Labor Day Demonstration in Muncie, Indiana

LABOR DAY DEMONSTRATION

The First Celebration in Indiana

as a Legal Holiday.

Good Weather, a Big Crowd

and a Great Parade Make

Labor Day a Success.

The first celebration of Labor Day as a legal holiday in Indiana occurred yesterday, and generally speaking it was a gratifying success. In Muncie it was made the occasion for a great public demonstration. The heavy rains of Saturday washed clean the face of the earth; Sunday the sun shown warm and beautiful drying up the mud, and yesterday the condition of the elements was all that could have been desired. The morning dawned clear, there was a crisp freshness about the atmosphere suggestive of early autumn, and all nature seemed to contribute to the rejoicing of the occasion.

The shops and factories were all closed for the day, and the hundreds of laboring men employed in Muncie were out in force to make the day's demonstration the most significant and important ever witnessed in the city. Early in the morning the streets were crowded with people waiting to participate in the demonstration. Flags were conspicuously displayed and the city presented a holiday appearance. Bands marched through the streets discoursing music for the multitudes. About 10:15 the parade commenced forming on Elm street and at 10:45 the procession, headed by about 85 bicycle riders started on the line of march. The parade moved south on Elm to Main, west on Main to Walnut, north on Walnut to Washington, west on Washington to High, south on High to Main, east on Main to Walnut, thence to the park. The parade was made up as follows: Bicycle riders in the lead, a squad of police, the Muncie fire department, speakers in carriage, band, local union No. 23, American Flint Glass Workers, over 100 strong, Green Glass Blowers, 150 strong; Window Glass Workers Association; Amalgamated Association of Iron and steel workers, Hoosier Lodge, No. 4, 200 strong; cigar makers, about 50 strong; brick-layers' union, 40 strong; barbers' union, 25 strong; plasters' union and hod carriers' union, all on foot, and all wearing badges or workingmen's uniforms; International laborers' Protective Union, No. 13, 50 strong; Williams Post, G. A. R., 60 strong. The bakers were represented by a big wagon on which were a number of the fraternity. The blacksmiths were also represented by a wagon on which was a forge. James T. Wise represented the Knights of Labor, local assembly 300, with a unique and elaborately decorated wagon. L. J. Jones, stone mason, had the largest display in the parade, consisting of a dozen wagons and carts, representing blasting, crushing, and dressing stone. Various business houses were represented with wagons displaying their different lines of business. On arriving at the park the crowd congregated at the grand stand where the address of welcome was delivered by Mayor Brady. The mayor spoke of the significance and importance of the day's demonstration, and the influence of organized labor for the good of the laboring man. Mayor Brady was followed by Judge Lotz, who delivered an interesting and instructive address on the subject of labor. The meeting then adjourned for dinner, many of the people remaining on the grounds where dinner was served by the local W. R. C. and the ladies of the Industrial School.

After dinner, Hon. R. S. Gregory addressed the assemblage, in an eloquent speech appropriate to the day and the occasion. The speech of Mr. Gregory's was one of the very best he ever delivered. He appeared to be in sympathy with the crowd and the cause and from the most excellent attention he received and the ringing applause that followed many of the good points made, the crowd was well pleased with the sentiments so admirably expressed.

After Mr. Gregory's speech the master of ceremonies, W. P. Furey, who performed his duties admirably throughout, announced the several attractions for the afternoon which included the foot race, base ball game, wheelbarrow race, and balloon ascension. There was an interest and attraction for all, and the large crowd swayed back and forth from one point of interest to another.

The great attraction, however, was the balloon ascension, and this was the most satisfactory exhibition of the kind ever given in Muncie. The balloon shot up like a dart and Prof. Knarr looked like a small speck in the sky when the parachute was detached and he began to gradually descend. There have been so many accidents lately in making parachute leaps that there was a breathless silence until he had reached the ground, which he did in safety.

The races, except the bicycle race, were under the personal supervision of grand marshal Unks and were all very interesting.   The first was the bicycle race, half mile dash, three prizes, valued at $10, $5, and $3. Carl Umbarger won first, and Charles Kirk, and Claude Stevens were a tie for second place, dividing the prizes agreeable to themselves.

The foot race 100 yards, purse $5 was won by M. H. McBee, Samuel Trout second. Potato race, prizes $3 and $2, G. A. Kennedy, first, M. H. McBee second. Wheelbarrow race, prizes $3 and $2, Samuel Trout and Henry Cochran, tie,; prizes divided. Sack race, prizes $3 and $2 — Samuel Trout first, Davenport second.

It was a great day for organized labor.

The bicycle parade made a good showing.

The saloons were closed throughout the day.

The nail workers had the largest delegation in the procession.

James Unks, one of the window glass workers, was grand marshal of the day.

W. P. Furey, president of the Trades Council, was master of ceremonies.

W. B. Wilsey was untiring in his efforts to make the feature under the control of the W. R. C. and Industrial School a success, and was amply rewarded by the patronage bestowed and the thanks of the ladies.

Grand Marshall Unks and his assistants found a cigar vender selling non-union goods and as this was against the profession of the men in charge they practiced what they professed and made him leave the grounds.

The gentlemen who so admirably handled the procession yesterday were: James E. Unks, L. A. No. 300 as Marshal; Samuel Cashmore, A. A. & I., W. A Miller, Cigar Makers Union, A. G. Spoon, Barbers' Union, W. R. Morgan, Carpenters' Union, Mr. Cavenaugh, Flint Glass Workers, W. E. White, Plasterers' Union.

Taken altogether the observance of Labor Day was a great success. The management in every respect was faultless. Chief Marshall Unks and his aids formed and moved the procession on time. The speakers began on time and quit on time, and the day was one of thorough enjoyment. There were no accidents, no drunks, no disorderly conduct, and the day was one of thorough enjoyment.