The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1870-09-10
FROM MASSACHUSETTS,.
STATE LABOR RzFoRM CONVENTION.

The Second Annual Convention OF
the Labor Reform Party Of Massa-
chusetts, was held at Mechanics Hall,
Worcester, on the 9th Of September
The Chairman of the Central State
Committee, s. P. Cummings, called the
meeting to order, with the following
remarks
GENTLEMEN OF THE CoNvKNTIoN.-I
One year ago, when we met in this hall
to inaugurate political movement in
the interest of labor, we were told by
our opponents that the labor party was
a mere spasm of the hour, but despite
their unfsvorable predictions we are
again assembled here in the heart Of
our old Commonwealth to declare our
determination to bear aloft our banner
till throughout the length and breadth
of this broad land the dignity, value,
and power Of labor is fully recognized
and appreciated. Since We decided
to measure strength with the old par
tiee last year, the Labor movement has
steadily gained strength, while the La
Dor Congress in Cincinnati, by an al
most unanimous voice, decided to orga-
nize National Labor Reform Party,
with the confident hope of planting
our flag in victory over your national
capitol in 1872. Already the forces
are marshalling in all sections of the
country, and, with q sound platform
and an earnest spirit, an unbroken
faith, success must be ours at no dis
tant dav. Our movement is no class
movement, organized to war on any in
terest or class but an earnest, honest
protest at the ballot box against the cor
rupt subservienoy ~ both the old par
ties to the exaction of aggressive CAPT
tai. There are good men in both par
ties, but their voice is UNDECIDED and
for us there is no alternative but to turn
our backs on them, and rally at the
ballot with those who believe that de-
mocracy in this land means Something
more than dividend. Whatever differ
ences Of opinion may prevail to-day as
to who shall be our standard bearer, or
what shall be the character of our plat
form, there is one sentiment animating
us, one and all, that the integrity and
honor of the labor party shall be pre-
served at every cost and every hazard.
No matter how lavish the promises Of
old parties, no matter how profound
their professions of sympathy, we know
by bitter experience how insincere their
professions, how utterly unkept their
promises, and can rely only on ourselves
and the justice of our cause. CUES
tons of unusual Importance demand
our attention. Capital, seeking to i'm
poverish labor, imports the Asiatlc, and
seeks to shield itself behind the wise,
humane policy under which this nation
has grown prosperous and powerful.
But while we cannot do violence to the
Asiatic, or turn back on our traditional
policy, we can at least dethrone capital
from the high places Of the nation, and
establish in its place q policy under
which intelligence, virtue, temperance,
and loyalty shall become the distin-
gushing characteristics Of American
labor. Trusting, gentlemen, that har-
mony, wisdom, and moderation will
govern your counsels to-day, | await
your pleasure.
The speech was interrupted repeated
lyswith applause.
The following delegates were ap-
pointed the officers Of the Conven-
ton.
Observation-Disclosures CowIey, of Lo-
well.
Vice Presidents-James Chattaway,
of Springfield Charles Mclean, Bos
ton; G. Il. Goodman, Fall River I;
Charles J. Goodman, Haverhill; George
w. Childs, Leyden; r. s. Roberts,
Boston DR. A. S. Dudley, Danvers !;
David G. Allen, Lowell Daniel
McNaughton, Worcester Cornelius
Mcmahon, Randolph Jonathan
Arnold, Jr, Abingdon b. T. Booth,
New Bedford Duncan Wood, Law
renee; William +. Davis, Beverly !;
Otis Conant, Warwick Thomas vii
son, Springfield Charles Cochrane,
Holyoke James Brown, North Adams.
Secretaries-Stillman b. Pratt, Bos-
ton; FL b. Lowering, Lynn; p. /.
Buell., Westfeld II. M. Waterman,
Athol.
Mr.. Cummings, Of the Committee
on Resolutions, reported the following
as making up the
/. Resolved, That we reafirm the prin-
ciples Of the Declaration Of Independence that
" all men are created free and equal" and
have certain " inslienabe rights" to secure
which is the only Just and true purposes Of
government; therefore all laws creating dis
tinctions in favor Of color, condition, nationality
or pursuit, are a clear violation Of the funda.
mental principles of democratic government.
Q. Resolved, That as labor lies at the found
alton OF national prosperity, it is the duty and
interest Of both the State and the nation to
foster and protect it therefore all associations
of 0Ikugmen Il women formed with q view
of promoting their moral or material interests
should receive the same chartered rights and
privileges as well as the same aid at the hands
OF Legislator, both State and national as are
granted to associated capital, especially 40 the
chartered rights Of associated capital are
derived solely from the people who are the true
source Of power under democratic institution.
g. Resolved, That a cardinal principle OF
the labor reform movement 10 the reduction OF
the hours of labor, therefore, be il resolved
that We insist upon the reduction of the hours
of labor to eight hours or all labor employed at
the public expense by states, counties, cities
and towns, as experiments which the public 10
able to make and interested in making, since
they will establish the preliminary claim neces
sary to prove finally that they mean Q better
paid and better educated labor.
4. Resolved, That we will demand Of every
candidate who seeks our suffrage for political
honor in the coming campaign a faithful pledge
and guarantee that If elected he win vote for
the enactment Of q Law prohibiting all incorpo.
rated and other manufacturing establishments in