The " strikes " which have so long impeded the
industry of the cotton trades in Lancashire exhibit new signs of coming to an end. In several trades connected with wearing and spinning, "turn- outs" have already given way ; the colliers of Wigan have for the most part resume a their work ; and it is understood that many hands in the cotton business would return if the mills were open to them. The mills, however, remain closed ; and the signs of yielding in the men seem to strengthen the firmness of the masters. In this extremity, pledged against concession, with winter and hunger before them' the men have made an appeal to the Secretary of State for Home Affairs. They set forth how the masters have not made the promised restoration of ten per cent on the return of prosperity' how they will not listen to accommodation; and how reasonable the men have been. It is an ex-parte ;statement, but is characterized by much more clearness, calmness, and fairness, than might have been expected. The memorialists do not explain how they expect Lord Palmerston to exerciae 14s influence or na- thority ; and it will be difficult to see how he can order the mastgra to pay better wages, especially as the Home Secretary has plo power to order customers to pay better prices.
