Glass Industry, Muncie, Indiana

BREEZY NOTES FROM MUNCIE.

Muncie, Ind., Sept. 10 — The Hemingray and Boldt glass plants in this city continue to operate as previously chronicled. At the former plant but one tank is running and the latter is on full in all departments.

About one dozen machines are being operated at Boldt's and four blown bottle shops — all under flint jurisdiction. This firm's Cincinnati plant will resume Sept. 17 with a large force of machine workers and bottle blowers also under flint jurisdiction.

Ball Bros. Glass Mfg. Co. show no signs of starting that part of their plant yet requiring skilled workmen.

Labor Day was observed by Muncie unionists in a manner that surpassed all previous efforts in this line. With the exception of one or two small local unions, all turned out almost to a man. The result was a magnificent demonstration of labor's strength that augurs well for the success and perpetuity of the movement.

The principal address was made by John W. Kern, of Indianapolis, Democratic candidate for the vice presidency, who did himself proud on this occasion. Many competent critics agree that it was the best labor speech ever heard in this city. Mr. Kern was given an ovation by the assembled unionists and his address was freely punctuated by tumultuous cheering.

Despite the press reports to the contrary the speaker did not inject partisan politics into the observations except a few words on the injunction and trust questions in their relation to labor; and if we stop a moment to think can we honestly say that these two questions are a part and parcel of partisan politics?

It appears to the writer that they are not; that they should be considered above and apart from mere partisan politics, because the rights and liberties of the people are involved. The writer may, at some future time, give his views on these questions.

However, it might not be amiss to state here that Mr. Kern's opposition to government by injunction does not date from the time he was honored by the Denver convention some weeks ago. On the contrary, he was one of the earliest public advocates of the rights of the working people and has pleaded their cause both in and out of the courts. It will be remembered that about three years ago he was counsel for the flint glass workers of Elwood, who were accused of violating one of those wonderfully elastic blanket injunctions issued by Federal Judge Anderson. While Mr. Kern was not successful in keeping all the defendants out of jail, yet his efforts and fearlessness in behalf of his clients won the admiration of all, which will not soon be forgotten by those familiar with the case. — Observer.