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T R ? Whatthen it that asked ? That 3Tno...
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THE LANCASHIRE ASSOCIATION OF EMPLOYERS ...
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ADDRESS OF THE. PROGRESSIVE SOCIETY OF O...
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Thb Natiokai, Pontic School Association ...
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' . . ' HALIFAX ' 00.6PERATIVE ie^tim- *...
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QUxtint MtUiQnw
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NATIONAL CHARTER ASSOCIATION. ELECTION O...
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Finsbuby.—At the usual weekly meeting he...
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MONIES RECEIVE D For the Week Esmmj Thur...
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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.
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The Amalgamated Society Of Engineers And...
Jhem ? What , then , was it that they asked ? That . over-( gm 9 J & abolished—time worked ' over and above six dayi Er week of ten hours per day ( or , at least } fifty ^ eigbt arid a If hours per week . ) which they held as a principle to be the proper , time to labour' when there was labour to' be per formed —( hear , hear , }—and they held that a man ought to be able , by six days' labour , to eafii sufficient toheep himself and his family . ( Hear , hear . ) Tie society did not ask 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 socially . The workmen felt this fifteen years ago , and held meetings about it , and an agreement was come to as to the rate' of payment for overtime . It was not uncommon for men ' to
vork for weeks together from four or six in the morning till ten at night . ( Hear , hear . ) . A man could not do justice to his employers at such hours ; his health was injured by it ; a number of men were left idle through it ; and the workmen had no opportunities for improvement . ( Hear , hear . ) Why , but from the long hours ' of work , had mechanics' institutes proved such a dead failure ? ( Hear , hear . ) Bat Mr . Scott Russell said , that the men were not forced to work overtime . But , indeed , they were . ( Hear , hear . ) If a man declined , he 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 scores who had been discharged because they refused to work overtime . ( Hear , hear . ) The workmen found that individual refusal was individual sacrifice ,
and that it mast be general ; and thev had come to that conclusion—12 , 000 . of them . ( Cheers . ) If Mr . Russell had influence enough with the employers to have his assertion pnt 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 . f Hear , hear . ) Then as to tbe other question-pieceworktbe public thought that every man had a right to make the most he could of his superior ability and expertness . Granted ; oiecework 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 work .
shop 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 , bear . } There was no consultation in the matter ; the man was never asked bis opinion , and , if he objected , was told that the employer " would not be dictated to "he was to be the sole judge . ( Hear , hear . ) Thegentlemen of the press were before him ; they knew whether compositors were thus treated . 25 o ; 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 butas it was , it gave the men less than their
ordi-, nary wages . The men -would abide by the decision of independent parties . ( Hear , hear . ) Let persons be appointed whose whole sonl was not wrapped up in commercial speculation , men who had identified themselves not merely with the commercial progress , bat also with the progress of the industrial classes ; such men as Lord Shaftesbury , Lord Carlisle , Lord R . ' Grosvenor , and the Hon . A . Kinnaird . ( Hear , hear . ) By their judgment the men would be willing to be governed . ( Hear , hear . ) Asto tbe charge of being opposed to the introduction of machinery , there was no ' class of men who more promoted its introduction ; they were continual ] v improving machinery . { Hear , 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 , it September , 1 S 50 , 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 rotes came in for those practices . ( Hear , 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 bad tbey 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 unknown to those
foremen and managers , perhaps employers —( hear , hear , ) , —if they treated it all with contempt and disdain , the feeling would at last make itself known in some tangible form , as it was 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 in the north . ( Hear . ) It was only intended that the workman should exercise his right of leaving when his day ' s labour was done ; and if the employers said any man might do so , it was all that was required . ( Hear , hear . ) H any man thought proper to work , let him do so . ( 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" tbe 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 tee matter to any impartial tribunal ( Cheers . ) The questions in dispute must be settled either now or at some future time , and the feelings he had expressed were so deeply rooted in their minds , that he believed they wonld never be eradicated until the whole matter bad been disposed of . ( Loud cheers . )
Mr . B . Bkabdox then moved the following resolution : — "That , having heard the statement made upon the part of the Council of the Amalgamated Society , this meeting is perfectly satisfied that the aets 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 . " He said he thought Mr . Newton had clearly proved that the conduct of the executive council in this matter was strictly honest , and the demands made by them perfectly reasonable .
Jfr . ( Jeohsk Usheb seconded the resolution . He was neither a Socialist nor a Communist , bat ho came forward to second the resolution from the confident belief that the Executive Committee were justified in what they had dc » e —( hear , hear)—and he hoped that the 12 , 000 associated workmen would support them in their acts . Mr . Xbwtos said , that a request had been sent from Mr . Ernest Jones , stating that he wished to address the meeting . ( "No , no , no . " ) He hoped that Mr . Jones would not identify the meeting with politics . ( Hear , hear . ) He had his own opinions on politics , bnt he wished this question to be discussed on its own merits , and apart from any other question whatever . ( Hear , hear . )
Mr . Joxes then came upon the platform , and attempted to address the meeting , but he was met with a determined manifestation on the part of the meeting in opposition thereto . He could only say that he cordially sympathised with the objects of the meeting . ( Cries of « - Off , off . " ) He was not going to introduce any politics , but as one that thought deeply . —( " Off , off . " ) They might make music as long as they pleased , but he would stand there tilt he was listened to . (« Oh I oh I" " Off , off . " ) Mr . Sewtos put it to Mr . Jones whether , after the decided declaration of the meeting that they would not hear him , it was right to take up the time of the meeting ( Hear , hear . )
Mr . Joses : If they but listened to him for one minute , he should finish . He thought that , if it was their most determined enemy , instead of a friend , whoappnred before them , that fair play would induce them to give him a hearing . ( " Off . " ) AH he had to say , then , was this , how could they expect to resist the combination of the capitalist and the monopolist ? ( Renewed uproar . ) Mr . Sewion said he would put it to Mr . Jones whether he would proceed , when the enemies ofthe society might make a handle of his presence . Mr . Joses said he was not aware that his presence was so disgraceful that it could be used as a handle against the society . The interruption continuing , and the meeting being apparently determined not to hear a word , Mr . Jones at length obtained silence by declaring that he wo uld speak only one minute longer bf tbe watch if the meeting would listen to him . What he had to say to them was that their attempt at a combination of the trade , based as it must be upon strikes against capitalists , would be
unavailing , and the next time he appeared before them they would acknowledge tbe truth of his words and g ive him a kearing . Mr . J . Coins said he agreed with Mr . Aewton on the evil * of the practice of systematic overtime , but he thought the present extra payment for it was a sufficient check , and that there ought not to be a claim to double time ; and he considered that the question was settled with the masters in 1836 , and that the men who were then in London could not depart from that agreement without a breach of faith . He would move an addition to the resolution to that effect . ( Hisses . ) He could not agree in Mr . Newton ' s statement as to deputations to the masters ; he had himself been above twenty years in the emplov of Messrs . Miller and Ravenhill , and had been to them ' on deputations many times , and , instead of being discharged for it , had always been treated with kindness and with the respect due to his position . ( Hear . ) As to piecework , he had worked PieceW . or . ?' ,., * had never been compelled to take it ; when he had disliked the terms he had been allowed to do the work upon common
daytime . Mr . Hoskiss seconded the amendment , and said there was work which could not be done except by overtime , ( liear . ) Systematic overtime was doubtleess an evil , and nine-tenths of the practice—in fact , the system—might easily be abolished . He could not think the demand for double time just . ' The amendment was then put and negatived , and tne original motion carried by a large majority . Mr . HEMM . of Manchester , who said became forward as a witnes 9 , confirmed Mr . Xewion ' s account of tbe OW ° ? dispute , and said the origin of it was that Messrs . Hibbert and Piatt had purchased a machine for boring , and the men were afraid the work was going to be taken out of their
hands , and the msthine worked by men not brought up to the trade ; but that led toother points being also raised . But it was entirely a dispute between Messrs . Hibbert and Piatt 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 ot _ 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 waa not asked whether he could do it at tbe price named , but told he must do it or leave . ( Hear . ) If men managed , by excessive labour , to snore than regular wages by it , they had been ottered much kss the next time for the same job .
The Amalgamated Society Of Engineers And...
Mr . J . Pojx 3 Tnoved- « That thjs meeting is fail * « - - Vinced that ' neither the Executive Council nor the mb 5 hers of the . Amalgamated Society of'Engineers ; Ac , contemplate a strike oh the 1 st of January , 1852 ;• and that the assertions put forward to that effect are entirely untrue . " He proceeded to comment upon the conduct of some of the speakers at the meeting of employers of labour on Wednesday last , and complained that when the workmen of one of them left him in 18 i 9 , on his proposing a reduction of wages , he sent notice to other employers , that they might not take them on . Another of these gentlemen refused to remove to a distance from the engineering department some lead works , ¦ ' which were injurious to health . If employers' paid so little attention to the welfare of their men they ought not to demand from the men entire obedience to their will nor could tbey expect from them anything beyond what was their duty to themselves—self-protection . Mr . W . Brows seconded the motion , and it was carried ' unanimously .
Mr . Newton said the ; society had appealed to the public , and would wait their decision . If the employers were willing to settle the question amicably by proper negotiation and with a regard to justice to all parties , the men would meet them honourably , fairly , and moderately . ( Hear , hear . ) He then explained that the society was one instituted for ' unimpeachable objects , 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 " ahd 18 i 9 . ( Hear . ) Even then members were working overtime ., ( Hear , hear . ) He might just mention that , on one ofthe 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 choose the latter , dividing the reduced amouut among all the men . ' : ( Hear , hear . ) When the objects of the society were known , the public would feel disposed rather to encourage them than to press against them , so long as they kept within proper bounds , and used no threats or intimidation , and that tbey never would do . ( Hear ,, hear . ) ¦ In so large a body , 'isolated individuals might conduct themselves improperly , but tbe society repudiated anything of the sort . ( Hear , hear . ) So' acting , they bad the opinion of . the Attorney-General ; that they were acting lawfully . ( Hear , hear . ) A vote of : thanks to the press for attending the meeting , and to the chairman , closed the proceedings .
T R ? Whatthen It That Asked ? That 3tno...
January 3 , 1851 __ - ... , - , Xgff > f , ff Qff T ^ fe tf gTA R .
The Lancashire Association Of Employers ...
THE LANCASHIRE ASSOCIATION OF EMPLOYERS OF OPERATIVE ENGINEERS , Ac . On Tuesday afternoon , a numerous and influential meeting of members of the Association of Employers of Operative Engineers , Millwrights , and Machine-ihakers , of Manchester and the surrounding towns and districts , was held at the Clarence Hotel , Spring-gardens . It was attended by upwards of fifty gentlemen , members pf different firms . Mr . T . B . Sharp , the senior partner in the firm of Sharp , Brothers , and . Co ., was called to the chair . The committee appointed at a former meeting reported the substance of what had transpired between the deputation from their body and the employers of London and the vicinity ; and also the proceedings of a meeting ^ of those employers at the London Coffee House , on the 24 th
ult . . The warmest gratification was expressed at the cordial reception of the deputation from Lancashire by the central body in London ; and , on the motion of Mr . James Kasmyth , of the Bridg ewater Foundry , Patricroft , seconded by Mr . John Hick , of Bolton , it was unanimously resolved , "That this association forthwith join , and become a portion of the Central Association of Employers of Operative Engineers , & c . " The committee were authorised to carry out the resolution ; thanks were voted to the Chairman , and the other members of the deputation , who bad proceeded to London and attended the meeting of the C ntral Association on Wednesday last . We may add that the tone of the meeting was most decided 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 tbe best interests of the country . A general desire and
determination was expressed that as the men had threatened a strike , their object and intention should ; be tested , and that the question between the employers and employed , having been raised by the latter , should now be brought to some clear and definite issue . We learn that individually , nearly all the firms in this district have received from their customers , for whom they are making mill or other machinery , in some cases under contracts with penalties as to non-fulfilment in time , the most' cordial assurance that they approve of the course taken by the employers , and that they are disposed , under tbe circumstances , to extend to them the utmost amount of indulgence that may be sought in the completion of these contracts . Under circumstances such as these , lacking that which is an element of strength in some strikes , the popular approval and support , it behoves the workmen" to pause ere they take a step which , once taken will assured prove irremediable . —Manchester Guardian .
Address Of The. Progressive Society Of O...
ADDRESS OF THE . PROGRESSIVE SOCIETY OF OPERATIVE CARPENTERS AND JOINERS TO THE CARPENTERS AND JOINERS OF LONDON . Fblmw . Workmen , —We , the members of the above Society , being anxious to promote the interest and to increase the happiness of our fellow toilers , deem the present a fitting opportunity for directing your attention to what we consider calculated as a means to promote that interest and increase that happiness ; and feeling confident that nothing but increased intelligence can permanently better the condition of our class , it becomes our duty to devise
some plan whereby that intelligence may be obtained and that happiness permanently secured . Union ! ( that stereotyped phrase , that has been perpetually upon the tongue of every agitator ) is an essential . in any project to benefit the working classes , which cannot be dispensed with . We therefore urge upon yon the necessity of a more cordial and extended union , established upon a basis which will at once secure the means for the progressive intellectual improvement of aW so united , and which will , at the same time , protect and conserve the rights and privileges of the trade .
Attempts have been made , at different times , to carry ont that union that we now recommend , with but ( we regret to say ) very little success . We believe that want of success has been mainly attributable to the fact of all trade societies hitherto being held at public houses , where other influences than those in spired by intelligence and reason too frequently prevail . To effect a reform in tbis particular , and also in other matters connected with trade societies , the above society was formed , five years ago , with the following objects in
: — 1 . To estahlish an institution which shall afford facilities to the members in meeting together for tho transaction of business , tbe study of science , and for mutual improvement , apart from the pernicious influences of the public house . 2 . To provide means , and carry out plans , for the profitable employment of the unemployed members , in order to relieve the market of the surplus labour , and at the same time afford permanent support to such members as the vicissitudes of trade may place in a position to require assistance . 8 . To make good any loss of tools by fire or otherwise . i . To establish a depot for the supply of tools to the members at wholesale prices .
5 . To establish a library of such works as treat on sub < jects relating to tbe trade ; to assist in tbe formation of ciasses for their study ; and to provide the institution with those current publications which may be considered most useful to its members . 6 . To ensure a sum of money at ^ the death of a member ov a member ' s wife . How far we have succeeded in carrying out the above can be better ascertained by an acquaintance with our members , or by visiting our Society House , 17 , Ryder ' s Court , Leicester-square , on Monday evenings , where information and Rules may be obtained and members enrolled .
We are enabled tn recommend the above with some confidence , having gone through the ordeal of difficulties which must be experienced by all bodies associating for similar onjects . We will here state , that we have no desire to see the breaking up of other societies , nor be on any but friendly terms with tbem , but we do earnestly invite their consideration of our principles , and , if approved of , establish others on the same or better principles . Wo will not look upon them as rivals , but as auxiliaries in tho good cause of progress . We pledge our assistance and the benefit of our experience .
In conclusion , we do hope that the time will come when those who contribute to the building of the splendid habitations of the wealthy , and their stupendous club-houses , which gire beauty , and grandeur to the vicinity of St . James ' s , replete with every comfort and convenience to which the advancement of science can point , —we repeat , we hope the time will come when we shall be enabled to direct attention to our own comfortable habitations and club-houses , with a pleasure which shall be enviable by that class who bave hitherto lived npon our produce , and who have doubts as to our ability of avail ing ourselves of that power which directs us to the improvement of our condition . We subscribe ourselves , on behalf of the society , yours , & c , Richard Hacuworth , President . Thomas D . Ferris , Vice-President . Robert Webster , Corresponding Sec . "Wilijam Nixon , Financial Sec .
On Thursday night about 200 of the members of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers , Machinists , & c , assembled at the Phoenix Tavern , Ratcliff Cross , to celebrate the anniversary of the society . Mr . W . Allah , the general secretary , having been called to the chair , begged to propose , " Prosperity to the Amalgamated Society of Engineers and Machinist * . " ( Cheers . ) Mr . W . tfEWTOX aoknowldged the toast . He rejoiced to be able to announce , that at the great works of Messrs . Mandslay and Field , and of the Messrs . Ronnie , the men had that day without exception quitted . their work at the completion of their day ' s labour , and so far as reports had up to this time been received , there had been no variation from that course . He looked upon it that their success in the particular matter which now . occupied their minds was certain . — -Several other speeches followed , which protracted the proceed ings till after midnight .
Thb Natiokai, Pontic School Association ...
Thb Natiokai , Pontic School Association have received a lettter , stating that the Prenver will receive a deputation on Tuesday , the 6 th hhtant , instead of on the Slat , The deputation named includes Mr . Henry . M . P . ; Mr . Milner Gibson , M . P ;; and most of the leading members ol the Association .
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' . . ' Halifax ' 00.6perative Ie^Tim- *...
' . . ' HALIFAX ' 00 . 6 PERATIVE ie ^ tim- * ' ? The fi $ ' : ft # M of the ^ memberfl ; an d-friends ofthe ' Halifax : Co-o 7 > erat »? o Stores took ; plaoe on Monday highLro the Albion Street School Room , which was . very tastefully decorated with flag' 3 , bai ^ Sr and evergreens , for the . occasions A verynumeroiw ) ? ar V sa * down to tea and obffee , consisting of the members , thClr wives , and . ohildrcii , giving quite a domestic and family aspt ° t to the . affair , and constituting it a merry meeting , quite W consonance with the season . Mr .: D . Green , President of . the Redemption Society ,- waain the chair ; and there were present , as a deputation from ; the London Society , for Promoting Working Men ' s Associations , E ; Y . NeahvEsq ,, and Messrs . Lloyd Jones and Walter Cooper ; Mr . ! G . a . Fleming , Editor of the "northern Star ; " and other friends of the movement .
Mr . Grsbn , in opening the business , said , they were met to talk about Co-operation . It had various aspects—shopi keeping was one of them , but that , ' though effecting an immediate saving to the members , was the-lowest point of view at which it should bo looked at . Even that , how-. ever , had its recommendations .. If any of . them sent £ 1 to ' the savings bank in the course of a year they would receive 7 idi as interest whereas , if they invested the same sum-in a Co-operative Store , it would yield' 5 s . or IDs If allthe capital and saving of the working classeswere invested in stores and workshops instead of savings banks , what an immense saving and advantage it wouldle to the working classes ! That , however , was , as he had said , the " lowest view of the subject . The ultimate application of tbe profits realised was the great question . ( Hear hear )
He looked forward to the application ofthe' profits derived from distribution to manufactures which would enable them to employ themselves . ( Cheers !) That was the most important feature in the movement , which , so carried out would emancipate all the labourers so employed . 5 s . a year was a small sum in itself , to draw as profit on £ 1—or a certain amount of purchases , hut when a number of 5 s . were set to woik to create new wealth it was quite a different thing . There were now about 500 Co-operative Societies in the United Kingdom . Every one of their members wore shoes , hats , stockings , and other articles of clothing . Why should not those 500 Co-operative Societies , with the 10 , 000 persons or more belonging to them , manufacture all these articl "
es for themselves ; and , through tho medium ofthe Centra l Co-operative Agency in London , effect mutual equitable exchanges , and set in motion a new industrial system , in which no master could come in to lower their wages , ' and there would be no necessity for strikes . ( Hear , hear . ) If such a system was adopted by tho Trades ,, when strikes did occur the men would leave the masters not to walk about idle and consume money without any return , but to labour in their own workshops , fed by tho demands [ from the stores now springing up in all parts of the country . This was the grand feature of the new movement , which would do more for the elevation of the working classes than all that heretofore has been accomplished . ( Cheers . );
E . V . Neale , Esq ., said , he had much pleasure in coming from London for the only purpose of being present at the meeting , and at a similar one at Bradford , in order to testify , by his presence , how deeply interested ho felt in tho movement , and how he sympathised with those engaged in the great task . The sentiment he had to propose to them was , " That Co-operation , wisely carried out in the spirit of Brotherhood , . Justice , and Honesty , is one of the best means Whereby the industrious classes may free themselves from competitive warfare , dependence on capital , and the caprices of masters ; raising themselves thereby to a position whereby they may enjoy the full results of their labour , together with all their political and social rights . " That senticen ^ wcti t to the root of the matter ; but before adverting to it , ho wished to say a few words on anoint
alluded to by the Chairman , which was not the least important part of the matter—namely , the saving arisin " from Co-operative Stores . If , as Mr . Green had told them , they placed £ 1 in the savings bank they would find at tho end of tho year they had that pound and 7 d . more . Now , tbey bad been carrying on their Store for half a year , under tae difficult circumstances , and with the defects and drawbacks which always beset new undertakings , and yet , by their balance sheet ,-he found that for £ 100 invested they had , instead of £ 1 10 s ., the savings bank interest , £ 12 in money and goods . This , for each family , was at the very beginning—in one half year , four or five times as much as they could get by investing in the savings bank , and it only . indicated what might be done when the system was more fully developed .. This was a matter not to be
overlooked , because it must bring homo to the minds of the most sceptical tho truth of tbe principle they ' advocated , and the practical advantages arising from its adoption . Even if they did not get men who cared for tho higher aspects of the question , here was something worthy the consideration of all . But the proposition he had read to them contained much more important principles , because if they looked merely to making profits , they would never understand the true scope and object of tho movement , and would be turned aside by every opposing obstacle . It was only when men were actuated by a high sense of principleby what he might call a religious attachment to it—they became men capable of persevering to the end , whatever might be the obstructions and obstacles tbey . had to encounter . The losing sight of this , tact constituted to bis
mind the error of former movements . Those engaged in them bad looked more to the machinery they desired to set in motion than the spirit by which it was to bo impelled . ( Hear , hear . ) They might take an illustration from the building of a . church . Those who projected the church might have a high sense of the moral and religious objects its erection would promote . When the building itself was begun , however , there would be nothing seen but stones , bricks , mortar , and poles , and if they ended there nothing would be done to carry them on to the object they had in view . It was the spirit which made the edifice of a church ; it was that mado it fulfil its destined end . That must be the way with them . They were actually in the condition of persons who began the building of a church , and who saw nothing but stones
to begin with . There was nothing great or grand in shopkeeping—nothing ennobling , but it was a mere beginning . It was the commencement of means to place the members and their families in such a condition as should conduce to developo every noble quality which lay within them , inasmuch as it would place them within such circumstances as would enable them to act as men ; because they would have within their reach all that was necessary for tho well-doing of themselves and children . If they kept strengly before them that object , they were aiming at one of the grandest objects that could be aimed at in tbis world . ( Cheers . ) The words ofthe proposition were very characteristic of the present state of society when it was described as " competitive warfare . " It was indeed a peaceable war—not carried on by muskets , cannons , and
swords , but by methods more in consonance with the prevailing opinions around us . The dispositions and feelings of war were however there . They had only to look at what was going on between the Amalgamated Society of Iron Trades and the masters to see a striking instance of a state of complete warfare . On the one hand tbe men demand what they consider just ; on the other , the masters refused what they considered unjust . He would not go into tho question between them . ' That was not a subject for that meeting . He merely asked where was tho impartial tribunal to adjust the quarrel ? ( Hear , hear . ) In that case it was not pretended there was any such thing . Society had made no provision for a rational and impartial adjustment of the difference , and the consequence was , that we had simply two bodies of men who were resolved to try who could hold out longest , and starve out the other . ( Hear , hear . ) What was this but a state of warfare ? These two bodies of men did not fight with swords or
pistols . They were prevented by law from doing that . There were no arms drawn on the field of battle ; but would hot the struggle in . its effects produce misery , loss , and suffering ? And yet this in England was the " relation between labour and capital—this the only method at present by which disputes could be settled . Now the object of cooperation was to amend this system by calling upon men to do for themselves , on fair principles and by just notions , what they could not now attain except by means of this competitive struggle . This had been done to a great extent in France—especially in Paris—and had been begun in tbis country with some success ; and when he called on them to go further , he only called on them to become tho regulators of their own labour , by having in their own hands the capital , which was the regulator of labour . But in doing that they must act in a spirit of justice , not only among themselves , but to ill around them . It was not tho intention of the best
friends of Co-operation to enter into what had been called —he thought foolishly—a Holy Crusade against capital . That was not the principle and the spirit by which they wore or ought to be actuated , but simply to claim what they were fairly entitled to ; and , at tho same time , to render to all around them what was fair and just . To promote a spirit of conciliation , not hostility of brotherhood—not isolation of mutual help arid good offices , instead of separation—and mutual injuries . ( Great applause . ) Messrs . Lloyd Jones , Walter Cooper , G . A . Fleming , J . Nicholson , J . Chaffer , and other speakers afterwards addressed the meeting in speeches that were greatly applauded , in support of the following propositions : — " Working Men ' s Associations and Co-operative Stores : may they succeed in overturning the iniquitous and sweating system with all its consequent evils ; substituting
justice and honesty in the affairs of industry and trade , in place of the fraudulent practices now so fearfully prevalent . " " The Brotherhood of Humanity ; may it soon be recognised in principle , and practically applied to all the institutions of society and social life . " " The founders of , and workers in , the several associative plans and institutions , past and present , throughout tho world : Honour and gratitude to the departed ; lengthened days and a successful issue to tbe labours of tbe living . " Hearty and cordial votes of thanks were given to the deputation from London and Chairman . the evening , which was greatly enlivened by a selection of songs , embodying sound moral sentiment , with excellent poetry and pleasant music , and also by some very good performances on the flutina , passed off highly to the satisfaction of all present .
THE SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING WORKING MEN'S ASSOCIATIONS . The Society have appointed a deputation consisting of Messrs . Hughes , Neale , Louis , Lord Godericb , Cooper , Pickard , Jennings , and . Locke , to wait upon Mr . Labouchere . The deputation expect to-have an interview with Mr . Labouchere the second week in January ; but no ap . pointment has yet been made . Several leading members of Provincial Associations and other influential persons are expected to accompany tho deputation .
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™^^ * T ^ ttti ™ & working ; menTioTthe W $ m ^^ - ^ ^^ . " To ^ he ' Honourable ' the ? omnJM 3 Of the United Kingdom ¦ ; f > f Great . Britain and ^ irelahu . ' . * Parliament assembled ; "Thehumble petition , of the ^« ral persons whose names are hereunder , ' "Sheweth ,- ? ' i ' ^* & J , ^'' ton ers . are " persons supports ? thems iT . : bythe , r . Jabo ; ur . in the . various handicrafts or trades , which .. they are desirous of . carrying on . in common upou their , own account for . the support of themselves and their families .
" That your petitioners have at present no means ofasso . oiating together for the above purpose , under tho sanction otthe law , beyond the number of twenty-fire , otherwise than under the provisions , of . the Joint Stock Companies ' Act , 7 and SJjot ., o . 110 ; but thatthe expense ofregistration under , that act in most cases greatly exceeds their resources , whilst many of its provisions are either need . Jess eleven prejudicial , for the , purposes of associated labour . . " That if the , oldcommon law , of England applicable' to partnerships had continued unaltered your pstitioners are advised that they would have , been enabled to make such voluntary agreements as would have helped in earning out the objects they hare ia view . ' ..
"That the objects of your petitioners are analagous'in many respects to those contemplated by the acts relating to Friendly Societies , which have been extended , of late years to Building Societies and Loan Societies ; and that such objects could be readily carried out by tbe machinery supplied by these acts . " Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that , the provisions of the said acts relating to Friendly Societies may he extended to all associations of working men formed for the purpose of carrying on their trade , labour , or handicraft , for the benefit of themselves and their families in like manner as they have been extended to Building Societies and Loan Societies . ¦'¦ -, ' . . "And your petitioners will ever pray ,. die . " ( Signatures . ) A clergyman at Plymouth writes that he is on the point of establishing a store in concert with some of his working men parishioners '' and asking for advice and documents to assist them .
The Central Co-operative Agency has received from the Associations in the country , and other friends and correspondents , advices to the effect that they may receive orders for the follwing articles : —Woollen goods of all kinds ; Embroidered Testings ; Alpaca Lustres , Plain and Figured ; Orleans Plain and Figured ; Merinos , Cobowgs , and Fancy Alpacas ; Silk Striped Orleans , dsc ; Moreens , Damasks , & o . ; Blankets and Flannels ; White and Coloured Flocks . Samples will be sent on demand . _ Tho Agency is about to fit up a set of cases for tho reception of the produce of . any Provincial Association which may be sent to them .. The partners and trustees think that this step will facilitate the future establishment of a bazaar . They are anxious to do all in their power to cooperate with and assist the Society and tho London Associations in carrying out this idea which they think of great importance to the future well-being of the Co-operative Movement .
Yeadon , ( near Leeds . )—On the 4 th ofNovember , fifteen working men enrolled themselves as members of a Cooperative' Association , to open a store as soon as possible , and ultimately for the purpose of manufacturing" woollen clothes , and thereby employ themselves .. The rules are nearly similar to the Bradford rules , viz ., shares of £ 1 each , paid by weekly contributions . Since the date mentioned above , their numbers have increased to forty-three , with every prospect of still greater additions as tbe principle becomes better known . A letter informs us that the store opened at Leeds has reached a sale of £ 35 per week in the third week . . The goods supplied from the Central Agency give universal satisfaction . '
ASSOCIATION IN PIEDMONT . Turin , Nov . 25 , 1831 . —The people are thinking about association in these parts , At Genoa they have a periodical called " L'Associaziono Giornel del Povero , " which comes out three times a-week (!) and on Sundays gives an exposition of a passage of scripture , the paper being headed by three quotations from the New Testament . I bought a copy in Turin , which I meant to have , sent to you ; but , somehow or other , I hare lost it . I saw in it that the vermicelli-makers , tho blacksmiths , and the tailors here , were associating themselves ; and I have seen an advertisement in one of the papers of the latter association . No doubt there are many others , as I only saw one number of the
joulnal . You have ho conception how the people here arc going a-head . There are now 2 , 000 Protestants here ; and the building of a Protestant Church , the first in Italy , has just commenced . Altogether Turin is one of the nicest places I ever was in j although there are no fine buildings , the town is extremely handsome ; and all the poor people live in the upper stories of the great houses . You will hardly believe that the houso and surface drainages are entirely separate ; there being a double set of sowers in every street . At present they all discharge into the Po , but no doubt they will soon use the former for its proper purpose of manure , as some English engineers here , friends of mine , are going to bring the matter before them , together with baths and wash-houses , die .
December 22 , 1851 . —To-day we visited a most interesting institution in tbis town ; nothing more nor less than a Needlewomen ' s Association , which has been in existence for a hundred and forty-two years , —time enough for it to have become firml y established , which indeed it seems to be . It has four similar societies , in other parts of Piedmont , affiliated to it , or rather they all form one grand institution . The members are not nuns , but must be single while they remain members ; two hundred of them sleep and board in the same building , where they carry on not only needlework , but silk-spinning , ribbon-weaving , and cloth-making . Their work seems excellent . I have not yet been able to find out half as much as I hope to learn about them ; as far as I could discovorthey are managed by aboard appointed by government ? Tho gentlemen whoaccompanied
us over the building promised to introduce me to one ofthe directors , from whom I will endeavour to collect some more information for you about them . Such an example of Socialism , patronised by government for a century and a half was what I hardly expected to meet with in Italy . This institution ia mentioned in Murray ' s Handbook , and has , I dare say , been visited by many highly respectable and great English people , who probably hcivo no idea that they had been admiring a most successful experiment in the abomination called Socialism . Tho Socialism is but imperfect , it is true , and not quite a model on which society can be regenerated , as the workers have no voice , it seems , in their own government ; but , as far as fellow-work is concerned , the organisation of labour seems perfect .
BRADFORD CO-OPERATIVE FESTIVAL . The Co-operatives of this town held their first festival on Wednesday night , in the Temperance Hall , a spacious building admirably , adapted for the occasion , and which was profusely decorated with evergreens and artificial flowers . Behind the chair , on a white banner , there was inscribed , in letters formed of laurel leaves , " The Organisation of Labour . " The attendance was , as at Halifax , very numerous , and comprised the female members of the families of those interested in the Stores . W . Fobbter , Esq ., of Rawden , who was unanimously called to the chair—after tea and coffee had been disposed of , having first read a letter from Mr . James Holl , of Leeds , apologising for his absence—proceeded to state that a year ago he had first met them at the Mechanics ' Institution to form the Stores , and he was happy to find that it had succeeded so well . The Stores got into work on the 31 st of May , 1851 , with fifty members , and then turned over £ 30 a-week . It had now one hundred
members , and turned over £ 45 per week . This was success , but it was not so great as that at Halifax . Before calling upon tbe talented advocates of the cause around him , ho was desirous of stating how far he agreed , and hovr far he disagreed with the movement , because he had no wish to court a false popularity . It is now some years ainco his attention was first directed to Socialism , and he confessed that he then looked at it with the same feelings as the class to which he belonged , namely—that it was a system by which persons wished to live upon the property of others . ( A laugh . ) The more he studied the subject , however , the more he was convinced of tho essential truth there was in it , though looking at the schemes of particular Socialists he thought they were little more than beautiful pictures . He was , however , now fully convinced that tho
principle involved was the only one that could liberate labour from oppression , and create new and superior associations among men . ( Hear , hear . ) While in an undecided state he first saw the words " Christian Socialism , " and he could not too highly eulogise the moral courage of Professor Maurice , and the " gentlemen associated with him in thai movement . Few there could estimate the sacrifice ho and they had mado in the circles in which they moved . But while he honoured their motives , there were points on which he differed from them , and probably they would be a little enlightened on these points to night . He certainly did not agree in the condemnation of Competition or of profit-mongering in the abstract , because , in the first place , he did not see how the wants ofthe country were to te supplied without the present system of production ; and .
in the next place , he saw that in price profit was an essential element . He could understand that Co-operation in distribution might bo capable of extension to any extent , even nationally , but he could not see how that could be done in Co-operation for production . If there were many associations they would compete with each other ; if there were one it would require to know exactly how many articles were wanted ; that required omniscience , and could not be done . They would either make too many goods—and then the men would be thrown out of work— or too few , and society would not be served ; and therefore he could not see how they could dispense with the present mode of finding out what was really wanted . But while he candidly put these difficulties before them , he did not mean they
were insuperable . Some of them might say , "Ob , Mr . Forster has no objection to dispose of the shopkeepers , but when you come to his mill it is quite a different , matter . " He hoped none of them would say that , because though he did not see how the system could work generally , he . did not discourage Co-operation in production . Start a . mill by all means ; one effect would be to teach them the difr oulties and the anxieties which eeset the master , and for whioh , he was afraid , many workmen did not give them credit . But , above all , he looked to the moral and educational effect on their own minds , and which could not fail , in tbe end , to be very beneficial to all classes . One point they must attend to , never to let their money lie idle , and another was , to pay the men who did their work ; that was the only way by which they could secure good work-
' . . ' Halifax ' 00.6perative Ie^Tim- *...
"S ^^ yitt ?^^ . 1 ^« fiH-onIy'be . U ^^^ j 5 ^ . ^ H ^ ing , education , and talents , enab edFthem tc o ^ TSl ^ nes s successfully . " It . had been said Uh ? "Ct f , Usi ' Bbive . that-bethought wasit ' rue . Th > wlgeL hVS only be raised ; by , somo national re-organHon of hbou ^ bin & ^ T V " ^ ? ^ direo *>» IMS ft " *' - ed . ' 0 , so ' Co-operation : would assist iwliiiml S » T T > art-irshopkeeping would help Mazzi , 2 koss . HM , to liberate Italy and Hungary ? Ho believedVn ^ orcaniso , ! W » ?• any amount of merc speechifying or un-SteSiifff' 0 " wMch cndsd in ™ d * ' Perhaps it buthefel 'S ^ . ^^ athothoughtonthese questions ; what were his l £ ''" , ! aking the Gb ™> * ° 8 tat 0 CXact ' y there ought to bB L" » - he wassureMiw wouMagiwthat starting : ( Cheers . ) miSun , leiStanding between them at ment :- » Tho ^ pno * sifcL D en ^ the Mowing sentiand classes £ SZftl ^ JTiai betw " fodivfcnata He thought they were SviT > pve J eut sooiaI OTiIs ' " Chairm . f n lor coming fortS X ± ^ J ^ . J ^ t 15 U (
" cuWQ aU these doubts ™ i , ! a ? ., - ' "" " « " ** strong good sense , and hadI bVeSSeSft * , ° P ^ prat cal a manner EiiaJwta K ^ , ?* frank an < i they proposed to embark ^ gf hisfefwer w ^^ 'lf attention , especially a 3 entertain ^ TKe d 2 j , ° S had thrown his weight and influence on f ? 1 ^ 7 ° coming forward to aid them on tell th S' s J , do b * there might be defects in the social Ceint IS" ^ gaged in it were sincerely desirous itonvtf ^ T condition , of their fellow men . ( Hear , hear f Mr ^ then proceeded in a very lucid and interesting speech £ explain the fundamental difference between the MmSSiS TiT . H dJh ? * ° H f - t 8 ra' Tlie first looked S at the selfish interest of the individual ; the secord sou " o solve the problem what institutions should fcSab £ d to procure M that was requisite for our welfare as men , and at the same time secure the same right * « n , i „„ 5 ™
meats to a I their fellow men . That was the essential dif . Sen as si- 7 „ r W * " *»• ^ tend 3 d to tS tutinr ? £ eo 8 . ' , Thlch ? a 8 ° » ce considered a natural instifreekhni ^ K ™ Z lb ™ dwgnmed under tho name of free labour ; the other sought to treat man as man .. With Sf ? h « Ph ° - th 0 pr ! 5 tl ( 5 l diffioul ^ s which had been . stated meSnf f T ?' - & eaiwent mtoan interesting state . £ ! nh ° Vlrt 18 eonnected with the origin , progress , and show thal ^ f , W ^ ' delation . in S ' e ? to £ ?« ,,,, P f n Call > > he ffhole of these objections-had been successfully , and exnerimentaUv .,, rn , ™„ f . 1 i tt »
SU L , i « rrii ? atth ? . etol '* Uon of the - nearest or S $ » ™ J ? rtl 0 ? f the workin B classes would be the surcsfe Sf «« A CCttni ? T 7 raisin S , owest of tbe wagesslaves , and concluded amidst grlat applause . g propoaiSo ? ' ° f Leed 8 ' having briefly supported th 9 JKJ & Jif * tyWJ * Proposing Co-operation as the ex-Kn fi 1 h ? V ; , ofTr , uhand Brotherhood said it would bo beneficial to a 1 classes , and the great means of perma-Kr " l * 8 ical » intellectual , and moral well-PnnL . wf Hpie- In sPeak ' mg to this sentiment , Mr . Cooper detailed the experience of tho Castle-street Association of working Tailors , of which he is the Manama
mat Association . began twenty-one months ago , with a borrowed capital of ± 350 , of which they had paid back £ 150 five months ago , though he thought tbey had done wrong in commencing repayment so soon . They had , also , nine months after starting , divided £ 100 among the members as profits , which was another great mistake . But , notwithstanding these mistakes , and the other errors and mistake * incident to a new undertaking , in which all parties were necessarily inexperienced , they had done business to the amount of £ 800 , —had paid all their members an averaer oi
wage upwards of thirty shillings a week . Had gives , them a week ' s holiday in the country out of the funds , 5 * well as a holiday in the Great Exhibition 5 and the rear . " ' - was , that if all they owed was paid , they had now a si ^ -i plus of £ 350 left as the consequence of their associated exertions . ( Cheers . ) The Rev . Dr . Goodwin spoke to the sentiment , — " Education and Frugality , tho supporters and results of trua
Co-operation . " And—Mr . Liotd Jones pronosed— " Cooperative Stores in the true Co-oporative spirit , will bo the surest and most readily practicable means of leading to the full development of the principle of Association . " Mr . G . A . Fmiisa , Editor of the " Northern Star , " concluded the proceedings by giving— " The Press , free and honest : tho great means of diffusing true political and social ideas among the people . "
Tho proceedings were interspersed with some excellent vocal and instrumental music , and the whole evening pagsed off most agreeably .
Quxtint Mtuiqnw
QUxtint MtUiQnw
National Charter Association. Election O...
NATIONAL CHARTER ASSOCIATION . ELECTION OF THE EXECUTIVE COJIMITTEE . On Wednesday evening last the scrutineers appointed by the Metropolitan localities attended at the Office , 14 , Southampton-street , Strand , and having inspected the votes received , gave the following as the result of the gross poll : — Ernest Jones ... 900 John Arnotfc ., ... 720 Feargus O'Connor 600 T . M . Wheeler 560 James Grassby 505 John Shaw ... ... 502 W . J . Linton 470 J . J . Bezer 456
G . J . Holyoake 33 a Robert Le Blond 326 Thornton Hunt 2 S 2 P . M . M'Douall 198 J . B . leno 180 C . F . Nicholls 134 H . T . Holyoake 122 A . E . Delaforce 117 A . J . Wood 90 J . M . Bryson 53 George Haggis 13 Robert Oliver ... 9 Messrs . J . B . O'Brien , Gerald Massey , and Arthur Trevelyan , having declined to serve , the votes received on thoir behalf have not been recognised .
We , the undersigned , hereby certify the above to be a correct return , and declare the nine persons first named to be duly elected to form the Executive Committee for tha ensuing year . John Washington , City Locality . EnwARO John Loomes , Finsbury Locality . 14 , Southampton-street , Strand . December 31 st , 1851 . [ Wo have received from Mr . John Arnott , a detailed list of the votes sent in by forty-two localities , with the number polled for each candidate , but which , from its great length , we are unable to insert . —En . N . S . l
Finsbuby.—At The Usual Weekly Meeting He...
Finsbuby . —At the usual weekly meeting held on Sunday it waa resolved that . a deputation be sent to the Political Victims' Association , for the purpose of convening a meeting to petition parliament for the liberation of all political prisoners . It was also resolved that the question should be brought before the Metropolitan Delegate Council . Mr . E . Loomes was appointed scrutineer of votes , from this locality , for the new Executive ; and four members were enrolled . Christmas at O'Conxorville . —A tea party , soiree , and ball , was held in the School lloom , on Boxing-day , on whioh occasion a goodly number of the allottees , their wives , and families , assembled to take part in the entertainments provided for the occasion . After toa , Mr . John Sturgeon , jun ., was called to the chair , and opened tho business with an appropriate speech . Several sentiments were ably responded to by the allottees . Singing and dancing were kept up till an early hour in the morning , when tho company separated highly satisfied with their evening ' s enjoyment .
Metropolitan Delegate Couscil . —This body met on Sunday afternoon , at the Literary Institution , Leicesterplace , Saffron-hill . Credentials were received from Ernest Jones and C . Murray , for the JobniBtreet locality ; from C . J . Nicholls , for Iloxton ; and from Mr . Washington , for the City . Mr . Nicholls was called to the chair . Upon tha 1 minutes being read , a long discussion took place upon the » rules agreed to at a prior meeting , the majority of . which , l were at length confirmed . A sub-committee was appointed I to get up a public meeting to consider the present position 1 of attairson the Continent . Mr . "Washington was . elected 1 Secretary for the ensuing quarter ; a . Treasurer was also a appointed . On the motion of Ernest Jones , a resolution a was agreed , deprecating the meeting of localities at pu blic e houses , and urging the necessity of a coalition of the body y to obtain suitable halls . Tho deputation appointed to wtit it on the Executive gave in their report . Reports were aSso o received from the localities , and monies paid in for tho usa ia of the Council .
Literary Institution , Leicester-place , Clerkenwell .- ' - ' Mr . Fusseli lectured hero on Sunday evening . Subject" !" " The Events of the Past Year . " The speaker gl .-uee « : u <•* the various events in this country connected with tne orga- anisation or struggles of labour , dwelling pwmjnej'fiy iy upon tho present strife between the engineers , am . twsw iw employers , Mr . Bezer also addressed the audienftf .
Monies Receive D For The Week Esmmj Thur...
MONIES RECEIVE D For the Week Esmmj Thursdat , Janu ary 1 st , 1 &> 2 . the " ' hoieTtt fuud ; EECE 1 VEP BV H . K . O ' CONNOR . . . ' - ' ' -- ' £ s . di . dl S . Kinn , Paisley •• ¦ .. 0 0 CO CC J . Hourir .. ..- ¦¦ . .. 9 0 ( 0 tt A . Friend .. •• . ... 00 ( 0 (( £ 0 1 ( 1 ( l NATIONAL CHARTER FUND . " Beceired by Jons , Abnott . —T . Garbutt , Barnsley ls-Roytonytonn per J . B . Horrfall 2 g _ Mon troso , per D . Herechelt lis 6 d-Jd-JJ Monagban ls-Sheffleld , per C . Bagahaw 3 s 2 d—New Radford , ne , p e * W . Lees is 3 d--W . J , Hatfield ; Cambridge ls-B . Hamer , Radclifiteliffifi bridge Is—M . W . Konnan , Teritnor . lsle-of-WJghtls—V . Down ls-i ls-i-Newprot , Isle-of-Wight , perE . Urry Os-Ediaburgh . per , J . AleiAlew anaerl 28 , -Total £ 24 slld . -
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), Jan. 3, 1852, page 5, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_03011852/page/5/
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