The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-08-20
Platform Studies, vf---Labor Legisla.
ton.

The Democratic party. particularly
since II has fallen completely under
the sway Of Mr.. Bryan, poses as the
particular friend Of labor. and appeals
for the support OF the workingmen OF
the country on the strength OF It's pro-
LESSONS. for I. has no performances TO
which n can refer. Its deep and abid-
Ing interest In the cause Of labor. Ii
shown In the plank Of the Kansas
city platform on the subject. which Is
a. follows:
I'VE are opposed TO government by In
junction: we denounce the blacklist and
favor arbitration az a means of settling
disputes between corporations and their
employees. In the interests Of American
labor and the uplifting OF the workingmen
rs the cornerstone OF the prosperity OF
the country. we recommend that congress
create a department OF labor. In charge
Of secretary with a seat In the cabinet.
believing that the elevation of the Am
ericsn iaborer win bring with II Increased
production and Increased prosperity for
our country at home and our commerce
abroad"
Where In this Is a single tangible
suggestion for any legislation which
viii In any direct way help the cause
Of the laboring men of the country In
the slightest possible degree9 The
declamatory rhetoric about government
by injunction and the blacklist IL
empty denunciation. without hint
Of remedy. In what Democratic state
can be found any legislation against in
functions In labor disputes or against
the blacklist? Yet the Democratic
party absolutely controls all the offices
OF government In dozen states. The
only suggested legislation IL the crea-
ton OF a new cabinet position. 10 be
filled by another politician. 1t Is char
ENTHUSIASTICALLY Bryanesaue 10 assume, as
this plank OF the Democratic platform
does. that 20 create another 5000
year political Job is 10 elevate the
American ishorer. and bring with u
Increased production and increased
prosperity for cur country at home and
our commerce abroad
The failure 20 advocate or suggest
any legislation which would advance
the cause OF labor was not accidental.
Labor has no friends IN the Democratic
party IN the states which are certain
for Mt Bryan, and which, furnish the
Democratic party with the majority OF
votes in the house ~ representatives.
National legislation IN the interests Of
labor could hardly be so framed az not
TO improve In some measure the con-
ditions of the negro lahcrers OF The
South at the expense Of their white
employers, VINO vote the Democratic
ticket as many times IN each sleesion
az may be necessary. Any labor iawip >
ia,icn Is certain 20 have the vehement
antagonisn Of the Democratic repre-
sentatives from these states. Hence
the empty rhetorical deelamations.
mitch. IN the Democrats platform.
take The place Of any proposal for
legislation In the Interest Of labor,
The Republican platform utterance
on the subject Is short, compact. and
every phrase contains a plesigc o. con
crete legislation which the Republicans
viii enact.
Ia tho further interests az American
workman. VIZ fsveF ruprn effective ~.
siricSion ~ Immigration " tha chcna Va
nor from foreign iaais, the extension ~
the opportunities - education Zoe work
iaw children the raising % tire Aec Mfait
Tor child lanor, the projection ~ ffse la
Der as against contract canviet labor.
sad aR elective system 81 lAhor fnsars
Ance"
Here are five distinct proposals Tor
Hesitation for the betterment 81 the
conditions % labor In this country.
every one OF which is Of far more i'm
portsnee ana vaiae than the creating
OF single new political office. the only
suggestion which the Democratic PARTY
has to offer.
Four years ago tho Democratic party