The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1888-01-26
The Labor Convention,


it would be, was composed of gentlemen
of intelligence and earnest convictions,
who knew what they had come for and
what to do. There was an aptness for
and familiarity with legislative routine
and parliamentary usage, and clearness,
self possession and directness in present
ing their views, which demonstrated that
many of them are students. as well as
gifted with a high order of speaking tai
ents. While several propositions elected
earnest discussion, the utmost courtesy,
self-respect and dignitied bearing were OBJ
served. There was nothing boisterous,
irregular or extreme either in the sugges-
tions presented or in the manner of pre-
senting them. 1t was, in short, digni-
lied, intelligent body of wage-workers,
who comprehended the interests of their
class, and knew how TO formulate their
demands.
The subjects discussed were eminently
practical. and not only look to the well
fare of the Labor class. but the advance
ment of the interests of community gen.
orally. The earnest and unanimous en-
dorsement of the Blair Education bill; the
control by the government of telegraph
system; the higher education OF the youth
of the State through al enlargement OF
the curriculum of the public schools; the
adulteratioD of goods, &c, are all practl-
cal questions, duplicating the well being
of society and the welfare of the State.
The plan of organization, admitting
farmers and all wage-workers, is compre-
hensive, and should meet the approval of all
to whom it IS addressed. There is moth
ing which contributes to an adjustment OF
burdens and the protection of rights, SO
much and so effectually, as organization.
1t is defense against the Entertainments
of one class upon another, and has the NOR
al. as well as political effect, of preserving
the equilibrium Of community, and ar
resting arrogant assumptions and pre-
venting arbitrary and unjust demands. 1t
is of recent date in Virginia. when if a
mechanic or laborer, from sincere convc-
ton. determined TO change his political
association, he was promptly notified that
| if he did so, he must look elsewhere for
employment. He stood by himself and
had not the power to protect himself or
properly resent such brutal intolerance.
There was then no organization OF labor,
for the mutual advancement and prOtec-
! ton of the interests of those of a common
calling. and consequently some frequently
had to submit to such Tyranny rath-
er than have the bread taken from the
mouths of their children. Organization
is cure for this. Pledged to pro
tect each other. if palpable wrong isper-
petrated affecting the liberty and rights OF
the citizen, it is regarded as an assault
upon the whole fraternity of labor, and is
resented as such. With the power to make
the resentment effective, a..check is thus
placed upon the selfishness, the arbitrary
demands or the insolent threats of any
who might essay to control the Judgment
and direct the action of any one classed
with the labor element. In this respect
organization has a tendency to liberalize
public thought; to encourage the expires
sion of manly sentiment; to emancipate
the mind from slavery; develop its powers
and incite to higher ideal of citizenship
Indeed, there can be no good citizenship
when there is slavery of any kind, whether
mental, moral, political or physical. 1t is
an atmosphere that dwarfs the convic-
tions and aspirations, arrests the growth
and development of manhood in man, and
gives the community sicklings and dwarfs
in all that goes to make up the character OF
good citizens. The whole economy OF socie
ty, from the family to the State, is necessar-
Iva compromise. Organization is at war and
inconsistent with the arbitrary exercise OF
power by one man, where it affects the re-
lations of another There must be con-
cessions and surrenders in order to reach
a healthy mean and construct the foun-
dation for that harmonious unity which
the common benefits and common ends OF
community demand. Despotism in any
form is hostile to the whole genius OF our
institutions, and really to the interests of
freemen, whether it appears in the cir
cumscribed limits of the home in the
social Circles in political parties, or in the
broader field of the economy of the Com
monwealth. Organization subdues, and if
necessary brushes it. And for this mega
tive reason, as we'll as for the positive
benefits to be derived from tive greet the
organization of the Labor Interests of the
| State as nublic benefactiOn
House bills for the relief of Shemariah
Presbyterian and st. John German Re
formed Church. introduced by Mr., Echols,
have passed the House.
Miss Fannie Cleek, of Bath, is referred
TO by the recent legislative visiting COM
mittee to Farmville Normal School, as
one of the yong ladies of rare accomplish
ments.
The blizzard that struck Western Texas
last Saturday, played havoc with the
stock. Thousands of sheep were frozen
to death, and number of cattle and
horses persisted.
A bill has been presented before the
Legislature to incorporate the Lexington
Street Railway Company, with a capital
stock of not less than three nor more than
fifty thousand dollars.
Mr.. o. G. Cole, a prominent young drug
gist of Culpeper. mysteriously disappeared
last week. He was to have been married
to an estimable young lady of that place
on the night of the day he disappeared.
The Charleston Gazette. of the 18th
says: Mrs. Peyton, wife of DR.. E. o. Pey-
toe, of the Hotel Ruffner, is dangerously
ill.'' Mrs. PeyGon is well known to many
of our citizens. who will hope that she
may be speedily restored to health.
Mr.. Echols. by request, on Monday, in
PRODUCED bill re arranging and extend
ing the corporate limits of the city of
Staunton. and Mr.. Koiner, in the Senate
introduced memorial from the Board of
Supervisors against the petition.
Col James D. Brady, after passing a
highly successful examination before three
/ Of tho I,droc IF tho Surname (,o,rt Of