The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1866-06-02
HlNCONsISTENCY.

The suicidal policy Of any protective as
ISOLATION allowing its members to work with
non-union men was sffectually exploded
during the last difficulty Of the Chicago
Times establishment with the Typographical
Union. An almost similar result has follow
ed the action of the Machinist's 4 Black
smiths Union in sanctioninga similar course.
Now, while we have no desire TO dictate to
any society, Ne unhesitatingly affirm that
the craft which endorses such system has
yet to learn the fundamental principles of
union organizations. We can well under
stand why such policy may be advocated
or deemed expedient where our principles
are inperfectly understood, or during the
formation Of such society, but there is no
excuse, whatever, why such a system should
be tolerated in any establishment in this
city where union mechanics are employed.
There is no man, whoever he may be, who
persistently refuses 10 join protective union
who can be depended on in any emergency
Moral cowardice, 70 use no harsher term, in
nine cases out Of ten, is the only reason
why mechanics refuse to JOIN their several
trades orgsn. zations. And by working
with these parties, instead Of converting
them from the error Of their wsys-rnen
are too often converted 10 them. The value
or force Of their obligation are gradual,
lesseaed, and where il is demonstrated as
much, may more, can be accomplished by
remaining outside, than BY becoming mem
bers, Of course such creatures viii prefer
to do 50. They are paid by the union stand
ard; they associate with union men they
are Iecogni zed as brother workmen; their
feeling are consulted; while in case Of diff
Guilty they have everything to gain and moth
ing to loose. In all respects, therefore, they
are placed in the same category, with this
additional advantage, that in going back to
work, should they even leave when others
do, no obligation il violated In corrobora-
ton Of this statement we will guarantee that
no union man can now be found in the
shops Of the Rock Island Railroad Company,
and the apologies who are working will tell
you they have broken no compact. Union
ism implies honor, self-respect, true man
hood, while aGti-uuionism implies moral
cowardice. treachery, cringing servility, a
lack Of all moral responsibility, and As q
matter Of course they are only true to their
instincts when they desert their fellow
workmen in time Of need. They cannot ex-
srcise qualities they Do not possess, and it
would be only the part Of wise men to look
these facts squsrely in the face il the hey
day Of prosperity Any craft can float
with the tide, but i requires energy and
perseverance to stem it. All organizations
are imperfect which are unable to protect
the interest, Of their members in the hour Of
adversely, and % long as this cancer is toler.
atsd, so long viii strikes and failure 90
hand in hand
Now, It is high time that action prompt
and decisive was taken on this matter. The
members Of our unions have themselves 10
blame in great measure. They have failed
to do theiS duty, and are now paying the
penalty. Again, very large proportion OF
our non-union mechanics come from coun-
try towns, and sin from ignorance rather
than design. It is the imperative duty Of
all true union men, under these circumstaS
css, TO enquire into their Sntecedents to
explain the workings Of our several labor
organic utions and overcome all ohjec-
tons, If any are urged; and il the proper
steps are taken vast majority can thus be
added tc the ranks Of union men. We
have been much surprised to learn that in
this city there are establishments where
such course is never adopted--men being
allowed to work from January to January
without such enqpiries being made. Nor
must this duty devolve on those who have
invariably to bear the brunt Of every exer-
ton. Where all are equally interested, all are
equally responsible. Let every union me
chsnic, then, constitute himself an inVssti-
eating comm ittee--work faithfully, system
atically and persistsntly, and in less than
twelye months the proud position now oc-
cupied by the moulders may be shared by
every organization in the country.