The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1903-02-04
70 FIGHT LABOR UNIONS.
Significant letter OF President OF
Associatton Of Manpfncterers:

The National ASSOCIATION OF Niuu-
facturers Of the United States OF
America, through circular letter be-
ing mailed to every manufacturer in
this country, declares for war on Or
ganized labor and its aims and objects.
Particular stress is laid on the efforts
of labor to secure the passage Of an
eight hour day law before congress,
which is called vicious" Recipients
Of these letters are asked to become
members Of this Manufacturers asso-
citation. and the arguments advanced
are because the organization is en-
gagged in bitter uphill fight against
the unlawful demands Of organized la
bor.'
Tie letters bear the signature of Da-
vid NJ. Parry Of Indianapolis, the presi-
dent, and read:
Dear Srs-I desire to call your attention
to the significant growth Of the National
Association of Manufacturers During
the months Of June. July, August and
:;.ptc.!l ber the most difficult months or
The :G;lr for new business. our association
has made the gain Of 225 new members.
This striking increase is the result Of the
profound belief that IS growing in this
country that there must be a closer union
among manufacturing employers or in
few years We shall be so inmeshed in hos
tile Legislature that our power to advance
will be practically destroyed.
There are now pending before congress
two bills either one Of which IS a serious
menace to the manufacturing interests OF
the United States. These bills are the
anticcnspiracy and eight hour measures.
The first, imported TO this country from
England. has been favorably reported in
the senate Il means that your establish
ment may be ''picketed" out Of existence
in case Of labor trouble. The second is
intended to be an opening wedge for
general eight hour day throughout the
United States. This bill provides that any
manufacturer contracting with the gov
ernment shall not be permitted to work
his employees over eight hours without
subjecting himself to a fine of S. for each
and every employee for each calendar day.
This monstrous measure has passed the
house three times without one word Of de-
bate If forced through the senate this
session, it will be followed by similar
bills In each Of the states. This is the
labor programme.
What are the manufacturers Of the
United States to do about this? Are we
to sit still and do nothing, or shall we
meet organization with organization? l
consider organization our only salvation.
What is your opinion? If 500 men in your
shop appeal to a congressman to vote for
a certain bill. what Is your voice against
the 500 unlesx you have organization?
Shall there not be in this country one
great, compact organization Of diversified
manufacturing interests which shall stand
together as a man against the encroach-
nent of organized labor? Is It not time
to bury all feelings Of clashing CONNER
c!al policies and get together on plat
form upon which we all can stand? Is
not our first duty self preservation? All
other questions that press upon US can in
the end be disposed Of by the exercise Of
wisdom, fair play and drrness Of pur-
pose.
I say. to you that the time has come In
the United States when we have reached
the parting Of the ways. You are either
to have the mastery Of your own business
or you must turn part Of its administra-
ton over to your employees. Organized
labor claims 100000 members. Each
member pays cents yearly for the main
tenance Of powerful lobby at Washing
ton to secure the passage Of measures op-
posed to your interests. The total or this
fund, measured by the simplest arithmetic,
is S102. 900 per year. What fund has the
manufacturers for defense Of their inter-
ests? None Shall this continue:
The National Association Of Manufac-
turers has no ak to grind except that OF
the protection Of employers. No officer OF
our association receives dollar In salary
except the secretary. The presidency
means personal expense to me Of 5000
each year. When the danger signal is
flashed. the members Of the legislative
committee hurry to Washington. paying
their own expenses. We are fighting your
battle
Yet to carry on the fight successfully
we must grow in strength and power. We
must have money for postage stamps, lit
erature, rent and to pay salaries Of some
thirty employees Of the association. who
earn money by the severest work. DO
you not feel that you should help US?
T inclose you subscription p.4Ek filled
out to myself. 1t requires your signature.
shall consider it personal honor If you
will sign and return it to me. Whether
you come with US or not. please let me
hear from you.