The CASE of the Poor Work-Men Glass-Makers: Humbly Offered to the Honourable House of Commons, against Passing the Bill for Laying Duties on GLASS,&c.
I. THAT there is so great an Improvement of the Art, or Mystery of Making Glass, within this Our Kingdom, as that there are now great Quantities frequently Exported, to the Absolute Prevention of all Importations thereof, as formerly.
II. That, by Means of the said Improvement, there hath been a great Increase of Artificers, and Poor Work-men, who (by Reason of the Wars, and the Obstruction thereby made, in the Exportation, and Vent of Glass) have several Times, for near Half a Year together, been Destitute of all manner of Imployment; whereby many of them are Reduc'd to such an Exigency, as that they cannot support Themselves, and Families.
III. That should a Bill pass, for Laying the said Duties on Glass, the Greatest Part of the said Artificers, and Work-men, will be Constrain'd to leave this their Native Country, to the utter Decay of the Art of Glass-Making Here, and to the Encouragement of Foreign Places, where they shall Inhabit.
It is therefore Humbly hoped, That this Honourable House will not Discourage these Artificers, and their Manufactury; It being obvious almost to every Man, how Inconsiderable a Sum will be Raised, by Laying a Duty on Glass, for His Majesty's Service.