The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1873-08-16
THE INDUSTRIAL ooNoRRss-Ne. 4

In our Introductory article We briefly re-
ferrsd to what We considered the mission
and destiny Of the Industrial Congress Of
the United StAtes-the objects sought to be
accomplished and the means by which they
could be accomplished. We also cursorily
glanced At few Of the difficulties which
have heretofore stood in the pathway Of
those who have espoused the advocacy Of
lAbor'S rights-Of the men who have de-
voted their time and talents to the sleva-
ton of the producing classes TO the
causes which have in . great measure led
to the failures Of the past, and the almost
universal pronsnsss to shirk responsibility,
to cover up shortcomings, BY the speGous
excuse the serpent beguiled me and did
eat" Experience il said to be the best
though frequently the most expensive
teacher, and certainly the experiences of the
past eight years have been such that from
them those now at the helm-those who
have been for the time being, entrusted
with the management of the organization,
cannot fail to learn . salutary Lesson. It
is idle to expect, however, that even with
the knowledge 90 acquired, all obstacles
will be easily or surely surmountsd that
those most deeply interested in the present
movement will work with that energy We
have right to expect that the chronic
Rrowler will fall into line that the press
will cease its misrepresentation, or that the
too-prevAlent apathy in our own ranks will
disappear. Not at all But We do believe
if the labor press will do its duty-its
whole duty in the premises-if the mem
bers Of our trades and labor unions will
discuss the platform in its length and
breadth-win give one hoar each week
to earnest reHection-t0tH try 10 do their
duty, and correspond with and encourage
its officials in the discharge of their
the amount Of good which will be accom-
plishsd, il almost incalculable.
Workingmen must remember that the con-
test into which they have been forced Ii q life
struggle that it doesn't mean hurrah al
. public meeting, and lukewarmness in the
workshop-An AYE" at the adoption Of
resolutions-and may" in their practical,
every day life. To know that labor e
wronged and oppressed-win avail little,
unless they are willing to use the antidots;
TO know that cooperative effort can accom-
plish its redemption, while they persistent
ly refuse to use the means within their
grasp, has made them, and will continue to
make them victims Of robbery and oppres-
sion. God helps those who help themselves,
and none others have . right to expect His
assistance.
While, though the courtesy of the Con-
gress, We were admitted to the privileges
of the floor, We refrained from taking any
part in its deliberations, yet We regret We
did not present a project advanced some
time ago in the columns Of the ADVOCATE,
to the effect that two or three in pOrtsnt
questions should be selected for discussion at
the next annual meeting and ths same re-
ferred 70 the several Unions for an express
sion Of opinion. The benefits to be de-
rived from the adoption Of this system
were self evident from the tone of many of
the delegates serving on Committees, some
Of whom, A. might have been expected,
found themselves unprspAred to present
any definite line of action while the plan
proposed would enable the delegates to
speak with intelligent decision, and author
ltatlvely reflect the rules of their several
organizations. Committee brought to
gether under such circumstances, after the
question under decision, had been debated at
length, would be able to smbody the senti-
ments of the Unions at large, and give a
tone to their deliberations, which they do
not now possess
But another and important benefit would
also be conferred Our experience proves
that the most valuable time of our Labor
Congress, the first two days, are consumed
in clubbing, and it is generally the third
or fourth day before the members ret to work
in earnest; the consequence il . great deal
Of important business il left unfinished or
CLOSED over, because everybody wants to
get home by Sunday morning Now, let
US suppose that certain action has been
mapped out, what is to hinder the Con-
VsntiOn settling right down to business
as soon a. an organization has been
effected. Debate would prove the ability
OF certain delegates, to discuss certain
questions, whereas, under the present sys
TEN, they are too frequently selected at
random, because the presiding officer ID
compelled to make his appointments before
any action has been taken.
Under these circumstances we respect
fully call the attention of President Schill-
ing to the propriety of selecting from the
subjects embraced in the platform-one or
two Of the more lmportant-snd request
ing the unions to debate the same, and in
struct their delegates to the Convention,
what course to pursue in dealing with them.
We should thus have two thousand dsbat-
ing societies engaged on the one subject
ample time would be afforded for mature
dehberation -representAtive men would be
selected to its counsels, and q spirit Of in
terest and enthusiasm would doubtless be
aroused that would furnish the surest guar
Antee for its success