Page:Immigration and the Commissioners of Emigration of the state of New York.djvu/266

238 WAGES The following circular letter is from time to time published by the Chief Clerk of the Labor Exchange, for the information of all employers who would avail themselves of the advantages of this institution:

"1. The Labor Exchange, lately organized by the Commissioners of Emigration of the State of New York, is a free market for emigrant labor, open to all employers from all parts of the United States. While prcouring prompt and remunerative employment to emigrants, it offers to employers superior opportunities to choose suitable employees out of the large and varied supply of applicants for work daily resorting to this office.

"2. This office charges no fees, commissions, nor any other remuneration from employer or employee.

"It furnishes to employers not only domestic help, agricultural or unskilled labor, but also all kind of skilled laborers, mechanics, artisans, etc.

"3. Land speculators are excluded from the privileges of this office; and all propositions contemplating the sale or leasing of land to emigrants will be rejected.

"4. Employers applying at this office must be either known to the Superintendent, or produce satisfactory references.

"Agents must be duly authorized by their principals, and well recommended.

"5. This office does not make contracts for emigrants with the employer; it does not fix the amount of wages nor the term of service, nor prescribe any other condition of the contract; it leaves all these matters to be settled by the voluntary agreement of the parties immediately interested, and assists them only by giving all needful information and advice.

"6. Employers must provide for and take care of the transportation for their employees to the respective places of destination. If means sufficient to cover travelling expenses are remitted to this office, with the request to send hired help to the applicant, we shall see to it that the employee is properly started on his voyage. The expenses and risk of transportation to distant places will be greatly reduced, if employers residing in the country, and desiring emigrant help, would club together, and appoint one of their number employing and forwarding agent for all the members of the club."

I.—The Average Wages paid at the Labor Exchange for Unskilled Labor during the Years 1868 and 1869.

The wages for common laborers varied from $1 75 to $2 per day, without board.