The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1872-02-08
DIGNITY OLE. LABOR.


DIGNITY 0E- LABOR.
Some time since, DR.. Griffith, the delegate
in tho Legislature, FROM Westmoreland coun-
ty. introduced Restitution, enquiring into
the expediency of having the State Printing
done in the Pcuitentiary The committee
to shich it was referred, reported that it was
Tot expedient to legislate on the subject.
This disposition of this immediate propo-
siton is all right, in accordance with our idea.
But it is not disposition, or dismissal of
the subject Of Penitentiary mechanism. We
are heartily in sympathy with the petition of
the 1900 mechanics of Richmond to have
the Penitcntiary removed from the city lin
it's And, we 60 farther. We believe it to be
branch of mechanism should be discouraged
in the Penitentiary. DR.. Griffith has open
ed the question, whether printers, who faith
fully discharge their duties to communi-
ty and their families, and who toll night and
day to earn An honest support for themselves
aud those dependent upon them, are to be
brought into competition with penitentiary
convicts Ia fact, the gauntlet has been
thrown down to all branches of mechanics,
and the question row comes up, whetherself-
respect and the true interests and dignity of
mechanical pursuits do not imperatlvcly de-
mand the immediate, abatement of every
branch of mechanism in the Penitcntiary. 1t
is not unfrequently remarked when the PEN
atty of the violated law has been found to be
two or three years confinement in the Pcni-
Tertiary, that the culprit will ''rcmain long
enough in that institution to learn trade p
and then may be permitted to make his way
10 community as the competitor of honest
men in their legitimate Business.
We regard the whole mechanical system Of
tho PcnittntiaTy as direct insult and inj ury
to the mechanics Of the State, and the entire
subject should undergo thorough overhaulipg
and correction. 1t may be argued that the
mechanics shops are a source of revenue TO
the State. We care not for that. They may be
a source Of revetae, bat it Is at the expense
of the honest mechanics of the State, who
bear heavy proportion Of the State taxes
and are the very salt of social order and gen
eral prosperity. There can be found plenty
Of employment for the convicts in grade of
labor compatible with the idea of punishment,
without educating them at the States ex-
pense in handicraft to compete with tie best
element of society.
We have no objection to DR.. Griffith Sc
curing the establishment Of school Of medi-
cine or law in the Penitentiary, or of divini-
ty. That can be left to the sound discre-
ton of those whose mental turn may favor
either of those pursuits. But as mechan-
ic, and we believe speaking the sentiments of
every respectable mechanic in the State, VIC
protest against the system Of educating Peni-
Tertiary conyicts in mechanical arts, to be
thrust upon society to the detriment of the
business, and detractive from the social stand
ing Of the mechanics as class. The first
lea that suggests Itself to the popular mind,
brought to the prisoners box is, "Well, send
him to the Penitentiary, aud learn him
trade !"
If the mechanics Of this State have any
self-respect-have any elevated conviction of
moral r'sht-and entertain any purpose to
guard the social and moral standing of their
profession they will band together as one
man aad demand the protection of their in.
terests.
We &c not know whether there is a man
in the Legislature now who has the courage
to rise IN his place aud champion the cause
of the mechanics Of the State IF there is. he
was certainly remiss in his duty when the pro-
tessional quack from Westmoreland, insulted
one branch of mechanism by introducing the
resolution, enquiring into the expedieuoy of
taking from the honest, industrious printers
OF Richmond, and other portions of the State.
the work which largely helps to keep up their
o~'S', o"u IL 10 JOufDeVman
scoundre!s and novitiate burglars in the Pen
itentiafy.
We would remind the little butterflies Of
fortune, who have Auttercd into legislative
position, that there is sleeping Hercules il
the land. His restless slumbers indicate an
early Weakening, for the vindication of the
neglected rights of the working classes. The
moving column of Labor Reform, which
is being felt all over the country. will NOT
"down at the bidding" of the professional,
politician, nor will its onward march be
stayed until its destiny has been accomplish
ed.
In this State, the sim pie resolution Of en-
curry of Doctor Griffith may prove the mag.
ic word that will break through the silici6ed
encrustation that has kept down the aspira-
tions and the inherent power of the mechan-
!cs, and cause them to show their true man
hood by stern and unyielding assertion of
the dignity and responsibility of Labor So