The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1895-09-03
SEATTLE, TUESDAY, SEPT. q.
LABOR DAY.

Labor day has become established IA
one OF the national institutions. SO long
as the present social conditions exist. 1t
represents n sentiment which inspires
sympathy beyond the boundaries OF It's
professed scope. We hope the day will
come, however. when such a distinction
will not be considered necessary except as
the occasion for social gathering. Labor
Is not confined to tho bench and the pick.
The identity of interest between all who
have to work for living is only modified
by necessarily differing interests. In this
country there IL no class privileged by
law; whatever distinction there may be is
only between accumulated capital and la
Dor and the difference between them is
eminent can regulate. The regulation can
come from the people themselves. not by
arraying class against class. but by insist
Ing that no undue advantage shall be &C
corded TO anybody.
Tho advice given the labor organizations
by James Hamilton Lewis was timely and
sensible. IL organized labor makes an In
which are OF general advantage and re-
tects those which are merely demagogio
they can exert a powerful influence on
legislation. This cannot be accomplished
by allying themselves with any one polil-
cal party. For instance, we would be
sorry TO see the hope or a revision of the
tariff frustrated through the efforts of
ehOeN 30 Haa~.fks -. 4 -,
tempt 10 carry out some merely local pat
ley.
The election OF municipal officers, too.
has no bearing whatever upon congress
sonal legislation. We would not ask that
the mayor OF city should be chosen on
the ground that he was an ardent protec-
ZIONIST. nor congressman elected because
he favored municipal reform. The duties
Of each are entirely distinct, and any body
OF men Is bound 20 become influential
which sees clearly and acts determlnedly
npon the risht means to the end.
~ each election. national. county and
city. certain objects are 10 be attained.
upon each ticket viii bo found men well
qualified to illl the office 10 socks An in
dependent discrimination is Tho los, policy
for the people az large. and not alone for
members of labor or any other ctSanisa-
ton. II is fer the respective parties o. SD
at In their choice OF candidates that the
confidence Of the people is assured. ana
that ticket viii be successful which has the
largest number Of emineutly qualified mon.
The city or Seattle has more than once
demonstrated that 1t is not party bound
and although IL has sometimes made mis-
takes IL has given warning that political
shihboie,h IS not sufficient % hold ma
sorues.
The social features Of Labor say ara -.
sond all criticism II il good for men n
meet IN exercises outside the rut % every
day life: and 4. IS most grauf,4u< that in
this city There has never been an occasion
of its celebration I'm the least marred ty
ili-teeling or had taste. 10 has been an en-
niversary 81 good nature. f11eally rivalry
and intelligent purpose. We hope that
neNt year it VIII be marked hv great re-
,olcing over improved prosperity ard by
THE accomplishment of sornc % the higher
purposes 81 labor organisation.