THE STRIKES IN ENGLAND.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1289, 16 September 1872, Page 4

THE STRIKES IN ENGLAND.

A very large number of the mechanic and artisan class of this country is out on strike, and grjat inconvenience to trade has ensued. To say that ihe laboring classes ought to be the best judges of the value of their labor is only to chronicle an obvious truism ; but as it so happens that the scale of skilled labor is fixed, and does not rise and fall with the demand, this axiom is subject to some deductions. For years post, for instance, the wages of builders, carpenters, masons, and painters have boen 6xed at a given rate per day ; and whether tho cost of the necessaries of life has been high or low, this rate has never varied. Then it may be as well to remember that, where men are paid by the day or week, and not by the job or piece-work, the unskilful man receives as much as the skilful. That is to say, if a man be a carpenter, and the wages 5s 6d or 6s per day, by the rules of the society of which he is a member he must not work for less. This is, of course, an obvious disadvantage to the capitalist, who cannot always pick and chooso his iron ; for it is well known that one man may be so quick and ready at his trade as to be almost worth as much as half-a-dozen others. The remedy for this evil seems to be either piece-work or the co-operative principle, because, in the first place, the man would get no moje than he earned, and in the second, he would share pio rata in the gains or profits of the capitalist. But this by tho way, for it is a very large question, and one perhaps that will some day — and that not far distant — occupy the attention of the Legislature. Among those out on strike aro the carpenters and joiners, togethor with upwards of 13,000 builders and masons. The bone of contention is nine hours a day, and ninopenco per hour for their labor. One masterbuilder has ceded these demands ; and, in view of the periodical increase, in the cost of the necessaries of life— which are now fully a third doarer than they were fifteen years ago— suggests a periodical revision of the terms to be paid for labor— such revision to take place say every ten years. This, he thinks, would settle the vexed question of capital and labor, an'J enable the capitalist to enter upon long contracts with a better chance of carrying them out at the time stated, and at somtthipg near the estimated cost. Then there are about 6000 wrought nail-makers out on strike, and we hear that the chain-makers, a kindred body, threaten to join them. Over 800 porters in Liverpool are out. They want 43 Gd in lieu of 4s per day, 7d instead of 6d per hour overtime. The Corn Trade Association offered to pay 6d per hour, while the Grain Warehousing Company say, if they concede the advance asked, it will increase the wages list to over LBOOO por year, an amount which would have to be mode up by increased charges for warehousing — a comfortable reflection for exporters and importers, and ultimately for the consuming pnblic. Indoed, the question here arises, if we are to place everything upon a higher basis, who is to be benefited ? As matters now stand, a general increase oi wages involvesacorrcsponding advaneein thenecessaries of life ; so that though the porter may get his Cd per day extra, he will have to pay a higher price for his coals, his boots, hoase-rent, andclothes. Theremedy, therefore, for the evils of which the working men complain, is not to be found iv strikes, but in a more equitable adjustment of the relations of labor to capital ; and as this can never be brought about but by practical legislation, we shall have to wait for its solution until some of our working men have fitted themselves for the work of enlightening the world upon the subject. The goldsmiths and jewellers have gone in for the nine hours'movement, and it is expected that the employers will grant their request. The warehousemen and porters of London have combined to protect their interests^ and the bakers are agitating for tweljuo. instead of eighteen hours per day. It is in favor of tho demand; of the. latter that they ask for no incrgasgof pay, and that their honra are oppressively long. Where the strike movement i& to end it is impossible to tell, but if aJJihe trades ar c bent on increased wages it is evident tf- ia t the articles which. tfcey manufacture r aUB t go up in price,, aad, as they are cow nmer3 wwcoromon with the rest of thf . wor i d