The Carpenters' Statement

The following statement has beeu drawn up by the order of Carpenlers' Union No. 85, in Ann Arbor, by C. A. Poland, their secretaiy : For the past two years the builrters, and, in fact, several of the business men of the city of Ann Arbor have seemed to be seriouely concerned about the growth and prosperity of an organization which to ihem seemed desuned to affect the building industry of our cily. The object oï susiiicions to them seems to conslHof a uumber of plottiug aud designing ignoWe have heard them sized up as loafers and idlers, who frequent salooDs, leaving their familie de-stitate. Without faying one word to vindícate our character in this, we would ask the reader, in his estimation, how we compare with the master builder in this respect, admitting exceptions in both claises. The writer has the presumptlon to aesert that Union 85 is composed of men who are interested in the welfare of our city, and who fully realizo their duty to labor faithfully to advunce tbe interest of thoir employere, and neveras a body have they Bought to interfere with the private bminesB of any individual. The object of the organization have too frequently been discussed, vet I will state that our object is to elévate onr trade, advance our iuterests Individually and collectively, and would gladly assist the buildere of this city to bring about a change whereby an honest man could be enabled to do an honest piece of work ; but we want it here underetood that we wish to deal with honest men, not those who at this season of the year advertir for carpenters, while the msjority of our mechanics whopay taxes in the city are idle. We know their objects; but few can anticípate the constquences. uur city is binjr filled with trareling botchee, while many of our beat tradesmen are torced to leave the city, simply beeanse tbey belong to labor organizations. This is a privilege tbat American citizens consider as individual rights. We are willing to work nnder the present system for the coming season, vet we believe that a Khorter work day would be beneficlal to all, and will work eiKht or ninehours per day at the present rate per hour, hoping that tbe time is not fardistant when the eight-hour system will be unlversally adopted. If the existing circumstances continue, we can safely predict that citizens who contémplate building can get their woik done at greatly reduced prici s. Statislicians are at present comparine prioes of labor in this country with that of pauper labor of Europe. The question is: How Ion? will the intelligent laborera ol the United States peAceiully tubrolt to sueh competition?