Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1890-01-05

NOT recognize the danger he exposes him
self to, the former owes it as duty to his
OWN interests and to society to take steps
to protect himself and the industry he
represents from the consequences Of such
folly.
~
Movement.
To the Editor ofhs Register:
SIR:-According to reported interviews
with the business men of this city there
has been en- increase in the busines Of man
ufacturers and merchants, and employers
generally have had s,very prosperous year,
and the prospects, they say, are very
bright for 1890-provided labor remains
quiet and does not ask TO have share in
the prosperity Of our city. The dear
working man, we love him still-the
stiller he keeps the better. We love him; !;
we must keep mp the tariff for his benefit;
but if he asks fos any more wages,
OF shorter hours of labor, we muet
Immediately sit down on him. We
must put ourselves between those who
pay for the buildings and the greedy,
svaricious workingman who gets the big
share of profits. In fact he ia getting too
much-we must call halt On him.
lam glad to know that business hiss
been good during the past year, and l
hope it may continue SO for many years,
but the labor Of our city, to whose muscle
and brain the city owes most of her
wealth, must be permitted to share in her
prosperity. Has labor no rights? Must
our voice be stifad? She has rights and
che intends to maintain them. The muscle
and brain is all we have to sell, and we
certainly have right to make terms for
ourselves and name conditions for which
our services can be eecnred.
No fair-minded man will say that the
shorter work day has not been benefit to
the people Of Wheeling. The employment
of many who would otherwise have had to
remain idle, sn increased consumption of
cur products has resulted. Oar wants in
crease in proportion to the time we have
to devote our families, our societies and
churches Every increase in cur leisure
brings with it some new wants. Our msr.
chants realize this fact. Suppose il the
cost af building ia increased 10 or Is per
cent. The increase in the business of our
city more than pays it. Suppose eight
men are employed in a factory working ten
hours per day. If the time is reduced to
eight hours q day two more men will fad
employment, and those two became con-
sumers. Ten men certainly will consume
mora than eight. This is the only way TO
look at this matter. The people are more
contented, happier, and crime decreases as
poverty decreases.
The working people are asking no favors
of any one. They simply ask for justice.
They ask for o fair shsre of the wealth
they create. Year by year the crop of
millionaires increases, wealth being cor
centrated to the hands of q few, all the
product of labor. But what has labor re-
ceived Pa bare substance. We are march
ing on to q tstter civilization, through
shorter hours and higher wsgo3. We may
bs checked and defeated, but we will not
give up. Our unions can not be annihi-
lated, as some would wish. If they were
crushed to-day they would spring up to-
morrow with renewed vigor, and they will
ever be found battling for their rights.
Slavery for the colored race has been sbol-
ished, but the wage slave still exists; but
we hope to live to see the day when our
rights and privileges will be respected and
the wage system abolished.
Yours for eight hours,
MECHANIC