Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1901-06-11

history of labor has there been such a |
union of the forces of the workers as
there is today under the banner of the
American Federation of Labor. 1t |
presents the broadcast platform and at
tempts the most practical and compre-
hensive work
Anything that the organized work
ers can accomplish will be done most
effectually through this already organ
lied and best equipped general move
ment of the toilers, the American Fed
GRAFTON of Labor"
A Reflection.
In answer to President Schwab of
the steel trust, President Gompers in
the American Federation says: Gin
his statement before the Industrial
Commission, President Schwab, of the
steel trust stated, in effect, that labor
organizations put all men on level,
and were injurious, because they pre-
vent the individual from advancing.
while we have not seen verbatim
copy of Mr.. Schwab's remarks, yet if
he is correctly quoted in this instance,
he seems to have received curious
impression in relation to trade unions.
1t is mis-statement to say that trade
unions are endeavoring to fix one
price for the wages of working men
of any one class.
What the union desires is to estab-
lish a minimum rate of wages, below
which man will not be obliged to la
bor Because a minimum rate is es-
Itablished it does not follow that a
worker cannot receive more than that.
| 1t is always in the employers discre-
ton to pay as much higher than the
minimum rate as he chooses, If he
| finds a workman who is especially
skillful or valuable to him. The trade
union is no bar to individual progress.
| On the. contrary, by establishing
minimum rate of wages it gives a rea-
sonable basis of protection to all mem
bers, without limiting the opportuni-
ties, or the prospects, of those who
may have special talents or abilities.
We are engaged in promoting the
general welfare of the working classes
and are aiming at their general i'm
provement, rather than trying to get
one preferred position for some partic-
ular individual. 1t may be true that
there are cases where laboring man
advances beyond his co-laborers, and
if he does it by individual work and
merit, there is no criticism to be made;
but among unorganized workmen we
usually find such advancement at the
expense of others. Unions better the
conditions of the craft, generally by
organization, and all profit.
"How could laboring man redress
a wrong, or secure right, but for the
organization of labor?
"How could he obtain what is justly
his, If he should attempt to struggle
alone against the big corporations that
now exist?
"How could Mr. Schwab have ad-
vanced when he was laboring man,
if he were confronted by the condi-
lions of today. He must remember
that there has been vast industrial
change in the last few years.
"a man who by chance made for
tune specializing in stocks within the
last few weeks, might advise every
body else to speculate in stocks, rath-
err than be frugal and work conscien-
tiously. Mr.. Schwab Is very much in
tile position of the lucky speculator
i and makes mistake in applying his
1 individual experience as a rule for the
average working man."
The Carpenters.
The carpenters union is moving and
growing at such rapid pace, that be-
fore the summer is over 1t will be hard
to find non-union carpenter in the
city. Ten applications for member
ship were received at the last meet
ing.
The Blacksmiths.
4 The blacksmiths' union will in the
near future make campaign for their
union label, also they will hold open
meetings, at which all the blacksmiths
of the city will be solicited to attend,
and become members. General Secre.
tary Kerr reports twenty-five new 10,
cal unions organized in the month of
May.
Union Man Dead.
4 The many friends in this city of G.
i P. Thompson, formerly foreman of the
job department of the Courier, will re.
greet to learn of his death which occur.
red last Friday at Horton, Kansas.
j Chris" was well liked by every one
who knew him, and was staunch ad
vocate of Unionism, and a tireless
worker for the cause.
i The Bakers.
1 The Bakers union met at labor hall
Wednesday night, and will hold it's
next meeting Thursday evening TO,
the purpose of taking in new members
and electing permanent officers. Union
label bread will be on the market next
week.