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Northern Star (1837-1852), 28th February 1852, Edition 2 of 2, Page 5

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    • ^wires' totttUtqmt v, «ft*«r oA 185§ THE JORfHEItN S-T-A R. * t ffiBlttJARr ^o , '""*• ¦ - ~—=— - ¦— . . - . 5
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      ^Wires' Totttutqmt V, «Ft*«R Oa 185§ The Jorfheitn S-T-A R. * T Ffiblttjarr ^O , '""*• ¦ - ~—=— - ¦— . . - . 5

      ^ wires' totttUtqmt v , « ft *« r oA 185 § THE JORfHEItN S-T-A R . * t ffiBlttJARr ^ o , '""*• ¦ - ~— = — - ¦— . . - . 5

      Rb Jg G Amalgamated Society Of Engineers...

      rB Jg g AMALGAMATED SOCIETY OF ENGINEERS . THE STRIKE . ¦ it . Jnwfln a <» zreffate meeting of the members of the Oo On Monday . £ *; TusheidinSt . Martin ' s Hall , Longn * WrtfJZse , of considering their present position re , acre , w > ° P" * T fie room was densely crowded m ^ rr prl S ^ reatwt & ninew and enthusiasm were S % ? iS £ " ! l £ fi coair . and congratnMed tho M * . * - ^« «> pi r cheerfulness and orderly conouct . The T ^ T ^ e T ^ omSg S ^ i moat liberally in their ^^ 7 S , their cause being » righteous one , they most "snc eeejl . d ft t g ^ weekg ha d passed since * vM « tmS- ! and nothing of importance had elapsed eitbeir l « t ^« in 0 , - uu «« 6 . maintaining tin * ; 2 i and i thfmasters still continued to Sg'SffiS would propose to them the fol-» itn » inf resolution 5—wiiowiu 3 Mtevine it to be possible , with justice to the II That thisn « MS . ** 23 J [ % ~ | £ callea on . as the prelimi . S ^ Ste & every vestige of independence , pledge wiuc

      £ = m » ives torcm ainfirmin their relosai to consem . uum . \ Siavonred to be enforced upon them . im spe aker expressed his surprise at the . railway corn-¦ IS entering into the quarrel between them and their ! ' nloyers , and turning their backs upon that principle of c 7 n 2 a coto whichfhey owed everythmg He then de-Sed the mischief which had resulted from thelaststrike oe he Eastern Counties Railway . The directors of that line were , ho believed , lost to all sense of humanity . The Brighton line had , in his opinion , been the victim of misre-Sntation but if the railway companies were resolved on SS ^ tLm of the means of support , the trades were flepnvmg lueui u » -aypentewof Greenock had sab-SHSSSiSl ^ Stal $ » **/« " ** * * Sit them to a similar extent . The funds remained Vmott untouched , and they had to renember that the Sation of their masters were not pledged to stand by S deKtion after that day . He warned them not to SfinMrf fav any new cunningly devised declaration

      " hat mi'ht be issued , to preserve their peacemi attitude , 31 3 lW together against the tyranny of their em-^ fw Bbows ieconded tho resolution . Ur WMUH Sawnw then came forward to support the ration , and was very warmly app lauded . He said tho IS had much to thank the employers for since the last rSing . The employers h ad since published their code of SSSey *** V ° st <* * declaration on their gates , and the SnU of that document had tended materially to satisfy Sepublic mind that the employers were altogether m the „ l th * iWlaration was a most odious document . It Scomp ^ il bTlome resoluti ons tbe first of which cumber of another association . So that the employers fenned themselves into an association for the purpose of

      Xowin ° their dislike to associations . imugnter . ) The tmal'amated Society would at once dissolve if theem-Xers wonJd guarantee every one of them continuous em-^ vment The object of forming the society was merel y to pn ^ b ' e every man to obtain some employment by dividing £ i ' the labour among all the men , and not having some men eon'innnlly idle while others were continually over-worked . He thought the working men entitled to the thanks of „ ; etT for en deavouring to distribute the Jaboor as much « possible among the labourers . It was monstrous to supnose that when there was not sufficient employment for those who were willing to work that a portion of the men must be

      com pelled to work over-tune , lie ieit convinced that the ffiorovements in machin ery would soon have the effect of reducing the hours of labour , not merely to ten hours a day , bet to six . ( Cheers . ) A report bad been copied from the Manchester papers to which he wished to advert , as it might otherwise create a false impression . It stated that out of fort y-six manufacturing establishments in Manchester , - ^ were in full operation , 21 in partial operation , and one aot openatalL The number of meu in employment was 1771 including labourers and skilled mechanics : and , from sa aualvsis of the statement , it appeared that 1 , 6 . 00 of these were skilled labourers . Ifowitwas easy to explain this . At the commencement of tne strike the Executive Council issued a circular , calling upon those in employ to subscribe

      one day ' s pay in each week . Now as £ 220 was subscribed weekly by the men in employ in Manchester , that sum . at D 3 foradav ' s wages , would show that there were 900 of those 1 , 600 who have never left their employ , and tbe remaining 700 might be accounted for by the feet that there rere a great number of moulders and other persons who were skilled workmen , but who did not belong to the society . Those statistics , therefore , did not prove that members of ibis society in Manchester had signed the masters ' document and had returned to work . ( Hear . ) Why Mr . sharp , of Manchester , had not five skilled men at work . Tne employers ha « l so completely failed that they were

      smig to close again until a fair understanding was come to . f fjheers . ) This was not very surprising , as the expenses Wre , at present , much greater , while the work done was comparatively worthless . ( Hear , hear . ) Two men who sisued the declaration at Piatt ' s , went to work with the syce facilities of machinery that others bad before them , and they only earned 3 s . each in two days . ( Langhter . ) Some of the men employed as moulders were only able tO arn las . a week , and tbe foreman said it was tOO much , ( laughter . ) That was a positive fact . The present , very Eatnerons meeting was . a clear proof that the members of tie society had not returned to work , and they were

      determined not to resume employment unless on the terms insisted upon at the time they left . ( Cheers . ) The employers had now a fair opportunity of settling the question . The manner in which the question had been taken up by fee various trades , was a hopeful sign of good feeling on tteir part . 'They never would have contributed so liberally iithe cause of the operative engineers was not a good one . Six weeks was not aa unusually long time for the men to fe out of employment , and in this instance the men did not look like persons reduced to destitution . ( Hear . ) The Een did not leave their employment . They were forced o : t by the employers . It was an employers' strike , but kring been forced out of work the men would not return unless the masters' declaration were withdrawn . Indeed .

      one of the masters said he could have no respect for the aan who would sign the document . ( Cheers . ) 2 < ext week i : was intended to hold a meeting at which topics would be discussed bearing on the interests of working men in general At a meeting of 10 , 000 persons , held in Manchester lately , the principle of establishing co-operative workshops was approved of . He hoped the working men of London would arrive at the same conclusion , and then the working esc would be enabled to enjoy the benefits of their owe isdusby . ( Cheers . ) The greatness of this country did not depend upon its aristocracy , its commerce , its

      manufactures , or the grandeur of its government , but on the industry of the people . It was their doty , then , to promote that industry and the means whereby it could be profitably employed . ( Cheers . ) Mr . Xewton then adverted to the tpestionof apprenticeship , and argued that the masters tpemselves , by charging premiums on apprentices , had tkarly admitted the whole matter in dispute , a ? to the right of precedence which the skilled labourer had over the taskilled . After some general observations of an encouraging character Mr . Newton resumed his seat amid enlusiastic plaudits . The resolution was then put , and carried unanimous ! v .

      Mr . W . Coskghssi said that he had come to the meeting core as a spectator and as taking an interest in the casein which they were engaged , but he acceded to the fishes expressed by their chairman that he should address t ' lem . There was one point to which he had paid particular attention—iiz ., Cooperative Associations . ( Cheers . ) He ishered that the principle of co-operation was the most important practical means that tbe working classes possessed i ) emancipate themselves from their present dependent state on the capitalists of the country . ( Cheers . ) It was cot merely the object of tho employers , with w hom they ' ere contending , but it was the principle entertained by all tie holders of capital in the country , that it was necessary i » keep the working classes in the state in which they had

      teen . It was clearly their interest to emancipate thenisj ' ives from that state—to make themselves self-dependent ; ad ho maintained that it was quite possible , by a combiution of small capitals , to establish a system which * au 5 d effect this result . An improved law of partnership lai been introduced and discussed last year , and the Whig tOTernment had pledged itself to bring forward a measure ¦ oa tue subject , but it was now shelved for the present session . He had observed the state of things in Paris , and , ~ b terer mig ht have been said to the contrary by the press , i * maintained that the Paris owners bad been eminently ^ : csssful in their attempts . ( Cheers . ) There were as ^ o-* : « ions ac that time in existence having each nearly 200 t-eaibers , while some numbered 80 and 100 men , employed

      "J their own capital . In almost all the instances they were Relations started with extremely small capitals , yet they sad been brought to a prosperous scatearuid enoriiious pecu-J- ' -iry and political difficulties . ( Cheers . ) Every obstruction Y'i been thrown in their way , and the opposition to them « 3 reached its culminating point under the military desl-jti sm which now prevailed in France , and the consequence *» s that they had formed an emigration benefit society to ^ t ry themselves and their skill to the shores cf America . \ 0 iieers . ) lie would not detain the meeting by any prolonged ^ nervations , but he could not forbear alluding to the scan-S '^ ous manner in which the employers had behaved . He ^• 'dd not help saying that that' declaration" which they had ^ empted to thrust down the throats of thrir men . aod e- < - j' as Englishmen , he was proud to say the men had re-„ . ted and would continue tv resist , one of the most dis-^ ctfal proceedings that he had ever heard of . If the

      ere-* ° Jers bad their own interests and thoie of their men at j ^ t , they would lose no time in withdrawing that docu-SI , ^' lieers' ) The interference of the railway compaj ^ he looked upon as most unwarranted . The Brighton 3 ay Company had issued a declaration of nou-intervcu-*» 'i- n' k 6 * ' 6 tlle Paste was dry which affixed it on the j . ^« i they discharged twelve aien from their workshops . Pi ' slf ? l ' metelj the directors or the shareholders , but the ts " s ? e l " rere interested in this matter . There appeared jj , ^ to be , on the part of the employers and capitalists , » ij - o h tion t 0 dec ! are War against labour . If , however , it ' ^ OLok me a drawa battle hetween the capitalists on ^ C i "" 1 lfae fearing classes on the other , the ^ coi np r class es could stand the pinch ; but what would ' ¦ i ' ^ sff . the capitalist ? ( Cheers . ) What availed the ^ . "iho il . f £ dd in the Bank of England if it were not ' * taJta ? ? and musc * es ? Who produced that gold ?—' •* the j * claa * s . And were they not therefore entitled ? ' feers i P ration I "ward of all thatwcilth t 0 Sriud dn * frcnsltijeia Z the " > t erestof theemployers klx iiitere «* tJie 5 r soa ' ' s ac < i bodie 3 l , y systemat c cvertme e was to give them high wages . It was benefi-

      Rb Jg G Amalgamated Society Of Engineers...

      cial to them and to the country in general u £ * a ^ ar 8 e amiZ !? of *? " ? J "Jwnld b derived from wag « 8 , whjoh reachad the public exchequer in a thousand impetc 8 ? t ' ' modes . They had now carried on the contest i * C " w » 7 considerable time , and though he could not answer for the state of London , ho could say that at Brighton , where he resided , their brethren were stouter at fcsart than at the beginning of th » contest . ( Cheers . ) He knew som » of them , and could assure the meeting that these men would ¦ tick to them to the last . It was a most momentous crisis in their fate ; and if they yielded they would 00 at the mercy of men who had shown themselves utterly

      tmscru-Jiuloug iq the use of means for accomplishing their own ends . He would conclude with an instance of the adyantago of combination . There were two important towns in Prance—Kouen and Nantes . The working classes in Nantes were well off and well paid , and maintained those of their body who were out of work by combination . In Rouen combination at one time existed , but had been broken down , and the consequence wa » that the working classes there were completely at the mercy of their employers , and were in the most miserable condition . He would leave the meeting to draw its own inferences from these two facts . ( Cheers . )

      The proceedings terminated with the usual vote of thanks t * the Chairman .

      Iivsbpooi ,. —The dispute here between the masters and men may be said to have ended of itself , neither of the parties having made any concession to the other , and the men having ceased to expect an accommodation . Of the thirty-five members of the Amalgamated Society dismissed by Messrs . Forrester and Messrs . Fawcett and Co ., only eleven now remain out of work , twenty'one having been engaged in other shops in the town , and three in the country . Of the former , three are shortl y to sail in the City of Dublin screw-steamer Emerald , bound on a cruise to the West Coast of Africa . Fire of the remaining eleven have been engaged on board the Brazilian steamer , recently built iu Liverpool , to proceed to Rio Janeiro . The general position of the trade is therefore little different to what it is in ordinary periods of depression . —JXe Sun .

      THE WOLVERHAMPTON TIN PLATE WORKERS . A public meeting , to celebrate the release of these victims to the tyranny of master class law , was held on Tuesday evening , at the Mechanics' Institution , Southampton-buildings , Holborn . Mr . Hoimes having been called to the chair stated , that a damp was thrown over the meeting , owing to the absence of the defendants , who were announced to be present . The reason they were not was , that certain costs had been incurred , and for these costs the defendants had been arrested by a sheriff ' s officer , and conveyed to Horsemonger-lane Gaol . The costs were incurred by the removal of the case from Stafford to the Court of Queen ' s Bench . The costs amounted to £ 537 . A great victory had been achieved ; and , although heavy costs had been incurred , they had been incurred in the defence of the rights of the whole labouring community .

      Mr . Gbbbkslade , the Secretary , read a report of the whole case of the Association , as connected with the Wolverhampton masters , showing its origin , progress , and the result which led to tbe imprisonment of several of the Executive of the Association , and also of others connected with the local union in Wolverhampton . The struggle was one which effected the Trades' Unions of the united empire . During its existence , they had received in subscriptions the sum of £ 2 , 014 12 s . 2 d . ; their expenditure had been £ 1 , 799 Is . ; leaving a balance in hand of £ 215 lis . 2 d . The expenditure had been greatly increased by the necessity of having the witnesses produced from France , who had been seduced by the golden promises of Messrs . Perry to leave their native land for their employ . The Committee had now liabilities against them of upwards of £ 1 , 000 due to their solicitor , and £ 1 , 194 due for Messrs . Perry ' s costs , which since had been taxed , and was reduced to £ 537 5 s . Id ., —the sum for which the defendants \ sere at present detained in prison . They had gained a great victory

      for the trades of the kingdom , in beating down the idea that men were not entitled , by persuasion , to induce their fellow men to unite for the purpose of preserving their rights , » nd keeping up the price of their labour . ( Cheers . ) Mr . Miller moved the adoption of the report . The men who had been imprisoned had not asked anything extravagant—they had only asked for a fair remuneration of their labour . The men had fought their battles , and they must not see them neglected . It was a hard case that those who had only done their duty to their fellow men , should be torn from their families and cast into prison . But it was a still harder case , that after they had endured this trial , they should be condemned to a further and limitless imprisonment forcosts cast upon them by their persecutors . As fellowmen , much more as Trades' Unionists , be knew they would not allow such a stigma to be cast upon them , but would come forward , not only with their subscriptions , but also with their aid and sympathy , to assist them , in such a good and noble object .

      Mr . Ciatforth seconded theadoptoin of tbe report . All men should be united . No man should live for himself , but for his fellow men . Fveryman ought to take a part in the great struggle of Labour against Capital . They saw in the church , law , and army , that it was combination alone that made them successful . It was only by combination that they as working men could ever succeed . Asa young beginner , he implored them to unite in supporting the cause of those who had acted so honourably by them and the interests of labour generally . The report was then adopted . Mr . Humphrey moved the following resolution ;—That , considering the decision in the Court of Queen ' s Bench expressed on the late proceedings of the 'Wolverhampton Tin-Plate Workers' Conspiracy Case , this meeting is of opinion that the right of working men to combine to fix the price of their labour , and to persuade others ( not under contract ] to act in concert with them , has been fully recognised and conceded by that high tribunal .

      The men felt that by law they had the right to fix the price of their labour , and to persuade others to agree to the same standard , but the prosecutors endeavoured to destroy this right—not only openly , but by every insiduoua means . This was always the case with the employers . Men who attempted to act as secretaries , delegates , & c , were set to the very worst paid jobs , and driven by artifice from their employment . The master ' s mark was set upon them , and wherever they went , they were known as "Unionists , " and deprived of employment . Everywhere the employers strove , by getting the men to sign contracts or documents , to destroy their independence . Public attention was now being turned to the subject , but it was no new idea . The speaker then read the law upon the subject , and

      showed , that however plain the law might appear to be , that even lawyers could not agree upon its interpretation . Working men felt the full weight of this want oiuBaoim ' uy . Even when successful in their appeals to the ' law , it was at such an enormous expense , that it was calculated to deter men from applying to such an expensive mode of securing their rights . The Speaker concluded by dwelling upon tbe various counts in the indictment ; and stated that the jury had found Messrs . Rowland and Winters guilty , against tbe express summing up of the judge , and for a count iu the indictment which had been previously thrown out . Had the judgment of Justice Erie been confirmed by the decision of the Court of Queen ' s Bench , a blow would have been struck at the very existence of Trades' Unions from which it was almost impossible they could ever have

      recovered . Mr . Shell seconded the resolution . The right of working men to combine had been , for the first time , recognised by the Court of Queen ' s Bench . Tbe chief point on which the indictment affected the interests of the trades generally was that which made it an indictable offence , for men peaceably to persuade their fellow men to leave their employment to achieve a given object . After three days hard fighting at Stafford , this pouit was decided against them . Justice Erie agreed that meu out of employment were allowed to combine , but when in employment he decided that they had no right to do so , seeing that by so doing they would obstruct the business of their employers . This question was now and for ever set at rest .

      Mr . Dusking supported the resolution . The most extraordinary circumstance was that the men should have been found guilty at all . He trusted that the trades of London would relieve the men who had become martyrs in their cause from an imprison ment which they had too long endured . Tho sum was but trifling among the trades , and it was in their interest the battle had been fought . The resolution was then carried unanimously . Mr . Bouxs moved the second resolution as follows : — That this meeting pledges itself to use its influence and exertion ( individually and collectively ) , to assist in raising the necessary funds to liquidate the liabilities incurred iu defending the right of Association duWng the late protracted and expensive prosecution azaiust Trades' Unions

      The Committee had done their utmost to ensure the comfort of the men who were imprisoned . They had received during the whole time , and still continued to receive , 27 s . per week . On the ensuing day they would be removed by habeas from Horsemonger-lane Gaol to the Court of Queen ' s Bench . The honour of tho Trades' body was bound up in seeing them immediately liberated . Eighteen men were bail for them , not only for their appearance to receive judgment , but also for the payment of the costs , should the contest he unsuccessful . " The men were also

      bound in a bail of £ 80 each . It should not only bo their duty , but their honour and their pride , to see that justice was done to them . Strong as the Perrys were in wealth , and supported as they were by other capitalists , tbe power of the working man ' s pence was greater than that of the employer ' s pounds . The speaker then alluded , amid much applause , to the struggle going on between the master Engineers and their men . Mr . Cojimixgs seconded the resolution , and called upon tho men of London , individually and collectivel y , to assist in taking tbe responsibility off the C ommittee .

      Mr . Torsbh supported the resolution . The other classes of society were only opposed to Trades' Unions because they knew that an enlarged union once effected , aristocracy and monopoly would be impossible . Perseverance must be their motto , and ihe greater the difficulty they had to surmount , the greater was their spur to active exertions . The resolution was carried unanimously . - Mr . Vbbscu moved the third resolution : — . That this meeting , seeiojj the recent UUmerOUSand powerful attempts made by the employers of labour ta destroy Trades ' Unions recommend to t em the necessity of adopting some recoBmsed principle of central association , in order to coratntfate their rower , to enable each other to resist any future or sudden aggression which may be attempted upon the acknowledged right of combination . The S peaker , in supporting it , took a brief review of the various strugg les in which Trades Unionists had been eneased to keep oft the influence of capital , and the advantage of a general union . Mr . Aisswobtu- seconded tbe resolution , which was sup-^ MrSvoon who said , the best way to support the motion

      Rb Jg G Amalgamated Society Of Engineers...

      was to join an association for the presumption ? f ihoir mutual rights , Working men were too lukewarm In loot ing after their owfl interests , oven to deserve succ'SSS , Th « money which working men spent in folly would sn ' edflfy emancipate chem from the thraldom which they endured He wasa 8 to 5 ; i . hed at the indifferent manner in which they conducted themselves towards their dearest interests . The speaker , in a vein of humour and eloquence , which was rapturously applauded , dilated upon the advantage of energetic action over mere lip sympathy . The resolution was carried by acclamation . A vote of thanks was given to tho Chairman , and the meeting separated .

      IMPORTANT STRIKE OF THE REGISTERED COALWH 1 PPERS . On Friday and Saturday nights largo meetings of the registered coal whippers of the port ofLondon , were held in the great school-room , Johnson-street , St . George-in-the-East , for tbe purpose of passing resolutions and taking into consideration the best means of maintaining a strike for an increased rate of wages . The labours of coal-whippers of the port of London are regulated by an act of parliament , and it has effectuall y destroyed the cruel exactions and oppressions of their

      former employers , the middle men ; but the low rate of wages , 7 d . per ton for each gang of nine men , was considered a very insufficient rate of remuneration , and the coal-whi ppers decided on raising the price to 9 d . per ton , and commenced operations on Thursday , when all the gangs with one exception , refused to deliver any cargo of coals for less than 9 d . per ton . About one-naif the captains of colliers refused to give the increased price , and sought for labourers elsewhere , but with very little success . The other captains of colliers not only cheerfully paid the advanced price , but said if it had been lOd . they would not have made any objections .

      Some masters of ships called upon their crews to deliver the coals , which they refused to do . The captain of the Robert and Isabella ordered his crew to rig a stage , and hoist a ding , and prepare for the delivery of the coals , and they did so , but when they were directed to proceed to hoist the coals out of the hold , they said that was the whippers' business , and refused to do so . On Friday a great many captains engaged the registered giings at 9 d . per ton , and on Saturday the strike was very successful . The conduct of tbe registered coal-whippers has been most excellent . There has been no disturbance whatever , and no attempt made to injure or annoy the bona fide servants of the owners of cargoes engaged in the delivery of their own ships , or the non-registered labourers , who are working for 7 d . per ton . The captains of ships who tendered 7 d . per

      ton , the old price , were treated with civility . and respect by the registered coal-whippers , whose act of Parliament has improved their morals and manners , as well as their condition . On Saturday everything passed oS quietly , and the registered gangs were generally emyloyed , at the increased rate of wages . The meeting on Friday night was attended by upwards of 1 , 000 persons , among whom were many captains and seamen of the coal ships in the river . George Tite , a registered man , was in the chair . The meeting was addressed by Timothy Hayes , George Applegate , Hamilton , Horan , Doer , William Brown , and others , and a series of resolutions , declaring the intention of the registered coal-whippers to maintain the advanced price of 9 d . per ton , and calling respectfully on the coalporters shipowners , and captains , to support them in obtaining only a fair day ' s wages for a fair day ' s

      work , were carried . It was shown that the price paid many years ago for delivering the coal shi ps was Ud . per ton , and that competition , the great supply of labourers , and other causes , had reduced the price to 7 d ., at which it was impossible for the coalwhi ppers to support themselves and families . Applegate and Brown described at great length the misery and destitution which prevailed among the coalwhippers in consequence of their low wages . Many of their homes were without furniture , their children were running about the streets without shoes , and many of their daughters had been driven by stern necessity , to adopt a life of infamy in the streets , because their parents were unable to maintain tbem on their scanty earnings . It was also stated that the labour of the ccaiwhipper was very arduous , and brought on premature old age , and produced

      various diseases from which other labourers are exempt . The caalwb . ipp . evs had to work on board the coal ships under a broiling July sun and were also exposed to the cold winds and showers of winter . The average earnings of the registered men were only 12 s . 3 d . per week , out of which they had to pay for the hire of boats to convey them to and from the colliers , and other charges . One man with a wife and eight children said , that after paying for fuel , and 3 s . the weekly rent of a small and badly ventilated room , there was only a penny per day , or 7 d . per week for each of his children to subsist on , and that he often fell down from exhaustion for the want of proper food . The various speakers complained that the Commissioners of the Coalwhippers Office , appointed by tho Board of Trade , and the Corporation of London , and their registrar , who was in

      the receipt of a large salary , did not sufficiently protect their interests , or they would long since have obtained a remunerating price for their labour . Hayes and Applegate counselled the men to stand firm for 9 d . per ton , to maintain a peaceable demeanour , to indulge in no petty personalities , and to insult no one who thought proper to work for less than 9 d . per ton , and to treat witu the greatest civility , respect and attention , all masters of ships , whatever price they might tender . Several respectable tradesmen and ratepayers of Shad well , Stepney , St . George , Limehouse , and Wapping , said they hoped the strike would be successful , and maintained that 9 d . per ton was fairly remunerative for work which required great strength and

      agility on the part of the men . Applegate said the difference to the consumers of coals , in consequence of the increase from 7 d . to 9 d . per ton , would only be one halfpenny in every five cwt ., and that halfpenny , he was sure , they would cheerfully pay if they were made acquainted with tho destitution and misery which prevailed among the registered coalwhippers . Mr . Spence , mate of the collier brig , Robert and Isabella , in the Regent ' s Canal Dock , said the crew would not deliver the cargo , and he would assure the meeting , that the sailors in the north would assist the ill-used coalwhippers by a unanimous determination not to discharge the cargoes of coals in the ports ofLondon . ( Loud cheers . )

      The resolutions were unanimously adopted , and the meeting broke up with three loyal cheers for the Queen , three cheers for the "just and peacealile strike , " three cheers for the crew of the Robert and Isabella , and three cheers for the public press . On Saturday a similar meeting was held , and a very satisfactory account of the success of the strike was given . There had not been the least tumult or disorder , and those working for less than 9 d . per ton had not been interfered with . There is a general feeling in favour of the ill-paid coalwhippers , and tbe universal opinion is , that they ought to be paid 9 d . per ton . A requisition is about to he presented to the churchwardens of St . Paul , Shadwell , to call a vestry meeting to support the registered coalwhippess in obtaining a fair remuneration for their labour .

      Capital And Laboult.-The Engineers' Stri...

      CAPITAL AND LABOUlt .-THE ENGINEERS ' STRIKE . Mr . J . Ludlow delivered a second lecture upon this subject , at the Marylebone Institution , Edward-street , Portman Market , on Friday evening . The attendance was more numerous than on the previous occasion . The leetnrer commenced by analysing tho measure recommended to be adopted by tho Amalgamated Society—viz ., " The practices of piecework and overtime . " In those cases , where overtime was absolutely necessary , as iu the case of accidents , < fcc , all time so worked to bo charged double time . To these demands the masters had refused to accede . No doubt they had strong reasons to brine in opposition to these reasons which the men would be better able to appreciate , when they had risen , not as individual ? ,

      but as masses , to tho condition of employers , when their Co-operative workshops should have become , not only the workshops of England , but of the whole world . In the present chaotic state of labour , he believed piecework would be found to be the best means of remunerating labour with a due regard to tho employers' interest upon his capital ; if they could duly protect it from systematic overtime , could ensure a proper payment for the work done , and protect the men from sweaters . As labour progressed from its present state of chaos , and became more varied and attractive , so would time-work supersede piecework . It was to guard again t tho evils of the present system alone that the men were anxious to abolish it . Adam Smith informed them that when men were liberally paid for piecework , they were too apt to overwork themselves ,

      and in a few years generally ruined their constitutions , A carpenter in London and some other large towns was not supposed to last in full vigour above eight years . A celebrated Italian physician had written a work showing the diseases brought on by overwork , and recommended all employers , by a regard to the welfare of the men , to abolish a system which tended to cause such destruction to human life , lie further averred , that exj . ericnce proved that the man who worked moderately did more work for his employer in a given number of years than a man noted for his speed . Tbe spirit of the legislation of the present century , as evidenced in our regulation in favour of women , and children in factories , was conceived in tho same light . The demand of the Engineers for the suppression of systematic overtime should have been hailed as evidencing their progression with the spirit of the age , instead of being denounced as' « conspiracy , " & c . The men ' s demand for the

      abolition of piecework was too unlimited when first promulgated ; they had since agreed that their objections were not to tbe system " as it should be , but as it now existed . " The evils attached to the system were so great that they thought tho only remedy was to abolish it altogether . It was evidently a case for that inquiry and arbitration which the employers had so summaril y refused to agree to . Mr . Ludlow then entered minutely into the bearing of tho case between the m asters and their customers , showing that if it was allowed to be a system of " bargain" between all the contracting parties , the men alone should not be denied the power of freedom in contracting that bargain . He then dwelt upon tbe distinctive features of the Oldham case , and the injustice of the employers in visiting the sins of the amalgamated bodies upon those whom they acknowledged were guiltless , and concluded by stating the true relation between manual labour and machinery , and the manner in which the latter supplanted the former . .

      Public Midnight Meeting Of Omnibus Coach...

      PUBLIC MIDNIGHT MEETING OF OMNIBUS COACHMEN AND CONDUCTORS . A numerous meeting , consisting of nearly 1 , 000 persons , was held on Wednesday evening , at the Partheniura Rooms , St . Martin ' s-Iane . The object of the meeting , as stated in the bills , was " to take into consideration the best means to adopt to alleviate the sufferings of their fellc ? r men , who

      Public Midnight Meeting Of Omnibus Coach...

      have been so cruelly persecuted ; and also of „^ » - " means to me a thorough explanation of the Z R * public , whose servants they are . " e t 0 tnfi The chair was announced to bo taken at twelve aM ^ i Shortly after that period , Lord Goderich , Messrs ^ uifi ' Fariu'w'i HanV and other friends to Co-operative move ments , icok their seats on the platform . About half-past twelve o ' clock / ' ,.., - , Mr . W . Tatb wa ? calleo Jo tho chair . He had for sixteen yeara been an omnibus servaiij , . n < l had received a silver whip as a testimonial for his diligjnt services to the public , but had been discharged , in his be ) k . for belonging to a Providtnt Society . The meeting had ' wsn called at that unusual hour to accommodate the men , who Pould not get from their work before that time . He had for a Cjamber of yeara worked fourteen hours a day , with bat five miiilites allowed for either his dinner or tea . Men sometimes got another to drive their omnibus up , thus g iving them a few more minutes for their meals ; but for this th ey had to pay either 2 s . or 3 s . per week . He had also to pay 33 . 6 U for ! -: is horsekeeper , and 3 s . 6 d . for washing the omnibus making a deduction of 10 a , a week from his weekly wages ' of £ l .

      Mr . Scully moved the first resolution to the effect-That the meeting expressed its belief in the statement put forth by Messrs . Tate and Kentish , and would ijive them every support in endeavouring to remove their grievances . The statement was contained in the form of a memorial to the proprietors , The substance ol which was , that the men were desirous that thoy should work six joujneys per day on only four days in the week , and five journeys per day on the remaining-three days , and also that they ahoold be allowed every alternate Sunday for rest . This memorial was addressed to the Kino ' s-oross and Islington proprietors but the only answer received was the following memorial ' which the men were ordered to sign : — '

      TO THE PaoPBISTOBS 0 ? TflE —— . ASSOCIATION . The Humble Memorial of the Servants in the Employment of the above Association , Humbly Siiewetb , That your memorialists , whose names are hereunder written , have heurd with great pain that several meetings have been heJdin different parts of the metropolis , for tho purpose of exciingtlio public feeling against tlie omnibus proprietors in general , with respect to the treatment of their serfanta , coraplavawg entire arduous work they are obliged to perform , and tho ii . iberal remuneration received by them , and that they ca »» ot have a day ' s rest not even on tlie Sabbath . That your memorialists humbly beg to assure their employers , that sucn meetings have beeacaU ^ ms * held without theirsanction or consent .

      fhat your memorialists be ? further So assure their employers that they are perfectly satisfied with , am ? hare no reason wibatever to complain against the system of management as now adopted and carried on by the & a \ d Association , being perfectly satisfied with tne remuneraiion your memorialists receive , as also with the Itouvs ot labour , having also had a holiday whenever applied for in a p .-sper v ; ' nnn ' * i ? , DemoriaK « ' » be ? to add , that from thoir known espe . uence , tuo - — © nmlw proprietors hare been the first to ep . pose any deduction from their servants * wages , and having always acted with much liberality , and studied everything consistent ib tneir power for the interest , comfort , and welfare of those employed under mem . And your memorialists humbly hope that such a line ot conduct ou the part of their em ployers will be still continued , as nothing shall be wanting on the part of the undersigned , to merit such a continuance .

      lour memorialists therefore most humbly pray , that no alteration may take place in the system of management , a * now carried on by the above Association . 7 our memorialists being perfectly satislied with such mode of management , as also with the line ef conduct of their employers generally , which has ever been to the interest and welfare of your memorialists . And your memorialists will ever pray ,. ic . In those requests there was nothing unreasonable—nothing but what was conducive to the morality and welfare of the men . Every mechanic or labourer worked only a given number of hours , and had tho Sabbath day to himself . The masters had put forth a memorial which they forced somo men to sign under fear of dismissal , stating that they only worked twelve hours a day . The expense of printing and advertising these memorials had , in many instances , been drawn from the hard earnings of the men

      . During the Chairman ' s and this speaker ' s address , considerable confusion was created b y some proprietors and their servants continually interrupting the speakers , and the assistance of the police had to be called in before order was restored . Mr . Scow * having resumed , stated that the conduct of the proprietors in thus preventing their wrongs getting to the public would not serve their cause . About thirty persons belonging to the men ' s Provident Association had been discharged and thrown on the world , owing to their speaking the simple truth . The meeting was called for omnibus servants , but they were willing to hear the proprietors , if they could refute the facts brought forward . They did not complain of their wages , but they complained of being too heavily worked , and not allowed the privilege

      ota cay s rest , lt a man complained , he was dismissed . It was so with an individual then on the platform . After seventeen years' hard service he was dismissed . He attempted to start an omnibus for himself , but other 'busses were put on the road to drive him off , and every species of annoyance wa * practised against him . 8 ome of the masters were kind men ; but the men were not so much their servants as they were of the Association of the Masters , and a master was compelled to discharge a man even when individuall y he had no fault to find with him in any other rank of life . Omnibus servants were fifty years behind the age , owing to their not being able to take advantage of any of the benefits which civilization conveyed to other classes . Could tho masters give any reason for dismissing above thirty of their servantsall of whom were

      , honest sober men ? No fault had or could be brought against them except their belonging to a society to beneSt themselves . He was happy to inform them that a body of gentlemen had taken up the matter , and that these men would not be allowed to roam hopelessly in the world . Until lately , in cases of death or sickness they had no resource to fall back upon . Ought not the masters to encourage , instead of persecuting such an institution ? Some time back ,. ' on the inteference of some gentlemen , the proprietors had promised to give them one day ' s use of their omnibuses for the benefit of their institution , but when they thought these gentlemen were satisfied they ridiculed the promise . The masters had formed a rival institution in order to destroy thoir infant body . They called

      upon the public , whilst they discountenanced a bad servant also to discountenance a bad employer . The men were willing to come to arrangements with their employers , but , instead of doing so the masters had raised a fund of £ 600 on purpose to oppose this humane and charitable object of tho men . This money had been expended in printing bills and placards misrepresenting the objects of their association , and stating that the men were well paid , and could , at any time , lwvo rest by asking for if , and that they never worked more than twelve hours a day . Tho public knew that the same men who attended to them in an omnibus at eight o clock in the morning attended them up to eleven or twelve o ' clock at night . Surely , that was more than twelve hours .

      Mr . Iuxgcoube seconded the resolution . The difference between the masters and men had arisen from a mistake . It was founded , according to the masters' memorial , upon the idea that the men were banded together to injure the employers . It was the old idea , that men could not unite together without sedition or treason being meant . To combat this supposition , the masters wanted the men to sign a document which would have reduced them to he mere slaves . Those who refused to sign it had deserved well , not only of their brethren , but of the public generally . Mr . Austin , an omnibus proprietor , then , in accordance

      with a promise given him , addressed the meeting . He was an omnibus proprietor , or manager , and had boon one of the originators of the Men ' s Provident Society . He had deserted them because ho thought they wished to move out of their proper sphere . Mr . Scully was attempting to lead them astray in getting them to join the Servants ' Protection Society , which he believed would load them to ruin , Ho had eighty-six servants , and he believed be was consulting their interest . He had always attended to tbe complaints of the men he had working under him , or the association which employed him as manager . ( Laughter , and shouts of " You never had any men . " )

      Mr . IUm , a coachman , staled , that the men who signed the masters' memorial did not sign it under fear of ( lismissal . Ho had the signature of two-thirds of those who signed it , being nearly 300 persons , stating that that was tho fact . ( Laughter and confusion . ) Tlie men had signed the memorial conscientiously , because they felt that they had never got up any meetings to injure their employers , but were grateful for kindnesses received . Mr . Riciunn Habt stated , that they had heard two persons on behalf of the masters , but they had not told them one word why those thirty men were dismissed . They were dismissed solely because they would not sign that humble memorial . ( Cries of "Noand Yes ; " the "Yes" greatly predominating . ) ' The resolution was then put , when a considerable numher of hands were held up in its favour , and only about two m opposition . '

      Mr . B . Prior stated that he , with Mr . Scully , was tho originator of the Omnibus Servants' Protection Society . He had collected about £ 80 for it . He was perfectly sat * fied with his position . ( Immense confusion and opposition SVuSoWS ^ ^^ -ntswiffregard inSSe ^^ - « " «* The meeting evidenced that the persons composing it Vh Z ™ S ' ? *? ^ ° / *™ W such JSbffel vilnim * ™ '" ° WCre dth 0 V W ielora

      Chartist Funeral. Died, At Manchester , ...

      CHARTIST FUNERAL . Died , at Manchester , on Thursday , the 19 th inst ., Mr 3 . Nuttali , aged thirty years . He was a well-known CI artist ' Z ^ -7 ? rss cc essivelya member of the counci of the Chartist Associat en . He has left a widow and two children to mourn his loss . He was carried to the m ve £ he requested , by Mr . James Leach , Mr . 'Thoma- ^ i ri-Trfc tr ?« " ?« . Mr . Alcock , Mr . Poster , M ^ WiEI of ffiXfefi ' Mr . Hill , and Mr . Shaw . The funeral was \ ttnmlnJi tJ ? ' swtaaaa- ^» fflr '« : s & l » - »<» stfSBs-1 a

      Cently Issued An Order Nmtsi - Tfl , N ....

      cently issued an order nmtSi - tfl , . S eneral **» **¦ those ^ belonging ? £ thl com „ 5 ? - cbildren othor than gimental Aff fc ^^ toiterfhg rc-Tho on y children whnL 1 ° { thls ia »«* apparent , tage Ml deBffihe ^^ to b *™ enjoyed the ^ dvan widowB .-. Qr ted sSZlm Pmg ° f pen 8 ioneV 3

      Euvtm

      euvtm

      Na.Tional Charter Assl?C Ian0is - The Ex...

      NA . TIONAL CHARTER ASSl ? C IAn 0 IS - The Executive Committee met on ^ "f !^? © reiiing , the 24 th instant ., at 3 , Queen ' s * HeaJ * as " sage , Paternoster Row . Present ' , Messrs . atiaw > Ariiott , Bezor , Grussby , Holjoalce , and Hunt . Jhe recei pts for the week are £ 1 8 s ., reducing th . * nebt to £ 21 0 d . 4 $ d . We shall next week give the exact amftuut of debt and receipts , and sliovr what has been paid off

      In consequence of tho Council of the Parliamentary itetorm Association having convened a Con / erence , to meet on tho 2 nd of March , aud invited all * had « 9 of BefemerB to aend Delegates thereto , we hate appointed Mr . Bezer to represent the Executive Com . mittee and the Chartist bod y , and to impress upon that Associa ion tie n ese 8 su y 0 f enlarging their W mania for the full and free representation of m whole people . .

      It was also wished that we call u on the Chartist party to immediatel y set aboat preparing : for a General Election , by raising fund's- , selecting candidates and using their infinence with the electors- to secure the return of men p fedged to tlto Charter ,-_ We have seen an address ie a certaia' journal signed b y a Mr . John Edward L »« -j > . (] pufpWj ;| ng to emanate from the Council of the Mnncileater National Charter Association , ih < which this v 3 om . mittee is most foully slandered , and all'ther'hotsiic of Billinsgatehuddled together , to blacken aud'defamio their characters . We fee ! rather surprised at' so much freedom f rom our Manchester constituent * ,

      seeing that six of this Committee were elected- ' bjr their votes , 134 being the higftest , and H 8 the lowest number of votes from that locality . They speate about " internal discord , treachery ,- and treason . ?*' Wo have none and know of none , j-hey-say w hare " prostituted" the trust they gave us ; and thai ? the " country has called upon us to culla , Convention . " "We deny it ; not more than six placeshaver ' done so ; and the majorit y of them recommend the debt to be paid fest .. "We know the Metropolitan Delrgate Council have done so , but they do not represent a tithe of thft Chartists in London . We also know that tJre abovp-Council have shirked' the responsibility , and persuaded the Manchester Council to-stand in the breach ' , and call a'Con- - vention for them , The address of the Manchester Council

      says , » Wa have done those things we ought not to have done , and left undone those things we should have done . " ' True , we have applied all the money at our disposal to pay the debt , and refused to increase it without a chance of pay ; , ing it . They say the last Contention paid its-own expenses .-Manchester had two Delegates there , and h'ave not , as yet , , paid one farthing towards- that Convention , in addition to which , ten shillings is all' that Manchester- has paid for the last two years . They say a Covention would be our ' deposition . "We beg to say ,, we can he deposed before the ' Convention , if Manchester will pay the debt * left usasa > legacy . We have w > fault to find with any gentlemen who want a Convention ; : they are at perfect liberty to do so \ lxob we hope that those who are so . anxious to lift the movement up , will be honest enough to pay their debts , -. so that the resuscitation shall at least be honourable .

      James Grassby , Sub . Secretary . RECEIPTS . Halifax , per T . C . \ V ., Is . ; Bristol , per YV . Sheehati , 10 s . ; Montrose , per David Harachel , 8 s . 6 d . ; Mr . Ishatn , Is . ; John-street Locality , is . ; WalKs Allen , "Wellingborough , Is . j H . M . Ivins , ditto , Is . ; George Corley , ditto , 6 d . ; T . B ., ditto , 6 d . —Total , £ 1 8 s . Od . James Cra & Sby , Sub-Secretary , 96 , Regent Street , Lambeth .

      John Street Locality.—On Tuesday Last Th...

      John Street Locality . —On Tuesday last this locality held a special meeting in the Coffee Room of the Institution . John Milne in tbe chair . —Charles Murray reported the proceedings of the Metropolitan Delegate Council . - — Ernest Jones was invited , but did not attend . —On the motion oi Messrs . H . A . Ivory and H . T . Holyoake , the following resolution was adopted , with one dissentient : — " That the members of this locality highly approve of the policy of the Executive in not calling a Convention until the debt

      due by the Association is liquidated ; and we instruct our delegates ( Messrs . Ernest Junes and Charles Murray ) to do their utmost to rescind the vote already pa ? sed by the Me . tropoliian Delegate Council , relative to holding a Convention in Manchester , as they have supported such a resolution contrary to the opinion of this locality . "—The Sub ' . Stcretary was then instmcied to forward the above resolution to the Democratic Journals , and four shillings having been voted to the Executive , the tneeiing adjourned to Tuesday evening nest .

      Ship Inn , Whitechapel . —At the usual weekly meeting on Sunday evening , Mr . Arlesford in the chair , Mr . Knowles reported the result of the aggregate meeting of Cl ' . artists , held in the afternoon . It having been stated that tbe scurrilous resolution published in the " Notes " as coming from the Islington locality , was acknowledged by Mr . Wood , chairman of the meeting , to have been passed iiy only four persons . Mr . J . Shaw moved , and Mr . Evans seconded - . —'' That in addition to other instructions their delegates to the Metropolitan Council should bring back a statement as to the number of persons electing the delegates from the various localities . " Mr ,. Wheeler then resumed the discussion relative to Chartism and Socialism , dwelling at considerable length upon their respective beauties and defects , Messrs . Shaw and Stratton also ably addressed the audience .

      City Locality . —Tbe following resolutions were passed at the above locality on the meeting nig ht of February 7 , th , Mr . Leno , president " , in the chair : —• " That we , the member * of this locality , think there is no necessity of holding a Covmntwn a * , present . "— " That when the sum of five shillings shall be in the hands of the Treasurer the same ' shall be sent to the Executive . "— " That this locality feel satufied with tbe policy oi tbe Executive , ana" sincerely hope that they will continue to urge upon all Chartists the necessity of payinn off old debts before fresh liabilities are incurred . "— " That Mr . Farrah he . instructed to purchase W 0-tracts of the Executive , entitled " What is a Chartist . ''Frederick Farrah , Cor . Sec . '

      Finsbury . —This locality met on Sunday last in the Finsbury Institution , Mr . " Winvni'd u \ tha tto . r-Mt . Butler reported from the Metropolitan Council . It was then resolved : •—• ' That a tea party and ball he held on or about the 6 th of April , in commemoration of MaximiUian Robespierre . "— " That the visiting committee be reorganised , and every member be furnished with a book for the purpose of receiving contributions , & c ., and have a list of ten persons residing in their immediate vic mitv . " '

      Bristol . —At the weekly meeting of tbe Chartists of Bristol it was proposed by Mr . C . Clark , and seconded by Henry Anderson : — "That we remit the sum of 1 : 0 s . towards paying the debt incurred by the late Executive ; and at the same time express our opinion on the necessity of the present Executive snmmonii'g a Convention at the earliest period possible , to support which we pledge ourselves to use all the means at our disposal" - —W . Sheehan , Local Secretarv .

      Bkrmondsky . —On Monday last Mr . Ernest Jones lectured at the Paragon Chapel , Bermondsey New . roatf , to a crowded and delig hted audience , on " The traitor of France , and the French invasion . "

      Election Intelligence. Barnstaple.—Three...

      ELECTION INTELLIGENCE . Barnstaple . —Three candidates are in the field for this borough , two Conservatives and one Badical ,. Mr . Beoibridge and Sir William Ftaser , opposed to Lord Ebringten . Greenwich . —Mr , Alderman Salomons has signified his intention , under whatever circumstances the vacancy may arise , of contesting the representation of the borough of Greenwich . LiVEitvooL . —We " Liverpool Mail" are desired to announce that Mr . Uorsfall is not a candidate for Liverpool ; and that , moreover , he will not accept an invitation from any constituent body whatever to serve in the present or the ensuing Parliament . Tewkksburt . —Mr . E . W . Cox , of the western circuit , is a candidate for the representation of Tewkesbury , on Conservative principles .

      Bath . —According to the " Bath Heralti , " a Conservative candidate will be brought forward to oppose Captain Sco » bell , or any one else the Liberals may think proper to bring forward . Sua-dkrlakd . —The "Newcastle Journal" states tbaft Mr . Fcnwick , a barrister on the Northern Circuit , wiU contest the borough of Sunderland in tho Liberal interMfe at tho n « t election . It is rumoured that Sir « edwo ., t ! . Williamson will retire , but that his son , «» " «»»* ward ea a

      tached to the Paris embassy , will como for candidate . , , bnt a hteo EXKTKB-The " Exeter ' Gazette " f / tJm - „^ to body of the electors have decl aredl their oei vote for Sir John Duckworth and Su *»^ on Monday East Kent ,-Tho d ^^ Xl collation of the poll on Bartiara-downs , when after a ¦ ^^ flSfle i taincd to bein the different districts , the po gJp ^^ For Sir Brook P | f ' : ' k Bridges , 101 . Tho hi gh 2 , 289 ; majority for B r m Brook BridgM to be d * sheriff , therefore . deoWJ t as a kaighi Q f ^ gh } re / elected to serve in F »» ' ounty . the eastern division ^ " '

      . »«N Dio* 1"' Or Tue Press .—Speaking O...

      . »« n Dio * "' or tue Press . —Speaking of those-FeB e „ om m » J £ Mo have partaken of the hofnitaS En ,, Jish ewtlemen ^ at and the Tu w hMs trmpera ^ 'y ^ iJ ^ " ? accept hospitalities from B ^ rr ^^^ - ^ d . iu thlrrm Awdenlcm survivethi , f *™

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Feb. 28, 1852, page 5, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_28021852/page/5/