The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1874-04-25

alton was again referred 10 the same Com
mittee.
On motion, the Convention adjourned
till O'Clock.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The Congress was called to order at !
Fo'clock, the President in the Chair.
The Committee on Credentials reported
Mr.. Drew, entitled to a seat in the Con-
gress. Adopted.
The following Communications from
Messrs. Walls, Winn and the Canadian
Labor Union were read and referred to 4
Committee on Correspondence consisting
Of Messrs. Brantner, West Virginia Ho-
gan, Pennsylvania McLain, Indiana
Clariborne, Virginia, and Fitzgerald, New
York
SAN Francisco, April 8, 1874
DEAR SIR: feel deep interest in the
labor movement now going on throughout
the world, and as a eliminating event,
look upon the Industrial Congress ~ the
most important one coming within -
my recollection, not only in its wished for
practical results, but as an educating me
dium for the inactive labor element Of the
country. The action Of that body if pru-
IDENTIFY put forth, will fertiliIe the sleeping
energies Of inactive associations in every
part of the United States.
Consolidation of labor organizations will
be the first and most important for your
consideration. The idea is wide spread,
and a common topic Of conversation but
doubt fills the mind, and it waits for de-
IL. ID
ter. You have thrown the doors wide
open to all industrial organizations That
would seem to be right and proper, but
will il lie the most effectual method of con-
centration Will every c.ass Of laborers
work together harmoniously, in one organi-
Eation Will the laborer, with his pick
and shovel, work quietly in harness with
the mechanic Will the farmer feel that
his and the mechanics interest are iden-
tical
| have my doubts-we tried il here.
The laborers were invited 70 unite with u.s.
For a short time they formed associations,
and sent delegates to the council but very
soon they became dissatisfied, drew out.
and by neglect permitted their societies to
die for want of support.
similar to the Patrons Of Husoandry. If
similar, Of whom will it he composed The
Grange is a most prosperous Institution !;
it is industrial, but it does not propose 10
take in mechanics and miners. Yet they
act with US here in questions that affect
both alike; as, for instance, the state
University A college of letters has been
established, while that Of agriculture and
mechanics have been ignored by the re-
gents and faculty. On this they came to
gether and acted in concert.
The eight-hour system Of labor is a neces
sity for the honor and improvement of day
wurkmen but as human nature is pretty
much the same in every condition of life,
We find farmers opposed to limiting the
hours of labor. The farmers are inter
ested in cheap freight, and seek in legisla-
tion to regulate charges on railroads and
steamboats,. Mechanics are not sufficiently
interested to become active participants,
and il they do not, farmers, as their com
rades, would become cool and inactive
towards them and their interests. The
mind can easily elaborate the idea here
suggested, while my letter would be too
long should ! attemptit it.
To organize the mechanic orders and
organizations into one active working body,
is the dream and hope Of thousands. Ii it
could be done, a great good would be ac-
complished but the more we study the
subject, the more difficulties we End to
overcome. Each trade has its peculiar
trade interests to subserve, and not being
alike in the different trades, the lack Of
homogeneous fesling prevents united asso-
citation.
The journeymen and bosses do rot pull
together. Their interests clash one
wants good price for labor, and the other
wants the greatest number Of hours for the
smallest wages 1t will be difficult to har-
monize such elements Of discord, yet they
would both agree upon protective tariff
and other national measures, because each
would be benefited by it.
However, it 10 much easier to tear down
than to build up, and this most Of men
r -afar the easier job. For fear Of being in
the majority propose to furnish q lew
rough astiers for tho baildinq. There ars
certain measures in which all n,eshunics
are interested, such as education, hours Of
labor, social equality among men. rbitrs-
tion, corporation, and others not necessary
to enunciate. They may be made national
in character and Importance, and a con
gress of all trades might prOmulgate the
sentim ents aud command the respec and
attention Of the various trade OrganiEa-
tions. But how is it to be organized
If we propose a new organization, We are
at once met with the objection that it will
interfere with the National and Interna-
tional Unions and the several orders al
ready in existence, will they be willing tC
give up their cherished rules, regulations
ritual, etc am inclined to think they
will not.
The objection to the National Labor
Union was, that the doors &ere open Il
wire working politicians of all parties, eacf
trying their best TO captsre the institution
Just before a national election. who, instead
Of being an element Of strength, only. pro
duced discord.
The Industrial Congress proposes L
cure that evil, but 90 far the doors anC
windows are wide open /; all industrial or
ganizstions have . right to send delegates
and all societies have n right to judge o
their oirn industrial qualification
But must bring to close for cal
imagine the question askeo, " What doe
he propose e. This must be answered
First Of all, it should be national in it
character, and fairly and purely represen
tative. State councils, assemblies, an'
other State representative bodies of me
chanics or miners, should be entitled to q
least two delegates, aud increased in pro
portion to the number of constituent mem
bers, AL orders Of mechanics being treate
in Like manner with State organizations
None should enter the list without trs
passing resolutions in favor Of the consti
tuition, and paying q certain amount fo
Incidental expenses. This would prever
the getting up of organisations for politics
emergencies.
| regret vefy much l cannot attend Ii
= Congress on the l4th, but ] wiah you gre'