The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1898-08-18
The ULTIMATUM OF LABOR.
WAGE-EARNERS AGAINST THE
DEMAGOGUES.
Xhe Army Of Railway Employees
Demand Just Treat
menf.

ment.
Last night a committee representing
the Railway Employees Association ian
organization which embraces the rail-
road workers throughout the State), ana
composed of citizens of San Francisco
Los Angeles, Sacramento and oakland
and other localities where large num-
bers of railroad employees reside, called
on the Committee on Platform OF the
convention for the purpose OF demand
Ing fair and just treatment in the terms
of the platform to be formulated.
The railroad mems committee was ac-
corded hearing last night at III O'Clock
by the Committee on Platform and Res
olutions and Chairman Mann said the
committee would hear what they wish
ed to say but he hoped they would
remember that it had much to do, and
would be busy for most of the night.
The memorial was then read, as fol-
lows:
Sacramento, April II, 1893.
To the Committee on Platfrom and
Resolutions of the Democratic State
Convention-Gentlem
We the representatives of the AS
ISOLATED Railway Employees of Califor-
mia, appear before your honorable body
for the purpose of respectfully submit
ting for your consideration a matter
of vital concern to the railway en-
ployes of this State
For several years it has been the GUS
tom of political parties in this State
to agitate the question of reduction
in the earnings of railroad properties
by inserting planks in their platforms
advocating and .pledging candidates, in
the event of election, to effect certain
arbitrary reductions in the rates of
fares and freights, which reductions
men of experience in such matters de-
clare to be impracticable, and if ac-
compHshed would be highly disastrous
to those great interests from which
we derive our employment, and could
only result disastrously to ourselves.
We cannot believe that it is the in
tention or desire of the Democratic
party to bring about a condition of af-
fairs that would work a hardship to
the railway employees of California and
those dependent upon them for sup
port.
We, as railway employees. are deeply
concerned in the maintenance of the
present standard Of wages, and would
greatly deplore and deprecate any ac-
ton, political or otherwise, which might
tend to make such a reduction therein
q remote probability.
We, the representatives of the Asso-
citation Of Railway Employees referred
to, appear before this honorable body
solely on our own account, and of our
own motion, impeIled to do so from
motives Of self-protection.
There are upward of 2o,090 railway
employees in California who to-day have
their thoughts centered on the proceed
ings of this convention, hoping that
they, through the interests they repre-
sent, may receive at the hands Of this
convention just. fair and considerate
treatment, to the end that they need
not be filled with apprehension lest
their personal welfare be jeopardized
by any hostile attitude on the part of
this great party toward the interests
whose prosperity is our prosperity, and
whose adversely would be our adj
versity.
We earnestly hope and pray that
further agitation of the transpor-
tation question. which is so injurious
and disquieting in its effects, may be
omitted in the coming campaign, and
to that extent removed from the field
of political controversy, leaving the
question to settle itself in the natural
course of events and in accordance
with conditions properly governing the
problem. all of which are rapidly tend
ing toward a satisfactory solution of
this great question.
Our organized association is composed
of a class of citizens who are the
equal of any in intelligence, honor and
integrity. ard are as loyal to their
country and State as any to be found.
Ours is also a non-partisan organiza-
ton. being composed of citizens of
every shade Of political opinion, and
the organization itself being political
only in the sense Of being protective of
those great interests which furnishes
to us the opportunity of earning an
honorable livelihood.
In conclusion we trust gentlemen,
that we may be able to return to our
homes and usual avocations and report
to those of our fellow-employes who
sent US here to wait upon this distin-
euished body. that so far as this con-
vention is concerned, just, fair and
considerate treatment will be accord
ed to us and our interests; that we
may rest in peace and contentment,
and our organization, instead of feel
ing II incumbent to cast its entire
strength and influence into the scale
In defense of their common interests,