I believe you'll take my
word (cheers, and cries of "We will"). I believe I'm known at
Mowbray ("Gerard for ever!"), and on Mowbray Moor too
(tumultous cheering). We have met together before this ("That
we have"), and shall meet again yet (great cheering). The
people haven't so many friends that they should quarrel with
well-wishers. The master here has done his best to soften
your lots. He is not one of those who deny that Labour has
rights (loud cheers). I say that Mr Trafford has always
acknowledged the rights of Labour (prolonged cheers and cries
of "So he has"). Well, is he the man that we should injure?
("No, no"). What if he did give a cold reception to some
visitors this morning--(groans)--perhaps they wore faces he
was not used to (loud cheers and laughter from the Mowbray
people). I dare say they mean as well as we do--no doubt of
that--but still a neighbour's a neighbour (immense cheering).
Now, my lads, three cheers for the National Holiday," and
Gerard gave the time, and his voice was echoed by the
thousands present. "The master here has no wish to interfere
with the National Holiday; all he wants to secure is that all
mills and works should alike stop (cries of "Very just").
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