The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1866-10-18
THE ONLY TEST.

effort being made by ell political conventions,
to obtain the support of the worklngmen by
the passage of speeiously -worded, non-com-
initial, eight-hour resolutions. We say nom
committsl, for in no instance has O distinct,
uneouivocal pledge been gwen, which ought
to sstiafy sny true friend of the movement.
What. for example, is implied by resolving
that they are ''infavor of shortening the hours
of Iabor" without stating whom, and by what
MEANS or whether bill, introduced into
congress for such purpose will receive the
supported their congressional nominee. In
stead of asking . candidate, whether or no
he is friend of the eight-hour system, we
want distinct pledge-a plain yes or no
whether he will vote for an eight-hour law
Nothing less will meet the issue,and no man,
be he whom he msy-has right to expect
the support of workingmen who is ashamed
or afraid to avow his position. 1t John A
Logan or T. Lyle Dickey asks the suffrage OF
mechanics, we want to see these gentlemen
come out under their own signatures, not
only as friends of workingmen, but as those
who are willing to prove the genuineness OF
that friendship, by pledging themselves to
advocate and vote for the passage OF law
making eight hours legal days work Tor ali
government employees, irrespective OF posi-
ton or calling Working Mans Adoocate.
1t is true, as the Adrocate intimates, that
the radicals have been playing "1ast-snd-
loose" with this subject, especially in this
community. Such, however, is not the case
with the candidates of the democratic and
conservative party Our candidates. by the
action of our conventions, and bystheir own
pledges, stand fairly and squarely on the
eight hour platform, without reserve or equiv
| ocation.
The democratic and conservative con
gressional convention, held Mt Monmouth,
Aug. oath, 1866. (which nominated Judge
Thorn pson for congress) unanimously adopt
ed the following resolution
ResotUe3, That we favor the eight hour move
ment in bchef of the laboring which looks to
the establishment recognition of eight hours la
Dor legal days work.
Judge Thompson, in his letter OF accept
anoe, dated Aledo, August 3lst says:
II accept the principles enunciated by that con-
vcntion and pledge myself if elected, to adhere to
them firmly and unswervingly.
At the democratic and conservative state
convention, held at Springfield, August c95h.
1866. where Col DIckey, Gen. Phillips and
Col. Crebs were nominated) the following
resolutions were unanimously adopted
Reso1red That the claims of laboring men for a
reduction of the time of labor far that subject
lies within the scope of legislation, should merit the
attention and favorable consideration of legisa
tive bodies well as of the executive depart
ments.
ReSojred, That we are in favor of eight hours be
ing made a legal days work for mechanics and la
borers in cities, factories and on all public works.
These are not "spsciously- worded non-com-
initial resolutions" but plain, straight for
ward, and positive pledges, and every candi-
date We are running is publicly pledged to
stand by them.
The resolutions were all passed unani-
mously, in both conventions and the last one
was received with three hearty cheers.
The same resolution, in the republican
state convention, was received with jeers and
was booted and hissed and kicked out of
their convention. The laboFing men can
thus see who are their friends.
The radical party is not pledged to the
support of this movement, nor Logan, Har-
ding, or any Of their candidates.
y orking ulen can thus see that the demo-
cratic party true to its ancient teachings, is
the only true friend of the poor and Of the
laboring people.
The radicals and their candidates, by gen.
eral and unmeaning phrases, shuttle out of
any direct pledge to the working-men; and
their political system aad philosophy, from
It's very nature, favors capital, untaxed
oond-hoiders and protective tariffs, at the ex-
pense of labor.