The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1900-09-06
Democratic Nominee Talks to
the Workingmen.
THEY DO NOT FAVOR lAWltssytSs
On the Contrary opposers of Govern
nent by Injunction Are the Bes,
Friends of Law aud order-Fa.
yors Labor Cabinet oficer.


emphasize the dignity of labor and
for the consideration of those sub
Jects which especially affect the in
terests of the Wage-earner. The labor
ing men constitute so large and so in
dlspensable portion of the popula-
ton that no social, economic or polit-
zeal question can be treated without
an investigation of their connection
herewith. But there are some ques-
tons which touch them Immediately,
while others only operate upon them
in a general way.
The first thing to be considered is
the laboring mans ambition; what are
his aims and his purposes; for what
is ne striving? The animal needs only
food and shelter because he has moth
ing but body to care for; but mans
wants are more numerous. The ami
NAL complains when it is hungry, and
is contented when it's munger Is APP
peased; but man, made in the image
of his Creator, is a three-fold being
and must develop the head and the
heart as we'll as the body. He is not
satisfied with mere physical existence;
neither will he be content unless ali
avenues of advancement are open to
him. His possibilities must DE as I'm.
limited as his aspirations.
In other countries and in other CIV
ilizations, men have been condemned
oy birth to a particular occupation.
place and caste; in this country each
man, however or wherever born, can
strive for the highest rewards in busi-
ness, state or church, and these aven-
ues of advancement must be kept open.
No civilization can be considered
perfect which does not plant a hope
in the breast of every c.lild born into
the world; the nearer we approach to
this ideal. the better is our civiliza-
ton. Those who complain of exist
ing conditions cannot be put aside as
Gsturbers of the peace. To seek a
remedy for every abuse of govern
ment is more patriotic than to profit
ny bad systems and then frown down
all criticism. There should be no an
tagonism between those engaged in
the various occupations, and there will
De none when all recognize the mutual
obligations which are due between
citizens. Our desire should be, not
to separate the people into warning
FACTIONS, but to bring them into better
acquaintance and greater sympathy
with each other. The enmity which
the poor sometimes feel toward the
rich and the contempt which the rich
sometimes manifest toward the poor
would be avoided if each knew the
othef better and both were content to
be guided by the strict rules of ius-
tice.
The extremes of society are really
not as far apart as they appear. Those
who work for wages today NAV. nm
der a good government, be EMPLOYERS
In few years, and the sons of those
VINO are employers today may in a
short time be day Iaborers. Since no
one can save posterity from the evil
effects of bad law, all should strive
Tor legislation which will protect each
citizen in his rights and in the en-
loyment of the fruits of his own gen
JUS, his own industry and his own
integrity.
1t is OF advantage to the rich as we'll
as to the poor that the children of all
nave an opportunity to secure an edu-
cation; for education widens the in
dlvlduaIs horizon. increases his ca
paclty for usefulness. multiplies his
enJoyments and make him in every
way more serviceable to society. Vic
tor Hugo has described the mob as
the human race in misery. Those who
are Well-to-do have selfish interest.
ana should feel a moral concern. in
removing despair from every human
breast. AS misery is lessened the Sc
curlty of property is increased; hui
man life is protected in proportion as
happiness is promoted.
Why should the man who eats at
well supplied table forget the man
whose toll furnishes the food? WHY
should the man who warns himself
by the fire forget the man whose labor
IN the forest or in the mine brings
forth the fuel? Why should the man
clad in the best products of the loom.
forget the man whose calloused hands
make fine clothing possible? Both
the consumer and the producer are
necessary, but of the two the producer
comes first in point of time and in
point of Importance. Shall the rose
bud, blooming in beauty and shedding
It's fragrance on the air, despise the
roots OF the bush because they come
into actual contact with the soil? De-
stroy the bud and leave the roots and
second bud will appear as beautiful
and as fragrant as the first; but de-
stroy the roots and bud and bush will
perish.
IloW CdH the WaSe-earner secure
that share of the earth's bounties and
the governments protection which he
deserves? The associations formed by
Worlingmen have been productive of
much good.
The labor organizations as we now
find it is the product of industrial con-
ditions. The individual found himself
at a disadvantage when dealing with
the corporate employer, and the or
ganization not only enables him to
contend for his rights upon terms
more nearly equal, but it stimulates
him to study and understand the con-
ditions which surround him.
The labor organization has been
foremost in advocating the reforms
which have already been secured. Sew
eral years ago the secret ballot was
demanded by the wage-earners for
their own protection. That ballot has
been obtained, and through it's opera
lions those who toll for individuals or
corporations are able to protect their
political rights and to use the ballot
according to their own judgments. This
is long step in advance.
The labor organization has done
much to lessen the evils of child labor.
No one can visit the factories where
children are employed without con-
templating the crime which is being
perpetrated upon posterity. If there
is any temporary economic advantage
in the employment of children of ten
der age, it is Insignificant when meas
JTnd or pty nr,k %1.n 49,.