Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-08-10
ers the construction Will be carried for
ward to completion without delay.
Replies to Mr. Downey


Secretary Sam DeNedrey.of the Central
Labor Union. who is also editor of the
Trades Unionist. in replying to the commu-
nicat!on OF Mr.. William F. Downey. founder
of the Good Samaritan Home, in which the
action of the labor unions in the present
strike was criticised as published in The
Star yesterday, said today:
The tenor and spirit of Mr.. Downay's
communication show an animus which is
any thlng but friendly to the workngman
ana hetrays an inherent antagOnism to la
Dor unoaism
Il. Is his concern for the prevention of a
general strike actuated solely and conscien-
tiously because of his interest in others, or
Is 1t inspired through fear that his own per-
sonal interests may suffer?
Aie the wages he pays his employees
such TO favorabiy compare with the
entltle him to advise workingmen against
seeking unreasonable wages and such as
to insure that there is no dissatisfaction on
the part of his help, nor that they desire
more reasonable compensation?
Can lie specify any particular in
stances that justify the imputation OBVIOUS
~ expressed by insinuation in his letter of
unreasonable demands for more pay or
less working hours by labor unions or die
tation on tne.r part to employers as to
whom they shall employ or how they
shall run their business?
Conclusions Drawn.
In his communication. Mr. Downey takes
great latitude in generalities and ingen-
iouSiy words them to convey the impression
mat labor unions are guilty of many acts
ne Is too shrewd and cautious to specify.
Does ne appreciate the fact that the whole
spirit of his letter analysis, condemns
a legged and suppOsititious coercion on the
part OF labor unions. while practically ad
vocating its Justification by employers Of
labor: The obvious conclusion of his line
or reasoning is that men shall be compelled
to work for employers, regardless of the
conditions, and whether they wish it or
not.
Il have neither the time nor disposition
to crticise all the statements and differences
in Mr. Downey's historic exhortaton. but l
wish to show him that even the seemingly
most invulnerable allegation he makes is
debatable. He speaks of public opinion
the panacea for all industrial grievances.
Public opinion is no stranger in the
world. but has been in evidence since man
first exchanged his cave for the arts and
alliances of civilized life.
IF public opinion is supreme. how come
In those abuses which plumber the many
of wealth and honor and freedom to lay
the costly spols at the feet of a few?
Crowns. principa'it:es and orders Of no.
bi!ity are these the trophies with which
public opinion has strewn its path? Yes.
even those were called into being by the
word of the peop'e.
CONDITIONS In America.
1T is true that here in America 1t is
at the bidding of public opinion tharliberty
has unrolled the sky Of half the globe for
her Star Spang.ed Banner But with
all its splendid trumphs 1t is still al I'M
steadfast and turbulent principle as incon-
slant Individual mind. And the an
nails of our own race are but accusing rec
ords which show how public opinion has
given its voluntary and omnipotent sane
ton TO every form of crime. 1t has crossed
great enterprises and broken brave hearts.
1t has doomed to the stake and the ra
the champions of truth and the children
of God. Pubic opinion is after all only
private opinion and far from infallible.'
Perhaps this will furnish Mr.. Downey
with some food for reflection and show
him that after all it is not prud mt to
rush in where anges fear to tread and
volunteer opinions that tend to the prejudice
of important interests.
The laboring man has his rights and his
legitimate grievances and he is as EMIT ed
to consideration as either the employer or
the ca pitast. The humb!est individual has
opinions. which are a portion of the sover-
eign law of the land, and generally he knows
his business.
Electricians Join Strikers.
A new element was added to the building
trades strike last evening when the union
electricians in the employ of the National
Electric Supply Company went on strike.
The statement was made that although L.
c. Graham. president of the National Eec-
trical Supply Company, IS also president of
the Employers Association until the pres
ent time there has been no trouble on his
work None of the electricians in the en-
ploy of the company was included in the
lockout declared several months ago. and
the men, believing the company fair. it's
work was not interfered with. 1t developed
Thursday afternoon, however. that there
We're some non-union men in the en-
plOy of the company, thus constituting an
open shop. and the rest Of the men, thirty
eight forty in number. laid down their
tools. as stated
1t was also stated that Business Agent
Oliver Of the Electrical Workers Union
found two non-union electrical workers en-
ployed on the Y. NJ. c. A. building and
they said they were employed by the Ma
tional Electric Supply Company, and the
waikout was therefore ordered.
1t was stated at labor headquarters today
that one of the prominent leaders of labor
in the District is preparing reply to the
statement of Mr. William F. Downey. the
founder of the Good Samaritan Home for
unemployed men. which was published in
The Star yesterday, and which has been
Endorsed by the Employers Association. In
his communication Mr.. Downey severely
criticised the methods of organized labor.