Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 40, Number 65, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 April 1908 — FRIEND OF LABOR. [ARTICLE]

FRIEND OF LABOR.

"Let It be understood that labor has ao better friend in congress than James B. Watson." These are the words of Master Workman John W. Hayes of the Knights of Labor. They confute the statements and nail the lie ofc professional agitators In the ranks of organized labor who also vote the Democratic ticket and are as much political partisans as they are trades unionists. John Hayes is known of union workmen In this state and admired by them. He stands for the highest alms and the best purposes of organised labor. He knows what he is saying when he sends forth the words quoted ..above. —— —- The politicians who are striving to Influence and swing the labor vote to their candidate and party will fail in their unfair and untruthful tactics. What act of Mr. Watson's can they quote to show his animus, or even his lukewarmness, toward union labor? Hone. He recommended the appointment of the present state factory inspector because of personal friendship for him and knowledge of his capability and efficiency. There was nothing In that to hurt the sensitiveness of the laborer. Union labor in its convention had declared for another man, prompted to do so by the persistent prompting of a few good friends of that man. "Jim” Watson did not oppose union labor in any way, nor ever has. When he spoke for the man he knew, he was not aware of the movement against his friend; indeed, at that time the formal action had not been taken. Labor leaders In Indiana who are fair and know the facts are in line with Master Workman Hayes, whose full statement Issued the other day, follows: "When it appears necessary to put a foul face on a fair story men can be found for a consideration, or as a means of revenge, who will prove equal to the task. It is so in this case and It is for that reason that I feel called upon te correct mistakes and record the facts. To condemn Mr. Watson as an enemy of labor is neither just nor honorable. It places us In a position of going back on our friends and has a tendency to make public men ignore the claims of labor, something that we cannot afford to do. We must be straightforward In our dealings with men and measures, else the cause for which we are organized will suffer. Let it be understood that labor has no better friend in congress than James B. Watson.”