The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1874-08-08
WHO HAVE PROVEN THE FRIENDS
OF wORKINGMEN.

The following preamble and resolutions,
adopted by the Workingmen's Central
Committee Of the District Of Columbia
will do very well to refer to during the
ensuing campaign and While we certainly
do not judge a representatives, fealty to la
boris interest, by his vote on the 3 hour
question alone, it will not initiate against
his chances for reelection, to find his vote
recorded aye" in favor Of that measure
Whereas, Men whose labor is their only
capital, can never secure the legislation
necessary for the advancement and protec-
ton Of that capital, except by union-un-
ion Of strength, union of thought, union
Of action The policy Of moneyed capital
to divide and conquer has hitherto been
but too successful. Few of our politicians
or Legislators believe that workingmen ever
can unite for effective action hence their
careless indifference to our appeals-and
until we convince them we can be united,
and we will, We need expect no Legislation
favorable to our interests.
Whereas, The workingmen never had
such an opportunity as they will have ct
the coming elections throughout the coun-
try, nearly all the great questions dividing
parties having been finally settled, there
is really nothing between them now but q
struggle for place and power, 4 mere
fight for the spoils;" by united action we
can hold the balance If power in nearly
every district, elect or defeat whom we
please, punish our opponents, and reward
those who befriend ms.
Whereas, To secure that union OF Thought
and consequent union of action among
workingmen, our efforts should be concen-
trated upon the enactment and enforce
ment of the eight-hour law. Upon that
question a united front In almost certain,
and if successful, other needful legislation
will surely follow.
Whereas, In the first session Of the
Forty Third Congress the hostility mani
tested by many representatives To Labor
Gnions, and the effort to reduce the wages
Of labor in the Departments OF the Gov
eminent, and TO make the eight-hour Law
q dead letter on the statutes, 10 proof sufii-
cient Of their belief in the idea that capital
lists may associate themselves together for
the protection and advancement of their
IuScrc1tS, Aihu nave o8iO tUtoFC0t8 IO8goreU,
nourished and protracted by law, whilst la
Dor, attempting the same thing, should be
denounced, condemned, and legislated
against. Associated capital may tx the
price for which they will sell that capital
or its products, whilst associated labor may
ST. the prics for which they will sell she
only commodity they have to dispose Of,
their labor therefore, be it
Resolved, That the practical workings Of
the General Government should be based
upon the principles laid down in the Dscla-
ration of Independence, which guarantees
TO every citizen Of the country, an equality
of civil and political rights.
Resolved, That we regard with great pride
and confidence the wise, efficient and pa
triotic efforts u many Of our Representa-
tives in CONGRESS, in adhering b the policy
which looks to the protection Ut the work
ingmen, and the maintenance Of the dig
nifty and standing Of labor. CT
Resolved, That We look for and confident
" rely upon the earnest cooperation OF
the different branches Of the General Gov
eminent, for the enactmsnt and enforce
ment Of such laws a. shall secure to the
workingmen Of America Just recognition
of their claims.
Resolved, That the recent effort In Con-
gress to reduce che wages Of the employees