New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1868-08-05
THE TENANTS UNION-A NEW COOPERATIVE
ORGANIZATION.

For many years past the complaint has been
general among the tenants Of this city that the landlords
have been and still are growing more and more extor-
tionate toward them and that in consequence Of the
wealth OF the former class they unable TO defend
themselves against the demands that being eontnu
ally made on Accordingly, last attempt was
made to bring enantry Of the city at large into CO.
operative Organization having It's cbeot the mutual
protection OF such were compelled to live in hired
houses Owing TO the fact however that those who
the prime movers in this measure were not men OF q
character euterpr-g enough push the natter or to
place on q lasting foundation 10 fell through, ana LOT
cong time nothing more was heard OF IT. yhe cohtnaed
Increase IN rentals, however, together with he usOs
ton, that the tenants every day beng mani
Tested by the landlords TO get as much money o-O
out OF them without returning proper equiv aleul
therefor, brought together a number OF tenants
about two weeks slnce and the determination was
formed 20 establish Protective Union, that IN future
their might be better cared for than they have
heretofore BEEN aud that whenever the rights OF any
member OF the association were infringed tile mutual aid
and cooperation OF the other members might be relied
10 assist him In reganing them Accordingly legal adj
ganzation, and acting accordance with the directions
given Them these gentlemen became, under the pro
visions OF the general law IN such made and pro-
yded body corporate. The name Of the organization
was fixed upon-"The Tenants Union"-and measures
were taken " bring the existence OF the Union to the
knowledge OF tenants throughout the city The objects
which the association have primarily In view are TO
pei landlords generally to comply with the PROVISIONS OF
the law relative to tenement houses passed by the last
Legislature to enforce the making OF necessary repairs
10 teneueIs and 10 guard and protect such other inter
ess pertaining 20 the tenant as landlords may seek TO
violate. The design OF the organization Is To have the
city Distracted so thH there may DO Ia eaoh district an
inspector OF buildings, appointed by the society,
whose business II shall be TO make survey
OF the house, or apartments, occupied by tenant when
complaint is made Of It's their unsutableess for resi-
dence purposes arising either from the refusal Of tine
landlord TO make necessary repairs or from any other cause
provided the tenant be not at fault in producing the bad
condition OF the prenses aud 10 report theresut OF he
above survey 10 the Executive Committee Of the society
This Committee, Board OF Control shall hen after de-
liberation instruct the counsel Of the organization TO take
such legal proceedings may be necessary have the
city standing pledged to pay the expense necessarily at
tendant such proceedings In order that the tenants
may have full understanding OF their rights and duties
1t Is proposed also, To have circulars printed aud dsEb
uted among the members OF the organization which err
culars shall set forth summary Of the points Of all laws
regulating the connection between landlord and tenant
and advise the course To be pursued by the latter ia case
the landlord refuses TO comply with the condition which
such relation devolves upon him. All questions OF ser
GUS nature however to be submitted To the Board Of
Control who act under the advice OF before making
positive order as to the 10 be pursued In
der 10 deiTay the expenses attending the carrying
on Of the operations OF the society, every
tenant becoming member thereof expected 10 pay the
SUN OF 81 as an initiation fee and the further sum OF rs
cents monthly all Of which money 40 into general
fund for the mutual proteoton OF all who belong 10 the
Society Whenever the landlord shall In any WY violate
right which attaches TO tenant member OF the SOcie-
M by virtue Of his position suoh tenant 1t becomes
the duty OF the counsel OF the organization take such
legal steps % may DO right and proper to prevent such
compensation TO the tenant II damage has been done
his interests by the landlords action In case proceed
ant il becomes the duty Of the eose or Sne o the a
sstantcounso under his direction to see that no undue
that the landlord Is acting In unlawful manner, the
counsel rs to bring an action for damages against him on
Dehaf the tenant at the expense OF the Society IL Ia
avered that cases are daily occurring this city where
tenants are dspossessed prcsexs that the law does
NOT recognze not for default " the payment OF
Tor any other cause; but simply for the
that the landlord has chance TO let his property 10
greater advantage and hence the tenant put
and Inconvenience In order that the OF the prei
ses may reap additional profit by reietting |
them. The counsel OF tho organization Is
required therefore. to tender advice In all such oases
and II necessary to take legal proceedings therein The
Dta fDr nj ha draNU
up 80 as to secure the rights Of the tenant to be
planned by counsel requiredeach case To be governed
by the peculiar circumstances connected with az the ma
ture OF parole and written agreements be known
and advice 10 be given him every question
his legal connection with his landlord. whenever asked
for The incorpOraors intend to work thoroughly
In this matter TO obtain at AS early day possible al
the information they can gather relative the owners Of
largo tenemenhouses and 10 put the society on such
rm foundation that II will bo regarded Que of the
institutions Of the metropolis Whenever the funds OF
the society may warrant It, the fees exaoted from mem
bers ~ be reduced. The office of the Union the
present, at No. 229 broadway.