Year: 1873




The large manufacturing interests OF Bridgeport
having been more or less affected by the late panic
a HERALD reporter visited most OF the important
concerns ana learned from personal interview
with the proprietors the exact status OF each. The
result, in general terms, is that while there is In
no case any actual fear of immediate trouble or
any embarrassment which necessItates
pension, still, in view OF the strngency
in the money market and the possible con-
tinuance in that unfav0rable condition, most
OF the manufacturers have concluded to reduce
their working force. cut down the time and
work as carefully and closely is possible till the
prospect shall warrant them in again extending
their operations. In all the concerns visited there
was expressed the conviction that when the money
market had been relieved there would be no want
OF business, and that in their line matters would
resume healthy and normal aspect. The result
OF this feeling among manufacturers is that most
of the shops running on reduced time and with
diminished force Some 500 or 1000 workmen
have been discharged from the various shops, and
many will be sent on rs soon as existing contracts
are completed. The following is a brief summary
of the result of interviews with the leading con-
Germs in this place.


WHEELER WILSON SEWING MACHINE COMPANY.
This concern usually runs with about 15oO hands,
ana is now running eight hours per day. Sales
are little slack because they have refused to sell
ON instalments. The managers OF this manuac-
tory are carefully watching the current OF events
and preparing to be governed thereby. They will
run their factory In an economical manner and
keep their business where they can handle 1t and
pay their bills.


TIE sEcoR SEWING MACHINE FACTORY.


Mr.. J. b. Secor, superintendent says they feel no
special trouble from the panic. Their travelling
a agan now the aopv 0 Sn n T pe po
from any financial trouble, but because, being a
new concern. they have TOO large stock on hand
for the MARKET and as soon as this is reduced they
will run again. Trade is dull, but no alarm is ielt.
They usually employ from 800 to $50 hands.


THE HOWE SEWING MACHINE COMPANY
are running with a greatly reduced force, and men
are being discharged as they can be paid on. This
concern has been involved in some difficulty, and
feels the effects OF the financial pressure. 1t Is
being carefully handled, however, and every effort
at economy is being made. 1t is the dull season
now, but this year Is more so than usual. No ap-
prehenslon for the future Is felt


THE UNION METALLIC CARTRIDGE COMPANY.


A. o. Hobbs, superintendent, says they have cut
down about one-quarter Of their running force,
and shortened time to eight hours. This is the
dun season, and now It IS unusually dull. Iney
tainty, and are therefore holding close to look for
the future prospects II is hard TO- TO get tine the cur


GLOVER, SANFORD a sons HAT FACTORY


When the panic occurred this factory was run.
ming at fifteen hours per day, and were behind
several hundred cases. Nearly all orders were
countermanded. They are now waiting the issue
of the trouble, and pay as long as gold dollar can
be bought. Have no apprenensions Of the future,


BRIDGEPORT SPRING COMPANY.


Running one-quarter less men than usual and
eight hours Collections slow and business care
ful. in view OF the prospects. Trade little more
dull than usual


ToMLINsoN SPRING AND AXLE COMPANY
are running eight hours per day and five days per
week. Expect business after January l. Ii is the
usual duh season with them. DO not feel much
alarm, and pay their hands regularly.


WOOD BROTHERS. CARRIAGE FACTORY
have sold no carriages in New York since the
panic, and have reduced their working force two
thirds, and will probably cut down TO almost
nothing. There was q better business than usual
up till the time OF the panic and they expect it
Will be good again In the spring Have large
stock on hand. Pay regularly, and find collections
slow.


MOTIFS CARRIAGE FACTORY,
working eight hours per day, and no sale for
goods; have o large stock on hand, and expect
good business In the spring.


WILLIAM LoUNDSBURY CO., SHOE DEALERS,
nave run full up TO the present time; have PAID
regularly, but find collections slow. Now wish 20
wait and see how things will turn. Have DIS.
charged a portion Of their hands.


The above indicates how the present troubles
are regarded here in various branches oil manu-
facturing and the disposition Is to De careful 70
do no more than is necessary and warranted Dy
the present demand, waiting for the development
OF future events. There is no panic here aitnougn
collections are slow, local trade badly aiecteu py
the condition OF manufacturing, and everybody In
business Is working as closely as possible. The
banks are very careful, and accommodations are
few and far between. There Is, however, a hope
full feeling and no actual need OF apprehension
save among laboring men aud mechanics thrown
out OF employment.