The labor argus. [volume] (Charleston, W. Va.) 1906-1915, 1908-09-17

Special articles written for the
Labor Day issue of the American
Fcdcrationist by eminent labor
men who, by their devotion to
the cause, have earned the con-
tideuce of their fellows.
TO reward labor's friends and
rebUt,c its foes' is a slogan that
should appeal with great force to
all wage earners, regardless of
political Affiliations, in the cam
paign which is now in progress.
Unless one mistakes the sign of
the times, the November election
will mark the beginning of a new
era in the political affairs of our
country.
Wherever one travels and who
ever one meets, he finds a state of
active political thought and in
dependence unknown In the past.
This is especially true of the or
ganiIed wage-earners, who seem
determined to seek redress for
wrongs which may be remedied
through Legislative action by Civ
ing support to the best men who
are candidates for Office instead of.
as heretofore, voting regularly for
the candidates of some particular
party.
This political independence is
the most hopeful and healthful
sign of our times. The election to
Congress and to other legislative
IS well as to judicial and admin
iStrativc offices, of men whose
highest ambition is to see how
much protection and helpfulness
they can give to the great mass of
the people without doing injustice
10 the minority more favored by
fortune. will prove of incalculable
benefit TO the whole country, and
will have the effect of removing
from Influence and domination
that small though powerful ele-
mcnt which seems to control the
machinery of all political parties.
This attitude of the wage earners
Is the outgrowth of long years of
agitation and training 1t is not,
as many appear to believe, de.
pa'tur" from the well-defincd
policy of the trade union move
ment. 1t is rather the culmin-
alton Of the teachings Of the lead
er> OF economic thought who have
refused political preferment them
selves. III order that the whole
movement might develop and
ciy>H..iZc. and they not be open
10 II" charge of selfish personal
motives.
Il is ;rGe that to those who are
Restless and impatient, to those
who nave suffered grievous in
justice thc movement has seemed
lHu '.-~~arily slow and indefinite.
let m..vu one considers tie dis
coi"a"'- heterogeneous elements of
VINO. society is composed. the
""a.". = not that we have made
;" .'..- advance. but that We have
P!'--.~-"I so far. There has been
Il" 'a"> ward step, no recession in
'''' "a>ing struggle for better
>"'.' and economic conditions.
va ... contrary. each year and
r"'. ,ncration marks some for
va. -rp in the direction of the
goa which we strive. The
Pc" Year offers more hope and
!', of greater achievements
o'.. . The economic and political
liam has been recorded in
Ii, ~.
lis luncturc it may not be
AL say word of warning to
'' our number who may be
HpctuOuS or who may seek
advantage for personal
\ o workingman should re
'pport or countenance I'M
has proved by his previous
and conduct that he is OF
~'andard of integrity and
nee that he will when
10 Office command the re.
i challenge the admiration
lair minded citizens. In
rdS. there must not be q
"Edmble for Office And
2ortant than all else. tn,
movement must not bt
a:Irnount to the economi,
Oar organizations must bt
ned unimpaired: they
Just as essential to oul
aud our welfare if we con