The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-02-28

broken, but taken singly. they were
easily destroyed. If the iaboring men Of
Topeka stand together in this matter
there IS no power in God Almighty's
world that can break them asunder
Gentlemen I thank you"
After another piece by the hand. \. B
Burdge, chairman of the committee
which investigated the various candi-
dates, made a speech. He said:
The committee went to Mr. Ber-
gundthal, and he Immediately seemed to
think he was on the defensive, and said
he didn't think the unions should be
especially opposed to him because Of his
attitude on the VineWOod park matter.
or because he had employed a non
union carpenter for the past ten years
at 81 a day. He said his record would
always show that he was the laboring
mans friend.
Then we went to Hughes, and
Hughes manager said that Hughes had
allowed the Transfers union to meet in
his Office without paying rent, and for
that reason he thought the unions
should indorse him.
viii the union Iaborers of Topeka be
satisfied with such political rot as that?
say that the laboring people are en-
titled to more political recognition then
empty political promises.
well the committee went to Mr.. Lew
is, and he said: Gentlemen. I don't sell
coal for living and I don't sell real
estate for a living. I am unfortunate
enough to have to earn my living by
working for a heartEess corporation
That is why labor, both organized and
unorganized, is for Lewis. He is a
labOring man.
Ross Perkins. representative in the
/ legislature from Leavenworth, was the
next speaker Perkins is Democrat,
endorsed by the union labor .organiza-
tons in the last election. and elected.
Mr.. Perkins opponent was agent of the
Union Pacific railway at Leavenworth.
So it evidently does not follow that Just
because a man is a Union Pacific agent
he is a tailoring man. In Topeka he
is "labOring men," in Leavenworth he
is tool of the corporations" Mr.. Per
i1ins said in part:
I don't know Mr.. Lewis. I have new
er met him. But the fact that he is en-
dOrsed by the Trades Council is good
enough for me. The Trades Council IS
inclined to be. fair. 1t is not likely to
select q man because he is a Republi-
can or Democrat, but because he is a
friend Of labor. urge you to go to the
polls and vote for Mr.. Lewis
n. ,. Burdge then read resolutions en-
dOrsing the candidacy of F. A. Lewis.
One of the documents was adopted by
the Retail Clerks association. and the
other by the Federal Labor Union No.
1929. The latter organization is said
to be composed of all union men who
have no organization of their own in the
city with which they can become af-
fliated- The resolutions follow:
Whereas, We believe if there is an
organization of men who more than any
other should take 4 part in politics;
who more than any other should work
together for their best interests, Wheth-
er it be from a standpoint of securing
higher wages, or seeking to elect men to
Office who viii subserve their interests,
it is the working people and organized
labor especially; and
Whereas. We believe the most neces-
sary characteristic and qualification Of
a person desiring to be mayor OF the city
Of Topeka is that he should be a man,
not a cigarette boy nor a law AM
order puppet, but manly man, who, II
elected viii be mayor of the whole PEG
pie and a credit to the capital city Of the
great state of Kansas; and
Whereas. We believe it is the duty
of every Workinglnan and the members
Of organized labor to give our support
to the one who is not only the best man
for the place from the standpoint Of the
business interests Of our city, but believ-
ing also that we, as working people.
should support the man VINO is with us
and who is our friend: therefore be it
Resolved, BY Federal Labor union
No. 1922 that we endorse the candidacy
Of Mr.. Frank A. Lewis for mayor and
pledge him our heartiest support; and be
it, further
Resolved, That we call upon all n1em>
bers of organized labor, who have IN
mind the best interests of their move
ment in this city. to give to Mr.. Lewis
their support in this contest.
IS. P. BYALL President pro tenn.
GUS ALBERTS. Secretary
Whereas. The Trades and Labor
Council has made an investigation into
the attitude of the candidates for mayor
and has found that the best interests
of the working people of this city lie IN
the selection for this position of Mr.
Frank A Lewis: and
Whereas We believe that Mr. Lewis
will serve the interests of organized la
Dor better than the other candidates
therefore be It
Resolved. BY the Retail Clerks Inter
national Protective association No. 251
that we endorse Mr.. Frank Lewis for
mayor and pledge him our support for
this position.
adopted February 26. 1903.
u. p TERRELL, President.
&C. c. COULSEN, Secretary"