696 
Belegstellen. 
We beg to state the fatal effects which, in our judgment, result from 
pauperism; it produces moral degradation in every point of view, repres- 
ses industry, engenders negligence in the management and economy of a 
family, increases disaffection, has a tendency to riot and outrage, greatly 
injures the landed interest, produces a general demoralization of principle 
and endangers the State itself, — 
We are of opinion, that a fair price given to the weaver for his la- 
bour has not the effect of preventing a consumtion of the article he wea- 
ves; and that a reduction of wages, below a fair standard, would at no 
time produce a greater sale of goods in the silk-line, nor would such re- 
duction of wages be attended with any advantage to the master generally, 
or to the journeyman, were the manufacturers, in the event of a tempo- 
rary depression of the trade, to manufacture silk goods (if they could do 
30 at a low rate of wages): because the quantity of goods in the market 
is increased during such depression, and consequently then affects the 
profit of the manufacturer, and prevents, when trade revives, so many 
goods being made as otherwise there would, at fair prices; and therefore 
when considered in all its relative bearings, is injurious both to the ma- 
naufacturer and weaver. 
We cannot but observe, that in our judgment the weavers in Lon- 
don and the vicinity are not overpaid, by the list price now‘existing, for 
their labour. 
We are of opinion that an extension of the Silk Acts to the counm- 
iry at large, would be attended with the same advantages as we have 
above imputed to the operation of those in London, Middlesex and West- 
minster. — 
E. 
Zu Seite 455 Anmerkung 2, 
Die Hausweber verlangen ein gesetzliches Lohnminimum. 
Handloom weavers Report von 1834, S. 447. 
5676. What is the date of it? — The date is not mentioned, but 
it is a vetition to the House of Commons, which was presented in 1808. 
(The Petition was delivered in and read, and is as follows:) 
A Copy of the Cotton Weavers’ Petition, and their Clauses. 
„To the Honourable the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great 
Britain and Ireland, in Parliament assembled. — The humble Petition of 
the undersigned persons, ‚being Journeymen Cotton weavers resident in 
that part of Great Britain called England. 
Sheweth.