The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1876-04-10
MECHANICS AT THE CENTENNIAL.

BY THE AMERICAN TRADE uNIoNIsrs-oB-
ARE EXPECTED FROM IT.
The rumored presence OF number Of French mo-
chanics at tho Centennial Exhibition has created
siderable excitement among some Of our workngmen,
but still more among the Partisan mechanics them
selves, who already getting TO be tnorous OF tho
step TO which they have pledged themselves Those
vho familiar with cxpostons know what promi-
hence shared by operatives in the different depart
ments of mechanism IN which they arc located and
how eagerly visitors watch tho movements OF those
mon whose skill and handwork fashion out Of rough
material delicate and elegant articles Of usefulness and
ornament The attention which these French work
ngmen would receive, It has been conjectured, might
reasonably be expected to lead st further inves
CATION as to how they lived at homo and tho wages
they received, and It was, therefore, feared by
that employers this country ignoring tho radical
differences between the two republics. might arrive at
conclusions which would eventually lead unpleasant
consequences to our mechanics. Opinions like
these we're expressed by few persons interested
in workingmen's movements, and some OF tho
French societies this city became alarmed lest the
presence here OF so many
PICKED woRKISGMES
from Paris might cause comparison to DO drawn be-
tween wages In Franco and in the United States and
thus operate uniavoraby upon the interests Of Amer
can workingmen. 1t was for this reason one Of the
French societies communicated with the Central Com
mec Of Workinqmen at Paris In relation TO this as
sumcd difficulty and the despatch by cable recently pub
shcd tho prompt response from tho French work
ngmen to their position Though the subject of tho
French arrivals has not been much discussed by
workiugmen, been in any way matter OF anxiety
to them, still there Is doubt that unpleasant
understanding arrived At The exact position
which the French workngmcn hold is not quite fully
understood, nor is the motive which has prompted
their coming boon appreciated SO far as can be ascer
tanned.
THE INTENTION or THE rRExcHxxs
is take any steps that could in any way inter.
fore with tho interests OF labor in America but to gain
from their visit here something which they hope to
amclioratng the condition Of their fellow
men In the old country. The question Of their coming
all has been long under consideration in Paris and
has boon fully discussed and public sympathy enlisted
in the undertaking. Every trade organization has had
ample time to consider the matter and the central or
ganizaton exercised all due doberation before sane
tioning or promoting the project Tho men who will
here viii be the delegates from tho several trade
organizations, under tho direction of the central body
and, OF course, may be considered tho picked men
OF their respective organizations IT certain that
Paris III not send TO the Exhibition any other than
those who arc the most skilled and accomplished In
their respective branches Of the trade which they
belong. Already the public has been appealed to for
FUNDS,
and 90, 900 have been subscribed to help defray tho
expenses OF tho 100 artisans wao are to form tho
delegation, and NJ Duporta, radical member OF the
Versailles Assembly, has moved for national appro-
pration Of $4,000 for the same purpose II will,
therefore, be that little Importance Is attached
Ia Paris 10 tho manner in which the French artisans
shall be represented at the Philadelphia Exposition.
Funds tho delegation being collected also some
other OF the larger French cities. Tho Frcnchmen In
this city who correspondence with their brother
workngmcn in Paris afrm that the greatest importance
is attached by the latter 10 their visit TO this Republic
most beneficial results shall icow 10 the mechanics in
France from the representations which Will be made
the report OF the delegates their stated
purpose and 10 show from the condition OF workiugmcn
in the united States how great the need is France
OF mechanics both in remuneration for tncir
labor and IN their social advantages tho
greatest care has been manifested by the
central BODY PARIS In getting the iacts as the
condition OF American artisans, and schedule OF
questions has been supplied by the committee 10 each
member Of the delegation with Wow 10 securing
opinions OF the delegation upon number OF points
concerning which 70 Is considered that Information
WHAT rmg rRExcnxsx WANT TO Know
These questions may bc briefly summed up from the
printed circular. and they will serve show the OBJ
Ject sought TO be gained BY tho Paris Central Com
mittcc. They are divided into three classcs:--
firSf--As 10 tho price OF the different materials
sent by each n-ti0nality the difference between tho
price France and elsewhere; the influence OF tho
taxes and tarins upon the price Of material the
material that might DO advantaRcousy imported into
France tho selling price OF industrial products tho
cost Of making articles tho difference between TINT
and the price OF the sanc In Paris with View 10
curing lar competition; Is tho quality OF tho
products superior or inferior those Paris sug
gcstions 10 the introduction OF French products
10 the United States; the estimation Americans placed
on French workmanship; the Introduction OF com
mcrcial agencies Wy which ''intcrmcdarics' might DO
done away with, that the quality OF French work
would be appreciated; as 10 the direct exchange
tween producers and consumcrs the influence Oh the
American tariff upon wages m France.
Second-As TO how worklnsmcn live In the States
and the other countries represented at tho Exposition;
the price OF lodgings aud workshops as to the amount
OF work done in the dicrent trades whether by day
or By piece hours OF working and the best seasons
hours per day sanitary condition OF the workshops
and tho care OF tho sick and the aged
Third Comparison Of work done IN America and
France; influences OF labor morally and physically;
tclIrciual development; schools, number Of women
employed their wages and The hours Of LABOR; rroec