51) SG to FT, January 7th, 1898
700 14TH ST. N. W.
Washington D. C. Jany 7th, 1898
Mr. F. Takano
#31 Oiwake Street
Hongo, Tokyo, Japan.
Dear Sir and Brother:
Your favors of Oct. 24th and Dec. 17th came duly to hand and contents noted. The former was received on the last day of our convention at Nashville. I also acknowledge receipt which you sent to Secretary Morrison. Let me assure you that I appreciate your letters and perused their contents with a very great deal of interest, and am very much gratified to learn of the gradual progress which is being made in the organization of the wage earners of Japan and the favorable public sentiment which is being created in the interest of the workers of your country. The outline of the factory act which you give as being the proposition which the Ministry will submit to the Diet is very important and convincing evidence of the practicability of our movement and propaganda. Of course your work will be most trying just during the first phase of the present developments. The task of a pioneer is always the most difficult, intricate and trying and this is as much so in the growth of the economic movement of labor as it is upon the plains of the farthest West. I am sure though that with a right beginning the workers of your country will obtain much of the advantage which the experience of the workers of America and Europe have demonstrated to be founded upon wisdom and attribute tangible results. I repeat, therefore, that with the right beginning of the organization of labor in your country in trade union lines many of the errors which the workers here have been compelled to endure will be obviated. Your knowledge of the labor movement and firm devotion to the trade union principle and tactics will unquestionably redound to the advantage of your fellow countrymen.
I notice in your article that you have organized an Iron Workers Union and in your former letter you show the organization of a Machinists Union. These are excellent signs of the times and of progress and I need only congratulate you upon them and wish you every success.
I have caused International Money Order to be issued to you under date of Jany. 1898 for the sum of $--for your syndicate letter that is the full amount received up to date. Enclosed find receipts which please sign and return to this office.
I beg to thank you very much for the photograph which you sent.
In the course of a day or two I shall send you copy of the printed proceedings of our Nashville convention which I ask you to accept with my compliments and which I am sure you will peruse with interest. You will find the reports of the President, Secretary and Treasurer and special committees on Eight-Hours and Convict Labor as well as many of the matters which are well worth reading.
Thanking you again for your valuable contribution and with best wishes for success I am,
Fraternally yours,
Samuel Gompers.
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