.jpg)
Typo: A Monthly Newspaper and Literary Review, Volume 5
[miscellaneous paragraphs]
There is some discussion in the press as to the objects and methods of the « Knights of Labor, » who for the first time made themselves prominent in an endeavor to control the late elections. Their actual objects are known only to the initiated; their published manifestoes only setting forth so much as they choose to reveal—which is very little. They are regarded with suspicion by the Trades Unions, and so far in this country have not worked in harmony with them. However legitimate the objects of the body may be, they have certainly not scrupled to use underhand means to carry them out. In one of the cities of the United States, a few months ago, they made a boast that they had succeeded in filling every public office with members of their body. The whole administration, judicial, financial, and executive, was in their hands, and the deliberative meetings of public bodies were a mere form, everything having been already settled in secret council. No tradesman or employer could obtain a contract— no newspaper an advertisement or item of official information, without paying tribute to this secret institution, and undertaking to obey its commands. Something of the same kind is now attempted in New Zealand. Not only do the leaders dictate how members shall vote, but endeavor to coerce outsiders. The Wairarapa Daily publishes the following letter, sent by the local branch to a workiug man in the district: « I beg to state on account of your voting for Mr Beetham and not for Mr Hogg, your nose will be put out in the shape of work. The sooner you leave Masterton the better. Knights of Labor. » —Mr Hogg, M.H.R., it may be noted, belongs to the league. How many votes were gained at the late election by this intimidation, it would not be easy to say—probably not many; but the institution has shown itself to be a dangerous one.
The Sacramento Bee, having fallen out with the local Typographical Union was placed under a boycot. The advertisement « Please boycot the Bee, » having been inserted in a local union organ, the newspaper took legal proceedings against the boycotters. A contributor, signing himself « Labor's Friend, » sent the Bee the following little poem, headed « Boycot, the Menace to Labor, » which duly appeared:
Proud knights, in glistening armor on their steeds,
Love, when on battle-field, to meet their foe,
Each vieing with the other that their deeds
Are braver than their comrades, and they go
Swift into battle for the right—
Each lance extended for the coming fight.But prouder than the armored knight of old,
Our toilers in the shop and at the wheel,
Yielding rich harvest, to a world unfold
Complete with giant ribs of burnished steel;
Our engine, with its ever-moving power,
Tribute to Labor! Hail the present hour.True labor! ever keep thy just regard,
Honored by all, all honor to thy name,
Ever for progress, never to retard,
But always ready to protect thy flame
Ere this the warning comes, arise! be free,
Else will that coward, Boycot, injure thee.
The Bee was decidedly « had, » and was anything but an Apis mellifica when it discovered what kind of a little Cryptogram it had published unawares. We quote the verses, not because they are clever—as they are—but as a warning to editors who receive poetry—particularly of a flattering nature—just to scan the initials of the lines before printing it. Ten years ago a Wellington paper was cruelly sold in just the same way. Not only did the journalist print the assertion that he was « an idiot, » but editorially added « Thanks for your pretty verses. We hope to hear from you again. » And he did. Twice again did the unhappy man print the wretched libel on himself!