American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1851, 1851-06-05
wAsHINGToN
Tur JouRyEYMEN GARNET MAKERs.-"The

THE JoURSEYMEN CABINET MAKERs.-"T The
strue destiny of man is labor and to improve
sthe condition of the laborer is the highest pre-
cept of moral and intellectual American"
Thus say the members of this society in their
resolutions; and they also express the deepest
sympathy with their employers, but declare them
selves impelled, by discreet regard for self
preservation, to demand an increase of wages.
To what exorbitant rates do they wish their
pay advanced? TO one dollar and fifty cents a
day! There is surely something wrong here
If good and skilful mechanics in the city of
Washington cannot obtain dollar and half
day, there is injustice somewhere that all are
interested in removing. If this be pro-
per compensation for the cabinet-makers Of
Washington, so is it for the stone-cutters,
carpenters, printers, and men of all other
trades If fair and just usages in this COM
munity have brought them to this, the same
means should be applied to all Of us. Now
what are these means? In the resolutions of
the society complaint is made that the agents
OF the Government extend its patronage to auc-
toneers, and thus transfer the manufacture
of the work to some other places" and, also, of
" the introduction Of furniture made in differ
ent penitentiaries, which is brought here, and
sold for less than the cost of piece Of work
made in a workmanlike manner" The first
of these complaints relates to practice that
may not be easily overrued. We think that
good reasons exist why the patronage Of the
government ought to be in preference bestowed
upon citizens where the demand arises The
communities that surround every great public
institution, and that are often brought together
by means of an implied stipulation that they
shall be thus favored, are entitled to prefer
ences that should not be wantonly disregarded.
AS respects auctioneers they are among the
most useful agents in any community, and it
cannot be expected that they will voluntarily
refrain from any legitimate branch of business
even though it be but tacitly approved by the
public.
The second complaint is one to which we
nave long been familiar; and it is not without
reason. The desire exists to teach useful trades
to the convicts in all penitentiaries, that they
may go forth and become useful members of
society; but "penitentiary work"-we do not
know whether deservedly or not-is every where
decr1ed as inferior, and, we believe, sold at
discount. What are the consequences Firstly,
that men in corresponding pursuits, without
the prison walls, are injured in their business
ana that the convicts, when they come forth,
nave no trade upon which they can rely
Tor living, and are tempted to resort to
their old practices again. The only remedy
Tor this, that we can suggest, is the pur-
chase of the best materials for the prisons,
insisting upon skilful execution at whatever
cost, going into the markets upon fair compe-
titon, without forcing sales or underselling,
and having due regard for the welfare of all
parties rather than merely to the pecuniary
rewards to the prisons for the labor of their
inmates.
The present and the practical are, however,
before us. The cabinet-makers of our city are
entitled to our sympathy, and every son of
labor should make common cause with them.
Their wages are too low, and we should all
render them whatever aid is in our power If
they shall arrange and determine upon Just
and judicious strike" let at least all other
working-men be prepared to give them laid
and comfort" and, if need be, to direct their
energies into new channels which shall promise
better remuneration.