The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1870-05-14
CHICAGO AND PHILADELPHIA
sKEUaDAI. MAy14. 1870.
LABOR AND THE BALL0T-Box.

the MINDS OF many Worklngmen, WhaC
is the best method to pursue to de-
velope more harmonious and united
action, in order that they may free
themselves from the unequal and un-
Just system Of taxation that is forced
upon them by corrupt and partisan law
makers.
Numerically, they are strong, and
were they united in sentiment, deter
mined TO shake off their party preju-
dices that have so long divided their
strength and weakened their efforts,
we should soon see their success in
the attainment of the objects for which
they are struggling; protection from
the encroachments of the monied pow
er, and a more equitable distribution
Of the fruits of their labor. Until they
do so, the pOlit' ~ nOndescripts which
now infest the halls Of our National
and State Capitols, will continue to
flourish like the green bay tree will
continue to tamper with our representa-
tives, TO intimidate the weak-minded,
or purchase the influence of the more
hardened ard corrupt, thus lobbying
through their pet PrOiects-invariably
adverse to the best interests Of the
producing classes.
The question then presents itself !:
how can this growing evil be remedied ?
Trades Unions have been tried for
years. Many of them have succeeded
for a time, and made their influence
appreciated, by raising wages or
shortening the hours Of labor called a
days work. Yet, most of these organi-
cations have f1ourished Just in proper
ton, as trade in their particular branch
has thriven. But, depression in bust
ness has generally been followed by
an unjust reduction in wages. Then
has commenced the unequal contest,
the war Of capital against labor, and'
generally with what result ? Unless!
the organization has been sustained byi
q national body, with a full treasury
defeat has been the rule, success theI
exception; for a bare cupboard md
an empty purse, VIII a dependent
family of little ones, pleading for thd
necessaries Of life, makes strong meTi
weak, and through sheer necessity,
they have too often yielded. Thus
their members have become disheart-
ened and demoralized, the organizs-
tons permitted only to exist in name,
their influence well nigh destroyed,
while their enemies have reiOiceb
at their weakness.
But we do not wish to be undef-
stood as arguing against the organ
lzing of unions in every department Of
labor. We believe they are specially
adapted to harmonic the different
branches Of industry, and often times
are productive of good, in equalizing
wages and, if conducted on the right
right principle, source of both social
and moral improvement vet, as IA
measure of relief, we insist they DO
not 60 far enough. They do nbt
strike at the root of the evil of which
we complain. Therefore, we hold tits
necessary that wOrkingmen should
take broader ground, v'der field jof
action, where they can make their in
fluence felt in every department of
Government
Let us have in mind, that we hav9 a
more important duty to perform, than
merely living and acting for ourselves.
There is a duty we owe to those that
are coming after us, when we have
passed from the stage of action.
A great labor reform party has
sprung into existence, adopted plat
form and declaration of principles,
which, if faithfully carried out, will
remove all the existing evils with which
the toilhg millions are cursed, through
the effects of an oppressive and class
Legislation and, we ask the co-opcra-
ton Of all classes who wish to see a re-
form in the administration Of the G ov-
eminent, and those who are deter
mined to cut loose from all entangiing
alliances with all political parties, and
build up party based upon the broad
principle of equal rights to all rhen,
and no special privileges to SOD less
monied corporations.
In taking this stand, we expect Op-
position, but we believe that worR ling
men are waking up, and feel disposed
to think for themselves. OF cotrse,
the old political hacks will by everS de-
vice endeavor to impede our sure and
steady progress, for Ii we sucdeed,
their favorite occupation of robbing
the people is gone.
Radical reform is what we are aim
ing at and a thorough reform we pust,
and will have. To be successful, how.
ever, we must declare an uncopIpro.
missing hostility to the present high
rates Of interest, the creating and fos-
teTing Of those legslized abominakons.
the National Banks, the squauder-
ing Of the public lands by the land
sharks at Washington, upon wl prin-
cipled and useless corporations the
funding of the National debt, by en-
failing upon our posterity burdens