St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1892-11-03

regard This principle was admirably ex-
pressed by Grover Cleveland in his letter ac-
cepting his first nomination for the presi-
dency. Mr.. Cleveland then said: "A true
American sentiment recognizes the dignity
of labor. and the fact that honor lies i'll hon
est toll. Contented labor is an element of
national prosperity. Ability to work consti-
tutes the capital and wage of labor
the income of vast number or
orr population. and this interest
should be jealously protected Our working
men are not asking unreasonable indulgence,
but as intelligent and manly citizens they
seek the same consideration which hose de-
manded who have other interests at stake.
They should receive their full share Of the
care and attention of those who make and
execute the laws to the end that the wants
and needs of the employers and employed
shall alike be subserved, and the prosperity
of the county, the common heritage OF both,
be advanced"
In my humble opinion, we should act in
the spirit of these uIterances, and maintain
the cNamee resolution and its resultant
benefit to the laborer without MODIFICATION
JOHN W. WILLIS.
In 1892 he had the platform of 1890
adopted and the following plank in
serted:
Resolved That we do most heartily APP
prove of The action of the common council
in establishing the eight-hour work day on
all city work, and we hereby promise to give
our unqualified support to all measures e9sa IN
behalf OF the laboring men OF the city.
Thus again Mr.. Willis comes out in
his true colors and proves himself the
friend of the laboring men. Always
ready to redress wrong and assist
those who are in distress, lie Is. in the
words of Banks, the poet. one who
Lives for the cause that lacks assistance,
And the wrong that needs resistance.
1t would be matter of Impossibility
for me to show him up in better light
than does his own letter written to the
GLOBE on the 1st day of October, 1892.
Willis labor Letter.
The letter is given in full below:
To the Editor of the Globe.
Although am private citizen, attending
strictly to my private business and neither
holding nor seeking any public office. my
name is sometimes brought before the public.
When the state convention of the Peoples
party was held in this city, one of the promi-
nent citizens of Sibley county, Z. A. Cos
grove. kindly presented my name to that con-
vention for the nomination of that body to
the high office of associate justice of the SUI
preme court of this state. My nomination was
cordially seconded by Mr.. Jenswo!d, of st.
Louis county. l have some personal ac-
quaintance with Mr.. Cosgrove; but, so far as
my recollection serves me. | never had the
pleasure of meeting Mr.. Jenswold. l am in
occasion, resisted by certain delegates from
Ramsey county, upon the alleged ground
that | had been friend and political sup
porter of Hon. Robert A. Smith in his can
dIdacy before the people for the office OF
mayor of the city OF ST. Paul; that. in rem
dering such support had countenanced the
official action of Mr.. Smith in suppressing II
riot at the time of the street car strike and
earning classes. 1 desire to correct
the impression sought to be con-
veyed by those adverse statements.
SO far as my strenuous advocacy of the pollt.
ical interest of the Democratic party and of
Mayor Smith as its candidate. cheerful lily
plead guilty. In the language of The i'm
mortal Patrick Henry, IF that be treason,
make the most of it," All allegations of I'M
friendliness 10 the laboring classes not only
dispute, but can disprove. No better friend
to the lahoring man and to all that modern
system of association known as organized
lnbor'' exists l have always favored the
Knights Of Labor and all other labor assocl-
ations. At the time of the street car strike
openly took the side of the strikers. and not
only exerted all the influence could in their
behalf but contributed money to the aid of
their cause. | never was called upon to eX-
press myself with reference to the acts of
the MAYOR in the use of the police: but am
satisfied that Mayor Smith did not go beyond
the proper province of his authority i'll that
regard. Whether strike was in progress or
not, should never countenance n riot, the
destruction of property or any other wrong
full or unla Wful act. | do not believe that q
good cause can be sustained or promoted by
unlawful violence.
When the Democratic city convention met
in the spring of the year, 1892 was dele
gate, and was appointed chairman OF the
committee on resolutions. AS chairman of
that committee drafted the entire platform
including the resolution which strongly in
dorsed The eight-hour movement When the
struggle occurred in the city council to re-
duce the daily hours of labor from ten to
eight | eXerted my influence actively In
favor of the measure. and sent to the DAILY
GLOBE communication strongly urging the
adoption of the eighthOur ordinance, and
this communication was published over my
own signature Were it not SO lengthy.
would reproduce it here and now. No matter
how badly certain professed friends of labor
should treat me personally, should always
remain friend of labor and the cause OF
the laboring man. because l believe in It's
essential justice
q When recent conference was held for the
nomination by the Peoples party of local
candidates my name was presented TO that
conference as candidate for ju 1ge of the
district court | understand that objections
similar to those presented against me at the
state convention of the Peoples party were
again presented. Therefore l determined to
write this explanation. remain your fellow
citizen, JOHN w. WILLIS.
ST. Paul. Mimi, Oct. l, 1892.
90 not consider III necessary TOT me
to dwell longer on this question. l
think have proven to the workingmen
and the voters the necessity of casting
their votes for John w. Willis. Every
man should take it upon himself to
work for hun, vote for him and see that
he is elected. l remain the working
mems friend and supporter,
J. J. 6. BURNS.
Lot 1892.