The herald., 1895-08-13
OF Subjects Interesting to Every
Patriotic Citizen
COUNCIL OF LABOR MEETING
Interesting Addresses Upon Questions OF
the Day
A Conservative Discussion of Vital Topics
Upon an Economic Basis-Brief Sumo
mary Of the Speeches

The labor meeting held under the aus
pices of the Council of Labor at Illinois
hall yesterday evening was attended by
an intelligent audience composed Of
members of the local trades unions.
J.H. McWlliams, chairman OF the even
ing, made a brief talk in opening the
meeting, after which he introduced the
first speaker, Abbot Kinney.
Mr.. Kinney defined his position in gen.
eral terms, beginning back in the early
history of'the race ana drawing illustra-
tions from the growth OF nations, which
apply to the questions now ccnfronsin
this nation. Referring to the present
time, the speaker said: 1--WE as people
are democratic. though one who strikes
deeply into the formations that go to
make up society must see that that there
is tendency toward qualification. This
is not based on the hereditary standing OF
individuals or classes, but is rather a
national association of men of different
crafts and professions. The result OF this
may be good or bad, accordingly as the
differences arising between the classes are
adjusted. The idea OF every man is to
better his condition. and when properly
followed out this idea becomes the incen-
tive to the best action. Notwithstanding
the individualism which prevails. there
is sympathy between separate labofing
classes, whicn is probably best shown in
the lats Pullman strike.
mot to discuss the merits of that diff
Guilty, will simply say that order Is the
principle OF the highest civilization. Or
ganization. including the organization of
labor. Is part of that order"
The speaker tnen passed to questions of
local interest, touching upon municipal
affairs in pointed and thoroughly inter-
esting manner. His speech was concluded
in thoughtful summary of some Of the
fundamental principles OF government
carefully with view to bettering their
own condition and that Of the general
government.
General Johnston Jones was next in
troduced. His speech was suggestive II.
the lessons it taught, and treated OF SUBJ
jects of general interest to working men
as voters. Beginning with the political
situation of the past few years, the
speaker pointed out the fallacies which
had been thrust upon the people by each
political party as 1t sought to explain the
financial depression as resulting from
the legislation of the opposite party. kG
Let us examine these matters said
he, Independently of any political par
tiality, and enquire what are the real
causes leading UP to a condition of affairs
such as we nave of late been contcnding
with. One OF the primary causes is over
population, causing, as it does surplus
of labor. -. e
another. important cause is the i'm
provement of mechanical inventions,
which tend to decrease the demand for
labor. One of the widest in its influence
on the field OF labor is the introduction
OF foreign cheap labor. Than there is the
advance of women into industrial fields.
say nothing for or against these things.
they are tendencies of the times, but
they are none the less effective in pro-
Labor must IN, the end adjust itself to the
fundamental economic law of supply and
demand, and no amount of legislation
can change the consequences.
Continuing, General Jones spoke briefly
upon current topics of economic inter
est. treating in turn the question of de-
preciated values, the currency and kim
dreI topics. He ended his speech with
an eloquen5 appeal to the members of the
trades unions urging them to educate
themselves to the responsibility of their
position. and at all times to be governed
by intelligence and patriotism.
F.. B. Colver OF the Printers union read
an interesting and instructive on papers
the influence and effect of labor-saving
machinery in the printers trade. The pa
ganizatioD the typesetters had not suf-
fered materially from the introduction OF
typesetting machines.
This concluded the meeting, which was
the first of series that will hereafter be
arranged. at which prominent speakers
will meet the labor unions tc discuss the
political and social questions OF the day.