The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-05-09
The Trades.

OPERATIVE MASOSS.
On Tueeday evening. meeting OF tho Bcnrvolen
Society Of Operative Masons held ut 20 Prince
street with the view Of rcxcdyng the evil system OF
ractpg and other odious practices which are
now being carried on in the erection OF bulldogs
throughout the city. The meeting was numerous aud
very enthusiastic in their cause The President of
the Society. Mr. r. Flansgsn having called the as
s.mby to order opened the psactons Of the
Ing. by stating that the committee have thought IL
proper TO elect person net with the society
to preside over the present meeting Tho person
whom they have sgrecd upon to appoint Is Mr.. Den
man .edtor OF the 1Iuihfer who was then introduce
TO the assembly. and upon whom the Office Of Chair
man was unanimously aud enthusiastically conferred
Mr Chas s~ecny was elected to act ss viccPrcsdrnt
Mr. fiaNACas now read the call of the meeting IL
appeared In the newspapers on Tuesday.
Mn. DssNss, the President, and said that the
assemby have heard the call which fully explains
the olj,ct q the present meeting lie feels highly
houorcd ly the compliment paid TO him. by placing
nics. and being snaccus;omci to such Position he
throws himself entirely upon their generosity aud
good opinion A. far he understands the object %
The meeting, IL u this the operative masons now feel
themselves oppressed by the practice Of subconrac
tors Who step in bet~ccn the laborcr and the propt
ctor getting possession 81 the original contract for
The purpose Of making another pront out Of IL, and
thereby grind down The laborcr by compelling him 10
work Tor lover rates Of wages than were stipu-
lated In the first contract" (Cbccrs) Ito pro-
fS.d himself to be an enemy to all mono
poly and always In favor that every man should
ceite just compensation for his labor according TO
the well known passage. that the laborcr l. worthy 81
his hire" IS far as he could assist the furthcrance Of
The csuse, the society nigh; readily command his
III. yics Ps,sipiSr then rose to read the re.olu.
lions hut boorc doing so he entered upon eloquent
and heightened address sdverting TO the nature q
rUb-eontracts; the ignorance aud inconpetcucy Of
those who generally undertake such contracts: the
ten such the d,structon OF property and frequent
loss Of life, and finally the reduced rate of wages
which such cour-. inevitably involves. lie then
pointed out that entirely lies With themselves 90
utcy such odious practices. by uniting In toiy.
aud hrmly plcdgins thsussse. not 10 undertake. the
work of sutcobtrsetor During the delivery of his
o ar
lie nov read the following resolutions -
whereas, amongst ihst portion Of the community
known contractors In the stone and brick business
u has been customary ard has OF late become
tabshed practice TO give out the building 81 cellars
tassments etc. by subccntract to men Who not
mechanics and Therefore. IN no way competent to
carry out such responsibilities safely aud properly,
therefore, b. u received.
"Tirst. That We jourp.ymen stone ms.ons aud brick.
layer.c the city of New ok look upon he practice.
as an evil and srss, detrment not ouy otrsdc but
TO owners Of rial estate. which 10 behoves
ard mechanics knowing ~, to expose aud to show
secord-Thst VIC further look upon II an in
fripv,ment uron our own rights, sud ~ such IL be-
coutss duty to repudiste u.
Third That. IN disapproving 81 thee. infringe
mcni% u further becomes our duty, NJ mechanics.
whether belopgpg to the Operative Mason society
not. 90 combine and unite Ia body. snd adopt mes-
suies wbor'ty We may for the future more saf,ly
guard our property which 10 our industry. the most
Prseious aud sacred We can possess on csuh'1
Thee resolutions seconded but before they
were submitted TO the vote. the pre-den, said that
no monopoly vas ever created In the world which
could not te easily put down. " thosc Who are
~, e,ee BY u would onl, unite. and stand UP in
dstermin,d opposition. This system % subecntrsct-
ing. lie every other thing gains ground. because
the lsbofing party do not unsnimou-iy exert them
selves Go sbolish such practice. You have the
means In yeur power % destroy ". by standing to-
gether. and acting in concert for the end. In
vlirh snrt will b. readily assisted aud supported
~ the ehc's Independent pres ~ this city Only
form so<hfv and you will see how you will Or
tain your otgeet lie proposed the resolutions FOR
adoption which we're unanimously carried Having
further business 90 transact tonight he then called
ups some Of tho members to stand mp sud address
the meeting upon this subject. whereupon VI OCon-
nor. George Iadlcy n collins. and another, rhose
NJ has escaped as alternately made few remarks
the substance q which l. fully contained In the
luticps
Mr. G,oror L,rirt moved thst vote Of thanks BE-
passed Tor the attention the press have bestowed
their proceedings. which SECONDED and enthu~is-
ticsly carried The meeting. whose transactions
characterized by an uncommon degree Of regularity
aud good sensc. shortly after adjourned