The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-09-23
CAPITAL DEPRESSING LABOR.
THE STRONGER TYRANNIzING OVER THE wEAF
ER SEX

THE STRONGER TYRANNIZING OVER THE WEAK.
ER SEX.
The present tariff is protective TO one favored in
terest and therefore calculated to Cypress the
others But the system, as il is now found to ope-
rate, not only protects The manufacturers the
farmers but it does not operate equally even in the
class which it favors. 1t enables the capitalist to
clear enormous profits and receive heavy dividends;
but it does not in the same proportion benefit the
labor which is devoted to the business Profits are
very much augmented; but TRACES do not improve in
equal ratio. The laborers multiply faster than the
moneyed capitalists. They are freely supplied not
only from our own native-bon population, but from
the operatives which reach shores from foreign
countries. Profit doubles under the law of 1872
Dividends rise from 20 to 30 per cent. But the la
borers devote equal portions Of their time to their
work, and sometimes attend the new labor-saving
machinery, without any increase Of wages. Thus,
it is said, the same operative now attends three
looms an improved plan, instead Of two as of
old and still the wages continue the same.
But the inequality and hardship fall more heavily
upon the weaker than the stronger laborer-upon
woman more than upon man. One would suppose
that the proprietors Of the large factories would
be content to get the same period of labor
from the girls that the carpenters and brick
layers Of some of the towns pay, or the work.
men in the service of the United States were
called upon by the order under Mr.. Van Buren, to
perform. The ten-hour rule prevails in most of the
towns yet the erigeant proprietors Of the extensive
factories in many parts Of the country compel the
poor girls to work eleven or twelve hours-as long,
indeed, in the "a hours, as they compel them to
work for their benefit
This system is not only oppressive upon other
classes, but it is shamelessly selfish in regard to the
operative females A spirit Of resistance, however,
has gone forth. The girls at Pttsburg have struck,
not for higher wages, but more moderate time; and
what generous man does not sympathise with their
feelings, and wish them success'
The 'Pittsburg Morning Ariel' Of the 18th i'm
slant thus describes the scenes which were pass
ing under its eyes:
he factory Girls turned by acres mass meet
ing in Allegheny city Saturday night. The girls have
struck for reduction of the hours Of labor What the
informed but they ask that i shall be reduced to ten hours
That right Ten hours day is long enough for any
carried on without wearing the nerve.
and health Of the poor oPersvesoyer taskng them with
conhned and unhealthy labor-why let stop What is the
blowing Of dozen cotton spectators 10 the destruction
Of one human SOUL be that soul in form however poor
ungeiny! Labor has right to ell II command; there
is no unlawful combination in the assertion Of natural
rights We frankly and principle. in favor Of the
tcnhour system against longer period OF labor We would
not work longer time when apprentice and journey
we want no workman Of ours TO do III would have
free man OF woman compelled to do IT, There girls
hand and there Is no back out about IT,"
Avery large procession was formed upon that occa-
sion by the poor girls and their friends, through the
streets; and public meeting also held, of which
the following sketch is given, in part, in The papers,
"Mr r. IT, Kerr next came forward and made report
from committee appointed at previous meeting invite
speakers. We have not room for his report.
The crowd here became great that the mass adjourned
to the commons Here Messrs. Harmar Denny Andrew
Burke, T. j. Bgham Walter Forward SC. called for
but were est inrenf The Rev Mr. james Graham i'd
dressed the mass Mt some length.
MT Thos Donncly called for forward, and
made noble speech He declared that when capitalists
attempted to Cypress the poor operatives he not afraid
come forward and sustain the latter In asserting their
nights He pledged his exertions the cause Of the one
regardless Of his position a nominee for the as
After MIR Donelly MIR Farrell was called on the stand
~ peakng amid rounds Of plauds, when let
write ms article We learn that Mr. Watson and others
spoke after we left the ground
resolution me 70 n n. o. s the operative offered
Tor the enhour system and win not 20 10 work again mill
me employers come into terms was adop,ed bv socIs
"On motion Of Mr. Fleeson II was ordered ,h., cor,,,
TO consist Of three ladies and gentlemen from
acn ward N the Two cities be appointed solicit funds 10
"A resolution was adopted, calling for mass nroc.,.o,
OF the operatives and their friends In the two cities an
day next O'Clock, M to form in the Diamond Ale
Thus will be seen that the work has been
IN earnesti and doubt the result m, s,.la
System must sueessdfp