The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-09-16

The Poos o. TaE Cry IN THE CoMrNo
WRIER-G!oomy forebodings are entertained
b. many people Of the extent Of suifering aud
c,s''ess to which the poor Of this city will be
exposed in the coming winter; and after the
trying ordeal to which the working classes hav
been subjected since the financial revuisioa of
lsst year, II s not surprising that fears on that
head should exist. Much distress there un-
doubtedly will be but from present appear
snc's there some reason to hope that things
viii not be quite so bad a. was anticipated. The
advertising lumns Of the HERALD and other
journals in the city afford very fair example
Of the prosperity or adversely of the times, and
they have presented for some days past the evi
dence of increasing activity in business general
~ A whole column Of the HERALD yesterday,
for example was flied with advertisements, not
from those seeking employ ment, but from par
ties wanting some ono to employ Ia various de-
partments But more remarkable instance of
this kind il 10 be found in German cotempo
rsry Of the same date, which has three columns
ard BALI devoted to advertisements Of the
same character. Many persons, clerks, porters
ard others who have been out Of employment
for months past have obtained situations within
few weeks. Although there is at present
manifest revival of trade and business, Us the
above facts show, yet the prospects OF its
increasing in proportion to the wants Of the
thousands who have been struggling with
the enemy the past year,
are not brilliant enough to build the hope
upon that the city poor viii be spared some
amount Of misery and restitution. But though
the hustle of reviving trade and the in
fux Of strangers in our streets have quickened
the pulses of life in the city, it is unfortunately
true that similar activity is not visible in the
manufacturing business. The factories all
through the country are still working short
handed; and as the winter approaches no large
increase can reasonably be expected.
Notwithstanding the outward demonstrations
of want and desperation which characterized
the city during the financial crisis last winter,
it is matter Of surprise that the unemployed
got through that period Of terrible trial with
out more suffering than they were compelled to
endure Then, however, they had some little
savings laid by, which barely served to
keep the gaunt Standardization
the door; but now that staff Is broken.
After the bard times and scant employment Of
this year these hoardings will all be eaten
up, ard with too many we fear the worst will
have come when the terrors of an Indictment
season shall be added to abject penury.
in view Of these probabilities, every provision
should be made to tighten the burden of suffer-
ing and sorrow which awaits portion at least
Of our poor. But we trus that we shall not be
compelled, as in previous years. to adopt that
measure Of last resort-the debasing pauper
soup kitchen.
ed for the purpose o. sending as many Of our
poor laborers ard mechanics and seamstresses
as possible out to the fertile fields of the
West, before the winter Gets in, where,
If they cannot obtain steady employment,
they will at least be able to procure food
and fuel at cheaper rate than they can
in this crowded city. The city government
should do their share Of the good work by put
ting under way whatever public buildings are
to be erected, and the Central Park Commits
sioners should give orders for the employment
Of as many additional men as their resources
will permit At present they are limited to the
expenditure of $4,000 q month, which only
suffices for the employment of $500 men; but
that sum might be increased by one-haH with
benefit alike to the Park itself and TO the unem-
ployed laborers Of the city.
A few precautionary measures Of this kind, If
adopted now, may avert much Of the desHtution
which must prevail in SO large city during
the approaching winter.