The Express.
London, England, 1867-09-09 00:00:00

TRADES OUTRAGES COMMISSION.

11ANCHYSTER, S►TURDAY.
The Commissioners opened the proceedings to-
day st 11 o'clock.

Joseph 'fibbed sworn—Examined by Mr. Pickering—
He
did not know what he came from. Is a brickmaker,
and has been for forty years. Has been a member of the
Manchester Bricknukers' Union thirty years. They meet
every Saturday. It is a burial society, but there are
meetings for trade purposes. They are held when it is
necessary. There are parties disinterested and some in-
terested, and they fix the meetings when required. He
knew of no council, but there were six committee men,
who had each a key of the box. Had never been 'a member
of the committee. They bad a ledger and cash book, but
never heard of a minute book. There was a president, but
did not know his name. There was a meeting on Thursday
night, but on his oath he did not know the president.
There were more than 100 present, and they discussed this
iiiinrry. Kay wasnot present. They met at the Crown
i Cushion public-house, in Millgate, Samuel Wood,
landlord. They had a ball built near the Crown
and Cushion. Could not tell the name of any com-
mittee men. There was John Sunderland there' but
though he knew a great many who were present he
did not remember any one else. They talked
about men who were sick or dead, and about a man who had
been stricken blind by lightning. He wanted them to
bring on his own case, but they would not. He is under a
contract to make some bricks for Mr. Aitkin, at Leven,-
hulme. There is a dispute between the Manchester and
the Stockport unions as to whose district Levenshulme
was in. He took the job in January and on the 20th first
heard of the dispute. On the 6th of April began to make
bricks for Aitkin, and continued till 7th of May. The
bricklayers' delegate came round to him then with our
delegate, James Kay, whose duty it is to see that things
are right and properly paid. The bricklayers' delegate is
Lester. Kay said we must atop work. We bad two
moulders, and altogether 13 or 14. Witness said he would
not. Lester said, • You come along with me." We were
stopped because of the brieklayets' men not drawing their
card out of the str..Aport club raal putting it into the Man-
chest". -;;Its went to see Robinson, who is the contractor
I under Aitkin. Witness Paid, "Can't we settle this
matter r and he would not answer. So they in struck
work. Only went back to have his work measured. Ke
knew many members of the union. There were 1,400. In
January Aitkin said it was a pity there could not be an
arrangement, because he would rather have Manchester
than Stockport men. Witness called a meeting by going
round to warn the men—above 200. Heard of the Bus-
holme outrage about five years ago. They did not spoil
any bricks, but they insulted the police.
By Mr. Barstow—Any member might call a meeting if
he had a grievance, by going round and warning the
members. _ _ _ _

By Mr. Chance—Samuel Owen was president ten or
dosen years ago. Jonathan Lomas had been president.
The president was elected by a show of hands. Could not
tell who was president at the meeting about the 15th
May, after the strike, which witness called. The meeting
decided that he must bide his own loss, though some few
thought he ought to be recompensed. He never went to
another meeting till about a fortnight ago. Did not know
who spoiled the bricks at Levensbulme. There were 4,500
bricks destroyed. Aitkin offered him I'll. to break the
contract. Believed that the Stockport men destroyed the
bricks themselves, though he did not know of it as a fact.
Joseph Rigby, examined by Mr. Barstow—Witness con.
treated in June last to make bricks for Messrs. Aitkin, at
Levenabulme. Had sixteen men, all members of the
Stockport union. Heard of some icilts being destroyed,
and went to see them. There were 4,500, and tbe damage
would be 2f. There was a disagreement between the Stock-
port bricksetters and the Manchester brickmakers. The
bricksetten were employed by Aitkins. The Manchester
club thought the work ought to be done by Manchester
men. Joseph Bibbed was making bricks there before
him, with Manchester men, and he (witness) succeeded
him with Stockport men. Knew James Kay, who cams
several times, but said nothing about it. More recently
19,000 bricks in his yard were destroyed. Traced the steps
of the spoilers across the fields towards Gorton. Supposed
it was because of the dispute between the Manchester
and Stockport unions.
Peter Johnson, sworn,
examined b Mr. Chance-1
Worked for Aitkin at Whitsuntide, but watched for
Wrigley, who is a contractor, in June. After the bricks
were destroyed on the 16th June he wasengaged to watch.
Towards the latter cud of June Henderson, a fellow watch-
man, told him he must be very careful, for there were
some men coming in a night or two to spoil bricks. He
said a man named Cox had sent him word the men would
come again to spoil bricks. OE is a Manchester brick-
setter. I mentioned it to Rigby about • week after. Did
not think much of it when told, and only laughed at the
time. There were some bricks spoiled last week.
By Mr. Barstow—Cox was living near him at the time,
but never spoke to him shout it.
Edward Cox sworn. By Mr. Pickering—ls a brickeetter,
and is a member of the Manchester Bricklayers' Society.
Did not know the name of the club. Had been • mem-
ber of it twenty years, and had paid money for funerals
and accidents, and for the protection of members. He
attended the meeting of the members on Monday night
Did not know the name of the president. Yes, they had
• treasurer, and the society had sometimes been robbed
by its treasurers. The present treasurer was named
Brown, but witness was " so good • scholard" be did not
know the names of either secretary or president. Did not
know the name of the public house where the meetings
were held. Could find his way there, but did not know'
the street it was in. Had beard no discussion about this
inquiry. RIO beard of the bricks being destroyed at
Aitkin and Brothers, but knew nothing about it before
they were destroyed. Never sent any warning to Hen-
derson, the watchman, that they were going to be de.
stroyaL Witness worked last year at Masers. Aitkin',
and got sacked by Johnson without warning because they
insisted on having walking money or lodging money. He
had contracted for the ph, and the place being flee miles
off he claimed to be paid either for walking or else for his
lodging. Johnson allowed him to bring his furniture and
get a load of coals in, and then he would not pay him, but
sacked him at once. There was no law of the union or
club against Stockport or even London men working in
Manchester. . . . .

Tamar Cox, wife of the last witness, denied that she
ever gave any notioe to Henderson that there was likely
to be an attack on Aitkin 's brickcroft.
Mr. Thomas Aitkin said be was a calico printer ►t
Chorley, and bad been building print works at Levens-
hulme, on his own land. He contracted last year with a
bricklayer belonging to the Manchester union to make
bricks of this land, who completed his contract. This
year Hibbert undertook the contract, but was stopped by
the Manchester union. For the bricklaying they com-
menced with a man named Cox. The arrangement was so
much wage for each man, without walking or lodging
money. He was not aware of a rule of the society by
which walking money or lodging money should be paid in
►dditicn to the weekly wages. He first beard of that de-
mand the first or second week after Cox started. COI
continued working about five weeks, during which time he
continued making his claims. The Manchester Brick-
makers' delegates called upon witness in May last year,
and threatened to stop the work, because the brieklayers
employed were from Stockport. They expl►ined that it is
a rule not to allow bricks made in one district to he used
in another. He remembered some bricks being destroyed.
Before that he had sold 2i,000 or 30,000 bricks to a gentle-
man in Levenshulme, but was obliged to cancel the sale be-
cause the Manchester bricklayers would not use them,
although made in the Manchester district. The Manchester
brick-makers and Stockport bricksetters were getting on
together quietly enough till he asked the contractor to

put on two extra men ; and from that ell this disturbance
had arisen. The delegates said that unless Robinson
would discharge the two extra bricklayers from Stockport
that he had taken on they would stop work. Robinson
did not consent so discharge thee, men, and shortly after
that Hibbert left his service, Joseph Rigby coming r n in
his place. Henderson was employed there as watchman
from the first. After the brat destruction of bricks
witness was informed that Cox had seat • message to
Henderson to keep out of the way or life might be taken,
as • great many more men would come tie second time
than the brat.
Mrs. Ellen Henderson said her husband was the eon of
Mr. Aitkin's watchman. Thought it a very dangerous
place for an old man like him, 85 years old. Feared some
of the brickmaken might do him an injury. Did not hear
from Mrs. Cox that an injury was likely to be done him.
Told him whatidrs. Con had said about its being dangerous,
but Mrs. Cox had done nothing to induce her to do so.
Mrs. Cox had not motioned her as to what she should say
hen.

Edward Barrett, brick manufacturer, Didsbury, said he
had 40,000 bricks destroyed on the 15th June last.
Employed none but Stockport unionists, and had no idea
why he had incurred hostility, except that he had heard
there was • quarrel between the operatives of Manchester
and Stockport. Witness was obliged to sell bricks only in
hie own district, which was that of Stockport, and be was
not allowed to sell within four miles of the Manchester
Exchange. Must not employ Manchester men in his dis-
trict. The Stockport union voted him 201. compensation
for the loss of his bricks.
Peter Bailey, brick manufacturer, Heaton Mersey, said
he employed Stockport union men. Bad no dispute with
them, but on the 15th June last bad 47,000 bricks de-
stroyed, value about 201. Fourteen or fifteen different
footmarks wows aossaad.staat day. Offered 201. reward,
bat not one bad been apprehended. Invited on having
201. or nothing from the Stockport union for the damage,
and the money was paid by Joseph Brown and two others
conditionally upon his not turning out his men, as be had
threatened.

Police-sergeant °lift, of Longsight, gave evidence that
during the night of the 15th June be saw • large body of
men, about twenty, coming, as he thought, from towards
Ledybura (near Stockport), and going towards Gor-
, ton (near Manchester). It was the direct road from
Mr. Bailey'. yard. Got in conversation with them, and
took one to the lock.up. but he was sent away in the morn-
' ing, as no complaint was lodged. The men's shoes and
trousers were badly daubed with clay.
Peter Ainsworth, • brickmaker fresh from his craft,
was the neat witness, and commenced with a protest
against being brought forcibly from his work, 10 miles
off, and without time to change his clothes or get any
victuals. Mr. Pickering told him all this was quite right,
and he would not be detained long. Rad been • member
of the Stockport union two Taus. Two books were
given hint on -Wednesday morning at Stockport, but one
had been destroyed. Burnt it, because he thought it
might fall into bad hands. (A laugh.) It was given to
him at eight or nine in the morning. Put it in a public-
house Ire. It might be at the Packhorse (the union
club-house). Could not say who was there. Several
names were suggested, hut be could not say, because he
did not notice particularly. There might be Holland and
a brother of witness's there. It was an old book, and they
had got • fresh one. Went to the Packhorse so early
because it rained, and be had had some beer the night
before.
The court adjourned at five o'clock till Monday.

THE A BYft9INTAN EXPEDITION.—TiIe prepare
tiona for the despatch of transports are rapidly approachiag
completion, and by Wednesday next all the vessels char-
tered will have left the Mersey. The Ant-class vessels
already taken up for the conveyance of troops and stores
between Bombay and Memoirs are the City of Manchester,
City of Dublin, Kangaroo, Queen, England, Peruvian,
Californian, West Indian, American, and Bosphorus. The
aggregate tonnage of these noels amounts to 20,675, their
engine power 2,940 hone; and they are measured to carry
354 officers and 8,000 men. The Queen and the England re-
' wind an immensequantityof Boxer's ammunition on board
on Saturday, and went into the river in the afternoon,
where they will receive more material.
TAILORS' LOCK-OUT IN SCOTLA ND. —The opera-
tive tailors of Edinburgh and Glasgow who will not consent
! to work under the new statement drawn up by the muter
• tailors of both cities are to be locked out to-day. At •
recent meeting of the Edinburgh Muter Tailors Associa-
' tion the deputation appointed to visit Glasgow gave ill
their report, alter which the following motion wa: pro-
:posed and unanimously adopted ;7" That Oh meeting
i laving heard the report or inc ori;,,,ation, and seeing there
is a strong expression of general acquiescence in layout of
' fixing the date for introducing the new statement on
Monday, the 9th September, agree to fix that date as the
; day on which they introduce it into their workshops;
and they further agree to increase the rate per
hour one half-penny on each class of shops."
By the new log, the mutes make it appear that,
while the time allowed for making up garments is reduced,
the wages for firstclass clothing will be higher than at
present. They maintain that she only reduction will be
on the lower class of wort which, being made principally
by inferior workmen, yields at present higher remune-
ration than can be obtained by tradesmen who excel in,
and are consequently almost exclusively employed on,
high-class garment*. The masters have agreed to re-
adjust the sums to be deducted for work performed by the
sewing-machine. The majority of the journeymen tailors
of Ediuhurgh end Glasgow are detenniued to resist the in-
troduction of this new log, which they declare to be most
arbitrary and unfair. The new statement, they affirm,
will not only be a reduction on their present rate of pay-
ment, but force them to work at a lower wage than that
against which the Edinburgh operatives struck, and which
the succeeded in getting raised.
THE EASTERN COAST. —Her Majesty's ship Por-
cupine, Captain Calvert, E.N., hasfinally left the eastern
oust, having completed a survey of the coast from Cove-
hithe Ness to Orford Ness, upon which she has been em-
ployed for the last two months. Many interesting and
important changes have been found to have taken place
since the last survey was made, nearly half a century
since. The shoals have altered in form and extent, while
the sea has made considerable inroads, particularly at
Covebitbe, Southwold, Dunwich, and betweeu Aldborough
end Orford Ness. A new fish market iii wharves have
been completed at Great Yarmouth. The market is 750
feet long by 40 feet wide, with a landing salad of the
same width between it and the quay. The market is co-
vered with • roof resting on 14$ iron pillars, the roof on
the east side is lighted with 36 skylights, 10 feet by six
feet each, the west frost being open. Along the east side
are offices for fish salesmen, telegraph clerks, Le, The
whole cost of the works has bean about 12,000/.
THE SCOTCH HERRING F [SHEET. —So far as it
has progressed, this seasons" take" is about up to the
average of the last few years. But the fishery will not
be a very great one, even if it ends as successfully as it
bas begun. During the last twenty years the fishery has
been kept lipid a wonderfully high average,chietly by cans
of a considerable increase of the netting. This year's
" take" has been •• very partial one. A few of the
boats at Wick and elsewhere were so fortunate as to
secure their total quantity (200 arena) at a very early
period of the season, whilst other boats, still fishing,
have net yet taken a score of barrels. In 1860 the
total catch at Wick, up to the 21th of August, wee
105,000 crane; this year it is only a little over 70,000.
I'p till the last week of August, the 3,21'0 boats fishing from
, Peterhead to Wick have each averaged 75 crane, makin a
I total catch of 240,000 craw., which is a much larger take
than that of last year at the same date. The Berwick-
[shire and Northumberland boats have been also very suc-
cessful. The average take at Wick, according to our
latestadvion, is up to that of the last twelve years; but
with such a strength of netting more fish ought to have
been taken. Some of the boats have not yet made 20 crane
for the season. _

---.SAYBBL' AND MSCSI RATLWAY. —The report of
the directors totheforty-fourth half-yearly general meeting
, oldie proprietors, to be held in London on Wednesday, says:
I—" In accordance with a wish expressed by several influ-
ential shareholders, the directors again convene a meeting
of their constituents, though the business to be done—the
voting of the usual dividend—must depend on a sufficient
number of proxies being deposited for the meeting in
Brussels on the 27th instant, that being the place where
only this can legally be effected. The coupon which will
be payable on the lab October will exhaust the series issued
with the shares. A new sheet hes been prepared, and will
be ready for delivery with the dividend warrant to such
shareholders as shall have deposited their shims for verifi-
cation before the 20th of December, and to any other
shareholder on the same formality having been gone
through after the lst of October. Mr. Taylor and Mr.
Harrison are the directors who retire by rotation, but,
being eligible, they offer themselves for re-election."
THE HEAVY BOMBAY MAILS.— SOUTHAMPTON,
Barr. 7.—The Peninsular and Oriental Company's steam.
ship Bangalore, Captain Browne, with the above mails,
arrived this afternoon. She brings 59 passengers, specie
1,515/., and a general cargo. The Bangalore experienced
fine weather during the passage. On the pith she spoke the
company's steamer Masillis, with the outward mails of
the 4th. Her Majesty's ships Hydra, Hibernia, Sinioom,
and Himalaya were at Malta. Gibraltar, Sept. 3.—The
following vessels have arrived here since the 29th ult.:—
British ship Ariel Queen, from Cardiff ; brig lantbe, from
Sunderland; schooner Volunteer, from Swansea; tug
Prompt, from Glasgow ; brig Mannion, from Newport;
steamer lonia, from Liverpool ; Sublime, from Alexandria
for Quebec ; steamer rem, from Southampton ; tug Star
of Hope, from Falmouth; steamer Roma, from Glasgow;
Gibraltar, from London ; and steamer Goforth, from
Odessa for London. Her Maiesty's ships Skylark and Red.
pole are in the harbour. kachange on London, 90 days'
date, is 50j to 50 346.
Mr. Oscar Byrne, the well-known ballet-master,
is dead. His sr is 71

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PARS EXHIBITION YIRST•CLASS SILVER MEDAL, ISGT.
Jim"
ISROLIDEN.

ORIGINAL GOLD CHAIN MANUFACTORY,
16, HENRIETTA-STMT. COVESUIAZDEN.

JOHN bROODEN'S 18-carat GOLD CHAINS.

JOHN BROGDEN'S GOLD GUARD CHAINS.

JOHN BROGDEN'S GOLD ALBERT CHAINS.

JOHN BROGIDEN"S GOLD BROOCH CHAINS.

BROWN and POLSON'S CORN FLOUR
for CUILDREN'S DIET.
To obtabz extra went by She We ether kidL arenonietunne
Areri ieetend of bitOWN anti PoloiON'S.
"J.ho Krown," "Jobs Poison." la signed by the makers ass
sisal puke".

COVENT GARDEN THEATRE, COVENT-
(; UDEN.

pRoMENADE CONri:IiiViV.ERY EVENING at B.
Under the sole direct inn ul Mr. JOHN Kt' ELL
hand nt lOU Performers.

In emt,equence of the number of persona enable to .Main ad.
ntleebel .11 Thursday hid the 141.:ETIP OVEN SELEilitif will be
"fielded. The tir4 pert of the Cotoccrt Title EVENING will
couJat 1.1 the follow inn works .1 Ik:ethos-en : The Pastoral
nyntpliony the entire writ .tottg •.K 'lowest thou that
Land." Aldlle Nu4.lta—lttidente. trout Gram, Septuor—Fa‘atlna,
Addable. peeler ....den the Deuhle Rape by Stk.en.e. Botteeltti
and ttverture, I,otiors. The wenn,' part will Include a Grand
Selection (nett DER FREI:4EIIUP/, by orchestra and chorus of
15,11114.1. Master !looney ; Piano-
forte, Mr. J. M. "TOM ; Val4e, Juristen, mid Polka, Annen, by
Johann str4uss ; S.ag, Sarulta ; March from Lt Rehm) de
Halm, he.

---o;tehh.:ters—ftlreer HOITESINI: for the Deno, Shute, Herr
JOHANN 8f RA AN.
Till 1481.11' next. a MOZIRT NII.:IT, on which occasion
Madame J 1:11 1' will make tier Ural appearance.
An orchestral and Chond Vales, by Johann Strausa, will be
performed In the course of a few days Arranged for full or-
cheetra and chorus .4150 male voices.

Promenade, Amplilthes;tre stulle, ;;;;1- Amphllheatre, One Shilling.

Zite Orortgso.

TO CORRT.SPONDLYTS.
td•orttomnents Intowloi for " Exprool," /04111111% Reining
Paper.~ mutt he at the office, 10, liouverlowirook by Two
'Work on the day of publication.

pttymA_mc

Tnm Emsnuto, AS Tilir LIKETC Messrs. Mows. Chlppen-
dnic. Wars. Kendal, Clark. treAthershy, Ac ; Mrs Moms
Scott shilons, Burke, Fitstrillinm. PARIS AND BACK
Fmk ES. Mr. Buckstone.—And FISK OUT OF WATER. Mr.
Compton.

rientevira
Tula Erroxn, POOR PILLICOODY. Mew.. Dornlnlet
Murray h Granharn Min Polly Marshall. —And TII II P.TRERT3
OD LIONDON. Ntr. Mrsyrs. SPLean, D. Murray, ac.
Ileselasura Stuart, Barnett, and Manton.

BRITANNIA..

TYrt4 rflornea. THE TirlaiVAl7l-E OF FERNLF.A. MI
E Ceurtenay.—MM. Cont.:lller and Eugenio; Ur. Plampton ;
Mr. end Mi Coleman and Mr. Brown—And TUE WIDOW'S
YIREiIUE. Mr. E. Courtin:ay.

WON WATS& AT LONDON tIRIDON.
TIM DAT —Morning. 10b. the......Attesnonn, Ilh. ros.
To-Itozaow—Morning, 41m......Aftern000, Oa. Om.

LONDON, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9.

THE lapse of another week has brought no im- I
provement in the general state of commerce.
On the contrary, a fresh source of discouragement
has been more prominently brought forward. If
stagnation in trade is the rule both here and on
the Continent, equal dulness appears to prevail
on the other side of the Atlantic. From all ac-
counts, business is no better, with one excep-
tion, in the United States than in France. The
former country has at least the immense advan-
tage of a pre-eminently bountiful harvest. In the
latter the crops have been scanty, and below the
average. If therefore for no other reason, we ,
may look for a more speedy revival of business
in America than in continental Europe. Besides,
perfectly well known that the depression in
the -United Stag pia from economical
causes, which in the lor4 run au"!. ;nre to right
themselves. Over-production is necessarily fol- I
lowed by temporary inactivity, and over
expenditure by enforced retrenchment. In
Europe the Course of affairs is reversed. The
questions that weigh upon the commerce of France,
Holland, Austria, Italy, and Germany are not
only political, but often merely personal. At any
moment the anger, or even the indiscretion, of one
out of four or five practically irresponsible rulers
may, in the present unsettled and frequently irri-
table state of public opinion, light up a war as
costly and destructive to the conqueror as to the
conquered. Foreign merchants and manufacturers
understand this point thoroughly. They know
that any business iu which they may embark is
subject to contingencies of human caprice which
it is impossible to foresee and to provide against.
Hence traders live, as it were, from hand to mouth.
They are ready to enter upon transactions for the
day, but not for many days forward. They do
not care to borrow, since they will not venture
upon the attempt to use the money profitably ;
they care less to lend, from the vague fear of
impending and uncertain calamity, which prompts
them to keep all their resources steadily in
band. Hence they lock up their money at their
various national banks, preferring to leave it lying
idle so long as it is safe. It is for this reason
that we see the present large accumulations of
bullion—the Bank of France alone having in the
last return a total of nearly thirtireight and a
half millions sterling.

To get rid of this sort of distrust is no easy
matter. Capitalists are proverbially timid, and
are far more likely to exaggerate than to moderate
their fears. They have also learnt more than
once (though once only would have bebn sufficient)
the error of placing unbounded confidence in
" pacific assurances." A quiet merchant who
judges by past experience is sadly imsded to de-
cide which is the more ominous, to hear nothing
from his government, or to hear too much. In
either case precedent is unfavourable. It there-
fore happens that in considering the chances of
some prospective transaction, which, under ordi-
nary circumstances, would ensure an almost certain
gain, he thinks it better to bs on the safe side,
and to give up the affair altogether.
If he wishes to make his business more
profitable he must be content to wait for more
quiet times, when natural susceptibilities are
appeased, and " national guarantees " are no
longer required. Until some period can be put
to the present state of uncertainty and suspnuse,
it would be impossible to expect commerce to
revive. The first thing that would sug ;est itself
to an Englishman is to put in motion the ap-
parently irresistible pressure of public opinion.
Unfortunately, the military despotisms of the
Continent are so powerful that they can, as they
have often done, bid defiance to the wishes of the
more cultivated portion of their subjects. For
example, war would, no doubt, be intensely un-
popular with the commercial classes of France, and
it should be remembered that during the last
twenty years they have been increasing in num-
bers and wealth to an unprecedented extent; yet
if the Emperor NAPOLEON decided on commencing
hostilities to-morrow, they could offer, at beat,
but a feeble opposition, and in all probability
would find it better worth while to keep quiet, and
try and recoup their immediate losses by profit-
able army contracts and negotiations of new loans.
As regards our own country, it is a mere truism
to repeat that whatever checks the progress and
prosperity of our neighbours reacts upon ourselves.
Week by week the accounts from the manu-
facturing districts show a decrease in the demand,
and consequently lessened production of most of