Literary Curiosities. No. 1.—Mr. Keir Hardie’s Election Address. (1905)

From the September 1905 issue of the Socialist Standard

Merthyr Boroughs Parliamentary Election 1900

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TO THE ELECTORS.

Gentlemen,

It is with pleasure that I accept the hearty invitation of the

TRADE-UNIONISTS of the MERTHYR BOROUGHS

to come forward in the Labour interest as a Candidate for the representation of the constituency in the House of Commons.

The confidence and friendship shown by this invitation is an honour which I value as being far above riches.

WE ARE NO STRANGERS TO ONE ANOTHER.

I was among you endeavouring to cheer, encourage and strengthen you in the dark days of your recent great Industrial struggle. Not many years ago, when during the Hauliers’ Strike, the Government sent soldiers into your District, it was MY VOICE THAT PROTESTED against this in Parliament, when others upon whom you had more claims were silent.

My Programme is the Programme of Labour. My Cause is Labour’s Cause—the cause of Humanity,—the Cause of God.

For twenty-four years I have been before my fellow-men as a Trade-Union Official and a Political Leader.

MY RECORD FOR THESE YEARS is the best pledge I can give of what my future course of action will be. Whether in Parliament or out of it, I always have been, and always shall be found on the side of the Workers. I know everything that is to be known about the life and work of a Miner.

Born and reared in a Collier’s cottage, and afterwards working for FOURTEEN YEARS IN THE PIT, I know only too well what such a life means, and I am not willing that any human being should continue in the life without further essential reforms.

I am a Democrat in Politics, aad a Socialist in Economics. I first learned my Socialism in the New Testament, where I still find my chief inspiration.

Our claim for one representative is moderate and reasonable enongh. In a constituency where we are in an overwhelming majority, we ask but for half the representation. Workers ! in being true to me, you will be TRUE TO YOURSELVES ! Let us, then, work hard for a great Labour Victory at the Polls on Tuesday next.

I am, Gentlemen, Respectfully Yours,

J. Keir Hardie.

Lochnorris, Cumnock, Scotland,

September, 1900.