Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1918-09-06
LABOR DAY ADDRESS
BY GEO. F. C0T1ER|Ll

For 80 years Labor day has voiced
appeal, argument, hope, determine
ton and progressive achievement to-
ward n world ideal-justice to labor.
1t is distinctive among our holidays
in that it celebrates no day or great
birth or eventful achievement sim
gled out from the calendar for the
praise and honor of a grateful peo-
ple at each recurring anniversary. La
Dor day is more akin In sentiment
though with its own clear purpose to
those truly holy days of grateful re-
membranes - Memorial day and
Thanksgiving day. These are days OF
commemoration and thanks, of devo-
ton and of rodedicatiOn. They re-
mind us of sacrifices made, duties
done, results accomplished. benefits
received-all for the common good.
We keep these memorable days in
Just tribute to the past.
In marked contrast Labor DAY
stands unique among holidays as be-
ing prophetic rather than historic. 1t
invites outlook rather than reminis-
cence. 1t dedicates the future upon
the lessons of the past. 1t celebrates
no complete work, but only claims
progressive advance and renews de-
termination and courage for larger
accomplishment. Labor day Is the
day set apart by the states and by
the nation for the concentration OF
the peoples thought upon the cause
of labor and rejoicing in its progress
1t Is the day when the so-called labor
movement-oft misunderstood and
therefore deprecated - has the OFF,
cial sanction of our great democracy
to challenge public attention to Its
mission and purpose. While estab-
lished in distant response to the ap-
peal of what is commonly called Or
eanized labor and it's exercises ap-
proximately arranged under its aus
pieces, there are no exclusive claims
on Labor day. Every one who by
any form of human effort contributes
to the satisfaction of human needs,
aids in human development and adds
to the sum of human life and happi-
ness. Is a worker for whom Labor
day should emphasize a common In
terest and ideal.
And that ideal is nothing more.
and can be nothing lees. than social
Justice, which asks only that the So
cial compact shall assure to every
worker free and equal labor opportu-
nifty, with a security Of receiving and
enjoying as just reward, the fuH
fruits of his labor. This seems So
simple in its fundamental truth. SO
plain and necessary an outcome OF
the brotherhood of man. that no right
minded person will seriously chal-
lenge 1t as an expression Of just So
cial economy.
Nevertheless, in the completely of
human relations, the application of
this most vital truth has been and Is
yet often clouded by confusion, de-
feater by perversion, and at times de.
MED by tyranny, all arising from the
play of selfshness and power upon
ignorance and weakness. Although
this truth thunders upon the title
page of human history, 1t has been
too often much obscured in the con-
tinuing chapters of the unfinished
volume. Only by the light of edu-
cation and with the powers Of dem
ocracy made safe for humanity Is
there an open road to the realization
of this great ideal of social justice.
That 10 why we have Labor day
In ancient Greek mythology there
was a hero warrior whose strength
was uncomfortable so long as he kept
in touch with his mother earth.
When in combat, weakness came II
he left the ground, but a touch of
hand or foot to earth brought full
renewal of powers. Learning the Sc
cret of his strength his enemies by