The New York herald., 1873-11-18
TIE LABOR CRISIS.
The situation Discussed by Promine mt
Business Men-What Loading Clothiers,
Cigar Manufacturers and Builders
nE.iaE Of the Oenre saiOn of Trade.

Business Men-What Loading Clothiers,
Cigar Manufacturers and Builders
Think of the Depression of Trade.
The unfortunate condition OF the workingmcn
generally in this city, which has been the subject
OF extended comment for weeks, still continues,
and with but little hopes for immediate i'm
proyement. Although the leaders and delegates
from the several trade associations, which so
numerous in the community, nave recently held
meetings and gravely discussed the situation, the
demands they have made upon the authorities
have not borne any irut. nor is it likely that they
win. What is true OF those who have been en-
and tens Of thousands Of artisans in all branches
OF business; and, while the latter have not been
sent adrift in squads OF hundreds they have re-
ceived notifications OF mo more work at present.
in such numbers, week after week. that the same
result has followed.
That the various trades OF the city are not in a
fair way to become more prosperous than they
nave been for long time past, but rather the re-
verse, is shown by repeated conversations yester-
day with men in such positions that they know
whereof they speak. Upon every hand the burden
OF the cry 'du, very dull, with but little hopes
OF Improvement" yet some felt that there might
possibly be change ior the better after time.
Among the number or employers spoken to were
clothing trade. In the wholesale branches OF the
business there is but small stock being made
up, and, worse than all, the prices paid
Tor labor are very poor. Sales to the coun-
try nave been slow for months. and now
they are nearly PROSTATE In this channel. MANY
or the larger houses have discharged 80 per cent
OF their hands and reduced tine prices given for
work, yet there are some who have kept on the
usual number OF hands employed at this season
and are paying the old wages such houses as the
latter have q trade that can always or during
most of the time be depended upon, and, conse-
quenty, treat their employees with that consldera-
ton which is always due to the reliable laborer.
In the custom branch OF the trade there Is no bet
ter colorng gwen 6y the Leaders n the business; :;
the panic there was an instant decrease in
orders, and many who would have new clothes
necessity OF wearing their old garments yet while
longer, and have lalien into an economical plan OF
there is much work being done, yet the major por-
ton OF IL s OF the better class, and as there are
grades in the workmen that manufacture clothing,
those who make the finer qualities are farlng
better than their brethren used to common STOCK.
What is true OF the clothing trade seems to be
equally SO OF the cigar business The larger manu-
featuring houses haze reduced their hanus onehalf
and the smaller ones In proportion. There is but
little demand for brands which heretofore found a
ready sale. and the dulness at 1rst-hOped to be
but temporary-haS become so pr0tracted and likely
to be worse rather tnan BETTER the force OF workmen
retained began to suffer, much co their serious
annoyance, as 1T IS well known among all working.
men tnat the cigar maker Is at tne DeSC DuJ
poorly paid for his labor. Some of the leading
houses have stopped manufacturing entirely, and
intend before resuming to dispose OF their present
stock and see better times ahead. Yet 1t is not to
be supposed that the trade is paralyzed. Tor such
is not the case, as there IS q moderate business
being done, winch will continue so long as men love
and use "the weed.n
Upon the state OF the business among the builders
OF the city one Of the more prominent ap-
preached, and his views in regard TO better times,
though not really dismal, were lar from encourage
ing. From the employment Of 300 or more
belongs have had but rs on their books. 1t
was very dull in all branches OF the
trade, and there Is no work OF any moment in con-
temptation. True there Is some little finishing to
be done. but 1t Is OF such meagre nature that Ii
was not worth mentioning. The majority OF the
and do not hope for prosperous times until the de-
preston now existing in the financial world shall
have given way to ieehng OF confidence and
security. Wages OF carpenters have been reduced
by many builders and, sooner or later, all will have
to follow the example. To many 'bOsses" this is
peculiarly unfortunate, as they do not like to part
with excellent men but there Is but one alterna-
ttve-reductlon OF wages, or dispensing with their
services. This informant attributed much OF the
depression existing among the builders TO the
not alone in the opinion. so soon as carpenters
and others would work but eight hours for DAYS
labor all building interests instantly went up 20
per cent, and those who had IN contemplation the
the idea and ventured it in other channels. He
had, as matter OF business, narrowly watched
this subject and was firm in the opinion advanced.
The workingmen OF New York, he lnrther said
were peculiar class. and as body were not OF an
economical and provident turn OF mind, and, con-
seqnently, TO some extent, the strait to which they
are now reduced has been caused by their own
faults and l0llies.