National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-05-09

Mr.. President: The present condition of
political parties, and especially the disturbed
condition of the Democratic party, also, the
depressed condition Of business enterprises
throughout the country, unfavorably Affect
ing the wages of labor, will soon force upon
your attention for adjustment the franchise and
labor question in the black belt Of the SOUTH
The white labor of the north is organized
for selfprotection. The tlllers and own
ers Of the soil have their oranges, and
us such control the legislation Of the
agricultural states In the manufacturing
districts and in transportation the intelligent
white labor OF all kinds is organized to main
tain the wages of labor. The national legisla-
ton for twenty-five years has favored n tariff
that will protect American labor and American
industries agains, the competition ofthe poorly
paid and poory-fed laborers of Europe
Recent laws and treaties have been made to
protect American labor against the importa-
ton of servile labor All these acts and poll
cies point to the ACKNOWLEDGMENT of our own
country, and their benefits are plainly
illustrated By comparing the census of 1860
with that OF 1880. At the banquet given dur
ing the last annual session of the National
Board of Trade, held in this city, cx-Gov. Cur
tin declared in his speech that pig iron could
be produced In Alabama aud Tennessee for So
less per ton than in Pennsylvania. As the
material, the limestone, iron ore, and coal rep
resent less than 81 per ton in theirraw state and
the product brings in the market, say, $50 per
ton, the remainder, $40, represents only the Ia
Dor and the interest on the capital employed.
1t certainly demonstrates that the price that
Is paid Tor labor in Pennsylvania is not paid in
the black belt.
4, ~, IL, 81, .
is said. Intelligent white labor is very quick
to assert its organized power for self protec-
ton. 1t has the power of association and
concert Of action to fix prices 1t has the
power of the ballot to elect municipal,
state, and national legislators 10 make ordi-
nances and laws in labor interest. The diif-
pittance paid for labor resulting from iguor-
ance want of organization. and lack Of politi-
cal power. Under such conditions this labor
may be classified as servile labor
You are called, Mr.. President, to face this
condition of things. The labor interests OF the
country are also called to face it and demand
Il Just solution of the problem. The practical
question for the country and for your admins
tration is, What is the remedy?
In republic like ours political parties are
necessary, and 1t is equally necessary that the
majority should rule. That the laws should
be executed. That the will of the voter should
be freely expressed by his ballot, and his
Judgment truly recorded. In those states
where the black belt exists II must be known
to you that the black laborer does not enjoy
the right of franchise; that his constitutional
political power is represented by others in
! violation of the constitution II an attempt Is
made to change all this by federal int0rier'
| ence the cry of state rights Is raised, aud the
preludlces of race at once invoked, This Ger
| tainly has been the case under Republican
national rule. The country il now making the
! experiment of Democratic national rule Il
! will become your duty, Mr.. President, Ia
make recommendations to Congress for the
welfare of the people. If, therefore, you are
| the sincere friend of American labor, white
and black; II you believe in tho policy of I
protective tariff, there Is II practical way In
which you can demonstrate it. First let /
be announced that in your selection
for public office you will give preference L
those who favor protective laws for American
industries aud labor. Second that you us
your influence with the black laborers 0
the south 10 secure their support 70
such protection Democrats for Congress
and for public office as will aid yo
in giving vitality TO the constitution within
the black belt men that will favor IN
amelioraton of their condition by giving then
education, by giving them the franchise, ant
by sustaining them in every lawful effort I
make labor organizations TO secure fair ant
honest compensation for their work. In sucl
an effort you would be sustained by the grea
army Of labor In the north and by the pa
trioJic men Of both parties. If the signs ar
true that indicate the Democratic party is oil
the verge of disruption, it Il beyond you
power to organize 1t again fofYictory upoi
the basis OF your inaugural address. The sen
timcnts you then expressed are not the senti
ments Of the Democratic party south If tn
Democratic national convention were +
be held to-day, the solid southern vot
would be cast against you. If you dosr
to become leader as bold as yo
are firm, and crown your administration witt
lasting honor, the sooner you strip for the COL
test before you the more certain you ar
to emerge from 1t with credit and vic
tory. It you hesitate you are lost, If go
promptly accept the issue the southern free
trade ollgaraby that now dominates the blac
labor of the south will divide on the line Of IN
ante bellum protection Wings and iree.trad
. | Democrats The banner of the protection sDI