New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-09-03
LABOR ORGANIZATION.
DISCUSSED BY MANY SPEAKERS BEFORE
THE SOCIAL SCIENCE ASSOCIATION.
SAMUEL GoMPERs on TRADEs-UNIoNs-EHE RE
LAIoN OF THE EMPLOYER AND THE EN-
PLoYED-PRoGREss OF THE LABOR
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tBY TELEGRAPH TO TIE TKIBUSE.t
Saratoga, Sept 2.-Thc American Social science
Association met to-day in the Department OF social
Economy. The session was opened with remarks Dy
/. b. sanborn, Of Concord Mass, on Organization
OF Labor" lie explained that social economy did not
mean frugality nor garden parties nor even com
munism. lie reviewed the circumstances attending
the formation OF this department. Professor J. W.
jerks, OF Cornell University. read paper on " INC
Possibilities Of Trades Unions.' lie thought that Co
operative enterprises would succeed we'll that thcy
would largely increase, 10 the benefit Of both EN-
pioyer aud labOrer. He asserted that most OF the
attention Of trades unions was given TO protesting
against necessary rules established by employers
The trades unions have he thought, better field In
increasing the efficiency Of the laborers than in trying
TO raise their wages. Tho speaker favored courts Of
arbitration.
Samuel GOmpers, Of Ncw-York president Of the
American Federation OF Labor read paper " Trades
Unions, their Achievements Methods and Aims He
reviewed the history Of trades unions from ancient
times down 10 the present, and called attention to the
changed situation and the consequent changes Of
methods and aims Of trades unions. Professor Ed
ward W. Bemis, Of Vanderbilt University, Nashville,
Tenn, read paper The Relation Of Trades Unions
to Apprentices" lie gave statistics to show that the
question Of strikes resulting from the attempt OF trades
unions to limit apprentices was Of little real i'm
portance. The greatest fault was found in the rule
trade in order TO practise branch of it. F. J.
KIngsbury Of Waterbury, Conn., gave his views on
Labor Organization; and c. II. Lowell, of
New York, spoke in favor Of arbitration This
afternoon P. J. McGuire, Of Philadelphia, and
Others spoke on "s Shorter Hours Of Labor"
George Gunton, of NewYork delivered address to-
night upon The Economy and Social Aspect Of Labor
Organizations, and the Right Attitude Of the Com
munlty Toward Them" He was followed by Samuel
H. Hotchkiss. of Hartford. Conn.,, who read paper
Practical Suggestions on Labor Organization.'
Mr. Hotchliss said, in substance " The interests Of
labor and capital are not IDENTICAL but they need not
and should not conflict. Each is essential to the
other and Justly entitled to its fair share Of the bene
fits which they jointly produce The laborer has
found that he cannot stand alone in the nc in
dustrial struggle Mechanical invention and lmmigTa-
ton have encroachcd upon his opportunities for re-
munerative employment until he has met the emer-
gency In the only way open 10 him. Labor organiza-
ton Is tho natural and necessary Outgrowth OF con-
dtons for the existence of which he is not responsible
1t aims unite the OF workers and advance their
common interests II this aim could be fully realized,
tho responsible Of the vast power Of such oganza
ton might prove serious danger TO society. THIS
danger however, is not likely to be realized
Mr. Hotchklss, in speaking Of the movement for
shorter hours said the laborng men knew what they
wanted but lacked discrimination I'm the use OF their
power Capital. which did not understand the rea'
son for the movement. regarded it as dangerous
impertncnce and was quick TO take advantage Of its
mistakes TO array the forces Of society against IT, The
speaker next referred to the attitude Of employers
toward labor organization down to recent period ana
the radical change which Is taking place. He added that
fortunately the prevailing assumption that organized
labor has no right 10 any voice which the employer
is bound to respect in the adjustment Of wages ana
other conditions vitality affecting the laborer Is giving
place to more Just and reasonable views. The superior
advantages which wealth. education. and commanding
business and social relations confer employers should
be used - supplement the honest efforts OF the less
favored working class in seeking equitable adjustment
of difficulties for the existence Of which neither Is re-
sponslble The dissatisfaction Of the laborlng man
with his present limitations IS one OF the h0peIul
signs OF progress The fact that the working people
of America are stirred with ambition for solid advance
mcnt in life is cause for profound SatisactOn LABOR
organizations have contributed largely 10 inc puDng
good In this country ana Europe Is GWaAchms, anu
Mr. llOtchkiss next touched upon the various KINDS
OF labor organizations and their objects lie said that
tions affecting wages. In this field, which appeals
directly TO their pressing needs, as wen as 10 tleir
selfish instincts, their intelligent leaders have found
the greatest difficulty in convincing the rank ana ne
that wages cannot be permanently increased on fall,
ing market and that the organization when Is designed
10 help the aboring man TO obtain justice can DC
leCitimatey used only under proper conditions 10
secure a inst advance to prevent or retard an I'M
proper decrease, and that permanent success can be
obtained by the union BY the labOrer personally
only from course that will promote the mutual good
hovcOtt and blacklist has fallen into dsrepute. but
they arc by means obsolete. In conclusion. MI:
IIotchHss said The contest between capital and
labor l. by means ended, but the tno must come
when each will have learned that its interests can In
no way be served BY hostile relations Improved con
dons will not come through sudden revolution. but