The examiner. (Hartford, Conn.) 1881-188?, 1886-08-28
THAT "BIT OF ADVICE

In referring to the call for State Labor
Conference or Convention, the Hartford
Telegram has the following to say
''We have one bit of advice to offer to
the members of the various labor organiza-
tions of the state, now that call for state
conference to discuss political course has
been issued: Let the honest sentiment of
the various organizations be expressed by
the election of men as delegates who reflect
the views of the majority. Those who be-
lieve in frittering away of strength by
third party movement and those who be-
lieve in Powderly' policy of acting through
the old parties should divide on That line
and elect men according to the strength of
their respective sides. 1t would be fair
deal and would add greatly to the import
ance of the conference"
This is very mild indeed, and in great
contrast with the sort of comment or criti
cism INDUCED in by other Democratic Or
gans pretending to sympathize with the de-
mands of organized Labor in the State. But
we have no anticipation whatever that this
''bit of advice" will be needed by the class
of men who are expected at this gathering.
We fear that they will be of the kind self
opinionated enough to believe that they
need no advice from outside parties.
But there is one bit of this ''bit of ad
vice" which smacks strongly of scheme
inaugurated to thwart the object for which
the meeting is called. 1t is cloaked in the
sentence which advises division on the
line of "a frittering away of strength by a
third party movement and that of follow
ing 'Powderly's policy of acting through
the old parties" This is very ingenious
indeed, and would certainly be very con-
elusive, if there was any proof to be adj
duced that the strength not frittered away
in boosting one or the other of the great
parties into power, has ever produced any,
thing that was not as Dead Sea fruit when
pressed to the lips. And again where is
the man wise enough to discern what the
policy of Mr.. Powderly really is, in regard
| to this matter?
But the scheme we allude to as seeming
to appear in this ''bt of advice,'' is that an
effort will be made by some good Demo-
cratic friends having the welfare of the
poor workingmen closer to their hearts
than anything else save the special interest
| of the politician, to get among the Labor
organizations in advance, or strive to in
| HuellCe SOllle prOLuluelG 1emDcTS Ill GuelT
ranks TO have delegates sent for the pur-
pose of opposing Independent action, and
forcing dicker with the Democratic man
ayers. If we are correct in this conjecture,
we can only reply by offering in return a
bit of advice to our friend the Telegram,
not to try it, as it will not work any good
for its party, but may possibly add to the
measure of distrust already felt for that
ancient if not honorable institution. Be
sides, this call is for the purpose of placing
an Independent ticket in the field and not
for discussing its advisability; and should
there be any scheme devised, undertaken
and consumated to carry the convention in
another direction, no doubt we shall then
hear from the Peoples party, calling anoth-
er convention that will give to independent
citizens an opportunity to vote for princi-
| pie; and of which there will be found at
the counting of the ballots on election day,
a mightier host than ever yet trod the
pathway of freedom in the old Nutmeg
| State.