The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1876-05-13


To Jhe Editor Of the Workiagmen's Advocate:
THE UNITED SONS OF INDUSTRY
is an order which has been started in this
city. Ii is composed Of all classes Of per-
sons who work for a living in any of the
departments Of labor, whether mental or
physical.
THE OBJECTS OF THE ORDER
are to render assistance to any of its mem
bers who may be in distress, visit the sick,
bury the dead, and protect the widows and
orphans of deceased brothers. The order
has been about one year in existence, and
now las about dozen lodges in the West
and East, with a membership Of nearly
one thousand. 1t is rapidly spreading its
influence far and wide, there Deing at
present several applications for charters
before the Grand Lodge. Under the aus
pices of this order
GRAND MASS MEETING
of the citizens Of this place was held in
the Opera House last night, to discuss the
principles of organization and the finances
Of the country.
Long before the hour named for assem-
bling, the hall was crowded with an eager
mass. About half-past seven O'Clock the
members Of the order met in their hall,
and gave the speakers of the night an in
formal reception. 1t was then resolved
unanimously that X. +. Trevellick and b.
j. Murphy be elected honorary members
of the order, after which the body ad-
journed, and forming in line Of procession,
escorted their guests to the Opera House.
As soon as the gentlemen made their ap-
pearance on the stage they were greeted
with an enthusiastic burst Of applause
When quiet was restored President Nc
Laren, in a brief and pointed address,
stated the object of the meeting. At the
close of his remarks nc introduced
D. ). MURPHY.
Mr.. NJ. cx.,ressed ms pleasure at meet
ing so nsay uf the ailIzsus Of Gr.nd Rap
Ids on this occasion, a. il satisfied him Of
the good feeling exIs ing between the en-
ployIe AMI - plOycd. lie ;hon LTaEched
out on the question of organization. Or
ganization, he contended, was a natural
law, and all things, whether in the animal
or vegetable world, worked in accordance
with this Law Of organization. II was, he
said, an example laid down for man by
L. n ii af nd
a whole, was the only being that ignored
this great law of the universe, and to that
fact may be traced most of the evils that
prevail in our social system. MIR. Murphy
spoke about twenty minutes, during which
time he was listened to owith marked atten-
ton and elected much applause.
The Secretary read preamble and series
Of resolutions, setting forth the objects Of
the order and purpose of the meeting.
The resolutions were, ON motion, adop-
ted. after which the chair introduced
BF. TREvELLIcK,
whom he said, had received the appelation
of "FIGHTIEs Dick, who was here to-
night to give al example of his Prowess In
eloquence and logic.
On Mr.. Trevillick coming forward he
was received with . tremendous outburst
of applause, which shot out spontaneously
from every part Of the house.
Mr.. T. said it was ten years since he
had visited their beautiful city before, and
in the lapse of time many and great we're
the changes that had taken place. What
was then but a speck. had grown to be a
grand beautiful city, in which the sterling
grit, intellect, enterprise, and ability Of
the Western merchant and mechanic were
united and exemplifed. The speaker paid
q high compliment to the United Sons OF
Industry, and dwelt on the great benefit
such institutions were to the community
at large. He then reviewed the deplora-
BILE condition Of the laboring masses, and
the great need there was Of q uniicatIon