A historical verbatim debate on the eight hours movement, presented as a direct record of the exchange between Mr.
H. M. Hyndman and Mr. C. Bradlaugh. This edition captures the exact propositions, counter-proposals, and the formal proceedings led by a chairman in a public meeting setting.
In these pages you’ll see how the speakers frame the problem of a shorter workday, how they defend their positions, and how the audience is invited to judge the arguments. The text includes the formal order of the debate, the time allocations for each speech, and the draft legislative language that accompanies the discussion.
What you will experience
- The two main propositions: a standard eight-hour day and a counter-view for industry-specific limits
- The role of the chair, the rights of speakers, and the flow of debate in a public hall
- The included appendix with a proposed Eight Hours of Labor Act, outlining scope and penalties
- The dynamic exchange on health, productivity, and the social impact of working hours
Ideal for readers of labor history, parliamentary history, or 19th‑century political debates, this edition provides a clear window into the era’s approach to work, law, and public policy.