The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1888-09-05
Republican Bulldozing.


A citizen OF Richmond, Ind, writes us
as follows:
To THE EDIToR-Sir: i am employed at the
Ezra Smith & Co. coffin works in this city.
A majority of the employees (voters) are demo-
Gratis. Last Thursday the republicans held
what they "ealled" grand rally here. Our
shop was closed, work being done in either
the manufacturing or shipping departments.
Saturday afternoon we, TO the number OF half
a dozen, wished to accompany the Cleveland
and Thurman club to Indianapolis and all
asked for leave to go, which the fore
man in our department granted. We got
ready, went to the depot, purchased tickets,
etc. One of our number having forgotten
some cigars which he had at the shop, returned
for them. In passing the Office he was called
in and informed that If he went to indianapolis
he would be Immediately discharged. And
this after he had begun work at O'Clock Satur-
day morning SO as to be sure of getting his
work out in time. Can you not write an
article condemning this manner of treating
democratic employees? 1t may prevent
its being repeated, through fear OF their trade
being injured. ] ought to add that this
young man, through fear of losing his place,
did not 90 with us, and that il was a son of the
president of the company and one OF the board
of directors who used this language. / do not
wish my name mentioned, as ! would be
in danger of losing my place. refer you to
DR.. J. INTER, president of our Central Cleve-
ldnu ana thurman cluD, as 10 my reputation
and reliability. Respectfully,
Richmond, lnd Aug. 26.
This is specimen of the sort of bull
employers of labor all over the state are
practicing upon their democratic en-
ployes. 1t Is an outrage upon their rights
as free men and as citizens, and it is an
outrage that is going to be stopped.
Publicity is the best way to stop it.
THE SENTINEL, with its $4,000 readers
every day, will give the necessary pub
licity. We urge our democratic friends
all over the state 10 report to us promptly
every case in which railway official, a
manufacturer, merchant, contractor, or
any other employer of or supervisor OF
labor denies to his democratic en-
ployes the same privileges that are
accorded his republican employees, or
discharges them, or reduces their wages,
or threatens them with discharge or re-
duction, or in any way discriminates
against them because OF their political
affiliations.
1t is the very climax of arrogance and
effrontery for an employer to assume to
dictate to an employee for whom he shall
vote, or how he shall shape his political
course. This is supposed to be free
country, where every man has the right
to hold and express such political opinions
as commend themselves to his judgment
and conscience. Employers buy labor
and pay for it, but they do not buy the
citizenship and manhood of the laborer.
The poor mans vote counts for just as
much as the rich mans; the mechanic s
for Just as much as the capitalists. The
men who think that because they
pay others for their labor, they
have a right to control the votes of these
others, or dictate to them as to their po-
litcal action in any way, are enemies to
our free institutions.
We shall print, from time to time, con-
spicuously, the name of every such Of
fender that is reported to us, and we have
no doubt public opinion will soon con-
vince them that they have made mis-
take, and that workingmen in Indiana are
their own political masters.
Meantime we invite attention to the fol-
lowing:
Whoever, for the purpose Of Influencing a
uoter, seeks by violence or threats OF violence,
or threats to enforce the payment of debt,
| or to eject or threaten TO eject from any house
| he may occupy, or to begin criminal prose
cution, or TO injure the business or trade OF any
elector, or II employer Of idborers or an dgerlt
of such employer threatens 10 tCihhOLd The lCdgcs
| OF, or 10 dismiss from The service any ldborer IN
| his employment, or refuses to any such employe
| time to attend at the place of election and vote
| shall be fined not more than 81 900 nor less
| than 500 and imprisoned in the state prison not
more than FIVE years, nor less than one year
| and DISTINGUISHED and rendered incapable Of
holding any Office of trust or profit for any
| determinate period.
The foregoing is an extract from the
laws of Indiana, and we warn republican
bulldozers against violating any provision
thereof, because if they do they will surely
have to pay the penalty.
word TO the wise, etc.