New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-04-23
IN BEHALF OF LABOR.
A MEMORIAL FROM THE FEDERATION
TO THE PRESIDENT.

THE wORKlNGMEN ASKED FOR.

LEGlsLATIoN TO RELIEVE THE DISTRESS AMONG
THE woRKlNGMEN ASKED FOR.
Washington, April 92-The following memorial
was presented TO the President and members of
tho Cabinet to-day by the Executive Council OF
the Federation of Labor:
To the President, Cabinet and Congress of the
United States Of America:
Gentlemen: Multitudes OF our working people
American citizens-at this hour are suffering
look 10 you for speedy relief Last fall they were
promised helpful legislation, and they expect IL
from you without unnecessary delay. In no party
spirit we appeal TO you to heed their wants and
TO promptly meet this unparalleled situation IN the
true spirit of American patriotism.
With industry half paralyzed trade stagnant,
values depressed and shrunken. with enterpris S
stihed and the productive power or labor pasieu'
with commerce listless on the seas, our I'M
mense resources blighed. we bid you haste the the
bring cheer and comfort to the homes OF the mill
ions of citizens who now seek work ana wages II,
vain. In the name of the producers In snop ana
factory, in mill and mine. in the fields ana on our
lakes ana seas IN peha OF 1he ,oeIs Set cessitN
of legislative relief. The restitution among the
though half hidden. is ever increasing and bec9m;
ing more and more appalling. The hopes they had
are fast turning TO gloomy despair
and the countless labor dispensing appliances 10
turb permanency Of employment. tend TO reduce
wages and intensity competition in nearly ever
Of mmigraton from ABROAD the organization OF
trusts the centralizaton and concentration OF cap
ence OF the workingmen more hard and precarous
These changing conditions unknown in our fore
fathers times, must not be met by promises
broker 70 the hopes but by al and reme
We therefore most respectfully memorlaliZe the
President, Cabinet and Congress of the United
States for the enactment of these measures:
FirSt-Amendment to the Federal eght-hour law
so as to it's practical enforcement on all
public works by or for the United States Govern
ment whether done by contract, sub-contract or
days work. We sternly opposed to the eva
sions and violations OF the present eighthour law
by the heads of the departments and officials in the
Federal service.
Second-A remodelling OF our immigration laws
so TO secure enlarged protection TO American
citizens and their families.
Third-Reform in the National banking system
and in the issuance OF the currency OF the United
States, TO secure the people from the posi-
bilites and disasters of financial crisis.
FOurth-LibeTdi appropriations Tor Government.
public works and for the Improvement or rivers
and harbors.
BY the prompt adoption OF these relief measures
the hands of Congress firmly believe some
degree of prosperity may be restored and the con-
millions in disposition to be trifed with.
They are fast becoming desperate. and deep are
their mutteringS Of discomfort They desire TO
alize some of the prosperity so freely promised
the stump six months ago. over three millions OF
willing workers are idle Shall they appeal to you
In vain? Shall the interests of trusts, syndicates.
monopolies, corporations and moneyed men remain
Of more importance than the welfare of toilers?
We trust not. We still believe the peoples repre-
sentatives are not dead the public welfare. We
occasion and hasten to bring relief TO the masses
of their low-Citizens
The memorial Is signed by Samuel Gompers,
P. j. Mcclure. James Duncan. James O'Connell.
rison. Executive Council of the American Fedora
ton of Labor.