Labor Day as a Site of Struggle
An Everett editorial reflects on the political weight of Labor Day, the threat of injunctions, and the imprisonment of labor leaders.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
The question of a Labor Day celebration appeals to every side of the man who toils. The first object in view in the setting aside of a day that should be called 'Labor Day' was that the workingmen of this country would have a day which they could call their very own in a most particular sense. It was intended that he should, with his family and friends, gather with his fellows and their families and friends and forget for the moment the trials of his daily existence. Labor Day was set aside that some recognition would be given to the great work which the laborer performs for his city, his country and himself. This year, the holiday takes on a new aspect of importance. The injunction by Justice Gould and the sentencing of our leaders by Justice Wright combine to furnish broad text for the day. If it shall mean that Messrs. Gompers, Mitchell and Morrison must go to prison, we are confident that each and all shall hear the jail doors clank behind them with a regret comparable only to that felt by Nathan Hale. Let this Labor Day be not idly spent in useless and meaningless diversions. Let us re-dedicate it to the cause of human progress.
“Great causes do not perish in jail. Had there never been a Bastille it is a question whether France would have paved the way for liberty in Europe.”
Everett has a long, fraught history with organized labor, from the 1916 Everett Massacre to its active union present. This 1909 commentary captures the moment when the 'bread and butter' unionism of the early century was forced to confront the chilling effect of the judiciary on free speech and collective action.
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