The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1840-03-17
From he Hartford Couranf.
DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE LABORER AND

EX-SENATOR CONTINUED
Laborer Since our last conversation, Mr.. Senator,
have been afraid. really that we are going to have
rather too much Of good thing
Senator. How so, reiphbori
Laborsr. Why, you proved to me that il was good
thing to nave the price Of labor reduced-tha is you
told me the leaders OF the party said So and that they
are always right Now, the price Of labor is so much
reduced that cannot get work enough to earn
my broad and It's Just so with great many other folks
10 our town. Now isn't this too much Of poood thing!
Senator Oh these changes always come a little
hard az hrstbut there's this about IT, they don't work
well for the Wings. Have you read Mr. Calhouns
speech The proves very clearly how the thing will
work.
Laborer. Yes--I have Is this the same Mr.. Cal
houn who abused Gen Jackson so much and who was
called The Catsline Of the Senate!
Senator. Yes--I rather think he is the same.
did nj go to the Sinf till after that time, and may be
mistaken about i.--but rather guess it's the same
man.
La6orer. How happens i, tina, he now belongs to
our party Is hs any better than he used be
Ssaator No, suppose not-but still we could ut
well do without him, sud took him he is. But
what do you think Of his speech
Laborer Can you tell me il this Mr. Calhoun is the
same who studied law at Litch6ed with Judge Reeve
Senator. don't know much a,out that. For my
SELF never had mnch taste for the law-didnt like 10
study IT, and you know necessary for our folks
don't think much Of law. But to answer your question
days, study law at Iitchfeld
i.aborr. Then he must be the same man about
whom have heard the story
Senator. What story. neighborl
Laborer. Why, Judge Reeve said one day, il he
wanted to prove that pumpkins grew on apple trees,
that young Calhoun could do it.
Sennor. Yes-yes-he always smart fellow
Laborer. Pretty much like my horse. that's
broke his harness. and my sleigh and Wagon and that's
go, so bad name that nobody wont have him. He
won't go any way but his way, and if he thinks you
wan, to have him, he won't 60 that.
Senator. But how did you like his speech
Laborer. Why, he said, did he not. that the Sub
treasury would enable those who tories at
the North, to sell their goods cheap in the foreign
market as to bring them in competition with those made
abroad
Senator. Yes, and so il will
Laborer. But how this be done, unless labor is
also reduced to The condition and price is in
Europe!
Senator Well, suppose il s-wi il not be just as
well for then you will get your pay in hard money
Laborer. II don't make much difference TO me whe-
Their the money is hard or soft, if don't get any.
never have been able to the difference between
hard dollar and bill which l could change for a hard
dollar.
Senator This cry against a reduction in the price
Of labor is all Wing measure, intended merely to de-
ceive friends-it will work well assure you.
Laborsr. | find, Mr.. Senator, that in the hard mo-
ney countries Of Europe the price Of labor averages
about ten cents day. without boardand do you really
think that would be well for here, the dollar,
dollar and half which ussd TO receivel
Senator, Why not why is not ten cents good as
ten doarsi
Laborer Why then sre there so many poor in those
and why the laboring classes anxious
10 gel to the United States
Senator. | am sure don't know-for we have poor
people here and men and women too who want work.
Laborer We have now, know--but it not
so formerly-every who wanted to work found en-
ployment and got good wages
Senator (Angrily) You don't mean to say that
these times have been brought on by the administration
Laborer No | don't mean to say that-for am no
Whig-but still can't see why our democratic admi-
nstration should be going to Europe to learn how to
collect their revenues don't like this following the
governments Of Kings and Princes-l don't think It
will improve our republican systems
Senator. Calhoun undoubtedly right in what he
said about the sub treasuryI tell you he's great
financier, and knows all about it.
Laborer can see very clearly why he is anxious to
lessen The price of productive labor for then the cotton
of the South will buy Of the manufactured art
ces Of the North-hut that don't exactly prove to
that we ought to be in favor Of IT,
Senator. But you surely for the good Of the
whole. are you not
Laborcr. Yes, and for that very reason am in ia
yor OF that kind OF legislation that will effectualy ad-
vance the interests of the whole and not break down
our growing establishments in order 10 bring in the pro-
duets Of other countries. say frankly. sir, am not
in favor Of having aborers receive but ten cents
day and find themselves But you preparing for
the great discussion in which you will prove as clear
as day light, that paper money is not as good as gold
good morning.