The Butler County press. [volume] (Hamilton, Ohio) 1900-1946, 1916-10-27

ltarlan protective legislation uupre-
cedented in amount and scope.
Legislative enactment has secured
to wage earners fundamental rights
necessary for the very existence of
the organizations of labor without
which wage -earners would have
nothing of freedom and no real op
portunity for self-betterment. Not
only have labor organizations been
given the right to exist but the
activities necessary to make those
organiza ions effective have been
declared legitimate and not contrary
to any law of the United States.
The American seamen, the last
group of workers who could under
law be compelled to perform com
pulsory service, have been made
free men and given the right to
quit their ships when in safe har-
bors.
After many years Of effort a
child labor law has been secured
due directly to the influence and
Intervention of President Wilson.
The law is fundamental, for it pro-
tects the children-the future cit
liens of the country and secures
for them an opportunity to develop
into manhood and womauhood
without being stunted and dwarfed
in mind and body by work un-
suited to their development and
strength
Due to the initiative OF Presi-
dent Wilson, th1 congress extended
the United States eight hour law
to include the workmen engaged in
the operation of the railroad train
service OF the country and a great
strike was thus averted.
1t is impossible TO give the full
list of remedial and protective legis-
lation that carries its bene6cent in
Auences into the homes of millions
of America 5 workers. We can
only refer to that changes in the
spirit of the nation that is of more
consequence than statutory enact
ment, with broader appreciation of
the rights Of humanity and the va.
lue of the human relationships
necessary ia the coordination which
is the basis for industry aud com
merce. 1t is as If the national
thought and the national spirit had
been humanized and has become
more sensitive not only 10 injustice
but to the rignt and opportunities
that ought 10 be accored TO all hu-
man beings. The issue is clear. cut.
On November 7th- election day
a decision will be made which
will determine the future develop,
ment of our country and the spirit
of our national life for years 10
4 come.
As representatives Of the organ.
lied labor movement, which is the
militant protective organization of
the workers and which stands pri.
malily for human rights, WE
URGE THAT THE ISSUES BE
CONSIDERED AT A REGULAR
OR SPECIAL MEETING HELD
BY YOUR ORGANIZATION.
The meeting should be a general
one, and, if necessary, called spe-
cially for the purpose Of seeing that
those who have so much at stake
should 60 the polls to procect their
interests.
There is 30 doubt that the inter
ests Of Wall sueet and their satel
lites all over the country are and
viii continue their activity to retain
the special privileges and power
that they have secretively and cor
ruptly stolen from the people
While property must be protected
respected, man-men, women and
and children, human beings must
have the first consideration.
Wage-earners can not afford to
lose their rights and opportunities
through negligence and inaction.
Meet, discuss the great issues to
be decided on election day, Nov,
7th, and then go to the polls, cast
your vote as your conscience dir
ects for Labor, justice, freedom and
humanity
FrateTnally yours,
SAMIEL GOMPERS, President.
JAS. CONNEL, Vice President.
FRANK MORRISON, Secretary
Labor Representation Committee.