New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-09-02
CURRENT TOPICS AT THE CAPITAL.
LABOR AND WAGES IN HOLLAND.

WASHINGTON sept i, 1910
A dispatch recently received at the Depart
ment OF state from David Ecstein, the American Con-
sui at Amsterdam contains interesting report as to
labor and wages IN the Netherlands. Agricultural Ia
borers who arc employed by the year and who have
their homes aud receive their subsistence upon the
premises their employers paid from S25 to $50 per
annum and usually receive two common suits OF cloth
ing during such period Of time. Farm laborers hired
by the day daring harvest season. at any other
busy time receive from 20 10 20 cents per day, aud
board The number OF hours mechanics and
laborers work in the Netherlands is never less
but than twelve per day. The present rates
OF wages foe nearly all classes OF labor are from
2J to % per greater than they were about i've
years ago but during time the cost OF living
20 the abOrcr has increased 20 higher rate than
the wages The general condition Of the aborng classes
1, not regarded as prosperous and 1t Is only by being
extremely frugal economical and abstemious that many
are enabled 20 MAINTAIN themselves and families. Da-
mOnd cutting aud polishing Is business PecuiIHI 70
Amsterdam. 10 Is carried TO great extent, ana mas
OF late years been remarkably prosperous Expert
enced and skilful damond,cutters are now earning
from $50 70 $40 per week IheTe are sad 20 DC Cttr
1900 OF them IN Amsterdam The prosperity OF TINS
dates from the discovery OF diamonds at the tape
have had almost uninterrupted lucrative yment
and many Of them have acquired thereby large fortunes
Mr.. Philip Figgelmesy, the American Consul
at Dcmarara British Guiana, reports that the necessi-
ties Of American trade with that region can only be prop
erly suppied by the establishment Of American ne
OF steamers, with ample accommodations for ireght,
and comfortably fitted mp for passengers He Is con-
ndent that such line would be very lucrative. Tue
Government Of British Guiana Is very deslrous
OF having such line established, ana mas
EXPRESSED Willingness TO grant a subsidy OF
81, 900 In aid OF It. Although freight can
not now be brought from the United states to Demerara
with any regularity, merchants there have never
thecss begun TO import cotton goods BOOTS, SHOTS
hardware and other articles from the United STATES
The Consul expresses the opinion that Dazar, prop
erly conducted Demerara for the sale OF American
manufactured goods such as cotton clOtns cutleLy,
hardware, boots, shoes hollow etc. would yleld
profitable return. Another advantage which the Consul
says he has information would result IOl thS estD
lishment the proposed line OF steamers, WOuu DC th
parents aud guardians In Brush Guiana Woed tDen
prefer sending their children TO the United staes 70 DC
educated rather than 10 England lnasuch as he koy
TO tho former country would De 9c9 h r en
to the latter, and parents could Visit ther eu'iuieh
more readily than II they were In England
oUk FORCE OF sEAMEN.
A statement Just prepared at the Navy De-
partment by direction OF Commodore 6huieldt' Acuhg
Secretary OF the Navy during the absence OF Secretary
Thompson gives the present enlisted force OF the navy
ma q $40 men The number OF men aaoat IL 5,796, dis
tr1buted "a follows: North Atlantic or Home
squadron. 47s Pacific Squadron, Sl4i European
or Mediterranean Squadron $40; Asiac, or East lndla
souadron esq., on vessels in special service 34Oi Oh
coast survey ships, 1885, receiving ships at haNasp'
TONS 374 ou vessels attached TO the Naval Academy
or There are available for immediate service lO5O neh'
IA follows: on duty at the various navy yards 500
6o,ailed for the fgate Richmond which now fitting
out at the Boston Navy Yard for duty as flagship OF me
Asatc SQUADRON 13l; apprentice bows on the tdonns
5ins Aso conyalc scent men IN hospitals, ll0. The
it of enlisted men and boys In the Navy Is fixed by
law at 1900. -
MIR. EvARTs AND THE HALIFAX AWARD
Although several weeks have passed since
Secretary Eysrts addressed lettern accordance with
the .pressed desire OF CongesstO the British Govern
meut, setting forth the reasons why the So'9ooooo
Fishery Award excessive reply has yet ooeh re-
ceiyed IL Ia thought that the delay Is owing to tue
thorough examination the British Government giving
20 the subject Arecent order OF the treasury DepHt
rnant 10 collectors Of customs, directing them TO obtain
from the masters of fishing vessels arriving WITHIN tne
a atrets reports showing The quantity and khu OF nsn
IoTen nv them within three miles from the SHORES Vi
canada has for It's object the obtaining OF Official lhio
maton 10 show to the British Government II necessary
the comparatively small value vi SuCh n'u %
with the award