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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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DESTRUCTIVE FIRE IN THE TEMPLE . — : ¦ * ¦ . ' . ' ¦ About half-past five on Tuesday morning a most attractive # fid alanmng fire broke - out in'the Chambers of Mr .- Made * , the eminent Queen ' s ConnseL and one of the Members for the county of Carlow 7 at So . 14 , Paper-buildings , in the Temple . t is said that the Hon . and Learned Gentleman lad been ^ P ^ the previous night , being engaged in preparing for Circuit , and that in retiring to rest , Is forgot to extinguish the candle which he had left Ezhted in his sitting room . He was alarmed by the snoie which towards morning had nearly filled iis bed-room , and he had hardly time to escape , sad give the alarm before the entire mrmtore of the narnnent was in flames . The ire-engine beloag-132 to the Temple was instantly brought to the spot , tat from the difficulty of procuring a sufficient fc - - ___ ^ .
r-itfv of water , and the astonishing rapidity with siich the fire spread , the whole p f the building , jridi those immediately adjoining it , were soon in game ? . Several other engines soon afterwards arrived , and being most effectually worked by a pa ^ ir of constables of the F division , the progress cfthe fire , which had now extended to ! Sos . 12 ^ and 1 < L was at length checked , but not until the whole of these houses were reduced to rains . Lucidly no lives have been lost , and the only accident that we coold hear of was a severe injury sustained by one of the firemen belonging to the "West of England Insurance Office , upon whom some of the burning rafters fell . He was immediately conveyed to thi < adon-house , in Waterloo-road , and is , we underfeed , doing well .
The actual amount of property consumed is not eH sderable ; but it is said that a number of valuible needs and papers , including all the documents connected with a peerage case which is now before parliament , and" which were kept in the Attonjey-Geseral "? Chambers , have been destroyed , ilr . pollen , brother of Sir "William Toilet , who occupied Chambers in 2 " ? o . 13 , and who has been for some tjjue confined to bed with rheumatism , would nave
psished in the fiames , bnt for the assistance of some friend who remembering bis helpless condition , troie into bis apartments , and succeeded in eonrevjBg him in , safety to his brother ' s chambers . Too much praise cannot be riven to Mr . Braidwood ssi the police of the P division , for the activity ? fch which they exerted themselves . A parry oi junilervmen -nuder the eonunand of Captain Dixon . « J also in attendance , and gave most efficient assurance . Owing , to their combined exertions , a hnre portion of furniture of the different chambers vas saved .
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NEW POOR L-W . — *» — " Jl : . Address of the Aidi-Pwr Laic Asszciaifon Committee * to the rate-payers and inhabitants of i-reral Townships comprised in the Com . nisshuert' Poor Laic Union for the Suddersfi-j-d district . Tellow Rate Patxbs , Tie Time has come for . yoa to give a practical tlerssstrsrion of vour hatred to the Xevr Starvation Law . Scc- > llect 1 that the 25 th of ilarc-h is the day Tries i ? set apart for the election of new Guardians Is : vie eLsaing year ; therefore , it will depend upon vwr exertions , whether von will allow men to be
tkcted as Guardian * who are the mere tools of the tiree Commissioners in- carrying out their diabolical sctemes for starving rhe poor , reducing the Labourers ' rajes , and robbing you , the rate-payers , of that salstary control you have hitherto exercised over Tor : ora money and your township ' s affairs ; or rili vca elect men of charterer and of humanity , rhost h gh and independent spirit will scorn to subsit to the three-headed monster of Somerset Hoilic- , iad will prdkr death itself , rather than » acriSce the igats of their neighbours and constituents at the Mdiins of three pensonal lawyers , residing Id London , and living in princely splendour out oi your Lira earned mosev .
TTe rail apon you to awake , arise , assert your i ? it > . a ^ d maintain y our liberties , by electing men a ^ rhoin von can depend , and who will notbtrrav ps in the day of trial ; and we feel persuaded tha : £ 1 zhose of von who possess any love of country , cy affection for your wives , your husbands , . and jrer families , and do not wish to be separated from ism , or to see poverty punished as a crime , and in » Lo * e bosoms slows the smallest spark of sympathy ¦ : pfcliunthrophy—this call will not be made in vain . Therefore , for the guidance of your conduct , we : * £ to . . suggest to you the following considerations : First— -TVe recoanend ibe formation cf local ccmrrj ? e * in every towErliip , village , andhaml = t where -Esirte ; have cot been formed .
irc-ond—As the , quali £ c-3 Bon lor a Guardian eonk ? in the occupancy of premises of the yearly s .: or value of £ 20 and upwards , endeavour to fcjft trse best men youbave in your township , who rr ~? . cnaliSed : and see , too , that they are properly ^ mitc-i ; you can have nomination papers , fret c ' nrp ^ t : > e , of your overseers , at the proper time ; r _ * LorI-i there be any favourable to the basnle *" me . uiiV of the tools of the Commissioners
no-: ; trJ also—then you must demand of the overr :- ; o deliver you all a printed schedule , in which : n : ^> r write the erst letttr of your name and < . ~ juie opposite the name ; or , when more than - Guardian is to be elected for one roirnship , the irs cf tbo-e geatieuen whom you wish to be re-TLt .-i . niter which you must sicn your name in f-il xe h -ttom of thr ? chtdule , to be ready for de-: TV VliirD < -allea for .
-ii : 3 . '' :. y— £ . ren-rate payrr bas a right to vore at " - - -. ncioa of Gtiarilian-. _ F' * rthly—As the central rommittee meeu tve-ry i : ? -hy afternoon , frenx -ix to trn o ' clock , at tie 5 ; z l :. n , King-stret't . Hudaer-S . ld , for the pu--- ' ¦ '' " ¦ r ' ~ jivir . t ? alrice 3 nd assistance , and receiving " n :: i ! i ?) n : tre earnestly receuinst-nd every tiwn-~ J-- *' upp'jim one < --r more ctlegates to metr the ~ r }~ ~ -i c : zun ; tTf-r at tte rin : e P . iivl place above str . te- ' , - ' ' - - 'Irvl-r ; hi- best iaode of cprrarion anu t-j « : i-.., r . V : i . . !
'hs >* .-iy—JMjOu ' j xr . v ratt--payers of any town > a 5 p , " - -- -ific-ahio rv ' . t-t-i a ptrsou or persons sufficiently —tn u- i a-jair . n tte Jaw , ani jirojvrly ^ ualifit-3 ' u -- ' - - ¦ ~ T . ce ( f Gw 3 rll ;» n in iht'ir own township , tlse ¦ s . ' ..-. v ^ t he ratc-p-ivcr ? of such township to > elo ; -r I - ' ' ( iuurd ; ai 2 or Guardian ? out of any otner tow ::-" - ? ' ::.- ri-t-. i in tht- .-aid Ucion . ; -ilh—Those-t'j -vn-hips who iVel the least diffi-~ ~ ~ : ? < ~*]' -ti * . n ^ -j . ' - .= d men , are particularly rr-; --¦ " . ; : ; . ) s-. p ' y imiiit-diate ' v , wjtlsout waitinxr fi > .-1 - ~ : ^ - -t irac , to Jamt- < Brook , Uuxtnn lioad , who r ~ ' -i rt-idy at any time to call a few of tje Coin-- " nrto ¦ " t- 'her . :: uj rer : Jrr tLem thi- be >; as » lstaii < -e
iiS-.-T .-yt r » , -yoyr d-ciy—and elect mrae \ vh >> - *; ii : „«• reni-nc ^ t tlt-iree favourable to the fcelii » h 1 I ~ - " - Iit-iEr : ul > er thai iLe law is cr ^ el , "iilejral , and » 9 ¦ - " ' - * . itiitioa ; ij—f ^ t" v ? dirgraaation 2 nd absf ' . utv ' 8 " ^ -itoa to the j . ; j-j-. Thai rhe real oljject of it i »\ ;• ' »» : ir a ^ , auJ punish poverty . is a crime . I 8 ^" -- ¦ '!* "r a ^ fO tnal children a ^ d parent * are dyine 3 - ' - " .-t : i r ju the same 13 asti 5 e , without seeing one H ' "t * . ' , or kncwiD ? of one another ' s fate .
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MEETIXO OF BEER SELLERS . - ^ x ^ rous meeting of tbi Beer Sellers cf Hyde . ^ " v Si )( jo 3 1 ey , Wcruetlu Hai ; t . 'bton , and Denton . y' ^ " - ^ n -hv ? evening of Taesdaj * week , at the housv . * 1 '' - ) ilhaai . Ilyde ^ -lane , Jlyde , for the jtvTpnse of *? . ~| iE : o cj » ii < iderati » n lie many grievances untivr j- ^ 'ie . - tnbuur , and the propriety of petitioiniig ^" 22 St . to pr . ss some cotDprebensive Tetnedi ;!! t ^ e * , v-wliirb tb-i ntility and respecta ^ ilitr of ^ - firtaa Beer trade would fie promoted , the public " w" *?^ . ai-I many in \ iilious distinctions , now . " ¦^ Ww ivt tbem and the Li censed Victuallers ,
j ^ s&tf&e speakers forcibly pointed out the in-J' ^ f ati impolicy of zhe Legislature delegating i »! i- power to tHe local maaistracy ( as was cou-^ - '^ rtljeBeer Act Amendment Bill ) a body ofmen ^ * S 5 » very few exceptions , are considerable ^~* < £ pcblic house property , and , consequent ' . y , ^? iai « ested in limi ting the hours , and other-• larfiOhtg the privfleges , of the Beer Sellers . kJJ * 8 tbawaB aereed upon praying that Mr . Warjj ^ tatsaded Beer House Regulation Bill mav 5 _* a &at it mayprQvide for the permanent ex * - tT ?" ' -at hours olbusiness , from fire o ' clock in irntil elewn
^ j ^ atg at nigbt , in the week days , ^ ' ^ lisaturdays and those days wakes and fairs k j- £ 5 ihen the hour of closing in tbe evening to t j ^ T ^ i and on Sundays to open at twelve until ^ k ** . * be able to supply the labouring classes toJj-srior their dinner , according to the repeated jjjj ^ -a intention of the framers of the measure ) ^ j TB * evening from five until ten . That their 4 ^ Jtay be rendered transferable , as those of i 5 j ^ T ** i "iletnallere now are , and not subject to ^^ J * « a a firs t convicdon before amagistrate , as ijjSf 21 * ^ that the penaltie * be lowered and t&j- * mitigation , at the diEcreuon of tbe
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HAND-LOOM WEAVERS . — mi - . ¦ ' ' ¦ . . At -a pnblic meeling of the hand -loom weavers of Stockport , held at tbe Ram ' s Head , on Monday tbe 12 th nit . Mr . Brooks , in the chair , it was resolved : — first—That this meeting views with deep Tegret the tmparalleled distress which the hand-loom Heavers have long suffered in thi * town , as have the other mannlactnring towns , tbrongh a depression of wages ; but at the same time , we iiighlj approve of tbe proceedings which the hand-loom weavers of Manchester , and other places in Lancashire , are taking , to prodnce such evidence as tbny think will be of service to answer the qnestions of her Majesiy ' s Commissioner ? , when they come to make their inquiries , —and that we will act in conjunction witb them in any measure-which maybe considered beneficial to ameliorate the condition of tbe hand-__ _ . .
loom weavers . Secondly—That this meeting is of opinion that competition in the market amongst the manufacturers is one of tbe principal causes of our present distress , as it reduces the wages of the workmen when there is not any occasion for sneh . redaction , thereforeVwe cannot expect any relief being obtained nnless we be secured by some salutary enactment , bv the legislature of onr country , in compelling each manufacturer to pay one regular price for the same fabric of cloth . Thirdly—That we , as a body of useful and industrious artizans , are , alon ? witn thousands of our
fellow countrvmen , plunged into a state oi want and privation , " too appalling to contemplate , and too grievous to ke endured ; for it is a well inown fact , that within the period of a few years , obr wages have been reduced in a ratio of from 40 to 50 per cent ., without nnv jnrt canse , ¦ whi lst the commodities of life are in no way diminished in price ;—we , therefore , are of opinion , that unless some enactment of a permanent nature be made for u ? , we shall never be restored to any thing like tbe condition from which we have bepnredured , as it is con » idered by some that cheap labour is a benefit to society , but common sense and common bumanitv can prove to the
contrarv . For . rtblv—That the thanks of this meeting be given to the following members of Parliament , viz . —Messrs . Field-n , Hindluy , Maxwell , Gilton , JBrotbertoa , drc . for their exertions to ameliorate the condition of the hand-loom weavers . Fifthly—That tbe thanks of this meeting be riven io tbe gentlemen of the borongh of Stockport , for ibeir kind subscript ions , to enable us in taking a survev of the conditions and earnings of tbe band-loom weavers , to lay before her Majesty ' s Commissioners when they come to make their inquiry . S ' ijriied on behjtlf of the meetfn ? , "" WILLIAM BROOKS , President , JOSEPH SHERWIN , Secretary .
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PUBLIC MEETING AT GLOSSOP . m » _ - On Saturday evening , Ine 24 th nit-, a public meeting of tbe people of Glossop , Hatfield . Padfield , ¦ H aytleld , and L'ttleinore , was lield in tliu Universal Sunday School , Howard Town , to consitler the best nvans of offerine th ^ most deJermined resistance to the Poor Law Amendment Act Messrs . O'Connor , UastltT , and Stephens , were expected t « " > be present io addre ^ .- ; tlit ; inbabiiauis of those p laces , and it ^ as announced iu the placards convening the meeting , tbut a ] Jroces ^ ion would be formed to meet the above gentlemen at Woolley Bridge , and escort tbem to the place of meeting . Messrs . O'Connor and Oastler w * r . % lio \ ve \" er , ~ unavoidably absent . Mr . Stephens , therefore- , proceeded to Glossop , and was iDfi at tlie appointed place b y several hundred persons , -Kith two bands of music , who cordiallv
greeted him upon his arriv . il by repeated rounds of applause . Vi ' e wi ^ to be particular on this point , as it jlemonstn-. tes iiow tbau iful tLe people are to tiiose geutlemen vrlio , by their incessant exertions to procure tbe r ? peal of the infernal New Poor Law , au « i also the lively hatred and determination -with ¦ sv LJcli they vie-sv tkat measure . The abo \ -e gentlemeii wereexpected to join tbe procession between ir . e aud six o ' clock , yet I \ 'r . Stephens , who did not arrive at the appointed place until half-past seven , wai received in tlie mauiier abready stated , notwitbstanJiug ^ tlie inclemency of tbe "sveatlier preriouslj-, and the r . ' . in , slivt . and snow which , fell during the whole of Saturday . When Mr . Stephens joined the procession , it proceeded -to tbe p lace of meeting , vrhicn was complet-lv crowded with adult men and
upgrown women . ^ lr . Loyd -sviis called to tbe chair . Mr . Th oratou proposed a resolurion to the effect that the meeting ple . igeii themselves to pay no more rates until the New Poor Law ^ as entirely repealed , wliirli being seconded , was supported in a speech of great ability by Mr . Stephens , who observed lie would never aaiise the people , to petition the House of Commons auy more , for they clearly showed by their conduct upon Mr . Fielden ' s motion , their utter disregard for the pravers of tlie peiiple . —( Hear . ) The people had nobly done tuelr dun-, by petitiuiiing- in hundn- 'iis of thoKsan ^ s for the repeal , eiitirc an ^ J unconditional , of that most harefnl . utri > . i «> n > , abominable , Tun-bri . stim :. nncqn ? titv . iioual , aul damnable measure . ( Lonl cht-ers . ) They bad done tlu- ' r duty by eudpavo-jr iusr to restore ' tbe uricicnt laws of tbe
landclothed m tue ' r t'r . iintu b-janty—iliining with tbeir ¦ -risUEt . ' br illiancy , auj existing in their former ^ otless and nnIrapaire-1 iiice ^ ricy . ( Cli-ers . ) They nianifeste-I tlieir anxiety for the pre-erv . -. lioii of prop ^ rty . ai \ d tin * security of life—by tbuir strenuous ex « Tt : ' i > ns to preserve inviolable their t-ivrn sacred and indpfeasablc-rights . ( IIe : ' . r , and cheers-. ) The House of Coinmons . hiv . vt-ver . in the plentitnde of its wisdom , and tbe fjincie'l omnipotency of its power , thourlit proper to tnrn a deaf ear u > tbe solemn waruiiifs of the . people , and to decree , alinoit unanimrvnsly ,-that ini ^ ris ^ run' -ut , M'p :: rarioii . stanation , misen-. d : sen-v , aud deatl ; , should be tbe pirf . on of
every Eiig ; : sn * : nu :-, whf > . ihrouirb poverty , might bf < ci'iiip ^ ie ! to mak e appli .-atio : i for parochial relief , fCries of hvar . an I shame . ) Tims had tbe House of Commons s a ! e . d tLfir o ^~ u « lcuni ; and the destruction of property aud life become inevitable . The people had < l--i : t- their part of the work , r . nd now it remained -vriiL the rii-h to ¦ ' . ' » tlieirs ; and ui . 'les . s tlit * y •^ id it spee dily , Le feared they would bave grt" :: t rea .-on t <> repent for tln * jr t ; : rdiiie >? . ( ll- 'ar , he- ' . r . ) It w _ s Us conici' -ntions coii \ ictiun— : i coiiviciion rtrenztliened l » y Ins ucf | ri : i : nia ! jct * with ilie working t " l . is > t- -= . and i " : i < ki . iiwl . * r 2 =- of 1 ' ieir ft i-liii"s and
n ; ;;;! ^ : ;* re .-perT . i : ? this !) i ! I— . that any atKiupt to e ? if- » r-v it w « i :: M in t :.. . * e : id } , e the desLrn .-ijun of tlu * ( jfn >» n . TDP : jt— the dejjtL kr , i *; l of : lie privilege .- of the ri' -h . nzil would lead to the : tss ; i » hi ; i * i" !) :: 3 ) d murder of tbe parties wb <» l ; :-. d tbe ten :-, 'riiy to encage in so perilnns an m > lert :: \ : i ! r . ( Ile . ^ r . and cheers . ) It wou' . j ' ij ; do to s : ? y tbat it vrn- the law <« f the laud . : ¦ : > . I nt . iilu iLe ^ i-f-ce to be oljeyed . A .-imilar plea to Jh :: t had bi \ -n ur .-d in former days . b .. t it a \ ailed iiotUii" -. Errj :.--:: y and l ^ udlev . two ministers iu the rt-iir ) of Henry the Eiuhth , " were i'jiju'aohcd for :: n » 'Tnptin ? to i-nforce an a .-t obno : ; inn . s to the pi *« ip l " , ¦ jind ojjpo .-ed to Miigna Chari .-i . _( Hear . ) They pl > _ -udfj i : i ju-rif : c : Uion tlmt ParliiHrt-nt land ti : i > - « v ! i *—but t ! -. at ui ! u . > t « ive them . Thev were
eSi * ru 1 vS : v-= ~ -i warning to : il ] futnn- ^ Iiaistcr > , mid he ho » e ? Lord- J"h : i Russell aixl tlv rest of her jt .--- _ -2 i ; Maj" -ty " s Minl-u-r- * vt- < u }> i tak- , * a su ' iuuiry i < -mi ! i fruui si . ( heur . 3 . 'ar . ) fur iLi » v i »; jht re ^ t as-.- ¦ T . r ,., } t ] , nt any nite : n- > t to force liil ? New Poor Law sijniTi t b" ' . e ' ple of tLeji-es-iit ilny woi . 'M be accoinptiniel w-. ' . ' . > ' . ] i- > lik i .-t : . l cm-vrjuenc s to them , thn . i ntt .- ! i ' I . ' Kt . us !} ' and Ihidl ' -y , in th * time of iJorin" th" Eisl . tu . ( f ' i , 'fr < . ) I if » coiijirrUulnted the Tii'ii « T (;]< ' >< "ji . as } . > e . ii ! : the first t- > vnnv } forvrnrd nfi'T il : t- Ci-S- ^ t oi" Mr . Fit-lden > niot ; i .: i . to exnre-s their determination to iv'fiiM ]> ay j ng ; ihv in'Tr- rji ' fs i . iiti : the New Poor T .: nv A'"t fn tie
lii-a-. lv ^ r . vfn . s fx ^ nn ^ ed Stntat-- Uo « 1 j . ( Ch .-. ; js . ) ll «» ' . vjis i-oiitidi " . » t that if the people generally -vvotild •]( - the sai :: e il . iiiL ' , tin' ri'pi'iii ni" th- t ennetmerit would l . e i :: evit .-ib ! e . ( lie ;; r . J 1 or his oTTii pjirt he ueuid nitht'r fi-c- t-u-ry b ::. sti ] e and mill in tbf conjjtry banjfcd doi-n ; bf ' iv ;> n ) d rather witces ? pv ^ ry man-ion and p ; dare in Un * l ; i'iL ' ? i . in razed to th" ground , and their prts <' . vs « rs buried in the r' ! as , thnTi bfho ' . d h : * ]> " > orer co-jntrymr'n mmpelled to eadnre the mi < eTy and degradaliou which tills in ' ernal Iwlj wonld inflict upon them . ( Loud cheers . ) The'rights oi the pi » ur riiouM be protected , or }> V the tiod that in-i lt » theni thi-rf should hi * Tio
projection f r the ]» rjj , erty of tin- rich . ( Che .-rs . ) He would tell th-rn what hud occurred the hist week . Daiivl OCV . ni . ell and L « rd John Russell lia-1 rehear .-edin the Honst- of Connr . ons , no less than four ofbisspeerht * duririL r the last week , ( hear , hear , ) for the ediricadon of il < in . ( Jentlenien . They did not know , -what to do . They were quite fiwt , and be verily believed that if the people did not soon send Mm to P .-. rliainnit , her Majesty ' s Ministers would ha-e to send for Lim w enable * tbem to set iLiugs right . ( Cheers and laughter . ) Lord John Russell bad . made himself very tmsy of Into , sending down his spies , for the purpose of detecting something in his speeches upon which to pronnd a slate prosoctjrion : ( ilear . ) But all \ ra , « in vain . — It was no go . ( A langk . ) IL ? , { Lord John , ) had < ent down three lawyers and a reporter to the Manchester meetinc npon the same fool's errand—and
they had to go back again just as they came . As soon as he had learned they bad taken down bis speech and yere in deep consultation upon it , he pnt on his invisible coat and seven leagued boot " and at one step went from Ashton to Manchester . He planted himself right in the midst of th « n , they conld not see him , ( a laugh , ) and consequently he heard " all their deliberations . ( Hear , bear , bear . ) There they * were—the lawyers and the reporter , with long heads and crooked noses—long ears and hnmpbajcks—long tails and cloven feet . ( Roars . of laughter . ) The three lawyers examined the reporter as to whether Mr . Stephens had used the word if at the commencement of those parts of his address which they considered the most violent and inflammatory ; and upon being assured that he had . they gave it up for a bad job , and . returned to London , to the great mortification of Lord John , with ears and tails much
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longer than when they left it ( Cheera and laughter . ) Ever ance then , the pedple called his Lordship Johnny Raw . " ( Laughter . ) Some people imagined -3 ie believed they were chiefly Whigs—that the jwldiers would fight for the Government , to compel the . people- tb submit to the u New Poor Law . " There coald not be a greater mistake . ( Hear , hear . ) The brave British soldier would never draw a sword or level a carbine in so iniquitous a cause . ( Cheers . ) They had mothers and sisters whom they loved as dearly as civilians loved theirs ; and who conld suppose that they would fight in a cause in which they might kill their dearest relatives ? ( Hear , hear . ) He then related several cases of distress , in the most affecting manner , to prove the humanity of the * - _ ¦ - - ¦ . ' ¦ . - ¦ - - .
British , soldier . In Manchester , poor people were found literally dying from starvation , without a rag to cover them from the inclemency of the weatherwithout a spark of fire to warm their naked , shivering , and emaciated limbs—and who were the first to reueve them ?—the brave hardy veterans who were inured to hardship—who knew what it was , and conld therefore feel more acutely for these miserable beings . ( Lond cheers . ) With a humanity aud generosity characteristic of the British soldier , they were seen hurrying from their quartern with their dinners , to save these famishing creatures from the jaws of death . ( Cheers . ) Whoever had seen a pack of hounds let loose from their kennel , or a set ofwild beasts devour their food , might form a faint notion
of the voracity with which some of these beings ravened up the food which the soldiers gave them . Some of them were ' so exhausted that they could not taste the food presented to them , and the soldiers had to collect their shillings and sixpences to purchase them cordials . ( Lond cheers . ) Thus had some of the soldiers in the Manchester Bairacks acted towards their suffering fellow-creatures . ( Loud cheers . ) Who , after hearing that , would say they were not a brave , humane , generous , and praiseworthy body ofmen . ( Hear , hear . ) He Would mention another circumstance connected with this case . When the soldiers returned to their quarters and sat down to dinner , reflecting witb conscious pride upon what they had done—they observed one of their comrades at some distance from the
tablesitting upon his little bed—his hands spread over his face—weeping and sobbing bitterly . They asked him what was tbe matter . When bathed in tears be replied ^ Oh ! my heart almost breaks when I think that I have au old mother whose case , is , perhaps , not much better than the wretched beings whom we have relieved . ( Loud cheers . ) Such were the feelings of the British soldier . They had fathers and mothers , brothers and sisters , and they would nerer fight to enforce the damnable law that would Bastile and separate their old fathers and mothers when no longer ab ' e to work . ( Loud cheers . ) They had sisters young , blooming women , and they would never shoot them at the bidding of Lord John Kiissell , or any other oppressor of the poor , ( Loud
chc ers . ) These facts came to his knowledge , in consequence of his having sent a messenger to the Manchester Barracks , with some Anti-Poor Law Sapers , for distribution amongst the soldiers . He eared his messenger to take some of them to the officers , and request leave ; to give the rest to the privates . Tbe Major received him kindly , accepted the papers , thanked Mr . Stephens , and said be bad heard him at the Manchester meeting , and was highly gratified with his speech . ( Loud cheers . ) The men said they had not an opportunity of going out at nigbt to bear Mr . Stephens , -, but they took in tbe " Northern Star "_ regularly , they were thus acquainted with all his speeches—said they highly uj wcitr
ujjjHutcu u » lauguo ^ c , tiuu ucjiguira wiiu the manner iu which be advocated the cause of the poor . ( Hear and cheers . ) That they loved their Queen , their Constitution , and their Country , and would lose the last drop of their blood in defending tbem , and on that account they were determined not to fight for the New Poor Law . ( Loud cheers . ) After some further observations upon the utility of working men forming themselves into Unions * he concluded amidst loud cheers . Mr . Deeuax , of Staley-bridge , next nddressed the meeting , after which seventeen cheers were given for Mr . Fielden ' s minority , three'for Mr . Stephens , three for Messrs . O'Connor and Oastler , und- a vote of thanks to the XurtJtern Star ; tbe meeting tlieu separated .
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INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE CENTRAL BOARD OF THE HAND-LOOM WEAVERS' INQUIRY COMMISSION , TO THEIR ASSISTANT COMMISSIONERS . ¦ ¦— j « B » .. ' ; ' . ; ' ' Her Majesty ' s Commission , issued in compliance with an address of the House of Commons , and following the words of that address , ' directs the Central Commissioners to inquire into the condition of the unemployed hand-loom weavers in the United Kingdom , and to report whether airy , ' and if so , what measures may be devised for their relief . Tlie first inquiries instituted , by the Commissioners lead them tu the belief that there are few unemployed hand-loom weavers , and consequently that if ' the terms of the Commission were strictlv followed , the inquiry would be short and unproductive . There appear , however , to be grounds for cuiukiu . fi ' tha t '; iJth"Uj : h tlie hand-loom weavers are penemllv
empluved , many classes of tnem were , at the time the uddVess was presented to her Majesty , and are now , in a state of great privation mid distress , nrising immediately not from want of employment , but . from insufficient wages and excessive toil . Under such circumstances , the Commissioners i'elieving it to "lie her Miijesty "> intention that the-sufferings of tins large ami nieritorious portion of her subjects , whatever be their proximate cause , should be investigated , and remedies , if any be . practicable , be suggested , have requested nnd obtained permission to consider the word uni-niployi ' " !'" as a qualification not intended ti > confiiiii their imjuiries . The Commission is then-fore to be acted upon a * - if it did not contain that word .
In considering the mode in which the . wideiuquirv now opened to the Commissioners can be best con * - dncied , the first remark that o . cnrs is that under the terra hand-loom weavers are included many different classes of artifici-rs following their respective occupations under , dissimilar circumstances ; aud that the situation of ea » : h cliL-s is therefore likely to be different ; to he aflected by diliernit causes ; and to be susceptible- of improvement by diirerent means . It is probable . tbnUbp pr inripnVni . « ti !! r . iionbe't' . vi > i'n the separate trades in all of which the hand-loom is used , » ri > os from tlie niaterial on which the weaver works , and that hand-loom weaver- ^ may therefore he first divided into fonr classes . Those e : nploved : ire—1 . On cotton . 2 . On woollen . 3 . On ll : ix . ¦ A . On silk .
And tha' these f < uir rlns ^ es may al < n , for \}; r > purpose of this inquiry , he further s- ' . Ldividcd . Tho .. » e » ho make carpets , or hlankfts . -or-fine clotlis . nre all hnnd-loom weavers em ]> li > yed on woollen ; tlu ^ a who mak »* damask hrngiugs ' nnd thng who miikv rih ! ii > ns are both- hand-loom vyeuwrs employe 1 on * : lk ; but it is pruijabk" tlmt tin-re is much Jissiiniiiir ity of ivin . jition among those who ; in > eunat'ed in processes si > ( lis ^ nnilar . The iir .-t nr . tst'i-ute the dcf . iiis o < the " ir .-jiiiry" i .-i <>;! .-c < "r ! ai ! tiji- number of sepajate traiJes into which liiijjil-WiUi wvnljjir is divitit * . ,-rnd the jirincipal dis " : ct ! : ; irii-ns which clinr . KU-ri-e t'i ' . cli tr .-idt' . TLe huir . iry . iv .- ^> ec tiv ; j : c ; ich rh :.-s i > i weavers will thi' -. i n ; itnrnlly !' : dl under three hends—¦ ] . Th .-ir .-. i-trjil " condition . . 2 . The c : m-es of that condition . 3 . The means , if any , by which it can ho improved .
The las' ] * <• . of course , the practi .-: il olij ( > ct of the c . Muniiss- ; .. ii ; itisihi" jn > int to which all' the otb .-r hKjiiir . es iriii ' : ; but tlh . UL-h it nm .-t ho . cou ^ taiiily bornt * in riim ' , yet » s it is the l : \ st point for aclu » l consideration , ii will be th « most natural to advert !< u " i Inst in the .-e in . structions . Oh the first head , theact'ial cvudii ' x . n of ( he Landlooni' weavers- much information . has already 1 jli . laid before Fiirlinmeut . Unless the as > istant cotulnLsioner isalreaiiymnsterof that evidence . nspiiiited in tin * P < ir ! ijin ; entur \ - Reports oi iy ; -J 4 and ] Ki 5 , it will he his ( ' nty to become so before lie begins Itis inquiry . The ' nduress . however , which led to the i- - sniug of the pres ^ i't coiuinis > i « u , -show > the opinion ofthe House oi Comiuons th :: t the exi » ti : ; g evidence is inciiniplete or j ; nsat ; sfectorv . To supply that deficiency thronjjli his own . pt-rsoual invf b'Jaauon , is tlie ' first'business of the Assistant Conniiissioiier .
r or tins purpose , having ascertained tbe number of separate- trades into which hand-loom wearing , as practiced within , the district assimied to binu is divided , and the priuripal distinctions by " ;• which they are sepnnjted , he will endeavour to ascertain .-with respect to each separate trade , the number ofianuhes of hand-loom weavers employed in it , considering each person who manages his own concerns as constituting a family , and tbe number of persons in each family . He will also endeavour to ascertain what variations have occurred at different periods in tbe number of persons employed in each separate trade , and the circumstances under which each increase or diminution of such numbers has
occurrce . He will then inquire—I . With respect to the ' pecuniary condition of tbe weavers . 1 st . What proportion in each trade are exclusively employed in hand-loom wearing , and what proportion engaged in it themselves , or through any members of their family , only in the intervals 6 f other and what pursuits ! 2 nd . The amount of money which can be earned per hour , in each department of each trade , by men , women , and children , respectively , distinguishing the earning of each according to age and sex , 'distinguishing between skillet } and unskilled persons ; and stating particularly wbat period of previous practice is necessary to enable a given person to earn a given svia per hour ; an « l also stnHv" the nmnbr-r of looms
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Pos » B ^ d- ' < ir . i ^ by-tae ' '' Bame ^ fi ^ y ,- - iM :: '' the ' ^ lec bf ^ nfsof « och fernily . drd . lhe deduction to be made from these earnings tor expenses incident b their acquisioii , « och as winding , candles , stendmg for looinv atii the wear and tear of the loom ' , and other apparatus , and lnteresion ita ' value . With respect to the last point , it will be necefsary to ascertain whether the loom belongs to the weaver , or is hired by him , qrbelongs to his master , whether himself a hand-loom weaver , prthemaster of afectory . Therrite per week at which a loom and the other toola of a weaver can be hired , will afford some ground for estimating the sum which ought to be deducted from wages for the mere services of the weaver , and considered as profit on lus capitali ; ;[¦ ¦ : 4 th .- With respect to those who . either bv themof
selves or by ^ any members their familyv are engaged in any other pursuits , the amonht of wages per hour , or per day obtained by ^ them respectively in those otherpursuits . . 5 th . The constancy of employment in . eacli trade . Thatistosay , for what number of hours per week each individual can obtain work . With J-espect to the f 2 d , 4 th , and 6 th of these inqnines , it is obvious that average results ouly can be obtained ; andit must be recollected that by the actual condition of the weavers is meant , nyt tli « r actual condition on the day on which the iuqniry is made , butfor such a previous period as may indicate ; the condition in which they may expect to coritihne . The inquiry , therefore , even for this purpose alone ^ must be spread over a period of at least two years-fthat period being the shortest that will aftord average results . - " - - ¦ ¦ » . '¦ ¦ ' - .. .- ' ¦¦ " . "¦ ¦ .. ¦ :. . ' . - . - . " - .
'lhe results of these inquiries will sliow what amount of net Wages the hand-loom weavers in : their several departments are able to eartu But in order to ascertain whatwages they actually do earn , the Assistant Commissioner must endeavour to learn to what extent they use the opportunitios atfordetj toVthem . '" - ' .. ; s ¦"¦¦'¦¦ ' : ' ¦ . '¦"¦ ¦ ¦' ; . ¦ ' :. .- - ., ¦' ¦ ¦' : ¦ For thi 3 purpose he will inquire—Gth . How inany hours per day , and how many days per week , the persons employed as liand-looui weavers in each trade usuall y work , when employment is to he had , distinguishing them according to age and sex . Some evidence on this head may be obtained by ascertaining from the masters who put out work , within what period they reckon on its being finished ; that is to say , within "' what period they reckon on being able to complete a given order requiring the labour of a g iven number of inch , women , and children for a given number oi'hours .
/ th . He will inquire to what extent tb ? weavers in each trade are ni tlie habit of receiving apprentices or journeymen , nnd the average proportion of the earnings of the apprentice or journeyman received by the hand-loom weaver who is his ; master , or the owner or hirer of the loom on wliich he works . 8 tli . He willinquire to what extent either parochial assistance or aid from individuals or from subscriptions has been nftorded to thein , and in those towns-in " -which , electioneering abuses ; prevail , to what extent the weavers 'have profited by them . The answers to these inquiries will show what is the , actnal pccuitiurj / cwiditimi of the ; weavers , since they will snow , tbeir average net income per'head and ; per family . during the > . last two years . : But the pecuniary state of the weavers is not the
only orindeed the principal object of inquiry . Their moral condition is . far inore material , both to themselves and the rest of the Coinrauniiy ; and it is placed in this pnper subsequently to the pecuniary inquiry , not because the CoinniisMouers undervalue its relativeiinportan ' ce , but partly b ' Rcauie it is less susceptible of accurate stateinenf i and partly because it is iii a great measure dependent on the former . It is true , indeed , that the two are mutually dependent ; but amongbodies of artisans inhabiting the same district , and surrounded by the same degree of civilization , - and the same means of iustructiohi , it is , perui \ ps more probable , tbat pecuniary distress , or , what is more mischievous , great and sudden alterations of' prosperity and _ adversity will produce a lovf . i , moral" enndititin , than that , low moral condition will occasion pecuniary distress ..
II . ' . Witli . reference therefure to-theiiiovul ewf / uiou offhehaiid-luom weavers theAssistantCommissioner will investigate the religions , intellectual , and moral cultivation of the adults in their respective trad -s . Kor this purpose he will inquire- — 1 st . To what extent they appear to possess elementary scriptural information , and ^ to frequent places ' of worship . 2 d . The extent of theirknowledge , With particular , but not exclusive , reference to their own trade ; how : far they understand the principles of the machinery and implements which they employ , and the means of improving them ; whether they are acquainted with the number and comparative accessibleaess of the markets for their labour , or generally "with the means of bettering their condition ; whether they subscribe to book societies * or frequent nie chanics' institutes , or show any and what desire of intellectual pleasure or improvement .
3 d . Their habits , with reference to diligence , providence , frugality , honesty , and temperance .. To their diligence , attention has already be <» n directed . As to their providence and frugality , the Assistant Commissioner will inquire into the inddes of their expenditure , whether . economical or wasteful , and whether ibr purposes of immediate or permanent enjoyment ; to what extent they save when their canmigs exceed the average , aul ho sv their savings are invested ; whether they subscribe , ' to benefit or friendly clubs , or savings' banks , or to other institutions of a similar nacure ; what is flia average
; sce of marriage in e : \ ch sex , and the capital , or stock , if any , previously . accumulated , and whether in money , clothes , furniture , or in what other form . As to their honesty , he will inquire into tlie degree iu which eTnhe / . ' / . k'ment of their masters' property ^ which has been attributed particularly to the silk weavers , prevails ; and , generally , what are the In . wds to which they are peculiarly tempted in their respective trades , and how far those- temptations ; ire yielded to . And with respect to their temperance ' ., he will inquire to what , extent they use sti : nul . uits , and of what kinds , and what is-the ' effect on their . bodies and minds .
With respect to the children of the hand-loom weavers in theitj respective trades ^ the Assistant Co ; nn : i-sjdn . iT will inquire to what extent they freqiu'iit places of worship and Sunday schools ; ro what extent , and for hosv many hours ; per week , and at what ages , they ' attend week-day schools , distinguishing infant schools from , others , and noticing , particularly such industrial schools asinay tend to fit them for any other nnd ¦ -what employments ; the expense of such attendance , either in loss of the child ' .- time , or in -money , nnd if in rnon ^ y by whom paid- ; tlie salaries , earnings , and capacities of the masters ; the nature and extent oi' the
knowled ' sjH there acquire . ;! , and the degree in which the attendance of the childreu is interrupfed , either by their own emuloynient , or by the poverty , or negk'ct ,. or sidfish indulgence-of their parents ^ And he will endeavour lo itscer !; iin , hy personal examii ) - ation . of children of different agos , and indifferent trudes of hand-loom weavers , the degree of their religions , intellectual , and moral cultivation . Auiong the most decisive tests of the religious , intellertunl , and moral condition of the - ' -adults ., are the nature , of the -education which , they actually jri \ e to th .-ir childreiu the degree-iu wiiifili tlioy appear to . be anxious that tlieir children shall obtiiin a hotter education , ' and what ' s <) rt of improved ciinrailoii thev desire for them , and what are
th- ^ sacrifices' winch they re-ally make ,, ' or appear willing to make , for die improvement of their children . _ ; Itis believed that the principal points of inquiry respecting the condition of the weavers have now been indicated . For the purpose of '' ascertaining , however , how far the haml-jnom weavers , or any pgj ' - tion of them , have a clnijn to any interference in their bfbalti extendhig beyond the general and ¦ impartial superintendenci' wliich the Legislature ought to extend to every , class of'her'Majesty ' s subjects , it vi . il be necessary that the assistant commissioner should compare the condition of the hand-loom weavers , in each trade , with that of other classes ; -of Inuidhiom weavers , and also with that of the labouring classes in general . Considering , however , the nature and extent of the investigation specially directed by the Commission , and the time which the Assistant
Commissioner will be jibb-. to devote to ; it , it'is ' : ' obvio ' us that all collateral inquiries ' . must be comparati-vely restricted . As far , however , as it may be practicable , he will institute such a comparison . ; II . The second . branch of the inquiry incumbent on the 'Commission respects the causes of the coudition ortbe bfind-lbom weaver , ' ! . In the prece ; dihg instructions it has ; not been' assumed that their condition differs materially from that of the labouring classes -Ly whom-. they are surrounded . If it . should turn out tbat there are no grounds for assuniing that ( here is such a diflerence " if it should turn out that in their respective trades ^ they are on the whole as well off as tneir fellow .-woricp ' eople , no further inquiry will be necessary ; . The labouring classes in Great Britain , though far from being in the condition which is to be wished , or even in that to which the contimtnnce of .. tranquillity , the extension of educationvand greater commercial freedom may be expected to
advance them , are yet more prosperous than the corresponding classes in any othet considerable population in Europe ; and although Ireland offers a lamentable contrast , yetif the hand-loom weavers in that country are subj ect to no peculiar " -. Vijfferin ' gi--the Coxuihissioners would scarcely be justified iu seeking for and suggesting measures for tbeir peculiar and exclusive benefit ; ' Under such circurostanceVjit would not be necessary for the Assistant Commissioner to investigate the causes of a condition not - 'different from that of the bulk of the population ^ arid the Commissioners having no special recommendatioiis to offer , would fulfil their duty by reporting the cpnditibn ; of the band-lpom wenvers to be similar to that of the other labouring classes in the country , and , therefpre , not to require any peculiar legislativeiriterie-resce . But'unhappily- ' there are grounds for anticipating from the investigation' -that has been diiected , a different result . 1 he evidence that was received by the
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SSKS ! . f A ? « o «« e of Common * in 183 * and SJif that m those years there prevailed among SSk « km ? d <>^ Vt * diitreas and a low moral condition : and the information -which has been ff &'& ^ G <«» mi « 8 ipnefs . duiing the short time that they have been assemhlea , does not encourage them to hope that the condition of the hana-Iopm weavere has undergone any essential change since that tune . ' > " If this anticipation should prove correct * and the Assistant Commissioner should find any class * of hand-loom weavere to be in a condition less favourable than that of the labouring classes in general , his earnest attention must be directed to tb& causes of their condition . For this puipose he will inquire—
-1 st . As to the condition of thepecuh ' ar branch of the hand-loom trade in question , either during the last < ifty years , or , if the manufacture is of later origin , from its ; commencement . - The Committee of the House of -Commons ia 1835 reported that "' the general fall of wages and consequent distress of the hand-loom weavers has been rapidly progressive ever since the termination of the ; late war . " Some of the witnesses examined before that Committee state the distress to have lasted mtich longer . Mr , Marshall , for instance , ( p . 28 ^ question 193 ) states tlvat they have been getting urdtormly worse in condition since the year 1793 .
The accuracy of these statemehts is due of the most material ^ pointsiinthe investigation . At whatever period he finds distress to have been Erevalent among the weavers employed in that trade e will compare their condition at such periods with that of other classes of hand-loom weavers , and also with that of other mechanics ' , and , finally , with that of the agricultural labourers . 2 d . If he finds its distress peculiar he will endeuvour to ascertain to what peculiar influences it has been subjected . These may arise from causes either unconnected witb tbe conduct of tbe workpeople ( A ) or depending on that conduct ( 13 ) .
Under the first head ( A ) are comprised—A 1 , First , the diiniuution of the demand for their labour , arising from a diminished demand for the articles on which it is employed , as in the case of the substitution of woollens for silks , or from a diflcmnt mode of manufacturing the same articles , as in the case of the substitution of the power-loom for the hand-loom , or of foreign for British weavers , ocoisioned either by the importation of foreign goods , or by the ' .. promotion of foreign manufactures By the export of yarn , or by restrictions impdged ; by foreign states on the import of British manafactures . A 2 . Secondly , legislative enactments—affecting only a peculiar trade , ; such as the Spitalh ' elds Weavers' Act ; or afiecting peculiar manufactures , such as the duty on raw cotton , or that on thrown silk .
A 3 . Thirdly , according to much of tlie evidence taken by the Committee of the Mouse , of Commons hi 1834 and 1835 , the laws affecting the importation of corn . A 4 . Fourthly , according to the opinion of that committee , the resumption- of cash payments , aud the general pressure of taxation . A 5 . Fifthly , according to much of the evidence taken by that Committee , a reduction of wages by the master manufacturers , uncalled tor "by the circumstances of the trade , - A 6 . And , sixthly , according to portions of that evidence , frauds practised . by the masters respecting the measurement of their work . , ; : ¦ ¦ : ¦ ¦ - . ¦ ¦ :. ¦ ' ¦ .. ' B . . ; : ' tinder the second head , the causes of peculiar dis-. tress , arising from the . conduct of the work-people themselves , are comprised . ; B 1 First , according to portions of the evidence , combinations , and strikes .
B 2 . Secondly , according to other portions of the evidence , the want of combination andstrike . s . ¦ ¦ ' B 3 . Thirdly , the increase of their number , without a proportional increase- in the demand for tbeir labour ^ or even under a diminished demand ibr it . B 4 . And , fourthly , want of diligence , honesty , frugality , "r temperance . The Assistant Commissioner will inquire into the existence of these . different causes of peculiar distress , and what effects , if any , on the trade in question they respectively have produced . iu some cases , if the existence of the supposed cause be admitted , the supposed ert ' ects appear necessarily to follow . Thus , if it be true , accoruing
to the statements of many ol the witnesses examined by the . Committee of the House of Commons , that the Wages of the Weavers depe . ud on the will of the master-manufacturers , and that tlie master-manufacttirers are-forced all to follow the example of those among them who offer the lowest Wages , it inust fallow that the wages of weavers can never long exceed tlie minimum of subsistence ; for the . instant they exceed that point , it certainly would be to the interest , as is supposed to be in tl \« power , of some masters , to lower wages in order to undersell their rivals , and it is supposed that ail the rest must follow their example . On this point , therefore , the Assistant Commissioner will endeavour to ascertain
whether they are , in the . clin ' erent trades to wliich the hand-loom is applicable , any and wimt peculiarities which give - . to the . employer of hand-loom weavers a power not possessed by the employers of'labourers m other trades , of fixing the \ yns ' i : s of those whose labour is -essential to him , or which enable the master who reduces wages to force others to follow his example . In ' ¦ other cases , the supposed cause may be an acknowledged fact , and the only doubt may be , how far the distress of auy branch of hand-loom weavers is connected with it . In order to ascertain , for instance , whether that distress can be traced to the admitted facts of the resumption of casli-payinents , or the pressure of general taxation * the Assistant
Commissioner must ascertain , whether there are . any special circumstances attending aiiy branch of handloom weavers rendering them peculiarly liable to be affected by causes wliich have not .-prevented the general prosperity of the manufacturing population . In other Cases , both the-existence and the consequences of the supposed cause of distress inay admit of comparatively - « usy proof ; and the business of the Assistant Comniifisioner will be to ascertain the circumstances which led to its existence . The fact , i ' or nstauce , that the nuriiber of persons engaged in any given branch- of weaving has increased beyond the deruand ibr their labour , may in general be easily ascertained whenever it has occurred ; and tio one can doubt-that distress ' severe in proportion to the undue
supply of labour must have been the result . -.-. ' In : such a case it will be the duty of t ! ie assistant commissioner to endeavour to trace the origin of that increase , and toasceitaiu whether it may have arisen from the slight degree of . skill or of strength required by the business iu question , or from its freedom from the control and regular hours of a factory , or from , the stimulus of occasional periods of extraordinary prosperity , or from the ignovau . ee of aii uneducated body of work-peppls accustomed to early marriage and * . to traiuijig their children to their- ' o \ vn business , or from abuses iu the administration of parochial relief , or from individual" charity or public subscriptions excessive or ill directed , or from any other aud what causes .
With respect to the -whole of this branch of the inquiry , the commissioners repeat their couviction of . the necessity of comparing ; the condition of each class of hand-loom weavers that appears to be at present , ' or to have been at any former period , distressed , with ' , that of the other classes of hand loom weavers ^ and also with that of other labourero" at corresponding periods . If , for instance * distress is attributed to any- class of cotton weavers , and the povver loom is the cause assigned , the assistant commissioner will carefully inquire into the state at tlie same period of other classes of hand loom weavers tree from the . interference of the power loom . If they appear to have been then equally distressed , a sus-r picion will arise that the common distress was
occasioned by a common cause . But if the distress of . the cotton ' weavers appears to have been peculiar , and to have arisen and to have spread siimiltaneously witb the introduction and the extension of the power lonvn , aprima facie probability of tbeir connection will of course be established . Again , if a ; sudden diminution of the demand tor the labour of the hand loom cotton weavers , occasioned by the state of the foreign market , is assigned as a cause of occasional distress , and it should appear tbat the power , loom weavers , though working for the same market ,, were less aftected , the causes of this difference innst be carefully investigated ; and if it should be found that the two ' { trades differ principally in the large amount of h ' xed capital
invested in the one , and the small amount in the other * the . greater steadiness of wages or of employment iti the one than in the other may perhaps be accounted for ; It is probable , also , that valuable results mny . be obtained by subdividing tlie weavers in a single trade , according to . ' . distinctions not connected , with the trade itself , and by comparing with one another the sub-classes thus tbrmed ; by comparing , for instance , the ' . condition of- Irish , Scotch , and . i / nglish hand-loom ' weavers * -. , all engaged in the same business , at the same time aud place . If , on such a comparison , marked differences of conditibn should appear , causes unconnected with the trade itself inust be searched for . . : :
IIL—The last and most important of the duties imposed by the Commission is the ; inquiry whether there are any , aiid " what , remedies for the existing distress . The remedies actually proposed- ' 'by the Committee of th . es House of Commons , appear to bethese : ^— •¦ , - ¦; - ¦¦¦ ¦ ¦ - . ' .- ' : '' : "' 1 st . The enactment of the law proposed by Mr . Fielden-- * ' Tliat returns shall be made every three or six months of the prices of weaving paid by the eniallest number of manufacturers , who collectively make - .-dne-half of the goods of any description , in the parish or township whence the returns are sent * and the average of the highest prices ? paid by , a majority of such , manufacturers , snail be the lowest price to be paid in such parish or township during tlie succeeding three or six months . " 2 nd .: A more exact specification of tlie length
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and breadth of the pieces ofgood * to be manufactured 3 rd . A cheaper legal form of indenture of apprenticesj and a reducdon of the stamp doty to 6 s . 4 th . A mbre summary and effectual ^ prptectioit agamst embezzlement of wearying materials . •; Considering the authority by which fifcge sijgge »^ tions areTecommended , the Assistant COTBmissSmer S « Tf ^ 8 tten ^ to them ; and , with reference to them , he will ewnsidet— ¦ i « ttSrtiSt *^ "fi . " ^ ^ specificatios a ! the m £ , nW ^? ^ theirieces of goods t o be ma . 2 pSS ^^ ' ^ - x ^^^^«* oii- ( fewat : 3 » as » Sflgr ^ ssS ' al of
oJj ' V ^ ° * > f ^ leg form indenture of apprentices , and a reduction of the stamp ^ dutv-1 » 5 s ,, would tend to increase- tne number of petsonj * brought . up to haud-lodia wearing * and whether such an increase be desirabler 3 rd . By what . ineans a '" mate- summary and effectual protectioh against embezzlement of weavinginaterial 8 can be provided , without , diminishing ' -iher safety ; of persons innocently accused , or imposing a » vexatiojis system of checks : and 4 th . What would be the probale effects of a law which should attempt to provide that the monejpaid for weaving by the hand-loom each descriptiott of article should be 'incapable of . .- 'diminution . Itis obvious , however , that with respect to these
inquiries he-will be able to do little until . "he has made someprogress inascertaining , ' . witiurespect to each branch of hand-loom weaving , the nature , the extent , and the causes of the existing distress . Sotar as that distress arises from a diniinished demand for the labour of the weaver , it must be aggravated by a law which would make his labour iaoreex- ^ pensive , without being more ' . productive .-- So far af it may arise from wraut of diligence or skill it is not likel y to be diminished by a law endeavouring t * equalize wages , and to apportion them to the o , uan" - tity of work done , not to its quality . : But if the Assistant Commissioner shall be ableto trace , the distress in any trade to a power , ; possessed and exercised by the masters , of lQwerlng at their will' the " workman's remuneration , " theproposed remedy will at least , be plausibre . : '
. . The same general remarks apply to the other racommeiidations miide by the witnesses exainined by the Cominittee of the House of ' Commons , or which have been already forwarded to the Central Board , for their own use aud that of the 'Assistant Gomiuissioner , or which may be expected to besuggested to : the Assistant'Commissioner . He will carefully consider . them all , but it is ' notlikely , thathe will be able to decide either for or against any . oT them , until his inquiry into the condition of theweavers for whose distress the remedy is proposed * , ? andinto the . causes of that condition , has been nearly concluded . . " ¦ ' : ¦
The Coraraisaioners T however , believe that a careful attendance to the following rules will in every case facilitate his decision .: . ' . ¦ - ,.. ; 1 st . To require every person who proposes a remedy to explain in detail : both the object to be effected , the ineahs to be used , and the process by . which tne proposed ineans are to prpduce the contemplated effect . Those means should be stated with the fulness and precision of a law ; so that , if the suggestion were adopted , the law tor effecting it would be ready . In many cases reniedies liav'K been , suggested in words so vague as to include many different proposals . The extension of education
amongweavers' children has been oftenprppbsed ; itis a . remed j-to . which , the Assistant Commissioner must ' . give hi * earnest attention ; but those who ; have proposed it have not stated whether the ' education-is to be voluntary or compulsory ; if voluntafy , to what extent itis likely to be accepted ; if compulsory , whether tdr be eniorced by requiring .. attendance * in schools , or by a test of proKciency ; if by requiring attendance in schools * at wbose expense the schools should be established , and by whom the masters selected ; and whether the parent or tlieilemployer should be punished for the child ' s non-attene . ance ; if by a test of proficiency ; what that test should be , aud how enforced . ''' -. ' ¦¦ :
2 nd . To inquire into tbe probable effects of any proposed remedy , not only on the branch of trade ibr whose relief it may be proposed , but also on tbe community in general ' ; stating specially what class ofpersrtns , and how , and to what ex tent * would be peculiarly benefited or injured by it . Anywhere the prpposed measure , ifadop . ted , would extensively affect the whole community , in the case , ' for instance * of a repeal or alteration oi the corn-laws , or a . debasement of the currency , the Assistant Commissioner will require the persons recommending . such measure to point out with precision the process by which it will relieve the distress peculiarly affecting any branch , of hand-looiri . weavers , and restore them , as respects wages and condition , to the general level of the labouring classes of the country . His inquiries upon such subjects must be confined within these limit «' . " ' •• '¦ . .
3 rd . T-b'distinguish ^ in all cases , between the immediate and the" remote effects of any proposed
measure . It is possible that immediate relief might be obtained from remedies which hi time would cease to be eflicient , or would even aggravate tbe evil now complained of ; or which , though immediately innocuous to t ) ie rest of the commuiiity , would in time become mischievous ; and it is possible that measures may be proposed trifling iu their good effects or even onerous at their commencement , but ultimately and permanently efficacious . , The Commissioners bave now . given a brief . oatline of the services wliich they expect from their Assistant Commissioner . Their object has been not to state tlie details , but to indicate the . principal heads of inquiry . They believe , however , that they
have said enough to enable every one who ventures to undertake tlie office to understand tbe nature of his duties and the . extent of bis responsibility . He will enter on an inquiry vast in its extent aud multi ! iu * ious and dissimilar in its branches . He wfll have to ascertain the moral , intellectual , and physical condition , of a numexous and widely-scattered population , differing in religion , in habits ,, and in circumstances , and connected only by the use of the hand-loom . He will have to ascertain that condition not only at present but during many previous years , and to " compare it- at corresponding periods with that of nil the other labouring classes in the community . All the facts which be establishes he will have to trace to their causes ,, both immediate and remote . A » 'V lastly , 'he will state * vyitli the completeiiess of their practical details , the measures * if any , of which be can recommend the adoption .
He will have to sift the evidence of witnesses , of whom the majority may be hoped to be honest ,, and intelligent , but ina ' ny mustdravv their notion& : from a narrow . experience , and some ; undoubtedly will endeavour to mislead Mm . He will ; have . to combat many favourite theories , and may disappoint , many vague or extravagant but long-cherished expectations . It is scarcely necessary " 'to state , that the mpsC patient attention , niust be shown in his . intercourse with those who are the subjects of his ; inquiry . Their complaints must be attentivelyheard , .-their grievances must be carefully investigated , and every plan suggested for their , relief must be examined , with , the most anxious desire : to secure them every protection and encouvagement which does not either militate against their own ultimate interests , or involve injustice towards other classes of the community . /
Under these feelings the Central board are confident that their Atastant will uniformly act ; and that in all liia discussions with the distressed weavers themselves he wall bear in mind tbat patience cannot be carried toi'art excess . ; He will hear their- statements with , attention ; h& will inquire into the grounds with care , while he will receive every suggestion in afriendly spirit , ; wliilts he will search into its nature and merits with the strictness which is due to truth . Where he mfcts with , prejudice or ignorance he will endeavour , to remove them by patient and temperate discussion , always .
rememDering , u e eva , wc »« --ed , the next duty ; owed ; to the distfessfid class , and ; the greatest service to ; be rendered to -thein , ; is that of clearly- ' explaining to them , their errors * aiid teach-: ing th ' em to understand their true condition * and'the . cJrcumstanGesonwmch . it really depends . It is by such means only , and not by compb . an . ee-• witb prejudice , or ; a disbOnest saiictipn ; of false pre « . possewiohs , that the duties imposed upon the Assistant Commissioner can . be faithfully discharged , or the welfare . . the- classes whose interests are now placed as a trust under his card can be effectually promote . NAU g W ; ; SENIOR . SAMUEL JONES LOYD . WILLIAM EDWARD H 1 CKS 0 N . JOHN LESLIE
Untitled Article
Mummies in > MibDiiESEX . ——Mr- Finiiey Eldershaw , sen . j churchwarden of St . Clement Danes , has been recently employing workmen in . ventilating , cleansing , and arranging the great ; vault under the church of that parish . The vault is of great extent , and in the course of their labours in removing , some very ancient coffins . iix& workmen , discovered the remains of five or ; six person . ^ whp it . is certain , must have been buried from 100 to 150 years , which only want to be OTappedin cere cloths to pass for veritable mammies . In several other churches iii Europe similar instances have ; occurred ;
in this case it'is thought probable that from havingbeen buried in oak coffins , and very likely laid itt oak sawdust , the bodies . In . cdnse < iueuce of the dain p > have become in soin ; e , sof t tanned ,, as they have very much tbe ^ appe arance or ieiather . Manycurious ; andScientific jersbns ; have b | ien by permis sion of the churehw one , that of a female , is deformed by a sort of bump > back ; and auQther , a male , has been buried with a wooden leg , which is , like the body , well preseryjed . It is understood that they vrill very sooa be buried zgain .- ^ JEveniitg Paver . ' . ' ¦¦ '¦ ¦
Untitled Article
I . . - - - ¦ ., ' - .. ¦ ¦ - . ¦ . ' , , . - ' , - >¦ ¦ . . ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ::: ¦ ::. K-XU ^ i ; ' - :. . ' ¦ ¦ . ' . ' . . 'V ¦ ' ' . ¦• . ' , ¦ - Mabch 10 , 1838 . .: ¦ - - ' . ' - . ¦ . - . ' . " - ¦> , ;;' ¦ ;;; THE ;;; NO R-TflE : RN \ fgTA ; ll , ; - :, ; ..,:. ; ,.. ¦; ; . -O :- ^ : '¦ .- ¦¦¦ ' :: ^ .: > : - ' _ ¦ . ^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Bfcl ^^^ ^^^^^ - —^^^^^^^^ jg ^^^ m ^ JJ ^^^^^^^^^^^^ jj ^^ g ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^ . ^*^ L , ^^_ _ L _ lJJ .. _ ijj ^ __—_^_ lJ^—^^_^^_ _ ' " ' . " ¦ ' ¦> "¦ * * . * . "• . ' ¦ - "¦ - ' . ' ¦* ' ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ;' . ¦• :- ' '¦ ' !' ., ¦' . ¦¦ .. "' ' -. ' - ' ¦ ' - ' ' ' - ' ' ¦ ¦ ' ¦ . ¦ " ¦ ¦'¦ -..--. . ¦ . '¦' -. . " . . ¦ ¦ , ¦• --. ;¦ ' . 5 J ¦ ¦ ¦ ' ^ T ^^^ T ™^^^ " ^*^^ " ^^^^^^^^^^^*^^*^^^^^^^^^^^ ¦ ¦ !¦ ¦ ^ i r ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ MiWMWMBMBMMWBBMBMilMllBBMMMMWWWMBBtiMM ^ MM | Mj |^ . ¦ ¦ - \ . •_'; ' _ , ¦¦' .. , :, '¦ ¦'¦'¦¦ . '¦¦ . '¦ - .. . -.-. ¦ ' ;¦ .. - ... - ; . ; -, , v ¦ _ -. . ¦ ¦ - ? ' . ' .. - " ¦ - - ¦ ¦ ¦ . ¦ * ^~— . .- ' — ... .-. i — —^^_^ , j ____^ .--J - ) XL ^ . . _ ^_ t— : ^ . _ .. ¦ ¦ ¦ - ¦ ¦ -. ¦ -y ., v- ^ . ^ i .-,. wt ,... j : . :- ^ . -- - ¦ ¦ <¦' -:- .., ¦ ¦
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Citation
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Northern Star (1837-1852), March 10, 1838, page 3, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct342/page/3/
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