The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1906-08-04


on March 21, 1906, the representatives
Of labor presented a Bill of Grievances
to the President and those responsible
for legislation or the failure of legisla-
tion In Congress, reciting the failure
or refusal of the party in power to
adopt and enforce legislation In the
interests OF the to1ling millions Of our
country. After setting forth labor's
grievances and requests and urging
early action. we closed that now
famous document with this statement:
But If perchance you may not heed
us. we shall appeal to the conscience
Congress Has Deaf Ear.
The relief asked for has not been
granted. Congress has turned a deaf
ear to the voices of the masses of our
people; and, true to our declaration,
we now appeal to the working people,
aye, to all the American people united
ly to demonstrate their determination
that this Republic Of ours shall con-
tinue to be OF. for and by the people.
rather than OF, for and by the almighty
dollar.
are as much. If not more, interested
in good government than our fellow
citizens in other walks Of life. In line
with the eontention. hsrein stated. the,
declarationSo OF political policy al al
ready quoted above. And In line there
with we hope, and have the right to
expect. to arouse the citizenship of
our common country, interested in
good government, to the apathy or
hostility OF the party in power to the
real interests Of the people, so that
men more honest faithful and pro-
gressive may be elected as the peoples
representatives.
Trusts own Congress.
Attention is called not only to con-
gressional and legislative Indifference
and hostility to the interests of labor,
but also to the interests of the large
mass of all our people. The press
for months has been burdened with
exposures Of the corruption and graft
in high circles. The great insurance
companies. the trusts. the corporations,
the so-called captains of industry, have
indeed become the owners OF the leg
islators of our country. Public off,
of stop thief" nearest the tip Of the
tongue, have been elected through
these very agencies and the contribu-
t1ons from them.
If it has come to a condition I'M this,
the greatest and wealthiest nation on
earth. that the almighty dollar is to
be worshipped to an extent OF forget
ting principle, conscience, upfighteous-
ness and justice the time has arrived
for labor and Its friends to raise their
voices in condemnation Of such degen-
eracy, and to invite all reform forces
to join with 1t In relegating indiffer-
ence to the peoples interests, corrup-
tion and graft e political oblivion; to
raise the standard of legislation by
the election OF sincere, progressive and
honest men who, while worshipping
money less, will honor conscience,
justice and humanity more.
Labor Political Convention.
We recommend that central bodies
and local unions proceed without delay
by the election OF delegates to meet
in conference. or convention. to form
ulate plans to further the interests of
this movement, and in accordance with
the plan herein outlined at the proper
time and in the proper manner nom
mate candidates who will unquestion-
ably stand for the enactment into law
of labor and progressive measures.