The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-09-06
DAY OF HONEST LABOR
WAS FITTIyoLR CELEBRATED.
A wsli-Covsrned street rarade-Exerciscs
ut the Exposition Grounds-An Ad-
dress by MT. John o'Day.

the lines were iOrIneu ho ihuicaeo~ IA qua"
days TIxxs.
Captain Angle. with a platoon OF the
"hnest" of Richmond. was at the head Oh
the procession. Chief Marshal Irower'
with his aids, came after, and next the
hacks with the committees and the orators
of the day.
The Blues band headed the unions, which
came IN the order following: Inc IRON
Moulders' Union made an attractive APP
pesrance in large numbers with small hags
duttering in the,breezc. Next came the yPo-
graphical Union. another string OF hacks
and the Ciearnakers, who brought u GOO
band of music. The Bricklayers' Union
came next-a good turn ont-snd the How,
itzsrs' band played with their usual gooo
effect ut this point Then followed tue
Granite cutters. then the Tin. SbeetirOn
and Cornice Workers. all in whI1e bats.
The X. Il. Lee Drum Corps were IN the
line and let people know 1t at tnis point.
Then the carpenters and joiners came along;
thar the tailors and next the plum oers and
ass-etters. The stove mounters mace
good appearance at the rear OF TIE coiuHln'
Eacn union had its banner at It's bead'
and each mem Der wore badge OF tue oruer
Many carried small dags. Then followed
wagons with the EIbas and Cameron q
Cameron baseball clubs.
AT THE ExPoSfTIoS.
When the Exposition grounds were
yasol,ed there was a Drief recess 10 give the
pareders time 20 rest, after when MI
George T.. Bowden called the moiage 10
order. The rostrum was near the main en-
trance. platform used III 1883 as place
for exhibits being the place OF honor Ior
the distinguished guests.
AS soon as order had been restored MI
Bowden made a briet speech ana lhtIo-
duced Mayor j. Taylor Ellyson. Inc latter
spoke about fifteen minutes, and In ms ad-
dress complmented highly the LABOR or
QapizstioEs which had made such an excel
lent appearance on the streets. he spoke
of the personnel OF the various labor unions
and praised them Tor their energy, zeal aud
Navor Ellyson made an appropriate COM
parison of the development OK labor WIN
the great advancement In educatloh'
science and socialism, and stated that Tue
Richmond working man should be cOngrab
ulated upon their position as II has ana now
exists. They are ever free from the dis
oordant notes of labor troubles.
Mr. Ellvson's address was well received
and he was loudly applauded when he took
his seat.
Mr.. JOHN r. O'DAY.
At this iuncture Chairman Bowden in
troduced Mr.. John =. ODay, who Ii presi-
dent OF the international Association OF
Mechanics. Mr.. O'Day made snort YET
earnest and impressive speech. full or prac-
ticsl utterances. The full text OF his al
dress is as follows:
"Air. Chairman and Fellow-citlzens,-I feel
highly honored by being invited by your
committee to address you on this occasion,
md doubly so since II is the first time the
working people Of our beautiful city Of
Richmond have had the pleasure OF cele-
brating the first Monday in September as
a legal holiday Tie celebration OF this day
I'm a fitting manner should appeal to every
instinct of orr manhood, as the Fourth or
July does our patriotism. About ten years
ago. when Labor day was first talked
about in a general way there was great op-
position from some Of the workmen as Wen
ms their employers. Why, they said, If we
were all to go out on that day 1t would
close the shops up. Just look at the great
loss il would be to us and our employers.
After the second Lab0r-day parade and ceie-
braticn was held every workingman looked
forward to the third anniversary so that
he might have an opportunity or displaying
his manhood and redeeming hlmself III the
estimation OF his fellOw-uniOn man. To-day,
thank God and our friends. Labor day is
being as universally celebrated throughout
our great and glorious country as July the
Fourth. This day Canada, Mexico and the
old countries on the other side join hands
with us and send us greeting. Ihey assure
us they are watching our every movement
md looking forward 10 our achievements
with hope, and that we can command their
best efforts in preventing contract labor
coming to our shores in time of trouble,
thus assuring us Of that brotherly feeling
that organized labor has done so much TO
bring about.
owe should seek closer relations with
those trades whose members are engaged
by the same firms that we are employed
by. so that we may he the better prepared
TO carry on an offensive or defensive war
fire. Let us so conduct ourselves on this
and all other occasions as to command the
respect Of the public and admiration or Cul
friends. Why are we here today DO we
parade the street to attract the attention
of those who may he standing on the corn
ers? No. my friends. we had no such puF
pose in view We are here TO give Il lessor
and receive one in return. This day ought
10 demonstrate to the employer how use
less his shop or mandatory or the money
invested would be without labor.
ION the other hand, labor can see thai
shops. manufactures and capital are ne
cessary fer its existence, consequently the,
ought TO be tolerant towards one another.
MUTUAL FoRBKARANcE WITH EMPLOYEES.
THE workman. God knows, was toleran
and humble enough and never complained
as long as capital gave him enough to exis
upon Capital began to encroach on tn
rights of labor SO gradually at first that
was not noticed. The workingman wa
asleep and did not wake until he 20
a rude shaking up by the Introduction o
labor-saving machinery. Where IL took fiv
men TO dc the work before, three men coul
do Il after the introduction of this improves
machinery. Now here were two idle me
who were q constant menace TO those en-
ployed, as all had TO work 10 live. The EN-
ployeras result Of the condition Of things
took advantage OF the law OF supply an
demand and cut wages. AS MIR. Gunto
well says, il is characteristic Of evolution
that new formations must prove their RICH
TO exist hy their power TO establish them
selves. The mechanic was equal 10 In
emergency. He formed his trade union. no
to fight his employer, but to protect hin
self Daniel Webster in his day was a ma
whose words were thought 10 be the en-
bodiment of wisdom. and he said (and In
country like ours above all others, thi
truth will hold good: II the people ca
obtain fair compensation for their labo
they will have good houses, good clothing
good food and the means Of educating thel
families; labor viii be cheerful ana me pee
pie happy. The great interest of this cour
try Is labor
'-This from a man so eminent in his da
and time is worth consideration. He fore
saw the encroachments Of capital upon th
rights Of labor aud could not let the OF
portunity pass without warning the peOpl
OF the approaching danger. Political ecOI
oIpists and writers on the labor prObleI
generally have suggested and advocate