The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-08-11

EzlsAEkaE ss1zz'AAs ----------- . Ryder of the maehinists' union, saying that the action of the Commercial club had the patent purpose of placing skilled labor on an equality with unsiSilled labor. I will say that these are dreams of his own. as no such inference can be drawn from the language of tho resolution, or any word uttered by those who discussed 1t. The leaders of union labor in my opinion, should not be so easily touched or excited by the action of the Com mereial club, which was along patriotic and public spirited lines. In the name of birmingham and particularly in tho name of the wage earner, the Commer- cial club had a right to complain of condition that actually existed, and one that was preventing the incoming of im- portant industries and depriving our home labor of employment without It's motives being impunged and It's actions being con- strued Into direct and desperate attack on union labor.
 "The living expenses should not be higher in Birmingham than in Atlanta, and instead of calling down and anathe- amtizing every one who speaks of union labor in anywise. 1t seems that it would be the better course to join hands with the Commercial club for the general good in ferreting out and discovering all of tho causes which contribute to our over ex- pensive cost of living in Birmingham. and endeavor by concert of purpose and ac- ton to correct the same.'
 Ed K. Smith Talks.
 Ed K. Smith. one of the officers of tho Birmingham Trades Council. when asked his views on the Nelson resolutions said:
 q read the resolutions and the arga- ment sustaining them carefully, and hava read all articles referring to them. I am not surprised at the resolutions. nor do l think them very bad. though the Intent I consider extremely vicious
 1T believe the outcome of the resolu- tions will be a thorough investigation of the agitation being presented to the Com merclal club, and that labor will produce statistics from different states and cities on the line set forth by the Nelson reso- lutlons. that will prove to any unbiased mind, that 1t is not the complications of | labor alone, organized, or not. in the Bif . mingham district that keeps capital from investing here; I believe we will prove from these statistics that labor is just fin It's demands, considering conditions, that probably could be alleviated by tho Commercial club and labor. if 1t were not for prejudice being introduced into that | body against labor.
 Was Somewhat Amused.
 'Yes, I was amused at the last clause of the resolutions and would venture to say, that if that part of 1t was pushed by the club. labor would do everything in it's power to help make 1t a law, while on tho other side, corporations would fight it. As I understand the present system, If there is a large strike in the state. or county, a corporation applies to a sheriff of county for deputies claiming their property Is is in danger and upon paying so much per man per day. they can law fully arm then and send them where wanted.
 | DHuef Lno Nel5ou pihn or proteotlOn as set forth in the last olnuse of the reso- | lutions, this expense would come out of the state. or county treasury, and as labor stands for the protection of prop erty as well as MT. Nelson, even if it does demand just remuneration for It's toll, they are always willing to abide by the American principle of home protection.
 The Commercial Club is a power in this district, so also is organized labor. They are both here to stay and 1t is to be hoped that instead of locking horns with each other they will take ths matter Of capital coming to our district up and generously. without bias or prejudice, look Into the question until fair solution has been arrived at and not allow petty selfshness or Parryism to enter into the discussion. Organized labor Is a part and parcel of this great district, and It's interest stands for the upbullding of the district in it's several ways. but not to be subrogated to the influx of a pro- jected capital and pauper labor, which could not be beneficial to Birmingham. the Commercial Club, MT. Nelson. or anyone else"