The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1875-02-06
Letter from Baltimore.

BALTIMORE, February Sd, 1876.
There have been complaints OF hard umes'
with many inhabitants of our city during several
months past. Abundant cause, doubt not has
existed therefor. 1t is too true that many-very
many-mechanics and laborers, owing to cir
cumstances beyond their control, found HEM
selves discharged from factories, workshops and
other industrial pursuits, when proprietors or
employees could not afford to retain them On ac-
count of business in their line falling off. Mr.
Wendall BOllman, who has very large machine
establishment or factory for building bridges and
other structures usually employing from no d
l6O workmen, told me not long ago that ht2
then engaging the services of only eight men,
quired to complete peculiar job. He sad II
was really distressing to see those cid, faithful
employees in compulsory idleness receiving no
wages whereby to support themselvef and fami-
lies. Being a very kind, benevolat, tender
hearted man, beloved by all who know him, he
often on fervent appeals felt obled, though,
owing them nothing, to aid in their istress these
unfortunate people whom he could not afford to
employ at regular wages AS wit Mr. Bollman
and his hands, so has it been in many other in.
stances, and the consequence is vry many hon
est, stalwerth industrious mechanics and labor
ers still remain unemployed. Tley can be seen
daily standing on the street cornrs doing aoh-
ing except to idly look upon whit passes. They
are sober, well-behaved and geteel in appear
ance. If an old building is beng torn down,
some new improvement going frward, or any
thing else comes up to attract attntion, there are
Invariably ten-fold more spectators Of this class
than of those actually engaged atthe demolition
or improvement. They convers together for
hours and when meal-times come,go home, per-
chance to partake of scanty repsts, returning
again. Such seems to have been, and still is the
daily routine OF city, compulsory dleness. We
live in hopes, however, that this dBtress will not
continue much longer. Abrighter lawn appears
to be breaking, giving cheer to disconsolaie
hearts. When the winter is fully past andspring
fairly opens, those best informed are hopeful OF
better, more prosperous times. Our merchants
mann acturers and business men generally enter
tain similar views.
The paralysis which fell upon industry 81 ~
kinds on account of financial difficulties, succeed
ing the failure of Jay Cooke & Co.. Suspension of
great railway enterprises, stoppage of maiufac.
turing establishments, &C., of course caus,d in
dustries connected Herewith to languish throw
ing thousands out of employment. The time is
coming, and not very far distant, whes these
things will be resumed thereby revving trade
and industry. 1t would have been better for the
whole country, could it been so, if our govern
ment had lent its aid to the extent Of hundreds OF
millions of dollars to those gigantic enterprises
which gave employment to the people. Nothing
is so damaging to a nation as idleness. If the
people can find no work they cannot pay taxes,
but on the other hand, become a burden upon
the public. Any government in course of time
must break down and seRd itsefinto poverty and
imbecity if the bone and sinew-the great in
dusrial masses-are left unemployed
We denizens of large cities have just cause, al
times to envy you, more Independent residents
of the rural disricts-your farmers, agricultur.
alists, etc.-whS extract their sure sustenance
from the lap Of mother nature. They cultivate
her soil and she responds to them with bouRti
full haad, saying here is to eat, drink and wear
as just compensation for your faithful industry
If not luxures you shall have at least necessie;
of life which impart peace of mind, con!entment
comfort and happiness What more can be
wanted ? Stephen Girard the millionaire banker
&c pL:I~1~Iphia, vuce tosa--..Ac tnpfoye~ witt
asked for an increase of salary, that be could moi
give it. The man responded, he could not live
upon what he was getting. Girard replied thai
he, himself, though supposed to be worth mil
lions, had been working all his life and was then
for his victuals aud clothes. AS the seque
proved consciousness impressed upon him the
fact that nothing could be carried with him after
death out Of this world SO, thus phosophising
every one should rejoice Mt the opportunity o.
having such necessities as are found al the farm
er's rural board almost to a certainty, yielded By
bountiful nature.
am here talking to your country friends and
subscribers who ought to rejoice at the privilege
of being farmers They are, indeed our (den
zens OF cities) supporters. Without the country
and its products owls and bats would take pos
session of our warehouses; workshops and splen
did palaces. There is, however, a reciprocity O
feeling and interest which it becomes necessary
to foster and cultivate. So let US strive to hell
one another. This is liie's highest, noblest duty
Not wishing longer to look upon the gloomy
side, we will take brighter view of the picture
! and feel hopeful all must be well as time pro
crosses
Political matters are disressngly quiet on bolt
sides. There is no gossip Of sufficient importance
TO notice. Quite number Of large, fashionable
parties are to come off before Lent begins Chic
among them will be that of Mrs. Otville Horwitz
Washington Place Over three hundred invita-
tons are out.
The removed criminal cases from Towsontowu
court, for trial here, will be commenced on Mon.
day next. They will probably, occupy three
days,
1t is thought active efforts will soon be made
here and elsewhere towards building the narrow.
gauge steam railway from Baltimore to Towsun
town.
Over %, 900 bags of coffee from Rio arrived in
our port yesterday, the largest receipts ever be.
fore known in one day. A considerable amount
of grain and four-also provisions-is coming
in. Prices of all leading articles are rather de-
pressed. But few strangers are coming to tn
city. Business remains comparatively dull, with
hopeful prospects Of itssoon getting better. Money
is abundant for good securities at reasonable
rates NEsToR