The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1871-06-10
AMERICA vs.. ENGLISH TRADES
UNIONS.

1t always cheers us to learn OF Inc
progress of the labor movement-no
matter whether that progress Is to be
found in the creation of trades union
in England or the formation Of a trades
or labor union in the United States
And We long for that time when the
working classes, united, intelligent and
disenthralled, recognizing the unity OF
the labor interests the world over, and
acting up to such convictions, shall be
enabled 10 call no msn master.
Among the various organizations IN
the old world, to which we have fire.
quently referred, and 10 whose progress
We have pointed with pride, is that OF
The Amalgamated Society Of Engineers
and Machinists. We have also express
ed the hope that the American unions
would emulate its example, learn the
lesson its success teaches, and profit
thereby. While doing so, however, we
never have and never shall endorse the
principle of its extending its ramihca-
tons into American society. 1t is es-
sentially ar English institution, and as
such has no right to be established on
American soil. No two trades unions,
such as the American ,Machinists' and
Blacksmiths Union and the English
Amalgamated Society of Engineers and
Machinists-can thrive in one country
for the benefit OF one trade, any more
than two governments can live for the
government of any one people. So long
as two unions-and these unions of ne
cessity rivals and acknowledging diff
ferent authorities, exist in one loo atty
so long will dissension and contention
destroy all unity of action, and unprin
cipled employers secure an easy veto
ry. 1t is certainly not claiming too much
to assert that men acquainted with our
institutions, the pecuharities and the
wants of our own people are better
able to direct the labor movement and
control the various labor organi cations
than Englishmen, Scotchmen, or Irish
men residing in Great Britain or Cont
MENTAL Europe. American institutions
are bound to predominant on the West
ern Continent, and we think American
workmen-both native and foreign born
are Just as qualified to direct their own
affairs and settle their own grievances
as men who reside 5000 or 1000 miles,
from the field Of operations. We wei
come the good men and true from all
countries, and ask their aid and advice
but we claim, and have right to
expect, that those who cast their lot
with US, and gain liveliho cd in our
midst, should become home instead Of
foreign missionaries
Let US reverse the csse-and suppose
Mr. Fehrenbatch, as the representative
of the Na5hinists' and Blacksmiths
( Union of North America-should ap-
point deputies for the several counties
of Great Britain, and organize unions
which acknowledge featly alone to the
Western International," what q hue
and cry of unwarrantable impertinence
would be raised from one end Of the Is
and to the other, and justly too. Now
what is sauce for the goose is sauce for
the gander. If it would be in bad
taste to establish American unions in
Great Britain, is it not equally so to es-
tabhsh British unions in the United
States? Properly guided both organ
izations would become help mates tc
each other instead Of beng. as at pres
ent, stumbling blocks in each others
way.
We have no desire 10 be intolerant;
but we insist charity commences at home.
If the ma Iagement of our own unions
are defecv i've, if their features or scope
can be improved-and we believe they
can-the National Convention" is the
body to which they should be proposed
and by which they will doubtless BE-
adopted In throwing out these sugges-
tons we have been guided by the kind.
est Of feelings to our European breth-
rem. We admire their pluck, persist
cnce, and administrative talent, and
wish them from the bottom Of our heart
God speed. We trust they will take
these remarks in the spirit in which
they are intended even though we must
reiterate the statement-that we are
perfectly competent 10 manage our own
affiirs.
ANTHRACITE
The great lockout is ended, and the
$4,000 men of the Anthracite coal