Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1868-08-20
4 STATE OF NEW York;
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT.
ALBANY, Oct, /, 1S64.N

.. EAECUTlpE DEPARTMENT. ?
ALBANY, Oct. l, 1S64.S
DEAR SIR:-I have received your letter of
the 28th inst, and / recall the interview
which had with regard to bill pending
before the Legislature, and the conversa-
tion we then had about the relationship
between capital and labor.
With regard to the particular measures
of which you speak in yOur letter, viz. !:
the reduction of labor to eight hours, &c.,
have only to say that it is clear right of
all classes of men to improve their condi-
and laws as are best fitted to reach their
object. I also hold that those engaged in
different pursuits are the best judges of the
measures which are for their good. 1t is
their right to speak for themselves, and
their views and wishes should be taken
as the best evidence as to what
their interests demand. When large
themselves, in the light of their
own experience, what laws they wish,
such wishes should be met, unless they do
harm or wrong to others. Tie number of
hours during which men shall toll each
day, is clearly question for themselves to
decide. No one can rightfully object to
this; neither can objections be- made to a
legislative decision as to the length of time
that shall make days work, for the pur-
pose of securing uniformity of action.
Our statute books are filled with laws
having these objects in view with respect
to a great variety of business pursuits
Thus far all limitations of the hours of la
Dor have been tor the public welfare. The
time of labor has not been shortened by
far as fast as the currency with which it is
paid has fallen off in value.
Beyond the subjects to which you call
my attention, there are other questions
affecting the laboring classes growing out
of the violent fluctuations of our currency
which have caused me great anxiety. The
prices OF labor are slowly adjusted to the
value of the money which is used in its
payment, or for the necessaries of life.
Extreme and sudden changes in the value
OF such currency disturb and injure those
engaged in every kind of business. The
losses thus caused are heavier than the
burdens of taxation, for they fall upon eve
ry 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 questions growing out of our
currency. a.
At this time no man knows at the be-
ginning of the week what will be the value
of the pay which he shall receive at its
close. Some standard must be found to
measure the worth of money, of labor, and
of provisions. The fluctuations in those
values are constantly becoming more rapid
and extreme, and they will soon be felt in
every workshop, every household, and they
will tell upon the comfort and happiness of
every family. To make labor cheerful it must
not only be saued from ouer-toil, but also from
dn1iety aoith regard to its reUdrds. % r,s
l hope your association will consider
these questions, for they must be met.
They will be forced upon you in your rents,
in your food, your clothing, your fuel.
They will be the disturbing problem which
will most engage public attention during
the coming years. Beyond all others they
cause me the most anxiety in the position
which / now hold, and they will be most
perplexing to those who shall hereafter ad-
minister our public affairs.
Truly yours,
.a-.-r al 8 HoRATIo SEYMOUR.
To B, M FOWLER, ESQ.,