St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1886-05-10
THE LABOR LYCEUM.
An Address by C. w. Stevenson
The Political Past.

The Political Past.
The labor lyceum was opened last even
ing by c, w. Stevenson, state organizer OF
the knights of Labor, who made very IN
teresting eXtemporaneOus address. He SAID
there was one plank in the Knights OF LABOR
platform that every man should take 10
himself and endeavor to inculcate in others:
That sentiment is that moral worth ana
true character are the basis of individual
and national greatness. The first thing to
be done in securing the elevation OF the
working classes was to teach the social
conditions that need change and reform.
The time is coming when the Worklngilan
of this country will take the place that Goa
intended him TO take. But this will not De
brought about by any rash measures or by
coercye proceedings.
''We must use persuasion and the palioU
and learn to wait" said he. II do not be-
lieve that union has the right to dictate TO
Il man that does not belong to a union as 10
where and when he shall work. That Is
interfering nth personal liberty. L do not
believe in calling man that does not Joiu
union scab. l detest that word. would
reserve it for men who have sworn TO stand
by the principles of union and then
proves himself 4 traitor. II a man VIII NOT
join union, in nine cases out or ten IL Is De
cause he does not understand ii. You must
get him in by persuasion, and not by coercion.
Wages are always regulated by what 1t costs
to live. Many preach close economy
to u.s. They say that we must live
more cheapIy. but when we reduce the cost
OF living our wages will be reduced III pro-
portion. | believe in worklngman sur
rounding his nome with comforts and refine
inents that Will elevate him and his family.
Il you want true men and good men, get men
with homes. Every man should be able 10
live under conditions that will enable him TO
secure home. 1t is an inherent right that
belongs TO every human being. L DO not
expect to live 10 see the labor problem
settled, but l do expect to live to see
q few reforms. ! expect to see shorter hours
OF labor and TO see child labor, that acompan-
iment Of slavery, ended. Many OF the move
ments Of the present day are premature,
among them the eight-hour movement. 1t IS
q mistake to lay the recent riots at the doors
OF labor organizations, who for years have
been holding up TO capital and society the
olive branch OF peace. The ballot is the
means by which the great coming
revolution is to be brought about.
90 not blame the socialists for
their theories and practices, I only blame
their ignorance. They come from countries
where the iron heel of royalty is upon their
necks and there seems to be no other means
of securing recognition. They come to this
country and see the same conditions, but
they fail to understand our institutions and
the power of the ballot that is in their hands.
believe the Workingman is as good in the
sight of God and humanity as anybody else.
He should carry his head erect and be a
freeman in every sense. All men are
free and equal, and the blood that flows
through my veins is as good as any that has
crawled through the veins of king. Work
ingmen should dress well and should dress
their families as well as anybody else.
MAI. NEWSON SPEAKS.
After a vote OF thanks had been rendered
Mr.. Stevenson for his address Mai. New
son, who had come in, was called out
amid applause. From this time out
a subdued feeling came plainly to the
front and shed an autumnal
melancholy air throughout the hall. The
surroundings wildly reminded many of the
political enthusiasm and bright anticipa-
tons that had filled the previous meeting.
The major came slowly to the front, and
in a low and calm voice said:
My friends, come here so that you can
see me and to say that am not ashamed of
the Labor lyceum. If had known what 1
now know should not. have run for office,
but as it is and as YOU had Endorsed me can
only thanIS jcs@s4-~The result is little to me, to
you much. Had not been assured by lead
ers that the labor vote would De-pf2c1cai.J
unanimous for me might feel some remorse.
My campaign was clean and pure
and have nothing to apologize for. Though
there may be reverses the cause of the work
ingrnan IN this community must and will pro-
gress. Let me say to you tonight, as l have
said to you on every occasion when have
addressed you, that strikes, overt acts, in
timed actions and violation of law whatever,
will not aid your cause but it must be reached
by moral forces by reason, by common sense,
and by arbitration. Every thing of a COM
munistic nature must receive your prompt
and decided Misrepresentation
Timothy ReardOn was called upon but
declined on the ground of sensibilities J.
9. Hanley said he was in no mood to make
3 sreeeh, as he felt little down in the
mouth. In the future he would advise the
wOrkingmen to steer clear of political par
ties. The party that tackled on to the
workingman's nominees was on election
day conspicuous by its absence. In
the future he would favor work
ingmen'S candidates. pure and simple.
The president, j. NJ. Minor. remarked that
If the labor organizations of this city failed
to condemn the recent riots in Milwaukee
and Chicago they would miss doing thing
very creditable to themselves, and hoped
that the present meeting would take steps
IN that direction. Timothy Reardon thought
that they had better include the proceed
ings of some of the striking plumbers of
this city. On motion the following resolu-
ton was adopted
Resolved, That this meeting condemn the
acts of violence done in Milwaukee and Chi
cago during the past.
Remarks were made by others present
and it was announced that on next Sunday
evening r. H. Shadrick of Minneapolis
would deliver the opening address.