New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-08-26
POLITICS AND LABOR.
THE CENTRAL UNION WILL TRY AGAIN:
1T WILL START PARTY-BALLoT REFORM 4
FEATURE-THE PLATFORM.

FEATURE-THE PLATFORM.
The Central Labor Union, representing 4o,ood
men, at its meeting in Clarendon Hall yesterday
formally started on another political career. Aftei
the campaign of 1886, when Henry George received
$4,000 votes. tho power to which the Central Labor
Union had risen waned under the leadership Of men
inexperienced In politics. and who had the difficult
task Of harmonizing the heterogeneous Of
uneducated men composing the various trades unions
Union after union. assembly after assembly. deserted
the Central Union and set up for themselves IN an
artificial endeavor to run things.7 The result
disorganizston. From the petty squabblings
Of faction leaders and rash Strikes precpitaed through
personal hate, the Knights OF labor and the Central
Labor Union. which together had a membership Of
over 100000 in this city and its vicinity four years
ago, now scarcely have onequarter OF that number.
The action taken yesterday was a complete
prise to a large majority OF wordngmen this city,
but when platform was at
the meeting it was received with enthusiasm. The
leaders of many trades unions believe
that political action will have beneficial effect on
the unions I'm general, and that It Will he a factor
in the scheme Of amalgamation now in progress.
Other labor leaders, however believe that the poit-
cal movement Is dangerous ono, tending 10 put
a premium corruption and wire pulling and ole.
waiting unscrupulous men TO authority In the ranks.
Following is copy Of the official programme
unanimously adopted:
To the Public:
ton, decided take independent political action and hs
convention called by the labor organizations nominated
Henry George for the oce Mayor and energetic
campaign on the part Of the workingmen poed for
candidate 6S 900 votes Our sole object campaigns
70 obtain remedial legislation, realize
and more the need OF having Of choice In
Legislature We do not think interests antsg.
onistc TO that OF who is engaged in honest
occupation anS believe the "workngmen" includes
all who do not subsist the earnings Of others Laws
have b, enacted from time to time which believe TO
bear uneQuay upon citizens and been construed
against all others than corporations and monoposs The
only remedy for this is the election Of whom know
be opposed TO class legislation.
The Central Labor Union has since 1886 been
engaged In politics its power and influence then ses
and they will be felt again. We confidently rely upon
the support Of all citizens who at present groan under
heavy burdens imposed by trusts syndicstes and
monoposs We seek not revoutionize the world but
wish only TO be represented directly by OF
choosing. Our great in 1885 seemed at
the legislation which the labor organ
Zaons desired and we feel confident that such would Dc
the fact had not the party been turned aside from tho
purpose which the Central Labor Union had in view at its
formation.
Our object in entering political campaign this year Is
TO place reliable in nomination for legislative oces
who VIII honestly endeavor the enactment Of tho
following measures:
Ballot reform-repeal OF the obnoxious clauses Of the
campaign laws In favor Of eight hours TO constitute
work Dscontinuance Of the contract labor system
public Abolition OF prison labor. Tho
enactment OF such laws will render the statutes in
specrion OF factories efficient The placing under
State control OF all OF transportation and communi
cation, namely railroads canals and telegraphy.
The emancipation Of the working classes must be achieved
by the working classes themselves and other class
any interest in improving their condition. In their hands
the future Of free institutions depends and it is their
destiny replace the present niquous social by
based equity, morality, and the nobility Of all
useful labor We therefore call upon all citizens 10
ganize in their different Assembly Districts and elect dele
fourth Monday In September basis Of delegate
for every 200 candidate 1885, Re.
spectfully submitted
CENTRAL LABOR UNION COMMITTEE. '
At the meeting of the Central Labor Federation in
Military Hall, the action Of the Central Labor Union
strongly condemned, and resolutions passed
to that effect The feeling that the Central Union
should have waited for the expected amalgamation
with the Federation before undertaking such change
in its expressed principles. The breach between the
two bodies has been considerably widened in conse-
Quence.