The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1874-08-08

@. ,. MBUAIAh
thought it futile TO have no political object !;
we cannot accomplish the passage Of reform
Lawn without political sction we muse have
men Of our own class TO represent Ms Instead
Of those who deceive mn after election, IN
stead Of men who promise, and then either
vote against us, or by their neglect let our
interests 90 by default
FRANK ID. MORRILL,
said the council has made its influence felt
everywhere; il nov has national standing,
and is in condition % DO more good than ever
no mechanic organization has done more with
as little means.
GEORGE CANAAN CALLED 10 rMR cHAIR.-PR EsI-
DKNT WINK
addressed the council he said We have
not confined ourselves To delegates from trade
societies Of this some complain without re-
tiecting that the number Of tradesmen outside
OF the trade unions IL greatly in excess Of
those inside, and without rejecting that whole
communities act in sending delegates to party
conventions, Of which no one complaines.
When we have tried the capacity and
worth Of q mAn, and find him faithful and
energetic in the discharge Of his duties as a
member of the council, 1t would not be Just
to those we serve. or wise in the members to
deprive the council of his ripe experience and
good advice.
Some object to the council being political
body, attempting to control or break up the
plans OF those who oppose and denounce our
measures Of reform.
EVERY GOOD CITIZEN Is POLITICIAN,
that is, he studies to understand the policy
of the country, and when understood he ap-
plies his information in casting his vote for
the man coming nearest to his political views
man may be good man, without being q
good citizen he may attend his church
regularly, be kind to his family and bis neigh
bors, give literally for charitable purposes
according to his means, and be an available
man for office in the hands Of unscrupulOus
party managers but to be good citizen, he
must study political economy, he must try to
find out what is political equality he must
study the principles Of government for the
benefit of the poor as he would for children
who are unable to help themselves. The use
of the ballot is intended for good purposes.
and he who uses 1t cArelessly or sells ms vote
is not good citizen, and deserves coDdemna-
| ton.
AS PARTY CONVENTIONS ARE CREATED
for the purpose of concentrating the political
opinions Of their constituents so this coun-
Gil was created to collect information, touch
ing labor interests, and labor reforms, and 10
give public expression to whatever may be
necessary in imparting Intelligence TO those
who labor for a living
Those who work from morning until night,
have no time to read books or attend lectures
on political economy but they can read in a
few minutes the condensed views and Argu-
ments touching their material interests, and
thus make up their minds as to who comes
nearest to their standard of political wishes
before casting their ballots.
To AFFORD THEM SUCH INFORMATION
is the mission Of this council On this princi.
pie we have acted for nearly seven years, and
we should, as good citizens continue our
course.
Some complain that we keep a record Of
those who delight in denouncing our private
measures, aud the men who advocate them
Men die, but the council will live on; our sue
cessors will find the record of friends and
enemies and will be better able to determine
what course to pursue, when they are candi
dates for political preferment.
Men may be personal friends, but they have
no right to compel each other to submit Il
their erroneous notions Of political economy
each Judging for himself determines who shall
represent him in municipal, State or nationa
councils. For instance, we believe that Il
reduce the hours of labor is national neces
sity, and will be national blessing. Thos'
who do not think as we do, can not faith
fully represent US, and therefore have no righ
to expect our vote.
PERMANENT MEMBERS
John d. Condor, K J. Courtier, Samuel n
Grubb and p M. Wellin, were elected perma
nent members of the council, for and In con
sideration Of valuable services ia the cause o
labor.
Under q rule Of the council. that all trade
may be represented, ARENAS Webster wa
elected q member " to represent the ship
carpenters until an association Of that trad
send delegages This letter may be rattle
lengthy, but the sentiments expressed SHOULD
be widespread, which is my only excuse 70
making this report for your paper.
| A. NJ. WINN.