St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-06-14
THE BRICKLAYEIss, UNION.
Some Lessons Derived From Hts His.
tory and Character.

4
tory and Character.
To the Editor of the Globe.
There are many things connected with
the history of trades unionism that are of
interest. The history of the union in
question is of that character to those who
are acquainted with it, and affords some
very suggestive thoughts to those who may
be inclined to pick flaws in it.
Taking into consideration the opposition
which this organization meets at the hands
of its opponents, and its present prosperous
condition, one cannot help exclaiming,
well doneI" Organized, as it was, in
1881, under so many adverse circumstances,
having not only to contend with the tardi-
ness of large class OF men eligible
for membership in it, but also
with the avarice of some bosses.
it has made steady onward strides until
to-day it has reached a degree of promi-
nence not to be sneezed at by any who still
have thorn in the flesh for it. A flush
treasury and good membership are among
the things not to be overlooked in speaking
of its good features. A membership of not
less than 500 and a treasury of at least
$4,000 are fair specimens of its advance
ment.
But there is that in the makeup Of its
membership that SurpaSSeS all else, namely:
A class of men who fear not to act when
and where duty calls. 1t has been hereto
fore asserted that
FORCE AND VIOLENCE
were the twin children of evil in such So
cieties, but this Is not true in this country.
The men who have in charge largely, the
management of these institutions have
learned that reason and arbitration are to be
observed as the most potent means
solving all difficulties that may arise be-
tween employer and employee. These laws
are observed and carried out not only with
EMPLOYERS but also with their felloW-work-
men.
The history of BricklayerS' Union No. 1
eXemplifieS these facts. There have been
instituted within her fold since her inStitu-
ton over eight hundred members, and her
receipts have frequently run as high in the
aggregate in month as $3.50. It has the
support of an International organization
numbering some IA, 600 members. On the
whole there are few if any such societies
in the country that can present a
more complete and satisfactory record than
this Leaving out one or two minor mis-
takes made by sonic of the members,
IT'S HISTORY AS A UNION
sets forth lesson to the most ardent low
Iers of organization, from which they can
profit. Minneapolis has an organization of
the same kind in her midst and her stand
ing is doubly assured, for in the Minneap-
oils union has it a helpmate of no small
consequence, and the bricklayers of the
twin cities have more feasible means of
regulating their affairs. And let it be re-
membered that the recognized difficulties to
proper advancement are not SO much the
Bocalistic as the non-socialistic tendencies
In them. And by the word socialistic mean
not the radical construction of the term,
put the properly conservative construction.
True socialism means healthy social condi-
lions, and true social condition in such
societies as trades unions is essential to
their well-being in every instance; and if
workingmen at large would recognize in its
fullest force this fact, their condition
would be further advanced than at present.
Yet with all the imperfections of which
they can be justly accused, they have made
steady advancement in these matters since
the first blow was struck about half a
century ago in Detroit Mich, and with the
help of Divine Providence and the unceas-
ing application of their energies, they will
vet become throughout the country, as they
have in some localities, a potent factor in
public affairs. Ro-BAL.
ST. PAUL, June IL.