The warfare which has been carrying on by the workmen against the property of their employers, for the last three months, seems to have acquired fresh energy during the last week, and to have assumed the character so decided, as to fall little short of open rebellion. The ramifications of the conspiracy extend throughout every manufacturing district in the county, as well as to the towns and villages on the confines of Derbyshire; and so complete is the organization of the different bands, that it frequently happens, that attacks are made in two or three different places at one and the same time, not only by night, but sometimes even the open day. The numbers are occasionally augmented, or diminished, as circumstances may direct; and the plans are so artfully laid, and executed with such secrecy and promptitude, as he defined the utmost exertion of the civil and military authorities to detect and bring to justice these atrocious disturbers of the public tranquillity.
It is calculated that upwards of nine hundred stocking and lace frames have been destroyed since the disturbances broke out, and of course, the greater part of that number of industrious work-people thrown out of employ, numbers of whom have been necessitated in consequence to seek relief for their families from their respective parishes.
On the subject of the differences between the workmen and their employers, we shall not hazard an opinion; but we cannot forbear expressing our detestation of any conspiracy that has for its object the destruction of property of any description; and our perfect conviction, that any man who exposes his life in such a cause, disturbs the public peace, places family in the situation of having torn from them it head and support, plays a desperate game.–It is not necessary to tell that industrious and useful body of men the framework-knitters, that we sympathize in their distresses, and are most anxious to see the period when the restoration of peace and a free commerce shall bring them entirely to an end; and we trust, they will do as the justice to believe, that in admonishing them of the danger of persevering in a system, which has occasioned so much mischief and alarm, we are influenced by the best motives towards them.
This post is taken from 2 separate editorial items in the Nottingham Journal published on 1st February 1812.
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