The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-06-11
LET Us REASON TOGETHER.

The reasons given by the local labor
organizations for their refusal to partici-
pate in the patriotic demonstration on the
Fourth of July disclose a spirit that is
even more deplorable than the evil effects
of hard times. The leaders declare that
while they have all veneration for the
principles on which the Government was
founded, they see these principles so
grossly perverted that until there is an
effort to put them in operation their
celebration is a fraud and sham; that
workingmen will not make fools of them
selves by parading to dignity a mere
abstraction; that in the application of
these abstract principles 'the rights Of
wealth are set above the rights of labor by
| the judiciary, and the Executive is ever
ready to serve the interests of monopolists
rather than to protect and maintain the
rights of citizens; that 'when the Gov
eminent OF the country is in the hands of
the people, and when the rights of life,
liberty and the pursuit of happiness are
enjoyed in common, without favor on the
one hand or suffering on the other, then
will be the time for workingmen to turn
out on a grand celebration of American
freedom"
This discomfort is aggravated, if not
produced, by the distress which prevails
among the laborers. "Why," said one of
the leaders, "look at these men living on
the dumps, subsisting on decayed oranges,
and that in a so-called civilized country
1t is a burning shame-a blot on our
boosted civilization" The outcome of all
these matters is predicted thus: 1.-THE
time is fast approaching when the neces-
sity of great change will be recognized.
Until then we cannot expect much from
the powers that be. think another revo-
luton is bound to come; in fact, [ cannot
see how it can be avoided, and / think if
there is any one lesson which the stars and
stripes, the Declaration of independence
and the Fourth of July should teach, it is
that"
1t is not supposable that such men, who
formed the bulk of the armies which first
won American independence and then
prevented a disruption Of the Union, and
who have the numerical strength to over
turn the Government should they organize
and determine to that end. are speaking
idly now, or that q very deep bitterness
and resentment are not likely to drive
them to desperation. 1t is when great
masses of men are in such a mental condi-
ton as this that master may
step forth and lead them to the
destruction of the intricate fabric
which we have been more than a century
in weaving. While we may question their
wisdom in thinking that by ignoring the
Fourth of July they are rebuking the Gov
eminent more than the principles upon
which it is founded, and while it is evident
that they could reform existing evils better
by political organization and the establish
ment of industrial reforms than by hold
ing aloof from their fellow citizens in the
celebration of the Nations one great holt
day, that makes it none the less obligatory
on all good and patriotic men and women
to bend their energies toward relieving the
distress which prevails, to provide in COM
mon humanity for the needy, to patronize
local industries which give employment,
and to exert the strongest influence to
establish the reforms necessary to the
prosperity and content of the laboring
classes.
Meanwhile we sincerely hope that the
labor organizations will reconsider their
determination, join with US all in this
grand celebration, and then earnestly seek
wise means for lettering their condition.