The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1907-01-19
THE RIGHTS Of LABOR
AND DUTY OF CAPITOL
Cardinal Gibbons Discusses
Labor Problem From
Ethical Standpoint.
Learned Divine Tells Labor
and Capital What Their
Duty is to Each Other.


dignity. It is in accordance with both
that those who have common inter-
est should unite for it's promotion.
Public recognition of this fact implies
a confidence in the honesty and intel
llgence of the masses. It affords men
an opportunity Of training themselves
In the school Of elf-government and
in the art Of discipline. It inspires
them with a sense Of their responsible
ity as citizens and with laudable de-
sire to merit the approval Of their fell
Icy men. Recognition also takes away
any excuse for the formation Of dan
gerous societies. 1t exposes to the
light of public scrutiny the constitu-
ton and laws Of unions and the DELHI
erations Of their members.
Labor Has the Same Rights as Capital.
When capitalists combine themselves
into corporations, why should not Ia
borers combine themselves into trades
union? 1t would be as unjust to deny
workingmen the right to band to-
gether as it would be to withhold
from capitalists the privilege Of form
ing themselves into syndicates. Abuses
creep into unions just as corporations
sometimes unwarrantably crush weak
er rivals, but it is not because of such
evils that we have the right to forbid
organization to either the capitalist
or laborer.
There should not, and indeed need
not, be any conflict between labor and
capital, since both are essential to the
public good, the one depending upon
the cooperation of the other. "A con-
test between employer and tho en-
pIoyed is as unreasonable and as hurt
full to tho social body as a war be-
tween tho head and hands would be to
the physical body. -. %. ......
That "the laborer is worthy Of his
hire" is the teaching of Christ. 1t is
also the dictate Of reason and COM
mon sense. He is at all times entitled
services. He deserves, besides, kind
and considerate treatment. If we could
only put ourselves in the places of
those we employ, and ask ourselves
how we should like to be treated, our
sympathies would undoubtedly be Won
derfully quickened. And how much
better for the employe did we fire.
quently do this! They are our fellow
beings, having the same feelings, just
as easily stung by the sense of in
justice, just as much repeled by an
overbearing spirit, just as quickly soft
ened by kindness, as we are. It
largely rests with US whether their
heart and homes are to be clouded
with sorrow or radiant with joy, max
ing us, to great extent, responsible
for the happiness Of whole families.
Sacred Duties of Labor Unions.
But If labor organizations have
rights to be INDICATED, they also have
sacred obligations to be fulfilled. So,
also, there are not only grievances to
be redressed, but dangers to guard
against Labor unions soon become
formidable in numbers, and in conse-
quence unwieldly. From the fact that
men Of many nationalities are banded
together in the same union, it is evil
dent that there must be men of many
different characters and varied temper
aments.
Consequently, in the very nature Of
things, their control and direction
should be placed in the hands Of wise
leaders. Only mon Of great tact, SUI
perior executive ability, and of great
firmness Of character should be select
cd for such position-men Of con-
science, who will honestly strive to
work for tho best interest Of both en-
pIoye and employer.
For labor unions owe a duty, not
only to themselves as unions, but to
the men who make it possible for them
to exist as unions by providing en-
ployment for individuals.
Representatives who are in earnest
will not only consult the interests of
the society they represent; they will
carefully avoid infringing the rights Of
employers. Intelligent leaders UNDER
stand how indissolubly the rights of
employer and employe are bound to-
gether and will be Jealous for the rank
and file of the society, as we'll as for
their own rights and prerogatives. To
command the respect of the public. it
Is necessary that each individual men,
Der should display both moral and
civic virtues.
To this end, it is necessary to exer-
else unceasing vigilance in excluding
from membership that turbulent ele-
ment whose mission Is to pull down,
rather than build up: who, instead of
UNFOLDING the government which pro-
tects them, are bent upon Its destruc-
ton. For, If such revolutionists had
their way. depotism would supplant
legitimate authority, license would
reign without liberty and gaunt pow
erty would stalk through the land.
"Live and Lot Live" az a Maxim.
Live and let live" is a wise maxim,