The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1872-07-13
Political Prospects from q Labor Re
form Standpoint.


1t seems now to be an established
fact, that the Labor Reform candidates FOR
President and Vice President, have retired
from the canvas. The next question to
ask ourselves is, what are our prospects as
a political party, and under existing cir
cumstances, the best course to pursue. 1t
was generally acknowledged blythe friends Of
reform, at the time the nominations were
made at Columbus, also by those who
looked with favor upon the ticket that was
nominated, that unless all the dissatisfied
politicians Of both the great parties, could
be induced TO ratisy and endorse our plat
form and the ticket as presented, that the
prospects Of success at the present time
was anything but fattering, but it was
thought necessary that fair start should
be made at that time, to avoid unjust i'm
putatinns that undoubtedly would have
been made had we waited until after either
or both of the other conventions had been
held. But we hope all politicians are now
satisfied with their favorite candidates, as
to the platforms they mean nothing, con
sequently, as in the past, are not binding
on the winning side. The only question
is, which are TO have and enjoy the spoils,
and As it always has been the doctrine
heretofore Of the Democratic party, when
in power, to the victors belong the spoils,
out Of courtesy H. age and knowledge Of
the game Of qrdb the few disappointed
Republicans who started the ball in mo
ton, will be willing To stand still and shake
the bush, while the old adapts will be
ready to bag all the birds
Labor Refonners to pursue, that is, drop
the idea of running Presidential ticket,
and throw their undivided strength into
the scale in favor of candidates for Con
gless and members of State Legislatures
that favor our views. There are many
districts where old and tried friends If
the cause, can be nominated with fair
chance Of success, and il is our duty if We
are sincere in our professions to take all
vantage Of all such opportunities, and not
stand idle, to let demagogues steal our
thunder, and after the election, find fault
with the result, caused perhaps i'll a great
measure by our own INDIGESTION and ne
giect But in localities where the prejudice
Of I'D party feeling holds supreme control.
and there Is but little chance If weaving
men from their Idolatry, then OF two evils
choose the least and vote for men whose
aEtecedents have been the most favorable
to the cause Of JUS ice and equal rights.
Let us as men. discard old party tactics,
and be for once independent Political
distinctions are but name as empty as
the figures of a dream. Let us not dream Of
perpetual sunshine. or even hope to pursue
unmolested or without disappointment, for
although we may fasten our hopes, and our
buoyan; spirit may delight itself for the
time being in a fancied future, decked
with gems, and hung with laurels, a clap
of thunder, such as We have Just heard
from those We had chosen for our leaders
in the fight, may waken us from our pleas
ant reverie, and throw us into temporary
confusion, to rally under the protecting
influence Of our Trades Union, which to
use the language Of Pope for the occasion.
Warns in the sun. refryShes ~ tho breeze.
CLOVIS in the .tars anu blossoms the trees,
Lives through all life extends through ali extent.
Spreads undivided, operates unsE'ent