On this page
-
Text (1)
-
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
general opinions as anything could be . ( Hear . ) They disavowed all intention of removing any persons at pre-¦ erit in employment—( hear , hear)—there was nothing in the present proceedings of the council that expressed or implied any such intention ; they had never asked for the removal of a man from a machine , who was working * t it , who had earned a title to work at it by the time he had been employed at it ; and , so far from the opinions of their members being against those men , they had fosr
tered and encouraged them . ( Hear , near . ) . - .. -.. , Having made this general statement in opposition to the assertions of * ' Amieus" and others ; Mr . Newton proceeded to sketch the origin of the present position in which the engineers found themselves in relation to their employers . In May last there was a dispute between Messrs . Hibbert and Platt , of Oldham , and their workmen , which ultimately terminated in Mr . Platt signifying his agreement to the following resolutions : — . .
" 1 . That in future all planing , slotting , shaping , and boring machines , at the workshop of the undersigned , be worked either by mechanics or apprentices , to be taken up by them as they fall vacant . " 2 . That the labourers at present employed upon those machines be not unduly interfered with before Christmas , 185 L , when the machines shall fall entirely into the hands of the mechanics ; but if any of the labourers are discharged , or the machines otherwise become vacant , the vacancies shall be filled up by the mechanics as they
ocqur . " 3 . That Michael Bernard have taken from him all authority over workmen in our employ , and that all illegal hands be discharged ; we' further say that we disapprove of the practice alleged against Bernard , and pledge ourselves that they shall not again be repeated . " Systematic- overtime was also to be abolished . Subsequently , in order that he might have a gua-Tantee that the men would make similar conditions with other employers , Mr . Platt \ vrote out an additional resolution : — r uuuai icsuiuiiuu . — \ .
" That if the majority ofSlegal shops in the same line of business refuse to concede the above requests , at the expiration of three years from the date of these resolutions , the question be again open for discussion . " Mr . Newton himself , in his private capacity , had assisted in negotiating these conditions , and he left Oldham with the *• distinct understanding" that they ¦ were to come into operation at Christmas . As Christmas drew near , * the employers , instigated by the statements of Messrs . Hibbert and , Platt , combined to prevent the operation of the arrangements . They alleged that the men had broken the
conditions in July last . It appears that Bernard , who - was a sort of middleman , similar to the " s weater *' among the tailors , was not removed , and that the men had resisted . But , said Mr . Newton , the society lias nothing to do with this ; it was a question between the men of Oldham and Messrs . Hibbert and Platt . The question of overtime was settled for the trade generally at Manchester , in November last ; and the society were determined not to be dragged Into the Oldham dispute . Mr . Newton ' s statement of the intentions of theBOciety is so clear , thatwe quote it entire .
" They disavowed all attempts to remove men from machines ; they had no such intention . Their disposition was to make common cause with such men , and assist them , rather than they should be thrown idle upon the world . ( Hear , hear . ) ^ Neither had the society any intention to try to equalize wages ; that would be to equalize themselves with the agricultural labourer . ( Hear , hear . ) What they sought was a fair opportunity for every working man , as far as practicable , to use his labour . ( Hear , hear . ) They desired to make it less precarious by regulating the work there was to be done . ( Hear , hear . ) As to identifying themselves with Socialists and Communists , they had no connection with
any political , social , or religious party , and they advocated their own views , not because Louis Blanc advocated them ( if he did ) , but because experience taught them that fit was necessary that some change should be made in order to elevate their social condition . ( Hear , hear . ) What , then , was it that they asked ? That overtime be abolished—time worked over and above six days per week of ten hours per day ( or , at least , 584 hours per week ) , which they held as a principle to be the proper time to labour when there was labour to be performed—( hear , hear )—and they held that a man ought to be able , by six days' labour , to earn sufficient to keep himself and his family . ( Hear , hear . ) The society did not aek for a reduction of those hours , but only that a man should be allowed to leave his work when his day ' s labour was done . The present practice of working overtime was an evil physically , morally , intellectually , and Bacially . The workmen felt this fifteen years ago , and held meetings
about it , and an agreement waa come to as to the rate of payment for overtime . It was not uncommon for men to nvork for weeks together from four or six in the morning } till ten at night . ( Hear , hear . ) A man could not < W justice to his employers at such hours ; , his health w * s injured by it ; a number of men were left idle through it ; and the workman had no opportunities for iintnrovement . ( Hear . hear . ) Why , but from the long hours ¦ of work , had mechanics' institutes proved such a dead failure i ( Hear , hear . ) But Mr , Scott Russell said , that the men were not forced to work overtime . But , indeed , they were ; ( Hear , hear . ) If a man declined , ho Was immediately discharged . ( Hear . ) That was compulsion ; he saw on the one side of him excessive labour , and on the other starvation . ( Hear , hear . ) There were Booms who had been discharged because they refused to work overtime . ( Hear , hear . ) The workmen found that individual jreAwftl was individual sacrifice , and . that it must
be general ; and they had come to that conclusion—12 , 000 of them . ( Cheers . ) If Mr . Russell had influence enough with the employers to have his assertion put into general practice , he would hear no more of this agitation with regard to overtime ; for all that was asked was that men should be at liberty to decline it if they liked , and not punished for working only six days a week . ( Hear , hear . ) Then , as to . the other question—piecework—the public thought that every man had a right to make the most he could of his superior ability and expertness . Granted ; piecework was not objected to , but only the manner in which it was now carried out ; Let it be done by contract between employers and employed , as in a contract between them and their customers , and no man
would object . But a piece of work was brought into the workshop , and a man was told he must do it for so much ; if he said , he could not do it for .: that , he was told- ' ' You must do it or leave . I shall give you no more . ' ( Hear , hear . ) Was that right , that an arbitrary authority should be exercised over labour with regard to ^ the price to be paid ? ( Hear , hear . ) There was no consultation in the matter ; the man was never asked his opinion , and if he objected , was told that the employer " would not be dictated to " —he was to te the sole judge . ( Hear , hear . ) The gentlemen of the press were before him ; they knew whether compositors were thus treated . No ; they had a book price . If the employers would establish a board , and allow the workmen to
establish their board , and let the question be settled between them , there would be no objection to piecework ; but , as it was , it give the men less than their ordinary wages . - The men would abide by the decision of independent parties . ( Hear , hear . ) Let persons be appointed whose whole soul was not wrapped up in commercial speculation , men who had identified themselves not merely with the commercial progress , but also with the progress of the industrial classes ; such men as Lord Shaftesbury , Lord Carlisle , Lord R . Grosvenor , and the Honourable A . Kinnaird . ( Hear , hear , ) By their judgment the men would be willing to be governed . ( Hear , hear . ) As to the charge of being opposed to the introduction of machinery , there was no class of men
who more promoted its introduction ; they were continually improving machinery . ( Hear . ) Let it not be said that "the . Council of Seven were dictating terms . " The movement was instituted by the meeting of sixty delegates at Birmingham , in September , 1850 , who passed resolutions deprecating piecework and overtime as systematic practices ; circulars were sent out to ascertain the -opinions of the society ; and out of 12 , 000 , only sixteen votes came in for those practices . ( Hear . ) Employers said the proceeding was dictatorial . If a question arose in the workshop , and a deputation went to the employers , they were generally discharged ; and if men not connected with the workshop were sent , they ; were asked what business they had to interfere ? ( Hear , ^ hear . )
If employers were so-exclusive , and refused to hear their workpeople and listen to their grievances , they must expect that , with oppression after ^ oppression , and petty despotism of foremen and managers , perhaps unknown to those employers— - ( hear , hear)—it they treated it all with contempt and disdain , the feeling would at last make itself known in some tangible form , as it waa doing now . ( Hear . ) The men were told they - intended to strike on the 1 st . Nothing was further from their intention . ( Hear . ) There was no such thing contemplated iftTthe North . ' ( Hear . ) —It was only intended that the workman should exercise his right of leaving when his
day ' s labour was done ; a " nd if the employers said any man might do so , it was all that was required . ( Hear , hear . ) If any man thought proper to work overtime , let him do so . ( Hear , hear . ) Whether the employers would close their works on the 10 th he could not say ; but after this explanation they would incur a very heavy responsibility in throwing so many men upon the poor rates , or refusing them relief at the risk of anarchy and confusion . £ Hear , hear . ) The men knew they were in the right , and were willing to be guided by public opinion . They were ready to submit the matter to any impartial tribunal . ( Cheers . )"
Mr . It . Braddon then addressed a few words to the meeting , and moved" That ,- having heard the statement made upon the part of the council of the Amalgamated Society , this meeting is perfectly satisfied that the acts and intentions of the council have been . publicly misrepresented , and that it has never demanded of the employers either discontinuance of the use of machinery of any kind , or the discharge of the .. workmen employed at machines . *' Mr . Or . Usher seconded the motion , and dwelt upon the extreme evil of protracted labour , ' Mr . Ernest Jones here rose in the body of the hall , and asked permission to make a speech to the meeting ; but his request was met with an almost universal . " no , " Jones persisting in the attempt .
Mr . Newton hinted the desirableness of discussing the question " without reference to any other subject whatever . " ( Cheers . ) Mr . Jones insisted amid shouts of * ' down " " off , off , " and " away . " Then ensued a scene between Jones , Brown , and Robinson , almost of a farcical character . Jones' : This is a public meeting , and I will be heard . ( Uproar . ) ' . , Brown : You have no business here , and you shan't be heard . ( Cheers . ) . Robinson : Put that man out . ( Cheers . ) Mr . Newton interposed , and said it was true the public had been invited . Brown : But we . are not obliged to listen to him . ( Cheers . ) '
Jones resumed , amidst hisses ; I have studied the question of labour and capital deeply Robinson : Ah I ah I " Very little of either are you acquainted with .
Jones : And iny antecedents are such—*—( JRoars of laughter ) . , Brown : His antecedents I Jones : I am come here to speak as your friend , ( " Oh , oh , " and hisses)—not .. . to sow division amongst you , but to give you my support . 4 ¦ ¦¦ " Robinson : His support ! Mr . Newton , appealingly : I would put it to Mr . Jones whether our . enemies may not " ' make a handle" of his presence here to-night ? ( Cheers . ) - ' Mr . Jones ( overcome with astonishment ) :. -. Reallyahem ! I was not in the least aware that my presence was so remarkably objectionable as that your enemies would make a handle of it . ( Cries of <* off ! off / " ) Unless you have some better reason for refusing me a hearing , &c . v
Mr . Jones having disappeared , business was resumed by Mr . J . Collis who moved a resolution to the effect that the men in London could not depart from the agreement of 1836 respecting Overtime ^ without breach of faith . This amendment was seconded by Mr . Hoskins , but negatived by a large majority . Mr . Heram , of Manchester , confirmed Mr . Newton ' s account of the Oldham dispute , and said the origin of it was that Messrs . Hibbert and Platt had purchased a machine for boring , and the men were afraid the work was going to be taken out of their hands , and the machine worked by men not brought up to the trade ; but that led to other points being also raised . But it was entirely a dispute between
Messrs . Hibbert and pla tt and their workmen . He would add that , in Manchester , the " men decided to do away with overtime before the council came to the resolution , and a great portion of the employers agreed with the men , and' had done away with it , though there were some few-exceptions . ( Hear , hear . ) There would be no objection to piecework , if it was carried on honourably ; but a man was not asked whether he could do it at the price named , but told he must do it or leave . ( Hear . ) If men managed , by excessive labour , to earn more than regular wages by it , they liad been offered so much less the next time for the sameJob . ( Hear , hear . ) ~ Mr . J . Potts moved— ¦ „ ¦ .
" That this meeting is fully convinced that neither the Executive Council , nor the members of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers , &c , contemplate a strike on the 1 st of January " 1852 ; and that the assertions put forward to that effect are entirely untrue . " Mr > "W . Brown seconded the resolution , and it was unanimously carried . Mr . Newton added a few words on the value of the Amalgamated Society , and said that they had the opinion-of the Attorney General that they were acting lawfully . Their object was to' make allowances to members thrown out of
work by the badness of trade , or incapacitated by accident or illness . It was an amalgamation of several societies , one of which paid £ 36 , 000 to unemployed members in 1848 and 1819 . ( Hear . ) Even then members were working overtime . ( Hear , hear . ) He might just mention-that , on one of the railways , when trade was bad and a reduction had to be made , the manager asked the men whether . he should reduce them in numbers or in hours of work , and they chose the latter , dividing the reduced amount among all the men . ( Hear . ) The proceedings closed with a vote of thanks to the press for attending the meeting , and to the Chairman .
CLOSE COMBINATION OP MASTERS . The masters , or as they call themselves employers , of operative engineers met in Manchester on Tuesday ; and resolved , on the motion of Mr . James Nasmyth , of the Bridge water Foundry , Patricroft , seconded by Mr . John Hick , of "Bolton , " That this association forthwith join , and become a portion of , the Central Association of Employers of Operative Engineers , &c . " < This is an important ^ step , and places the masters , who ought to be employers only of the men , in a state of permanent combination . The description of the " tone of the meeting " appended , is from the Daily News .
" The tone of the meeting was most deoided and unanimous in the expression of a determination to resist any and every attempt at dictation on the part of the men , as alike injurious to employers and employed , and destructive of the best interests of the country . It appeared that while many establishments had singly resisted such attempts at dictation on former occasions , and in their resistance had been successful , there were many others where this system of dictation was still in full force , and where the employers , with the name of masters , were in fact the slaves of their men , and were obliged to submit to the grossest tyranny , dictated by a few unseen agitators . Now this dictation had manifested itself in
the audacity with which the . present demands had been put forth . But it was observed , this would have the good effect of uniting in one formidable body , with scarcely a single exception , the whole of the . employers of engineering labour throughout the kingdom . Their bond of union was that strong one of self-defence , and the determination to resist every attempt at dictation on the part of the workmen . The proceedings , which throughout were characterized by the greatest unanimity , dosed about a quarter before six o ' clock . Two other facts we may add , which do not appear in the official proceedings . A general desire and determination was expressed , that us the men had threatened a strike , their object and intention should be tested , and that the
Untitled Article
6 ¦ ' . « fc © ij ^ e «»^ t ^ E ^ TlTRIWLy ,
-
-
Citation
-
Leader (1850-1860), Jan. 3, 1852, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1916/page/6/
-