The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1869-01-02
REeIN AT THE BEGINNrNs.

We are In Asmost daily receipt Of coanmu
nications from friends throughout the rom
Try, presenting their peculiar plans fer th,
elevation and improvement Of the working
CLASSES. These systems embrace Gamos
every imaginable remedy, from q financial,
political, social, or educational standpoint,
and are urged BY their respective champions
a. panaceas for all the evils to which fest
10 heir. Now, we freely admit that i'm al
these relationships, a radical change is de-
manded and, also, that these suggestions
generally contain matter worthy Of serious
consideration. Many Of our correspondents
have, doubtless, as they aver, devoted time
and thought to the labor question yet with
all due Difference TO their judgment, we in
Sist that most Of the arguments" are
hasty, inconsiderate, and at present alto
8ethsr jmprGctica0le. We must aot allow
n our seal TO overcome dIscretion. There
10 great ipisaatory work to be accomplish
I'd hAfn-s any Of these remedial measures
can be adopted with success. We must
commence ct the foot Of the ladder. We
must lay thorough foundation, If we
would have the superstructure secure. What
10 needed OF the present time is system atised
egyanisatiOn. We want this idea impress
ed on the mind Of every workingman. None,
Ne think, are more convinced Of tSe i'm
portance or necessity Of political action
than ourselves; these views have been ex-
pressed at length in the columns of the AD-
vocArx, and time has only served to bonfrm
M in them. We are opposed in f'to, to
af6liation with any existing party. A
thorough renovation and reconstruction is
demanded. Distinct, independent Political
astion has been our theory from the first,
-9d 10 to-day. Moreover, q platform has
been adopted, whose. corner stone isthe re-
ooSnittOn Of the rights IF labor, to which we
cordially subscribe, 80 that on this pint we
fully agree with the most advanced of our
What welhave said is equally applicable
to the labor question from financial. educa-
tionAl, or social point of view. We;are not
opposed to the adoption Of any measures BY
which the condition OF the producing classes
may be improved but We are opposed to
placing ths cart. before the horse, rr con-
founding the means employed wi .hs OBJ
jects sought tOIbe accomplished. y repeat,
therefore, that ithe. duty and w4ns. Of the |
hour 10 systematic organisation means |
BY which these remedial measures RAY ac- !
oomplish the desired result. To do 10, our
unions must become the centre Of attraction,
The training schools Of labor, before we can
derive any material aid from the plsns pro-
posed. We ere afraid workingmep do not
rive this matter the careful attention its i'm
portance demands. To attain permanent
sucesssathey must be 'rOOted and grounded
In the faith !" they must eOmmeaoeat first
principles; they .mnst counsel and reason
and gather into the fold the erring
and tpdiheFent. Thousands yearly come to
eur great cities aud misunderstanding ssntres,
Who aim from appearances rather than assipn.j
md whose aid could be secured wore he
proper means employed TO do 10. u little
psrsuasien 10 frequently ali that 10 required.
md Il 10 sassntial that this powerful element
-powerful Tor evil--as at present exsrted,
'hould Be tqrnsd into smother channel.
There is iaother phase 70 this question
shsssin upion members have bserl delln-
laens IN THAR duly. 90 long 40 antsunion-
80 asslsd % bslievelthses 10 NO stigma as-
|,shsd 20. chair persisssps refusal 70 join
ssicssaaiseti1ps, 90 long via sYayI
Mort 10 claim ::thsui aprevs sbortits. OIL
prss ws sstsr .only'q those Who ain
piass light They mhss be made TO feel
% long a. thsY sesspy soh . ppsiticn, b