The pilot and transcript. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1840-1841, 1840-05-22
From, Ha1ris's bateHigencer.
THE CENSUS AND OUR CITY BUSI-

From, Ha1riss HateHigencer.
THE CENSUS AND OUR CITY boS1
NESS.
In conversation with A. Plumer, ESQ, U.
NTarsbaII for the Western District oil Pennsyl
r-ania. he informed us that he would commence
taI,iag the census of our city on the list OF June
and that he had to finish his important task II
five months Our citizens are recommended t
ne prepared for the calls of his agents; many i'm
norfant queries are to be answered, and if an,
wish thew can see the list and particulars at on
Office.
we rexret exceedingly that the census coul'
not have been taken or two years ago, whel
our manufacturing, mechanical and our CONNER
cial industry was houTishing; as the change IL
tbe last twelve months, both in our population
and business, exceeds the expectation of many
who have not been close observers, and of the mass
of our own citizens, as well the public sener-
allv. do not anticipate the heavy drawback and
falling off Of almost all branches of our manu-
featuring, industry, and consequently also oil our
once extremely dense population; :,
If anv gentleman will deliberately walk
through our streets and environs, and see the
words esto let" every where staring him IN the
face he will be surprised at seeing the great
change a short time can accomplish. we be-
lieye at this date more than half Of the manufac-
turing and mechanical industry OF Pittsourg IS
entirely suspended, and that full three fourths OF
all the hired mechanics nave Utth Sou
and many of whom, with their families, have
removed TO all parts of the country, seeking en-
ployment and living.
We think, after converslng with many OF oui
most extensive and intelligent manufacturers
that from 1000 to 5000 souls have left the city
and environs in the last twelve months. On con-
yersing with some intelligent gentlemen, they
thought three-fourths or two-thirds of our manu-
featuring industry had fallen off for want of
sales and a market and owing to the dull state
of the times; but all of the large number we have
consulted, believe that full half or more than
half is within the fact. Some branches OF BUSH
ness such as the cotton and green glass, Is more
Aourishing, whilst others almost entirely sus-
pended In order to give some idea of the change,
we will introduce few branches that have sui
fered materially, and indeed, part entirely sus-
pended The steamboat business, not one on the
stocks; the steam engine business, out OF ten or
twelve establishments, but three or four are doing
any thing, and not an order for large engine,
nor of any size, making
The Foundry business-not one half the bust
ness doing.
The White Flint business, do.
The Iron and Nail business, not one half OF the
capacity Of the productive powers in use
The Carpenter and Cabinet making business
about half or scarcely half of the usual work GO
ing on.
One very extensive Foundry, which produced
$500, 900 year entirely suspended, and all hands
discharged and about 100 hands from one manu-
factory in Kensigton.
One Plough mandatory, of 20 hands formerly
employed, 20 discharged
In more prosperous times, out of about 200
draws and carts it was very difficult to get load
of merchandise hauled without delay and incon-
yenience, now three-fourths OF the number are
idle more than half their time. Then, every in
dustrious man, woman and child, coming to our
city could get employment Immediately, and their
pay every Saturday night, now our mechanics are
Obliged to go fishing, or to labor In the country
for 1Ss, 25, or at most 371 cts. day Such, we
regret is a true picture of the times with many
of our once fourishng city, and 1t speaks in loud
language to the country for Tariff to protect
American industry, enterprise and labor, for the
farmers of all Western Pennsylvania now begin
seriously to feel the want of good home mar
ket, and which Pittsburg short time ago AFFORD
ed and will soon again, if American industry Is
properly protected by Congress and those In au-
thority.
We ask the intelligent, thinking laboring man
to read over this account of the whitening lnfli-
ence which has dried up the prosperity of Pitts
burg. and account for it in any other way than
bv the warfare which this administration has
waged ON the business, the credit, and enterprise
of the country.
WHY does the mechanic and dray-man stand
idle Have they conspired against the admins
tration Have they entered into combination
to render Mr.. Van Buren, unpopular by suspend
ing their labors
In ordinary times, the suspension OF business
bv one half the mechanics and artisans of any CT
tv. would give more employment to the other
half; but now, this is not so. Those who make
an effort and keep their business alive, do it at
greafsacrice, and their capital is absorbed in the
stock accumulated, unsold in their ware houses.
This shows that there must be some inherent
cause. II is not the result of accident. 1t mus
he the natural fruit of the system of m easure:
that have been so long, and so pertinac iously az
hered to by the administration.
Does 1t not therefore become the iaboring man
"a reflect ON the consequences that are to follow
the reelection Of MIR. Van Buren,. Are we no
officially told in the Globe, that what has bee
done, is but the commencement of the system {
measures that are to be followed up, if Mr.. va
Buren, is reelected. Anew race is then to begn
Mr.. Benton then comes forth on his hobby OF
exclusive metallic currency. Gen. jackson NJ
announced that the purpose Is oput down the p
percredit system; FIRST the ten dollar bank a0'e