Kentucky Irish American. (Louisville, Ky.) 1898-1968, 1900-09-01
LABOR DAY.

Will be observed generally every
where in this country, as it should.
The establishment of this day by
law and its acceptance and recogni-
ton is an evidence of the elevation
Of the dignity and respect for labor,
not so long ago regarded as mental
and degrading, that too many work
ingmen fail to appreciate, just as
they do many other rights, privi-
leges, advantages and blessings that
working people are accorded in no
other country than the United
States. To those who understand
the conditions of labor, the con-
tempt with which working people
are regarded, the injustice to which
they are subjected in other countries,
and who are also aware of the re-
proach and oppression heaped upon
labor even in parts of this country
up to a quarter of a century ago,
Labor day is honored and celebrated
for what it representative elevation
of labor from brand of ignominy
and servitude to sphere of honor
and usefulness, fully recognized as
such by all but the ignorant snobs.
Labor day should be hailed with
delight and pride by every Ameri-
can workingman, and where posi-
bic he should join with his fellows
in celebrating it, thus manifesting
to the public his honor for his craft,
appreciation of all it represents and
to give evidence of the spirit of
unity and harmony among work.
ingmen in furthering by legal and
peaceful cooperation their inter
ests, protecting their rights and
lettering the condition of labor
generally. As they have by their
unions, through legislation, con-
ference and united strength, re-
duced the hours of labor, advanced
and maintained wages, bettered the
conditions and facilities of many
crafts, enforced the right of work.
ingmen to hearing in all that con-
Germs them, they yet recognize that
too many of their fellows are yet
subjected to long hours, insufficient
pay and oppressive and degrading
conditions. that blight them and
their families, conditions which it
is the purpose of all workingmen to
persist in an effort to improve.
The American workingman, like
everything else, is distinctively
American, noted for his respect for
law and order, ambition and energy,
thorough and effective organization,
practical and progressive results.
Though there have been occasions
when lawlessness and violence have
marred this record, they were the
exception, and resulted from en-
ployer and workmen alike, for the
time being, departing from the
American rule and seeking to en-
force foreign theories, and, indeed,
where the controlling elements were
foreigners, yet unimbued with the
spirit of fairness and reason of the
American, or if Americans, of that
class who would establish in this
country the foreign notions of
master and man." or the social
istic theory of other countries.
Where the employers and workmen
have followed the true principles of
organized labor and conducted their
contentious according to the Amer
lean rule, rather than sentimental
theory. their conduct has been
peaceful, results favorable to both
employer ard workman, and feel
ing Of mutual respect and harmony
of interest has been instilled that
draws together and unites in friend
illness the employer and his work
mems condition that elevates labor
to full recognition Of its rights
with capital, but only in this coun-
try does that condition exist The /