Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-09-09

prophecy that by the methods of pur-
chase and of coercion the Republican
party may materially reduce this per-
centage before the day of election.
Yet it is a fact that never before in
the history of the Democratic party
has there been apparent so widespread
a determination on the part of work
ingmen to vote that party's ticket.
And the student of political affairs
who wonders how the election may
come out must not ignore the enor-
nous influence eXerted by the Amer
lean Federation of Labor. led by Sam
uel Gompers. In the last number of
the Federationist. the organ of that
labor organization, | find this as the
text recommended for the political
guidance of all members of the fedora
ton:
1--WE now call upon the workers of
our common country to stand faith
fully by our friends. oppose and defeat
our enemies. whether they. be candi-
dates for president, for congress or
other Offices, whether executive, legis-
lative or judicial"
Only in Mr.. Gompers' editorial are
| specific names used. But no one who
| wishes to understand the divergent at
| titude of the two parties toward the
| rights of labor should fail to get the
American Federationist for September
and read 1t with care. Such an ey-
preston as this. coming from the head
OF an organization numbering 100000
workingmen. is Of vital Importance:
1.-The Republican party and its can
didate for the presidency, Mr. Taft
have, spoken. Where labor is not ig-
nored it is either insulted or the aim
/ is evident to rivet the chains Of in.
justice Still more firmly upon the
masses of the toilers.
THE Democratic party and its can
didate for the presidency, Mr.. Bryan
have also spoken. The latter give alb
solute assurance in their declarations
i Of all that labor asks. The working
people and their friends and the pub
lie spirited public can elect the candi
date of the party which has made la.
boris contentious for justice its own
Real independence in this campaign
consists in the workers voting for this
candidate"
If Mr.. Gompers' position may seen
extreme, it Is Illuminating to give the
list of labor leaders who in the same
number of the Federationist expressed
approval of 1t and announced theil
i purpose to support the Democratic
ticket.
John Mitchell second vice president
A. F. of L.; James Duncan. first vice
president A. f. Of L.; L. R. Thomas
secretary of Metal Trades association
P. j. McArdle, president of Amalga
mated Iron, Steel and Tin Workers
Daniel j. Eeefe, sixth vice president
Of A. f. of H.: Thomas F. Tracy. chair
man of legislative committee; Jere L
Sullivan, secretary treasurer of Hote
and Restaurant Employees; ]. G
Skemp, secretary-treasurer of Broth
erhood Painters. Decorators and Paper
hangers; Walter Macarthur, editor o
Coast Seamen's Journal; Owen Miller
secretary of American Federation o.
Musicians; Cal Wyatt. general organic
er of A. f. of L.; John Golden. presi
dent of United Textile Workers o.
America.
This is but selection from the lis
of names of those who wrote to tn,
American Federationist approving Mr.
Gompers' programme. 1t is a repre-
sentative selection. but there are man!
others of quite as high standing
When the leaders Of organized labo
, come in this fashion into the open t,
press a political programme and t,
support the candidates of one part,
there is reason for that party to coun
with confidence upor the organized ID
Dor vote.
Chicago.
WILLIS J. ABBOT.