The Builder, No. 2, February 18, 1843.
_SATURDAY, February 18, 1843._
The various speculations and expressions of opinion to which our
movements have given rise would, if accurately noted, supply the most
interesting exposition of what we have to contend with on the one hand,
and what we have to encourage us on the other. We should gather from
it the most convincing testimony of the necessity of some such effort
as that which we are now making to remove the general ignorance on all
points connected with Building, whether as regards the science or its
professors and practitioners. Grave and experienced men are to be found
who hold up their hands in astonishment at the rashness, as they consider
it, of our enterprise—men who argue upon general principles against the
success of our plan. They say the Builders are not a reading class, nor
a class at all, either in themselves or their connection, to support a
periodical like the one we propose to give. The publishers in particular,
and they, in their experience on all points connected with publication,
are certainly entitled to be considered oracles—the publishers generally
have but a mean opinion, or say they can form no opinion at all of the
probabilities of success. They confess themselves astonished at the
numbers of the Building Class; but they mistrust the conclusions to which
we have come upon the data which these numbers supply. So little have
publishers had to do with the Building Class, and so little the Builders
with the publishers, that they might have lived on the opposite sides
of the same globe as regards the acquaintance each has with the other
for any practical interchange of their mutual special interests; but we
propose to bring them into more intimate union, and to make the publisher
at least confess that he knew not one half the territory over which his
appointment was designed to extend.
But there are parties connected with the arts who might have been
supposed to have lived in something like a consciousness of the immense,
as it is intimate, alliance that subsists between them and the Builders
as members, it may be said, of one common fraternity; and these are as
ignorant of the more important facts as it is possible to suppose men to
be. An eminent sculptor addressed us the other day in a strain of this
character: “The Builders,” said he, “are too small a body to support a
class paper; look around you,” he continued, “and you find them dotted
here and there only, and not like the Shoemakers, or the Publicans, or
the Butchers, meeting you at every turn.” It should be stated that he had
seen our Precursor Number. We asked him if he was aware of the fact the
Carpenters alone outnumbered the Shoemakers, and that the whole body of
Builders are as five to one of that very numerous class: that in round
numbers we had 130,000 Carpenters, 60,000 Masons, 40,000 Bricklayers,
30,000 Painters, Plumbers, and Glaziers, and so on. And that these were
an intelligent, a reading, a thinking, and provident class, and well to
do in the world. At this he expressed his surprise, but yet in such terms
as to shew us that there was a leaven of incredulity mixed with it. Again
we referred to them as an advertising class, on which he seemed amazed,
but more so when we pointed out to him seventy-one advertisements in the
Precursor, and expressed our belief that shortly it would amount to five
times that number. On this head, indeed, it would be easy for us to give
convincing proof, were we so disposed, and we know not but we may, for
the curiosity of the matter, some day do it; we could print the largest
part of a paper in thickly-set advertisements pertaining to building,
and all selected from the London and provincial papers of one week: sales
and falls of timber, of brick earth, and minerals; of building land and
general building materials; businesses to be disposed of, contracts to
let, situations wanted, and the like; indeed, there is no such class, no
class so much in need of, and so well able to support their own weekly
paper. Other parties we have met with, and reports have been brought to
our ears, from men moving in the very ranks of the workmen themselves,
who express a most disparaging opinion, not of our objects, or our
exertions, but of their fellow-workmen; they say, in as many words, that
“we are throwing pearls before swine.” The plan is good, they admit; but
they urge that the mass of the workmen are too fond of amusements, and
so given to low and sensual indulgences, as to deny the hope that they
will, to any extent of numbers, seek to benefit by it. These people, we
are afraid, measure their class by themselves. Others again urge, that
the reading appetite is vitiated and depraved, and that unless we pander
to the passions of the multitude “by strong and exciting and vulgar
matter” (we use their own words), we may look in vain for subscribers.
Against all these we have to contend, and we are utterly opposed to them
in opinion on all such grounds as the foregoing; but in one point we
agree,—we certainly have an uphill affair. The ground we have chosen is
unoccupied and untrodden. We have a great task in reversing the usage
of centuries. We must, therefore, call upon the workmen themselves to
aid us in fighting their own battle,—not a battle against interests or
individuals, but against ignorance and exclusion. And we reiterate our
call on the friends of the working classes, for whose satisfaction, and
the satisfaction of all who care to know it, we now make our profession
of purpose as regards the end and object of our labours.
We do not want to inflame the mind of the workman with discontent; we
do not want to unsettle or disturb the relations of society; we do not
wish to raise any man above his proper condition. On the contrary, we
would promote and teach contentment; we would settle and consolidate; we
would give every man his own proper level. We consider that it is too
much the tendency of the agitation of these times to effect the opposite
of all this. The best words are perverted from their true meaning or
misunderstood; a false principle pervades and regulates our intentions,
and the world runs counter to its own wishes, by reason of its neglect of
simple truths, which he who runs may read.
As regards that much abused word education, and as to our purpose to
educate the workman, a right understanding will suffice to disarm it
of its terrors in the minds of many who have seen in its perversion or
abuse that which they have ascribed to education itself. What is an
educated man? Here we fancy we hear ten thousand voices exclaim, What a
question! And yet we challenge the whole of that ten thousand to give
the true answer, if they reply in the generally accepted meaning of the
term. Education is too frequently confounded with book-learning, and
that is considered to be knowledge which is only the key to it. Take
your educated man, as he is called, and put him into the workshop or the
sphere of operation in that art on which he descants so learnedly, and he
must give way (at first at least) to the unlettered, or, as he is termed,
the uneducated artificer and labourer. A mind well stored with the facts
that bear upon any particular art, may be likened to a well-furnished
chest of tools; but it requires a practised hand to apply those tools
with skill and to a useful purpose—all the rest is mere theory; and of
this sort of theory we have a great deal too much now-a-days.
Aye! we will take the rude, unlettered Carpenter of the most obscure
country workshop, and match him as an educated man against the most
learned pundit of our universities. We do not mean to say that the
Carpenter is a better man for his rudeness, or because he may read or
write badly, or not at all; but we take this as an illustration of the
meaning we attach to the word education in its practical sense, and we
will now say a word as to its bearing on the course we have chalked out
for ourselves.
It is true that the relations of society and its workings in these times
appear very mysterious, confused, and complicated; but what does it arise
from? Does any man imagine it to be more difficult to regulate domestic
or civic government now, than it was in the simplest state of pastoral
life? Not a whit the more, provided the education of the heart, the
bringing out of its virtuous tendencies be properly studied and promoted.
Teach the workman his duties in the several relations in which he is
placed, as much as you aim at making his skilful in the handling of his
tools, or the fashioning of his materials, and you have educated him for
the whole end of his existence; but he wants few or none of the theories
of matters that are above him.
It is to settle then, to calm or quell the agitation of purpose which now
disturbs the public mind, to do our part in this, as we conceive, great
work of national repair, to bring into harmony the now contending powers
and forces, and to assist in our humble way to direct them to one end and
object, of peaceful and profitable action, that our exertions will be
directed.
And how do we propose to do this? how do we aim to be useful in this work
of charity,—for surely charity it must be called which shall effect the
ends of peace? Why, by bearing in mind and acting upon the old proverb,
“Charity begins at home.” We begin with our class—we begin at home.
Oh! there are conquests more bright, achievements higher, glory greater
to be reaped in this sphere than in all the turmoil of politics, or
the dread strife of war! Let us wean our countrymen, but particularly
that great body of which we have the honour of being a member,—the
building class,—from the fretting and exciting consideration of subjects
which only tend to unhinge the mind and distract it from acquiring
that solid profit which a skilful exercise of his craft procures from
every intelligent workman, let the quiet habits of a steady industry
be enforced upon ourselves; let our curious and admiring thoughts be
bent, so far as business goes, upon the investigation of the principles
in science, and the properties in nature which affect the things we
construct, and the materials of which they are constructed; let the
workshop and the building have our working hours, and our homes and
families the rest, even to a participation in our studies, for these in
most instances may be made the interest, and now and then the delight of
every family circle.
Is it nothing, good countrymen and esteemed fellow-craftsmen, that we
have to boast of honours and achievements such as neither military
daring, or statesmanlike craft or wisdom has ever attained, or can attain
to. What are all the doings of the science of war or government compared
with the building up, on clear and well-defined principles, abstract
as well as tangible, those stupendous and imperishable memorials of a
country’s history which the works of the Architect and the Building
Artificer supply. After the lapse of ages of obscurity, we recover, by
means of the indelible tracings of the hand of the long departed, a
knowledge of the habits, character, and condition of the countries in
which they lived and worked. How much of the tale of British history of
the fourteenth century, and of following centuries, have to be recorded
by the architect and builder of these days? and by those whom their
present conduct will influence? How important then it is that there
should be none of the trifling in our department, and that we should be
alive to the importance of the functions we are called upon to exercise.
The humblest workman of the building class is charged with the duties
of the same mission. It will be our part to show them how this duty was
discharged in times gone by, and to engage them in the consideration
of such subjects, and in the labour of acquiring a similar mastery in
their craft with those whose works we call upon them to join us in
investigating.
It is thus that we propose to educate—the standard of mechanical and
moral excellence must be raised at the same time, and good citizens,
as well as able artisans and artists, be trained under one system and
together.
OUR CORRESPONDENCE.
It is a pleasing part of our duty to acknowledge the flattering
testimonials we have received in favour of our work. Certain of our
approving friends have taken the trouble to write, but many more have
called at the office, and expressed the warmest interest in the success
of THE BUILDER, with a determination to do all in their power to insure
it. The Royal Institute of British Architects have, by a special
resolution, directed their Honorary Secretary (Mr. Bailey) to acknowledge
the reception of our first number, and the Society of Arts have placed
it in their library, and thanked us for the presentation. These matters
are noted as shewing that a work of this class is recognized by important
public bodies as deserving of their especial regard; and we feel assured
that as we advance we shall find not only an admission but a welcome to
every public and private library in which the literature of art obtains a
place.
We have letters of encomium from architects as well as from builders
and working men; and as it is for the latter that we are most anxious,
feeling assured that when matters are right at the base of the social
structure, the ornaments are firmly fixed and supported, so we feel the
greater pride in perceiving the interest which the workman takes in our
labours. It is the architect, however, and the experienced and liberal
master builder, the clerk of works, and foreman, who can assist us to the
enlightening of the body of the craft; and we have one grateful specimen
of this species of co-operation, from a learned and eminent architect, an
extract from which we cannot forbear committing to print.
“I should like to know whether THE BUILDER will assume the
character of _Loudon’s Magazine_, or whether you intend it
entirely for the working classes—if for the latter, shall
you endeavour to bring before them the _principles_ of what
they are called upon to labour at, or shall you endeavour to
give them a taste for those acquirements which at present are
supposed to be possessed by those who direct them? I do not
fear any ill from raising the mental condition of the artisan,
but see in it much good, at the same time, feel the difficulty
of elevating the social condition of so large a mass of the
community, and am desirous that when the attempt is made, it
should be followed by success.
“To inform the working classes how their labour was performed
in ancient days, would be instructive and amusing, and would
lead to a better style of workmanship. I will instance the
carpenter’s employment—describe the tools, the style of
setting out and executing roofs of the middle ages, where
neither iron-work nor nails of any kind were employed. The
scarfing, the manner of uniting the timbers, &c. &c., are all
at variance with modern practice. Then the beautiful manner in
which the whole is put together and balanced would be a study
calculated to raise him in his own estimation, and satisfy him
that he belonged to a superior class of artificers. Emulation
would encourage him to do as well or better, to carry the
same excellence into minor employments, or, at all events, to
understand sufficient to derive pleasure from the examination
of many of the specimens left us. A vast deal might be written
upon the mere handicraft—much more upon the principles—more
still upon the art; and when the design is taken up, the field
is too spacious to put bounds to.”
The foregoing so well expresses many of our views that we can hardly
encumber it by a comment. We have in another place given our own opinions
on the question of “raising the mental condition of the artisan,” and we
have also in the same paper attempted to sketch out by what means and
for what end we propose to raise it. We shall, therefore, proceed to the
letter of another architect, which, as it regards the “getting up,” as it
is termed, of the paper, has a practical value in that sense, and will
enable us to explain a point or two in reference to it, that may give
satisfaction to many.
“SIR,
“As you have invited opinions of your precursor number of THE
BUILDER, I take the liberty, as an architect, to express my
gratification at the publication of so useful and desirable
a periodical, and have very little doubt, if continued as
promised in the address, of its becoming a work of great
circulation, and one which will effect much benefit to the
numerous classes connected with the building art, more
particularly to the workman, providing you publish it at a
price within his means, for at present, it is much to be
regretted, this great class of persons are wholly denied
the advantages derived by perusal of works on this science,
owing to the high price at which they are from necessity
published. I would therefore suggest you give this the fullest
consideration, as I feel sixpence will be too high to give THE
BUILDER the circulation you desire. Another point requiring
attention will be as to the advertisements, both as to quantity
and description. If general advertisements are received, it
will not so well admit of the title you give to the paper,
which should exclude many such as are in the Precursor; and I
fear, without much less space is devoted, or that the number
of advertisements is compressed by smaller type, you will
experience a disappointment in the success of your undertaking.
I again beg you will accept the thanks and best wishes of an
“ARCHITECT.”
Now as to price, we think the best answer we can give is the present
number. We have been advised to steer clear of too low a price at the
commencement, because of the admitted difficulty of alteration in such
cases, when found necessary to raise it. We hope no such necessity
will arise in this; that the largeness of the subscription-list and of
the number of purchasers will fully compensate us for any sacrifice we
may make in the outset. With regard to advertisements, it was our wish
to confine the list to such as bore directly on building, but to be
stringent in this respect would be to deprive the paper of a large power
of usefulness. Builders want almost every thing, and are consumers to
an immense amount of all sorts of commodities; wherefore, then, should
we refuse our columns to advertisements that inform the workman and the
master alike of the ready means of supplying their general daily wants?
But we make this promise, that the space given to advertisements shall
not defraud the inquiring reader of his full share of information and
of matter of trade interest; nor shall our friends the advertisers be
treated with less consideration for this resolve—the more they bestow
their favours upon us, the more shall we study to cater for their
advantage, and for every page they add to our sheet we shall in some way
or other give a page to the reader, so that the mutual workings of both
parties shall be for the mutual good.
We give the next letter, though of some length, entire. It, like the
first from which we made an extract, embodies so much of our views and
plans, that we would give Mr. Harvey the full credit of his own clear
perceptions, by letting it be seen how well he understands the subject
upon which he writes, as will be exemplified in the carrying out.
“SIR,
“The general invitation conveyed through the ‘precursor number’
has induced me to offer a few remarks in reference to THE
BUILDER.
“‘The _discovery_ of the disease is half the _cure_;’ so in
this instance, the primary point to ascertain is, what class
stands most in need of the kind of publication contemplated
in THE BUILDER. When the vast number directly and indirectly
connected with building and mechanical pursuits is considered,
there is certainly much cause for encouragement in such a
project: at all events, it may be fairly concluded that there
is a good _site_; and if the _foundation_ be well studied,
there is but little fear of erecting a _durable structure_.
“I have no doubt that THE BUILDER may be rendered worthy the
patronage of all the numerous grades named in the list given in
the ‘precursor number;’ but bearing in mind ‘the old man and
his ass,’ I am of opinion, that out of these several grades,
some particular class should be specially borne in view, and
that upon the selection of this class mainly depends the
success of THE BUILDER.
“Upon a review of such literary works extant as may be
deemed the property of that body to whom THE BUILDER is
addressed, I think it will be found that no class of
men are so ill provided for as _journeymen mechanics_
generally, and this is the class that I would recommend
to your preference in the conduct of THE BUILDER; to this
class THE BUILDER ought to be considered invaluable in the
dissemination of _practical knowledge_,—_extracts from works
made inaccessible by their cost_,—_experiments_,—_hints on
construction_,—_design_,—_enrichment_, and similar topics;
which at the same time would be very acceptable to the more
enlightened portion of the building community, and produce
inquiry and improvement in the minds of the less experienced
and youthful.
“With this view but little will be expected or required of THE
BUILDER in the character of a _newspaper_. Further than the
limited notice of occurrences appertaining to its title, I
would suggest the insertion of the _markets_, or current prices
of building materials, &c. &c., and in particular, that an
allotted space be given up to the subjects just referred to, to
the exclusion of advertisements or any other matter. Probably
once a fortnight might suffice for such a work; this point,
however, with its price, I will not now enter upon, having
already, I fear, trespassed too long on your attention.
“Be assured of my interest in the success of THE BUILDER; to
the aid of which my humble tribute will be given with much
pleasure.
“I am, Sir, your obedient Servant,
“SIDNEY HARVEY.”
The next letter is from a plasterer, and we make it the occasion of
reiterating our intention to give designs of ornaments for plasterers.
There is a field of novelty and propriety open to them which we venture
to say has scarcely yet been touched upon. Hitherto architectural
ornament in plaster-work has been principally confined to imitations of
marble, or stone-work and wood. Now this is a perversion and a deception,
and a better principle will inevitably obtain, since just and sound views
of the principles of design and ornament are beginning to be inculcated.
So beautifully plastic a material has its own peculiar province in
decoration, and we shall take occasion, as we advance, to throw out
practical suggestions for ascertaining and working in it.
“SIR,
“It is with much satisfaction I have read the precursor of THE
BUILDER, which I think will be well received by all persons
in that line of business, for nothing can possibly be so much
wanted for the trade in general as a publication of the sort
you are about to send into the world. I have been a practical
plasterer these thirty years, and have often expressed a wish
that a useful intelligent paper might be published. I shall
be most happy to become a subscriber. I am fearful there will
be thousands read the Precursor, like myself, that will be
proud to subscribe, but will not take the trouble to express
themselves by letter, and then you may fancy it will not be
taken up with spirit, though I am convinced, by the many
persons, _indeed all_, that I have conversed with, that it is
their intention to become purchasers the moment it is fairly
out. Wishing you success,
“I am Sir, your obedient servant,
“B. J. MASKALL.”
We will insert two more of what we may term the professional, and
conclude with a complimentary note, lately received, from a gentleman
whom we have not the pleasure of knowing, and extracts from the first
that came to hand, as proofs, along with a great number of others, of a
deep interest being taken in THE BUILDER, as we predicted would be the
case, by the amateur.
“SIR,
“You invite a reply from your readers of the ‘Builder’s
Magazine.’
“To make a newspaper answer, it must be numerously circulated.
I should advise to make it a _weekly paper_, to suit every
mechanic or person engaged in the trade. I should recommend
that it be like the _Illustrated London News_, to contain
sketches of works in progress, new buildings, amounts of
contracts, and other news relating to building. Also, to make
it general (for nearly every workman takes a weekly paper), it
must contain the heads of the news for the week. This would
answer, without doubt, and I should like my name as a weekly
subscriber.—Yours, &c.
“J. NESHAM.”
* * * * *
“SIR,
“I approve much the plan of your proposed publication, and
cheerfully offer myself a subscriber in whichever form it
may appear; but would prefer it as a weekly magazine and
advertiser, in which character I hope soon to see it, and
wishing it all possible success.
“I am, Sir, yours respectfully,
“THOMAS ALLEN.”
* * * * *
“SIR,
“I have only just had time to look into your valuable and most
interesting work, THE BUILDER, which I took up by accident
this morning. I am so convinced of its excellence, that I
should feel greatly obliged if you would allow me to become a
subscriber of the unstamped number, from the first, and supply
me regularly with it, if you are in the habit of sending it to
this neighbourhood.
“I am, Sir, &c.
“J. R. W.”
* * * * *
“SIR,
“Last Saturday evening I bought the precursor number of THE
BUILDER, and was so pleased with the contents, that I called
again at your office to say that I meant to take it in myself,
and that I had shewn it to a bookseller, who told me that he
also would order it at once for his shop. At that time I had
only taken a very cursory glance at the number, but on further
inspection, I feel convinced that it must have a very great
sale, and I am sure I heartily wish you every success. My
answer to your question, as to whether a magazine or simple
newspaper would be the better form of publication is this,—that
though many would prefer it as a magazine only, yet many more
would rather see the news of the week blended in its columns. I
am no artist, I am no mechanic, but I am a very great admirer
of architecture, particularly of country houses and rustic
cottages, churches, gardens, &c.
“I wish your new work was called ‘The Builder and Landscape
Gardener.’ Views of parks and garden grounds, &c., ornamented
with their castles, halls, cottages, &c., both of this and
other countries, are at all times highly instructive and
interesting.
“To the greatest talent is united in your work that kindly
feeling towards those who have to labour for their daily food
that will carry you on triumphantly. That your undertaking may
meet with a deserved and most abundant reward, is the sincere
hope of yours, &c.,
“M. B.”
The suggestion contained in the last extract, as to the title, is one
upon which we are glad to make a few remarks, because the same suggestion
has been embodied in the observations of other friends, in different ways.
We have confined ourselves to the simple term “Builder,” as best
descriptive of all classes and crafts concerned in the art of building
itself, and the arts with which it is intimately allied. Were we to
attempt to give a title that should specifically explain the branches of
art and science to be treated in this work, we should occupy half a page.
Not only setting up houses or edifices, but, as we have said before,
preparing the materials—aye, even to the very question of the planting
and the culture of the oak and the pine, on which the future carpenter
is to exercise his ingenuity. As to the brick-field, the quarry, the
limekiln, the mine, the forest—consider what enters into the composition
and completion of a building, what machines and implements are employed
in working and preparing the materials, and its erection—what in the
furnishing and fittings—what in the garden and other appurtenances.
Consider all these, and you have engineering and machinery, cabinet-work
and upholstery, and finally landscape art, included. And as to building
science, or architecture, consider also its extensive range: the cottage,
the middle-rate dwelling-house, the mansion, the villa, the palace—there
is the labourer’s house of the country, and the labourer’s and workman’s
house of the town; the farmer’s dwelling in the one, and the tradesman’s
in the other—the farm-yard buildings and the corresponding workshop,
warehouse, and factory—the country “box” and the citizen’s suburban
retreat—the mansion of the country squire and that of the wealthy town
merchant—the parsonage, the church—the humble village church!—the street
of the pretty country village, the formal lines and gay shops of the
crowded city—the traveller’s way-side inn, the town hotel—the petty
sessions house, the county courts, prisons, workhouses, almshouses,
asylums, barracks—the halls of our cities, the concert-rooms, the
theatres, the great market-houses, the exchange for our merchants, the
parliament-houses, the palace, the cathedral!
Our subterranean structures, in drains and tunnellings; our pavements
and highways; our bridges, aqueducts, and viaducts; our railroads,
our lighthouses, harbours, docks, ports, defences. Consider
these, and we have not half exhausted the list—we dare not longer
particularize—consider these, and the numerous crafts and callings
engaged in them, and it will be at once seen that we should only weaken
the force and destroy the comprehensiveness of our title, THE BUILDER, by
any attempt to make it more comprehensive.
The following excellent letter has come to hand since the foregoing
summary was penned:—
“SIR,
“The delight with which any one connected with the erection
of an edifice seizes a book or paper, bearing the title (THE
BUILDER) heading your new publication, can be duly appreciated
by those who have carefully studied the ‘Practical Builder,’ as
published by Mr. Peter Nicholson, in the enlarged edition of
1822.
“In the perusal of which the idea of a work similar to the one
shewn forth in the precursor number of THE BUILDER, has very
often engaged my most serious attention, leaving no doubt on my
mind of the very favourable reception the work would have from
all parties engaged in the Building department.
“Begin and continue on the broad principle of practical
utility, making most prominent, works already executed, or in
the course of erection, with a copious description, as also,
plans, elevations, sections, and details of the most prominent
features of the building or structure, illustrated, and the
work, from its great utility, will take a place amongst the
magazines of the present day, second only to the great magazine
of the north.[1]
“A large and beautiful field lies open before you, and by
bringing before the public some of the noble metropolitan
structures, the beautiful street architecture, and suburban
villas, you will create a love for reading and study amongst
a most important class, that will force THE BUILDER on, till
it has attained the ‘Corinthian order’ as a magazine, and the
companion of every artizan.
“A magazine has always occurred to me as the best mode to
bring the architecture of this country in its best form before
the public, always acknowledging the name of the professional
gentlemen employed in the erection illustrated; so much so,
that I have often been tempted to suggest the idea to some of
the London publishers, as there the erections are as a source
inexhaustible.
“Though THE BUILDER may be an instrument of much good, if
correctness of plans and details are guaranteed, its fall will
be as certain, if it should be a medium of ‘book-making,’ so
often seen thrown before the public.
“It will likewise add to the value of THE BUILDER, by
continuing the portraitures of men so eminent in architectural
skill as the noble-minded William of Wykeham, already
illustrated in the Precursor number.
“I would respectfully suggest the propriety of detaching the
advertisements from THE BUILDER, so far as to allow a separate
binding of the work.
“Reviews of architectural works are also highly commendable in
THE BUILDER, as they increase in quantity of late years; and a
guidance to purchasers therefore is valuable.
“With best wishes for the prosperity of the undertaking, in a
continual increasing circulation, I must beg the forwarding
to your correspondent here, such of the numbers as have been
issued.
“I remain, most respectfully,
“JOSEPH J. ROEBUCK, Joiner.”
“Manchester-Road, Huddersfield, Feb. 13, 1843.”
[1] Chambers’s.
* * * * *
“SIR,
“Judging from a perusal of THE BUILDER that it is your
intention to give to the building world the first information
upon all matters connected with its interests, I beg therefore
to apprize you that at this moment, a bill is preparing very
secretly (at least the ground-work for one) for Parliament,
upon which it is presumed, as secretly will be obtained, a New
Building Act.
“Whatever objections there may be (and I readily admit there
are many) to our present Building Act, yet I do not think it
requires altogether to be superseded.
“From private information I learn, that the majority of
clauses in the intended new bill, are exceedingly arbitrary,
and calculated only to oppress the Builders without the least
additional benefit to the public, and indeed, I am of opinion
that if adopted, it will prove a source of great inconvenience
and expense to all parties in any way connected with building.
I should, therefore, recommend a Meeting of speculative
Builders immediately, to take into consideration the best means
to oppose the bill in Parliament.
“I shall be most happy to give my best assistance in this
matter, as also to forward the views of the proprietor of THE
BUILDER.
“I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
“JOHN REID, Surveyor.”
“90, Canterbury-buildings, Lambeth,
“February 14th, 1843.”
The foregoing letter came to hand as we were going to press. We have only
time to assure our correspondent that we will pay immediate attention
to the subject it refers to, and we invite further information from all
those who may be in the way of procuring it. At the same time we would
urge a calm and steady purpose in the pursuit of this or any similar
object of our vigilance.
Legislation on matters affecting building interests, above all things,
should be deliberate and not capricious. Much mischief may be done
by over anxious meddlings, indeed, we may say in this respect with
Shakspeare in Hamlet,
“Better bear the ills we have than fly to others that we know
not of,”
or run the risk of so doing.