The San Francisco call., 1907-01-22
EDITED BY o. M. BOYLE

War Department by General Funston,
r which Die attacks organized labor in
This city The union men Of the city
arc particularly Wroth at FUnston's
statements. first, because he bases his
rrclarations upOn misinformation, and
second. because the Building Trades
council in this city has taken a strong
stand against any attempt on the part
al its union 10 increase the scale Of
&Eres uniustihably. When Funston
Eoes so FAR as TO recommend that
Government work on this coast be
done by convicts in preference TO union
men the latter feel that the situation
rs one that demands immediate action
on their part. Within a few days they
VIII decide upon the measures which
are 10 be taken 10 cOunteract the in
iury which they believe Funston's
misrepresentation viii do the city.
The paragraph In Funston's report
70 which the trade unionists object is
this-
"The building trades in San Fran
cisco are completely dominated bv
ryrannlcal and unreasonable labor
unions which harass builders and con-
tractors almost beyond endurance by
senseless strikes and lockouts." For
this reason he recommends that all
construction work at the posts on San
Francisco Bay be done by prison labor" E"
III contradiction were needed, the
union men say, the following paragraph
from the report Of State Commissioner
of Labor Stafford is sufficient TO prove
Funston's denunciation absolutely un-
warranted.
'srhe number of industrial disturb
ances I'm the city of San FranciscO Is
rapidly decreasing. even more rapidly
than for the entire state. This I'm
spite of the fact that the contrary
impression a. abroad"
Tn local labor union circles yesterday
little else was discussed but the I'M
expected attack made upon the unions
by General Funston. Without eNcep-
zion his declarations were branded as
false IN every particular and IL is
likely that strong measures will be
alen shortly 10 right the wrong he
done TO trade unionists in this city.
president George A. Tracy OF the
state Federation OF Labor was severe
ir his denunciation OF the attack upon
rhe trade unionists Of this city. He
safd-
General Funston's incorporate
statement about unreasonable and
trrannical unions is not surprising
'ontact with the military officials Of
tle United States army in the past has
taught me that a workingman, in the
opinion Of great many army officers
stands upon footing at about a par
with yellow dog. Although Funston
has achieved "a military record that has
made him national figure and has
won for himself a world wide reputa-
ton as "a soldier OF fortune he shows
an utter lack Of tact and good judg-
ment when he steps out of the par
t.cular sphere in which he shines / do
not consider his statement worthy Of
serious consideration as be is talking
at long range about something ne is
not capable of discussing in a rational
manner. Those familiar with condi-
ri0ns in san Francisco since the dis
aster win not take General Funston's
statement seriously The high rate Of
wages paid 10 building mechanics in
t1is city Us due primarily 10 the COM
petition between contractors and the
excessive rents being charged on ac-
count Of the great demand for living
ncommodatiOns. and this fact is well
known 10 al-except. perhaps, General
Funston"
Secretary o. A. Tveitmoe Of the
building Trades Council in referring
to General Funston's statement says
General Frederick Funston may be q splendid
a-T stategist, although the history or our
presents many names thar VIII forever
ref Id more iliustrious at the head OF our army
tu. navy than that Of Funston. The impetuous
fene'a whatever be may be- 81 be is quoted
.orrerrT in this mornings press is guilty Of
-fating an untruth On talking about a question
win which De is entirely unfamiliar. Those
francisco. owner, architect. contractor and
.ourneymen alike. have not. 50 far, registered
amy grievance and DO not see any good rea
sons why man of funst0n's pretensions should
assume 10 play the role OF q Don Oufxote and
thrust bis fierce lance against imaginary giants
hilnelE. IT may De aL the solicitation OF Ciu-
zens' Alliance windmills. Ask the large con
tractlng nrms Of San Francisco II there have
aeen any lsiasslne, unjust and senseless strikes
90 The huildng industry Of this city. Ask the
nrm of nahoney Brothers, and other contractors.
n the Building Trades Council OF San Francisco
has not proven itself g true friend OF this
stricken city and the most beneficial institution
~ its kind In the world The doughty general
proposes 10 solve his imaginary problem by
turning back the tide of time few centuries
u is vel known fact 10 all economists. states
men and. in fact. all intelligent people that
American twentieth century civilization has
long since reiegated convict labor 10 the con
associates desire 10 have San Francisco rebuilt
by convict labor tbey viii have 10 make prison
Of the city By the Golden Gate. because such
possible abode FOR free men. In cOncIu-
would-be CREST men could only stop and think
before they opened their mouths and spoke the
general public might be- spared The pain and
humiliation that they are SO frequently sub
w. r. Hagerty. president Of the
Labor Council said.
The labor unions Of san Francisco, as well as
those of other cities, have for many years felt
the injustices beaDed upon them through the
misrepresentation and mistreafment Of the ofh-
Gers of our regular army, as well as those Of the
rfHLe mllltiH. ana 10 OUT miuuSf IN many Au-
stances. it has appeared that the army Of State
anC nation has only been army OF the few
against the many. in other words, in-
stitution fOstered fettered and used for the
mOnODOliFtlc class against the working class.
I must say, in my long experience with the
trade union movement. that have never known
Z such gross contempt and false representation
1nifested or expressed by public official
20 trade unions that contained IN the
article published in The Cali 81 this date pur-
porting % BE- part of tbe report Of Brigadier
General Funston 10 the War Department and it
more than ever gives cause 10 the working
people t0 doubt tine aoVisabllity Of encouraging
the existence ~ such institution.
As o. the Righteousness Of General Funston r
affack upon the union movement i need only
refer 10 the report 10 the President OF these
nitel States By Secretary Metcaf after MS
visit 40 san Francisco after our late calamity,
wherein he gave particular mention 70 the 10y
alty and willingness of the trade unions 20 give
their so 10 help re-establish their stricken
city hv passing resolutions prohibiting their
members from seeking increase IN wages OF
as the city bad reached her normal condition.
That sentiment was followed and practiced until
were charged double what we formerly paid
for our living. when a. became necessary 20 ask
FOR wages. which have been granted without
strike The merchants Of city today
claiming ~ BE- making more money than they
ever did and lf 81 entirely due 10 the fact that
fhe working people are receiving enough OF that
which they produce % bay some OF 81 back. =
General Funston and his kind viii not build