The national Republican. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1866-1870, 1867-06-11
LABOR MOVEMENT.

The movement among mechanics and
laborers for the attainment Of something
better for themselves and families as the
tenn affords them, is attracting considera-
BILE attention throughout our country and
in Europe. Inc question is uhst ought
the worker to receive as the product Of his
toll Uugnt ne " Ue put or -i.L --.-.
stipend, with barely sufficient TO keep soul
and body together, while capital receives
as the fruits Of his labor ten times, and in
some instances fifty times, more in amount
than he getsH The intelligent mechanic,
farmer and laborer are now asking them.
selves these questions, and thoughtful
men among them are devising plans, the
adoption of which, it is believed, will re-
suit favorably and adyantageously in their
behalf A system OF labor is fast coming
into practical operation in different parts
Of the country, which bids fair, so far as it
has been tried, to be largely remunerative
to those who have adopted it. 1t is known
as the cooperative movement, and may be
explained in few words. II is based upon
the idea that labor itself is capital A
certain number Of persons Of the same
trade unite and form an association, and
each man devotes bis own manual and
mental labor and enjoys in the end his full
share OF the profits derived from the bust
ness.
We believe that in Cincinnati there are
several of these cooperative associations
in full operation. There is one, as we learn
from q paper, now before US, called the
Cabinet-nakers Union. This company
was formed in 1852, and had 6fty-two mem.
bers. Each one contributed fifty dollars
at the start. No dividends were paid on the
shares until they amounted to $500 each
In fifteen years they have divided $50, 900
among the members, each man receiving
besides for the whole time regular weekly
wages. 1t is said that every shareholder
now owns the house he lives in, and the
sales amounted in 1865 to $4,000. Here,
then, is something practical. We have
not we confess, had much faith in these
sort of associations, but we can make no
is demonstration that cannot fail TO con-
vince. There is another association there
known as the Queen City Furniture Com
pany, begun three years ago, in 1864. 1t
commenced with fourteen stockholders,
who paid in $500 each. These shares, &c
cordlng to report published in the papers,
are now worth $500 each. All the while
the members have received their weekly
wages. We might give other practical
illustrations of the working Of this COOP
eratIve institution, but we cannot at this |
time prOtract our remarks.
We may conclude this article with the |
statement, that what the cabinetmakers
have done other classes Of mechanics NAV
do, and the same road to competency and |
wealth is open to farmers or to any who
choose to engage in agricultural pursuits. |
In the West, and shortly in the South, op-
portunities are and will be abundant for
all who choose to engage in tilling the soil
to do it in this wise, and to do it, we think,
Certainly no young man who
las his health and his hands and who is
Wiling to labor for an honest livelihood
ICED remain idle in our cities waiting for n
Ierkships or for something to turn up. 81
Could not some Of the young men in
bis city give attention TO this subject, get
P company for the improvement, at no :,
istant day, of some of our Virginia landss n
lands could be hired or bought. We make "
his suggestion for their consideration. +