SUPPLEMENT TO THE Journal of the Society of Arts. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1854. CONFERENCE ON STRIKES AND W. Aitkin, T. Allan, J. Anderson, J. G. Appold, Dr. N. Arnott, T. Atkins, A. Smee Ayrton, J. Barker, J. Benbow, Dr. Booth, F.R.S., Boroman, C. Bray, J. Caird, J. Campbell, Campbell, J. Cassell, W. Charley, H. Chester, D. K. Clark, Clark, Sir W. Clay, Bart. M.P., W. W. Collins, T. Cooper, G. Cottam, G. Cowell, H. B. Cowell, J. H. Crampton, J. Dauthwait, Rev. J. L. Davies, G. Dawson, A. E. Delaforce, J. D. Devlin, J. Dillon, A. Doull, Viscount Elmley, R. Essery, J. Finch, J.S. Flynn, Rev. J. Forster, R. Fort, F. J. Furnivall, M. A. Garvey, W. Gillinder, Viscount Goderich, M. D. Grissell, - Grosvenor, J. Hambleton, Rev. S. C. H. Hansard, L. J. Hansard, D. W. Harvey, W. Hawes, J. H. Heal, M. Heidl, THE Conference on this subject was held on ley, M.P.; T. Hodgskin, G. J. Holyoakes, J. Henderson, J. Hicks, W. Hickson, E. Hill, C. HindHooper, Monday, the 30th inst., Lord ROBERT GROS-G. W. Hooper, Thornton Hunt, H. A. Ivory, J. B. JackVENOR, M.P., in the chair. son. T. Jackson, Jennens and Bettridge, G. Johnson, A. Jones, L. Jones, S. Kidd, T. Lambert, Captain J. H. Lefroy, Lobb, A. H. Louis, J. M. Ludlow, J. G. Maitland, Matthews, Rev. F. D. Maurice, T. Mawdsley, J. J. Mechi, J. Medwin, H. Merivale, - Miller, G. Myers, E. Vansittart Neale, Newberg,- Newall, E. Newman, W. MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 1854. The following order of proceedings was issued by the Council :-- 1. Each speaker to commence by giving his name, and, if representing any Trade Society, to state it. 2. Each speaker will be limited to ten minutes on each of the three propositions. 3. No speaker will be allowed to proceed to a subsequent proposition until the previous one is disposed of. 4. No Resolution will be put to the Meeting except where unanimity prevails. The Council, individually and collectively, intend to observe a strict neutrality. For convenience of discussion the subject will be divided into the following propositions :1. COMBINATIONS.-Are they objectionable, whether set on foot by employers or employed, as a means of influencing the value of labour? Would a law of limited liability in partnership_tend to render such combinations unnecessary? Do they remove the questions with which they deal from the privacy of ordinary trade management, and place them under public cognizance, and, if so, how may that publicity be most simply and effectually secured? Ought any legislative provision, or other arrangement, to be made by which the right of association, if obviously exercised to the detriment of the community, might be controlled or neutralised? 2. STRIKES AND LOCKOUTS.-Should partial strikes, in tended to take the masters of a locality in detail, be met by lockouts? What other means are likely to be effectual in terminating them? Newton, Ordish, R. Owen, -Pare, H. Parker,- Pease, Smith, Lord Stanley, M.P., C. Sturgeon, C. Sully, Also representatives from the Chambers of Commerce ers' Society, Wire-drawing Trade Society. COVENTRY.-Ribbon Weavers' Association. Society, Boiler Makers' Society, Bookbinders' Society, LONDON.-Basket Makers' Society, Biscuit Bakers' Bootmakers' Society, Brass Founders' Society, Brush Makers' Society, Cabinet Makers' Society, Carpenters' Friendly Society, Carpenters' Society, Carpenters and Society, Cigar Makers' Society, Coopers (Dock) Society, Joiners' Society. Carpenters and Joiners' Progressive Cork Cutters' Society, Curriers' Society, Engineers (Amalgamated) Society, Hatters' Society, Iron Moulders' So3. WAGES.-Does payment by piece-work alter substan-makers' Society, Shoemakers' (Co-operative) Society, ciety, Painters' Society, Painters' (House) Society, Shoetially the nature of the relations which would exist Tailors' (Co-operative) Society, Tailors' Society, Tailors' between employer and employed, were the latter, day (Working) Joint Stock Company, Tin Plate Workers' or weekly labourers? Can lists of prices for piece-work Society, Type Founders' Society, Weavers' Society, be equitably drawn up so as to meet the varied cir- Artizans' Society, Committee of Working Men, Comcumstances of different machinery, different manage-mittee of Metropolitan Trades, Amalgamated Committee ment, different localities, and the constant progress in Aid of Operatives, Eclectic Society, United Trades' of improvement? Ought manufacturers to bind together their associations within the limits of a minimum scales of prices for piece-work? Ought the operative to share beyond the market value of his labour in the increased productiveness of improved machinery? It is earnestly requested that no demonstration, by way of applause or otherwise, be made during the meeting. The following is a list of the persons and representatives present: Association. MANCHESTER.-Boiler Makers' Society, Engineers' (Amalgamated) Society, Fine Cotton Spinners' Society, Stone Masons' Society. NORTHWICH.-Salt Trade Society. WOLVERHAMPTON.-Tin Plate Workers' Society. Messrs. W. B. Adams, David Ainsworth, W. Ainsworth," Gentlemen, the president of an august as sembly, of which I have the honour to be a honour to abide by the verdict which is given. member, is called Mr. Speaker. Why he is so Unfortunately, as I think-and I see from the denominated, if there is to be a meaning in writings of others they concur with me-unforwords, is not obvious; inasmuch as no member tunately, as I think, this method of dealing with of Parliament addresses the House more briefly this case has not been resorted to. It may be or more rarely than himself. Now, as you see that we are unable, from the position in which that time is so precious to-day, it would appear we stand, to appreciate all the difficulties which that your President should follow his example, surround this question, and it is no use disguising as far as possible. You have no doubt all of from ourselves that we are treading on very deliyou got a copy of the regulations issued cate ground indeed. Now, voluntary arbitration by the Society of Arts, relative to the dis- does not seem to have met generally in these cussion, and upon them I will only at this matters with much success-indeed, not more moment observe, that I am willing to suspend than similarly unauthorised attempts to compose the last two lines in favour of myself in the next those almost endless feuds-I mean between man ten minutes; but as we are not a permanent and wife. Under these circumstances the Society body like the House of Commons, but, on the of Arts thought it might tend to bring a speedier contrary, are merely a temporary body, con- termination to this unfortunate state of things, if vened under such novel and peculiar circum- they were to invite those persons who best unstances, I think you will hardly desire that derstand the question, and who are most inteI should refrain from offering a few preliminary rested in it, to a conference, where the arguments observations as a preface to the general dis-on both sides might be brought into friendly cussion. I promise, in doing so, I will en- juxta position; and that this method of proceeding deavour to compress what I have to say into might be substituted for the system of statement the smallest limits, and so set you a good ex- and counter-statement, which, however the ample in that respect. My observations shall parties may desire to avoid it, can scarcely be so be confined to the reasons which I believe have conducted but that expressions might be used induced the Society of Arts, in whose room we irritating to one party or the other-probably to are now assembled, to issue the invitation to the both-and thus instead of these disputes being conference. All reflecting men must, I am sure, brought to a speedier conclusion, they would be, have remarked with equal pain and regret, the in fact, only prolonged and enhanced by it. Then strife which has, for so long a time, existed be- it was felt to be of great importance in this case tween the employers and the employed in a large that, as the lawyers say, the venue should be portion of the mining and manufacturing districts changed-that is, that the discussion of the case of this kingdom, and which have manifested should be removed from the localities in which themselves in their most aggravated form in it originated, and from those local associations the neighbourhood of Preston, by means of what which tend so much to disturb harmony, and I may call strikes and lock-outs; for, whatever prevent that calm and dispassionate discussion may be the right or the wrong of this question, most likely at all times, but particularly in the one thing is sufficiently obvious-that loss, priva-present instance, to lead to a satisfactory adjusttion, and suffering, have been endured; heart- ment of, disputes and differences. Therefore, burnings, and feelings of irritation have been gentlemen, we are met upon entirely neutral engendered between parties, whose true in-ground. Now, in order to success, even in a terests, if well understood, are identical, and whose condition so restricted as that proposed, it is newelfare is bound up one with the other. These cessary that parties who come forward on this evils have no doubt been felt most severely in the occasion to take part in the discussion should poslocalities in which these differences of opinion have sess two qualifications. One is that they should thus manifested themselves; but let us always be of sufficient repute and standing with the remember that we are all of us members of the community in order that their invitation may same community, and that no damage can be attract attention; and in the next place that they received by any portion of that community with- may have so much of connection with the matters out being felt sooner or later, or more remotely in hand that they would fall under the province or more immediately by all the remainder of it. of their consideration, without having pecuniary Now, the most ancient and generally recognised or material interests which might breed a suspimethod of dealing with disputes and differences, cion that they had a bias on behalf of either where the parties themselves are not able to ad-party-either one way or the other. Now I just those differences, is to call in some third party who shall act as umpire between them; but, in order that this species of arbitration should be successful, it is necessary that both parties should be agreed in accepting it, and also that they should both be bound either by law or by know of no person or body of persons who fulfil This persons in true Christian love and fellowship, one towards another. I suppose it is understood that we take each of the subjects seriatim, and I will, therefore, request the Secretary to read the first proposition, after which I will thank gentlemen to offer their observations upon it. Mr. P. LE NEVE FOSTER, the Secretary, having read the first proposition as given above, ment? The CHAIRMAN.-That is what the council proposewill see that there is no resolution to be put-only the that each should be separately argued. Mr. Sturgeon question discussed and the first one is now proposed for discussion. Mr. STURGEON said, it was to the first proposition he alluded. It contained four propositions, each distinct in word, itself. For instance, the first might be answered in one "combinations-are they objectionable?" No question about it-combinations were objectionable when they conspired to the detriment of others, but it would admit of an argument whether under existing circumthe second question, "Would a law of limited liability stances combinations were not imperative. Then, as to in partnerships tend to render such combinations unnecessary?" To discuss that they must be acquainted with the working of a great many commercial transactions, which could not be arrived at in the same way as they could form a general conclusion upon the subject of Society only by its short title; but it is a Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce. They have done the utmost in their power, and, as the public are aware, pretty successfully, to promote everything which tends to the harmonious blending of these three great branches of our national industry. But what is not so well known is this-they have introduced and discussed questions of a delicate kind affectMr. C. STURGEON said, he rose simply to suggest to his ing these three great interests of the country, cussed singly. The last subject under head No. 1, was a lordship whether the propositions ought not to be diswithout giving to those discussions the slightest particularly important one, and would, no doubt, involve a political or party tinge. Now it was for these great deal of discussion, viz.: “ Ought any legislative reasons that the Society issued its invitation to provision, or other arrangement, to be made by which you, and under the circumstances which I have the right of association, if obviously exercised to the briefly stated you are assembled here to-day. neutralised?" whilst the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd subjects con detriment of the community, might be controlled or What the result of this meeting may be it is im-tained in the same proposition, required separate argupossible for me to predict; but the way in which I see these benches around me filled, I think goes far to justify the Society in the step they have taken, and to show at least, not only by the numbers, but also by the quality of the individuals present, that they have not taken a rash or inconsiderate step in issuing these invitations. One thing I am certain of the only thing which the Council of this Society have had in view is this-to promote the peace and harmony of those whose interests, as I have already stated, are so entirely the same and completely bound up together. I trust indeed I feel confident, that every speaker who shall address this Conference will avoid everything calculated to give offence to any individual or class of individuals. I trust, also, they will always, in speak-combinations. ing, address the chair. For myself I will only say I was very anxious that we should have followed the example of the great council of the nation in a matter so serious as that on which we are about to deliberate. I should first observe that I have a very high opinion of the human in-entertained doubts whether Parliament was in a temper tellect when it is properly subordinate to the Divine will, but I have a slight opinion of it when it is left to its own unassisted efforts. I was anxious, therefore, following the example of the great council of the nation, in assembling to deliberate on so serious a subject, that we should have opened our meeting with an invocation of the Divine blessing upon our proceedings. The Council of the Society, however, were of opinion that, as they did not commence their ordinary meetings in that way, they could not very well adopt a different plan on the present occasion. I will close these preliminary observations in the words which we are accustomed to hear in another place. My prayer is that it may please that gracious Being from whom cometh all counsel, wisdom, and understanding, so to direct us that, laying aside all private interests, prejudices, and partial affections, the result of all our deliberations may be to the glory of His name, to the public peace and harmony, and to the uniting and knitting together of the hearts of all Then, as to the third proposition under this head to which he had already alluded-that assumed that some sort of resolution was to be come to by this conference; and, unless each subject was to be separately minutes only to each speaker. As to the question of a discussed, it would be useless and futile to give ten legislative provision, there might be many present who to go calmly into a point of this kind. This was a point portions of the proposition; therefore, he would humbly which required separate deliberation, apart from the other offer the suggestion that each should be taken separately. The CHAIRMAN.-I wish to impress upon the meeting that any one is at liberty to address himself for ten minutes to anything within the four corners of this first proposition. You may consider it as many propositions as you like. Some may regard it as a subdivision of one question; others, as separate propositions. absolutely necessary that this conference, if it is to Mr. ERNEST JONES.-I beg to observe that I think it receive the confidence of the working classes in general, should at once place its principles upon a proper basis and foundation: that it should at once speak out, and declare its opinions as to the rights of labour, in reference to its position with capital. I shall, therefore, move, as based upon this clause of combinations, the following resolution. Mr. Jones, amidst repeated calls of order, persisted in reading the resolution as follows: "Whereas labour is the creator of all wealth, and the primary profit applies with far greater force to the labour capital of the capital of human industry; whereas the claim of capital to working man than to the money capital of the employer, which, in almost every case, comes out of the work of others; rate of interest derived by moneyed capital, and no adequate whereas present rates of wages are not equivalent to the lowest return for labour being given on the same principle on which the steam engine is fed, to enable it to work for a master; whereas no rate of wages for the producers of all wealth are satisfactory that do not enable them to live well while producing, to educate their children, to compensate for the wear and tear of the human machine, and to lay by a competence whereon to live when past the years of work; and whereas the employers do not merely live on the interest of the capital they have invested, but, although not working themselves, create fortunes and accumulate fresh capital out of the work of others--this conference is of opinion that all combinations of working men, of a peaceable and orderly kind, tend to obtain for the employed an equal share from the profits accruing from the union of labour and capital-capitalists and working men-are highly to be commended, and legislative provision ought to be made for enabling working men to become their own employers, by abolishing the monopoly of the land, and by opening credit for the working classes to commence manufacture on their own account." The Noble CHAIRMAN having interposed, upon the ground of order, on the very objectionable terms in which the resolution was couched, Mr. JONES insisted upon his right, as a representative of an operative body, to move the resolution, taking his stand upon the 4th regulation of the order of proceedings, that no resolution will be put to the meeting except where unanimity prevails. The Council, individually and collectively, intend to observe a strict neutrality." What did they propose to do if not to pass resolutions? He apprehended the conference would be called upon to express an opinion one way or the other, and how could they do so in any other mode than by a resolution. Mr. WILLIAM NEWTON (Amalgamated Society of Engineers) rose to order. He said, as far as he knew, the representatives of the different trade societies had come there placing themselves in the hands of the Council of the Society of Arts, to discuss these questions as they had been laid before them. They had no desire to propose any regulations inconsistent with those submitted by the Council, and he took that position for this reason, they had ever been anxious for an enquiry into the circumstances which led to combinations and strikes they asked it because, as working men, they declared themselves to be right, and were prepared to justify that right; they came there to state their reasons for the course they had adopted, and they wished to hear the opinions of independent and disinterested persons after they had heard the facts of the case; and if they chose to decide that the operatives were justified in the course they had taken, he thought it would have great moral weight in preventing strikes for the future, and, in a great measure, do away with the antagonism which, unfortunately, had often prevailed between the employer and employed. The delegates appointed to attend this conference placed themselves entirely in the hands of the Chairman, in full reliance upon his lordship's strict impartiality. They wanted no resolution; they wanted the employers to hear their case, also to hear the statements of the employers, and then leave the question with the conference at large. first instance to the proposition which has been placed before them. Mr. ERNEST JONES said-Then, as a member of this conference, I rise to move a resolution in accordance with the 4th regulation. I most respectfully request that the Council will maintain the neutrality which they profess; and unless it is intended to silence the voice of the working classes-(order)-I insist upon my right to move this resolution. Mr. Jones was proceeding to read his resolution again, when The CHAIRMAN rose and said,-I am very sorry to interfere, but, as far as I can catch it, the resolution contains offensive matter; and, under these circumstances, I must request Mr. Jones not to proceed. Had I not so considered I should have waited till he had read it through, and then have inquired whether any one objected to it, and, if so, in accordance with our rule of proceeding, it would have fallen to the ground. But I must object to the tone and matter of the resolution; and I must therefore request Mr. Jones, if he wishes to do so, to proceed to the discussion of the question before the Conference. the truth or not? If truth is offensive the interruption Mr. JONES.-The question is whether the resolution is may be excused. Perhaps for the sake of courtesy you will allow me to finish reading the resolution-there are only three or four lines more! from reading that resolution further; and to proceed to discuss what I am sure it is the desire of this meeting should be discussed. The CHAIRMAN-I must request Mr. Jones to abstain Mr. JONES (with increased warmth.) Then I denounce this conference, as far as the decision of the chairman goes, to be a one-sided affair. [Taking his hat, Mr. Jones hastily quitted the room.] Mr. R. A. SLANEY, as the representative of the town of Shrewsbury for many years in Parliament, said, I have for a long time past paid a great deal of attention to the subject in hand, and I venture, with the deepest humility, to address this conference, feeling assured there are many more able to do so, but none taking a deeper interest in the subject than myself. I am not connected either with the labour class or with the capital class. I therefore merely address myself to you from the deep interest I feel on the subject, and from no other than an anxious desire that some good may result from this conference. I regret most deeply the tone which has been taken by the gentleman who has just left the room. I shall endeavour to evade it, and speak as calmly as I can upon the great subject in which we are engaged. Before we go into the consideration on the one hand of whether the work-people are right in their combinations, and on the other hand whether the masters are right in their combinations; we ought to consider whether there is not something wrong at the root of the matter-something which we ought to consider first--and whether both classes are not now placed in a false position by laws which prevent fair play on one side or the other. It is my firm conviction that if Mr. ERNEST JONES (with much warmth) said- As the there were some changes made in the law, which the representative of a large number of the working classes, I suggestions of many have pointed out, and which the indecline to put myself, in my representative capacity, increasing intelligence of the country requires, we should the hands of any council whatever, I am willing to sup- not have these lamentable collisions between those whose port the chair as far as possible, but the working classes interests are identical. We find the doctrine laid down are here to speak for themselves; and they do not wish by Adam Smith, that profits and wages go inversely with the Council of the Society of Arts to speak for them or each other-if profits are high, wages are low, and if dictate to them the course they ought to adopt; and the wages are high profits are low. The experience of modern business here is, not to dictate opinions, but to listen re-times shows us that that proposition should be modified, and spectfully to what the representatives of the working classes have to say. (Loud cries of "Order.") The CHAIRMAN-I hope the meeting will see the necessity of maintaining perfect calmness. The Council have not confined their invitation to any particular class; they have asked all to come here who have informed themselves upon this subject; and they wish for all who can throw any light upon it to do so, confining themselves in the shows most distinctly that wages-good and ample wages, are, in the end, the cheapest and the best for employers as well as workmen, because, thereby employers secure a better class of workmen. You must not look at one year only, but to an average of years, for if in every five or six years you have a strike of hands which throws up the produce of your capital for a number of years, can you say that low wages for five or six years is an equivalent to the shutting up of all your capital for six months? But a charitable, and partly of a profitable nature, but they we have laws which prevent the possibility of that good were stopped in the enterprise entirely because none of feeling between master and man, which we ought to seek the parties could put down their £200 or £300 without to promote to the utmost of our power. I am not saying being liable to the last shilling they possessed, or the last there is not a good feeling existing between employers and acre they owned. But if there is a dispute now about their workmen in a great number of instances, but I main-matters of partnership you must go into Chancery, good tain that there are laws still in force which prevent that heavens! men know very well that they must not get into linking together so earnestly to be desired. Let us look that court. I see the allotted time is expired. I thank for a moment at the question as to how wages are re- you for your patient hearing, and will only add that, if gulated. rightly understood, the interests of both the employer and the employed will be found to be identical. A GENTLEMEN said this argument would more properly apply to the third proposition. Mr. AITKIN (Ashton-under-Lyne) said those who had paid attention to the working of strikes might see an Mr. SLANEY, what I am saying is applicable, I submit objection to them, when large numbers of individuals to the law of limited liability in partnership. I say with were thrown out of employment, and became dependent regard to wages, they are regulated by demand and sup- upon capital instead of labour. But the question arose with ply. Very well, hitherto our laws have interfered to re- the workmen as well as with the masters, What resources strain the supply of labour. First of all there were the had they when their money wages were made less, but to abuses in the poor-law which existed for many years. I combine to protect their labour, which was the only capital had the honour of moving for the first committee to in- they had? There could not be an individual who did quire into this subject, when it was proved that in 26 not lament a state of things which had brought privation counties there was a bonus given for a continued increase and misery to thousands of their fellow-creatures at this of improvident labour by being supported out of the season of the year. But if they were to come to the poor's-rates. I say that was wrong; but besides that, the conclusion that combinations should be done away with, law existing in Ireland gave a vote for a very small because there were evils attending them, as well might possession of freehold land which was calculated to keep they say all organisation of human society ought to be the national rate of wages low. Now, with regard to done away with, because vice, immorality, and crime the increase of capital, I say it has been lessened, limited, stalked through every metropolis and large town throughand bound down, by means of unlimited liability in part-out the world. What was combination, but a number of nerships which prevents men of moderate means from individuals banded together to protect life, property, and putting there capital into a concern where the penalties order; and he apprehended, so far as the working man may be so heavy that no prudent man will incur them. was concerned, whatever might be the attendant evils, The laws have prevented that combination of various it was the only means left him under the circumstances, capitalists together, which would have given great in- because if they made application for that which was crease to the demand for labour, and thereby have in- so well put by the noble chairman--namely, for arbitracreased the amount of wages, which have been kept down tion, they were told, "I have no interference between me for want of that increased demand. I mention this be- and my men ;" and he therefore submitted for the consi cause I know it to be the case, but as to the peace-making deration of this Conference, that until better means were part of the question, what could be more beneficial than at hand, the working men of this country had no other that workmen, according to their intelligence and stand-resource than combination to protect the rights of their ing should have shares in a business under proper regu- labour, and the same with employers. Now, with regard lations-I don't mean to interfere in the management, or to the second proposition-" Would the law of limited take in hand that which they do not understand, but liability in partnerships tend to render such combinations to have a portion of their wages in the form of profits unnecessary?" The hon. gentleman who had just sat upon the busiuess, instead of all in the shape of wages. down (Mr. Slaney) had given them a slight picture of If that were done, the effect would be a desire in their the working of unlimited liability, and he (Mr. Aitkin) minds that the profits should be considerable, because was one who advocated a revision of the law relating to they would participate in them. They would then ab- partnerships, for they must all see that great evils were stain from strikes, unless absolutely necessary, because inflicted by the law as it at present existed. He had thereby that portion of the wages paid them in the shape known instances where capitalists were willing to advance of profits would be taken away. But I do not speak of this money to working men if they could have done so with as a more theory. It is the case in America, Holland, safety to themselves; but they very naturally objected to and other countries, and why should it not gradually, and render themselves responsible for any folly or extravawith caution and with care, be introduced into this country? gance to which the parties might run, and so the opporIn many of the manufacturies of the United States, the tunity was lost of trying whether they could do any good workmen have a small participation in the profits-being for themselves. However, that was a subject which repaid partly by wages, and partly by profits upon the concern, quired much longer time than the allotted ten minutes to and thus their interests become identical with those of the discuss. It was sufficient to say that he hoped a complete employers. Another example of this is afforded in France alteration of the law of partnership would be brought about, -where workmen participate in the profits according to so that they could carry out a limited liability. Then, as their grades of intelligence, capability, and skill; and men to the third proposition,-" Do they remove the questions so situated will take care that they are not defrauded by with which they deal from the privacy of ordinary trade the laxity or idleness of the other workmen. I do not management, and place them under public cognisance, mention this at all as a detail of the system, but only and, if so, how may that publicity be most simply and to show that it is a just and noble principle, which effectually secured?" With regard to that, so far as the I should like to see carried out in this country. We working classes were concerned, in all recent disputes should then no longer have these unhappy dissensions, least, they had observed but little secrecy. The docu but we should have instead such an adjustment-a reason- ments were published far and wide; their meetings were able and fair adjustment-between profits and wages, attended by the reporters of the public press; everything which would tend for the benefit of both; and on the was published, and they invited publicity in every possible whole, I believe, taking an average of years, it would be manner. But supposing they carried the 4th propositionfound greatly to the advantage of the employers them- supposing, in consequence of the attendant evils, the con selves to adopt such a system. It was proved before bination laws were to be re-enacted-he would undertake t the committee, of which I had the honour to act as the say that any six manufacturers of Manchester, employing sa chairman, that numbers of persons were ready with 24,000 people, might ride down in the same carriage fro capital to establish large model lodging houses, partly of London to Manchester, and make a resolution amongs |