The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1845-07-17
White slavcry-who arc to Blame

nothing.
White slavcry-Who are to Blame:
What is meant by saying this is free country
What the just grounds of exultaton that nation
was born, with the birth of our indomtable young
public, where humanity, in the worlds new spring,
would cast the slough that encased him for ages! Not
surely altogether because of the revision of the old
laws the abolition of old forms, and the reputation
of senseless distinctions. These are very proper
grounds for rejoicing but they not all that exist
there are many more, and some of them of nature
quite distinct, but equally obvious One we propose
abiding TO, and that Is the tendency of the social
state and institutions of this young nation to ameio-
rate the condition, and elevate the position of the in
dusrious classes.
For the purpose OF the enquiry, the population may
be regarded consisingi of two great classes, or
rather principal and subordinate class-those
who work, and those who do not. The relative state
of these portions OF people, pretty correctly in
dictate how far the principles that govern society
raluary the contrary. In the old tlme-woln king
doms of Europe pretty much the same relation exists
between them, throughout its whole extent; 1t IL
that Of the favored TO the wrongedof the pampered
10 the oppressed-o the monopolis TO the despoiled
There no health in such sysem-it ferments and
falls asunder resolves itself into combinations that
are incompatible with It's very vitality.
II we comprehend the essential and leading bene
lit of all reforms including TINT OF the substitution of
republican for monarchical governments, il is diff
fusion of freedom and protection, equal and in
partial grounds to without reference 10 any consi-
deration, save those dictated by common sense and
the teachings of conscience. Following such guide,
no difficulty will be found in discovering that the
greatest number have the first claim-that those who
and that which useful, ought 10 be most es-
teemed. Wherever this is forgotten, no matter
about the false tnsel, and hollow charms novelty or
custom may lend TO human arrangements, they do
not deserve respect, much less admiration. Are
We all right here in practlcel Are we perfectly
orthodox in doctrine? If we are, the masses of the
.aborng classes have nothing 10 complain of-they
enjoy the grade in the social scale they entitled
10. They work and are remunerated; they do sc
by contract with their employers, and are fully and
thoroughly equal 10 them one of the two parties
10 bargain.
But this is not the case, and there is something
rotten in the views prevalent this very point
Work no. scarce: there is plenty to do for every
one who feels disposed TO do 1t al the present mo.
men; and yet il is believed that leborer is The
recipient the employer the donor, of boon in trans
actions between the two. Perhaps few will have
the unblusbing impudence to say in these regions
but it is nevertheless quite true that he who pays
money for work done, IS persuaded that there is
something or the other IN the act which confers an
obligations some fiction created by false public
opinion blinds him to the simple truth that he in
dong SO, Is but party TO a bargain In the same
sense as when he purchases box of locofoco
matches. These prevalent notions are absurd and
they are Pernicious too. No man, nor body of men.
can act wisely well in any circumstances in
which they do not take views sound and efensble
In Europe, this despicable abortion of pride that
makes an employer, some upstart lordng or boat-
ed parvenue think that because he has paid wages
10 the honest laborer, he has lien upon his ndepen-
dence of action; this pernicious falacy has been tine
prolific source of tyranny, usurpation, and the
grinding down Of the working classes What
the thank ye" for wages earned What
means the abiect air and humble protestatons OF
gratitude of the poor cotter who takes ten acres OF
land from Squire Roundbelt, but that corrup,
usage compels HIM to act the humanity part of adj
uniting obligation which has no realltyl Yes
he is forced TO it, and the cunning and naughty anc
purseproud employers, snuff up the incense with
competency, and encourage observance 81
grateful TO their depraved feelings.
All this had but small beginning at first. One,
was time even in England, when the relation sub
slstng between the stout peasant and the squire, was
as nearly similar to that which should exist between
lian and man, as il is alleged to be now IN tn,
United States. But the enemy sowed tares. Those
who had wealth and desire for ideness took ad
vantage OF circumstances and elevated themselves
at the expense of the honest and confdng opera.
tive. This ought to teach lesson of vigilance to
the working man here Let him always bear in
mind that there is nothing in the act of accepting
employment, that imposes upon him either obliga
tion in giving il that merits his thanks. Indeed i
any such ingredient enters into the contract the EN-
ployer is the obliged party; the man who ought t,
be grateful to HIM who does that which he coul,
not do for himself.
Are these truths understood and attended to gen
orally in this blest and almighty country' W.
need not travel out Of this city for clear respons
In the negative. What makes the shaving shop
called intelligence Offices flourish, but brides pait
by those seeking employment TO secure it, VIII
do thousands OF young men submit to toll ant
drudge for fourteen hours dav. in weather 10,
sultry for the wild animal to leave his lair an,
quench his thirst in the still running. but no Ionoc
cool brook Why do men who ought to know
and who do know what is right, submit 10 civ. a.
per cent more of their time behind the desk of IN,
counting house, or the shop counter, than is JUS
and equitable Why do they exhaust nature witt
fifteen hours day of mental and physical exer
tion' Why do females toll for livelihood in thi
city, submitting to the injustice Of being paid i
hand but half their promised pittance--the balanc
remaining with those who want to trade on III
9llall All this is submitted TO because employer
Il se,n lry, aaa nus, BE- propitialej BY the roll
berry ana degradation OF the operatives, othsrwis