The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-09-04
Cetter$ tc tbe Gdftcr
Hear Both Sides.

Why there are so many newspapers that refuse to publish both sides in the controversies that are now of daily oc- currence in this country, between em- ployers and the representatives of organized labor when they give almost unlimited space to the exploiting of the labor side in these controversies. Is not only one of the strangest of anomalies in modern journalism. but Is really just cause of apprehension for the per- petuity of American institutions.
 It has been the pride and boast of the American people that nothing could ever become a serious menace to their Republic, because a free and indepen- dent press was its guarantee against danger in any form, that 1t would always sustain the right and condemn the wrong. that 1t was the palladium of liberty whose guiding star was the safety of the republic and whose loftiest ideal was the welfare of the people.
 In looking out over the field of American journalism and endeavoring to measure 1t by these standards. there are many that are found sadly wanting in these patriotic requisites. so many that one stands aghast and exclaims: How are the mighty fallen"
 I am led to this by the knowledge that there has long existed among us an agency that was fastening itself with poisonous fangs upon our national life, one that was evil In it's tendencies, harmful in its policies and dangerous in its teachings to the future of our country and yet when those who saw these facts and sought to present them to the public they were met by re- fusal of space by these quondam "Sentinels on the watchtowers of liber- ty."
 Not only was public sentiment thus denied the opportunity of forming correct opinion regarding this vital matter, but, per contra. the columns of these newspapers were the mediums of an active propaganda for this danger ous agency. so much so that 1t should not be matter of surprise to any one that our country is facing the crisis that is before 1t today
 I make these statements from very wide field of experience, practically covering all portions of our country, hence they are not ill-advised or on the subject discussed, nor do l feel that they are inspired by other than motives of earnest desire for the wei fare of all our people.
 Of course do not include in this indictment of newspapers, those who have remained loyal to the standards of true American Journalism, and of whom The Advertiser Is one. Oh. no, for too much praise cannot be given to these. but I would like to see these others awakened to some sense of their duty to themselves and their country, and join a move for correcting this evil while 1t Is possible to do so. Now let me give few facts in sup port of the position that I have here taken; Some years ago l made statement that was extensively pub lished throughout the country, mostly with condemnation and open ridicule to the effect that organized labor. as 1t was then managed and controlled was a menace to government. In view of the conditions that have | long prevailed in Chicago and what was the situation in Colorado for many | months, one cannot truthfully say that my indictment was not well taken. It Is only short step from the con | ditions that exist in Chicago. to down l right anarchy, while in Colorado for
 nearly year, a state of civil war ing in active revolt against the duly | constituted authorities of that sover- egn State. Recently Walter Wellman went to Colorado of his own volition
 them regarding the situation in that State, and after most careful and painstaking investigation he brands the Western Federation of Mineers with crimes that would make a very Hotten- | tot blush with shame. Mir Wellman
 is a highly gifted correspondent and yet less than half a dozen papers pub l lished his arraignment of that criminal | organization.
 In further support of my charge. l | forced idleness throughout the land for
 the sole purpose of compelling employ
 CTS to make contracts which they do not want, and which have been judicial | ly decided to be unlawful and void in
 at least three different States within | the last ninety days.
 | A Chicago judge has decided that | these contracts (for a closed shop were Criminal Conspiracies" and not | only subjected the parties making them | to criminal punishment, but also to
 action for damages on the part of any | non-union worker who could aIege
 that he was deprived of the right to
 earn a living through the existence of | such contracts.
 | The Closed shop has been declared
 to be the unalterable policy of organiz | cd labor by It's highest authorities, not
 withstanding its criminal nature and | prescription of citizens, who are thus
 in effect denied living, and this in | utter defiance of the laws of the land 1 which are made for the protection of
 all alike.
 The right to work and the right to
 transact any legitimate business with out intimidation or interference is as | sacred as the right to live. and any | government that does not protect these
 to the fullest extent Is that far fail
 ure
 I desire to be perfectly plain in my l condemnation of another one of the policies of organized labor and whicr
 they proclaim to be sacred and in
 alienable," and that Is, the right tc
 strike CD with or without cause. raEard this as dangerous and pernicioui