The Leavenworth weekly times. [volume] (Leavenworth, Kan.) 1870-1880, 1870-12-01
RULE, BRITANNIA
How AN English workin-man Died.

f.lSm the Detroit Post.
Il Is rare that, in the United States, a
skilled mechanic falls into such absolute pov-
criy and iriendlessness that he can neither en-
ploy doctor when sick, nor purchase medi-
cine, nor obtain food. Yet such things are
not rare in free trade England Our work
ingman can find records OF desiituiion among
English workingmen in almost any English
newspaper, II he may choose To examine.
\ late instance which occurred at Bethnal
Green we commend 10 the consideration OF
those OF our working classes who may have
been listening 10 the sophistries OF the DEM
ocra;s and Free Traders.
1t seems that an English house painter, a
good workman, widower, with two young
children dependent upon his wages for sup
port, had been out of work for some tiuie.
On obtaining JOB, he stuck 70 his work 50
closely that he was seized with the pant
er's collie lie went 10 the Office OF the
relieving officer, bat WAS told that that
tunctionary was cut, and would not
return for some hours; and there was
no deputy to act in his place. Hav-
ing no money and no credit with which to
procure medical aid or medicines. the poor
fellow dragged himself 'home, leaving word
10 have the relieving officer visit him. The
officer neglected 10 do so. Next day the
mans landady went to the relieving officer
and obtained an order FOR the parish doctor.
The doctor would not 60, but sent his as
sistant. The assistant did not 90, though
the painters brother went four times after
him. The last time the messenger
told the doctor that his brother was foam
ing at the mouth. 80, WELL replied the
doctor, II il be there in minute. Go
back and give him some castor OIL"
But" objected the distressed workingman,
''my brother is dying, and castor oil viii
moi save him. Beside, We have no money
10 get medicine" He said lie would 90
pretty soon. Finally he did go; but the pa
tient lay dead. He had died alter long and
terrible agony. Those who have witnessed
the effects OF painters colic'' know the fear
iul pain it produces in violent cases. The
convulsed corpse lay On the bare floor, stiff
and cold, with two children crying over il.
partly from grief, bUt more from their own
agonieS. They were starving. There was
an inquest, al which iheSe facts were brought
out. The English paper, in report OF the
case, says:
The two little daughters OF the deceased
were in the room while their father was
dying, and the Oldest caught hold OF his hand
and screamed violently. Aher their uncle
left the room-wh;ch on Saturday evening
they and the corpse Of their iather occupied
they were LEFT the Whole night with the
body. On Sunday forenoon they were found
10 be, when visited by -irs. Burrows, in q
starving condition, and there was no food in
the room. They have been removed TO the
workhouss.r
The testimony a. tie inquest showed that
this man was a good workman. and indus
triors. He could Go fair days work, but
he could not get a fair days wages fo- it.
When he had work, the wages paid were so
small that nothing could be laid UP syains:
the dry o. wani. Il is 20 some such condi-
ton rs this that free trade would reduce the
workingnea OF America.