The Labor enquirer., 1883-04-21

work; l believe this society is destined
to accomplish much in the aggregate
result OF moving many obstacles in the
way OF progress and reform; but as Oc-
cupying only the relative position of an
OttshOOt to an issue centuries Old-the
labor question: cannot understand
how any advantages are to accrue, how
any strength is to be gained, by attempt
ing to engraft upon this society the in
compatible and inharmouious branch of
another OrganizatiOn-the International
Typographical union. Both Of these
organizations are ofsprings from the
same parent neCessities-the promotion
of the interests of the WOTkingmen Of
this republic-and there is strength and
harmony enough in the supreme ruling
motives to support thousand different
labor organizations, and still have them
united upon the essential principles,
while the distinctive constructions Of all
might otherwise remain unchanged
| do not approve Of concentrating reve-
nue., power and authority; | do not aD-
prove of building up an organization for
the glory and honor Of the organization
as such; | don't believe in Overburden-
ing any class Of men with too great
responsibilities, when there is a surplus
of willing and conscientious men in the
ranks of uniOnism | think it an injustice
to OvertaX the capacities Of the few; |
do not agree in the fact that tits logical
to drive men into taking obligations upon
themselves against their wills, for they
will sooner Qr later prove traitors and
false to their professions; | am con-
l r oh I ,L
|. T. T., cannot work together peacefully,
harmOniOusIy and unitedly as they now
exist, they certainly would not prove
agreeable companions in closer rela-
tlOnshIp, for what, | candidly inquire Of
every thinking man, is there to cement
these organizations in sentiments of
friendship and accord. more than the
existing circumstances Of their present
relations? Would a few Oaths and ObIi-
cations result in creating a more perfect
understanding and appreciation of the
real duties incumbent upon these sOcie-
ties, as factors in representing the in
terests, of labor agitation? | can safely
assert ohev would not. 4 victory for one
branch Of labor is a victory for labor in
general and so long as the towering
principles are kept in view and utilized
as the basis Of every form Of organization
the overthrow of every hostile en-
cTOachment upon the sacred rights of the
IaOOrinr masSes-sO long is everything
being done that can be done to advance
the great cause. How great are the in
terests at stake Happy and comfortable
homes, education 8or the children,
needed hours for rest and recreation, and
every influence that bears directly upon
the prosperity and enjOyments of the
American labOrer are here involved ,
Men understand these truths and how
important to: their welfare they are.
Sacrifice is sweet to contribute something
toward the glorious result Of universal
reform | do not imagine that the In
ttrnational Typographical union as a
body would enjoy the reflection Of beng
adopted bv another organization. The
International is not bv any means an
infant in wears and experience. 1t is old
enough to have opinions Of its own and
some Of them about aS sound and logical
as anv that has ever been advanced. 1t
NAV be inclined to indulge in whimS Oc-
Casionallv, but is generally righted by a
superabundance of good sense and
healthy official guidance. There are no
very evident symptoms that this OrganI-
zatiOn is becoming decTepit, puerile or
sinking into its d0tage. | see no good
reason why it should require guardian
at the present time, more than at an
earlier period in its history. Its stronger
now than ever before in many respects,
it has left a record Of some grand victo-
ries in the past and bids fair to have a
long and fruitful mission still to perform,
before 1t sinksintO oblivion or is SWaI-
lowed by some GnSelhsh patron, induced
to devOur it from motives Of compassion
to save it from a slow and agOnizIng
death. The / 7. L., would prove a
suIIen and obdurate protege.
No. Ny Lelief is that these two or-
ganizations-the K. Of /. and the |. /.
L.. have one and the same destiny-that
Of subscribing the general good Of the
cause of labor, though in somewhat dis
tinct channels of action and execution. as
competent so to do, and more so, in their
present relationship than they would be
combined in one organization. II IT
were practicable | would say let all the
Iaboring men os this country join one
society. The ridiculous attitude of at
tempting to harmonic all of the varied
industrial organizations of America IS
readily apparent as an impossbllity to
every man of thought or observation.
Then, using the same logic, is not the
effort to unite any two or three
branches of industry into per
feet organization proportionally i'm
practicable and impossible? Most
assuredly. They will not assiml~c
late, unless there be a prevalence of
common interests of a business character.
Mr.. Labadie accuses me of being oP-
posed to innovations. He has widely
misjudged me in this particular. favor