On this page
- Departments (2)
-
Text (9)
-
tfi*i*iti»tfYfrn* i^fTY itiW ff MBmmXBt &KB$ttBB
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
POSTSCRIPT. Saturdat, Oct. 5.
-
Untitled Article
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
-
-
Transcript
-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
Tfi*I*Iti»Tfyfrn* I^Fty Itiw Ff Mbmmxbt &Kb$Ttbb
Steffltttttfttt % n $ cm
Untitled Article
WORKING ASSOCIATIONS OF PARIS . The Working Jewellers . This is the oldest established of all the Parisian associations , as it was commenced in the year 1835 by a few workmen , who had read some excellent publications of the day ( I quote from Giland ' s Revue des Associations OuvrUres ) that advocated the principle of association , and used to be secretly distributed at night in the various localities frequented by operatives , dropped in the workshops , slipped
under doors , and through window-shutters . It so happened that a working jeweller collected several of these papers that were pushed under the gateway of the house in which he lodged , where he found them , every morning on his way to work . These he perused and carefully studied , communicated the discovery to his companions , who , being struck with the advantages that would accrue to them by adopting such an organization of labour , immediately determined to consider how they could put it in practice . Their fellow-workmen turned a deaf ear to
their remonstrances , their masters ridiculed the idea , but they , full of faith and courage , set to work according to their knowledge . They managed their affairs with skill and prudence , and when it was seen that they continued to exist and gain a livelihood for several years , their greatest opponents became their supporters , and recommended them in every direction . Eight years of toil and trouble , patient endurance , and steady perseverance , placed them in a position to realize considerable profits , when they received a severe check , owing to defects in their statutes and the selfish views of several members ,
who thought to benefit themselves by breaking up the association and seizing the profits , or by demanding large sums as the price of their forbearance . They were compelled to satisfy these unjust demands , and at the same time lost a great part of their customers , who went over to the seceding members . Nothing disheartened , they recommenced their work , reformed their statutes , and , among other improvements , introduced a law to compel every member entering the association to renounce for ever the right of establishing a private concern of his own ,
under a penalty of 25 , 000 f . ( £ 4000 ) ; and another , ¦ which requires a seventh part to be deducted from each man ' s salary to form a common fund for the purpose of perpetuating the association by modifying and extending its operations . They have avoided the error of an equality of wages by having the members paid according to their work , and the profits divided in proportion to the weekly salary of each . The whole body of members united in general assembly , elect the officers , and have supreme authority in all matters .
This society is remarkable for having a twofold object , viz ., the moral and physical amelioration of its members . By securing to the labourer the means and instruments of labour he is made for ever independent of the capitalist , and placed in a position to gain a comfortable livelihood . J 3 y accustoming workmen to live together as brothers , instead of enemies trying to undersell and ruin each other , their moral nature is elevated and improved . But these men go farther ; they instruct each other at their meetings and their homes in the duties of men and citizens , and encourage each other to fulfil those duties in obedience to the dictates of conscience , since a fault committed by one member would bring disgrace upon the whole society . This reflection ,
which is their great bond of union , is sufficient to preserve them affectionate , honest , and industrious , rhc number of members has never exceeded seventeen , and is now only eleven . They are in a prosperous condition , and out of thirty associations visited by the Government commission they alone were favourably noticed , and received the most commendatory language from M . Iicfebvre-Durufle in his report to tho Government , in consequenco of which they were granted 25 , 000 francs out of the 11 , 000 , 000 . They have four branch establishments in Paris , and send their products , of the moat exquisite taste , original designs , and superior workmanship , to every part , not only of France , but of Uuropo and America . Their chief establishment is in the Hue
at . Martin , ' lull , unrt < r tho title of tho firm of Lcroy , Thibuut , and ( Jo . Here , then , is a standing refutation of tho calumnies ami objections against associations of workmen , lor here is one that , founded in lK . 'lo , with only lour members and a capital of 200 francs , can boast an existence of fifteen years ! during which tiino thi > number of mumbers has been nearly trebled , the spheres of operations immensely extended , and a sum of money amassed an a common fund that will enable , thorn lo perpetuate the association to an indefinite period , and withstand the . shocks of a commercial crisis . Is there anything in the atmosphere or iiLstiuuiwiiM of Knglaud to * " prevent our own countrymen from following their example ? I am indebted for the greater part of the above account to Gilaiul ' s excellent little work , on the associations .
Untitled Article
Redemption Socif-ty . — Moneys received for the week , ending September 30 : —Leeds , £ 1 7 s . ; Iluddersfield , Mr . Gledhill , 9 s . Gd . ; Worcester , Mr . F . Jones , 14 s . 4 d . Communal Building Fund , Leeds , 5 s . The Paiikiiead Cooperative Store . — The nineteenth anniversary of the Parkhead Cooperative Victualling Society was held on the 27 th instant , when about 100 of the members , with their wives and sweethearts , sat down to an excellent supper . At the conclusion of the repast several of the members delivered interesting addresses on the benefits they had derived from the society , and on the social and moral results which might accrue to the working classes generally , if the principle
of cooperation was more generally acted on . The sales of this society amount to from £ 1400 to £ 1000 per quarter , and members , besides being supplied with cheaper and better provisions , and shoes , and various articles of clothing , than could be obtained from other dealers , have an avarage dividend amongst them of £ 120 yearly . Their permanent stock amounts to £ 350 : all profits accumulated above this sum are divided equally among the members . I think it would be a great improvement if they ( and all other similar societies ) would adopt the plan of the Galashiels Cooperative Society , and allow a portion of the profits to accumulate as a sunk fund , for the purpose of extending their operations . I have lately received an important letter from the secretary of the Galashiels Society , minutely detailing their mode of proceeding . I intend to lay it before the committee of
the Parkhead Society , in the hope of inducing them to adopt the principle which has proved so successful in Galashiels . Ten weeks ago the inhabitants of Camlashee commenced operations for the purpose of establishing a cooperative store . They called a public meeting of those favourable to the object ; they divided the village into seven wards , and appointed two wardsrnen for each ward , whose duly it is to go through their wards every Saturday evening and collect cash , and endeavour to obtain new members . Already seventy shares of 10 s . each are subscribed for , and new members are being added every week . All money is lodged in the Hank until a sufficient sum is accumulated to commence operations . All oilicp-bi-arcrs are performing ihcir duty faithfully without fee or reward . They have agreed to act on the Galashiels plan .
Cooperation tn Paisley . —A public mooting , with a view of commencing a cooperative ( provision ) store , was lately held in Noiv-stroet , Paisley . " Tho meeting was one , " says the ( J / asyow Post , " which , for numbers and respectability , gives every t-ncouras » ement to tho scheme propounded , which has for its object the welfare of tho deserving and industrious classes . Mr . John M'lutyre opened tho meeting by giving a brief account of the objects contemplated . The resolutions bearing on the subject were unanimously adopted . " Thk Galasiiikls Provision Stork Company have just opened a third branch for the sale of groceries , &c , and also a shop for the sale of butcher meat . — "YV . S .
Untitled Article
TO COBBESPONDENTS . Press of matter compels us to defer till next week the insertion of several communications ; amongst them two letters of considerable interest , from George Sunter and " A Scottish Democrat . "
Untitled Article
The steam-ship Washington arrived at Southampton yesterday with , one day ' s later news from New York than the telegraphic despatch to Halifax . The Senate had appropriated the sum of 500 , 000 dollars for the erection of a public building at San ^ Francisco , to be used as a Custom-house . The excitement caused by Jenny Lind ' s concerts was still increasing . Her third and fourth performances were attended by 8000 persons on each occasion . The rush to obtain tickets for the succeeding concerts was greater than ever . The New York Herald of the 20 th gives the following summary of the latest news from Washington : —
" The Senate passed the Oregon Land Bill yesterday , and then took up the General Appropriation Bill , to which several amendments , or rather additions , were made . One of the amendments appropriates the sum of 10 , 000 dollars to be expended under the direction of the Secretary of State for the expences of the Turkish Ambassador during his Sojourn in the United States . The proposition was made by Senator Hunter , of Virginia , and we are very much pleased to see it was responded to by a vote of 35 to 19 . We can afford to expend that sum in entertaining such a distinguished visitor . Considering the ignorance which exists in the bid world concerning the United States , the mission of
Amin Bey to our country ought to be considered in the light of a very flattering compliment , and we have no doubt that he and the Sultan will properly appreciate the kind reception which he has met with , in Washington—a reception which we are proud of . The conduct of the Sultan towards the unfortunate Hungarians who took refuge in his dominions after they were betrayed by Georgey and overwhelmed by the liussian forces has endeared him to this country . Our people look upon that Sovereign as a friend and an ally , and desire that the friendly relations between them and him shall be more intimate , and of a more friendly character than ever . Between the United States and the
so-called Christian Powers , with the exception , perhaps , of France , there is not a single link of sympathy , except what arises through commerce ; but with Turkey the matter is entirely different . The Sultan is a man after the American heart , and his impulses are the same as ours . Let us by all means , therefore , promote intimacy with him . The Senate adjourned without taking action on the General Appropriation Bill . "
Untitled Article
The election of a burgess to represent the university of Cambridge , in the room of the late Mr . Law , took place yesterday , when Mr . Wigram was returned without opposition . A very remarkable seizure of stolen property of the most valuable description was effected yesterday by the officers of the Detective Police Force , on the premises of a gold and silver refiner , hitherto having a high character in the trade , and carrying on extensive business in the heart of the city of London . It appears that a few days ago a robbery of plate to a very large amount from the residence of a Itoman Catholic clergyman named Richards , of Bootle , near Liverpool , had been reported to the
authorities at Scotland-yard , who , on being made acquainted with the circumstances , at once placed the matter in the hands of Inspector Lund and Sergeants VVhicher and Shaw , three active officers of the detective force , for investigation . The result of the enquiries made by these officers was a visit on their part , about noon on Wednesday last , to the extensive premises of Mr . Thomas Charles Sirrell , gold and silver refiner , of 53 and 54 , Barbican . Upon entering the shop Mr . Lund at once directed his brother officers to seize two large packages which were lying upon the counter , and at the same moment , addressing Mr . Sirrell , he enquired whether he had received a letter from Liverpool that morning . Mr . letter
Sirrell replied that he had , and at once handed a over to Mr . Lund for his inspection . After glancing at its contents , Mr . Lund told Mr . Sirrell that it was his unpleasant duty to inform him that he must consider himself in custody on suspicion of receiving stolen goods . The two packages referred to were then opened , and their contents found to consist of the produce of two robberies recently effected in the neighbourhood of Liverpool , one of them being that of Mr . Richards , of Bootle . Mr . Sirrell was sent down to Liverpool to be examined along with the supposed thieves on Thursday . Meanwhile officers had been left in charac of his premises , and a very superficial examination of the stock contained in the two houses disclosed considerable proof of the nature of his
dealings . A quantity of plate , bearing crests and cyphers , and evidently stolen property , was found in various places , and no less than five crucibles were at work when the officers entered . The number of watches discovered is almost incredible—upwards of 300 of then * have the cases torn off , and only the works arc remaining . Among the others are several costly gold watches with soils and appendages complete , and altogether the amount of property supposed to be stolen , which hits been taken possession of , is said to exceed in value any seizure since the days of Ikey Solomons . In the courso of Thursday and yesterday nil the stock of plate and jewellery was removed by the police from the premises , and taken to Scotland-yard , where it will remain for the present , for the purpose of identification . Mr . Sirrell
Untitled Article
The Watchmakers . The Rue de Berry is situated in a labyrinth of narrow dirty streets , between the Rue du Temple and the Boulevard of the same name , for such are ever the humble abodes in which the poor and industrious workmen are obliged to commence their peaceful campaign against the tyranny of competition . A dark passage and narrow staircase , as usual , lead to two rooms in which timepieces of every variety , of the most valuable and delicate workmanship , are in course of manufacture or repair , besides musical snuff-boxes and other objects of luxury usually found
at a watchmaker ' s . In January , 1849 , three sober , industrious workmen joined together to form an association , without any resources whatever , except the tools they brought ; and , in the course of eighteen months , they encreased to fourteen members , having done business to the amount of 25 , 000 f . ( £ 1000 ) , paid iabout 4000 f . ( £ 160 ) to hired journeymen , and 3000 f . ( £ 120 ) to themselves as salary , having agreed to receive only 15 f . a-week each , in order to meet the expenses of the establishment , which , in so costly a species of manufacture , it may well be conceived must have been numerous and
considerable . At first , indeed , they received only If . a-day , though the adherents ( members not yet admitted into the association , but elected in turn , as the business extends ) receive now as much as 21 f . a-week ; and the hired workmen , who are all paid by the piece , can earn sometimes 30 f . a-week . Owing to the prevailing prejudice against associations of workmen , the oppositions and petty annoyances of the Government , this association has still many difficulties to contend , with , and has been compelled to reduce its number to six members , the others obtaining work as they can of master-watchmakers . When we consider what these noble fellows have
accomplished , and the means at their disposal—for they commenced with absolutely nothing—we are almost led to contradict the saying of the old philosophers , ex nihilo nihil fit ; however , they had one or two little things called industry , and independent epirit , and a courageous heart : these were their capital , and a terrible struggle it was for them at the commencement ; but they possessed what I have so frequently met with in my visits to these associations—a determined , unconquerable spirit , that they would rather perish with hunger in a ditch than forsake the principle of association ; and this spirit has carried them triumphantly through all their difficulties . J . E . S .
Postscript. Saturdat, Oct. 5.
POSTSCRIPT . Saturdat , Oct . 5 .
Untitled Article
656 ®|) £ 3 LtaiftX + [ Saturday , - - _ _ —¦—¦—¦— - — — - - ¦
-
-
Citation
-
Leader (1850-1860), Oct. 5, 1850, page 656, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse2.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1855/page/8/
-