The Evening critic., 1882-09-21
RIGHTS OF LABOR,
Letter from Prominent Member Of
the Federation of Labor.

A prominent member of the Federation of
Labor has addressed the following letter to
the officers and members OF the Bakers Union
of this District:
81 have been informed that my remarks ut
your last meeting wore taken by many as an
argument in favor OF Socialism. In my effort
TO show the necessity for O unincatton OF labor
Ialluded to the common struggle In Europe 10
shake OF the oppression of q despotism that
keeps labor in more servile position than In
this country. I do not advocate Socialism,
Communism or Nihilism, but do say their
cause is that of the oppressed against their
oppressors and should not have our unquall-
Ned censure. They are radical, extreme
theories, but desperate cases require desper
ate remedies" and the Brotherhood OF Labor
is not divided by tho Atlantic.
"We have no need for such theories in this
country, for several reasons; chiefly, because
we have Inherited legacy Of freedom that
gives us tho right to express our choice OF men
or measures at the ballot.box. Any resort to
violence to accomplish reform would be ex-
treme folly. Neither can any secret political
organization ever hopo TO dominate this Gov
ernment, whose sure foundation is tho consent
Of the governed. We arc engaged In n strug-
gle for Justice, and an open light will win II
We are true TO ourselves. We are contending
for human rights--the right to breath pure
h abo the Fight to sn M our homes OI WIN sSn Smn
shine and happiness-to drive squallor and
wretchedness out Of It; the right 10 llt our
children 10 occupy honorable stations in life,
and the right 10 protect virtue from the temp.
tations incident to pcnury and want.
"This conceive to be tho cause OF religion
which the church has failed to champion, but
ls, nevertheless, our creed, our religion. Tho
church as O corporate body (w1thout regard TO
denomination, from tho NTH century to the
present time, has used Its power to oppress
ihe liberties Of the people for sellish motives,
and is invariably arrayed on the side where
the thirty pieces OF silver camo FROM II not
only claimed the right to coerce faith by the
sword, but contends for power TO control men q
conscicnces as we'll as actions Individual rea.
son is the seat OF liberty, ana no intelligent
class can become slaves to an autocratic
| power other OF Christi or State. Freedom IL
an active, aggressive principle that must
either conquer the world or be led a captive at
| the chariot wheels of autocracy. When De-
| mocracy is crushed out OF Franco and Swltzer.
| land, America, the hot bed OF freedom, Will
| need her organized trades unions for defense
SIN our efforts to better the condition OF our
| trades, let us not commit the folly that has
| been persisted In by trades unions for years
that has only ended IN humiliation and
| apparent TO our better judgment that force
| will be met by force. Capital can walt. Labor
must be fed. The contest rs unequal. But
| rather meet craftiness by Intelligence. Indi-
| yldual Will by public lauthority. This is the
| work Of time II ls true, but is II not better tC
| bido our time, educate our class to attack the
| rottenness OF politics that 'places In power
faithless servants, that grants public benefits
10 private corporations Without limiting o
controlling their poweIi Is II not the part o
wisdom 10 work with this object In view thai
70 expend our energies and strength In beat
ing the airf"
1.-THE grand strike of tho Knights of Laoo
has ended in defeat OF tho Cumberland
miners. But say It Is tho greatest success o
the season, noXt TO the freight handlers sDlen
did defeat. Tho fight was bitter In both cases
Many hungry stomach tried to force man Il
surrender his principles, and many plaintiy
cry Of the household pet pleaded with father
loYe to desert tho standard Of right. But tn
ranks stood lrm until retreat was ordered
and, what is better, the peace was kept. Thl
was one success. Another Is the lesson taught
to-wit. Do not depend on strikes, as II load
your attention away from the true remedy
| political action. order and discipline is al
| that ia now required, then forward 10 victory
or q choice OF hupano masters.
81 "FraternallS g. f."
! CALL for Finley Il Browns Ly Fine cigars