The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1908-09-11

euitOr or this Gil J. cSllnEtlcS louay lH'l
S. per cent OF the organized labor vote
|, of the United States is for the Demo
cratic ticket. but !lc also hazards the
prophecy that by the methods Of pur'
chase and or coercion the Republican
party may materially reduce this per-
centage before the day Of election.
Yet IL is fact that never before In
the history or the Democratic party
has there been apparent so widespread
determination on the part of work
in.mcns to vote that party~s ticket.
And the student OF political affairs
who wonders how the election may
come out innst not ignore the enor-
nous Influence excrted by the Amer
lean Federation OF Labor. led by sam.
uel GomnerS. In the last number or
the I'eilcrationist. the organ or that
labor or.aniza tinn. | find this as the
text recommended for the political
guidance Of all members Of the fedora
tion:
1--WE now call upon the workers OF
our common country to stand falth'
fully by our friends. oppose and defeat
our enemies. whether they be candi-
dates for president, for congress or
other offices, whether executive, legls'
iative or Judicial"
Only in 3Ir. 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 fall to get the
American gsesierationlSt for September
and read 1t with care. Such an e1-
preston rs this. coming from The head
of an organization numbering A,Uo.Wo
workiugulDll. Is OF vital Importance:
"rhe Republican party aud its can
didale for the presidency. Mr.. TAFT
! Eaye spoken. Where labor is not iS-
uored it Is either insu!ted or the aim
fs evident to riyct the Chains OF in
Justice still more firmly upon the
masses OF the toilers.
"The Democratic party and It's can
dijlate for the presidency, Mr.. Bryan,
have also spoken. The latter give Alb
so!ute assurance in their declarations
OF all that tabor asks. The working
people and their friends and the pub
| lie spirited public can elect the candl'
date OF tile party which has made Ia
boris contentious for Justice Its own.
Rca! Independence in this campaign
consists in the workers voting for this
candidute."
II Mr.. Gompcrs' position may seem
extreme. it is Illuminating TO give the
list OF labor leaders who Id the same
number of the Fcdcrntiouist expressed
apDroyal of it aud announced their
purpose to support the Democratic
ticket:
John Mitchell, second vice president
A. f.. OF H.: James Duncan. first vice
president \. T.. OF t.; L. K. Thomas.
secretary of Metal Trades association:
p. J. McArdle. president Of Amnlga-
mated Iron. Steel and Tin Workers;
Daniel ]. Kcerc. Sixth vire president
OF A. +. Of H.; Thomas +. Tracy. chair
man Of Legislative committee: Jcrc Il.
Sullivan, sccrrlarr-trcnSurcr OF Hotel
aud Restaurant Employees: j. Z.
Skr.:,p. OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES or Broth
prllGol l':linlrr>. DrcorarurS ami PAPER
hangers; Waller Macarthur, editor or
Coast Seamrm'S Journal: Owen Miller,
secretary uf American Federation or
Musicians: Cal Wyatt. general orSanH.
er OF A. +. OF L.: John Golden. prcsl-
dent of United Textile Workers Of
America.
This is but selection from the list
of naues Of those who wrote 10 the
American f'cheratlonist approving Mr..
Gompers' programme. 1t is repre-
sentative selection, but there are many
others Of quite as high standing.
When the leaders Of organized labor
come In this fashion into the open to
press political programme AMI to
support the candidates OF one party
there is reason for that party to count
with confidence upon the organized Ia
bOr vote.
Aged Veteran Commits Suicide.
At birmingham yesterday hoDer'