The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1871-11-11
CHICAGO, SATURDAY. NOVEMBER Il. 1871
THE OTHER SIDE.

One Of our exchanges contains the fol-
lowing
Congressman Elliott, Of South Carolina.
has submitted an address to the American
people asking for more perfect recognition
of the colored people in the workshops
and all industrial pursuits, that they may
become proficient in mechanical sciences
and thereby protect skilled artisans from
having to compete in the market with
workmen OF inferior capabIlity.'
The first step for the colored race 10
take to receive a more perfect recognition
in the workshops and all industrial pur
suits" is for them to throw themselves Cd
their own resources; to discard the advise
of those harpies, who presuming on their
credulity and ignorance, have ridden into
place and power on their shoulders and
who have striyen ever since to SOW the seeds
ofprejudice against the white mechanic. So
long As this advice prevails, so long will
an antagonism exist
The National Labor Union has always
been opposed to lodging the negro is
SUI by any Of our trades or labor organiza-
tons, believing that ultimately the colored
race, like every other, must stand on their
own merits; that if they shall prove
themselves capable Of competing with
white labor, no legislastion can or should
keep them down while on the other hand
if they are tried and found wanting, no
class legislation can maintain them in q
false position.
The National Labor Union is and ever
has been opposed, alike from motives of
principle and policy, to any unjust discrim-
ination Of race or color. From principle,
because it recognised the line of demaIca-
ton to be between the man who by ply
steal or intellectual labor, contributes to
the substantial wealth of the nation, and
the man who lives on the product of others
toll from policy, because in view of the
alarming and increasing power Of capital,
it cannot afford to have a house divided
against ITSELF because it is only by Ays-
tematie organization and united effort il
can hope for success.
The action of the National Labor Con
gress at the Philadelphia session, in admit
ting colored delegates on terms of perfect
equality with the white representatives
spoke volumes in favor of the honesty and
earnestness of its members, though strange
TO say, this circumstance seems to have
been overlooked by advocates Of the Elliott
stamp. The fact that deep-roofed preju
dice against association with them had
existed, and probably then existed in the
minds Of many is the highest tribute
which can be paid to their good faith, be
cause it conclusively proved that they coult
and did rise superior to these prejudices
could sacrifice them on the altar Of prin
ciple for the advancement Of the common
good.
But it must not be forgotten there are
two sides TO this question. The Nation
Labor Union in extending the hand o
fellowship, did so in the belief that i
would be accepted in good faith tina
the cooperation Of the colored race woulI
be secured thereby. II accepted the re
suits as presented it did not enquire int
or discuss the motives which prompted
Congress in comforting on them the fran
chise Il dealt with living issues. 1t rec
ognized that their votes. would strengthen
or weaken the labor movement; that they
would either become allies or enemies
and its Subsequent action proved it aliv,
TO its interests and duty. 1t had no ide
however, Of extending special priUileqes t.
any class. of permitting the colored dele
gates To run with the hounds and hide will
the hare" while it required from tn
white delegates an implicit allegiance
1t did not propose 10 allow one branch o
its members TO become the pillars of op
preston, the stool pigeons of the yer,
powers, whose aggressiOns It was or
ganized TO resist. and the other organ
ize TO give them battle. 1t expected iron
each an equal obligation, a honest, thorough
cooperative effort. Unless this has beel
or can be secured it is needless TO tall
about a "more perfect recognition 0
their rights" &c. &c. They must lear
to respect the rights of Others first.
If they will look at the question 70
an hour, they must see the fuuhty OF ar
raying themselves against the only clas
from whom they can expect any mateiia
aid; and the worse, than folly OF re
arousing the prejudices which happI!
have been forgotten. The first step t
do 30, however, is as we have ALREADY
stated. to think for themselves, to give
vide berth to the scallawags who ar
leading them to path ffaught viii
danger and ruin.