The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1896-09-08
AN IMPOSING PARADE
Concluded from First page.)

AS these exercises are under the aus
eastern Virginia, which takes such ac-
tive interest In labor matters. 1 deem 1t
s st pr n,pn 10 n5pm you how and why
The Federation OF Labor having ceased
to exist for want Of proper support. many
realized the Importance of u central head,
and TO that end two. OF our prominent
trade unionsts in April, 1895. invited Sam
Federation Of Labor. to visit Norfolk and
deliver an address to wage earners at
Emerald Hall. At that time there were
which was In close touch with the other.
As result OF Mr. Corners Address. u
which the fourteen unions mentioned
above are represented. Through this me
paeed IN Of
calculated to better his condition. The
Importance OF closer unity among work.
have just organized in Richmond State
Central body or federation. thereby merS
inE all organized labor bodies under one
general head This is but progressive
step. for the pear future promises "A Ma
tionai head; that wagc-earners In every
town aud hamlet In these United States
the other.
Never was the necessity of a State body
more apparent than during. the recent sos
sion OF the Legislature, when Legislative
Committecs from the Central Labor Union
Of or Southwestern Tln a Virginia and the Rich,
before the Legislature In the interest of
needed reforms that would enable the poor
and down-trodden to enjoy some of the
privileges guaranteed them under the Con-
stitu lion.
Working men are educating themselves
In proper manner TO attain a betterment
OF their condition. They are learning wis
dom from experience and protitng there
and it Is through this medium that our
great aims must be accomplished
Referring to the public schools. he
said: when l last addressed you
advocated the establishment OF man
been attained, but we have made marked
Improvement in our public school sys-
tenn. The superintendent and school au-
thorlties have shown themselves friends
TO the workingman and his cause by the
great interest they have take,n in public
education. The School Board has not
been slow In recommending the needed
improvements and the Councils have
not been ntgsardly in making its Just
quota OF appropriations to meet the re-
auirements. Brambleton has erected two
handsome school buildings for the ac-
commodatlon Of the children in that sec
ton of the city. Atlantic City follows
with building and corps of teachers
second to none in the State, and a new
school building has just been completed
in the Fourth ward with all the modern
conveniences and appliances, ready for
me coming session, with a capacity Of
from 300 to 500, where the children OF
the workingmen of that section may re-
celVe their primary course. Also O. high
school whose curriculum wll compare
tavorably with many colleges of note
This Is one of our great desires partial
ly consummated. We expect the public
school system elevated to that standard
that graduation thercfrom will bel equiv
alent to collegiate course. From the
zeal and interest manifested by our
school lnth0ritinG w hn1
pectations will soon be realized.
This is the great lever to our sue
cess. Educate the youth,,educate him
orable. Man makes the occupationHnot
the occupation the man. Lift your calling
and reach I;a, to IT. Never degrade your oc::
say elevate your calling and thus you and
your work Will alike be respected by ali
men.
Labor. either Of the head or hand, is
alike acknowledge the universal sway OF
! mankind and reigns with such universal
sway cannot be Otherwise than honorable
n IN the niGhe na degrees Without labor
1t was In the early settlement of this
| country that labor gained our independ-
country has ever been. and ever viii be-
preserved by the laborer. Political ora
tors arc pleased to term us the life of
public institutions-the bone and sinew of
| our country. II this Is so-and so 1t Is
| then let our influence be felt Our great
ambition must be accomplished through
| from our own ranks. Cease your jealou-
sizes. chickering's and dissensfons. Unite
In solid compact for the advancement
help to those who help themselves. ! urge
you to avail yourselves OF the privileges
Recognizing the fatherhood of God and
the brotherhood of man-that all men are
born equal-we realize the fact that all
are not leaders. Some mems advantages
have been greater: their ability exoels.
Let us bury our jealousies. / say, forget
self and look to them for guidance, and
| the fulfilment OF the law quoted above is
near at hand, when the social, moral and
intellectual condition of the workingman
will be elevated to that level, that plane.
that sphere that God. in His infinite wis
serve the law and put your trust in Him
who never deserts the unfortunate. nnd
| It's fulflment Is assured.
In conclusion, my friends let me urge
upon you the great Importance of organi-
zinE yourselves in trade unions and labor
bodies. In union there Is strength. The
foundation upon which this grand and
glorious country rests is union So solid
is the compact that We can defy the whole
world; yet separated. we would be an
Thus 1t IS with you. united in one solid pbe .
lanx your influence becomes potent and
must be recognized: separated, your grie-
HRnceS Will ever continue.
UnorGanized you live for self alone. let
me caution you against this selfishness.
TO live for self alone is contrary TO God s
forts; 1t is duty you owe yourself. your
| family, your Creator, to assist your neigh
bor Be more fraternal In your daily
look not with dIsdain upon your less for.
tunate fellow-workman, whose position is
not SO. remunerative. Always have a
for him. Invite him to Join your Labor
union, that his brother workmen may as