The Irish standard., 1905-05-27

time. The problem is presented in
many forms, and it makes demands
that cannot be diverted, shirked or
sidetracked. The labor problem seeks
as its solution to make life worth liv-
ing, for uncounted thousands.
ASK a man who is getting wage
of 81 a day what is his immediate
want and he will answer, an advance
of 10 cents a day in wages. Ask the
same question of the man who is re-
ceiving 50 a day and he will say he
vans Is cents day more. Ask the
man who is drawing a salary of $4,000
year; he will want 1000 more. Ask
the man receiving 100000 or 100000
and he will also want more-enough
to make his salary $1,OO0,OO0.
Everybody asks for a little more.
The men who are receiving thousands
want few thousands more, but in
asking if they are spared the vitupera-
tion that falls on the head of the lowly
laborer whose further wants are ex.
pressed in cents. The labor movement
has its inception from the under dogs.
Those who fight its battles are the
men in the social scale who receive tit
tie but do much.
Forty years ago there was great
Union in this country. But few
members wanted to withdraw and for
four years there were fearful strikes
that had an awful record of widows
and orphans. The seeding members
of that union are members today, and
none are prouder of the fact.
Organization is the keynote of mod
ern progress. There is in Minneapolis
manufacturers association, an asso-
citation of master builders, a chamber
of commerce, a ministers association,
associations of lawyers and doctors.
All these are unions. But when work.
ingmen organize their organizations
are often denounced as labor trusts.
"The policy of trusts is to keep the
membership confined to as few as pos
sible. The doors OF the labor unions
are wide open. Organizers and mis-
sionaries are at work inviting the
world to enter. Everyone eligible re-
ceives kindly invitation to enter, but
trusts are guarded against intrusion
with an axe.
In this city doctor who is not a
member of the Medical association is
pronounced 'quack.' A lawyer who
is not member of the Bar associa-
tion is put down as a pettifogger' and
'shyster.' The doctor has his working
card in the form of certificate from
the state, the lawyer in the form of a
diploma, and for the latter learned
judge on the bench will act as the
walking delegate to guard the profess
sion. Union men, too, have a pet
name for the workingman who does
not belong to his trade union, and who
cannot produce a working card.
"The unions meet in no luxurious
offices. The men who compose them
have sprung from ancestors who were
workingmen through centuries. For
this reason it should not be surprising
that iii the ranks of the unions are to
be found men intelligent as we'll as
dullards, selfish and unselfish, those
who work to bring about good and
those who would bring on evil.
1.-The object Of the unions is not de-
structive; it is constructive, though
the unions do go down deep into the
causes of misery and despair. Organ,
lzed labor wishes our country to lead
the world in industrial production, in
morality, in religious liberty, in the
BILE, women beautiful and children
bright and happy.
"Organizeu labor appeals for aid to
accomplish emancipation from indus
trial injustice, to establish universal
brotherhood, to help make each day
brighter than that which has gone
before, for your sympathy and COOPER.
alton that countless millions yet un-
born will rise up and say your name is
blessed"
A. E. Kellington, president of the
trades and labor assembly, acted as
chairman at the meeting in the Audi
torium. He was introduced by S. j.
Spencer, chairman of the committee
on arrangements appointed by the as
sembly. 4. NJ. Shuey rendered several
numbers on the organ and j. j. Samp,
son and Miss Frances Vincent rem
dered vocal solos, which We're we'll
received.
Rev. w. O. Wallace OF the Wander.
! burgh Memorial church, fraternal
| delegate to the trades and labor as
sembly from the Presbyterian Minis
ters' association, spoke briefly, pre-.
| ceding the address of the evening OF
Mr.. Gompers.