Connecticut western news., 1881-08-31
IN THE SHOE SHOP.
The Advent of the Sewing Machine
 Among the Crispins.

It was in 1846 that the wonderful in- vention of Elias Howe was patented, though some years of toll and anxiety followed ere capital stepped in to assist in its manufacture. Its capacity to sew leather goods was also but slowly devel- oped and recognized. A few of the more enterprising shoe manufacturers then desired to employ it, though at this stage it could only be of use in the "binding" of shoes, or sewing together the parts of the uppers. As was usual in those days, the operatives of the shoe trade were strenuously opposed to its introduction. Some thought it would prove but worthless toy, while many thought it would deprive them of work and bread. It was the old story of the stocking loom and spinning jenny over again.
 A shrewd New England manufacturer hereupon conceived a way to break down these objections. He began by thoroughly mastering the use of the ma chine himself, not even his own family knew there was such thing as 8 sewing machine on the premises. When all his plans were quite matured he stitched with his machine nice pair of cup pers," and taking them into his lctory he said to his foreman: "What do you think of these ?"
 After a very careful and critical exami- nation the foreman replied: "Why they are splendidly done, I never saw better work in all my ife."
 The upper was then passed around from one operator to another, and all greeted it with the same verdict.
 "Well," said the manufacturer, ''the maker of this sample wants work; what do you say to our employing him ?"
 "You certainly can't do better," re- piled the foreman |" for workman who can turn out such stitching would be a credit to any factory"
 Unfortunately" resumed the en- ployer, "the poor fellow is both deaf and dumb."
 "What pity observed the fore man and then he added, cheerfully "At any rate, he won't fall out with his shopmates !"
 "But more than that he neither eats nor drinks p
 At this every man within hearing jumped up as if by magic, and the ex citement was intense as they exclaimed together: "It's sewing machine It's 8 sewing machine "
 The employer had of course reckone6 on this contingency, and addressed thu workmen somewhat as follows: "Yes you are right. This upper was stitched by sewing machine, and every factor. in the land must adopt them sooner O
 later-it's only question of time, ant we must all come to it. Now have de termined to use them at once, and I an ready to make this bargain with you.
 am quite sure that instead of bein. poorer you will all, in common with my self, be the richer for its introduction I will therefore guarantee all of you you present wages for the next twelv months, and will also pay you what yo1 earn in excess of them. If you are wis you will accept my offer; I give you til tomorrow to consider it." The me were sensible enough to abide by tn proposed terms, and the sewing machine 7 were procured and set to work. . The trade soon generally adopte them elaborate stitching on uDDerS bf l came fashionable, as it was rendere easy, and production was stimulated q 8 remarkable degree. The system (
 s'team work" was also extended, wher '' in the various stages of shoemakin s were performed by different hands, il ; stead of each workman completing u h whole ioh