Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1875-04-23

Inc Chronicle this morning appears rather
''oh color" geographically. and explains
the cause To be a strike OF its coInpOsitOrs b.
cause il proposed To employ non-union me
in its job office. The Chronicle takes the mat
ter quite philosoph caIly. and expresses the
hope that the strikers and Itself will part
good friends. On the other hand, the prin-
tiers of Washington, who are n self respect
ing body of men, are exhibiting excellent
temper in the matter; and while acting zeal
Ousiy in behalf OF their class interests
they co lot show any disposition 10
treSpasS upon the rights Of others by
n resort 10 intimidation and violence
This j. as IL should be OF both sides. II the
publisher finds the prices set by the union too
high, or the union rules so arbitrary and
dictatOrial as to prevent him from exercising
control over his own office and his own BUSH
ness affairs, he has an undoubted right to free
himself from the bur1ensome restrictions.
ard protect his business interests by the en-
ployment of men at a rate of pay he and they
may agree upon, without regard 20 the soci-
etv's dicturn.
On the Other hand, the printers have the
undOubted right to unite to get the best
price for their labor possible; and where
prices are not kept up ar ifcially, BY the
union rules. very much beyond the natural
level of the labor market they are generally
able 10 maintain their own rates. At several
POINTS elsewhere within the last year how
ever, publishers, who have revOlted at the
rules and prices of the printers unions have
maintained themselves successfully against
sttikes- II remains to be seen whether the
CJuoisicle publishers will succeed as well
The report of the president of the National
Bosrd Of Fire Underwriters read at their
ninth annual convention in New York the
otner day, conveys a comprehensive idea of
the extent of the business of fire insurance
IN this country. The per centage of losses
raid by the different companies during the
year 1ST4 was by New York state companies
Ss-ei; other state companies, 46.s1; foreign
companies, Alps. The amount of fire pre-
miums received during ISL by American
companies was sjf ,OSs, s2G, and by foreign
companies Sl055S,S..: making a total of
Sol Iei52 or decrease of al Us, s;z or about
two per cent. as compared with the year
ls'3- OF the whole amount received there
was paid out G,l99,5li, a decrease of
li,sSsSap as compared with the previous year.
In addition to the above amount s54OOS1,
was received by the same companies for in
land and marine premiums. and - 564 sos
paid out for losses thereon, or an average of
t5-99 per cent. OF these receipts. The total re-
eeipts for premiums were 81. ,0i6, $50 and the
toto losses pald S-','hSSl2, or A39 per cent.
The per centage of expenses upon the whole
premiums received in 1874 was 81 Is, against
.'o.iS in lo'3. an increase of &c. per cent.
The Cincinnati Commercial has three COL
umns of five-line dispatches from all parts
OF the West about the damaging effects of the
cold snap upon the fruit and grain crop. They
are altogether discouraging
The WEEKLY STAR, now ready, contains
AL the news Of the past week-general and
local; choice stories, poems, and sketches;
agricultural and household matters; etc etc.
1eT7nS 81 per annum, in advance; postage
al do.