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Northern Star (1837-1852), 21st August 1852, Edition 1 of 2, Page 12, Untitled Article

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      S ^ - The Sectaries of Trades' Unions and other bodies associated to protect and advance the interests of Labour , will oblige by forwarding the reports of Trades' Meetings , Strikes and other information affecting the social position of the Working Classes .

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      LONDON . NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF UNITED TEADES . 259 , Tottenham Court Road . " Fiat Justitia . " " If it were possible for the Working Glasses , by combining amongst themselves , to raise , or to keep up the general rate of wages , it need hardly be said that this would be a thing not to be punished , but to be welcomed and rejoiced at . " John Stuart Mill .

      In our various communications through the columns of this journal , we have specifically alluded to some of the distinctive peculiarities of " The National Association op United Trades for the Protection of Industry and the Employment of Labour . " It will be seen by its comprehensive title that much more was contemplated by its founders than the construction of a

      mere Strike machine of enlarged dimensions . A new and improved mode of dealing with the wrongs of labour was always anticipated as the first fruit which would spring from the numbers , power , and resources of the new organization . It was even considered probable , that a closer and more natural alliaru o between the antagonistic elements , 'capital

      and labour , might be found practicable , when labour was concentrated into a . power , possessed of intelligence to perceive its true position and value as an instrument of production , and of the means and resources , which numbers , and union guided by intelligence can alone give , to cause its claims to be , in all cases patiently and respectfully considered by its junior brother—capital .

      It was further considered highly possible , that when labour by the combined power of union and intelligence lifted itself up into the dignity of an interest , that even the doctors and teachers of the science of political economy might apply themselves to the perfecting of that great problem left unfinished by their areh-prototype—Adam Smith , by discovering some new and easy formula for ascertaining and defining the precise value of labour as an element of production .

      These just " anticipations have not been realized ( from causes to which we shall presently refer ) , hut the results thus foreshadowed , "loom in the future" as the certain and inevitable consequences of that union of mind and means to which we invite our fellow-workmen , and which we believe must be eventually brought to the test of experiment , by the very force of those adverse circumstances to which labour is gradually but surely succumbing . It is just possible that the " gold digqins "

      and emigration may act as a safety-valve , by means of which that fearful collision between the masses , made desperate and reckless by oppression and insult , and their haughty and heartless task-masters , may be deferred . But as long as the capital blunder is persisted in , which-contemplates and treats labour as the slave and not the partner of capital , there be and

      never can never ought to be peace ; and the period is surely approaching when the labour class , who at the present take so little interest in state politics , will be waded by their sufferm ^ to enquire whether their industrial de gradation is the direct and legitimate emanation from their political serfdom Those who , contemplating the unrestrained and irresistible progress of scientific discovery and mechanical

      invention , concurrently with the equally irresistible diffusion of knowledge of a very high standard amongst the industrial classes dream of the existing system of inequality and in-JusfaocbemgjpfflyeteaZ , are to our thinking dull students in the science of human progress . To trace back the origin of the present system to the fabulous and legendarv mists of the

      past , as a proof of its antiquity , and therefore ' of its perpetuity—is to ignore the most palpable evidences which are constantly presenting themselves to our observation , and which clearly indicates the existence and rapid growth of an entirely new state of circumstances , demanding and renderine inevitable an entire change and remodelling of our social and industrial relations towards each other

      This social and moral revolution we believe to be absolutely certain ; and among the movements of the present day , which appear to anticipate with a wise and judicious foresight the coining change , and which propose to pioneer the industrious classes , by a safe and pleasant road to the future Canaan , we think the National Association may fairly claim a prominent position . L

      Amongst the thousands who in 1845 , 6 , & 7 , in England and bcotland , rallied round the banner of National Union , then first unfurled under the leadership of the singularly patriotic , and justly popular Member for Finsbury , how few comprehended its true mission . How unreasonable , and yet , how contracted were the estimates formed of its functions and power . It was expected to supply immediate and effective remedies for wrongs and evils , the growth of ages . iwery offered reduction in wages-the shortening the hours S / T ~ T 6 V 1 ° {^ mted »™ ber of apprentices in the ^ Mti-ades ,-and the want of some means of getting rid I . ZZ ) b f l 3 T latl f « ° . «»«« & * tmde ^ fhe injus-S £ S * *^ f S 7 ™?* ne and piecework-the

      iniquitous tnick system-the dishonest exaS of feme Kents—the destructive tendences of machinery on the interests of labour-the unjust practice of arbitrary * fiTe Zp ^ and abatements from workmen ' s wages , and all the IS form and names , under which and by which the immoral cratt of capital seeks and obtains the weather euase of labour were expected in a hundred different quarters to be swept away at once and for ever . The famed Augean stable predated not to Hercules a more formidable labour , and had we possessed the indomitable will and gigantic strength of the iaMed hero , we possessed no river , or reservoir of wateror gold ( which was to us the needful element ) by which these

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      unclean . accumulations could have been so promptly removed . The thousand diminutive springs and rills , wjiose tiny contingencies were to swell and fill our National reservoir had scarce yet began to flow , ere the full action and resources of a matured and perfect organisation were demanded of us , whereas , we without our golden river , were as powerless as Hercules would have been , without his river of water to accomplish the achievement required of us , in that full and effectual manner which would have alone accorded with the highly-wrought expectations of our Pharaoh-like requsitionists .

      These formed one and a somewhat numerous class of obstructions to our progress . But , if these may be said to have required of us bricks without straw , there was another and not less numerous class , who were still more unreasonable , who would furnish neither straw nor clay , but who coolly said if , and when , we succeeded in realising our promises , and produced a successfully working National Association , why then , they would take the question into their consideration with the view of joining us , and giving us their hearty assistance . Alas ! what drag-chains upon the wheel of progress , in every department of life are these " waiters upon providence , " these timid and cautious procrastinators .

      There is another large section of Society , who might have been expected to have thrown themselves heartily and joyfully into a movement initiated under such favourable auspices , and patronised by so popular and influential a leader . We allude to what arc usually designated the " shitted trades , " who were presumed to possess superior intelligence and superior resources . But alack ! there exists , unfortunately , an aristocracy of kbour , as well as of rank and title , and equally tenacious of its dignity , and this higher rank of British workingmen declined fellowshi p in the same movement with their less favoured brethren . There were other

      numerous , but minor agencies , about that period , which accumulated upon us , and added to the difficulty of our position , in working out , under such peculiar disadvantages so novel and important an experiment . The Executive , by its steadfastness of purpose , and its unity of action , have nevertheless done much with the confidence and means entrusted to them . They have fought labour ' s "battle , if not always successfully , at least truthfully and honourably , and they have never surrendered nor compromised a single prindpee , upon any occasion .

      We think , therefore , they have a strong claim upon the confidence and support of the working classes , especially now when their own principle of National confederatinn has become so generally acknowledged , as the sheet-anchor alone capable of preventing the bark of labour drifting still further to leeward . We believe that many of the obstructive agencies we have referred to , if they still exist , do so in mitigated form . Eecent events have materially sobered down extravagant expectations , and in some instances have given a wholsome though somewhat rude , check to that fatal overweening confidence in the power and invulnerability of insolated and exclusive action .

      It becomes daily and hourly more apparent that National Eights can only be acquired and maintained by National unity and action . None dispute the axiom . Our principles have been severely tested . Our organisation , if not perfect , is effective , and susceptible of infinite expansion . Our constitution is purely democratic , and based upon a just and rational idea of equality , where each man is called upon to

      contribute according to his means , and to receive in proportion to his contributions . The executive with the president is appointed by the people ; the parliaments are annual or oftener , and the suffrage universal We think , even our chartist friends must admit we are democrats , even if we are not politicians . These are our claims , which we respectfully submit to the test of examination , and by its results we will stand or fall . ' WILLIAM PEEL , Sec .

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      BRADFORD . WOOLCOMBEKS' MONSTER MEETING- AND PROCESSION . The largest aggregate meeting of this numerous body which has been held for the last twenty years , took place on the spare ground , near Philadelphia Chapel , Bolton-road , on Monday morning last , at nine o ' clock , according to previous announcement . Two thousand circulars were ' distributed through the various work-shops in the district , and nobly were they responded to , as the population of Bradford were astounded at the large mass thus brought together .

      Mr . John Clayton was unanimously called to the Chair , and briefly referred to the importance of the object for which they had assembled . He trusted that their proceedings would be governed by order and regularity . Mr . George White then addressed the meeting . He expressed his pleasure at the immense display before him . They had responded nobly to the call of the Committee , and had proved that they sanctioned the whole of the steps lately taken by that body on their behalf . He dwelt at some length

      on the immense power which such a large body of men possessed when united ; and pointed out the course which the Committee recommended for their future adoption . He then read the transactions of the Committee for the previous week , from the minute-book ; and exhibited the cash-book , which had been duly audited and delivered correct and satisfactory in all its parts . He reminded the meeting that the advance of wages claimed was to commence on that day , and in ordei that the manufacturers might see their unanimous

      determination on that point , the Committee had resolved to have a procession through the leading streets of the town . This announcement was hailed with loud cheers . He then requested the meeting to fall in lour deep , and preserve strict order .

      THE PROCESSION . The first column formed was then moved on nearly a quarter of a mile , m order to allow room for the remaining portion ; but the space was so rapidly filled up that the head was ordered to move on , m the order arranged by the Committee . The procession marched in good order on Bolton-road , up KhWe , by the Piece Hall , where a large number of merchants and manufacturers were assembled , it being market-day for gram and prices . The windows and steps of the Exchange buildings were thronged with merchants and others connected with the trade as the procession" went past . They then proceeded up Derby-street , and on by Northgate , down West-

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      gate and Ivegate , through the Bowling-green , along Newstreet and Charles-street , into the Leeds-road . Here the immense size of the procession showed itself to advantage the road being wide . As the procession moved by the princely warehouses , erected on each side of this road , the windows were all occupied by anxious gazers . The procession occupied about a quarter of an hour in passing this point , marching at a brisk pace , each rank as close to each other as convenience would admit . It then proceeded up Goodman ' s End , down George-street , on the Leeds-road by

      Eastbrool-Chapel , on Well-street and Bolton-road , to the place of meeting . It was a splendid sight , and the order and strict silence preserved throughout the march was a most appropriate accompaniment to this solemn " Protest of Labour " The men were universally delighted at the unexpected numbers present , and congratulated each other on the spirit of union displayed . When all had taken their places on the ground , the meeting had much increased , and the Chairman resumed the business b again calling on the Secretary to proceed with the remaining business .

      Mr . George White then addressed the meeting , and concluded by calling upon the auditors to deliver their report as to the state of the books .

      Mr . John Clark , and Mr . John Sugden , the auditors appointed at the previous meeting , then ascended the hustings , and Mr . Clark stated that although he had frequently been engaged in such matters before , he had never seen books kept in a more clear and satisfactory manner . Mr . Sugden corroborated the statement .

      The secretary then declared the resignation of the Committee as the business for which they were appointed was then concluded , and handed over the books to the Chairman . He recommended that three persons should be elected as a Committee , to transact business until the trade was permanently organized into sections as before . Mr . John Clark moved a vote of thanks and confidence in Mr . George White and the Committee , for the satisfactory manner in which they had performed their duties . The motion was carried unanimously .

      The meeting then proceeded to choose the three men for a future Committee . Several active and well-known men were nominated , and a show of hands taken for each . The following were chosen : —George White , Patrick Dillon , and John Clayton . Mr . Thomas Spurr and others then addressed the meeting , and Mr . G . White proceeded to call off the

      various employers' names , and pointed out different spots on the ground for their workmen to assemble , and elect their deputations , and report the result to the Committee , at the Teetotal Hall , at six o ' clock on Wednesday evening . The meeting was then adjourned until 7 o ' clock on Monday evening next , and all departed well satisfied with ih . Q day ' s proceedings .

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      28 THE STAR OF FREEDOM . August 21 , 1852 .

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      FORTHCOMING- CONFERENCE OF MINERS . To the Editor of the Star op Freedom . Sir , —I was desired by the Delegate Meeting , held at Round Thorn , near Oldham , on Monday last , the 16 th instant , to inform you that the Miners agents for the county of Lancashire , have held several good public meetings , at the Old Dog , and other places in Wigan ; and that there is great hope

      of a complete re-organization of the Miners of Lancashire . With a view to the accomplishment of this desirable object , the following resolution was passed : — " That a Conference of the Miners of Lancashire and Cheshire be held on Monday , the 30 th day of August , 1852 , at the house of Mr . Fair , sign of the ' Cotton Tree , ' Ancoat-street , Manchcster , to commence at ten o ' clock in the forenoon . "

      It is very desirable that every district , as speedily as possible , should call a meeting to elect a representative to the above conference , and give him proper instructions how to vote . The society employs four agents at the present time : Mr . Henry Hurst , Mr . John Francis , Mr . Allen Tetlow , and Mr . Moses Parkin—all good and true men .

      ^ The Miners of Lancashire , a few months ago sent a petition to the House of Commons , praying for sub-inspectors over mines , such sub-inspectors to have had not less than ten years' practical experience in the interior of the coal mines . The petition was signed by 1 , 900 of the hardy sons of the minc To other districts we say—One and all go and do lilvCWlSO ' . WO , lia . VP . SP . Ylf . fi 0 TP . Jlt manv nn + l + inno fr \ nnvimmnnf likewise ; we have sent a great petitions to parliament

      many , on this all-important subject , at various times , and at all times will be very glad to co-operate with other districts in forwarding any movement , the object of which is to preserve the health and life of the Miner . I shall be happy to communicate with any other district on this or any other subject connected with the welfare of the Miners . All letters must be addressed to " D . Swallow , Post-office , St . Helen ' s , Lancashire . " I am Sir , yours , &c , D . SWALLOW , Corresponding Sec . August , 18 th , 1852 .

      AMALGAMATED SOCIETY—MANCHESTER To the Editor of the Star of Freedom . Sik , —The strike is over with the men so far as suffering goes . They are as buoyant as ever , and ready for Australia , with the "Great Britain , " which leaves Liverpool to-day with more than 500 persons on board , some of whom are amalgamators ; so you see we are . alive and cheerful , and some are " oft" to the diggings . " Our employer ' s " nuggets" arc less now , as far as this year is concerned , than they would have been if they had consented to abolish over-time , and give us

      the opportunity of visiting our parks , museums , libraries , and athenronms , and such like places , calculated to make us better , both morally and socially . We have one or two employers here yet , upon whom our remonstrance against overtime has not had its due effect . They are working us , either with or without our consent , until half-past nine o ' clock every night except Satukday and Sunday , and then decency forbids , or else wo should even thenbe working . We do not \ vant to come to a strike , but what must we do in order to prevent these long hours ? They rob us of every enjoyment . Must we Emigrate ? Yours , &c , . AN AMALGAMATED ENGINEER Manchester , Aug . 18 , 1852 .

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Aug. 21, 1852, page 12, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1692/page/12/