St. Paul daily globe., 1885-12-20
OPINIONS
On the Eight Hour Question
Working men.

On the Eight Hour Question by
WOrkingmen.
The following interviews on eight-hour
law, obtained from prominent workingmen,
| will be read with interest in view of the
discussion of this topic here and in other
| cities:
James L. Morrow-1t is perhaps unnec-
essary for me to repeat that [ am most de-
cidedly of the opinion that the eight-hour
rule is an absolute necessity. and the only
true solution of the labor problem. Manu-
facturerS have introduced machinery to such
an extent that they are able to dispense with
large portion of their help, and have sup
piled their places in many instances with
boys and girls. The eight-tour rule would
make room for these idle men, and the boys
and girls could be taken from the factories
and workshops and sent to school. And
! aside from all this, workiGgman should
have time for recreation and study. in order
that he may fit himself for the duties of life
| and citizenship.
J. Gilbert-One of the greatest benefits
that would accrue to the workingmen would
be that the eight-hour rule would result in
furnishing employment to about one fifth
more men. Then, of course, it would give
them a little time for self-improvement
j. A. Johnson-Certainly, am in favor
of the eight-hour rule. 1t is one of the
pIanks in the platform of the Knights of
Labor, and its benefits are numerous. OW-
ing to the liberal introduction of machinery.
it is absolutely necessary to lessen the hours
of labor in order that the workingmen may
earn enough to keep soul and body to-
gether. In our own trade (carpenters), for
instance, all the material for inside
finishing, which was formerly made
by hand, is now manufactured by
machinery. and there are more
carpenters in the country to-day than ever
before. And again, believe that mecban-
les should derive some benefit from their
own inventions. while as yet they have only
been injured rather than benefited. The
primary object of machinery is to save la
Dor and in order for workingmen to reap
any benefits from labor saving machinery,
it is necessary to reduce the hours of labor
to furnish employment to the vast army of
men that has been displaced by such ma
chinery. 1t would also give the working
man time to educate himself and attend to
the social duties Of life. In order to ac-
complish this it is my opinion that it will
be necessary to educate the masses up to it.
G. A. Lafayette-The adoption of the
the laboring men of this country. The in
terests of the business man will be en-
hanced, from the fact that a healthy indus
trial condition always means good times
for him. Men will not ask for more in
justice than they earn. An hour is an hour
and ought to receive the same rate of pay.
The accomplishment of this end does not
admit of an increase in the pound and the
length of the yardstick to retain the patron
age. Its solution is in shortening the hours
of toll regardless of wages, as wages are
thing that will regulate themselves under
the laws of supply and demand, and
healthy condition will follow in all indus
trial pursuits in consequence.
Peter Lehonz-While l would like to see
the change I am bound to predict failure
in May. They are commencing too soon.
The great majority of working men are not
educated up to it yet.
D. Mortimer am heartily in favor of
the movement, though it might be well to
get an eight-hour standard first. The nine
hour rule has been great blessing to the
laboring classes of England.
J,F. Cronin-I think it very desirable
thing and movement that is bound to sue
ceed some day. twill come about through
agitation and mutual agreement between
employer and laborer and will be local at
first.
Robert Newell-Ne must be true, law
abiding citizens in this movement, using
only peaceable means and fighting our bat
ties with ideas and hard sense. One of
its benefits will be the employment
given to surplus labor. Of course we
can't expect ten hours pay far eight hours
work. 1t is likely that a general attempt
will be made in the spring, though if we
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