According to the latest accounts, the masters in Blackburn see
their way to a settlement. The Mayor of Blackburn informed a correspondent that negotiations were in progress which led him
to expect an arrangement, which, it is understood, will be on this basis :—The operatives are to accept a reduction of ten per cent., and the masters are to pledge themselves that if, at the end of three months, trade should revive, they will resume the old rates of wages. Some doubt, however, is expressed as to the truth of this story, which would imply submission for the moment on the part of the men, and an acknowledgment on the part of the masters that the cause of the difficulty was the failure of demand. It appears certain, however, that the strike leaders disapprove of violence, that they cannot maintain the multitudes thrown out of work, and that they are ashamed of the ruffians who, the moment the workmen rise, join their ranks for mischief. A compromise is therefore possible, though we fear the particular one suggested would leave the door open for future accusations of betrayal. There is little chance of a revival of trade, with a great war hanging over us.
