LABOR'S DEADWEIGHT.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 22 December 1916, Page 2

LABOR'S DEADWEIGHT.

(To The Editor.) Sir, —To hear some of the labor ag- .. .- itators talk one might almost imagine inking the necessary steps to soe that, trodden people on the earth. But when you come to sift some of their vaporings you find it piffle. Imagine men who have an object in view not taking the ecessary stops Uttki-'# the object should have a clean and fair beginning. Imagine men who have a great sayi in the country neglecting to take a course that cannot but ultimately benefit them individually and collectively and open up a way that will give them a free ogress into the many benefits as theirs by birthright and principle. "If the labor men are to have or to hold a position in society by divine or any other right, and that pofiitrion accords with the public good and their own well-being, then they. j must show a fitness for such a posi- J tion; and yet labor agitatons are always yelling out anathema at the in- ' dnstrially rich, and at the same time neglect to see with open eye the tarnishing of a system that is eve'r ar-* raved antagonistically against them individually and politically and cannot live without their general support. According to the law of Nature or evolution, whatever benefits the workers may aspire to cannot advance in the line of social equity unless their moral fitness is strong enough to strengthen natural requirements for such a course. And it is these requirements that are lacking in the labor movement. The most degrading influence against them and the one that keep in check any development to -a brighter and hetter state of things is the liquor monopoly It dwarfs the labor man's sense of right and justice. It narrows the ri>ion and makes *elfi.sh. grovelling creatures,' ever looking forward to benefit themselves at the expense and the efforts of others and to carry as little responsibility for the general good and as little love for the integrity -of the country as it is possible for any contemptible crawler to carry. They are not worthy unite in Kitchener's army, much more tlio manly standard army of workers that should ennoble the by clean-cut characteristic endeavours that will eventually land them into the haven of bright women and generous men, instead of the flabby, besotted, irresponsible condition that the liquor - monopoly brings upon the country. What the labor man has to' understand in those days is that the position he finds himself in is much of , his own choosing. It is only by individual 'reformative, trenchant treatment lie can ever hope to lift himself above the petty selfishness that lino him around and keep his nose for ever on the grind.—l am, etc. AN HONEST SEPTIC, No. 2. Heath erlea.