davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16
workers employed IN all the various
branches Of the United States government.
The Eight-Hour Law,


branches Of the United States government.
The Eight-Hour Law.
During the years 1866. 1857 and 1858,
through the efforts of the labor leaders, as
sisted by labor organizations Of the entire
country, the introduction of number Of
bills and joint resolutions in the Senate and
House Of Representatives was secured pro-
viding for an eight-hour day on all GOV
ernmental work. The first bill bearing upon
that subject passed the House of Represen-
tativeS March %, 1867, but was pigeon
holed by the Senate.
The present eight-hour law, which passed
the House January 6, 1868, the Senate June
"A, 1865, and was signed by President John-
son June % of the same year, PROVIDES that
'eight hours shall constitute days work
for all laborers, workmen and mecnanlcs
now employed or who may hereafter be en-
ployed by or on behalf of the government
of the United States" The law was con-
strued by the various heads of the several
departments in many ways, and IN conse-
quence, in 1869, President Grant was asked
to give an executive construction to the
measure, which he promulgated May 10 that
year. The heads of the executive depart
ments seemed TO care no more for the exec
utive construction than they did for the law
itself and as a result President Grant was
again appealed to, and on May II, 1872, he
issued a second proclamation. There were
few violations of the executive order until
the retirement of Gen. Grant, which seemed
law by it's opponents. Since that time 1t
has been the object of more or less at
lacks, but despite this it still remains IN
force.
Labor unionism was also instrumental In
securing the passage of bill providing for
free textbooks in the local public SCHOOLS
through Congress in the early part of 1871.
The citizens and labor leaders worked in
unison in behalf of this measure, and only
secured its passage after an interesting
struggle. There are numerous other occa.
sions where labor unionism has exerted its
wand of influence TO secure the passage or
bills which have proven beneficial to the
entire community. Labor unionism is also
responsible for the passage by Congress OF
the bill making the first Monday in Septem-
Der of every year a national holiday.
No Serious Labor Troubles.
Taking all in all, 1t can be safely said
that Washington has been practically free
from serious labor troubles during the past
half century, the relations between the en-
ployer and the employe having been for
the most part very friendly and harmoni-
Gus. Boycotts have been feature of the
progress of unionism, and all merchants
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16

are well aware of the effects of being
placed under the ban of organized labor.
AS far as can be learned, Washington's
first boycott was imposed in 1884. 1t was
declared by the Columbia Typographical
Society against Gen. Duff Green, editor Of
the United States Telegraph, for having in
troduced non-union printers and twothird
apprentices into his printing establishment.
This action was also the cause of a strike,
and the trouble continued for three years,
during which time there was a change in
the ownership of the office. The member
ship of the society also instituted several
strikes at the government printing office,
but all were of short duration, and in near
ly every instance the ultimate outcome was
favorable to the union workers. The print
ers also experienced difficulty with several
.gspapers formerly published here. The
printers were victorious in some of the
struggles, while at other times the outcome
was rather disastrous to the interests of
the union. Grievances also arose between
private employers and the union men.
The union bookbinderS have figured in
several strikes. the most important Of
which was that instituted at the govern
ment printing Office in 1863, at which time
the men demanded SIS week and eight
hours to constitute days labor. After
seven weeks battle a compromise was eff
fected, the public printer allowing them the
increase of wages, but stating that it was
not within his power to grant reduction
in the hours of labor.
During the struggle company of ma
rines was on duty around the printing Of
flee, and the strikers had their pckets at
the railroad depots and in the vicinity of
the office so as to prevent non union men
from applying for work.
One of the most important strikes insti-
tuted in this city was that launched in
1866 by a number of the building trades 70
secure an eight-hour work day. The stril-
ers were not entirely successful in this diff
ficulty, as several of the striking organiza-
lions compromised with the employers and
were given a nine-hour day. The struggle
affected about 1000 workmen and lasted
several months. The aforementioned
strikes are considered the most important
of the labor difficulties of this city, and are
spoken of merely to show that success does
not come without occasional setbacks.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16

vancing and honoring their beliefs in things
divine.
While Washington has progressed and
expanded in its business, social and intel
lectual life during the past half century,
ii is apparent, from these evidences, that
the people who have impelled this growth
in material things have not forgotten their
religious convictions, nor have they been
negligent in providing suitable places for
public prayer and preaching, where any one
who desires may enter and join IN Wor-
ship. The development of the churches
has kept pace with the advancement of
other features of higher civilization in
Washington. Every section of the city has
its churches in the midst of its homes. AS
each new locality has been built up the
people have brought with them their ark
of the covenant and have builded around it
q shrine, where they may engage in their
devotions and promulgate their religious
tenets.
Development of Church Architecture.
In the architectural development of
Washington during the last fifty years the
churches have taken a conspicuous place,
adding in detail to the plan of beauty as
proposed by those who desire to see Wash
irgton the most magnificent capital of the
world The people of Washington have not
been content to erect mean temples to
their faith. but. consistent with the beauty
scheme of the city, they have chosen rather
to build splendid structures, not only
beautiful. but permanent and enduring, in
dicative of the principles for which they
stand. These edilices represent many mil
lions of dollars: they represent years of
service. and in not a few instances, the
lifework of devoted men and women, most
of whom have passed beyond earthly
scenes. But the wealth Of influence for
good that has emanated and will continue
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16

to go forth from the churches of the cap
ital city of the nation, is beyond the scope
of material computation.
To those who knew the modest little
church buildings in Washington of fifty
years ago. the elegant structures of today
stand out as a brilliant revelation. The
years. with their marvellous discoveries and
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16

five Methodist Episcopal, one Presbyterian,
and one Swedenborgian.
Many of the churches of fifty years ago
have moved from their original sites and
there are scarcely any of the old church
buildings but have been improved and re-
modelled, and, in nearly every case, enIarg-
ed within recent years. so that their origi-
nal appearance is almost completely OBJ
scured.. Within the past ten years the i'm
proVement. of church property in Washing
ton has been especially noticeable The en-
croachments of business enterprises and Of
flee blocks has made it advisable for many
of the churches to move their location into
the residence section of the city, and
number of old landmarks have gradually
given way to the progressive invasion of
trade. Each change in location has been
to the material advantage of the churches
at least, for more handsome edifices have
been erected in every instance
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16

SdICludTleS SIdlI lOT
the spiritual life of
the city, for adher-
ence to impulses of
worship such as have
continued TO actuate
mankind since the
beginning of history.
There is a signifi-
canoe in the fact
that one can walk
scarcely four blocks
in any part of the
city without coming
upon one of these
temples of worship
built by a little band
of people for a single
purpose, that of ad-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16
TEMPLES OF WORSHIP
Development of Churches in
the Past Fifty Years.
REMARKA CHANGES
FRAME BUILDINGS REPLACED BY
MAGNIFICENT STRUCTURES.
The Marked Increase in the Num-
Der of Religious Societies and
Homes in Washington.
REMARKABLE CHANGES
BY 4. r. Israel.

From every point permitting a compre-
hensive view Of the national capital there
will appear in bold relief to the observer
the uplifted spires of scores of churches
monuments that bear silent yet forcible
witness to the fidelity of Washington resi-
dents to their religious principles. These
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16
Some Notable Edifices.

Among some of the most notable of the
edifices are st. Patrick's Catholic Church.
the Temple Baptist Church, st. Thomas
Episcopal Church, the New Church
(Swedenborgian), the Hebrew Synagogue
on Sth street, Eastern Presbyterian Church.
Dumbarton Avenue NJ E Church, Mount
Pleasant Congregational Church, the new
Grace Reformed Memorial Church, where
the President worships; ST. Peters Catho-
lie Church and many others. The most of
these structures are built OF white stone.
furnished elegantly, and with all modern
conveniences, and all of them striking in
appearance from the architectural point OF
view.
The organization and building of new
churches continues. and several handsome
new houses of worship are already planned
and provided for financially. These will be
erected within few years.
AS the city continues to improve and
to assume its place at the head of the
worlds capitals, the churches of Washing
ton will keep pace with the development in
other lines and will stand at the forefront
N the affairs affecting the religious world.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16
The Churches of Today.

At the present time the Episcopal Church
heads the sects of the District in the num-
Der of churches, thirty-one different
cietes being affiliated with that denomina-
ton. The next church in point Of numbers
is the Methodist Episcopal, with %
churches. and the Presbyterian Church is
third with ~ The other sects are repre-
scented as follows: Catholic, II; Baptist, 16:
Lutheran, Il; Methodist Episcopal South
and Methodist Protestant, each; Congre-
gational, 4; Christian. 4; Friends, 4; Re
formed, .; Hebrew congregations, 2, and
the Swedenborgian, Unitarian, United
Bi ethren and Universalist each have one
church. There are also three organized so
cieties of Christian Scientists, two spiritual
istic societies, one Progressive Brethren.
and two non-sectarian-the Peoples and
the United States Christian. All these or
CARNATIONS have an aggregate membership
of considerably over 60000.
There are fifty-three colored Baptist
churches in the District, two Catholic, four
Congregational. seven Episcopal, twenty
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-16

"They say Shakespeare had vocabulary
of over 1000 words.
How meager, But then there were
scarcely any health foods in his day
Life.
Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-06-19
How the Rich ceIored Man Served His
Family in His VIII.

4 free-born negro man from Virginia
went to Philadelphia a half century or
more ago, entered into business and mar
ried his employees daughter, presumably
white. When he died not )long since he
left a fortune of some millions, and will
that is unique 10 say the least Of 1t. His
daughter was given $500 per annum and
his six grandchildren $50 per annum each.
The balance of his estate was given to the
Catholic archbishop to build a school for
orphan children of both races. and the
grounds were to contain an immense
equestrian statue of himself, placed in a
prominent position.
The natural heirs will make a contest of
course, because they ha0 right to pre-
sumo that they would inheriC the father
and grandfather's estate. and their share
is maliciously meagre in the will.
1t seems that miscegenation with his
own color and the white did not raise his
wifes children in his estimation very
much, according to his final wishes.
The archbishop who was named to re-
ceive the bequest for the church he repre-
sents is said to be much surprised at the
contents OF the will, as he had no init
nations to that effect while the testator
was alive. Perhaps the local priest can
tell He was a member Of the Presbyter-
ian church while living and this queer
will creates comment in the newspapers.
When the lawsuit is carried on the
public may learn something more of the
crotchets in his brain and why he slight
ed his white wife's mulatto children.
Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-06-19
Put a Stop To Il.
NJ. II.

Today's Atlanta papers tell a horrid
story OF the murder of a beautiful young
woman in a CHURCH building, near that
city. shot down by a young man who
brought a concealed pistol to church to do
the miserable deed which has not only
robbed a lovely home of its brightest jewel.
but disgraced the murderer as well as
made him an outlaw.
This pistol toting should be stopped un-
less the owner carries IL on the outside of
his garments, and when a man goes TO
church or any public place with his ar
senal in plain view he should either sit
like a prisoner in dock or deposit his fire.
arms with some one authorized TO watch
them while other people are attending to
the business they came for.
IL Is monstrous that this young girls
life should have been taken in such a
way in such a place. The murderer was
another Flanagan, and the breed is get
ting to be uncomfOrtably common.
OF course when the murderer is caught
insanity will be the plea before the courts
and people are becoming heartily tired of
this convenient plea. Unless there is more
protection to human life and fewer SUBJ
terfuges in screening the guilty lynch law
viii be the only law Of Georgia in a very
few years worth a cent.
Ones sympathy is really taxed beyond
expression to think of that sweet young
girls fate In the church. where of all
places In the world she had most reason to
feel assured in safety.
II speaks loudly for the patience of the
people present that the murderer walked
away unmolested. Whatever may be his
condition of mind public safety calls in
thunder tones that he should not have OPP
portunity to repeat his action.
Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-06-19
Chicago Tribune.

There is not in the younger set of Wash
ington society person to whom the pros
pect of an early cessation of the bewilder-
ing whirl of social gaiety at the national
capital conveys feelings of deeper regret
than to Alice Roosevelt, the charming,
graceful and bewitchingly poised daugh-
ter OF the president. While others may
nave begun to waver under the strain OF
months OF unbroken activity attending one
of the liveliest seasons in the history Of
Washington society, Miss Roosevelt is far
from being in this position. 1t is with
sincere regret that she looks forward to
the fast approaching day when there are
to be no dances of any consequence at
the capital and the round of festivities will
be broken for several weeks to come.
Dancing is one of Alice Roosevelt's
greatest accomplishments. She does a
great many things and does them vastly
better than any of her conscientious imi-
tators, but nowhere does she excel so
markedly as on the polished floor of the
ballroom. With the presidents daughter
dancing is not a mere pastime, popular
because of the opportunities 1t affords to
show fine gowns and enjoy the society of
men. She loves to dance for the Joy OF
It, and in the ballroom conducts herself
with the same delightful vim and fasci-
mating abandon that she displays on
horseback
LIKES MEN WHO DANCE WELL.
Miss Roosevelt il at the dancing age
that time Of life when every girls heart
beats to the tune Of waltz. OF all the
diversions OF the last season, her first in
society, she has enjoyed dancing most.
The men with whom she has danced do
not matter so much, because her idea OF
a partner is a man who can dance well.
Beyond this fact she has never on a sin
gle occasion expressed any preference.
Her dances have been divided chiefly be-
tween military men and college men. or
the two she confesses with that frankness
which Is one of her most striking charac-
teristics that she prefers the latter. Soph-
ignores are to her more interesting than
blase society men. College flags and flag
pins hold as honored a place with her as
with other young women Of all classes and
conditions. Yet she has the same weak
ness for brass buttons that distinguishes
every normal girl. So far, however, the
flags and buttons, not their owners ap-
pear to possess the intrinsic interest IN
her eyes. Altogether she has held her
self in hand as firmly and as skillruliy
as she would a pair of spirited horses ana
has driven her social chariot down the
line with the GOODNESS. the dash ana the
unaffected grace OF a mistress OF the
Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-06-19
What CONFER the RIaht to vot.Y

The supreme court of the United States
declares II is not citizenship which confers
the right to vote in the states of this
union because every woman Is a citizen,
and every boy is citizen. and the woman
cannot vote except by permission OF state
legislatures, and boys cannot vote until
they are n years old. Nor does the con-
stitution OF the United States confer the
voting privilege on the fuIl-grown males
OF the republic.
Some years ago a case was carried up
from Kentucky, a test case. with Mrs.
Virginia Minor as the plaintiff, TO estab-
lish the right to vote. II was contended
that Mrs. Minor was an American citizen,
and the right Of suffrage was an attribute
Of citizenship. and the constitution guar
anteed 20 every citizen the right to vote.
Mrs. Minors case went TO the supreme
court IN n Wallace. and the supreme
court decided that the constitution does
not confer the right OF suffrage upon any
one.
And the fifteenth amendment does not
confer the right Of suffrage. II simply
declares that the right of suffrage shall
not be Disseminated against on account
Of race. color or previous condition of
Eervitude.
These points were brought forward
prominently in congress a few days ago
IN an able speech delivered by Hon. A.
F. Fox. OF Mississippi. where found the
facts as stated above.
The right Of comforting suffrage belongs
70 the states. and each state can decide
upon the qualification Of it's voters. but
the fifteenth amendment Of the constitu-
ton declares that this right Of suffrage
shall not be denied 10 other races. colors
Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-06-19
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
MlnIster woe vIsIt 70 eeOraIa.

Coming events cast their shadows be-
fore"
Although congress has lately passed a
Chinese exclusion act forbidding any chi
nese emigrant from coming into these
United States who works for a living, yet
the appearance OF Minister WI, who Is
20 fine an English linguist and so superior
IN all lines OF distinguished learning.
would Indicate that this American country
might be more Just and generous 70 the
Chinanan than Il has been
Admitting as we do the very scum OF
the earth from Russia and italy free OF
restrictions Il would appear that We have
been strainfng at gnats and swallowing
camels IN this matter OF immigration
The reae.srs OF The Semi-Weelly win
hear me witness that this pen OF mine mas
been clear OF such injustice. Not that my
protest has amounted TO anything among
the mowers that be. but i feel that We
should not turn a deaf ear to those who
are willing 70 come 10 US and 90 gooo ia
Dor for a living price
Now. understand that there Is strong
feeling OF exclusion against many natlon-
aIties and that feeling has existed since
the DAYS OF know nothingism," as II was
then called.
But I do not forget that there are not
only no restrictions against the entrance
OF the African. but today's paper tells
me that the northern negrophilists are
rearing. pitching mad in a northern city
because a bootblack declined 70 shine
nexro's shoes in that city.
l do not commend the extra seviceaoil-
fty OF our southern congressman who as
sisted in excluding the Chinese. Wnen
me majority OF congress is seeking by
fair means and foul TO force the white
southern people 10 eat. sleep, ride ana as
sociate generally with the African con-
tingent. At least our people had an OPP
portunity Ito point a moral and adorn
tale" vita the souths experience since the
civil war and the only reward the south
ern congressman have received since this
obIigfnrness in excluding the Chinese IA $
been repeateE tnsistence that social equal
fty shall be forced upon the south with
the African race =,
II has now been demonstrated that chi
IA has q fine system Of education, Tor
instance. Minister WI.
How many OF our smart folks could nave
made a commencement address IN CHINA
IN the Chinese language?
II was a feat that we can never rully
understand until you put yourself IN his
place
am more than ever convinced that the
south needs Chinese labor and my faitn
e strengthened since the appearance OF
20 capable a person as Mr.. WI
Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-06-19
does lie Sell Ever Get Sick?

when the land refuses 10 make flourish
ing crops. seasonable rains being supplied.
Il Is plain there is something the matter
with Il. When soil that once produced
a bale OF cotton 10 the acre viii not make
a bale 70 four or five acres. II shows there
A. something the matter with the soil.
Now. is II sick. or is II tired? Or Is IL
both sick and tired2
when I married In the eos and came to
Cas- now Barlow county, to make my
home. the land was SO strong and pro-
ductive that could not touch the top or
many cotton plants. sitting on tail rid
fnx horse. as I rode through. And going
Through cornhelds could not reach the
tops OF cornstallxs with an average riding
whip. / can 90 over the same land today
and cotton stalks are not two feet high
unless the soil is stimulated with CONNER
cfal fertilizers. conclude the land Is sick
az well as tired. ! believe We have made
the land sick by overdosing II with guanO
or what is called guano. and we have
made Il tired by working It TO exhaustion
without allowing II TO rest in small grain
or 10 lie fallow.
This county was a limestone country in
those early years OF my life. II there is
any lime IN the soil these latter days
there Is nothing 70 show for IL. for the
springs which were strong with lime now
seem TO be but slightly touched with II.
Has Il all been washed out. leached out,
OF piowed and heed out OF the s0il2
This is a serious question The patriot
desires TO leave the country in as good
fix as he found IL. but our present day
farmers are leaving the land very thin
and attenuated when they are carried to
the cemetery.
We had no guano TO buy before the war
never once thought OF buying anything
70 make crops grow. Corn, cotton and
wheat would ask no help. only TO keep
weeds down: now we are stimulating the
land every year, even TO raise grain. and
un.ess you put stimuiants under cotton
early In the spring your cotton will not
open It's fruit during the fan Of the year.
I honestly believe the soil Is sick. and
We have been giving II so much active
stimulating medicine that IL is exhausted
from the dOetoring- Somebody. less than
nifty years from now. viii say. What
fools hose guano farmers werel Actual-
" doctoring a good servant until II was a
helpless invalidr'
Guano merchants all get rich and the
poor soil gets poorer every yearl