The Labor enquirer., 1883-04-21
IDENTITY.
EaniIton's Argument for Maintain
ing It in the International
Union. s
I'd The Edftor Of the Labor Enquirer:

LEBANON, Ohio, April I8.-In a recent
contribution to this paper entitled Dis
sensions," it was neither intended to as
sauIt or censure the words or actions Of
anyone in particular, nor was the spirit
Of the author other than kindly and
charitably disposed towards all under
whose observation the article might
come. Tie principal object sought was
to survey the Injurious and dangerous
consequences, inevitable Of yenturing
upon untTied and hazardous experiments,
against which the needs and necessities
OF the hour cry out in clearest denuncia-
ton, at the instigation of leaders, I'm
doubtedly, honorable and sincere in their
intentions purposes and convictions, but
not unlike mankind in general liable ito
err in Judgment.
For such able, eloquent and earnest
advocates Of the industrial interests as
Mr.. Labadie, Of Detroit, have only the
pFofOundest sentiments Of respect and
consideration, believing that the future
welfare and destiny of the cause Of labor
rests largely in the hands of men of this
stamp-rellant, OutspOken and true, and
that to such as these the masses may
hopefully took and expect universal and
permanent bettermeut Of the material
condition of American sons Of toll"
While [ recognize Mr. Labadiu's quail
ties as a gentleman and his clearly
evinced abilities as a champion of the
WOrkingmen'S candidate, | have vet to
learn of the criminalIty or discOurtesY of
opposing the views OF any man, by pen
or debate providing such controversy be
conducted in a spirit Of freedom, caudUr
and consideration, with proper respect
for the COMMON rules Of etiQueCt that
ought alWuvs to curb harsh and unbe-
coming tendenue5.
This agitation, assuming such import
ant and Widespread dimensions Is as old
as time-a theme that has left its impress
upon the pages Of history as al irrepres-
siDie issue a41 as every form Of govern
ment past and present. 1t is an unde-
niable fact, that you cannot deprive men
II what they feel and know to bt their
ri-bts without invoking murmurs Of
ulscOntent from those upon whom the
m.lStiCe is inflicted.
The tetCered and tOuvrn slave of the
early ages, crushed by desDousm, de-
prIvpd Of even the fainlest semuiance to
IOtrtv and Uurdtned by every indIg-
uIty hLrbarism could conceive to heap
uDttn him, bowed, not in meek subnis-
sion to his unhappy fate, but yielded to
the force that held him IN bvudALe-
HOPELESS and irreyOcable. In his dreams
of liberty and night, tieTceIy burnt the
fires Of rebellion within his breast, but
no helping hand Was OutStretCned to
shatrpr the SbaCkles Of MS SeryItude, no
voice proclaIming the glory Of freedom,
the heaven born right Of all men. Here
was martyr to the primitive principles
of the cause as advocated tO-day-tRe
cause Of labor; here were first sQWn the
seeds Ot those great principles that were
destined to grow, spread and develop
until the light the intelligence and civ
ilizauon of this century proclaim in chO-
rus the right Ofall men to the undlsturbed
enIOvmeut of perfect liberty.
Those principles embOdylng the rights
of man. ulauIed in a stubborn and IN
Welding soil were slow in taking root
andAyIncIng any signs Of life. As the
world advanced in education and cIyiU-
zation, men began to ponder over their
degraded condition, to plan some means
bv which to insure the recognition of
their rights and to catch tittul CLEANS of
hope for better and brighter era. Agi-
tatOrs, bold and aggressive, sprang up to
incense the people to action and effort IN
their own behalf and to an understand
mo of the4 real powers for the overthrow
Of tvranniuat and obstinate oppressive
forces. Action followed agitation, as 1t
always does in every successful measure
of social, moral and political reform;
s,~uggles. sharp and severe, ensued be-
Ven the OppreSSOIs. and the oppressed
AMI each succeeding generation found
i,>r.f farther removed from injustice, in
alaanity and slavery.
Aurished by the unretenting efforts,
at- ,sm and devotion Of an endless
Ac~lv Of immortal heroes, the people
1:i,- moved on from achievement to
4.uieytment, taking unto itself power,
Er1ndeur and beauty, until those seeds
u 1uuriple sOwn il the remOtest epoch
"r the worlds hIstory-thOse divine
-Lncs If mankind-have developed into
-iAutic grOWth-an unendlng move
meat to fidelity, perseverance and truth.
As the giant oak, at first locked upIn the
'Ooy arurn. wear by year untolds Its power
ami majesty, reaches out its mighty arms
n defiance of winds and storms, so has
.".S 41se Of labor thTived and developed,
ii spite Of foes. who sought to work Its
rum. Opposition has only served to
send send It's principles deeper and deeper
--st2 lie solid foundation of truth and
n-4s every hostile assault adding re-
Ie"e. strength and vigor; every victory
".f TIE lights of man, every progressive
,.r@ towards improving his condition,
g'1ry new principle the advance. of time
14s evolved, every organization having
,'r Its aim the promotion of the cause Of
S4oor, constituting branches of this great
M@1rative oak of progress, sustained. by