The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1876-03-25
HOW IT wAE DONE.


Some weeks since 1t was announced with
q great flourish of trumpets that the cot
ton manufacturers of Fall River, Mass,
had received an order for several thousand
rolls Of cloth from two or three of the
leading Manchester (England) firms; the
inference drawn therefrom being that
British manufacturing supremacy was on
the wane, and that American skill and en-
terprise would undoubtedly fill the vacated
position. About the same time it was ex-
tensively advertised that the Elgin Clll.)
Watch Company had opened Offices in the
principal cities of Great Britain, it's man
ayers having come to the conclusion that
they could not only compete with John
Bull in the markets of the world, but Un-
derseH him in his own tight little isle. =
This Was also accompanied with a cackle
Of satisfaction, that no doubt for the time
being carried ray of hope to the thou
sands If workingmen and women who for
months had been walking the streets Of
our manufacturing Villages in idleness, or
working for starvation wages.
But mark the sequel the agency by
which it is expected to carry their plans
into successful operation. The factory
HANDS at. Fall River have had their wages
reduced from 10 to II per cent, while the
Elgin Watch Company gravely announce
that owing to the stringency Of the times,
and the competition" To which they are
subjected ON and after the LIST Of April,
wages will be reduced from ten to forty PEI
cent!
We have listenef -.s ..0r- Il. 4 plain.
It'll appeals Of the press and partisan dem
sgogues in behalf the pauper labor Of Eu-
rope; and Yet, forsooth, in order TO sue
cessfully compete with this pauper tabor,
wages of our own mechanics must be cut
down from 10 to 40 per cent. Can infer
nal hypocrisy 60 further } As a rule, the
cotton spinners in the manufacturing
centres of England are working less mum.
Der Of hours and receiving better wages
therefor than are their American competi-
tors. To corroborate thus statement, We
may add that letters have recently beer
received from a number Of operatives who
refused to accept the reduction, returned
to England, and are now receiving better
wages for the same number of hours thar
they earned in the New England factories
As matter Of course, if American work
men suplnely submit to such demands
English manufacturers must reduce in
like ratio. 50 that the whole movement
resolves itself into a gigantic conspirac,
against the interests Of labor, alike in tn.
old and new worlds
Under our present monetary system
American manufactures are compelled t,
pay 10, aye Il, per cent. interest on money
This interest must be paid, no matter
what the state Of trade, 50 that reduc
to" Of tcdges furnishes the only availabl,
means of competition. A reduction Of tn,
rate OF interest to or 3.65 per cent. PEE
annum would enable them with the un
equalled facilities which nature has put
within their reach; with the raw materials
placed at their doors-not only to compel,
with but to undersell all competitors; and
this too, without reducing the wages o.
theiv employees one mill.
Which, then, shall We have cheap labol
or cheap money Pauperism and crime, Oh
prosperity and peace Workingmen, tn,
issue lies in your hands. What is YOU
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