The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1894-01-03
THEY ALL SAY RALLY!
A Symposium of Opinions From
Prominent Labor Leaders.

A Symposium of Opinions From
Prominent Labor Leaders.
FORCES MUST PULL TOGETHER.
Some Differences Concerning the Most Eff
ficient Form of Organization-General
Agreement That Each Trade Must Man.
age It's Own Affairs Emancipa-
ton Through the Ballots-A Few Discour-
aged Because of Past Failures, but All
Are Willing to Do Their Best.
A fortnight ago l wrote an article set
ting forth my views, briefly stated, on
the present condition of labor and its Or
CARNATIONS, and urging the necessity of
more thorough union of the workers
situation and to prepare for future &C
ton. Ibelieve that labor must make un-
usual efforts within the next IL months
if it would foster it's interests; that these
efforts must be not only along the lines
of defense, but that they must be ag-
gressive. Through organization only can
this great work be carried, on, and it ap-
pears to me ehat the first thing to do is
to build up and strengthen the unions,
associations and assemblies of wage
workers. The next step needful is the
concentration of effort on matters of
general concern.
think now, as have thought for 10
years, that all the labor forces through
out this country should be allied under
some plan of confederation to achieve
permanent benefits for any considerable
branch of the industrial army. I knew
that was not alone in this belief, but
that most Of the active workers in the
labor movement held similar opinions;
that the conflicts which have grown up
between different wings of the forces of
organization were distasteful to those
who were drawn into them, and that if
the start could only be made all would
be willing to cooperate upon lines where
there is general agreement.
To make the desired start, asked two
dozen men, all well known as labor adj
vocates, to read my article and give nae
their views upon the subject. It must
not be supposed That assume to make
up list of the leaders of labor, and that
those not on the list are not worthy Of
consideration. Realizing. the value of
time in the work to be done, could not
wait to secure addresses, but sent to
those whom 1 knew could reach and
get replies from without delay. Let us
hope that this will be the small start
which will result in bringing out the
views of thousands who have won the
right and have the knowledge to speak
for organized labor, and, which is more
important, will lead on to practical
steps.
Most of those solicited favored me
with replies. It is noticeable, though
not at all my fault, that the greater part
of those whose letters appear below are
of the federation or trade union school,.
though nearly every one Of the writers
have been Knights of Labor, and some of
them are still members of the order.
The general assembly of the Knights
of Labor, at it's recent session, instructed
its general officers to take steps looking
toward conference of representatives
of all industrial organizations, and that
action practically pledges all Knights to
this new movement.
With P. j. Mcclure, secretary of the
Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners
of North America, more than any other,
have discussed the question under con-
sideration, therefore it is a pleasure to
present below his views covering all the
main points:
Jos. R. Buchanan. IS and AZ Park Place, New
York city:
The unity Of labor's forces. Do l favor it?
Yes, with all my heart and every power pos
sess. 1t has been the dream of years-it has
been the impulse Of ages. Each generation we
come nearer its realization, and then, alas,
come reaction and partial disintegration
The 10 hour agitation of 1910 to 1886 the Ma
tional Labor union from 1866 to 1872 the
Knights of Labor from 1880 to 1856, exemplify
that fact in America, as similar periodic move
ments have demonstrated it at various times
in European countries. Still, after ALL in these
lulls of reaction and apparent stagnation comes
the quiet OF reflection and Standardization
over the mistakes and errors and what might
have been;" thought as to method and means
matters and men.
What has stood in the way of labor's unity?
Rivalry and personal vainglory of leaders. con-
ficting interests of individuals, petty Jealous
les, insignificant grievances and trif1ing mis-
understandings! Not that alone. Were these
all, we would soon see labor's forces compactly
and invincibly united. The labor movement
existed long before its present leaders, were
born. and from present Indications unless bet
ter judgment and greater activity prevail.
it is not likely to be victorious until long after
their children are dead
What else has stood in the way? Well. for
want of unity of thought in all essentials and
Aharity of mind in all details, we have had
radical differences among even honest labor
men as to principles and methods of organiza-
ton. We have had intolerance of each others
experiences, views and differences of opinion.
and this condition is encouraged, magnified
and distorted by a servile daily press, famed
into flaming rancor and destructive hostility
by the emissaries of Pinkerton and the tools of
corporation bosses, and made wider still by the
sneaks crooks and harpies who hang on as q
dragwelght on every popular movement.
But more that all we have been held back by
the preludices, fears and lack of nerve even
among organized working people. We have
been held back sectarian side issues fanat
icism and intolerant bigotry, by the Cleyiltrv
of party politics, its temptations and its entic-
ing allurements of place and power, by a score
and half of things which have again and