The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-09-14

Richmond STAR there appeared two ar
ticles from men who spoke for organized
labor, which deserve special notice ana
appreciation. The one was from MI
James Nelson Wood. In which he depre-
Gates the Importance attached to the
Epps resolution. as compared with other
questions, among which ne notably en-
phaszes honest elections. lie says
Labor is interested IN all issues that
concern it's own welfare and the welfare
Of all citizens. Organized labor IS our
attempt TO coalescc the scattered UNITS
of the employed, that they may resist. IN
united form. all entertainments against
the inalienable rights OF free-born citl-
zens. In our own state is presented an
issue that concerns the very pcrpetuatlon
of the liberty of franchise. reference
is intended 10 the movement looking TO-
ward honest elections.
If the means whereby the popular VIII
finds expression are corrupt the Govern
rnent which results therefrom must be
corrupt also. II vote Is not counted
when cast. the day Of voting is g.gan-
tic farce. and those who thus submit 10
having their own votes stolen or counte-
nance the stealing Of the votes Of others,
are an active menace TO the integrity
of our Government. false to themselves,
traitors to the Commonwealth.
Labor must face this question. If not
now. at some future time. 1t II is
not willing TO contend for ballot reform,
all political action in which II INDUCES,
either Independently or otherwise, can
only result dsastrously. Indced,no one VIII
seriously consider labor as a factor IN
| the political arena.
AS a true and broad Democrat Tho
Times says amen to that doctrine. We
implicitly trust the people. When
matter has been fully and fairly argued
before them, and their judgment is fair
ly taken at the polls. We accept the re-
suit without murmur. The TWO great
dangers to free institutions lie first and
foremost in a corrupted ballot, and next
in the ignorance of the voter. Nor does
this ignorance come from illiteracy-it is
more to be feared from those who will
not hear the other side, who cultivate
prejudice and hate as virtues. and who
think they have established conclusiyely
their own position when they tell a per-
son of different opinion. Il don't want
to hear anything you have to say"
The foundation Of fair dealing and the
essence Of the spirit Of American liberty
is to hear the other side" Society is
too complex. and the interests OF men
too diverse for any great political party
TO be built up on one issue or the inter-
ests Of any one set of men.
While it has been sedulously attempted
10 make it appear that The Times rep
resented some special interests-e. g.,
corporations, plutocrats. etc.-nothins
could be more untrue and absurd. The
Times stands for right regardless Of the
person. 1t neither adulates nor abuses
the rich because they are rich. and It
is ever ready to defend the cause of the
poor and the oppressed. but knows that
all the poor are not oppressed. The
Times despises the falseress and coward
ice of the trucking and shifty dema-
eogue. and will never fail TO show up
to public contempt his h0llowncss. self
ishness. and deceit. 1t has no interest
to defend and promote but the greatest
good 20 the greatest number. and TO this
end it will teach sound principles ana
jealousy guard the ballot-box.
The other article is by Mr. A. 3. Nc
Culloch. Of the Typographical Union and
we believe an important officer in that
ORGANIZATION. and is taken from the
Machiuists' Journal Of Chicago. we give
the conclusion of it. which expresses our
views of the great end to be obtained
bv all humanity organized into society
Differences no doubt exist as to the
methods of reaching this goal of our
aspirations. but they are to be settled Dy
argument and instruction. and less by
the ballot box than by the elevation oil
the moral tone Of society and the prac-
tico Of that simple. but divine truth-the
golden rule-"Do unto another as you
would have another do unto you
Mr.. McCulloch says:
The writer has not grown gray
in the ranks of labor. but nine
wears of active membership III
unions. as well as a close observance
of the events that have uansplfeu uui-
ing that period. have led him TO the deep
rooted COnNlcuOn lIdt tNiHti-ir N'''H'-''N''"
will no longer permit the trades union 10
prescribe wages hours OF labor, etc. etc,
as I'm times past The astounding aG-
vancemonts made by science and inVen-
ton together with the magnanimous pro-
lection which the law affords 10 capital
in its exploitation OF labor, have resulted
in crowding into the labor market mil
lions of men who are anxious ana VIII
ing 10 work at any kind Of employment
for any compensation. Thus has the
citadel OF the old order Of trades union
ism been captured by the enemy.
The trades union of the future Will,
therefore. be conducted upon different
lines While. of course. IL Will at all
times endeavor to protect the material
interests Of its membership. lis prime OBJ
ject will be by education 10 point the way
to a higher and nobler type Of civilization
and 10 labor zealously for its attainment
Let us therefore. brethren. lay aside all
political and sectarian and social Jealousy
and couple our efforts with those grand
men in almost every walk Of life who are,
in the face of bigctry and sneers and pes
smistic distrust. striving for the rescue "
humanity from the slough Of despond into
which IL has suffered itself 10 fall
Ring out the slowly dying cause
And ancient forms Of party strife;
Ring IN the nobler modes of life
With sweeter manners, purer laws