Esther M. Zimmer Lederberg
The Industrial Revolution in Great Britain
William Prouting Roberts, Solicitor
"The Miner's Attorney General"
Solicitor opposing the "Bond" ("contract") of
"King Coal" during the "Great Coal Strike of
1844". The "Bond" was defeated legally in 1869.
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).
Solicitor opposing the "Master and Servants
Act" of 1823 (a "legal" form of involuntary
servitude).
Supporter of "Chartism". Solicitor defending
the "Manchester Martyrs" of 1867 (Fenianism).
Opposed anti-Irish "racism" then existing in
England.
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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