History attests what excellent results were brought about by the artificers' guilds of olden times. They were the means of affording not only many advantages to the workmen, but in no small degree of promoting the advancement of art, as numerous monuments remain to bear witness. Such unions should be suited to the requirements of this our age - an age of wider education, of different habits, and of far more numerous requirements in daily life.
It is gratifying to know that there are actually in existence not a few associations of this nature, consisting either of workmen alone, or of workmen and employers together, but it were greatly to be desired that they should become more numerous and more efficient. We have spoken of them more than once, yet it will be well to explain here how notably they are needed, to show that they exist of their own right, and what should be their organization and their mode of action.
Encyclical Rerum Novarum
BABYSUE REVIEW of The John Francis - On The Moments We Share
"Although he has been recording music for several years now, we were only recently introduced to the music of California's Jack Francis. The first release we covered (The Earnest Manboy Suite in E Major) was a curious collection of experimental loud rock...but lurking underneath the currents was a voice that was intriguing and unique. This EP is a softer and more direct collection of tracks that reveals the substance that is inherent in this man's work. These recordings sound something like a cross between John Vanderslice and Ian Anderson. Francis presents eight reflective cuts here, all of which spotlight his inventive way of weaving tunes. Discovering obscure artists like this is what keeps us focused on writing about music. Although we're not sure why, for some reason we get really excited when we discover obscure artists few people seem to be aware of. Excellent tracks include "Grace For One," "Future Americana," "Sliding Any Way I Can," and "On the Moments We Share." This is the first CD to be released on the newly formed Rerum Novarum label. (Rating: 5+)"
