The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1874-08-08
FROM OHIO.
CLEVELAND, o., Aug. 8, 1874

To the Editor % the woKKNsHAN's ADVOCATE
The suDOrdination Of industrial interests
to the general interests % the body is the
test Of a good working lodge or branch Of
any association. Wanting this element
there is no union. Men may agree 10 en-
roll their names ON book and pay their
dues regularly, but unless the minority are
ready, after fair and full discussions, TO fall
in and support the majority, there is no
uniOnism there. No progress will be
made. II is the duty Of every man in the
meetings to advocate his own views with
all his power, and no Instructions should
be thrust nm his way by those whose opin-
ions run. counter. even though those be in
the majority. The utmost liberty consis-
tent with good order should be given those
of the smaller number In our lodges
MInoritIes are sometimes right, and from
the very fact that the others are the strong
erParty, they should have the fullest free
dom IL discuss their side Of the question
The spirit Of : fair play" would be apt to
allow the smaller number to have the
widest possible margin h work on before
hnal action is taken on any question, and
more especially those pregnant with Inn
pOrtant considerations. How often a sub
lect not half discussed is put forward and
a vote taken ON it passed by a single ma
Jority, the practical results Of which the
whole body deplore. II seems to me that
all matters Of great moment shoull be full
ly announced at the proceeding meeting to
the one at which it is allowed " pass and
then two-thirds Of all the votes be requir-
ed to pass it. II rule Of this kind were
IN existence, and had place on all Ordi-
nance books Of our lodges, many benefits
would be derived from its practice Much
opprobrIum and actual injury which We
have now to suffer, flowing from disre-
gard of those points, would be removed,
and we are confident all members would
feel better satisfied and breath freer,
when action on affairs Of Importance was
taken. Those same rules should also be
observed by lodges toward the whole body
Of the association. II lodges viii take ac-
tIon ana venture on an enterprise which
affects the whole society from the East TO
the West, without the general interest be-
ing considered they simply take position
that cannot be sustained. Something
comes up between lodge and the employees
Of the men who compose it. PROPOSE
tiUn for reduction III wages change il
the system Of weighing-the dischamse Of
the principals Of the union-Or the reiec-
ton Of a checkweighman- matter u
not treating with the mine committee or
some other question Of lesser import,
which may be the cause Of bringing in for
discussion ali the evils which burden and
atfilct the place. The subject il too often
discussed simply from the local stand point.
although the action will be felt by the whole
body. The combination % the lodges pr
branches is formed IN the same manner,
and its relations are to the other the same
u the members to lodge and the lodge TO
Is members. IL a member or even
Of a branch were to attempt some /
hing which the general body disapprOved |
md the rules prohibited, the ridiculOusness
would be ut once apparent. Very proper
y it would Be opposed, and summary pun
shment administered upon the offenders,
However right they may be in their own
opinion. A branch or social lodge IL sim
Wy member OF the whole combination,
md should be as ready to subordinate its
opinions Of right 10 the general body as 1t
s to exact obedience from its members.
When q question that Ia likely 10 involve
he whole society, comes before q lodge for
discussion, the broad, comprehensive view,
he interests of the whole should be steadily
tept in view, and the local aspect subject 70
t. In q majority OF cases hnd the local in
erests supercedes the general, and from this
tandpoint only action - taken. Thus lodge
n branch gets into difficulty, and before the
ssOciation il aware Of the circumstances o
Osition is assumed Then notice Ia sent to
he general office, with a statement Of the
ase, and petition praying that the legality
I the step may be sustained. The action
self puts the executive officers in the ugly
redicament, if the case In not favorably en-.
ertained, Of opposing the expressed will and
OF the men. In such an event.
. t has been in some cases, the officers are