The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-09-07
Mtstorp Of Labor DAY by Cerence Ut1cent Po>voerlp

Swiss confederacy. on the first of August
1921. these guilds constituted a prOmi-
nent part of the political machinery OF
the nation.
Can Be Applied Here.
The Perpetual League of the Swiss
confederacy of 1921. after reciting the
cause which preceded the formation of
the union. set forth in thirteen statutes
the compact by which the various states
were united. The fourth 4. so applicable
TO the situation in the United States to-
1t reads:
"a We have also promised, decreed,
and ordered in common council and by
unanimous consent. that We will accept
or receive no judge in the aforesaid val
leys who shall have obtained his office
for any price. or for money In any way
whatever, or one who shall not be a
native or a resident with US"
The progress, although slow, was
steady until the war OF independence In
the United Colonies of America. The
ancient Grecians or Romans had no
United States to fly to when detected In
the attempt 10 overthrow the rule of the
oppressor. After the discovery of Am
erica, the daring, independent. liberty
loving people of Europe turned their
faces toward the new shores, and there
built up a sentiment that eventually
spread like beacon OF hope to all parts
of the earth
When IL was written in Philadelphia
and proclaimed to the world that "all
men are created equal; that among these
are life. liberty, and pursuit of happi-
ness" a most wonderful epoch marked
the development of the human race.
An Echo in France.
In strange contrast with the words OF
c. Cassius, above quoted. stands this
declaration. Whether intended to have
an influence beyond the boundaries OF the
United States or not, that declaration
went farther. 1t found an echo in the
hearts of the French people. who wrote
In letters of blood as the structure OF
republicanism begins TO raise its head in
France. the words: Liberty, equality.
fraternity"
Since 1865 the tendency in the United
States has been toward making the Ia
borer mere newer OF wood and drawer
OF water. The march in this direction
has been fastened by the insidious at
taeks made upon US by the governments
OF Europe. Agents OF foreign govern
ments are constantly among US. and
wealthy Americans go in steady stream
every year to Europe, where they imbibe
nothing that is healthy or good for the
institutions OF democracy.
AS the Government OF the United
States stood out the foremost monument
OF progress and equality. so has it been
the most hated and envied among ma
tions. AS the downtrodden and despair
ing turned toward the shores OF America
for aid and hope. the oppressors of these
men, through their governments. en-
deavored 70 SOW the seed of dissension
and distrust among US byimporting man.
ners, customs and habits that should
find no place or nutriment In a democ-
racy.
Ape Airs of Monarchy.
Soon a class of Americans beean IN
ape the airs OF monarchists. Servants
were put in livery in chamber and on
the coachman's seat. Coats OF arms were
resurrected and on many an avenue OF
street in the United States one can nnd
much that resembles the CAPITALS Of
Europe and monarchy. So far has this
gone that men in the United States find
themselves insulted II they are Obliged
to treat with laboring men. Masters
and servants are terms that We hear
oftener than in the past.
Machinery every hour becomes more
perfect, makes it possible for men to
accomplish results much quicker than
heretofore, yet the hours of labor are
longer. The railway train. the horse
car and now the electric car. the mill.
the shop. the factory and mine are reg
ulated by laws OF Christianity. vet they
recognize no creed or country, they re-
spect no creed or country, they respect
neither Sunday or Sabbath
They work during the whole seven
days OF the week when men can be found
TO operate them. II was in view OF this
condition OF affairs that organized labor
TO allow this leyelins down tendency TO
make progress without protest. The first
to take notice OF the wrong was the or
der of the Knights OF Labor. and in the
councils OF that organization the ques-
tion OF establishing a holiday that would
stand separate and apart from all other
holidays as a Labor Day was first
brought up for discussion.
Birth of Labor Day.
On September 5. 1852. the general as
sembly of the order of the Knights of
Labor convened in New York city. The
various labor organizations of The city
and vicinity paraded that day and after
ward held a picnic at which addresses
were delivered. The Knights of Labor of
New York were not working openly at
that time, the name OF the order was
kept secret and such public expression
of the sentiments Of the mamhare as