The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1873-04-26
Address to the Miners Of 81. Clair and
Madison Counties.



you few facts for your consideration. 1t
Is true, have no right to dictate to you
how you shall use your right Of suffrage in
free Republic, nor do | presume to do so;
but if my advice will enable you to assist
the great Labor Reform movement, now
being inaugurated by the workingmeu of
this country, it is yours. Every piner,
including myself, has q sacred duty to per
form, if We really mean reform. 1t should
be remembered by you that we fll al inn
portant position in political society, and
that in the selection Of state, county, and
municipal officers, we bear an important
part. Our welfare and success lies in our
own hands We hold the balance of pow
er between two political contending parties,
which we can use for our benefit or injury,
as our judgment may direct. A mistaken
policy exists amongst us that should at
once be destroyed The most of our lead
ing men, and indeed it is not confined to
them alone, think that we must not mix
politics with our organization. This is a
great error, and should at once be rene
died. Our organization means reformation.
Is there a necessity for it 7 We would not
combine If there was not. Let us examine
the question, just to see what Labor Re
form means. Where does the money come
from that supports our Government From
the people. We are part Of the people,
hence we have our share Of taxation topay.
Our money is squandered by millions by
our present government officials. Men
elected to till positions as servants of the
people, take upon themselves the power
and authority to use our money at their
will and pleasure, and this in the face Of
the constitution and law Is this reform
We may harp over party ties, We may
preach reform until life becomes ex-
tlnct, but without political action, every
effort is VAIN. We may boast Of our free
Republic, our laws, our preeminent civil
cation, but Just 50 long as corrupt men
hold the relns Of Government, Just So long
will workingmen he subjected to imposition
and opp esslon.
We may create a strike for an advance
Of wages We may resolve 10 work only
eight hours, but Of what benefit are these
reforms to us, So long as government ott-
Gals are allowed to increase thir waVesl
Stealing from US all We have gained by re-
form, and more too, without asking us
whether they shall do so or not How
then do We propose to accomplish reform
BY electing good honorable men to Office
The time is rapidly approaching when the
miners of those two counties will have an
opportunity to commence reform in earn
est, and also to manifest their gratitude to
one whose friendship to us and Labor Re
form can not for a moment be doubted
Judge William ii. Snyder is now a candi-
date for Circuit Judge, at the ensuing June
election. He has identified himself with
us in every struggle for reform since the
first day eff our organization he has proven
himself true friend on every occasion
The miners law that gives ms protection
for life and limb, for the passage Of which
we owe the Hon. John Hinchcliffe, a debt
of gratitude We can never repay. would
never have became law, but for the in
PRODUCTION of the mining clause in our new
constitution, making it binding duty for
the Legislators To pass bill for our protec-
the day Of election, a rare opportunity is
presented us to return our gratitude, and
prove to the honorable gentleman that We
appreciate his many efficient and valuable
services in our behalf We cannot most as
suredly afford to lose the splendid oppor-
tunity of not only convincing the
Judge Of our sincere friendship, but by con
centratlng the whole Of our voting power
upon him, to elect him to position where
his influence will secure to US more friends,
and where he will be better able to befriend
and protect poor labor. Judge Snyder is
Familiarity known to all Of US; Of his tai
ent and legal ability it is unnecessary to
speak; he has filed the position before;
his record is irreproachable; his affection
for railroad companies is remarkable; he
never rides in their coaches unless COMPEL
ed to do 50, and then he buys has Otrn ticket.
He Is a true and tried friend of working
people and none will have more cause
than the miner, to hail with delight his
election 70 the circuit judgeship Next to
John Hinchcliffe, he is the best friend we
have in the county His opponent the
present incumbent, Judge Gillespie, as
man, is fine Old gentleman, grown gray
IN the civil service Of his country He has
served as circuit judge since 1861 His
decisions have not always been according
to Blackstone, and in several cases have
not been altogether satisfactory to work
ingmen, though they may have been rem
dered with the best of lntents and pur-
poses. This | do not question, but his
record as an active friend Of the miners
bears no resemblance or comparison what
ever with Judge Snyder. | believe Judge
Gillespie Is still anxious TO serve his coun-
try as circuit judge, but | entertain too
much reverence, too much kind respect
towards him to insist or aid in re-electing
him to his present position. He needs
rest. His arduous labors III these last few
years are rapidly telling upon a once Wig
orous constitution. Unmistakable signs Of
decay manifest themselves on his bowed
and aged form. Then let him retire to the
comforts and blessings Of peaceful and
happy home, and there, surrounded by
old familiar ties, beneath the wide spread
ing oak in the beautiful summer, or beside
the glowing pleasant fireside, when the
fierce, bitter, piercing winds of gloomy
winter, with its bowling blast, shakes the
nude monarchs of the forest, or when
the beautiful snow covers the boundless
prairies, with its virgin mantle Of purity,
there to enjoy the sweet, calm, contented
and delightful peace that is denied man in
the turmoil and contentious Of an active
political life, free from the cares and
sorrows of a sinful world, conscious that
though he has done his entire duty to his
fellow man, his record is at least as bright
as the great bulk of the government Off
GERS who fill the highest and lowest Offices
in the land, during the last years Of his
public life,
Hoping that every miner will give this
his earnest consideration, | remain yours,
GEORGE KINGHoRN,
Pres. Western Miners Association.