The Twin City star., 1918-08-31


Gompers, "w q 8
- conceived by the
late P. ]. Nc
Guire, who was at that time secretary
OF the United Brotherhood OF Carpen-
ters. The suggestion occurred during
the period when the Knights Of Labor
was in existence, p. ]. Mcguire being
member of that organization.
"Writing for the American Fedora
ZIONIST in 1902, P. J. Mcclure had this
to say:
"'Pagan feasts and Christian obser-
vance have come down to US through
the long ages. But it was reserved for
this country, and for the American
people, to give birth to Labor day. In
this they honor the toilers Of the earth,
and pay homage to those who from
rude nature have delved and carved all
the comfort and grandeur we behold.
Small Group Responsible.
"tMore than all, the thought, the
conception, yes, the very inspiration Of
this holiday came from men In the
ranks Of the working people, men ac-
tive in uplifting their fellows and lead
ing them to better conditions. 1t came
from a little group in New York city,
the Central Labor union, which had
Just been formed, and which In later
years attained widespread influence.
"'On May 8, 1882, the writer made
the proposition. He urged the propri-
ETY. of setting aside one day in the year
to be designated as Labor day." and
to be established as general holiday
for the laboring classes. He advised
the day should first be celebrated by a
street parade, which would publicly
show the strength and esprit de corps
Of the trade and labor organizations.
Next the parade should be followed by
a picnic or q festival In some grove,
the proceeds Of the same to be divided
on this semi-co-operative PLAN
E Observed ~ FestaI Day.
'It was further argued Labor day
should be observed as one festal day
In the year for public tribute to the
genius Of the American industry. There
were other worthy holidays represen-
tative Of the religious, civil and mill
tary spirit, but none representative
Of the Industrial spirit, the great vital
force Of every nation. He suggested
the first Monday in September Of every
year for such q holiday, as 1t would
come at the most pleasant season Of
the year, nearly midway between the
Fourth of July and Thanksgiving, and
would fill the wide gap in the chron-
ology Of legal holidays. Many were
the cogent reasons he advanced, and
at once the idea was enthusiast ically
embraced.
First Parade and Festival. .
"The first Labor day parade and fes-
tival of the Central Labor union Of
New York city, September 8, 1882, was
simply an imposing success. From that
day on It became fixed institution in
the United States, observed today In
every city Of the land. The plan was
next indorsed by the annual conven-
tion Of the American Federation Of La
Dor, and the general assembly Of the
Knights Of Labor. It spread rapidly
from city to city and from town to
town. City councils and state legisla-
lures took It up and made 1t legal
holiday, until finally, June %, 1894, 1t
became a national holiday by act OF
congress.
"The initial action taken setting
apart one day in the year on which to
review the activities and beneficial
influence Of organized labor occurred
at the afternoon meeting Of the third
day Of the fourth annual session Of
the federation, October 8, 1884, the
convention being held in Schloesser's
hall, Chicago. The resolution creating
Labor day was introduced in the con-
vention by A. @. Cameron, delegate
from the Chicago Trades and Labor
Assembly, and was as follows:
Resolved, That the first Monday
In September Of each year be set apart
as laborers' national holiday, and
that we recommend its observance by
all wage-workers, irrespective Of sex,
calling, or nationality
"W. J. Hammond, representing the
International Typographical union,
from New Orleans, La, was president
Of this convention. The accredited
delegates to this convention numbered
only twenty-six.