The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1907-09-05
4 a Dor . av.

Paper Read Before the ChIutduQua Circle.
r ABOR DAY has most properly
found its place among the holi-
DAYS of the American people.
1t has no historical basis as All
anniversary. nor is it reminiscent of
any great event or of any distinguish
ing achievement. In fact it does not
look backward but forward, for 1t
commentaries today aud points with
Joyous confidence to the future. And
we'll may the workers of today con-
oratulate themselves and celebrate the
age in which they live.
1t is the golden age of labor. Per
haps our children or our grandchildren
may succeed to better one yet, Tor
such should be their fortune In the
progress of the evolution of society,
and those who follow us will surely
enjoy it unless there comes one OF
those disasters which sweep away ma
lions and civilizations; and such a
calamity is to US inconceivable. In
this happy and fortunate era there Is
room for nothing but congratulatlon.
Advance has been steady and bet
terment has been continuous. Even
within the memory of those who work
xoday the change in the condition OF
the workers has been nothing less than
marvellous.
In no other land has there been seen
anything like it. and for this reason,
namely, that here labor has been the
common lot. There has been no priv
aleped class; there have been no drones;
the man who works with his hands
has been from the first the equal of
ahe man who works with his brains
aud of the man who lives upon inher-
sted accommodations sure sto be trans
ferred and distributed in the course of
nature.
In these years of social development,
the advancement of labor has been the
most conspicuous feature. The par
ents of the laborer of today did not
share in the advantages which now are
the possession of all. Today education
is free, even the higher technical grades.
Parks and libraries and baths have
been added for the enjoyment of every
one, and the science of sanitation has
heightened the span of life. 1t is
better aud brighter world and might
say happier one for the workers, as i
opens broader avenues for industry
and ambition. In this advance We
must recognize the influence of organ
szed labor, for much that has beer
accomplished in the betterment OF con
ditions has been secured thru the per
sistent. indomitable influence OF thes'
organizations. At times, they ma.
have seemed to go too far and too fast
TO demand too much, but would tn
reduction in the hours of labor hav
been brought about but for this pres
surep Would tie labor of women ant
children have been safeguarded as b.
our laws today, and would the educa
tion of youth be universally compul
sorry?
or course much remains to be don
to sustain labor at the level of progress
maintained by the community In ger
eral; but the foundation has been 81
curely laid and there need be no donh
as to the building UP of the superstrut
1ure. 1t is this sentiment which give
significance to the celebration of Labo
Day. A holiday like Memorial Da,
dedicated to no man, to no one achiev'
ment or event, but respectively to p'
triotism and humanity, the Unite
States clearly demonstrates that idea
ism and not materialism is the -four
dation of government Of the peopl
Labor Day as legal holiday dat
from 1887. Whether Minnesota WI
one Of the five states which in th'
year established the annual festivt
now general thruout the Union, | q
not able to say. But in no state shou
its celebration be observed more heal
ily, for in every line Of labor legisl
tion Minnesota takes leading pa