The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-09-19
SEPTEMBER Ie, 1906.
LABOR IN THE CAMPAIGN.

The absorbing interest taken by organized
labor in the political campaign now under way in
this state is sgnally illustrated by the introduc-
ton at the session Of the state branch OF the Fedora
tion OF Labor of resolutions condemning Republi-
can action upon and attitude toward measures in
the interest OF the wage workers OF the state.
There can no longer be doubt that labor in
Rhode Island has come to realize how outrageousv
it has been treated and how shamefully its interests
and wishes have been houted by the Brayton
,nachine whose dominance is disgrace to the COM
monwealth and reproach to its decent citizenship.
Labor has obtained nothing of Braytonisn
except what it has wrung from it through fear. IT
has been continually the victim OF Braytonism
dupicity, and it suffers grievously today because
of Braytonisms persistent hostility, made effective
by secret and netherworld operations.
Braytonsm has been prolific in promises,
but barren in performance 1t makes pretence OF
solicitude for the welfare OF the working man be
fore election only to repudiate him and his cause
after the votes counted.
Just now it is engaged in its annual propa-
canda OF deceit and falsehood among the working
men. AS usual it is ready to pledge itself to 1id
labor by legislation and by appointment to Office,
and as usual also. it will repudiate every pledge
after the election is over.
With honest labor Braytonism has no syln-
pathy, and from Braytonism honest labor can
hope for no aid Braytonisms sympathy is with
the corporations which are willing to pay, and 10
pay, big sums for legislation that gives them vau-
able public franchises for pttance and that saves
them from deserved punishment for their bra1 N
nractions of the law.
The only political organization. that has been
the consistent and unwavering friend of labor and
an unfaltering advocate of its is the Demo
cratic party. and it is TO that party labor should
give its undivided support, both as a matter OF
gratitude and as duty it itself and the decent
citizenship of Rhode Island.
In his address before the Wage Farmers cD
last evening, Former Mayor Fitzgerald OF Paw
tucket stated the case exactly and forcefully when
he declared that if labor wishes to make any rea,
progress in this city and state it must support
the only party that has ever shown itself to be
ilabor's frend--the Democratic party"
Mr.. Fitzgerald, furthermore, went to the very
root of the evil political conditions prevailing IN
this state and pointed the way to reform, when he
declared that the first duty of labor is to aid he
Democratic party in securing constitutional con-
venton. He showed conclusively that under RI,
present unequal and unjust representation, imposed
and maintained through the ascendancy of Republ-
canism and Braytonisni, the wage werkefs-nh94
constitutes such large part OF the electorate in the
cities OF Providence and Pawtucket arc practically
dsfranchised.
In urging abor's united support of the
Democracy Mr.. Fitzgerald said: "The first
real reform for this state for which all worlngmen
should fight is majority rule. That can only come
through constitutional convention. Once YOU get
majority rule then you need only convince a
majority of the people that any other reform is he
right thing and you will get it."
In the campaign now waging the Democracy
is battling for majority rule, which has been ban
ished from the commonwealth by corrupt Brayton-
ism, and in that battle il has the hearty sympathy
and active support of all citizens who desire real
representative government and an honest and
efficient administration OF public affairs
Labor can be of inestimabe service by uniting
with the Democracy in bringing about a reform
that will give the state organic law under which
majority rule will be established, and under which
equal rights will be assured TO all citizens and
special privileges TO none.
II wisdom and prudence prevail in its councils
labor will march with unbroken ranks TO the polls
next November and its ballot for the candidates
OF the Democracy
A Democratic triumph on Nov. o. will mean tie
destruction OF Braytonsm and the establishment
in Rhode Island OF what has long been unknown
within its borders--government Of by and for the
people