The Ironclad Oath of Labor

John J. Upchurch, founder of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, arrived in Seattle yesterday morning and was entertained throughout the day by members of the order. In the evening, a public reception was held in Yesler's Hall. Judge Hall opened the meeting and announced that the ceremonies would commence with a quartet. Judge Hall, who had been selected to make the speech of welcome, said: 'In the race of destiny, will, energy and genius are the prime factors. It is this distinguishing feature—act—backed by will and energy, that gives our visitor his preeminence. He has done much for mankind. Father Upchurch, now seventy years of age, was born in North Carolina of humble parentage, but by his infinite power of will, genius, hard work and perseverance, now occupies the pinnacle of renown.' Father Upchurch responded: 'My object in forming the Order was to make men better and to enable them to assist each other. In 1867, the railroad hands on a road where I was master mechanic demanded an increase of fifty cents per day in their wages. I was instructed by the president of the company to allow them forty cents. I notified the committee from the union, but they said the union instructed them to demand fifty cents and to take no less. They struck, and Simon Cameron, then Secretary of War, took the road and ran it for two weeks, after which the strikers were glad to go to work for what they were offered. The trade union had been arbitrary and had not allowed the men to use their discretion. Instead of trying to heal the breach and bring labor and capital closer together, they tended to widen it. Seeing this, I decided to try to harmonize capital and labor. We now have 152,000 members. No widow or orphan of a deceased brother should occupy an alms house, and by the help of God, there soon shall not be one in California. Make your business feel, and place the certificate in your hand, and if he refuses, tell him he is being judged by a higher power.'