The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1904-09-09
LaBOR DeY.
It Was FIRST Observed in oesIs Last
Mondsy-Speeehes, Dancing, Etc.

Organized labor had its first formal
celebration in Ocala last Monday.
In commemorative of the day the
pOstOffice, banks, some of the stores
and many other industries and bust
ness firms were closed and the at
tachees joined in the celebration.
The arrangements for the days eel
ebration was made by the following
committee from the local order of the
A. T. of l., viz: J. A. LeSeuer, chair
man, J. H. Spencer, c. c. Sanders,
Pratt Morris, ". NJ. Phillips, Alex
Peterson and john Fogelstrom.
At 9 O'Clock d. m. a general meet
ing of all the local labor organiza-
tions was helG in Union Hail and sev-
eral instructive and interesting adj
dresses were made by the different
members.
At 4 o'ciock an interesting ball
game was played by the Wagearners
and the Ocalas Owing to the late
ness Of the hour of starting, the game
was called at the end of the sixth in
ming. The game was witnessed by a
fairly good crowd, and resulted in a
score Of 10 to 9 in favor of the
Wagearners.
In the evening public addresses, an
ice cream supper and a dance were
given in the Armory hall
At $50 the meeting was called to
order by J. A. LeSeuer, chairman of
the committee on arrangements, who
gave an outline of the growth of the
order in the United States, but his re-
marks were confined especially to its
growth in the southern states.
NJ. LeSeuer said that while the
demonstration was perhaps not as
large as some of the ardent members
had hoped for, the organization in
Ocala had every reason for congratu-
latiOn; because he was present at the
first demonstration Of organized labor
in the city Of Atlanta and only sew
enty-five, all told, were present, vet
a few years afterward several thous-
and participated in the labor parade
which was headed by the governor of
the state, the city council and the
board of trade; and in Florida in the
cities of Jacksonville, Tampa, Key
West, Pensacola, etc, nearly all
workers in the different branches of
industry were members of the organ
izatiOn and the business firms and
people generally were favorable to it.
Mr.. LeSeuer made a very admirable
address which was well received by
the audience.
Mr.. LeSeuer introduced Mr.. George
G.. Mathews as master of ceremonies,
and-in assuming this pleasant role he
delivered a very eloquent and appro-
pirate address. He convinced his
hearers that he was a sincere sympa-
thizer with organized labor and grew
eloquent as he proceeded. His adj
dress was loudly applauded.
He introduced Mr.. T. E. Biggs, city
attorney, who, in the absence of
Mayor Edwards, appeared as the rep
'resentative of the city government,
and extended to all present his con-
CALCULATIONS and hearty good wishes.
MIR. Biggs' speech, good all the way
through, was made better by very
amusing story, which was happily
told and well received.
Mr.. Harris was next introduced.
His remarks are printed elsewhere.
Mr.. c. L. Bittinger, editor of the
Star, finished the oratorical program,
and, as he usually is, was enthusiastic
and eloquent. He traced the history
of labor from earliest times and
showed what a great debt of graft
Uude the world owes TO the efforts of
labor in the United States.
During the proceedings the Mando-
lin Club rendered very delightful
music, and after the speaking the
meeting was turned over to Mr.. c. E.
Taylor who generously feasted every
one present with ice cream, cake and
and after which the