The Temuka Leader THURSDAY, MAY 8, 1890. THE LABOR MOVEMENT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2043, 8 May 1890, Page 2

The Temuka Leader THURSDAY, MAY 8, 1890. THE LABOR MOVEMENT.

The May labor demonstrations all over Europe are now over, and no bones have been broken. Por several weeks the world has been kept on the tiptoe of expectation, waiting for the news of the violence, anarchy, and bloodshed which, they had been led to believe, would result from these meetings, but now we find them a matter of history, without having caused the slightest disturbance. There cannot be the slightest doubt that these demonstrations mark a fresh epoch in history. The extraordinary organisations which are being formed, their great and ever increasing activity, and the sympathy which the efforts of the workmen to right their wrongs has excited throughout the world must result in the near future in great changes. Indeed changes are taking place already. In Spain, we are told, several of the employers have conceded the demands of the employes as regards the 8 hours system. Similar concessions have been granted to the Silesian miners, to the sailors of the obaw, Bavil Company, and the American Congress propose to discuss the subject. We feel confident that within a very short time tke 8 hours system will be general throughout the whole civilised world, and that the greatest amount of good will accrue from it, not only so far as the employes are concerned, but also as regards every one engaged in industrial pursuits. There are about 70,000,000 people in Europe and America at present out of employment, and consequently starving for want of food and clothing. 'J he reduction in the hours of labor will result in most of these being employed at once; they will hence forward be in receipt of wages, they will be able to purchase goods, and consequently there will be aa increased demand on every article of commerce. Let these 70,000,000 get enough to eat and we shall find that our wheat ( will soon be worth perhaps double) what it is at present. There "is another |

way in which these demonstrations may be looked upon aa portending great blessings to mankind. We see the workmen of Europe meeting on a common platform and burying all national feuds and jealouises ; we see them combining together for one purpose and find a bond of brotherhood Irrespective of creed, color, or nationality. What does this portend but that the day is fast approaching when " Man to man the world o'er, Shall brethers be for a' that." And when wars, and standing armies, and such relics of the barbarous past will be forever abolished. In whatever way we may look upon the present movement we can see nothing in it but the elements of good, and consequently we devoutly wish it success.