The agitation on the questions at issue between the employers
and employed. in the building trades has already assumed serious proportions. The masters have met and agreed to form an asso- ciation intended, if possible, to break np the combination of the men, in so far as it interferes with the free will of workmen who are not connected with the Society. For this purpose they propose to employ none who will not sign a declaration to the effect that they are totally unconnected with any society, which interferes between the employers and the employed. This determination has created hot indignation among the work- men, and the latter have held a monster meeting in Hyde Park, whereat their anger and determination to resist were more conspicuous than their judgment or sense of jus- tice. They are evidently enraged at the policy adopted by the employers to prevent themselves from being eaten up in detail. The workmen had much better listen to the wise advice of their old friend Lord Brougham, rather than to the foolish talk of their own interested leaders, and abate their unjust pre- tensions. At present then is every probability that the struggle will be carried on with iirceness on both sides, and that great suffering will be inffiotad, not only on the combatants but on the non-combatants, and the large number of persons indirectly connected with the building trade.
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