The Evening critic., 1882-04-11
The Question OF the Day-Organi-
cation Of Trade Unions" Union
There Is Strength,

10 Me Eutt0f [y IHe ECehu0 Cfsttc:
One of the most important questions of the
present time now commanding the earnest at
tention of the intelligent and thinking rep
resentatiyes of the working classes, is how.
they shall receive more Just and equitable
recognition Of their rights TO a fair and reason
able compensation for services rendered. In
connection with this, their moral, social and
political elevation is n subject of vital i'm
portance. These questions are of no ordinary
character; they are broad and comprehen-
sive, and must, as matter of necessity, rise
superior TO all other subjects now agitating
the country, for the reason that the present, as
well as the future, success of the Republic
depends upon the intelligence, honesty, So
briefly and prosperity of its people. While the
fact is recognized that the moral, social and
political status of the laboring classes In
America is far In advance Of their fellow
workmen Of Europe, we must admit that
ignorance, prejudice and social errors exist,
even to an alarming extent throughout the
mining and manufacturing districts of the
country. The economical causes from which
these evils originate are many, and are the
same which aid so much in demoralizing the
social, moral and pecuniary condition of the
workingmen OF Europe. They may be emu
merated under the following heads: First,
low rates of wages; second, the want of pru-
dence, foresight and economy; third, habits
Of intemperance; fourth, enforcement OF an
onerous system of taxation. There are also
physical evils, which rarely affect this class,
arising from unwholesome nourishment, In
salubrious dwellings and absence from the
comforts of home-life.
The standard OF wages paid, taking every
class OF LABOR INTO consideration, Is 1nSuffl-
cbnt TO satisfy the legitimate wants Of the la
borer, thereby debarring him from the most
trivial enjoyment of the ordinary luxurles of
life.
How to overcome these evils and bring about
radical reform Is problem now being
solved, and the solution of which will have to
be wrought by the workingmen, who are the
ones so deeply interested. They must go to
work with Will and n spirit of determination
to overcome overy obstacle, and organize into
associations and trade unions for their mutual
benefit and DrOtpctiOn. bIlIy I'm oblivion tn a
petty feuds and jealousies which have too
long existed among them, concentrate their
forces into one grand system OF State organiza-
tion, with a National labor congress TO guide
and direct their movements.
The power is in their hands to consummate
a successful revolution and remedy the evil of
| which they so Justly complain. 1t may be
| asked, "Where is the power and remedy to be
found?" In the ballot-box! Through the in.
| strumontality OF the elective franchise they
can be heard, felt and feared as soon as 1t be-
| comes known that they are no longer slaves Ia
| party, They must cut loose from the political
| tricksters who control and use them to sub
serve their own selfish ends. If they desire
| that the interest of labor should be properly
| and faithfully represented in the councils OF
| the Nation they must send their own repre-
| sentative men to Congress, in place of the
| third'class lawyers and political hacks, who
have no aflliation with them after they have
| received their election.
| Whenever an effort is made to secure 9
| more liberal recognition on the part of the
working classes for services rendered they
| are denounced as disturbers of the peace and
| the subsidized press of the country opens Ii
| batteries against them, combinations of tn,
| moneyed aristocracy and political economists
| (?) come TO the front to do BATTLE for the fac
tory rings, railroad monopolies and soulless
corporations. When these fail, the Govern
ment is called upon to suppress the uprising
| OF oppressed labor with the bayonet ant
bullet. This is the power the workingmer
have TO contend with when In the time OF thei
distress they legitimately seek. redress fo
| their wrongs. Unions for the mutual benefi
and protection OF trade and labor are assalleC
and.denounced as tnimical TO the.best interest
OF labor, while the right of capitalists anC
railroad corporations to form combination
for their protection and 10 pauperize labor
| fully accorded TO them. In view OF the fact
thus briefly alluded TO, 1t Is not to be wondere
at that patience with oppressed labor ha
ceased 10 be virtue. A. II.