The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-09-03

Their Observance of the Day Marked by
Considerable Interest.

Their Observance of the Day Marked by
Considerable Interest.
Great preparations had been made by the
Knights of Labor at the Exposition grounds
for observing the day, and although the
muddy condition of the streets rendered
travelling even by street car undesirable
and uncomfortable, many people availed
themselves of this mode of transit to go
there. The several committees appointed
by the Knights to arrange for the event
deserve especial credit for the manner in
which, under the disadvantage of such I'M
favorable weather, they provided for
the comfort of the visitors. A raised dais
had been erected for the several speakers OF
the occasion, around which seats had been
placed. Professor Houghton's Knights of
Pythias Band disccursed excellent music
from the same platform, and In various por-
tions of the hall were stalls and booths,
presided over by energetic caterers. In
these edible articles in sufficient quantity
and variety to satisfy the demands of an
epicurean astronomical safety were dis
pensed. !.
The rain made it impossible for any of
the two thousand people who had gathered
there to venture into the grounds, and they
contented themselves. by sauntering around
the building. examining the excellent lith-
ographs of L. V. Powderly which adorned
the walls, or in quietly listening to the
music. And they were a very orderly
and w-ell-conducted class of people. The
committee Oh arrangements had decided to
exclude beer altogether, and. therefore,, the
only noisy participants were a large number
of children, who appeared to thoroughly
enjoy themselves regardless of the oratory:
At times their boisterOus fun even called
down upon them the request of the speaker
for less hubbub.
A half hour after noon Senator Hudson,
who presided. introduced the first speaker,
He was followed by Father OSDonaghue.
who delivered the speech of the day.
Among other things, he said: 1T is clearly
evident that the audience has come here
for rec{eation and amusement rather
long discourses, but / must say
that / am very glad to be with you on this
occasion to do honor to labor's holiday.
Organized labor is asserting. itself, it is
the body, while capital may be called the
soul. and in order that things may go ON in
a healthy manner in the commercial world
labor must have It's recognition. The body
with its strong arms must be recognized IL
the soul would live. Great good has been
bringing men together for a comparison
of views. The ide of this Labor
day was good thing. and
celebrate national Independence by the 4th
of July celebration, and so afford laboring
men an opportunity to como together and
enjoy themselves, and they could also ex-
change their views on subjects of mutual
interest, and labor in this manne would
elevate itself. What the .laboring man
needs is to push forward his claims for
Justice and fairness without violence, and
to assert his right, for without him there
would be no m~iilionaires, He must CON
as that of a millionaire. He must dig
nifty his. calling, and must make it
respectable in the eyes of all men. He
must make his'home his kingdom; in that
he is a king, and there he has q sanctum
where no man can intrude. and no man be
permitted to invade. He must economic
and he must practice sobriety.
III wages must be raised to standard
which will enable him to keep his family.
him to save. The laboring man who
only gets sufficient to enable him
self and family. to live. Is not
treated fairly and when his voice is
The next thing which organized labor
should ask for is that the Sunday must be
given up to Him who gave it. Tn en-
ployers who would not allow their work
should not have m employees. 1 feel as.
sured that in the future Labor day will
grow TO be one of the greatest days we
celebrate
Col. j. b. Maynard also read a lengthy
and spirited paper upon the advantages
and rights of labor organization, using
many scriptural and pOetical quotations
in support of his ingenious arguments.
Senator Hudson then moved that a vote OF
thanks be passed to the speakers, the audi
ence signifying their approval by rising to
their feet. A collection, at the termination
of the speaking, was taken up for the bene-
fit of the Clay county miners. This was
the first time the Knights of Labor have
held a demonstration by themselves in the
city, and the first time. also, they have ever
gotten up a demonstration without solicit