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Show H LABOR DAY OBSERVANCES. B When Labor day was started it was established as an B . occasion for consideration of the cause of labor. Though B here and there some orator holds forth on this subject, B for most people the reason for Labor day is that it is a B long time between holidays and they want one day off B for fun. B Still in the cities where unions are strong, theholiday B keeps something of its distinctive character, with the B Labor day processions commonly held. It is a matterof B some pride, when a bunch of men toil all the year, with k clothes and skin soiled by the grime of work, to enjoy V getting out occasionally on dress parade. There is some B satisfaction in demonstrating to the home folks that they H have some style after all, as they march along wearing H some special insignia. Probably that is the motive more H than a desire to overawe the capitalistic element. H It is surprising how it strengthens up a man to get out H in a line and march behind a band. He may slouch as he H I goes home tired at night in his old clothes, but not now H when the crowd looking at him. On exhibition in this way, 1 tho American mechanic is seen to be a very substantial B type, capable of sustained physical effort and of intelli- M gent thought. M Demonstrations and parades of artisans are common m the world over. In Europe they are apt to end in riots. B In this country no riot is likely, unless tho umpire decides B against the home team in the ball game after the parade. B The best wishes of the country go out to its workers B for whom this holiday was supposed to be established. B Under fair minded and common sense leadership, a union B is a great power for good, and under unwise guidance it B , has equal power for harm. It is a matter for congratula- B tion on Labor day that in spite of all unrest, we have been B spared the harsher forms of labor disturbances, and that B the great majority of the artisan people get along pretty B comfortably with their employers. |