Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-03-02
would be, were all labor honest and legiti-

would be, were all labor honest and legti-
mate.
The distribution Of the products of labor
was considered at length. This is matter of
human control. The products of the indus
try of an individual are at the mercy of soci-
ETY., and depend upon the laws and customs
of society. Are these laws just, even in this
privileged country He thought that brief
examination would show that they are not.
Even in our own city and State we find prop
erty divided very unequally between those
whose labor produced it, and those who gather
it to themselves, the reward of others labor.
Selfishness, sordid avarice, and greed of gain,
are ever lying in wait on every hand, watch
ing for opportunities to prey upon the rewards
of others exertions. Those who have gained
immense fortunes suddenly, have mostly
wrung it from the hard earnings of the poor.
How many toll day after day, year after year,
living upon scanty fare, to create the wealth
of the world. Much of this wealth comes
from profits on salaries of mechanics. For
tunes are almost invariably accumulated
tiiiouSh spcSuldtlOlo, AlOul tilc icSuit VI Tie
labors of others. He considered this gross
injustice, the great crying sin of our social
system. 1t is the prolific source Of evil, as
the glitter and gauze of sudden wealth tempt
to crime and create an unnatural thirst for
superficial living. 1t is the prime cause of
the crimes committed by those hopelessly
doomed to poverty. The wrong is not in the
existence of capital, but in its unequal distri-
bution-its vast accumulations in the hands
of the few and consequent impoverishment of
the many, and the real injury of both.
I'm fares the land to starving ills prey
When wealth accumulates and meu decay"
The remedy for this is great problem.
The evil is of such gigantic proportions that
it may we'll attract and challenge the atten-
ton of the deepest thinkers of the age.
The toiling millions have not the means or
leisure to devote to a reform in this matter.
While they are devoting their time and ener-
gies to the production of wealth at home on
their farms, in the factories, workshops, ship
seas, the rich are leading society, moulding
the fashions, establishing customs, control
ling legislation by the various influences that
wealth affords, and devising new schemes and
new methods by which their gains and power
may be increased. But the day will come
when enlightened intelligent labor, with
TRUTH justice, and right on its side, shall gain
the victory over this sham state Of society;
when the power that produces all wealth, that
rolls on the wheels of progress, that moves
and controls the world, will right its own
wrongs, protect and guard its own rights.
Let each seek to faithfully perform his duty
in bringing about the result. The lecturer
closed with an eloquent allusion to New Eng
lands great statesman, who was always kind
and considerable in his department towards
the laboring classes, and who when he lay
dying within the shades of his Marshfeld
farm, called around him to receive his parting
blessing, in that most solemn hour, the labor
ers on his farm and the servants of his house
hold. with an allusion, also, TO the example
and life of the Savior in the humble walks of
life.
Mr.. Pillsbury is perfectly at home on the
platform and speaks with freedom and grace.
He seems familiar with the subject and treated
it with clearness and considerable force and
enthusiasm.