細節
GRANT, Ulysses. Partly printed document signed ("U.S. Grant") as President, authorizing the Secretary of State to affix the seal of the United States to "the Proclamation concerning the Eight hours law," Washington, D.C., 19 May 1869. 1 page, 4to (10 x 7 7/8 in.), integral blank, minor mat burn, minor staining in two corners, evidence of mounting on integral leaf.
A VICTORY FOR LABOR: THE EIGHT HOUR WORK DAY FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES
An historically important document which represents one of the first victories for the American laborer. In spite of the dramatic economic growth associated with the industrial and market revolutions, the salaries of the average worker barely increased. Laborers toiled for long hours in the unhealthy conditions of factories, construction sites and mines with inadequate compensation.
Efforts to aid the beleaguered worker developed only gradually. Local workers associations, rooted in the guilds of the Middle Ages, laid the groundwork for the development of national unions. Encouraged by the development of diverse labor organizations which often sought common goals, Ira Stewart created the National Labor Union in 1866 with the stated purpose of establishing the eight-hour work day. The partial success of this pioneering union was demonstrated during the presidency of Grant when laborers and mechanics employed by the Federal Government received a legal guarantee for the eight hour day. Here Grant authorizes that the seal of the United States be placed upon "the Proclamation concerning the Eight hours law."
Although this eight-hour law provided an important step towards unionization and the improvement of working conditions, the labor movement continued to face resistance from capitalists who sought to destroy the unions through blacklisting, spies and the use of state and federal troops to end strikes. Unions did not gain legitimacy and respect until the 20th century, when an emerging progressive spirit encouraged by the actions of men such as Theodore Roosevelt finally won labor the rights that it had fought so long to obtain.
A VICTORY FOR LABOR: THE EIGHT HOUR WORK DAY FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES
An historically important document which represents one of the first victories for the American laborer. In spite of the dramatic economic growth associated with the industrial and market revolutions, the salaries of the average worker barely increased. Laborers toiled for long hours in the unhealthy conditions of factories, construction sites and mines with inadequate compensation.
Efforts to aid the beleaguered worker developed only gradually. Local workers associations, rooted in the guilds of the Middle Ages, laid the groundwork for the development of national unions. Encouraged by the development of diverse labor organizations which often sought common goals, Ira Stewart created the National Labor Union in 1866 with the stated purpose of establishing the eight-hour work day. The partial success of this pioneering union was demonstrated during the presidency of Grant when laborers and mechanics employed by the Federal Government received a legal guarantee for the eight hour day. Here Grant authorizes that the seal of the United States be placed upon "the Proclamation concerning the Eight hours law."
Although this eight-hour law provided an important step towards unionization and the improvement of working conditions, the labor movement continued to face resistance from capitalists who sought to destroy the unions through blacklisting, spies and the use of state and federal troops to end strikes. Unions did not gain legitimacy and respect until the 20th century, when an emerging progressive spirit encouraged by the actions of men such as Theodore Roosevelt finally won labor the rights that it had fought so long to obtain.