The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1892-07-29
NSING'SLETTER
Birmingham and Its Brass and
Other Industries.
LIKE A YANKEE CITY.
The Wages Paid to Workmen and
the Cost Of Living.
STREETS, SQUARES AND PARKS.
The Prices Of Rent and the Needs of
workingmen-Apprent Work u se-
rious Drswback-The Wages OF Adults
Reduced by Child Labor.
STREETS, SQUARES AND PARKS

BIRMINGHAM, July 10, 1892.
Manchester is in cotton, Bradford in
wool, and Sheffield in steel, Birmingham
is in brass. So wrote w. G. Atkins, a
man we'll conversant with industries In
Birmingham, and it is echoed by my
self. Before looking into this particular
industry. let us enjoy the beauties and
peculiarities Of the metropolis of the
midlands. Situated in the interior, q
little out of the usual run of the aver
age traveller, with population accord
ing to the last census OF some some 400
odd thousands, the city constantly re-
minds one of an enterprising, hustling,
American town, and this idea grows In
strength as the huge buildings, beauti-
full parks, large depots, cable and elec-
trio cars, and broad thoroughfares, dawn
upon one filled to the brim with quaint
and historic shots.
Perhaps the most plausible reason
for this metropolitan appearance is the
rapid growth of the place. A young
man scarcely 25, informed me he could
remember when the now Main street
was simply a lane. Many men have
made fame and fortune, in or about the
the place, and have left magnificent
memorials in the shape of beautiful
buildings for social and educational
purposes, which in themselves add to
the appearance of the streets. Monu
ments and statues in various parks and
squares, many placed there by popular
subscription, noiseless wooden pave
ments, increased use of horses, res
taurants scattered here and there, as
well as temperance coffee houses,
beautiful hotels on every hand, working
people move in the suburbs, where
fresh-air may be obtained, as well as the
factories themselves, affording mnch
greater light to employees, bargain sales
in stores on every hand, many large
and well kept parks, which all may
enjoy, and greater number of well
dressed people on the street. These and
kindred sights appeal to the traveller
while strolling through the avenues,
making him feel almost at home, and
in general delighted at first sight.
One of the most interesting features
Just mentioned is the parks. There are
eleven parks scattered through the city,
the smallest being st. Mary's with an
area of little over two acres, the
largest, Aston Park. with an area of
forty-three acres, while the entire num-
ber cover over 221 acres. Many have
been given TO the town, and all contain
beautiful examples of the landscape
gardeners skill.
To name and describe all of the mass
i've buildings, or even those of import
ance, would require considerable time
and patience. A few, however, will
suffice.
Beginning with the Birmingham mu-
scum ard art gallery which is part of
the council house, we are treated to
as fine a collection of ancient and modern
paintings, arms and armor, jewelry,
chinaware, busts and medallions as one
might wish to see. Loans are obtained
from time to time from various collec-
tions owned by wealthy people, that all
may have an opportunity of seeing the
old and beautiful. The total number of
persons visiting this gallery since in its
formal opening, December 1, 1885, until
June 16, 1899, was 3,34S, ,571, and up to
date the number has reached 5,49f,54s.
In the council house adjoining we find
n particular thing, which, although
common in England and Scotland, is,
think, thought Of less importance in
America, and that is large banqueting
and reception room for mayorality re-
ceptions or balls.
These halls are fitted up in the most
beautiful manner. Another thing which
PROVIDENCE people would enjoy. and
seems home-like, is the connecting of
three streets by large double Arcade.
We miss those massive pillars at the en-
trance, but the stores are true to life.
The post Office is also gigantic affair,
and keeps nearly thousand men con-
stantly In employment. Instead of cart
ing the mail to the depot it is conveyed
by system Of subways and lifts under
meath the ground. thus saving an i'm
mense amount of work. l might de-
scribe few churches, for many are of
historic origin, crumbling away as If to
find a resting place amidst the moss
covered tombstones in the cemeteries
within which they stand, but we must
hasten to the industrial portion of
Birmingham.
As stated previously, brass-working is
an important industry. Forty thou
sand persons are engaged in one way or
another in this vicinity. Taking into
consideration there are only about 900
in the remainder of Great Britain, it
can be easily understood that Burning
ham is the centre. These people have
improved but little during the past 20
years. Although fully organized,
nearly all being members of the various
branches or unions, both work and
wages have remained mt the following
figures: OF might be said that appren-
tices earn whatever they are thought to
be worth from apprenticeship until the
time they become full fedged work
men).
Highest max imum wages paid
FfNFsr workmen. ..s.......... 81 15s. ISIS 10
Lowest minimum wages paid
rIsFsT workmen ,.,-...,...... iss. o. 3e
81 nrss-clsss workmen -. ess Sd. a. 2.