The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1905-05-21
DISPLAY OF DECORATIONS THAT
MIGHT WELL EXCITE THE
ENVY OF ANY UNION MAN.

Those who have had so much to say
against ChaS. H. Bliss on account of
his alleged opposition to labor should
take peep into Peter Lindenstruth's
window to-day at 116 Palafox street
There may be seen some Of the labor
decorations worn by Mr.. Bliss in years
long since past and gone. These
badges suggest unique ana interest
ing history which is probably without
a parallel in the state of Florida.
One of these badges was worn by
Mr.. Bliss when he was a member of
the Transfers and Shoveller's I'm
ion,' which was affiliated with the
American Federation of Labor. II
shows that Mr.. Bliss ence occupied a
very humble position among the toll
ers of the earth.
A gold pin of the Knights of Labor.
which will be readily recognized by
every member of the order, fills an
important place in the display. This
was presented to Mr. Bliss by his To-
cal assembly when he was retiring
from the position of Worthy Foreman.
Ii was worn by him in the palmiest
years of this historical oroer.
Other badges show him to have
been a member of the National Farm
er's Alliance and Industrial Union.
Mr. Bliss. was not farmer at the time
of this membership but his writings
in favor of labor had gained for him
such a wide and favorable reputation
that the rules of the order were sus-
pended and he was MADE an honorary
member. Prominent among the
badges is a large blue silk badge of
this order which he wore as delegate
to the National Convention al Indian
apOlis, In 1891, that famous gathering
where Hon. Tom Watson was such a
prominent figure.
Another badge was worn by Mr..
Bliss when he was secretary of the
Indiana Reform Press Association an
Organization of papers in that state
that were favorable to the cause of
labor. Mr. Bliss paper at that time
was the leading labor paper in the
state
Another barge. part of which is
gone is one he wore as a member of
the National Reform Press Associa-
ton, which included nearly all the
labor papers in the United States.
Another was worn by him at the
Cincinnati Conference in which the
leading labor unions of America decid-
ed to call the ST Louis conference.
Another was worn by him at the
st. Louis conference as delegate. This
was probably the most noted and ef-
receive labor gathering in the world.
twenty-five of the strongest labor
unions the wrold has ever seen met
with FIVE thousand delegates and form
uiated the famous St Louis demands.
THESE demands. of labor subsequently
became the platform of the National
Peoples Party at Omaha, at which
Mr.. Bliss was also a labor delegate.
The same demands were adopted by
the National Democratic party at
Kansas City in 1896, and reafirmed at
Chicago in 1900. Mr. Bliss was one of
the men that assisted in formulating
these famous demands which have
passed into national history.
There are other decorations and il
would be well for those interested TO
take look at them. They tell a story
more powerful than all his enemies
can coneoct.
These things show how a man NAV
rise from the very humble position of
a teaTster or shoyeller to the high
and honorable positions he has filled.
1t is a abor record OF which any man
in Florida, or elsewhere might iustly
be proud. Many Pensacolians will he
surprised TO learn Of these things but
the very fact they are unknown TO