On this page
-
Text (8)
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
-
-
Transcript
-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
Untitled Article
DESTRUCTIVE FIRE IN THE TEMPLE . About half-past fire on Tuesday morning a moat destructive * fld alarming fire broke out in the Chambers of Mr . Maulej the eminent Queen ' s Counsel , and one of thfr Members for the county of Cailow , at So . 14 , Paper-buildings , in the Temple . It is said that the Hon . and Learned Gentleman lad teen up late the previous night , being engaged in preparing for Circuit , and that in retiring to rest , ie forgot to extinguish the candle which he had left Jilted in his sitting room . He was alarmed by the saole which towards morning had nearly filled las bed-room ^ and he had hardly time to escape , md give the alarm before the entire fnraitore of the apartment wa 3 in flames . The fire-engine belonginsto the Temple was instantly brought to the spot , lit from the difficulty of procuring a sufficient DESTRUCTIVE JOTE IN —
rcDply of water , and the astonishing rapidity with niich the fire spread , the whole of the building , with those immediately adjoining it , were soon in fiame * . Several other engines soon afterwards arrived , and being most effectually worked by a party of constables of the F division , the progress of the fire , which had now extended to ! Nos . 12 ^ and 13 , was at length checked , but not until the whole of these houses were reduced to ruins . Luckily no lives have been lost , and the only accident that we conld hear of was a severe injury sustained by one cf the firemen belonging to the "West of England Insjarance Office , upon whom some of the burning rafiers fell . He was immediately conveyed to thi « tat 5 on-house , in " Waterloo-roadj and is , we under-Ksud , doing well .
The actual amount of property consumed is not considerable ; but it is said that a number of vaTujble deeds and papers , including all the documents fonsected with a peerage case which is now before Parliament , and which were kept in the AttorneyfcneraVs Chambers , have Wen destroyed . Air . ioBert , brother of Sir William Pollet , who occupied Chambers iu 2 * o . 13 , and who bas been for some time confined to bed with rheumatism , would have perished in the Sames , but for the assistance of some friend who remembering Ms helpless condition , iroie into his apartments , and succeeded in eon-¦ vfjiBg him in . safety to "his "brother ' s chambers loo mueb praise cannot be riven to ! Mr . Braidv . ooc ad the police of the F division , for the activin yrizh which they exerted themselves . A party o Artillerymen under the eommand of Captain Dixon Fa ? also in attendance , and gave most efficiem ssL-ianee . Owing , to their combined exertions . - ± hnre portion of fornirure of the different chamber rss saved .
Untitled Article
NEW POOR LAW . Ji-r Address of the Ajiti-Pour Laic Association Committee * to the rate-payers and inhabitants of {• reral Toirnships compristil in if / c Com . nisthnert' Poor Laic ~ Ciuon for the Huddtrsfi ^ 'J district . Iellow Rate Patzrs , i The nine has come for . yoa to give a practical uer ; :-2 ? rrnrioii of your barred to the ^ New Starvation Law . Sccollect ! that tbe 25 th of March is the dav rnch is set apart for the election of new Guardians & the eLsaing year ; therefore , ii will depend upon novr exertions , whether vou will allow men to be
tiectrd as Guardians who are the mere tools of the tree Commissioners in- carrying ont their diabolical Kiemes for starving the poor , reducing the labourers ' wases , and robbirsg you , the rate-payer ? , of that salsiary control you cave hitherto exercised ovcr jorr ovra money and your township ' s affairs ; or rill yen elect men of character and of humanitv , rhost h gh ana independent spirit will scorn to submit to the three-beaded mocsier of Somerset House , cd will preikr death itself , raiher than sacrifice the rlghti of their neighbours and constituents at the siding of three pensional lawyers , residing in London , and living in princely splendour out oi ' voui lard earned monev .
TVe call upon you to awake , arise , assert your % it ? . cud maintain your liberties , by electing men a ^ rhoin yon can depend , and who will cot btrrav re in the day of trial ; and we feel persuaded that ail those of you who possess anv love of eounrrv , cy affection for your wives , your husbands , ai-d jnn- families , and do not wish to be separated from ism , or to see poverty punished as a crime , and in * i . o ? e bosoms glows tbe smallest spark of svmpcthy - jifcUtnnhropay—this call will not be made in vain . Therefore , for tie guidance of your conduct , we sr to . suggest to yon the following considerations First—We reeoannend the formation of local commee * is every township , village , and hamLr , where tnshTees have not been formed .
Src-orid—As the , quali £ c-ax 5 oii for a Guanlian conrc ? : n the occupancy of premises of the yearly s .: or value of £ 20 and upwards , endeavour to £ -rvt the . best men you have in your township , who rr « o caalified : and < ee , too , that they are properly ^ cuit-d ; you can have nomination papers , fret crrp ^ n ^ , of yoTir overseers , at the proper time ; r . * h . o ~! d there be any favourable to the basnle ? ' < tn , uiiy of the tools of the Commissioners no-^ T-trJ also—then you must demand of the overtt > - : o deliver you all a prinird schedule , in which J ^ uicsr wnte the first letttr of your name and c-i ^ ur opposite the name ; or , when more than " -G-jaruian is to be elected for one township , the ^ 2 rs of tho ^ e gentlemen whom vou wish to bs re-. ^ T-t-J . Axkt which you must sicn your name in full r . xe V . uom of the ichtduk , " ' be ready for de-- ' r ! "V Uiirli called fo '
:: ; r .:. y— £ . very rate payrr has a riehi to vote at > --nc-ioa of Guardians . _ F'irthly—As the central i-oamittee meeu every i-. r-iiy aftercoc-E , from-ix to u-u o ' clock , a : tie _ >¦ - * l :. n . King-street . Hudaer-SJd , for the pu- - . ' ¦ '* : <¦¦ ' _ -Ivir . £ r aivice and a >? i > tarce , snQ rece : vln « " nrnti'tn : we earnestly rteoinnu-nd every town' ^ - ?'' -p ? ' > -at one or more delegate ? tv > mt-xt the ~ p i ¦ c : s : n ; ttf-e at the rrn : e au » l place above str . te- ; , I - ' ' - ' - ¦ ' -rv ; -c the best mode of operation anJ tj Ix ^ . ^ Mv . -
I •'"' J— Should ihe rate-payer « of any town > Dip . ~ - -ififaltto select aptrsouor persons sulncic-Dtlv I V ^ " - airaim the iai \ , ani properly ^ uali fit- 3 To I ~ - ' : " See ( f Guar . IIrtn in Their own" township , the i ¦ ¦ ...-.- the rau-p-iyt-rs of fuch township to > fcU * c-t i I : ''! ' - ^ rd ; an or Guardians out of aEy otner tow : ii I * -: ' ~ -- \ ri-t-i in tLt- .-aid Union . 1 j- ^ i-ly—Tbose-to-vn-h ' ips who feel the least diffi-I _~^ ' ; ' - *' ¦ - 'i ' . ii - ' ir- ' i-d men , are particularly rr-; *\ -. i ; . > s-. ply imiiitdiate ' . y , without waitiua- fi ..-I ^ : ^ - - » -t ' me , to Jarae < Brook , Buxu > n Koad , who -1 j- '•* - " -aay at any time to call a ftw of the Cmn-~ . rrrf ' ^ 'ber , : ; uj rccJrr tLeni the bc-si a < ilstaiHe
I - ' - ' -j-. ytr * , <'•"» ynur d-j -y—and eU-t-t nnne wh .. 1 ' " ¦ ^ t-f rtai-: ^ t ur- ^ ree favourable to the helii-h 9 -- " - IIeiEc : iiWr thai iLe law is cruel , "illegal , and 9 -- ' :. > iiuUoi : ; u—< : ie of degradation cud absolute [ I " --itoa to the | . ss-jr . Thai the real olsject of it i »\ ., a » - wajre * , nnJ punish poverty ^ s a crime . H <> Eher also that children ai ; d parent * are dvins ¦ a ^ ' ^ v iu t he same Bastile , without set-ing ' one 8 ° "i--r . or knewin ? of one another ' s fate .
Untitled Article
I MEETING OF BEER SELLERS . I ^^ 1 ;^ xa » rf » us meeting of tbi » Beer Seller * cf Hyde . ^ " v < p , Go ] ley , Wcriietlu Har ^ bton , and Den ' tun . 1 Jlf- ' ' ^ n 'h- ' evening of Tnesday w < vk , at the housy f ^ ¦ " ' - [ Jilh .-iin . Ilyde ' -lane , Hyde , for the purpose of t I " £ . ~ l ^ - J cfdisideration lie noan y grievances under ! j . * v *^ i :-. buur , and the propriety of petiuoinng ' iT ** to pas s- " some coxoprehengive reniedi ;; - ^ t re ^ vwhirb . th- tJtility and respectabilitT oi , I ^ ¦ l ^ Beer trade would be promoted , the public j 1 W ^^ ' / ' ^ many in \ i'lious distinctions , now I ^~ - ? -swivt them and the Li censed Victuallers
I ^^ - ^ - ^ P ^ p ^ forcibly pointed ont the burn 'i'Z ? ^ imp olicy of the Legislature delega ting a vClf , J * to ^ e local magistracy ( as was cou-0 ^^ ' ^ f Beer - Amendment Bill ) a body ofmen r » 1 ^ J ^ TeTy feW exceptions , are considerable ? § fe ?? prt > lic hoiueproperty , and , consequenlS-, ° * SJg ^ esied in limiting the hours , and otherk ^ ?* » g the privileges , of the Bepr Sellers . * Wrta ^ " « ras , aCTeed upon praying that Mr . War-01 C ^ ded B eer House Regulation BiD mar j , . . « aa Qiat it may provide for tfw > ti « . n > n »«* o » * llt of
,, ee ^ 5 : toQrs business , from five o ' clock in ? jj Cffcrg until eleven at night , in the week davs , he ^ y ^ a ? atnrdaJs an 4 ^ ose ^ aJs ""'akes and fairs T ^^ l ^ e toBr of closiDg ™ &e evening to ~ l tj ^ r ; and on Sundays to open tit twelve until S ^ U ? - ^ ^^ to sa PP ly the labouring classes ^ S ^ t ^ " " dinner , according to the repeated ** *^ w ? mtention of the framers of the measure ) »• JqaJL ^ - ^ e ning from five tmtfl ten . That their tfi CS ?^ ? e rendered transferable , as those of ksS ?** V letnaUere now are , and not subject to . * ^ SLT ™ con vicdon before amagistrate , as t fy ^ r * * " ^ th ^ the penaltie * be lowered and j ^ u . mitig ation , at the discretion of the
Untitled Article
HAND-LOOM WEAVERS . At -a pnblic meeting of the hand-loom weavers of Stockport , held at the Ram ' s Head , on Monday the 12 th . nit . Mr . Brooks , in the chair , it was resolved : — Rrst—That thii meeting view * with deep regret the unparalleled distress which the hand-loom weavers have long suffered in thin town , as have flxe other mannlacturing towns , through a depression of wages ; . but at the same time , we liighly approve of the proceedings which the hand-loom weavers of Manchester , and other places in Lancashire , are taking , to produce such evidence as they think wiH be of service to answer the questions of her Majesiy ' s Commissioners , when they come to make their inquiries , —and that we will act in conjunction with them in any measure-which may "be considered beneficial to ameliorate the condition of the handloom weavers . - — —
Secondly—That this meeting is of opinion that competition in the market amongst the manufac turers is one of the principal causes of our present distress , as it reduces the wages of the workmen when there is not any occaaon for such reduction , thereforeVwe cannot expect any relief being obtained nnless we be secured hy some salutary enactment , bv the legislature of our country , in " compelling each manufacturer to pay one regular price for the same fabric of cloth . Thirdly—That we , as a "b ody of useful andindnstrious arazans , are , along with * thousands of our fellow countrymen , plunged into a state oJ want and
privation , too appalling to contemplate , and too grievous to "b e endured ; for it is a well inown fact , that within the period of a few years , our wages have been reduced in a ratio of from 40 to 50 per cent , without ; my jnst canse , whilst the commodities of life are in no way diminished in price : —we , therefore , are of opinion , that unless some enactment of a permanent nature be made for u ?« we shall never be restored to any thing like the condition from which we have been reduced , as it is considered by some that cheap labour is a benefit to society , but common sense and common humanitv can prove to the
contrary . . ¦ _ Fourthly—That the thanks of this meeting be riven to the following members of Parhament , viz . —Messrs . Field-.-n , Hindl » y , Maxwell , GiUon , Brotherton , dec . for their exertions to ameliorate the condition of the hand-loom weavers . Fifthly—That the thanks of this meeting be given io the gentlemen of the borongh of Stockport , for iheir kind subscriptions , to enable us in taking a sur-A-ey of the conditions and earnings of the hand-loom weavers , to lay before her Majesty ' s Commissioners when they come to make their inqirirv . Sijriied on behalf of the meeting , WILLIAM BROOKS , President , JOSEPH SHERWIN , Secretary .
Untitled Article
PUBLIC MEETING AT GLOSSOP . m > On Saturday evening , the 24 th ulL , apnblic meeting of the people of Glossop , Hatneld . Padtield , Haytield , and L'ttleinore , was held in the Universal Sunday School , Howard Town , to consider the best iEv » nns of oSering the most determined resistance to the Poor Law Amendment Act , Messrs . O'Connor , Oastler , and Stephens , were expected to be present to address the inhabitants of those places , and it yvas anuormced iu the placards convening the meeting , thiit a proces ; .-on would be formed to meet the above gem'emen at Woolley Bridge , and escort tbem to the place of meeting . Messrs . O'Connor and Oastler w ^ r . * , however , unavoidably absent . Mr . Stephens , therefore , proceeded to Glossop , and was met at iLe appointed place b y several hundred persons , with two bands of music , who cordiallv
srre : ned him upon his arrival by repeated rounds of applause . V > e wifh to be parficular on this point , as it demonstrates how thankful the people are to those gentlemen who , bv their incessant exertions to procure the _ r ? peal of the infernal New Poor Law , aud also the lively hatred and determination with ¦ svldch they vie-w that measure . The abo \ -e gentlemen were expected to join the procession between S-. e a » id six o ' clock , yet Mr . Stephens , who did not arr ive at the appointed place until half-past seven , was received in the manner already stated , notwithstanding Jtue inclemency of the weather previously , and the r . ' . in , sUvr , and snow which fell during the whole of Saturday . When Mr . Stephens joined the procession , it proceeded to the place of meeting , vrhich was co-nplet-lv crowded with adult men and
npgrown women . Mr . Loyd was called to the chair . Mr . Thornton proposed a resolution lo the effect tha t the met'ting pledged themselves to pay no more rates until the New Poor Law * ras entirely repealed , -which heing seconded , was supported in a speech of great ability Lr Mr . Srepheiis , who obsened he would never nuvjse the people to petition the House of Commons any more , for they clearly showed by their conduct upon Mr . Fielden ' s motion , their utter disregard for the prayers of the people . —( Hear . ) The people had nobly done their dun-, by petitioning in hundreds of thousands for the repeal , entire and unconditional , of that most hateful . atn » -: i «> u- < , abominablt * . uiu-hristiat :, unconstitutional , aui damnable measure . ( Lonl chwrs . ) They had done the ' r dntv bv euof
dravirjriug to restore the unci ^ nt laws the landciothed in the ' r original beanty—iliiniug with their I'listine brilliancy , and existing in tli-Ar former ^ ot less and Hn impaireJ integrity . ( Ch- ^ erf . ) They manife > te-2 their anxiety fur the * pre-en ; . tioii of property . mid t ! ie security of life—by their strenuous exertions to preserve inviolable their own sacred and indeft-asabli-rights . ( Ileiir , and cheers . ) The House f > f CuniTDuiis , hiv . vever . in the jilentitude of its wisdom , and rhe £ -: ncie < l omnipotency of its power , th'ju-lit proper to turn a deaf ear to the solemu waruiiif s of the . people , a ; i < l to deeree , nlmoit nnani-? h
mon-,. that im ^ ris ^ nin-nt , ^ epttrariuu . < tanar ion , misery , dise . is-. ' , aud fleatl ; , should be the portion of every Eug ! islT : ; ia : ' , who . ihro ^ fr h poverty , might he . ci » niu ? lie-l to make appl ; -atii .: ) for parochial " relief . CCries of Lv-ar . an ^ sh aine . ) Thus had the House of Common-- - i ale . J tLeir o ^ tj Jcum ; and the destruction of property and life become iiu-vitsible . The people had « i-.. nr their part of the work , r . ud now it remained wi ; L the ri > - _ h to •' .. > theirs ; huJ unless they •^ id it sp eeaily , lie feared they would have greu ' t reason t . » repent for tlu-ir t ; : rdii , e >> . ( IL-ar , lie : ; r . ) lu v s Us cor . ici-iition » coijuction—v . ro : ivicik > n ? tren 2 thened by his ucfjnainia . ' jce with the wi-rkiii . c i-:.. s > es . and iiis k-.. > .- « le '' _ , - of their ft . line's and
oj > imo : ; 5 re-pt-rt .: ;? ihU bill—that any ntt-ir . pt to e ?« f ., r-e it wo : ;] . l iu t :.. . . e : id ] , e tLe desirr .-iion of tlie CJnvemment—the deaiL kno-1 of : 5 ie ] iriv : lese . - - of the ri .-h . n ; i 1 wuul j lea « l to llie r . * j : i » in ; iv . on and murder of the parties who hr . d the teru-.-rhv to ensage in so pt-riluns an -nv . l-rt ^ . h ^ . ( Ile . ^ r . sind cheers . ) It wuulo ' nt do to s : ! y that it -. vn- lue law .. f t ] w laii '! . ¦ y . v \ oi . uht iL ^ n-f- ce to ) a- obeyed . A .--inilar plea to l : j :: t bad be-u ur . —1 in ft , ruier d ; iy > . b .. t it availed liotLiig . EiT- ^ -:: y and Dudley . fso nnnisters ia tue reiL"i of Henry : llt . Ekiuh / vere iuijieaohed for :: Tt » 'Tnj'tin £ r to enforce an a .-t obnoxious to the ] H '« .- > K : jtu . i L »]^ jf .-ed to M agua L lmrUi . , _( Hear . ) ' Iut-y p ]> -udfJ in ju-tSfleaiion' that J ' arli : ur .-nt hnd j'Hs-f . 1 j '— lint i ' -M \ u \] li .. t -wive them . They wen ' j-XifUt- . } as a w ; ir ; iiii :: to n ]] futnn- Ministers , uml ' . ie luv <*^ L ( . r- > _ Ji . ! i | , Hnsseil and th < - rest of her j'r ^ -.-u ; MaV-ty ' s Mi : I-l-rs st , nil tak-. ' a tuiutary i < - > o ! i from it . ( hear . 1 / ar . ) fv . r laey jni ^ ht re ^ t as " - sT . r ,., ] tliat ;> n / r . He : n > t to force ill- \ .. \ v Poor Law
;]< ortu- t-p . e oi t ^ en-e < -rit Jr . v ytui . 'M be accompanied wr . ' . i xh- lik- tx-. \ i-. uirrjueiic s to them , that ait .-n-l . v : Kn- - ps ! V r . n-1 Ihidl-y , in ib ,- lime of ilaury th- Ki ^ l . th . ( Ci-f ^ . ) ilo conjiruulmed : he tjt'h 'T (;] o- < -- ; i . as l . i-. njr the first ti fnin » forvrnr . l nft .-r the 0 ,- } .-. * t of Mr . Kit-ldeu " * niot-i .-. u to <» v prv--s thi-ir . Vu-niiination to ii ' fiiM ? ]> ayiiig . "thy in"r . * rj / frs i . ittl : the New Poor ! .: > *• ~ A <\ Jiea * -, li- ^ r . was i .-x ] iin = ; fJ from tie Statut-- Hook . ( Ch .-. 'i < . ) He was .- ( mti'li-nt i ! iat if the pcoi . le g .-nerally wonld - ! o ih .- * ai .-: e ll . iic , the ri- ;» ' ; il oi th-- < t i-n . -ictnu'Tit woaM l . i- i :: evitab ! t > . ( Iie ; : r . J ] or his otr u pjirt be would ralber s « -e e \ erj- ki . stik' nnd mill in tht-country bur } fj . l do » rn ; he ' ivr . nld rataer witness pr- ry mansion an-J jwlaiv in ilw ki-iir ^ .-m razed to th » irroii ; . d , and their ]» ns < ivsors briried in
ihf n" 3 s , than bt-hoM lii * ]> - > or <> r co-jntrym- 'n mnipe : ! eH to eadnre the misery and degradaliou which tinsui-ernaj biij wonli inllict upon tht-m . ( Loud cheers . ) The rights oi the p . njr s = h . > nl . l be i > rol ,-ctfd , or by the God tliat iml ,- th .-in there .-hould be ^ o profecrion f r the property of the rich . ( C > : e .-rs . ) Le wor .. j tell th-m what bad occurred the last week Dair . fl O ' Coiii . fll and L < -rd John Russell lia-1 rehenr .-edin the H . irrst- nf Commons , no less than four ofbjsspeerht * durint' the last week , ( heir , hear , ) for the edification of lion , ( jentlemon . They did not know- what to . They were quite " fast , and be verily believed t !> at if tin * people did not soon s-ind Mm to Parliament , her Majesty ' s Ministers would ha- e to send for Lim u > enable ' tbem to set
tnmgs Tight . ( Cheers and laughter . ) Lord John Russell had . made himself very buS 7 of late , sending down his ? pies , for the purpose of detecting something in his speeches upon which to ground a state prosecution : ( Hear . ) But all \ ras in vain . — It was no go . ( A langk . ) He , ( Lord John , ) had * ent down three lawyers and a reporter to the Manchester meeting upon the same fool ' s errand—and they had to go back again just a- * they came . As soon as he had learned they had taken down bis speech and ; were in deep consultation upon ir , he pnt on his invisible coat and seven leagued boots and at one step went from Ashton to Manchester .
He planted himself right in the midst of them , they conld not see him , ( a laugh , ) and consequently he heard " all their deliberations . ( Hear , hear , hear . ) There they * were—the lawyers and the reporter , with long heads and crooked noses—long ears and humpbacks—long tails and cloven feet . ( Roars -of laughter . ) The three lawyers examined the reporter as to whether Mr . Stephens had used the word if at the commencement of those parts of his address which they considered the most violent and inflammatory ; and upon being assured that he had . they gave it np for a bad job , and returned to London , to " the great mortifacation of Lord John , wiih ears and tails much
Untitled Article
longer than when they leftit . ( Cheers andlauehterj Jfi 8111 ^ «« n , the people called his Lordship Johnnrllaw . " ( Laugfiter . V Some people imagined - ~ b . e beWd they were chiefly Wings-Sat the soldiers would fight for the Government , to compel ftB people to submit to the " New Poor Law . " 1 here conldnpt be a greater mistake . ( Hear . hear . ) The brave Bnfaah soldier would never draw a sword orlevel a carbme in so iniquitous a cause . ( Cheers . ) The * . tad mothers and sisters whom they loved as dearly as cmhans loved theirs ; and who conld suppose thatthey woold fight in a cause in which they might kill their dearest relatives ? ( Hear , hear . ) He then related several cases of distress , in the most attectinjj manner , to move the Vmmnr . ;^ „* > i , « ' " I ' l II I I I I
Bntwh soldwr . In Manchester , poor people were found hterally dying from starvation , without a ra » to cover them from the inclemency of the weatherwitliout a spark of fire to warm their naked , shivering , and emaciated limbs—and who were the first to relieve them ?—the brave hardy -veterans who were inured to hardship—who knew what it was , and conld therefore feel more acutely for these miserable beings . ( Loud cheers . ) With a humanity and generosity characteristic of the British soldier , they were seen hurrying from their quarters with their dinners , to save these famishing creatures from the jaws of death . ( Cheers . ) Whoever had seen a pack otnounds let loose from their kennel , orasetofwild beasts devonr their foodmight form a faint notion
, ol tne . voracity with which some of these beings ravened up the food which the soldiers gave them . Some of them were so exhausted thatthey could not taste the food presented to them , and the soldiers had to collect their shillings and sixpences to purchase them cordials . ( Loud cheers . ) Thus had some of the soldiers in the Manchester Barracks acted towards their suffering fellow-creatures . ( Loud cheers . ) Who , after hearing that , would say they were not a brave , humane , generous , and praiseworthy body ofmen . ( Hear , hear . ) He would mention another circumstance connected with this case . When the soldiers returned to their quarters and sat down to dinner , reflecting with conscious pride upon what they had done—they observed o ««
of then- comrades at some distance from the tablesitting upon his little bed—his hands spread over his face—weeping and sobbing bitterly . They asked him what was the matter . When bathed in tears he replied ^ Oh ! my heart almost breaks when I think that I have an old mother whose case , is , perhaps , not much better than the wretched : beings whom we have relieved . ( Loud cheers . ) Such were the feelings of the British soldier . They had fathers and mothers , brothers and sisters , and they would nerer fight to enforce the damnable law that would Bastile and separate their old fathers and mothers when no longer ab ' e to work . ( Loud cheers . ) They had sisters young , blooming women , and they would never shoot them at the bidding of Lord John Russell , or any other oppressor of the poor . ( Loud cheers . ) These facts came to his knowledge , in consequence of his having sent a messenger to the Manchester Barracks , with some Anti-Poor Law
papers , for distribution amongst the soldiers . He desired his messenger to take some of them to the officers , and request'leave . " -to give the rest to the privates . The Major received him kindly , accepted the papers , thanked Mr . Stephens , and said he had heard him at the Manchester meeting , and was highly gratified with his speech . ( Loud cheers . ) The men said thev had not an opportunity of goin" - out at night to hear Mr . Stephens , but they took in the " JSort / iern Star" regularly , they were thus acquainted with all his speeches—said they highly approved of his language , and were delighted with the manner iu which he advocated the cause of the poor . ( Hear and cheers . ) That they loved their Queen , their Constitution , and their Country , and would lose the last drop of their blood in defendingthem , and on that account they were determined jiot to fight for the New Poor La ' w . ( Loud cheers . ) After some further observations upon the utility of working men forming themselves into Union . s " he concluded amidst loud cheers .
Mr . Deeuax , of Staley-bridge , next addressed the meeting , after which seventeen cheers were given for Mr . Fieltlen ' s minority , three for Mr . Stephens , three for Messrs . O'Connor and Oastler , nnd-a vote of thanks to the Northern Star ; the meetm ' " - thuii separated . '
Untitled Article
INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE CENTR \ L BOARD OF THE HAND-LOOM WEAVERS' INQUIRY COMMISSION , TO THEIR ASSISTANT COMMISSIONERS . - ¦ $ ¦ .. ' ; . ; - Her Majesty ' s Commission , issued in compliance with an address of tiie House of Commons , and follovring the words of that address , directs the Central Commissioners to inquire into the condition of the unemployed hand-loom weavers in the United Kingdom , and to report whether any , and if so , what measures may be devised for their relief . The first inquiries : instituted , by the Commissioners lead them tu the belief that there are few unemployed hand-loom weavers , and consequently that if " the terms of the Commission vrt-Te strictly followed , the inquiry would "be short and uuprodu iive . There appear , however , to be grounds for tniukinjr that although the hrmd-loom weavers are generall y
employed , many classes of them were , at the time tLe address was presented to her M : \ jestv . and are now , iu a state of great privation aud distress , sirising immediately not from want of employment-, but "" from insufficient wagps and excessive toil . Under such circumstances , the Commissioners believing it to "In ;" her Majesty ' .- intention that thv-sufferings of tins large and meritorious portion of her subjects .-wir . itever be their proximate cause , should beinvestigatetJ , and remedies , if any be . practicable , be suggested , have requested mid obtained permission to consider the word uu .-niplnye . ! " as n qualification not intended to confine their inquiries . The Commission is therefore to bv acted r . uon as if it did not coiitain that word .
In considering the mode in which the . wide iumiirv now opened to the Commissioners can be best conducted , the first remark that o . onrs is that under the term hand-loom weavers are iiiclu < led many different classes of artificers following their respective occupations under , dissimilar circumstances ; and that the situation of earh class is therefor . ; likely to be different ; to be affected by different cause ' s ; and to be susceptible of improvement- bv different means . ¦ . ' 11 is ]) robab ! e thnt thp principal " distiiiction between the separate tra . li . v * in all of which the hanl-lonm i . > usi'J , » n > os from Hie material on which the wc . T . er works , anil tbnt linnd-loom weaver- may therefore be first divided into fonr clashes . Those e : nploved :
sre—1 . On cotton . 2 . On vionllen . 3 . On ilax . 4 . On silk . And that thes « . four rliisse * " may al < n , for tlif pnri K . si-ofthisimjuiry . be further s-ibdivi . ! iv ] . . Tlio- ' e who make enrpets , or blankets , or fine cloths . ; ire all hand-lofjm weavers -employed on woollen "; these . who mak . ; damask lirnpii »<" nnd thos who miike nb . iiins an « both- hand-loom weavers . employe A « n r -: u ; but n is probable that tin-re is much Jissiiniiiinty of I ' oii . jitiuii among tho > c wl : o ; ire eii ! :: i » ed in professes s . > (! is . -hnilar . The . first duty of tbo-e who ii-. \ e t «> i . roserute the di-i : iii < oi tlje * in-juirv"Yto .-iMv .-lai'i th , - number of sepajat .- trades into which hiiiia-lfR . ni waviiin is divui ,- . and the principal dis ' : ct ! ::-ti .-ns wliicli ch ;> r . i <' . eri-e t' :: < li tra . li-. T :, e . iuiffiry . iiv ; . ectiujr each rl ; iss" of " weavers w : I 1 thi- ; i naturally f : Jl under tlin-e heads' ^ , ' - ' •" . ctral roiidition . ? " }} n' c : iu - " » s " f th : it condition . d
O . I iJH irii' ^ ITlx . if fltn- Kv ^ lii »\ . ^* - « . » .. V ... ¦ . lac mi-ans , if am-, by which ' it can be improved . Tlie la «» K nf course , the practi .-aj object of tl-e c < Mvmns > - . .. n : iiisihi . j , , im to whi ,-h all the oth ' -r iiHiinr . es tnui ; but th ,, u ' .-h it mu .-. f be coii-t ; tut ] y born .- in i ; ,: m ' , yet as it is the last point for actual ¦ on > iderai : « ii , h will be the mojt natural to advert l"U l ^ st in these instructions . On the first head , the actual o , ) i < Vd ' i < . n of ( he ha : i .-loom wi-avers , nmch informati ,. n has alr .-udv bii-n laid befon- Parliament . Uuless tin- as .-istaut cmuH-sioner isn ! rendyiriii . * terof tlirst eviilence . nsiinnti ' tl in the Parliamentan- Reports oi ] $ : U and ]^ ' 5 . it will behisi ' nty lo become so before be bef-h : < hi . inquiry . ' Die Rddre ^ s . however , whicli led ^ to the l-. siiin ^ of the preset commis > io ;! . -shuw > tlje" pniiiion of tlie House oi Commons th :: t the exi > iti : ; g evidouce is incomplete or r . nsatisfacton-.
To supply that deficiency thronjrh his own ptrsonal invalidation , is the " first "business of the Assistant Co mmissioner . For this pnrpose , having ascertained the number of separate- trades into which hand-loom wearing , as practised wuhm . tW district assieiiod to hhiu is divided , and the principal distinctions by which they are separated , be will endeavour to ascertain .-with J ^ E ^ V ' r ^ « P"rate--trade , the number of -Jaimlies of hand-loom weavers employed in it , considering each person who manages his own con-Si !! f - " l ? lS W ? , aflI 1 ? y * - - the number of persons m each family . He will also endeavour to ascertain what variations" have occurred at different periods m the number of persons employed in each separate trade , and the circumstances nnder which each increase or diminution of such numbers" has occurrce . He will then
inquire—I . With respect to the p ecuniary condition of the weavers . 1 st . What proportion in each trade are exclusively employed in hand-loom wearing , and what proportion engaged in it themselves , or through any members of their family , only in the intervals of other and what pursuits . ^ 2 nd . The amount of money which can be earned per hour in each , department of each trade , by men , wome ^ and children , respectively , distinguishing the f ^ Jl ^^ lux o ^ ing ' toiige and sex , distinguishmgbetween skilleO and unskilled persons ; and stating particnlarly what period of previous practice is necessary to enable a given person to earn a given sum per nour ; an < l also stntiv ^ the mirn b r- r of looms
Untitled Article
fe ^ vJi ^ ?^^ " ^*^* ^^* -- * **" ^ Sm ? *^ ^ cident to their acquiaiort , rttth as winduift candles , standing for loom , A ibe wearaodtearoftheloom ^ and otherapparaS and j ° S ^ ita ^ ue . ^^ resnect toSe laS ^ oS it wiu be necetsary to ascertain whether the loom belongs to the weaver , or is Hred by him , orbelohffs to his master , whether himself a hand 4 oom weaver , 0 T * ? i master of a fectory . The rafe per week at which a loom and the other tools of a Reaver can be toed , . will afford some gronnd for estimating the sum which ought to be deducted from wages for the mere services of the weaver , and considered as profit on lus capital . ; r : 4 th .- With respect to those who , either by
themseuea or Dy any members of their family , are engaged in any other pursuits , the amonht of wages » er hour , or per day obtained by them respectively m those otherpursuits . . 5 th . The constancy of employment in each trade . Ihatistosay , for what number of hours per week eachindividnal can obtain work . : With j-espect to the 2 d , 4 th , and 6 th of these inquiries , it is obvious that average results only can be obtained ; andit must be recollected that by the actual condition of the weavers is meant , not their actual condition on the day on which the iuquiry is made , butfor suclra previous period as may inUicate fte condition in which they may expect to continue : The inquiry , therefore , even for this purpose aloiie . must be spread over a period of at least two years--tnot pejtiod-bfiing the shortest that will afford average
lhe . results of these inquiries will show what amount of net Wages the hand-loom weavers in their several departments are a We to earn , But in order to ascertain what wages they actually do earn , tne Assistant Commissioner must endeavour to learu to what extent they use the oppdrtunities afforded to them . For thi 3 purpose he will inquire—Cth . How inany hours per day , and how many days per week , the persons employed as - ' . hand-loom weavers m each trade usuall y work , when employment is to be had , distinguishing them according toage and sex . Some evidence on this head niay . be
obtained by ascertaining from the masters who put out work , within what period they reckon on its being finished ; that is to say , within what period they reckon on being able to complete a given order requiring the labour of a given number of / men , women , nnd children for a given •¦ number of hours . ' 7 th . He will inquire to what extent the weavers in each trade are in the habit of receiving apprentices or journeymen , and -the average proportion of tue earnings of the apprentice or journeyman received by the hand-loom weaver who is mV master , or the owner or hirer of the loom on wliich he works .
8 th . He will inquire to what extent either parochial assistance or aid from -individuals or front sub - scriptions has been . ' afforded to tljeni , and in those towns in which electioneering abuses prevail , to what extent the weavers'have profited by them . The answers to these inquiries will show what is the . actual pecuniar )/ conditionoi ' the ; weavers , since they -will show , their average net income per head and per family during the last two years . But the .. pecuniary state of the weavers is not the only orindeed the principal object of inquiry . Their moral condition is . far more material , both to themselves and the rest of the coinmuniiv : and it is
placed in this paper subsequently to the pecuniary inquiry , not because the Commissioners undervalue its-relative-importance , but partl y becauie it is less susceptible of accurate statement ^ and partly because it is in a great measure dependent on the fornier . It is true , indeed , that the two are mutually- dependent ; but among bodies of artisans inhabiting the same district , and surrounded by the same degree of civilization ,- and the . sanies means of instruction ^ it is , pe-rhnpS j more probable ., that pecuniary distress , or , what is more mischievous , great and sudden alterations of prosperity aiid _ adversity will produce a lowjmoral condition , than that low moral condition will occasion pecuniary distress ..
II . 'With , reference therefore to themorul comliiion of the hand-loom weavers , theAssktantCoinjnisJsioner will investigate the religions , intellectual , and moral cultivation of the arfu / tsin their respective trad -s . For this purpose he will inquire- — 1 st . To what extent they appear to possess elementary scriptural information , und to frequent place . }* of worship . : 2 d . The extent of their knowledge , with particular , but not exclusive , reference to their own trade ; hoflr far they uniierstnnd the pvinciples of the maclnnery and implements whicli they employ , and the means of improving them ; whether they are acquainted with the number aiid ' comparative accessibleness
of the markets for their labour , or ; generally with the - ' . means _ of bettering their , condition- ; ' whether they subscribe to book societies , or frequent me chiurics ' . institutes , or show any and what desire of intellectual pleasure or improye . me . nt . 3 d . Their habits , with reference to diligence , providence , frugality , honesty , and temperance . To their diligence , attention has already been directed . As to their providence and frugality , the Assistant Commissioner will inquire into the modes of their expenditure * whether economical or wasteful , and whether for purposes ol' immediate or permanent enjoyment ; to what extent they save when their (¦ ar ; mips exceed the average , iinl how their savings are invested ; whether they subscribe" to benulit or
friendly clubs , or savjnjrs' 'banks , or to other institutions of a similar nacure ; what i . s t ' lia .-average ace of m-. vrriag » i in e : vch sex , and the capital , or stock , if any , previously - . n . c . cuinul ;\ ted , and whether in money , clothes , furniture , or in what , other form . As to their honesty , lie will inquire into the degree in winch embezzlement of their masters' property , which lias been attributed particularly to the silk weavers , prevails ; and , generally , whu-t are the In . iuils to which they are peculiarl y tempted in their respective trades , and how far those temptations are yielded to . And with respect to their temperance , lie will inquire lo- \ vhrit extent they use stiaiulints , and of what kinds , and What is the eft ' ect on their bodies and minds .
With respect to the ' children of the hand-loom weavers in tl > i > irj respective trades * the A .-sistaut Cojnnii-isjoner will inquive u > wnaV extent they frequent places of worship and Sunday schools ; to what extent , and for how rnaiiy hours ; per week , and at -what ages , they attend week-day-schools , - d-isrinjiuishiiig infant schools from , others , and noticing ; particularly such industrial schools as may tend to fit them for any other nnd what employments ; the expense of such aUewkuice , either in loss of tlie child '> time , or in money , and if in rnon . ^ y by whom paid ; the salaries , earnings , ami capacities 1 of the masters ; the nature ami extent oi" the liiiowledsji ; there acquire . ] , and the degree in which the atU'iiilance of the children is inteixupted , eitlit'i
by-their own emuioyiueiit , or by the poverty , or neglect , or selfish indulgence-of tlleiv parents ^ * And he will endeavour lo ascerhiin , by personal oxamii > - ation . of childri-n of diiVerent agossyaml in diiferent trades of hand-loom weavers , the . degree of their religious , intellectual , awl moral cultivation . Among the most decisive tests of the . religions , iiitellertun'l , and moral condition of the adults , are the nature of the education which , they actually pu' to th-.-ir" . ' childreni , the degree-in wliicli they appear to be anxious that their cjiildreh shall obtain a better education , and what sort of / improved education they desire for them , and what ate th- sacrifices which they really make , or appear willing to make , for the improvement of their children .
It is believed that the principal points of inquiry respecting ( he condition of the . weavers have now been indicated . For the purpose of ascertaining , however , how far tlie hand-loom weavers ,-or " aiiyportion of them , have a claim < to any inte . rference in their behalf , extending beyond the general and imparti « l superintendenci * wliich the Legislature ought to extend to every clays of her Majesfy ' s snbiec-ts , it v-i . il ^ be-necessary- ' that tV . e assistant commissionfr shonbj compare th ^ condition of the . hand-loom weavcrs , in each trade , with that of other classes of haudli . om weavers , and also with that of the labouring classes in general . Considering , however , the nature and extent of the investigation speciall y diivctt-d by the . Commission , and the time which , the Assistant Commissioner will be nhh to devote to it , it'is ' : ' ob-\ -ious that all collateral inquiries must be comparat .-wi v restricted . As for , however , as it may , be practicable . he will institute such a comparison .
II . Tlie second branch of the inquiry incumbent on _ the Commission respects the causes of " the condition of the band-loom weavers . In the preejedihg distractions it hasnot been agsumpu that their condifion diffors-materially from-that of the labouring classes- by whom they are surrounded . If it should turn out that there are no crounds for assuming that there is such a difference ; " if it should turn out that : n their respective trades . they are on the * ' whole as well off as their fellow-worlqieople , no further inquiry will be necessary ; . The labouring classes in Great Britain , though far from being iu the condition which is to be wished , or even in that to which the continuance of tranquillity , tlift extension of educ ^ tionv and greater commercial freedom may be expected to advance them , are yet more prosperous than the corresponding classes in any other considerable population
m Europe ; and although Ireland offers alamentable contrast , yet if the hauu-looni weavers in that counuy are subject to no peculiar Vuffering , the Commissioners would scarcely be justified iu seeking for and suggesting ^ measures for their peculiar and exclusive benehti ; .- ¦ L uder such circumstancev , it wbiild not be necessary for the Assistant Commissioner to investigate the causes of a condition not '¦ ¦ different- from that of the bulk of the populatiou , arid tlie Commissioners haying ^ no special recommendatioiis to offer , would fulfil their duty by reporting the condition ; of the hand-loom weavers to be similar to that of the other labouring classes in the countn-, and , therefore , not to require any peculiar legislative interference . But unhappily , there are grounds for anticipating from the lnvestip . tioii that has been directed , a different result . 1 he evidence that was received by the v ¦ - . - " . - : ' ' ¦ ' ' ¦ ¦ ¦ . - .
Untitled Article
ggSs ^ saass SSon & «? ' ^?^ ^^ 88 andalow mora l 3 £ & \ rfh ^ " ^^ ation « hica has been gS ^^ Mto . during the aS rSe % tn ? l £ * - ^ 5 f % ^ does not encouag ^ them to hope that the condition of the handsSSSe ^ " ^ m ™^ * W iS ^^ ^ ^^ ^ ° ^ Prove cdrrec ^ and « ie Assistant Commissioner should find any class * of nandJoorm ^ eavere to be in a condition 1 « jss favourable than that of the Iabouringxlasses in general , his ^ earneat attention must be directed to the causes ot their conainonv
For this puipose he will inquire— - . . "l . st- As Jto the condition of the peculiar branch of lie hand-loom trade in question , either during the ¦ last Jift y years , or , if tbe manufacture is of later Pngin , from its [ commencement . ; i . The Committee ^ of the House qf Commonsi in 183 ? reported that '" the general fall of wages and consequent distress of the hand-loom weavers has been rapidly progressive ever since the termination ot the late war . " Some of the witnesses examined > etore that Committee state the distress to have lasted ; much longer . Mr , Marshall , for instance , ( p . 2 b ^ nuestion 193 ) states that they have been srettinV
umiormly worse in condition since the year 1793 . 1 ne accuracy of these statements is one of the most material points in the investigation . At whatever period he finds distress to have been > reya ] pnt among the weaver * employed in that trade ne will compare their condition at such periods with that of other classes of hand-loom weavers , and also with tiiat of other mechanic *; and , finally , with that of the agricultural labourers . . 2 d . If he finds its distress peculiar he will endeuvour to ascertain to what peculiar ¦ influences it has been subjected . These may arise from causes either unconnected with the " conduct- of the workpeople ( A ) or depending on that conduct rB ) .
Under the first head ( A ) are comprised—A 1 , First , the dnniuution of the demand for their labour , arising from a diminished demand ior the articles on which it is employed * as in the case of the substitution of woollens for silks , or from a di ftoumt mode of manufacturing the same articles , as in the case of the substitution of the power-loom tor the hand-loom , or of foreign for British weavers , occasioned either by the importation of foreign goods , or by the ' , promotion of foreign manufactures jy tjie export of yarn , or by restrictions imposed by toreigu states on the import of British manufactures . A 2 . Secondl y , legislative enactments—affecting y ' \ P ecul ^ r trade , such as the Spitalh ' elds Weavers ^ . Ac-t ; or affecting peculiar manufactures , such as the duty on raw ¦ cotton , . or that on thrown silk .
i i thirdly , according to much of tlie evidence taken by the Committee of-the House , of Commons in 1834 and 1835 , the laws affecting the importation oi com . A 4 . Fourthly , according to the opinion of that committee , the resumption- of cash payments aiid tlie general pressure of taxation . A 5 . Fifthly , according to mm-li of the evidence taken by that Committee , a reduction of wages by the master manufacturers , uncalled for by the circumstances of the tnule , ¦ ¦ ¦ - : A 6 . And , sixthly , according to portions of that evidence , frauds practised by the masters ' - respecting the measurement of theirwork . Under the second bead , the causes of peculiar dis-. tre . ss , arising from the conduct of the work-people themselves , are comprised . B 1 . First , according to portions of the evidence , combinations , and strikes .
B 2 . Secondly , according to other portions of the evidence ,. the - want of combination and strikes . B 3 . Thirdly , the increase of their number , without a proportional increase in the demand for their lahourj or even under a diminished demand for it . _ B 4 . And , - fourthly , want of diligence , honesty , frugality , ' . > r-temperance . The Assistant -Commissioher will inquire into the existence of these . different causes of ' peciiUar distress , and what effects , if any , on the trade in question they respectively have produced . In some cases , if the existence of the supposed cause be admitted , the supposed effects appear necessarily to follow . Thus , if it be true , Mccoraing to the statements of many of the witnesses examined b y the Committee of the House of Commons , that tlie wages of the weavers depend on the will of the master-rnanut ' acturers , and tliat the
master-manufacthrers are forced all to follow the example of those among them who offer the lowest wages , it must follow that the wages of weavers caii never long exceed the minimum of subsistence ; for the instant they exceed that point , it certainly would be to the interest , as is supposed to be in the power , ' of some masters , to lower Wages in order to . undersell their rivals , and it is supposed that all the rest must . follow" their example . On this point , therefore , the Assistant Commissioner will endeavour to ascertain whether they are , in the . different trades to which the hand-looin is applicable , any and what peculiarities wliich }> ivu-to tlie . employer ofhand-loom weavers a power not possessed by-the employers of labourers m other trades , of fixing the wages of those whose labour is essential to him , or whicirenable the master who reduces wages to force others to follow his example . ¦ ¦
In other cases , the supposed cause may be an acknowled p'id fact , aud the only tlonbt may be , how far the distress of auy branch oV hand-loom weavers is connected'with-it . in order to ascertain , for instance , whether that distress can be traced to tin ? admitted facts of the resumption of cash-payinents ; , or thepressure of general taxation ^ the Assistant Commissioner must ascertain whether there are any special circumstances attending any branch of handloom weavers rendering them peculiarly liable to be affected by causes which have not prevented the general prosperity of the manufacturing population . In other cases , both the existence and the consequences of tlie supposed cause of distress may admit of comparatively easy proof ; mid the business of the Assistant Commissioner will be to ascertain the circumstances which led to its existence . The fact , for nstance , that the number of persons engaged in any
given branclr of weaving has increased beyond the demand for tlioir labour , may in general be easily a-jcertaiued whenever : it has occurred ; and no one can doubt that 'distress severe hi proportion to the undue suppl y of labour must have been the result . In : such a case it will be the duty of the assistant oommis-iionbc to endeavour to trace the origin of tliat increase , and toasceitaiu whether it may have arisen from the sli ght degree oi' skill or of strength required by the business in question , or from its fieedoni from the control and regular hours of a factory , or from , the stimulus of occasional periods of extraordinary prosperity , or from the ignorance of .. an uneducated oody . of work-people accustomed to early marriage and , to trainijig their children to their owii business , or from abuses in the administration of parochial relief , or from indiudual charity or public subscriptions excessive or ill directed , of from any other and what causes .
vv ith respect to the whole of this branch of the inquiry , the . conunissioners repeat their conviction ofthe necessity of cpniparing the condition of each class , of hand-loom weavers that appears to be at present , or to have been at any former period , "distressed , with that of the other classes of hand loom weaver . !?; and also with that of other labourers at corresponding periods . If , for instance-, - -distress .- is attributed to auy class of cotton weavers , and the pqwer loom is the cause assigned , the assistant commissioner will carefully inquire into the state at the same-period q f . other , classes of hand loom weavers free-from the . interference of the power loom . If they appear to have : been then equally distressed , a suspicion will arise that the common distress was
occasioned by a common cause . But if the distress of the cotton weavers appears to have been peculiar , and to have-arisen : aud to have spread simultaneously with the introduction and the extension of the power loom , ¦ ¦ apr . ima- facie probability of their connection will of course he established . Again , if a sudden diminution of the demand tor the labour of the hand loom cpttoii wea , vers , occasioned by the state of the foreign market , is assigned as a cause of occasional distress , and it should appear that the power loom weavers , though working for the same market , were less affected , the causes of ttts ( hnereuce mnst be carefull y investigated ; and \ . . } 101 ? De found that the two grades differ principally in- the la-rge amount of . fixed rnnit . nl
invested in the one , and the small amount in the other ^ the . greater steadiness of wages or of employment m the one than in the other may perhaps be accounted for . It is probable , also , that valuable results mny . be obtained by subdividing tlie weavers in a single trade , according to distinctiong not connectedwith the trade itself , and by comparing with one another the sub-classes thus formed ; by comparing , for instance , the condition of Irish , Scotch , and . EngUskhand-loom weavers , all engaged in the same business , at the same time and place . If , on such a comparison , marked differences of condiMbn should appear , causes unconnected with the trade itself must be searched for . . ; . , - ilti— -The last and most important of the duties
imposed by the Commission is the inquiry whether there are any , aiid what , remedies fo r the existing distress . The -remedies actually proposed by the Coininittee of the House of Commons , appear to be these r^— - . ¦ -. - . . : i .... . ¦ . '¦ ' .. . ' : ¦ ¦¦ ¦ : " : 1 st . The enactment of tbelaw proposed by Mr . Fielden ^ - " Tliat returns shall be ma . de every three or six months of the prices of weaving paid by the sinallest number of manufacturers ,-ytho cbllectively make <> ne > half of the goods of any description ^ in the parish or township whence the returns are sent * aiid the average of the Highest prices paid by a majority of such , manufacturers , shall be the lowest price to be haid in such parish or township during the ¦ ¦ succeeding ^ three or six months . " 2 nd .: A more exact specification of the length |
Untitled Article
and breadthof the pieces of good » to be manufactured 3 rd . A cheaper legal form of indentore of ^ Pprcntices > - and a redncdon of the stamp duty to Ss . 4 th .. A ntofe summary and effectual protectioifc against empezzlement of weaving materials . _ Considering the authority by which flfcge sngge ^ fea ^ m if ^^ 6 ^^^^^ " ^ ^ lefeandbreanSv ^ ^^ specincatios of the tf&SJS ^^ - ^^^ - ' B 6 ^^^ ^" - wmwm
^ ss ^^ s ^^^ mmmm , 3 rd . By what means a more- summary and effectual protection against embezzlement " bf ^ weavinff materials can be prodded , without diminishing thersatety or persons innocentl y accused , or itoposme a . A-exatip « s system of checks : and 4 th . Fhat would b f the probale effects of a law which should attempt to provide that the mbner paid for weaving by the hand-loom each description or article should be iucapable of . diminution . . It is obvious , however , that with respect to these inquiries he- will be able to do little until he has
madeo ? ome progress in ascertaining , with respect to each branch of hand-loom weaving , die nature , the extent , and the causes of the existing distress . Somr as ttiiit distress arises from a diiiiinished demand tor the labour of the weaver , it must be aggravated by a law whicli would make his labour ? moi& expensive , without being more productive . So far a » v ^? ? nle tr ? m ™ Qf diiigence or skill it i * not likely to be diminished by a law endeavourine t * equalize wages * and to apportion them to the ouantity-of work done , not to its quality . ^ But if the Assistant Commissioner shall be ableto trace the distress in any trade tb a power , possessed and exercised by tlie masters , of lowering at their will the workman ' s remuneration , the proposed remedy will at least , be plausibre . : 1
he same general remark s apply to the other recommendations made b y the witnesses examined by thu Committee of the House of Commons , or which have been already forwarded to the Central tfoard , for their own use and that of the Assistant Commissioner * or which may be expected to besuggested to : the Assistant Commissioner . He will carefully consider them all , but it is not likely that be will be able to decide either for or against any ofT them , until liis inquiry into the condition of theweavers for whose distress the remedy is proposed ,-and into the causes of that condition , has been nearly concluded . . " v ^^ The Coramissionerj ? however , believe that a careful attendance to the following rules will in every case facilitate his decision .
1 st . To require every person who proposes areniedy to explain in detail : both the object to beeftected , the ineai ; s to be used , and the process by which the proposed means are to produce the contemplated ^ effect . Those means should be stated with the fulness and precision of a law ; so that , if the suggestion were adopted , the law for effecting it would be ready . Inmany cases remedies have been suggested in words so vague as to inclade many different proposals . The extension of education among weaver *' children has been ofteuproposei ; itis aremeto
dy which the Assistant Coininissipnermustgive hi * earnest attention ; but those who have proposed it have not stated whether the education is to be volun tary or compulsory ; if voluntaryv to vhiX extent it i ?» likely . to be accepted ; if conipulsbry , whether t < i be . enforced by requiring attendance in schools , orby a test of proticiency ; if by requiring attendance in schools ^ at whose expenss the schools should be established , and by whom the masters selected ; and whether the parent or tlie ;/ employef should be punished for the ^ child ' s non-atteneaince ; if by a test ot proficiency ; what that test should be , and how enforced . ¦ ¦ ¦ - ..- ¦ .. ¦
2 nd . To inquire into the probable : effects of any proposed j-emedy , not only 6 u the branch of trade lor whose relief it may be proposed , but also on the community in general ; stating specially what class of persons , and how , and to what extent , wouldbe pecuharly benethed or injured by it . And where the proposed measure , ifadop . ted , would extensively affect the whole community , in the case , for instance , of a repeal or alteration ot the corn-laws , or a . debasement of the currency , the Assistant Commissioner will require the persons recommending , such measureto point out with precision the process by which it will relieve tlie distress peculiarly affecting any branch , of hand-looin weavers , and restore them , as respects wages and condition , to the general level ot the labouring classes of the country . His inquiries upon such subjects must be confined within these limits . •• ' .
3 rd . To distinguish , in all cases , between the immediate and the" remote effects of any proposed measure . It is possible that immediate relief might be 6 btained from remedies which in time would cease to be eflicient , or would even aggravate the evil now complained of ; or which , " though immediately inriocuons to the rest of the community , would in time become misciiievous ; and it is possible that measures may be proposed trifling in their good effects' or even onerous at their commencement , but ultimately and permanently efficacious . .
I Lie Commissioners have now . given a brief outline of the services which they expect from their Assistant Comrmssioner . Their object has been . not to state the details , but to indicate the principal heads of inquiry . . They believe , however , that they have said enough to enable every one who ventures to undertake the office to understand the nature of his duties and llie extent of lu ' s responsibility . He will enter on an inquiry vast in its extent and multii ' afious and dissimilar . in . its branches . He will have to ascertain the moral , intellectual , and physical condition , of a numerous and widely-scattered population , differing in religion , in habits ,, and in circumstances , and connected only by the use of the Uand-looin . He will have to ascertain that condition
not only at present but during many previous years , and to " compare it- at corresponding periods with . that of all the other labouring classes in the community . All the facts which , he establishes he will have to trace to their causes ,, both imniediate and remote . And , lastly , he will state , > yitli the completeness of their practical ; details , the measures * if any , of which he can recommend tlie adoption . He will have to sift the evidence of witnesses , of whom the majority may be hoped to be honest , and intelligent , but many must draw their notipna : from a narrow experience , and some undoubtedl y will endeavour to mislead him . He willhiive to ,
combat many favourite theories , and may disappoint many vague or extravagant but long-cherished expectations . It is scarcely necessary " "to state , that the most patient attention must be shown in hfa intercourse with those who are the subjects of hii inquiry . Their complaints must be attentively lieard , their grievances must be carefully investigated , and every plan suggested for their relief must be examined , with the most anxious desire to secure them every protection and encouragement which does not either militate against their own ultimate interests , or involve injustice towards bther classes of the community . ¦ .
Under these feelings the Central board are confidivntthatAheir Atsistant will uiiiforrnl y act ; and that in all Ida discussions -with , the distressed weavers themselves he will bear in niiud that patience cannot be carried to an excess . . "" .. He will hear their- statements with attention ; hewill inquire into the grounds with care , while he will receive every suggestion in a friendly spirit , while he will search into its nature and merits with , the strictness which is due to truth . Where be meets with , prejudice or ignorance he will endeavour , to remove them by patient and temperate discussion , always .
remembering that , if the evil itself cannot be reinoved , the next duty , owed : to the distressed class , and the greatest service to be . rendered to them . is that of clearly ex plaining to them , their erforsj and teaching them to understand their true condition ^ and ' the : circuiHStanceson whicli . it really depends . . ' , ¦ ' . It is by > ucn means only , and not by compnanoewith prejudice , or ; a dishonest sanction of false pre-i posseapns , that the duties imposed upon the A ssiatant Commissioner cau . be faithfully discharged , or the welfare of the classes whose interests are now placed as a trust under his care can be enectually promoted . • - '• -. '
NAUSAU W . SENIOR . SAMUEL JONES LOYP . WILLIAM EDWARD H 1 CKS 0 N JOHN LESLIE ;
Untitled Article
Mummies in Middlesex . — - ^ -Mr . Finriey Eldershaw , sen , , churchwarden of St . Clemenc Danes , has been recently employing workmen in ventilating , cleansing , and . arranging the great vault under the church of that parish . The vault is of great extent , and in the course of their labours in removing , some very ancient coffins . the workmeu discovered the remains of five or six persons j who , it . is certain , must have been buried from 100 ta 150 years , which only want to be wrapped in cere cloths to pass for veritable mammies . In : several other churches in Europe similar instances have occurred
in this case it is thought probable that from having been buried in oak coffins ) and very likely laid in oak sawdust , the bodies , in . cbnsequence of the danipj have become in soib ^ e , sort tanned , as they have very much the-appearance , of leither . Manycurious and scientific jersbnJ : have been ,: by permission of the churchwardens , ; to s ? e these mumnnea ; one , that of a female , is deformed by :-a ; sort of hump hack and andther a male , has been buried with a wooden leg , which is , like the vbody , well preserved . It is understood that they will yery soon he buried again .- ^ Evening Paper , *
Untitled Article
Mahcb 10 , 1838 . ^ l-V - ^ r-TH ^ - ^ Jtt ^ i ^ ir ^ T ^^^^ - - 1 — :: ¦ ¦'¦ - ¦¦ ¦ ¦ ¦¦ ¦ - ¦ ¦¦ ¦ - " ¦ - ¦ '¦ : ' ¦ ' " • " " ' " ' ' " "" " ' """ '; ^" '' ' '" ' - - - < ¦ :- ^ - ^^ W --CV : " " ^ ; L ^; - . - \ ^ r . ^ vQ ^ . ^ L ^
-
-
Citation
-
Northern Star (1837-1852), March 10, 1838, page 3, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct996/page/3/
-