Delaware tribune. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1867-1877, 1867-04-04
Caught it perhaps ON

In accordance with call for Il meeting of work.
ing men, quite number assembled Friday evening
in the third story of the Ferris & Garrett building
The meeting organized by appointing Mr.. X.
Morrison, Chairman and Mr.. S. j. Woods Secrc-
tary A committee was appointed to prepare
business for the meeting.
The committee submitted report setting forth
their attachment to that form of government
(which shall give to every citizen the largest
political and religious liberty compatible with the
good order of society, and secure to each the
right to enjoy the fruits of his labor and TALENT"
The main features Of their report are as follows:
The rights of the working men are in danger
and an organized effort is required to maintain
them.
The National Banking system is too large and
places too much power and capital in the hands
of few. 1t is oppressive on the agricultural
classes.
All banks should be limited in their circulation
and speedy return to specie payments is re-
quired by the interests of the working men.
Eight hours should be made legal days labor.
The improvements in machinery have so greatly
facilitated work that years work may almost
be done in day, and the consequent increase In
the profits should be shared by the capitalists
with the laboring men either in money or in
time.
1t is the duty of the working men to establish
libraries and free reading rooms, free Of access
to ALL
They are opposed to class legislation and think
that all taxes should be raised by a direct prop
erty tax.
The public school system is too limited, and
the discipline poor teachers have the power to
dismiss their schools at their pleasure, and if a
| child stays home day without reasonable ex-
cnsc he loses his seat. The system should be
more general and systematic.
The property qualification law prevents all poor
men from holding office, unless they are free
holders. Such a law is injurious and should not
exist in free country.
There should be liberal appropriations by the
Legislature to assist in building railroads, bridges,
colleges, &c.
| At the conclusion Of their report the committee
submitted the following preamble and resolutions
which were adopted:
| WHEREAS, The history and legislation of the
past has demonstrated the fact, that no depend
ance can be placed on the pledges or professions
oil the representatives Of either existing political
party, as far us the interest Of the industrial classes
are concerned, therefore
Rcs0lred, That the time has come when work
ing men should cut themselves aloof from party
ties and predictions, and organize thcmselvc
into q labor party, the objects Of which shall be
/. The enactment OF a law making eight hour,
a legal days work.
2. The repeal OF all laws injurious TO the goot
and welfare Of the industrial classes.
3. The enactment of laws for the improvement
ana progrossia" of ths State.
4 A more liberal and systematic school system
D. A direct property tax
G. Repeal of the property qualification law
I. The erection OF public library.
8. The election Of men to office from the rank
of all labor, and the elevation of the industrial
classes
Res0lced, That we now organize n labor associ
alton to be known as the United brotherhood q
Workngmen, by selecting the following officers
A President, two Vice Presidents, Recordin
, Secretary and Assistant, Corresponding Secrt
tary, Financial Secretary and Assistant, Urea
surcr and Il Finance Committee of five.
Those parts relating to the property qualities
ton, the public schools and the public lbrar,
were particularly acceptable to the meeting.
; The meeting adjourned to meet again on I'll
second Friday in April.
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