Another considerable strike is at hand in Lancashire. The cotton
weavers contend that trade is improving, and that they are entitled to an advance of 10 per cent. on their wages. The masters, who are strictly associated, reply that the im- provement is only nominal, that they cannot think of an advance of 10 per cent., and that even the 5 per cent. which they may ultimately be able to grant must not be claimed just yet. The Weavers' Wage Committee at Accrington have accordingly decided to turn out, and have given a fort- night's notice, after which 5,000 hands will cease to work. The Masters' Association, on their side, are determined not to yield, and will, it is believed, commence running half-time throughout Lancashire, partly to reduce the operatives' means of helping each other, and partly to keep down stocks. The quarrel is an unusually foolish one, as both masters and men admit that the dispute turns on a matter of account, which a clear-headed arbitrator, familiar with the trade, would be fully able to decide. The men, however, as usual, disbelieve the masters' statements, and the masters resent what they consider dicta- tion. The chances of the fight are against the men.
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