American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1851, 1851-05-16

MECHANICS OF WASHINGTON - We to-day
publish the address of the Association of Stone
cutters of the District Of Columbia. In doing
so we deem it proper to say that, so far as it
is possible, the course recommended by them
should be pursued by every citizen of Wash
ington. The custom which any man receives
in community is given upon the implied con-
dition that he viii confer like benefits upon
the people among whom he dwells; and the
reason should be very urgent that would author
ize deviation from this rule
We know nothing Of the prices and qualities
of stone-work, and cannot, therefore, bring
our judgment to bear upon the particular
case before us; but it is very clear in our
opinion that the general position assumed
in this address is sound and equitable If it
be not so, there can be no objection to the
publication of all contemplated contracts for
work to be done in this city, in the newspapers
of other cities of the Union, or even of other
countries. There is not bricklayer, a car
penter, stone-cutter, or other mechanic, who
could not stately procure his help from Eng
land, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, &C., and at
such rates of wages as Americans cannot OF
Will not live upon, and such also as would afford
nigh profits upon all the contracts entered into
by him. But public opinion would not permit
THIS; 1t would be too manifestly unjust. The
principle, however, is the same as in the case
before us. Men here build houses for eight hun
dred dollars which they rent for one hundred.
The tenant occupying one of these is me-
chanic, and works for two dollars day His
landlord wants work done in his line, but sends
to mechanic abroad, whose house-rent is bur
fifty dollars year, and has it done by him.
How long will his tenant pay him hundred
year? 1t may be that house trent in such places
is no cheaper than it is here, but that working
men do not allow themselves the comforts thew
here enjoy This, however, does not affect the
argument; or, if labor is dear, are not other
things dear also? With diminution in the
price of labor every thing else will fall. Many
of our rich men own less property now than
they did years ago when they were poor. But
our population was small then, and now is
large. Laboring men have increased and built |
themselves houses, and the adjacent lands have
risen in value, and thus rich men have been
made. viii these turn their backs on their
benefactors /? We can answer for the many
they will not. The prosperous men of Wash
ington have not yet forgotten the days when
they were poor; and between them and their
laboring felow-citizens there ever has existed
as we trust there ever will-the most entire
confidence and mutual goodwill. We do not
believe that the desire exists with either party
IN the present instance to interrupt this state
OF things; and if it now be practicable to re-
trace an ill-considered step, we sincerely hope
it may be DONE
They who administer the affairs of the nation.
though not affected by the influences we have
urged, have, Notwithstanding, ever had regard
to the just and equitable views herein expressed;
or when, from any cause, they have chosen
persons from abroad to perform any service for
them, the effect has very often been to induce
the residence of such persons among us, who
have always been kindly welcomed into our
community as promoters of its welfare; for it |
is not prejudiced or narrow view which actu-
ates as, but a regard for our own welfare, that
is in perfect keeping with a spirit of open
hearted kindness and liberality.