relative value, as measured in the work-people, which is now beginning things of another country of the to manifest itself, in a reduction of same intrinsic or relative value, and wages. for which they were sent to be The evils, sir, are so numerous, arisexchanged, the country sending too ing out of the system of working too much reduces the supply, until the long, and producing too much, and the relative or intrinsic value is restored. benefits that would accrue to the mauuAnd this applies to all descriptions of facturers and their work-people so palpauseful produce or manufactures, ex-bly apparent, that I will not tire you by changed by one country with another, pursuing the subject farther, relative to years of abundance and scarcity, and the advantages to be derived from the which nearly balance each other, being adoption of" eight hours' work for the always excepted. Oa turning to table present full days' wages"; and now for No. 1, you will see that 24 pieces of a few words as to how the plan may be calico, the make referred to, have com- carried into effect.

manded 300lbs. of upland cotton during The Regenerating Society wishes to the last eighteen years; in which period, avoid giving any encouragement to three years have commanded consider-" turn outs," I assure you, sir, and to ably more, and three other years con- avoid encouraging any mode of prosiderably less; but, taken together, the cedure that can by possibility injure the excess in the three years nearly balances labouring poor, who are the objects of the deficiency in the three other years, the society's especial care. It is for and the other twelve years approximate them that the society has been eɛtaso nearly to the standard, as confirms blished, and has recommended applicathe truth of this statement, and that, tions being made to the masters, accomtoo, notwithstanding the great differ-panied by a request that they will adopt ence in the money value of such arti- the new regulation, and by a short cles, in this country, during the eighteen statement of the reasons, why it is beyears referred to. lieved the adoption of it would be beMany more articles of import might neficial to both masters and work-peobe referred to, to show the same uni-ple. The society disclaims any intenformity of exchange; but there is no tion of creating divisions between the necessity for it, because the principle of employers and the employed; its motto proportion and relative value arises out is "The rights of industry, and peace of the necessity of the case, and is ob- and good-will," and with it the weapons served in despite of any efforts that may the society may use shall correspond, be made to destroy it. and if in its efforts to secure to all in reWe see middle men, as they are fre- turn for moderate labour, a full and amquently called, from their being a kind ple share of the necessaries and comof go-between in the buying and selling forts of life, and proper time for educa of the articles, step in, and, with their tion, recreation, and sleep, to which all surplus capital, derange the order of who labour are justly entitled; if, in its exchange for those things, for a time, efforts to secure these things for the laas has been the case this year in cotton; bourers, and adequate profits to those a scarcity was first asserted, speculation who employ them, the sciety has to atensued, and I find that for this year tack the interests, and contend against (1833), the manufacturer of the cloth the prejudice and opposition of many in table No. 1, will have had exacted who do not labour, but get more in refrom him, by this interference between turn for the fixed income they possess him and the cotton grower, 30 pieces, than they are justly entitled to; against for 300 lbs. of upland cotton; and this these the society has no feeling of reinterference has so deranged the cir- sentment or hostility, but it is fully percumstances of many virtuous trades- suaded that their real and true interests men, that ruin will follow, and misery and suffering result to them and their

* See Appendix, No. 6.

would be advanced by the adoption of ensure satisfaction and security to themthe measure recommended. selves.

The first of March has been sug- For, what becomes of our boast of gested by the society as a desirable pe- new acquisitions in mechanical skill, riod for the new regulation to com- great improvements in machinery, and mence, this being about the time when unprecedented increase in production, the new Factory Bill requires that chil- all excellent things when rightly didren, under eleven years of age, should rected, if the result which has hitherto not work longer than eight hours a day; followed be to continue, namely, the and unless this limitation of the time of withdrawal of work altogether from labour be extended to all, many chil- some, and their degradation into paudren will be thrown out of employment pers; the reduction of wages visited on altogether; numbers more will have those who are left to compete with the their wages reduced one-third; and improved mode of production, consemuch suffering and an increase of dis- quent upon the adoption of the new masatisfaction amongst the poor would chines; from which lessened wages, follow, but may be avoided if the sug- starvation, misery, and crime, ensue; gestion of the society be acted on. To and the increase of labour, without any cause this to be done, the society has increase of remuneration of those comrecommended the work-people to unite, paratively few in number who are forand respectfully, but earnestly, request tunate enough to get work on the new their respective employers, to adopt the machines. If such consequences canproposed regulation of "eight hours' not be avoided, then of one thing I am work for the present full day's wages." certain, that all our boasted improveIf the answers of a considerable num-ments in machinery are not a blessing, ber of the masters be favourable, and but a curse to the productive classes, they agree to adopt the regulation, pro- whose work is being constantly invided it be general, a meeting of the creased in intensity, and deteriorated in masters may be convened, the question value, by the changes arising from these discussed, and resolutions agreed upon improvements. But a right direction and circulated, calculated to bring over may, and ought to be given, to those the dissentient masters. Other measures, if found necessary, may be agreed on at the meeting, which cannot fail to be efficient in securing the success of this righteous cause. Should the masters, generally, resolutely oppose the adoption of the plan suggested by the To effect this object, the time of lasociety, and the entreaties of their work-bour must be shortened,all must have empeople to do them this act of justice, then it will remain for the Regenerating Society, and the work-people, to devise such a legal and peaceable mode of proceeding as they may consider proper to obtain the adoption of the regulation.

It is hoped, however, that the masters will not be so blind to their own interests, and to the interests and comforts of their work-people, by whom they are surrounded, and whose well-being is so manifestly identified with their own, as to refuse their cordial consent to the measure proposed, and for which so strong a necessity exists to allay the discontent among the work-people, and

invaluable improvements; and the masters and workmen, by cultivating a good understanding with each other, and by an union of effort, ought to do it for themselves, without seeking for legislative interference on the subject.

ployment, and the same, or more wages must be paid to each individual, for the reduced time of labour that he had before the hours of labour were abridged. Then the blessings of these improvements will become manifest to every one; the disputes between masters and servants relative to wages, and the introduction of the most improved machines, will cease, because all will participate in the benefits which they confer. Peace, concord, and mutual goodwill, will prevail; and an improvement in the physical, mental, and moral condition of the people, will follow, corresponding with the increase and im

provement of the machines put in operation, to aid them in producing what they want.

I have now, sir, at considerable length, endeavoured to answer your letter, and stated my reasons for supporting the Regenerating Society. I have described what has been the state of the cotton trade, during the last eighteen years; what is its present state; and what in my opinion would be its state, if the plan the Regenerating Society recommends should be adopted; and I beg again to repeat, that, although my reasoning has been chiefly confined to the cotton trade, it will apply to other branches of manufacture throughout the country. There is sufficient evidence of this in the inquiry made by the committee of manufacturers, commerce, and shipping, in the last session of Parliament, and especially so in the committee on the state of the silk trade, in 1832.*

The subject is one of which it is difficult to convey clear views to those unacquainted with the nature of it; and in my attempts to do this, I have repeated again and again, some striking and most important

* See Appendix, No. 7.

facts, which go to show the lamentable and rapidly declining condition, both of masters and workmen, engaged in the manufactures of this country; facts, which cannot be too strongly impressed on the ininds of all who have any anxiety for the comfort and happiness of the labouring people, and for the and peace security of their employers; and, as I am one of the latter myself, and being thoroughly satisfied that the course we have pursued for several years back, cannot be proceeded in much farther, I naturally wish we may in time change that course, and avoid the evil consequences, which, I am fully convinced, will otherwise befall us.

If I have succeeded in removing your objections to the plan proposed by the Regenerating Society, for introducing the change, I shall feel amply repaid for the pains I have taken; and if I have not, I am sure we shall agree to differ, without thinking worse of each other on that account.

I am, my dear sir,

Your obedient humble servant,
JOHN FIELDEN.

Waterside, 7. December, 1833.

No. III.

Years.

1818 1819 1820 1821 1822 1823 1824 1825 1826 1827 1828 1829 1830 1831 1832

1833

d. s. d. s. d.s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d. js. d.js. d.ls. d.]s. d.ls. d. s.