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

STRIKES AMONG THE TRADES OF New York |
The FLOUR RI0r-The general movement now |
going on among the various trades, having in |
view an increase of their present rate of wages,
renders this a peculiarly appropriate time to |
publish an account of the strikes which have, at
different periods, taken place in our city. Ac- |
cordingly, we have prepared history of the |
most important that have occurred during the
last quarter of a century, and some even be-
yond that time, which will be found in another
part Of to-days paper. The part the HERALD
has taken. on all occasions when the real inter-
ests of the mechanics and laboring classes were
at stake, is well known to all who were con-
cerned in these movements. Ever opposed to
that spirit of outrage and lawless violence
which. it is to be regretted, actuated portion
Of our workingmen, it was always ready to aid
them by its influence in obtaining fair and
just compensation for their toll. For this it
has at various times received the thanks Of
large number Of the trades societies
The strikes among the mechanics have al
most invariably originated in the high price Of
provisions and the excessive increase OF rents
During the years 1885, 1876, and '37, such was
the pressure created by speculation in real es-
tate and even in the very necessarss OF life,
that the working men were compelled to unite
for their own protection. The extortion of
landlords led to many acts Of aggression, and
the speculations Of provision merchants pro-
duced the disgraceful -four riot in 1887. Al
though this violence was inexcusable, yet no
fairrnnded person could object to the peaceful
organization Of the ill-requited mechanic or
laborer for the purpose Of obtaining az ade-
| auate compensation for his services. The first
| movement was more extensive than any that
has since taken place, and for the time being
| effected a great deal of good but very few Of
| the societies then existing survived the over
whelming and disastrous revulsion Of 1887
The General Congress Of Trades, which was at
tended by representatives from the various pro
tective societies in this and some of the ad-
joining States, was utterly annihilated, and al
though we believe several attempts were after
wards made to revive it, they all failed 1t
was of more practical character thar the late
deceased Industrial Congress, and never al
lowed itself to be diverted from its objects in
ridiculous theories or foolish speculatiOns.
One of the most credtable and praiseworthy fea-
lures which distinguished many Of tie strikes,
was the promptness and generosity with which
| the unemployed workmen were assisted by their
more fortunate associates. Subscriptions were
| raised among all classes Of tradesmen, even
those who were engaged in different pursuits,
to maintain them in their stand against the in
justice and oppression Of their employers.
The enormous rate Of rents, and the cores
pondingly high price Of provisions are the
chief agencies at work in producing the present
movement. These are created by what some
people consider a false appearance of prosperity,
which. it is feared, will bring about a financial
| revulsion similar to that of 1887. Why will
not some capitalists employ their ample means
in erecting suitable dwellings for the industrial
classes in the upper part of the city, where they
can take advantage Of the facilities afforded by
the railroads? Money might be proftably in
vested in this way, at the same time that its ex-
penditure would materially benefit the hard
| working and Industrious mechanics. The COM
paratively low rate of wages which they receive
forces them at present into unwholesome tene-
ments in the lower part Of the city. where their
families are so crowded that it is impossible for
them to preserve their health. Besides, they are
required to pay as much even for the most
wretched habitation down town as would pro-
cure them comfortable dwelling up as
| far as Fortieth street. or even farther. where
their children would also have the benefit of
| fresh air. We hope that men of capital will
| give this matter that consideration to which It's
Importance entities it.