The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1915-05-22


eace and prosperity, {: &
oeoeceoaoeoeoeeeopuso8
Ole Societies, against a particularly
vicious attack on fundamental Catho-
TIC rights. Instances, such as this.
could be multiplied at will, but what
ever may be said for them will not
color the fact that they are merely
negative manifestations and that they
DO not satisfy the aspirations of Chris
tian democracy.
"nere the Labor Movement Teacher.
The labor movement of America ia
wiser in its way. 1t has no political
party. For years, it has had, however.
political program. When the politt-
cal parties meet in convention to ga
lect candidates and prepare cam
paigns, the labor movement is on hand
demanding consideration for the DO
l1tical wishes of the organized work
1ngmen. The Democratic party has
been more considerate of those
wishes and has thereby won for itself
the larger sympathy of labor.
Not content with this fundamental
process, the labor movement maintains
national and state legislative commit
tees, to influence legislation when gen.
eral policies demand practical and
local application in detail. Most of
the American social legislation is d.
rectly due to the legislative activities
OF the organized labor movement.
though the opposition has been yerv
outer and at times actually fierce.
Who will say that this achievement
! does not do credit to the labor move
ment? Who is it that will refuse re-
spectful homage to the benef,cen+
legislation that has brought relief and
hope and aspiration back into innumer-
able American homes and novels?
american democracy owes a larger
debt to the American Federation of
AaDor than to any other secular
agency.
One More Concrete Example.
according to the Union Leader"
Chicago, ILL.,, May LIST: "The Emnlov-
ers' Association Of Illinois" held a
meeting recently at Springfield, where
the legislature is in session, and sent
10 the members thereof communica-
ton, opposing all new legislation ,,
adding that business will not in ito
present state stand the extra burdens
imposed by state interference"
we would not, if we could, take
away from the Employers Association
OF Illinois the legislative recourse to
safeguard their very legitimate inter-
ests; we raise no voice of objection to-
their meeting and its purpose. On the
otner hand, we welcome the counter
action of the Illinois Federation or
Labor. which held the situation Of
sucn importance as to warrant an
emergency convention for the purpose
OF securing "a square deal'' in inn
portant legislation now pending.
President Walker, in opening the
convention. said: Some twelve hum
dred men have responded to the con-
vention call. We are Interested IN
about one hundred bills before tho
legislature. There are among them.
twelve bills which are Of vital inn
portance to u.s."
After due and proper discu.sion
OF these bills. committee was named
70 call upon Governor Dunno and the
members OF the legislature in order to
nulltfy scheme intended to frustrate
the passage of bills desirable to labor
interests. by sudden adjournment of
the legislature.
II Is certain that the governor and
the legislature and the people of ILL.,
nofs will be impressed by the alert.
ness and earnestness of the labor DEM
onstratfon, and that no ATTEMPT will
% made to deal lightly with its claims.
eatno''e Delegates to Coming conven-
tons, Attention!
we are not passing upon the merits
OF dement's of the legislation sought
Dy the Illinois Federation of Labor
OUT calling attention to the method
IL Is good democracy. The season of
conventions is now upon us. Local.
state and national conventions of Cath
onc societies are about to take place.
iney will undoubtedly discuss the af-
1alrs OF humanity in a religious and
patriotic manner. We trust that the
philosophy behind this Communications
Will commend itself to their due con-
sideration and that all legislative com.
mlttees will add immeasurably tn
tnelr functions. and provide adequately
for their effectiveness.
CONSUMPTION IN IRELAND
IT was stated at meeting of the