San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1888-04-11
poWpERLY,S LAST LETTER.

Grand Master Powderly again brings
to the notice of Knights Of Labor the
question OF curtailing the hours OF labor
and reducing the same to eight, for
full days work. Mr.. Powderly stands
by his old principles, so often advanced
and now grown familiar, that such
changes should come by peaosble and
not by foroible means. He regards the
ballot as the efficient power 10 every
working mans hands and counsels him
to understand the use he may lawfully
make OF 1t. He would by no means
have the order descend into the arena OF
partisan politics, but he would have
them talk over the eight-hour law with
their employers, discus 1t In all Its
phases among themselves, take an
active part, as citizens, In all matters
concerning their rights as citizens at
the polls, and having by conversation,
and comparison of notes, and careful
enquiry, ssoertsined who are favorsbly
inclined toward shortening the hours OF
municipal labor, vote such men into
office. Upon this subject he says also
most pertinently:
begin at once to perfect a practical
plan OF operations looking to the in
auguration of an eight-hour day. Pass
no resolutions declaring that you will do
1t on such or such day. Pass no resOlu-
lions of any kind, but work on the plan,
4 xkS4 fn n n
operation 1t can be done without resolu-
tions."
There ia sound wisdom as we'll as far
seeing insight into the methods by
which changes come, In the above SEN
fences. The order will do wisely to
heed them and follow out the line OF
policy indicated by their master work
man.
Not less sensible and pertinent are
Mr.. Powderly's practical suggestions
concerning the best methods Of securing
an amicable arrangement with the en-
ployers OF labor. whereby an eight-hour
day may be agreed upon. He advises
thus:
Consult employers. Get their views,
arrange with them for meetings TO per-
feet the plan and make an attempt to
bring about better feeling between
workingmen and employers than has ex-
listed for some time back. 1t Is true that
many employers will not condescend to
meet with or talk with their employees
Purseproud worms who are TO be classed
among the ignorant rich will live to
stand in their own and communities
light for ages to come, but the world
does move around them. The day is
coming in this land when the employer
who has the manhood, patriotism and
sense to talk in q straightforward man
uer to his employees will be entitled, and
will receive, more of honor and wealth
than the selfish fellow upon whom for
tune has shOwered riches and nothing
else, except 1t be an an ill nature.
Had the rank and file Of the Knights
of Labor been in any considerable de-
gree endowed with the same spirit and
knowledge Of human nature, and the
causes influencing it's movements, that
their leader possesses, they would have
been much nearer the goal of their
ambitions than they are today. The
age of coercion has largely passed.
Coercion in America, by employers or
employed is not regarded favorably by
the people at large. The expressions Of
each are deprecated and the public SEN
timent will always endorse such course
as is proposed by Master workman
Powderly. In the meantime legislative
action is demanded to more distinctly
and specifically and authoritatively de-
fine the relations OF capital and labor,
and provide BY law for an adjustment of
their differences by equitable boards of
arbitration. Toward all this will the
advice given by Mr.. Powderly tend If it
Is only followed by the local assemblies
of the order.
LORD SALISBURY says that the fisheries
treaty was a monument, and would
stamp 8 peaceful feeling upon both
nations. This peaceful feeling over the
fisheries treaty is the peace of prophecy,
when the lion and the lamb lie down
together. Uncle Sans lamb was inside
of Johns lion this time. Let US have
peace. even II American rights 60 to
pieces.
Bargain In Type.
Six hundred pounds Of Brewer. Roman
type in cases. at zoe and 25c per pound