The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1870-07-16
National UuiOn of BriCklayerS.
PROTECTITE NOT AGGRESSIVE
Second Annual Quarter Journal
AND sEcRETARV's REVIEW.

WILLIAMSBURG, ] ly 10, 1870
To the Orcers and Members Of the National UnIOn:
Brothers-With the close Of the Sec.
ond Quarter it becomes my pleasing
duty to note the progress of our own
National Organization in the dullest
season since its birth, which gives me
the assurance that the National Union
will live for time memorial. AS men
begin to realize the vitality of trade
and labor unions at all times as neces-
sity, TO protect, and reserve the right
regulate their own labor, and by eff
feelivc unions, command the respect
that is due to the workingman and his
labor. The bitterest opponents Of
labor organizations are generally found
among the merchants of our cities, the
very men who, by way ofthc Merchants
Exchanges, (or unions, proper), will
often realize princely fortunes in incred
IDLE short space of time, and the labor
ing classes helpless, at their disposal.
meekly submitting to the extortiOn, re-
ceiving neither sympathy nor patron
age from their hands. There is nc
doubt in my mind but that these so,
called exchanges were the original
cause Of the idea Of the workingmen
that preached the formation OF unions.
1t is well to give thought to the work
ings of these exchanges, and then fair
ly see the necessity Of an organization,
working by sympathetic concert Of
action, and by united action, render
ourselves imprcgnable from being sac
ri6ced by cofpcrated monopolists. This
car b. done cy the organizations Of
union, ia 49-o"v city, town a. v TlIReat
able % -1tport ? ua.on ni-t {iiaiity
cnJuch to make It ascfrl fha ejcei
of such probability would be seea e
its best advantage in case of the occur
renee of the troubles that have been SC
detrimental to us during the past three
years, in localities where they have been
prolonged. Suikas-neeasi0ned by the
influx of strangers, where, if our organ
ization was more numerous it would, to
a great extent be evoded, and a sooth.
ing influence excned In S stead, and
trust it will be the aim and object Of
every member Of the National Union
to endeavor, if possible, to accomplish
that result, and by such action do a
lasting service to themselves and to
those near and dear to them. There
has been in manylocalities sacrificing
reduction of wages, and seeming at
tempt 10 disorsanize unions, by appeals
10 the public in the bestowal OF Their
patronage; and in most cases, after
contracts were given ont at fair prices,
and resOrting to every artifce to scduce
the members from their unions and
themselves with promises, calculated to
deceive the unwary, and failing IN that
flooding the locations with labor, by
advertising in the large cities, and in
some cases men Of good intentions not
knowing the cause Of the scarcity Of
hands, often going to the locations,
without means, TO return thereby, be-
coming a burden on the unions, and in
some cases taking the places Of the
union men, and giving encouragement
and consolation to the employers. |
do not propose 10 say that in all pro-
longed strikes that the unions are the
aggricved parties, but on the contrary
| am satisfied that most Of the troubles
could be settled by the unions using
moro discretion; and even if you re-
duce your wages temporarily, it would
allay the excitement, and prevent the
further reductions that are usually at
tendant on unsuccessful strikes. This
have demonstrated on more than one
occasion, to the dctrimcnt Of the unions
engaged. 1t is far better to pursue
such course than to risk strike
in dull times, unless the influences that
surround the location warrant differ
ent course, for in the one there is, il
defeated, the loss of confidence in
yourselves and feeling of humiliation,
in the others independence and encour-
agement.
During the Quarter | have visited
by request Union No. of New Jersey,
at IIoboken, Union No. Of New Jer-
sey; Union No. 20 of New York, loca-
ted At Flushing; Union No. OF New
York, Union No. u, located at Staple
ton, and two visits to No. ~ Of New
York, and No. 6 of New York, located
at Albany. On May %, and by direc-
ton of President O'Kecffe, | visited
Union No 10 of New York, to effect a
settlement of the difficulties IN that vi
cinity, without detriment TO the union,
if possible but was unable TO do SO,
owing to the stubbornnexs of the en-
ploycrs, who refused to yield anything,
but determined, if possible, to enforce
their original demands, which did not
prevail, owing to the determined efforts
of Union No. 10, and by the latest ad-
vices the union has obtained nearly a
complete victory, This is the eff
fleet Of thorough organization,
united and determined The tax is
sued in Circular No. 5, has met with a
fair response, and did considerable to
aiding No. 10 of New York in the re-
sult, so far. In many eases unions have
paid the tax which are suffering from
embarrassment in finances, but striving
to give encouragement to others in
distress.
NEW UNIONS.
During the present quarter l have
the honor to record the re-orraniz ltion
of Union No. Of Kentucky, by Pres
ident O'kcetfe, on June l., under the
most favorable auspices, as per report.
There are seventy-sevcn members, and
in letter from its worthy secretary he
assures me that the Bricklayors Of
Louisville are determined to make II a
perfect success. From the
CITY OF NEW YORK
there was application made BY por-