The San Francisco call., 1904-11-15
THE BOSTON CONVENTION.

In my report to the last convention occa-
sion was taken to call attention TO what
was then apparent to but few. that we were
then confronted with an impending Industrial
reaction. It was stated that though the re-
impending and that il a wise course was
pursued by US the reaction could and would
be prevented from developing into an in
dustrial crisis or panic. The Boston conven-
ton, readily realizing the situation, promptly
adopted the suggestion made to meet and
overcome It: and the toilers ORGANIZED
ner that should cause US not only
great qualification. but should receive
entire country. The recommendations we
made TO our fellow workers consisted OF six
important features:
FIrst-Organize, unite and federate
second-Have faith and confidence in them
selves and each other.
Third-Stand shoulder to shoulder in stress
and strife; 10 help bear each others burdens
and perfect the bonds Of brotherhood.
peace by trade agreements with employers
Fffth-Noluntarily and faithfully abide by
and fulfill the terms Of agreements and the
awards Of arbitrators hereunder.
Sixth-Prevent industrial conflicts wherever
possible. and particularly TO resist all attempts
70 reduce wages
Of course no one who understands the com
plex conditions OF industry. economics and
the makeup Of modern society. and who aided
IN the formulation Of this policy of move
ment expected to escape criticism, denuncia-
uon. and condemnation from labor's oppo-
nents. Ii expected and anticipated II
would have given cause to inquire as to
the accuracy OF our course had the position
we took met the approval OF those who did
not understand, and those who, sordid short
sighted. mad, rush for immediate gain and
greed behind them to a benefcent movement
not fcT labor alone. but for the common veal.
In former periods when an Industrial reac-
ton was manifest, employers generally viewed
the situation from their own immediate stand
point only. without regard 10 their own broad
interest or the general good Their first re-
course to that which to them seemed
the easiest course TO continue the operation
Of fhafr MI ms 1xefc
duced wages. Reduction OF wages followed In
quick order; the consuming power of the
masses was curtailed and still more united
entailing wholesale discharges OF workmen who
were formerly employed in producing the
things the masses, the workers. formerly con-
10 still further entalIment OF consumption and
production and still more discharges of work
men, until millions were unemployed; the
wheels OF industry and commerce paralyzed;
until men were walking the highways and
byways OF our country in idleness, while pow
erty. hunger and misery stalked through our
land.
It is held now that there can be no real
natural famine in the world because OF the
easy facilities with which the remotest corners
OF the earth be reached. Surely II this
be true and no informed, sane. reasonable
excuse for unemployment. hunger, poverty
or misery in our land, land 50 richly and
bountifuly blessed. When idleness and its
consequent misery permitted to come
among people II is due entirely TO rapa-
cious sordid avarice. mismanagement and in
indifference and culpable pliancy on the other.
The employers generally typify the one and
the workers formerly typihed the other.
MAKES MANV CLAIMS