The Sun.
London, England, 1867-09-24 00:00:00

LONDOIV, TUESDAY, SEPT. 24, 1867.

Mr. HUGHES has made an interesting speech at
Whitwood, on the occasion of the second soiree in
commemoration of the formation of the collieries of
BRIGGS and SONS into a partnership concern, in
which the workers have an interest. Up to two
years ago there had been constant disputes at these
collieries between the proprietors and their work
people as to the wages, &c. ; and, as might be ex-
pected, the profits of the firm were small, and it
was deemed advisable to adopt other means to
improve the state of things. It was resolved to
convert the works into a limited company, in which
the workmen were allowed to have shares. The
Chairman, Mr. 11. BRIGGS, stated that prosperity
had crowned their efforts since they met last year,
and that they bad been able to divide a large sum
amongst their operatives. Mr. HUGHES addressed
the meeting, and congratulated his hearers upon
the good fortune which bad been the consequence
of their efforts. He put the case very truly when
he said that it might have been a good year with
others, but that there had been a difference, because
he had not heard of "any other place in the coal dis-
tricts where £2,200 had been distributed amongst the
colliers, and if there were any such places he should
be glad to hear of them." We think that Mr. HUGHES
was quite justified in the conclusion which he drew
from the circumstances before him, and it would be
well for other places if this mode were adopted.
Indeed the proceedings of Saturday at Whitwood
assume a greater importance when we reflect that
the year which has passed since the first commemo-
ration of the Partnership of Industry has been rife
with disputes of the most disastrous kind relative to
the hours of labour, and that the records of the
Trade Unions reveal a fearful amount of crime.
Mr. HUGHES'S remarks were much to the point,
and his speech altogether will be found well worthy
of attentive perusal. it is not only " money success
that we should consider in an affair of this kind,
although, of course, that is deserving of regard, but
there is something of more consequence than merely
making a profit out of one's labour."
As Mr. HUGHES showed the reputation of this
affair has increased greatly, and while two years
ago very few persons away from the village troubled
themselves concerning their doings, at the present
day he knew that " not only in all parts of England,
but also upon the Continent, in the United States
of America, and iu the Colonies, there were many '
persons watching with great anxiety the experiment
they were making in the Whitwood collieries." This
is a proud reflection for those concerned, but it also
brings with it a great responsibility. Some exag-
gerate the success which has been achieved, and
some, on the other hand, deny the advantages
which accrue from the system, because it is well
known that a critical experiment is being urged. As
it is well put in the passage of the speech of the
hon. member for Lambeth, " they are facing the
great labour question, which is puzzling and daunt-
ing statesmen, is carrying misery and pauperism
into many parts of England, and which is, in fact,
the most important and most harassing question
that men had to face in all the civilised countries
in the world." It is not out of character
to believe that in the success of this experi-
ment may lay the solution of this vexed ques-
tion, and at any rate it is worth the trial.
Any change must be for the better in the pre-
sent system, and one great advantage of the
arrangement at Whitwood is that it does away
with the pernicious influence of those go-betweens
and agents who keep up strife where none need
exist, and constantly continue to fan the flame of
discord for the advancement of their own ends, and
the realisation of their selfish schemes. The principles
upon which this society is founded are worthy of
all notice, and have a claim on our regard and re-
spect ; they uphold that the " interests of capital
and labour are identical," and they advocate the
doctrine of " Co-operation for ever, and no more
strikes." There is no need to speculate upon the
immense gain that would accrue to masters and
workmen if these views were carried out ; it would
be a blessed day in many a house of labour if those
who now wage ceaseless war against each other's
interests could come to some understanding like
this upon the subject ; but, unhappily, prejudice is
too strong in many minds, and, besides, many per-
nicious influences are at work.
Still we all know that nothing is done without a
trial being made, and this case before us is espe-
cially one which demands thought, care, and
patience. It is indeed to be hoped that the
good example thus set may be followed in
many parts of the kingdom, for what is done in one
place can be done in another ; and why should it
not be tried, since everything that reason and jus-
tice can urge in its favour may be cited ? Let us
glance at the arguments which Mr. lIUGHEs put for-
ward with so much judgment and skill. Not only
have we heard of strikes in the coal district, but
" the whole industry of the country has become
almost in a state of dead lock." On all sides it is
affirmed that in those branches of industry in
which England has for a long time excelled, and
" been in front of the nations of the world, we
are being supplanted by foreigners on the Continent
and in the United States." It will never do to go
on after this fashion; and the sooner the truth is
recognised the better for the credit of our work-
men, the prosperity of the country, and the general
benefit of all classes. The first great industrial
partnership in England is worthy of respect; and it
would be well if its example were more widely fol-
lowed, for the interests of the community are bound
up with the principles which it sets forth and ad-
vocates.

The business of the Social Science Congress
seems to promise well. On Saturday a very im-
portant subject was discussed by the Master of the
Rolls, who delivered an address on the repression of