The Coconino weekly sun., 1894-08-30

md president or the NhCSAIChke N OIllO Caual- in 1880 and is now beginning his third term. | discovery of Amerca, as 'onH 10 DC observed by the people by public dem onStrations, and suitable exercises in the schools and other places. These are the only national holidays pro- vidcd for by congress outside of this latest addition to the list. It is ob- jected by some that the putting of the day on the plane of the others mentioned in the act is misleading since none of them is national holi- day in technical sense. They are made holidays by state law or by na- tional enactment limited in it's appli. cation to the District of Columbia. Even Thanksgiving das though desiC. mated by the president, Becomes pub lie holiday only by state legislation providing that any day designated by president or governor as day of thanksgiving shall be public holiday.
 Some states, including Pennsylvania, already have Labor day of their own, set apart by state legislation. and have chosen the first Saturday in September rather than the first Monday as being more suitable to the laboring classes who get holiday at the end of the weeks work rather than the beginning. The question arises in such cases: Have these states now two Labor days or shall the federal holiday take pre- cedence over that of the common wealth? A change in the state laws to conform with the new conditions may be expected next winter in these states.
 The setting apart of holiday for labor celebrations is due perhaps more to the Knights of Labor than any one organization. The celebrations are nearly always held under the auspices of this body, although there is gem orally a hearty cooperation on the part of other societies of workingmen and those interested in their cause. The late head of the order, T. V. Powdcrly, was it's enthusiastic supporter for years.
 The Labor day observance is not similar to that of any other holiday. It approaches the Fourth of July, but is without the hilarity and exuberance of that occasion. There is an under tone of seriousness that tells of the earnestness of the cause of the work ingman and shows the importance of his interests in the development of American civilization.
 The chief feature of the day is parade--but it is not a procession de- voted to drum majors and bunting. It is more in the nature of trades dis ply in which every avocation is repre- sented by worltmcn busy at their va rious trades. Then there is big pie nic dinner and later the speeches, which are q far more important DOT tion of the programme than in most other holidays. In the addresses there has often been tendency to a radical presentation of the cause of the work men, and the occasion has sometimes been taken advantage of by reckless agitaTors who have seized the Opportu- nity to express un-American and un- patriotic ideas.
 While it is perhaps true that some- what extreme ideas are more readily received than upon occasions like h. dependence day it is not generally done without disapprobation, and with the day made rest day for the whole na- tion instead of for a particular class or section, it's observance will become far more broad and less marred by any ex- pression tending to arouse antagonism between the toilers and any other class whatever.
 The significance of the day is far reaching, and the unanimity with which congress indorsed it. the bill passing practically without opposition in either branch of congress, proves the sympathy with which it has been re- ceived by those high in authority.
 Indications are that it will be more generally observed this year than ever before in the nations history, and the problems that confront labor and have received so much discussion during the past few months will be prominently before the gatherings in every village, city and hamlet in the nation for so- lution.
 It is an encouraging sign that labor has received this recognition, and that the United States of America has been the first nation on earth to make so important concession to the laboring classes. It is not only permanent concession, for such an enactment can never be abrogated, but it will, if rightly used, aid in bringing about a better understanding of the labor ques. tion, now so prominent in political and ethical economy the world over.
 c. NJ. LARGER