The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-09-07
WORKINGMEN.

dation to any man to be constantly measured by
a special and low standard political demagogue's
talk of the honest workingman, call him the
bone and sinew of the nation, the most import
ant member of society, and by similar batteries
sophistries and half-truths to win the title of
the workingman's friend, as well as, too fire.
quently, the workingmans vote
A certain class of philanthropists and other
wellmeaning people treat workingmen as in
herently Inferior like wards or children, whose
affairs must be looked after by others. This,
springing it does from true kirdliness OF heart,
is often esteemed as simply friendly interest and
sympathy, and is, therefore, more dangerous and
misleading than demagogy. Accustomed thus
to fattery and pity from reputed friends, the
workingman resents as unreasonable and inim-
ical the words of one who, with some respect for
his manhood. says to him ''be a man. measure
yourself by men in other and better circum-
stance, do the best you can, attend to your own
business and keep your troubles to yourself"
When delegation of colored men called upon
President Garfield, before his Inauguration, he
made them promise of special favors because
of their color and the disadvantages resulting
from their previous condition of unjust serv-
itude but he said in effect. RAISE yourselves to
the level of other men, fit yourselves for better
things, and attain by manness and your own
efforts positions OF honor and influence"
1t Is unfair to make universal application of
any rule great many mechanics use their
brains in expanding and accommodating money as
well as in earningit. Some become very wealthy,
and, what is great deal better, many more.
while arriving at great financial prosperity,
honored and useful citizens, who bring up
families for whose existence the world is much
the better.
Yet there are two facts which have had many
times practical demonstration. One is that it is
possible for workingmen in our country, begin
ming with small wages, to accumulate money
even great riches. There is probably no city or
town of moderate size, in the North at least,
which has not more than one influential citizen,
manufacturer, merchant, banker railroad
magnate, who began life in mechanics
workshop The second fact, for which
equally good and numerous Illustrations
can be found, is that extravaganza
is usually the cause of the workingman's pow
erty. The following statement obtained from
reliable manufacturer gives pertinent proof of
both OF the above mentioned facts: Among
thirty or more men engaged in certain work,
for which they obtained about $40 week in
wages, and were almost constantly employed,
not one had money ahead, at any time, or any
credit and when any one of them needed load
OF coal, he almost invariably obtained it on an
order from his employer. Another man in the
same employ, though at different work and
much less wages, not more than 81 day.
brought up family more respectfully than was
the case with any of the other men. and at the
same time, through his savings, became the
owner of two houses
Statistics show that the workingmen Of this
country spend more money for whisky and
tobacco than they do for bread. But they and
their families are also often extravagant in
regard to things in themselves innocent.
But worst of all is the failure of many young
I'M naan tn ~
their wages. Glass prejudice certainly has
something to do with this. A young man en-
ployed in factory or mill of some sort, said,
not great while ago, that he did not dare to
little money each week; they would think him
mean fellow, have nothing to do with
him, in short, ostracise him for his
economy. Young mechanics probably earn,
as a rule. more money than clerks
and others of that class; they need pay no more
board and do not wear as expensive clothing,
yet in nine cases out of ten are no better off
than men who receive very small salaries. And
too frequently, after they have contracted ex-
travagant habits considering these and their
moneyless condition no shame or drawback,
they defy providence and the world by getting
married. What has scarcely been enough for
one must now serve for two, and after few
years there will probably be several more mouths
to feed and no more money to do it with. No
wonder such fathers are so often without proper
sense of parental responsibility. 1t is from such
families that the little bread winners in our
factories, for the most part. come. Home, in the
proper sense, does not exist for these people,
"A most vivid contrast to the improvident me-
chanic is offered by class of men whom he
voluntarily or involuntarily recognizes as belong
Ing to higher station, or to one in which more
is expected of them ii every way-professional
men, ministers with small salaries, teachers,
doctors and lawyers. To all of these men fnan-
cial prosperity, if it comes at all, comes late.
Yet they and their families are usually able to
present respectable appearance they educate
their children properly. and in most cases pro-
vide for their as we'll as their daughters
until they are grown.
If American mechanics were really too igno-
rant to be capable-of judgment in these matters
truly be said to be the case. The trouble is
this Their condition does not give them sufi-
clent uneasiness to spur them to better things
they are not willing to practice little present
self-denial for the sake of more desirable things
hereafter. They too often simply merit the
harsh names of selfish self-ndulgent and IMAM
bilious men.
But a brighter day is really dawning Work
ingmen who if any, had claim on pity. because
of a hard and seemingly hopeless lot those who
receive the lowest wages seem now to be taking
the lead In move toward better things
notable instance OF this is shown in the fact
that many and perhaps the majority of the
members of the constantly increasing number of
building and savings associations are laboring
men, whose weekly earnings are small. These
men are getting homes of their own, saving
money acquiring habits of thrift and economy
learning how to make good use of what they
earn, and can no longer strictly oe called poor
men, MARY Z. CARDWILL.
LabOrers' Money.
To the Editor of the Indianapolis Journal,
The discussion between Truman Beeman and