Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-08-03
IN LABOR CIRCLES
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The "open shop question continues to
bob I'D in this city in connection with the
bricklayers' strike at Washington bar
racks. and 1t is the opinion of government
officials. as well as labor leaders, that be-
fore a great while the problem will have to
be definitely and finally settled. The Miller
case at the government pEinting Office is not
accepted in trades union circles as settling
the matter by any means. The solution Of
the vexed problem must be accomplished In
a more definite and tangible manner they
say. There is, say prominent worklnsmeh'
something vague and unsatsfylng ABOUT
the Miller case which leaves the question
in doubt There must be no uncertainty In
a case which Is of such great moment to
organized labor as the 'open shop
The more radical leaders are in favor OF
making the issue direct at this time. They
say the strike of bricklayers who were at
work on the army buildings under construc-
ton at the Washington barracks can be
made, in their opinion. the advance-guard
skirmsh of a great fight against the en-
ployment of non-union mechanics on gov
eminent work.
Should all union mer employed under the
Navy. War and other executive depart
ments work with scab workmen be
called out tie-up would result WITHIN a
scope extending from Maine to California
knowledged to be the case by government
officers who are in charge of construction
work. The several navy YARDS miiltary
posts. arsenals and other places would be
involved in the great battle between organ
lied labor and Uncle Sam.
Conservative leaders frown upon any at
tempt to precipitate such gigantic ana
far-reaching contest. They oeileVe petter
results can be brought about by adopting
more peaceful and diplomatic methods.
Take the bricklayers' strike mere as an
example" said local worklngmin IN
the first place our union men were work
ing with but one non-unionist, Taylor.
What was the result after they walked out
Why, the government officers put 10 w VOTE
on the army buildings something IKE
twenty-five negro scabs. and tney are no"
fortified in their places by the civil service
laws and can only be removed ior eauSe'
as Captain Sewell puts it.
mo. it would be rank fohy 10 iiiausu
rate general strike at this time against
the powerful government. 1t wouio pe
like butting our heads against a stone stone
wall, / am afraid. Let US wal un.n
Congress meets and see what can oe oome e
with the lawmaking power before We
make an open assault upon Uncle Sans
massive bulwarks.
Apropos of the "open shop" discussion IN
Washington labor circles. an limos Juuse
has decided that 1.-The closed shop CONT acl
of organized labor is In VIOLATION VI ens
laws of the land This statement Is onS. ~
on a decision handed down by the appelate
court of Illinois in case tnat came NC
fore 1t. .
The closed shop contract says s ..u
is in violation of the fifth ana 1ourteen.h
amendments of the United states Constitu
tion is in violation Of the constliut tio % %
the state of Illinois and rs IN aioia''''i u
the criminal statutes, or that s,a.e' soo, ..
Employers who under duress are forced 10
sign exclusive contrsees WIN ,hor thav
guilty OF an uniaWfuis ace AMI ne crinei.
do so voluntarily they, are suii'S u e'i'i''
nal conspiracy. .,,l ns 1,dse Adams
with Judges Windes' ana, ban nd nnhni5