Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-09-09
At the Stale House

Shortly before noon the long line of
the parade came to a halt on the ter
race on the west side of the State
House. where from platform speeches
were delivered by Governor William T.
Haines, Mayor f. F. Newbert, and
Gen. Pres. John F. Tobin of the Boot
and Shoe Workers International I'm
ion. This part of the program was
opened by Rev. Mr.. Dunnack acting as
chairman, who in behalf of the allied
labor forces of Augusta and the sur
rounding cities cordially welcomed all
to the city. He stated that all must
count themselves fortunate to gather
upon the green in the shadow of the
Capitol building, and especially for
tunate because they were citizens of
no mean State
He pointed out that labor has for
ever been among the most dignified
things which has engaged the atten i.
ton Of humanity, and stated that by
labor we can hold the respect of our
fellows. And he pointed out the spe-
cial benefits which united action on the
part of labor has conferred on all
working people. In closing he spoke
of the obligations of the labor union.
stating that "All organized power is a
public trust and trust not to be used
for private gain except In harmony
with the best interests of the COM
munity"
mayor Newbert, the next speaker,
save a cordial welcome to the people
IN behalf of the city of Augusta.
which he termed the best organized
labor city in Maine He drew atten-
ton to the fact that laboring men were
formerly content with small things,
such as long hours and small wages
but today men are emaneipated and
men are as free as the dream of free
dom. And he spoke of the working
mems compensation law and the 54-
hour law for women as among the
good things which are soon to come
to the laboring people.
He stated that as we are looking to
the picture of the golden age in labor
we are stunned by the reports from
the war in Europe and our beautiful
picture is shattered, and he pointed to
the fact that we are to be thankful
that we live in a land where peace
reigns. He told the laborers that the
golden age was, however. bound To
come and that they were going to win
and in that day peace and love would
challenge all to build up a brother
hood embracing all nations. creeds and
parties
Governor Haines was the next
speaker. In his talk he called at
tention to the fact that 81 hours was
not only long enough for women and
children to work but was also long
enough for the men to labor. And
he spoke of the workingmen's COM
pensation act as secure. The i'm
portance Of the occupation of the men
engaged in mechanical and manufac-
turing pursuits he also pointed out.
Governor Haines emphasized the
great facilities which Maine provides
for the working man to educate his
children. and spoke of the high stan
dard of living of Names workingmen
He stated that il is wonderful that in
this far away State Of ours that we
have done so we'll along this line. In
closing he pointed out the fact that
the State is what the people make 1t
and that through the workingln en-
public is moulded and finds expression
in the law.
The last speaker of the day was
Gen. Pres. Tobin of the Boot and Shoe
Workers International Union. In his
talk he emphasized the point that the
workers Of any trade should join the
union of that trade and conform to
the rules and regulations of that
union. And he advised the working
men to suggest labor legislation for
in that way only, he stated, would
they get it.
The 54-hour law he claimed should
apply to men as we'll as women ana
he stated that later a bill calling for
still shorter hours would not be out Of
place. And in closing he showed the
Importance of arbitration previously
arranged between the employer and
the employees as means of prevent
ing friction between the two parties,
and he claimed that in any event the
parties should keep their side of the
agreement.