The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1871-07-15
CINCINNATI, July 8. 1871

| CINCINNATI, July 8. 1871.
To the Editor % the WoEKIBoNAHs ADVOCATE.
In the unprecedented and glorious
struggle OF our fathers for universal suff
rage and Republican liberty, they were
prompted to heroic deeds Of vaIor, and a
never eeasing vigilance, by the notices /:
"He that would be free, must strike the
blow, and eternal vigilance is the price
OF liberty" They were also sustained in the
darkest hours Of that immortal conflict
against tyranny and injustice, by the be-
lief that our creator sides with the right,
and that the canse Of justice AMI humanity
would prevail. For their patriotism, ,unceas-
Ing vigilance, and an unwavering belief in
an all-Wise Providence, victory perch
ed upon their banners and their brows
were wreathed with immortality. This
Republican liberty and right Of suffrage
they bequeathed to us and our assigns for
ever, with the enjoinment that we in no
manner impair the rights bequeathed, but
It possible transfer them to our children
improved and that we ever bear in mind
that eternal vigilance is the price Of lib
erty."
Capital and despotism never sleep; theT
are ever on the alert. 1t is the policy OF
their adberents to demoralize and close the
eyes Of the people with selfish promises
and lull them to sleep with words that sound
ike sweet music to their ears, that they
may appropriate their substance and de-
prlve them Of their liberties.
Ii was the hope of our fathers that our
government would be such that honest men,
whether rich or poor, would be selected
by the people to administer the affairs Of
the nation, not in the interest Of the upper
ten, but the lower millions. That the re-
suit Is otherwise is not the fault Of the sys.
TEN Of government they established it is
the fault Of the people. They allowed
themselves to be lulled to sleep-a sleep
SO sound that il required civil war,which
cost a million lives; devastated one-half of
the country. and placed financial burthen
upon it, labor that will take century to
relieve, to make them up.
Since the close Of that terrible conflict.
the advanced minds Of labor have not only
been employed in preventing the people
from going to sleep again but have inau.
gurated separate political action, which they
believe will accomplish what our govern
ment has failed to do /: the protection and
elevation Of labor fill the offices with
honorable men that gold cannot purchase,
and who will not sell our nations honor to
the natural enemies Of republican liberty
for mess Of pottage.
Labor Reform is IN its infancy, it is not
yet two years old 1t is however q very
large child for its age, and enjoys a sound
constitution. Its friends must be vigilant
or its enemies will, and it has unscrupulous
and powerful ones, who would not hesitate
to stran5 le il upon the instant, if it laid in
their power.
Since the call for the State Convention
Of the Labor Reform Party of Ohio, many
men have been anxious for the success Of
the party, and vsry liberal in their advice
claiming that they were actuated By the
PureSt Of motives, aud that they had always
advocated the rights Of labor, and thought
il the Labor Reform Party would endorse
the nominations Of the Democratic Party,
the success Of the ticket would be certain.
However, when those disinterested friends
OF the people were requested to use their
influence IN organizing the districts in
which they resided in favor Of Labor Reform,
the excuses they made came more glibly
than the proffered advice.
One Of the reasons they offered in favor
Of supporting the Democratic State Ticket.
and il is the principal one, was that the
principles of the Labor Reform Party were
embodied in the platform adopted By their
State Convention. That / deny. They
seek to secure the votes Of the Labor Re
frmers through deceit and treaehery.
U pom the first reading Of that platform it il
liable to deceive the most acute
The first section commences with the de-
nuncatiOn Of the only results Of the war
that benefited labor-universal suffrage and
personal hbeI ~; yet as those results cannot
be changed. they cease their opposition and
are no longer in favor Of disfranchised and
chattle labor.
Sections I'd, Sd and 4th are their old and
often announced theory of State Rights.
Section 9th means reputation very art
fully concealed by subtle phrases to alter,
amend or repeal previous legislation.
Section 9TH means that they are opposed
to the government in employing the strong
arm Of the law to protect the property, lib
erty md lives of the people where endan-
gered.
Section 10 is opposed to all kinds of
monopolies and National Banks, but sug
gests no remedy.
Section lth advocates economy, and fa-
vors collection of revenues by the States,
principle Of The confederation that nearly
wrecked republican liberty.
Section 18th is devoted entirely to bonds
and greenbacks; and the manner in which
greenbaeks can be converted into three per
cent. bonds, whereby specie payment may
be resumed but suggests no principle or
remedy that will secure the people from the
burdens they now suffer from the present
gold basis, bankrupt, monetary system Of
the Government
Section 13-Buncombe served up every
year.
The authors of the Democratic platform
have cunningly embelished it with Labor
Reform sentiment and details but careful |
ly excluded the fundamental principles that
are embodied in the platform of the Labor
Reform Party. The platform Of the Dem.
ocratic party Of Ohio, does not endorse
monetary system based upon the wealth Of