Esther M. Zimmer Lederberg
The Industrial Revolution in Great Britain
William Prouting Roberts, Solicitor
"The Miner's Attorney General"
Durham Miners' Association: 1869

Roberts cancelling of the bond 1869

  1. Solicitor opposing the "Bond" ("contract") of "King Coal" during the "Great Coal Strike of 1844". The "Bond" was defeated legally in 1869.
  2. Solicitor opposing the "truck system" and "pit cottage system". Although both systems were "officially" made illegal, they continue to exist today (just as slavery still exists).
  3. Solicitor opposing the "Master and Servants Act" of 1823 (a "legal" form of involuntary servitude).
  4. Supporter of "Chartism". Solicitor defending the "Manchester Martyrs" of 1867 (Fenianism). Opposed anti-Irish "racism" then existing in England.
  5. Opposed the newer types of Unionism represented by Alexander MacDonald. MacDonald had an objective of working in a "civilized" and peaceful way with capitalists (and even with workers). W. P. Roberts did not believe that selling out the defense of poor workers was the proper role of unions.

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