ABSTRACT
An exhaustive treatment of the whole question within the compass of a short paper is not practicable; but by confining ourselves to the exact points indicated in the heading, by avoiding unnecessary detail, and above all side issues, a general outline may be given which, it is hoped, will be sufficiently clear to be easily comprehended. It is now generally received as an authenticated fact, that trade-unions are the legitimate successors of the old English guilds; in many ways traces of their early origin may still be found in their forms, ceremonies, observances, methods, and policy. It is now generally received as an authenticated fact, that trade-unions are the legitimate successors of the old English guilds; in many ways traces of their early origin may still be found in their forms, ceremonies, observances, methods, and policy. The charges of tyranny and oppression which are brought against the unions, must be examined a little more closely.
