The wageworker. (Lincoln, Neb.) 1904-????, 1906-09-21

fusal of the party in power to adopt or
enforce legislation in the interests of
the toiling millions of our country. AT
ter 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 con-
science and support of our fellow citi-
zens'
Relief Asked FOR Refused.
'The relief asked for has not been
granted. Congress has turned 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, unit |
eddy, to demonstrate their determina-
ion that this republic of ours shall
continue to be of, for and by the peo-
pie, rather than of. for and by the al |
mighty dollar.
THE toiling masses of our country
are as much, if not more, interested in
good government than our fellow cit.
zens in other walks of life. In line
with the contention herein stated, the
American Federation of Labor made
its declaration of political policy, as
already quoted above. And in lire
Herewith we hope, and have the right
to expect, to arouse the citizenship of
our common country, interested in
good government, to the apathy OF
hostility of the party in power to the
men more honest, faithful and pro-
gressive may be elected as the peo-
pies representatives.
''If it has come to a condition in this,
the greatest and wealthiest nation on
earth, that the almighty dollar is to be
worshiped to an extent of forgetting
principle, conscience, uprightness and
justice, the time has arrived for labor
and it's friends to raise their voices in
condemnation of such degeneracy, and
to invite all reform forces to join with
it in RELOCATING Indifference to the peo-
pies interests, corruption and graft to
political oblivion; to raise the stand
ard OF legislation by the election of
sincere, progressive and honest men
who, while worshiping money less, will
honor conscience, justice and human
ity more.
1--WE recommend that central bodies
and local unions proceed without delay
by the election of delegates to meet in
conference, or convention, to formu-
late 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 nomi-
nate candidates who will unquestion-
ably stand for the enactment into law,
of labor and progressive measures.
wherever both parties ignore Ia
boris legislative demands a straight
so that honest men may have the OPP
portunity in exercising their franchise
| to vote according to their conscience
| instead of being compelled to either
refrain from voting or to vote for the
| candidate and the party they must in
| their innermost souls despise.
where a congressman or state leg
islator has proved himself a true
friend to the rights of labor he should
be supported and no candidate nomi-
mated against him.
'This movement must not degener-
ate into a scramble for office. 1t should
be determined effort, free, absolutely
from partisanship of every name and
! character, to secure the legislation we
| deem necessary and essential to the
welfare and happiness of all our peo-
pie. AS the present objects of this
movement are purely in the line OF
| legislation, all efforts should be con-
centrated upon the election of mem
| legislatures.
ITO make this-our movement-the
| most effective the utmost care should
| be taken to nominate only such union
| men whose known intelligence, hon.
esty and faithfulness are conspicuous
They should be nominated as straight
labor representatives and stand and be
supported as such by union men and
their friends and sympathizers, ire
spective of previous political affilia
ton.
wherever it is apparent that an en-,
tirely Independent labor candidate
cannot be elected, efforts should be
made to secure such support by in
dorsement of candidates by the minor
ity party in the districts and by such
other progressive elements as will in
sure the election of labor representa-
tives.
"All observers agree that the cam