The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1826-07-10 00:00:00

MANUFACTURING DISTRfCTS.

DISTRESS IN LANCASHIRE.
The To 'lowing is an extract from a letter written by Mr. Na-
thaniel Itrowobill, of Charley, a gentleman whose respectable
character is a sufficient guarantee of the truth of the statement his
communication contains. IVe respectfully submit it to the co ‘-
sideratmo of the committee who have the distribution of the fund
raised in Liverpool in aid of the suffering mechanics of Lanca-
shire, &c.

" Charley, Jone 29, 1826.
" There is • township called Tockholes, between •this place and
Illackhurn. containing 'boot 600 looms, upwards of 300 of whirl,
have been long out of employ : consequently, the poor rates have
become so enormously high, that the fenontry are utterly unable we
pay them, and a rate has been proposed to be laid wpon the land-
owners, to which most of them have agreed. You may vea con-
ceive, therefore, how distressing thesituation of the port and Mita;
bitants generally most be. Small out-townships of this snit are, I
fear, rather looked over, owing to the peoptenot well knowing how
to apply for the public aid. I have, therefore, through the inter-
ference of a friend at Newcastle, obtained from thence some relief
for these riar people ; and. lam sure, if you have the power. Tort
will readily uudertake the same office for me in Liverpool, and ob-
tain something from the funds raised there for the relief of the dig.
tressed nienueacturers. I can safely pledge myself to the extent of
distress, and the assistance which this township stands in need of."
MANCHESTER, Juxg-8.
We are extremely sorry to have to ob'erve that there Is at pre-
sent a very gloomy feeling amongst commercial men in this di,-
triet. with respect to the condition of trade. On all sides we hear
of mills bring put to work shorter time, or altogether shut up, and
nevertheless prices, both of goods and yarn, seem to get lower and
lower. There hare been, it is true, of la e fewer insolvencies de
Glared, but this is because most of the a eaker bowies had already
suspended. The losses which even omens of the best property
hair, been and are experiencing. are however most serious, and we
fear that there are yet many houses who will be unable to weather
the storm. Up to this tune there are DO favourable symptom^
observable in busine.s, and the prospect, as regards the condition
and employment of the labouring classes, arc, we regret to tray,
most disheartening.
RELIFF OF THE POOR.
The fullowing is an account of the distribution of yesterday :
No. of Bacon Oatmeal Peas Ilerrings
Tick • tit. lbs. lbs. meas.
Shudehill - - 193.1 778 12240 8 8 •
Oldham toad - 1930 hlltB 11160 14 0
Ancoats - - 1141 1078 4800 12 0
31 inshull-street• 1966 13143 10320 9 W
fhlill.r-street . 1305 802 6600 9 0 • ;
Chorlton-row - 504 5311 2032 I' 0
Ard wick 2'67 269 1004 1

9069 5721 48156 534 I
Cash received for provisions sold at the different stores.
XI. ss. 9:41.
The total cost of yesterday's distribution is SIW. 19s. lid.
• Watson street and MinshuU-street are now• united.

We are sorry to add that no new subscrivions have besn
edved this week.

The following quantity of food was distributed to the poor 0:*
Ilulme yesterday, July 7:-94116 meal; 19301 b. potatoes; 4541 b.
bacon ; 96 quarts peas.
During the present week, alarming rumours have been circulated
in this town, of expected riots in the neighbourhood of Blackburn,
rte. where it was said large meetings of the unemployed Weaver's
had taken place. We are happy to learn, however, that no dis-
orderly proceedings have occurred. On Tuesday evening, there
were partial a,sem blies of people in the market-place at Blackburn,
and the Magistrates thought it nece.sary, in consequence. to read
the Riot Art, on which the crowd immediately dispersed.
have been informed. however, on very good authority, that person,.
calling themselves delegates, and coming chiefly from the distrie:
to the eastward of Blackburn, have for some time past beep travers-
ing the country in various directions, urging the people to Fold
meetings for the purpose of considering what ineasuresehey shall
adopt to improve their condition; and Informing them than meetings
would beheld at different periods which they mentioned:Mendel was
one of the days spoken of, and the place pointed out was flunblerom,
• hill, not far from Accrington; but we believe no muting, at
least none of any consequence, took place. We wish we could ex-
press a well-grounded hope that no such assemblages will occur,
and that the peace of this important manufacturing district will be
preserved; but it is greatly to be feared that the extreme sufferings
of the labouring population, and rite incitements of violent and de
signing men, will ultimately produce a dreadful explosion. unless
some very prompt measures are taken to preveru it. The civil and
military authorities, we are happy to say, are on the alit. in every
quarter; and it will be seen. from another paragraph in our present
publication, that additional troops are on their route towards this
district ; so that any tuninhuous movements would. no doubt, be
immediately put down. It is lamentable, however, to reflect on the
loss of lives, and the other disastrous consequences which must re-
sult from to.y conflict between the starving people and the military ;
and it would be inlinitely better to prevent it by sonic decisive mea-
sures for alleviating the existing distreu. That there is no imme-
diate prospect of any such improvement in trade as will be likely
to furnish employment to the thousands who are at present
destitute of it, every one will now admit. In feet, the number
of persons out of work is stated to be locreasing every day.
It is equally clear that neither poor-rates nor charitable contribu-
tions will long suffice to support the immense number of persw.s
now dependent upon them. What then must be done? Time only
resource appears to be in the interposition of Goverument. and the
grant of a liberal sum from the public revenue. Ministers, we are
aware, have urged that such a measure would afford a dangerous
precise-lent in future periods of distress. This may be true ; but
every case must be argued on its own merits ; it is the duty of tio-
vernnaent--a duty paramount to almost all other considerations—to
prevent the people from starving to death, and to rescue them front
that military execution. which, we are greatly apprehensive, must
ensue, unless their sufferings meet with some prompt alleviator,.
We tear, however, that Ministers are by no theme well informed of
the red situation of the manufacturing districts. and specially of
the north-eastern part of the county of Lancaster : if they were, we
think they would see the absolute necessity of doing something to
mitigate an extent of distress, which no hnmane person can con-
template without shuddering—no considerate one reflect on without
the most painful anxiety.

- -
CAUTION TO Barumus.--On the With ult. at eliorltoo-
- an Inquest was held on the body of Widnon Brun.
drett. On the same tta/, at Pendleton, on the body of John Cole.
On the 80th Mt. at 3 anchester,
,on the body of John Mayer.
On the Ist instant, at the same place, on the body of James Hon.
betty. On the 2I nvtant, at 31anchrter, on the body of %
Item Cuckley. Samti day, at Bartoo-upon-lrwell. on the body of
John Booth, who all unfortunately lost their Bees whilst bathing.
Lady on Montloy tr.rriiing last, the body of a man
named John Izon. was discovered in the Bolton Canal, near Tong.
with.Haulgh. It appeared that the deceased kft his lodgings tilt
Thursday, the 211th ul:. and had not hero heud of until lie was dig.
covered in the carol. He nes out of work. The verdict upon the
inquest wee.. " That the deceased was tOund drowned, buris* he
cuue into the canal no evidence could be adduced."