Birmingham age-herald., 1894-09-04

country labor will largely find the relief 1t seeks. In this important work wisdom and conservatism should rule the councils of the leaders and only lawful methods be employed in the prose cntion of the design. The spirit of moderation and firm re- liance in the justice of the cause will at tract the sympathy oi the nation and pave the way to success.
 Already have words been spoken in high places of encouragement and hope for the laboriug people of this country. From one of President Cleveland's messages is taken this sentiment:
 "Under our form of government the value of labor as an element of national property should be distinctly recognized, and the welfare of the laboring man should be regarded as especially entitled to leglsla- tive care. In a country which offers to all it's citizens the highest attainment of social and political distinction It's working men cannot justly or safely be considered as irrevocaoly consigned to the limits of class and entitled to no attention and allowed no protest against neglect.
 1.-The laboring man, bearing in his hand an indispensable contribution to our growth and progress, may well insist with manly courage and as right upon the same recog hilton from those who make our Jaws as is accorded to any other citizen having valuable interest in charge, and his reasonable demands should be met in such spirit of appreciation and fairness as to induce contented and patriotic CO., operation in the achievement of grand national destiny.'
 Not alone in the White House, but in the halls of congress and the general assem- plies of the various states, has this senti- ment taken root, and with every session it is becoming more deeply engrafted upon the legislative mind. Practical measures of justice and relief must surely follow this condition of affairs.
 Let us hope and pray that the closing Of fha ninatannth n capfurV will have recorded in their history the story of. the final triumph of the cause that seeks to lift the laboring people of the land to the common brotherhood of man.
 The other speakers dwelt principally upon labor topics and were warmly re- ceived. After the speaking dancing was the order and was indulged in by large number of young people. There were also prizes offered for different sports, which proved a good drawing card and caused
 AT THE NATIONAL CAPITAL.
 ALL ORGANIZATIONS PARTIcIPATE-Two
 NOTABLE EVENTS.
 WASHINGTON, Sept. 3.-The first cele- bration of Labor Day as national holiday was observed in the national capital today. Also for the first time in their history all local labor organizations united for com- mon purpose without squabble or jealous ies and did honor to the occasion. This was only befitting, inasmuch as the Wash ington organizations were instrumental in establishing the holiday as national in stitution. Plasterers' Assembly No. 1644 and Excelsior Assembly No. 2672 ot the Knights of Labor in this city claim the credit of initiating the movement to pass the bill through congress declaring the first Monday in September 8 national holi- day under the name of "Labor cay."
 Many states had previously authorized similar ceebrat1on, but this was the first attempt at national recognition. The bill was championed by Senator Kyle of South Dakota and was passed without difficulty, becoming law by the presidents sigma ture June 2S last. Local labor organiza- tions paraded today in four great divisions, each averaging about 25, GOO men in line. They assem bled in the vicinity of the city hall and began moving shortly after 10 8. m. Nearly every organlzatlon was headed by its own band, and the din of conflicting strains of music was deafening.
 The weather conditions were most favor able. The haze which softened the sun s rays was welcome in itself, though It's presence was painfully suggestive of the calamitous fires devastating the northwest. In the line of procession were numerous floats representing the various industrial organizations of the labor bodies. Old style Columb bian hand printing presses were contrasted with modern printing ma chinery. Horseshoers, brickmakers, book binders, bakers, cgarmakers, plate print CTS and numerous other mechanics ex- hibited their handiWork in motion, and various grotesque features were added for the amusement of the crowds, which were very large, as all the public departments were closed.
 The most novel feature of the day oc- cured at the top of the capitol building. The chief participants were Albert Ports and James Grace, riggers, employed by the architeclHof the capitol. Last week Ports distinguished himself by climbing up the gigantic figure of the goddess of lib- erty, surmounting the dome. and placing there circle of electric lights, which were used for Illuminating the dome during the encampment of the Knights Of Pythias. It was the first time a man had stood there since the goddess was put in position. This morning Ports started in to remove the lights and connecting wires with the assistance of Grace. They mounted the goddess by means yf ladder held by cap itol employees from the topmost window of the dome. It was 5 o'clock a. m. when they began, and the risky work was com pleted three hours later. By that time grounds watching the two riggers, who looked like flies crawling up the great bronze figure.
 At S:30 o'clockl, Grace sat astride the broad shoulders of the goddess, and with the help of Ports placed gigantic wreath on her brow. The wreath was nearly feet in diameter and was composed of palm leaves, asparagus, roses and carnations. Then Grace read an invocation to freedom writ ten by Washington woman-Mrs. Louise Bailey. The people, nearly 500 feet below, could not hear him of course, but they un- derstood what he was doing. They saw him fold the manuscript, and then, to the horror of many, Ports began climbing to the top of Liberty s cap. When he reached the Pinnacle he hesitated a moment, and then slowly and carefully raise d himself to an erect position. For minute he stood there in the presence of the crowd below, with Grace still astride of Liberty's neck.