The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1870-07-09

they, the capitalists, only seek the public
good But we think whatever benefits the
laboring classes, they being large majority
OF the whole people, benefits directly or in-
directly the whole people. But where capi-
tallsts seek for any special advantage, through
special legislation for themsel yes, they usu-
ally claim that they are only anxious for the
good Of the dear people.
we have been induced to this train of
thought, more especially of late, by the spe-
clal Pleadings Of the representatives Of capi-
ltal, in favor Of a revenue tariff, though
falsely calling themselves free traders, while
favoring revenue tariff that 6iscriminates
IN favor of protection. Protection seems to
be desirable. but strictly revenue tariff is
the most effective scheme to blindfold the
people and compel them to pay for the sup
port of the government, according to their
necessities, instead of their property or in
come, that was ever invented by gods above
or devils below. There is much opposition
TO direct taxation on accumulated property,
and especially on incomes, the only equita-
ble mode Of taxation yet devised of protec-
tive tariff is not beneficial. But why this
opposition if it be not from desire to throw
an undue share Of the burden Of taxation
more directly on the laboring classes?
We will not take your time in an effort
to show how and why a protective tariff is
benetclal-it has been SO often done by
many of our best orators and editors.
Every person Of common intelligence, it
seems, must be familiar with the best
arguments that can be adduced on the sub
ject.
Friends, we would respectfully and earn
estly call your attention to the action Of
the Government in giving away the peo-
pies lands to railroad companies this has
grown to gigantic abuse and robbery of
the peoples domain. We know it is de-
sirable to have railroads, and many of them.
but the Government lands are not gen.
orally available, as capital, to build the
roads with, az has been lately demonstra-
ted by the Government issuing its bonds
to help build the Pacific Road, after giving
lands enough in value to build two such
roads, if the lands were available as cash
capital If the Government must issue its
bonds 10 build the roads. why give the
lands Thus, we think, it will be seen
that the granting Of lards to the railroad
companies is simply robbing the people to
build up powerful monopolies, and should
be stopped.
As labor reformers, we should not fail
to do what we can to advance the co -oper-
ative movement, as it is doing much to
improve the condition of those participa
ting in it, and it seems to be the only
equitable mode for employing labor yet de-
vised. In Europe and the eastern part
Of our country, co operation has been very
successful during the last few Tcazs.
The much abused Trades Unions should
not fail to receive your generous support,
as they are doing much for the benefit of
mechanics, especially, Intellectually. and
morally, when properly conducted. Trades
Unions have been accused of being ag-
gressive. we think it will be generally
found, on investigation, that they are act
ing simply in selfdefence. We only say !:
Sow seed-but let no tyrant reap;
find weaith-let no imposter heap;
Weave rebes-let not the idle wear
Forse arms In your defence TO hear.
A few words of advice and am done.
| would impress on your mind the impor-
tance of becoming q complete master of
whatever trade you followfor livelihood ;
be not content to be only an ordinary
workman, but strive to excel. To the
young mechanic, this is especially impor-
tant, and while getting a complete knowl-
edge Of his trade, be should not fail to
store up in bis mind as much general
knowledge as possible. In storing up
knowledge, be careful not to cherish any
thing but truth, and be not content to ac-
cept, as truth, wishout investigation, the
musty dOgmas Of ancient times, or the
tyranical dictation of popular opinion. Be
temperate shun the dram shop as you
would deadly pestilence. if you would
maintain self-respect, or the respect Of
mankind
But above all, be independent, investi-
gate every subject that you feel an interest
in, and having honestly formed your opin-
ions, do not fail to declare them in a re-
spectacle manner on all suitable occasions !;
in word, be thyself, follow the dictates Of
thine own conscience, be sure no man or
woman ever attained to am great eminence
who was a mere imitator Of other men or
women. All truly great or good who have
blest the world with good words or works,
have been independent thinkers, at least on
all subjects, by which they distinguished
themselves. Therefore,
Be thyself; a. obler gospel
Never preached the NaLArene;
Ee thyself; his holy Scripture,
Though Bible lids between.
Dare to shape the thought in language
That is lying in thy brain
Dare 70 launch IL, banners flying,
On the bosom Of the main
What though pirate knaves surround thee
Nal thy colors TO the mast
Finch not, fee not boldly sailing,
Thou shall gain the ort at last.
Be parrot, Idly D atiag
Thoughts the spirit never knew
Be prophet of the God-sent
Telling all the message true.
Characteristic Sayings of Americans