The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1866-09-08

PHIADELrHIA, Sept. lst, 1866.

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. LIST, 1866.
To the Editor Ofthe WoRElSsNAs's ADVOCATE:
IR. EDIroR.-As you have no correspond
ence from this city, and it being the second
city in the country in size and importance,
| have concluded to give You letter every
week (if aceeptable) on the state Of lis trade
in and other matters that would be in
teresting TO your readers.
The Trades Assembly Of this city is com
posed Of delegates from thirty unions, and is
a body that, if conducted right, could be
made to WELD a powerful influence But
there seems to be want of interest in its
proceedings by those delegated to attend its
meetings. There are the credentials Of over
eighty delegates deposited, and yet it re-
quires some extraordinary excitement, to
find thirty or even twenty at its regular
meetings. The delegates sent by the assem-
bly, to represent them at the !" National
Labor Congress" made an extended verbal
report Of the proceedings Of that body, which
was received with great satisfaction by the
members present The proceedings OF he
Convention have agreeably SURPRISED its most
ardent supporters. The amount of labor
performed and the short time il was done
in are matters OF which the delegates to that
body may vel! be proud. The Trades As
sembly'' in order 70 show its appreciation
Of the action Of the Congress have already
taken measures to have grand ratification
NEE ting held at as early date as possible.
| As e are now in the midst Of great
political excitement owing to our coming
elections, there are some who doubt the ex-
pediency of holding a meeting before the
election. But when should the uorkingmen
speak and demand of the candidates for Of
fee a recognition Of their Just claims'if not
before the election. What weight would =
grand workingman's demonstration have on
politicians after the election. We all know
the amount of trust that is TO be placed in
politicians. We should show them our
might and compel them to acknowledge the
business of our claims, not only after the
lelections but before them.
There was started in this city last year an
Eight Hour League, but through the apathy,
might say criminal negligence, Of those
whom it was intended to benefit, il was al
lowed to drag through short existence and
die The originators Of it were men whom
the workingmen could trust-men in whom
they could put the utmost confidence, and
yet after the most untiring energy on their
part, and the expanding If some hundreds
of dollars, it died out for want Of numbers
Who would be more benefited by m ''eIght
hour law than the mechanics Of this city 7
They surely have to work as hard here as
any where else, and must require the same
amount Of rest From the indifference they
show the subject we may be excused for
thinking that they do not desire it. During
the last session Of the Legislature OF this
State bill was brought forward making
eight hours legal days work. The work
Iingmsu then had splendid opportunity to
display their zeal. But they failed to make
the least demonstration in its favor And
the bill failed to pass, simply. because to all
appearances it was not the wish of the work
ingmen that the bill should become law.
On Tuesday, the 26tb, President johnson,
onGhis way to your city, passed through
here. His welcome on the part Of the peo-
pie was perfect ovation but for some rea-
son the city authorities failed to give him o
formal reception. InIthe evening the stall
ers Protective Association" Of this city ten
Idered him sereEade, 70 which be respond
ed as follows: s.
.91.I have been told on this occasion that
there il an association here tonight who
have come forward under the badge of their
profession for the purpose of manifesting
their regard and respect want you to
understand that need not and do not feel
indifferent to compliments Of that. kind, for
under our government il y s'worth; makes