National Republican., 1873-11-07
WINTER PROSPRCTs.

From present indications there can be little
doubt among men who resolve cause from
effect that the coming winter will he q par
ticularly severe one on the working classes.
The unsettled condition of financial affairs,
the comparative stagnaton in general busi-
ness, tho serious interruption OF commerce,
uncrringly point to prostration that will be
disastrous in proportion to the period Of their
continuance. The effect Of this unhappy
state Of affairs will he more scnsitivcly felt in
the large cities, where the major portion Of
the people depend on the active mechanical
manufacturing and commercial interests for
their daily livelihood. In Wow OF what now
seems Inevitable in this regard, prudence die
tatcS that VIC give some attention to tho near
future, and make an earnest effort to tighten
the attendant su0erlngs il We cannot entirely
avert them. Much may be done in this direc-
tion by the municipal authorities, and not a
little by gentlemen who are so fortunate as
to have ready means at their disposal. The
former can prosecute such public work as
may be necessary, and the latter can make
such generous aud lcgitimatcly profitable dis
position of their capital as to maintain cir
culation of the currency, and thus give en-
ploymcnt and relief to many who will other
wise lie subject TO suffering and want and the
temptations that necessarily accompany idle
ness. Fortunately in Washington much
of the suffering that the working
classes Of other large cities may experience
cannot prevail, because a large number OF
people arc employed by the National Gov
cTnmcnt, and these. unlike those employed
hy private parties, arc sure Of their monthly
compensation n soon as 1t becomes due; but
the municipal authorities and private capt.
talistS caa do much to Improve this There
arc considerable public improvements now
under way which should be pushed yigor-
ously to completion, much Is necessary
to do that should be ut once put n progress,
and u double reason now exists for the earn
est prosecution Of the first and the prompt
Inauguration Of the second. The Capi-
lalst can materially help in this work
hy judiCious Investment OF his capital
50 that it will return him fair profit, help
10 improve and adoru the city and amello-
rate the condition of affairs that have been
procipituted upon US. Just how much may
lie done In this direction Is inlelligently shown
by correspondent Of the Philadelphia
Eceniny Star, who, writing upon this subject,
says:
"a very effective way tn aid the poor Is for
those possessed OF means TO erect tho hotels,
thea res, stores, and other public and private
buildings we require for the Centennial. II com.
meneed now, their erection will prove aiyanta-
YeOus 10 the men who invest their money, be.
cause nf the reduced price OF wages, and bene-
nclal To the workmen, anil through them the
general nublir, In the erection OF building
IaborcTs dig the cellar, and carriers haul the dirt
away; anaTrymcn eNcayate the stone, and ma
fOns pui them In place carpenters, brlcklayers,
pnstGrcra, TOofcrs, painters, plumbers and stair
builders follow, and they are capital mediums for
tue circulation OF the money they earn among
the men who sell groceries, dry goods, boots AMI
shoes, clothing, beef AMI mutton. The hard-
ware, lumber, heater, paints and oils, marble,
brick, sash and door meTchants-like the me-
Cnancs-aTe good distributors OF currency. Tne
combination OF labor requisite In building Q
house Is so extensive aud so widely diversified
that In my opinion, capital TINS liberally invest
c viii o0yiate the necessity for the relief asso-
ciatiOns suggested
In Washington we have no Centennial
building TO erect, but there are public and
priyato enterprises in contemplation that
should be Immediately inaugurated, both as
u matter Of sound policy and from feelings
of patriotism undbcnclCGnCC, The man who
makes two blades OF grass grow where only
one grew before Is called public hcuclactOr,
and the man who will employ men where no
men are now employed, and complete work
that Is In contemplation and necessary TO be
completed, can lay claim to be ranked In the
same class.