The power-loom, which had now entirely superseded the handloom, was a factor in the peaceful revolution that followed, as it found employment for many of both sexes in the various processes connected therewith. The Crimean War, 1854-5, however, produced a time of ghastly suffering and privation. Employment was scarce, and necessaries again went to famine prices. Starvation was rife, and we learn that robberies and burglaries were not unfrequent occurrences; so frequent, in fact, that one winter, when flour was dear and work scarce, the inhabitants were called up in batches to patrol the thoroughfares during the night. These are the days spoken of as the “good old times,” but the one who lived in them and worked in them does not agree with this appellation. Coming to the year 1859 when, we may conclude, improvements were being introduced in many directions, the lot of the average working class family was one of a hand-to-mouth character; but there was a spirit of unrest with their conditions amongst the people, which led them to discuss the means of improvement. All previous attempts on the part of the people to improve their social position—such as Robert ()wen’s communities and Feargus O’Connor’s land scheme - had failed in their purpose. To wait for Parliamentary assistance was despairing so they turned to the plan of the Rochdale Pioneers, who by their example had shown them that by their own efforts they could achieve the object of their desires, without the assistance of Parliament. The following lines by Heine, the German poet, appropriately express the sentiment of the situation, They gave me advice and counsel in store. Praised me and honoured me more and more; Said that I only should wait awhile;’ Offered their patronage, too, with a smile. But with all their honour and approbation, I should, long ago, have died of starvation. Had there not come an excellent man, Who bravely to help me along began. Good fellow! He got me the food I ate His kindness and care I shall never forget: Yet I cannot embrace him, though other folks can, For I myself am this excellent man.” -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.12.10/459 - Release Date: 29/09/2006