The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1868-04-18
New YORK, April IL, 1868

FROM NEW YORK.
New YORK, April IL, 1868.
To the Editor Of the woRKIsoEAE's ADvscArs.
The good folks of Gotham are now in the
midst OF the ffthieth snow storm which has,
a: the time am writing. all the appearance
e lasting till the 4th of July, which will re-
Iisye the workingman Of one heavy expense
part Of the summer months, should it still
continue to snow be will require no ice
Probably that is one reason why an au-wise
Providence continues to send it so bounti-
fully. New York has so far passed through
one Of the most severe winters that has been
known for many years, and just as the people
bad began to hope for a change, we have an
arctic winter again.
The strike on the NewYork Central Rail
Road has terminated in q complete
victory for the men. The struggle has
been long and severe, but the Great Railway
King "Vanderbilt" has had to bite the dust.
Therefore let all WOrkingmen rejoice, there
is hope for labor yet, but they have not been
able to get the Eight Hour by them intro
duced. They have not only saved their
wages from being cut down, bat have got an
advance Of Is cents per day added to their
old rate. Your readers may rememember
thar this great millionaire first issued an
order, that is the usual way these great men
do when dealing with labor. The notices
ran something after this fashion. On and
after such date the working Hours will be
Eight per day, and the wages so much what
ever they happen to hit upon at the moment
by :" order" OF Cornelius Vanderbilt The
men are never consulted in any way more
than General consults the private soldiers
OF his army. They are only reckoned as SO
many machines to be stopped or set going
at pleasure fortunately this time Cornelius
caught Tartar, the men s-ood firm and
capital had to do what it always must do ia
such cases cit had 10 suecumb," and instead
Of getting some 20 per cent of every map's
wages, it has had to "ddd" l2t per cent.
ia favor Of labor. II all working men
would only do as those railway EMPLOYEES
have done they would soon be properly paid
for tbier labor, and much better respected
than they are now, for it is a well known
fact that although the capitalist uses the
fawning sycophant Of workingman to at
tain his ends, yet in his heart he despises
him, well knowing rs be does, that be has
not one spark CT manhood In his nature.
These are the men that keep the children OF
our mechanics ill-clad and ill-fed while they
fret out their lives to pile up capital for
other men to enjoy. When either Of the
political parties win a victory they bring
out their cannon and FIRE salute 10 honor
of the event, but have heard nothing about
celebrating the victory Of these railroad
men. Yet it ought to be done to teach and
encourage others to 90 aud do likewise.
The bricklayers are now making something
10 the matter Of wages, but on the great
point OF Eight Hours they say but little.
Yet that 10 the important point Of all. Two
branches, the painters and plasterers, have
already obtained it, therefore it is doubly
imperative on both them and the carpenters
to put it in foice. Secure the hours gentle
men; that should be your watchword at this
hour. Let the wages take care Of them
selves grasp the priceless boon now within
your power for the benefit Of yourselves
and all who labor for their daily bread. As
New York is formost in all things, so let
her be foremost in establishing this great
reform. hope Mr.. Editor yet to inform
your readers, land that shortly, that the
bricklayers and carpenters Of New York
City have resolved to work but Eight hours
q day, according TO the Law Of the State.
The grocers and tea dealers have had long
struggle trying to close earlier IL possible,
than they do now. they have been agisating
the matter Cor the last three years, and now
they seem likely to accomplish their object
ne nearly every one OF the store. keepers have
agreed to close at 8 O'Clock. Seven o'clock
10 what oil desire to reach, but Of course
they viii accept all all they can get, and still
keep up the agitation till their object is
finally accomplished. This association is
a stiking proof OF what can be done By
perseverance,. When the association first
started the employers set their Eases entirely
against 1t, and discharged some of the lead
ing clerks that joined Il. Nov that the pref
udice is all removed, many Of those same
employers are now members of the asscia-
ton, and among Its strongest advocates
Thus has knowledge once more struck down
prejudica, and soon the grocers and tea deal
ers clerks win be free. II the capitalist
would only investigate, and inwardly digest
the great principles that underlie al these
great questions instead Of intrenching him.
Ie!f behind his capital and shouting at the
'op of his voice "Dsmagogue," "Dictator,"
= Importer" and various other epithets that
hey hurl at any poor workingman that
3ares to raise his voice and bid each son
,f toll to join the army Of labor reform and
10 forever free. II they would say only
Eivs ~ IN impartial hearing how much |
letter for themselves and FOR us. The |
,oopers, too are asking an advance Of wages.
rhs shop bosses have offered them IS per |
lay, bus whether they win accept or not
'ss not &c yet bssn determined on BY the |
Union. Business had pretty fairly set in
'efors this return Of winter, and many
rades were working again. Some Of which
should like to speak Of but have already |
utrun my space. MlcHAMc. /