The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-07-17

cooperate with each other than to en-
gage in disastrous conflict. The in
vention of machinery and the sub
! divisions of labor created thereby Say
ing nothing Of the many thousands who
have been forced into idleness through
SUCH, as We all know, has revolution
lied the system of production. The
| new conditions compelling us to rec
ognize the interviewer interests of all
crafts.
This new factor in economics in the
little workshop being weeded out and
transformed into the huge factory and
mill, has given rise to an identity of
interests among the workers: that the
formation of trusts, whatever opinions
may prevail regarding their influence.
has taught us lesson to recognize a
more unity of purpose, not only the
| organization Of one union of any trade,
but uniting all trades in one national
! body; federating for the common in
| terests of all, not with the view of
attacking capital or capitalists, but
| rather for the purpose of acting on all
! questions affecting labor through the
| combined intelligence of the organized
| wage workers.
While to-day many trusts and cor
| porations manifest a hostile attitude
in refusing to recognize the labor
union, this is not because of the weak
ness of organized labor, but more IN
dread of their growing strength. 1t is
| not the older well disciplined unions
with a good treasury that the conflicts
are with always, but occur largely witt
the newer unions. 1t is these We must
aid and foster, to give them the benefit
of our experiences and support in the
broadcast sense that term implies.
IF l may be permitted to say word
in behalf of the men who are now
ranra1 innnrant1N IpIar mil TO
rule, no nobler. cause could we be en-
gagged in than to render our moral and
financial support in defense of the vic
Tins of General Merriam's persecution,
who are in the Occur d Alenes, suffer
ing for principle, the maintenance OF
their manhood and loyalty to their
union Such union men are greater pa
triots to our country than the men who
bear the name of soldier or general who
would drive honest union men into
slavish conditions. While these con-
fliCts are progressing it must be borne
in mind that organized labor is not
the aggressor. Our purpose, as I have
already stated, is to avert difficulties,
and no more impressive fact could be
stated than that when we are united
and in no uncertain way make such
understood, needless conflicts will not
arise, the most stubborn employer of
labor will respect our wishes, and
should future events evolve new condi-
tions, we may be forced to control the
industries of the nation, even though
we have to vote for it.
THE most Indifferent recognize the
advantages at some time of having a
union card, though we must admit it
does not always make a union man.
Their side, however, is with the organ
ization, and all members of organized
labor know we can get a more respect
full hearing IN our combined capacity
than otherwise.
While l have only attempted to
touch on the relations of the worker
and employer. may I be permitted to
offer a thought as to the obligat ons
we owe to each other as union men and
women? 1t is a known fact that en-
ployers protect each other at times.
and have their organizations for that
purpose, as against members of trade
unions. Whether they are right or
wrong is not the issue at this moment.
Could we not draw a lesson from their
action? To be a union man Is cred t.
able; to maintain that principle. not by
violence, not by an disregard of 9TH
ers interests, not necessary to dive into
our pockets to show our sympathy for
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