male operatives engaged in that business, in 1809. In July, a party of the men had an interview with Mr. Barker, hat manufacturer, for the purpose of expressing their disapprobation of the injury sustained from the competition of female operatives. During the interview, two of them, named Dalton and Midgley, uttered intimidating language; for this they were taken before the magistrates, convicted in a penalty of £20, and, in default of payment, committed to two months' imprisonment in Salford goal. When the expiration of the period of confinement, the 19th of September, arrived, the two offending hatters returned to Oldham in a chaise, but on its reaching Coppice nook, they were met by a large body of their fellow workmen, who instantly took the horses from the carriage, and conveyed it through the principal streets. A turnout of the male hatters against all masters who employed female operatives ensued, but its results were such as usually attend similar proceedings, being productive of much injury to all parties, without a solitary advantage.

The levying of a toll on the stalls placed in the streets, upon the market day, Saturday, and during the fairs, by the agents of John Lees, Esq., on the plea of his being lord of the reputed manor of Oldham, caused considerable local excitement, and a public meeting of the inhabitants being held on the subject, at the Spread Eagle Inn, January 11, 1810, Mr. Lees rendered any further measure unnecessary, by abandoning, without solicitation, all future claims of that description.

The facility with which credit could be obtained at this period multiplied artificial capital to a considerable extent, and imparted prosperity to trade during the war, as well as adversity co-incident with its advance. Such a system created the necessity of repeated and unwearied speculation; and this, whilst extending the traffic of the country, produced those inevitable distresses and embarrasments which have occurred from

159