THE FARMER SWINGS HIS SCYTHE. 53 



us, so that we may fairly consider the matter and arrange our 

 affairs amicably. 



" Your obedient servants, 



" The Committee, 



" North Essex Branch." 



The phrasing of the letter seems to have been the common 

 one used by the branches of the National Agricultural 

 Union, With the rules enclosed was a preface addressed 

 to the members in which we find Joseph Arch signing his 

 name to the words I have already quoted, " Let courtesy, 

 fairness, and firmness characterise all our demands. Act 

 cautiously and advisedly that no act may have to be 

 repented or repudiated. Do not strike unless all other 

 means fail you. Try all other means." 



One cannot stigmatise such letters as these as " fire- 

 brand tactics." The farmers of Essex and Suffolk, however, 

 resolved " that the members of the Association shall not 

 in any way acknowledge the Labourers' Union by entering 

 into any contract with such Union, or employ a unionist on 

 strike without the consent of the acting committee." 



It will be clear to any impartial person that the farmers 

 at this period of prosperity could easily have paid i6s. for 

 a 54 hours week, the full demands of the National Union. 

 But the labourers in Essex and Suffolk were only asking 

 for 145. and 153. a week. Not receiving any reply the men 

 of Exning again wrote to the farmers on March i, 1873, 

 the following letter : 



" i March, 1873. 



" DEAR SIR, 



" The agricultural labourers of this branch of the National 

 Agricultural Union in your employ beg respectfully to inform 

 you that, on and after March 7, they will require a rise in their 

 wages of 35. a week a week's work to consist of hours. 

 Being desirous of retaining good relations between employers and 

 employed, and to assure you that no unbecoming feelings prompt 

 us to such a course, we invite you (if our terms are not in accord- 

 ance with your views) to appoint an early time to meet us, so 

 that we may fairly consider the matter and arrange our affairs 

 amicably. 



" Your obedient servants, 



" The Committee, 



" Exning Branch." 



