The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1869-10-30
COOPERATION.


While in New YorK, on our return from
Europe, we paid visit to the Working
Tailors Cooperative Workshop, north east
corner OF Third avenue and Fourteenth
street, where we were both surprised and
delighted by the evidences afforded that the
enterprise had proven magnificent success
and believing that what has been accom-
plished in New York, may be accomplished
in every city in the country, where simila
well directed efforts are made, we propose
to give our readers the results of our inves-
LEGATIONS.
On the first Monday Of June, 1869, few
resolute, energetic journeymen tailors, W ho
bad vainly endesvored to secure for them
selves and fellow workmen an advance Of
wages sufficient to enable them to provide
for their wives and families, the neces-
sares OF life, determined TO test the princi-
pies Of cooperative industry and thus be.
come their own employees. Though poor
in this worlds goods, they we're rich in
faith, their stock in trade amounting all told
to but $50, obtained by dollar levied on
each memberl and q few patterns. Nothing
daunted however. they determined TO launch
out, believing that complete success would
ultimately crown their efforts. A work
room was consequently hired, circulars were
printed and a committee appointed to wait
on the Workingmen's Union to solicit the
patronage of its members. The mission
was eminently successful. A resolution en-
dorsing the action taken, and pledging an
undivided support was unanimously adopt
ed. Work commenced to flow in and the
custom of almo' every visitor was secured,
all garments being turned out in the best
style of workmanship, and at Is per cent.
less cost than charged by the down town es-
tabli shments. As every member was pledged
to observe the most rigid economy, and to
draw no more than absolute necessity de-
manded, fund suficienT to lay in a small
select stock of goods was soon accumulated
which has been enlarged from time to time,
uAsA sO-ooy suO1 Cou OO6Sb VI as large anu
varied assortment as is requisite to carry on
a first class establishment As m evidence
Of the good fortune which has smiled upon
their efforts, we may state that from weekly
BUSINESS amounting barely to $3.50 during
the first few weeks Of their existence, their
cash books now show an increase between
$500 and 1000. They have also secured
tho services OF one Of the most Grtistic
cutters in the country-Mr. d. A. Roberts,
so there Is every reason tc expect a con-
tinued increase in the patronage which has
80 far been so literally extended.
/ The workroom, we believe.is the only one
OF the kind in New York, it being . univer-
sal practice to give out the work at starva-
ton rates to the occupants Of the tenement
houses, many of whom the iron hand Of ne
cessity compels to accept it at any price.
Here, however, in a clean, tidy well venti-
lated room, with order and regular itypre-
vailing, we found 80 operatives, 18 men and
IL girls, busily employed, and what is better,
working for themselves. Nor this to be
wondered t,for in a prominent position, we
found the following notice posted: "No
Intoxicating drinks allowed in the work shop
under any circumstances" a rule, which we
were credibly informed has been strictly en-
forced, doubtless to their own advantage.
The association is directed by Prcsi-
dent, Secretary, Treasurer, and a Council Of
| 10 members, who are divided into several
sub committees. Taken all in all, il is a
movement of which the wOrkingmen
throughout the country have treason to feel
proud and to all who are halting between
two opinions, or who are situated as these
men were few months ago, we say " Go
and do Hketoise."