Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1903-11-10

achieved in the interests OF our fellow
workers were Observation-Disclosures
In wages, reductions In hours OF labor,
and improvements In other respects
and that but comparatively few Of the
strikes ~inaugurated were defeated in
the objects sought. Much OF the ex-
penditures reported because Of strikes
were made during last year. It will
be observed, too. by reference to the
table that many organizations have
gained large advantages while they
have expended enthusiastically small
amounts. These are particularly At
tributable to the organizations refer
red to having accumulated funds and
systems OF beneficial features which
have given them such stability and
resourcefulness that employers we're
more willing to conceie reasonable
and fair demands rather than at the
outset risk losses which they know
result from long drawn out contests.
In connection with this subject, I
at this time desire To again impress
upon the minds Of my fellow unionists
the necessity Of the payment Of high
or dues, the establishment OF bene-
fits. and the accumulation Of reserve
funds In the trade unions. These
would not only be available In strikes
which might occur, but they will be
more potent in preventing them.
Many organizations seem to believe
that they will be immune frcfn at
lacks. only TO find themselves In the
midst Of nm Industrial conflict threat
ening their very existence.
You who know me can not for a
moment imagine that I am either pes
simistlc or that | lose courage. | am
anxious, however, that we shall have
the largest amount OF success during
periods Of Industrial activity, and not
be compelled to recede an inch during
any industrial reaction; that our
organizations shall be strong enough
In members, influential enough in
solidarity, and powerful enough In f.
nancial resources so that we can sue
cessfully refuse TO bear the burdens
of the mcompetency OF ayarice q
some Of the captains Of INDUSTRY
other employers.
Il seems ~ me that Ii Is wiser u
risk the slower growth Of our organi
cations. or even the loss of some mem.
beers In times Of Industrial activity,
than IL Is TO invite encouragement
and enfeeblement Of the members as
a result of defeat in contests.
More strikes are avoided and avert
"a liz thorough organizations and
preparation for them than By any 9th.
Ter known means.
There Ii a most impress
sion prevalent regarding losses &C
easlonei by strikes, to which atten'
lion is invited. OF course, IL is true
that a strike involves the loss OF work
and wages for the time being, but
there has not one strike occurred but
il has been followed BY greater &C
tIsity in the trade. In other words.
the time for the performance Of the
work and the payment OF the wages
has been deferred; that Is, that the
sloppage In the trade has been made
To suit the convenience and the pur.
pose OF the workmen, rather than the
convenience AMI purpose 81 the EN-.
ployer.
A strike involving wages, hours,
and other conditions OF employment
II temporarily defeated In the i'm.
mediate attainment OF the purpose,
has always checked greater invasion
On the part of the employers, or has
paved the way for the ultimate
achievement Of the object sought by
The workmen.
.
The alliance or federation OF the
trade unions is intended TO protect
and advance the class interests Of
all lii those lines with which II Il din.
cult for the single trade union 10
cope.
Hew 10 Trade Union Lines.
The attempt 20 force the trade un.
ions In what has been termcd indus.
trial organization is persersive OF the
history II the labor movement. runs
counter 10 the best conceptions Or the
tollers' Interests now, and Ii sure %
leal Il the confusion which proceeds
dissolution and disruption il IS
time for fna American Fpipration ~