The Washington times., 1907-08-09

union labor TO establish the closed, or
exclusively union, shop, which is in
dorsed by the Employers Association
as their views. Mr.. Downey's letter is
as follows:
'I have always contended that trusts
(no matter what their nature). monoDo-
lies, Industrial combinations for the con-
troll OF certain outputs. Wall Street
Juggling with finance, etc, should be
condemned and legislated against. Hon
est and honorable competition is the
lever that keeps the market in a
healthy condition, and l feel that the
multiplication Of unions. such as farm
ers, millers manufacturers, etc, Ior the
purpose of controlling output and prices
IS not alone demoraliZing the people OF
our day, but is stagnating business ana
paralyzing industrial and social pros
perity.
Demands for increased wages and
less hours of labor can be brought 10
extremes, and the supposed beneficiary
and his family become more injured
than served. They may gain one point
at the sacrifice Of two. The increased
price OF groceries. provisions OF all
life as a result OF labor agitation be-
comes great burden even on the union
mans family and a greater stin on
those compelled TO work on salary with
out any corresponding Increase TO meet
the advance IN the cost Of living. I can
cite my OWN case as an example.
Workers Support Saloons.
Il have noticed that over 80 per cent
Of the crime and poverty I have come
in contact with has emanated from in
/ toxicating liquor. and 1 furthermore
know that over 600 saloons and clubs
| where liquor is sold are almost wholly
sustained and kept in operation through
the patronage Of workingmen. who
spend the major portion of their earn
/ ings therein. II labor leaders would
| only declare war on this system and
| encourage and inculcate the virtues Of
/ temperance. frugahty. and thrift among
/ their members they would be worthy OF
4 the highest commendatiOn.
'I do not object 10 combinations for
! the development OF trade or Industry or
! for increasing the legitimate business OF
| the community. but when combination
has for its object the Limitation OF out
put for personal gain AT the public eX-
! pense-such as we have observed IN the
/ Standard oil concern. certain coal Oper-
| ators. etc.-I believe stringent laws
| should be made and enforced 10 pre-
vent such an abuse OF liberty. Neither
/ do I object 10 labor unions as long as
/ they cOnfine themselves strictly 70
I measures OF justice TO all men, but the
moment they infringe on the personal
! liberties of their members, or other peO-
/ pie In society, they outstep their pre-
| negatives, and provoke merited denun-
| ciation.
L have ascertained that several en-
| plOyers OF labor do not belong 20 the
| Employers Association. neither should
! anyone be compelled. either directly or
/ indirectly. 20 join IL, and the same prin-
! Ciple applies 70 labor unions. To at
/ tempt 10 force or COerCe a man to join
] a union is Un-AmcriCan and un-Chris-
/ tan, and cannot be too strongly con-
demned. How very inconsistent for
such unions. while clamoriDg for justice
and fair play for themselves. 10 en-
| croach on the individual rights OF any
member Of society and for the achieve
ment OF some desired object. Jrample on
the most sacred and elementary prin-
ciple OF all iusticei
| When Unions Are WronC