The Cotton Factory Times. — 1892-09-16 (Manchester, Greater Manchester, England)

THE TRADES UNION CON2RESS.  WORK VERSUS TALK.  In speaking of the Trades Union Congress last week we referred to the generally excellent behaviour of the delegates, who appeared to have acquired the knack of behaving themselves as well as those who attended the Congress in its palmy days. Of course our readers need scarcely be told that we could not be including Friday's proceedings in our remarks, as we regret to say that if we could have done we should have had to alter them somewhat. On that day, which is practically the last in which any discussion is allowed on motions, a large number of the delegates, who had evidently been nursing their wrath all week, got to bursting point. Come what might, they were determined their names should figure in the newspapers, and on one occasion during the debate on the eight hours question there were fourteen men on their legs at once claiming to have caught the chairman's eye. This was considered to be a record, but about half an hour afterwards there were no less than twenty-four in the same position, and when the chairman insisted that he would not have them all addressing the Congress at once there were twenty-three men sat down feeling grievously insulted. This feeling of irritation because the chairman failed to see how a score of men could be listened to at one time showed itself in a restlessness which was very- difficult to cope with, and the reporters, who sat under the chairman, were almost deafened by the constant clanging of the big railway bell which was brought into requisition when any of the obstreperous tribe had to be run°. down. One wideawake old stager got up and proposed that the reporters should not have the names of the speakers given them, which, he said, would do more to stop the competition to speak than a dozen big bells. The chairman for next year might do worse than take the hint.  The wrangling to which we have referred took place mainly during the discussion on the eight hour question. This was really the only useful debate during the week, though as the speeches were limited to five minutes, nothing much could be said by any one speaker. This year the advocates of an out and out eight hour day did not propose the resolution which they carried at Liverpool, and which was defeated at Newcastle last year. This year Mr. Mawdsley submitted a resolution asking that the Government should enact a law, giving to the organised workman in each trade the power to say when they would adopt the eight hour day, such decision to have the force of law. This is technically known as trade option, and leaves the workpeople in any occupation to manage their own affairs, and accept or refuse the eight hours as they choose. This is the position which the representatives of the cotton industry have supported at the last three congresses, and was voted for at Glasgow by opponents of an eight hour day like the shoemakers. It was, fn fact, supported by all those who like cotton workers believe that the workers in each trade best understand their own business, and should have the right to deal with it. The amendment proposed only differed in the fact that it would have the Legislature make the eight hour day imperative all round, unless the workmen by trades contracted themselves out of it. In the first case it was " contracting in" that had to be done, and in the scond case it was "contracting out." Pretty near a case of tweedledum and tweedledee says the reader, but on this slight difference the delegates went on chattering for several hours, and would have gone on for many more had not the chairman stopped the discussion when the amendment was agreed to.  Perhaps we might mention another subject which is considered one of the most important that comes before the Congress. This is the Factory and Workshops Act, which gets pitched into every year. This time the tailors were at it, with a proposal to make employers responsible for the sanitary condition of the workmen's homes, if work were done at them. Then the bakers wanted more efficient inspection, and the silk and some other sections of the textile trades wanted to be brought within the scope of the 24th clause (particulars clause) of the new Factory Act of last year. It really is wonderful how these and other people can year after year keep getting up and asking for this, that, and the other, whilst at the same time, beyond spouting, they will not move a hand to get what they pretend to want. Men in any number can be found who will get up at Congress, or at other meetings, and harrow the minds of their hearers with tales of internal rottenness in bakehouses and other workshops. But invite them to prepare a bill to amend this and do a little quiet work in getting M.P.'s to support it, and they are aghast at the idea. During the progress of the last Factory Bill through Parliament some of these people were repeatedly asked to look after themselves, and support the insertion of clauses that would meet their views; but never a move did they make. To a superficial observer it looks as if they would prefer the faults to remain so that they can have a text on which to make an occasional speech. We know this is not the case; but if ever the Factory and Workshops Act is up for amendment again it is to be hoped that the miscellaneous trades will look after their interests in a different style to that of last year.  "And so he is a real baron? What is he baron Ideas, I think."  Young Authoress (reading ms.nusoript "But perhaps I weary you ?" Enthusiastic Friend: "Oh, no; I long to bear the end of your story."  "Don't want nothing. Go'way. Don't like peddlers." "But maybe your husband does. How about a razor ?" "He never shaves. Go 'way." " But perhaps he might want to commit suicide." Physician (to convalescent patient): "My bill, sir, for attendance daring your late illness." Patient (looking over bill and turning white); "Good heavens, doctor I was I as bad as that?"