Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1868-09-30
EmE LABoR C0NYENTIoN.
The Present Phases of the
Movement.


From the n. Y. Commercial Bulletin.] *,
The second annual meeting OF the
National Labor Union, now in session In
this city, once more brings the labor
question prominently before the public.
The pretensions of this body to usurp
functions that must necessarily be dis
tributed betweens various CLASSES, and TO
exercise eoatrOl over capital that Ia
utterly inconsistent with the laws OF
economic progress, are too marked not to
attract attention Butthe objects of the
Labor Unien are not limited to indus.
triRi changes. 1t is also intended to in
fiuence political issues, by at first holding
the balance OF power between the great
political parties, and ultimately to COM
troll them, as labor becomes better or
ganiZed. .....,f,f. a4a eFs sse
In this respect the American Labor
Union present marked resemblance TO
the International Workingmen,s Con-
gress, held at the commencement Of the
present month in BfIssels.r At this Com
gress delegates from nearly all the in
dustrial nations in Europe were present,
and the proceedings were OF character
that threaten great social and political
revolution in the established order of
society. The question of strikes was dis
cussed at great length, and although
some very sound views were announced,
it was nevertheless decided that they
were a necessary, though not perhaps a
desirable means for the increase of
wages. Resolutions were adopted for
the more thorough organization OF labor
societies In the various European coun-
tries, and their union or liberalization
under single authority, with a view to
supporting strikes by the whole power of
the international authority. In other
words, it is intended that in case of
strike Of tailors or shoemakers in any
part of Europe or America, the idle men
shall be supported by contributions levied
from all the associations throughout
the world.
This is certainly formidable pro-
gramme, and if it could be carried into
effect it would be most alarming. But
the proportion contains elements of weak
ness that must render in imperative.
The other resolutions of the International
Congress looked to the establishment of
cooperative societies, the encourage
ment of system of arbitration for the
settlement OF disputes between employ
ers and workmen, and other objects that
are at least less Objectionable than the
organic alton OF gigantic strike system.
A remarkable feature of the proceedings
was the general assumption that all the
existing governments of Europe were
hostile to the interests of the industrial
classes, and in this respsct the congress
was probably not far astray from thu
truth. The resolutions against wars and
standing armies IS being equally injuri-
Gus to labor and capital are entitled to
cordial appreciation.
The proceedings of the National Labor
Union in this city, presents many points
Of resemblance to the action of the In
ternational Congress at Brussels. There
Is the same tendency to regard capital as
an enemy instead Of friend to labor,
and a consequent inclination TO wage
war against it. Itappears that there are
now in the United States no less than a
thousand labor societies. OF these New
York has 285; Ohio 80; Illinois 81 {;
Pennsylvania 60; Massachusetts 54
New Jersey 43 :; and Connecticut 26.
The union of all these societies under the
control of central body 10 tins grand OBJ
ject Of the National Labor Union.
1t may be conceded that the industrial
classes in Europe and to a more limited
extent in America, do not, as a general
rule, occupy the social and political DO
sition that is due to their increasing in |
telligence and development. 1t NAV even
be admitted that legislation is less care
ful Of their interests than it should be, |
and that there are some changes in this |
respect which would be advantageous to |
society at large, So far as the various |
labor organizations devote themselves to |
practical measures for the reform of ad- |
mitted abuses they deserve encourage. |
ment. We are evidently in a transi-
Jional condition, and all classes are more
or less affected by the erroneous tradi- |
items, and woiui experience of the past. |
But the Workingmen cannot improve |
their condition by waging war against !
capital, nor can employers promote their |
interests by q crusade against their en- /
pioyes. OF all things war of classes is |
most injurious and ruinous. We can only |
hope that the wOrkingmen of America /
Will gradually learn the great economic
ruth that the only means of improving
heir condition is by increased produce !
ion, and greater economy of savings.