Democratic Sentinel, Volume 15, Number 34, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 September 1891 — IN MARCHING ARRAY, [ARTICLE]

IN MARCHING ARRAY,

THE NATION’S HOSTS OF ARTISANS APPEARED. Chicago’s Monster Demonstration—From Ocean to Ocean the Day Was Generally Observed—The Occasion Free from Broils and Tumults—A Credit to Participants. ••In Union There Is Strength.” Among the few American holidays, Labor. Day has won a prominence deservedly and distinctively its own. Not only do the largest cities unite in its observance but smaller towns as well have caught the spirit, and by common consent the day is made a time when, undisturbed by any of the troubles that may have agitated their world, the toilers of the nation meet in grand review, and not only their associates but their fellow men who stand in the relation of employers are given opportunity to more thoroughly appreciate that “In union there is strength. ” The workingmen, by consistent argument and persistent work, have gained, in nearly every State, legal recognition of the day; and by the moderation with which they participate in the celebration, they have dispelled all those forebodings of trouble with which the idea was first received. The shrewdness with which questions of public import are considered; the masterly system with which they unite to accomplish chosen aims; the cogency of reasoning in support of their positions when opposition is encountered; the justice which generally characterizes their action—all have tended to inspire a respect in the minds of employers, legislators and professional men vastly different from the indifference, patronage and condescension meted them but con*paratively few years ago. Now, when Labor Day arrives, the participants march in review before men learned in letters and high in state councils and authority; they listen to addresses delivered by orators from Congress’ halls and America’s most famed pulpits; they ptesent in solid rank an organization surpassing in strength that of which no other ciass is capable. And the men who witness ’ them, those who address them, and those who employ them, feel respect, honor and elation that this organized host represents so much of the wealth, strength and intelligence of the nation, and that, unaided, it has achieved and maintains a position so creditable to itself and the country.

In Chicago, probably, occurred the largest and most imposing demonstration of the day. r len thousand men marched through the streets to the time of lively music, their columns gayly decked with flags and banners. Three times ten thousand of their fellow-work-men watched them from the walks, and countless thousands of other spectators joined the moving throng. For an hour and a half the procession conld be seen from a given point. The reviewing stand was occupied by the chief officials of the city and many men prominent in pub ic and professional life, many of whom, after the divisions had dispersed for their regular’picnic outing, became speakers. At Milwaukee, Wls., the laboring men turned out S,COd strong. Nearly all the principal manufacturing establishments were closed. The procession was one of the largest seen in Milwaukee for several years. The carpenters made the largest showing of numbers, having nearly 1,500 men in line. At Indianapolis, Ind., work in the industrial establishments was suspended, and stores and offices were closed. A street parade by labor organizations with about 4,000 men in line was the feature, followed by a picnic, where addresses were delivered by Judge Howe, Morris Ross, and Rev. F. W. Dexter. The day was generally observed as a holiday in the principal manufacturing centers of the State. Jesse Harper, of Illinois, and J. A. Houser, of Indiana, were among the prominent speakers. The day was generally observed in Michigan towns. Grand Rapids stopped her busy work, and sent thousands to Ottawa Beach At Jackson the labor unions of Battle Creek joined in celebrating the day and sent a delegation several hundred strong. A. E. Cole, Robert G. Ogg, and Ralph Beaumont made addresses. At Muskegon not a wheel turned in any of the mills or factories, and after a fine parade in the morning, followed by speeches, a picnic was held at Lake Michigan Park, concluding with a pyrotechnical display In the evening. At Detroit, after the morning parade, a picnic with athletic games was held in the afternoon. Business was virtually suspended in the city, and the day passed away without a single disturbing incident. At Buffalo, N. Y., Governor Hill arrived early, accompanied by Gen. McEwan and Col. Ruppert He was met at the depot by the Citizens’ Reception Committee, which included Mayor Bishop. The Governor reviewed the parade and afterward delivered an address at the Labor Day picnic. In other cities of the State the day was becomingly celebrated. In New York two parades—that of the Federation of Labor and the Central Labor Union —took place. Many women were in the ranks of marchers. In the afternoon Senator Peffer and others made addresses. At Troy there were a mammoth parade and picnic in the afternoon. Lieut. Gov. Jones reviewed the parade and made a speech. At Rochester there was an entire cessation of business and parades and picnics were the order of the day. At Utica every manufactory was closed and nearly all the stores The labor unions paraded and marie a fine display. At Albany all the labor unions joined in a joint parade and picnic in the afternoon.

Business in San Francisco was partially suspended and 3,5L0 men were in. the line of parade Twintv thousand men paraded in St Louis and spent the afternoon and evening in a picnic at Lindell Park. In Canada, Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto observed the day as a holiday, and parades and picnics were general The parade at Denver, Colo., had 12,000 men in line, and was reviewed by the Governor and Mayor. Business was suspended. After the parade at Cincinnati the various unions went to Wooddale Park, where Maj. McKinley and John Seitz made addresses. At St Paul most of the business houses were closed. After the morning parade the afternoon was devoted to picnics and games. j At Cleveland business was suspended and after the morning parade athletic contests were held at Forest City Park in the afternoon. At Memphis, Tenn., the Farmers’ Al- • Hance joined in the parade on horseback.

each man carrying a wisp of hay ora cotton boll in his hat. At Boston, Portland, Me., and Concord, N. H-, a heavy storm marred the day and prevented the parades. The day was a genet al hol'day. In Kansas City, Mo, the various unions paraded, but few of the business houses were closed. A ball at the Exposition Building wound up the day. The parade at Minneapolis was the largest ever held. Mayor Winston and other speakers addressed the unions in the afternoon at Athletic ParkAt Pittsburg the day was not observed except by the closing of the courts and banka Demonstrations were made at Greensburg, Wheeling and surrounding towns.