Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-09-09
ESSAY THAT WON FIRST PRIZE
IN LABOR DAY CELEBRATION MONDAY

ter and nobler civilization; to teach
the world that slavery and bigotry
must perish from the earth; to teach
the lesson that humanity, not greed,
should rule, and to place the value OF
human life above the dollar mark OF
the Shylocks Of our day.
Though at one time labor union
was viewed with suspicion by work
man and employer alike. 1t has since
gained the affection. OF the one and the
respect of the other. Slowly, but
surely, it has progressed toward the
fulfillment of Its ideals,
1t has defended the weak against the
strong, increased wages. shortened the
workday. secured remedial legislation.
diminished the number Of accidents,
improved the moral, mental and physl.
cal standard OF It's members, protected
the toll Of women, taken the children
from the mill, and factory. and put
them in school, and fought the battles
of the poor in attic and workshop. In
short, 1t has brought sunshine out Of
the night Of despair, and inspired the
worker with new hope, new ideals, and
q desire for the attainment of all that
is best and good in life. All this 1t has
done, while yet In its infancy, and II
is reasonable to presume, In the light
of past achievements, that 1t will con
tinue onward and upward, surmount
ing every obstacle 1t cannot remove
till every man who tolls with hand OF
brain, receives his just reward, and
stands before his Maker In fact, as In
name, the peer of all the world.
In pursuit of these ideals, Trade
Unions have stood upon the broad
ground Of Justice, and humanity and
by their good works and high purposes
have gained the right to existence.
Though they have accomplished
much in the past and leave behind ar
honorable record Of work well done
the time Is not yet, nor will 1t ever
come, when unions may cease thei,
activity, lay down their armor az
warrior. and say, the task is complete
'the battle Is oer.' Just as eternal
vigilance is the price of liberty" SO II
continued watchfulness necessary to
the preservation OF Trades Unions.
On this occasion 1t Is only fitting
that we bestow our tribute of praise
to the early leaders, who blazed
| pathway through wilderness OF greed
and oppression and carried our unions
| safely through industrial wars. Their
ACV IN 40 LILO 6oSAoAoSLAOA VI hAOWlA0
that they have contributed to the hap
piness OF their fellow-workers, and as
sisted in securing to the masses soma
of the blessings to which they have
been so long denied
When strife and turmoil have pass
ed away, and countless Labor days
| have come and gone, the names OF our
| fearless leaders will be emblazoned
upon the tablet Of Immortality % men
who served and loved their fellow
man.
Inspired by the Righteousness of
just cause, nothing can stop the on.
ward march Of the Trades Union
movement.
| Time in it's never lceasing revolu.
lions. may pass the portals OF the pres.
ent and number us among the people
of the past, life may leave these NOR
tai tenements and pass to realms be-
yond the sky. but the grand principles
Trade Unions are organized to ad-
! vance, the never dying principles OF
equity anu Justice, will go down to pos.
! -rity through endless ages OF the III.
ture as the indestructiDle, basis Of the
rights Of man.
Very respectfully submitted,
John F. Kramer, age 49,
Beacon High School, Glass 1912.