Tho working builders and their masters are at war. The
former have refused to sign a declaration that they do not and will not belong to Trades Unions ; and for this refusal their masters have dismis-ed them to the number of several thousands. The quarrel did not arise from any attempt of the workmen to compel the payment of higher wages: the masters were the aggressors. Here we see one of the consequences of combina- tion on the part of the men : it has led to the combination of the masters ; and when this dispute is settled, the men will bide their time, and take their revenge by revolting in a body when their services are most needed.
Combinations to force up wages are the result of ignorance, which, on the part of workmen, is generally a misfortune rather than a fault: but we did not expect to find the masters, who should know better, acting with such impolicy and want of fore. sight as to provoke a quarrel, affording a pretence and an excuse for a future turn. out. They should let the spirit of combination die away, not fan it into a flame.
It is said that the Government has joined forces with the musters, and dismissed all the men employed upon public works, who have refused to sign the declaration. This is highly repre- hensible. Why should Government take part with one class against another, so long as the public peace is kept by both? This interference of Government, if it has really taken place, gives a still more oppressive and irritating character to the pro- ceeding.
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