Year: 1859




our orators and writers. This falling is
the unwillingness on the part OF very
large majority of the colored people to
work for one another. No matter what
the work may be, the feeling is the same.
If colored mechanic desires a journey
man, he may apply to a colored man IA
miliar with the trade, and who is out Of
employment seeking situation, and prob
ably trying to borrow; the means ior his
support, and it is more thanlikely that the
mechanic or tradesman will receive as an
answer some frivolous excuse about his
expecting an engagement the next day or
week, giving the lie direct to his first state
| ment that he wishes work; or else he treats
the applicant with contempt, as if he had
been grossly insulted and the offending
party was beneath hisnotice. In case the ap-
| plicant fails to receive either of the two
kinds of treatment mentioned, and the man
condescends to engage with him at the
highest prices paid, the result is, the boss is
absolutely swindlea, in nine cases out OF
ten, out of both time and money, by the
shortcomings of his assistant. These
make themselves apparent invarious ways,
such as the want of punctuality, or the alb
sence of the boss furnishes a chance for the
"iour"t to "loaf;" and if the boss complains,
for apologies he gets abuse. Should this
fail to get him his discharge, he pretends
sickness, and stays from work a day or
more These annoyances can be multi
piled ad hbitum, and nothing more than a
true picture be presented, for 1 can place
my finger ON man who has been forced to
sell his establishment in consequence of this
kind of treatment from his employees


Here is a specimen of an excuse offered
friend of mine by his assistant, who pre-
vented him from keeping an engagement,
while such assistant was well aware of
the engagement and the time appointed; /;
also, that my friend could not fulfill itwith-
out his presence when the time should
come. The time came, but not the assist
ant until nearly two hours after. Upon
inquiring why he did not present himself
sooner, the assistant replied that there
was somebody sick" The answer being
so indefinite, my friend asked if it was one
of his family who was sick. The reply
was, No, you have got me now," and then
enjoyed laugh at what he considered a
capital joke.


When white man wishes to employ
him, mark the difference. He will almost
kneel in thankfulness, no matter how me-
NAL the job or low the wages. As for
promptness, he almost rivals the sun; and
if perchance unavOida5ly delayed-for in
these cases he never lets trifes delay him,
he will be as cringing and humble in his
apologies as the meanest cur. AS for
"loafng," the idea never appears to enter
his head, for his employer has only to call,
and you hear his prompt "Sar." This de-
scription might be extended, but the men,
ory of any victim can add to it, and this
suffices my purpose.


This failing is by no means confined to
males. If any difference exists, the females
are the strongest in their opposition to
working for colored people, for they make
use of the license afforded the sex, and
boldly say they won't do it. An instance
presents itself to my mind which will illus
trate the general feeling regarding this
matter. A widow lady of color in compe-
tent circumstances desired a tidy girl for a
companion as we'll as an assistant, and
commissioned me to find one. At that
time resided in Brooklyn, and commenced
inquiries there. Having been told of a
poor family consisting of mother and sew
eral children where such girl could prob
ably be found, / hastened to their resi-
dence, which was in basement, and pre-
sented unmistakable evidences of poverty.
I was graciously received, stated my bust
ness, (but omitted to mention that the lady
was colored, and the mother was delight
ed, for she said it was such hard getting
along to take care of so many children, &c.
In Flew minutes an unlucky thought
prompted the mother to ask if it was a
white lady 1 replied in the negative, and
the change was magical. Her afability
was gone, and she was personifcation Of
insulted virtue; and in freezing tones she
told me she could not entertain such
thought" compelling me to leave her with
the feeling that / had inflicted a wound in
that mothers breast which time scarce
would suffice to heal. Mark the sequel !
Tho coDoa 0;rl &c bar rarant bod coDcan+ad