Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1888-04-14

SIR:-Allow NE to call your attention
10 ths announcements OF the Union Labor
Conventions, to be held at this city, on
May 3cd next. They are the first of the
Party to be held in this State and it is es-
pecially important that the attendance
should be large and thoroughly represent
ative. The first stepis often the most i'm
portant and fixes, for all time, the status
and impo, tancs of the movement.
The time aud the occasion seems to have
come for the organization of the Union
Labor Party in West Virginia. The rapid
development of our resources, the promi-
nent position that our State is assuming in
the family of States, the large influx of
capital and people to our midst, the sharp
conflicts occurring through the country,
and our State, between Capital and Labor,
occasion the necessity th It some arrange
ment, or compromise, should be made,
whereby strikes may be prevented and the
great costs and losses, incident to them,
saved; these aud many othsr reasons indi-
cate the necessity for the early and thor
ough organization of the Union Labor
Party of West Virginia.
The old parties do not seem-sither
from iucapaeity, or want Of courage-to
meet the req equirements OF the times. Tney
are two. .faeed-held back by the record Of
the past, and retarded by fear of the fu-
ture.
4 Democratic National Administration,
in power four years, with the prosperity
that it boasts following its rule, does not
do away with the contests between Capt.
tai aud Labor, and the loud complaints
through the country. If these contests are
to continue through days of abundant pros
peIity, there is surely something wrong in
the platform or practices of that party.
But that party, in this State, for long
years in absolute control, does not seem Co
eoma up to the demands that the bsst
1elfUre of the State require. OF what
avail are our great mineral resources If they
al c 10 lie buried. What we want is capital
to develop them-aud that capital now,
not when We are dead aud gone-in some
future century. Let US enjoy some of the
benefits of the undeyeloped wealth that
surrounds US, and our central position Of
fers, in our day.
Aud what of the Republican party2 1t
is in such disOrganiZed condition that il
can hardly be called political factor in
this State-aud the same is, largely, true
in the nation. 1t is partially dead in the
shell, =" fnr useful purposes. Its organiza-
tion has fallen, in part, in this State, into
the hands of so-Called leaders, who lack the
confidence of the masses of the party, and
who seek to use the organization for their
own selfish p Irposes. Too many bummers
and dishonest men get TO the front for the
benefit of the party. Too many men whose
lives have be- n spent IN office holding, or
office seeking, and who think the parry is
owned by them for their personal benefit;
and who are permitted 70 occupy too prom
inent positions in it. Too many of its So
called leaders masquerade under pr0fes-
SONS of religion, morality, temperance and
Sunday schools. This is mere preteuce.
Strip the covering from them and they will
appear anything but shst their professions
iudlcate-s mere sham. Many of them
are hypocrites, false guijes-and there Is
no real good in them. 1t Is not 10 be
wondered At that there should be turlnoils,
dsorganization aud disheartenings in the
Republican party. IL is no wonder that
large numbars of them should call q halt
and be seriously considering the necessity
ot di, banding such party under such
leaders Nothing hut defeat can come to
such a party under such leaders; and
nothing but defeat and disgrace should
come to such party uader such leaders
The Labor Party presents TO the cca'
sideTation of thoughtful citizens all the
essentials of the { reenback Party, and all
that now constitute live issues in the
country. 1t seeks To auieliorate the cou
diti0n Of the laborius man, and lift HIM
up in his estate, aS he deserves.
It seeks to being about such n
condition of things as will forever pre-
vent the costly differences between the
laborer and the capitalist. Ii seeks
the full development Of the resources
of the country and, especially, Of this
State. II seeks the passage Of sRch Laws
Is shall give the full benefits OF education
to the rising generatiou. It seeks the en-
actment Of such legislation as shall bring
about complete reconciliation between em-
ploye ard employer In short, it strives
for the greatest good to the greatest num-
Der.
If you endorse these purposes, why not
join your efforts with our party, in secur-
ing their establishment and success?
IL You are Democrat and believe that
the the labor party intends best for the
hole people Of the whole country, ard
can best secure thesa, ends, come with Us.
If you sre Republican and believe that
the mission Of your party is fast ending,
and that such legislation, "a is suggested,
should be enacted into Law, join yourself
with the party that represents these aims
and purposes.
The conventions at Charleston, there is
every prOSpsct, will be largely attended
and strong in their declarations. Gen.
Benz. f. Butler, Of Massachusetts,, the long
time friend of the laboring man, has prom
ised to be with US; and Gen. James b.
Weaver, of Iowa, the true friend Of the
soldiers, will surely come Both OF these
distinguished gentlemen in times past re-
ceiyed the hearty support Of the working
masses. Gen. Weaver will especially dis
cuss the claims of the soldier All soldiers
should hsar him. Other eminent speakers
are expected, whose names will be an
nonuced in due time.
1t is, perhaps, best to here state that it
is reported in certain sections that our
party is receiving financial aid from Dem
oerats; and, in other sections, that such
aid comes from Republicans. O1ce for
all, let il be stated, that such reports arc
false in whole and detail. The Union
Labor Party is strong enough and able
enough, to stand alone and wage its bat
tlesNunaided, against all parties.
Now, can we rely ON your aid and active
support in the cause? We shall confident
ly expect large delegation TO be present
from your section.
Yours for the Cause,
J.W. GosHoRN,
Chairman Union Labor Committee.