The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1869-11-27

sphere-that those questions of Politl-
cal economy, which affect their inter-
terest. and which underlie our whole
social fabric-are entirely beyond their
comprehension that the solution OF
the financial problem must be left to
professional" minds. Now it so hap
pens. that the National Labor Union
has come to the conclusion that work
iDpmen have been lead and deceived
by this twaddle long enough, and that
it is Of comparatively little consequence
to secure, through the agency Of trades
union, an extra penny, while the sys-
tenn, or the robber wh0 extracts dollar,
is allowed to pursue his nefarious vOca-
ton. Thus believing they propose to
90 to the root of the evil; and If our
English brethren take exception to our
ambition, we are perfectly willing TO let
them jog trot along in their own way.
The statement that an American Ia
Dor convention has asked the appoint
ment of especial minister of labor to
carry on sort of warfare against cap
ital is so grossly false that we are
surprised that any paper, having re-
gard for truth or reputation, should
have given it insertion.
The establishment Of labor bureau
was the pet project of the late Presi-
dent Sylvis, and as he was perfectly
able to express his own ideas, without
the assistance of any one, weocan-
not do better than publish the following
resolutions, introduced by him at the
New York convention in 1868, which
afford the only grounds for the reckless
assertion. They are as follows:
WHEREAs. In looking out over society, we
find the protecting arm of the law thrown
around every enterprise having for it's object
the accumulation Of wealth. and the utmost care
taken to foster and enc rage the undertakings
of the rich, and to assist capital in all monopO
lies and
WHEREAS, We find, AS a part Of our govern
ment at Washington, a Department OF State, o.
War, Of the Navy, OF: the Interior, Of Finances
and others of sim lar character. supposed e
be for the ben.6t of all the p-OpIe, but ssdl
irostituted in their administration, and u 'eC
almost exclusively for furthering the projects o
the rich and powerful of the land anl
WHEREAS, There is no department Of ou
Cover nment having its sole object the care
and protection OF labor, AMI the various enter
prises and undertakings Of Workingmen, havin.
for their object an equirsbl distribution Of tht
products of industry, and the elevate m Of thos
who labor therefore be it
Resolved, That the President of this BODY
ana four others to be appointed, shall constitute
a committee, Who shall prepare petition to b
BY them presented to congress, asking the ere
ton of a new department at Washing on, to b
called Department of Labor :" said depart
ment 10 have charge, under the laws OF COngres
of the distribution of the public dOnsin, tn
registration and regulation, under general sys
TEN, of trades unions, co operative association
and all other organizations OF Workingmen an
women having for their object the protection O
productive industry, aud the elevation Of thOs
who toll.
Resolved, That said committee shall prepar
a petition, to be circulaL, d among the workiL
people OF the country for signature, a,kins 10
such a department, and that said Commute sha
lake whatever ST. D may be in their opinion M
csssary to secure The objects herein set forth.
We dismiss the entire subject wit
the suggestion that the editor of tn
Sheffield Independent, or any other h
dependent, who undertakes to enlighte
his readers on any important question
should first of all make himself &C
quainted with the facts.