We have repeatedly appealed to the productive classes to arouse from the
slough of trustfulness and indifference in which they have remained so
long, and to bestir themselves about their business of governing
themselves. Thus far they have utterly failed in all duties of
self-government. They have nominally lived in a country which proffers
equality to all, but under which proffering they have virtually
surrendered themselves to be governed by the considered mighty few, who,
for their own purposes, exalt themselves into the position of The
People’s candidates until office is obtained, when they begin at once to
invent schemes for continuing themselves in power; or, if they know it
is impossible to be again returned, they devote themselves to making the
most of what time they have.
The present doings of the people’s representatives, both State and
national, are practically limited to getting the most they can for
themselves and their friends, while the study of the interests of their
constituents and the country is either entirely ignored or shirked to
the greatest possible extent. Each year this condition becomes more and
more the controlling element of Congress and Legislature, and unless
soon remedied, it will lead the country on blindly to its destruction.
This course being directly in the interest of special and favored
interests, has the favor and support of capital, while labor looks on
with the utmost indifference, and sees its productions filched year
after year.
Capital, of the two, is the more foolishly blind to its future; for it
does not seem to comprehend that with the continuation of this course
must come the day of reckoning, in which the debit side of all accounts
will be heavily against it—so heavily that it will never be able to
satisfy the demand which humanity will have for it to settle.
This consummation may be averted, but only in one way. The laboring
classes must exercise their right of self-government themselves, after
the dictates of reason and common sense, and no longer blindly intrust
their interests and the common interests of the country to the
self-selected few who prate with so much volubility, and who mouth the
“King’s English” so furiously about their undying patriotism and
self-denying devotion. It may be set down at once and for all time that
the patriotism and devotion professed by this class of orators and
statesmen will be certain to continue until after their election is
sure, after which it will do to watch them carefully lest they may have
entirely expended it in their efforts for election.
While we have urged the laboring classes to arouse, we have at the same
time shown the necessity of complete and thorough organization, and we
now further urge the absolute withdrawal of affiliation with any party,
and the devotion of their entire strength to the construction of their
own party, upon the principles of freedom, equality and justice for all,
let them lead where they may. All that is required by them is granted in
the present Constitution, though, perhaps, in some points, were so,
blindly, for the time, but which are now made plain and clear by late
events in some of our States.
It is time that active movements should begin to be made toward
organization for the next Presidential election. Both political parties
are manœuvring in every possible direction to gain advantages. If the
Labor Party will act wisely it can take up one of these parties and
incorporate its remnants before the election comes off. But if the class
who should form this party will remain stupidly blind, and continue to
maintain these virtually defunct parties by their strength, instead of
constructing a new party of their own, nothing which will positively
shape the future course of events can be accomplished. The old will
simply be bolstered up for another term, and four years more of
submission to the behests and dictates of capital must be endured.
There will be a desperate attempt made during the coming session of
Congress by capital to obtain further, and greater and stronger hold
upon the vitals of the country. Efforts to effect the perpetuation of
the franchises it already has, it counts upon making, with certainty of
success; but the very extent of its efforts which it will make under the
knowledge that what is to be obtained must be so at once, will press it
to such extremes that it will most probably defeat its own purpose. This
event will be rendered certain if the Labor Party will take a positive
stand upon its own ground, which will make effective the springing of
some “mines” that are prepared, which will put their representatives in
such a light before the country as will most effectually dispose of all
selfish schemes which are now afloat. Let it be seen that no shirking of
duty is permitted on the part of pretended labor representatives, and
also let it be seen that all who lend themselves to the schemes of
capital are properly shown up to the country.
Our interests are great and our country is dear to us, for it has cost
us immense treasure and blood. Is it not worthy of being defended from
all schemes, when so much has been required to construct and preserve
it? To the care of laboring classes its preservation is now committed.
Will they prove themselves worthy of the high trust? Or will they sell
their birthright for less than a “mess of pottage?” Is it necessary that
some great calamity come before an awakening to the reality of the
condition will occur? Let it rather be, that wisdom be gleaned from the
sore trials and the desperate situation of our brethren in France, which
shall teach the use to be made of possessed rights and privileges.
NEW YORK, November 18, 1870.