Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1898-09-03

appliances IN use ana az mana 10 use the
reduction should be TO six hours.
The truth is that no one has yet been
able to compute the capacity of the ma
| chimes employed and those constantly
being improved and perfected, not to
mention the possibilities of the invent
or's brain. This is grave question not
only for the laborer, but for the owner
of the machine. 1t is possible TO so per-
feet machinery as to make the displace-
ment of labor, with its consequent in
ability TO purchase the manufacturer s
goods, q sort of boomerang. The cap
tains of industry may possess sufficient
wisdom to so regulate the movement of
these forces that one of them will not
devour the other and then destroy it
self, but danger lies in that direction.
The better plan would certainly be to
adapt conditions to meet the introduc-
ton of really beneficial machinery. Let
all in some measure enjoy the benefits
of the superlative genius of modern
times, and labor saving machinery will
not be the destroyer of the laborer, but
blessing to all mankind. 1t Will be in
fact what it is in name labor saving.
Another cause of distress among the
working classes has been the growth of
concerns embody a reduction of operat-
ing force to the absolute point of their
necessities. The consultations result
in the closing-of plants not required to
supply the demand and the consequent
discharge of employees. Labor has no
adequate remedy for this condition save
that which 1T applies to the problem Of
machinery, the shorter workday.
Tabor nroanizatiOOS ran do lsttIa
more for their members than to afford
partial protection, and in the majority
of cases they must be satisfied if they
succeed in continuing existing condi-
lions, not hoping to make an advance
Yet'the work accomplished by the I'M
ions in this country during the past SO
years when all is considered is remark
able, for while the general condition of
the workingman has not improved as
it should, while his position is not what
it should be in this advanced age, yet
when the opposition is considered it is
marvellous that labor has done so much
through its organizations. It has secured
factory inspection laws, child labor
laws, immigration laws and various
other enactments that afford it some
protection; labor bureaus have been es-
tablished in nearly every state of the
Union, as well as q national bureau,
and the recent congress, under the in
fuence of the labor organizations,
adopted an arbitration law, from which |
much is expected, and law providing
for the appointment of labor commits |
sion to investigate and recommend legis- !
lation bearing upon labor.
These and many things along this |
have hpnn nj nv hn
efforts OF labor through its organiza-
lions, and yet I reiterate the general |
conditions of labor have improved but |
if at all, and the dangers that |
threatened it few years ago threaten
it still. Why do L say this after ac-
knowledging that many laws have been
passed for the benefit of labor and in
to tho direct appeals of tho or
ganized workingmen? Because the little
practical good that has come to labor
through the laws enacted has not been
sufficient to counterfeit tho general
downward tendency, which is another
way of saying conditions would have
been worse but for those results of the
tireless agitation of the leaders of labor.
The labor unions of the country, though
they include less than 10 per cent of
the wageworkers, have been q power
for good. Let those who deride the re-
suit of trades unions keep in mind the
fact that so small portion of the work
ers in the country support the organiza-
lions whose mission is the uplifting
and tho upholding of the man who tolls
1t will be well also to remember that
The beneficial effects of organization are
not confined to members, for the laws
"a hay rod II, in, |
1uence of organized labor touch alike
he interests of union and nonunion
nan, and the wages and conditions of
employment of the unorganized are bet
;er because Of the standards set and
maintained by the unions.
Labor organizations are not perfect,
Tor are the men who compose them
without faults. Many mistakes have
,een made and some wrongs have been
,erpetrated in the name of organized
abor. All strikes have not been dictat-
d by wisdom, and probably some boy
otis have been scarcely warranted. But
here is generally some fire where there
S smoke, and it is pretty safe propo-
ition to assert that there was never a
demonstration by organized {
abor that had not its inception III some
collation. of its presumed rights.
The labor movement of America,
which speaks to the world on Labor
ay, has much to be proud Of and little
o blush for. 1t has made better work
len and better citizens of its adherents.
teaches morality and sobriety. 1t ,
makes men better husbands, fathers and
Ons. 1t was the first to enunciate the
rinciple Of equal pay for equal work
Ri r. 4
friend of the sweated children
the tenements. To it belongs the
redit of inaugurating and forcing to
1ccessful issue the demand for an i'm
roved ballot 1t stands for honesty and
urity II. public affairs, and its political r
emands have the sunDort of tfe xvisest | Y
nd hest mon IF orr | -