The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1866-09-01
THE LABOR CONGRESS.

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We herewith present our readers with .
full and detailed report of the proceedings
of the National Labor Congres J, which as
sembled at Baltimore on the Goth of August.
Although the attendance was not as large as
could have been desired, it must be remem-
bered that, soue of the delegates represe nted
the interests of many thousand mechanics,
and that, it was rot anticipated unions
would be as largely represented in detail, as
Trades Assemblies or National organiza-
tons In body, in which the diversified
views and interests Of the entire labor move
ment we're reflected, it was natural that a
difference Of opinion should exist as to the
most available means, by which the desired
results could be most speedily attained, but
the cheering augury for the future consisted
in the fact that, all admitted the necessity
and advocated the policy Of immediate and
unequiVocal action. In fact, but one opinion
was expressed on this point, and we were
agreeaLly disappointed both IN the terse,
comprehensive manner in which these views
were advocated snd the prevailing unan-
unity Of sentiment. To careful, impartial
observer, but one conclusion could be drawn
from the deliberations, VIZ. that the coun-
try is ripe for such q movement; that the
chicanery and corruption Of professional
politicians have convinced the great masses
Of workingmen, that no dependence can be
placed on their professions, and that it is
about time they were beginning to think
and act for themselves. "a
The entire absense of all sectional feeling
which pervaded its councils is also worthy
Of commendation. Although men rom the
extreme sections of our country were
bro aght into direct contact, by common con-
sent, no allusion whatever was made to the
eventful crisis through which we have just
passed in a manner calculated to wound the
feelings of any one. They met as brothers,
drawn by common interest; they acted AZ
brothers, and parted as brothers should.
And here it may not be amiss to state that
the conduct and sentiments of the Southern
delegates were such as TO merit the appro-
bation Of all present. They brought the
olive branch Of peace, and expressed their
desire to act in concert and live in harmony
with their Northern brethren in al matters
pertaining to the REPUBLIC Of labor.
Although it is not Oh btsntion to refer
to any part of the proceedings at length
until our readers have had an opportunity
to rAruse them for themselves, there was
one idea ineulcated, paramount for the time
being, to all others-that systematic organi-
cation is the primary object to be obtained
Whatever future result may follow from our
action, whatever reforms may be lnaugu-
rated or wrongs redressed, all depends. IN
cooperative, consolidated effort. Aregulsf
plan Of action must be adopted; stragglers
must be broogh. within the fold--and lag
CARDS shamed f-,m their present position.
With this object in view we think the Con-
vention did well to urge the passage of an
amnesty act" and also recommend to all
local unions the necessity Of allowing those
who have heretofore been excluded from
their ranks, the privilege to enrole them
selves, provided the same be accepted by
the LIST of January, 1867. Such action, If
carried out in the proper spirit, will, doubt
less, be productive Of much good, and be
the means Of adding untold strength TO the
labor movement. iaa
No better criterion can be formed Of the
importance of the present movement than
by observing the conclusions Of the leading
journals OF the country in relation thereto.
The N. Y. Herald and 7riJans--papers Sec
Ond in influence TO none, candidly admit
that II the workingmen are true to their own
interests and Shs declaration. Of principles
adopted, the existing political factions will
be reyolntionized and the interests Of the
producing classes become the paramount is
sue before the people. Under these circum-
stances il would be strange, indeed, IL some
party hufnbugs and lickspittles were not TO
foist their own opinions upon the working
in preference to those enanciated by
sress. but, thank God, they repre-
3 contemplate minority as to be-
Z commisseration rather than
reforth, the Eight Hour
themselves aloof from
heir efforts to the for
~ whieh the iufereafal