KNIGHTS OF LABOUR IN AUSTRALASIA.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 142, 17 June 1887, Page 4

KNIGHTS OF LABOUR IN AUSTRALASIA.

Whether for good or ill, combinations

of working men are certain to exert a great and growing influence on the world's, affairs in the immediate future. We learn that a movement is on foot in Melbourne to found a labour league on the plan of the Knights of Labour Asiociation in the United States, and in the present temper of working men throughout the Australasian colonies; we should expect such a proposal to be taken up with vigour. Of the tremendous power exerted by 'theKnights of Labour in the United States there can be no doubt; but in order that such power should be extended beneficently, it is essential that it should be directed with intelligence and with a comprehensive aim. Combination in itself is no proof of intelligence, for the lower animals can combine for the securing of a common end, and Chinese labourers, who are not conspicuous for intellect have attained to perfection in the art of combination. The superior intelligence of workmen in the Australasian colonies may be expected toprovide aguarantee that the powerful machinery of labour orginisations will be.used, as hitherto, with sense and moderation.

Another safeguard is provided in the attitude assumed by the Roman Catholic Church . towards the Knights of Labour. Instead of condemning the movement as it was at first assumed they would do, the dignitaries of the Church of-Rome have expressed their approval of it in most unequivocal terms. Cardinal Gibbons wrote' a powerful paper approving of the American organisation, and Cardinal. Manning, in a remarkable letter to another Romish dignitary in the United States, says he has read that document with "great assent," and adds: —

" Hitherto the world has been governed by dynasties • henceforth the Holy See Will have to' ' deal with"*-the people, and it has bishops in close daily and personal contact with the people. The more clearly and fully this is perceived, the stronger Rome will be. Never at anytime has the. episcopate Been so detached from civic powers and so united iin itself and so well able .to see, ' to. realise, and to use its powers. ' Failure 'to see and use these powers will .breed, m.ueh trouble and mischief. My thanks are due to tho Cardinal for! letting me share' in the argument." If I can'find a copy of 'my lecture on .'The Dignity> and Rights of Labour;' I will send it to him. y -It will, I think, qualify -.me for;, knighthood in, the order.'. Brentano some years ago published books on the guilds, in which he proves that the association of labour and crafts go&sb'ack to antiquity. • But there is this notableiaet —in the English and-Teutonic laws they were recognised, favoured, and chartered:; in the Imperial and .Latin laws they were rigorously prohibited. ■■ We are this day, as. a Church, the mother, friend; and protector of the people. As the Lord .walked among them, so His Church lives among them. The Cardinal's argument is irresistible;" \ 7 "V'7;',7 : .7',,;'-■';: i 7 ■:,

; This marks \ a new ■' and important departure for the Church of Rome, which has gone over completely to the Democracy. The influence ",' of .the Church has ever been; and ever; will> l be, of course, on 1 i 'tlie > side ,of Conservatism —"inculcating _ , respect .for .dignities and constituted authori''therefore its association with the .people's, movements shows that these '...movements' are not considered subversive of-order. The idea of a Roman Catholic Cardinal beiiig a Knight of Labour is decidedly refreshing, and as the prelate from whom wehave been quoting remarks, the attitude talcen up by, the Church towards the organisation is well fitted to "open a new held of thought and action." .