The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-02-02
WHO COMPOSE IT, AND WHAT IT'S osyE

WHO COMPOSE IT, AND WHAT ITS OBJECT.
To the Editor Of the State Journal:
The above questions having been frequently
asked me, thought would answer them in
| the papers. Isend the communication to your
journal, 6rst, because SO many of the gentle
men engaged in your office are members of the
Union.
Well, as to who compose Il? | will saw the
Mechanics Union embrace large portion of
the mechanics ofthis city and Manchester. who
possess good moral characters, and in short
time, it is confidently expected that all the best
mechanics of the two places will be found en-
rolled as members.
Now, what is the object of the Union 1t
a combination of mechanics bound together by
common interest, for the purpose of making
one grand effort to shake off the iron heel OF
unjust oppression that has so long held us down
to the very earth. We have been charged
with being in the interest of some political
party. That is not so. We know no politics
or politicians other than those that will en-
courage and foster home industry. All we ask
OF Richmond and her people is to have their
work done here, and make their purchases
here, so that we who have to work may be able
to get something to do, and thereby make
support for ourselves and families; for we law
it down as principle by which we intend TO
guide our future action, that all money spent
outside of Richmond is forever gone, never to
be returned; but all money spent here, for
whatever the city may need, will be that much
saved, and the article or produce purchased
saved also for the government that spends its
money with its subjects sustains itself and re-
ceives the money back. Now, suppose the city
and her citizens bought all the machinery and
manufactures they needed here, what would be
the result? l will tell you. All our mechan-
les would be at work at fair wages, getting the
peoples msney that they spend now for high
taxes, and we would soon return ii to them,
and they to the city, and the city to us, and so
it would go around, beneftting every class and
profession in our community. But suppose the
opposite policy was pursued (and am sorry
to say II has been in the past,) what is the re-
suit? 1t has driven hundreds of our best me-
chanics from the city and State, who are now
helping to build up Baltimore, New York,
Wilmington, New Orleans, and other cities all
through the North, South and West Can we
Afford to do without these men? If so, why
do we advertise for Immigrants, and try to get
bills passed to encourage immigration Had
you rather have strangers than your own bro
theirs to build up the city and State If so,
please let US know it, that we may know what
steps to take for selfprotection. We have no
objection to strangers coming among us, if they
have the capital, or you have the work for
them to do. But we think this an incontrover-
tible TACT that hundreds of our mechanics have
been compelled to leave here for the want of
work, and those left are now working for re-
duced wages. So that we-have no encourage
ment to offer immigrants until we make some
effort to keep capital here with US, by encour-
aging home industry, buying from our own
merchants, employing our own physicians, and
using our own material-the production of our
own State and city. When we are able to do
this, then we will gladly help strangers. This
is the policy of the Mechanics' Union of Rich
mond.
But this is not all. We want to be repre-
sented in the councils of the city, State and
nation, and some distribution in the appointive
offices. How stands the matter now? Are
we represented anywhere in the city, State or
nation We answer that we think we are not.
We will notice Marshall ward. How many
workingmen are on the police force from Mar
shall ward ? There are but two of any sort,
and neither of them hold an office. So, if we
want police officer, we have to go to the Old
Market to find him and then, you must re.
member, he has no interest in commen with US
in this ward, for he is neither working man,
nor does he belong to the ward.
Now, ii any one should wish to contradict
this, let him come out in his own name, and
will ventilate the whole police machine to his
satisfaction.
Our whole aim shall be to do all the good we
can to every class and pro fession, and no harm
to any one.We shall shrink from no duty, nor
shall needlessly meddle with anything or any
person.
1t may be proper here to state that the Union
is beneficial order, upon the same principle
OF all other secret orders, having Friendship
for its foundation, upon which it intends to
place all good results arising from its actions
heteafter.
am, sir, very truly yours,
d. II. ALLEY,
Pres Richmond Mechanics Trades Union.
City papers will please copy.
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