■ The Eight Hours'System.-^, Motion with Leaders of Poll' Heal Parties. * Members of the Council Indig nant London, May 2. Mr Gladstone in a letter to the . London Trades Council, declined to receive a deputation on the subject of «■*-%' a universal Eight HoursY.System. J- He stated that the question was not ripo for discussion, and there was no likelihood of its being seriously con sidered by Parliiviuent until the classes affected had shown that a uniform compulsory rule was applicable to the unbounded number of persons in-'em ployment. One delegate proposed to »„ throw the letter into the wastepaper basket, but the Chairman ruled the proposal out of order as irregular. It was resolved to interview the Govern* ment.. Lord Salisbury and Mr Balfour-■ hare replied to the request to receivjff a deputation of trades representatives, asking to have the reception deferred. When the deoißion to made known to the meeting of the Trades Council there was an uproar, but Mr Shipton urged the members to behave with moderation. The owners of many non-associated mines refuse to re-open unless the men agree to a reduction of \.%\ per • cent. May 8; *"'■' The Lancashire miners have ac cepted a reduction of wages, and resolved to limit the work to five days a week, The Daily Chronicle, referring to Mr Gladstone's letter to the . Trades Counoil, considers it a masterpiece in the art of evasion,

R.M. COURT.
