24 AUGUST 1861, Page 2

The masons, we understand, are on the point of withdrawing

their men from all the country jobs of the hour-system masters (now 25 in number). The men are, it is said, in high spirits ; their funds are better than ever, and their balance-sheets show subscriptions from a great number of trades in all parts of the country. It is a significant fact that the Paris operatives are just now complaining bitterly of the hour system, which has been tried in many of their trades since 1848. It has led, they say, to systematic overtime and to irregular hours. They are preparing an address of sympathy and encourage- ment to the English operatives on strike. We do not ourselves— nor do the men, we believe—object to the hour-payment, if the plan be strictly guarded by conditions as to overtime. It would be well for all parties if a compromise could be arranged.