Evening star., 1897-03-22

To the Editor of The Evening Star:

To the Editor OF The Evening Star:
In your issue of March Is. 1897 there
appears an article by Mr.. VIM. Bailey. a
clergyman, in which he extols Mr.. Stilson
Hutchins. the proprietor of the Times, for
his philanthropy and charity. and criti-
cses the Building Trades Council for plac-
ing such a noble and consistent friend to
labor as Mr. Hutchins has always proved
himself to be on the unfair list.
In reply to Mr.. Bailey, would state that
no one can more regret the necessity for
declaring Mr.. Hutchins to be unfair to Or
ganized labor than the members of the
Building Trades Council, and none will he
more ready to herald his name as a friend
to labor when his actions will justify such
a course.
We have tried every honorable means
within our power to induce Mr.. Hutchins
to give preference of employment to those
who are striving to maintain a rate of
wages that will secure them from becom-
ing objects Of charity and charges on the
community.
to employ union in preference to non-union
men. as it Is fact recognized today by
statesmen, philosophers. ministers and
sound thinking men generally that only
through organization can labor secure to
itself such economic conditions as 1t Is
Justly entitled to. While in some few in
stances union men have secured employ
ment on buildings owned by Mr. Hutchins.
it was through the preference OF the con-
tractor, and not Mr.. Hutchins. As he states
himself he employs workmen without in
Quirfng whether they be union or non
union, democrat or republican. Jew or gen.
tile providing, however. (as we know that
they be cheap. Mr.. Bailey himself bears
me out in this by the statement In his
article, in which he lays such stress on the
fact that Mr.. Hutchins has time and time
tn, I,ol MI m
of his own private funds. and to some
offered employment, which they were glad
to accept rather than see their families
starve. Can any intelligent person want a
for distressed labor than this? He selects
Mr. Bailey and his associates to hunt up
cases Of needy workmen, that he might
offer them employment. on terms just one
degree removed from starvation. And. ap-
plauding him for this kind Of charity. MI.
Bailey wishes that Washington was full Of
just such men as Stflson Hutchins. Heaven
forbid If 1t were Siberia would be prefer
able.
Now, I will say to Mr.. Bailey and Mr..
Hutchins that the members of organized
labor of this city do not wish to become
objects of charity. dependent on the bounty
of others. All they ask is that they receive
such wages as will secure to them such
comforts. at least. as were provided for
the slaves In the south before the rebellion.
SUFFICIENT food. clothing and a roof to shell
ter them and their families.
Therefore. Mr.. Hutchins can best prove
his friendship for the honest workman by
giving him employment at union wages
In conclusion I would request of Mr..
Bailey, should he meet any more cases of
needy union men. that he refer them to
their respective unions, as the members of
trade unions are always ready and willing
to assist their needy brothers, as that is
one Of the principal objects for which we
are banded together. and by doing SO he
will thus be free to bestow his charity on
those who have not as yet recognized the
benefits Of organization. J. p. HEALY