The labor advocate. [volume] (Cincinnati, Ohio) 1912-1937, 1916-02-05

pubic pOllcleS or matters OF general con-
Germ. This assertion of rights has come
with the startling challenge of new
demand. Democratic organization of
society is commonplace term that has
not the force of full reality in the af-
fairs of life and work. Practically all
OF our governmental methods and prac-
tces have an aristocratic origin that ex-
ercise subtle, powerful and determn-
ing force that is unconsciously part of
our Technology and hence of our
thought and imagery. The habitual has
a lethargic tendency that inhibits
thought and complete realization of the
meaning of principle and of all its re-
lations. While we avow equal oppor-
tunities for all citizens, that principle
has force and meaning only when self
interested, intelligent activity secures
rights for individuals or groups of citi-
zens. Democracy, even in America, has
been a word rather than an idea with
meaning and purpose.
In older days the toilers were not
given such protection of government as
even the laws provided, and those who
worked with their hands were the prop
erty of those for whom they worked.
As the workers slowly advanced from
slavery into the position OF subjects un-
der government, they had no part in
the determination of government-they
were merely its victims and pawns. The
toilers were governed but they had no
voice in the government. Organization
under former social and political con-
cepts gave real authority and protection
IN the government only to those who had
some advantageous power. Political
power was derived from possessions,
usually financial or landed. 1t was a
recognition of some strategic advantage
that its holder had over his fellows.
Under the constant pressure and the
irresistible surge of demands for hui
man rights and human justice, demands
for equal opportunity carried the add-
tional weight of an accepted principle.
and these aristocratc forms and con-
cepts gave way to the ideals of democ-
racy, in theory at least. But the prin-
cples of democracy have become reality
only through the assertion of rights and
insistence upon demands.
Under a republican form of govern
ment the working men presumably have
equal voice in the government with any
other group of citizens Politicians
have tried to hatter them by making
them believe that they have real repre-
sentation in the government through
sympathetic, humanitarian representa-
tives. The dignity of labor" has been
largely a politicians catch phrase used
for the purpose of vote-getting The
workers know they can be truly repre-
sented only by those who have lived
their lives, worked at their work, borne
their burdens, experienced their wrongs
and the deep-rooted sense of injustice
that comes from denial of what gives
life, hope and opportunity.
However much the workers may have
been misled and wronged in the past.
they have out of it all evolved a better
understanding of what constitutes real
participation in government, and of the
character of representative government.
Out in the world of labor and life the
workers have put real meaning into
the phrase, "The Dignity of Labor"
That reality has been created out of the
power of the bones and sinews and the
brains of those who work for wages and
has been given concrete form in our
material civilization. They have given
not only their working power. but they
have broken their bones, mangled their
llCSh Spillcu llcll DlOOu, ana nave cN-
pended the best in life and spirit on the
work of the world. 1t has given the
dignity of labor deeper and more per-
manent expression in the ideals of hui
manity, justice and freedom that the
workers have been made part of the
guiding and directing force of our ma
ton, Every days work has been dem
onstration that the workers can and do
do things. They supply the creative
power that is necessary part of the
processes of material production. The
work of their hands and brain is every
where-buildings of industry and rail
roads that unite the distant parts of our
country, the material agencies of trans
portation and communication, articles
of daily food, use and wear. and in all
OF that which pertains to the material
agencies of life and work. They have
contributed something more than me-
chanical producing power. 1t is the
mind and the insight controlling the
muscles of the workers that give them
value as producers and as members of
society.
Without the miners the wheels of in
dustry and commerce would cease The
miners daily risk life and limb as they
go down into the black depths to Sc
cure the fuel necessary for our civiliza-
ton In comparison with the mine op-