Workmen's advocate., 1888-11-10
NOVEMBER 10, 1888.
A SUGGESTIVE SITUATION.

l ne eXlSenClcs Ol the spring clcC- tions in various Western States de- veloped a marked internal antagon- ism in the labor organizations there, which we noticed at the time, and applied the lesson to the New York Central Labor Union in an article advising a radical change in the mode of organization of such bod les. The campaign just ended showed that the position then taken was approximately correct, and we quote, therefore from the article re- ferred to, as follows
 Suppose that the conservative trades unions of New York (and other cities. for that matter), had central body of their own, and that the radical trades unions also had such a body. Is it not plain that many of the useless wrangles we hear of would be obviated? And then, if one of those central bodies should decide upon q course of action which could be better carried out with the assistance of the other, could they not combine their efforts for the nonce2 "I Jet us assume that conservative union wished to boycott an obnoxious employers merchandise; the request would be brought before the cOnserya- tive central body, and if that body de- sired further help, they could send d re- quest to that effect to the radical organ ization. In view of reciprocal action there would be no doubt of hearty CO., operation, and the end would be reached just as well as if all were represented in one central labor union.
 "Then, again, suppose that in the course of time conservative trades union should be benefited by experience and decide upon radical measures and tactics for the future. Such union could not very well remain with the COT. servative body, and so would desire tC connect itself with the radicals. This could be done without creating { wrangle in the conservative centra body, aud would certainly have an en couraging effect upon the radical organi cations. On the other hand, if a radica trades union should become conserva
 
 the radical central labor union and ap ply for admission in the conservative body.
 'lt may be argued that the latter sup position is untenable, as radical organi cations are not likely to become conser vative.
 Well, we admit that. It is not likely that an organization of intelligent mel will progress backward" So mucl the better for the radical labor move ment. But we would simply obviate un pleasant. senseless wrangling which, en gendering hatred. precludes that feeling of union which may be possible wher personal antagonism IS given less oppor tunity to develop.
 When the laboring people have { mutual understanding of their needs they can unite and act together in al needful ways; until then it is not advis able for them to merely pretend unior when there Is disunion."
 Had such plan as suggested beer adopted last spring, there would have been at least 0ne central labor union in this city which could not be charged with harboring traitors to Labor's cause, political crooks and heelers, bribe- takers, and igno- rant dupes. Which one that would have been requires no specification.
 If the honest labor unions who dc not wish to be identified with the boodlers through traitorous "repre- sentatives" will only discuss this matter, we feel assured that d healthy change for the better will take place in the labor movement, and the boodlers and weddings bt relegated to a circle all their own.
 Imagine honest men being forced to protest against labor politics be ing discussed in the New York Cen tral Labor Union, simply becaus, they were afraid land with good re-,