North Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1867-current, 1868-12-02
To the Labor Unions of the U. s.
OFFICE OF THE "NATIoNAL LABOR UNION
PHILADELPHIA. Oct. 1st. lSOS.

OFFICE OF THE "NAnoNAL LABOR UNION |
PHILADELPHIA, Oct LIST, lS6s.
To the Workinymen AID IVomen Of the
United States:
The second annual session of the Ma
tional Labor Union has just closed. | had
the high honor to be called upon to act as
president of the National Labor Union,
by the unanimous voice of the delegates.
Having accepted the position, l now
propose to go to work, and shall expect
every man and woman who desires to see
the success Of our movement will go, to
work. We have undertaken a gigantic
task-a social and political revolution,
succeed, within reasonable time, it will
require the united energies and persistent
efforts of every friend of the cause
While promise you that shall not be
found wanting in energy, perseverance
and patience, you must not forget that
can do nothing without your cooperation.
The convention resolved to proceed at
once to the organizat on of Labor Re-
form Party, having for its object the
election of representative men to our state
and national councils
The organization of a new party-a
workingman's party-for the purpose of
getting control of Congress and the sever
al State Legislatures, is huge work, but
it can and must be done. We hive been
the tools of professional politicians Of all
parties long enough let us now cut loose
from all party ties and organize Work.
ingman's party, founded upon honesty,
economy, and equal rights and equal
privileges to all men. The day OF monster
monopOlies and class legislation must come
to close. Let our motto be, "Our God,
our Country, our Currency. Money has
ruled us long enough let us see if we
cannot rule money for time. We want
equal taxation upon all property, accord
ing to its real value, no matter whether 1t
be in the shape of houses or government
bonds. Let our cry be REroRM-down
with a monied aristocracy and up with
the people.
Now let every man and woman go to
work. Do not wait. Remember that
procrastination is the thief of time. Let
each one start out with determination
that we will make the President, in 1872,
and that between now and then we will
control Congress and the State Legisla-
lures. If we will but set out in earnest
to accomplish this great work, obnoxious
laws will soon disappear from our statute
books; plain, practical laws for the pro-
lection and encouragement of the deserv-
ing will take their place, and the drones
who fattcn upon the earnings of the poor,
will be compelledto make an honest living
or starye. Don't let us wait to be pushed
into corner. Stop acting on the defen'
sive-take the aggressive make war upon
every opposing power have faith in the
right, and success will come. ask every
one who may have a suggestion to make
or question to ask, to put it on paper
and send it to me. l shall proceed, with
the aid Of others, to adopt a system Of
operations as fast as possible. Each State
delegation will report to me immediately
the name of man to act as a member of
the Executive Committee. AS far as
names arc recommended, they will be
appointed. / will proceed to fill all va
cancies remaining Or the first day of
November. All papers friendly to our
movement, please copy.
WM..H SYLvIs,
President n. L. U.