The Sun.
London, England, 1853-09-21 00:00:00

THE WAGES MOVEMENT.

,
' While, on the one hand, the manufacturers of Preston
appear firmly resolved to close their mills, the operatives,
on the other hand, emboldened as they are by a large
measure of support from other places, seem no less de-
termined to persevere in their object. On Sunday there
was a large delegate meeting held in Preston, the deli-
berations of which occupied from ten in the morning until
six in the evening. About 70 delegates were present,
representing many manufacturing towns and districts,
all promised pecuniary assistance. A resolu-
tionpreviously as
passed was confirmed, to this effect—that
o f whom
the turn-out weavers, winders, and loomers should be
allowed 6s. per head per week, and tenters 38. That
amount was yesterday distributed among the operatives
of six mills in the town now on strike.
On Monday morning a large open-air meeting, attended
by the turn-outs, and addressed by the delegates and
others, was held on the Marsh, a vacant plot of land in
the suburbs of the town. The chairman (E. Swingle-
hurst) exhorted the assembly to be peaceable and orderly,
but at the same time firm and united, adopting as their
motto, " Ten per cent. and no surrender." In the week
previous the contributions of the working hands in Pres-
ton for the support of those on strike were 1641. ; this
week they amounted to upwards of 2131.
A Stockport delegate announced that the town he re-
presented sent Preston 1001. as its subscription for the
week ; that amount would be doubled and trebled if
necessary.

A delegate from Blackburn made a similar an-
nouncement. Blackburn sent 1001., with an inti-
mation that another 1001. was ready if wanted. The
manufacturers of Blackburn, having conceded the 10
per cent., were anxious that a similar advance should
be obtained from the Preston employers, who were
paying ld. to 2d. per cut less for the same fabric than
was paid in Blackburn. The manufacturers of both
towns having to meet in the same market, the interests
of the one party required that the other should not pos-
sess an undue advantage by the payment of lower wages.
At the close of the proceedings, which were conducted
in a very orderly manner, the hands repaired to the
appointed places to receive their week's allowance in
lieu of wages.

There was to be another open-air meeting on the same
day. The threatened " lock-up" of the mills is the all-
absorbing topic of conversation, shopkeepers and others
still having in vivid remembrance the disastrous con-
sequences of a similar state of things in the winter of
1836.

SHOEMAKERS' STRIKE IN SOMERSETSHIRE.—A general
movement has been commenced by the journeymen shoe-
makers of Somerset for obtaining an advanced rate of
wages in consequence of the increased prices of provi
sions. Meetings of the trade were held at Taunton and
Bridgewater a few days ago, when it was decided that
an advance should be demanded from their employers
equivalent to ls. per pair for men's and 6d. per pair for
women's work. A notice to this effect expired on Sa-
turday, when the masters, with one or two exceptions,
refused to comply ; consequently the men are now on
strike, and are supported by funds subscribed for the
purpose throughout the district. •
THE STRIKE IN DEVONSHIRE.- -Some days since, the
shoemakers of Plymouth and Devonport struck for an
advance of wages, the amount which they at present
receive being, according to their representation far be-
low what was necessary to meet the rise which had
taken place in the price of provisions. A large and
well-attended meeting of the men was held a few days
ago, when it was resolved, if possible, to come to some
arrangements with the masters. The masters have ac-
cordingly met since, and have determined to offer the
men an advance of 121 per cent. on their former wages.
A. great many of the men expressed themselves willing
to accept this proposition, but others refused. It is ex-
pected, however, that they will all return to their work
in a few days.