The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1843-10-30

WASHINGTON Oct. ~, lo43.
DrAR slR: / have your favor of the 90ih, and am
obliged for the information about the meeting Of the
workmen Of the Charlestown Navy Yard, consequent
upon the recent order OF the department fixing the
rate Of compensation the United Stated are willing
to pay for specified services
II IS all very natural that the workmen should try
all fair means TO obtain high rate of wages have
no complaint to make Of this course. aware,
too, that small politicians will seize upon the measure
make capital out Of for their personal purposes
and against this have no objection. | am perfectly
willing TO face, before the whole nation the rcspon-
sibii Of this order, in its broades and fullest ex
tent The order given with no party OF political
objects, but in obedience to what conceived TO be
duty 10 the country
The workmen IN the yards at Brooklyn and Charles
town, deducling the time for roll-cas, work on an
average, The year through, little, il any, over eight
and half hours per day The prices paid for labor
we're from fifteen 70 twenty per cent higher than tho
current rate Of wages for like work paid by citizens
outside the yards and the days work outside the
yards IS some fifteen 10 twenty per cent longer than
IN the yards. The prices established by the recent
der are in conformity with the current rate Of wages
for similar work outside the yards. do not believe
have any more right 10 pay twenty per cent above
the market price for labor, than TO pay twenty per
cent above The market price for materials and sup
plies Of clothes and provisions for the navy
Efforts will be made to induce the orkingmen and
producers, rs class to believe that they benefit
ed by high prices paid 10 "a portion Of the laboring
interest These efforts, however, will fail. Il is
from the earnings Of the laborcs and mechanics
side The yards that those employed inside the yards
paid and surely these can dcsre that those
employed by the Government shall receive more than
they themselces earn, who labor private works to
pay them.
The wages OF The day laborer on Che most ordinary
work, Is fixed al one dollar per day Head or master
mecharics are paid three dollars per day. ~ will APP
peal to the loboring throughout your State, IL
these be fair prices. know Of hundreds, and can
hnd thousands Of worthy competent men IN Massa-
chusetts, who would be exceedingly glad to accept Of
these prices, and work two hours day more for tbs
pay than the operatives work at the navy yards.
Il IS to save the earnings Of the workingmen, as
class who finally pay all the expenses Of the govern
meut that | have directed this just retrenchment.
The measure is right in itself and just TO all parties
and so long as have the control Of the navy depart.
mcnt shall adhere to the order with unfa.tering
irmness. What know to be right will do, fear
less Of consequences.
Nothing can preserve the character and standing
Of the navy but energetic, just and economical adj
ministraton Of lis afarsand ieam sure the country
will sustain all measures tending to its object
am, dear sir, very respectfully,
Your oh servant,
DAVID f1ENSUAW