Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1868-09-04
Governor Seymour on the Rights of Work
ingmen.
From the New York World. ]


The following letter, written by Gov
ernor Seymour in 1864, deserves to be pom
dered at this time by all the workingmen
of the country, 1t is of so old date that
it cannot be suspected to have any refer
ence to Mr.. Seymour's nomination for the
Presidency, and may, therefore, be re-
earded as the unbiased expression Of his
honest views. It is, however, something 6
more than mere opinion it is an opinion
supported by argument; and nobody has
right to question the good faith of the
writer unless he can confute his reasoning
The letter. which was received by gen.
tleman of this city, related to a bill before
the State Senate, known as the Hastings
Folger bill, the object of which was Tor so
thought to be by the working classes) in
direct opposition to their rights and inter
ests, the bill containing clause prohibi-
tory of workingmen forming associations
for their mutual protection, under severe
and heavy penalties. The workingmen
will do we'll to scatter printed copies of
this letter broadcast among their associa-
tions
STATE OF N. Y, EXECUTIVE DEPT,
ALBANY, October l, 1864.
2Sth ultimo. l recall the interview which had
with yourself and other members of a committee
with regard to a bill pending before the Legsla-
ture and the conversation we then had about the
relationship between capital and labor. With re-
gard to the particular measures of which you
speak in your letter, sir-the reduction of labor
to eight hours &c.-I have only to say that it is
clear right of all classes of men to improve their
condition, and to urge and secure such actions
and Jaws here fitted to reach their object
[ also hold that those engaged in different pur-
suits are the best judges Of the measures which
are for their good. 1t is their right to speak fOI
themselves, and their views and wishes should be
taken as the best evidence to what their inter
ests demand. When large classes of men have
decided for themselves, in the light OF their owl
experience, what laws they wish, such wishes
should be tried, unless they do harm or wrong tC
others. The number of hours during which
men should toll each day is clearly question fOl
themselves to decide. No one rightfuly OBJ
ject to this; neither can objections be made tC
Legislative decision as to the length OF time
purpose of securing uniformity of action
Our statute books filed with laws having
these objects in view with respect to a great va
riety of business pursuits. Thus far, all limita-
tons of the hours Of labor have been for the pub
lie welfare. The time OF labor has not been short
ened by far as fast as the currency with which il
is paid has fallen off in value. Beyond the sub,
jects to which you call my attention, there are
often questions affecting the laboring classes
growing out of the violent fluctuations of our cur
rency, which have caused me great anxiety. The
prices Of labor slowly adjusted to the value o
the money which is used in it's payment, or for the
necessares of life. Extreme and sudden changes
in the value of such currency disturb and inure
those engaged in every kind of business. The
losses thus caused are heavier even than the bur
dens of taxation, for they tell upon every daily
transaction Of life. 1t is clear that those who
to make the laws Of our country are to be per-
picked with the most troublesome question grow
ing out Of our currency. At this time man
knows at the beginning of the week what will be
the value of the pay which he shall receive at its
close. Some standard must be formed to measure
the eoorth cfmaOney Of labor, and provisions. The
fluctuations in these are constantly becoming
more rapid and extreme, and they ,clA soon be
felt In e0ery eoorkshop, eUery hOusehOZd. and they
,ciA tell upon the comfort and happiness of eUery
family. TO MAKE LABOR CHEERFUL, II
MUST NOT ONLY 3 SAVED FROM OVER
TOLL, but also from ANXIETY WITH REGARD
TO IT'S REWARDS.
I hope your associations will consider these
questions, for thoy must be met They eoiH be
forced upon you in your rents, an your food your
clothing, yo1tr fueI They will be disturbing pro.
blems 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 administer our public
affairs.
Very truly,
HnpAT1o SEv,IOT-p