Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1855-04-06

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- A Few WoRDs TO OUR MECHANICS I'm your
paper Of yesterday, article appeared with the
above caption, that did gross injustice to the bone
and sinew Of our society--the mechanics. This,
am sure, Mr.. Editor, was not intended by you, for
! none have higher appreciation of the merit and
value of mechanics than yourself, and none would
be more prompt, on all proper occasions, to give
expression to his sentiments on the subject. The
substance oft the complaint in the article alluded to,
Is, that mechanics in this city charge higher for
their work than those in other places and are less
prompt in the execution Extraordinarily that
they are less encouraged than they otherwise
would be.
And now to the fact. mechanic, to acquire
moderate acquaintance with any branch Of bust
ness, must first serve some four years apprentice
ship. He must then spend from one to five hun
dred dollars for necessary tools. With this pre-
paraton and outlay, two dollars per day, or six
hundred dollars per annum, are considered high
wages, Yet the laborers on the public grounds,
and in the Departments, receive this same compen-
sation, where the only tools required is pick or
shovel, or a pair of strong shoulders, and the
only preparation, the natural growth of the human
body. And this is considered small compensation
for the service-and why Because every article
of family consumption is higher here than in any
other place, and even with the most rigid economy
1t is impossible, with such wages to lay aside sufli-
Gent for sickness or old age. If such be the
where the employment is constant, and the com
pensation sure, what must it be to the mechanic
who loses time from sickness the weather, or want
of work. kGH 5stS .8
Our mechanics are as careful, Industrious and
frugal any body Of men living, and yet there
few indeed who are able, after life spent in
slant toll to retire from business, with comfort
able support for their old age. Hence it is clear,
that, in view Of the cost of materiel and living,
over which they have no control, their charges are
moderate
Too often however, they are made the victims
of those who are utterly careless of everything but
their own selfish ends, and who lure them with
promises from day to day, and expense to expense,
till their object is accomplished, their work done,
and then laugh at the efforts of the mechanic to
recover the amount due him.
The debtor is Irresponsible and the mechanic
the fruits of his labor and expenditure appro-
priated by Others who laugh at his vain efforts to
obtain compensation. There is no law for the re-
covcry of debts or to punish the fraudulent debt
ors and to my own knowledge, it is after years of
painful experience, and the loss of thousands upon
thousands of dollars, that our mechanics have
ad fba inaf IF mi EinU hair kppn
pace with their pay. My word for it--and have
had much experience on the subject-let the pay
ments be promptly made, and according to con-
tract, and the work viii 60 ON more speedily than
anywhere else quality considered.
Bot, sir the cause suggested is not the true one
why our mechanics not properly encouraged.
1t is owing to another cause entirely. Most of
those who have the command of large sums of mo-
ney are ofice-holders, enjoying high places, and
who have been imported into our midst from dis
tance or from eastern climes, like the jackass
in the Georgetown lecture. These gentlemen, gen.
orally it is stated have their groceries, clothes
and everything else practicable, sent to them from
the North, and whatever surplus they may have
il, in like manner, invested there. They obtain
their situations through members of Congress, and
hence lend all their influence TO secure for the
constituents OF such members every job Of any
Importance, that Is given out by the government.
The price is no consideration. Washington
tisans and mechanics may strive and seek, and cut
down charges To- the lowest living price-they are
not even considered, when those from distance
are urged by honorable members, who have secur-
ed places TO those who have the giving out Of the
work. Who has done the engraving, the printing,
&C., for Congress- and the Departmental Who is
intrusted with the charge Of our public works
Who has constructed the iron ratings around our
public pacesi And are they not beauties
Mr.. Editor, the mechanics Of our country are the
x.,fit
gence and with the agiculturists the only true
producers. Aside from these two classes, the rest
are comparatively drones, living their labor and
industry; and among these classes there are none
of higher integrity purcr patriotism, or greater
intelligence than the mechanics of Washington.
0fren and often have they proved this, unnhuen-
ced by interest, unawed by executive power, when
they have noby and fearessly expressed their SEN
timents on the rostrum, and at the ballotbox-
thus giving stimulus TO sound principles which
has been felt and responded to all over the Union
And never, never, can they be driven from their
principles even though the an-powerful press
should be arrayed against them.
WARRINGTON MECHANIC.
AGoLD Prx-H o. Hood, Pennsylvania avenue,
near the National, has presented us with a gold
pen Of superior excellence. Mr.. Hood has a large
assortment Of pens Of every variety, As well as
jewelry, watches, spectacles, and silverware. His
Tahhh Among VIZ benb IN chys
See his advertisement.
WoRD or ADVICE TO BUILDKRs.--As there is
now room for a reasonable belief that at some day
not far distant plentiful supply Of water win be
introduced into the city, would it not be economy
10 insert in the walls and ceilings Of your sruc
lures conduits for water They could, when water
is once introduced be easily attached to the street
mains, and your tenants or your families be boun
tifully supplied without all the additional trouble
expense, aud annoyance Of having your carpets
torn up, your walls defaced, your floors flooded
and many an angry word on the part OF the fair
sex, saved This latter point alone should induce
you TO give this matter a consideration.
Again We have noticed for years past that an
unreasonable and unlawful occupation OF pavements
and streets has been habitual where tho erection
Of building has been in progress. Now every
citizen who claims the protection Of the law should
be careful not to violate IL neither should he give
inconvenience TO his immediate neighbor when it
can possibly be avoided.
In other cities the police prescribe the precise
anaca hat NAV he ocruuied nv old now buildinQ