Francis PLACE (1771–1854), an English reformist politician. - Lot 87

Francis PLACE (1771–1854), an English reformist politician. L.A.S., London, January 4, 1834; 4 pages, in-4 (trace of a tab); in English. An interesting and lengthy letter. He has read his correspondent’s articles and believes that the latter is mistaken on all essential points—the consequences and remedies for the evils endured by the working class: “The consequences and remedies to the terrible evils the working people endure.” He believes that their well-being is of such importance that it is everyone’s duty to advance them intellectually as much as possible. He asserts that he will never slacken his efforts to promote the well-being of the working class and is prepared to work toward this goal until the end of his days. He spent 20 years fighting to repeal the laws against workers’ “combination acts” in 1824. He sent nearly 200 letters to various clubs and societies and received six replies. The most important point is an understanding of the principles governing profits and wages; without this understanding, they can do nothing to improve their condition. There are, of course, some setbacks, and if he has made mistakes, he is willing to correct them. Certainly, they are “teachable, and make greater progress than any other class above them.” He himself has taught them for 40 years and has evidence of this progress that will one day be published; they are “more moral, more sober, more cleanly, more thrifty, and more sincere than they were, and they are consequently more independent”... It is true that they have no understanding of public affairs, for they have long been regarded as slaves and treated as such. As for reducing working hours, they cannot attempt to do so with such low wages. He requests a copy of the Tables of Revenue, Population, etc., presented to the House of Commons… Finally, he addresses the government’s response: “The government will do next to nothing, unless it be to propose measures to suppress trade unions and industrial rights societies, and I have reason to believe they are contemplating such actions. I do not, however, believe anything will be done in this regard; the obstacles will be greater and more numerous than some of our leaders seem to anticipate, and since the workers’ current attempt will have failed before anything can be done, I dare say means will be found to prevent any harm”… Enclosed is a letter from the author, October 13, 1829 (1 page, in-8, in English), addressed to Joseph Hume, regarding his pamphlets, of which he already has a fine collection “from 1740 to 1786 in 22 volumes and 30 other volumes”…