The times., 1897-05-23
BRAIN AND BRAWN.


be local labor leaders as to Mr.. James F.
MeHugh's position relative TO the cen
tralization'' scheme, as defined in The
Times on last Sunday AS stated in this
favored the consolidation of the labor forces
OF the District under one head, and to show
that he is in earnest III what he says, is the
first of the labor leaders to step down and
out for the benefit of the cause.
Mr.. McHugh was seven consecutive times
chosen president of the local Federation
oil Labor, and during all this time has been
hell in the highest esteem. not only by the
workiuginen allied with the Federation,
but those connected with the other labor
bodies In Washington. He is also Sec
retary-treasurer OF the National Stone
Cutters Unioi. and is thoroughly posted
OH the 10 Dor problem.
In talking of the several central iabor
bodies in this city Mr.. McHugh said
II think they are the most demoralzcd
bodies OF men have ever seen in my life.
/ have been in the labor movement .ver
twenty-five years, and following my trade
the United States and Canada; there
fore have had an unlimited experience
in many places, but never did see .abor
that was SO thoroughly organized as it is
In this city, and yet so incapable of ac-
compiishing any good. This heiplessness
is all caused by the rival central bodies.
why, they are so utterly helpless here
that not a single thing can be accomplished
by either, IND In my opinion the worst iea-
ture OF the whole matter is the injustice
il does to large business men, building en-
terpriscs, etc Now, a case in point. Take,
for instance, the construction OF the Con
sumers' Bre very at RossIy yn, Va. The board
Of directors were annoyed almost beyond
human endurance by committees from the
different central labor organizations, each
with the claim that they represented the
legitimate union men, and that the others
were scabs, etc Labor committees have
no right TO annoy business men with de-
inands for recognition. or to dictate TO
them how they are To manage their
business until they learn how to manage
their own
Another example is the steamboats, run
Mug to the river resorts. What an in
ferna! imposition upon these companies,
here are men who have thousands and
thousands of dollars investcdin Il property,
and by close attention TO their business, fair
dealing to their employees and the public
have built up splendid patronage, and no
doubt are making some money, and now
step in two rival labor organizations, who,
through quarrels, which the steamboat
owners are in no way responsible for,
threaten tn ruin their business by
boycott Here fancy the reasons:
cone faction waits on a captain and ,ie-
raands that they shall be given employment
to the exclusion of the other. accompanied
bv the threat of boycott If their requests
are not granted. These are Immediately
followed by the other fellows. who say If
you don't employ US we will boycott YOU.
Then the captain hits on a happy compro-
mise, and replies that he will recognize
both parties and give employment to each.
No, that won't satisfy them; it's rule or
ruin What farce, what an imposition
on employers who really mean right, but
fact;oaal fights between rival orsaniza-
tons NAL i t impossible for them TO do so;
and no matter what side he employs he is
put on the unfair list by the other y
In reply to the query of tile reporter as
how TO remedy this condition of affairs
Mr. McUugh promptly replied:
.'One central labor body and less labor
leaders How can il be done? by the
men who have been at the head OF the four
central bodies stepping down and permit
ting those who are willing to settle ex
listing differences to take their places, so
that organized labor in the District viii
again respect Itself and others Will respect
it. It's all folly to say that IL Is inn
possible to organize one central body. IL
can he done and on strictly union lines
Every organization can he represented by
delegates, and labor in the District can
become again the powerful factor it
once was when legislation could be Sc
cured, when all differences could he settled
between ourselves, our employers, and the
business men in Washington.
In line with my views on one central
body, have sent a written resigna ton
president OF the Federation to the secretary,
and sincerely trust that it is the entering
wedge for peace and harmony to prevail
once more"
The action of Mr. McHugh will no doubt
have greatinfIuencei in shaping the heopin;1ns
a nd directing the course OF great hummer
of the members Of organized labor III the
District
There is hardly any room to doubt that
the Capitalization idea is Being seriously
considered by the rank aad file or the
wage-earners OF Washington. few Of
the leaders oppose the scheme now, on The
ground OF impracticabiity, but il is we'll
known that these same leaders some time
ago favored the consolidation OF the
local workingmen.
Whatever the heads Of the central bodies
may think Of the matter does not IN any
way appear to influence the rank and file
against the plan. In fact, it appears that
the agitation and discussion Of the subject
have created quite desire for "combina-
tion'' This is evidenced by the success
full termination Of the efforts of the four
local organizations OF carpenters to COM
bine 1t is also reported that there is a
movement on foot to consolidate the three
organizations of piasterers, the tailorS, and
one or two Of the bodies of craftsmen of
which there are more than one organIza-
ton in the city.
1t Is the opinion of these leaders who
are working for the success Of the move
nent that as soon as the crafts and trades
get thoroughly organized there Will be no
difficulty in bringing them all under one
head in one central body.