The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-09-26

parade as detrimental to the interests OF
unionsm.
THE action of the Horseshoers' union
in leaving the line was n praisewopthy
one. and showed the sincerity OF that
union against the principles of the "open
shop
gro guard against any future occur
renee as that OF Labor Day, IL is recon-
mended that the Central Labor Union
and Building Trades Council place a
standing fine against any member or
their affiliated trade who may hereafter
employ or ride non-union shod horses.
"Where horses are used in any general
labor observance In the future. IL Is rec
commended that the employment OF all
such horses remain with the Horseshoers
union"
The report was accepted and filed and
the committee discharged
THE PARAMOUNT ISSUE.
A year ago last March, Mr.. Gompers,
president OF the American Federation of
Labor. served notice on the executive
that he proposed TO use the power and
influence OF that organization TO defeat
all the candidates inimical to the eight
hour law and its enforcement. That ac-
tion was the necessary outcome of the
indifference and hostility of the admins
tration. and the Republican party leaders
TO the interests of organized labor.
Organized labor, representing the ad-
yanced democratic instincts OF the mass
es, is seeking TO obtain for them indus
trial liberty, the right to regulate -theff
industrial as well as their political al
fairs
In the evolution of Democracy the time
has arrived TO recognize the natianal or
ganizations OF labor as the proper author
ity to regulate the hours, wages and the
working conditions OF their constituents.
The Industrial peace OF the nation de-
pends upon this. and the party that rec
ognlzes and adopts this principle will
place itself in line with all the forces that
are now making for progress and make
itself invincible and irresistible in voicing
the desires OF the masses for more liberty
and opportunity. and a larger share OF
the wealth their labor produces.
The threatened strike of the railroad
men last winter, with the telegraphers
strike now on Is evidence the ire
pressible conflict has assumed another
phase and as Mr.. Lincoln once said:
This government cannot exist half-slave
and half-free. 1t will become all slave or
all free" SO today, the vital issue Is
whether the people or the corporations
are to rule. All OF our labor troubles have
their inception in the growing desire OF the
people to regulate their Industrial as well
as their political affairs, and the Demo
cratic leaders of the nation Will make no
mistake in adopting as the paramount Is
sue in the next presidential campaign the
only thing the American people are agreed
upon. and the one thing that will solidify
the labor vote organized and morgan
lied In favor of the party of Jefferson,
Jackson and Lincoln: The universal eight
hour work day TO go into effect one year
from the fourth of next March.
The railroad men of the nation are Q
unit in demanding the natural work day
of eight hours and without any additional
legislation and without friction II can be
made operative through the railroad sys-
tenn and the greatest reform since the
abolition OF slavery can and Will be ac'
complshed and the way prepared tc
eliminate the monopolistic forces nov
seeking to enslave us, and bring us an
other step nearer the recognition OF th'
inalienable right of all man to life, liber
ty and the persuit OF happiness.
ALEXANDER LAW.
President. Eight Hour League OF America
223 w. 37th street, New York City.