"A seizure, more valuable than has been made in this and the adjacent counties for many years, was effected in the Crouch river in the course of last week. Captain Dodd, master of the coal brig _Nancy_, of Newcastle, sold his pretended cargo of coal to a merchant with whom he had frequently traded, and was proceeding up the river to his destination, when the brig was boarded by Mr. Read, chief boatman of the Crouch guard station, who, observing something unusual in the conduct of the master, and that he left the vessel in an abrupt manner, his suspicions were excited, and he immediately set about an inspection, which led to a most important discovery. The coals at the top were found to be but a thin covering to a cargo of contraband goods, which, with the brig and crew, were immediately taken possession of and brought round to Collier's reach, where the cargo is now unloading; but, the coals being so mixed with the smuggled goods, present considerable difficulties, as it is calculated that there are five hundred packages of spirits and dried goods. Those already landed and safely deposited at the Custom House at Maldon, some of which were found secreted even in the fore and maintops, and consisting of spirits and tobacco, are estimated to be worth £1500; and it is expected that the whole cargo, with the brig itself, will bring from £3000 to £5000." CHAPTER XXIX. Legitimate trade--The "truck" system--Its downfall--State of trade--Newspaper stamps--Steel pens--Literature--List of authors--Painters--Sculptors. But enough of illicit trade. What was legitimate trade doing? The marvellous expansion which afterwards came, thanks to steam as applied to machinery, railways, and shipping, had only just commenced; but, at all events, a beginning had been made, and, thanks to her iron and coal, England was able for many a long year to head the race for commerce, hold her own with foreign competition, and even to defy it. The Trades' Unions, which have not altogether been an unmixed blessing, were still in their infancy, and in many trades the "truck" system of paying the workers in kind rather than coin was the rule. It was the payment of labour in goods or provisions instead of money; and the mode in which it was carried on by the manufacturers was to set up a large shop or store (commonly called a "Tommy shop"), containing all sorts of necessaries for their workmen, so that, instead of paying them money for their wages, tickets were given to these shops; or, in other instances, periodical visits to them were allowed to the mechanic or his wife, and they chose those things they were most in need of. Under these circumstances money was very seldom, or, rather, never paid; for, though parties to evade the law gave the money to their workmen, yet, before they left the premises, it was all received back again.