The Bee-Hive. — 1872-09-07 (London, England)

THE TOBACCO PIPE MAKERS.  The following memorial having been sent .te the master tobacco pipe makers of London, and its terms not having been conceded, the men are out on strike, and say they mean to remain out until they get the terms asked. The men in their memorial say,—We wish most respectfully to bring before your notice the present state of wages of the journeymen tobacco pipe makers of London, and, further, to show you that the present wago are totally inadequate to supply us with the common necessaries of life. You are doubtless aware, gentlemen, that we hold an inferior position, financially speaking, to the most common labourer of this country. You are doubtless aware, also, of the enormous rate at which rent, coals, and provisions are rising, and also of the rapid increase of wages in all other branches of industry. Therefore, gentlemen, in common justice to ourselves and families, we lay before you a scale of wages that is consistent with the emergency of the present time. It will be observed from the resolutions herein contained that a uniform rate of wages throughout London is sought for. This has been done with the view of dealing out justice equally to both masters and men. We also wish to call your attention to the fact that the employers of Scotland have conceded to their journeymen an extensive rise of their wages. The provinces are also following their example; Northumberland, Cumberland, Westmoreland, Durham, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Nottingham, Birmingham, Bath, Bristol, and other places too numerous to mention, have already gained a considerable advance; and it gives us pleasure to state that the majority of questions have been settled without resorting to strikes. We wish also to bring under your notice the fact that during the last thirty years our wages have decreased about twenty. five per cent., and that provisions, have risen at about the same rate, so that we are fifty per cent. worse off than formerly. Surely, gentlemen, this fact alone will suffice to show the justice of our petitiou. Taking into consideration all circumstances, we believe that journeymen were never more justified In makiug an appeal ,to their employers for en advance of Wages than we are at the present time.  The Livingstone Relief Committee of the Geographical Society met on Monday to iv quire into the circumstances attending the expedition, of which Lieutenant Dawson wal thcs chief. Lieutenants Dawson and Mon were in attendance, but the proceedings woo strietly private.  The North-Eastern Railway Company have advanced their fares. The price of single Journey tickets is not altered, nor is there any diminution of third-class accommodation ; but the charges for return tickits are increased to the proportion of one fare and two•thirds instead of one fare and a half as formerly.  Taylor, the Bermondsey murderer, hag suffered a relapse. The wound in his head exhibits unfavourable symptoms. The aoctora considered an operation necessary, but he will not have it performed. He also refuses to go out for fresh air and exercise, saying he would only be a " spectaele " to the other patients. He Is closely watched.  The Channel Fleet left Spithead on Tuesday, and Lisbon is said to be its destination.  At the monthly, meeting of the Belfast Town Council, on Monday, Dr. Whittaker moved that, inasmuch as great dissatisfaction pre' vailed among the citizens in regard to the r 0 cent riots, the Law Committee should b 0 directed to consider how to prevent the recurrence of these proceedings, and more effectually secure the peace of the town in future. Mr. William Dobbin moved an amendmont? asking for a Royal Commission. A lengthenea discussion ensued, and, on a division being taken, the amendment was adopted.  The Prince of Wales has, through Geneva Knollys, expressed hie regret at being unable to accept the invitation of the Aberdeen Harbour Commissioners, to lay the foundation stone of the new breakwater there.