Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1876-12-14
our OF WORK AMI BREAD.

1t has been ascertained from the Presl'
dent of the New York State Working
mems Assembly that there are nearly
10000 men out Of work in New York
city. Thousands of these have families
dependent upon them for support who
are now on the verge of restitution, with
a long, severe winter before them. The
workingmen see no chance TO earn their
bread in that or any other city. Mr.
Blair, the President, stated to q Herald
reporter that the prevailing dullness in
trade was not confined to any one large
city or to any one State. 1t exists oil
over the country. His theory is that
public works Of utility should be started
BY the government at once and these
men given employment. That might
give temporary relief to few thousands
in New York AID a few large cities, but
it would not meet the necessities Of half
a million people scattered all over the
country and out Of work. Some oil them
may be thriftless and incorporate, but
with a majority it is not their fault.
All great enterprises are at a stand
still; capital is locked up, commerce
dropping, and general distrust prevails.
People Of means are not ever disposed
to pay their debts while the political
agitation lasts. The wo%rkingmen of this
country are the most patient and peace.
able in the world, but the sight Of their
starving and freezing families may drive
them to despair. Under such cireum'
stances they would gladly avail them
selves Of any public movement giving
promise of relief. This is one Of the
dangers menacing the country, In case
of any serious political disturbances
these men would be the FIRST to offer their
services on either side that could furnisii
food and clothing. Their great suffering
is owing mainly TO the desperate course
pursued by the leaders Of the Republi.
can party. Grant threatens another war.
aud says that be will see Hayes inaugu.
rated on the 9th OF March, although hii
term of Office will have expired then
anu be will have no more authority BY
Law than any other private citizen. Il
is the reckless usurpations Of the Repub
lican party and disregard oilawand trutt
that cause these troubles and involve 81
much misery and ruin. Under tbeii
fostering care great monopolies hayt
grown up, capital aud power have beer
concentrated, aud the complaints Of th'
poor are unheeded and almost unhesrd
It is unusual at this early aud mild sea
0 Of the year to hear Of so much SUI
feriug among the poor. Capital is idle
mills are stopped and people are begin
ming at the middle Of Deceub'r Il
clamor for bread in the North, tpc
Western cities. Working men IL New
York are required to labor in Scm- in
stances at ninety cents per day. How
far this could go toward feeding anC
clothing o family Of four or six, to sa!
nothing Of house rent, doctors bills, etc
any one can calculate. Fortunately foi
us of the South we have not only milC
winters bat an abundance Of fuel anc
breadstuffs. The supply Of bread anC
meat is greater than the demaud ape
within the reach Of all who are able anC
willing to work. We ara used to barl
times and in a better condition TO stsnt
them than ever before. We can do OF
less money than any other section an,
can afford to wait, although the eject o
the political difficulties is visible in trad,
ia every department. The people bul
less, sud the merchants buy small stock
and cell close. The suffering at th
North affects US in some degree, but th
selfsus.aining middle classes, the farm
ers, mechanics and artisans are nc
afraid Of want and starvation. Whe.
we contrast our condition with th
masses North we have great cause to b
thankful and e%onteuted.