few in

    comparison witb those in which such debts bad been honourably discharged . He did not see why that Association should be precluded from taking that course which events ' required it , It was , indeed , the only course which could at one and the same time enable the Central Committee to afford assistance in really extreme and deserving cases , and preserve the Association from inevitable ruin , if tbey were obliged to give assistance to every strike which any trade might choose to make without the previous sanction of the executive . In every case where this rule had been acted upon success bad been the result , and he trusted that fact would in future have its due weight on tbe proceedings of the trades . . .

    ' On tbat part of the report being read having reference to the press , ' Mr Peel expressed his regret that the working classes were comparatively so apathetic in supporting the papers which gave fair and impartial reports of tbe proceedings of trades' associations . For his own part , as an agent of the Association , he considered it to be his duty wherever he went , to induce the publicans to take in those papers , Mr Jacobs said he was happy to fiad in tbe course of hla journeys as agent , the provincial press was now beginning to notice the Association and report its meetings . He believed that this was mainly owing to the way in which the Morning Advertiser had given its valuable columns to reports of the proceedings of the _Association ; and he hoped that the trades throughout the country would do all in their power to . extend the circu lation of ' theiforniii _^ Advertiser , aad of all papers which pursued a similarly impartial course .. ( Cheers . ) ¦

    Mr Hawkeswobth , of Sheffield , had much pleasure in - stating tbat the local press of Sheffield were now much more disposed to give publicity to the proceedings and viewB of the tradeB than at any former period . Instances had occurred , within his own knowledge , where neglect on the part of reporters to attend their meetings , after being properly informed of the same , had been followed by a reprimand from the editor , which secured better attendance subsequently . He quite concurred in the . sentiments expressed by the speakers who had preceded him , as to the necessity and policy of the trades supporting those papers who treated them in a fair and impartial spirit . The trades did not want-partisanship on the part of any portion of the preBS . All they desired was , that their views and sentiments , the facts of their condition , ' should find the same publicity , ' and be equally open to a candid and impartial criticism as those of any other portion of the community . ., r

    Mr Pabkeb . was gratified to hear what had fallen from Mr Haivkeswortb , Hfs remarks were most timely , espedally after what had recently transpired in the House of Commons , with respect to certain occurrences at tbat town . He had recently visited Sheffield , and made special inquiries into tbe circumstances attending the outrages and destruction of property which had unfortunately occurred in that town , < md which-had . been Baddied upon tbe trades , and he could positively state , as the result of that Investigation , that these violent and deplorable occurrences were not in the slightest degree connected with any trades' union whatever . Some objections he found existed among portions of the working men against one paper which fully reported the' proceedings of this Association because it was a Chartist paper . For his own part he did not care what the political views of any journal might be . So long as it did justice to the trades he would support it and endeavour to make others do so . If the Times did so he would accord it the same credit and support as the Northern

    Star . The trades , as a body , disclaimed all politics . They took their stand on principles which no doubt had a certain connexion with what were called politics , but they desired to keep clear of all mere party politics , as such , and confine themselves simply to the social and industrial improvement of their order . ( Cheers . ) _' The Chaibman expressed his pleasure at the discussion that had taken place in Parliament on the subject of tbe Sheffield trades , and tbe convictions of MrOrerend . When Mr S . Wortley exhibited tbe large orange-coloured placard emanating from that association , and whlch , he believed , was iBBued by Mr Parker , it was _nddoubt done with tha intention of prejudicing the House of Commons against the Association . So far from doing that , ' howover , it had the contrary effect ; it-had given him an opportunity of stating the real objects of the Association and disabusing the minds of members of the prejudices which erroneous or imperfect information had created . He thought that in fact they ' were deeply Indebted to Mr Wortley , and that they . should give bim a vote of thanks for making the Association so well

    known—( cbeers . ) Tbe portion of tho report relating to the services of Mr Duncombe , as President of the Association , was greeted with repeated and hearty cheers . . Mr Robson said tbat be would not allow that opportunity to pass without makiug one or two remarks as to the unremitting attention Mr Duncombe had paid to the business of the Association , and tho groat advantagrs they had derived in consequence . The Hon . Chairman did not alone take the chair for a day or two , at such meetings as that , merely to get popularity , as some gentlemen of his order were in the habit of doing , but there was not a day tbat he did not call at the office of the Association in London , and If there was any business to be done"l ' mmedlately took his seat , ' ' and attended to it with the utmost patience and impartiality . ' In his presence he ' would not venture to say more , but a sense of duty prevented him from saying less ( loud cheers . )

    Mr Buncombe briefly expressed his thanks , and said that having now gone through the report , tho question he had to put was , that tho report be now received and adopted . The motion was put , and carried by acclamation , Mr James , of London , said he found that the trades of Birmingham knew very little of the existence and objects of that Association , ' and he thought that some means should bo taken to make them acquainted with the subject , ¦¦ - Mr Robson said they did not know where the trades were in the habit of meeting , so that they could not get at them j the Central Committoe would , however , be _mott

    Occur Under Such Circumstances It- Is Bu...

    happKio _aWlffi _^^^ object _suggested by Mr James . * ; : ¦ ¦;¦ ¦ . ¦ ¦ _> ; , W liii The Conference then adjourned at <»™ » cloclt > tiU _halfpMttwo . ¦ _* : ¦ _- . _.--.

    ¦ _,.- ¦ : _AMEBNOON SITTJNO .. A .- ' i On the reassembling of the Conference , the next _busfness on the paper ; vis ,, 'f the amendment , of rules , ' was prooeededwith . ,. r ,... . ¦ Mr Goulden , secretary of the Manchester District Committee , said that in bringing forward the alterations which stood in his name he was merely acting as the _servantof the Manchester District Committee . The first amendment he should move was that in the rule headed Annual Conference , " the ¦ words " or Central Committee V should be expunged , thus taking fromthe Centr « l Committee the discretionary pow « r which the laws at present vested in them , from a fear that it might be usad capriciously .

    Mr Robson said he objected to tbe amendment , because it might be productive of great inconvenience if the place of meeting was fixed by the previous Conference , and imperative upon them , to meet in that town , no matter what circumstances might _ariie in the meantime . For instance , suppose the Conference was appointed to meet in Birmingham , and that such an _excited state , of public feeling _asproduoedthe ?• Bull-ring riots" occurred in the meantime , would it be either prudent qr judicious to hold the annual meeting in the midst of such circumstances ? For his own part , he thoug ht is was a discretionary power which the Central Cemmittee were in no danger of abusing , while its deprivation might be productive of _serioos inconvenience .,.

    Mr Jacobs thought that tho rule should be altered if it would have the slightest tendency in its present shape to prevent a cordial co-operation between the Manchester District and the Central Committee .,- As to the objection about tbe ' , ' _Bull-ring riots , " he considered it a mere _bugbsar , and that if such a circumstance should occur the Conference might meet in Birmingham and adjourn immediately afterwards to some other place . . After a short discussion the amendment was negatived . 1 _Godiden then moved the following amendmenton tbe rule . "Special Sessions . " : Instead of the following

    clause : — "In case tbe Central Committee , neglect to call such special meeting . on such requisition the _requisitionists shall have power to call it themselves ;' to alter fo read as _. follows —? ' The Central Committee shall call such special _sesslonon such requisition ; " and "That such special session beheld in such town , Ac , as the previous conference was held . " The , reason why he proposed this was , that having applied . to the Central Committee for a special . session , which was refused by tbem , tbey did not feel it necessary at that time to proceed further , but agreed to wait until the present confer _, ence , when the subject could be fairly discussed . ; .

    Mr Robson said he had no objection , at an individual member of . the Central Committee , to agree to the . first amendment , giving the requisitionists' power to call the special meetings themselves ; but to the latter portion he thought there was a very tangible objection . ; The . amendment , was -proposed by the ¦ Manchester trades , among , whom considerable feeling existed at the time against the decisions of the Central Committee . Under such circumstances , Manchester would . have been , the very worst town to hold the . special conference in ; and yet , had the application been acceded in tbe case referred to by : Mr Goulden , Manchester , as being the town in which the last Conference was held , would have been the place for _holding that special meeting . In fact , all the reasons that applied to the amendment just nega . tiveri , applied to this portion of the second amendment also . ¦ ' . ¦ . _' "

    Mr _Hohphbies , of the Potteries , concurred in Mr Robaon ' _s views of tbe amendment , but suggested that the difficulty * with respeot to the last clause of the amend _, ment might bo met by inserting , that' the conference should be held in some central part of England . Mr _Williamsok thought that if the Conference had confidence enough in any body of men to entrust them with the management ofthe Association , they ought not todeprite them of tie discretionary power at present confided to them in thiB respect ; - Mr Peel said he did not wish to impugn the motives or the honour ot any member ofthe Central Committee ; but at the same time he thought tbat the working classes were wise , and at all times justified in depriving any committees of all discretionary powers which might by possibility be abused . _> ' !

    The Chaibman said the question was a most important one . It was quite possible that if they took ; the power fromthe Central Committeeof deciding whether aSpecial _Sewion should be held or not , and the question left : in the hands of the requisitionists , that they . would only increase their present difficulties . They must remember that many letters from the low paid trades ' already complained that it was difficult for them to send delegates to one conference in a year . How much-more difficult for them to send to two ! -And how easy it would be for a certain section of the Association to call a packed conference which might exclude all these trades from tbeir deliberations . ' . ¦¦ . _.=

    Mr Peel thought the question of expense should not be a paramount question . -At present the high priced trades were V' ry much dissatisfied with what they _con-Bider-d the ' unfair leaning of the Central Committee in favour of the low paid trades , and , in consequence , the number of members in the Manchester district had very much diminished . Even if the low paid tradeB consulted their own interest's , they would see that , by attaching the _hiuh paid trades to tho Association , tbey were most surely advancing their own interests by increasing the income and the numbers ofthe Association . Mr Williamson wished to know who were to pay the expenses of these extra-conferences—whether it was to be met by the trades themselves , or by a general fund . He thought that these expenses should be carefully looked to , and that before they agreed to such a resolution , they should define exactly the quarter from which such expenses- <« ere to be defrayed .

    " Mr JacVi ' bs said the question of expense was not before the Conference ; but merely whether special sessions should beheld , nnd . the manner . in which they should be called . ' Tbat such conferences might be _heceBsary must be conceded by every member ; and as to the question of who should call them , he would say that the requisition should be one signed by a majority of the paying trades ofthe association , and any special conference so called would , he believed , not only give general satisfaction , But be a sufficient guarantee against caprice or abuse of power by the Central Committee . Mr _Bentlev thought , instead ofthe delegates , it should be by-a majority- of-the members . He thought that would be the most satisfactory mode , inasmuch as the io » --paid trades would then be placed on ah equality with the _higher-priced trades . ' •'¦

    Mr J . Taylor was of opinion that the alteration of the rule , by taking away the discretionary power of the Central Committee , would at the same time take away a responsibility which must be anxiously felt by them . As to the suggestion , that ' a special conference should be called by a majority of the _paying members , instead oi the delegates , he thought the s . ime object would bo attained by _havine the majority of delegates , who would of course represent tho majoiity ofthe paying trades . Mr Bebbt , of Fnrrington / was of opinion that the original law * was best _calculated to meet all the requirements ofthe executive and the members of the Association . - _''• ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦' "• . ' ' ¦ - '• -. : _•'

    -Mr Hawkeswobth , at some length , supported the same view of the subject . To take the discretionary power from the executive , was entirely to annihilate their pewer'in the matter , and yet they were the most competent parties to judge upon it . At the same time the rule was just to tbe r- quisitioniets , because it gave them the power ; if they thought proper , upon the refusal of the Central Committee , to call a special conference themselves . He had formerly been a determined opponent of that Association , but having now given its rules aad constitution a careful consideration , he had been led to the conclusion that they " were generally well calculated to promote the great objects in . view . ' It was quite

    _possible that tbe Central Committee might' err , but it was better thatin the exercise of their discretionary powers they should occasionally make a mistake , than that tbey should be prevented from acting at all , or coerced into a course of action opposed to their conaclentUus convictions , and calculated , ih their estimation , to injure the Association . He objected altogether to any alteration in the rule , and believed that iu the majority of cases a deputation from requisitionists , or from a complaining trade , to the Central Committee , would , in almost all cases , citherrender a special conference unnecessary , or lead the executive to acquiesce . in their ideas as to the time and place of such meetings . He moved , that tbe rule stand as at present . *

    Mr Saundebb ; of Maidstone , could bear out the views of the last speaker as to the efficacy of personal deputations to the Central Committee . In several cases this had been done ' with reference toi his own trade , and in every instance , With the most satisfactory results . Mr Dmkon ' d thought the suggestion of Mr Bentley _, to appeal to the trades in such cases , was , under all the circumstancen , the best course to pursue . : Mr Winters , of Leicester , said that Mr Peel had stated the Central Committee had paid more attention to the low-priced trades than to the high-priced ones . He found that the number of cases la which theContral Committee had interfered in , the high-priced trades was seven , the number of low-paid trades was only ' three . There might have been greater cause among the one than the other , but the fact shewed that the high-priced trades had had a . fair share of the benefits of the Association .

    Mr Gooldeh replied , and being put to the conference , the Chairman declared the proposed amendment to be Io 3 tby a _majorlty ' of 40 to 22 , and the rule was consequently declared to stand as at present . Tho next amendment was upon the rule relative to notices of motion " to be three months , " instead of " six months . " Mr _GocLtiEN , in supporting this motion , said he considered six months was too long , and precluded the Association from taking advantage of much valuable experience which might be gained in the meantime , ' Mr Hawkeswobth seconded the motion , which ap pcftredtolumtobearnost judicious amendmenton the existing laws . Messrs Chance , Diamond , and Jacobs briefly spoke on the subject , and the motion , on being put , was declared to bo curried .

    Mr Diamond thought that two months was quite sufficient , and therefore moved the omission of the words " three months" and the insertion of two months ; and that instead ofthe concurrence _oftwo-thirds ofthe Con . ference . being necessary to make such alterations valid , it should be by " ii bare majority . A abort discussion ensued , and on the _question being put , the Chairman declared the motion was lost by a

    Occur Under Such Circumstances It- Is Bu...

    majority of M to d / and that the rule would stand hence _, forth three months instead of , six , as proposed ky w Goulden , "¦ . „ - „ ' _^; , Mr Robbon moved the next amendment , By the p » sent rule the memberi of the Central _Comraitteo we » eligible to be elected as delegates ; he wished to prevent that , and that they should simply attend the Confwenc * as the _aervahti ofthe Conference ; and therefore moved that thepresent rule be omitted , and the following b » inBerted . "The Central Committee shall not bneli _gibl , to be elected as Delegates to Conference , but shall a ttend in their capacity of the Executive Committee ofthe _Abso . _ciation . " The motion was unanimously agreed to . Mr _Godldek _mOved that the . returns of delegates should be made 14 day « previous to Whit-Monday instead of 7 days , at in the present rules . Themotien was agreed to .

    Mr Robson then moved the omission ' of rules 18 SB ( j 19 , and the iniertion of the following instead : —" xh _* Committee to meet from day to day for the tran ? aciio of the business of the Association ; and further , that the number of the Committee be 5 instead of 11 . " The real meaning of the motion was , that they should bare a n . manent sitting Committee , by which means , instead 0 « being as at present limited to the members _rcsidinc * London , they might elect any member of the _Associn . tion who might appear qualified for the office . It wag absolutely necessary that tbe Association should be con . ducted by a permanent executive , and by widening the choice of members they had a better chance of securing efficiency , ' At a subsequent period he would motet )

    recommendation to tbe Board of Directors ofthe _Associa . tion for the Employment of Labour to make as far as possible tbe management of the two Associations idea . tical . They were so closely connected , that it was important , if possible , the management of the two should be vested in the same hands . By adopting tlie course he recommended they would be enabled to do so , and , at the same time , to attend promptly to the cases of dispute requiring mediation or superintendence in the provinces . He was not by any meant wedded to the exact number he had named ; but he considered the adoption of the alteration on principle of the _greatest importance to the Association , By this means they would secure that continuity and ' harmony of action between the two Asto _> _ciations which were of such vital importance " .

    Mr Williamson agreed in tbe principle proposed by Mr Robson , but thought the number was too small ; tbe quorum of three might be liable to abuse , and the Central Committee might , in a . press of business , find itself uriablo to overtake the business before it . He trusted , therefore , that they would increase the number to ' s ' even , and that the quorum should be " " five . As to the ' additional expense which might be incurred by the adoption , be thought it would be abundantly compensated by the increased power at the disposal of the Association . Mr Pabkeb was quite satisfied that a permanent executive was absolutely necessary , and further , tbat the increase of numbers from five to seven was a judicious one , because two of the seven might be sent forth as missionaries , and communicate more directly and accurately the views and intentions of tbe Central Committee to the trades in the provinces than by the employment of mere casual lecturers , or parties , who 'had only occasional instructions from the central office .

    The Chaibman said the questionbefore the Conference was a most important one , and involved ah entire alteration of the constitution of the governing body . It _» ould be better that the question should be taken a « one of principle , and that the Conference should in the first place decide whether it would have a permanent executive or not ; they could afterwards , if they agreed to that , settle the number of tbat committee . He _suggested , therefore , tbat tbey take the questions in tbe following shape : — "That the executive ' shall for the future be a permanent body , to ! meet from day to day for the transaction of business , and to be 6 ona- / i < fe members ofa Trade Society . ' _?; Mr Hawkeswobth thought tbat the missionaries and lecturers ofthe Association should be added to tbe exe * cutive and considered as part of the paid members of that body .

    Mr _CLorJorUN , Holytown , was most anxious to caution the Conference against entrusting any of the governing power ' of tbe Association to the lecturers . He bad seen too many evils arise from such a source' not to give his most determined opposition to such a proposition . The Miners' Association had at one time fifty . four lecturers , they were the pest of every Conference they attended , and insisted upon having all their own way , but tbey forgot to carry the feelings of the paying members along with them , and the consequence was , that the Association fell to pieces . He had no wish to disparage the character and utility of lecturers : tbey were most useful , and had an important duty to perform ; but what he wished to see was , that they should be kept in their own sphere o _aetton . *

    ' Messrs Jacobs and Peel expressed themselves against the adoption of such an invidious distinction as that laid down by the last speaker . It was , in fact , taking advantage of tbe fact that a m ; m was pat in a position to acquire more extensive and practical information to deprive him ofthe ordinary privileges of citizenship . Mr Diamond said he was instructed to move that the 18 th rule remain as it is , . and tbat the members of the Central Committee be delegates frem trades paying to the funds of the Association . He cautioned the Conference against adopting the principle of a permanent executive , which might lead to great abuse . For hit own part , he thought it was something like creating a close corporation , if they elected the same individuals year af . er year to the management . Mr Saunders , of Maidstone , feared tbat the proposed alterations would do away with the present provincial members of tbe executive—a change which he feared would be attended by very injurious results .

    Mr _Huqhsb , of Manchester , said that if even the alter _, ationwas carried , as proposed , the elections would have to be made out of the trades of London , and he was also of opinion that the change , if carried , would tend to supersede the District Committees , who were , he believed , of essential service to the Association . Upon the fullest consideration , he felt bound to vote against the creation of a Permanent Committee . After some further discussion , the motions before tbe chair were withdrawn ; and the following resolution was unanimously agreed to : — " It is tbe opinion of this

    Conference tbat rules 18 and 19 require amendment , and that the Executive should in future be a permanent body , to meet from day to day for the transaction of businessto be bona fide members of a trade Society in connection with the National Association , and that a Select Committee be appointed to draw up a rule in conformity with the proposed change ; to settle the ' number' of the Central Committee ; the quorum necessary for the transaction of business ; and whether provincial members shell form any part of the Central Committee ; and bo report their opinion in the morning . "

    Messrs Parker , Goulden , Robson , _Hawkes north , For-Bythe , Humphries , Winters , Peel , and Ryley were appointed a Committee for this purpose , with instruction ! to report to-morrow morning . Mr James ; of London , said he rose to bring a matter of some moment before the Conference , in accordance with instructions he had received , not only frem the trade he represented , but from the broad silk-reavers and the chairmakers and carvers , that they should take measures for agitating the trades of Birmingham , either by taking steps to find out the meeting places of the trades , or by issuing placards , calling a public meeting , with s view of making known the existence , principles , and objects of the Association , He would , therefore , move thut a committee be appointed to adopt measures for agitating the trades of Birmingham by means of public meetings _aed deputations for the purposes he had named .

    Several Delegates expressed their concurrence in this step , and their belief that much good would result from the adoption of such a course . The Cuauiuan said he thought there could not be any objection to members of that Conference visiting the tradeB and _explaining the subject to them , but he _thought there were great difficulties in the way of a public meeting . For his own part he thought that having assembled there as a Conference for thoir own convenience , they were by no means justified in calling any such meetings . If the trades had moved : themselves and called a meeting , inviting the Conference ' to attend , it would be a very different matter , but he certainly could not concur in the _calling of a meeting by tbe Conference , whioh he thought would be a moBt improper interference on their part .

    Mr Hawkeswobth concurred In these views . There e could be no objection to waiting individually upon the e trades at their ' _reipectiv * _plaoos of meeting , but it would d be most Hnwise to call a public meeting in the present it position of the Conference with respect to the trades of > f Birmingham . ' The motion , on being put , Iras agreed to , A Com- amittee was appointed , and the Conference adjourned at it a quarter past six o ' clock . Wednesday , Mai 2 G . —The Chairman took his seat it this morning nt nine o ' clock , and the roll having been : n called , and the minutes ofthe previous day ' s sitting cob- n « firmed , --Mr Pabkeb brought up the Report of the Committee ; e « appointed yesterday to frame rules b y which the govern- _-ning body could * be converted into a permanent executive , re , Tbe Committee recommended that the 19 th rule be ex- : x . punged , and that the following be * substituted for the he _I 8 thrule : —

    " That the Central Committee be composed of a _preti- _itident and seven oth % r members , the President shall be be elected bj the Conference , without reference to bli coo- oonectibn with the Association , but the other seven mustbe ; be payable members for six months previous to a trade _ide soeiety in connection with the Association ; and that tbe tbe Committee meet from day to day for the transaction of i of general _business ,. fivc to form a quorum , the chairman te _n te have a casting vote in case of equality of votes on tbe tbe partof the remainder of . the-Committee .,, That in ease ate ofthe resignation or demise of any member of the Cen-Jentraj Committoe , the next in rotation en the Conference mc * list shall be elected to fill up'tbe vacancy . "

    The Committeo wero of opinion tbat the adeption o ' m of these rules would secure unanimity , prevent in viilioasioas distinctions , give a guarantee that the individual : - _ap'i appointed to serve on the Committee were impressed wiihwith . the importance and utility of the Association , nnd y re" v " vent the necessity of appointing a Corresponding _Secre-ecretary , as one of tho seven members might' discharge this , this * < _My . , _., . The report was received , and gare rise to a Io » b" _J _° desultory discussion , in which great contr _.-iriety _oty oil opinion was expressed by the various delegates who ad « o addressed the Conference , but as the arguments were _genr-genrrally of ft local and technical character , itis _unnea essar _' ssar _j

    Ar00606

• Citation
  • Northern Star (1837-1852), May 29, 1847, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_29051847/page/6/