THE RIGHT TO "CA' CANNY."
[TO TIIR EDITOR OF TDB " sr KarArott.-] SIR,—In your issue of November 28th, "Lancastrian," in reply to my letter of the 21st, says : "We employers do not ask for an unreasonable day's work, but we want con- scientiousness and alertness." Yes ; but what may seem a reasonable day's work for the employer may be very unreason- able to the workmen. As for alertness, I am acquainted with some masters who are never content unless the men are jumping about like burnt cats. "Lancastrian" goes on to state that lie has "often seen the belt purposely put on the slow speed," and further on states that "the physical effect on the worker is the same in most cases whether the machine runs at full or half speed." Quite so. Now, if a machine running at half speed has the same physical effect on the worker as when it is running at full speed, why should the workers put it at half or slow speed ? What ? So that they will do less work ? I speak from experience, and emphatically deny that the workers try to do less than a reasonable day's work. Of course there are always a few "won't works" everywhere, but I do not class them as men, for they never strive or attempt to do anything but dodge work as much as possible; and I do not think it just to judge the workman from these contemptible beings. If one man is a blackguard, does it follow that the other nine hundred and ninety-nine are blackguards ? I hope that "Lancastrian" will investigate the next time be notices a machine going at slow speed, and quite possibly he will find that the work that is being executed could not possibly be done with the machine at full speed. When any person sends a letter to any paper on any given subject he should always be prepared to bring forth facts to prove his contentions. Does " Lancastrian " do that ? I questioned his statements regarding the bribing of the apprentices, and in answer he states that be has got facts satisfying himself as to the truth of the statements that he made. I am delighted that he is pleased with his proofs; perhaps your readers would not be so easily pleased or satisfied. Before closing, I would like to give " Lancastrian " some advice—you know I am passionately fond of giving advice—that the next time he writes to your medium be will be "blate an' ea' canny," and not write or state facts that he cannot prove to the very hilt.—I am, Sir, Stc., Wtru, 0' GLESCA.
Previous page
