House rent varies from 2s. 6d. to 4s. 6d. per week. Coals of ordinary quality range from 10s. to 12s. per ton. Rates and taxes will be from 10s. to 15s. per year. In many cases the houses have small gardens attached, and the occupiers keep a pig. School fees are generally not more than 2d. or 3d. per head per week. A few pence per week secures the benefit of relief in sickness and medical attendance. The iron trade is particularly an industry which is conducted on the piece-work and contract system. The masters let the different classes of work to contractors, who employ the requisite number of hands under them, and, as a matter of course, get the labor done as cheaply as possible, in order that the margin of profit may be the greater for themselves. Hence, although the prices paid by any two masters may be nearly identical throughout the mills and forges, it by no means follows that the net earnings of the contractors under each firm will be identical. Boys are employed in the lighter kinds of work, such as door drawing and dragging out iron from rolls, but there are very few employed under 12 years of age. The same writer adds: It has been said that the English manufacturers live by pauper laborers, which implies that the operatives are paid starvation prices-barely enough, under the most favorable conditions, to enable them to live, and that when a depression in trade occurs the workmen are thrown upon the union. This is a gross misrepresentation. Any one who would take the trouble to make a close acquaintance with the social condition and habits of the workmen in any of the principal seats of English manufacture-iron, cotton, woollen, or earthenwarewould find that, as a rule, work is only carried on five days a week; that the operatives have a keen appreciation of and an ability to purchase the good things of this life; that they are enthusiastic pleasure seekers, and are lavish in their expenses in holiday times; that the more provident are able to invest large sums in building societies, post office savings banks, and the like; that many of the men live in their own houses, and a greater number have very respectable and well-furnished houses. Unfortunately, high wages too frequently begets extreme indulgence and improvidence, and there are many dark spots in the social life of any district; but this is the fault of the individuals themselves, and were they willing they might speedily improve their circumstances. WAGES GENERALLY AND DEMAND FOR LABOR.-The following is a copy of an address from the Mechanics' State Council of California to the mechanics of the United States and Europe : A copy of a circular is in our possession, which we are informed is being distributed throughout the Atlantic States and Europe by the authority of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, which bears upon one side of a half sheet the advertisement of that company's California line, and on the other what purports to be a correct list of the wages paid for the various classes of labor in this city and State. This list is accredited to the Alta Californian, the organ of the capitalists and monopolists of this coast, and which has ever been the enemy of labor and labor interests. It was published for the purpose of inducing an undue immigration to this State, especially of mechanics, expecting by that means to break down the trade associations in existence here, particularly those which have adopted the eight-hour system. This, too, is one of the objects of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company in repub lishing it in the manner they have. They have threatened to bring large numbers of mechanics here, let it cost what it may. They have already brought from 40 to 60 here under contracts to work out their passage after their arrival. The conditions of these contracts are all in favor of the company, they not having bound themselves to give the men work except at pleasure. Some of those who came here under these contracts are now out of employment, and have demanded that they be employed or that a return ticket be furnished them, both of which demands were refused. A breach of the peace was the consequence, in which the agents of the company were the victors. It is a fact well known to the agents of the various steamship lines having vessels running to and from this port, that there is already an excess of workmen in all the ship-working trades here, and has been for years. They know, too, that in consequence of this excess the workmen are idle nearly, if not quite, one-half of their time. They know, too, that the sum of $9 per day, quoted as the wages paid to caulkers, is not, nor has it ever been, the current wages here for ten years past; and that $15 per day for Sunday's work was never paid but in a single instance. Both these prices were paid by a steamship company to obtain men to prepare a ship for sea, on one occasion, two years ago-the men working extra hours to get her ready to sail as advertised. The shipwrights, ship-joiners, caulkers, bricklayers. stonecutters, and some one or two other trade associations, regulate wages and have uniform rates. In other branches each journeyman contracts for himself. "The Mechanics' State Council," a central organization, composed of delegates from the various trade associations, have appointed a committee to ascertain and report to them, among other things, the rate of wages paid to journeymen in all branches, with the average amount of time employed during the year. This committee have not yet completed their reports, but they have furnished us the following statistics concerning some of the principal trades: These figures were obtained by consulting the members of the various trades, and can be relied upon as correct. We are led to believe that an organization consisting of 30 or 40 of our citizens, and known as the "Immigrant Aid Association," is aiding in the dissemination of statements which are calculated to deceive the unwary. Therefore we say to all, receive any statements relating to the rate of wages, the chance and prospects for obtaining good arable lands near the market, or to there being a demand for skilled labor here, with many grains of allowance. They are but an ignis fatuus, intended to allure you here to accomplish some private purpose of individuals or monopolies. Times are dull here in many trades, and they cannot be expected to improve while the rainy season lasts. In some trades the approach of wet weather tends to improve business; among these are the metal roofers, asphaltum workers, and shoemakers. For the first time in the history of this city, relief committees to provide for the necessities of the members of several of the trades have been formed, and hundreds of dollars have been collected and disbursed for this purpose. Let no one come here without the means of support in case they fail in getting employment. To mechanics, of all trades, we say, if you come here with good feeling toward your fellows, with the intention of working hand in hand with us in support of the interests of the working classes, we will extend you the right hand of fellowship and welcome you as brothers. But do not come here, as some have already done, in the interest of capital, to assist in crushing the labor interest of this coast. Any information regarding any trade can be obtained by addressing the "Mechanics' State Council," box No. 1493, San Francisco, or to either of the undersigned at the same post office. By order of the Mechanics' State Council of California, San Francisco. SAN FRANCISCO, November 25, 1867. H. J. LOASSE, Commenting upon the address above quoted, the Alta California says: The document is a very singular one, and seems to have excited a good deal of surprise at the east, where it did more to open the eyes of workingmen to the gross folly and injustice of Trades Unions seeking to monopolize employments in a few hands at high wages than almost any argument could have done. There are thousands of industrious workingmen at the east and in Europe, who at this time are unable to obtain work at all. Those who can get employment receive $150 to $2 in greenbacks-say $1 to $1 50 (and average for the year $1 for ten hours' work) in gold. Flour is $10 gold per barrel, and other provisions and expenses of living in proportion. Those people struggling for life have put into their hands the address to which we called attention. That address informs them, on the authority of the State council, that wages in 20 mechanical branches, which it enumerates, average $2 55 in gold throughout the year for eight hours' work. They know that flour and provisions here are cheaper than there, since they are sent hence at a profit. They know while the price of fuel there has risen, as the thermometer falls to zero, to rates which absorb their whole earnings, that this climate nearly dispenses with that expense. They know that the amount of labor to be done here in developing the natural wealth of the coast is limitless, and that the more there is done the more capital will increase to employ still more. They know also that passages are so low now that the transit may be made for the wages of two weeks' labor here. Three weeks will transport them from cold and idleness and hunger to warmth, abundance, and high wages. Having a lively sense of these truths impressed upon them by the circumstances of distress which surrounds them, they reflect upon the true import of passages like the following in "the address:" "It (rates of wages) was published for the purpose of inducing an undue immigration to this State, especially of mechanics, expecting by that means to break down the trade associations in existence here, particularly those which have adopted the eight-hour system. "The shipwrights, ship-joiners, caulkers, bricklayers, stone-cutters, and some one or two other trade associations, regulate wages, and have uniform rates. In other branches each journeymen contracts for himself." "Let no one come here without the means of support, in case they fail in getting employment. To mechanics of all trades, we say, if you come here with good feeling toward your fellows, with the intention of working hand in hand with us in support of the interests of the working classes, we will extend you the right hand of fellowship, and welcome you us brothers. But do not come here, as some have already done, in the interest of capital, to assist in crushing the labor interest of this coast." These contain the whole programme. The rates of wages are so high here that very little work can be done locally, none that can be possibly avoided. This is seen in the fact: that imports of goods made elsewhere increase enormously. The evidence of this is in the returns of duties, which for the first two months of this year were $1,419,089, against $1,181,427 last year, an increase of 25 per cent. This increase of importations has taken place since the eight-hour law was insisted upon, and as a consequence the address states: "Times are dull here in many trades. For the first time in the history of this city, relief committees to provide for the necessities of the members of several of the trades have been formed, and hundreds of dollars have been collected and disbursed for this purpose.' # * The stranger may ask, if, as the address asserts, wages are $250, gold, per day, how is it that so many persons are to be relieved? Why will they not take less rather than turn paupers? The paragraphs cited give the reply. The trades unions "regulate wages," and suffer no work to be done but at their prices. If those are so high that employers are compelled to import the goods instead of making them, and discharge the hands, those still in employ are assessed to give charity to those discharged. So arrogant are these unions, that not long since many scores of men in one shop struck work because a boy had used a hammer for a short time upon some work. What is called " undue immigration," is the arrival of any person not a member of the union, who seeks work for any employer who will pay him. The right of a man in possession of capital to employ a man to do some work for him, without asking permission of the union, is utterly denied. Also, the right of a man to work for wages without the sanction of "the council" is sought to be abolished. Hence the address says, if they come here to obey the council, "come," and get work if you can, but not otherwise. The covert threat contained in the advice not to come "in the interests of capital" may be taken for what it is worth. This sort of " dictatorship" in a country where slavery was supposed to be abolished is a marvel. The extent to which this system may be pushed is made painfully manifest in the horrors brought to light in England through investigation into operations of trades unions. Happily, here we may rely on the good sense of the people at large, who understand that the true interests of this coast can be served only by carrying out the principles of our institutions, which guarantee freedom to every man in the "pursuit of happiness." When the eastern mechanics see that a close monopoly of unions here enjoying $2 50, gold, per man, for 10 hours' work, not being satisfied with that, reduced the hours to eight, thus increasing the actual wages paid by employers to $3 10, gold, and then coolly notify "the mechanics of the United States and Europe" not to come here and disturb their "good thing," it is possible they may consider their equal rights under the law as good as those of the council," and conclude that if capital enable them to earn even $2 per day, gold, here instead of $1 at home, then the "interests of capital" are worth considering. An analysis of the data contained in the preceding pages of this report will show the following results: 1. That the area of territory west of the Rocky mountains, abounding in the precious metals, and in the useful minerals, is limited only by the geographical boundaries of our possessions. 2. That of the vast number of valuable mineral-bearing lodes known to exist in our Pacific States and Territories, but an infintesimal proportion is in actual process of development. 3. That the area of lands suitable for cultivation is sufficient to support a population greater than the total present population of the United States. 4. That with a climate so salubrious, and resources so varied, this region offers inducements to immigration unsurpassed by any other part of the world. The following table shows the area and population of each State and Territory, the number of miners actually at work in the mines, and the product of bullion for 1867. In estimating the population engaged in mining, it is difficult to fix upon an exact limit. Mechanics who make the machinery, or put it up in the mines; teamsters who haul the ores or the supplies; assayers, metalurgists, and other incidental experts and employés, are to a certain extent engaged in the business of mining. Many thousands who never see a mine derive their support from this interest. If we go beyond the superintendents, experts and operatives directly engaged in working the mines, the field is unlimited, for it may be said the whole population on the Pacific coast is interested directly or indirectly in this pursuit : The above table shows that with an area of 903,019 square miles we have a population of only 780,000, less than one to the square mile. According to the eighth census (1860) the New England States have 49.55; the middle States 69.83; the southern coast States 15.25; the western central States 20.93; the northwestern States 22.14; Texas 2.55. Mr. De Bow, in his compendium of the seventh census, gives the density of population in Europe and other foreign countries as follows: Russia in Europe 28.44; Austria 141.88; France 172.74; England 332.00; Great Britain and Ireland 225.19; Prussia 151.32; Spain 78.03; Turkey in Europe 73.60; Sweden and Norway 15.83; Belgium 388.60; Portugal 95.14; Holland 259.31; Denmark 101.92; Switzerland 160.05; Greece 55.70; Mexico 7.37; Central America 10.07, &c. It will be seen that while the population in the Pacific States and Territories is less than one to the square mile, some of the countries of Europe exceed 300, as, for example, England 332.00; Belgium 388.60. This simple statement shows conclusively the great desideratum of the Pacific coast. We have climate and natural resources equal to those of the Atlantic States and superior to any in Europe; we have land enough for the support of millions of laborers where we now have only thousands. We want population. Cheap labor will develop the dormant wealth of the country. To insure this we need the speedy completion of the Central Pacific railroad, and the prompt construction of the two additional lines projected across our continent, one north and the other south. It is absurd to say, with such a variety of undeveloped resources as we possess, that employment is difficult to obtain, and no demand exists for labor. If we require no labor, there can be no demand for population; and if we need no increase of population, then all progress must be considered prejudicial to the interests of the country. The Commercial Herald and Market Review, of San Francisco, judiciously remarks: The recent numerous arrivals of immigrants from the east and from Australia foreshadow the great rush which will undoubtedly be made in this direction during the current year, and it is eminently proper that these strangers should be instructed by competent parties how to employ themselves with profit. An army of consumers, who are non-producers, cannot long exist in that condition without means, and in this case our visitors are not overburdened with cash. They cannot all find occupation in farming; nor are our manufactories sufficiently extensive to accommodate any large number of them; but our placer mines are far from being exhausted, and still offer a lucrative field for the operations of industrious and sober men. The cost of living has been reduced three or four hundred per cent. since 1852, and, although the placer mines do not yield so richly as at that period and before, they are still capable of returning better wages to the industrious miner than he can obtain in any other State of the Union. Formerly five dollars, or even seven dollars, a day would not pay a man for his time and labor, because the rates of living were too high; and many fields were abandoned which are still capable of yielding those daily returns. Now, a sober, economical, and industrious miner can support himself handsomely and save money on $2 per day. The heavy floods of last winter have probably unearthed much wealth in our gulches and other placer diggings. The copious rains of 1861-'62 certainly had that effect, and new discoveries of a rich character were made at that period. Opportunities for reaching the mines are now plentiful where none formerly existed. Mining tools are abundant and cheap in comparison with the prices ruling 10 or 12 years ago. It is then our earnest advice to those newly arrived immigrants to furnish themselves with picks, hoes, and shovels, without delay; take the earliest opportunity to leave the city and seek the placer diggings; go to work with will and determination; stick to it with resolution, and but few years will elapse before they will thank us for the advice, and congratulate themselves for having acted upon it. The longer they remain "waiting for something to turn up," the deeper will they sink into the slough of despondency, and the less heart will they have for resolute and determined action. Our placer mines still offer a remunerative field for industry. They are not "worked out," nor impoverished to an extent that will not pay wages to the miner. Many of them will yield from $2 to $4 a day to the hand. Of this there is no doubt, and if newly arrived immigrants with limited means will only accept the offers held out by these mines, they will do wisely. On the same subject the San Francisco Evening Bulletin makes the following timely and sensible remarks: IMMIGRATION IN 1849 AND 1868.-The pioneer immigrants of 20 years ago endured hardships of which the immigrants of this year will know very little. The six months' voyage around Cape Horn in crowded ships, badly provisioned, or the bungalow passage up the Chagres river, and the mule ride into Panama, with the long waiting on the Isthmus, or the still longer overland journey-these are experiences of which the modern immigrant will know little or nothing. The men of '49 found nothing which could be called homes. A sand spit, with a few board and cloth houses, gave little promise of the future city. Every article of food or clothing was enormously high. It cost nearly as much to reach the mines from this place as the immigrant is now charged for a passage from Southampton to this port. The Senator, a year later, transported passengers from this city to Sacramento at rates varying from $30 to $35 each, and on reaching the latter place the rough and costly journey was but just begun. If the miner was successful, his gains would secure very few comforts, for they were not in the country. If he fell sick, the misfortune was aggravated by exposure and the absence of all the comforts and appliances which increased the chances of recovery. There were both suffering and heroism, and as brave struggles with an adverse fate as was ever known in the history of any country. The immigrants of 1868 will assume no such risks as did these pioneers. They will come to a country already dotted over with homes, even more attractive than those of earlier days. There are cities, towns, schools, churches, highways, vineyards, orchards, and farms, while the cost of living has been reduced below the prevailing rates in many of the Atlantic States. And with all these advantages the chances of success in any industrial calling have hardly been reduced at all. Wages are not so high, but the cost of living has been cheapened more than the cost of labor. The advantages of permanent prosperity, upon the whole, appear to be upon the side of the immigrant of 1868. It is a more auspicious time to begin the struggle for a foothold and for a competence than it was 20 years ago. The few great opportunities for sudden fortunes may not be so apparent, neither are the risks of failure so great. No doubt, immigrants who land here during the present year without money will suffer many hardships aud privations. Some will belong to the great army of incapables, others will suffer from diseases incident to changes of country and climate. Many will come with more hope than resources, either of capital or muscle. But the immigrants of the present year are not likely to incur greater risks of privation than will those who land at New York. Of the 50,000, more or less, who may come to the State during the present year, probably one-half will come from the States east of the mountains. A large number of them have friends here, by whose advice or through whose information they exchange an old home for a new one. This element of incoming population will need very little help. Very few of them will want charity soups or free lodgings. With a little margin of ready cash they will strike out for themselves and help to make their own opportunities. The immigration from |