LABOR IN SLAVERY AND FEUDAL TIMES.
By the Rev. Charles Stelzle.
In some respects, modern slavery lias not been so extensive
nor so horrible as that which existed in Greece and Rome, but
the story is nevertheless one which stirs the blood. Colonial
slavery is a blot upon many a modern nation's history. In
twenty years during 'this period in America, 300,000 negroes
were exported to the United States. From 1080 to 17SG it is
estimated that 2,130,(100 negroes were imported into all the
British Colonies in America. Naturally great numbers of
slaves died while in captivity before leaving Africa, and many
more died during the ocean passage. Probably only oiu-linlf
of those captured survived the various stages of their transport
ation to America. There was the greatest recklessness in their
treatment, and the utmost indifference to their suffering.
Slavery has been abolished in most countries, but it still ex
ists in the Mohammedan East, although usually only in house
holds. While there is undoubtedly still some traffic in slaves,
it is almost universally against the laws of the nations, and
those who engage in it do so contrary to the edicts of con
gresses and parliaments which have been supported by practi
cally all civilized peoples. In some countries a system of peon
age is in vogue, which amounts to a practical slavery. But,
on the whole, the system of slavery no longer affects the laborer
to such a degree that the workingnien suffer very materially
on account of it.
In discussing the question of the abolition of slavery, Mr.
J. Osborne Ward says, in ''Ancient Lowly:"
"We shall submit that the religion of Jesus, planted bv a
manual laborer and forming the basis of hope upon which
stands the great labor movement of our time, . . . has been the
power, that openly struck the first well-organized blow at the
system of masters and slaves, and boldly championed it as a
principle; and in essence it has never since shrunk from its
prodigious task toward realizing the much contested doctrine
of human equality."
Following the system of slavery came that of feudalism. Men
had passed through the hunting and fishing period. They be
gan to settle on the land. They had learned how to till the sail.
They did not own it, but the "land lords" gave them the use
of the property on condition of tribute or service. The lord
gave them protection fr ;m the common enemy. This system
was developed principally from the lifth to the ninth century.
There were many forms of feudalism, conditioned upon the
situation prevailing in different countries and upon the char
acter of the baron to whom the serfs gave tribute. The serf
rarely paid any rent for the use of his bit of laud. His service
to the baron in time of war or in other ways was his ordinary
tax. With the development of the professional military class
and the growth of city life through the grouping together of
the artisan and other classes, feudalism gradually disappeared.
In 1GG0 England, through Parliament, abolished land tenures.
Scotland followed in 1747. In France the revolution of 17S9
brought the same result; in Germany and Austria it was the
revolution of 1848-50 which accomplished its destruction. In
Russia it was destroyed in 1861. Meanwhile, great changes
had been wrought, so that when the system was finally abol
ished, little of the original condition remained.
During the period religious leaders who were -raised up from
among the people fought against the svstem. They testified
to the value of the individual. They taught that before God
all men were equal. Says Thorold Rogers, in "Six Centuries
of Work and Wages:"
"Wyclifs poor priests had honey-combed the minds of the
upland folk with what may be called religious socialism The
preachers told the people that 'it would be better for them to
die with arms in their hands than to be thrust back, without an
effort on their part, into the shameful slavery from which they
had been delivered.' "
Woodrow Wilson of New Jersey has developed into a mighty
good friend of organized labor. He was its bitterest enemv for
years, but since he became the democratic candidate for gover
nor of New Jersey he has seen a great light. :
Nebraska money spent for insurance premiums should be
spent with Nebraska insurance companies. It is high time to
quit sending Nebraska money east to build up hue trusts
there.
ll WORKERS UNION
UNIONSTAMP i
STactor)a 4J
Named Shoes are Often Made
in Non-Union Factories.
Do Not Buy Any Shoe
no matter what the name unless
it bears a plain and readable
impression of this Union Stamp.
All Shoes Without the Union Stamp are Non-Union
Do not accept any excuse for absence of the UNION STAMP
Boot and Shoe Workers Union
246 Sumner St., Boston, Mass.
JOHN F. TOBIN, Pres. CHAS. L. BAINE, Sec.-Trea.
Once Tried Always Used
Little Hatchet Flour
Made from Select Nebraska Hard Wheat
WILBER AND DeWITT MILLS
RYE FLOUR A SPECIALTY
TELEPHONE US , , . , .
Bell Phone 200; Auto. 1459 145 So. 9th St., LINCOLN, NEB.
II) OE (Ml G
, " ?!
- - - - m - - n tt mmm 1 1
FOR SALE
Finished Rooms
ms aod Board
The above signs, neatly printed
on heavy cardboard, for sale at
THE WAGEWORKER
1705 "0" STREET
eodore qosoyclt , called Judge , Anderson a
