The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1903-08-15
THE TRADE UNION MOVEMENT,


rooms of the common council of Boston,
In March following a constitution had
been drafted and ratified, and then,
inbued with a devotional spirit, the
members of the union decided to hold
religious services on July 4. The labor
movement spread throughout the man.
ufacturing towns of Massa chusetts, and,
although it met with many rebuffs re-
fused to give up the ghost. Even the
women workers became interested in
It, and the first union strike on record
occurred in Lowell, Mass, about 1849.
1t was strike of factory girls against
a reduction Of wages, and one girl II
years old, was characterized as the
'ringleader.' These girls must have
been not only aggressive, but also pos
sessed Of their full share Of brains, be-
cause they published small newspaper
called the Offering It's motto was:
THE worm OF the earth may look up to
the stars
The first national central body of
mechanics organized in this country
was that Of the blacksmiths and
nachinists, which was formed in 1859.
In the same year the iron molders six-
nified their intention of forming a. ma
tional union and applied to the Unitsd
States government for a charter. but
their application was refused. The
breaking out Of the war Of the rebellion
did much to retard the labor movement
In America, although in 1860 az many
as rs or 80 trades had formed national
organizations. Four years later the
first convention or congress of trades
unions was held in Cincinnati, and SIM
liar meetings were held in New York,
Philadelphia and Chicago. The result
of these meetings Of the labor unions
was the beginning Of the agitation for
the eight hour work day. About the
same year the agitation for organiza-
ton spread among the employees of the
railroads, and the Brotherhood Of
Locomotive Engineers, one of the most
powerful and influential labor bodies in
the world. was formed. Ten years later
the brotherhood Of Locomotive Fire
men was organized, and the movement
then became general all along the line
OF the mechanical trades. It even
reached the miners of the West, and so
successfully did they accomplish the OBJ
jects of organization that from 1875 to
1880 they kept the wages Of anual labor
IN the mines at IS day.
by this time other trades not only had
their local unions in all the cities and
larger towns OF the country, but many
OF them had formed national organiza-
lions, including the cigarmakers and
printers. The knights of Labor q ma
tlenal body, was also formed. This or
eanlzation, which became a powerful
one. was founded as an educational Or
der by Uriah Stevens, but il beca me-
rather an aggressive labor organization
and played prominent part In a num-
Der OF great strikes. At one time if
was said to have reached membership
Of nearly 100000, but its power and in
fluence waned largely through dissen-
sions among its leaders. until now it has
only q remnant OF its former greatness.
The American Federation has taken
its place with membership Of about
100000. There are about 2,ooo, 900 or
gantzed workers in this country, and It
Is no longer considered disgrace to be-
long to labor union, In a few years
more when the aims and objects of the
trade union are better understood a
union card will be regarded az a bsdro
of honor.
The labor problem is a. working mans
problem. Of him and by him, az we'll As
for him. The capitalist will not seek
to solve it for the laborer; the working
man must do it for himself. Legislation
Is the primary constructive point around
which better conditions must center.
Instead of begging and trusting to
others to lesislate for them, the laborera
themselves should be properly represent
FED IN the legislature; those who are
not Of You cannot appreciate your true
wants or even understand your condi-
ton; it is the most complete evidence
Of Incidence and indifference on the
part OF the laborers that they are not
better epresented.-The Union. ~: ,"
~ ... RA0TjME JDeAls. ;: EN- !. .s !. ! !