The New York herald., 1873-11-10
LABOR AND IT'S PROSPECTS.

The Building Strike-Most OF the Bosses
Giving the Old Wages-Action OF the
Hod-Carriers-Tho Strikers to be Sup
ported-General Depression and Pros
pective Distrcss-The Idle Women.
During the past week the condition OF the labor
ing classes in reference to employment has not on
the whole grown worse. The reduction of wages
in the building trade proposed by the
employing mas0ns, with reference to
masons, pricklayers and hodcarriers to take effect
from the lst instant, was not firmly insisted on by
all the bosses. 1t was unanimously resisted by all
the labor organizations concerned. After slight
struggle most Of the employers have now con-
ceded the old rates. No bricklayers or masons are
reported as having been put at work at the reduc-
tion, those jobs where the old rates were refused
having remained without these classes OF me-
chanlcs. M Il
THE HoD-cARR1ERs ,st.t.
On some buildings labOrers who do not belong to
the society were employed. Some OF these subse-
quently demanded the iuu rates, and left work
meeting oi the General Council OF the several hod
carriers unions was held 1t comprised delegates
from r0 n the 81 TINS city Brook
constituency OF 5000 aborers. Mr.. Gallagher oc-
cupied the chair: The subject OF labor and reduced
wages was very fullytdiscussed by numerous speak
ors,expressing the Unanimous determination Of the
meeting to resist the action Of the bosses. Reports
three cities. From these 1t appears that,
om tsy @ Ss paying wase w
While the attempt OF the contractors to take half
dollar per day rom the small pay Of the aboreTs
dressed the meeting. all counselled entire absti-
nence from force or threats OF violence either
duce to try hod-carrying below the regular rates.
MONEY IN THE TREASURES. h.rr
separate funds OF the several lodges the hod car
riers have nearly 000 and they feel able to take
ss' was adopted BY TO psy each
man who may be idle in consequence OF
per ou. Of Of the und The belief 81
the prominent delegates appeared to be that be-
abandon the effort to cut down wages. 89
OTHER TRADES.
Within the last week a very small number OF
in consequence Of proposed reduction oof
wages: These, however oSu' Tor. form but small
quence of the depression OF the sugar interest
owing to the financial pressure. A similar condl-
the manufacturing industries which in ordinary
times furnish work to many thousands Of our p0pu-
iatlon, male and female. AS appears from
visited many OF the large establishments, with
very few exceptions business is found dropping
through want OF financial facilities, lack OF COM
merclal confidence and inability to make requisite
collections. The great commercial and manufac-
and partially paralyzed by the effect OF the panic,
which, originating In the reckless speculations OF
socalled bankers who invested the saw
tngs OF prudent depositors in moonshne
Enterprises and baseless securities. With the prod
ucts OF our great country more abundant than
ever before, with the balance OF foreign trade In
our favor, commerce languishes and labor stands
idle. But the natural bu0yancy Of our people rem
ders 1t impossible that this shall long continue.
We have no shrinkings of the amount OF our
national wealth in commodities, and our energy
must soon find means to revive trade and start the
wheels OF Industry t.
PROSPECT OF SUFFERING.
While the depression OF business continues there
must, as soon as the small boards OF the operative
classes are exhausted by the resstless demands OF
the winter season, be great and general distress
among classes VINO usually are Tree from actual
deprivation OF the necessities OF life. Much OF this
want Will come upon women. Many thousands OF
these are now looking valnly for work. Multi
tudes OF them are young girls who board.
What are they to do for homes after they
Women as poor as themselves cannot feed them.
Plans OF relief are suggested for men by en-
viii oifer no labor for delicate women.
Who is the philanthropist who will earn
public gratitude BY. Offering homes and proper
pauperism and vicef They have no trades
unions with funds ample to support the
idle. They must be succored or starve.
Working people OF all classes. In conversations
with the HERALD reporters, express the fervent
hope that the city win come to their relief BY
general plan OF giving them work. They do not
want charity; they will be thankful for any work
which shall enable them to keep their families fed
clothed and housed during the winter. II some
such plan be put In operation at once 1t will avert
many hungry man and woman nom crime.