Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-07-17
GOVERNOR CLEVELAND AND THE
LABOR QUESTION.


An examination of Governor Cleveland's
record shows the shallowness of the dema-
gogic campaign lie started by the Blaine
organs and their Tammany allies, that the
democratic candidate for the Presidency is
not friendly to workingmen. 1t shows,
furthermore, that in his public utterances
and his executive acts Mr.. Cleveland has
always had genuine sympathy with the
laboring classes and has ever been mindful
of their best interests.
The first expression of his views on this
subject after his name became familiar
throughout the State was made in his letter
acceptiug the nomination for Governor
In this letter, dated October Z, 1882, he
said
"The laboring classes constitute the main
mart of our population. They should be
protected in their efforts peaceably to assert
their rights when endangered by aggregated
capital, and all statutes on this subject
should recognize the care of the State for
honest toll and be framed with view OF
improving the condition OF the working
man."
There is no uncertain tone hera, no lack
of sympathy with the cause Of honest labor
Mr.. Cleveland's record as Governor is en-
tirely in keeping with these views. He has
Loyalty adhered to them in the two messages
which he has submitted to the Legislature,
and with respect to every bill, whether
signed or vetoed, on which he has been call
ed to act.
Ofthe proposition to abolish contract Ia.
Dor in the State prisons Governor Cleveland
said in his message last January 1.-THE
subject should be approached with the ut.
most care and deliheration. The opportuni-
ty of the workingmen should not be injur-
ously affected by the labor of convctsin the
prisons" Iu the same document he renew
ed the earnest recommendation which he
had made in his first message that more
stringent laws be passed for the protection
of depositors in savings banks. This rec
ommt ndation was advancedin behalf of the
poorer classes and working people.
The bill for the establishment ola Bureau
of Labor Statistics was brought forward in
the interest Of the laboring classes. 1t re-
ceived the cordial approval of Governor
Cleveland and by hissignature became law.
The bill providing that whenever any en-
ployer makes an assignment the wages OF
the emplyes shall be paid before any other
claims was designed to secure simple justice
and substantial benefits to wage earners. 1t
was promptly signed by Governor Cleve.
land. The passage of the Tenement House
Cigar act was asked for by thousands of
workingmen. 1t became law by the ap-
! prevail of Governor Cleveland.
Three vetoes have been cited by Governor
| Cleveland's enemies in their attempt to pref
udice the laboring classes against him.
| Not one OF these vetoes nor all of them to-
gether show the least lack of cordial SYM
pathy on his part with the cause and inter
ests of workingmen. The Five Cent Fare
| bill, which he vetoed on constitutional
grounds, was not intended to secure cheap
fares for laboriug men, nor would it have
had that effect for the obvious reason that
| the fare was already five cents during the
hours when ninety five per cent of the
working masses have 10 ride on the elevated
roads. The foolish, demagogic bill to re,
duce the hours of drivers and conductors on
rightly said, mot in the interest of the
workingnan." On the contrary, it would
have operated against the welfare of the
very men for whose benefit it was, with
amazing shortsightedness, pretended to
have been brought forward. Areduction of
hours would inevitably have been attended
with corresponding reduction of the al
ready scanty wages. The Mechanics Lien
bill was vetoed for very good reasons, which
had no bearing on the rights or interests OF
laborers, and laborers are az we'll of now as
they would have been had the bill become a
law
Governor Clevelands course shows that
he has been stanch and consistent friend OF
the workingman, land completely disposes of
the malicious assertions to the contrary
made by his opponents for obvious political
purposes N. Y. Herald