Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-10-14

men, will he find the future citi-
zens of the Republic, breathing an
atmosphere of dust, ignorance and
vice. The history of our country
is not taught within these walls. The
STRUGGLE FOB INDEPENDENCE
and the causes leading to that struggle
are not spoken of; the name of Washing
ton is unknown, and the words that rang
out trumpet-tongued from the lips of
Patrick Henry are never mentioned. Our
country, her history, her laws, ond her in
stitutions are unknown to these poor
children. How, then, can the child of
the foreigner learn to appreciate the free
dom that they have never been told
about?
"Qestions of wages or hours of labor,
shop discipline, or some other matter
causes rupture here and there between
the workman and his employer, but they
can be readily settled if mutual tolera-
ton and sense are brought into the con-
troyersy, and, once settled, they should be
allowed to rest. Continued reminders of
past troubles often create new ones. To
tiose who have fallen into such habits l
yeuld recommend the advice you so ap-
prOpriately gave to critic not long
since: Stop fighting when the war is
over
[ thank YOU and through you the peo-
pie of the historic old city of Richmond,
for the warm reception given to US.
When we separate to go to our homes we
will carry with US a memory of this day
and hour. We will also remember that it
was from this city that the ball of revolu-
ton which crushed to dust the power Of a
king started forth on its mission. ] trust
that in the providence of God we may be
enabled to enact such laws while here as
will help to strike to earth the last vestige
of monopoly and compel all men, rich
and poor, to stand equal before a just
and humane law.
IN CONCLUDING HIS SPEECH
Mr.. Powderly said that some members of
visiting delegations who were a darker
hue than their brothers, could not find a
place in the hotels. This was in accord
ance with what had long been the custom,
and old customs and prejudices do not
readily vanish. There had been particu-
lar mention of one instance where a del
egatiOn numbering sixty members had
only one cOlOred member. He was re-
fused admission to a hotel where they in
tended to go, and the delegation, standing
by the principles of the order, which rec
ognize no distinctions of creed, nation
atty or color, went with the colored
brother. That, he said, was why he made
the selection of that brother to introduce
him to them, so that it might go forth
that they practiced what they preached.
At the close of his address Mr.. Powder
ly requested that all those present who
were not delegates should retire, and
thanked them for having come to the
opening of the session. Mr.. Bennett of
Richmond District, moved a vote of
thanks to Governor Lee, and after this
was unanimously given it was followed
by a burst of rOusing cheers for Vir-
ginia's Governor. All but the delegates
then left the hall, and the convention
settled down to the practical work which
called them together, and in which they
bid fair to be engaged for the next two
weeks. In secret session the only bust
ness done was the appointment of a
committee on minor credentials. An ad-
iournment was then taken to O'Clock
Tomorrow morning.