New-York tribune., 1873-12-20

precedent in its adjustment of the Trent diff
Guilty There is another noticeable incident in this
case While in the hurried and lndiscriminate ex-
ecution of 10 many of the officers passengers and
crew of the Virginius a great, IL not unprece-
dented outrage upon humanity was perpe-
trated, the American people, press and Con-
gress took counsel Of their judgment rather than
their feeling. On no question of this nature have
the provocatons for popular excitement been so
great. And yet on such occasion have our
people been calm. Equal honor is due to the
enlightened frmness of our Government and the
just and conciliatOrv action and spirit of Spain.
IL it be true, as is positively affirmed that Sir L.
Lorraine, in command of Her Majestys ship NiObe
by his prompt and generous nterpositon, preserved
the lives of the remaining Virginius prisoners, he
has won and hope will receive, in some marked
manner the appreciation Of our people and Govern
ment.
There is significance in the proceedings at
Cooper Institute on Friday evening which should
not be lost upon consderate and rejecting minds
There is no element among us so pregnant with
mischief and evil the doctrines taught by Inter
nationals" or Communists" That spirit crops
out in the proceedings of those who call themselves
"Workingmen "a class that labor most diligently
and insidiously to obtain the largest amount OF
money for the smallest pretense Of work. Unhap-
Legislature was induced 10 pass an ElSHt-
Hour Law" which not only lends the sanction of
authority to idlers but affords them abundant leisure
to extend their pernicious organizations. Among
the most injurious effects of "trades-unions' is the
restriction imposed upon master mechanics in re-
gard to apprentices. Thousands of boys who form
erly learned trades, by means Of which they became
useful citizens, denied that privilege by the
despotism of "unions"-apower unknown to our Gov
ernmen and hostile to its principles. In few years,
if this alarming evil is not reformed, shall have
no American artisans mechanics / earnestly
hope, therefore, that there will be wisdom
and firmness enough in the next Leg
islature TO repeal the "Eight-Hour Law"
and to declare illegal all combinations
TO limit restrict, restrain or embarrass master
mechanics from receiving as many apprentices as
may be required for the successful carrying forward
of the various industries of our country
Winter approaches under circumstances and
with aspects which occasion unusual solictude. Its
accustomed severities threaten TO be aggravated
by the desttution and distress among the
laboring classes, occasioned by financial
revulsion and consequent want OF oc-
cupation. Thousands of industrious and
reputable citizens. with dependent families, may
become as impecunious other and ever-present
thousands of idle and vicious habits and propensi-
ties The subject therefore claims the serious atten
ton of our best heads and warmest hearts 1t is not
a question merely of duty, Of sympathy, of inter
est, but one of Safey. 1t is-and l hope that
those for whom this remark is intended
will comprehend its full impOrt-a question
which concerns the rich far more deeply than it
concerns the poor. Let hope, therefore, that it
Will attract earnest aud seasonable attention. Phil
anthropc gentlemen already engaged in the inau-
gnration of plan for the relief OF those who may
need it, cannot over-estimate the vital importance
of their deliberations, nor magnify the disastrous
consequences of failure to foreSee and provide for
the emergency.
1t is in the power of the wealthy classes, by the
exercise of an enlightened lberalty, not only TO re-
lieve the wants of the unemployed and destitute,
but to avert evils which need not be described. By
extending relief and protection TO those
who suffer because the times out of
iointp we shall separate them from the dissoute
and desperate who abiding their hour, take s'l-
vantage of occasions of public calamity to beguie
those
So weary with disasters, tqgged with fortune, fortune,
That they wOud SET their life on any chance
To mend 1t, or be rid ont"
These suggestions appeal alike to the possessors of
enormous wealth and to those WHO enjoy COM
potency the intermediate classes included). If
those of lis who have been fortunate and
provident, fail, in view of existing financial dis
asters. to avail ourselves of the protection which
common sense and common prudence cannot fail to
discern. the lesson not uufrequently taught that
wealth draws its purse strings too tightly may be
learned too late l. W.
Ne,c- York, Dec. 13 1873.