The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1843-10-05
From the Boston Post.

GREAT MEETING OF TAuoREssEs ANDSEMrsrREssrs
About four hundred females, engaged in the variou:
branches of clothing making, assembled in Washing.
ton Hall yesterday afternoon, and the meeting was
organized by the choice Of respectable and intelligent
ladies 10 the offices of president vice pr, sldent ana
secretaries. Several impressive addresses were de-
ivered upon the restitution and distress which pre-
walls among the class depending for employment OF
the principal dealers in ready made clothing
! Though the facts disclosed almost astounding
the language and tone Of the speakers were moderate
| and candid, Indeed strongly marked religion.
spirit mantle, by them as they narrated their
suhermgs and grievances, and expressed patient
hope that the public mind would yet become a,yak-
ened to their affections and aid them IN obtaining re-
dress.
Quite majority Of them were advanced in wears,
and their countenances bore marks of years OF severe
and constant labor One widow lady, by request Of
the president, stated her case a specimen of what
all had 10 submit 10 who worked for her employer
Since January last, she had made pantaloons, with
straps, Tor twenty hive cents pair, and been obliged
to take her pay in orders. One dollar in cash was all
she had received since January
Another said that she did not take orders because
she always wanted 10 lay her money out Just as she
pleased, but she worked for less than those Of COM
panons who took orders.
The president asked her how much deduction She
made for cash.
The speaker replied-T have considerable pride
about some things, aud 10 tell you the TRUTH don't
like to tell in public what get"
The president then sand she hoped the pride Of no
member would prevent her from stating facts which
II would be useful TO have disclosed.
"Well, them" answered the relator,-"for panta-
looms with two pockets, aud watch fob get only
Ten cents"
The persons who received their pay in orders were
requested to rise, and they appeared to be about
third OF the whole number present. Every state.
ment made by any one Of the narrators received the
prompt confederation Of those who took less active
part in the proceedings; and all signified firm de
termination 10 unite in making common 10 thu
endeavor 10 procure better prices. For this pur.
pose they confirmed bill Of prices which had been
prepared the preamble 10 which contains the follow
log paragraphs:
"Regardless Of name or Sect multitude of aGies
in this city have resolved 10 form themselves into
society TO devise to raise the downcast aud
poverty stricken widow and orphan of our beloved
country TO q condition Of comfort, by the blessing of
God upon their we-directcd efforts, which we be-
eye would be the result If our nobe-hearted citi-
could but feel that they dependent on
the toil-worn laborer as the laborer is on them.
'Wc cannot believe that the numerous gentlemen
Of the city Of Boston, who employ women as tailor
esses and sempstrcsses of every class, will refuse
just compensation for their labor, to enrich them
seye., at the expense Of the other sex, if they do
but realize the amount Of suffering that might be so
easily and hon0rably prevented"
This BILL or tariff Of prices to which some Of the
employers have given their assent, contains about
$50 items For plain dress or frock coat, custom
work, 50 Bishop work, So Pantaloons, cos ON,
Is cents TO 81 %, according 10 the extra work
panlaloons, for shop from 80 cents to 90 Plain sin
gc. breasted custom vests, IS cents-other kinds
from 81 cents TO 81 25-vests for shops, 90 to %
cents according TO the work Shirts, from II to 30
cents. One employer now pays six cents and
quarter, cash. for sailors shirts, being a notch lower
than the price for making the shirt exhibited in Fan
Gull Hall on Thursday nifh
Before adiourning measures for ensuring co opera
ton, and mutual assistance and confidence, were
agreed on
The name Of tie society thus formed is-''rhe
United Benevolent Association OF Ladies'"