The Evening critic., 1882-02-23
Justice for the workingmnn.

10 me EdttOf OF me ECeHUlU Cyttc.
All fair-minded, law-abiding people Will not
hesitate 10 examine any question affecting the
welfare of society, and TO unite in an earnest
effort TO apply proper remedies TO eradicate
abuses when the welfare of n community de-
mands 1t. In the cause of humanity that could
insist on the enactment of laws TO protect
dumb brutes the working class OF the District
ask you, who love your fellow man, TO consider
for q moment low wages as the incentive To
and cause of much of tho crime you so justly
and earnestly condemn. How can human
being "live, love, laugh and be happy on
good bread and water, as reward for a day
of pain and fatigue? How can he supply the
waste of tissue resulting from continued mus
cular exertion ON any but q generous diet
without premature decay and wretchedness?
What inducements are held out to him 10 con-
tinue in an honest calling that barely gives
his household food and rags 10 cover their
nakedness, when he daily sees the plainest
evidence that unholy traffic, dishonest deal
ing and sharp knavery not only pays, but the
wealth thus accumulated brings tho homage
and respect due only TO strict business integ-
rity and economy. How many good, honest
working people have neglected religious
teachings because they were ashamed 10 ap-
pear different from the fashionable, we'll
dressed audience and too proud 10 beg OF
class that selfishly demanded the lions share
Of this worlds goods, while protesting 10 be
followers OF Him who said, ''Love thy neighbor
as thyself?' IL is not difficult to explain how so
many distrust genuine piety when counter
feits are so numerous, and make a hero out OF
the man who is endowed with wonderful,
beautiful Gift Of words, but who can not CON
ceiye a Being greater than himself in intellect.
Man naturally seeks some relaxation from the
dreary treadmill of daily routine. Is there any
legitimate pleasure he can enjoy with his
family for the few pennies he can possibly
spare without teopardizins their comfort!
Trades unions are organized 10 bet
ter the condition OF its members NOR
ally, socially and financially, with due
respect TO the rights OF Others ana Il
determination TO demand their own peaceably
and lawfully. While do not imply a threat,
j say beware Of putting the stigma Of con-
spiracy ON workingmen-while countenancing
the right OF other professions and combna-
tons 10 control their trade, because II the best
class OF mechanics were 10 leave such organ
izations they would soon degenerate into con-
spiracies OF the worst character perhaps. IT
we have the same rights as the horse or mule,
give us the same chance and punish the man
who oyerworks us and fails 10 feed us properly.
Who feeds us when we have a sore back or
lame foot? Charity? MOI We have an honest,
industrious uncle who Is above conspiracy,
who Will kindly loan us money at per cent. a
month and keep our tools 10 remind us that we
owe him something. We often buy coal In
winter II we have the money 10 spare and have
no difficulty In getting II delivered at the rate
OF $40 TO $40 per ton from the hucksters with.
| out any conspiracy either. Has skilled labor
| gotten to be the legitimate prey OF the pawn
| broker and the coal huckster, toog
| CARPENTER.