The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-05-25 00:00:00

THE LOSS OF THE EURYDICE.

ISSR

THE STRIKE AND LOCK-OUT IN
LANCASHIRE,

, ,

•

The Ttmes of Monday published the following from their
Correspondent at Manchester :--

" Notwithstanding the reports to the contrary
which were current on Saturday, there is increased
reason to believe that the operatives will yield to the
persuasion which is being so powerfully exerted by
their friend and advocate Mr. Alderman Pickop, of
Blackburn. The more sober-minded workpeople must
be well aware that their chances ox maintaining the
strike, slender enough before, have been almost des-
troyed by the events of the past week. The outrages
have alienated outside sympathy with the operatives
and stopped the stream of charity. These considera-
tions may well hasten their general assent to the con-
clusion that the best thing they can do on Tuesday at
the employers' adjourned meeting is to accept the
offer of employment at the 10 per cent. reduction,
relying on the interest of the employers themselves in
paying them better wages whenever trade revives. As
regards the disturbances, there can be no doubt that a
spirit of mischief has been let loose over a great
part of the Lancashire manufacturing districts, and
that desperate or excited men may commit stupid
acts of destruction wherever the authorities are off
their guard. Even the police -of Manchester have
been put on the alert, because it was reported that
rioters 20 miles off had said, 'lf the masters won't
let us live, we'll go and burn the warehouses
besides the mills. It is to be expected that further
riots and disorder will be quelled by the author.-
ties with greatly increased severity where their force
can be brought into action, but the difficulty of pro-
tecting every nook and corner of this populous county
against a hidden and sudden enemy was never realised
before. It will be some time before the old feeling of
security revives. The feeling among the employers
seems to be that they must, once for all, assert the
mastery. When a Lancashire manufacturer points to
a breast pocket as he goes home from the market
and says, I have got a six-shooter ready,' he exem-
plifies a very unusual state of feeling, but one that has
been really brought about by the burnings and
threatenings at Blackburn."

The following letter is published, in which the Bishop of
Manchester suggests that the operatives should return to
work on the same terms that were approved by Mr. Alder-
man Pickop, their advocate at the employers meeting on
Friday. The letter is addressed to the chairman and secre-
tary of the Weavers' Association :—.

"May 16.

" Sirs,—l understand that you are holding another
meeting of delegates to-day, to see if it be not possible
to come to terms with the masters in relation to this
unhappy strife. I am afraid that the lamentable events
of the last two or three days will not have made the
settlement easier; but I do most earnestly trust the
representatives of the operatives will look matters
fairly in the face, and see to what issues the conduct
that is being pursued is tending. Confidence is being
destroyed, naturally bitter feeling are aroused, order
has been rudely invaded, property violently attacked
and wrecked, public sympathy is certain to be alienated,
and, as a necessary consequence, a revival of better
times rendered more remote and uncertain. Could not
a proposition which is made in this morning's Man-
chester papers be accepted—viz., that the men should
resume work for three months at least at the 10 per
cent, reduction, with confidence in the fair dealing of
the employers that if trade revives in that period they
should be entitled to the return of the old or any pro.
proportionate rate of the old wage? At any rate,
whether the suggestion—which seems to me, in the
face of the admitted depression of trade, to be a rea-
sonable one—is entertained or not. Ido hope that the
most strenuous effort will be made to put an end to
the present depressing state of things. I feel most
deeply on this question, involving, as it does, not only
the credit of Lancashire in the eyes of the nation, but
the good name of the working classes and the happi-
ness of almost countless homes, and I trust I shall be
forgiven for interposing myself even for a moment in
your deliberations.— I remain, gentlemen, your faithful
servant, "J. MANCHESTER.
"Messrs. Birtwistle and Whalley."

"The following circular was issued on Saturday afternoon
for circulation throughout the whole of the districts affected
by the strike:—

"'To THE FACTORY OPERATIVES OF NORTH AND
NORTH-EAST LANCASHIRE. _
___

"'I have taken upon myself the difficult office of
mediator between the employers and employed.
Negotiations between the representatives of the parties
had come to an end, and were not likely to be resumed,
and it seemed to me very desirable that some dis-
interested person whose services might not be unaccept-
Ale to both parties might properly introduce and
endeavour to bring about a settlement of the lament-
able struggle between them. With this view I have
had several interviews with the masters and work-
people, and the result is that the masters will re-
open their works at a reduction of 10 per cent. in
wages, with the distinct understanding that in three
months, orat any other time, 'either earlier or later,' the
matter should at your request be subject to revision. I
need scarcely tell you that the cotton trade is exceed-
ingly bad, which is owing to a variety of causes—the
famine in India and China and the disturbances in the
East among the number. I know on that account
many employers would rather keep their mills closed,
even with the reduction, than run them. Taking all
the circumstances into consideration I would strongly
urge, nay, implore you to resume work on the terms
proposed, and so put an end to the misery, distress,
and starvation existing among you. It is proposed to
have representative meetings of the spinners, carders,
and weavers on Monday next, and I ask you to em•
power them to consent to the proposition. —Yours
faithfully, JOHN PICKOP."

The prospect of a settlement has certainly had the effect
of keeping the riotonst=„aplrit in check, although some dis-
turbances occurred on Saturday in Clitheroe. Early in the
morning a mob of youths congregated in the principal
streets, and used threats of a violent nature. They formed
themselves into a kind of procession, and bent in a body
to Littlemoor, where the residence of Mr. Richard
Dewhurst, cotton manufacturer, member of the Town
Council and justice of the peace, is situated. The roughs
attacked it with stones and broke a number of windows.
The police were speedily on their track, and charged
the mob, who threw stones and mud at them. The
town was soon in a state of confusion, and apprehen-
sions of serious rioting were entertained. A meeting
of the magistrates was hastily summoned, and it was
resolved to telegraph immediately for military assistance.
About half-past ten in the morning a detachment of the 17th
Lancers was despatched from Leeds and arrived in Clitheroe
early in the evening. An order had been issued during the
day that all public-houses should be closed at eight o'clock
in the evening, under the penalty of £5O. Unfortunately a
dinner in connection with the local Rifle Volunteer Corps
was held at the "Swan Hotel," attended by some magistrates
and other gentlemen of the town and neighbourhood. At
eight o'clock, when all the places of public entertainment
were closed, a crowd assembled around the hotel, and in-
sisted in a very demonstrative manner on the " swells "
being turned out, and that they should not have greater privi-
leges than meaner people. Their request was not imme-
diately complied with, mob law was resorted to, and stones
were thrown at the home, all the windows in front being
smashed. The result was that the gentlemen had
to leave their dinner and go home like the rest of the people.
The town clerk, Mr. Eastham, accompanied by the ex-Slayor,
Mr. Mitchell, the Mayor being confined at home through ill-
ness, appeared on the steps of the hotel, and the former read
the Riot Act amid much uproar. Missiles were thrown at
them, and one struck Mr. Mitchell on the hat. In the mean-
time the military were called out, and the order given to
charge. The Lancers walked in amongst the people and dis-
persed them amid much confusion. A number of persons
were thrown down. The police also charged, under the
direction of Inspector Walling, and conducted themselves
admirably. Much excitement prevailed on Sunday in
Clitheroe, and the authorities were prepared for a fresh dis-
turbance, but none arose.

Preaching at the Parish Church, Bolton, on Sunday morn-
ing. the Bishop of Manchester referred to the Lancashire
riots, and said that he had in a recent sermon attributed
such riots to a mob of reckless people, mostly young of all
occupations. He came to that conclusion from what he
knew of the character of the operative class and working
men generally in that great district. He believed that con-
fidence had been perfectly restored in Bolton by the friendly
and mutual sympathising attitude of all parties, and that
those relations would not be rudely disturbed. He thought
It was time for the great mass of operatives, if they wished
to retain public sympathy, to show themselves guiltless of
discreditable acts of violence and place themselves distinctly
on the side of law and order.

The Secretary of the Oldham Master Cotton Spinners'
Association has received an intimation from the Card Blow-
ing-room Operatives's Association stating that they accept
the 5 cent. reduction, but trust that an advance will be
given when trade revives.

It is reported that the Home Secretarymehyaesptpellyegrferapwhiledi
be
the authorities of the various towns in the strike district
nss
sent
t
stating
down
e hesitate
ng h:in
teneiyg numberhfte
rhours,
a moment o
d fantro
abso pd theythat the authorities are
a pplying,
if they think
necessary, as the rioting must at once be put down.
It is understood that the authorities in several _towns
have applied for more troops in view of further disturb-
ances.

A meeting of delegates, comprising the Wages Com-
mittee of North-East Lancashire was held in Blackburn on
Monday evening, to consider the proposal of Alderman
Pickop, J.P. Mr. Pickop aadressed the meeting as he had
addressed the spinners and card-room hands, urging upon
the weavers the desirability of adopting the proposal he had
suggested. The matter was discussed at considerable
length, and it was finally decided that the matter should be
submi'eted to the operatives throughout the strike district,
to bo voted upon by ballot. The meeting was adjourned
wills a view of making arrangements as to the carrying out
of the ballot among the hands in the whole district. This
scheme was very cordially received by the meeting, and a
desire to have the dispute settled seemed very prevalent.—
The apinners and card-room hands also held meetings in
Blackburn during the day to consider Alderman Pickop's
proposal. The former rejected it, offering to accept a 5
per cent. reduction, and the latter postponed their decision
to another meeting. Although great excitement prevailed
in the town, no further violence was resorted to. Applica-
tions for comp.msation for damages sustaiaed during the
ate riot were under consideration of the county magistrates
the whole of Monday. The chief claim was that of Colonel
Jackson, whine house was set on fire and completely
destroyed, for £12,700.

The spinners of Church and Oswaldtwistle held a large
meeting at the "Castle Inn," Oswaldtwistle, on Monday
evening, when Mr. Alderman Pickop's proposal wasrejected,
and it was unanimously decided to accept a reduction of live
per cent. unconditionally.

That the cotton operatives of Preston are not only averse
to violent measures as a body, and that they are most
anxious to resume work on the masters' terms, is evident
from a letter addressed on Monday by Mr. T. Banks, secre-
tary to the Operative Spinners' Association to Mr. R. G.
Threlfall, secretary to the Masters' Association. In it Mr.
Banks says he is authorised by the operative spinners, in
general meeting assembled, to request the masters of Preston
to consider the great desirability of re-opening their mills,
Inasmuch as the operatives of Preston— the spinners in par-
ticular—submitted to the masters' terms of a ten per cent.
reduction. To be locked out afterwards they consider very
bad treatment indeed, and they earnestly request a recon-
sideration of the masters' decision as early as possible. Great
distress everywhere prevails.

The following is copy of a telegram which has been sent
by the Earl of Shaftesbury and Mr. A. J. Mundella, M.P.,
from London, to Messrs. Birtwistle and Whalley, the chair-
man and secretary of the Weavers' Association :
"Without offering any opinion whatever on the merits of
the dispute on either side, we would conscientiously, and
as the friends of the cotton operatives, having regard to
their manifest inability to maintain the struggle and to the
inevitable suffering which must accrue to both parties from
Its continuance, urge upon them the acceptance of Alderman
Pickop's suggestion for the settlement of the present un-
happy difference." - _

The Times of Monday publishes the following
letter :

Sir,—No reader of your colunuis can purime the daily
accounts from Lancashire without feelings of sorrow. We

had all thought that such scenes of disorder, not to say riot
and bloodshed were things of the past. We had thought
that a people who could patiently bear the dark days of the
Cotton Famine would bear with fortitude the reduction in
wages in order to tide over that present great depression
which attends all commercial industries. This has not been
the case. Mills have been burnt, masters' houses destroyed,
?resent calamities have been increased, and a source for
future heartburnings created.
The question at once arises Could this state of things have
been avoided? I write as a large employer of labour, and
venture to suggest that it need never have occurred. Every
one will admit that when war of this nature breaks out
between employer and employed, it is impossible that all the
fault of such a state of things can rest with either one side
or the other.

As I read the accounts in the papen, the masters have
entirely declined to arbitrate the question of a reduction in
wages.

I have no desire to judge the Lancashire masters without
hearing their side of the case; we all know that there is a
state of trade which demands a reduction in the price of
labour, and that in the case of an arbitration the award
might be of such a character as to necessitate the closing of
the mills, as the market value of the produce might not pay
for the labour price fixed by the award. I say such a case
might be, but is it likely to happen? After a good deal of
experience in trade arbitrations, I have not yet seen it
occur.

In such an arbitration as I presume might have been fol-
lowed, the masters' figures would be placed by their referee
before the umpire. If the men in Lancashire are as astute
as those in North Yorkshire and Durham, which I do not
doubt, those figures would be minutely dissected, and the
umpire would award according to the facts brought before
him. Let me take a very recent instance. My partner, Mr.
David Dale, was appointed referee by one branch of the
iron trade. He was almost immediately named by the men
as their referee, and therefore became umpire. His award
was a reduction of 7f per cent , which, making 57f per cent.
reduction since 1873, was accepted by both parties. There
is, however, nothing to prevent the men raising the ques-
tion again if they see trade improves, or to prevent the
masters raising the question should the fall in prices still
sontinue.

I am writing of a process under which the wages of the
Industries with which I am connected rose during the years
of prosperous trading to a maadmunt advance of about 73
per cent., and have nearly receded to the old standards,
and in some cases to even a lower figure. There has been
no intrusion by the men into the affairs of the master, as
the report of a public accountant employed to obtain the
general results of costs of production and realized prices.
and the amount of wages earned, has been admitted as
evidence before the referees and umpire and accepted as
established facts.

Under this process the good feeling between masters and
man has, almost without exception, been maintained.
I am speaking of the past and present—what the future
may unfold no one can say. Each day's report is of a more
depressed state of trade. Able-bodied men are receiving the
charitable relief of soup kitchens and working for a pittance
in the stone-yard. The landowners have been engaging them
at 3d. per hour as charity, but as yet there has been no ill-
feeling between employer and employed. The Council of
Conciliation and the Trade Arbitration have shown to intel-
ligent men the difficulties of their employers in times like
these, and they are bowing their heads to the storm with
wonderful fortitude. I feel compelled to ask the question
through your columns, if this can be brought about by arbi-
tration in South Durham and Yorkshire, why will it not
produce the same effects in Lancashire ?—Yours obediently,
House of Commons, May 17. JOSEPH W. rEmE.