The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1884-09-10
Governor Cleveland and the Working
Glasses.
St. Louis Republican. ]

Ie St. Louis Republican,
NJ Among the falsehoods which Republi.
) cans have circulated as to Gov, Cleveland
. is the statement that he is not in sympathy
: with the laboring classes and their wants
and demands. Ia the State Of New York
where he has lived for 50 many years, il
would be hardly necessary 70 say anything
respecting falsehood OF this character, for
every intelligent man is acquainted with
the facts, but throughout the country such
stories may do some harm, unless they are
denounced and refuted. Perhaps the most
effective way in which to do this is to pre-
sent brief statement Of some of his acts
as governor Of New York which bear upon
the subject in hand.
| Mr.. Cleveland was inaugurated as gov
ernor of New York. January !, 1855, so that
he has occupied the place about one year
| and eight MONTHS brief period for an
official record, bat fortunately for him a
busy one, and afiording ample opportunity
| 10 indicate his position on the present ques-
| ton, as on many others In New York the
laboring classes are very numerous and
their wants and demands have frequently
been before the Legislature, aud what they
have urged there may be taken as a fair
indication OF what they want in other
on these questions will possess interest and
signih ,ance to laboring people in all the
states.
In the State campaign OF 1882 the New
York Democracy incorporated distinct
labor plank was in their platform, which
was satisfactory to the state trades assem-
bly,. This plank was unequiv1cally accepted
by Gov, Cleveland, and he has never acted
inconsistently with that acceptance; any
statements TO the contrary are campaign
lies, pure and simple. During the session
of the Legislature in 1883, the first year Of
Cleveland's term, several bills were intru-
duced and supported by the laboring in
terests, as follows: A bill establishing
bureau of labor statistics, which was
deemed most important by the labor rep
resentatives. 1t was supported by the
governor and received his signature when
it arrived at his Office. The next bill was
one prohibiting the manufacture OF cigars
in tenement houses, intended TO remove
an evil of which many working people COM
planned. 1t was opposed by large and
influential body of manufacturers, butwas
approved by the governor, and when the
irst bill proved imperative, owing TO de-
ect in the title, he approved the amended
bill when it was matured and passed.
of wooden hats in State pris-
IONS, reformatories, &c, so as TO prevent
competition with an industry giving em-
lloyment to a large number Of laboring
people. This bill was finally passed after
ong fight, and was approved by the gov
rnor. Also a bill abolishing contract
abor in state ptisons-this bill came to the
governor in defective form. Had he wish
d to defeat it, all that was necessary
fas for him to have signed il as il came
efore him. But he did not do this; he sent
Or Mr.. Thayer, president of the trades as
embly, and pointed out the defects, and
he bill was recalled, and amended and ap-
roved. He also approved the bill abol-
,hing contract labor by children in refor-
latories, and several other measures di-
ecty prepared in the interests of the lab
ring classes. But his assistance was not
lind and indiscriminating. He refused
pproval to the conductors and drivers bill
ecause it was wrongly drafted and would
OF have accomplished its proposed objects.
lie vetoed the act in reference to the ele-
ated railroads simply on the grounds OF
ublic honor and truth. The Legislature
ad in good faith authorized certain rates Of
ire, running from two cents upwards ae-
lrding to distance, and the question was
hether an abrogation of this pledge was
Of violation of the law ana good faith.
lis veto message is an admirable docu
ent and was warmly commended by many
rominent people of differing politics and
different states.
The facts stated and many more we might
Id, show the thoughtful, liberal course OF
ov. Cleveland in his treatment of this
ass of public questions. Anxious always
do all he can for the betterment OF the
dustrial classes, and always determined
do his duty, as he sees it, fearlessly and
ndidly. Surely this is the kind OF a man
e want for President of the United States.