The Sun.
London, England, 1826-12-15 00:00:00

STATE OF TRA.Dt,

Since our last report, there has been no chants whatever
for the better, and we. fear that the distress is this town and,
neighbourhood continues not only unabated but actually in.
creasing. Concerti will be hold in the difiaent towns for the re-
lief of the poor, and we earni-etly hope that they may be attended
with success. But these things afford only temporary. relief, aid,
it would be as well for the poor people, if some work of public
utility were to be commenced, whereby they could serve the poly.
lie and secure sustenance for themselves. If something of this
kind were undertaken, we are sure that the approach of farnitui
might be checked, and the hand of charity would extend its aid
in behalf of these unfortunates, who are able end willing to work,
but who cannot procure it. If something is not done, and that
speedily, there will be a fearful tale to be told, and it behoves All
persons to render what assistance they can. For poverty broads
disease, and when infection once gets into a town its sperespOne.
The rich and poor fall indiscriminately before its touch. A. lulls
timely aid—a little exertion—may prevent this, for delays ate riot'
only dangerous but sinful.—(Since writing' the shove we blink
learned with sincere pleasure from authority that may be depend-'
id upon, that a most respectable requisition is now in a caurw of
signature, requesting the 'Chief Bailiff of Hanley and Shelton to,
call a meeting of the principal inhabitants in order to take into
enisideration the situation of the unemployed poor in those town.
ships, and to devise, as far as it is possible, means for their relief.)
--Pottery Mercury.

We scarcely know what to say upon this subject, because► thy
actual state of affairs in the town, involves contradictions. Whilst,
by reason of the improved market at Manchester last week, and
the expectation of an increasing and probably permanent demand,
more animation has been visible during the week in the ware-
houses, the shopkeepers and general trades Men are literally doing
nothing, and most of them would gladly relinquish business alto
gether, as it is now .carried on with certain lose. By this means,
the middle classes of society are becoming most fearfully reduced,
and, doubtless, many who are in a measure obliged,to keep up'tliit
outward appearance of decency, feel the pressure •of the tui►es,
quite as keenly as the weavers. With respect-to the latter, we
are glad to learn that a small advance on their stitt twenty*,
thrice, has this week been paid to them, by the respectable
lecturers ; let there but be a weekly progressive advance, and thane
we may venture to indulge a hope--though at present it i$ a
"forlorn" one—that the weavers w►ll once more be raised from

the sink of pauperism and wretchedness. Their present /Condition
is beyond the power of language to pourtray, their misery escapes
the notice of the cursory observer, and can only be seen in its rest
colours by those who venture into their hovels. Disease, the con-
sequence of went, makes sahib strides amongst them ; and despair,
on beholding a starving family, racks the bosom of the parent.
Under such circumstances we beg to call the attention of our rea-
ders to the "Blackburn Strangers' Friend Society," the annual
meeting of which our readers will perceive by an advertisement
in another column, is to be held on Monday next., We under-
stand the claims on its bounty, and benevolent assistance, are, as
might be expected, extremely numerous and pressing ; we trust,
therefore, that the more wealthy portion of the public will feel
increasing interest in its support.—Blackburn