The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1868-08-08

Il
To the Editor Of the WoRKm0MAK's ADVOCATE.
THE GREAT FLOOD.
In the early part Of the week, the scene
of the late food was visited by thousands Of
our citizens, all eager to view the wreck
caused by one of natures most powerful ele-
ments. The water fend, if | may be per-
mitted to so term it, done its work well and
effectually; in many instances leaving not a
vestage Of bridge or dwelling, to mark its
former place, and what a few hours before
was busy, busting mart, Is now confused
mass Of miscellaneous merchandise, lumber,
and building material generally.
The accounts from the counties as they
came in, but add to the general loss, and
show 10 what an extent the food reached
Taken altogether, it has been one of the
most extensive, and most destructive foods
that has ever visited this section of the
country.
The city authorities have, gone to work
with commendable zeal to repair the bridges
and assist the sufferers generally, and, for
that purpose have appropriated $3.50, 900,
$50, 200 Of which is to be applied to the i'm
mediate relief Of the sufferers, and 5000, 900
to the repair of bridges and the cleaning of
the streets in the flooded district. To this
many private subscriptions (some from sis
ter states) may be added besides others
that are in contemplation for next week.
Among those already donated, may be men
toned donation Of 5000 from the Hatfn-
ishers' Association, and donation of 800
from the German Workingmen's Union. As
most Of the trades unions hold their month
ly meetings next week, we may look for a
similar action upon the part Of all the the
unions.
As pecuniary measure, and to guard
against similar catastrophe in the future,
the city council has appointed committee
to consult with competent engineers, as to
the best means of turning the stream in
another direction, so as to take its course out
of the city.
THE coLLECTORSHTP OF THE THIRD DISTRICT.
The question Of the collectorship for the
thid district is settled for the present, and
the hopes, fears and aspirations Of the vari-
Gus asnirants set at rest, ut least until con-
gress meets again, which may not be until
next December. The step on the part of the
workingmen here was an ill-advised one.
The movement is not ripe enough in this
section, for such, as yet. The workingmen
of the city, are in favor Of the labor reform
movement, providing 1t does not degenerate
into political clique. Many have expressed
themselves t. that effect. They have even
gone so far as to accuse those who, from the
first, have been agitating it, that their sole
object was to secure Office, and many fear
ing that such would be the result, have held
back from the movement. As soon as he
announcement was made that an application
was made to have one Of the member Of
the auxiliary appointed to the collectorship
it confirmed all their suspisions, and gave to
the enemies of the movement power and
an influence that, under no other circum.
stances, they would have wildsd. @
Those who favor the movement desire to
see an organisation, however small it may
be, in all the wards, or, nc least, in the ma
jority Of them they want to see, and knosc,
the men they send 70 represent them, and,
under no circumstances, will they eounte-
nance man, no matter who or what be NAV
be, that they do not knoW and undsrsfand.
Now that this egg IL busted &c would be
well il we would settle down to the work Of
determined and systematic organisation.
Let us profit by the lesson Just taught Us.
President johnson may be q very good man.
have no right to question his professions
OF friendship for the labor movement; but
actions speak louder than words. MIR. John
son, while he did mot promise that he would
send in the name Of Sour choice" for the
collecsorship, made the impression on the
minds Of the committee thai, I'm the event Of
the senate rejecting Mr.. Price, that he would
send In anams," and that name, the con-
mittee were impressed, would be the name
Of Mr.. Batory. The senate rejected Mr..
Price, and the clerk OF the senate notified
the presidant to that effect, and the name Of
Mr.. Neulson Poe was sent to the senate for
coniirmation.-
IL may be that the president had forgot
ten that . committee from Baltimore had
waited on him to urge the claims or Mr..
Batory, such thing, l say, 10 within the
range OF possibility but che whole affair
bears moral-1Put mot your faith in prin-
ces," bat trust more to your own energy,
fidelity TO prinelpls and uuremitting toll,
and you viii yet gain the object you have in
vieWs
POLITICAL.
s The political machinery 10 again In active
operation. a thorough re-or9anisation Of
the wards IL going on. In the demoerakie
camp al does not ssem 70 work hafmonious-