The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1866-04-17

point necessary in order to secure the objects
of its originator; but there is reason to suppose
that the greater war to be induced in Ger
many may be less comfortable. II is possible
that the great schemes may at last ensure the
objects of their enemies rather than their own.
Venetia will be one more point in dispute.
Italy will be active; so also will Turkey and
Russia. Revolutionary elements will be up
wherever they exist Hungary will make i'm
perious demands for concessions; and, on the
whole, it is highly probable that the present
year may see greater changes made in the map
Of Europe than have been seen since the first
Napoleon was Emperor.
The City Railroad Companies and Car
Drivers.
The city railroad companies and the car
drivers who struck for higher wages hold out
against each other. In the meantime the pub
lie has been put to great Inconvenience, and
even in danger, by the inexperience and unfit
ness Of the few new drivers that have been
picked up. The sympathy of the entire COM
munity, apart from the managers and stock
holders of the railways, is with the drivers It
is evident that the companies are aware of this,
too, as they feel the necessity of attempting to
justify their resistance to the just demand Of
their employees. The reason for this sympathy
must be apparent to every one. Two dollars
for fourteen or sixteen hours labor out of twen-
ty-four, is very poor remuneration for any
kind of work in this city. And for such labor,
where the men have to stand upon their feet
all the time, exposed to the cold, heat and
wet weather, labor which requires some
skill and incessant attention, it is decidedly
too little compared with the wages at other
kinds of employment 1t is said the men re-
ceived two dollars day, but in fact they did
not, reckoning nine or ten hours to the work
ing day, as is the case at other work, and which
is long enough in any labor. The drivers are
really not now demanding more than two dol
lars day for fair days work. The extra
time over nine or ten hours should be reckoned
and paid for. The men ought to get two
dollars and half for the number of hours in
which they are employed.
The Second avenue company, through its
treasurer, says, as an excuse for resisting the
demand, that it's business does not pay. This
may be 80, and we do not wish to question the
statement; though we know that railroad COM
panies often spend their earnings in increasing
their property, a. is shown by communica-
ton in another column, from . person well
acquainted with the facts of which he speaks,
and then represent that they are not making
enough 10 declare reasonable dividends. But
il the statement of the treasurer be strictly
correct as to the Second avenue line, the
condition OF the other companies is
quite different We know that their pro-
perty il highly valuable and profits great
Their stock Is very high and cannot be easily
obtained. In fact it is too good for much to
be seen on the market. They can well afford
to pay the reasonable wages asked by the
drivers. There il another reason why these
rich monopolies should pay the two dollars
and City cents. That il, they make much more
over the legal fare than the increase Of wages
asked. The seven-eighths of q cent for each
passenger over what they are legally and
strictly entitled to collect amounts to dollar
and halfa day at least for each driver. They
extort, then, three times the sum they have
right toscollect from the public the increase of
wages would amount 10. Is it surprising, then,
that the sympathy of the community is with
the drivers and against the companies?
We are opposed to interference, as general
rule, with labor and capital. These should regu-
late themselves according to the law of de-
mand and supply and the laws of trade, as
all kinds Of business, without medding or die.
tation from those not Immediately concerned !;
but in this case the press and people have
right to say something. The railway franchises
are granted by the public for its convenience.
By refusing to pay their laborers properly, or
providing against strikes, these companies put
the public to great Inconvenience and even
danger. Their charters are contract with
the public, and in this instance they have vio-
lated in principle that contract. While on this
subject we cannot but express our qualification
at the admirable manner in which the drivers
have conducted themselves in this strike. IL is
reported that there is a movement under way
to raise contributions for them, and to induce
the railway companies to accede to their de-
mands. We hope II is SO, and that the compa-
MES will see il is TO their interest TO pay some
attention to public sentiment and the necess-
ties Of their late hard-worked employees.
The New YORK CoLLEcroRsBR.-At last, 1t
appears, the exciting, protracted and democrat
izing squabble Of the political candidates,
cliques and rings, for The New York Custom
House is settled in the appointment of Henry
A. Smythe as Collector And who is this Henry
A. Smythe? What has he ever done for the
radicals or conservatives; for Governor Fenton
or Secretary Seward; for the Loyal Leaguers or
the King Of the Lobby, or for the transition
elements Of Tamnany Hall, that he should be
made our Collector He has done nothing