Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-10-23

men, and because of this belief we es-
pouse un1onism. Why shouldn't we,
when we consider that the lettering
of the toiler's lot means a better gen
GRAFTON to follow him? Will any one
decry labor because it takes the wife
away from the washtub? Can any
raise their voice against it although
capital In too many instances imposes
the very conditions that we are fighting
against? Greed is heartleess, it is I'M
feeling, and the person that is cursed
with it is bereft of every sensibility,
save that which affects himself or his
own household-Metal Polishers' Jour-
nal.
Complain of Trust.
The Independent retail cigar dealing
storekeepers are commencing to com.
plain against what they say is the I'M
fair methods of the trust They have
been helping to bring about their own
finish by pushing non-union and trust
made goods. They were warned long
ago that the trust would put them out
of business if they continued to han
die the trust-made goods, to which
they paid no attention. There is still
chance for the retailer. Let him
handle nothing but union-made goods.
and in any event refuse to handle
trust-made cigars. They are still
strong enough to do this; if they fail
the fault is their own
Suggest Cooperation.
Since the Independent retail cigar
dealer is now feeling the iron hand of
remorseless oppression of the trust, we
suggest and strongly urge local unions
to appoint committees to call upon all
independent dealers and urge them to
cooperate with the International I'm
ion in an effort to save the trade from
complet domination of the trust and
its methods. The independent leaf
dealers should also be visited and a
triple alliance formed composed of
cigar makers. retail dealers and leaf
dealers for mutual protection.
Unless the independent dealer
takes bold, firm stand now the trust
will make them lot OF trouble in the
near future.-Cigarmakers' Journal.
President Gompers' Warning.
President Samuel Gompers of the
American Federation of Labor, has is
sued circular addressed to all affili-
ated unions, warning them against 60
ing into strikes too hastily. The circu-
lar in part says:
mo strike should be ordered until
every effort has been made by COM
mittee to settle the differences with
the employer. A strike should be in
augurated only as a last resort.
"A conciliatory policy is more adj
| ,for A,.lN.f,
ton should be offered before strike
is begun. 1t is easier to adjust a diff
ference before a strike than after
ment with an employer, it's terms
should be faithfully kept, regardless
OF temptations to break it.
THE union should be maintained at
all hazards. in defeat as well as in vic
tory. In case of discouraging circum-
stances maintain the organization.
| The time will come when the work
ers will realize the necessity for
union, and a union maintained will
make unnecessary a large amount of
preparatory work.
4 For National Labor Law.
The committee on federal relations
/ of the Massachusetts legislature re
ported favorably TO the house on the
resolution in favor of an amendment
to the United States constitution
which would permit congress to regu
late the hours of labor in the several
states. This resolution has been pre-
. scented to previous legislatures. This
year at the committee hearing it was
supported by the counsel OF the Ark
wright club. which is the organization
of the factory owners of the state and
has usually opposed any Legislation
desired by the employees. Many cot
ton manufacturers desire law which
would equalize the hours of labor il
New England and the southern states
Get Into the Game.
Are you performing your union du
ties? The simple method of paying
dues and having working card is
not all that is required of you. Pusl
the label and request your neighbor:
to do likewise. Turn out to the meet
| ings once in while and assist in max
: ing things what they should be. DON
| be afraid of little union enthusiasm
, If won't hllrt v0u-Ey