Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-09-19
The Locomotive Engineers.

10 no single class probably is the coun-
try more indebted for its prosperity and
advance in civilization in recent years
than to the locomotive engineers. They
are almost always plain and unassuming
men, but their courage, skill and fidelity
are not the less known and appreciated.
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers
is considered the model labor and bene-
fetal organization of the country. One
OF It's conspicuous principles Is
fidelity to contracts-a regard for the
rights of others as we'll as a resolute
maintenance OF Its own-and this is prob
ably the explanation OF the fact that it
has been able to accomplish so much for
Itself and for it's individual members
without resort to violence, and in 30
quiet and orderly way. 1t is not noisy
and turbulent; it seeks TO avoid strikes,
and is very successful in doing SO; it does
not attempt to attract attention nor make
cases for the newspapers. Indeed, it is
rarely heard OF in connection with
tumult and disturbance. And yet
1t is one OF the most compact and
powerful labor fraternities In the country
and one OF the most useful. 1t is be-
lieved that 1t can show larger amount
of good secured to its members than any
other association of the kind, all brought
about without hostile movements against
the railway companies with which its
dealings are bad, and without disturb
ance OF the public business. This is due
to TIE fact that its leading spirits, and,
in fact, nearly all It's members, are men
of intelligence and conservatism. Ex-
IRENE and unreasonable men have little
influence in it's councils.
The brotherhood is said to have 10000
members, and It's books show that within
the past seventeen years it has paid for
the benefit of widows and orphans of de-
ceased members nearly $4,000, 900, while
disabled and needy members have been
aided to the extent of $500,000.
The necessity of labor organizations Is
now generally conceded but it must also
he conceded by every intelligent and
right minded person that these organiza-
tions can only be beneficial when con-
Quoted on the broad basis OF wisdom,
justice and moderation. 1t is more
than probable that during the next few
years these organizations will exert more
Influence in this country than ever before.
There are approximations in many parts
OF the Union lest this influence shall not
be for good. 1t seems that these appre-
tensions are groundless. The working
men of the country have as much at stake
as other classes-the future welfare of
their pOsterity. Unwise and turbulent
men may occasionally come to the front
and hinder The attainment of the objects
of the organizations, but there are abund-
ant reasons for believing that conserva-
tive counsels will prevail, and that the in
fluence of the organizations will be for
good.
The greatest danger to the labor organi-
cations is the temptation held out to
many OF their leading members to degen-
crate and become petty politicians. AL
though the labor organizations may not
be political in their nature, they are
often sought to be used by shrewd poll
ticians, and when they are 80 used their
downfall Is only a question of time.
Right here the example OF the locomo-
tive engineers might be studied with in
terest and profit. They have not yet, so
far as the public has been informed, al
lowed their organization to be used, di-
rectly or Indirectly, to advance the per-
sonal ambition of any politician or of any
political party.