Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-07-23

conscience instead of being compelled either
to refrain from voting or to vote for the
candidate and the party they must In their
innermost souls despise.
Where a representative or state Legislator
has proven himself a true friend to the
rights of labor he should be supported and
no candidate nominated against him.
'-Thfs movement must not degenerate Into
a scramble for Office. 1t should be de-
termined effort. free. absolutely. from par
tfsanship OF every name and character, to
and essential to the welfare and happiness
Of all our people. AS the present objects
OF this movement are purely In the line
of legislation. all efforts should be con-
Congress and the various state legislatures.
Utmost Care Necessary.
ITO make this-our movement-the most
effective the utmost care should be taken
to nominate only such union men whose
known intelligence, honesty and faith
fulness are conspicuous. They should be
nominated as straight labor representa-
tives and stand and be supported as such
pathixers, irrespective OF previous political
affiliation.
wherever 1t Is apparent that an entirely
Independent labor candidate cannot be
elected. efforts should be made to secure
such support by Endorsement of candidates
by the minority party in the districts and
by such other progressive elements as VIII
insure the election Of labor representa-
tives.
''All observers agree that the campaign
of our fellow-workmen OF Great Britain
has had a wholesome effect upon the gov
eminent, as we'll as the interests OF Its
wage-earners and the people generally Of
that country In the last British elections
fifty-four trade unionfsts were elected to
parliament II the British workmen with
their limited franchise, accomplished SO
much by their united action, what may we
In the United States not do with universal
suffrage?
Labor's Representatives.
I'm order to systematically carry out the
policy and work necessary to this cam
paign the executive council OF the Ameri-
can Federation of Labor has selected the
following members as the labor repre-
sentation committee:
Samuel Gompers, James OConneH ana
Frank Morrison
Those earnestly engaged in our move
ment must, we repeat. be guided by the
fact that the principles for when we
stand must be of primary consloesa.lon'
and office secondary. We ask our 1eiioW ,,
workers and friends to respond TO TINS cali
and to make of 1t, a popular uprlslng OF
honest men, and to see to 1t that the pest,
most conscientious men of labor or their
supporters are chosen as their repi ese.o
tives. -. :,
the HEADQUARTERS OF the labor representa-
ton committee (Which will be located IN
the offices of the American Federatlon OF
I Labor, who will give the best possible IN
formation and advice on uniform pro-
cedure.
Progress Made Through Battles
Whatever vantage ground or Improved
conditions have come to the workers OF
our country were not brought to them on
silver platters; they are the result OF their
better organization and their higher In
telIigence; of the sacrifices they have made
and the industrial battle-scars OF many
The progress of the toiiers has
not been due to kindness or consideration
at the hands of the powers that be- put
achieved in spite of the combined bitter
hostility of mendacious greed, corporate
corruption. legislative antagonism and )u-
diciai usurpation-
Labor men of America, assert your
rights, And in addition to strengthening
your faith and loyalty to your organization
on the economic field, exercise your 1uii
rights of citizenship in the use OF your
ballot Elect honest men to Congress ana
to other halls of legislation, and by SO DO
ing YOU will more completely and fully
carry out your obligations as union men
and more than ever merit the respect OF
your fellow citizens.
Labor demands a distinctive ana larger
share in the governmental affairs of oszr
country; it demands justice; 1t will be
with nothing less"