Page:Eminent English liberals in and out of Parliament.djvu/73

 indignant public protest against the infamous and, till it was proved, incredible violation of the illustrious exile's letters by Sir James Graham and the post-office officials. Mazzini was interested in his youthful defender, thanked him by letter, and to Mr. Cowen were addressed the dying patriot's last written words.

On returning to Blaydon, Mr. Cowen engaged actively in his father's business of fire-proof brick and retort manufacture, the firm normally employing as many as a thousand hands. At the Blaydon works there have been no strikes, for the very good reason that Mr. Cowen, though an employer of labor, has always been regarded as an intelligent exponent of trades-union views,—in short, as a trusted trades-union leader. His support of the nine-hours movement was from first to last of a most decided character, and such as every where to evoke the warmest feelings of gratitude among workmen. His persistent efforts, too, to found, improve, and federate mechanics' institutes all over the populous Tyneside district ought not to be forgotten. For many years he personally discharged the duties of a teacher in one of these institutions, which owe so much of their success to his enthusiasm and talent as organizing secretary.

Nor has Mr. Cowen been less active in the domain of pure politics, whether local or imperial. He is now president of the Northern Reform League,—an organization which has been in existence in one form or another for more than twenty years. He was present at its inception, and acted as its first treasurer. In the Reform demonstrations of 18G7 the league played an important part, calling out an array of supporters which the metropolis itself could hardly match.