The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-09-04

From ell indications Labor day will be oh.
served In Seattle tomorrow with the honor and
dignity that Is due that day. great many
people-members OF trades unions amongst
tnem-mistake the purport and object of Labor
DAY. They are under the impression that that
day was set apart for picnicking and general
fun-making. Such, however, il not the case.
Labor day 10 to organized labor what Christmas
Is to the Christian church; Atonement day TO
the Jewish religion, and other festive days to
the various other religions. Labor day was set
apart by common consent for the purpose OF
fostering the necessary harmonious relations
between employer and employe: for the further
laudable purpose OF fostering friendly social re-
iations between the members Of the various
unions and their families.
Notwithstanding the recent deplorable social
upheavas in many regions OF the Union. 1t
should never be forgotten that the oftener men
meet together for social enjoyment, coupled
with calm discussion of their general condl-
ton, the better IT is for all concerned. In Sc
attic especially the day should be made gala
day. Manufacturer, banker, merchant and pro-
fessional men should join the mechanic and
iaborer In making Labor day In Seattle q day of
special impOr lance: day wherein the present
existing harmonious relations between capital
and labor in this city should 10 cemented closer
and closer. a. to efEectually exclude such dis
graceful scenes from this city a. have recently
been observed in many cities in the United
States
In fact In this city tho day should be made q
general thanksgiving day. Indeed, we have
much to be thankful for. Liberty is best ap-
precated by those who have suffered from the
lash OF oppression. Only those who have wit
messed and felt the evils that accrue to the gen.
eral welfare OF q community where the relations
between capital and labor are strained; where
the two bodies stand arraysd against each other
In hostile position, ready to strike at each
OTHER a. often as opportunity presents itself:
ready to annihilate each other without the least
remorss OF pity-only thOse can feel and be
truly thankful for living in city like Seattle,
where capital and labor are always ready to aid
each other and willing TO work hand in hand
for the welfare OF all concerned.
am reliably informed that the merchants OF
our city have generously aided the Western Gen.
tral Labor Union to enable 1t to provide for the
proper celebration OF that happy day. Such
generosity on the part of our merchants adds
much to the already enviabls reputation OF our
CITY, 1t tends to further the prosperity OF Seattle
in more ways than suggest themselves at the first
glance to the casual observer. Il II only to be
hoped that our business men will give their en-
ployes a holiday next Monday and thus enable
day that, a. long as observed in the spirit that
now prevails in this city, must surely be OF in
estimable benefit to all alike.
In this connection cannot help but note the
ridiculous proceeding of the house of delegates
at their meeting last Friday when the question
OF participating in Labor day was under consid-
eration. Mr. Drew thought the house should
procure carriages and 60 to the parade in body
In order to elevate the dignity of labor. What
rank nonsensel If the dignity of labor depends
upon the city councils presence at the parade,
then God have mercy upon that dignity And
If Mr.. Drew and the members OF tho council
think that they have been invited to the parade
In order to patronize organized labor so that
labor may become more dignifed by virtue OF
the presence of the council, they are badly mis-
taken. The trades unions OF this city recognize
that Labor day should be celebrated by all
residents OF the city. They expect aud de.
sire everyone to join with them in the festivities
and therefore they invite the mayor and city
council to join the parade and festivities. Not
with view OF being dignided by the gracious
presence OF these city dgnitariss, but because
the exalted position that the council occupies
az city fathers requires in common courtesy
that an invitation be extended to them. And
If there 10 any dignity to be gained in this busi
ness, then 1t IL the members of the council who
are dignifed by heading = procession of organ
13ed labor in this city. ROsH LooKEsH.