Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-10-29
EMPLOYMENT.

EMPLOYMENT. ~
There are more hands seeking employ
ment at the present time than can conven-
iantlv find it.. Work has been curtailed on
account of thel monetary difficulty to such
an extent that the quantity of labor offered
IL in excess of the demand. Word is sent
ont from the cities informing the public
that IL Is useless to seek there for work.
The Superintendent of Labor Bureau in
Boston calls attention to the crowded con-
dition of the labor market in that city,
where hundreds are seeking work without
finding it, and advises tlabor-seekers else
where not to come that way. The Boston
Journal endorses his recommendation, and
adds that Boston is overcrowded at pres
emit with artisans in all departments of
labor. and that if workmen continue to
dock there from without suffering and
want will be inevitable. Thousands of
workmen have been employed on the
burnt district who will be discharged as
buildings are completed. and they will add
to the number of unemployed. What is
true Of Boston is true of all other large
cities and many of the manufacturing
towns. ee
Now, then, what is to be done by labor
ing men in this condition of things P
Plainly to get employment wherever they
can, avoiding useless expense in seeking
Il. If they already have situations which
they can hold they areifortunate it would
be folly to give them up now. Those who
belong in Maine but are employed abroad
should not come home in these times to
live upon relations or friends while they
can maintain themselves away. They left
the homestead because they thought they
could mot make money there so fast as
elsewhere, although the 'old folks" urged
them to remain. carry on the farm and be
the staff Of their declining years, and it is
scarcsly right that in hard times they
should return to render more severe the
condition which they refused. No doubt
parents and friends would receive such as
come back, but it would be more satisfac
tory to be excused from contributing t.
their support when times are pinching
II young men have "true grit" they viii
not come whining home now but will
stick where they are if they can do no more
than pay for cheap board. If they cannot
get two dollars day work for one; and
II necessary take shilling day rather
than become q burden to their friends.
Where there's will there's way; where
there is genuine pluck there is no danger
Of suffering or starvation. The policy to
be pursued is to get work at something,
NO matter what so that it is honest, re-
membering always to be careful and spend
no money needlessly. 1t is nonsense
10 complain about work stopping and
wages falling, for employees are only cur.
failing because they are compelled to.
Things must be taken as they are, and
good humor will make them pass better
than fault-fnding. Those who have been
prudent enough to save some of their
earnings can take the situation cody and
comfortably. but those who spend as they
60 and are generally on the tramp from
place to place will not find their circum
stances very pleasant, for their pockets
are not cnly empty but steady wOrkmen
viii take the first and best chances and
they must accept the poorest places and
lowest wages.
We believe that the present condition of
things can continue but few weeks, but
II may last longer. The consumption of
the products of the country goes steadily
on and the waste must be supplied. Crops
must be planted next year and harvested,
railroads must be kept in operation. mills
and factories will have to work the livelier
II they suspend for time, and all trade
and business must be quickened by and by
on account of the depression. We have
NO doubt that the coming year will be one
In which everybody who seeks employ
ment may find it, and its returns will be
satisfactory and reliable. Business has
received heavy shock, but the evil effects
viii be temporary. while there will at the
same time arise substantial benefits from
the panic. 1t is for laboring men to look
out for the present and the future will take
care Of itself. s-..