The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-03-19

was said at the time originated in consequence Of
German tailor, residing in Thirty-eghth street,
having engaged with the bosses to make coats at a
reduction of twenty-five cents ON the regular prices.
By this dishonest proceeding towards the poor
journeymen he was enabled to realize five or six dol
lars a day profit Information Of this matter was
laid before the association of talors who appointed
deputaton to wait the SPECTATOR for the purpose
of making him return all the coats made for less
than the fair rate of wages and, in case Of his
fusal to do So to take possession OF them. Before
the deputation approached the house. the object of
their visit was informed OF their coming in time to
bolt the doors, and prevent them from entering.
Failing in their purpose they returned to the society,"
in Hester street, where they were joined by large
number of members. With this reinforce
house. broke in the door, seized all the
coats they could find, numbering about a
hundred altogether, and conveyed them away by
force. The employer was in the house when 1t was
broken into, and before he could succeed in making
BIS escape from the enraged tailors he got severe
beating. He denied the charge made against him;
but the taiors would not believe him. His clothes
were torn into rags, but he, doubtless considered
himself fortunate in escaping with his life. Captain
Freeman and posse OF police, in their endeavors to
quel the disturbance by the arrest of some of the
rngleaders were fercey attacked with stones knives
and other weapons. One man was armed with
pistol, which was taken from him, however, before
he could do any injury. The captain had the breast
torn out of his shirt and was otherwise badly treated
Four of the rioters were arrested and taken to the
station house. This did not deter the tailors how
ever from further acts of violence. While the police
were absent their numbers increased to two or three
hundred. They divided themselves into two parties,
one Of which went back to the house in Thrtyeighth
street and again attacked it, while the other party
proceeded to another house in the vicinity, and,
after damaging it considerably, carried off about
sixty unmade garments. News of this outrage
was communicated to the Sixteenth ward station
Wba hodv NJ valic cd hxra rasn
forcement from two other wards, were sent to the
scene of the riot On their way they arrested after
sharp conflict, six seven When they arrived at
the house in Thirtyeighth street, where the great
body of the tailors was assembled a desperate en-.
counter ensued Stones and brickbats were used un-
sparingy and even daggers were brought into requi
sltlon Some OF the police were severely wounded by
stones sung shots, and other weapons but the tai
lors unable to contend against the disciplined force
brought against them were forced to give way. OF
the forty arrested, the majority or less in
jured some so severely that thy had to be conveyed
to the hospital. large number were taken to the |
station house. where they had their wounds dressed
About twenty of the prisoners were subsequently |
committed on charge OF rioting and on trial,
victed but as they nearly all foreigners, and
with our laws, their punishment was |
considerably mitgated
A meeting was held in the Park, about week after
the riot, to sympathize with the tailors and sustain
them in their strike. Resolutions adopted, and
speeches made in favor of forming association Of
tailors, i'll which each member should be share.
helder. The movement, however, did not result in
much benefit to them.
THE STEyEDORES.
The stevedores, or as they are more generally
known by the appeation of long shore men, are
class of laborers whose principal occupation con-
sists in the loading and unloading Of vessels. Their
work is very aborious and uncertain as it depends,
TO great extent upon the weather. The whole
number at present in New York is between three
and four thousand and the wages Of each varies
from six to ten dollars week, according to the de-
mands for his labor and his capacity Many disputes
have originated between them and their employers |
upon the rate of wages; but, as general thing their
demands were made only in times Of urgent neces-
sity, when rents and provisions were high. The |
first important strike which occurred during the last
wenty years took place on the 22d of February,
1886, and it attended with the most serious
sequences. large body of the stevedores, num-
oering several hundred, marched in procession along
he docks, with the view Of compelling those who
we're still at work to desst until the advance in their
wages was granted. Great excitement prevailed
among the shipping merchants, and many Of those
at work vessels fled in precpitate haste when they
saw the formidable body approaching. The prompt
arrival of the police queed the disturbance for the
lime being, by the dispersion Of the rioters. The
next day, however, they organized in greater num-
1ers, and all armed with slaves. They attacked
hose who had the hardihood to resume work
ter the threats OF the day previous and drove them
rom the vessels. Several were severely injured and
policeman, who had rendered himself conspicuous
" his vigilance and activity had his skull fractured
~ blow OF a stave. His assaant was arrested
tut Immediately afterwards rescued and carried off
n triumph. The fight did not last much longer than
N hour, when the police remained masters of the
having arrested a n ipuIa Load.
rs. These fruits OF their victory marched off to
Misc n without any attempt at rescue. During the
whole day business was almost wholly suspended
IS very few stevedores could be induced to resume
york. in opposition to the general feeling of the
,ody. Several vessels were delayed two or three
lays beyond their appointed hour OF sailing and the
piers were filled with boxes, casks, and every des
ription Of merchandise The owners Of some vessels
lesirous OF having them cleared Immediately employ
ID the aborers at their own prices but the great
)ody of merchants refused to accede to their
erms, in consequence of the compulsory means
which had been so unwisely resorted to. Due pre-
autions were taken by the city authorities to pre-
ent a repetition of these rotous proceedings: the
,olice were ready at moments warning to march to
my part Of the city where their services might be
equired, and large force Of artillery and militia
we're quartered at Tattersalrs and in the Court of
ieHeral Sessions, prepared to suppress any riot
hat might take place. No less than three thousand
ounds Of ball cartridge were distributed, and the
Mayor had determined to place himself at their
read, and when necessary to give the word TO fire.
These measures had most sautary effect in deter
ing the stevedores from further violence. On the
afternoon of the oath small detachment of the steve
lores marched in procession up Wall street and
through Broadway, but their demeanor was peace
able. They had thrown away their slaves, a0d the
,ny weapons with which they were now armed,
consisted of few broken down umbrellas The
weather, the military, the police, and the merchants,
appeared to be all leagued against them, and
hey seemed to be intent only in preserving
themselves from the rain During this riot great
service was rendered by that Fouche of the New
York police, High Constable Hays That worthy
,fciaf it il alleged, made an address to the mob,
equesting them in the blandest terms, to disperes
quietly which they did. faint no way, this, to raise
wages" said he "If your employers won't give you
-FOUR prices, don't work-keep home and lay quiet.
Make no riot here. don't allow these things. Come,
narch-home with you-your wives and children
want YOU" Now, although we are inclined to doubt
he authenticity Of this speech we must admit that
contains great deal Of good advice, and If it was