The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-09-13
Local Matters.

The PRIsTKRs OF WAsHIssroN-We are in
formed that on Saturday evening last a meeting
of the Columbia Typographical Society was held,
and that the report of general meeting of the
printers of the city, held the evening of the
Saturday next preceding, was reported and
ferred to the consideration Of n select committee.
We are also informed that resolution pro-
posed and referred to the same committee, direct
ing an inquiry into the proPrety and feasibility OF
dscontnuing labor on the Sabbath day.
We are also informed that member, who spoke
in reference to this resolution, stated that he had
objections to the reference, but not in favor
of the object; and others were understood TO
terrain the views Of the matter.
We perhaps have right to know the business
of this society, as, if mistake not, none other
than it, members invited to attend its meetings;
is our information given certainly authentic.
If it is true, however, that the proposition to OBJ
serve the Sabbath does not receive favor from those
who most deeply interested in it, we will be
seriously disappointed. They claim the power to
fix the prices at which labor shall be performed, TO
determine whether apprentices shall shall not be
received in the various Offices and TO establish the
hours Of each day in which labor shall be DONE and
they are also to petition Congress to abolish the
contract system. Have they 30 much power, in
their combined capacity, and yet do they lack the
ability to declare thst the day of rest which all
others enjoy shall be day Of rect to themselves
II they have this power but do wish 10 exercise
it, by virtue of what merit do they hope to obtlin
a hearing for their petitionS No petition 10 Con-
gress for benefits or for exemption from grievances
ID complied with or listened TO, that ia not pre-
sumcd to carry with it the good wishes and the
sympathics Of those who are cogniz mt Of the cir
cumstanccs under which il is offered. Will such
tb.,,
spect from the fact that the petitioners arc known
20 have it at their option to observe the Sabbath
day, yet refuse 10 do 500
II will perhaps be said that psalm. singing and
canting hypocrtes, who squeamish about yio-
lating the Sabbath, may observe IT, but that others
who prefer to do so have right TO labor. SO, it
may be said, they who think ten hours a days
work, and two dollars days wages, may work
on those terms, while longer time and ess wages
will satisfy others. Docs the same right Of indi-
ydual preference not o1ists And how will tho
rules be enforced TO prevent the latter practice?
We reply that they cannot possibly be enforced in
defiance Of the popular sentiment Of the communi-
ty, and, in any array Of parties for these two diff
feront objects, we hazard little in saying that the
people at large will give countenance TO those who
contend for the Observance of this day.
We do not advise this course because VIC be-
lieve the printers will act wisely and Justly in re-
ference TO all these msttcrs-because we believe
they will determine to observe the Sabbath. But
in the event Of successful opposition TO a reform
imperativey demanded, we here indicate a mean,
by which that reform may be yet effected.
We recognize labor AZ being worth all IL will
bring, and We believe no wrong can be effected by
the highest possible rates Of wages; but the
trary, that if the standard be elevated until epuy
=, ill -
benefited by it. With all due Difference, however,
we hold that men who have the power to enforce
the Observance Of the Sabbath, and will not do il,
thereby separate themselves from the community
around them, and forfeit the sympathies Of those
they would thus outrage, and should be made 10
endure the penalty entailed by their own act.
Let it be observed that We urge no scdptural no
religious arguments in support Of the Sabbath We
take IL for granted that all men in this country re-
cognise il as saluary or necessary institution com
manded by revelation, enjoined by the laws Of the
land, and essential to tho physical the moral, the
intellectual and the religious welfare Of man. The
only questions TO be determined are, firstly, the
printers enforce is Observance in the printing Of
fees Of the United States; and, secondly will thcy'
Respecting the effects Of such action upon tho
proprietors Of offices, have only inquired far
enough to know that they will be realized by all
alike; and that disregard for the usagcs OF CIV
ilizcd and christian community will not enable him
who cntertans IL 10 take advantage Of such of his
competitors in busincss a. are guided by better
feelings and principles than those that govern
him.
HoTELs.-Thore are no persons in our land who
can afford TO be Indifferent 10 the comfort, order,
and refinement evidenced in our public hotels. The
most Of us make at least temporary home in some
Of them a. tmes; but since the Madamos Trollopo
Of both sexes always describe the men and man
ners of our nation az they appear in these public
houses. none Of us afford TO be indifferent TO
the appearances these present
We CHANGED TO roll into WILLARD's yesterday.
IL is in opinion of the beet in the country,
and It has just received new impetus by the
turn to IL Of Mr.. f. ID. WiLLARp, under whose
management the National has been Of late started
in lite career Of prosperity.
In the main building Of this establishment, the
work of renovation ia progressing finely. New
carpets, new beds and bedding, new furnishing
up, and cleaning up, aud painting up, are max
ing every thing seem bright and new.
projection hss been added TO the northwest
end of the building from which many advantages
will be realized lite second and third stories
tain ranges Of comfortable and convenient cham
bors, while on the ground floor four bathing.
rooms have been provided In one division for gen
uoInen, and two for the ladies in another. These