New-York tribune., 1874-09-09
FOREIGN NEWS.
THE BELFAST STRIKE ENDED.

fypox TIE REGULAR CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRIBUSEl
BELFAST, Aug. 27-The most practical and even
the most Presbyterian people of Belfast must be in
cined to speak well Of the British Association this
morning. 1t has put an end TO the strike, and that
is service for which all its scientific sins ought to
be forgiven aud absoution be pronounced by DIR.
Watts himself This is figure of speech. The
termination of the conflict between the mil-owners
and the operatives directly due to the good offices
of the Association 1t was brought about in very
simple aud natural way, most great things are,
and the way was this.
Some reference was made on Monday in the Eco
nomic section TO the strike Papers we're to be read
on the general subject next day, and 1t was sug-
gested-I think by Sir George Campbell-that some
of the workingmen might be asked to attend the
meeting and give their views on the existing DIM
Guilty. This was not done officially, but the plan
had the approval of Lord OHagan, President OF the
section, and invitations were in fact sent The
masters appear not to have been asked specially, the
reason given afterward being that nearly all OF
them were already members OF the AssOclalloh'
They could hardly be ignorant OF the 1act that
discussion on a matter so important to them was TO
take place and representative who seemed author
lied TO speak for the Flax Spnners Association was
present. The whole meeting of Tuesday was given
up to the question. of questions nearly related to
it. The papers read had not been prepared origi-
theoretical and general. Mr. r. Hamilton read a
report of the Committee of the Association ap
pointed TO inquire into the economic effects of COM
binations of labOrers capitalists, and into the
laws of economic science bearing on the principles
on which such combinations are founded Mr..
Frank Fellows treated of political economy and the
laws affecting the prices of commodities and labor
and Of strikes and lockouts. and followed by
Mr.. w. Ii. DOdd on the economic law of strikes
Then Sir George Campbell, who was in the chair,
called on the workingmen, inviting them to apply
themselves to the practical ques ~, how the evils
could be remedied and two of = spoke. Their
speeches were of the highest n as statements
from the operatives point of WNfrank, and I'M
conventional, and practical Mr.. Brownlee began by
complaining that in the times of their greatest pros
peTity during the American war; the linen manufac-
turers of Belfast had thought of dividing any part
of their extraordinary profits with their workmen-
and this idea of more equal division of profits is
need hardly say, one that has taken deep root in
the minds of people who work with their hands
The beginning of the present trouble he charged
upon the employers wholly. They suddenly, some
two months ago, gave notice to their workmen that
at the end of a fortnight from that time they must
accept reduction in wages, that the mills would
would be closed. This, said Mr.. Brownlee done
in such manner as to make the wOTkmen think the
step arbitrary aud uncaled for by the condition of
trade. To dIctaon of that sort they were not dis
posed TO submit They thought further that if
reduction had really been necessary, it should have
begul with the large salaries of the managers OF
the mills and he denounced the present system Of
management under limited liability companies as
extravagant compared with that which prevailed
when the mills were in private hands. Then he COM
mented oa tie severity of the work-about the most
laborious, he alleged, that could be required Of
women and children. 1t appears that gentleman
from America when ne saw the half-nude girls in
one of their factories said that the black slavery
which had been abolished there was nothing to the
white slavery which he saw here. That remark de-
serves quoting solely as illustration of the mis-
chievOus nonsense which ignorant tourists some
times feel themselves called upon to talk doubt,
without thought of the injury it may do when left
fernonting in the mind of wOrkingmen and women
who have means of detecting the absurdity and
reckless exaggeration of such statements. How
ever, Nh BrOwnee went on to say that the case
presented DO real difficulty, if the employers would
only show some desire for a settlement.
For the mill owners appeared Mr.. William Ewart |
who at put forward the depressed state of trade
as the true cause of the proposed reductiOn-a re-
duction he claimed, OF only six to ten per cent. To
arbitration he had refused consent, and would still
refuse. He would not acquesce in the principle that
question of wages between employer aud employed
was at all question for an arbitratora remark of
most unpromising tenor, and not one to give you a
high idea of Mr.. Ewarts knowledge on :he matters
that most concerns him capitalist and manu-
facturer He defended tho right of the employers
TO eombine-which needs no defense. He Iepelled
the charge of unwingness to make a settlement
brought against the employers by Mr.. BrowDlee. IT.
said Mr.. Ewart, the men bad appointed committee
with power TO negotiate, there could be no doubt
agreement would have been come to. For manage
nent they paid no than they must for the nbil-
lty needed. Mr.. BrOwnlee knew, Mr.. Ewart further
asserted that an adjustment of the whole wages at
six per cent reduction would have satisfied the en-
ployeTs And as to the severity of the toll, he
pointed out that the working hours in the mills were
60 per week soon be reduced to 56l while in other
cOuntries-Ineaning the Continent, no doubt-they
are 72 with the State repressng all re nonstrance
and resistance.
Mr. Bowman replied, beginning with a denial Of
Mr.. Ewarts assertion that any sign of willingness
for settlement had been shown by the masters and
for the workmen he declared that they had used
their utmost endeavors to induce the masters to
meet them half way. The workers had not struck.
They had been told to accept the terms dictated to
them or 90. and they went 1t was a lockout, not
strike and must say think Mr.. Bowman is pretty
nearly right, far understand the facts. Could
not, asked Mr. Bowman. some eminent man of
science-and be named Prof. Tyndall and Prof
HuXley-volunteer his services TO try and arrange
the dispute Considering that the operatives have
At least once before aud lately as this week. pro-
posed arbitration and offered to accept Mr. Murphy,
ami-owner as arbitrator. and that the masters re-
fused, this suggestion coming from representative
weTkingInan showed plainly their willingness and
anxiety TO negotiate. The reduction imposed by the
masters was really, urged Mr. Bowman. reduction