The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1869-11-06 00:00:00

THE CRISIS IN TON: IRON TRADE.

To the Editor of the.' Observer."

Sin,—Perhaps you will allow me, as an outsider, to
Offer a few 1:1114g,lloiJe through the medium of your
Coilllll., to the eye at the 111.1111er011tl iron works of
this district,. respeining the advance of wages they are
a.kiug for. . . . .

Not being able to boast of a thorough acquaintance
with the remuneration which the various classes of iron-
workers receive for their labour, and of the prices at
which iron is selling in the market. I cannot give them
any opinion . to the fairness or unfairness of the de-
mands which they are making upon their employera.
But respecting the method they intend to adopt to en-
force their demands, that is if the masters on Thursday
do not concede to their terms. I can offer a decided
opinion. From the reports of the meetings which the
ironworkers have held it is 'hardy apparent that they in-
tend to have another strike, if they are not successful in
obtaining the cleanse of wages.
Now, I ask them as erosible and thoughtful men to
pause ere they take such a step. They are perfectly well
acquainted with the history of former strikes—with the
suffering of themselves, their wives, and children—with
the degradation they suffered, the blighting of their '
homea, and the heavy debts they incurred. And will
they again c ause a recurrence of those evils? Will they
again cause want and desolation to stalk in our streets,
and destroy the balminess of our homes ? For their ac-
tions affect hundreds beside themselves, and perhaps
none more se than the swell tradesman who cannot rely
on a large capital in these emergencies, and who is con-
sequently oftsn driven in despair to the Bankruptcy Court.
I know some of them will say when they read this, "It's
all very tine to talk in that way, but how are we to force
the masters to deal fairly with us '!" In answer to this
objection, I ask could they not put force on one side, as
it is out of place in this enlightened time, and adopt sonie
...• . .

other and better means of nettling their disputes and ob-
taining their rights ? Why not try arbitration it is in-
finitely better than strikes in its effects, and will settle
disputes without entailing so much suffering and loss.
Resides, I maintain that, viewing strikes in the light
of past experience, it is a degradation to those who en-
gage in them, and a strong reflection on their common
sense. Bow much have they profit. it by all their past
strikes? Is it not a fact that they have ruined the trade
of England Is it not a fact that the debts they have 1
, incurred, and the suffering they have undergone have far ,
exceeded the small increase of wages they may have .
gained:' Ahv then strike?
Objectionable as it may seem, yet I solemnly affirm it '
to be more honourable and right to work at the firesent ,
rate of wages, than to strike, and by bringing into exist-
ence all its attendant evils obtain "a rise."
In conclusion, I cannot shut my eyes to the fact that
there are certain men who are doing their utmost to bring
about a strike, and their motives are, liath and unmanly,
nay, even cruel. Under a pretended zeal for the inte-
rests of the working man their hides a base selfishness.
If a strike ensues they at once become "stump-orators,"
and of course must be paid their" travelling expenses"
and a good allowance for their trouble in comforting the
spirits and upholding the determinations of the persons
reg.sge.hinit,c
lisping this Lilt, will i-ow.i. thiuk and act
for themselves, and to act rightly slid wanly.

I remain,
Jrtt llregtNe"O PU tnilY.
BLICO.

Wednesday, Nov. 3rd.

.. t
Manufacturer of a MANURE, established
.71 sixteen years. wiehes to appoint a few respectable
Ay. 0.t.. Good Commission. Address by nett. with oc•
Are., " Manure Agency," at No. 158, Bishops.
gate Street Without, London,

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