The Times, 12 Nov 1846 - Free Trade and Wages

[Petra Mitchinson]

The Times, Thursday, Nov 12, 1846; pg. 6; Issue 19392; col D

FREE TRADE AND WAGES. - The Protectionists used to be fond of asserting that the manufacturers were anxious to repeal the corn laws in order that they might reduce the wages of their workmen. Events have falsified the assertion. In Carlisle the wages of the hand-loom weavers, since the passing of Sir Robert PEEL's measures, have been considerably increased upon certain fabrics, and we understand there is the prospect of a further rise very shortly. The manufacturing population of Carlisle are, we feel happy in adding, in full employment, and we are not aware of any intention among the millowners to resort to the short-time system, now so extensively adopted in Lancashire. - Carlisle Journal.