THE WESTMINSTER ACCIDENT.
BUT one opinion appears to exist as to the nature of the accident at West- minster. A scaffolding is erected ; it is at all events not redundantly strong at the lower part ; at the upper part there is an accumulation of heavy ma- terials. That the scaffolding was not strong enough is proved from the fact that it broke down. Many men are instantly killed ; some few others linger in agony, or are rescued for a precarious and maimed existence. What was the motive for running the risk which is thus shown to have been so hideous ? We know well that those who desire buildings to be erected will screw down the contractors until not enough is allowed to secure fair profit on capital and exertion, with sufficient for materials and for that deli- berate attention that should be given to all such heavy structures. That the contractor in this case did not mistrust the sufficiency of the support is shown by the fact that he himself was more than once upon the scaffolding, risking his own life. It is this pressure which makes contractors, again, screw down their men ; and it is a coincidence not to be overlooked that amongst papers publicly circulated has been a circular to the plasterers of London and the public generally, explaining that certain plasterers in the employ of Mr. Myers, at the Patriotic Schools, struck work because Mr. Myers did not allow " the 5s. 6d. per day." The overruling cause in all these causes as well as in many others is, that those who have the planning of the whole do not allow enough margin
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