The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1876-07-26
scenes in PhiladeIphia-Dull Times
Large Numbers OF WOrkingmen
Out of Employ Views
on the Situation, &c. &c,

Omt of EmplOyment-Their Views
on the Situation, &c. &c,
PHILADELPHIA, July q, 1876.
Editors of the Register.
The heat of the last three weeks has
been most intense, and perhaps unprece.
dented in the history of the city. The
mercury marked l02 degrees at one time,
in the shade, and since the beginning Of
this month has been beyond 80 degrees
sJery day On Chestnut street. particu-
l4rly, n the vicinity of Independence
Hall, or anywhere in the direction OF the
Centennial buildings, throngs of people
are met, moving in opposite directions.
The street cars and every public con-
veyance are filled with passengers, going
to and from the exhibition. Here and
there you see horse falling dead in the
streets, and men and women overcome
by the effects of the sun, carried into the
neighborlng drug stores, are so common
that it is scarcely remarkable.
Since the LIST ofJuly the mortality oc-
casioned by sun-stroke and excessive heat
has been very great, and it is remarks
BILE that in most cases proving fatal, the
uniortunates were reported unknown.
Every person you meet has something
To- say about the heat. The eXigency Of
the season mas called into existence
class OF merchants heretofore quite in the
background of the busy world. SO nu-
merous have they become, that you meet
them every few yards. They herald their
vocation in this wise: "lce cold lemon
ade! Just OIL the ice! Cold rs ice can
make it! Only three pennies n glass"
Competition they say is the life of
trade, and this humble traffic is no ex.
crption To the rule. There is in the
profession very indefatigable class, who
propose without the use of lemons or
sugar, TO Stake the public's thirst for one
penny glass. Their stock TO begin
this work of humanity is simply pail
full of water with large chunk of ice
and good clear voice to cry, alec water,
cold as ice can make it. Just Off the ice!
AS much as you can drink for one
penny
For those who do not use strong drink,
this Ice water trade is very convenient as
well rs economical, particularly on the
exhibition grounds.
- There has been so much said and
written about the departments and the
articles on exhibition, that anything from
me would be superfuous. l will just COLI
tent myself with saying that the exhibi.
ton will amply repay visit.
would, however, advise our friends in
Wheeling to make their visit some time
along in September, ss it is very disa-
greeable here just now. The hotels are
filled to their utmost capacity, although
considering the demand for accommoda-
lions of this kind, their rates are mod
crate, being from $3.50 to 81 so per diem.
Whether it be on account of the eXhi-
bition or otherwise, every department of
industry is ut a dead lock; everything
Is dull, and thousands of able-bodied
young men, skilled and unskilled
laborers, are lounging around the great
magnificent city, willing to work, but
cannot get it to do. They all appear to
be out Of funds, rs we'll as employment,
and how they manage to exist is mys-
terry to me
The outlook for the future is not very
cheering, either; nor is the number of
idlers diminishing. The question is,
what will these poor fellows do next
winter? In this warm weather they can
camp out, but when Old Jack Frost puts |
on his grey jacket, what will become of
them? In this city, and | presume it is
the same in New York, there is net en-
ployment for one quarter of those who
are solely dependent upon their labor
for their daily bread. They are willing, |
anxious, and abe to work; il is mistake |
TO call them Migrants, loaIe:s, &C., for ] |
have seen them-strong, hearty young |
men, offering themselves as day lsborers |
for any price, and refused.
The house Of correction is filled, and q |
per cent of the inmates, am
told, are voluntsry--ihe aims house. |
and even the county prison Is
filled 10 overlooking As n Consequence |
of the stagnation of trade ana industry. |
1t is quite amusing to pass through the
Franklin and Washington squares in the
mornings. There are two large spacious
parks situated in the Central part of the
city, and form the rendezvous for the |
bone and muscle Of the country, when |
out of employment.
Here You hear the affairs of the nation |
discussed, and the status of the moncyed |
classes defined, from the most extreme
communistic point of view. to the most
Philosophic reasoDings of the masters Of |
political economy. Upon onepoint they |
seem to agree, however, that the country |
is in the hands Of fearful adminis,rs.
ton, that has brought upon them
National bankruptcy and the consequent
hard times. Theironly hope is change |
of government and in the face |
of all the misery that this
black Republican party has inflicted up
on our country, should the American
workingmen again elect them TO power,
they deserve to be placed OIL par with
the European laborer, and never more