The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1942-09-05

convention or the Federation OF
Organized Trades and Labor un-
ions OF the United States and
Canada (Which became the Amer
lean Federation OF Labor adopt-
ed a resolution proposed by A. C.
Cameron, Chicago delegate,
which read:
Resolved. that the first Mon
day In Sept. OF each year he set
apart as laborers' national hol-
iday, and that We recommend It's
observance by all wage workers
irrespective OF sex, calling or ma
tionality."
That infant convention OF the
organized labor movement (there
were 26 delegates, and the organ
ization's report showed total ex-
penditures OF $54320 for the year,
started something which was soon
followed by an endorsement from
the Federation's rival. the Cen
eral Assembly OF the knights OF
Labor.
Labor men universally adopted
the idea as part of their basic
programs, and began to seek leg
alization Of Labor Day as a holl-
day.
The first Labor Day bill was
introduced In the New York leg
islature in 1887 but Oregon pass
cd the first Labor Day law on
Feb. 81 1887. Colorado. Massa-
chusetts. New Jersey and New
York followed suit the same year,
J and other states followed rapid
| ly. In 1894 President Grover
Cleveland signed an act making
Labor Day holiday for all fed
eral employees, for the District Of
Columbia. and for the territories.
Labor Day is now a legal holt
day in all states and territories
either by legislative enactment or.
as in Wisconsin and Wyoming.
through proclamation by the gov
ernor.
II was In New York City In
1887 that Labor Day began 10 be a
holiday for all, not merely a un-
ion celebration. "FlaRs we're dis
played from the public buildings.
hotels and many stores and build
ings," said the Tribune, which nut
Labor Day on page one for the
first time.
1.-THE courts and municipal o.
fees were closed. and even at the
Customs House the day was oh
served as a holiday. though no ma
tional law requires t."
The Tribune listed interesting de-
tails of the parade, in which 10000
participated. 1.-THE employees OF
Higgins carpet factory made fine
show. and the women workers In
carriages caused considerable
cheering" Henry George. the famed
single-taxer and liberal. stood in
the reviewing stand and by his
side was Frank Farrell. Negro vice
chairman OF the county committee
of the United Labor party.
Observance OF the holiday began
quickly in other cities all over the
country during these years. and in
1894 the event was first celebrated
in Washington as national holi-
day.
And on this day, Albert Ports.
from the Office OF the Architect OF
the Capitol. climbed the great cast
iron dome OF the Capitol and perch
ed atop the statue OF Freedom 10
encircle Freedoms brow with a gil
gantic wheath OF palm leaves. as
paragus, roses and carnation."
Still on his precarious perch,
Ports read an invocation 20 free
dom which the packed crowds on
the plaza. 2S7 feet below. could not
hear. But they understood what he
was doing. and cheered him.
Labor Day in Europe stemmed d.
rectly from an effort. instituted by
Samuel Gompers. father and long
time president OF the American
Federation OF Labor. 10 demonstrate
In sympathy with United States la
hor's efforts 10 attain an almost un-
thinkable reform-the elght-hour
day.
Tho AT Of L in 1889 decided up
on this crusade. and the United
brotherhood OF Carpenters and
Joiners was selected as the spear
head. TO make an initial demonstra-
tion on May 1. 1890. Gompers wrote
10 the International Labor
congress. which was meeting In
Paris. and asked for support and
demonstrations In all other coun-
tries.
European governments. used 20
workers revolutions and unused 10
American labor's united demon
STATIONS. viewed the prospect with
alarm. Germany prohibited all gov
eminent employees from striking
that day. on pain OF dismissal. and
most private employers did like
wise. Italy forbade all public as
semblles on May 1, and called SOL
diers into the cities. France took
elaborate measures TO prevent dis
orders. and only England and Swift
zerland let the workers take their
course.
The 1890 demonstrations were
small and not very successful. and
the Nation. IN an article from Mi
Ian. Italy commented that the Sc
lection Of the eight-hour dav as
battle-cry was most unfortunate"
The writer cited as astonishing"
one labor pamphlet which made the
suggestion that "the greedy cap
italist" who really had 10 have l6
hours OF work in day should hire
two workers instead OF one, pay
Ing each the full days pay.
From this. however. came OBJ
servance OF May as Labor Day
IN Europe. Governmental fears sub
sided. and the day was made a legal
holiday in many countries. and the