The Washington times., 1903-10-01
INCLINATION TOWARD
UNION LABOR BENDS
TOLAW'S DICTATES


protest to the President adopted by the
Washington Central Labor Union on
August "a
The argument made by labor leaders
is that if the President believed as he
is quoted by members of the executive
council he should make his views plain
to the country. 1t is asserted by or
ganized labor that is the only way he
can repair the injury done to their cause.
Signatures of all members of the exec
utive council are attached to the adj
dress, which tells the story outlined as
follows:
"Other important questions affecting
legislation. as per decision of the last
convention. were taken up, and on be-
half of the International Bookbinders
Union the Miller case was discussed. The
executive council brought to the PresI-
dents attention the manner in which his
decision had been quoted, and, in addi-
ton TO the relationship of Mr.. Miller to
the Bookbinders' Union as brought forth
in the charges against him. the open
shop idea was carefully considered.
Presidents Attitude Described.
Replying to statements on the sub
ject. President Roosevelt set forth that
In his decision he had nothing in mind
but strict compliance with Federal. in
Guiding civil service law, and that he
recognized a difference between employ
ment by the Government circumscribed
by those laws and any other form of en-
ployment, and that his decision in the
Miller case should not be understood to
have any other effect or influence than
affecting direct employment by the Gov
eminent in accordance Herewith He
furthermore made plain that in any form
of employment excepting that so cir
cumscribed he believed the full employ
ment of union men was preferable either
to non-union or open shops
I'm view of the publicity given this
subject, the executive council of the
American Federation of Labor takes this
opportunity to say that the trade union
movement stands for strictly union
shops. experience having proved that
where the open shop system has been
tried, reduction in wages and profits have
dustry practicing that system. and
therefore declares that the best inter
ests of the labor movement calls for the
employment of union workers and dis
courages in every way, shape and form
the deteriorating effects which follow the
recognition of the open shop
THE toiling masses. and particularly
the organized wage earners. cannot, must
not and will not surrender one lot of
that which they have secured, must or
ganize the yet unorganized, unite and
federate those already organized to pre-
sent a solid phalanX OF the grand army
of labor in earnest and emphatic protest
against judicial usurpation or capital
istic invasion OF our rights, attempted
no matter by whom or from whatever
source.
An Appeal for Cooperation.
THE hope for right and justice here
after. as well as the perpetuation Of lib
erty and our republican institutions. lies
in organized labor Therefore, with the
consciousness Of the Justice and sound
ness of our position. we appeal to the
judgment Of all men. and particularly to
the toilers of America. that they organ
lie, unite and federste without regard TO
trade. calling, nationality. locality, sex.
politics. color OF religion"
The address. which is signed by all
the members of the executive council of
the Federation, deals with other affairs,
including legislation in the interest
of labor. ID connection with the confer
ence with the President, ii says:
THE eight hour bill was considered at
length. the President stating that his
mind had not changed on that form Of
legislation since he had favored IT as
governor Of New York State. and there
fore was favorable to the passage of the
proposed act.
ION the anti4njunction bill. In re-
Spouse TO questions submitted, the Pres
ident replied the subject would have his
most careful and earnest attention.
The address also says:
ITO a non-unionist. despite that which
his advocates say for him cannot be at
tributed the virtue of helping his fellow
workman or contributing toward the es-
Establishment OF more rightful relations
between workingmen and their employ
ers- No force. but that OF persuasion
and moral and intelligent influence.
should be exercised TO convert the non
unionlst to membership in our orgapf-
cation. but il is hurtful from every view
point and to every enlightened interest
to advocate the open shop.
AS the immortal Lincoln said: This
country cannot long remain half free and
half slave; so say we, that any estab-
lishment cannot long remain or be sue
cessfully operated part union and part
non-union -