The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1897-09-08
". J. BRI an SPEAKS
To an Immense Gathering of
Laboring Men.
Pillars Of Prosperity Are Those
With Braun and Brain, WAo
Produce Something Out of
Nothing.

Nothing.
St. Louis, Sept. Cite feature Of
Labor Day celebration 10 this city vas
an address BY Hon. ". J B7yao at
Concordia park. The biggest crowd
ever seen in the park greeted the
speaker HIS speech throughout was
enthusiastically applauded Previous
to the meeting Mr. Bryan reviewed
parade OF $4,000 laboring men. Mr..
Bayan spoke 10 part as follows:
While | fnd pleasure 10 particlpa-
ting in the exercises Of this day, | au
also actnated by sense Of duty be-
cause the observance of Labor Day
affords me an opportunity for the dis
cussion of those questions which espe-
cially coocern the producers Of wealth
In pamphlet written by distinguish
ed New York banker, ( fad the as
sertion that prosperity Of farmers aud
laborers depends upon the prosperity Of
the BUSINESS men So loog as one en-
tertains such an idea be is certain to
entertain erroneous views upon social
and political questions. All of the
literary, professional and commercial
classes will fed upon investigation that
they rest upon those whose brain aud
muscle convert the natural resources of
the country into material wealth. Not
only must any real prosperity begin
with those who toll. but the nation 8
progress toward higher civilization must
be measured by the progress made by
the producing classes. Under every
form of government it has been posi-
bic to point out TO few persons pos
ssssed of meaps and refinement, bat it
is the average of progress. not .he
progress Of the few, thai must be co.,
sidered. TIE improvement to be hoped
/! for gus: come from Efforts outside Of
! politics
Mertal discipli6e, coral training,
habits Of industry aad ecoeomy, all
have their part in improving the gene
raj condition Of our people, and yet the
influence Of legislation must not be
overlooked. A form of government
like ours makes it possible for the peo-
pie to have such Legislation as they de-
sire, but even then it is possible for a
few persons to overreach the people as
whole. The welfare of the people
must be sought. not in the securing Of
special privilege to themselves. but IN
the denying of special privileges to any
one. The labor organizations have
been one of the most potent influences
in improving the condition OF the wage
earners. Labor organizations are al
most entirely responsible for the fact
that skilled labor wages have not fallen
as much as prices, although they have
not always succeeded 10 keeping en-
ploynens up to full time. While Civ
ing to these organization credit for
what they have done. ii is only fair to
suggest that peither labor cTganiza-
tions, nor aoy other form of protection
aan secure to labor permanent immu-
nisy if the general level Of prices con-
tinues to fall. The idle man is the me.
mace to the e,ac who has employment
and the oumber of idle men must ueces-
sari!y Increase, if we have moaey
system which constantly raises the
value OF the dollar and constantly low
ers the market value Of the products of
labor.
Arbitration os difererces between
large corporations. employers and their
employees, is one Of the political re-
forms most needed by wage earners
Until arbitration is secured the strike
is the only weapon within reach Of
labor. Society at large is interested ia
the application of the principle Of arbi-
tra.ioo to tie differences which arise
fron time to time between corporations
and the employees Laboring people
have special Interest," just nov IN
securing relief from what is appropr:-
ase.y described IS goveroreus by in-
junction.
Why, the extent to which the writ
Of iojuocsiou bas been abused
within recent years has aroused hos
,ilitY whicn is almost ueiversal 1t Is
only question of tine VIXEN govern
meot by ipjuoction will ce cured By
Legislation The main purpose of the
writ of iDjanc;iou is to avoid trial by
jury. Trial By jury is more
important to the American people
to-day than it ever was before 10
our nations history. 1t was originally
intended as protection against royalty,
aud it is today the main protection the
people have against pir;ocracy. Which
is to this country what royalty is ubder
mouarcbial form of government.
To.night the champion Of the silver