Difference between revisions of "Big Business World"

Revision as of 22:57, 18 February 2008

Newspaper for American Studies chapter 19 (1865-1900)

Article: ??? (Lauren)

Article: Stay up to date with new technology (Lydia)

In this new era, we have begun to see many wonderful changes that speed the manufacturing of products. Recently, a machine was developed that makes over 7,000 cigarettes an hour. This vastly improves on the workers who could only make 3,000 cigarettes a day. With slight changes, only fifteen of these tremendous machines, could meet all of America’s cigarette demands. This will put hundreds, if not thousands, of Americans out of the cigarette business; however, they should be able to find work in the production of these machines. Other new technologies have also transformed the way that our society works. Meat-processing plants quickly butcher animals in a systematic way, with a machine to do every job. By taking the human element out of it, the animals are butchered quickly, with less mistakes. In addition the machines profit those who have capital to invest. People finding themselves in this concentration of production could find themselves becoming very wealthy. Matches, furniture, cloth, grain products, soap, and canned goods will all soon be produced solely by machinery. This will lower the prices of many goods and boost the economy in numerous ways, to say nothing of the countless entrepreneurs who have put such hard work into lowering these prices for consumers.

Editorial: Why the 8 hour workday is bad (Plaz)

We must stand strong and preserve the 12 hour work day. The 8 hour workday is a desperate attempt by workers to undermine the pillars of American capitalism and the American economy.

Radical workers want us to increase costs by hiring 3, not 2 shifts of laborers. This is preposterous! These workers also commonly demand wage increases so they may buy more goods for their families; however 8 hour days would cut their wages by a third. In addition our increased costs would have to be passed on to consumers, raising their prices and reducing their purchasing power.

In addition, we would have to hire a new shift of workers - increasing the competition for workers. We would be forced to employ blacks and immigrants to full our shortages, thus further decreasing wages already reduced by shorter hours and higher prices.

Thus it is our duty to save workers from themselves and oppose the 8 hour workday. We must inform the workers and their unions that the 8 hour day will only destroy the systems we built so hard to build and will leave thousands of workers out in the cold.

Political Cartoon (Chris)

Obituary: Andrew Carnegie (Josh)

Andrew Carnegie died earlier this week, on August 11th at the age of 83. Carnegie, known as “the Richest Man in the World” was the industrial giant of his time. Originally a poor immigrant from Scotland, Carnegie worked for his wealth. He became the secretary to the superintendent of the Pennsylvania Railroad’s western division and seven years later, he was able to step into that position. Once at the position of superintendent, Carnegie was able to stay one step ahead of his economic competitors, always using the newest technology to earn more money. By 1900, Carnegie was the manager of the most efficient steel mill in the world and he was raking in the cash. Even though Carnegie always had lots of money, he was a very big advocate for helping people in need. Carnegie donated the majority of his money to libraries, concert halls, college, universities, and art museums. The American people loved him because he was constantly donating money to help the American people. It was a great man and he will be missed.

Classifieds (Larissa)

Ads (Kathleen)

“KIFE MEN” needed in Packingtown, Chicago!!! Prepare to manage actual slaughtering and cutting operations. Contact Armour meat packing ASAP. (Minor butcher skills will help)

ALL ABOARD THE TRANS-CONTINENTAL RAILROAD!! Two conductors needed since increase in transportation of goods and people. Have a great time while making money.

COME AND GET YOUR BANANAS! Now on sale at A&P Groceries

CLERK job openings! @ Wanamaker’s in Philadelphia, PA. Men’s clothing or home departments. Hurry in or call now! 259-6436

Ford’s MODEL-T AUTOMOBILE!! Finally another way to travel around. FOR SALE NOW in New York City