New-York daily tribune., 1865-12-02
THE ElGnT.mOUR DISCUSSION.

TIE EIGET.HOUR DISCUSSION.
We print to-day two more letters treating oil
the Eight.Hour question. If any readers grudge
the space, we would remind them that the sub
ject concerns directly and palpably the we'll
being Of very large proportion OF the entire
community, and, more remotely, affects the III
terest and prosperity Of all. Its Importance,
therefore, can hardly be over-estimated, ard 1t
is desirable not only that the truth involved
in it should be ascertained and proclaimed. but
that the notions wherewith it is regarded By diff
fcrent classes shall be set forth and understood
We non-concur in the apparent belief Of most
Eight Hour men that they can obtain as high
wages for eight hours as for ten hours work
per day, unless the production OF the Eight
Hours shall equal that Of the Ten Hours, which
does not seem TO be expected. Nor can we see
how the jou.ncyman shoemaker, tailor. carpen-
ter, mason, or other mechanic, can secure al
increase of wages of twenty per cent. without
having to pay a like increase in the cost OF the
products he must buy. In other words: If the
cordwainer is paid 81 more than formerly for
making pair of fine boots, We think boots will
be at least dollar per pair dearer than they
, were, and that mechanics, with other consum-
: ers, must pay it. Wages, in our conception,
are not arbitrary or iortutous, but governed by
lava law whose intent is justice to all.
, On this main point, then, wo wish to be
, clearly understood by the Eght-Hour men.
, LII Of bo home nf ,r1;
nary labor to eight per day not impracticable;
We believe it would have many good results;
we think laborers do well TO agitate and con-
, slider the matters; but We do not believe that
they can secure so large share of material and
intellectual alment by working eight hours per
; day as by working ten. If the laws OF tho uni
verse are such as We suppose them, this may
not be. Either they will earn less money in eight
hours than they did in ten, or their earnings
will either be less or buy less-because of gener.
, ally enhanced prices-than they formerly did.
, There may be seeming and transient excep-
tons to this rule, but they cannot shake its
general validity
Still, we would have the whole subject dis
cussed; for we deem it desirable that the Labor
ing Glass, with all other classes, should give heed
to social questions, with an eye TO improvement
and reform. Good must result from this;
though perhaps quite other than that contem.
plated.
We welcome any evidence that the Laboring
Glass, so called, is becoming dissatisfied with
its position. COntentment is a good thing in
its place; but discomfort is useful agency in
human affairs. If all men had ever been con.
tented, America would have remained undis-
covered and the Steam Engine uninvented. Dis
content is the harbinger of Reform.
The letters from dissatisfied or change.secling
iourneymen that reach us seem to accept the
status of hirelings as natural, general, abiding.
We do not share this conviction. 1t is well, We
Think to be a journeyman-a useful and whole
some cxperience-but no man should sit down
contented TO be hireling through life. On the
contrary the young man who enters upon this
condition should work and save with intent to
make it step toward better. He should per-
feet his skill and husband his MEANS with intent
TO take advantage Of an early opportunity to do
and manage for himself.
Just here, the prevalent attitude and line Of
argument Of journeymen dissatsfy us. Wehear
from them much vague talk Of the wrongs OF
Labor, tie exactons of Capital, but rarely q
suggestion that Labor might and should employ
itself. Yet why should it mott Why should
not tho actual maker Of shoes, or hats, or coats,
or anything elso in general demand. and which
requires in its manufacture no expensive ma
chinery or heavy outlay, DO his own "boss,"
selling his wares directly to whomsoever may
want them for use! If capitalists are one.half
no rapscious, 80 oppressive, as they are repre-
sented, why not contrive to do without them,
obtaining by the aggregation Of small sums the
moderate capital required to do small. safe,
snug business for cashf 4. j. makes boots.