The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1873-02-28
NUMBER ~.
A Crusade Against Labor.

t'-----S- -@e-~N-s
The farm laborers of Worcestershire
one of the richest agricultural regions
of England, during the summer struck
for higher wages. The land owners
treated their demands with disdain, and
regarded the movement as if it were an
uprising against legitimate authority.
The wages the former had been receiv-
ing until the strike had not varied in
several years, but in the meantime the
necessaries of life had advanced, and
| the scanty pittance they received for
their work left them on the verge of
starvation. The idea finally reached
| the farm laborers To ask for additional
| wages and to form Unions TO obtain
united action.
The so-called inferior clergy had called
public attention to the condition of the
\ English peasantry in the very richest
counties of England, and some of the
body had endeavOred to promote the
emigration of the laborers from the
/ poorer to Che better paid districts
Some of the high dignitaries, however,
sided with the landlords, and on re-
cent occasion the Bishop of Gloucester
| bitterly denounced the laboring people.
| He had been nine years in his diocese
and had never heard any complaint, al
though he had associated freely with the
people. This man of God enjoys prince
ly revenues. He holds a seat in the
House of Lords as one of the Lords spir-
itual of the United Kingdom, and judg-
ing by events which have occurred i'm
Parliament on several occasions during
the past decade, he must suffer from a
defective memory. In 40 part of Eng
land have the rural laborers farcd worse
than in Gloucestershire. But this dis
tinguishId prelate became indignant at
his flock for asking for an in
crease of wages to keep soul and body
together. He thought that the persons
encouraging the strikers should be
ducked in the horse pond, and he ex-
tolled the liberality of the farmers in
meeting the demands of the labOrers in
agreeing to give shilling per week in
crease, when they asked only the small
sum of three or four shillings per week
more than the wages which were cur
rent nine years previously.
The nobility followed the leadership
of the prelate. No idea of concealing
their intention, which they considered
| becoming their station in life, prevented
their expression of hostility to the Ia
borers. Several Of these sent orders to
the farmers that they We're willing to
/ give them the disposal of the cottages
occupied by the former. This, of course,
would give the right to eject the cotters
with their families from the shelter of
/ their roofs.
This contest has broken some of the
bonds which united the cOtters to their
masters with more than iron bands, by
local attachments. Many have sought
new abOdes. Others have become aware
of the feudal power held over their per-
sons by the ability of the land owners
to eject them from their houses; and
have seen in the attitude of the prelates
of the church a crusade against their
rights, i'm favor of the titled classes.
Some of the labOTers, honest, simple
minded men, expressed their feelings
that the church should attempt to WELD
its influence against their right to OBJ
tain better wages.
The agitation which has taken place
among the agricultural labOrers will lead
to demands for many important reforms.
Legislation is needed to prevent the
election of tenants from their cottages
in the summary manner which the laws
of England now permit land owners to
exercise. The Union now numbers l5O,-
600 men, and the ballot will be de-
manded as the best means of securing
tiASii Ai5h'9 ~ giving tiielu IdTllduleQ-
tary representation. In this contest be-
tween the labOrers and the land holders,
it is 4 regretful circumstance that the
Bishops of RipOn and Gloucester did
not merit the gratitude OF the poor and
lowly 10y being the defenders of their
just demands, instead of employing the
weight of their position against them
for an increase of wages, earned 'in the
sweat of their brOwn for their wives and
children.-.SaH francisco Examiner.