The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1901-05-15
ENCOURAGING
WORDS.

The Machinsts Union held a pub
lie meeting in the rooms Of the Single
Tax Club, Smith Building, last even
ing.
Robert Lee presided and interesting
addresses were made by Henry j. Nelson
Of Philadelphia George w. Roberts and
Horace Greeley Knowles of this city.
Mr.. Nelson is labor editor Of the Phila-
delphia North American and is widely
known as labor leader. Mr.. Lee in
opening the meeting made few brief
remarks in which he said that the meet
ing was called to discuss the advisabliity
of a nine hour work day with ten hours
pay. He introduced Mr.. Nelson who
made the first address.
Mr.. Nelson said in part: cat the pres
ent time we are living in the mid st OF
exciting history. The United States is
making history in the labor movement.
There is no use in going at things in an
illegal way for if the right attitude is
assumed you can get it in legal way.
The shorter work day stands for several
things. 1t means increased work for
those who have not got work. 1t means
time to themselves. 1t means the work
ingman's standard Of living will be high
or. The workingman will then have
more time to be educated. The employer
will be benefited.
'To learn to be n machinist is requires
more years than it does to go through
any college in the country. Under the
present system it is generally understood
that wOrkingman is paid for being
workingman and not for his skill and
what he produces. 1t is for that reason
the shorter work day system is such
strong weapon in trades unions hands.
If the workingmen stand together there
is no reason why the employers will not
pay higher wages and grant shorter
hours. If we think Of what those before
us sffucred to gain the ten hour work
day, we should be willing to stand up for
the nine hour work day for those who
will follow us.
"As you are aware we have to look to
England for industrial history"
Mr.. Nelson at this point gave a brief
and interesting account of the labor
movement during the past century. He
spoke pnrouragingly of the situation in
Philadelphia and said that the outlook
was bright
He said. 500 into this movement as
members of trades union. Do not al
low notifies 70 influence YOU in the move
ment in any way" Mr.. Nelson urged
the men that if it was found necessary
for them to quit work to act orderly and
stay away from the shops except when
sent there on business. He especially
urrcd that under those conditions the
members of the organization abide strict
ly by the orders of their officers. In con-
clusiop he said. al wish YOU God speed
and sincerely hone Won will VIM
George w. Roberts was introduced as
the neyt sneoker. He said in part:
"AJy recollcctions of the shorter hour
movement dates from about 1874. as |
recall by the reference to that date by
Mr.. Nelson. Owing to the peculiar
industrial and financial conditions exist
ing Mt that time-the financial discus
sion incident TO the res,lmpton of specie
pavment after the Civil Wharf.-The move
ment failed. recall that the then Eight
Hour League of this city was instrument
nj in the reneal of the attachment law Of
tbis State Wrong in principle it was
worry onnressiyc owing TO tbe existing
industrial depression. Notwithstanding
reneated efforts for IFS rcpeal and the
rainoctmcnt of the old law or similar
ono tbe law remains. and as niece Of
vber,, md henefcept legislation has
been worth all the effort if cost.
"rbis suggests to me the thought that
ono wov 10 bring about the result Won
arc striving for is in SECURE all the favor
nble LEGISLATION possible. There ought
IN be m aiyht bour law on the statute
hooks of every State in the Union. Rusi-
Moss ma, o,roo t1,;nt tb,t a rniform
rote Of interost all over The country
would bo honi6cioI Tho CANA rule nm.
n,ios IN tho hours of labor Tho labor
dov ought to he Uniform. What consti-
tmtos a d,r,s ,,bor ought IN hn leeollv
d.6,o5 This foct iustifos vour move
mor+
On snoo,;nc about tbe essentials of enc
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