DESTITUTION IN AMERICA.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2561, 28 September 1893, Page 3

DESTITUTION IN AMERICA.

The Secretary of the American Federation of Labour estimates that 100,000 men were out of employment in New York on August Bth., and arrangements were being made for a parade before the yearly labor celebration on September 4th. It will be a melancholy prelude to that usually gay affair, and the promoters of the parade of the unemployed say it will be a peaceable army of the supporters of families who humbly ask their brother man to give them leave to toil, but for which there is no opportunity. There are 7000 cloakmakers out of work; of 9000 bakers 4000 are idle; showing a greatly reduced consumption. Of 20,000 cigar makers, 10,000 are out of work on account of the greatly decreased demand. It is estimated that 50 per cent. of the Central Labor Federation, composed of waiters, piano- makers, clothingworkers, etc., are out of work. Mayor Harrison, of Chicago, said in a speech of the Bth :—" There were 200,000 people in Chicago unemployed and almost destitute of money.. If Congress does not give us money, we will have riots that will shake the world." Over every railroad reaching Chicago from the Weat there daily come hundreds belonging to the army of the unemployed. If they continue to pour into the city as Western despatches indicate, in armies of from 3000 to 6000, it may become a matter that will demand either transportation, or action on the part of a Commissary Department. Work in connection with the World's Fair has come to an end, and building in the city is trivial compared with the work incident to the fair. In Denver, Colorado, thousands were being fed daily at different " Missions " on beef soup, plentifully seasoned with onions and other vegetables. Pork and beans and bread and water meals cost about ten cents each. Quietness is the rule with the hungry masses ; they take their seats and patiently await their respective turns.