The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1876-05-06
j. T. BRAY

F, NEw YORK, April 30, 1876.
To lhe Editor q the workingmen's Advocate:
At the close Of our civil war, when for
tunes had been easily made, and specuIa-
ton was Iife, very many who had money
to invest turned their attention to the
purchase Of real estate az a safe invest
ment. As consequence prices increased
far beyond its real value, new buildings
were being erected on every side, and of
all the many occupations in this city none
were so prosperous as the building trades.
Wages we're increased with the demand for
labor, eight hours became the rule on Sat
urdays, and agitation was commenced and
actively carried on for eight hours as a
day. labor the entire week, and eventu-
ally eight hours became the rule with most
branches Of the building trades. What a
change has been wrought in two short
years Real estate has deprecated great
ly. The construction Of new buildings is
nothing when compared to former wears.
Hundreds of workingmen have been uu-
employed, many of them for months at a
time The once hourishing Unions have
become disorganized, or nearly 50 the
men have become dcmoralized, and the
employers, for the time being, have had
matters just to their liking With the
adventof spring, although the prospect for
a hn4u pf uyarE "a
an earnest effort is being made to recu-
perate the various Unions. Bricklayers,
Masons, Plasterers, Carpenters, Painters,
and other branches, have been holding
frequent mass meetings, and, in some
cases clear cards are offered 70 former
members to induce them to renew their
fealty to their organizations. Experience
has long taught our trades unionists that
but little can be gained Of any advantage
unless the men are united
CARPESTERs AND JoINERs.
For some considerable time past an IN
easiness has prevailed among the Journey
men carpenters of this city, on account If
the presumed intention of the employers
to reduce wages and increase the hours Of
labor. Several firms have already reduced
wages fifty cents per day Of ten hours, and
and increased the hours on Saturday from
eight to nine. Many of the d n have re-
fused to accept the terms, and in conse-
quence, it is said, that one firm has dis
charged all its hands Other firms have
lost a number of their men for the same
reason.
The journeymen carpenters desire to
avoid q conflict, if possible, and in order
to bring the employers and employees to-
gether for an amicable understanding, a
meeting was recently called, under the
auspices gf Octagon Lodge Of Carpenters
and JuIners, at their rooms, when the fol-
lowing preamble and resolution was
adopted
WHEREAS, A spirit II antagonism between
employers and employees has existed too long,
it is time, If we are men and would be re-
| sPected As such, to come together at once and
unite In one common cause to devise some
1 plan OF action, which shall result IN a mutual
understanding between the contending par
/ ties, and prevent, II possible, a recurrence
Of those unfortunate troubles Of the past
| RsSoirsd, therefore. That we, carpenters,
\ here assembled, do call q mass meeting OF the
trade, t. be held in Central Hall, No. l47 and
\ l49 West Thirty second street, on Monday
evening April 81, at 5 o'clock p, m.
! In accordance with the resolu lion adopted,
| the meeting was held on the date above
named. when it was voted TO send commit
tee to the employing carpenters TO propose
that from May lst, 1876, to May lst, 1877.
the hours Of labor should be ten hours per
day, except on Saturdays, when the days
work shall be nine hours only and the rate
Of wages to be paid for the same period Of
time shall he three dollars per day. 1t will
will he seen from the above that the carpen-
ters, by their own act, are willing to make ar
rangements to return to the old system OF
ten hours labor per day however, this Ac-
ton ON their part is but endorsing what has
been the rule with the majority for a consid
cradle period Of time.
BLUE STONE CUTTERS AND FLAGGERs.
At meeting Of the Blue Stone Cutters
and FlAggers Association, held here in April
it was unanimously resolved that nine hour
shall constitute days work, as heretofore
except on Saturdays, when eight hours shal
be the rule Due notice has been given th'
employers. Wages TO be three dollars pc
day. The Blue Stone Cutters are = vel
united, determined body Of men.
INDEPESDENT LABOR PAKTV.
At regular weekly meeting Of the Inde
pendent labor Party, held at Masonic Hall
Thin teenth street, recently. resolution wa
adopted requesting members Of the Assem-
bly,, Graham Of Rochester, and Carty, Q
the New Yerk Legislature, now in session a
Albany, to offer an amendment to the bi
to extend the term of the Comptroller, an
e other appointed officers OF the city. Sal
. amendment to provide for the election by th
people Of New York City of Comptrolle
at the election in November next.
-' ii IL understood that bill is about to !