| From the Wilmington Journal |
| |
| October 27, 1863 |
| |
| To the Stockholders W. & W. R. R. Co.: {Wilmington
& Weldon RR} |
| Gentlemen, |
| As your Annual Meeting is approximating, I
beg to call your attention to a subject of ve4y grave importance to a
class of persons closely connected with and dependent upon you -- your
employees. Since the war commenced, only a small increase of wages and
salaries has been made. During that time, the cost of living has very
greatly increased; so much so, that now ten dollars will not buy as
much Bacon, Meal, and plain clothes as one dollar would have purchased
in 1860. The probability is that all articles of necessity will
greatly advance in price during the next twelve months. If your
employees were only able to support their families and lay by a small
amount for "a rainy day: previous to the war, what will become of
them during the coming year, if their pay is not increased? I see from
the Journal that your dividend this year has been very large.
The probability is that they will be at least as large the coming
year. Many of your employees are sacrificing health, and some of them
daily risking their lives. Most of them have dependent families. Their
claims are strong -- their wants urgent. I have no doubt your Board of
Directors have, and will have every disposition to make a liberal
increase of pay, but they may have some doubts as to your approval.
Will you not take such action at your next meeting as will remove all
doubt? Such is the prayer of one who knows and feels the necessity. |
| An Employee |
|