25 SEPTEMBER 1880, Page 3

The great strike in the cotton trade, which was to

commence at Accrington, will, it is believed, be averted. The Lanca- shire masters have decided to go on half-time, and it will, there- fore, be difficult for the operatives in work to subscribe the £1,800 a week necessary to keep the operatives on strike. More- over, the men are more or less daunted by the indifference of the masters, who show in the most practical manner that demand is not brisk by voluntarily consenting to half-time. It is evident from all that is said that the masters must win, the old evil of the cotton trade, over-production, operating as a defence for them against demands for higher wages, and in such circumstances a strike would be suicidal folly. A fresh conference between the combatants has, it is stated, been arranged, which it is believed on the spot will end in the with- drawal of the notices.