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, represses
 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 labour
 has not the effect of preventing a consumtion of the article he weaves;
 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 reduction
 of wages be attended with any advantage to the master generally,
or to the journeyman, were the manufacturers, in the event of a temporary
 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 manaufacturer
 and weaver.
We cannot but observe, that in our judgment the weavers in London
 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 counmiry
 at large, would be attended with the same advantages as we have
above imputed to the operation of those in London, Middlesex and Westminster.
 —

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.