The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1868-08-17
eruor seymour orr the Rights Of
Wv orkiuYmen.
From the New York World.

allowing letter, written by Governor
ln' ,n ~, in 1864, deserves TO be pondered
>e! !S;s time by all the workingmen in the
'"'n Il is of so old a date that il cam
to"n ., 'snsncctcd to have had any reference
NOV ~ soymour's nomination for the Presi
70 ~, and may therefore be regarded rs
|'"I nL;ascd expression Of his honest views.
ID! however. something more than mere
IT. ,;,,;;on--it is m opinion supported by ar
ot.",, and nobody mas right to ques-
S s;,~ the good faith of the writer unless he
~, ,,r ronf,ite his reasoning:
Estate Of New YORK, EXECUTIVE DE-
nr,RrwENT, ALBANY, Oct. l, 1864. !
% near Sir,-I have received your letter
NO 2S,h ultimo. | recall the interview
~,;Ss had with yourself and other mem
rers Of committee with regard to bill
,an3;nr before the Legislature, and the
cessation we then had about the rela-
,.,,.b;n between capital and labor. With
.,,.,~l 10 the particular measures Of which
,,.,, sneak in your letter, sir-the reduction
...i.l.r Ia eight hours, &c.-l have only to
,.r fhat it is a clear right of all classes of
,,cn 10 improve their condition, and to urge
"rj secure such actions and laws as are
horn. hucd to reach their object. l also
Iol that those engaged in different pur-
.li,s qrc the best judges Of the measures
ut;sh are for their good. Il is their right
+. .rcak for themselves, and their views
.nd wishes should be taken as the best evil
lancc rs 10 what their interests demand.
When large classes of mcu have decided for
themselves, in the light Of their own exper
~;cncc. what laws they WISH such wishes
should he tried, unless they do harm o.
wrong to others. The number Of hours
during which men should toll each day il
clearly question for themselves to decide
" one can righttully object TO this; neither
n4n objections be made to q Legislative de-
tision rs to the length OF time that shall
make days work, for the purpose OF
securing uniformity Of action. Our stat
,,,e-hooks are filled with laws having
,bese objects in view with respect to
: great variety Of business pursuits.
Tim. far. all limitations of the hours Of
labor have been for the public welfare.
Tho time of labor has not been shortened
)y far A. fast as the currency with which
~. Maid has fallen off in value. Beyond
tho subjects to which you call my atten-
Ran there are other questions affecting
the Iaboring classes, growing out of the
y;nI,rt fluctuations Of our currency, which
have caused me great anxiety. The prices
al labor are slowly adjusted to the value Of
the money which is used in its payment, or
for the neccssarics of life. Extreme and
sudden changes in the value of such cur
r.ncy disturb and injurc those engaged in
pverv kind Of business. The losses thus
caused are heavier even than the burdens
Of taxation, for they tell upon every
daily transaction Of life. 1t is clear
that those who are to make the
laws Of our country are TO be perplexed
with the most troublesome question grow
ng out of cur currency. At this time no
l.,ar knows OF the beginning OF the week
what will be the value Of the pay which he
shall receive at It's close. Some standard
must be formed to measure the worth Of
money, Of labor, and Of provisions. The
tIuctuutions in these values are constantly
becoming more rapid and extreme, and they
will soon be felt in every workshop, every
household, aud they viii tell upon the com
Tort and happiness Of every family. II
make labor cheerful it must not only ht
saved from ovcr-toil, but also from anxiety
With regard 10 Its rewards.
81 hope your associations will consider
these questions, for they must be met
Thtv rW be forccd 'ron roH IN yoT rents
IN Yo,r tood. your c;oH,irg, y0r .1uel
They will bc disturbing problems which
will most engage public attention during
the coming years. Beyond MI others they
cause me the most anxiety in the position
which now hold, and they will he mos
perplcxing to those vino shall hereafter ad
minister orr public affairs.
Every truly, HoRATlo SEYMOUR"