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ot* skill this very skilfulness, which is only to be acquired by practice, 

 becomes a valuable qualification in the hands of him who has acquired 

 it; and this he may monopolize by all fair means in his power, till 

 another set of men have had time to acquire the same degree of per- 

 fection. When that time arrives, however, this temporary monopoly 

 must necessarily cease, unless by other means the fresh supply of skill 

 and labour is kept out of the market. This has been attempted to be 

 done, in various ways, by intimidation, and by inducements of pecu- 

 niary advantage. Intimidation, which was at one time carried on to 

 an alarming extent, has now been nearly effectually checked by the 

 operation of a wholesome enactment. The other means of bribing or 

 inducing labour to keep out of the market, is still carried on exten- 

 sively and systematically. Almost every trade has formed itself into 

 an union, with each a general treasury, supported by contributions 

 from workmen in employ, for the temporary relief or support of those 

 who are out of work, whether of necessity, or in conformity to the 

 rules of the association. 



An article in the last number of the MONTHLY MAGAZINE contains 

 a sufficient amount of evidence to prove the deplorable folly and utter 

 inefficacy of these institutions. The evidence adduced before the 

 House of Commons' Committee shows that in every case the objects 

 for which these unions have been formed, have been defeated, after 

 an obstinate resistance, worthy of a wiser and a better cause. At the 

 risk of being thought almost redundant, we will now quote a few of 

 these cases, in illustration of our arguments. 



The history of the cutlers' trade of Sheffield is remarkable at once 

 for the obstinacy with which the endeavour to force wages was carried 

 on through a long series of years, and the total discomfiture of the 

 combinators, in the event. Ever since the year 1810, the artisans 

 engaged in the various branches of this trade have been either perma- 

 nently or occasionally in a state of combination, for the purpose of 

 raising or upholding wages. The most perfect organization was pre- 

 served amongst them, and the committee were indefatigable in their 

 labours and inquiries, and met with the most liberal tolerance at the 

 hands of the authorities, in the prosecution of what they considered 

 their good cause, Nay, more, the masters themselves have some- 

 times united, or at least concurred with their men. in this great scheme 

 for bettering their condition. Yet what have been the result ? The 

 wages though occasionally, and for very short periods, they have 

 been forced above their natural pitch have continued to fall lower 

 and lower till 1831, and "have now reached a point of depression 

 beyond the farthest to which they had ever before descended." 

 But mark the result still farther. By these combinations the workmen 

 of Sheffield have called up a formidable rivalry against themselves, 

 and " are driving certain branches of the hardware trade from that 

 town to other parts of England. The trade in plated goods, for ex- 

 ample, has already in great part migrated to Birmingham, where the 

 wages are not more than one-half what a combination amongst the 

 workmen compels the Sheffield masters to pay." 



A somewhat similar example occurs in the history of the carpet 



