Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 100, January 31, 1891 by Various
page 12 of 44 (27%)
page 12 of 44 (27%)
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consider some terms of compromise.
In the above sense one of the speakers addressed the meeting, but he was speedily followed by another, who insisted that, "come what might," they would stick to their latest terms, which were, a three-hours' day--(_loud cheers_)--and time-and-three-quarters for any work expected after three o'clock in the afternoon. (_Prolonged cheering_.) A Delegate here rose, and said it was all very well their cheering, but could they get it? (_A Voice, "We'll try!"_) For his part, the speaker continued, he had had enough of trying. With wife and children starving at home, he had only one course open to him, and that was, to knock under to the Company and their ten-hours' day, if they would have him. (_Groans, amid which the Speaker had his hat knocked over his eyes, and was kicked out of the assembly_.) The discussion was then continued, much in the same vein, and eventually culminated in a free fight, in which the Chairman got his head broken, on declaring that a Motion further limiting the working day to two hours and a half, was lost by a narrow majority. Yesterday afternoon the Directors' Mutual Anti-Labour Protection Company met at their Central Offices for the despatch of their usual business. The ordinary Report was read, which announced that though the affairs of three great Railway Companies had "gone" literally "to the dogs," still, the Directors of each had to be congratulated on showing a firm front, in refusing to acknowledge even the existence of their _employés_. The usual congratulatory Motions were put, _pro formâ_, and passed, and, amid a general manifestation of gloomy |
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