On this page
-
Text (13)
-
Notembeb 3, 1850. THE NORTHERN STAR. g
-
MONIES RECEIVED Fob lira Webs Ejjmkg Thu...
-
THE POLISH AND HUNGARIAN EEFUGEES. CJorr...
-
THE WEST-KIDK G ASD DERBY. Eskest Jokes ...
-
Shasghai.—An English paper has been star...
-
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF UNITED TRADES. -...
-
WOLVERHAMPTON POLICE OFFICE. S. Sham:, W...
-
MEETING IN BIRMINGHAM. A numerous public...
-
Musical Bellows.—Mr. John Heard, of Chit...
-
THE BALLAST HEAVERS. A meeting of the fr...
-
LONDON DISTRICT OF THE FRIENDLY SOCIETY ...
-
On Saturday afternoon the members of thi...
-
Totai Wreck op an Emigrant Ship near Har...
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
-
-
Transcript
-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
Masters And Men. The Master Class And Th...
lotr does not make a _sommer , yet , theresponse _fL their appeal was of such a _nature as to justify , nay . iraperatrrely demand , a steady _Persistence in the same policy , with the hope _$ hat a better understanding may grow np on this subject . The meeting marked the _adventof a new _tind of social agitation , and the immediate results , as shown by the Conference , with the _jjgyor and magistrates , were of the most _sa-Sctorv character . We have too often reason to complain , that the poorman is virtually
_outlawed by the gross and palpable partiality 0 f the law and its administrators . The "United Trades have shewn the way in which ¦ "both may he made to throw fhe shield of a iust and impartial protection over the labourer who legally and peaceably , hut determinedly asserts his rights . jf t he trades of Great Britain were io rall y ionnd an Association which has so admirabl y demon strated the power and efficacy of moral force and jadicions organisation , it would gpeedily become the national arbitrator in all trades disputes ; and if it acted on the same
enlightened perception of the rights and interests of all classes , its decisions would be obeyed and upheld hy both men and masters , ¦ with more alacrity than those of any court in the kingdom . The working classes have only to awaken to a foil perception ofthe immense power in their own hands , and resolve to app l y that power in an enlightened , temperate , but resolute spirit of justice , in order to exert an influence moro powerful and comprehensive than they have yet dreamt of .
Notembeb 3, 1850. The Northern Star. G
_Notembeb 3 , 1850 . THE NORTHERN STAR . g
Monies Received Fob Lira Webs Ejjmkg Thu...
MONIES RECEIVED Fob lira Webs _Ejjmkg Thursday , OcxoBitB 31 sr , 18-50 . ros THB WfflDING-lJP OF THE LAND COMPANY . Received by "W . Rider . —Moses Andrews , Wingate ls—3 Rogers and R- Ilollings , Plymouth ls . FOR THE HUNGARIAN AND POLISH REFUGEES . Received by W . Rides . —Hanley and Shetton . per S . _Bevirgton M 5 s—Preston , Clayton ' s Foundry 2 s 5 _d—Char--terriUe Allottees , per C . Willis 4 s lid—T . Brown , late ot _jjrerpool 3 s—Preston Chartists , per J . Brown 11—J . Sheltnerdme and Friends , Manchester 4 s 6 d—Nottingham , per J . Sweet 7 s 6 d—Exeter , per _tt _. Fink 15 s .
AGITATION FOR THE CHARTER . Beceived by Jons Absott . —Washington Locality , per Mr . Roberts 2 s 6 d— "Mr . J . NoweU ls-Mr . Smith , White Church ls—Stockport , per T . Clews I 2 s—Hawick , per _H . Dove 115 s . THE CASE OF THOMAS JONES . Received by Jons Absott . —Mr . Seale Gd—Proceeds of Harmonic Meetings , held atthe lung and Queen , _FoleystreetlasTd—J . Leonard Is—T . Dickens 6 d—Mr . Cooper « d—Mr . _Caljnso 6 d—Mr . Miller 6 d—Mr . _Hawkridge -3 d—3 fc Aloseley 6 d—Mr . Whippin _Sd—C . Barnes 6 < 3—J . Barnes Cd—Mr . Shepherd 3 d—K . Hogg 6 d—J . Mailer 6 d—J . _Benaett 4 a—C . Murray 6 d—Collected at Bann _' s Meeting 2 s Sd —City Mens' Men , per Mr . Stevenson ISs—Alexandria , Collected after an appeal by Mr . "Ernest Jones , per C . Freebairn 12 s 3 d—Southampton , per G . Goodman 2 s .
TRACT FUND . "Recaved by Johs Absott . —Padiham , per B . Telling Is . FOR TYPEFOUNDERS . Beceived by Job *; Absott . — A few Taylors , Jennyn Street Is .
The Polish And Hungarian Eefugees. Cjorr...
THE POLISH AND HUNGARIAN EEFUGEES . _CJorrsTETMES , —My object in addressing - jou is to direct attention to the position of a _numher of hrave men , expatriated from their native soil , for the heinous crime of fighting for their country's weal . They are _lifty-four in aumher ; -wives and children—if they have any—far away ; and themselves literally starring . They are Polish and Hnngarian Eefagees—men who deserve well at the hands of all nations .
Last evening , one of those hrave men called upon me with a message , the purport of which was ihat they were without food , and required immediate aid . ' Some , he informed me , had got threepence for the day ; hut he had not got anything . I informed him that Mr . O'Connor was on the continent , hut I would do all I conld io aid ihem , and shonld visit them in less than an hour . When I arrived in the locality I was directed to , I passed the place , for one substantial reason—I did not imagine it was an habitation for human beings . I thonght it was a barn or stable , and therefore
proceeded to the end of the street , and inquired _^ f or 41 , Tnrnmill-street . I was told to go back again , asl had got to No . 73 . I therefore re--traced my steps until I found 41 chalked on a -board about five inches square , and nailed against what I must call the barn door . The lower portion of the bunding was dark and empty , and on ascending a ladder I fonnd another dark empty room . This room had a -communication with another , in which were ihe _Kefogees , and a more gloomy , destitute p lace I do not desire to enter . I stood for several minutes against a stove , but conld not
gee the features of the Refugees sufficiently to identify the one whom I had seen an hour previous . I mused npon their past deeds , their straggles , and their present position , and my feelings were such as to compel me to retire for a few minutes . "While at the door my visitor -came up , and I again returned , and being invited to the upper end of the room , I took the opportunity of looking round . They appeared fine , bold , intelligent men ; unbroken
jn spirit , hut hunger-bitten . Their wardrobes appeared to be all on their backs , ( as I saw neither box nor trunk , ) food seemed to be almost -a nonentity among them . I saw one have about a quarter of a pint of liquid resembling thin soup , another had an onion , of which he jjave a portion to" a brother exile . How many retired to sleep upon nothing I know not , yet I know I enjoyed little sleep after witnessing a scene which my pen is inadequate to describe .
Citizens of London , go to 41 , Turnmillstreet , Clerkenweil , and see for yourselves ; and pray do not let seeing and inquiring be . all you do . I wish those who cannot visit the exiles -would do something in the shape of help . The Queen and Prince Albert might find time to visit them . It would do them more good than the Opera . The Ministers and Members of Parliament might visit them , as they are not required to attend much to the shop , at present . Ministers ofthe Gospel might go and show how much more blessed it is to give than to
receive . If there are any who desire to do good here on earth they will either visit the exiles or send them aid . I beg that each , and all who reads this , "wffl endeavour to -wipe away the stain—hypocrisy—from our national character , which stain may _^ obliterated hy brotherly love made manifest in action ; and , at the same -time , remembering that all men are our brethren , includi ng the Polish and Hungarian Ue & _gees . William Rideb . JLondon , October 30 th .
The West-Kidk G Asd Derby. Eskest Jokes ...
THE WEST-KIDK G ASD DERBY . _Eskest Jokes will revisit—Leeds , on Sunday , "Nov . 3 rd . Halifax , on Monday , _Xov . 4 th : and Halifax , on TFednesday , "Nov . 6 th . Sheffield , on Tuesday , "Nov . 5 th . * Bradford , on Thursd _' ay , Nov . 7 th- and - Derby , on Friday , Kov . 8 th . _^ _^ T _** , ? _numerous letters , Mr . Joses bees to _^ ,. _^ although he continues a Banister of th « Middle Temple , he entirely declines practice , as in compatible with his political avocations All letters for Mr . Joses to be addressed to G _*> Queen s-road , _BayBwater _. '
Shasghai.—An English Paper Has Been Star...
Shasghai . —An English paper has been started at _Shanghai , nnder the title of the North China Herald It is said fay onr contemporaries ia China to bid fair to be a very useful journal , and that neither pains nor expense have been spared in getting it np . This addition to the English press in China is tbe more valuable now that a direct trade is springing up between 2 _* 7 or £ h China and California . Mb . _Tubhbr _' s act for " diminishing delay and expense in Chancery " wiU come into operation on tie first day of term .
National Association Of United Trades. -...
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF UNITED TRADES . - T . 8 . Dokcombb , Esq ., M . P ., President . _Established 1845 . " Mir nsniiA . " "If it were possible for the working classes , by combining among themselves , to raise , or keep up the general rate of wages , it need hardly be said that this would be a tiling not to be punished , but to be welcomed and rejoiced at . " iSTtUET _illli .
The important proceedings of the Centra l Committee last week at "Wolverhampton , together with the lengthy—though necessarily greatly condensed report of the glorious meeting in the theatre—precluded any comments on the case as it stood , on closing our last report . And it may be now sufficient to state , that on the day preceding the meeting , the extraordinary demand for tickets of admission , and the great interest evinced b y persons of all ranks in the borough , struck consternation into the opposing faction .
In a fit of desperation , Mr . E . Perry rushed to the mayor , to pour out his mighty grievances , and to crave protection : — " The tinmen won t work for me , except by compulsion , and those whom I drag to my factory , hy the strong arm ofthe law , run away from me at the first opportunity ; therefore , I claim protection at the hands of your worship . " But we are informed , from excellent authority , tbat the mayor replied to the effect , that he
conld hear no ex parte statement , but if Mr . Perry , and such of the men as were aggrieved , would wait upon him en Thursday morning , he would invite some of tbe magistrates to attend with him , and listen to a statement from either side , as to the cause and merits of the dispute ; that they would then g ive their opinion upon the merits of the case , and such advice and good offers as he hoped would put an end to their unfortunate
dissensions . In accordance with this arrangement , the mayor , very kindly , on Tuesday morning , addressed a letter to Mr . M'Naughton , Mr . Perry ' sforeman , _£ inviting four ofthe men to attend with Mr . Perry as above stated . A meeting of the men at present working for Mr . Perry was called at his _^ request , the mayor's letter read by the foreman , and a proposition made that they proceed at once to appoint four men to constitute the deputation . This somewhat hasty proposition was objected
to by some , who , although under Mr . Perry ' s peculiar agreements , ' ' sighed for their liberty , ' ' and refused to enter into any arrangement of the kind , withont previously consulting the delegates irom the Central Committee . This amendment was strongly opposed by Mr . Perry , in terms by no means flattering to these same London delegates , but which they can readily excuse . In this case , honesty and firmness were too strong for duplicity and craft , and the meeting was adjourned until the afternoon , and a deputation named to report the affair to Messrs . " Green , Winters , and
Peel . We need scarcely say that these parties were not likely to he drawn into so transparent a trap . They advised that any deputation that should be appointed should consist—in addition to the four men from Mr . Perry ' s—of one from Mr . Walton ' s , one from Messrs . Shoolbred and Loveridge ' s , and two members of tbe Central Committee of the National
Association . And if this arrangement was not conceded , they were advised to decline it altogether . After much opposition on the p art of Mr . Perry , especially to the latter part of the proposition , the men finally acceded to it , and an answer was sent to the Mayor to that effect . The interest of the meeting in the evening was not in the slightest degree impaired hy this arrangement , although , we believe , the idea of appealing to the Mayor , originated in a hope , by Mr . Perry , either in preventing the meeting taking place , or in neutralising any effects which might arise
from it . If such was the case , it signally failed . The importance of this meeting cannot be overrated . Magistrates , town councillors , merchants , tradesmen , and last , though not least , working men , adopted all the resolutions , unanimously . And what was the purport of those resolutions' ? lst . A direct and positive recognition of the rights of the _workin-a" men to an equality before the law . 2 nd . A recognition of the necessity of a National Organisation of Labour , as a counter check to the irregnlar and encroaching power of capital , when in the hands of had men . And 3 rd ., and lastly . A strong denunciation
of the system of hiring by contracts for long terms , as practised by Mr . 'Perry , but condemned by , we believe , every honourable mind in Wolverhampton . These were the resolutions which were carried by acclamation * , by that large , respectable , influential meeting , without one dissentient voice . We know not how Mr . Perry and friends like this meeting , but we are—as we think we ought to bejustly proud of it , and believe it is well calculated to have a prodigious effect upon our movement . Our space will not permit us to enlarge upon this inviting subject ; and we , thereforepass on to our narrative of events .
, On the Wednesday previous io the Central Committee ' s Delegates leaving Wolverhampton , they were honoured by an interview with the Mayor , through the introduction of Mr . Town Councillor Samuel Griffiths , the gentleman who presided so efficiently at the meeting on the previous evening . Messrs . Green , Winters , and Peel , were received by his worship most courteously . They explained to him
their position and objects . Upon the subject ofthe agreements , his worship expressed himself most distinctly , " That he and his fellowmagistrates were strongly opposed to them ; hut while they were held legal , if men were so foolish as to enter into them knowing , as it must be presumed they did , their effects , if brought before them for a violation of them , they , the magistrates , were hound to convict . "
On the following Thursday morning , the Court was opened , the Mayor presiding , with a full bench of magistrates . Mr . E . Perry with an immense quantity of papers— "Northern Stars "—and other important documents , accompanied hy his solicitor , Mr . Underhill , jun ., the son of the Alderman and Magistrate of that name , and a few other friends ; the deputation of six tin plate Workers , with Messrs . Green and Winters , members of the Central Committee , accompanied by Mi * . Bartlett , their solicitor , Sir . Town Councillor Griffiths , and numerous other friends , were present .
"Mr . E . Perry opened his case by objecting to the interference or any participation in the proceedings by the London delegates , to whom he ascribed the origin of the annoyances of whicli he had to complain . This objection was overruled by the Bench , seeing that this was not a judicial proceeding , but stmply one of arbitration , at the express desire of Mr . Perry himself . Mr . Perry then entered upon a long statement ' of the position he was placed in ; complained most bitterly of the a nnoyances he was subjected to , produced a hst of fif _^ r-one names of men whomhenow held legally hound
to l , _im , a large number of whom had run away from him . and others , whom he had in different parts of the country , but whom he could not venture to bring to Wolverhampton . He then introduced another source of annoyance hehad been subjected to } some malicious , witty wag , had produced a song , called " _Xed of Wolverhampton , " to the air of "The King of the Cannibal Islands , " which Mr . Perry read to the Court , to the evident amusement of all parties present , so pungent were the jokes , and so applicable the satire ; then commenced reading what he termed some _hbellousasfcickf * from the " Northern Star ;" but the _fr-afc he . & a _* j > peue _4 to take np not
National Association Of United Trades. -...
suiting his purpose , and the Bench evidently not feeling any great interest in this part of the proceedings , Mr . Perry gave up this portion of his case in despair , and concluded , by appealing for that protection which , in his opinion , he was so eminently entitled to . Mr . Winters explained , they were met for the purpose of healing , and not widening the breach , which Mr . Perry's proceedings were calculated to do . Mr . Green , on behalf of the men , briefly narrated the cause and origin of the dispute , which was , simply , that inasmuch as Mr . Perry and his friends refused to pay the same
price for their labour as other respectable and extensive manufacturers , the tinmen had , under the advice of the Central Committee , refused to work for these gentlemen . He showed the strong efforts which had heen used to bring tho affair to a satisfactory arrangement , without _successs . With respect to the agreements , he strongly doubted their legality ; he knew they were onesided , and therefore unjust ; but as the Central Committee had not the power at present to prove them illegal , they had cautiously abstained from any interference either with them
or the unfortunate dupes who had entered into them . All that he asked for on behalf of the men , was justice ; a fair payment for their labour—such a payment , in fact , as was made by the most respectable houses in Wolverhampton , such as Mr . Waltons or Shoolbreds , or as Griffiths , or Hopkins , of Birmingham . Mr . Green having heen patiently heard through his address , the mayor and magistrates retired : Upon their return , after waiting a few minutes for the presence of the reporter of the " Wolverhampton Chronicle , " the mayor delivered the following as the unanimous opinion of the magistrates .
The following , before being printed , was submitted to the Mayor , and approved by him , and may , therefore , be taken as a correct report ofthe magisterial decision . The Mayor said , " It is a groat satisfaction to me , tbat on this occasion otber magistrates , unconnected with manufacturers , have kindly given me their assistance , and being unanimous in the opinion we havo formed , we have determined to give it without binding any other party to it : we think such a course the most likely to terminate these dissensions .
" Mr . Perry has addressed us at great length , and requires from us protection in the carrying on of his business ; he represents that workmen _willing to work for him are insulted and intimidated , and that he is subject to great annoyances , because he does not subscribe to a certain book of Prices settled by the Tin-plate Workers of the town . 2 , —• " Since the Combination Acts have been repealed _, the working classes have the fullest right
to meet and discuss their interests , and to be advised by whoever they please , but they have no right to interfere with others by coercion or insult , and if there be any one duty more incumbent than another upon magistrates , it is that of restraining the power of physical force against individual liberty , and Mr . Perry may rest assured , that he will not appeal in vain to the magistrates of Wolverhampton on that point : we will sit at midnight , if necessary , to enforce law and peace ;
3 . _« With reference to the Book of Prices , we have nothing to do with it unless assented to by all parties ; nor is it by any meeting or printed book that the price of labour can ultimately be adjusted : it must depend upon the varying state of trade and other circumstances , too numerous to mention . The workmen may be emphatically assured , that it is not by tbeir meeting and writing down any list of prices that will in the end determine the price of labour . In the absence of exact terms , the magistrates can know nothing but the market price of work for tbe time being .
4 . — " And this brings us to the question whether Mr , Perry is now bound to pay that price ? It seems that all the workmen usually employed by him havo left hia manufactory , except thoso who are under written contracts . By those contracts , judging from the one before us , he engages to pay each workman such wages as he pays other workmen in his manufactory ; but if they are all hired , io what standard are we to refer ? Others can remain or not , as they like , and a manufacturer can employ tbem or not , as he can afford , and it is one of the objections to long agreements for service , that if wages rise , and those hired are bound to work for less than their fellow labourers ,
discontent is sure to arise . The magistrates , therefore , do always _regret to see agreements for long periods , and they have an objection to commit upon them , unless absolutely necessary ; but Mr . _ Perry _muat not _cenelude that tbis implies any objection to give him every protection in our power . 5 . — " Tho question , however , now resolves itself into this : What rate of wages is Mr . Perry bound to give under existing circumstances ? To whom are we to refer for the market price of the day ? To Mr . Perry ' s own list and the list of three other houses acting avowedly in concert with him , or to the other houses of tbe town ? In our opinion we should be obliged to refer to the latter as the standard of valuo , for this amongst other reasons , that
if a workman were not bound by contract , he might go to those houses and obtain their wages . This , we think , would be the rule adopted in Courts of Law , and we hope this expression of our opinion will terminate these unfortunate differences . " Magistrates present : The Mayor—G . Robinson , Esq . ; W . R . Tiyer , Esq . ; H . G . B . _Whitgveave , Esq . ; Aldermen J . Walker and Andrews . Dr . Mannix , one of the County Magistrates , having been informed of the decision of the Bench on this important snbject , although not present on the occasion , has given permission to publish his name as coinciding most cordially with the above decision of his brother magistrates . Dated this 24 th day of October , 1850 .
Mr . Perry made some remark not distinctly audible , bnt we understand itwas tothe effect , that he supposed the opinion of the Bench would be calculated to put an end to the dispute . If upon this point we have been correctly advised , we regret to say , that up to the moment we are writing , we have not heard of any attempts at concession heing made b y that person . But on the part of those in his _employment , all of them , under these disgraceful bonds , on Saturday , held a meeting , and sent for Mi * . Perry ; they inquired whether he intended paying them the standard price of the town . He replied , " If they would go on as usual for a few weeks he would make
arrangements to their satisfaction . ' One ofthe men at once said , "All men who are determined to leave follow me . " Everyman left the factory . They called on Messrs . Winter and Green and reported what they had done , and they were immediately advised to return and finish their work , and on Saturday night to demand the standard wages of the town for any fresh work they may havo taken as their rig ht . It now remains to ho seen what answer Mr . Perry will give to so just a demand , a demand authorised and justified hy that hig h tribunal which he had himself invoked as an arbitrator in the question .
We shall not repeat many of the foolish things which have been reported to us as having fallen from Mr . Perry , in reference to these latter proceedings . We can allow for thc dreadful conflict between pride and avarice on one aide , and a worldly prudence on the other . We hope that his friends , if he has any , will step in and interfere . _IYednesday . —Our correspondence to-day throws but little new light upon the all absorbing question of the Wolverhampton strike . All that we learn is , that Mr . Councillor E . Perry " dies hard . '' There is the _rulingpassion strong in death—obstinacy . Who would suppose
that after having himself invited the mayor and magistracy to arbitrate in the case , lie now shows so little respect to the tribunal of his choice , as to treat it with contempt ? His last remark , as reported to us , being in the true John O'Connell vein : — " That he would rather have his head chopped off than submit . " Valiant man ! But , nevertheless , you will submit , and why not now , when not onl y tho voice of the working people , but of the whole town , tells you , you are wrong . Never
was a man more completely answered than was Mr , Perry by our colleague , Mr . Green , before the magistrates , in answer to the statement of the former , that the difference between the book priceB and his was only 10 s , per cent . Then , says Mr . Green , " Why refuse so paltry a concession ? " Why , indeed The fact is , it is not true . The difference upon the average is io JE . Perry , 15 or 20 per cent ., 20 to 25 per cent upon R . Perry , about the same te Thrustaw ,, and : from 25 to 35 per
National Association Of United Trades. -...
cent . > to 7 the _lamlP-likeTFearncombe . And why , in the name of . common sense , are these advantages to be given to these men aithe expense of the working people of Wolverhampton 1 Wh y ? By what patent of right ao they claim the privilege of robbing the poor man _s home of its comforts—his children of their education ? B y no other right but that of the strong man over the weak—the tyrant over the slave . But we are happy to assure Mr . E . Perry and his chickens , whom he takes under hia maternal wings , that their
_v / n ° f tyranny are numbered—that they snail play the tyrants no longer in Wolverhampton . Let them remove themselves , their capital , and , if they can , their factories , to some more congenial locality ; the men of Wolverhampton , hired or unhired , are determined to have what the magistrates have pronounced them entitled to — the standard wages of the town—that is , " The Book ;" and it is the intention of this Committee , as well as their duty , to see that they have it ; and Mn Perry and his friends will find , that we can , in a just and good cause , bs as obstinate as themselves .
We must , however , dismiss this subject for the present week . We shall next week have afew remarks to offer upon the judgment given by the Mayor , withthe main features of which , nay , the whole , in the abstract , we most cordiall y agree . We have divided it into numbered paragraphs , without the alteration of a word , and we have done so , because it contains great truths wliich we have long inculcated amongst our members , and we desire to particularl y draw their attention to certain portions of it , which we propose doing in our next article .
We append a condensed report of the meeting held on Wednesday evening in Birmingham—a meeting , though not so numerous or so exciting as that in Wolverhampton—yet one , we believe , that will be productive of immense benefits to this movement and to the cause of labour generally . There was present at that meeting one of the Morning Chronicle Commissioners for inquiring into the condition of the working classes of England , and he heard statements from the speakers that induced him to request an interview with the Central Committee ' s representatives on the following day . An interview took place , whicb , we believe , will lead to very important
results , in fact , to a thorough exposure of the villanous frauds practised b y unprincipled capital over the disunited , disorganised , working people of Birmingham . To these gentlemen Commissioners the truth is difficult to get at ; but if , as we believe , truth is their object , we can ' lead them where it can be obtained ; not from the capitalist , nofc from the employers , the Perrys of trade ; not from the selected specimen of workmen to whom such parties would introduce them ; but to the veritable victims of competition and avarice , into the very abodes and haunts of misery and wretchedness . All these we can lay bare to the truth seeker ; and we will .
On Thursday evening , Messrs . Green and Peel , of the Central Committee , Mr . Howlands , of Wolverhampton , and Mr . Holmes of Birmingham , attended a numerous meeting of the Carpet Weavers of Kidderminster . A full exposition of the Wolverhampton case was given , and the deepest sympathy and interest was manifested in behalf of the men , and a full determination resolved on to Bupport them in their righteous struggle against the tyranny of their employers .
On Monday evening , Mr . Winters attended a meeting of Wrought Coffee Mill Makers of Wolverhampton , andiu a lengthened address , explained the objects and principles of the National Association . The greatest _interest was manifested , heightened considerabl y , no doubt , by the practical workings of the movement immediatel y under their observation . The result was , a unanimous resolve to join the Association forthwith . The adhesion of the
Crown Sadlers of Walsall has also been received this week , and application made for information preparatory to joining , from the Flint Glass Makers of Stourbridge , the Bone Button Makers of Birmingham , and the Carpet Weavers of Bewdly . A fresh adhesion has also been received from a body of Carpet Weavers from the Worcester side of the river , near Bridgenortb ; and from all
parties m connexion with this movement , the liveliest interest is manifested in the proceedings of the Central Committee on behalf of the Wolverhampton men , with the strongest injunctions to be as obstinate as Mr . Perry , which the Committee have great pleasure in assuring their memhers they have fully made up their minds to . . William Peel , Secretary .
Wolverhampton Police Office. S. Sham:, W...
WOLVERHAMPTON POLICE OFFICE . S . Sham :, Workman , v . G . H . Peihit , Manufacturer , October SOtL—Mr , Bartlett conducted tho cast for the prosecution , and Mr . Underhill for the defence . This case has been adjourned from time tc time since the 25 th of September , to allow the defendant ( who had gone on a journey to Scotland ) , time to appear . The complaint was that he , ( Shale , ] went tothe manufactory of George Henry Perry or the 20 fch of September , to deliver a notice for a Mr , Wm . Sweet , to terminate an agreement between the two parties , and instead of receiving it he
peremptorily ordered him off the premises , and to make short work of it he seized him by the clothes , tore his coat and waistcoat , threw him down a few steps , and kicked him . W . Sweet spoko to thc delivery of the notice , and the scuffle between them . Two of Mr . Perry ' s clerks were called to disprove the charge . Mr . Underhill made a long statement , but the magistrates determined the case by inflicting a fine of £ 5 . There is much credit due to the magistrates , Messrs . Leigh and Thorneycroft , for the patience they manifested during the long time it occupied , viz ., one hour and a half , as well as to the able manner in which Mr . Bartlett conducted thc case ,
Meeting In Birmingham. A Numerous Public...
MEETING IN BIRMINGHAM . A numerous public meeting of the trades of Birmingham was held on Wednesday at tho Publicof & ce , for tho purpose of taking into consideration tho present position of the working classes , and to explain the objects , principles , and progress of the United Trades' Association , established in 1 S 45 , with a view of cementing the interests of tho people in one common centre . Mr . John Holmes was called to the chair . —Mr . Green , of London , moved the first resolution , "That in tho opinion of this meeting it is tho duty of all working men to unite together for tlie purpose of assistance and protection against the aggressions of capital , and to insure support and power when trades and individuals are in difficulties , it is necessary to concentrate our energies and resources to one common centre for their benefits . " —Mr . Peelsecretary to
, the National Association , seconded the resolution . —Mr . Smith London , moved the second resolution — "That , in the opinion of this meeting , the most efficient and useful society to carry out the principles enunciated in the first resolution is the United Trades ' Association for the Protection of Industry and Employment , of wbich Thomas Duncombe . Esq ., M . P ., is president ; and we pledge ourselves to use every endeavour to enhance its interest and power , by becoming members ot tho same . "—Mr . PragncI seconded tho resolution . Mr . Winter , a member of the Central Committeo of London , supported the motion at considerable length . The resolutions were carried unanimously , and the proceedings terminated with a vote of thanks to the chairman . [ Wo are sorry that the demands upon our columns has compelled us to abridge the report of this meeting . ]
Musical Bellows.—Mr. John Heard, Of Chit...
Musical Bellows . —Mr . John Heard , of Chittlehamholt , near Southmolton , Devon , has constructed a very curious piece of mechanism for tho Exhibition of 1851 , which consists of a pair of bellows . Wbile blowing the fire , the tune of "God save the Queen " will be played , and immediately tho operator ceases to blow the music will stop . It is first intended for the Exhibition , and at its doso to 1 ) 0 presented to the Queen . Mr . Heard is self-taught _, * Le has built a great number of _organs for parish churches , viz ., _Filliegh , Warkleigh , Chittlehamholt , < fcc , besides making a number of pianofortes , musical clocks , & c , & o . If time will permit , he intends to make many other curious and valuable articles forthe Exhibition . A Hatter's Opinion .. — -A hatter advertises that " Watts on the Mind " is of great importance , but what ' s on the heai _& oipeater ,
The Ballast Heavers. A Meeting Of The Fr...
THE BALLAST HEAVERS . A meeting of the friends of these much oppressed men was held on Tuesday evening , at the Schoolroom , Harp-alley , Farringdon-street , « for the pur pose of directing public attention to the iniquitous Bystem under which the ballast heavers of the Port of London are employed , and the evil results arising therefrom . ' Mr . Henry Mayhew occupied the chair , and after briefly opening the proceedings , introduced Mr . H . Barthorp , secretary to the Ballast Heavers' Association . Mr . Barthorp , at _consideri 7 . length » _exP-ained the system , to overturn which was the object of the society which he represented . Deprecating tbe kindred « truck system , by whicli he was well aware thousands of
artisans suffered most severely , he still urged and protested that they had better suffer from being too well « tommied " than , like the ballast-heavers , have filthy drinks thrust down their throats against their wills , instead of receiving their ri ghtful money wages . The grievances of the men he attributed in great measure to the negligence of the shipowners in their selection of the agents through whom they dealt with their labourers . The ballastheavers could not , unaided , extricate themselves , but the case had been laid before tbe House of Commons by Sir J . Duke , whence much was to be hoped . The government , he believed , were favourably inclined towards it ; the Trinity House
had been petitioned , and he believed not many months would elapse before they were free . Mr . _NeweU moved the first resolution , expressive of _sympathyin the objects of the meeting , and promising his aid to promote them . Alluding to some remarks on the " labour question , " by a previous speaker , he explained that what they wanted was not , as had been formerly supposed by some , of the liberal members of the House of Commons , a protection of labour , but simply—and in the justice of that all parties must agree—a protection of the earnings of labour . Mr . Hume and the present government
were now , he understood , fully prepared to do what they could for the ballast heavers , to put down the atrocities of tbe middlemen wherever tbey could be found . The Chairman of the Committee of the _Cealwhi ppers had had an interview with tbe Commissioners of the Board of Trade , and had every assurance of their help to assist the ballast heavers . —The Rev . J . Doxey seconded the resolution . The next , adopting a petition , was moved by Mr . Flinn _, Both were carried unanimously . A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings .
London District Of The Friendly Society ...
LONDON DISTRICT OF THE FRIENDLY SOCIETY OF FLINT GLASS MAKERS OF GREAT BRITAIN AkD IRELAND .
A numerous body of the members of this society had a supper on Friday evening , the 25 th ult ., at the Swan , Whitefriars , to pay respect to two delegates from the Birmingham district , who had visited London for the purpose of assisting in the reorganization of the trade , and also respecting the publishing of a magazine to further the interests of the society . The cloth being cleared Mr . G . Sibbald was called to the chair .
The Chairman having eulogised the past conduct of the delegates stated , that on tbe eceasion of the last Conlerence , one of their chief objects was to establish a magazine for the benefit of the trade , * tbey had previously made an attempt to do this , but it was premature , and failed ; but he now believed , that if conducted with energy and perseverance , they might safely calculate on success . Mr . Heatly _, the vice-chairman , urged the necessity of union for advancing the interests of the trade .
The _Chaibman then gave the first toast : — •¦ Labour , the legitimate source of all wealth , and may all Glassmakers , whether English , Irish ,- or Scotch _, men , see the utility of combining together in one National Confederation , to obtain a fair share oi that wealth which they create by their genius and the _Bweafc of their brow . " . The toast was received with enthusiasm , and responded to by Mr . W . Nixon . He thought no opportunity should be lost of endeavouring , when they assembled together , to spread a knowledge of their true position and value in society . They created all the wealth of their employers , and they had a right to receive a fair share of it . Hitherto as a body , thej
had paid too little attention to that subject ; tbey appeared to think that their _, _sole business in life was to eat , drink , and work for such wages as their employers thought proper to give them . All that they wanted was a fair share of what they produced . Throughout the whole continent of Europe the sons Of labour had uprisen and shaken off their shackles , making their tyrants fly and tremble before them , _* and though there had since been a reaction yet the seed was sewn , and another uprising would speedily take place . Revolutions were the natural
result of oppressed labour struggling against the crimes of capital . He had worked since he was six years old , and if he worked until he was ninety under the present system , he should die a pauper , possessing no rights or privileges , and working only for the enjoyment of them . The speaker then alluded to his imprisonment for uttering similar sentiments , and the manner in which he had been driven , by the persecution of the employers , to seek for employment in London , _andconcpided an eloquent address amid loud cheers .
The Chaikman tben gave ¦ ' The health of Mr . William Gillender , of Birmingham , a man who had been mainly instrumental in bringing the trade to the high position it had attained . " Mr . Henry Barnes , of Birmingham , gave a pleasing account of the good resulting in tbat town from the co-operation of young men . Mr . Gillender , in responding , called upon them to lay aside petty bickerings , and unite for their self preservation . He then detailed how , in Birmingham , they had raised the wages in the different branches of the trade , and by means of kindness , had brought the most inveterate blacks ( as they were termed ) into their union . The Birmingham
district had so flourished since the late organisation , that they had spent £ 30 in procuring union in Stourbridge , without applying to the general body to assist them . They were increasing in strength every day . Before the union , the masters in London and Birmingham kept up a telegraphic comraunication , and preyed upon their disunion ; that was now useless ; every man in Birmingham had received a rise in wages , except one , and he did not belong to the union , and he was further imposed upon by having an apprentice forced upon him whom none else would have . Wages in Birmingham were now £ 2 2 s ,, _38-s ,, and 3 Cs „ for caster place and bye place workers , besides 3 s . a move for over wora ; and the men in London who were only receiving 28 s ., might receive the same were they not disunited . Glass makers were entitled to equal , if not
superior , wages to any other body of tradesmen . They sacrificed their domestic comforts , and injured their health , by being compelled to work by night as well as by day ; there was no trade that required the exercise of greater genius or skill ; a glass maker was , in / act , an artist , and all the finer parts of the work was modelling . Yet while modellers in the Potteries were getting £ o and £ 4 a week , they were receiving only half that amount of wages ; whilst their employers were heaping up immens riches . The Press in Birmingham , prior to their union , had denounced them a 3 idle ruffians , who would not work six days a week ; but it now spoke of them as gifted and intelligent men * this great change had been effected by their union , and treating their brothers out of society with conciliation and respect . Mr . Gillender , during a long address , was greatly applauded ,
The Chairman then proposed the health of Mr . H _, Barnes , late president of the Birmingham Confe . rence , which was received with applause , and briefly responded to by that gentleman . The toast of "The Young Men ofthe Society , and the rising generation , " was responded to in a neat speech by Mr . Shiner . Mr . Gillender moved a vote of thanks to Mr . William Nixon , for his reorganising the trade in London , and announced himself as an old and enthusiatic Chartist . The motion was carried unanimously . Messrs . Leadbeatter , Skidmore , and Hall addressed tbe meeting .
A vote of thanks was given to the reporter of the * ' Northern Star" and to the Democratic Press , which was acknowledged by Mr . "Wheeler . Thanks "were also voted to the Chairman , and vice-Chairman , and the evening concluded by all joining in the Marseillaise Hymn . Some excellent songs were sung between the various toasts , and Mr . Nixon gave some verses of _Chatles Mackay's whicli were loudly applauded .
On Saturday Afternoon The Members Of Thi...
On Saturday afternoon the members of this trade again assembled ai the Falcon , in Holland-street , Blackfriars-road . Mr . C . Sxibmorb v ? as called to the chair , aud
On Saturday Afternoon The Members Of Thi...
1 stated tbat since the previous evening two of their | nismber _? had . received a , rise in wages , consequent f upon the exertions of the _delegation _fmSirming ham ; A question was then brought before the _meeilng respecting a bouse in London , where the men were paid by the day , instead of by the piece , and compelled to work six dajs for less wages than was re . ceived in other houses , by the piece , for five days , having to blow 1 , 100 or 1 . 200 bottles a day , while at good houses they only blew 500 ; thus , not only injuring the men , but likewise injuring the fair dealing employer .
Mr . Barnes , of Birmingham , showed that they had the means within themselves to remove the men , and thus compel tbe employer to deal / airly by them . Mr . Gillbnder said , that the masters were well able lo pay them good wages . He knew a man in Birmingham who emp loyed two or three men blowing smelling-bottles . He sold these with brass tops for ls . 8 d . per gross ; and even at that price he made jG 3 or £ i a week , without doing an hours work himself ; this showed what great profits the large masters must have . A master had lately died at Tetbury and was reported , in Birmingham , to have left to his heir £ 30 , 000 ; . nine years ago he
was only a journeyman , and when he begun business had only £ 600 . What working man tbat he bad employed had saved even £ 30 during that period ? Their Society had a weekly income of £ 50 , or £ 2 , 600 a year ; this was the interest of a very large sum of money , and , if properly employed , would enable them successfully to combat all opposition withont having recourse to strikes . They used , when out of employ , to bave to tramp about the country ; now their members received support _wheu out of work , without being compelled to leave their homes ; and they had come to tbe determination , that if a master in a distant town wanted a man he
should pay for the expense of removing him and his family . He ( the speaker ) had made favourable arrangements for publishing the magazine , and believed that it would be profitable , both in an intellectual and pecuniary point of view . Mr . Nixok moved tbe following resolution : — _•« That we , the Plint Glass makers of the London district , in general meeting assembled , return our hearty and sincere thanks to our brethren of Birmingham for their kindness in sending Mr . Barnes , with Mr . Gillender _, as a deputy or missionary to further the cause of our Society in this district , and beg to a 95 ure them that their efforts and good intentions are appreciated by us , and has had the
desired effect , and we hope that the seed which has beer , sown by the deputation will bring forth a rich and bountiful harvest , which shall soon be visible , and should circumstances or opportunity present itself , we promise to return the kindness ; and wa hope that the friendly feeling which has been esta - blished by the deputation will he lasting ; our experience of the past shall be our guide for the future , our motto shall be , "All for each , and each for all ;' " United we stand , divided we fall . " The speaker went into an elaborate statement of the former condition of the trade and its present prospects , and thought that this interchange of ideas was a new and important feature in their Union .
Mr . J . Sybel seconded the motion , whicb was carried unanimously . Mr . H . BAnNES acknowledged the compliment thus paid to the Birmingham men . Some other trades' matters were discussed , from which it appeared that they bad but two men put of employment in the metropolis . A vote of thanks was given to the Chairman , and the meeting separated . [ A few remarks may not be inappropriate regarding the proceedings of this spirited body of tradesmen , earning comparatively high wages . They have _alsvays been more noted for tbeir folly in disbursing them , than for their union or political intelligence ;
but such , within the last twelvemonths , has been the change effected by the exertions of a few active meu and the labours of two conferences ( one which commenced the re-organisation held in Manchester in September , 1849 , and one in the July ofthis year at Birmingham ) , that they now stand as a pattern to any trade in the kingdom—both for effective union , and sound policy . This branch of the Glass trade numbers , throughout the United Kingdom , about 1 , 400 men , * out of these upwards of 1 , 100 belong to the Society , and they are every day receiving fresh accessions ; they bave entirely abolished the system of tramping , also fines and payments for footings iu their various workshops ; they have instituted an Emigration Fund , to provide against the evils of surplus labour . The deputation from Birmingham were also appointed to make inquiries into tha
working of tbe associative system in London , with a view to its adoption , and also to ascertain , if possible , the relative merits of emigration and home colonisation , as a means of supporting their unemployed brethren ; they also mado arrangements with the National Union of Trades for joining that body . During this interval they have effected a rise in wages of from ten per cent , to fifty per cent ., and by working only five days per week , and a good system of combination , have reduced their surplus labour to a merely nominal amount ; in addition to this they haTe established a magazine , and are ) about introducing other good features . "When _thesa things havo been effected in the course of twelve months , surely other trades need not dispair , and wa may congratulate ourselves , that the doctrines propounded in this paper , and the exertions of the people ' s friends , have not been in vain . ]
Totai Wreck Op An Emigrant Ship Near Har...
_Totai Wreck op an Emigrant Ship near Harwich . —On Sunday last the barque Johana Friedrich , of 400 tons . Captain Whieting _, left Bremen , with 140 emigrants , and a crew of sixteen hands . She was bound for Charleston , South Carolina , and beside her passengers had a general cargo valued at 2 , 000 dollars . All went on well until the evening of Thursday , when the Gunfleet lights were sighted , and , by a fatal error , were supposed to be tha South " Foreland lights . The ship ' s course was steered under this impression , when , at nine o ' clock , tho night being dark and rainy , the vessel struck heavily on what proved to be the Gunfleet Sands . In an instant consternation spread throughout the ship , and every passenger , including many
women and children , hurried to the deck . The masts were speedily cut away , and other efforts mado to lessen the heaving of the ship , and to get her off , but all with no avail , as on the pumps being sounded there was found six feet of water in her hold , beside other indications that the vessel was hopelessly lost . The captain , who throughout behaved admirably , had a number of ropes passed across the ship , which the passengers grasped in order to maintain their footing . In this way a weary and wretched night was passed , all of them expecting that the vessel would every moment go to pieces . At eight the next morning ( Friday ) they were descried by the crews of several smacks , who immediately went to their assistance . The tide had left the vessel with but little water round her , so that the smacks' boats could not get alongside . The women and children were first lowered from the ship ' s side , and , aided by several men , waded
through tho water to the boats , by whieh they wora conveyed to their smacks . In this way all wero safely ' taken from tho vessel , and 140 Of them were ultimately landed at Harwich , the lust number o £ them landing as late as ono o ' clock on Saturday morning ; the remaining passengers were landed at either Colchester ov " _Briglitliiigsea . The captain and two mates remained on board the barquo until four o ' clock on Friday afternoon , hoping that th © vessel might yet be saved , but as the sea rose sho rapidly broke up , and became a total wreck * Messrs . Billingsley and Co ., the Bremen vice-consuls at Harwich , paid every attention to the emigrants-Mr . Williams , ono of the firm , particularly exerted himself . The passengers aro very grateful for the way in which they arc being treated . It is supposed that they will remain in 7 llarwich until another ship is provided for them . The barque belonged to Messrs ; Glogstein and Son , Bremen , and was nofc insured .
HonniKLE SuFPEniKa . —We are indebted to Capt . William If . Hopper , of tho Central-road , for the following particulars : —Captain Hopkins , of tha steamer J . D . " Morten , while on her passage from . Chicago to New Buffalo , on Friday last , discovered what he supposed to be a raft , with some one upon it , some five miles in the lake , ne immediately turned his boat , and went for the obiect . He found tie raft made of spars , with Captain Davidson , of the schooner Thornton , upon it . It appears that ha was wrecked on tho 7 th ult ., having been _soven days and nights without food . Two of the crow , whose names he did not learn , with the captain , made the raft of the mainmast , mainboom , and maingaff . The two men dropped off on the third night after , having become exhausted for want of
lood . Captain Hopkins describes the scene as mosc pitiful . Captain Davidson had commenced _eating his hand the last night ! Several _^™ _rs an _3 vessels had been in sight , _« nd one vessel ha led him , but mado no attempt to _&*«* _& ° f c " _^ thO Captain is exceeding _ly-eaK but he , s in a fan , wav for recovery . - _^ ' 01 ' Tr , bmi - t ,. _CoxniTio-v of the Country -The extraordinary diminution of business in tho Bankruptcy and Insolvency Courts bears emphatic testimony to the fl _^ r S ing condition of the country . Never beloro wero they so little occupied as at this moment . Tha Ga ~ ettes of last week presented altogether but fiva bankrupts , the usual number two years ago bein _^ twenty in eaoh _gazettei or an average of , forty per week . —Law 2 Vw «* .
-
-
Citation
-
Northern Star (1837-1852), Nov. 2, 1850, page 5, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns3_02111850/page/5/
-