The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1906-10-13

read on that subject, written by
learned and wise men. It is not the.
ory but facts with which we have to
deal. This association is created to
deal with men who have no theories
save that they are after all they can
get. They should obtain all that they
are entitled to, but no more.
The question Of our relations with
organized labor is a most important
one. believe that the tendency is
growing to a more liberal spirit; that
is, that more employers have come
to view the situation In q broader
and less conservative manner, and
mas eradicated from their minds the
idea that all is absolutely bad in or
ganized labor and, conversely, wholly
good on the employers end.
More lasting, ultimate good may be
accomplished by an endeavor to cor
rect the abuses OF organized labor
than by crushing it Qf such thing
were possible)
l am Of the opinion that no harm
would result, but much good would
be done, by occasional conferences
with representatives of organized la
Dor. We cannot ignore the fact that
organized labor Is prominent in our
nations affairs. Were it not that labor
Is organized this association would not
be recognized; and therefore, in the
mere fact OF our own organization, we
recognize the Organization OF labor.
The use OF the word recognize as
APPLIED to our labor organization is
perhaps not happy one. To use the
word from the union labor standpoint
would mean the adoption OF the closed
shop, minimum rate, hours of work,
limitation of apprentices and through
out the who4e category of labor union
restrictions, which Is condition di-
rectly contrary to our Declaration of
Principles, and is In no sense to be
considered by this association. But
using the word recognize in broader
sense. we cannot deny the fact of their
existence, hence recognize them to that
extent; and this is something that we
cannot avoid.
Organized labor has rights, and a.
standing in the community, whether
we like 1t Or not. If through confer
CIV W. SAh AAPdII 6O41le VI our lOcaS
and we certainly can't will be SOW
ing seed which some day may take root
and grow and turfVe. If two persons,
disagreeing upon matter, should stand
upon opposite sides of the street and
hurl epithets, stones and sticks at each
other no good would be done to either
Surrounding property. and passers by
would be liable to receive injury. The
more stones thrown the more angry
would they become. 1t would be in
finitely more sensible II both would
conclude to come to. the middle Of the
street anI talk 1t oyer.
q: And SO It seems. to. that the
National Metal Trades assoctatton
should meet organized labor in 1con-
ference. I am q Arm believer in ma
tional agreements which must be based
upon our fundamental principles. and
this without infringement Of our rights
as employers, citizens Of the United
States, or members of the association.
It is not logica- that we should dis
parage or utsapprove OF agreements
with organised labor as body when
component parts are represented by
local associations make local agree
ments and are In numerous instances
successfully operating under them to-
day; and. IN fact, using as a basis of
the agreements a form officially sane
toned by this association.