The Indianapolis journal., 1903-12-13

As a confederacy Of unionism the Ameri-
can Federation OF Labor fulfilIs it's pur-
poses. Ii depends for its progress upon
the cooperation OF those central bodies
which are affiliated with it. By virtue OF
this principle the labor movement OF the
country is expressed by the American Fed
Grafton Not only. however. does it seek
TO represent the general movement, but it is
always in touch with all local movements,
OF which II is to some extent the dictator.
It Is the ideal of the laboring people that
the American Federation Of Labor should
represent the highest types of working
men, that IL should fostor unity and prog
ress and that it should be forum where
all wage earners may have voice.
2 The American Federation Of Labor does
what all federations OF labor unions do
attempts TO give stability to the labor
movement by getting the various sections
or the labor army into touch and co-opera-
ton with each other. 1t refuses to admit
that occupation can be a barrier to the
community OF interests running through
the wage-earning masses. From its in
ception IL has taken the stand that while
unions OF miners, sailors. shoemakers, cigar
makers and printers must each be left free
to govern themselves within their own
TANKS, yet between the members OF IDeSe
unions there Is bond that makes their In
terests one.
The great aim and object of the Ameri-
can Federation Of Labor Is TO strengthen
this bond. Its method is by organization
and education to place the labor movement
upon higher and firmer basis. Going on
the principle that the strength of chain
is the strength of its weakest link the Fed
GRAFTON endeayorS 10 organize all labor,
recognizing that while many nonunionists
In sympathy with unionism, yet that
unOrRaniZed eXnCGed
the pressure OF unjust conditions than are
the organized, and. being thus weaker In
maintaining wages. keeping down hours OF
labor, ETC., are In more constant danger
than the organized
The American Federation of Labor cred
Its itself with having already accomplished
q world OF good. Ii has largely swept away
the old and foolish jealousy that existed
between skilled and unskilled workmen; II
has taught the great lesson that man Is
q man, no matter whether he sets type or
scales ladder, whether he makes the
machine that spins the cotton or picks the
cotton in the fields. Whatever a man may
be the motto OF the Federation reads, so
long as he works honestly and seeks to
wrong no other man or TO secure advantage
for himself at the cost OF another he is a
man. The Federation stoutly maintains
this and seeks to bring all into line regard
less OF their employment
Ordinarily the Federation Is opposed to
strikes, but when Ii Is struck 1t strikes
back hard as IL can. Although the Fed
Grafton admits that strikes are barbaric in
the act, IL believes that they are moral and
necessary when forced by aggressive EN-.
ployers who seek to curtail the liberties or
q part OF the community for their own ad-
vancement and who refuse fair and open
conferences and adopt forceful measures.
Realizing that strikes do not always win,
the Federation considers even those that
are lost useful In that they induce the en-
ployers to have more care in the future.
TT teaches them lesson says President
Gompers, that they do not soon forget; 1t
teaches them the lesson that labor Is the
most important factor in production and
IS entitled to some consideration as to
wages, hours Of labor and conditions under
which labor shall be performed"