The Sun.
London, England, 1829-06-15 00:00:00

THE SPITALFIELDS WEAVERS.

An important alteration, induced by the recent
violent proceedings of the weavers, was last week
-made in the laws respecting them. They had hi-
therto been amenable only to the Silk Act (17th
Geo. 111. ch. 56), one section of which rendered the
journeymen liable to punishment upon proof before a
Magistrate that he had neglected' his work for eight
successive days: and in the event of " a strike,"
the men invariably resorted to the practice of sealing
up the looms, containing the property of their em•
ployers, unsealing the loom once in the week,
and weaving a small portion (perhaps an inch or
two) of work, in order to evade the charge of
neglecting it for eight days. There has been a 'dif-
ference of opinion among the Magistrates as to the
construction of the enactment in question, whether
or not there must be a total neglect or su-pension of
work for the eight days; but the men have always
been successful in their evasion, as above mentioned.

In the 4th of the present reign, an Act, chap. 34,
was passed, extending the powers of Magistrates
in cases between masters and servants. The third
section enacts, that if any servant in husbandry, arti-
ficer, calico-printer, handicraftsman, collier, keelmati,
pitman; glass-man, potter, labourer, or other per-
son, shall contract with any person whomsoever to
serve him or her for any time or ift any other mari-
ner, and shall Hot enter into or commence his or her
service according to contract (such contract being in
writing, and signed by the contracting patties), or
having entered into such service shall absent himself
or herself before the term of his or her contract,
whether in writing or not in writing, shall be com-
pleted, or neglect to fulfil the same, or be guilty of
any other misconduct or misdemeanour in the exe-
cution thereof, or otherwise, respecting the same,
then and in every such case it shall be lawful for any
justice of the peace,of the county or place wherein
such persona-shall haverontractutLor-ireerreasp4nyed,
or be found,- to issue his warrant for apprehending
the person, and to examine into the matter of com-
plaint ; and if substantiated, to commit the defen-
dant to the House of Correction and. hard labour,
for any reasonable time not exceeding three months,
or in lieu thereof to punish by abating the whole- or
any part of the wages. This act, although very
comprehensive, was not considered as inclusive of
persons engaged in the silk trade, and the journeymen
weavers were held liable only under the " Silk Act,"
17th of the late King. Last week, however, a
short act was passed, entitled " An Act to extend
the provisions of an Act passed in the 4th of the
present reign, for enlarging the powers of justices in
determining complaints between masters and ser-
vants, to persons engaged in silk manufac-
tures." It states that, " Whereas it is expedient to
extend the provisions of the former act, be it enact-
ed, that all the provisions of the said act be extend-
ed to all persons engaged, whether as masters, ser-
vants, apprentices, or otherwise, in the several ma-
nufactures, trades, and occupations mentioned in the
act 17th of the late reign, entitled an act for amending
and rendering more effectual the several laws now
in being for the more effectual preventing of frauds
and abuses by persons employed in the manufacture
of hats, and in woollen, linen, fustian, cotton, iron,
leather, fur, hemp, flax, mohair, and silk manufac-
ture," and also for making provisions to prevent
frauds by journeymen dyers, in the same mariner as
if such persons had been specially mentioned therein.

There are more first-rate horses to start this
week for the cup at Ascot than have hen seen together on
the same course for a considerable time.

The Revenue on Coal for the last ten years
has been about a million a year. This does not include
the Revenue derived by the City.

The following singular instance of a lady's
caprice occurred yesterday at the parish church of St.
George's, Hanover-square :—ln the early part of the
morning a handsome equipage, belonging to a gentleman
of large fortune, drove up to the door of one of the most
fashionable milliners in Regent-street, which was speedily
followed by a lime carriage, having a coronet emblazoned
on its panels. In the course of half an hour four other
carriages came up, when white favours and gloves were
presented to the servants by order of the gentleman, and
handsome presents were made to the females of the house.
To the lady, who it is said possesses a title, a beautiful
wedding dress was presented, of the value of one hundred
guineas, besides jewellery. Every thing being ready, the
gentleman handed into the carriage his betrothed ; but, on
their arrival at church, and just as the ceremony was about
being commenced, the fickle fair one expressed her dissent
to the ceremony. The friends immediately gathered round
her for an explanation, but after a long and huitless at-.
tempt to get the lady to comply, she, with the greatest
nonchalance, turned on her heel, left the altar, and pro-
ceeded to her carriage and drove oft', leaving the intended
bridegroom stupified with amazement. The company
drove back to the house from whence they started, and
where they remained a considerable time; but what was
the tffect of the interview must for the present remain a.
mystery. Although we made repeated inquiries as to tho
names of the parties, the utmost secrecy was maintained
Sunday Times.

At the Russell Institution on Friday night,
Mr. PHILLIPS delivered a series of Lectures on the Art of
Singing and Vocal Compositions, which attracted such
crowds of visitors that standing room could scarcely ho
obtained. Mr. PHILLIPS took a comprehensive view of
the difference between the ancient and modern Italian me-
thods of singing the scale. In explaining the solfeggio,

he referred frequently to a large printed scale stuck op
hind him, and expounded the analogies and discrepancies
between the Italian and English languages, and the best
adaptation of the latter to singing, in so plain and lucid a
manner, that his arguments were convincing to every ca-
pacity. Mr. PHILLIPS was peculiarly happy in his scien.
tific demonstrations by references to principles of anatomy,
and in supporting his doctrines by the authority of cele-
brated musicians and singers, such as Rossam, Et ANCJII,
Madame Malta, &c. Suffice it to say that his matter, as
well as his manner and elocUtion, did ,him great credit.
and gave universal 'satitliteAton; that he was warmly and
repeatedly encored,,and,—thanking the audience for their
, attention and suppprt); inDOuscea his, second lecture Ink
•• • ,
Wednesday next, a 4) iast gfDif al, lipphis.•
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