The southern press., 1851-08-06
PUBIC DrasEn.--Mr. Secretary Graham, ol

PUBLIC DInNER.--Mr Secretary Graham, on
his late visit to North Carolina, was rendered
public dinner at Raleigh, which he declined in an
eloquent letter, ably defending the compromise
and opposing secession He says, however,
" l counsel no abatement Of vigilance over
the true rights OF the South, and shall be the
last to surrender the right of revolution, should
aggressions and grievances arise to Justify II. l
trust, however, that if such a state Of things
shall ever occur, we shall make an out and out
revolution, which shall leave no room for doubt,
and entrap no mans conscience. In the mean
time, by faithfully adhering to the terms of adj
justment agreed on in the compromise acts by
the exertions and sacrifices Of patriots of both
the great parties which have divided the country,
we shall entitle ourselves to have them in like
manner observed and kept on the part Of our
Northern brethren, and, in the event Of last
appeal after a failure in our jast expectations
we would stand justified to ourselves, and be-
fore the Judgment Of mankind. fondly hope,
however, that there is yet patSiefieW esAngt IN
all sections to preserve our Uni0nfin its true
spirit, and transmit the blessings of the Consti-
tuition to the latest posterity."
The SHIRT SEWERS OF New YoRK.--Among
the many occupations at which women are en-
gagged ii that city, there are none who receive
poorer compensation than the shirt sewers
There are six thousand women in that city en-
ployed in making shirts, and four-fifths of these
earn barely enough to keep the life in their body.
Many have the misfortune to be engaged by dis
honest employers, are often cheated out of their
miserable pttance, and as last resort, are forced
to throw themselves upon the charity of the
public. There are large number on the list of
outdoor pensioners Of the Aims House who re-
ceive from one to two dollars a month, upon
which they are barely enabled to live. Some
time ago several shirt sewers organized coop
erative society at No. 8 Henry street, where
orders where received for all kinds.of needle-
work. This society, for some time after it's for
nation, was pretty berally supplied with work,
but within the last few months the custom has
gradually diminished till at present there are
only few workers left and even these receive
very little employment.
A report has been published by the associa-
ton, in which it makes forcible appeal to the
sympathies and support of the public. The fol-
lowing extract from this report will give some
idea of he condition of the needle women of that
city.
aThe condition of the shirt sewers of our city
is lamentable, and calls for your kindest and
warmest sympathies. 1t is estimated that their
numbers at present exceed six thousand. Many
of these are young and friendess orphans, early
left to struggle with poverty, and solely depen-
dent upon the precarious pittance ofwages doled
out by employers. Others are widows, depend
ing upon the needle for the support of helpless
children, and with the pittance of some So or
$3.50 per week, trying to feed, clothe and pay
the rent of family. We need not tell you this
cannot be done. They bear in silence sufferings
and trials THAT would chill the sternest hearts to
reronnt The defancpless pirl often Wrestles
with poverty, hunger, temptation, nntil dire ne
cessity forces sad and fearful alternatives upon
her. Is this Christian Is it hunan!"