LETTER TO THE CONVENTION OF THE MASSACHUSETTS LABOR UNION IN BOSTON,
MAY 25, 1872.
SENATE CHAMBER, May 25, 1872.
GENTLEMEN,--I cannot take part in your public meeting, but I declare
my sympathy with the working-men in their aspirations for greater
equality of condition and increased opportunities. I therefore insist
that the experiment of an eight-hour law in the national workshops
shall be fairly tried, so that, if successful, it may be extended.
Here let me confess that I find this law especially valuable, because
it promises more time for education and general improvement. If the
experiment is successful in this respect, I shall be less curious
on the question of pecuniary profit and loss; for to my mind the
education of the human family is above dollars and dividends.