davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1869-12-04
Inefable Meannesa.

1t will scarcely be credited, but it rs
nevertheless true, that all departmental
MORNINGS in Washington are at the ef-
pense of the laborers in Government
employ. In other words, that when3a
public flnctionary shufHes of tile
"mortal coil" the workers are coEh-
PEELED to sorrow at the rate Of $3.50 Yr
$500 per day, being refused wages fS'r
the days mourning. When it is taktn
into consideration that the only Class
against whom this distinction is maze
are those who can afford it the leasts !
the day laborer - the transcendant
meanenss of such action will becO4le
apparent However, Secretary Role
sons, race will one day be run, ahd
If he should die as many have done Re-
fore him, in harness, he may rest IS
sured that in his case the present SIS
TEN will work to a-charm, and that nc
charge will be presented for ttGt
holiday.
The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1869-12-04
FROM NEBRASKA.
OMAHA, Nov. IS.

OAAHA, NOV. 10.
To the Editor oft woRuHoNAS's ADvOcArH.
The result Of the election in Massa-
chusetts has impaired new energy to
our cause has indicated the new order
of things which, with perseverance and
that attention to our interests which
they demand, shall place us in the po-
sition we aspire to in fewer years than
perhaps we anticipate. All hail to
Massachusetts, the precursor State of
our Union, the dUdMnt courier Of pro-
gressiveness, of liberty and truth. If
at any time she departed from the
paths of justice and humanity, this in
stance, as well as her former efforts in
the cause Of emancipation has nobly
redeemed her. May other States as
fearlessly enter the lists, and as nobly
achieve such glorious results.
The extension of our principles in
order to rebound to our interest, is the
great matter for consideration amongst
our leading friends everywhere. 1t very
often happens with the best and purest
motives in the world, after continuous,
untiring labor in the cause, the fruit Of
these good works, by inndvertence on
the part of the laborer, in falling into
the wiles set for him BY designing pol
iticianS, is neutralized; or worse, they
become a source Of bitterness and re-
elimination, and place us in a worse
condition before the world than when
we first entered upon our labOrs.
For my part, l prefer slow, steady,
uphill progress, with all its toll and
trouble and heartbreakings, to ephem-
eral, spaSmOdic success however bril-
liant and attractive. Unfortunately
the great bulk Of our workingmen do
not reason thus; the popular mind
(being diseased) is borne away by the
destinations Of the moment clever
speech, large procession or a great
meeting, and the practical work is left
unfinished, perhaps unattended to.
The judicious admixture Of the in
terests Of the workingmen with their
party politics, by professional politi-
clans, Is a source Of great trouble TO
the intelligent men of our party. 1t has
a tendency to blind them to their real
interests, and, if at first connected with
us, in many instances to ALLEVIATE them
from us altogether. A whole unquali-
fed allegiance to oUr platform Of prin-
The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1869-12-04
A d ID n e s S
JoURNEYMEN CoOPERS UNIONS
h0s. I 2 OF BALrIAohEl ND.
TO THEIR BROTHER UNIONS THROUGHOUT
TINE UNITED STATES.

The extreme necessity of speedy organi-
zation of a Coopers' National Union, has
made it our duty to venture an address to
the members Of the various COopers' Unions
on this important subject. Believing that
the demands Of the other organizations Of
our trade will seek the same channels for
protection that we propose to open for the
amelioration of our condition as working
men, without which all other unions, State
or local, are, for all practical purposes, COM
paratively worthless, but with which advan-
tage we can become at once a great power,
possessing ample abilities to cope successfully
with capital for the maintenance of our juet
rights as workingmen and hope that the
time shall soon arrive to give practical il
lustration Of the truth Of that good old max
i'm, that "In Union there is Strength"
Then, let us awaken to our interest and
resolve that the coopers of the North, South.
East and West, must and will have a well
organized Matt nal Union, throwing a pro-
tective arm around the local unions in their
struggles against oppression.
10 making this appeal to our brother me-
chanics for concert Of action, we will sim
ply announce, in the shape of encourage
ment, the grand success that has attended
the Knights Of St. Crispin, the Iron Mould
ers, and the Cigar Makers National Unions.
Previous to the formation Of those trades in
their National character, defeat and a re-
duction of wages was the continual cry of
their employers against the subordinate
unions. But now, let any real union of the
Knights Of St. Crispin send forth the cry of
distress, and instantly, as if BY magic, the
Brotherhood is aroused by thousands and
tens Of thousands, prepared, With sympa-
thising hearts and ready hands, to assist
them; so would the National Unions of
other trades, and the same result must
crown our efforts, with your assistance, to
mature a plan for this much needed union.
Let the secretaries Of the local unions cor
respond with each other and ascertain if it
would be advisable to make the attempt.
This is our main object in addressing you
at present, to attract your attention and
start such correspondence as will eventually
lead to the cOnsumation of our wishes-the
permanent establishment of q Coopers' Ma.
tional Union.
Any communication on this subject will
be thankfully received.
CHARLES LUKE,
Cor. Sec OF Coopers' Union No. l.
residence No 1s4, N. Caroline street, BalIimvre Ma
WIN. H. JoICE,
Cor. SEC Of COOPER Union, No. O.
lResidence No 20 \. Caroline street Baltlm1re Nd
The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1869-12-04
COOPERATION.
TINE LAUNDRY olRLs or TROY, AND a.
STEWART

After a noble struggle for the right,
or rather for their very existence the
laundry girls of Troy, have found a
true friend in the merchant prince OF
New York, A. T. Stewart, who has
undertaken to take all their goods and
place Them Immediately in the market.
This action is the more worthy of COM
mendation because many dealers who
had been previously appealed to, had re-
fused to patronize the girlSin any man
ner for fear of offending the other manu-
facturers-in fact, a combination had
been formed against them, so powerful
in its character, that their best friends
had almost begun to despair of their
success. BY this mastery stroke, how
over, cooperation has received an i'm
pulse which will be felt throughout the
length and breadth the country; and
while its practicability and success is
guaranteed. We hope the lesson maynot
be thrown away on those soulless apo
logies for men, who are always ready to
help crush deserving enterprise and
belittle and befoul any attempt made
by the working classes to become their
own employees. The probabilities are
that the enterprise will now assume an
importance it would never have OBJ
tanned, but for the ungenerous persecu-
ton to which it has been subjected.
The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1869-12-04
FROM ENGLAND.
LONDON. Nov. ]


To the Editor Of the woREISGxAK's ADVOCATE.
As the Irish land question spreads as
a subject Of agitation, the feeling Of
Ireland deepens and the general inter
est in England becomes more alive to
the subject. l wish l could add that
the understanding of it was becoming
more clear, or that the likelihood of a
satisfactory settlement had increased.
In Ireland the question has taken a
very definite shape. There can now be
no installing the Irish farmers inten-
ton, nor is there any uncertain sound
in the voices of those who speak for
him. They say to the British Parlia-
ment, give fixity of tenure with a sep
tennial appraisment of value as rental,
and we shall be satisfied. To this the
leading English papers, which are as a
rule the representatives Of the proper
tied classes reply, by calling it spolia.
The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1869-12-04

counties are overrun with men, who
have come on the advertisement of en-
ployers, who falsely advertised last
summer for help. Great suffering has
ensued in consequence. Workmen
who are anxious to know when their
services are needed should drop line
to p. 0. Box 154, Black River Falls,
Wisconsin. At least 80 writes q re-
liable correspondent.
FOREIGN.
THE strike of the cotton spinners al
Bolton is now satisfactorily settled
the men having declined on Tuesday to
accept the reduction of S per cent
offered them by the masters. The de-
cision was arrived at by vote By
ballot.
DUNDEE-REDUcTIoN OF WORK
MEMS WAGEs.-We understand thai
notices have been posted at some of the
shipbuilding yards to the effect thai
the wages of rivetters, outdoor black
smiths, &C., are to be reduced by {
shilling week after this date
Courier Of Saturday. Oct. S0M.
The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1869-12-04

Glass Association, in Favetta 81:
Pennsylvania Some Of the most y ny
teal glass men in the State Ara p''''
bers Of the Society, and hav. ! 'a
one of the very best men in ,SIp paced
as superintendent, thereby nT"e IN :otats
insuring success. All hail & ,SS.'cally
Society. Now, one thing thew I "i ne ',
do, is TO patronize literally NJ should
CATE, and keep thoroughly po. nGV 1!
all matters pertaining to t6rore.ul \ !
and practical cooperation. T., ,', y
Dan. Harmony see to it, as Nm
that they do all in their power j inger
coed, and / feel confident thu, y q spc,
Cameron, through the paper a'ead
good medium, through which III | 0Ne
reach the public. caO
Respectfully,
LABOR REpoRx
The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1869-12-04
What's the Matter Z

1t is over three months since the I'd
iournment of the National Labor C3n'
gress. While in session a salary {of
s25OO was voted to the President,
Richard Trevellick-some Of the mtre
enthusiastic delegates being DESTROYS OF
increasing the amount to 81 900, pledg-
ing their own efforts and the efforts;of
their organizations TO raise that 81 ,m.
Now, it appears very strange and Dis.
heartening in view of these facts, tbai
the Treasurer has, SO far, failed tore
ceive single dollar to defray the lqgi-
innate expenses Of the organizatib n.
Workingmen, is it just, is it honOralle
or manly to require the services q q
t0OrkingmGn in your behalf and thente-
fuse or neglect to fulfill your Oblisa-
tons Think over the matter, Ind
let your answer be ful6llment ofy9ur
share Of the contract, and an immedik bite
remittance to Treasurer Phelps.
The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1869-12-04
TRAVELLING SKETCHES.


We are now at our destination, the
commercial capital of the grand little
Swiss Republic but before proceeding
to our quarters, the "TrOis ROis," lei
us glance at what through the wonder
full agency of steam we have been ena'
bled to accomplish during the past
thirty days. We have gone from Chi
cago to Philadelphia, and repeated the
trip; from Chicago to New York, from
New York to Liverpool; FROM Liver
pool to London; from London to Paris;
from Paris to Basic "a distance OF
over 5000 miles. Why, young as we
are, we remember when a stage-coach
trip Of 100 miles, was considered OF
sufficient importance to form the "sta-
pie topic" in the family circle, week
before the eventfu occurrence, and
warrant the attendance Of every rela-
tive at the landing. But times have
changed since then. Science has been
abroad. Rip Van Wrinkle has been
aroused from his Slumbers. We can
almost travel that distance before the
horses have we'll warmed to their work
MroNe dictu, in twenty-five minutes
we find ourselves carried as many
miles. What the next innovation or
improvement in view Of these facts
may be, affords legitimate scope for
the widest Imagination
After refreshing ourselves aud par
taking Of breakfast, our first inquiry is:
"Wherc is the INTERNATIONAL Con-
GREss being held p "At the Cafe Ma
tionale, on the other side of the river,
not more than FIVE minutes walk from
here" replied our host. And SO we
find it. Crossing the Rhine-a broad,
rapid stream, a Economically situated
building, directly on its banks, deco
rated with the flags Of all nations,
prominently among which floats the
stars and stripes. strikes our eye.
"Aye, here it is" we repeat, and in
we 90. The broad staircase decorated
with flags and evergreens betokens the
entrance. In the anti-room we find
half dozen delegates in earnest con-
versation. Making them acquainted
with our mission as best we can, a cou-
ri9r Is despatched to the English dele
gates Messrs. Applegarth and Ecca-
The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1869-12-04
EIGHT HOUR LABOR.


A few days since, w. J. Jessup, the
well known Corresponding Secretary
of the New York Workingmen's
Union, wrote to Secretary Boutwell,,
calling his attention to the fact that the
post Office now being erected in that
city was being constructed in defiance
of the provisions Of the Eight Hour
law, which prescribes that eight hours
shall be days work for all workmen
in the employ of the general govern
ment. The following is the reply:
November 9, 1869.
S'R,-YOurs Of the 2l-t ulIimi is received.
In reply have - say that me ltS 60 ~hich
YOU refer does not IL the hours Of labor on
work performed BY contractors for The govern
ment This department, therefore, hts no con
troll over the hours Of labor Of persons working
for its contractors.
Sirce tie passage of the Eight Hour Law, all
mechanics and ls0orers employed BY this de
partment have been required to work but eight
hours Tor days labor, except 10 such cases as
The exigencirs Of the public service have de-
mandrd, in which cases il has been BY special
agreement with the persons so emPlowe1, tie
compensation being rated accordingly.
Yours Respectfully,
GEORGE 5. BoUTwELL, Seer tary.
The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1869-12-04
A Movement Deserving of Imitation.

mUNCmcub OcScAN4uk VI 4m1LA4Ou.'
"A movement has just been completed
in the Newark, New Jersey. to Sc
cure to the mechanics and workingmeI
of that section a series of populaI
scientific lectures. The admission i
to be by ticket, thousands of which
have been purchased by the several en-,
ployers for the first lecture, to be pre-
scented TO the workmen This is ceH
lsinly grand move in the right direI
ton, which cannot fail to be produc;
i've Of the most beneficial results.
is certainly much more encouraging 4
a labor journalist to give publicity 4
such a mertOrious project, than to y
compelled to refer to a strike existin;
in this or that locality.
We hope the system inaugurated i
Newark will be adopted Throughout!
the country. Let the manufactured
Of our cities follow it up, and they WI
End it will prove the safest and mol
remunerative investment they ever Ell
barked in. By a judicious selection /
lecturers and subjects, many Of III
complex rules of science can be simpl
fed and illustrated, to the mutual rs
vantage of employer and employee
We throw the suggestion out to |
various trades organizations, believiH
that if the proper steps are taken, tht
few, if any, right-minded employed
will refuse TO lend a helping hand !
urtherance Of the object.
The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1869-12-04

cuss our grievances came to hear something
about the land question. We require no new
society for that: the Free Trade League, pre-
sided over BY Mr.. ]. Stuart Mill, will settle the
land question. [Ro.rs Of laughter I see
nothing to laugh nc such meI as Mr. Mill and
Prof Fawcett discussing the land question. If
we could locate some Of rne unemployed on the
waste lands il would be great relief We have
now a government who are willing to hear what
We have to say and to help "a No,
no. aud laughter and interruption. You must
have meetings TO let the government know wh Il
you want
Mr.. Ruel, the secretary Of the Free Land
League. said
sympaLhixe with the programme, and should
not have said anything it you had not laughed
at Mr.. Potter. There 10 q difference between
pas ing a resolution and carrying il out Mr.,
Mills reforms will have to clear the way for
what you want hope you will support him.
The preamble was carried unanimously
Mr.. Weston then moved the first resolution
He said:
Only two voices had been raised against the
preamble, it is, therefore, hasdly necessary t.
enlarge upon the resolution. / only ask you
has the present government ever acted in she
spirit Of our preamble, or is it ever likely 20 d.
so! No, no.. Nor will the breaking Up O
large estates, advocated by Mr. Mill, be prefer
able to the present system. We want to inau
} gurate new state of things altogether. Ii tn,
gentle.Gen Of the milk and water land societ,
will clear away The rubbish that impedes GU
progress, for nne shall be thankful for il: bu
they must not fate: themselves that they car
divert US from our purpose, which is tie nation
alizaIIom Of tue land. protest against emigra
lion as remedy. We have only about fiv,
thousand great land owners &c overcome, ant
then We shall have plenty room at home.
Several speakers spoke in favor Of the re
solution. 1t was carried unanimously ant
the conference adjourned for week.
j. G. K.
I'VE will publish the next d.yss proceeding
| Of the Conference IN our next issue
The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1869-12-04

rius-with the information that an
American delegate is in fattend-
ance. Ont rushed friend Applegartn
in advance. "Good Cd, Cameron,
is this you; why this will take the con-
vention by storms delegate from
America; well. welI-this is grand
grand; wait a moment till see Jung
here is Eccarius." " Welcome TO
Basic, Mr.. Cameron" shouts Eccarlus;
"by Jovc, this is good; wait minute
till Backounin is through" A burst
of applause announces the fact that our
presence is known; again and again
the outburst is heard. The doors are
thrown open, and we are nshered into
the European Congress. Our entry is
the signal for burst Of applause that
amply repays us for our journey We
are once more among friends-aye,
genuine friends. That hearty cheer
denotes its character again and again
It comes every delegate is on his feet;
hats and handkerchiefs are waived
the outstretched hand Of President
Jung is grasped-and zee feel at home.
But again, and again and again the
cheers resound through the building;
genuine, honest, hearty cheers-such as
were worth crossing the Atlantic, to
hear aud to receive which prince might
feel honored. After the outburst of
enthusiasm had somewhat subsidized,
President Jung, says: "Fellow-ciu-
zens have much pleasure in introdu-
cling to you Mr.. C-n, Of Chicago,
delegate from the National Labor
Union of North America" and again
those honest, hearty cheers ring out,
till we blush like a girl who has been
caught for the first time in the compa-
ny of her beau. With heart too full
for utterance, permission is asked to
reserve our reply till the following day
"a request which is cheerfully granted
Silence is once more restored, and
Murat, of the Syndical Board Of Engi-
neers of Paris, re@mes the debate.
The question under discussion is the
right to abolish private property in
land. Like most Frenchmen he il an
excited, fluent speaker little too ex-
cited in fact to suit our tastes. When
he resumes his seat President Jung
translates his remarks into German
and English "a practice which is
followed Throughout the entire pro-
ceedlngs. He is followed by Lessner,
of London, who represents the Arbeiter
Union Of that city; his speech is re-
plete with facts and unanswerable
logic. Then comes Becker Of Geneva,
Tartaret of Paris, and Hins of Brus-
sells. The moment the last mentioned
speaker rises, he commences to pace
the floor, an exercise he keeps up till
the close Of his remarks. He has a
pale, student-like, FESTIVE appearance
but no wonder His has been remaI ka-
BILE career. For his advocacy of liberal
ideas, he has been imprisoned time and
again. His wife with the love that
only woman knows, has begged to
share his fate in prison, but to no pur-
pose A deaf ear is turned to her en-
treaties the strain is too much; reason
is dethroned, and death comes to her
relief Such in short, is the story of
his life. His spirit however is IN
crushed, as the earnestness with which
he pleads his cause is evidence. He
resumes his seat; the gavel Of the
President announces the hour of ad-
journment has arrived, and the Con
gress is dismissed till o'clock.
The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1869-12-04
Important to Coouers

Let no journeyman cooper into
whose hands this number of the ADto,
CATE may fall, fail TO read the proposal
OF tile Baltimore Unions for the fpr.
nation Of a national organization. ' Eo
are truly glad that the initiative Eas
been taken by such a body, becadse
we feel satisfied that success will crown
their efforts. There is certainly .nc
class of mechanics more in need Oh ,
national head than the coopC lnc
none who are more likely to recAv,
benefit from its establishment.
The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1869-12-04
TO Correspondents

A. Q DsireIt.-Ks have called attention sewers
times before the sui Ct In the eOlumos Of the AEVO
oATH.
N. L. Black Rive, EAIs.-We answered your inqu
Fiss, best coud under the eireunSs aneSs, SON
weeks 1ncs
,, L., PsinAville, Ohio. The address Mr.. TreVel
lick e lts GriSwOId street, Detroit, Mich.
r., New Y,rk City No I'LL 10 required. All commit
nieatonS relating 20 your craft inserted WiIhOu
charge.
o. R., ocOnOmOWOe, wh.-YOur request has bs~
complied with. Writes little palmer next time
The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1869-12-04
To Cigar MakerG

Being anxious to publishv complet
directory Of the number and officer
Of the various Cigar Makers Union
throughout the country, we make TIL
following offer; We will publish tn
official card Of each local union, contain
ing number of union, names of officers
and place Of meeting, and send a cop;
Of the ADVOCATE containing the same
for one year, for $40.
The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1869-12-04
FROM PENNSYLVANIA.
PITrsBURG, Nov. 20, Il

70 the Editor o. the WoaEIHOMAEs ADvo9LFH.
AS you are friend of cooperation,
and are always ready and willing to
inform the masses Of the forming Of
such associations, | wish to announce
to you that Of a cooperative Window