The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-04-16
No War on Organized Labor as Such,
but UnaIterabIe Opposition to
Methods of UniOnists.
UNITED ACTION PROPOSED
TO COMBAT BOYCOTTS, BLACKLISTS
AND INTERFERENCE.
Plea of "GOlden Rule" Jones for Dis
play of Less INSTRUMENTATION
on Various Questions.


to the national convention of the Associa-
ton of Manufacturers devoted practically
all of their time of both sessions to-day to
discussion of the labor question. Th>re was
much difference of opinion as to the nature
of the attitude which the organization
should take toward trades unionism. and
the debates were at times heated, but when
the adoption of a declaration Of principles
was finally reached, the resolution embody-
ing il was accepted by a unanimous vote.
An effort was made, led by d. A. Tomp-
kins, OF North Carolina, and Mayor 5. M.
Jones, of Toledo, to hold this resolution for
printing and further consideration. but
delegates demanded immediate action, and
the protest was overruled. The resolutions
which President Parry characterized as
''the platform of the association are as
follows:
1--WE, the members of the National Asso-
citation OF Manufacturers, United States
of America, in convention assembled at
New DO nsfeby eHare ene tSs
association in its work In connection Win
problems of labor:
"First-Fair dealing is the fundamental
and basic principle on which relations be-
tween employees and employers should rest.
''Second-The National Association OF
Manufacturers is not opposed to organiza-
tons of labor as such, but it Is unalterably
opposed to boyeotts, blacklists and other
illegal acts OF interference with the per-
sonal liberty Of employer and employee.
"Third-No person should be refused en-
against on account of membership or non.
membership in any labor organization, and
there should be no discrimination against
or Interference with any employe who Is
not a member of a labor organization by
members of such ORGANIZATIONS.
"Fourth-With due regard to contracts,
Ii Is the right of the employe TO leave his
employment whenever he sees fit, and 1t is
the right of the employer to discharge any
employe when he sees fit.
"Fifth-Employers must be free to en-
ploy their work people at wages mutually
satisfactory, without interference or die
tation on the part Of individuals or or
CARNATIONS not directly parties to such
contracts.
"Sixth-Employers must be unmolested
and unhampered in the management of
their business and in the use of any meth
DDS or systems of pay which are just and
equitable.
upon the opportunities of any person TO
learn any trade to which he or she may be
adapted.
solutely of strikes and lockouts and favors
an equitable adjustment of all differences
between employers and employees.
'Ninth-The National Association OF
and all legislation not in accord with the
foregoing declaration"
OTHER RESOLUTIONS.
Numerous other resolutions were adopted
during the sessions, among them one con-
demning the convict labor system. another
commencing the organization of nonunion
men and others condemning radical union
lists and favoring a general organization of
employers I'm all branches of the trade. A
resolution favoring general tariff revision
was held over for consideration at to-mor-
rows session.
The morning session opened with an adj
dress on the labor question by Carroll ID.
Wright. who was present as the represent
alive or President Roosevelt. Mr.. Wright
was given a hearty reception. He said in
part: THE remuneration to capital is con-
stantly decreasing and that to labor con-
stantly increasing. This is the result, so
far as capital is concerned, of the accumu-
lation of wealth which may be turned into
active and productive capacity, and so far
as wages are concerned to the increased
standard of living resulting from education
and the culture which follows it.
THE workingman has risen from ignor-
intelligence he has become more or less a
greater complication in Industrial affairs
In his Ignorance he did not strike; in his
intelligence he does strike. The next step
be that he will not strike; that he will be
able to accommodate himself to conditions
because he will know them and understand
them better.
Some of the methods of the labor union
are to be condemned. So are some of the
methods of the capitalistic organization to
be condemned, but because they cannot
get on together does not mean that either
or both should be destroyed. They must
get on together. That is the necessity of
the time, and 1t is to the intelligence of
he Lao Of hntl f..tz
at large looks for the development of in
dustry on basis of social progress"
At the conclusion Of the address the res
Of %ew beaded by
and submitted the declaration Of principles.
ID. A. Tompkins. of Charlotte. n. c.. i'm
printed and considered tomorrow, urg-
ing that so important matter should
not be dealt with hastily. He was sup
ported by Mayor Jones, of Toledo, but the
resolutions was ordered without dissent
ing vote.
UNITED ACTION PROPOSED.
The much-dscussed resolution favoring
united action on labor matters by all en-
ployers was next submitted. and adopted
after short debate. 1t follows:
whereas, In order to meet in a collec-
tive, scientific and effectual manner the
present industrial conditions arising from
the organization OF LABOR IL Is necessary
that there be thorough organization among
the employers OF labor in kindred craft be
it, therefore,
Resolved, That the president Of the Ma
tional Association of Manufacturers an
point committee of seven, who, with the
president and secretary, shall constitute a
standing committee on the organization OF
employers"
This committee, at the request of any
five members Of this association, employers
OF kindred trades. shall call a meeting OF
employers OF such trades for the purpose
OF forming an association, the general OBJ
Ject or which viii be TO secure and pre-
serve equitable conditions in the workshops
OF the members whereby the interests OF
both employer and employees shall be prop
erly protected; and he IL further
Resolved, That the president and secre-
tary OF this association be, and they are
hereby instructed to cooperate with the
officers of such organizations of employer.
to form a permanent central organization
that will create clearing house for ideas
and provide means for cooperation on mat.
tiers OF common interest"
A resolution charging some unions Will
violence and intimidation resulted in mucf
discussion. Numbers OF delegates declared
that the position taken by the association
was likely TO be construed as an attack OF
all labor organizations IL the resolution.
Were adopted. and Mr. Young was called
| upon to explain that the resolution had nc
such meaning. He declared that the asso
| citation aimed 10 regulate the bad I'm unions
| not to destroy organized labor, and tn,
| resolution was adopted. Ii follows:
Whereas. The lawless and vicious ele
ment among the membership OF some labor
| organizations seeks TO control the indus
| tries OF our country by intimidation ans
| violence directed against employers ant
employees. and also undertakes to coerc,